Sample records for box outer pack

  1. 49 CFR 173.340 - Tear gas devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... functioning elements must be packed in one box, and the gross weight of the outer box may not exceed 35 kg (77... inner packagings must be packed in one outer box, and the gross weight of the outer box may not exceed... similar devices must be packaged in one of the following packagings conforming to the requirements of part...

  2. 49 CFR 173.340 - Tear gas devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... functioning elements must be packed in one box, and the gross weight of the outer box may not exceed 35 kg (77... inner packagings must be packed in one outer box, and the gross weight of the outer box may not exceed... similar devices must be packaged in one of the following packagings conforming to the requirements of part...

  3. 49 CFR 173.334 - Organic phosphates mixed with compressed gas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ...) Cylinders may be packed in strong wooden boxes with valves or other closing devices protected from damage, with not more than twelve cylinders in one outside wooden box. An outer fiberboard box may be used when... must be overpacked in a box, crate, or other strong outer packaging conforming to the requirements of...

  4. 49 CFR 173.334 - Organic phosphates mixed with compressed gas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ...) Cylinders may be packed in strong wooden boxes with valves or other closing devices protected from damage, with not more than twelve cylinders in one outside wooden box. An outer fiberboard box may be used when... must be overpacked in a box, crate, or other strong outer packaging conforming to the requirements of...

  5. 49 CFR 173.334 - Organic phosphates mixed with compressed gas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...) Cylinders may be packed in strong wooden boxes with valves or other closing devices protected from damage, with not more than twelve cylinders in one outside wooden box. An outer fiberboard box may be used when... must be overpacked in a box, crate, or other strong outer packaging conforming to the requirements of...

  6. 49 CFR 173.334 - Organic phosphates mixed with compressed gas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ...) Cylinders may be packed in strong wooden boxes with valves or other closing devices protected from damage, with not more than twelve cylinders in one outside wooden box. An outer fiberboard box may be used when... must be overpacked in a box, crate, or other strong outer packaging conforming to the requirements of...

  7. 49 CFR 173.340 - Tear gas devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... transportation. Not more than 50 tear gas devices and 50 functioning elements must be packed in one box, and the... fiber box with suitable padding. Not more than 30 inner packagings must be packed in one outer box, and... similar devices must be packaged in one of the following packagings conforming to the requirements of part...

  8. 49 CFR 173.340 - Tear gas devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... transportation. Not more than 50 tear gas devices and 50 functioning elements must be packed in one box, and the... fiber box with suitable padding. Not more than 30 inner packagings must be packed in one outer box, and... similar devices must be packaged in one of the following packagings conforming to the requirements of part...

  9. 49 CFR 173.194 - Gas identification sets.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 4A, 4B or 4N metal boxes or 4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F wooden boxes. Not more than 100 mL (3.4 fluid ounces) or 100 g (3.5 ounces) of poisonous materials may be packed in one outer box. (2) If the poisonous... fiberboard box. No more than four boxes, well-cushioned, may in turn be placed in a steel cylinder. The...

  10. 49 CFR 173.194 - Gas identification sets.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 4A, 4B or 4N metal boxes or 4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F wooden boxes. Not more than 100 mL (3.4 fluid ounces) or 100 g (3.5 ounces) of poisonous materials may be packed in one outer box. (2) If the poisonous... fiberboard box. No more than four boxes, well-cushioned, may in turn be placed in a steel cylinder. The...

  11. 49 CFR 173.194 - Gas identification sets.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F wooden boxes. Not more than 100 mL (3.4 fluid ounces) or 100 g (3.5 ounces) of poisonous materials may be packed in one outer wooden box. (2) If the poisonous material does not exceed 5 m... fiberboard box. No more than four boxes, well-cushioned, may in turn be placed in a steel cylinder. The...

  12. 49 CFR 173.194 - Gas identification sets.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F wooden boxes. Not more than 100 mL (3.4 fluid ounces) or 100 g (3.5 ounces) of poisonous materials may be packed in one outer wooden box. (2) If the poisonous material does not exceed 5 m... fiberboard box. No more than four boxes, well-cushioned, may in turn be placed in a steel cylinder. The...

  13. 49 CFR 173.194 - Gas identification sets.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F wooden boxes. Not more than 100 mL (3.4 fluid ounces) or 100 g (3.5 ounces) of poisonous materials may be packed in one outer wooden box. (2) If the poisonous material does not exceed 5 m... fiberboard box. No more than four boxes, well-cushioned, may in turn be placed in a steel cylinder. The...

  14. 49 CFR 173.162 - Gallium.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... must be packed in wood boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D, 4F), fiberboard boxes (4G), plastic boxes (4H1, 4H2), fiber... fiber (1G) or steel (1A2) drums, which are lined with leak-tight, puncture-resistant material. Bags and... employed. If dry ice is used, the outer packaging must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. (c...

  15. 49 CFR 173.162 - Gallium.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... must be packed in wood boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D, 4F), fiberboard boxes (4G), plastic boxes (4H1, 4H2), fiber... fiber (1G) or steel (1A2) drums, which are lined with leak-tight, puncture-resistant material. Bags and... employed. If dry ice is used, the outer packaging must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. (c...

  16. 7 CFR 51.1527 - Standard pack.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... peach boxes, lug boxes and small consumer packages. In layer-packed California peach boxes or lug boxes... package. The number of plums or prunes in California peach boxes or lug boxes shall not vary more than 4... container. (ii) Face and fill packs in cartons and lug boxes. In face and fill packs in cartons and lug...

  17. 7 CFR 51.1527 - Standard pack.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... peach boxes, lug boxes and small consumer packages. In layer-packed California peach boxes or lug boxes... package. The number of plums or prunes in California peach boxes or lug boxes shall not vary more than 4... container. (ii) Face and fill packs in cartons and lug boxes. In face and fill packs in cartons and lug...

  18. 7 CFR 51.1527 - Standard pack.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... size, 45 size, 50 size, 55 size, etc.). (i) California peach boxes, lug boxes and small consumer packages. In layer-packed California peach boxes or lug boxes, and in small layer packed consumer packages... California peach boxes or lug boxes shall not vary more than 4 from the number indicated on the package...

  19. 7 CFR 51.1527 - Standard pack.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... size, 45 size, 50 size, 55 size, etc.). (i) California peach boxes, lug boxes and small consumer packages. In layer-packed California peach boxes or lug boxes, and in small layer packed consumer packages... California peach boxes or lug boxes shall not vary more than 4 from the number indicated on the package...

  20. 7 CFR 51.1527 - Standard pack.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... plums or prunes in the top layer of any package shall be reasonably representative in quality and size... minimum diameter, or number of fruit per package, or in accordance with the arrangement of the top layer... peach boxes, lug boxes and small consumer packages. In layer-packed California peach boxes or lug boxes...

  1. Optimization of heterogeneous Bin packing using adaptive genetic algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sridhar, R.; Chandrasekaran, M.; Sriramya, C.; Page, Tom

    2017-03-01

    This research is concentrates on a very interesting work, the bin packing using hybrid genetic approach. The optimal and feasible packing of goods for transportation and distribution to various locations by satisfying the practical constraints are the key points in this project work. As the number of boxes for packing can not be predicted in advance and the boxes may not be of same category always. It also involves many practical constraints that are why the optimal packing makes much importance to the industries. This work presents a combinational of heuristic Genetic Algorithm (HGA) for solving Three Dimensional (3D) Single container arbitrary sized rectangular prismatic bin packing optimization problem by considering most of the practical constraints facing in logistic industries. This goal was achieved in this research by optimizing the empty volume inside the container using genetic approach. Feasible packing pattern was achieved by satisfying various practical constraints like box orientation, stack priority, container stability, weight constraint, overlapping constraint, shipment placement constraint. 3D bin packing problem consists of ‘n’ number of boxes being to be packed in to a container of standard dimension in such a way to maximize the volume utilization and in-turn profit. Furthermore, Boxes to be packed may be of arbitrary sizes. The user input data are the number of bins, its size, shape, weight, and constraints if any along with standard container dimension. This user input were stored in the database and encoded to string (chromosomes) format which were normally acceptable by GA. GA operators were allowed to act over these encoded strings for finding the best solution.

  2. 7 CFR 51.1269 - Sizing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND OTHER PRODUCTS 1,2 (INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States... half boxes or special half boxes packed three tiers deep, the pears shall not vary more than three... special half boxes packed two tiers deep, the pears shall not vary more than three-eighths inch for counts...

  3. 49 CFR 173.154 - Exceptions for Class 8 (corrosive materials).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... solids, packed in a strong outer packaging. (2) For corrosive materials in Packing Group III, inner... capacity each for solids, packed in a strong outer packaging. (c) Consumer commodities. Until December 31... other requirements of this subchapter when transported by motor vehicle or rail car in a packaging...

  4. 49 CFR 173.154 - Exceptions for Class 8 (corrosive materials).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... solids, packed in a strong outer packaging. (2) For corrosive materials in Packing Group III, inner... capacity each for solids, packed in a strong outer packaging. (c) Consumer commodities. Until December 31... subject to any other requirements of this subchapter when transported by motor vehicle or rail car in a...

  5. 7 CFR 51.1310 - Sizing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND OTHER PRODUCTS 1,2 (INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States... or special half boxes packed three tiers deep, the pears shall not vary more than three-eighths inch... boxes packed two tiers deep, the pears shall not vary more than three-eighths inch for counts 50 or less...

  6. SMART lunch box intervention to improve the food and nutrient content of children's packed lunches: UK wide cluster randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Evans, C E L; Greenwood, D C; Thomas, J D; Cleghorn, C L; Kitchen, M S; Cade, J E

    2010-11-01

    Government standards are now in place for children's school meals but not for lunches prepared at home. The aim of this trial is to improve the content of children's packed lunches. A cluster randomised controlled trial in 89 primary schools across the UK involving 1291 children, age 8-9 years at baseline. Follow-up was 12 months after baseline. A "SMART" lunch box intervention programme consisted of food boxes, bag and supporting materials. The main outcome measures were weights of foods and proportion of children provided with sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, dairy food, savoury snacks and confectionery in each packed lunch. Levels of nutrients provided including energy, total fat, saturated fat, protein, non-milk extrinsic sugar, sodium, calcium, iron, folate, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C. Moderately higher weights of fruit, vegetables, dairy and starchy food and lower weights of savoury snacks were provided to children in the intervention group. Children in the intervention group were provided with slightly higher levels of vitamin A and folate. 11% more children were provided with vegetables/salad in their packed lunch, and 13% fewer children were provided with savoury snacks (crisps). Children in the intervention group were more likely to be provided with packed lunches meeting the government school meal standards. The SMART lunch box intervention, targeting parents and children, led to small improvements in the food and nutrient content of children's packed lunches. Further interventions are required to bring packed lunches in line with the new government standards for school meals. Current controlled trials ISRCTN77710993.

  7. Migration of selected hydrocarbon contaminants into dry semolina and egg pasta packed in direct contact with virgin paperboard and polypropylene film.

    PubMed

    Barp, Laura; Suman, Michele; Lambertini, Francesca; Moret, Sabrina

    2015-01-01

    Migration of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH), and polyalphaolefins (PAO from hot melts) into dry semolina and egg pasta packed in direct contact with virgin paperboard or polypropylene (PP) flexible film was studied. Migration was monitored during shelf life (up to 24 months), through storage in a real supermarket (packs kept on shelves), conditions preventing exchange with the surrounding environment (packs wrapped in aluminium foil), and storage in a warehouse (packs inside of the transport box of corrugated board). Semolina pasta packed in virgin paperboard (without hot melts) had a MOSH content lower than 1.0 mg kg(-1). An increasing contamination with PAO belonging to the adhesives used to close the boxes was detected in egg pasta, wrapped in aluminium (1.5 and 5 mg kg(-1) after 3 and 24 months, respectively). An environmental contribution to total hydrocarbon contamination was observed in egg pasta kept on shelves that, after 3 and 24 months, showed levels of PAO/MOSH < C25 around 3 and 10 mg kg(-1), respectively. The migration of POSH from PP film into egg pasta wrapped in aluminium was around 0.6 mg kg(-1) after 3 months of contact and reached 1.7 mg kg(-1) after 24 months of contact. After 9 months of contact, semolina pasta packed in PP film and stored in the transport box showed that some MOSH migrated into the pasta from the board of the transport box (through the plastic film).

  8. 49 CFR 173.171 - Smokeless powder for small arms.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... boxes meeting the Packing Group I performance level, provided all inside containers are packed to prevent shifting and the net weight of smokeless powder in any one box does not exceed 7.3 kg (16 pounds...) net mass in: (1) One rail car, motor vehicle, or cargo-only aircraft; or (2) One freight container on...

  9. 49 CFR 173.171 - Smokeless powder for small arms.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... fiberboard boxes meeting the Packing Group I performance level, provided all inside containers are packed to prevent shifting and the net weight of smokeless powder in any one box does not exceed 7.3 kg (16 pounds... 45.4 kg (100 pounds) net mass in: (1) One rail car, motor vehicle, or cargo-only aircraft; or (2) One...

  10. 49 CFR 173.171 - Smokeless powder for small arms.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... boxes meeting the Packing Group I performance level, provided all inside containers are packed to prevent shifting and the net weight of smokeless powder in any one box does not exceed 7.3 kg (16 pounds...) net mass in: (1) One rail car, motor vehicle, or cargo-only aircraft; or (2) One freight container on...

  11. 49 CFR 173.171 - Smokeless powder for small arms.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... boxes meeting the Packing Group I performance level, provided all inside containers are packed to prevent shifting and the net weight of smokeless powder in any one box does not exceed 7.3 kg (16 pounds...) net mass in: (1) One rail car, motor vehicle, or cargo-only aircraft; or (2) One freight container on...

  12. Influence of packaging on the quality of cold-stored grapes packed into boxes for later repacking

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A two-year study was conducted to examine various commercial practices associated with the cold storage of table grapes that are to be later re-packed for final shipment to provide information on the impact on fruit quality. Variables examined included the use of box types with vent areas ranging f...

  13. DEVICE FOR TREATING MATERIALS

    DOEpatents

    Ohlinger, L.A.; Seitz, F.; Young, G.J.

    1959-02-17

    Test-hole construction in a reactor to facilitate inserting and removing test specimens from the reactor for irradiation therein is discussed. An elongated chamber extends from the outer face of the reactor shield into the reactor. A shield box, having an open end, is sealed to thc outer face of the reactor shield by its open end surrounding the outer end of the chamber. A removable door is provided in the side wall of the shield box for inscrtion and removal of test specimens. A means operable from thc exterior of the shield box is provided for transferring test specimens between the shield box and the irradiation position within the chamber and consists of an elongated rod having a specimen tray engaging member on its inner end, which may be manipulated by the operator.

  14. Processes to Open the Container and the Sample Catcher of the Hayabusa Returned Capsule in the Planetary Material Sample Curation Facility of JAXA

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fujimura, A.; Abe, M.; Yada, T.; Nakamura, T.; Noguchi, T.; Okazaki, R.; Ishibashi, Y.; Shirai, K.; Okada, T.; Yano, H.; hide

    2011-01-01

    Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa, which returned from near-Earth-asteroid Itokawa, successfully returned its reentry capsule to the Earth, the Woomera Prohibited Area in Australia in Jun 13th, 2010, as detailed in another paper [1]. The capsule introduced into the Planetary Material Sample Curation Facility in the Sagamihara campus of JAXA in the early morning of June 18th. Hereafter, we describe a series of processes for the returned capsule and the container to recover gas and materials in there. A transportation box of the recovered capsule was cleaned up on its outer surface beforehand and introduced into the class 10,000 clean room of the facility. Then, the capsule was extracted from the box and its plastic bag was opened and checked and photographed the outer surface of the capsule. The capsule was composed of the container, a backside ablator, a side ablator, an electronic box and a supporting frame. The container consists of an outer lid, an inner lid, a frame for latches, a container and a sample catcher, which is composed of room A and B and a rotational cylinder. After the first check, the capsule was packed in a plastic bag with N2 again, and transferred to the Chofu campus in JAXA, where the X-ray CT instrument is situated. The first X-ray CT analysis was performed on the whole returned capsule for confirming the conditions of latches and O-ring seal of the container. The analysis showed that the latches of the container should have worked normally, and that the double Orings of the container seemed to be sealed its sample catcher with no problem. After the first X-ray CT, the capsule was sent back to Sagamihara and introduced in the clean room to exclude the electronic box and the side ablator from the container by hand tools. Then the container with the backside ablator was set firmly to special jigs to fix the lid of container tightly to the container and set to a milling machine. The backside ablator was drilled by the machine to expose heads of bolts, which combined the ablator to the outer lid of the container, and after the drilling had been finished, all the bolts were unscrewed and the backside ablator was removed from the container. Then, the container was sent to the Chofu X-ray facility again to examine in detail by a micro X-ray CT instrument in order to reconfirm that the condition of the latches of the lid of container was normal and that its double O-ring seemed to have been sealed after the last X-ray CT analysis.

  15. Valve leakage inspection, testing, and maintenance process

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

    Aikin, J.A.; Reinwald, J.W.

    1989-01-01

    Atomic Energy of Canada Limited-Research Company (AECL-RC), Chalk River, has more than 50 person-years dedicated toward the leak-free valve. In the early 1970s, the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories (CRNL) developed valve stem live-loading and recently completed the packing tests for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)-funded Valve Packing Improvement Study. Current safety concerns with asbestos-based valve packings and the difficulty in removing newer graphite packings prompted CRNL to investigate methods to improve valve repacking procedures. The present practice of valve packing replacement is very labor-intensive, requiring use of hand tools such as corkscrew devices and special packing picks. Use ofmore » water jets to cut or fragment the packing for withdrawal from the stuffing box does improve the process, but removal of the lantern or junk rings is still difficult. To address these problems, AECL-RC has developed a unique valve maintenance process designed to reduce person-rem exposures, the risk of scoring the stem or stuffing box, and maintenance costs and to improve the engineering quality of valve repair.« less

  16. Multigrid contact detection method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Kejing; Dong, Shoubin; Zhou, Zhaoyao

    2007-03-01

    Contact detection is a general problem of many physical simulations. This work presents a O(N) multigrid method for general contact detection problems (MGCD). The multigrid idea is integrated with contact detection problems. Both the time complexity and memory consumption of the MGCD are O(N) . Unlike other methods, whose efficiencies are influenced strongly by the object size distribution, the performance of MGCD is insensitive to the object size distribution. We compare the MGCD with the no binary search (NBS) method and the multilevel boxing method in three dimensions for both time complexity and memory consumption. For objects with similar size, the MGCD is as good as the NBS method, both of which outperform the multilevel boxing method regarding memory consumption. For objects with diverse size, the MGCD outperform both the NBS method and the multilevel boxing method. We use the MGCD to solve the contact detection problem for a granular simulation system based on the discrete element method. From this granular simulation, we get the density property of monosize packing and binary packing with size ratio equal to 10. The packing density for monosize particles is 0.636. For binary packing with size ratio equal to 10, when the number of small particles is 300 times as the number of big particles, the maximal packing density 0.824 is achieved.

  17. 30 CFR 7.302 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... conduit box when specified. A motor assembly is comprised of one or more explosion-proof enclosures. Plane.... A metallic enclosure used as a winding compartment, conduit box, or a combination of both that... portions. Stuffing box. An entrance with a recess filled with packing material for cables extending through...

  18. 30 CFR 7.302 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... conduit box when specified. A motor assembly is comprised of one or more explosion-proof enclosures. Plane.... A metallic enclosure used as a winding compartment, conduit box, or a combination of both that... portions. Stuffing box. An entrance with a recess filled with packing material for cables extending through...

  19. 30 CFR 7.302 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... conduit box when specified. A motor assembly is comprised of one or more explosion-proof enclosures. Plane.... A metallic enclosure used as a winding compartment, conduit box, or a combination of both that... portions. Stuffing box. An entrance with a recess filled with packing material for cables extending through...

  20. 48 CFR 652.242-72 - Shipping Instructions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ...) Each packing box shall be of solid construction in accordance with best commercial practices and.../3 of the width of the piece of lumber. Box shall be constructed with three-way corners and diagonal... the following table, dependent upon the weight of the contents: Weight of box and contents Minimum...

  1. 48 CFR 652.242-72 - Shipping Instructions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...) Each packing box shall be of solid construction in accordance with best commercial practices and.../3 of the width of the piece of lumber. Box shall be constructed with three-way corners and diagonal... the following table, dependent upon the weight of the contents: Weight of box and contents Minimum...

  2. 48 CFR 652.242-72 - Shipping Instructions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ...) Each packing box shall be of solid construction in accordance with best commercial practices and.../3 of the width of the piece of lumber. Box shall be constructed with three-way corners and diagonal... the following table, dependent upon the weight of the contents: Weight of box and contents Minimum...

  3. 29 CFR 784.135 - “Packing.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... with other boxes, loading into a quick freezer locker, removing after freezing, emptying the box... cartons and finally stowing in refrigerated locker. General Character and Scope of the Section 13(a)(4...

  4. 29 CFR 784.135 - “Packing.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... with other boxes, loading into a quick freezer locker, removing after freezing, emptying the box... cartons and finally stowing in refrigerated locker. General Character and Scope of the Section 13(a)(4...

  5. 29 CFR 784.135 - “Packing.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... with other boxes, loading into a quick freezer locker, removing after freezing, emptying the box... cartons and finally stowing in refrigerated locker. General Character and Scope of the Section 13(a)(4...

  6. 29 CFR 784.135 - “Packing.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... with other boxes, loading into a quick freezer locker, removing after freezing, emptying the box... cartons and finally stowing in refrigerated locker. General Character and Scope of the Section 13(a)(4...

  7. 29 CFR 784.135 - “Packing.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... with other boxes, loading into a quick freezer locker, removing after freezing, emptying the box... cartons and finally stowing in refrigerated locker. General Character and Scope of the Section 13(a)(4...

  8. 7 CFR 51.2338 - Standard pack.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    .... (c) Boxes, flats, lugs, or cartons: (1) Fruit packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed...” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom end. (f) In order...

  9. 7 CFR 51.2338 - Standard pack.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    .... (c) Boxes, flats, lugs, or cartons: (1) Fruit packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers or molded trays shall be of proper size for the cells, fillers, or molds in which they are packed...” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom end. (f) In order...

  10. 49 CFR 173.4a - Excepted quantities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... this section; and (3) For gases a water capacity of 30 mL (1.8 cubic inches) or less. (d) Outer... outer packaging must not exceed the limits provided in the following paragraphs. For outer packagings..., rigid outer packaging. (5) Placement of the material in the package or packing different materials in...

  11. 49 CFR 173.4a - Excepted quantities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... this section; and (3) For gases a water capacity of 30 mL (1.8 cubic inches) or less. (d) Outer... outer packaging must not exceed the limits provided in the following paragraphs. For outer packagings..., rigid outer packaging. (5) Placement of the material in the package or packing different materials in...

  12. Evaluation of Type II Fast Packs for Electrostatic Discharge Properties.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-08-01

    34 x 8" x 1 3/4") consisting of a reclosable cushioned carrier which mates into an outer fiberboard sleeve. A cushioning insert is used consisting of a... RECLOSABLE CUSHIONED CARRIER TEST LOAD FIGURE 1: Cancel Caddy Pack * CONVOLUTED 4* CUSHIONED I FIGURE 2: Type II Fast Pack (PPP-B-1672) TYPE II FAST PACK

  13. Gibbon Packing, LLC - Clean Water Act Public Notice

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against Gibbon Packing, LLC, for alleged violations at the facility located in 218 East Highway 30, P.O. Box 730, Gibbon, NE 68840 (“facility”).

  14. Gibbon Packing, LLC proposed Consent Agreement Final Order

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against Gibbon Packing, LLC, for alleged violations at the facility located in 218 East Highway 30, P.O. Box 730, Gibbon, NE 68840 (“facility”).

  15. Modular vaccine packaging increases packing efficiency

    PubMed Central

    Norman, Bryan A.; Rajgopal, Jayant; Lim, Jung; Gorham, Katrin; Haidari, Leila; Brown, Shawn T.; Lee, Bruce Y.

    2015-01-01

    Background Within a typical vaccine supply chain, vaccines are packaged into individual cylindrical vials (each containing one or more doses) that are bundled together in rectangular “inner packs” for transport via even larger groupings such as cold boxes and vaccine carriers. The variability of vaccine inner pack and vial size may hinder efficient vaccine distribution because it constrains packing of cold boxes and vaccine carriers to quantities that are often inappropriate or suboptimal in the context of country-specific vaccination guidelines. Methods We developed in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) a spreadsheet model that evaluated the impact of different packing schemes for the Benin routine regimen plus the introduction of the Rotarix vaccine. Specifically, we used the model to compare the current packing scheme to that of a proposed modular packing scheme. Results Conventional packing of a Dometic RCW25 that aims to maximize fully-immunized children (FICs) results in 123 FICs and a packing efficiency of 81.93% compared to a maximum of 155 FICs and 94.1% efficiency for an alternative modular packaging system. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that modular packaging systems could offer significant advantages over conventional vaccine packaging systems with respect to space efficiency and potential FICs, when they are stored in standard vaccine carrying devices. This allows for more vaccines to be stored within the same volume while also simplifying the procedures used by field workers to pack storage devices. Ultimately, modular packaging systems could be a simple way to help increase vaccine coverage worldwide. PMID:25957666

  16. 78 FR 14269 - Folding Gift Boxes From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Second Sunset Review...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-05

    ... generally packaged in shrink-wrap, cellophane, or other packaging materials, in single or multi-box packs... packaged in shrink-wrap, cellophane, other resin- based packaging films, or paperboard. Imports of the...

  17. Overnight storage of whole blood: cooling and transporting blood at room temperature under extreme temperature conditions.

    PubMed

    Thibault, L; Beauséjour, A; Jacques, A; Ducas, E; Tremblay, M

    2014-02-01

    Many countries allow the overnight storage of whole blood (WB) at ambient temperature. Some countries, such as Canada, also require a rapid cooling of WB with an active cooling system. Given the significant operational constraints associated with current cooling systems, an alternative method for cooling and transporting WB at 20-24°C was evaluated. Phase 22 cooling packs (TCP Reliable Inc., USA) were used in combination with vacuum-insulated panel (VIP) boxes. Temperature profiles of simulated WB units were studied in extreme temperatures (-35 and 40°C). The quality of blood components prepared using Phase 22 packs and CompoCool-WB (Fresenius HemoCare, Germany) was studied. Phase 22 packs reduced the temperature of simulated WB bags from 37 to 24°C in 1·7 ± 0·2 h. Used in combination with VIP boxes, Phase 22 packs maintain the temperature of bags between 20 and 24°C for 15 and 24 h, compared to 2 and 11 h with CompoCool-WB, when exposed at -35 and 40°C, respectively. The quality of platelet concentrates and plasma was comparable, regardless of the cooling system used. For red blood cell units, per cent haemolysis on day 42 was slightly higher in products prepared after cooling with Phase 22 packs compared to CompoCool-WB (0·33 ± 0·15% vs. 0·21 ± 0·06%; P < 0·05). Phase 22 packs combined with VIP boxes are an acceptable alternative to butane-1,4-diol cooling systems. This system allows blood manufacturers to transport WB to processing facilities in a broad range of environmental conditions. © 2013 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  18. Cone Photoreceptor Packing Density and the Outer Nuclear Layer Thickness in Healthy Subjects

    PubMed Central

    Chui, Toco Y. P.; Song, Hongxin; Clark, Christopher A.; Papay, Joel A.; Burns, Stephen A.; Elsner, Ann E.

    2012-01-01

    Purpose. We evaluated the relationship between cone photoreceptor packing density and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness within the central 15 degrees. Methods. Individual differences for healthy subjects in cone packing density and ONL thickness were examined in 8 younger and 8 older subjects, mean age 27.2 versus 56.2 years. Cone packing density was obtained using an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). The ONL thickness measurements included the ONL and the Henle fiber layer (ONL + HFL), and were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and custom segmentation software. Results. There were sizeable individual differences in cone packing density and ONL + HFL thickness. Older subjects had on average lower cone packing densities, but thicker ONL + HFL measurements. Cone packing density and ONL + HFL thickness decreased with increasing retinal eccentricity. The ratio of the cone packing density-to-ONL2 was larger for the younger subjects group, and decreased with retinal eccentricity. Conclusions. The individual differences in cone packing density and ONL + HFL thickness are consistent with aging changes, indicating that normative aging data are necessary for fine comparisons in the early stages of disease or response to treatment. Our finding of ONL + HFL thickness increasing with aging is inconsistent with the hypothesis that ONL measurements with SDOCT depend only on the number of functioning cones, since in our older group cones were fewer, but thickness was greater. PMID:22570340

  19. 49 CFR 173.151 - Exceptions for Class 4.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... of Division 4.1. Limited quantities of flammable solids (Division 4.1) in Packing Group II or III are... are authorized: (1) For flammable solids in Packing Group II, inner packagings not over 1.0 kg (2.2... strong outer packaging. (2) For flammable solids in Packing Group III, inner packagings not over 5.0 kg...

  20. Arts & Crafts for Everyone.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crane, Diane, Ed.

    1982-01-01

    Five different art activities, using different media, are described: (1) "mystery molds," using plaster and discarded packaging materials; (2) "calico cottages," using boxes and fabric; (3) "foam friends," using plastic foam packing pieces; (4) "bauble boxes," using spray can tops and papier mache; and (5) "soft stuff," using old clothing. (CJ)

  1. 46 CFR 160.026-5 - Marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... number shall be embossed on the top of the container. The container shall also be lithographed on one...) (b) Other marking. In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box in which emergency drinking water containers are placed prior to shipment, each carton or box shall be...

  2. 46 CFR 160.026-5 - Marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... number shall be embossed on the top of the container. The container shall also be lithographed on one...) (b) Other marking. In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box in which emergency drinking water containers are placed prior to shipment, each carton or box shall be...

  3. 46 CFR 160.026-5 - Marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... number shall be embossed on the top of the container. The container shall also be lithographed on one...) (b) Other marking. In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box in which emergency drinking water containers are placed prior to shipment, each carton or box shall be...

  4. 46 CFR 160.026-5 - Marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... number shall be embossed on the top of the container. The container shall also be lithographed on one...) (b) Other marking. In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box in which emergency drinking water containers are placed prior to shipment, each carton or box shall be...

  5. 46 CFR 160.026-5 - Marking.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... number shall be embossed on the top of the container. The container shall also be lithographed on one...) (b) Other marking. In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box in which emergency drinking water containers are placed prior to shipment, each carton or box shall be...

  6. 77 FR 22663 - Importation of Pomegranates From Chile Under a Systems Approach

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-17

    ...: Tenuipalpidae) into the commenter's State until a pest-free track record is established in shipments of... cartons or containers that are marked to show the official registration number of the production site... packinghouse and must be packed into new, clean boxes, crates, or other APHIS-approved packing containers. Each...

  7. Thermal Analysis of a Power Conditioning Unit for a Howitzer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-08-01

    contact resistance Interface ( mA2 -K / W) AL-PCB 0.000389 AL-AL (thermal grease) 0.000083 AL-power chips 0.003891 AL-power chips (thermal grease...1120 W/ mA2 . Figure 3 shows the view of the box that the source of the solar radiation sees. The inside of the box is cluttered with cables, wiring, and...temperature (130°F) and a conservative convective heat transfer coefficient (5 W/ mA2 ) to all of the outer surfaces. These outer surfaces would

  8. Interconnection of bundled solid oxide fuel cells

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Michael; Bessette, II, Norman F; Litka, Anthony F; Schmidt, Douglas S

    2014-01-14

    A system and method for electrically interconnecting a plurality of fuel cells to provide dense packing of the fuel cells. Each one of the plurality of fuel cells has a plurality of discrete electrical connection points along an outer surface. Electrical connections are made directly between the discrete electrical connection points of adjacent fuel cells so that the fuel cells can be packed more densely. Fuel cells have at least one outer electrode and at least one discrete interconnection to an inner electrode, wherein the outer electrode is one of a cathode and and anode and wherein the inner electrode is the other of the cathode and the anode. In tubular solid oxide fuel cells the discrete electrical connection points are spaced along the length of the fuel cell.

  9. 49 CFR 173.193 - Bromoacetone, methyl bromide, chloropicrin and methyl bromide or methyl chloride mixtures, etc.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... fiberboard boxes with inside metal cans containing not over one pound each, or inside metal cans with a... packaged as follows in metal boxes (4A, 4B or 4N) or wooden boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F) with inner glass... mm (0.5 inch) of absorbent material. Total amount of liquid in the outer box must not exceed 11 kg...

  10. 49 CFR 231.24 - Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of rail. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... for “Box and Other House Cars.” (3) Location. One (1) near each side of each end of car on outer edge... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10... APPLIANCE STANDARDS § 231.24 Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of...

  11. 49 CFR 231.24 - Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of rail. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... for “Box and Other House Cars.” (3) Location. One (1) near each side of each end of car on outer edge... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10... APPLIANCE STANDARDS § 231.24 Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of...

  12. 49 CFR 173.193 - Bromoacetone, methyl bromide, chloropicrin and methyl bromide or methyl chloride mixtures, etc.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... fiberboard boxes with inside metal cans containing not over one pound each, or inside metal cans with a... packaged as follows in metal boxes (4A, 4B or 4N) or wooden boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F) with inner glass... mm (0.5 inch) of absorbent material. Total amount of liquid in the outer box must not exceed 11 kg...

  13. 49 CFR 231.24 - Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of rail. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... for “Box and Other House Cars.” (3) Location. One (1) near each side of each end of car on outer edge... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10... APPLIANCE STANDARDS § 231.24 Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of...

  14. 49 CFR 231.24 - Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of rail. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... for “Box and Other House Cars.” (3) Location. One (1) near each side of each end of car on outer edge... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10... APPLIANCE STANDARDS § 231.24 Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of...

  15. 49 CFR 231.24 - Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of rail. 1

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... for “Box and Other House Cars.” (3) Location. One (1) near each side of each end of car on outer edge... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10... APPLIANCE STANDARDS § 231.24 Box and other house cars with roofs, 16 feet 10 inches or more above top of...

  16. Performance Oriented Packaging (POP) testing of Artillery Type and Rocket Fuzes Packed in a Wood Wirebound Box

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-08-03

    44. Name: Fuze PD M739 United Nations Proper Shipping Name: Fuzes, Detonating United Nations Number: 0408 NSN: 1390-00-574-7705 Drawing Number: 9258605...Physical State: Solid United Nations Packing-group: II Amount Per Container: 8 45. Name: Fuze PD M739 United Nations Proper Shipping Name: Fuzes

  17. 24. Photographic copy of undated photo; Photographer unknown; Original in ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    24. Photographic copy of undated photo; Photographer unknown; Original in Rath collection at Iowa State University Libraries, Ames, Iowa; Filed under: Rath Packing Company, Printed Photographs, Symbol M, Box 2; REMOVING HIDES ON THE MOVING SKINNING TABLE; LOOKING NORTH - Rath Packing Company, Beef Killing Building, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

  18. The Influence of Calcium Carbonate Composition and Activated Carbon in Pack Carburizing Low Carbon Steel Process in The Review of Hardness and Micro Structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hafni; Hadi, Syafrul; Edison

    2017-12-01

    Carburizing is a way of hardening the surface by heating the metal (steel) above the critical temperature in an environment containing carbon. Steel at a temperature of the critical temperature of affinity to carbon. Carbon is absorbed into the metal form a solid solution of carbon-iron and the outer layer has high carbon content. When the composition of the activator and the activated charcoal is right, it will perfect the carbon atoms to diffuse into the test material to low carbon steels. Thick layer of carbon Depending on the time and temperature are used. Pack carburizing process in this study, using 1 kg of solid carbon derived from coconut shell charcoal with a variation of 20%, 10% and 5% calcium carbonate activator, burner temperature of 950 0C, holding time 4 hours. The test material is low carbon steel has 9 pieces. Each composition has three specimens. Furnace used in this study is a pack carburizing furnace which has a designed burner box with a volume of 1000 x 600 x 400 (mm3) of coal-fired. Equipped with a circulation of oxygen from the blower 2 inches and has a wall of refractory bricks. From the variation of composition CaCO3, microstructure formed on the specimen with 20% CaCO3, better diffusion of carbon into the carbon steel, it is seen by the form marten site structure after quenching, and this indicates that there has been an increase of or adding carbon to in the specimen. This led to the formation of marten site specimen into hard surfaces, where the average value of hardness at one point side (side edge) 31.7 HRC

  19. Packing in Two and Three Dimensions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2003-06-01

    square on the pallet is either completely covered or uncovered by a box. We first observe there must be at least one unit column with zero waste because...66 ( , , , , )EW N X Y a b X′ ′ ′ ′ ′ ′< . Any such unit column with zero waste must be covered with H-boxes because this corresponds to the

  20. Performance-oriented packaging testing of PPP-B-601 ERAPS wood box for packing Group II solid hazardous material. Test report for Oct 91

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

    Wu, E.

    1991-10-01

    Qualification tests were performed to determine whether the in-service PPP-B-601 ERAPS Wood Box could be utilized to contain properly dunnaged solid type hazardous materials weighing up to a gross weight of 237 kg (523 pounds). The tests were conducted in accordance with Performance Oriented Packaging (POP) requirements specified by the United Nations Recommendations on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods. The box has conformed to the POP performance requirements; i.e., the box successfully retained its contents throughout the stacking, vibration and drop tests.

  1. 49 CFR 173.193 - Bromoacetone, methyl bromide, chloropicrin and methyl bromide or methyl chloride mixtures, etc.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... packaged as follows in wooden boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F) with inner glass receptacles or tubes in... material. Total amount of liquid in the outer box must not exceed 11 kg (24 pounds). Packagings must... bromide mixtures containing up to 2% chloropicrin must be packaged in 4G fiberboard boxes with inside...

  2. 49 CFR 173.193 - Bromoacetone, methyl bromide, chloropicrin and methyl bromide or methyl chloride mixtures, etc.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... packaged as follows in wooden boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F) with inner glass receptacles or tubes in... material. Total amount of liquid in the outer box must not exceed 11 kg (24 pounds). Packagings must... bromide mixtures containing up to 2% chloropicrin must be packaged in 4G fiberboard boxes with inside...

  3. 25. Photographic copy of undated photo; Photographer unknown; Original in ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    25. Photographic copy of undated photo; Photographer unknown; Original in Rath collection at Iowa State University Libraries, Ames, Iowa; Filed under: Rath Packing Company, Printed Photographs, Symbol M, Box 2; REMOVING HIDES ON THE SKINNING TABLE; CARCASSES IN HALF-HOIST POSITION; LOOKING SOUTH - Rath Packing Company, Beef Killing Building, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

  4. The Built Environment of Cold War Era Servicewomen

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-08-01

    60 Figure 51. WAVES at work on engine maintenance, Naval Air Station Banana River, FL, 30 August 1944...Naval Air Station Banana River, FL, 30 Aug. 1944 (NARA, RG 80-G Box 758, 244458... Banana River, FL, 30 August 1944 (NARA, RG 80-G Box 758, 244460). ERDC/CERL M-06-2 61 Figure 52. WAVES packing parachutes, Naval Air Station

  5. Influence of polydimethylsiloxane outer coating and packing material on analyte recovery in dual-phase headspace sorptive extraction.

    PubMed

    Bicchi, Carlo; Cordero, Chiara; Liberto, Erica; Sgorbini, Barbara; David, Frank; Sandra, Pat; Rubiolo, Patrizia

    2007-09-14

    Dual phase twisters (DP twisters), consisting of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) outer coating and a second complementary (ad)sorbent as inner packing, have recently been shown to extend the applicability of headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE). In comparison to HSSE using PDMS only, the recovery of analytes from the headspace of a solid or liquid matrix is increased by combining the concentration capabilities of two sampling materials operating on different mechanisms (sorption and adsorption). This study compares the performance of DP twisters consisting of different PDMS outer coatings and different packing materials, including Tenax GC, a bisphenol-PDMS copolymer, Carbopack coated with 5% of Carbowax and beta-cyclodextrin, for the analysis of the headspace of roasted Arabica coffee, dried sage leaves and an aqueous test mixture containing compounds with different water solubility, acidity, polarity and volatility as test samples. In general, DP twisters showed a higher concentration capability than the corresponding conventional PDMS twisters for the analytes considered. The highest recoveries were obtained with DP twisters consisting of 0.2mm thick PDMS coating combined with Tenax GC, a bisphenol-PDMS copolymer and Carbopack coated with 5% of Carbowax as inner adsorption phase.

  6. Going Outside the TonB Box: Identification of Novel FepA-TonB Interactions In Vivo.

    PubMed

    Gresock, Michael G; Postle, Kathleen

    2017-05-15

    In Gram-negative bacteria, the cytoplasmic membrane protein TonB transmits energy derived from proton motive force to energize transport of important nutrients through TonB-dependent transporters in the outer membrane. Each transporter consists of a beta barrel domain and a lumen-occluding cork domain containing an essential sequence called the TonB box. To date, the only identified site of transporter-TonB interaction is between the TonB box and residues ∼158 to 162 of TonB. While the mechanism of ligand transport is a mystery, a current model based on site-directed spin labeling and molecular dynamics simulations is that, following ligand binding, the otherwise-sequestered TonB box extends into the periplasm for recognition by TonB, which mediates transport by pulling or twisting the cork. In this study, we tested that hypothesis with the outer membrane transporter FepA using in vivo photo-cross-linking to explore interactions of its TonB box and determine whether additional FepA-TonB interaction sites exist. We found numerous specific sites of FepA interaction with TonB on the periplasmic face of the FepA cork in addition to the TonB box. Two residues, T32 and A33, might constitute a ligand-sensitive conformational switch. The facts that some interactions were enhanced in the absence of ligand and that other interactions did not require the TonB box argued against the current model and suggested that the transport process is more complex than originally conceived, with subtleties that might provide a mechanism for discrimination among ligand-loaded transporters. These results constitute the first study on the dynamics of TonB-gated transporter interaction with TonB in vivo IMPORTANCE The TonB system of Gram-negative bacteria has a noncanonical active transport mechanism involving signal transduction and proteins integral to both membranes. To achieve transport, the cytoplasmic membrane protein TonB physically contacts outer membrane transporters such as FepA. Only one contact between TonB and outer membrane transporters has been identified to date: the TonB box at the transporter amino terminus. The TonB box has low information content, raising the question of how TonB can discriminate among multiple different TonB-dependent transporters present in the bacterium if it is the only means of contact. Here we identified several additional sites through which FepA contacts TonB in vivo , including two neighboring residues that may explain how FepA signals to TonB that ligand has bound. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  7. Disruption of gel phase lipid packing efficiency by sucralose studied with merocyanine 540.

    PubMed

    Barker, Morgan; Kennedy, Anthony

    2017-04-01

    Sucralose, an artificial sweetener, displays very different behavior towards membranes than its synthetic precursor sucrose. The impact of both sugars on model dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine model membranes was investigated using absorbance and flourescence spectroscopy and the membrane probe merocyanine 540. This probe molecule is highly sensitive to changes in membrane packing, microviscosity and polarity. This work focuses on the impact of sugars on the outer leaflet of unilamellar dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine model membranes. The choice of lipid permits access to the gel phase at room temperature and incorporation of the dye after liposome formation allows us to examine the direct impact of the sugar on the outer leaflet while maximizing the response of the dye to changes in the bilayer. The results demonstrate that sucrose has no impact on the packing efficiency of lipids in unilamellar DPPC vesicles in the gel phase. Conversely sucralose decreases the packing efficiency of lipids in the gel phase and results in decreased microviscosity and increased membrane fluidity, which may be as a result of water disruption at the membrane water interface. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. 15. Photographic copy of photograph dated ca. 1929; Photographer unknown; ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    15. Photographic copy of photograph dated ca. 1929; Photographer unknown; Original in Rath collection at Grout Museum, Waterloo, Iowa; Filed under: Rath Packing Company, Box 4; THE RATH COMPLEX IN THE LATE 1920S; LOOKING WEST FROM 18TH STREET; LARGE BUILDING AT CENTER IS HOG KILL (BUILDING 40) - Rath Packing Company, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

  9. To Honor Fechner and Obey Stevens: Relationships between Psychophysical and Neural Nonlinearities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Billock, Vincent A.; Tsou, Brian H.

    2011-01-01

    G. T. Fechner (1860/1966) famously described two kinds of psychophysics: "Outer psychophysics" captures the black box relationship between sensory inputs and perceptual magnitudes, whereas "inner psychophysics" contains the neural transformations that Fechner's outer psychophysics elided. The relationship between the two has never been clear.…

  10. Changes in pectin methyl esterase activity with different packaging materials and stages of fruit harvesting during cold storage of pear cv. Punjab beauty.

    PubMed

    Kaur, Kirandeep; Dhillon, W S; Mahajan, B V C

    2014-10-01

    Pear cv. Punjab Beauty has become quite popular in Punjab. Excessive softening during cold storage leading to low shelf life is the major factor limiting its wider adoption. Studies were, therefore, conducted to determine the firmness and pectin methyl esterase (PME) activity at 4 harvest dates (2nd, 3rd and 4th week of July, and 1st week of August). Various packaging materials i.e. corrugated fiber board boxes and crates with high and low density polyethylene liners, corrugated fiber board boxes, crates and wooden boxes were also evaluated for their role in extending the shelf life of fruits. The enzyme activity and fruit firmness was evaluated periodically after 30, 45, 60 and 75 days of storage at 0-1 °C and 90-95 % RH. The firmness of the fruits decreased with the increase in storage intervals but the enzyme activity increased with the storage period up to 60 days and declined thereafter. Ripening-related changes in all the harvests were characterized mainly by an increase in the solubilization of pectin with a concomitant decrease in the degree of firmness. There was a continuous increase in enzyme activity with the advancement in harvesting dates and then fell sharply in the advanced ripening stages. Highest pectin methyl esterase activity was in fruits packed in crates followed by wooden boxes and corrugated fiber board boxes while the lowest was recorded in fruits packed in corrugated fiber board boxes with high density polyethylene liners. Therefore, high density polyethylene lined CFB boxes proved to be most effective in preventing the loss in firmness.

  11. Foveal cone spacing and cone photopigment density difference: objective measurements in the same subjects.

    PubMed

    Marcos, S; Tornow, R P; Elsner, A E; Navarro, R

    1997-07-01

    Foveal cone spacing was measured in vivo using an objective technique: ocular speckle interferometry. Cone packing density was computed from cone spacing data. Foveal cone photopigment density difference was measured in the same subjects using retinal densitometry with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Both the cone packing density and cone photopigment density difference decreased sharply with increasing retinal eccentricity. From the comparison of both sets of measurements, the computed amounts of photopigment per cone increased slightly with increasing retinal eccentricity. Consistent with previous results, decreases in cone outer segment length are over-compensated by an increase in the outer segment area, at least in retinal eccentricities up to 1 deg.

  12. Survival of foodborne pathogens on commercially packed table grapes under simulated refrigerated transit conditions.

    PubMed

    Carter, Michelle Qiu; Feng, Doris; Chapman, Mary H; Gabler, Franka

    2018-06-01

    We examined the survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica Thompson inoculated on commercially packed table grapes under simulated refrigerated transit conditions (1.1 ± 0.5 °C; 90% RH). Grapes were placed in perforated polyethylene cluster bags, within a commercial expanded polystyrene box equipped with either a SO 2 -generating pad; a perforated polyethylene box liner; a SO 2 -generating pad and a box liner; or none of them. L. monocytogenes was most sensitive to SO 2 -generating pad. SO 2 -generating pad or SO 2 -generating pad with box liner inactivated this pathogen completely on day 12 following the inoculation. S. enterica Thompson displayed a similar cold sensitivity as L. monocytogenes, but was more resistant to SO 2 -generating pad than L. monocytogenes. While SO 2 -generating pad eliminated S. enterica Thompson on day 20, a combination of box liner with SO 2 -generating pad inactivated this pathogen completely on day 13. E. coli O157:H7 had the highest tolerance to transit temperature and to SO 2 -generating pad; SO 2 -generating pad inactivated this pathogen completely on Day 20. Our data suggest that use of SO 2 -generating pad combined with box liner is effective in reducing foodborne pathogens L. monocytogenes and S. enterica Thompson, while the use of SO 2 -generating pad alone was more effective on E. coli O157:H7. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  13. Performance oriented packaging testing of nine Mk 3 Mod 0 signal containers in PPP-B-621 wood box for packing group II solid hazardous materials. Final report

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

    Libbert, K.J.

    1992-10-01

    A PPP-B-621 wood box containing nine Mk 3 Mod 0 Signal containers was tested for conformance to Performance Oriented Packaging criteria established by Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 CFR. The container was tested with a gross weight of 123.3 pounds (56 kilograms) and met all requirements.

  14. 77 FR 44232 - Delegation of Authority To Implement and Enforce Outer Continental Shelf Air Regulations to the...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-27

    ... Outer Continental Shelf Air Regulations to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and.... SUMMARY: On July 21, 2010, EPA sent the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control... of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, P.O. Box 1401, Dover, Delaware. FOR...

  15. Create Your Plate

    MedlinePlus Videos and Cool Tools

    ... or coffee. Featured Product Precise Portions® Go Healthy Travel Pack (4/Box) Taking the guesswork out of ... hotelscom.html Ways to Give Vacation for Donations Travel bookings completed through Hotels.com give 5% back ...

  16. Chilled packing systems for fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the sterile insect technique.

    PubMed

    Hernández, Emilio; Escobar, Arseny; Bravo, Bigail; Montoya, Pablo

    2010-01-01

    We evaluated three packing systems (PARC boxes, "GT" screen towers and "MX" screen towers) for the emergence and sexual maturation of sterile fruit flies, at three adult fly densities (1, 1.2 and 1.3 fly/cm²) and three food types. At the lowest density, results showed no significant differences in the longevity and flight ability of adult Anastrepha ludens (Loew) and Anastrepha obliqua Macquart among the three packing systems. Higher densities resulted in a decrease in these parameters. In the evaluation of the three food types, no significant differences were found either on longevity or flight ability of A. ludens. However, the greatest longevity for both sexes A. obliqua was obtained with commercial powdered Mb® and the mix of sugar, protein and corn starch on paper (SPCP) food types. The highest value for flight ability in A. obliqua males was obtained with powdered Mb® and SPCP food types, and for females with Mb® powdered food. Our data indicated that GT and MX screen tower packing systems are an alternative to the PARC boxes, since they were suitable for adult fly sexual maturation without any harm to their longevity or flight ability. The tested foods were equivalent in both fruit fly species, with the exception of the agar type for A. obliqua, which yielded the lowest biological parameters evaluated. Our results contribute to the application of new methods for the packing and release of sterile flies in large-scale programs.

  17. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Don Eitel (in front) and Jim Delie carry pieces of debris to be packed into storage boxes. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2003-09-10

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Don Eitel (in front) and Jim Delie carry pieces of debris to be packed into storage boxes. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.

  18. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Larry Tarver (left) and Don Eitel bag and wrap pieces of debris to be packed into storage boxes. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2003-09-10

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Larry Tarver (left) and Don Eitel bag and wrap pieces of debris to be packed into storage boxes. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.

  19. Evaluating the effects of post dip-treatment laser marking on resistance to feeding by subterranean termites

    Treesearch

    Rachel A. Arango; Bessie Woodward; Stan Lebow

    2016-01-01

    Dip-treatment of wood packing materials is often used instead of pressure treatment mainly because of issues relating to simplicity and cost. Packaging boxes fabricated for the United States Army are required to be dip-treated for at least one minute in an approved preservative solution prior to use. These boxes are expected to have a service life of up to 20 years in...

  20. Earth boring apparatus with multiple welds

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

    Bolton, J.B.; Crews, S.T.

    1981-06-16

    A box tool joint member of generally tubular configuration is adapted for securement by welding to one end of a steel tube to form a drill pipe. The box tool joint member comprises a body having a cylindrical outer periphery, an internally threaded socket at one end of the body, and a weld neck of smaller outer diameter than the body adjacent to the other end of the body. A tapered transition piece connecting the neck with the adjacent end of the body provides an elevator shoulder. A correlative pin tool joint member is welded to the opposite end ofmore » the tube to complete the drill pipe. The box tool joint member has an annular band of hard facing over the outer periphery of the transition piece and extending down over the adjacent part of the weld neck and up around the adjacent part of the body. The hard facing is corrosion resistant and has a smooth finished surface. Underneath the hard facing and extending beyond both ends of the hard facing is an annular butter layer of non-hardenable steel. The tool joint member is hardened and tempered after the butter layer is welded into a body groove and before the hard facing is welded on .The butter layer is grooved before the hard facing is welded on.« less

  1. 49 CFR 173.171 - Smokeless powder for small arms.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... any one box (one package) must not exceed 7.3 kg (16 pounds). [Amdt. 173-224, 55 FR 52643, Dec. 21...) net mass in: (1) One rail car, motor vehicle, or cargo-only aircraft; or (2) One freight container on... inner packagings not exceeding 3.6 kg (8 pounds) net mass and outer packaging of UN 4G fiberboard boxes...

  2. 77 FR 74170 - Foreign-Trade Zone 84-Houston, TX; Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Mitsubishi...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-13

    ..., tubes, pipes, hoses, tires, rods, containers, handles, belts), pallets, wood packing boxes, cases, other..., wrenches, hand tools, flexible tubing, engines, parts of engines, water boilers, control panels, control...

  3. Packing a Box with Bricks.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jepsen, Charles H.

    1991-01-01

    Presented are solutions to variations of a combinatorics problem from a recent International Mathematics Olympiad. In particular, the matrix algebra solution illustrates an interaction among the undergraduate areas of geometry, combinatorics, linear algebra, and group theory. (JJK)

  4. 7 CFR 319.56-56 - Fresh pomegranates from Chile.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Chile following any post-harvest processing. A biometric sample must be drawn and examined from each... States. (2) A biometric sample of the boxes, crates, or other APHIS-approved packing containers from each...

  5. 7 CFR 319.56-56 - Fresh pomegranates from Chile.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Chile following any post-harvest processing. A biometric sample must be drawn and examined from each... States. (2) A biometric sample of the boxes, crates, or other APHIS-approved packing containers from each...

  6. Allosteric Signaling Is Bidirectional in an Outer-Membrane Transport Protein.

    PubMed

    Sikora, Arthur; Joseph, Benesh; Matson, Morgan; Staley, Jacob R; Cafiso, David S

    2016-11-01

    In BtuB, the Escherichia coli TonB-dependent transporter for vitamin B 12 , substrate binding to the extracellular surface unfolds a conserved energy coupling motif termed the Ton box into the periplasm. This transmembrane signaling event facilitates an interaction between BtuB and the inner-membrane protein TonB. In this study, continuous-wave and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance in a native outer-membrane preparation demonstrate that signaling also occurs from the periplasmic to the extracellular surface in BtuB. The binding of a TonB fragment to the periplasmic interface alters the configuration of the second extracellular loop and partially dissociates a spin-labeled substrate analog. Moreover, mutants in the periplasmic Ton box that are transport-defective alter the binding site for vitamin B 12 in BtuB. This work demonstrates that the Ton box and the extracellular substrate binding site are allosterically coupled in BtuB, and that TonB binding may initiate a partial round of transport. Copyright © 2016 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. 14. Photographic copy of photograph dated ca. 1925; Photographer unknown; ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    14. Photographic copy of photograph dated ca. 1925; Photographer unknown; Original in Rath collection at Iowa State University Libraries, Department of Special Collection, Ames, Iowa; Filed under: Rath Packing Company, Public Relations, Symbol N, Box 106, File 6: THE RATH COMPLEX IN THE MID 1920; LARGE BUILDING TO LEFT OF SMOKESTACK IS HOG KILL (BUILDING 40); LOOKING NORTH FROM ACROSS CEDAR RIVER - Rath Packing Company, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

  8. Migration kinetics of mineral oil hydrocarbons from recycled paperboard to dry food: monitoring of two real cases.

    PubMed

    Lorenzini, R; Biedermann, M; Grob, K; Garbini, D; Barbanera, M; Braschi, I

    2013-01-01

    Mineral oil hydrocarbons present in printing inks and recycled paper migrate from paper-based food packaging to foods primarily through the gas phase. Migration from two commercial products packed in recycled paperboard, i.e. muesli and egg pasta, was monitored up to the end of their shelf life (1 year) to study the influence of time, storage conditions, food packaging structure and temperature. Mineral oil saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOSH and MOAH, respectively), and diisopropyl naphthalenes (DIPN) were monitored using online HPLC-GC/FID. Storage conditions were: free standing, shelved, and packed in transport boxes of corrugated board, to represent domestic, supermarket and warehouse storage, respectively. Migration to food whose packs were kept in transport boxes was the highest, especially after prolonged storage, followed by shelved and free-standing packs. Tested temperatures were representative of refrigeration, room temperature, storage in summer months and accelerated migration testing. Migration was strongly influenced by temperature: for egg pasta directly packed in paperboard, around 30 mg kg⁻¹ of MOSH migrated in 8 months at 20°C, but in only 1 week at 40°C. Muesli was contained into an internal polyethylene bag, which firstly adsorbed hydrocarbons and later released them partly towards the food. Differently, the external polypropylene bag, containing pasta and recycled paper tray, strongly limited the migration towards the atmosphere and gave rise to the highest level of food contamination. Tests at increased temperatures not only accelerated migration, but also widened the migration of hydrocarbons to higher molecular masses, highlighting thus a difficult interpretation of data from accelerated simulation.

  9. SUMMARY OF FRUIT IRRADIATION AT WAGENINGEN

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

    de Zeeuw, D.

    Use was made of l Mev electrons produced by a normal Van de Graaff accelerator in fresh soft fruit. In order to obtain an even dose distribution over the surface of fruit, it was packed one layer thick in small plastic boxes. Both upper and lower sides of these boxes were irradiated. In case of firmer fruit species, such as plums, these were also placed on mechanically driven rollers on which they were slowly rotated during irradiation. With this method the irradiation time was chosen twice as long as for the packed fruit so as to meet the total dosemore » requirement. Dosimetry measurements were made by both chemical and physical methods. The dose rate was 2 Krad per second. Results obtained with 100 to 500 Krad doses are given for strawberries, raspberries, red and black currants, blackberries, cherries, and plums. (auth)« less

  10. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Jim Delie (left) and Don Eitel select from the shelves wrapped pieces of debris to be packed into storage boxes. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2003-09-10

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Jim Delie (left) and Don Eitel select from the shelves wrapped pieces of debris to be packed into storage boxes. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.

  11. Enhancement of fructosyltransferase and fructooligosaccharides production by A. oryzae DIA-MF in Solid-State Fermentation using aguamiel as culture medium.

    PubMed

    Muñiz-Márquez, Diana B; Contreras, Juan C; Rodríguez, Raúl; Mussatto, Solange I; Teixeira, José A; Aguilar, Cristóbal N

    2016-08-01

    The aim of this work was to improve the production of fructosyltransferase (FTase) by Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) using aguamiel (agave sap) as culture medium and Aspergillus oryzae DIA-MF as producer strain. SSF was carried out evaluating the following parameters: inoculum rate, incubation temperature, initial pH and packing density to determine the most significant factors through Box-Hunter and Hunter design. The significant factors were then further optimized using a Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. The maximum FTase activity (1347U/L) was obtained at 32°C, using packing density of 0.7g/cm(3). Inoculum rate and initial pH had no significant influence on the response. FOS synthesis applying the enzyme produced by A. oryzae DIA-MF was also studied using aguamiel as substrate. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Packing for the journey. Character traits for transcultural care.

    PubMed

    Grypma, S; Taylor, S

    1999-01-01

    Eight-four pounds," the seaplane attendant announced approvingly. As two nursing students and an instructor, we were on our way to a remote First Nations village in northern Canada as part of a transcultural clinical course at a Canadian Christian university. Our groceries for three weeks were boxed up and weighed to ensure that the carrying capacity of the seaplane was not exceeded. We had packed carefully, giving priority to items that were nutritious, lightweight and compact. We hoped we had the essentials. We felt prepared.

  13. The Dynamics of Tightly-packed Planetary Systems in the Presence of an Outer Planet: Case Studies Using Kepler-11 and Kepler-90

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Granados Contreras, A. P.; Boley, A. C.

    2018-03-01

    We explore the effects of an undetected outer giant planet on the dynamics, observability, and stability of Systems with Tightly-packed Inner Planets (STIPs). We use direct numerical simulations along with secular theory and synthetic secular frequency spectra to analyze how analogues of Kepler-11 and Kepler-90 behave in the presence of a nearly co-planar, Jupiter-like outer perturber with semimajor axes between 1 and 5.2 au. Most locations of the outer perturber do not affect the evolution of the inner planetary systems, apart from altering precession frequencies. However, there are locations at which an outer planet causes system instability due to, in part, secular eccentricity resonances. In Kepler-90, there is a range of orbital distances for which the outer perturber drives planets b and c, through secular interactions, onto orbits with inclinations that are ∼16° away from the rest of the planets. Kepler-90 is stable in this configuration. Such secular resonances can thus affect the observed multiplicity of transiting systems. We also compare the synthetic apsidal and nodal precession frequencies with the secular theory and find some misalignment between principal frequencies, indicative of strong interactions between the planets (consistent with the system showing TTVs). First-order libration angles are calculated to identify MMRs in the systems, for which two near-MMRs are shown in Kepler-90, with a 5:4 between b and c, as well as a 3:2 between g and h.

  14. 7 CFR 51.1177 - U.S. Grade A Juice.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... per standard packed box of 13/5 bushels. (b) The average juice content for any lot of fruit shall have not less than 9 percent total soluble solids, and not less than one-half of 1 percent anhydrous citric...

  15. 7 CFR 51.1176 - U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... less than 5 gallons (18.9 liters) of juice per standard packed box of 13/5 bushels. (b) The average... less than one-half of 1 percent anhydrous citric acid, or more than the permissible maximum acid...

  16. A proteomic screen reveals the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Mdm34p as an essential target of the F-box protein Mdm30p.

    PubMed

    Ota, Kazuhisa; Kito, Keiji; Okada, Satoshi; Ito, Takashi

    2008-10-01

    Ubiquitination plays various critical roles in eukaryotic cellular regulation and is mediated by a cascade of enzymes including ubiquitin protein ligase (E3). The Skp1-Cullin-F-box protein complex comprises the largest E3 family, in each member of which a unique F-box protein binds its targets to define substrate specificity. Although genome sequencing uncovers a growing number of F-box proteins, most of them have remained as "orphans" because of the difficulties in identification of their substrates. To address this issue, we tested a quantitative proteomic approach by combining the stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), parallel affinity purification (PAP) that we had developed for efficient enrichment of ubiquitinated proteins, and mass spectrometry (MS). We applied this SILAC-PAP-MS approach to compare ubiquitinated proteins between yeast cells with and without over-expressed Mdm30p, an F-box protein implicated in mitochondrial morphology. Consequently, we identified the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Mdm34p as a target of Mdm30p. Furthermore, we found that mitochondrial defects induced by deletion of MDM30 are not only recapitulated by a mutant Mdm34p defective in interaction with Mdm30p but alleviated by ubiquitination-mimicking forms of Mdm34p. These results indicate that Mdm34p is a physiologically important target of Mdm30p.

  17. 7 CFR 51.1177 - U.S. Grade A Juice.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... (17.0 liters) of juice per standard packed box of 13/5 bushels. (b) The average juice content for any lot of fruit shall have not less than 9 percent total soluble solids, and not less than one-half of 1...

  18. Thermal-Hydraulic Transient Analysis of a Packed Particle Bed Reactor Fuel Element

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-06-01

    long fuel elements, arranged to form a core , were analyzed for an up-power transient from 0 MWt to approximately 18 MWt. The simple model significantly...VARIATIONS IN FUEL ELEMENT GEOMETRY ............. 60 4.4 VARIATIONS IN THE MANNER OF TRANSIENT CONTROL ..... 62 4.5 CORE REPRESENTATION BY MULTIPLE FUEL ...the HTGR , however, the PBR packs small fuel particles between inner and outer retention elements, designated as frits. The PBR is appropriate for a

  19. Changes Caused by Fruit Extracts in the Lipid Phase of Biological and Model Membranes

    PubMed Central

    Pruchnik, Hanna; Oszmiański, Jan; Sarapuk, Janusz; Kleszczyńska, Halina

    2010-01-01

    The aim of the study was to determine changes incurred by polyphenolic compounds from selected fruits in the lipid phase of the erythrocyte membrane, in liposomes formed of erythrocyte lipids and phosphatidylcholine liposomes. In particular, the effect of extracts from apple, chokeberry, and strawberry on the red blood cell morphology, on packing order in the lipid hydrophilic phase, on fluidity of the hydrophobic phase, as well as on the temperature of phase transition in DPPC liposomes was studied. In the erythrocyte population, the proportions of echinocytes increased due to incorporation of polyphenolic compounds. Fluorimetry with a laurdan probe indicated increased packing density in the hydrophilic phase of the membrane in presence of polyphenolic extracts, the highest effect being observed for the apple extract. Using the fluorescence probes DPH and TMA-DPH, no effect was noted inside the hydrophobic phase of the membrane, as the lipid bilayer fluidity was not modified. The polyphenolic extracts slightly lowered the phase transition temperature of phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The studies have shown that the phenolic compounds contained in the extracts incorporate into the outer region of the erythrocyte membrane, affecting its shape and lipid packing order, which is reflected in the increasing number of echinocytes. The compounds also penetrate the outer part of the external lipid layer of liposomes formed of natural and DPPC lipids, changing its packing order. PMID:21423329

  20. Obesity, hypertension and home sphygmomanometer cuffs.

    PubMed

    Akpolat, Tekin

    2010-08-01

    Since the increasing prevalence of obesity leads to a larger mean arm circumferences in the hypertensive population and appropriate cuff size is essential for accurate measurement of blood pressure, overweight and obese patients often require automated home sphygmomanometers with large- or extra large-sized cuffs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the information about cuff size on automated upper arm home sphygmomanometer packing boxes and compare the findings with wrist device boxes. One hundred twelve different device boxes (49 automated upper arm, 5 semi-automatic, and 58 wrist) produced by 40 manufacturers were investigated. Three different types of information were observed (written, graphical, or a combination of both). There was not any information about cuff size on 49 (44%) device boxes. Most of the information expressed on the boxes was not attractive or informative for the patients. This study showed that the information regarding cuff size on most of the device boxes was obtuse and the patients are not warned sufficiently about appropriate cuff size. Physicians and health care providers should inform and train their patients about appropriate cuff size.

  1. 7 CFR 51.1176 - U.S. Grade AA Juice (Double A).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... (18.9 liters) of juice per standard packed box of 13/5 bushels. (b) The average juice content for any lot of fruit shall have not less than 10 percent total soluble solids, and not less than one-half of 1...

  2. Magnetic resonance imaging of hyaline cartilage regeneration in neocartilage graft implantation.

    PubMed

    Tan, C F; Ng, K K; Ng, S H; Cheung, Y C

    2003-12-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the regenerative potential of hyaline cartilage in a neocartilage graft implant with the aid of MR cartilage imaging using a rabbit model. Surgical osteochondral defects were created in the femoral condyles of 30 mature New Zealand rabbits. The findings of neocartilage in autologous cartilage grafts packed into osteochondral defects were compared with control group of no implant to the osteochondral defect. The outcome of the implantations was correlated with histologic and MR cartilage imaging findings over a 3-month interval. Neocartilage grafts packed into osteochondral defects showed regeneration of hyaline cartilage at the outer layer of the implant using MR cartilage imaging. Fibrosis of fibrocartilage developed at the outer layer of the autologous cartilage graft together with an inflammatory reaction within the osteochondral defect. This animal study provides evidence of the regenerative ability of hyaline cartilage in neocartilage transplants to repair articular cartilage.

  3. Bounding the Failure Probability Range of Polynomial Systems Subject to P-box Uncertainties

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crespo, Luis G.; Kenny, Sean P.; Giesy, Daniel P.

    2012-01-01

    This paper proposes a reliability analysis framework for systems subject to multiple design requirements that depend polynomially on the uncertainty. Uncertainty is prescribed by probability boxes, also known as p-boxes, whose distribution functions have free or fixed functional forms. An approach based on the Bernstein expansion of polynomials and optimization is proposed. In particular, we search for the elements of a multi-dimensional p-box that minimize (i.e., the best-case) and maximize (i.e., the worst-case) the probability of inner and outer bounding sets of the failure domain. This technique yields intervals that bound the range of failure probabilities. The offset between this bounding interval and the actual failure probability range can be made arbitrarily tight with additional computational effort.

  4. Details and acceptability of a nutrition intervention programme designed to improve the contents of children's packed lunches.

    PubMed

    Cleghorn, Christine L; Evans, Charlotte El; Kitchen, Meaghan S; Cade, Janet E

    2010-08-01

    To describe the 'Smart Lunch Box' intervention and provide details on feedback from the participants on the acceptability and usability of the intervention materials. A cluster randomised controlled trial, randomised by school. English schools were stratified on percentage free-school-meals eligibility and attainment at Key Stage 2. A 'Smart Lunch Box' with supporting materials and activities on healthy eating was delivered to parents and children via schools in the intervention group. Feedback forms containing information on a total of fifteen intervention items were filled out by the parents and/or children participating in the intervention and were collected after each of the three phases of the intervention. Eighty-nine primary schools in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, randomly selected; forty-four schools in the intervention arm. A total of 1294 children, aged 9-10 years, took part in the trial. Of the 604 children in the intervention arm, 343 provided feedback after at least one of the three phases. A median of twelve items out of a total of fifteen were used by responders. The two intervention items most likely to be used were the individual food boxes and the cooler bags. Whether a participant liked an item significantly affected whether they used it for all items except the cooler bag, fruity face and individual food boxes. Practical intervention items aimed at parents are likely to be used in the longer term and therefore may be appropriate for use in an intervention strategy to improve packed lunches.

  5. Long stroke jar bumper sub with safety sleeve

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

    Downen, J.L.; Sutliff, W.N.

    1981-04-14

    A hydraulic jar apparatus to be disposed in a drilling string embodying inner and outer telescopically arranged elements. Overlapping portions of the elements provide an annual chamber confining an operating liquid by an annular seal fixed to the outer element at the lower end of the chamber and an annular polly pack seal fixed to the outer element at the upper end of the chamber. A piston is extended radially from the inner element into the chamber and the chamber is divided by a cylinder on the outer element into low and high pressure sections. Impact shoulders are provided onmore » the elements in axially opposed relation to produce a jarring blow and the elements are telescopically coupled by a hexagonal spline sub assembly.« less

  6. 31 CFR 100.8 - Packaging of mutilated currency.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... disturb the fragments more than is absolutely necessary. (b) If the currency is brittle or inclined to fall apart, pack it carefully in cotton and box it as found, without disturbing the fragments, if... therein, if possible, in order to prevent further deterioration of the fragments or from their being lost...

  7. HWSTD High Water Speed Technology Demonstrator - Power Pack - Conceptual Design Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-04-22

    splitter box with mounting equipment to be developed and built in collaboration with the German firm, "Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen " (ZF). This...collaboration with the German firm,"Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen " (ZF). This is a proposed option with regard to saving interface problems and additional

  8. HOT CELL BUILDING, TRA632. WHILE STEEL BEAMS DEFINE FUTURE WALLS ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    HOT CELL BUILDING, TRA-632. WHILE STEEL BEAMS DEFINE FUTURE WALLS OF THE BUILDING, SHEET STEEL DEFINES THE HOT CELL "BOX" ITSELF. THREE OPERATING WINDOWS ON LEFT; ONE VIEWING WINDOW ON RIGHT. TUBES WILL CONTAIN SERVICE AND CONTROL LEADS. SPACE BETWEEN INNER AND OUTER BOX WALLS WILL BE FILLED WITH SHIELDED WINDOWS AND BARETES CONCRETE. CAMERA FACES SOUTHEAST. INL NEGATIVE NO. 7933. Unknown Photographer, ca. 5/1953 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Test Reactor Area, Materials & Engineering Test Reactors, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  9. Determination of Acoustic Effects on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles for the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-08-23

    requirements, which are linked to real- world events. An unclassified version of the sources modeled within each source class category is provided...impulsive and non-impulsive sources, with the exception of the overpopulation factor, where the different methodologies for these two source types are... overpopulation factor is determined for the animals within both an inner box associated with the track boundary for the activity and an outer box associated

  10. Determination of Acoustic Effects on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles for the Gulf of Alaska Training Activities Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-12-01

    are linked to real- world events. An unclassified version of the sources modeled within each source class category is provided in the appendix...non-impulsive sources, with the exception of the 41 overpopulation factor, where the different methodologies for these two source types are... overpopulation factor is determined for the animals within both an inner box associated with the track boundary for the activity and an outer box associated

  11. Effect of particle size distribution on 3D packings of spherical particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taiebat, Mahdi; Mutabaruka, Patrick; Pellenq, Roland; Radjai, Farhang

    2017-06-01

    We use molecular dynamics simulations of frictionless spherical particles to investigate a class of polydisperse granular materials in which the particle size distribution is uniform in particle volumes. The particles are assembled in a box by uniaxial compaction under the action of a constant stress. Due to the absence of friction and the nature of size distribution, the generated packings have the highest packing fraction at a given size span, defined as the ratio α of the largest size to the smallest size. We find that, up to α = 5, the packing fraction is a nearly linear function of α. While the coordination number is nearly constant due to the isostatic nature of the packings, we show that the connectivity of the particles evolves with α. In particular, the proportion of particles with 4 contacts represents the largest proportion of particles mostly of small size. We argue that this particular class of particles occurs as a result of the high stability of local configurations in which a small particle is stuck by four larger particles.

  12. Performance Oriented Packaging Testing of Wirebound Wood Box Containing Two M2A1 Ammunition Boxes for Packing Group II Hazardous Materials

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-01-01

    00-892-4302 FUZE M557 8861213 1.1B 0106 16 19.4 N335 1390-01-080-4171 FUZE M557 8861213 1.4B 0257 16 19.4 N340 1390-00-574-7705 FUZE M739 8861213...1.1D 0408 16 20.9 N340-1390-01-080-9447 FUZE M739 8861213 1.2D 0409 16 20.9 N340 1390-01-132-7481 FUZE M739A1 8861213 1.2D 0409 16 20.9 N402 1390-00-764

  13. Packing and self-assembly of truncated triangular bipyramids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haji-Akbari, Amir; Chen, Elizabeth R.; Engel, Michael; Glotzer, Sharon C.

    2013-07-01

    Motivated by breakthroughs in the synthesis of faceted nano- and colloidal particles, as well as theoretical and computational studies of their packings, we investigate a family of truncated triangular bipyramids. We report dense periodic packings with small unit cells that were obtained via numerical and analytical optimization. The maximal packing fraction ϕmax changes continuously with the truncation parameter t. Eight distinct packings are identified based on discontinuities in the first and second derivatives of ϕmax(t). These packings differ in the number of particles in the fundamental domain (unit cell) and the type of contacts between the particles. In particular, we report two packings with four particles in the unit cell for which both ϕmax(t) and ϕmax'(t) are continuous and the discontinuity occurs in the second derivative only. In the self-assembly simulations that we perform for larger boxes with 2048 particles, only one out of eight packings is found to assemble. In addition, the degenerate quasicrystal reported previously for triangular bipyramids without truncation [Haji-Akbari , Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.107.215702 107, 215702 (2011)] assembles for truncations as high as 0.45. The self-assembly propensities for the structures formed in the thermodynamic limit are explained using the isoperimetric quotient of the particles and the coordination number in the disordered fluid and in the assembled structure.

  14. The impact of cigarette pack shape, size and opening: evidence from tobacco company documents.

    PubMed

    Kotnowski, Kathy; Hammond, David

    2013-09-01

    To use tobacco industry documents on cigarette pack shape, size and openings to identify industry findings on associations with brand imagery, product attributes, consumer perceptions and behaviour. Internal tobacco industry research and marketing documents obtained through court disclosure contained in the Legacy Tobacco Documents Library were searched using keywords related to pack shapes, sizes and opening methods. The search identified 66 documents related to consumer research and marketing plans on pack shape, size and openings, drawn from 1973 to 2002. Industry research consistently found that packs that deviated from the traditional flip-top box projected impressions of 'modern', 'elegant' and 'unique' brand imagery. Alternative pack shape and openings were identified as an effective means to communicate product attributes, particularly with regard to premium quality and smooth taste. Consumer studies consistently found that pack shape, size and opening style influenced perceptions of reduced product harm, and were often used to communicate a 'lighter' product. Slim, rounded, oval and booklet packs were found to be particularly appealing among young adults, and several studies demonstrated increased purchase interest for tobacco products presented in novel packaging shape or opening. Evidence from consumer tracking reports and company presentations indicate that pack innovations in shape or opening method increased market share of brands. Consumer research by the tobacco industry between 1973 and 2002 found that variations in packaging shape, size and opening method could influence brand appeal and risk perceptions and increase cigarette sales. © 2013 Society for the Study of Addiction.

  15. 21 CFR 110.10 - Personnel.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... CONSUMPTION CURRENT GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE IN MANUFACTURING, PACKING, OR HOLDING HUMAN FOOD General... contamination of food. The methods for maintaining cleanliness include, but are not limited to: (1) Wearing outer garments suitable to the operation in a manner that protects against the contamination of food...

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

    Eicher, Barbara; Marquardt, Drew; Heberle, Frederick A.

    We measured the effect of intrinsic lipid curvature, J 0, on structural properties of asymmetric vesicles made of palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE; J 0 < 0) and palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC; J 0 ~ 0). Electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were used to determine vesicle size and morphology, and x-ray and neutron scattering, combined with calorimetric experiments and solution NMR, yielded insights into leaflet-specific lipid packing and melting processes. Below the lipid melting temperature we observed strong interleaflet coupling in asymmetric vesicles with POPE inner bilayer leaflets and outer leaflets enriched in POPC. This lipid arrangement manifested itself by lipids melting cooperatively inmore » both leaflets, and a rearrangement of lipid packing in both monolayers. On the other hand, no coupling was observed in vesicles with POPC inner bilayer leaflets and outer leaflets enriched in POPE. In this case, the leaflets melted independently and did not affect each other’s acyl chain packing. Furthermore, we found no evidence for transbilayer structural coupling above the melting temperature of either sample preparation. Our results are consistent with the energetically preferred location of POPE residing in the inner leaflet, where it also resides in natural membranes, most likely causing the coupling of both leaflets. The loss of this coupling in the fluid bilayers is most likely the result of entropic contributions.« less

  17. Evolving Waves and Turbulence in the Outer Corona and Inner Heliosphere: The Accelerating Expanding Box

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tenerani, Anna; Velli, Marco

    2017-07-01

    Alfvénic fluctuations in the solar wind display many properties reflecting an ongoing nonlinear cascade, e.g., a well-defined spectrum in frequency, together with some characteristics more commonly associated with the linear propagation of waves from the Sun, such as the variation of fluctuation amplitude with distance, dominated by solar wind expansion effects. Therefore, both nonlinearities and expansion must be included simultaneously in any successful model of solar wind turbulence evolution. Because of the disparate spatial scales involved, direct numerical simulations of turbulence in the solar wind represent an arduous task, especially if one wants to go beyond the incompressible approximation. Indeed, most simulations neglect solar wind expansion effects entirely. Here we develop a numerical model to simulate turbulent fluctuations from the outer corona to 1 au and beyond, including the sub-Alfvénic corona. The accelerating expanding box (AEB) extends the validity of previous expanding box models by taking into account both the acceleration of the solar wind and the inhomogeneity of background density and magnetic field. Our method incorporates a background accelerating wind within a magnetic field that naturally follows the Parker spiral evolution using a two-scale analysis in which the macroscopic spatial effect coupling fluctuations with background gradients becomes a time-dependent coupling term in a homogeneous box. In this paper we describe the AEB model in detail and discuss its main properties, illustrating its validity by studying Alfvén wave propagation across the Alfvén critical point.

  18. 29 CFR 776.20 - “Goods.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ..., bills of lading, checks, drafts, negotiable notes and other commercial paper. 26 “Goods” includes gold... or rented; 33 ice; 34 containers, as, for example, cigar boxes or wrapping paper and packing... of the four dissenting justices in 10 E. 40th St. Bldg. v. Callus, 325 U.S. at p. 586. Waste paper...

  19. 29 CFR 776.20 - “Goods.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ..., bills of lading, checks, drafts, negotiable notes and other commercial paper. 26 “Goods” includes gold... or rented; 33 ice; 34 containers, as, for example, cigar boxes or wrapping paper and packing... of the four dissenting justices in 10 E. 40th St. Bldg. v. Callus, 325 U.S. at p. 586. Waste paper...

  20. 29 CFR 776.20 - “Goods.”

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ..., bills of lading, checks, drafts, negotiable notes and other commercial paper. 26 “Goods” includes gold... or rented; 33 ice; 34 containers, as, for example, cigar boxes or wrapping paper and packing... of the four dissenting justices in 10 E. 40th St. Bldg. v. Callus, 325 U.S. at p. 586. Waste paper...

  1. 3. Photographic copy of photograph dated 1941; Gerald Young, Chicago, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    3. Photographic copy of photograph dated 1941; Gerald Young, Chicago, photographer; Original in Rath collection at Grout Museum, Waterloo, Iowa; Filed under: Rath Parking Company, Box 5; SKINNING CATTLE IN THE OLD BEEF HOUSE - Rath Packing Company, Cooler Building-1929 Beef House, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

  2. How changes in top water bother big turning packs of up-going wet air

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wood, K.

    2017-12-01

    Big turning packs of up-going wet air form near areas of warm water at the top of big bodies of water. After these turning packs form, they usually get stronger if the top water stays warm. If the top water becomes less warm, the turning packs usually get less strong. Other things can change how strong a turning pack gets, like how wet the air around it is and if that air moves faster higher up than lower down. When these turning packs hit land, their rain and winds can hurt people and the stuff they own, especially if the turning pack is really strong. But it's hard to know how much stronger or less strong it will become before it hits land. Warm top water gives a turning pack of up-going wet air a lot of power, but cool top water doesn't, so we need to know how warm the top water is. Because I can't go into every turning pack myself, flying computers in outer space tell me what the top water is doing. I look at the top water near turning packs that get strong and see how it's different from the top water near those that get less strong. Top water that changes from warm to cool in a small area bothers a turning pack of up-going wet air, which then gets less strong. If we see these top water changes ahead of time, that might help us know what a turning pack will do before it gets close to land.

  3. [Effects of packaging forms on the stability of vitamin B1 and vitamin C in TPN admixtures].

    PubMed

    Hashimoto, Daisuke; Iwahara, Ryosei; Sato, Hideki

    2010-12-01

    In order to reduce a microbial contamination and needle stick injuries that are associated with a mixing procedure in home parentera nutrition(HPN), nutrition(TPN)solution bags pre-mixed with trace elements may be provided in a form of outer packaging. On the other hand, a packaging form used to enclose the TPN bag after admixture may significantly affect the stability of vitamins. With a focus on possible decrease in vitamin B1 and C content, we investigated the effects of the packaging form. As a result, the TPN bag, which is packed in a light-resistant outer wrap of oxygen-barrier film with an oxygen absorbent under reduced pressure, suppressed a decrease in vitamin content most. However, the decrease in vitamin C content was observed when there was a long time-lag between a preparation and a packaging. We thought it was desirable to pack the TPN bag promptly after the preparation.

  4. Packaging interventions to increase medication adherence: systematic review and meta-analysis

    PubMed Central

    Conn, Vicki S.; Ruppar, Todd M.; Chan, Keith C.; Dunbar-Jacob, Jacqueline; Pepper, Ginette A.; De Geest, Sabina

    2015-01-01

    Objective Inadequate medication adherence is a widespread problem that contributes to increase chronic disease complications and health care expenditures. Packaging interventions using pill boxes and blister packs have been widely recommended to address the medication adherence issue. This meta-analysis review determined the overall effect of packaging interventions on medication adherence and health outcomes. In addition, we tested whether effects vary depending on intervention, sample, and design characteristics. Research design and methods Extensive literature search strategies included examination of 13 computerized databases and 19 research registries, hand searches of 57 journal, and author and ancestry searches. Eligible studies included either pill-boxes or blister packaging interventions to increase medication adherence. Primary study characteristics and outcomes were reliably coded. Random-effects analyses were used to calculate overall effect sizes and conduct moderator analyses. Results Data were synthesized across 22,858 subjects from 52 reports. The overall mean weighted standardized difference effect size for two-group comparisons was 0.593 (favoring treatment over control), which is consistent with the mean of 71% adherence for treatment subjects compared to 63% among control subjects. We found using moderator analyses that interventions were most effective when they used blister packs and were delivered in pharmacies, while interventions were less effective when studies included older subjects and those with cognitive impairment. Methodological moderator analyses revealed significantly larger effect sizes in studies reporting continuous data outcomes instead of dichotomous results and in studies using pharmacy refill medication adherence measures as compared to studies with self-report measures. Conclusions Overall, meta-analysis findings support the use of packaging interventions to effectively increase medication adherence. Limitations of the study include the exclusion of packaging interventions other than pill boxes and blister packs, evidence of publication bias, and primary study sparse reporting of health outcomes and potentially interesting moderating variables such as the number of prescribed medications. PMID:25333709

  5. Passive containment cooling water distribution device

    DOEpatents

    Conway, Lawrence E.; Fanto, Susan V.

    1994-01-01

    A passive containment cooling system for a nuclear reactor containment vessel. Disclosed is a cooling water distribution system for introducing cooling water by gravity uniformly over the outer surface of a steel containment vessel using a series of radial guide elements and cascading weir boxes to collect and then distribute the cooling water into a series of distribution areas through a plurality of cascading weirs. The cooling water is then uniformly distributed over the curved surface by a plurality of weir notches in the face plate of the weir box.

  6. 49 CFR 173.4a - Excepted quantities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... of withstanding without leakage the pressure differential specified in § 173.27(c) of this part. (b... ice), and lithium batteries and cells. (c) Inner packaging limits. The maximum quantity of hazardous..., rigid outer packaging. (5) Placement of the material in the package or packing different materials in...

  7. Dynamic Simulation of Random Packing of Polydispersive Fine Particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferraz, Carlos Handrey Araujo; Marques, Samuel Apolinário

    2018-02-01

    In this paper, we perform molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to study the two-dimensional packing process of both monosized and random size particles with radii ranging from 1.0 to 7.0 μm. The initial positions as well as the radii of five thousand fine particles were defined inside a rectangular box by using a random number generator. Both the translational and rotational movements of each particle were considered in the simulations. In order to deal with interacting fine particles, we take into account both the contact forces and the long-range dispersive forces. We account for normal and static/sliding tangential friction forces between particles and between particle and wall by means of a linear model approach, while the long-range dispersive forces are computed by using a Lennard-Jones-like potential. The packing processes were studied assuming different long-range interaction strengths. We carry out statistical calculations of the different quantities studied such as packing density, mean coordination number, kinetic energy, and radial distribution function as the system evolves over time. We find that the long-range dispersive forces can strongly influence the packing process dynamics as they might form large particle clusters, depending on the intensity of the long-range interaction strength.

  8. 7 CFR 916.350 - California Nectarine Container and Pack Regulation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... box of loose-filled nectarines shall bear on one outside end, in plain sight and in plain letters, the...: Provided, That nectarines in any such volume-filled container need only be filled to within one-inch of the top of the container. (2) Each package or container of nectarines shall bear, on one outside end in...

  9. 7 CFR 916.350 - California Nectarine Container and Pack Regulation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... box of loose-filled nectarines shall bear on one outside end, in plain sight and in plain letters, the...: Provided, That nectarines in any such volume-filled container need only be filled to within one-inch of the top of the container. (2) Each package or container of nectarines shall bear, on one outside end in...

  10. On solving three-dimensional open-dimension rectangular packing problems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Junqueira, Leonardo; Morabito, Reinaldo

    2017-05-01

    In this article, a recently proposed three-dimensional open-dimension rectangular packing problem is considered, in which the objective is to find a minimal volume rectangular container that packs a set of rectangular boxes. The literature has tackled small-sized instances of this problem by means of optimization solvers, position-free mixed-integer programming (MIP) formulations and piecewise linearization approaches. In this study, the problem is alternatively addressed by means of grid-based position MIP formulations, whereas still considering optimization solvers and the same piecewise linearization techniques. A comparison of the computational performance of both models is then presented, when tested with benchmark problem instances and with new instances, and it is shown that the grid-based position MIP formulation can be competitive, depending on the characteristics of the instances. The grid-based position MIP formulation is also embedded with real-world practical constraints, such as cargo stability, and results are additionally presented.

  11. Evolving Waves and Turbulence in the Outer Corona and Inner Heliosphere: The Accelerating Expanding Box

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

    Tenerani, Anna; Velli, Marco

    Alfvénic fluctuations in the solar wind display many properties reflecting an ongoing nonlinear cascade, e.g., a well-defined spectrum in frequency, together with some characteristics more commonly associated with the linear propagation of waves from the Sun, such as the variation of fluctuation amplitude with distance, dominated by solar wind expansion effects. Therefore, both nonlinearities and expansion must be included simultaneously in any successful model of solar wind turbulence evolution. Because of the disparate spatial scales involved, direct numerical simulations of turbulence in the solar wind represent an arduous task, especially if one wants to go beyond the incompressible approximation. Indeed,more » most simulations neglect solar wind expansion effects entirely. Here we develop a numerical model to simulate turbulent fluctuations from the outer corona to 1 au and beyond, including the sub-Alfvénic corona. The accelerating expanding box (AEB) extends the validity of previous expanding box models by taking into account both the acceleration of the solar wind and the inhomogeneity of background density and magnetic field. Our method incorporates a background accelerating wind within a magnetic field that naturally follows the Parker spiral evolution using a two-scale analysis in which the macroscopic spatial effect coupling fluctuations with background gradients becomes a time-dependent coupling term in a homogeneous box. In this paper we describe the AEB model in detail and discuss its main properties, illustrating its validity by studying Alfvén wave propagation across the Alfvén critical point.« less

  12. Intrinsic Curvature-Mediated Transbilayer Coupling in Asymmetric Lipid Vesicles

    DOE PAGES

    Eicher, Barbara; Marquardt, Drew; Heberle, Frederick A.; ...

    2018-01-09

    We measured the effect of intrinsic lipid curvature, J 0, on structural properties of asymmetric vesicles made of palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE; J 0 < 0) and palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC; J 0 ~ 0). Electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were used to determine vesicle size and morphology, and x-ray and neutron scattering, combined with calorimetric experiments and solution NMR, yielded insights into leaflet-specific lipid packing and melting processes. Below the lipid melting temperature we observed strong interleaflet coupling in asymmetric vesicles with POPE inner bilayer leaflets and outer leaflets enriched in POPC. This lipid arrangement manifested itself by lipids melting cooperatively inmore » both leaflets, and a rearrangement of lipid packing in both monolayers. On the other hand, no coupling was observed in vesicles with POPC inner bilayer leaflets and outer leaflets enriched in POPE. In this case, the leaflets melted independently and did not affect each other’s acyl chain packing. Furthermore, we found no evidence for transbilayer structural coupling above the melting temperature of either sample preparation. Our results are consistent with the energetically preferred location of POPE residing in the inner leaflet, where it also resides in natural membranes, most likely causing the coupling of both leaflets. The loss of this coupling in the fluid bilayers is most likely the result of entropic contributions.« less

  13. The Survival Motor Neuron Protein Forms Soluble Glycine Zipper Oligomers

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

    Martin, Renee; Gupta, Kushol; Ninan, Nisha S.

    2012-11-01

    The survival motor neuron (SMN) protein forms the oligomeric core of a multiprotein complex that functions in spliceosomal snRNP biogenesis. Loss of function mutations in the SMN gene cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. Nearly half of the known SMA patient missense mutations map to the SMN YG-box, a highly conserved oligomerization domain of unknown structure that contains a (YxxG)3 motif. Here, we report that the SMN YG-box forms helical oligomers similar to the glycine zippers found in transmembrane channel proteins. A network of tyrosine-glycine packing between helices drives formation of soluble YG-box oligomers,more » providing a structural basis for understanding SMN oligomerization and for relating defects in oligomerization to the mutations found in SMA patients. These results have important implications for advancing our understanding of SMN function and glycine zipper-mediated helix-helix interactions.« less

  14. Combined centrifugal force/gravity gas/liquid separator system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lema, Luis E.

    1993-04-01

    A gas/liquid separator system has an outer enclosing tank filled with a demisting packing material. The tank has a gas outlet port and a liquid outlet port located at its top and bottom, respectively. At least one cylindrical, centrifugal force gas/liquid separator is vertically aligned and centrally located within the tank and is surrounded by the packing material. The cylindrical separator receives a gas/liquid mixture, separates the mixture into respective substantially gas and substantially liquid components, and allows the substantially gas components to exit its gas escape port. It also allows the substantially liquid components to exit its liquid escape port. The packing material in the tank further separates the substantially gas and liquid components as they rise and fall, respectively, through the packing material. An inflow line introduces the mixture into the cylindrical separator. The inflow line is upwardly inclined in a direction of flow of the mixture at a point where the inflow line communicates with the cylindrical separator.

  15. Tapered plug foam spray apparatus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Allen, Peter B. (Inventor)

    1996-01-01

    A two-component foam spray gun is readily disassembled for cleaning. It includes a body (1) with reactant (12, 14) and purge gas (16) inlet ports. A moldable valve packing (32) inside the body has a tapered conical interior surface (142), and apertures which match the reactant ports. A valve/tip (40) has a conical outer surface (48) which mates with the valve packing (32). The valve/tip (40) is held in place by a moldable packing washer (34), held at non-constant pressure by a screw (36, 38). The interior of the valve/tip (40) houses a removable mixing chamber (50). The mixing chamber (50) has direct flow orifices (60) and an auxiliary flow path (58, 60) which ameliorate pressure surges. The spray gun can be disassembled for cleaning without disturbing the seal, by removing the valve/tip (40) to the rear, thereby breaking it free of the conical packing. Rotation of the valve/tip (40) relative to the body (1) shuts off the reactant flow, and starts the purge gas flow.

  16. 7 CFR 917.442 - California Peach Container and Pack Regulation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ...) Each No. 22E standard lug box of loose-filled peaches shall bear on one outside end, in plain sight and... peaches in any such volume-filled container need only be filled to within one-inch of the top of the container. (2) Each package or container of peaches shall bear, on one outside end in plain sight and in...

  17. 7 CFR 917.442 - California Peach Container and Pack Regulation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ...) Each No. 22E standard lug box of loose-filled peaches shall bear on one outside end, in plain sight and... peaches in any such volume-filled container need only be filled to within one-inch of the top of the container. (2) Each package or container of peaches shall bear, on one outside end in plain sight and in...

  18. Packing Boxes into Multiple Containers Using Genetic Algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Menghani, Deepak; Guha, Anirban

    2016-07-01

    Container loading problems have been studied extensively in the literature and various analytical, heuristic and metaheuristic methods have been proposed. This paper presents two different variants of a genetic algorithm framework for the three-dimensional container loading problem for optimally loading boxes into multiple containers with constraints. The algorithms are designed so that it is easy to incorporate various constraints found in real life problems. The algorithms are tested on data of standard test cases from literature and are found to compare well with the benchmark algorithms in terms of utilization of containers. This, along with the ability to easily incorporate a wide range of practical constraints, makes them attractive for implementation in real life scenarios.

  19. Hard sphere packings within cylinders.

    PubMed

    Fu, Lin; Steinhardt, William; Zhao, Hao; Socolar, Joshua E S; Charbonneau, Patrick

    2016-03-07

    Arrangements of identical hard spheres confined to a cylinder with hard walls have been used to model experimental systems, such as fullerenes in nanotubes and colloidal wire assembly. Finding the densest configurations, called close packings, of hard spheres of diameter σ in a cylinder of diameter D is a purely geometric problem that grows increasingly complex as D/σ increases, and little is thus known about the regime for D > 2.873σ. In this work, we extend the identification of close packings up to D = 4.00σ by adapting Torquato-Jiao's adaptive-shrinking-cell formulation and sequential-linear-programming (SLP) technique. We identify 17 new structures, almost all of them chiral. Beyond D ≈ 2.85σ, most of the structures consist of an outer shell and an inner core that compete for being close packed. In some cases, the shell adopts its own maximum density configuration, and the stacking of core spheres within it is quasiperiodic. In other cases, an interplay between the two components is observed, which may result in simple periodic structures. In yet other cases, the very distinction between the core and shell vanishes, resulting in more exotic packing geometries, including some that are three-dimensional extensions of structures obtained from packing hard disks in a circle.

  20. The lethal cargo of Myxococcus xanthus outer membrane vesicles.

    PubMed

    Berleman, James E; Allen, Simon; Danielewicz, Megan A; Remis, Jonathan P; Gorur, Amita; Cunha, Jack; Hadi, Masood Z; Zusman, David R; Northen, Trent R; Witkowska, H Ewa; Auer, Manfred

    2014-01-01

    Myxococcus xanthus is a bacterial micro-predator known for hunting other microbes in a wolf pack-like manner. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced in large quantities by M. xanthus and have a highly organized structure in the extracellular milieu, sometimes occurring in chains that link neighboring cells within a biofilm. OMVs may be a vehicle for mediating wolf pack activity by delivering hydrolytic enzymes and antibiotics aimed at killing prey microbes. Here, both the protein and small molecule cargo of the OMV and membrane fractions of M. xanthus were characterized and compared. Our analysis indicates a number of proteins that are OMV-specific or OMV-enriched, including several with putative hydrolytic function. Secondary metabolite profiling of OMVs identifies 16 molecules, many associated with antibiotic activities. Several hydrolytic enzyme homologs were identified, including the protein encoded by MXAN_3564 (mepA), an M36 protease homolog. Genetic disruption of mepA leads to a significant reduction in extracellular protease activity suggesting MepA is part of the long-predicted (yet to date undetermined) extracellular protease suite of M. xanthus.

  1. Histologic development of the human fovea from midgestation to maturity.

    PubMed

    Hendrickson, Anita; Possin, Daniel; Vajzovic, Lejla; Toth, Cynthia A

    2012-11-01

    To describe the histologic development of the human central retina from fetal week (Fwk) 22 to 13 years. Retrospective observational case series. Retinal layers and neuronal substructures were delineated on foveal sections of fixed tissue stained in azure II-methylene blue and on frozen sections immunolabeled for cone, rod, or glial proteins. Postmortem tissue was from 11 eyes at Fwk 20-27; 8 eyes at Fwk 28-37; 6 eyes at postnatal 1 day to 6 weeks; 3 eyes at 9 to 15 months; and 5 eyes at 28 months to 13 years. At Fwk 20-22 the fovea could be identified by the presence of a single layer of cones in the outer nuclear layer. Immunolabeling detected synaptic proteins, cone and rod opsins, and Müller glial processes separating the photoreceptors. The foveal pit appeared at Fwk 25, involving progressive peripheral displacement of ganglion cell, inner plexiform, and inner nuclear layers. The pit became wider and shallower after birth, and appeared mature by 15 months. Between Fwk 25 and Fwk 38, all photoreceptors developed more distinct inner and outer segments, but these were longer on peripheral than foveal cones. After birth the foveal outer nuclear layer became much thicker as cone packing occurred. Cone packing and neuronal migration during pit formation combined to form long central photoreceptor axons, which changed the outer plexiform layer from a thin sheet of synaptic pedicles into the thickest layer in the central retina by 15 months. Foveal inner and outer segment length matched peripheral cones by 15 months and was 4 times longer by 13 years. These data are necessary to understand the marked changes in human retina from late gestation to early adulthood. They provide qualitative and quantitative morphologic information required to interpret the changes in hyper- and hyporeflexive bands in pediatric spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images at the same ages. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. A Comparison of the Effects of Packaging Containing Nano ZnO or Polylysine on the Microbial Purity and Texture of Cod (Gadus morhua) Fillets

    PubMed Central

    Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja

    2018-01-01

    Portions of fresh Baltic cod fillets were packed into cellulose boxes (control samples), which were covered with Methyl Hydroxypropyl Celluloses (MHPC) coating with 2% polylysine. The cellulose boxes had square PE films and were enclosed in MHPC coating containing ZnO nanoparticles. The cod fillets were stored at 5 °C and examined after 72 h and 144 h storage times. Results obtained in this study showed that the textural parameters of the cod fillets increased, with both Springiness and Cohesiveness found greater after 144 h of storage for all analysed packaging materials. The Gumminess of fillets increased after storage, but the lowest increase was noted in cod samples that were stored in boxes containing PE films with ZnO nanoparticles. It was found that water loss from the cod fillets in these boxes was also lowest. The Adhesiveness of the fish samples stored in boxes devoid of active coatings also increased. In contrast to the packaging material devoid of active coatings, the storage of fillets in active coating boxes resulted in a decrease of adhesiveness. Microbial analysis showed that packaging material containing nano-ZnO was found to be more active against mesophilic and psychotropic bacterial cells than the coatings with polylysine after 72 h and 144 h of storage. PMID:29534544

  3. A Comparison of the Effects of Packaging Containing Nano ZnO or Polylysine on the Microbial Purity and Texture of Cod (Gadus morhua) Fillets.

    PubMed

    Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja

    2018-03-12

    Portions of fresh Baltic cod fillets were packed into cellulose boxes (control samples), which were covered with Methyl Hydroxypropyl Celluloses (MHPC) coating with 2% polylysine. The cellulose boxes had square PE films and were enclosed in MHPC coating containing ZnO nanoparticles. The cod fillets were stored at 5 °C and examined after 72 h and 144 h storage times. Results obtained in this study showed that the textural parameters of the cod fillets increased, with both Springiness and Cohesiveness found greater after 144 h of storage for all analysed packaging materials. The Gumminess of fillets increased after storage, but the lowest increase was noted in cod samples that were stored in boxes containing PE films with ZnO nanoparticles. It was found that water loss from the cod fillets in these boxes was also lowest. The Adhesiveness of the fish samples stored in boxes devoid of active coatings also increased. In contrast to the packaging material devoid of active coatings, the storage of fillets in active coating boxes resulted in a decrease of adhesiveness. Microbial analysis showed that packaging material containing nano-ZnO was found to be more active against mesophilic and psychotropic bacterial cells than the coatings with polylysine after 72 h and 144 h of storage.

  4. Spanish-cedar : Cedrela spp.

    Treesearch

    B. F. Kukachka

    1964-01-01

    From the earliest days of exploration and colonization in tropical America, Spanish-cedar has been one of the most important timber trees of the area. The wood became an article for the export trade during the 1800’s when the cigar industry demanded the use of Spanish-cedar for packing cigars. These fragrant boxes were commonplace before rising costs in the 1930’s...

  5. Developmental patterning of sub-epidermal cells in the outer integument of Arabidopsis seeds

    PubMed Central

    Fiume, Elisa; Coen, Olivier; Xu, Wenjia; Lepiniec, Loïc

    2017-01-01

    The seed, the reproductive unit of angiosperms, is generally protected by the seed coat. The seed coat is made of one or two integuments, each comprising two epidermal cells layers and, in some cases, extra sub-epidermal cell layers. The thickness of the seed-coat affects several aspects of seed biology such as dormancy, germination and mortality. In Arabidopsis, the inner integument displays one or two sub-epidermal cell layers that originate from periclinal cell divisions of the innermost epidermal cell layer. By contrast, the outer integument was considered to be two-cell layered. Here, we show that sub-epidermal chalazal cells grow in between the epidermal outer integument cell layers to create an incomplete three-cell layered outer integument. We found that the MADS box transcription factor TRANSPARENT TESTA 16 represses growth of the chalaza and formation of sub-epidermal outer integument cells. Finally, we demonstrate that sub-epidermal cells of the outer and inner integument respond differently to the repressive mechanism mediated by FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT SEED Polycomb group proteins and to fertilization signals. Our data suggest that integument cell origin rather than sub-epidermal cell position underlies different responses to fertilization. PMID:29141031

  6. Light absorption and plasmon – exciton interaction in three-layer nanorods with a gold core and outer shell composed of molecular J- and H-aggregates of dyes

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

    Shapiro, B I; Tyshkunova, E S; Kondorskiy, A D

    2015-12-31

    Optical properties of hybrid rod-like nanoparticles, consisting of a gold core, an intermediate passive organic layer (spacer) and outer layer of ordered molecular cyanine dye aggregates, are experimentally and theoretically investigated. It is shown that these dyes can form not only ordered J-aggregates but also H-aggregates (differing by the packing angle of dye molecules in an aggregate and having other spectral characteristics) in the outer shell of the hybrid nanostructure. Absorption spectra of synthesised three-layer nanorods are recorded, and their sizes are determined. The optical properties of the composite nanostructures under study are found to differ significantly, depending on themore » type of the molecular aggregate formed in the outer shell. The experimental data are quantitatively explained based on computer simulation using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, and characteristic features of the plasmon – exciton interaction in the systems under study are revealed. (nanophotonics)« less

  7. Further theoretical studies of modified cyclone separator as a diesel soot particulate emission arrester.

    PubMed

    Mukhopadhyay, N; Bose, P K

    2009-10-01

    Soot particulate emission reduction from diesel engine is one of the most emerging problems associated with the exhaust pollution. Diesel particulate filters (DPF) hold out the prospects of substantially reducing regulated particulate emissions but the question of the reliable regeneration of filters still remains a difficult hurdle to overcome. Many of the solutions proposed to date suffer from design complexity, cost, regeneration problem and energy demands. This study presents a computer aided theoretical analysis for controlling diesel soot particulate emission by cyclone separator--a non contact type particulate removal system considering outer vortex flow, inner vortex flow and packed ceramic fiber filter at the end of vortex finder tube. Cyclone separator with low initial cost, simple construction produces low back pressure and reasonably high collection efficiencies with reduced regeneration problems. Cyclone separator is modified by placing a continuous ceramic packed fiber filter placed at the end of the vortex finder tube. In this work, the grade efficiency model of diesel soot particulate emission is proposed considering outer vortex, inner vortex and the continuous ceramic packed fiber filter. Pressure drop model is also proposed considering the effect of the ceramic fiber filter. Proposed model gives reasonably good collection efficiency with permissible pressure drop limit of diesel engine operation. Theoretical approach is predicted for calculating the cut size diameter considering the effect of Cunningham molecular slip correction factor. The result shows good agreements with existing cyclone and DPF flow characteristics.

  8. High-temperature, flexible, thermal barrier seal

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sirocky, Paul J. (Inventor); Steinetz, Bruce M. (Inventor)

    1991-01-01

    This device seals the sliding interfaces between structural panels that are roughly perpendicular to each other or whose edges are butted against one another. The nonuniformity of the gap between the panels requires significant flexibility along the seal length. The seal is mounted in a rectangular groove in a movable structural panel. A plurality of particles or balls is densely packed in an outer sheathing. The balls are laterally preloaded to maintain sealing contact with the adjacent wall using a pressurized linear bellows. Distortions in the adjacent panel are accommodated by rearrangement of the particles within the outer sheathing. Leakage through the seal is minimized by densely compacting the internal particles and by maintaining positive preload along the back side of the seal. The braid architecture of the outer sheathing is selected to minimize leakage through the seal and to resist mechanical abrasion.

  9. Density profiles of granular gases studied by molecular dynamics and Brownian bridges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peñuñuri, F.; Montoya, J. A.; Carvente, O.

    2018-02-01

    Despite the inherent frictional forces and dissipative collisions, confined granular matter can be regarded as a system in a stationary state if we inject energy continuously. Under these conditions, both the density and the granular temperature are, in general, non-monotonic variables along the height of the container. In consequence, an analytical description of a granular system is hard to conceive. Here, by using molecular dynamics simulations, we measure the packing fraction profiles for a vertically vibrating three-dimensional granular system in several gaseous-like stationary states. We show that by using the Brownian bridge concept, the determined packing fraction profiles can be reproduced accurately and give a complete description of the distribution of the particles inside the simulation box.

  10. Open-Section Composite Structural Elements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Loftin, T. A.; Smith, C. A.; Raheb, S. J.; Nowitzky, A. M.

    1991-01-01

    Report describes investigation of manufacture and mechanical properties of graphite-fiber/aluminum-matrix open-section structural elements; e.g., channels and angle bars. Conducted with view toward using such elements to build lightweight, thermally stable truss structures in outer space. Other applications transport to, and assembly at, remote or otherwise uninviting locations. Advantages include shapes permitting high packing density during shipment, convenient paths for routing tubes, hoses, and cables; accessibility of both inner and outer surfaces for repair; and ease of attachment of additional hardware. Easier and require less equipment to fabricate, and more amenable to automated fabrication and assembly at remote site. Disadvantages, not as resistant to some kinds of deformation under load.

  11. Continuous production of lipase-catalyzed biodiesel in a packed-bed reactor: optimization and enzyme reuse study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hsiao-Ching; Ju, Hen-Yi; Wu, Tsung-Ta; Liu, Yung-Chuan; Lee, Chih-Chen; Chang, Cheng; Chung, Yi-Lin; Shieh, Chwen-Jen

    2011-01-01

    An optimal continuous production of biodiesel by methanolysis of soybean oil in a packed-bed reactor was developed using immobilized lipase (Novozym 435) as a catalyst in a tert-butanol solvent system. Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design were employed to evaluate the effects of reaction temperature, flow rate, and substrate molar ratio on the molar conversion of biodiesel. The results showed that flow rate and temperature have significant effects on the percentage of molar conversion. On the basis of ridge max analysis, the optimum conditions were as follows: flow rate 0.1 mL/min, temperature 52.1°C, and substrate molar ratio 1 : 4. The predicted and experimental values of molar conversion were 83.31 ± 2.07% and 82.81 ± .98%, respectively. Furthermore, the continuous process over 30 days showed no appreciable decrease in the molar conversion. The paper demonstrates the applicability of using immobilized lipase and a packed-bed reactor for continuous biodiesel synthesis.

  12. Numerical simulation on the powder propellant pickup characteristics of feeding system at high pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Haijun; Hu, Chunbo; Zhu, Xiaofei

    2017-10-01

    A numerical study of powder propellant pickup progress at high pressure was presented in this paper by using two-fluid model with kinetic theory of granular flow in the computational fluid dynamics software package ANSYS/Fluent. Simulations were conducted to evaluate the effects of initial pressure, initial powder packing rate and mean particle diameter on the flow characteristics in terms of velocity vector distribution, granular temperature, pressure drop, particle velocity and volume. The numerical results of pressure drop were also compared with experiments to verify the TFM model. The simulated results show that the pressure drop value increases as the initial pressure increases, and the granular temperature under the conditions of different initial pressures and packing rates is almost the same in the area of throttling orifice plate. While there is an appropriate value for particle size and packing rate to form a ;core-annulus; structure in powder box, and the time-averaged velocity vector distribution of solid phase is inordinate.

  13. Designed β-Boomerang Antiendotoxic and Antimicrobial Peptides

    PubMed Central

    Bhunia, Anirban; Mohanram, Harini; Domadia, Prerna N.; Torres, Jaume; Bhattacharjya, Surajit

    2009-01-01

    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an integral part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is involved in a variety of biological processes including inflammation, septic shock, and resistance to host-defense molecules. LPS also provides an environment for folding of outer membrane proteins. In this work, we describe the structure-activity correlation of a series of 12-residue peptides in LPS. NMR structures of the peptides derived in complex with LPS reveal boomerang-like β-strand conformations that are stabilized by intimate packing between the two aromatic residues located at the 4 and 9 positions. This structural feature renders these peptides with a high ability to neutralize endotoxicity, >80% at 10 nm concentration, of LPS. Replacements of these aromatic residues either with Ala or with Leu destabilizes the boomerang structure with the concomitant loss of antiendotoxic and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the aromatic packing stabilizing the β-boomerang structure in LPS is found to be maintained even in a truncated octapeptide, defining a structured LPS binding motif. The mode of action of the active designed peptides correlates well with their ability to perturb LPS micelle structures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies of the peptides delineate β-type conformations and immobilization of phosphate head groups of LPS. Trp fluorescence studies demonstrated selective interactions with LPS and the depth of insertion into the LPS bilayer. Our results demonstrate the requirement of LPS-specific structures of peptides for endotoxin neutralizations. In addition, we propose that structures of these peptides may be employed to design proteins for the outer membrane. PMID:19520860

  14. Characterization of the organic ligand shell of semiconductor quantum dots by fluorescence quenching experiments.

    PubMed

    Boldt, Klaus; Jander, Sebastian; Hoppe, Kathrin; Weller, Horst

    2011-10-25

    We present the characterization of the organic ligand shell of CdSe/Cd(x)Zn(1-x)S/ZnS nanoparticles by means of fluorescence quenching experiments. Both electron scavengers and acceptors for resonance energy transfer were employed as probes. Different quenching behavior for short and long chain thiol ligands in water was found. It could be shown that poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-capping of the particles comprises a densely packed inner shell and a loosely packed outer shell in which ions and small molecules diffuse unhindered. A quantitative uptake of quencher molecules into the PEO shell was observed, through which the particle volume including the ligand sphere could be determined.

  15. Saturn Apollo Program

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1964-09-01

    This image depicts a high angle view of technicians working on the instrument unit (IU) component assembly for the SA-8 mission in Marshall Space Flight Center's building 4705. A thin, circular structure, only 1-meter high and 7.6 meters in diameter, the IU was sandwiched between the S-IV and Apollo spacecraft. Packed inside were the computers, gyroscopes, and assorted black boxes necessary to keep the launch vehicle properly functioning and on its course.

  16. Demonstration of geophysical methods for burial ground geophysical characterization study at the DOE Savannah River site

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

    Hasbrouck, J.C.; MacLean, H.D.; Geotech, R.

    1996-11-01

    Rust Geotech, operating contractor at the U.S. Department of Energy Grand Junction Projects Office (DOE-GJPO), conducted a demonstration of the trench boundary and large-object location capabilities of five nonintrusive geophysical methods in the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility (LLRWDF) at the DOE Savannah River Site (SRS). The plan for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) closure of the SRS LLRWDF specifies inplace compaction of {open_quotes}B-25{close_quotes} metal boxes containing low-level radioactive wastes. The boxes are buried in Engineered Low-Level Trenches (ELLTs) at the facility. To properly guide and control the compaction operation, the coordinates of the trench boundaries must be determinedmore » to an accuracy within 5 feet and the outer edges of the metal boxes in the trenches must be determined to within 2 feet.« less

  17. Using spiral chain models for study of nanoscroll structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Savin, Alexander V.; Sakovich, Ruslan A.; Mazo, Mikhail A.

    2018-04-01

    Molecular nanoribbons with different chemical structures can form scrolled packings possessing outstanding properties and application perspectives due to their morphology. Here, we propose a simplified two-dimensional model of the molecular chain that allows us to describe the molecular nanoribbon's scrolled packings of various structures as a spiral packaging chain. The model allows us to obtain the possible stationary states of single-layer nanoribbon scrolls of graphene, graphane, fluorographene, fluorographane (graphene hydrogenated on one side and fluorinated on the other side), graphone C4H (graphene partially hydrogenated on one side), and fluorographone C4F . The obtained states and the states of the scrolls found through all-atomic models coincide with good accuracy. We show the stability of scrolled packings and calculate the dependence of energy, the number of coils, and the inner and outer radius of the scrolled packing on the nanoribbon length. It is shown that a scrolled packing is the most energetically favorable conformation for nanoribbons of graphene, graphane, fluorographene, and fluorographane at large lengths. A double-scrolled packing when the nanoribbon is symmetrically rolled into a scroll from opposite ends is more advantageous for longer length nanoribbons of graphone and fluorographone. We show the possibility of the existence of scrolled packings for nanoribbons of fluorographene and the existence of two different types of scrolls for nanoribbons of fluorographane, which correspond to the left and right Archimedean spirals of the chain model. The simplicity of the proposed model allows us to consider the dynamics of molecular nanoribbon scrolls of sufficiently large lengths and at sufficiently large time intervals.

  18. Swipe transfer assembly

    DOEpatents

    Christiansen, Robert M.; Mills, William C.

    1992-01-01

    The swipe transfer assembly is a mechanical assembly which is used in conjunction with glove boxes and other sealed containments. It is used to pass small samples into or out of glove boxes without an open breach of the containment, and includes a rotational cylinder inside a fixed cylinder, the inside cylinder being rotatable through an arc of approximately 240.degree. relative to the outer cylinder. An offset of 120.degree. from end to end allows only one port to be opened at a time. The assembly is made of stainless steel or aluminum and clear acrylic plastic to enable visual observation. The assembly allows transfer of swipes and smears from radiological and other specially controlled environments.

  19. Research and Development of an Advanced Personal Load Carriage System Phases 2 and 3. Section C: Analysis of Seven Pack-Based Systems Using Human FAST Trials

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-10-30

    3.0 2.9 3.8 Physical comfort 4.1 4.5 2.4 2.4 3.1 Thermal comfort 4.8 5.0 3.0 3.2 4.0 Scores greater than 5 (box) were considered superior. Scores...2.4 3.2 Thermal comfort 3.0 3.4 3.2 2.3 Scores greater than 5 (box) were considered superior. Scores 3.5 or less (grey) were considered inferior...1.2 0.4 0.8 -0.3 Mobility -0.4 -1.7 -0.1 0.8 0.4 Physical comfort -0.5 -1.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 Thermal comfort -1.7 -2.5 -0.2 -0.1 -1.4 Differences

  20. 49 CFR 173.182 - Barium azide-50 percent or more water wet.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Barium azide-50 percent or more water wet. 173.182... Class 1 and Class 7 § 173.182 Barium azide—50 percent or more water wet. Barium azide—50 percent or more water wet, must be packed in wooden boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D, or 4F) or fiber drums (1G) with inner glass...

  1. 49 CFR 173.182 - Barium azide-50 percent or more water wet.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Barium azide-50 percent or more water wet. 173.182... Class 1 and Class 7 § 173.182 Barium azide—50 percent or more water wet. Barium azide—50 percent or more water wet, must be packed in wooden boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D, or 4F) or fiber drums (1G) with inner glass...

  2. Cyber Event Artifact Investigation Training in a Virtual Environment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-12-01

    Rolling Box) and several Windows versions with few patches, often having only the 1st Service Pack. We selected a WinOS VM for our Training and...or services are currently in use by that account. In the Training Lab, the suspicious (i.e., attacker created) account is viewable from the login...ARTIFACT INVESTIGATION TRAINING IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT by Simone M. Mims Tye R. Wylkynsone December 2017 Thesis Advisor: J.D. Fulp Second

  3. 2. Photographic copy of photograph dated 1941; Gerald Young, Chicago, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    2. Photographic copy of photograph dated 1941; Gerald Young, Chicago, photographer; Original in Rath collection at Grout Museum, Waterloo, Iowa; Filed under: Rath Parking Company, Box 5; REMOVING HIDES ON THE FLOOR IN OLD BEEF HOUSE; SHARPENED PRITCH STICKS SET INTO DEEP GROOVES ON THE FLOOR PLATES HELD CARCASSES IN POSITION FOR SKINNING - Rath Packing Company, Cooler Building-1929 Beef House, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

  4. Analysis of Acoustic Depth Sounder Signals with Artificial Neural Networks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-04-01

    battery pack, processor, and mode switches and (2) a stainless steel shaft 1 meter long and 27 millimeters in diameter, containing 8 milliCurie of...returned signal which is not used in conventional depth sounders due to lack of real-time tools for interpreting the 36 information. The shape and...develop some software tools for conducting the research. Commercial programs for neural network implementation were available, but were "black box" in

  5. PROTON HEATING BY PICK-UP ION DRIVEN CYCLOTRON WAVES IN THE OUTER HELIOSPHERE: HYBRID EXPANDING BOX SIMULATIONS

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

    Hellinger, Petr; Trávníček, Pavel M., E-mail: petr.hellinger@asu.cas.cz

    Using a one-dimensional hybrid expanding box model, we investigate properties of the solar wind in the outer heliosphere. We assume a proton–electron plasma with a strictly transverse ambient magnetic field and, aside from the expansion, we take into account the influence of a continuous injection of cold pick-up protons through the charge-exchange process between the solar wind protons and hydrogen of interstellar origin. The injected cold pick-up protons form a ring distribution function, which rapidly becomes unstable, and generate Alfvén cyclotron waves. The Alfvén cyclotron waves scatter pick-up protons to a spherical shell distribution function that thickens over that timemore » owing to the expansion-driven cooling. The Alfvén cyclotron waves heat solar wind protons in the perpendicular direction (with respect to the ambient magnetic field) through cyclotron resonance. At later times, the Alfvén cyclotron waves become parametrically unstable and the generated ion-acoustic waves heat protons in the parallel direction through Landau resonance. The resulting heating of the solar wind protons is efficient on the expansion timescale.« less

  6. A detailed look at the cytoskeletal architecture of the Giardia lamblia ventral disc.

    PubMed

    Brown, Joanna R; Schwartz, Cindi L; Heumann, John M; Dawson, Scott C; Hoenger, Andreas

    2016-04-01

    Giardia lamblia is a protistan parasite that infects and colonizes the small intestine of mammals. It is widespread and particularly endemic in the developing world. Here we present a detailed structural study by 3-D negative staining and cryo-electron tomography of a unique Giardia organelle, the ventral disc. The disc is composed of a regular array of microtubules and associated sheets, called microribbons that form a large spiral, held together by a myriad of mostly unknown associated proteins. In a previous study we analyzed by cryo-electron tomography the central microtubule portion (here called disc body) of the ventral disc and found a large portion of microtubule associated inner (MIPs) and outer proteins (MAPs) that render these microtubules hyper-stable. With this follow-up study we expanded our 3-D analysis to different parts of the disc such as the ventral and dorsal areas of the overlap zone, as well as the outer disc margin. There are intrinsic location-specific characteristics in the composition of microtubule-associated proteins between these regions, as well as large differences between the overall architecture of microtubules and microribbons. The lateral packing of microtubule-microribbon complexes varies substantially, and closer packing often comes with contracted lateral tethers that seem to hold the disc together. It appears that the marginal microtubule-microribbon complexes function as outer, laterally contractible lids that may help the cell to clamp onto the intestinal microvilli. Furthermore, we analyzed length, quantity, curvature and distribution between different zones of the disc, which we found to differ from previous publications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Designed beta-boomerang antiendotoxic and antimicrobial peptides: structures and activities in lipopolysaccharide.

    PubMed

    Bhunia, Anirban; Mohanram, Harini; Domadia, Prerna N; Torres, Jaume; Bhattacharjya, Surajit

    2009-08-14

    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an integral part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is involved in a variety of biological processes including inflammation, septic shock, and resistance to host-defense molecules. LPS also provides an environment for folding of outer membrane proteins. In this work, we describe the structure-activity correlation of a series of 12-residue peptides in LPS. NMR structures of the peptides derived in complex with LPS reveal boomerang-like beta-strand conformations that are stabilized by intimate packing between the two aromatic residues located at the 4 and 9 positions. This structural feature renders these peptides with a high ability to neutralize endotoxicity, >80% at 10 nM concentration, of LPS. Replacements of these aromatic residues either with Ala or with Leu destabilizes the boomerang structure with the concomitant loss of antiendotoxic and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the aromatic packing stabilizing the beta-boomerang structure in LPS is found to be maintained even in a truncated octapeptide, defining a structured LPS binding motif. The mode of action of the active designed peptides correlates well with their ability to perturb LPS micelle structures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies of the peptides delineate beta-type conformations and immobilization of phosphate head groups of LPS. Trp fluorescence studies demonstrated selective interactions with LPS and the depth of insertion into the LPS bilayer. Our results demonstrate the requirement of LPS-specific structures of peptides for endotoxin neutralizations. In addition, we propose that structures of these peptides may be employed to design proteins for the outer membrane.

  8. Dynamic shear jamming in granular suspensions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peters, Ivo; Majumdar, Sayantan; Jaeger, Heinrich

    2014-11-01

    Jamming by shear allows a frictional granular packing to transition from an unjammed state into a jammed state while keeping the system volume and average packing fraction constant. Shear jamming of dry granular media can occur quasi-statically, but boundaries are crucial to confine the material. We perform experiments in aqueous starch suspension where we apply shear using a rheometer with a large volume (400 ml) cylindrical Couette cell. In our suspensions the packing fraction is sufficiently low that quasi-static deformation does not induce a shear jammed state. Applying a shock-like deformation however, will turn the suspension into a jammed solid. A fully jammed state is reached within tens of microseconds, and can be sustained for at least several seconds. High speed imaging of the initial process reveals a jamming front propagating radially outward through the suspension, while the suspension near the outer boundary remains quiescent. This indicates that granular suspensions can be shear jammed without the need of confining solid boundaries. Instead, confinement is most likely provided by the dynamics in the front region.

  9. Self-assembly of (perfluoroalkyl)alkanes on a substrate surface from solutions in supercritical carbon dioxide.

    PubMed

    Gallyamov, Marat O; Mourran, Ahmed; Tartsch, Bernd; Vinokur, Rostislav A; Nikitin, Lev N; Khokhlov, Alexei R; Schaumburg, Kjeld; Möller, Martin

    2006-06-14

    Toroidal self-assembled structures of perfluorododecylnonadecane and perfluorotetradecyloctadecane have been deposited on mica and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surfaces by exposure of the substrates to solutions of the (pefluoroalkyl)alkanes in supercritical carbon dioxide. Scanning force microscopy (SFM) images have displayed a high degree of regularity of these self-assembled nanoobjects regarding size, shape, and packing in a monolayer. Analysis of SFM images allowed us to estimate that each toroidal domain has an outer diameter of about 50 nm and consists of several thousands of molecules. We propose a simple model explaining the clustering of the molecules to objects with a finite size. The model based on the close-packing principles predicts formation of toroids, whose size is determined by the molecular geometry. Here, we consider the amphiphilic nature of the (perfluoroalkyl)alkane molecules in combination with incommensurable packing parameters of the alkyl- and the perfluoralkyl-segments to be a key factor for such a self-assembly.

  10. Packaging of pharmaceuticals: still too many dangers but several encouraging initiatives.

    PubMed

    2007-06-01

    (1) In 2006 in France, several drugs sold in poorly designed packaging exposed patients to a risk of serious adverse effects. (2) In 2006, Prescrire used a standardised methodology to examine the packaging of all new pharmaceutical products (656 different boxes) assessed in the New Products section of our French edition, la revue Prescrire. About 75% of these boxes contained tablets or capsules, mostly in blister packs. (3) Poor labelling remains a major problem. The international nonproprietary names (INN) is hard to spot on most boxes of patented brand-name drugs and is often overshadowed by the brand name. The primary packaging of many products does not even include the INN. (4) Two particularly ambiguous types of labelling are becoming more common on blister packs: pre-cut multiple-unit blister packs on which the labelling is truncated when a unit blister is removed; and blister packs on which the labelling spans two blisters, creating a risk of overdose. (5) The use of colours is frequently inappropriate. In particular, irrelevant information is often highlighted unnecessarily, while other, important information is barely visible. (6) Too many devices for oral administration create a risk of misuse. Very few are graduated in units of weight. Most are graduated in millilitres, obliging caregivers to use conversion charts and thus creating a risk of dosing errors. Devices graduated in kg bodyweight can also lead to dosing errors. (7) The labelling of some injectable drugs is barely legible. The various models of plastic ampoules, that are gradually replacing glass ampoules, can represent a danger because they resemble other plastic ampoules containing products administered by different routes. Packaging that does not provide a syringe or needle can cause problems for caregivers and represents another potential source of error. (8) Many of the patient information leaflets examined in 2006 had the same flaws as previously observed, i.e. uneven information quality, discrepancies between different sections, and out-of-date information. More and more French leaflets now include insets offering "Health Advice". There are better and worse examples, but there is no guarantee that they have been properly reviewed by the regulatory agency. (9) Increasingly drug boxes include pictograms, even though several studies have shown they are often difficult to interpret. And most boxes of generics also now include standard dosing schedules that are not always appropriate and may create a risk of dosing errors with potentially serious consequences. (10) 67 multidose bottles examined in 2006 had no childproof safety cap. Some contained psychotropics, which can have life-threatening effects if accidentally consumed in large amounts. (11) Some manufacturers have adopted realistic solutions to these problems. In particular, generics manufacturers again improved product labelling in 2006 (emphasis on the INN), appropriate use of colours for dose differentiation, and, encouragingly, far more Braille labels. (12) In 2006, the French regulatory agency introduced several measures aimed at improving the labelling of ampoules containing some injectable drugs. The impact of these measures was visible on several products marketed in 2006, including plastic vials of solutions for nebulization. (13) Several other examples of well-designed packaging were seen: safety devices on prefilled syringes; a childproof safety device; a tamperproof ring; unit-dose blister packs; clearly written patient leaflets; and the use of clear and appropriate symbols and pictograms. (14) In practice, in view of the large number of incidents recorded in 2006, and the plethora of packaging designs, caregivers should take time to analyse and discuss drug packaging. In this way, they will be in a position to distinguish between good and bad drug packaging, and to anticipate the risks associated with poorly designed packaging. (15) There are many ways in which drug regulatory authorities can help to ensure that drugs are sold in safe packaging. The French regulatory agency's work on the labelling of injectable drugs is an encouraging step. European Directive 2004/27/EC on medicines for human use provides for improvements in labelling (e.g. Braille) and patient information leaflets. Transposition of these measures into French law should lead to a number of improvements, provided the relevant regulations and guidelines place patients' interests first.

  11. Demonstration of Metastable Intermolecular Composites (MIC) on Small Caliber Cartridges and CAD/PAD Percussion Primers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-07-01

    BET, helium pycnometer, particle size laser scattering analysis, X-ray diffraction, TGA, DSC, calorimeter, etc.) • Initiated manufacturing of...boxes are then packed into a one-gallon aluminum paint can along with sufficient padding, after which the lid is installed in the usual manner. The... paint cans are stored for later use in a magazine without temperature and humidity control. In a typical lot of 10,000 primers, 900 are immediately

  12. 30 CFR 250.197 - Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... paragraph (b) of this section, whichever is earlier. (8) MMS-133S Open Hole Data Report Boxes 7 and 8 When... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Data and information to be made available to... OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF General Information and Reporting Requirements § 250.197 Data and...

  13. Thermal and Mechanical Testing of Neoprene Gloves Used in a Space Shuttle Microgravity Glove Box Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wingard, Charles Doug; Munafo, Paul M. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Neoprene gloves are used in a Space Shuttle Microgravity Glove Box (MGBX) experiment. In 1999, significant corrosion was observed in the work area and on the outer surface of the left glove ring. Analysis of the corrosion products showed that they contained chlorine. The Neoprene gloves used in this glove box were obtained in 1995, with a recommended shelf life of 3 years. After storage of these gloves in a cabinet drawer until 1999, significant signs of corrosion were also observed in the drawer. Mechanical and thermal properties were determined on samples cut from the finger and sleeve areas of the "good" and "bad" gloves. This data showed significant aging of the left-hand glove, particularly in the sleeve area. Thermal analysis data by DSC and TGA was complimentary to tensile data in showing this aging. However, this test data did not pinpoint the cause of the left-hand glove aging, or of the corrosion products.

  14. Developing and testing a multi-probe resonance electrical impedance spectroscopy system for detecting breast abnormalities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gur, David; Zheng, Bin; Dhurjaty, Sreeram; Wolfe, Gene; Fradin, Mary; Weil, Richard; Sumkin, Jules; Zuley, Margarita

    2009-02-01

    In our previous study, we reported on the development and preliminary testing of a prototype resonance electrical impedance spectroscopy (REIS) system with a pair of probes. Although our pilot study on 150 young women ranging from 30 to 50 years old indicated the feasibility of using REIS output sweep signals to classify between the women who had negative examinations and those who would ultimately be recommended for biopsy, the detection sensitivity was relatively low. To improve performance when using REIS technology, we recently developed a new multi-probe based REIS system. The system consists of a sensor module box that can be easily lifted along a vertical support device to fit women of different height. Two user selectable breast placement "cups" with different curvatures are included in the system. Seven probes are mounted on each of the cups on opposing sides of the sensor box. By rotating the sensor box, the technologist can select the detection sensor cup that better fits the breast size of the woman being examined. One probe is mounted in the cup center for direct contact with the nipple and the other six probes are uniformly distributed along an outside circle to enable contact with six points on the outer and inner breast skin surfaces. The outer probes are located at a distance of 60mm away from the center (nipple) probe. The system automatically monitors the quality of the contact between the breast surface and each of the seven probes and data acquisition can only be initiated when adequate contact is confirmed. The measurement time for each breast is approximately 15 seconds during which time the system records 121 REIS signal sweep outputs generated from 200 KHz to 800 KHz at 5 KHz increments for all preselected probe pairs. Currently we are measuring 6 pairs between the center probe and each of six probes located on the outer circle as well as two pairs between probe pairs on the outer circle. This new REIS system has been installed in our clinical breast imaging facility. We are conducting a prospective study to assess performance when using this REIS system under an approved IRB protocol. Over 200 examinations have been conducted to date. Our experience showed that this new REIS system was easy to operate and the REIS examination was fast and considered "comfortable" by examinees since the women presses her breast into the cup herself without any need for forced breast compression, and all but a few highly sensitive women have any sensation of an electrical current during the measurement.

  15. Directional sensitivity of the retina: A layered scattering model of outer-segment photoreceptor pigments

    PubMed Central

    Vohnsen, Brian

    2014-01-01

    Photoreceptor outer segments have been modeled as stacked arrays of discs or membrane infoldings containing visual pigments with light-induced dipole moments. Waveguiding has been excluded so fields diffract beyond the physical boundaries of each photoreceptor cell. Optical reciprocity is used to argue for identical radiative and light gathering properties of pigments to model vision. Two models have been introduced: one a macroscopic model that assumes a uniform pigment density across each layer and another microscopic model that includes the spatial location of each pigment molecule within each layer. Both models result in highly similar directionality at the pupil plane which proves to be insensitive to the exact details of the outer-segment packing being predominantly determined by the first and last contributing layers as set by the fraction of bleaching. The versatility of the microscopic model is demonstrated with an array of examples that includes the Stiles-Crawford effect, visibility of a focused beam of light and the role of defocus. PMID:24877016

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

    Bronson, Arturo; Kumar, Vinod

    The effects of plasma on carbides were computationally investigated for the ultimate development of adherent, dense scales such as Al 2O 3-TiO 2 systems toward oxidation resistance at 1873 K. An alumina scale forms on the carbide because of the significant stability of Al 2O 3 as the outer scale adjacent to the gas phase compared to rutile, though TiO and Ti 2O 3 may form as components of an inner layer of a complicated scale. A sequence of surface reactions starting with the adsorption of oxygen on the surface was applied to experimental data from Donnelly’s research group whomore » reported the adsorption of O 2 in a plasma atmosphere as a function of power. In addition to the adsorbed oxygen (Oad) as the rate determining step, it controlled the cascading reaction sequence of the adsorbed species of AlO, AlO 2 and AlO 3, as indicated in the present study. The rate of oxygen adsorption also depends on the ratio of the final to initial adsorbed oxygen as a function the oxygen potential. In a secondary research thrust, Ti 3AlC was synthesized and subsequently oxidized. A 39Ti-14Al-47TiC (in wt%) mixture was equilibrated by using a pseudo-isopiestic technique to form ultimately an aggregate of Ti3AlC, Ti 2AlC and TiC phases. The aggregate was primarily composed of Ti 3AlC with minor amounts of Ti 2AlC and TiC, as determined by an X-ray diffraction analysis. The Ti 3AlC/Ti 2AlC/TiC aggregate was subsequently oxidized at 1873 K to form a scale composed of an outer layer of Al 2O 3-TiO 2-Al 2TiO 5 with an inner layer consisting of TiO-Al 2O 3- Al 4CO 3. The measured scale thickness grew according to Wagner’s parabolic growth rate, which estimates an effective diffusion coefficient of 6 (10)-8 cm 2/s. The scale appears to grow with Ti ions migrating outward from the Ti 3AlC/Ti 2AlC/TiC core and oxygen ions diffusing inwardly toward the core. The transient temperature distribution of a cylindrical, carbide packed bed (i.e., B4C) was simulated with COMSOL software to determine the response of the bed to a sudden temperature spike exposed to the outer wall of the bed. The temperature distribution of B4C was similarly heated and compared with Hf and Zr metal. The thermal conductivity of Hf and Zr is higher than the B4C packed bed and hence they respond quicker than B4C. The packed bed still takes approximately 1200 s to plateau the temperature distribution between the cylinder surfaces to the centerline of the carbide packed bed of 5 cm diameter. Though the modeling of the distributions in the carbide packed bed gives an understanding of the transient heat response behavior driven by radiation, the effect of the plasma on the surface temperature of individual carbide particles needs further investigation to understand the plasma contribution to densification of a carbide packed bed.« less

  17. Studies on lactoferricin-derived Escherichia coli membrane-active peptides reveal differences in the mechanism of N-acylated versus nonacylated peptides.

    PubMed

    Zweytick, Dagmar; Deutsch, Günter; Andrä, Jörg; Blondelle, Sylvie E; Vollmer, Ekkehard; Jerala, Roman; Lohner, Karl

    2011-06-17

    To improve the low antimicrobial activity of LF11, an 11-mer peptide derived from human lactoferricin, mutant sequences were designed based on the defined structure of LF11 in the lipidic environment. Thus, deletion of noncharged polar residues and strengthening of the hydrophobic N-terminal part upon adding a bulky hydrophobic amino acid or N-acylation resulted in enhanced antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, which correlated with the peptides' degree of perturbation of bacterial membrane mimics. Nonacylated and N-acylated peptides exhibited different effects at a molecular level. Nonacylated peptides induced segregation of peptide-enriched and peptide-poor lipid domains in negatively charged bilayers, although N-acylated peptides formed small heterogeneous domains resulting in a higher degree of packing defects. Additionally, only N-acylated peptides perturbed the lateral packing of neutral lipids and exhibited increased permeability of E. coli lipid vesicles. The latter did not correlate with the extent of improvement of the antimicrobial activity, which could be explained by the fact that elevated binding of N-acylated peptides to lipopolysaccharides of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria seems to counteract the elevated membrane permeabilization, reflected in the respective minimal inhibitory concentration for E. coli. The antimicrobial activity of the peptides correlated with an increase of membrane curvature stress and hence bilayer instability. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that only the N-acylated peptides induced tubular protrusions from the outer membrane, whereas all peptides caused detachment of the outer and inner membrane of E. coli bacteria. Viability tests demonstrated that these bacteria were dead before onset of visible cell lysis.

  18. Studies on Lactoferricin-derived Escherichia coli Membrane-active Peptides Reveal Differences in the Mechanism of N-Acylated Versus Nonacylated Peptides*

    PubMed Central

    Zweytick, Dagmar; Deutsch, Günter; Andrä, Jörg; Blondelle, Sylvie E.; Vollmer, Ekkehard; Jerala, Roman; Lohner, Karl

    2011-01-01

    To improve the low antimicrobial activity of LF11, an 11-mer peptide derived from human lactoferricin, mutant sequences were designed based on the defined structure of LF11 in the lipidic environment. Thus, deletion of noncharged polar residues and strengthening of the hydrophobic N-terminal part upon adding a bulky hydrophobic amino acid or N-acylation resulted in enhanced antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, which correlated with the peptides' degree of perturbation of bacterial membrane mimics. Nonacylated and N-acylated peptides exhibited different effects at a molecular level. Nonacylated peptides induced segregation of peptide-enriched and peptide-poor lipid domains in negatively charged bilayers, although N-acylated peptides formed small heterogeneous domains resulting in a higher degree of packing defects. Additionally, only N-acylated peptides perturbed the lateral packing of neutral lipids and exhibited increased permeability of E. coli lipid vesicles. The latter did not correlate with the extent of improvement of the antimicrobial activity, which could be explained by the fact that elevated binding of N-acylated peptides to lipopolysaccharides of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria seems to counteract the elevated membrane permeabilization, reflected in the respective minimal inhibitory concentration for E. coli. The antimicrobial activity of the peptides correlated with an increase of membrane curvature stress and hence bilayer instability. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that only the N-acylated peptides induced tubular protrusions from the outer membrane, whereas all peptides caused detachment of the outer and inner membrane of E. coli bacteria. Viability tests demonstrated that these bacteria were dead before onset of visible cell lysis. PMID:21515687

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

    Targove, J.D.

    The columnar microstructure of most thermally evaporated thin films detrimentally affects many of their properties through a reduction in packing density. In this work, the author investigated ion-assisted deposition as a means of disrupting this columnar growth for a number of coating materials. A Kaufman hot-cathode ion source bombarded thermally evaporated films with low-energy (<1000 eV) positive ions during deposition in a cryopumped box coater. The author investigated MgF/sub 2/, Na/sub 3/AlF/sub 6/, AlF/sub 3/, LaF/sub 3/,CeF/sub 3/,NdF/sub 3/,Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and AlN. Argon ion bombardment of the fluoride coatings increased their packing densities dramatically. He achieved packing densities nearmore » unity without significant absorption for MgF/sub 2/,LaF/sub 3/, and NdF/sub 3/, while Na/sub 3/AlF/sub 6/,AlF/sub 3/, and CeF/sub 3/ began to absorb before unity packing density could be achieved. Fluorine was preferentially sputtered by the ion bombardment, creating anion vacancies. The films adsorbed water vapor and hydroxyl radicals from the residual chamber atmosphere. These filled the vacancy sites, eliminating absorption in the visible, but the oxygen complexes caused increased absorption in the ultraviolet. For LaF/sub 3/ and NdF/sub 3/, a sufficient amount of oxygen caused a phase transformation from the fluoride phase to an oxyfluoride phase.« less

  20. Notes on the ExactPack Implementation of the DSD Rate Stick Solver

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

    Kaul, Ann

    It has been shown above that the discretization scheme implemented in the ExactPack solver for the DSD Rate Stick equation is consistent with the Rate Stick PDE. In addition, a stability analysis has provided a CFL condition for a stable time step. Together, consistency and stability imply convergence of the scheme, which is expected to be close to first-order in time and second-order in space. It is understood that the nonlinearity of the underlying PDE will affect this rate somewhat. In the solver I implemented in ExactPack, I used the one-sided boundary condition described above at the outer boundary. Inmore » addition, I used 80% of the time step calculated in the stability analysis above. By making these two changes, I was able to implement a solver that calculates the solution without any arbitrary limits placed on the values of the curvature at the boundary. Thus, the calculation is driven directly by the conditions at the boundary as formulated in the DSD theory. The chosen scheme is completely coherent and defensible from a mathematical standpoint.« less

  1. Short-term storage of canine preantral ovarian follicles using a powdered coconut water (ACP)-based medium.

    PubMed

    Lima, G L; Costa, L L M; Cavalcanti, D M L P; Rodrigues, C M F; Freire, F A M; Fontenele-Neto, J D; Silva, A R

    2010-07-01

    The objective was to investigate the use of powdered coconut water (ACP)-based medium for short-term preservation of canine preantral follicles. Pairs of ovaries from mongrel bitches (n=9) were divided into fragments. One ovarian fragment, treated as a fresh control, was immediately fixed for histological analysis, whereas the other six ovarian fragments were stored either in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; control group) or ACP medium in isothermal Styrofoam boxes containing biological ice packs. The boxes were sealed and opened only after 12, 24, or 36h. After opening each box, the ovarian fragments were submitted to histological analysis. In total, 12,302 preantral follicles were evaluated, with 64.5% primordial, 33.3% primary, and 2.3% secondary follicles. There were multiple oocytes in 1.3% of the follicles analyzed. At 24h, ACP was more efficient in preserving follicular morphology than PBS (P<0.05). Compared with the fresh control group, a significant reduction in the percentage of morphologically normal ovarian follicles was observed for PBS, starting at 24h; however, the decline started only at 36h for the ACP medium. During the experiment, the temperature inside the isothermal boxes increased from 3 to 9 degrees C (P<0.05), despite a constant room temperature. In conclusion, powdered coconut water (ACP) was an appropriate medium for short-term storage of canine preantral ovarian follicles.

  2. First-principles theory of cation- and intercalation-ordering in Li_xCoO_2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wolverton, C.; Zunger, Alex

    1998-03-01

    Using a combination of first-principles total energies, a cluster expansion technique, and Monte Carlo simulations, we present a first-principles theory which can predict both cation- and intercalation-ordering patterns at both zero and finite temperatures, and can provide first-principles predictions of battery voltages of Li_xCoO_2/Li cells. The classes of ordering problems that we study are the following: (i) The LiMO2 oxides (M=3d metal) form a series of structures based on an octahedrally-coordinated network with anions (O) on one fcc sublattice and cations (Li and M) on the other, leading to Li/Co ordering in LiCoO2 (x=1). We find the ground state is the CuPt or (111)-layered cation arrangment, in agreement with the observed structure. (ii) In battery applications, Li is (de)intercalated from the compound, creating a vacancy (denoted Box) that can be positioned in different lattice locations; Thus, Box/Co ordering in BoxCoO2 (x=0) is also of interest. We find the ground state for BoxCoO2 is also a (111)-layered structure, although a different stacking sequence (AAA) of close-packed layers is preferred. (iii) The vacancies left behind by Li extraction can form ordered vacancy compounds in partially de-lithiated Li_xCoO_2, leading to a Box/Li ordering problem (0<=x<=1). Our calculations agree with the observed voltage profiles in these systems, and predict the existence of new intercalation-ordered compounds. Supported by BES/OER/DMS under contract DE-AC36-83CH10093.

  3. Evaluation of diminished microbial contamination in handling of a novel daily disposable flat pack contact lens.

    PubMed

    Nomachi, Miya; Sakanishi, Kotaro; Ichijima, Hideji; Cavanagh, H Dwight

    2013-05-01

    To evaluate the efficacy of a novel daily disposable (DD) flat package in regard to microbial contamination on the anterior and posterior surfaces of a contact lens (CL) during handling of the lens for insertion. Four kinds of commercially available general blister-packed daily disposable contact lenses (DD CLs) as controls and a novel Magic 1-day Menicon Flat Pack as a test lens were used for this in vitro study. Lenses were removed from their packages using fingers coated with fluorescein 3 to 5 μm beads or an approximately 7×10(2) to 2×10(3) colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL Staphylococcus aureus suspension. The transfer of fluorescein beads to the surface of the lenses was then observed by fluorescence microscopy. Microbial contamination on the lenses was observed by light microscopy after a 2-day incubation period; and, the number of colonies isolated from the contaminated lenses was determined after 4 days of incubation. The number of fluorescein beads on the Magic lens was significantly less (p<0.05) than that of the general blister-packed control lenses. Adherence of microbial colonies was observed on both inner and outer surfaces of general blister-packed lenses, whereas no colony formation was found on the inner surface of the Magic lens, and the lowest bacterial adherence was observed for the Magic lens. The data demonstrated that placement of the Magic DD lens onto the eye is accompanied by diminished microbial contamination compared with general blister-packed DD CLs. Eye care professionals; however, should instruct patients to comply with intended use of DD CLs to prevent CL-associated microbial keratitis. In all cases, hand washing is mandated prelens insertion.

  4. Food Management Program for the Advanced Base

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-01-01

    Tuna/ Noodle Casserole (TMT) Chicken Casserole Beef Pepper Steak (TMT) BBQ Beef Tips (F.E. Warren) Mashed Potato ( instant ) Spaghetti/Meat Sauce (F.E...CREAMED GROUND T1MT* $5.00 227 14 0 99 0 1 0 27 BEEF, ROAST FOILPACK $0.95 227 18 29 0 0 71 0 30 BEEF, SZECHUAN W/VEG & NOODLES COMMERCIAL $2.69 346 30...0 0 29 JUICE, ORANGE, INSTANT COMMERCIAL $1.92 294 491 4 0 0 95 100 JUICE, PINEAPPLE, BOX (3 PACK) COMMERCIAL $1.08 750 39 99 1 0 0 0 52 JUICE, PINK

  5. Self-assembled clusters of spheres related to spherical codes.

    PubMed

    Phillips, Carolyn L; Jankowski, Eric; Marval, Michelle; Glotzer, Sharon C

    2012-10-01

    We consider the thermodynamically driven self-assembly of spheres onto the surface of a central sphere. This assembly process forms self-limiting, or terminal, anisotropic clusters (N-clusters) with well-defined structures. We use Brownian dynamics to model the assembly of N-clusters varying in size from two to twelve outer spheres and free energy calculations to predict the expected cluster sizes and shapes as a function of temperature and inner particle diameter. We show that the arrangements of outer spheres at finite temperatures are related to spherical codes, an ideal mathematical sequence of points corresponding to the densest possible sphere packings. We demonstrate that temperature and the ratio of the diameters of the inner and outer spheres dictate cluster morphology. We present a surprising result for the equilibrium structure of a 5-cluster, for which the square pyramid arrangement is preferred over a more symmetric structure. We show this result using Brownian dynamics, a Monte Carlo simulation, and a free energy approximation. Our results suggest a promising way to assemble anisotropic building blocks from constituent colloidal spheres.

  6. Joint small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering data analysis of asymmetric lipid vesicles

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

    Eicher, Barbara; Heberle, Frederick A.; Marquardt, Drew T.

    2017-02-28

    Low- and high-resolution models describing the internal transbilayer structure of asymmetric lipid vesicles have been developed. These models can be used for the joint analysis of small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering data. The models describe the underlying scattering length density/electron density profiles either in terms of slabs or through the so-called scattering density profile, previously applied to symmetric lipid vesicles. Both models yield structural details of asymmetric membranes, such as the individual area per lipid, and the hydrocarbon thickness of the inner and outer bilayer leaflets. The scattering density profile model, however, comes at a cost of increased computational effortmore » but results in greater structural resolution, showing a slightly lower packing of lipids in the outer bilayer leaflet of ~120 nm diameter palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) vesicles, compared to the inner leaflet. Here, analysis of asymmetric dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine/POPC vesicles did not reveal evidence of transbilayer coupling between the inner and outer leaflets at 323 K, i.e.above the melting transition temperature of the two lipids.« less

  7. Experimental Tests of Nonlocal Rheology in Dense Granular Flows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Zhu; Brzinski, Ted; Shearer, Michael; Daniels, Karen

    Several nonlocal granular rheology models have been proposed to address shortcomings in local rheology models. One such model, developed by Kamrin & Koval, is based on extending a local Bagnold-type granular flow law by including a Laplacian term that accounts for the grain size and cooperative effects. We perform experiments to test this model in a quasi-2D annular shear geometry with a fixed outer wall and a rotating inner wall. We obtain the speed profile by particle tracking. We measure the inner wall torque, and calculate the pressure and shear stress on the outer wall using deformable laser-cut leaf springs. This allows us to calculate the relationship between the stress ratio μ and the inertial number I at different inner wall rotation speeds and packing fractions. The results are compared with nonlocal models.

  8. Method for shearing spent nuclear fuel assemblies

    DOEpatents

    Weil, Bradley S.; Watson, Clyde D.

    1977-01-01

    A method is disclosed for shearing spent nuclear fuel assemblies of the type wherein a plurality of long metal tubes packed with ceramic fuel are supported in a spaced apart relationship within an outer metal shell or shroud which provides structural support to the assembly. Spent nuclear fuel assemblies are first compacted in a stepwise manner between specially designed gag-compactors and then sheared into short segments amenable to chemical processing by shear blades contoured to mate with the compacted surface of the fuel assembly.

  9. Select metal and metalloid surveillance of free-ranging Eastern box turtles from Illinois and Tennessee (Terrapene carolina carolina).

    PubMed

    Allender, Matthew C; Dreslik, Michael J; Patel, Bishap; Luber, Elizabeth L; Byrd, John; Phillips, Christopher A; Scott, John W

    2015-08-01

    The Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a primarily terrestrial chelonian distributed across the eastern US. It has been proposed as a biomonitor due to its longevity, small home range, and reliance on the environment to meet its metabolic needs. Plasma samples from 273 free-ranging box turtles from populations in Tennessee and Illinois in 2011 and 2012 were evaluated for presence of heavy metals and to characterize hematologic variables. Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu) were detected, while cadmium (Cd) and silver (Ag) were not. There were no differences in any metal detected among age class or sex. However, Cr and Pb were higher in turtles from Tennessee, while As, Zn, Se, and Cu were higher in turtles from Illinois. Seasonal differences in metal concentrations were observed for Cr, Zn, and As. Health of turtles was assessed using hematologic variables. Packed cell volume was positively correlated with Cu, Se, and Pb in Tennessee. Total solids, a measure of plasma proteins, in Tennessee turtles were positively correlated with Cu and Zn. White blood cell count, a measure of inflammation, in Tennessee turtles was negatively correlated with Cu and As, and positively correlated with Pb. Metals are a threat to human health and the health of an ecosystem, and the Eastern Box Turtle can serve as a monitor of these contaminants. Differences established in this study can serve as baseline for future studies of these or related populations.

  10. Superficial Macromolecular Arrays on the Cell Wall of Spirillum putridiconchylium

    PubMed Central

    Beveridge, T. J.; Murray, R. G. E.

    1974-01-01

    Electron microscopy of the cell envelope of Spirillum putridiconchylium, using negatively stained, thin-sectioned, and replicated freeze-etched preparations, showed two superficial wall layers forming a complex macromolecular pattern on the external surface. The outer structured layer was a linear array of particles overlying an inner tetragonal array of larger subunits. They were associated in a very regular fashion, and the complex was bonded to the outer, pitted surface of the lipopolysaccharide tripartite layer of the cell wall. The relationship of the components of the two structured layers was resolved with the aid of optical diffraction, combined with image filtering and reconstruction and linear and rotary integration techniques. The outer structural layer consisted of spherical 1.5-nm units set in double lines determined by the size and arrangement of 6- by 3-nm inner structural layer subunits, which bore one outer structural layer unit on each outer corner. The total effect of this arrangement was a double-ridged linear structure that was evident in surface replicas and negatively stained fragments of the whole wall. The packing of these units was not square but skewed by 2° off the perpendicular so that the “unit array” described by optical diffraction and linear integration appeared to be a deformed tetragon. The verity of the model was checked by using a photographically reduced image to produce an optical diffraction pattern for comparison with that of the actual layers. The correspondence was nearly perfect. Images PMID:4137219

  11. Sequence of the fhuE outer-membrane receptor gene of Escherichia coli K12 and properties of mutants.

    PubMed

    Sauer, M; Hantke, K; Braun, V

    1990-03-01

    The fhuE gene of Escherichia coli codes for an outer-membrane receptor protein required for the uptake of iron(III) via coprogen, ferrioxamine B and rhodotorulic acid. The amino acid sequence, deduced from the nucleotide sequence, consisted of 729 residues. The mature form, composed of 693 residues, has a calculated molecular weight of 77,453, which agrees with the molecular weight of 76,000 determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The FhuE protein contains four regions of homology with other TonB-dependent receptors. A valine to proline exchange in the 'TonB box' abolished transport activity. Phenotypic revertants with substitutions of arginine, glutamine, or leucine at the valine position exhibited increasing iron-coprogen transport rates. Point mutations resulting in the replacement of glycine (127) in the second homology region with either alanine, aspartate, valine, asparagine or histidine exhibited decreased transport rates (listed in descending order). A truncated FhuE protein lacking 24 amino acids at the C-terminal end was exported to the periplasm but failed to be inserted into the outer membrane.

  12. The deposition of aluminide and silicide coatings on γ-TiAl using the halide-activated pack cementation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Munro, T. C.; Gleeson, B.

    1996-12-01

    The halide-activated pack cementation method (HAPC) was utilized to deposit aluminide and silicide coatings on nominally stoichiometric γ-TiAl. The deposition temperature was 1000°C and deposition times ranged from 2 to 12 hours. The growth rates of the coatings were diffusion controlled, with the rate of aluminide growth being about a factor of 2 greater than that of silicide growth. The aluminide coating was inward growing and consisted of a thick, uniform outer layer of TiAl3 and a thin inner layer of TiAl2, with the rate-controlling step being the diffusion of aluminum from the pack into the substrate. Annealing experiments at 1100 °C showed that the interdiffusion between the aluminide coating and the γ-TiAl substrate was rapid. In contrast to the aluminide coating, the silicide coating was nonuniform and porous, consisting primarily of TiSi2, TiSi, and Ti5Si4, with the rate-controlling step for the coating growth believed to be the diffusion of aluminum into the γ-TiAl ahead of the silicide/γ-TiAl interface. The microstructural evolution of the aluminide and silicide coating structures is discussed qualitatively.

  13. What’s in Children’s Backpacks: Foods Brought from Home

    PubMed Central

    Must, Aviva; Eliasziw, Misha; Folta, Sara C.; Goldberg, Jeanne

    2014-01-01

    Forty-one percent of elementary schoolchildren bring lunch to school on any given day. Fortyfive percent bring snacks. Surprisingly, little is known about the foods and beverages they bring. The present cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the GREEN Project Lunch Box Study sought to: (1) characterize foods and beverages brought from home to school by elementary schoolchildren, and (2) compare the quality of packed lunches to National School Lunch Program (NSLP) standards and packed snacks to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements. Lunches and snacks from 626 elementary schoolchildren were assessed and evaluated using digital photography and a supplemental food checklist. Food and beverage types most likely to be provided for lunch were sandwiches (59%), snackfoods (42%), fruit (34%), desserts (28%), water (28%) and sugar-sweetened beverages (24%). Twenty-seven percent of lunches met at least three of five NSLP standards. At snack, snackfoods (62%), desserts (35%) and sugar-sweetened beverages (35%) were more common than fruits (30%), dairy foods (10%), and vegetables (3%). Only 4% of snacks met two of four CACFP standards. Future research is needed to understand the multiple determinants of food packing behavior, including constraints faced by families. School wellness policies should consider initiatives that work collaboratively with parents to improve the quality of foods brought from home. PMID:25037557

  14. Optimization of lipase-catalyzed biodiesel by isopropanolysis in a continuous packed-bed reactor using response surface methodology.

    PubMed

    Chang, Cheng; Chen, Jiann-Hwa; Chang, Chieh-Ming J; Wu, Tsung-Ta; Shieh, Chwen-Jen

    2009-10-31

    Isopropanolysis reactions were performed using triglycerides with immobilized lipase in a solvent-free environment. This study modeled the degree of isopropanolysis of soybean oil in a continuous packed-bed reactor when Novozym 435 was used as the biocatalyst. Response surface methodology (RSM) and three-level-three-factor Box-Behnken design were employed to evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters, reaction temperature ( degrees C), flow rate (mL/min) and substrate molar ratio of isopropanol to soybean oil, on the percentage molar conversion of biodiesel by transesterification. The results show that flow rate and temperature have a significant effect on the percentage of molar conversion. On the basis of ridge max analysis, the optimum conditions for synthesis were as follows: flow rate 0.1 mL/min, temperature 51.5 degrees C and substrate molar ratio 1:4.14. The predicted value was 76.62+/-1.52% and actual experimental value was 75.62+/-0.81% molar conversion. Moreover, continuous enzymatic process for seven days did not show any appreciable decrease in the percent of molar conversion (75%). This work demonstrates the applicability of lipase catalysis to prepare isopropyl esters by transesterification in solvent-free system with a continuous packed-bed reactor for industrial production.

  15. Cooling water distribution system

    DOEpatents

    Orr, Richard

    1994-01-01

    A passive containment cooling system for a nuclear reactor containment vessel. Disclosed is a cooling water distribution system for introducing cooling water by gravity uniformly over the outer surface of a steel containment vessel using an interconnected series of radial guide elements, a plurality of circumferential collector elements and collector boxes to collect and feed the cooling water into distribution channels extending along the curved surface of the steel containment vessel. The cooling water is uniformly distributed over the curved surface by a plurality of weirs in the distribution channels.

  16. ONR Tropical Cyclone Motion Research Initiative; First-Year Review, Discussion and Tentative Hypotheses.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-02-01

    Pacific Network should have 3 to 4 levels of flight level observations and dropwindsonde from research aircraft. An outer box roughly 500 km2 should also...Motion Research Initiative: First. Year Review, Discussion and Tentative Hypotheses : ’ so A.t’oR’,S) Russell L. Elsberry *3j 0V R.OQ 2 ’ 3 .) T’E...Abstract 2 1. Introduction 3 2. Discussion Sessions 5 3 . Tentative Hypotheses 18 4. Preliminary field experiment design considerations 27 5

  17. Silica-Based Optical Time-Shift Network.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1996-03-01

    consisted of semiconductor lasers and detectors, RF transfer -switches, low noise RF amplifiers (LNA), and T2L circuitries installed to enable switching...F/O TRANSFER BOX (1) RADIATING ELEMENTS 1:8 POWER DIVIDER (24 CARDS) 1.4 POWER DIVIDER (24) Tr/R MODULE (24) F/O DELAY WITH 2 TRANSFER SWITCHES AND 1...of the mode can travel is the velocity of light (= c/ni) in the outer clad, the part of it that lies beyond a critical radius Rc would not be able to

  18. Determination of Acoustic Effects on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles for the Northwest Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-11-01

    world events. An unclassified version of the sources modeled within each source class category is provided in the appendix. 4.3 IMPULSIVE...water column. The process outlined in this section is applicable to both impulsive and non-impulsive sources, with the exception of the overpopulation ...1. An overpopulation factor is determined for the animals within both an inner box associated with the track boundary for the activity and an outer

  19. Marine ecosystem modeling beyond the box: using GIS to study carbon fluxes in a coastal ecosystem.

    PubMed

    Wijnbladh, Erik; Jönsson, Bror Fredrik; Kumblad, Linda

    2006-12-01

    Studies of carbon fluxes in marine ecosystems are often done by using box model approaches with basin size boxes, or highly resolved 3D models, and an emphasis on the pelagic component of the ecosystem. Those approaches work well in the ocean proper, but can give rise to considerable problems when applied to coastal systems, because of the scale of certain ecological niches and the fact that benthic organisms are the dominant functional group of the ecosystem. In addition, 3D models require an extensive modeling effort. In this project, an intermediate approach based on a high resolution (20x20 m) GIS data-grid has been developed for the coastal ecosystem in the Laxemar area (Baltic Sea, Sweden) based on a number of different site investigations. The model has been developed in the context of a safety assessment project for a proposed nuclear waste repository, in which the fate of hypothetically released radionuclides from the planned repository is estimated. The assessment project requires not only a good understanding of the ecosystem dynamics at the site, but also quantification of stocks and flows of matter in the system. The data-grid was then used to set up a carbon budget describing the spatial distribution of biomass, primary production, net ecosystem production and thus where carbon sinks and sources are located in the area. From these results, it was clear that there was a large variation in ecosystem characteristics within the basins and, on a larger scale, that the inner areas are net producing and the outer areas net respiring, even in shallow phytobenthic communities. Benthic processes had a similar or larger influence on carbon fluxes as advective processes in inner areas, whereas the opposite appears to be true in the outer basins. As many radionuclides are expected to follow the pathways of organic matter in the environment, these findings enhance our abilities to realistically describe and predict their fate in the ecosystem.

  20. Performances of biological aerated filter employing hollow fiber membrane segments of surface-improved poly (sulfone) as biofilm carriers.

    PubMed

    Shen, Ying-Jie; Wu, Guang-Xia; Fan, Yao-Bo; Zhong, Hui; Wu, Lin-Lin; Zhang, Shao-Lai; Zhao, Xian-Hong; Zhang, Wei-Jun

    2007-01-01

    Using the surface of poly (sulfone) hollow fiber membrane segments as grafted layer, the hydrophilic acrylamide chain was grafted on by UV-photoinduced grafting polymerization. The gained improvement of surface wettability for the modified membrane was tested by measuring the contact-angle as well as FTIR spectra. Then correlation between the hydrophilic ability of support material and the biofilm adherence ability was demonstrated by comparing the pollutant removal rates from urban wastewater via two identical lab-scale up-flow biological aerated filters, one employed the surface wettability modified poly (sulfone) hollow fiber membrane segment as biofilm carrier and the other employed unmodified membrane segment as biofilm carrier. The experimental results showed that under the conditions of influent flux 5 L/h, hydraulic retention time 9 h and gas to liquid ratio (G/L) 10:1, the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) for the modified packing filter and the unmodified packing filter was averaged at 83.64% and 96.25%, respectively, with the former filter being 5%-20% more than the latter. The effluent concentration of COD, NH4(+)-N and turbidity for the modified packing filter was 25.25 mg/L, 2 mg/L and 8 NTU, respectively. Moreover, the ammonium nitrogen removal performance of the filter packing the modified PSF was compared with the other bioreactor packing of an efficient floating medium. The biomass test indicated that the modified membrane matrixes provided better specific adhesion (3310-5653 mg TSS/L support), which gave a mean of 1000 mg TSS/L more than the unmodified membrane did. In addition, the phenomenon of simultaneous denitrification on the inner surface of the support and nitrification on the outer surface was found in this work.

  1. Semisolid matrix filled capsules: an approach to improve dissolution stability of phenytoin sodium formulation.

    PubMed

    El Massik, M A; Abdallah, O Y; Galal, S; Daabis, N A

    2003-05-01

    Seven semisolid fill bases were selected for the formulation of 24 capsule formulations, each containing 100 mg of phenytoin sodium. The fill materials were selected based on the water absorption capacity of their mixtures with phenytoin sodium. The fill matrices included lipophilic bases (castor oil, soya oil, and Gelucire (G) 33/01), amphiphilic bases (G 44/14 and Suppocire BP), and water-soluble bases (PEG 4000 and PEG 6000). The drug:base ratio was 1:2. Excipients such as lecithin, docusate sodium, and poloxamer 188 were added to some formulations. The dissolution rate study indicated that formulations containing lipophilic and amphiphilic bases showed the best release profiles. These are F4 (castor oil-1% docusate sodium); F10 (castor oil-3% poloxamer 188); F14 (G33/01-10% lecithin); F17 (G33/01-1% docusate sodium), and F20 (Suppocire BP). Further, the dissolution stability of the five formulations above was assessed by an accelerated stability study at 30 degrees C and 75% RH using standard Epanutin capsules for comparison. The study included the test and standard capsules either packed in the container of marketed Epanutin capsules (packed) or removed from their outer pack (unpacked). Release data indicated superior release rates of castor oil based formulations (F4 and F10) relative to standard capsules in both the unpacked and packed forms. For instance, the extent of drug release at 30 min after 1 month was 91% for F4 and F10 and 20% for standard capsules. Drug release from packed capsules after 6 months storage was 88% for both formulations F4 and F10 and 35% for standard capsules. In conclusion, the pharmaceutical quality of phenytoin sodium capsules can be improved by using a semisolid lipophilic matrix filled in hard gelatin capsules.

  2. Symmetric scrolled packings of multilayered carbon nanoribbons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Savin, A. V.; Korznikova, E. A.; Lobzenko, I. P.; Baimova, Yu. A.; Dmitriev, S. V.

    2016-06-01

    Scrolled packings of single-layer and multilayer graphene can be used for the creation of supercapacitors, nanopumps, nanofilters, and other nanodevices. The full atomistic simulation of graphene scrolls is restricted to consideration of relatively small systems in small time intervals. To overcome this difficulty, a two-dimensional chain model making possible an efficient calculation of static and dynamic characteristics of nanoribbon scrolls with allowance for the longitudinal and bending stiffness of nanoribbons is proposed. The model is extended to the case of scrolls of multilayer graphene. Possible equilibrium states of symmetric scrolls of multilayer carbon nanotribbons rolled up so that all nanoribbons in the scroll are equivalent are found. Dependences of the number of coils, the inner and outer radii, lowest vibrational eigenfrequencies of rolled packages on the length L of nanoribbons are obtained. It is shown that the lowest vibrational eigenfrequency of a symmetric scroll decreases with a nanoribbon length proportionally to L -1. It is energetically unfavorable for too short nanoribbons to roll up, and their ground state is a stack of plane nanoribbons. With an increasing number k of layers, the nanoribbon length L necessary for creation of symmetric scrolls increases. For a sufficiently small number of layers k and a sufficiently large nanoribbon length L, the scrolled packing has the lowest energy as compared to that of stack of plane nanoribbons and folded structures. The results can be used for development of nanomaterials and nanodevices on the basis of graphene scrolled packings.

  3. The Elephant in the Room: Effects of Distant, Massive Companions on Planetary System Architectures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knutson, Heather

    2016-06-01

    Over the past two decades ongoing radial velocity and transit surveys have been astoundingly successful in detecting thousands of new planetary systems around nearby stars. These systems include apparently single gas giant planets on short period orbits, closely packed systems of up to 5-6 “super-Earths”, and relatively empty systems with either one or no small planets interior to 0.5 AU. Despite our success in cataloguing the diverse properties of these systems, we are still struggling to develop narratives that can explain their apparently divergent formation and migration histories. This is in large part due to our lack of knowledge about the potential presence of massive outer companions in these systems, which can play a pivotal role in the shaping the final properties of the inner planets. In my talk I will discuss current efforts to complete the census for known planetary systems by searching for outer gas giant planets with long term radial velocity monitoring and wide separation stellar companions with high contrast imaging and spectroscopy. I will then demonstrate how statistical constraints on this population of outer companions can be used to test current theories for planet formation and migration.

  4. MULTIPLE CURRENT SHEET SYSTEMS IN THE OUTER HELIOSPHERE: ENERGY RELEASE AND TURBULENCE

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

    Burgess, D.; Gingell, P. W.; Matteini, L.

    2016-05-01

    In the outer heliosphere, beyond the solar wind termination shock, it is expected that the warped heliospheric current sheet forms a region of closely packed, multiple, thin current sheets. Such a system may be subject to the ion-kinetic tearing instability, and hence may generate magnetic islands and hot populations of ions associated with magnetic reconnection. Reconnection processes in this environment have important implications for local particle transport, and for particle acceleration at reconnection sites and in turbulence. We study this complex environment by means of three-dimensional hybrid simulations over long timescales, in order to capture the evolution from linear growthmore » of the tearing instability to a fully developed turbulent state at late times. The final state develops from the highly ordered initial state via both forward and inverse cascades. Component and spectral anisotropy in the magnetic fluctuations is present when a guide field is included. The inclusion of a population of newborn interstellar pickup protons does not strongly affect these results. Finally, we conclude that reconnection between multiple current sheets can act as an important source of turbulence in the outer heliosphere, with implications for energetic particle acceleration and propagation.« less

  5. Brush seals for turbine engine fuel conservation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sousa, Mike

    1994-07-01

    The program objective is to demonstrate brush seals for replacing labyrinth seals in turboprop engines. The approach taken was to design and procure brush seals with assistance from Sealol, modify and instrument an existing T407 low pressure turbine test rig, replace inner balance piston and outer balance piston labyrinth seals with brush seals, conduct cyclic tests to evaluate seal leakage at operating pressures and temperatures, and evaluate effect of seal pack width and rotor eccentricity. Results are presented in viewgraph format and show that brush seals offer performance advantages over labyrinth seals.

  6. Gap compression/extension mechanism of bacterial flagellar hook as the molecular universal joint.

    PubMed

    Furuta, Tadaomi; Samatey, Fadel A; Matsunami, Hideyuki; Imada, Katsumi; Namba, Keiichi; Kitao, Akio

    2007-03-01

    Bacterial flagellar hook acts as a molecular universal joint, transmitting torque produced by the flagellar basal body, a rotary motor, to the flagellar filament. The hook forms polymorphic supercoil structures and can be considered as an assembly of 11 circularly arranged protofilaments. We investigated the molecular mechanism of the universal joint function of the hook by a approximately two-million-atom molecular dynamics simulation. On the inner side of the supercoil, protein subunits are highly packed along the protofilament and no gaps remain for further compression, whereas subunits are slightly separated and are hydrogen bonded through one layer of water molecules on the outer side. As for the intersubunit interactions between protofilaments, subunits are packed along the 6-start helix in a left-handed supercoil whereas they are highly packed along the 5-start helix in a right-handed supercoil. We conclude that the supercoiled structures of the hook in the left- and right-handed forms make maximal use of the gaps between subunits, which we call "gap compression/extension mechanism". Mutual sliding of subunits at the subunit interface accompanying rearrangements of intersubunit hydrogen bonds is interpreted as a mechanism to allow continuous structural change of the hook during flagellar rotation at low energy cost.

  7. Packing optimization for automated generation of complex system's initial configurations for molecular dynamics and docking.

    PubMed

    Martínez, José Mario; Martínez, Leandro

    2003-05-01

    Molecular Dynamics is a powerful methodology for the comprehension at molecular level of many chemical and biochemical systems. The theories and techniques developed for structural and thermodynamic analyses are well established, and many software packages are available. However, designing starting configurations for dynamics can be cumbersome. Easily generated regular lattices can be used when simple liquids or mixtures are studied. However, for complex mixtures, polymer solutions or solid adsorbed liquids (for example) this approach is inefficient, and it turns out to be very hard to obtain an adequate coordinate file. In this article, the problem of obtaining an adequate initial configuration is treated as a "packing" problem and solved by an optimization procedure. The initial configuration is chosen in such a way that the minimum distance between atoms of different molecules is greater than a fixed tolerance. The optimization uses a well-known algorithm for box-constrained minimization. Applications are given for biomolecule solvation, many-component mixtures, and interfaces. This approach can reduce the work of designing starting configurations from days or weeks to few minutes or hours, in an automated fashion. Packing optimization is also shown to be a powerful methodology for space search in docking of small ligands to proteins. This is demonstrated by docking of the thyroid hormone to its nuclear receptor. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 819-825, 2003

  8. Plasmonic metamaterial based unified broadband absorber/near infrared emitter for thermophotovoltaic system based on hexagonally packed tungsten doughnuts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Behera, Saraswati; Joseph, Joby

    2017-11-01

    In this paper, we report a simple and effective design of a polarization independent and wide incident angle plasmonic metamaterial based unified broadband absorber and thermal emitter consisting of hexagonally packed tungsten doughnuts (hexa-rings) for thermophotovoltaic system. The proposed design shows more than 85% of absorption over 0.3 to 2.18 μm, that is, over the broad spectral range from the ultraviolet to the near infrared (NIR), and 100% absorption and thermal emission at 2.18 μm. Further, the NIR plasmonic absorption and thermal emission peak is tuned from the spectral range 2.18 to 3 μm for different low bandgap photovoltaic materials by varying the design parameters such as inner and outer ring radius, instead of varying any other design parameters in the proposed design. The possibility of the realization of hexa-doughnut structures through a single-step phase engineered interference lithography technique is also demonstrated through the realization of micro/nanostructure samples over large area.

  9. Specific Uptake of Lipid-Antibody-Functionalized LbL Microcarriers by Cells.

    PubMed

    Göse, Martin; Scheffler, Kira; Reibetanz, Uta

    2016-11-14

    The modular construction of Layer-by-Layer biopolymer microcarriers facilitates a highly specific design of drug delivery systems. A supported lipid bilayer (SLB) contributes to biocompatibility and protection of sensitive active agents. The addition of a lipid anchor equipped with PEG (shielding from opsonins) and biotin (attachment of exchangeable outer functional molecules) enhances the microcarrier functionality even more. However, a homogeneously assembled supported lipid bilayer is a prerequisite for a specific binding of functional components. Our investigations show that a tightly packed SLB improves the efficiency of functional components attached to the microcarrier's surface, as illustrated with specific antibodies in cellular application. Only a low quantity of antibodies is needed to obtain improved cellular uptake rates independent from cell type as compared to an antibody-functionalized loosely packed lipid bilayer or directly assembled antibody onto the multilayer. A fast disassembly of the lipid bilayer within endolysosomes exposing the underlying drug delivering multilayer structure demonstrates the suitability of LbL-microcarriers as a multifunctional drug delivery system.

  10. Relationship Between Foveal Cone Specialization and Pit Morphology in Albinism

    PubMed Central

    Wilk, Melissa A.; McAllister, John T.; Cooper, Robert F.; Dubis, Adam M.; Patitucci, Teresa N.; Summerfelt, Phyllis; Anderson, Jennifer L.; Stepien, Kimberly E.; Costakos, Deborah M.; Connor, Thomas B.; Wirostko, William J.; Chiang, Pei-Wen; Dubra, Alfredo; Curcio, Christine A.; Brilliant, Murray H.; Summers, C. Gail; Carroll, Joseph

    2014-01-01

    Purpose. Albinism is associated with disrupted foveal development, though intersubject variability is becoming appreciated. We sought to quantify this variability, and examine the relationship between foveal cone specialization and pit morphology in patients with a clinical diagnosis of albinism. Methods. We recruited 32 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of albinism. DNA was obtained from 25 subjects, and known albinism genes were analyzed for mutations. Relative inner and outer segment (IS and OS) lengthening (fovea-to-perifovea ratio) was determined from manually segmented spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) B-scans. Foveal pit morphology was quantified for eight subjects from macular SD-OCT volumes. Ten subjects underwent imaging with adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), and cone density was measured. Results. We found mutations in 22 of 25 subjects, including five novel mutations. All subjects lacked complete excavation of inner retinal layers at the fovea, though four subjects had foveal pits with normal diameter and/or volume. Peak cone density and OS lengthening were variable and overlapped with that observed in normal controls. A fifth hyper-reflective band was observed in the outer retina on SD-OCT in the majority of the subjects with albinism. Conclusions. Foveal cone specialization and pit morphology vary greatly in albinism. Normal cone packing was observed in the absence of a foveal pit, suggesting a pit is not required for packing to occur. The degree to which retinal anatomy correlates with genotype or visual function remains unclear, and future examination of larger patient groups will provide important insight on this issue. PMID:24845642

  11. a New High-Resolution Elevation Model of Greenland Derived from Tandem-X

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wessel, B.; Bertram, A.; Gruber, A.; Bemm, S.; Dech, S.

    2016-06-01

    In this paper we present for the first time the new digital elevation model (DEM) for Greenland produced by the TanDEM-X (TerraSAR add-on for digital elevation measurement) mission. The new, full coverage DEM of Greenland has a resolution of 0.4 arc seconds corresponding to 12 m. It is composed of more than 7.000 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) DEM scenes. X-Band SAR penetrates the snow and ice pack by several meters depending on the structures within the snow, the acquisition parameters, and the dielectricity constant of the medium. Hence, the resulting SAR measurements do not represent the surface but the elevation of the mean phase center of the backscattered signal. Special adaptations on the nominal TanDEM-X DEM generation are conducted to maintain these characteristics and not to raise or even deform the DEM to surface reference data. For the block adjustment, only on the outer coastal regions ICESat (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite) elevations as ground control points (GCPs) are used where mostly rock and surface scattering predominates. Comparisons with ICESat data and snow facies are performed. In the inner ice and snow pack, the final X-Band InSAR DEM of Greenland lies up to 10 m below the ICESat measurements. At the outer coastal regions it corresponds well with the GCPs. The resulting DEM is outstanding due to its resolution, accuracy and full coverage. It provides a high resolution dataset as basis for research on climate change in the arctic.

  12. In Silico Analysis of the Small Molecule Content of Outer Membrane Vesicles Produced by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Indicates an Extensive Metabolic Link between Microbe and Host

    PubMed Central

    Bryant, William A.; Stentz, Régis; Le Gall, Gwenaelle; Sternberg, Michael J. E.; Carding, Simon R.; Wilhelm, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    The interactions between the gut microbiota and its host are of central importance to the health of the host. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced ubiquitously by Gram-negative bacteria including the gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. These vesicles can interact with the host in various ways but until now their complement of small molecules has not been investigated in this context. Using an untargeted high-coverage metabolomic approach we have measured the small molecule content of these vesicles in contrasting in vitro conditions to establish what role these metabolites could perform when packed into these vesicles. B. thetaiotaomicron packs OMVs with a highly conserved core set of small molecules which are strikingly enriched with mouse-digestible metabolites and with metabolites previously shown to be associated with colonization of the murine GIT. By use of an expanded genome-scale metabolic model of B. thetaiotaomicron and a potential host (the mouse) we have established many possible metabolic pathways between the two organisms that were previously unknown, and have found several putative novel metabolic functions for mouse that are supported by gene annotations, but that do not currently appear in existing mouse metabolic networks. The lipidome of these OMVs bears no relation to the mouse lipidome, so the purpose of this particular composition of lipids remains unclear. We conclude from this analysis that through intimate symbiotic evolution OMVs produced by B. thetaiotaomicron are likely to have been adopted as a conduit for small molecules bound for the mammalian host in vivo. PMID:29276507

  13. In Silico Analysis of the Small Molecule Content of Outer Membrane Vesicles Produced by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Indicates an Extensive Metabolic Link between Microbe and Host.

    PubMed

    Bryant, William A; Stentz, Régis; Le Gall, Gwenaelle; Sternberg, Michael J E; Carding, Simon R; Wilhelm, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    The interactions between the gut microbiota and its host are of central importance to the health of the host. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced ubiquitously by Gram-negative bacteria including the gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron . These vesicles can interact with the host in various ways but until now their complement of small molecules has not been investigated in this context. Using an untargeted high-coverage metabolomic approach we have measured the small molecule content of these vesicles in contrasting in vitro conditions to establish what role these metabolites could perform when packed into these vesicles. B. thetaiotaomicron packs OMVs with a highly conserved core set of small molecules which are strikingly enriched with mouse-digestible metabolites and with metabolites previously shown to be associated with colonization of the murine GIT. By use of an expanded genome-scale metabolic model of B. thetaiotaomicron and a potential host (the mouse) we have established many possible metabolic pathways between the two organisms that were previously unknown, and have found several putative novel metabolic functions for mouse that are supported by gene annotations, but that do not currently appear in existing mouse metabolic networks. The lipidome of these OMVs bears no relation to the mouse lipidome, so the purpose of this particular composition of lipids remains unclear. We conclude from this analysis that through intimate symbiotic evolution OMVs produced by B. thetaiotaomicron are likely to have been adopted as a conduit for small molecules bound for the mammalian host in vivo .

  14. Effects of beta-cyclodextrin on the structure of sphingomyelin/cholesterol model membranes.

    PubMed

    Jablin, Michael S; Flasiński, Michał; Dubey, Manish; Ratnaweera, Dilru R; Broniatowski, Marcin; Dynarowicz-Łatka, Patrycja; Majewski, Jarosław

    2010-09-08

    The interaction of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) with mixed bilayers composed of sphingomylein and cholesterol (Chol) above and below the accepted stable complexation ratio (67:33) was investigated. Membranes with the same (symmetric) and different (asymmetric) compositions in their inner and outer leaflets were deposited at surface pressures of 20, 30, and 40 mN/m at the solid-liquid interface. Using neutron reflectometry, membranes of various global molar ratios (defined as the sum of the molar ratios of the inner and outer leaflets), were characterized before and after beta-CD was added to the subphase. The structure of bilayers with global molar ratios at or above the stable complexation ratio was unchanged by beta-CD, indicating that beta-CD is unable to remove sphingomyelin or complexed Chol. However, beta-CD removed all uncomplexed Chol from bilayers composed of global molar ratios below the stable complexation ratio. The removal of Chol by beta-CD was independent of the initial structure of the membranes as deposited, suggesting that asymmetric membranes homogenize by the exchange of molecules between leaflets. The interaction of beta-CD with the aforementioned membranes was independent of the deposition surface pressure except for a symmetric 50:50 membrane deposited at 40 mN/m. The scattering from 50:50 bilayers with higher packing densities (deposited at 40 mN/m) was unaffected by beta-CD, suggesting that the removal of Chol can depend on both the composition and packing density of the membrane. Copyright 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Development of a regenerable system employing silica-titania composites for the recovery of mercury from end-box exhaust at a chlor-alkali facility.

    PubMed

    Stokke, Jennifer M; Mazyck, David W

    2008-04-01

    The release of mercury to the environment is of particular concern because of its volatility, persistence, and tendency to bioaccumulate. The recovery of mercury from end-box exhaust at chlor-alkali facilities is important to prevent release into the environment and reduce emissions as required by NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants). A pilot-scale photocatalytic reactor packed with silica-titania composite (STC) pellets was tested at a chloralkali facility over a 3-month period. This pilot reactor treated up to 10 ft3/min (ACFM) of end-box exhaust and achieved 95% removal. The pilot reactor was able to maintain excellent removal efficiency even with large fluctuations in influent mercury concentration (400-1600 microg/ft3). The STC pellets were regenerated ex situ by regeneration with hydrochloric acid and performed similarly to virgin STC pellets when returned to service. On the basis of these promising results, two full-scale reactors with in situ regeneration capabilities were installed and operated. After optimization, these reactors performed similarly to the pilot reactor. A cost analysis was performed comparing the treatment costs (i.e., cost per pound of mercury removed) for sulfur-impregnated activated carbon and the STC system. The STC proved to be both technologically and economically feasible for this installation.

  16. The magnitude of severe box jellyfish cases on Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan in the Gulf of Thailand.

    PubMed

    Thaikruea, Lakkana; Siriariyaporn, Potjaman

    2016-02-17

    Despite recent deaths caused by box jellyfish envenomation occurring on the islands of Samui and Pha-ngan in the Gulf of Thailand, many people do not believe box jellyfish can kill humans and many people dismiss the problem as insignificant. More evidence has been requested from the communities in order to evaluate the need for and the implementation of sustainable prevention measures. We aimed to determine the magnitude of cases of severe stinging by box jellyfish and describe the characteristics of these cases on the islands of Samui and Pha-ngan in Surat Thani Province from 1997 to 2015. Various strategies were integrated prospectively. Toxic jellyfish networks and surveillance system were established. Outbreak investigations were conducted retrospectively and prospectively from 2008 to 2015. There were 15 box jellyfish cases. A small majority of them were women (60.0) with a median age of 26.0 years (range 5.0-45.0 years). The highest incidence by month were August (33.3%), September and October (20.0%), and July (13.3%). Eight cases occurred on Samui (53.3%), 6 cases on Pha-ngan island (40.0%), and one case on the boat. All cases developed symptoms and signs immediately after being stung. More than half of the cases were unconscious. There were six fatal cases (46.7%). The wound characteristics had an appearance similar to caterpillar tracks or step ladder-like burn marks. Almost all cases involved Chirodropidae. One fatal case received fresh water and ice packs applied to the wounds (16.7%). Among the cases with known first aid, only one out of six fatal cases had vinegar applied to the wounds (16.7%), while haft of six surviving cases received the vinegar treatment. The islands of Samui and Pha-ngan have the highest incidence of fatal and near fatal box jellyfish cases in Thailand. There is an urgent need for informed pre-clinical emergent care. Optimal pre-clinical care is an area of active research.

  17. Crystallization of sheared hard spheres at 64.5% volume fraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swinney, H. L.; Rietz, F.; Schroeter, M.; Radin, C.

    2017-11-01

    A classic experiment by G.D. Scott Nature 188, 908, 1960) showed that pouring balls into a rigid container filled the volume to an upper limit of 64% of the container volume, which is well below the 74% volume fraction filled by spheres in a hexagonal close packed (HCP) or face center cubic (FCC) lattice. Subsequent experiments have confirmed a ``random closed packed'' (RCP) fraction of about 64%. However, the physics of the RCP limit has remained a mystery. Our experiment on a cubical box filled with 49400 weakly sheared glass spheres reveals a first order phase transition from a disordered to an ordered state at a volume fraction of 64.5%. The ordered state consists of crystallites of mixed FCC and HCP symmetry that coexist with the amorphous bulk. The transition is initiated by homogeneous nucleation: in the shearing process small crystallites with about ten or fewer spheres dissolve, while larger crystallites grow. A movie illustrates the crystallization process. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), German Research Foundation (DFG), NSF DMS, and R.A. Welch Foundation.

  18. Packin' ya Eskies!

    PubMed

    Bryce, Sharon; Taylor, Fiona; Shaw, Warwick

    2010-08-01

    The objective was to document a Process Validation on the packaging of human tissue grafts using polystyrene boxes containing dry ice for short term storage. The aim was to give a high degree of assurance that the processed grafts would be maintained at -20 degrees C for a period of time to allow distribution to customers. This study was designed to comply with the Australian GMP-Human Blood and Tissues and AATB Standards for Tissue Banking (Ed 12) American Association of Tissue Banks Section E4.141-Storage Conditions for Commonly Transplanted Human Tissue. Four Eskies were packed with 1, 4, 10 & 20 "dummy" allografts with thermocouples and Data Loggers attached with 3.5, 7, 15 and 20 kg of dry ice packed around the "dummy" allografts, respectively. All Eskies were weighed six times over a 48 h period and temperatures recorded. The results showed that one allograft in an Esky with 3.5 kg of dry ice was able to be stored for up to 31 h and fifteen allografts in an Esky containing 20 kg dry ice lasted 48 h.

  19. TonB-dependent ligand trapping in the BtuB transporter.

    PubMed

    Mills, Allan; Le, Hai-Tuong; Duong, Franck

    2016-12-01

    TonB-dependent transporters are β-barrel outer membrane proteins occluded by a plug domain. Upon ligand binding, these transporters extend a periplasmic motif termed the TonB box. The TonB box permits the recruitment of the inner membrane protein complex TonB-ExbB-ExbD, which drives import of ligands in the cell periplasm. It is unknown precisely how the plug domain is moved aside during transport nor have the intermediate states between TonB recruitment and plug domain movement been characterized biochemically. Here we employ nanodiscs, native gel electrophoresis, and scintillation proximity assays to determine the binding kinetics of vitamin B 12 to BtuB. The results show that ligand-bound BtuB recruits a monomer of TonB (TonB ∆1-31 ), which in turn increases retention of vitamin B 12 within the transporter. The TonB box and the extracellular residue valine 90 that forms part of the vitamin B 12 binding site are essential for this event. These results identify a novel step in the TonB-dependent transport process. They show that TonB binding to BtuB trap the ligand, possibly until the ExbB-ExbD complex is activated or recruited to ensure subsequent transport. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. VizieR Online Data Catalog: Galactic outer disk: a field toward Tombaugh 1 (Carraro+, 2017)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carraro, G.; Sales Silva, J. V.; Moni Bidin, C.; Vazquez, R. A.

    2018-04-01

    The region of interest has been observed with the Y4KCAM camera attached to the 1.0 m telescope operated by the SMARTS consortium (http://www.astro.yale.edu/smarts/) and located at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). This camera is equipped with an STA 4064x4064 CCD with 15 μm pixels, yielding a scale of 0.289"/pixel and a field of view (FOV) of 20'x20' at the Cassegrain focus of the CTIO 1.0 m telescope. The observational data were acquired on the night of 2008 January 30. We observed Landolt's SA 98 UBV(RI)KC standard star area (Landolt 1992AJ....104..372L) to tie our UBVRI instrumental system to the standard system. The average seeing was 1.0". During the nights of 2010 January 5, 6, 9, and 10, we observed 40 stars of the field toward the open cluster Tombaugh 1 (10 stars from boxes A and B, 11 stars from box C, and 9 stars from box D) on Cerro Manqui at the Las Campanas Observatory using the Inamori-Magellan Areal Camera & Spectrograph (IMACS; Dressler et al. 2006SPIE.6269E..0FD), attached to the 6.5 m Magellan Telescope. (7 data files).

  1. Cylindrical surface profile and diameter measuring tool and method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Currie, James R. (Inventor); Kissel, Ralph R. (Inventor); Smith, Earnest C. (Inventor); Oliver, Charles E. (Inventor); Redmon, John W., Sr. (Inventor); Wallace, Charles C. (Inventor); Swanson, Charles P. (Inventor)

    1987-01-01

    A tool is shown having a cross beam assembly made of beams joined by a center box structure. The assembly is adapted to be mounted by brackets to the outer end of a cylindrical case. The center box structure has a vertical shaft rotatably mounted therein and extending beneath the assembly. Secured to the vertical shaft is a radius arm which is adapted to rotate with the shaft. On the longer end of the radius arm is a measuring tip which contacts the cylindrical surface to be measured and which provides an electric signal representing the radius of the cylindrical surface from the center of rotation of the radius arm. An electric servomotor rotates the vertical shaft and an electronic resolver provides an electric signal representing the angle of rotation of the shaft. The electric signals are provided to a computer station which has software for its computer to calculate and print out the continuous circumference profile of the cylindrical surface, and give its true diameter and the deviations from the ideal circle.

  2. Adaptations in rod outer segment disc membranes in response to environmental lighting conditions.

    PubMed

    Rakshit, Tatini; Senapati, Subhadip; Parmar, Vipul M; Sahu, Bhubanananda; Maeda, Akiko; Park, Paul S-H

    2017-10-01

    The light-sensing rod photoreceptor cell exhibits several adaptations in response to the lighting environment. While adaptations to short-term changes in lighting conditions have been examined in depth, adaptations to long-term changes in lighting conditions are less understood. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the structure of rod outer segment disc membranes, the site of photon absorption by the pigment rhodopsin, to better understand how photoreceptor cells respond to long-term lighting changes. Structural properties of the disc membrane changed in response to housing mice in constant dark or light conditions and these adaptive changes required output from the phototransduction cascade initiated by rhodopsin. Among these were changes in the packing density of rhodopsin in the membrane, which was independent of rhodopsin synthesis and specifically affected scotopic visual function as assessed by electroretinography. Studies here support the concept of photostasis, which maintains optimal photoreceptor cell function with implications in retinal degenerations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Biological filter capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification for Aquatic Habitat in International Space Station

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uemoto, H.; Shoji, T.; Uchida, S.

    2014-04-01

    The biological filter capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification was constructed for aquatic animal experiments in the International Space Station (ISS). The biological filter will be used to remove harmful ammonia excreted from aquatic animals in a closed water circulation system (Aquatic Habitat). The biological filter is a cylindrical tank packed with porous glass beads for nitrification and dual plastic bags for denitrification. The porous beads are supporting media for Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrobacter winogradskyi. The N. europaea cells and N. winogradskyi cells on the porous beads, oxidize the excreted ammonia to nitrate via nitrite. On the other hand, the dual bag is composed of an outer non-woven fabric bag and an inner non-porous polyethylene film bag. The outer bag is supporting media for Paracoccus pantotrophus. The inner bag, in which 99.5% ethanol is packed, releases the ethanol slowly, since ethanol can permeate through the non-porous polyethylene film. The P. pantotrophus cells on the outer bag reduce the produced nitrate to nitrogen gas by using the released ethanol as an electron donor for denitrification. The biological filter constructed in this study consequently removed the ammonia without accumulating nitrate. Most of the excess ethanol was consumed and did not affect the nitrification activity of the N. europaea cells and N. winogradskyi cells severely. In accordance with the aquatic animal experiments in the ISS, small freshwater fish had been bred in the closed water circulation system equipped with the biological filter for 90 days. Ammonia concentration daily excreted from fish is assumed to be 1.7 mg-N/L in the recirculation water. Under such conditions, the harmful ammonia and nitrite concentrations were kept below 0.1 mg-N/L in the recirculation water. Nitrate and total organic carbon concentrations in the recirculation water were kept below 5 mg-N/L and 3 mg-C/L, respectively. All breeding fish were alive and ate the feed well. The results show that the nitrification and denitrification abilities of the biological filter sufficed to keep water quality for aquatic animal experiments in the ISS. This simple and effective system is certainly applicable to aquarium systems and aquaculture systems.

  4. Heated fiber optic distributed temperature sensing: a tool for measuring soil water content

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodriguez-Sinobas, Leonor; Zubelzu, Sergio; Sánchez-Calvo, Raúl; Horcajo, Daniel

    2016-04-01

    The use of Distributed Fiber Optic Temperature Measurement (DFOT) method for estimating temperature variation along a cable of fiber optic has been assessed in multiple environmental applications. Recently, the application of DFOT combined with an active heating pulses technique has been reported as a sensor to estimate soil moisture. This method applies a known amount of heat to the soil and monitors the temperature evolution, which mainly depends on the soil moisture content . This study presents the application of the Active Heated DFOT method to determine the soil water retention curve under experimental conditions. The experiment was conducted in a rectangular methacrylate box of 2.5 m x 0.25 m x 0.25 m which was introduced in a larger box 2.8 m x 0.3 m x 0.3 m of the same material. The inner box was filled with a sandy loamy soil collected from the nearest garden and dried under ambient temperature for 30 days. Care was taking to fill up the box maintaining the soil bulk density determined "in-situ". The cable was deployed along the box at 10 cm depth. At the beginning of the experiment, the box was saturated bottom-up, by filling the outer box with water, and then it kept dried for two months. The circulation of heated air at the bottom box accelerated the drying process. In addition, fast growing turf was also sowed to dry it fast. The DTS unit was a SILIXA ULTIMA SR (Silixa Ltd, UK) and has spatial and temporal resolution of 0.29 m and 5 s, respectively. In this study, heat pulses of 7 W/m for 2 1/2 min were applied uniformly along the fiber optic cable and the thermal response on an adjacent cable was monitored in different soil water status. Then, the heating and drying phase integer (called Tcum) was determined following the approach of Sayde et al., (2010). For each water status,  was measured by the gravimetric method in several soil samples collected in three box locations at the same depth that the fiber optic cable and after each heat pulse. Finally, the soil water retention curve was estimated by fitting pairs of Tcum- values. Results showed the feasibility of heated fiber optics with distributed temperature sensing to estimate soil water content, and suggest its potential for its application under field conditions

  5. High-efficiency removal of NOx using dielectric barrier discharge nonthermal plasma with water as an outer electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dan, ZHAO; Feng, YU; Amin, ZHOU; Cunhua, MA; Bin, DAI

    2018-01-01

    With the rapid increase in the number of cars and the development of industry, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have become a serious and pressing problem. This work reports on the development of a water-cooled dielectric barrier discharge reactor for gaseous NOx removal at low temperature. The characteristics of the reactor are evaluated with and without packing of the reaction tube with 2 mm diameter dielectric beads composed of glass, ZnO, MnO2, ZrO2, or Fe2O3. It is found that the use of a water-cooled tube reduces the temperature, which stabilizes the reaction, and provides a much greater NO conversion efficiency (28.8%) than that obtained using quartz tube (14.1%) at a frequency of 8 kHz with an input voltage of 6.8 kV. Furthermore, under equivalent conditions, packing the reactor tube with glass beads greatly increases the NO conversion efficiency to 95.85%. This is because the dielectric beads alter the distribution of the electric field due to the influence of polarization at the glass bead surfaces, which ultimately enhances the plasma discharge intensity. The presence of the dielectric beads increases the gas residence time within the reactor. Experimental verification and a theoretical basis are provided for the industrial application of the proposed plasma NO removal process employing dielectric bead packing.

  6. Magnitude and directional measures of water and Cr(VI) fluxes by passive flux meter.

    PubMed

    Campbell, Timothy J; Hatfield, Kirk; Klammler, Harald; Annable, Michael D; Rao, P S C

    2006-10-15

    A new configuration of the passive fluxmeter (PFM) is presented that provides for simultaneous measurements of both the magnitude and the direction of ambient groundwater specific discharge qo and Cr(VI) mass flux J(Cr). The PFM is configured as a cylindrical unit with an interior divided into a center section and three outer sectors, each packed with a granular anion exchange resin having high sorption capacity for the Cr(VI) oxyanions CrO4(2-) and HCrO4-. The sorbent in the center section is preloaded with benzoate as the "resident" tracer. Laboratory experiments were conducted in which PFMs were placed in porous packed bed columns, through which was passed a measured volume of synthetic groundwater containing Cr(VI). During the deployment period, some of the resident tracer is depleted while the Cr(VI) is sorbed. The resin was then removed from the four sectors separately and extracted to determine the "captured" mass of Cr(VI) and the residual mass of the resident tracer in each. Cumulative specific discharge, q0t, values were assessed using the residual mass of benzoate retained in the center section. The direction of this discharge theta was ascertained from the mass distribution of benzoate intercepted and retained in the outer three sections of the PFM. Cumulative chromium fluxes, J(Cr)t, were quantified using the total Cr(VI) mass intercepted and retained on the PFM. Experiments produced an average measurement error for direction theta of 3 degrees +/- 14 degrees, while the average measurement errors for q0 and J(Cr) were, respectively, -8% +/- 15% and -12% +/- 23%. Results demonstrate the potential utility of the new PFM configuration for characterizing groundwater and contaminant fluxes.

  7. Geochemistry and magnetic sediment distribution at the western boundary upwelling system of southwest Atlantic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cruz, Anna P. S.; Barbosa, Catia F.; Ayres-Neto, Arthur; Munayco, Pablo; Scorzelli, Rosa B.; Amorim, Nívea Santos; Albuquerque, Ana L. S.; Seoane, José C. S.

    2018-02-01

    In order to investigate the chemical and magnetic characteristics of sediments of the western boundary upwelling system of Southwest Atlantic we analyzed magnetic susceptibility, grain size distribution, total organic carbon, heavy mineral abundance, Fe associated with Mössbauer spectra, and Fe and Mn of pore water to evaluate the deposition patterns of sediments. Four box-cores were collected along a cross-shelf transect. Brazil Current and coastal plume exert a primary control at the inner and outer shelf cores, which exhibited similar depositional patterns characterized by a high abundance of heavy minerals (mean 0.21% and 0.08%, respectively) and very fine sand, whereas middle shelf cores presented low abundances of heavy minerals (mean 0.03%) and medium silt. The inner shelf was dominated by sub-angular grains, while in middle and outer shelf cores well-rounded grains were found. The increasing Fe3+:Fe2+ ratio from the inner to the outer shelf reflects farther distance to the sediment source. The outer shelf presented well-rounded minerals, indicating abrasive processes as a result of transport by the Brazil Current from the source areas. In the middle shelf, cold-water intrusion of the South Atlantic Central Water contributes to the primary productivity, resulting in higher deposition of fine sediment and organic carbon accumulation. The high input of organic carbon and the decreased grain size are indicative of changes in the hydrodynamics and primary productivity fueled by the western boundary upwelling system, which promotes loss of magnetization due to the induction of diagenesis of iron oxide minerals.

  8. A New 3D Multi-fluid Dust Model: A Study of the Effects of Activity and Nucleus Rotation on Dust Grain Behavior at Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shou, Y.; Combi, M.; Toth, G.; Tenishev, V.; Fougere, N.; Jia, X.; Rubin, M.; Huang, Z.; Hansen, K.; Gombosi, T.

    2017-11-01

    Improving our capability to interpret observations of cometary dust is necessary to deepen our understanding of the role of dust in the formation of comets and in altering the cometary environments. Models including dust grains are in demand to interpret observations and test hypotheses. Several existing models have taken into account the gas-dust interaction, varying sizes of dust grains and the cometary gravitational force. In this work, we develop a multi-fluid dust model based on the BATS-R-US code. This model not only incorporates key features of previous dust models, but also has the capability of simulating time-dependent phenomena. Since the model is run in the rotating comet reference frame, the centrifugal and Coriolis forces are included. The boundary conditions on the nucleus surface can be set according to the distribution of activity and the solar illumination. The Sun revolves around the comet in this frame. A newly developed numerical mesh is also used to resolve the real-shaped nucleus in the center and to facilitate prescription of the outer boundary conditions that accommodate the rotating frame. The inner part of the mesh is a box composed of Cartesian cells and the outer surface is a smooth sphere, with stretched cells filled in between the box and the sphere. Our model achieved comparable results to the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method and the Rosetta/OSIRIS observations. It is also applied to study the effects of the rotating nucleus and the cometary activity and offers interpretations of some dust observations of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

  9. A new 3D multi-fluid dust model: a study of the effects of activity and nucleus rotation on the dust grains' behavior in the cometary environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shou, Y.; Combi, M. R.; Toth, G.; Fougere, N.; Tenishev, V.; Huang, Z.; Jia, X.; Hansen, K. C.; Gombosi, T. I.; Bieler, A. M.; Rubin, M.

    2016-12-01

    Cometary dust observations may deepen our understanding of the role of dust in the formation of comets and in altering the cometary environment. Models including dust grains are in demand to interpret observations and test hypotheses. Several existing models have taken into account the gas-dust interaction, varying sizes of dust grains and the cometary gravitational force. In this work, we develop a multi-fluid dust model based on BATS-R-US in the University of Michigan's Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF). This model not only incorporates key features of previous dust models, but also has the capability of simulating time-dependent phenomena. Since the model is running in the rotating comet reference frame with a real shaped nucleus in the computational domain, the fictitious centrifugal and Coriolis forces are included. The boundary condition on the nucleus surface can be set according to the distribution of activity and the solar illumination. The Sun, which drives sublimation and the radiation pressure force, revolves around the comet in this frame. A newly developed numerical mesh is also used to resolve the real shaped nucleus in the center and to facilitate prescription of the outer boundary conditions that accommodate the rotating frame. The inner part of the grid is a box composed of Cartesian cells and the outer surface is a smooth sphere, with stretched cells filled in between the box and the sphere. The effects of the rotating nucleus and the activity region on the surface are discussed and preliminary results are presented. This work has been partially supported by grant NNX14AG84G from the NASA Planetary Atmospheres Program, and US Rosetta contracts JPL #1266313, JPL #1266314 and JPL #1286489.

  10. HST Observations of the Uranian Ring Plane Crossing: Early Results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Showalter, Mark R.; Lissauer, J. J.; French, R. G.; Hamilton, D. P.; Nicholson, P. D.; de Pater, I.

    2007-10-01

    Between early May and mid-August 2007, Earth was on the north side of the Uranian ring plane while the Sun was still shining on the rings’ southern face. This has provided an exceedingly rare opportunity to view the ring system via transmitted light. The ɛ ring, which typically out-shines every other component of the inner ring-moon system, has been rendered essentially invisible. We have been conducting regular imaging of the Uranian system throughout this period with the Wide Field/Planetary Camera on HST to address numerous scientific goals. (1) To search the inner Uranian system for the "shepherding” moons long believed to confine the narrow rings; (2) to study the packing density of the main rings via direct observations of their vertical thickness; (3) to search for the inner dust rings that appeared in a few Voyager images; (4) to determine the vertical thickness of the faint outer rings μ and ν (5) to obtain the most sensitive determinations of the outer rings’ colors and try to understand why ring ν is red but ring μ is blue; (6) to search for additional outer dust rings under optimal viewing geometry; and (7) to continue monitoring the seemingly chaotic orbital variations of the inner Uranian moons, particularly Mab. HST observations span mid-May to mid-September. We will present our initial results from this observing program.

  11. Retinal photoreceptors and visual pigments in Boa constrictor imperator.

    PubMed

    Sillman, A J; Johnson, J L; Loew, E R

    2001-09-01

    The photoreceptors of Boa constrictor, a boid snake of the subfamily Boinae, were examined with scanning electron microscopy and microspectrophotometry. The retina of B. constrictor is duplex but highly dominated by rods, cones comprising 11% of the photoreceptor population. The rather tightly packed rods have relatively long outer segments with proximal ends that are somewhat tapered. There are two morphologically distinct, single cones. The most common cone by far has a large inner segment and a relatively stout outer segment. The second cone, seen only infrequently, has a substantially smaller inner segment and a finer outer segment. The visual pigments of B. constrictor are virtually identical to those of the pythonine boid, Python regius. Three different visual pigments are present, all based on vitamin A(1.) The visual pigment of the rods has a wavelength of peak absorbance (lambda(max)) at 495 +/- 2 nm. The visual pigment of the more common, large cone has a lambda(max) at 549 +/- 1 nm. The small, rare cone contains a visual pigment with lambda(max) at 357 +/- 2 nm, providing the snake with sensitivity in the ultraviolet. We suggest that B. constrictor might employ UV sensitivity to locate conspecifics and/or to improve hunting efficiency. The data indicate that wavelength discrimination above 430 nm would not be possible without some input from the rods. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  12. Solution structure of the antitermination protein NusB of Escherichia coli: a novel all-helical fold for an RNA-binding protein.

    PubMed Central

    Huenges, M; Rölz, C; Gschwind, R; Peteranderl, R; Berglechner, F; Richter, G; Bacher, A; Kessler, H; Gemmecker, G

    1998-01-01

    The NusB protein of Escherichia coli is involved in the regulation of rRNA biosynthesis by transcriptional antitermination. In cooperation with several other proteins, it binds to a dodecamer motif designated rrn boxA on the nascent rRNA. The antitermination proteins of E.coli are recruited in the replication cycle of bacteriophage lambda, where they play an important role in switching from the lysogenic to the lytic cycle. Multidimensional heteronuclear NMR experiments were performed with recombinant NusB protein labelled with 13C, 15N and 2H. The three-dimensional structure of the protein was solved from 1926 NMR-derived distances and 80 torsion angle restraints. The protein folds into an alpha/alpha-helical topology consisting of six helices; the arginine-rich N-terminus appears to be disordered. Complexation of the protein with an RNA dodecamer equivalent to the rrn boxA site results in chemical shift changes of numerous amide signals. The overall packing of the protein appears to be conserved, but the flexible N-terminus adopts a more rigid structure upon RNA binding, indicating that the N-terminus functions as an arginine-rich RNA-binding motif (ARM). PMID:9670024

  13. Influence of wholesale lamb marketing options and merchandising styles on retail yield and fabrication time.

    PubMed

    Lorenzen, C L; Martin, A M; Griffin, D B; Dockerty, T R; Walter, J P; Johnson, H K; Savell, J W

    1997-01-01

    Lamb carcasses (n = 94) from five packing plants, selected to vary in weight class and fat thickness, were used to determine retail yield and labor requirements of wholesale lamb fabrication. Carcasses were allotted randomly according to weight class to be fabricated as whole carcasses (n = 20), three-piece boxes (n = 22), or subprimals (n = 52). Processing times (seconds) were recorded and wholesale and retail weights (kilograms) were obtained to calculate retail yield. Subprimals were fabricated into bone-in retail cuts or boneless or semi-boneless retail cuts. Retail yield for subprimal lamb legs decreased from 85.3 +/- .6% for bone-in to 68.0 +/- .7% for a completely boneless retail product. Correspondingly, processing times increased from 126.1 +/- 5.4 s to 542.0 +/- 19.2 s for bone-in and boneless legs, respectively. For all subprimals, retail yield percentage tended to decrease and total processing time increase as cuts were fabricated to boneless or semi-boneless end points compared with a bone-in end point. Percentage retail yield did not differ (P > .05) among whole carcass, three-piece box, and subprimal marketing methods. Total processing time was shorter for subprimals (P < .05) than for the other two marketing methods.

  14. Nearly Seamless Vacuum-Insulated Boxes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stepanian, Christopher J.; Ou, Danny; Hu, Xiangjun

    2010-01-01

    A design concept, and a fabrication process that would implement the design concept, have been proposed for nearly seamless vacuum-insulated boxes that could be the main structural components of a variety of controlled-temperature containers, including common household refrigerators and insulating containers for shipping foods. In a typical case, a vacuum-insulated box would be shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped conventional refrigerator box having five fully closed sides and a hinged door on the sixth side. Although it is possible to construct the five-closed-side portion of the box as an assembly of five unitary vacuum-insulated panels, it is not desirable to do so because the relatively high thermal conductances of the seams between the panels would contribute significant amounts of heat leakage, relative to the leakage through the panels themselves. In contrast, the proposal would make it possible to reduce heat leakage by constructing the five-closed-side portion of the box plus the stationary portion (if any) of the sixth side as a single, seamless unit; the only remaining seam would be the edge seal around the door. The basic cross-sectional configuration of each side of a vacuum-insulated box according to the proposal would be that of a conventional vacuum-insulated panel: a low-density, porous core material filling a partially evacuated space between face sheets. However, neither the face sheets nor the core would be conventional. The face sheets would be opposite sides of a vacuum bag. The core material would be a flexible polymer-modified silica aerogel of the type described in Silica/Polymer and Silica/Polymer/Fiber Composite Aero - gels (MSC-23736) in this issue of NASA Tech Briefs. As noted in that article, the stiffness of this core material against compression is greater than that of prior aerogels. This is an important advantage because it translates to greater retention of thickness and, hence, of insulation performance when pressure is applied across the thickness, in particular, when the space between the face sheets is evacuated, causing the core material to be squeezed between the face sheets by atmospheric pressure. Fabrication of a typical vacuum-insulated box according to the proposal would begin with fabrication of a cross-shaped polymer-modified aerogel blanket. The dimensions of the cross would be chosen so that (1) the central rectangular portion of the cross would form the core for the back of the box and (2) the arms of the cross could be folded 90 from the back plane to form the cores of the adjacent four sides of the box. Optionally, the blanket could include tabs for joining the folded sides of the blanket along mating edges and tabs that could serve as hinges for the door. Vacuum bags in the form of similar five-sided boxes would be made of a suitable polymeric film, one bag to fit the outer core surface, the other to fit the inner core surface. By use of commercially available film-sealing equipment, these box-shaped bags would be seamed together to form a single vacuum bag encasing the box-shaped core. Also, a one-way valve would be sealed to the bag. Through this valve, the interior of the bag would be evacuated to a pressure between 1 and 10 torr (approximately between 0.13 and 1.3 kPa). The polymer-modified aerogel core material is known to perform well as a thermal insulator in such a partial vacuum.

  15. Automated prescription of oblique brain 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging.

    PubMed

    Ozhinsky, Eugene; Vigneron, Daniel B; Chang, Susan M; Nelson, Sarah J

    2013-04-01

    Two major difficulties encountered in implementing Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) in a clinical setting are limited coverage and difficulty in prescription. The goal of this project was to automate completely the process of 3D PRESS MRSI prescription, including placement of the selection box, saturation bands and shim volume, while maximizing the coverage of the brain. The automated prescription technique included acquisition of an anatomical MRI image, optimization of the oblique selection box parameters, optimization of the placement of outer-volume suppression saturation bands, and loading of the calculated parameters into a customized 3D MRSI pulse sequence. To validate the technique and compare its performance with existing protocols, 3D MRSI data were acquired from six exams from three healthy volunteers. To assess the performance of the automated 3D MRSI prescription for patients with brain tumors, the data were collected from 16 exams from 8 subjects with gliomas. This technique demonstrated robust coverage of the tumor, high consistency of prescription and very good data quality within the T2 lesion. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. A food contaminant detection system based on high-Tc SQUIDs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanaka, Saburo; Fujita, H.; Hatsukade, Y.; Nagaishi, T.; Nishi, K.; Ota, H.; Otani, T.; Suzuki, S.

    2006-05-01

    We have designed and constructed a computer controlled food contaminant detection system for practical use, based on high-Tc SQUID detectors. The system, which features waterproof stainless steel construction, is acceptable under the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) programme guidelines. The outer dimensions of the system are 1500 mm length × 477 mm width × 1445 mm height, and it can accept objects up to 200 mm wide × 80 mm high. An automatic liquid nitrogen filling system was installed in the standard model. This system employed a double-layered permeable metallic shield with a thickness of 1 mm as a magnetically shielded box. The distribution of the magnetic field in the box was simulated by FEM; the gap between each shield layer was optimized before fabrication. A shielding factor of 732 in the Z-component was achieved. This value is high enough to safely operate the system in a non-laboratory environment, i.e., a factory. During testing, we successfully detected a steel contaminant as small as 0.3 mm in diameter at a distance of 75 mm.

  17. Direct Numerical Simulation of turbulent heat transfer up to Reτ = 2000

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoyas, Sergio; Pérez-Quiles, Jezabel; Lluesma-Rodríguez, Federico

    2017-11-01

    We present a new set of direct numerical simulations of turbulent heat transfer in a channel flow for a Prandtl number of 0.71 and a friction Reynolds number of 2000. Mixed boundary conditions, i.e., wall temperature is time independent and varies linearly along streamwise component, have been used as boundary conditions for the thermal field. The effect of the size of the box in the one point statistics of the thermal field, and the kinetic energy, dissipation and turbulent budgets has been studied, showing that a domain with streamwise and spanwise sizes of 4 πh and 2 πh, where h is the channel half-height, is large enough to reproduce the one point statistics of larger boxes. The scaling of the previous quantities with respect to the Reynolds number has been also studied using a new dataset of simulations at smaller Reynolds number, finding two different scales for the inner and outer layers of the flow. Funded by project ENE2015-71333-R of the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.

  18. Colloidal Material Box: In-situ Observations of Colloidal Self-Assembly and Liquid Crystal Phase Transitions in Microgravity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, WeiBin; Lan, Ding; Sun, ZhiBin; Geng, BaoMing; Wang, XiaoQing; Tian, WeiQian; Zhai, GuangJie; Wang, YuRen

    2016-05-01

    To study the self-assembly behavior of colloidal spheres in the solid/liquid interface and elucidate the mechanism of liquid crystal phase transition under microgravity, a Colloidal Material Box (CMB) was designed which consists of three modules: (i) colloidal evaporation experimental module, made up of a sample management unit, an injection management unit and an optical observation unit; (ii) liquid crystal phase transition experimental module, including a sample management unit and an optical observation unit; (iii) electronic control module. The following two experimental plans will be performed inside the CMB aboard the SJ-10 satellite in space. (i) Self-assembly of colloidal spheres (with and without Au shell) induced by droplet evaporation, allowing observation of the dynamic process of the colloidal spheres within the droplet and the change of the droplet outer profile during evaporation; (ii) Phase behavior of Mg2Al LDHs suspensions in microgravity. The experimental results will be the first experimental observations of depositing ordered colloidal crystals and their self-assembly behavior under microgravity, and will illustrate the influence of gravity on liquid crystal phase transition.

  19. The ab initio simulation of the Earth's core.

    PubMed

    Alfè, D; Gillan, M J; Vocadlo, L; Brodholt, J; Price, G D

    2002-06-15

    The Earth has a liquid outer and solid inner core. It is predominantly composed of Fe, alloyed with small amounts of light elements, such as S, O and Si. The detailed chemical and thermal structure of the core is poorly constrained, and it is difficult to perform experiments to establish the properties of core-forming phases at the pressures (ca. 300 GPa) and temperatures (ca. 5000-6000 K) to be found in the core. Here we present some major advances that have been made in using quantum mechanical methods to simulate the high-P/T properties of Fe alloys, which have been made possible by recent developments in high-performance computing. Specifically, we outline how we have calculated the Gibbs free energies of the crystalline and liquid forms of Fe alloys, and so conclude that the inner core of the Earth is composed of hexagonal close packed Fe containing ca. 8.5% S (or Si) and 0.2% O in equilibrium at 5600 K at the boundary between the inner and outer cores with a liquid Fe containing ca. 10% S (or Si) and 8% O.

  20. Activity of hawthorn leaf and bark extracts in relation to biological membrane.

    PubMed

    Włoch, Aleksandra; Kapusta, Ireneusz; Bielecki, Krzysztof; Oszmiański, Jan; Kleszczyńska, Halina

    2013-07-01

    The aim of the study was to identify and determine the percent content of polyphenols in extracts from leaves and hawthorn bark, to examine the effect of the extracts on the properties of the biological membrane as well as to determine their antioxidant activity toward membrane lipids. In particular, a biophysical investigation was conducted on the effect of hawthorn extracts on the osmotic resistance and morphology of erythrocyte cells and on the packing of the heads of membrane lipids. Analysis of the polyphenol content of extracts used the HPLC method. Analysis of the polyphenol composition has shown a dominant share of procyanidins and epicatechin in both extracts. The research showed that the polyphenolic compounds contained in hawthorn extracts are incorporated mainly into the hydrophilic part of the erythrocyte membrane, inducing echinocyte shapes. They also diminish the packing order of the lipid polar heads of the membrane, as evidenced by the lowered generalized polarization values of Laurdan. The substances used induced increased osmotic pressure of erythrocytes, making them less sensitive to changes in osmotic pressure. The presence of the extract compounds in the outer hydrophilic part of the erythrocyte membrane, evidenced by examination of the shapes and packing in the hydrophilic part of membrane, indicates that the substances constitute a kind of barrier that protects the erythrocyte membrane against free radicals, while the membrane-bound extracts do not disturb the membrane structure and, thus, do not cause any side effects.

  1. Regulation of membrane proteins by dietary lipids: effects of cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid acyl chain-containing phospholipids on rhodopsin stability and function.

    PubMed

    Bennett, Michael P; Mitchell, Drake C

    2008-08-01

    Purified bovine rhodopsin was reconstituted into vesicles consisting of 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine or 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl phosphatidylcholine with and without 30 mol % cholesterol. Rhodopsin stability was examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal unfolding transition temperature (T(m)) of rhodopsin was scan rate-dependent, demonstrating the presence of a rate-limited component of denaturation. The activation energy of this kinetically controlled process (E(a)) was determined from DSC thermograms by four separate methods. Both T(m) and E(a) varied with bilayer composition. Cholesterol increased the T(m) both the presence and absence of docosahexaenoic acid acyl chains (DHA). In contrast, cholesterol lowered E(a) in the absence of DHA, but raised E(a) in the presence of 20 mol % DHA-containing phospholipid. The relative acyl chain packing order was determined from measurements of diphenylhexatriene fluorescence anisotropy decay. The T(m) for thermal unfolding was inversely related to acyl chain packing order. Rhodopsin kinetic stability (E(a)) was reduced in highly ordered or disordered membranes. Maximal kinetic stability was found within the range of acyl chain order found in native bovine rod outer segment disk membranes. The results demonstrate that membrane composition has distinct effects on the thermal versus kinetic stabilities of membrane proteins, and suggests that a balance between membrane constituents with opposite effects on acyl chain packing, such as DHA and cholesterol, may be required for maximum protein stability.

  2. In-flight Video Captured by External Tank Camera System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2005-01-01

    In this July 26, 2005 video, Earth slowly fades into the background as the STS-114 Space Shuttle Discovery climbs into space until the External Tank (ET) separates from the orbiter. An External Tank ET Camera System featuring a Sony XC-999 model camera provided never before seen footage of the launch and tank separation. The camera was installed in the ET LO2 Feedline Fairing. From this position, the camera had a 40% field of view with a 3.5 mm lens. The field of view showed some of the Bipod area, a portion of the LH2 tank and Intertank flange area, and some of the bottom of the shuttle orbiter. Contained in an electronic box, the battery pack and transmitter were mounted on top of the Solid Rocker Booster (SRB) crossbeam inside the ET. The battery pack included 20 Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries (similar to cordless phone battery packs) totaling 28 volts DC and could supply about 70 minutes of video. Located 95 degrees apart on the exterior of the Intertank opposite orbiter side, there were 2 blade S-Band antennas about 2 1/2 inches long that transmitted a 10 watt signal to the ground stations. The camera turned on approximately 10 minutes prior to launch and operated for 15 minutes following liftoff. The complete camera system weighs about 32 pounds. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Johnson Space Center (JSC), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) participated in the design, development, and testing of the ET camera system.

  3. Comparative Performance Evaluation of Rainfall-runoff Models, Six of Black-box Type and One of Conceptual Type, From The Galway Flow Forecasting System (gffs) Package, Applied On Two Irish Catchments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goswami, M.; O'Connor, K. M.; Shamseldin, A. Y.

    The "Galway Real-Time River Flow Forecasting System" (GFFS) is a software pack- age developed at the Department of Engineering Hydrology, of the National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. It is based on a selection of lumped black-box and con- ceptual rainfall-runoff models, all developed in Galway, consisting primarily of both the non-parametric (NP) and parametric (P) forms of two black-box-type rainfall- runoff models, namely, the Simple Linear Model (SLM-NP and SLM-P) and the seasonally-based Linear Perturbation Model (LPM-NP and LPM-P), together with the non-parametric wetness-index-based Linearly Varying Gain Factor Model (LVGFM), the black-box Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Model, and the conceptual Soil Mois- ture Accounting and Routing (SMAR) Model. Comprised of the above suite of mod- els, the system enables the user to calibrate each model individually, initially without updating, and it is capable also of producing combined (i.e. consensus) forecasts us- ing the Simple Average Method (SAM), the Weighted Average Method (WAM), or the Artificial Neural Network Method (NNM). The updating of each model output is achieved using one of four different techniques, namely, simple Auto-Regressive (AR) updating, Linear Transfer Function (LTF) updating, Artificial Neural Network updating (NNU), and updating by the Non-linear Auto-Regressive Exogenous-input method (NARXM). The models exhibit a considerable range of variation in degree of complexity of structure, with corresponding degrees of complication in objective func- tion evaluation. Operating in continuous river-flow simulation and updating modes, these models and techniques have been applied to two Irish catchments, namely, the Fergus and the Brosna. A number of performance evaluation criteria have been used to comparatively assess the model discharge forecast efficiency.

  4. KSC-2010-4444

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2010-08-20

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida prepare to load the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, Robonaut 2, or R2, into the Permanent Multipurpose Module, or PMM. Packed inside a launch box called SLEEPR, or Structural Launch Enclosure to Effectively Protect Robonaut, R2 will be placed in the in the same launch orientation as space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew members -- facing toward the nose of the shuttle with the back taking all the weight. Although R2 will initially only participate in operational tests, upgrades could eventually allow the robot to realize its true purpose -- helping spacewalking astronauts with tasks outside the International Space Station. STS-133 is targeted to launch Nov. 1. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

  5. Surface sediment response to deepwater circulation on the Blake Outer Ridge, western North Atlantic: paleoceanographic implications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haskell, Brian J.; Johnson, Thomas C.

    1993-01-01

    Two transects of box core, hydrographic and photographic stations were made along the Blake Outer Ridge on the southeastern U.S. continental rise to study how circulation patterns affect surface sediment properties. Circulation is strongest at 4200 m on the flanks of the ridge and is reflected in the suspended particulate distribution. A second turbidity maximum at 3600 m suggests that there may be a second axis of circulation at this depth. The intense circulation on the flanks of the ridge has resulted in winnowing of the sediment revealed by coarsening and flattening of the grain size distribution in the detrital silt fraction, and concentration of carbonate by the formation of a foraminiferal lag deposit. The mean grain size of the detrital silt fraction on the crest of the ridge decreases southeastwards with increasing distance from upstream sediment sources. Shifts in the position and strength of the Western Boundary Undercurrent affect the distance that relatively coarse silt is transported. Downcore changes in grain size can therefore be used as paleoceanographic proxy for changes in deepwater circulation.

  6. Biological effects of blocking blue and other visible light on the mouse retina.

    PubMed

    Narimatsu, Toshio; Ozawa, Yoko; Miyake, Seiji; Kubota, Shunsuke; Yuki, Kenya; Nagai, Norihiro; Tsubota, Kazuo

    2014-08-01

    To elucidate the biological effects of blocking fluorescent light on the retina using specific blocking materials. Seven- to 8-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into three groups and placed in one of the three boxes: one blocked ultraviolet and violet wavelengths of light (violet blockade), one blocked ultraviolet, violet, blue and some other visible wavelengths (blue-plus blockade), and one allowed most visible light to pass through (control). They were then exposed to a white fluorescent lamp for 1 h at 5.65E-05 mW/cm(2) /s. After treatment, the electroretinogram, retinal outer nuclear layer thickness and retinal outer segment length were measured. In addition, retinal apoptotic cells were quantified by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling assay and c-Fos messenger RNA, and protein levels were measured by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses, respectively. The blue-plus blockade group retained a significantly better electroretinogram response following light exposure than the control or violet blockade groups. The blue-plus blockade group also exhibited greater outer nuclear layer thickness and greater outer-segment length, and fewer apoptotic cells after light exposure than the other groups. The c-Fos messenger RNA and protein levels were substantially reduced in the blue-plus blockade group and reduced to a lesser extent in the violet blockade group. The blockade of blue plus additional visible wavelengths of light was most effective in protecting the retina from light-induced damage. The blockade of violet light alone was also effective in reducing intracellular molecular responses, but these effects were not sufficient for attenuating retinal degeneration. © 2013 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

  7. A granular flow model for dense planetary rings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Borderies, N.; Goldreich, P.; Tremaine, S.

    1985-01-01

    In the present study of the viscosity of a differentially rotating particle disk, in the limiting case where the particles are densely packed and their collective behavior resembles that of a liquid, the pressure tensor is derived from both the equations of hydrodynamics and a simple kinetic model of collisions due to Haff (1983). Density waves and narrow circular rings are unstable if the liquid approximation applies, and the consequent nonlinear perturbations may generate 'splashing' of the ring material in the vertical direction. These results are pertinent to the origin of the ellipticities of ringlets, the nonaxisymmetric features near the outer edge of the Saturn B ring, and unexplained residuals in kinematic models of the Saturn and Uranus rings.

  8. Diffusion and reaction within porous packing media: a phenomenological model.

    PubMed

    Jones, W L; Dockery, J D; Vogel, C R; Sturman, P J

    1993-04-25

    A phenomenological model has been developed to describe biomass distribution and substrate depletion in porous diatomaceous earth (DE) pellets colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The essential features of the model are diffusion, attachment and detachment to/from pore walls of the biomass, diffusion of substrate within the pellet, and external mass transfer of both substrate and biomass in the bulk fluid of a packed bed containing the pellets. A bench-scale reactor filled with DE pellets was inoculated with P. aeruginosa and operated in plug flow without recycle using a feed containing glucose as the limiting nutrient. Steady-state effluent glucose concentrations were measured at various residence times, and biomass distribution within the pellet was measured at the lowest residence time. In the model, microorganism/substrate kinetics and mass transfer characteristics were predicted from the literature. Only the attachment and detachment parameters were treated as unknowns, and were determined by fitting biomass distribution data within the pellets to the mathematical model. The rate-limiting step in substrate conversion was determined to be internal mass transfer resistance; external mass transfer resistance and microbial kinetic limitations were found to be nearly negligible. Only the outer 5% of the pellets contributed to substrate conversion.

  9. Novel Battery Management System with Distributed Wireless and Fiber Optic Sensors for Early Detection and Suppression of Thermal Runaway in Large Battery Packs, FY13 Q4 Report, ARPA-E Program: Advanced Management Protection of Energy Storage Devices (AMPE

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

    Farmer, J.; Chang, J.; Zumstein, J.

    Technology has been developed that enables monitoring of individual cells in highcapacity lithium-ion battery packs, with a distributed array of wireless Bluetooth 4.0 tags and sensors, and without proliferation of extensive wiring harnesses. Given the safety challenges facing lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicle, civilian aviation and defense applications, these wireless sensors may be particularly important to these emerging markets. These wireless sensors will enhance the performance, reliability and safety of such energy storage systems. Specific accomplishments to date include, but are not limited to: (1) the development of wireless tags using Bluetooth 4.0 standard to monitor a large array ofmore » sensors in battery pack; (2) sensor suites enabling the simultaneous monitoring of cell voltage, cell current, cell temperature, and package strain, indicative of swelling and increased internal pressure, (3) small receivers compatible with USB ports on portable computers; (4) software drivers and logging software; (5) a 7S2P battery simulator, enabling the safe development of wireless BMS hardware in the laboratory; (6) demonstrated data transmission out of metal enclosures, including battery box, with small variable aperture opening; (7) test data demonstrating the accurate and reliable operation of sensors, with transmission of terminal voltage, cell temperature and package strain at distances up to 110 feet; (8) quantification of the data transmission error as a function of distance, in both indoor and outdoor operation; (9) electromagnetic interference testing during operation with live, high-capacity battery management system at Yardney Technical Products; (10) demonstrated operation with live high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack during charge-discharge cycling; (11) development of special polymer-gel lithium-ion batteries with embedded temperature sensors, capable of measuring the core temperature of individual of the cells during charge-discharge cycling at various temperatures, thereby enabling earlier warning of thermal runaway than possible with external sensors. Ultimately, the team plans to extend this work to include: (12) flexible wireless controllers, also using Bluetooth 4.0 standard, essential for balancing large-scale battery packs. LLNL received $925K for this project, and has $191K remaining after accomplishing these objectives.« less

  10. Absolute accuracy of the Cyberware WB4 whole-body scanner

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Daanen, Hein A. M.; Taylor, Stacie E.; Brunsman, Matthew A.; Nurre, Joseph H.

    1997-03-01

    The Cyberware WB4 whole body scanner is one of the first scanning systems in the world that generates a high resolution data set of the outer surface of the human body. The Computerized Anthropometric Research and Design (CARD) Laboratory of Wright-Patterson AFB intends to use the scanner to enable quick and reliable acquisition of anthropometric data. For this purpose, a validation study was initiated to check the accuracy, reliability and errors of the system. A calibration object, consisting of two boxes and a cylinder, was scanned in several locations in the scanning space. The object dimensions in the resulting scans compared favorably to the actual dimensions of the calibration object.

  11. SQUEEZE-E: The Optimal Solution for Molecular Simulations with Periodic Boundary Conditions.

    PubMed

    Wassenaar, Tsjerk A; de Vries, Sjoerd; Bonvin, Alexandre M J J; Bekker, Henk

    2012-10-09

    In molecular simulations of macromolecules, it is desirable to limit the amount of solvent in the system to avoid spending computational resources on uninteresting solvent-solvent interactions. As a consequence, periodic boundary conditions are commonly used, with a simulation box chosen as small as possible, for a given minimal distance between images. Here, we describe how such a simulation cell can be set up for ensembles, taking into account a priori available or estimable information regarding conformational flexibility. Doing so ensures that any conformation present in the input ensemble will satisfy the distance criterion during the simulation. This helps avoid periodicity artifacts due to conformational changes. The method introduces three new approaches in computational geometry: (1) The first is the derivation of an optimal packing of ensembles, for which the mathematical framework is described. (2) A new method for approximating the α-hull and the contact body for single bodies and ensembles is presented, which is orders of magnitude faster than existing routines, allowing the calculation of packings of large ensembles and/or large bodies. 3. A routine is described for searching a combination of three vectors on a discretized contact body forming a reduced base for a lattice with minimal cell volume. The new algorithms reduce the time required to calculate packings of single bodies from minutes or hours to seconds. The use and efficacy of the method is demonstrated for ensembles obtained from NMR, MD simulations, and elastic network modeling. An implementation of the method has been made available online at http://haddock.chem.uu.nl/services/SQUEEZE/ and has been made available as an option for running simulations through the weNMR GRID MD server at http://haddock.science.uu.nl/enmr/services/GROMACS/main.php .

  12. Dietary management of peanut and tree nut allergy: what exactly should patients avoid?

    PubMed

    Brough, H A; Turner, P J; Wright, T; Fox, A T; Taylor, S L; Warner, J O; Lack, G

    2015-05-01

    Peanut and tree nut allergies are the commonest cause of life-threatening food-allergic reactions and significantly affect quality of life in children and their families. Dietary nut avoidance and provision of emergency medication is currently the mainstay of treatment. Nut avoidance has consequences on both quality of life and nutrition. We review the terminology that may cause confusion and lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions. In peanut or tree nut-allergic children, introduction of specific nuts to which the child is not allergic may improve quality of life and should be considered in patients with multiple foods allergies, vegan or ethnic-specific diets, in whom nuts are an important source of protein. Nut-allergic consumers do not just need to avoid foods containing nuts as an ingredient, but also contend with pre-packed foods which frequently have precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) referring to possible nut contamination. Although the published rate of peanut contamination in 'snack' foods with PAL (see Box ) ranges from 0.9-32.4%, peanut contamination in non-snack items with PAL is far less common. We propose that in some peanut-allergic patients (depending on history of reactivity to trace levels of peanut, reaction severity, other medical conditions, willingness to always carry adrenaline, etc.), consideration may be given to allow the consumption of non-snack foods containing PAL following discussion with the patient's (and their family's) specialist. More work is needed to provide consumers with clearer information on the risk of potential nut contamination in pre-packed food. We also draw attention to the change in legislation in December 2014 that require mandatory disclosure of allergens in non-pre-packed foods. © 2014 The Authors. Clinical & Experimental Allergy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  13. EGCG in Green Tea Induces Aggregation of HMGB1 Protein through Large Conformational Changes with Polarized Charge Redistribution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meng, Xuan-Yu; Li, Baoyu; Liu, Shengtang; Kang, Hongsuk; Zhao, Lin; Zhou, Ruhong

    2016-02-01

    As a major effective component in green tea, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)’s potential benefits to human health have been widely investigated. Recent experimental evidences indicate that EGCG can induce the aggregation of HMGB1 protein, a late mediator of inflammation, which subsequently stimulates the autophagic degradation and thus provides protection from lethal endotoxemia and sepsis. In this study, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of this aggregation of HMGB1 facilitated by EGCG. Our simulation results reveal that EGCG firmly binds to HMGB1 near Cys106, which supports previous preliminary experimental evidence. A large HMGB1 conformational change is observed, where Box A and Box B, two homogenous domains of HMGB1, are repositioned and packed together by EGCG. This new HMGB1 conformation has large molecular polarity and distinctive electrostatic potential surface. We suggest that the highly polarized charge distribution leads to the aggregation of HMGB1, which differs from the previous hypothesis that two HMGB1 monomers are linked by the dimer of EGCG. Possible aggregating modes have also been investigated with potential of mean force (PMF) calculations. Finally, we conclude that the conformation induced by EGCG is more aggregation-prone with higher binding free energies as compared to those without EGCG.

  14. Cylindrical surface profile and diameter measuring tool and method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Currie, James R. (Inventor); Kissel, Ralph R. (Inventor); Oliver, Charles E. (Inventor); Smith, Earnest C. (Inventor); Redmon, John W. (Inventor); Wallace, Charles C. (Inventor); Swanson, Charles P. (Inventor)

    1989-01-01

    A tool is shown having a cross beam assembly (15) made of beams (18, 19, 20, 21) joined by a center box structure (23). The assembly (15) is adapted to be mounted by brackets (16) to the outer end of a cylindrical case (11). The center box structure (23) has a vertical shaft (25) rotatably mounted therein and extending beneath the assembly (15). Secured to the vertical shaft (25) is a radius arm (28) which is adapted to rotate with shaft (25). On the longer end of the radius arm (28) is a measuring tip (30) which contacts the cylindrical surface to be measured and which provides an electric signal representing the radius of the cylindrical surface from the center of rotation of the radius arm (28). An electric servomotor (49) rotates the vertical shaft (25) and an electronic resolver (61) provides an electric signal representing the angle of rotation of the shaft (25). The electric signals are provided to a computer station (73) which has software for its computer to calculate and print out the continuous circumference profile of the cylindrical surface, and give its true diameter and the deviations from the ideal circle.

  15. Fractal analysis and its impact factors on pore structure of artificial cores based on the images obtained using magnetic resonance imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Heming; Liu, Yu; Song, Yongchen; Zhao, Yuechao; Zhao, Jiafei; Wang, Dayong

    2012-11-01

    Pore structure is one of important factors affecting the properties of porous media, but it is difficult to describe the complexity of pore structure exactly. Fractal theory is an effective and available method for quantifying the complex and irregular pore structure. In this paper, the fractal dimension calculated by box-counting method based on fractal theory was applied to characterize the pore structure of artificial cores. The microstructure or pore distribution in the porous material was obtained using the nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three classical fractals and one sand packed bed model were selected as the experimental material to investigate the influence of box sizes, threshold value, and the image resolution when performing fractal analysis. To avoid the influence of box sizes, a sequence of divisors of the image was proposed and compared with other two algorithms (geometric sequence and arithmetic sequence) with its performance of partitioning the image completely and bringing the least fitted error. Threshold value selected manually and automatically showed that it plays an important role during the image binary processing and the minimum-error method can be used to obtain an appropriate or reasonable one. Images obtained under different pixel matrices in MRI were used to analyze the influence of image resolution. Higher image resolution can detect more quantity of pore structure and increase its irregularity. With benefits of those influence factors, fractal analysis on four kinds of artificial cores showed the fractal dimension can be used to distinguish the different kinds of artificial cores and the relationship between fractal dimension and porosity or permeability can be expressed by the model of D = a - bln(x + c).

  16. PREVALENCE OF TERRAPENE HERPESVIRUS 1 IN FREE-RANGING EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) IN TENNESSEE AND ILLINOIS, USA.

    PubMed

    Kane, Lauren P; Allender, Matthew C; Archer, Grace; Dzhaman, Elena; Pauley, John; Moore, A Russell; Ruiz, Marilyn O; Smith, Rebecca L; Byrd, John; Phillips, Christopher A

    2017-04-01

    Diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract, such as herpesviruses, are well described in captive chelonians worldwide, but their importance in free-ranging populations is less well known. To characterize the disease epidemiology of terrapene herpesvirus 1 (TerHV1), 409 free-ranging eastern box turtles ( Terrapene carolina carolina) in Tennessee and Illinois, US were tested for TerHV1 in 2013 and 2014 using TaqMan quantitative PCR. Whole blood and swabs of the oral mucosa were collected from 365 adults (154 females, 195 males, 16 unknown sex) and 44 juveniles. The prevalence of detection was 31.3% (n=128). Turtles were more likely to be positive for TerHV1 in July (50%; n=67) compared to September (38%; n=44) and May (11%; n=17). Turtles sampled in 2014 had a significantly higher prevalence (50%; n=98) than in 2013 (14%; n=30). In a multivariate model, only season, year, and the interaction between season and year were maintained; turtles were most likely to be positive in July (odds ratio: 30.5) and September (odds ratio: 41.8) 2014 compared to May 2013. The prevalence was not statistically different by state of collection, sex, or age class. Packed cell volume (25.5%) and total solids (4.8 mg/dL) in positive turtles were significantly higher than in negative turtles (23.0%; 4.3 mg/dL). Positive turtles had increased eosinophil concentrations, fewer lymphocytes, and fewer monocytes. No clinical sign was associated with detection of herpesvirus. Widespread DNA evidence of TerHV1 infection was detected in eastern box turtles, and knowledge of the epidemiology of this virus may aid in management of free-ranging and captive individuals.

  17. Characterization of corrosion resistant on NiCoCr coating layer exposed to 5%NaCl

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sugiarti, E.; Sundawa, R.; Desiati, R. D.; Zaini, K. A.

    2018-03-01

    Highly corrosion resistant of carbon steel coated NiCoCr was applied in corrosive of marine environtment. Carbon steel coated NiCoCr was prepared by a two step technique of NiCo electro-deposition and Cr pack cementation. The samples were exposed to 5 wt.% NaCl for 48 and 168 hours. The microstructure and corrosion product were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corrosion resistance of carbon steel coated NiCoCr was found to be better than that of carbon steel substrate without coating. The results showed the microstructure of 48 h corroded sample has duplex layer composed of inner α-(Ni,Co), α-Cr and outer Cr2O3, while a quite thin and continues protective oxide of Cr2O3 was observed in outer layer of 168 h corroded sample. The formation of oxide scale rich in Cr2O3 has contributed for the better corrosion resistance of carbon steel coated NiCoCr, whereas the formation of non protective oxide of iron might caused low corrosion resistance of carbon steel substrate.

  18. Cone outer segment and Müller microvilli pericellular matrices provide binding domains for interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP).

    PubMed

    Garlipp, Mary Alice; Gonzalez-Fernandez, Federico

    2013-08-01

    The close packing of vertebrate photoreceptors presents a challenge to the exchange of molecules between the outer segments, retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), and Müller glia. An extracellular hyaluronan scaffold separates these cells while soluble interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) proteins traffic visual cycle retinoids, fatty acids, and other molecules between them. In the IPM, retinoids and fatty acids are carried by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). The fact that much of the retina's IRBP can be extracted by saline wash has led to the notion that IRBP does not bind to the retina, but freely distributes itself within the subretinal space. In this study, we challenge this idea by asking if there are specialized IPM domains that bind IRBP, perhaps facilitating its ability to target delivery/uptake of its ligands. Xenopus is an ideal animal model to study the role of the IPM in RPE-photoreceptor interactions. Here, we took advantage of the large size of its photoreceptors, ability to detach the retina in light, sustainability of the retina in short term organ culture, and the availability of recombinant full-length Xenopus IRBP and antisera directed against Xenopus IRBP. We compared the distribution of wash resistant native IRBP, and that of IRBP-Alexa 647 binding in Xenopus retina. IRBP and cone opsin were localized using anti-Xenopus IRBP serum, and monoclonal COS-1 respectively. Cone matrix sheath proteoglycans were localized with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and diffuse IPM proteoglycans with peanut agglutinin (PNA). Wholemounts and frozen sections were compared by immunofluorescence from retinas detached under Ringer's followed by additional washes, or detached directly under 4% paraformaldehyde without Ringer's wash. Undetached Lowicryl embedded retinas were subjected to IRBP immunogold electron microscopy (EM). Immunogold labeled a diffuse network of filamentous structures, and a separate distinct flocculant material directly coating the outer segments, filling the rod periciliary ridge, and associated with Müller microvilli. By immunofluorescence, Ringer's wash removed most of the diffuse IRBP, but not that coating the outer segments. IRBP-Alexa 647 bound to the cone outer segments and Müller villi region, and comparably less to rod outer segments. Co-incubation with unlabeled IRBP markedly reduced this binding; ovalbumin-Alexa 647 and Alexa 647 dye alone showed no binding. Our data suggest that the pericellular matrix of the cone outer segments and Müller microvilli provide specialized domains that facilitate IRBP's functions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Molecular analyses of MADS-box genes trace back to Gymnosperms the invention of fleshy fruits.

    PubMed

    Lovisetto, Alessandro; Guzzo, Flavia; Tadiello, Alice; Toffali, Ketti; Favretto, Alessandro; Casadoro, Giorgio

    2012-01-01

    Botanical fruits derive from ovaries and their most important function is to favor seed dispersal. Fleshy fruits do so by attracting frugivorous animals that disperse seeds together with their own excrements (endozoochory). Gymnosperms make seeds but have no ovaries to be transformed into fruits. Many species surround their seeds with fleshy structures and use endozoochory to disperse them. Such structures are functionally fruits and can derive from different anatomical parts. Ginkgo biloba and Taxus baccata fruit-like structures differ in their anatomical origin since the outer seed integument becomes fleshy in Ginkgo, whereas in Taxus, the fleshy aril is formed de novo. The ripening characteristics are different, with Ginkgo more rudimentary and Taxus more similar to angiosperm fruits. MADS-box genes are known to be necessary for the formation of flowers and fruits in Angiosperms but also for making both male and female reproductive structures in Gymnosperms. Here, a series of different MADS-box genes have been shown for the first time to be involved also in the formation of gymnosperm fruit-like structures. Apparently, the same gene types have been recruited in phylogenetically distant species to make fleshy structures that also have different anatomical origins. This finding indicates that the main molecular networks operating in the development of fleshy fruits have independently appeared in distantly related Gymnosperm taxa. Hence, the appearance of the seed habit and the accompanying necessity of seed dispersal has led to the invention of the fruit habit that thus seems to have appeared independently of the presence of flowers.

  20. Isothermal and cyclic oxidation resistance of pack siliconized Mo-Si-B alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Majumdar, Sanjib

    2017-08-01

    Oxidation behaviour of MoSi2 coated Mo-9Si-8B-0.75Y (at.%) alloy has been investigated at three critical temperatures including 750, 900 and 1400 °C in static air. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data indicates a remarkable improvement in the oxidation resistance of the silicide coated alloy in both isothermal and cyclic oxidation tests. The cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis reveal the occurrence of internal oxidation particularly at the crack fronts formed in the outer MoSi2 layer during thermal cycling. The dominant oxidation mechanisms at 750-900 °C and 1400 °C are identified. Development of MoB inner layer further improves the oxidation resistance of the silicide coated alloy.

  1. Drastic differences in glycosylation of related S-layer glycoproteins from moderate and extreme halophiles.

    PubMed

    Mengele, R; Sumper, M

    1992-04-25

    The outer surface of the moderate halophilic archaebacterium Haloferax volcanii (formerly named Halobacterium volcanii) is covered with a hexagonally packed surface (S) layer glycoprotein. The polypeptide (794 amino acid residues) contains 7 N-glycosylation sites. Four of these sites were isolated as glycopeptides and the structure of one of the corresponding saccharides was determined. Oligosaccharides consisting of beta-1,4-linked glucose residues are attached to the protein via the linkage unit asparaginyl-glucose. In the related glycoprotein from the extreme halophile Halobacterium halobium, the glucose residues are replaced by sulfated glucuronic acid residues, causing a drastic increase in surface charge density. This is discussed in terms of a recent model explaining the stability of halophilic proteins.

  2. ARPA-E Program: Advanced Management Protection of Energy Storage Devices (AMPED) - Fifth Quarterly Project Report - FY14 Q1

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

    Farmer, Joseph

    Technology has been developed that enables monitoring of individual cells in high - capacity lithium-ion battery packs, with a distributed array of wireless Bluetooth 4.0 tags and sensors, and without proliferation of extensive wiring harnesses. Given the safety challenges facing lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicle, civilian aviation and defense applications, these wireless sensors may be particularly important to these emerging markets. These wireless sensors will enhance the performance, reliability and safety of such energy storage systems. Specific accomplishments to date include, but are not limited to: (1) the development of wireless tags using Bluetooth 4.0 standard to monitor a largemore » array of sensors in battery pack; (2) sensor suites enabling the simultaneous monitoring of cell voltage, cell current, cell temperature, and package strain, indicative of swelling and increased internal pressure, (3) small receivers compatible with USB ports on portable computers; (4) software drivers and logging software; (5) a 7S2P battery simulator, enabling the safe development of wireless BMS hardware in the laboratory; (6) demonstrated data transmission out of metal enclosures, including battery box, with small variable aperture opening; (7) test data demonstrating the accurate and reliable operation of sensors, with transmission of terminal voltage, cell temperature and package strain at distances up to 110 feet; (8) quantification of the data transmission error as a function of distance, in both indoor and outdoor operation; (9) electromagnetic interference testing during operation with live, high -capacity battery management system at Yardney Technical Products; (10) demonstrat ed operation with live high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack during charge-discharge cycling; (11) development of special polymer-gel lithium-ion batteries with embedded temperature sensors, capable of measuring the core temperature of individual of the cells during charge-discharge cycling at various temperatures, thereby enabling earlier warning of thermal runaway than possible with external sensors. Ultimately, the team plans to extend this work to include: (12) flexible wireless controllers, also using Bluetooth 4.0 standard, essential for balancing large-scale battery packs. LLNL received $925K for this project, and has $191K remaining after accomplishing these objectives.« less

  3. ARPA-E Program: Advanced Management Protection of Energy Storage Devices (AMPED) - Monthly Report - November 2013

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

    Farmer, J.

    Technology has been developed that enables monitoring of individual cells in high - capacity lithium-ion battery packs, with a distributed array of wireless Bluetooth 4.0 tags and sensors, and without proliferation of extensive wiring harnesses. Given the safety challenges facing lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicle, civilian aviation and defense applications, these wireless sensors may be particularly important to these emerging markets. These wireless sensors will enhance the performance, reliability and safety of such energy storage systems. Specific accomplishments to date include, but are not limited to: (1) the development of wireless tags using Bluetooth 4.0 standard to monitor a largemore » array of sensors in battery pack; (2) sensor suites enabling the simultaneous monitoring of cell voltage, cell current, cell temperature, and package strain, indicative of swelling and increased internal pressure, (3) small receivers compatible with USB ports on portable computers; (4) software drivers and logging software; (5) a 7S2P battery simulator, enabling the safe development of wireless BMS hardware in the laboratory; (6) demonstrated data transmission out of metal enclosures, including battery box, with small variable aperture opening; (7) test data demonstrating the accurate and reliable operation of sensors, with transmission of terminal voltage, cell temperature and package strain at distances up to 110 feet; (8) quantification of the data transmission error as a function of distance, in both indoor and outdoor operation; (9) electromagnetic interference testing during operation with live, high -capacity battery management system at Yardney Technical Products; (10) demonstrat ed operation with live high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack during charge-discharge cycling; (11) development of special polymer-gel lithium-ion batteries with embedded temperature sensors, capable of measuring the core temperature of individual of the cells during charge-discharge cycling at various temperatures, thereby enabling earlier warning of thermal runaway than possible with external sensors. Ultimately, the team plans to extend this work to include: (12) flexible wireless controllers, also using Bluetooth 4.0 standard, essential for balancing large-scale battery packs. LLNL received $925K for this project, and has $191K remaining after accomplishing these objectives.« less

  4. Heat Fluxes and Evaporation Measurements by Multi-Function Heat Pulse Probe: a Laboratory Experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, V.; Ciocca, F.; Hopmans, J. W.; Kamai, T.; Lunati, I.; Parlange, M. B.

    2012-04-01

    Multi Functional Heat Pulse Probes (MFHPP) are multi-needles probes developed in the last years able to measure temperature, thermal properties such as thermal diffusivity and volumetric heat capacity, from which soil moisture is directly retrieved, and electric conductivity (through a Wenner array). They allow the simultaneous measurement of coupled heat, water and solute transport in porous media, then. The use of only one instrument to estimate different quantities in the same volume and almost at the same time significantly reduces the need to interpolate different measurement types in space and time, increasing the ability to study the interdependencies characterizing the coupled transports, especially of water and heat, and water and solute. A three steps laboratory experiment is realized at EPFL to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of the MFHPP responses in a loamy soil from Conthey, Switzerland. In the first step specific calibration curves of volumetric heat capacity and thermal conductivity as function of known volumetric water content are obtained placing the MFHPP in small samplers filled with the soil homogeneously packed at different saturation degrees. The results are compared with literature values. In the second stage the ability of the MFHPP to measure heat fluxes is tested within a homemade thermally insulated calibration box and results are matched with those by two self-calibrating Heatflux plates (from Huxseflux), placed in the same box. In the last step the MFHPP are used to estimate the cumulative subsurface evaporation inside a small column (30 centimeters height per 8 centimeters inner diameter), placed on a scale, filled with the same loamy soil (homogeneously packed and then saturated) and equipped with a vertical array of four MFHPP inserted close to the surface. The subsurface evaporation is calculated from the difference between the net sensible heat and the net heat storage in the volume scanned by the probes, and the values obtained are matched with the overall evaporation, estimated through the scale in terms of weight loss. A numerical model able to solve the coupled heat-moisture diffusive equations is used to interpolate the obtained measures in the second and third step.

  5. Understanding and acceptability by Hispanic consumers of four front-of-pack food labels.

    PubMed

    De la Cruz-Góngora, Vanessa; Torres, Pilar; Contreras-Manzano, Alejandra; Jáuregui de la Mota, Alejandra; Mundo-Rosas, Verónica; Villalpando, Salvador; Rodríguez-Oliveros, Guadalupe

    2017-03-07

    Front-of-pack food labels (FOPL) can help consumers make healthy and informed food choices. FOPL are used in the food market but evaluations of their understanding and acceptability are scanty. This study aimed to explore the subjective understanding and acceptability of four FOPL among Hispanic consumers. A qualitative study was conducted in six States of Mexico, in 18 urban elementary schools. A purposive sample of 135 parents of fifth-grade children was selected. Four FOPL were assessed: Logos, Rating Stars, Guideline Daily Allowances (GDA's), and Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL). Trained interviewers performed 18 focus groups with the participants, using an interview guide. Participants were asked about their subjective understanding and acceptability of the FOPL, displaying 16 generic breakfast cereal boxes designed for this study (four for each FOPL), varying in their nutritional value. Afterwards, participants were asked to choose among the four cereal boxes the one to best communicate the product healthiness and their reasons for choice, proposals for improving the FOPL, and desirable characteristics for new FOPL. Finally, a socio-demographic questionnaire was applied. Thematic analysis of the transcriptions of the focus groups was performed, using Altlas.tiV5 software. Logos were perceived as easy to understand, highly acceptable, and useful for decision-making; institutional endorsement of Logos was related to greater confidence in the label. The GDA's were hard to understand considering the nutritional knowledge and time needed for interpretation. The Rating Stars were related to the quality in businesses rather than foods. The MTL were viewed as indicating the high/low content of specific nutrients, but the meaning of the amber color was not fully understood. Participants highlighted the need for a simple FOPL that allows easily identification of healthy products while considering food purchasing time limitations and interpretation of food portions. Logos with an institutional endorsement was the best understood and accepted FOPL, and the GDA's and Rating Stars were the least. Our findings provide valuable insights about Hispanic consumers´ perceptions regarding FOPL and to guide public health policy. Further studies are needed in populations with chronic diseases and diverse social contexts.

  6. Results of studies on long-term exposition of dormant forms of various organisms in outer space environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Novikova, Nataliya; Gusev, Oleg; Sugimoto, Manabu; Deshevaya, Elena; Levinskikh, Margarita; Sychev, Vladimir; Okuda, Takashi; Orlov, Oleg; Alekseev, Victor; Poddubko, Svetlana; Polikarpov, Nikolay

    The planetary quarantine is one of the key problems of deep space exploration. Risks of the possible transfer of biological objects across interplanetary space should be necessarily assessed during space exploration. The risks associated with a possible transfer of biological objects and primarily microorganisms in interplanetary space is a priority for space studies We can assume, that on the exterior side of both unmanned and manned space stations there can be millions of microbial cells, many of which are in spore forms, the stability of which towards the unfavorable factors is extremely high. However, direct evidence to support this assumption, obtained only in recent years. “Biorisk” is an apparatus designed for conduction of space experiments focused on long-term exposition of latent stages of different forms of organism on the outer side of Russian Segment of International Space Station was developed and used in SSC RF - Institute for Biomedical Problems RAS. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the principle capability of preservation of life capacity in test-cultures of microorganisms during long-term exposure (comparable with the term of interplanetary flight) in space. The first experiment was performed using spores of bacteria (Bacillus) and fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium) housed in 3 boxes that were exposed to outer space for 7, 12 or 18 months. It was for the first time demonstrated that bacterial and fungal spores could survive an exposure to outer space during the time period comparable with the duration of a return mission to Mars. Moreover, the microbial strains proved viable and highly active. The second experiment was expanded by flying, in addition to the above spores, dormant forms of higher plants, insects, lower crustaceans and vertebrates. The 31-month experiment showed that, in spite of harsher than in the first study temperatures, some specimens remained viable and capable of further multiplication. In summary, our experiments provided evidence that not only bacterial and fungal spores but also dormant forms of organisms that reached higher levels of evolutionary development had the capability to survive a long-term exposure to outer space. This observation suggests that they can be transferred on outer walls of space platforms during interplanetary missions. Our findings are of scientific interest as well as of importance for the development of planetary quarantine concepts related to future space flight.

  7. Analysis of International Commodity Shipping Data and the Shipment of NORM to the United States

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

    Baciak, James E.; Ely, James H.; Schweppe, John E.

    As part of the Spreader Bar Radiation Detector project, PNNL analyzed US import data shipped through US ports collected over the 12 months of 2006 (over 4.5 million containers). Using these data, we extracted a variety of distributions that are of interest to modelers and developers of active and passive detection systems used to 'scan' IMCCs for potential contraband. This report expands on some of the analysis presented in an earlier report from LLNL, by investigation the foreign port distribution of commodities shipped to the US. The majority of containers shipped to the United States are 40 ft containers ({approx}70%);more » about 25% are 20 ft; and about 3.6% are 45 ft containers. A small fraction (<1%) of containers are of other more specialized sizes, and very few ports actually ship these unique size containers (a full distribution for all foreign ports is shown in Appendix A below). The primary foreign ports that ship the largest fraction of each container are shown in the table below. Given that 45 ft containers comprise 1 of out every 27 containers shipped to the US, and given the foreign ports from which they are shipped, they should not be ignored in screening; further testing and analysis of radiation measurements for national security with this size container is warranted. While a large amount of NORM is shipped in IMCCs, only a few specific commodities are shipped with enough frequency to present potential issues in screening IMCCs at ports. The majority of containers with NORM will contain fertilizers (5,700 containers), granite (59,000 containers), or ceramic (225,000 containers) materials. Fertilizers were generally shipping in either 20- or 40 ft containers with equal frequency. While granite is mostly shipped in 20 ft containers, ceramic materials can be shipped in either 20- or 40 ft containers. The size of container depended on the specific use of the ceramic or porcelain material. General construction ceramics (such as floor and roofing tiles) tend to be shipped in 20 ft containers. Consumer products made from ceramic materials (e.g., tableware, sinks, and toilets) are generally shipped in 40 ft containers. This distinct discrepancy is due in large part to the packaging of the commodity. Consumer products are generally shipped packed in a box loaded with Styrofoam or other packing material to protect the product from breakage. Construction ceramic materials are generally shipped in less packing material, many times consisting of only a cardboard or wooden box. Granite is almost always shipped in a 20 ft container, given its very high density.« less

  8. Fiber-Optic Sensor Would Monitor Growth of Polymer Film

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Beamesderfer, Michael

    2005-01-01

    A proposed optoelectronic sensor system would measure the increase in thickness of a film of parylene (a thermoplastic polymer made from para-xylene) during growth of the film in a vapor deposition process. By enabling real-time monitoring of film thickness, the system would make it possible to identify process conditions favorable for growth and to tailor the final thickness of the film with greater precision than is now possible. The heart of the sensor would be a pair of fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometers, depicted schematically in the figure. (In principle, a single such interferometer would suffice. The proposal calls for the use of two interferometers for protective redundancy and increased accuracy.) Each interferometer would include a light source, a fiber-optic coupler, and photodetectors in a control box outside the deposition chamber. A single-mode optical fiber for each interferometer would run from inside the control box to a fused-silica faceplate in a sensor head. The sensory tips of the optical fibers would be polished flush with the free surface of the faceplate. In preparation for use, the sensor head would be mounted with a hermetic seal in a feed-through port in the deposition chamber, such that free face of the faceplate and the sensory tips of the optical fibers would be exposed to the deposition environment. During operation, light would travel along each optical fiber from the control box to the sensor head. A small portion of the light would be reflected toward the control box from the end face of each fiber. Once growth of the parylene film started, a small portion of the light would also be reflected toward the control box from the outer surface of the film. In the control box, the two reflected portions of the light beam would interfere in one of the photodetectors. The difference between the phases of the interfering reflected portions of the light beam would vary in proportion to the increasing thickness of the film and the known index of refraction of the film, causing the photodetector reading to vary in proportion to a known sinusoidal function of film thickness. Electronic means of monitoring this variation and the corresponding variation in phase and thickness are well established in the art of interferometry. Hence, by tracking the cumulative change in phase difference from the beginning of deposition, one could track the growing thickness of the film to within a small fraction of a wavelength of light.

  9. Subnanometer structure of an asymmetric model membrane: Interleaflet coupling influences domain properties

    DOE PAGES

    Heberle, Frederick A.; Marquardt, Drew; Doktorova, Milka; ...

    2016-04-29

    Cell membranes possess a complex three-dimensional architecture, including nonrandom lipid lateral organization within the plane of a bilayer leaflet, and compositional asymmetry between the two leaflets. As a result, delineating the membrane structure–function relationship has been a highly challenging task. Even in simplified model systems, the interactions between bilayer leaflets are poorly understood, due in part to the difficulty of preparing asymmetric model membranes that are free from the effects of residual organic solvent or osmotic stress. To address these problems, we have modified a technique for preparing asymmetric large unilamellar vesicles (aLUVs) via cyclodextrin-mediated lipid exchange in order tomore » produce tensionless, solvent-free aLUVs suitable for a range of biophysical studies. Leaflet composition and structure were characterized using isotopic labeling strategies, which allowed us to avoid the use of bulky labels. NMR and gas chromatography provided precise quantification of the extent of lipid exchange and bilayer asymmetry, while small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to resolve bilayer structural features with subnanometer resolution. Isotopically asymmetric POPC vesicles were found to have the same bilayer thickness and area per lipid as symmetric POPC vesicles, demonstrating that the modified exchange protocol preserves native bilayer structure. Partial exchange of DPPC into the outer leaflet of POPC vesicles produced chemically asymmetric vesicles with a gel/fluid phase-separated outer leaflet and a uniform, POPC-rich inner leaflet. SANS was able to separately resolve the thicknesses and areas per lipid of coexisting domains, revealing reduced lipid packing density of the outer leaflet DPPC-rich phase compared to typical gel phases. Lastly, our finding that a disordered inner leaflet can partially fluidize ordered outer leaflet domains indicates some degree of interleaflet coupling, and invites speculation on a role for bilayer asymmetry in modulating membrane lateral organization.« less

  10. Changes to the Spectral Extraction Algorithm at the Third COS FUV Lifetime Position

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taylor, Joanna M.; Azalee Bostroem, K.; Debes, John H.; Ely, Justin; Hernandez, Svea; Hodge, Philip E.; Jedrzejewski, Robert I.; Lindsay, Kevin; Lockwood, Sean A.; Massa, Derck; Oliveira, Cristina M.; Penton, Steven V.; Proffitt, Charles R.; Roman-Duval, Julia; Sahnow, David J.; Sana, Hugues; Sonnentrucker, Paule

    2015-01-01

    Due to the effects of gain sag on flux on the COS FUV microchannel plate detector, the COS FUV spectra will be moved in February 2015 to a pristine location on the detector, from Lifetime Position 2 (LP2) to LP3. The spectra will be shifted in the cross-dispersion (XD) direction by -2.5", about -31 pixels, from the original LP1. In contrast, LP2 was shifted by +3.5", about 41 pixels, from LP1. By reducing the LP3-LP1 separation compared to the LP2-LP1 separation, we achieve maximal spectral resolution at LP3 while preserving more detector area for future lifetime positions. In the current version of the COS boxcar extraction algorithm, flux is summed within a box of fixed height that is larger than the PSF. Bad pixels located anywhere within the extraction box cause the entire column to be discarded. At the new LP3 position the current extraction box will overlap with LP1 regions of low gain (pixels which have lost >5% of their sensitivity). As a result, large portions of spectra will be discarded, even though these flagged pixels will be located in the wings of the profiles and contain a negligible fraction of the total source flux. To avoid unnecessarily discarding columns affected by such pixels, an algorithm is needed that can judge whether the effects of gain-sagged pixels on the extracted flux are significant. The "two-zone" solution adopted for pipeline use was tailored specifically for the COS FUV data characteristics: First, using a library of 1-D spectral centroid ("trace") locations, residual geometric distortions in the XD direction are removed. Next, 2-D template profiles are aligned with the observed spectral image. Encircled energy contours are calculated and an inner zone that contains 80% of the flux is defined, as well as an outer zone that contains 99% of the flux. With this approach, only pixels flagged as bad in the inner 80% zone will cause columns to be discarded while flagged pixels in the outer zones do not affect extraction. Finally, all good columns are summed in the XD direction to obtain a 1-D extracted spectrum. We present examples of the trace and profile libraries that are used in the two-zone extraction and compare the performance of the two-zone and boxcar algorithms.

  11. HiMAT structural development design methodology. [aeroelastic tailoring of the canard and wing box and distributed load tests

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Price, M. A.

    1979-01-01

    In order to improve aerodynamic performance, a twist criterion was used to design the canard and wing lifting surfaces of two graphite-epoxy research aircraft. To meet that twist criterion, the lifting surfaces were tailored using graphite-epoxy tape. The outer surface of the aircraft is essentially constructed of 95 percent graphite epoxy materials. The analytical tools and methodology used to design those lifting surfaces are described. One aircraft was subjected to an 8g ground test in order to verify structural integrity and to determine how well the desired twist was achieved. Test results are presented and the reductions of both flight and ground strain test gages and their associated stresses are discussed.

  12. Native and dry-heated lysozyme interactions with membrane lipid monolayers: Lipid packing modifications of a phospholipid mixture, model of the Escherichia coli cytoplasmic membrane.

    PubMed

    Derde, Melanie; Nau, Françoise; Guérin-Dubiard, Catherine; Lechevalier, Valérie; Paboeuf, Gilles; Jan, Sophie; Baron, Florence; Gautier, Michel; Vié, Véronique

    2015-04-01

    Antimicrobial resistance is currently an important public health issue. The need for innovative antimicrobials is therefore growing. The ideal antimicrobial compound should limit antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial peptides or proteins such as hen egg white lysozyme are promising molecules that act on bacterial membranes. Hen egg white lysozyme has recently been identified as active on Gram-negative bacteria due to disruption of the outer and cytoplasmic membrane integrity. Furthermore, dry-heating (7 days and 80 °C) improves the membrane activity of lysozyme, resulting in higher antimicrobial activity. These in vivo findings suggest interactions between lysozyme and membrane lipids. This is consistent with the findings of several other authors who have shown lysozyme interaction with bacterial phospholipids such as phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin. However, until now, the interaction between lysozyme and bacterial cytoplasmic phospholipids has been in need of clarification. This study proposes the use of monolayer models with a realistic bacterial phospholipid composition in physiological conditions. The lysozyme/phospholipid interactions have been studied by surface pressure measurements, ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. Native lysozyme has proved able to absorb and insert into a bacterial phospholipid monolayer, resulting in lipid packing reorganization, which in turn has lead to lateral cohesion modifications between phospholipids. Dry-heating of lysozyme has increased insertion capacity and ability to induce lipid packing modifications. These in vitro findings are then consistent with the increased membrane disruption potential of dry heated lysozyme in vivo compared to native lysozyme. Moreover, an eggPC monolayer study suggested that lysozyme/phospholipid interactions are specific to bacterial cytoplasmic membranes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Chromium and reactive element modified aluminide diffusion coatings on superalloys - Environmental testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bianco, Robert; Rapp, Robert A.; Smialek, James L.

    1993-01-01

    The high temperature performance of reactive element (RE)-doped and Cr/RE-modified aluminide diffusion coatings on commercial Ni-base alloy substrates was determined. In isothermal oxidation at 1100 C in air, RE-doped aluminide coatings on IN 713LC substrates formed a continuous slow-growing n-Al2O3 scale after 44 hrs of exposure. The coatings were protected by either an outer ridge Al2O3 scale with an inner compact Al2O3 scale rich in RE or by a continuous compact scale without any noticeable cracks or flaws. The cyclic oxidation behavior of Cr/RE-modified aluminide coatings on Rene 80 and IN 713LC alloys and of RE-doped aluminide coatings on IN 713LC alloys at 1100 C in static air was determined. Pack powder entrapment from the powder contacting (PC) process detracted significantly from the overall cyclic oxidation performance. Type I hot corrosion behavior of Cr/RE-modified aluminide coatings on Rene 80 and Mar-M247 alloy substrates at 900 C in a catalyzed 0.1 percent SO3/O3 gas mixture was determined. The modified coatings produced from the PC arrangement provided significantly better resistance to hot corrosion attack than commercial low-activity aluminide coatings produced by the above pack arrangement.

  14. On the analysis of activation energy of PS 35000 in various solvents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Padmanaban, R.; Venkatramanan, K.

    2015-08-01

    Polymer is a macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits. Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene. Polystyrene has very low impact strength. Polystyrene generally leads to lower tensile strength, crystal grades being stiff and brittle. It is used to construct clamshell packs, cookie trays, cups, forks, spoons, cushioning materials for packaging, disposable medical devices, egg cartons, fast food containers, lids, lunch boxes, meat trays and also used in civil construction (concrete form-work or weight reduction on foundations). In the present study an attempt has been made to compute the viscosity of Polystyrene (PS 35000) in toluene and benzene in different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% & 2.5%) at different temperatures (303 K, 308 K, 313 K & 318 K). From these experimental data the activation energy is calculated and the effect of solvent is analysed.

  15. Mobilizing slit lamp to the field: A new affordable solution

    PubMed Central

    Farooqui, Javed Hussain; Jorgenson, Richard; Gomaa, Ahmed

    2015-01-01

    We are describing a simple and affordable design to pack and carry the slit lamp to the field. Orbis staff working on the Flying Eye Hospital (FEH) developed this design to facilitate mobilization of the slit lamp to the field during various FEH programs. The solution involves using a big toolbox, a central plywood apparatus, and foam. These supplies were cut to measure and used to support the slit lamp after being fitted snuggly in the box. This design allows easy and safe mobilization of the slit lamp to remote places. It was developed with the efficient use of space in mind and it can be easily reproduced in developing countries using same or similar supplies. Mobilizing slit lamp will be of great help for staff and institutes doing regular outreach clinical work. PMID:26669342

  16. Watch what you type: the role of visual feedback from the screen and hands in skilled typewriting.

    PubMed

    Snyder, Kristy M; Logan, Gordon D; Yamaguchi, Motonori

    2015-01-01

    Skilled typing is controlled by two hierarchically structured processing loops (Logan & Crump, 2011): The outer loop, which produces words, commands the inner loop, which produces keystrokes. Here, we assessed the interplay between the two loops by investigating how visual feedback from the screen (responses either were or were not echoed on the screen) and the hands (the hands either were or were not covered with a box) influences the control of skilled typing. Our results indicated, first, that the reaction time of the first keystroke was longer when responses were not echoed than when they were. Also, the interkeystroke interval (IKSI) was longer when the hands were covered than when they were visible, and the IKSI for responses that were not echoed was longer when explicit error monitoring was required (Exp. 2) than when it was not required (Exp. 1). Finally, explicit error monitoring was more accurate when response echoes were present than when they were absent, and implicit error monitoring (i.e., posterror slowing) was not influenced by visual feedback from the screen or the hands. These findings suggest that the outer loop adjusts the inner-loop timing parameters to compensate for reductions in visual feedback. We suggest that these adjustments are preemptive control strategies designed to execute keystrokes more cautiously when visual feedback from the hands is absent, to generate more cautious motor programs when visual feedback from the screen is absent, and to enable enough time for the outer loop to monitor keystrokes when visual feedback from the screen is absent and explicit error reports are required.

  17. NagA-dependent uptake of N-acetyl-glucosamine and N-acetyl-chitin oligosaccharides across the outer membrane of Caulobacter crescentus.

    PubMed

    Eisenbeis, Simone; Lohmiller, Stefanie; Valdebenito, Marianne; Leicht, Stefan; Braun, Volkmar

    2008-08-01

    Among the 67 predicted TonB-dependent outer membrane transporters of Caulobacter crescentus, NagA was found to be essential for growth on N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and larger chitin oligosaccharides. NagA (93 kDa) has a predicted typical domain structure of an outer membrane transport protein: a signal sequence, the TonB box EQVVIT, a hatch domain of 147 residues, and a beta-barrel composed of 22 antiparallel beta-strands linked by large surface loops and very short periplasmic turns. Mutations in tonB1 and exbBD, known to be required for maltose transport via MalA in C. crescentus, and in two additional predicted tonB genes (open reading frames cc2327 and cc3508) did not affect NagA-mediated GlcNAc uptake. nagA is located in a gene cluster that encodes a predicted PTS sugar transport system and two enzymes that convert GlcNAc-6-P to fructose-6-P. Since a nagA insertion mutant did not grow on and transport GlcNAc, diffusion of GlcNAc through unspecific porins in the outer membrane is excluded. Uptake of GlcNAc into tonB and exbBD mutants and reduction but not abolishment of GlcNAc transport by agents which dissipate the electrochemical potential of the cytoplasmic membrane (0.1 mM carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone and 1 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol) suggest diffusion of GlcNAc through a permanently open pore of NagA. Growth on (GlcNAc)(3) and (GlcNAc)(5) requires ExbB and ExbD, indicating energy-coupled transport by NagA. We propose that NagA forms a small pore through which GlcNAc specifically diffuses into the periplasm and functions as an energy-coupled transporter for the larger chitin oligosaccharides.

  18. Inhalation Exposure Method for Illegal Drugs.

    PubMed

    Inomata, Akiko; Ogata, Akio; Tada, Yukie; Nagasawa, Akemichi; Yuzawa, Katsuhiro; Ando, Hiroshi; Kubo, Yoshikazu; Takahashi, Hiroshi; Kaihoko, Fujifumi; Tanaka, Kazuyoshi; Nakajima, Jun'ichi; Suzuki, Atsuko; Uemura, Nozomi; Moriyasu, Takako; Watanabe, Daisuke; Ishihara, Kei; Usami, Takashi; Kamei, Satoru; Kohno, Yasuaki

    2017-01-01

    We developed a new inhalation exposure method to evaluate effects of synthetic cannabimimetics that are being distributed as new, unregulated drugs in the Tokyo area. We selected the commercial product "SOUTOU" containing AB-CHMINACA and 5F-AMB as the test drug and dried marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) leaves as the negative control. A half cigarette packed with dried marshmallow leaves or SOUTOU was ignited, then mainstream smoke from each was delivered to five mice in an exposure box. After the cigarettes were fully consumed, neurobehavioral observations and a catalepsy test were performed at 15, 30 and 60 min after exposure. The effluent air from the exposure box was poured into impingers containing acetonitrile (first impinger) and dimethyl sulfoxide (second impinger). The resulting solutions were analyzed to assess decomposition of the synthetic cannabimimetics. Mice exposed to SOUTOU smoke showed many excitement behaviors and some suppressive behaviors at 15, 30 and 60 min. These clearly included cannabimimetic specific pharmacological actions. Negative control mice also showed some suppressive behaviors at 15 min but these were attenuated at later times, nearly disappearing at 60 min. In addition, the behavioral effects observed in controls were less pronounced than those in SOUTOU exposed mice. The inhalation exposure method developed in our study would be effective for determining cannabinoid specific pharmacological effects of illegal drugs, as well as for assessing the presence of active compound(s) by comparing the test substance with a negative control.

  19. Pressure-Driven Suspension Flow near Jamming

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oh, Sangwon; Song, Yi-qiao; Garagash, Dmitry I.; Lecampion, Brice; Desroches, Jean

    2015-02-01

    We report here magnetic resonance imaging measurements performed on suspensions with a bulk solid volume fraction (ϕ0) up to 0.55 flowing in a pipe. We visualize and quantify spatial distributions of ϕ and velocity across the pipe at different axial positions. For dense suspensions (ϕ0>0.5 ), we found a different behavior compared to the known cases of lower ϕ0. Our experimental results demonstrate compaction within the jammed region (characterized by a zero macroscopic shear rate) from the jamming limit ϕm≈0.58 at its outer boundary to the random close packing limit ϕrcp≈0.64 at the center. Additionally, we show that ϕ and velocity profiles can be fairly well captured by a frictional rheology accounting for both further compaction of jammed regions as well as normal stress differences.

  20. Thermal properties and effects for Li/BCX (thionyl chloride) cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Takeuchi, E. S.; Holmes, C. F.; Clark, W. D. K.

    1987-01-01

    New NASA requirements for the screening of lithium cells for space applications involve thermal soaks at elevated temperatures (149 C). The currently qualified Li/BCX cells and three design modifications have been evaluated showing that a design incorporating a shortened electrode stack met this test condition while continuing to satisfy the performance and safety requirements for cells used on NASA manned space vehicles. Information was also developed to show that measured heat capacities for the BCX D size cells correlated well with the heat generated from cells discharged in an insulated environment. Calculated heat capacities based on the amounts and types of materials in a cell were low compared to these values. This information provides the basis for the design of battery packs in the highly insulating environment of outer space.

  1. Immunosuppressive Yersinia Effector YopM Binds DEAD Box Helicase DDX3 to Control Ribosomal S6 Kinase in the Nucleus of Host Cells.

    PubMed

    Berneking, Laura; Schnapp, Marie; Rumm, Andreas; Trasak, Claudia; Ruckdeschel, Klaus; Alawi, Malik; Grundhoff, Adam; Kikhney, Alexey G; Koch-Nolte, Friedrich; Buck, Friedrich; Perbandt, Markus; Betzel, Christian; Svergun, Dmitri I; Hentschke, Moritz; Aepfelbacher, Martin

    2016-06-01

    Yersinia outer protein M (YopM) is a crucial immunosuppressive effector of the plaque agent Yersinia pestis and other pathogenic Yersinia species. YopM enters the nucleus of host cells but neither the mechanisms governing its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling nor its intranuclear activities are known. Here we identify the DEAD-box helicase 3 (DDX3) as a novel interaction partner of Y. enterocolitica YopM and present the three-dimensional structure of a YopM:DDX3 complex. Knockdown of DDX3 or inhibition of the exportin chromosomal maintenance 1 (CRM1) increased the nuclear level of YopM suggesting that YopM exploits DDX3 to exit the nucleus via the CRM1 export pathway. Increased nuclear YopM levels caused enhanced phosphorylation of Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1 (RSK1) in the nucleus. In Y. enterocolitica infected primary human macrophages YopM increased the level of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA and this effect required interaction of YopM with RSK and was enhanced by blocking YopM's nuclear export. We propose that the DDX3/CRM1 mediated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of YopM determines the extent of phosphorylation of RSK in the nucleus to control transcription of immunosuppressive cytokines.

  2. Multidentate-Protected Colloidal Gold Nanocrystals: pH Control of Cooperative Precipitation and Surface Layer Shedding

    PubMed Central

    Kairdolf, Brad A.; Nie, Shuming

    2011-01-01

    Colloidal gold nanocrystals with broad size tunability and unusual pH-sensitive properties have been synthesized by using multidentate polymer ligands. Containing both carboxylic functional groups and sterically hindered aliphatic chains, the multidentate ligands are able to both reduce gold precursors and to stabilize gold nanoclusters during nucleation and growth. The “as-synthesized” nanocrystals are protected by an inner coordinating layer and an outer polymer layer, and are soluble in water and polar solvents. When the solution pH is lowered by just 0.6 units (from pH 4.85 to 4.25), the particles undergo a dramatic cooperative transition from being soluble to insoluble, allowing rapid isolation, purification, and redispersion of the multidentate-protected nanocrystals. A surprise finding is that when a portion of the surface carboxylate groups is neutralized by protonation, the particles irreversibly shed their outer polymer layer and become soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. Further, the multidentate polymer coatings are permeable to small organic molecules, in contrast to tightly packed self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold. These insights are important towards the design of “smart” imaging and therapeutic nanoparticles that are activated by small pH changes in the tumor interstitial space or endocytic organelles. PMID:21510704

  3. Experimental evaluation of outer planets probe thermal insulation concepts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Grote, M. G.; Mezines, S. A.

    1976-01-01

    An experimental program was conducted to evaluate various thermal insulation concepts for use in the Outer Planets Probe (OPP) during entry and descent into the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. Phenolic fiberglass honeycomb specimens representative of the OPP structure were packed and tested with various fillers: Thermal conductivity measurements were made over a temperature range of 300 K to 483 K and pressures from vacuum up to 10 atmospheres in helium and nitrogen gas environments. The conductivity results could not be fully explained so new test specimens were designed with improved venting characteristics, and tested to determine the validity of the original data. All of the conductivity data showed results that were substantially higher than expected. The original test data in helium were lower than the data from the redesigned specimens, probably due to inadequate venting of nitrogen gas from the original specimens. The thermal conductivity test results show only a marginal improvement in probe thermal protection performance for a filled honeycomb core compared to an unfilled core. In addition, flatwise tension tests showed a severe bond strength degradation due to the inclusion of either the powder or foam fillers. In view of these results, it is recommended that the baseline OPP design utilize an unfilled core.

  4. [Intercellular relationship of notochord determination of Xenopus laevis].

    PubMed

    Zeng, M B; Zhou, M Y; Wang, Y

    1995-09-01

    During the process of determination, the presumptive notochord is situated beneath neuroepithelium, flanked at two sides by presumptive somites and underlain with archenteron roof ventrally. Among these neighbouring embryonic tissues, presumptive somites were found to exert the main influence on notochord determination. By electron microscopic observations, the presumptive notochord and somite cells were seen to situate either close to each other (plate I, Fig. 1) or connected by cytoplasmic processes forming intercellular lumen (plate I, Fig. 5). Coated pits and coated vesicles appeared at the outer surface of both types of cells (plate I, Figs. 1-4). For the presumptive somite cells, spherical bodies of different sizes and variable contents were observed either near or protruding from the outer surface (plate II, Figs. 6-10). The spherical bodies were also found in the intercellular lumen (plate III, Fig. 11). These spherical bodies were mainly composed of granules, loosely scattered or densely packed. The granules were of similar size and similar shade of electron staining as those of ribosomes of the presumptive somite cells. For the presumptive notochord cells, no spherical bodies of the above mentioned type were found, but phenomenon of engulfing luminal material was observed (plate III, Fig. 12). The significance of the appearance of these spherical bodies in the determination of notochord cells has been discussed.

  5. Solar Wind Prediction at Pluto During the New Horizons Flyby: Results From a Two-Dimensional Multi-fluid MHD Model of the Outer Heliosphere

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zieger, B.; Toth, G.; Opher, M.; Gombosi, T. I.

    2015-12-01

    We adapted the outer heliosphere (OH) component of the Space Weather Modeling Framework, which is a 3-D global multi-fluid MHD model of the outer heliosphere with one ion fluid and four neutral populations, for time-dependent 2-D multi-fluid MHD simulations of solar wind propagation from a heliocentric distance of 1 AU up to 50 AU. We used this model to predict the solar wind plasma parameters as well as the interplanetary magnetic field components at Pluto and along the New Horizons trajectory during the whole calendar year of 2015 including the closest approach on July 14. The simulation is run in the solar equatorial plane in the heliographic inertial frame (HGI). The inner boundary conditions along a circle of 1 AU radius are set by near-Earth solar wind observations (hourly OMNI data), assuming that the global solar wind distribution does not change much during a Carrington rotation (27.2753 days). Our 2-D multi-fluid MHD code evolves one ion fluid and two neutral fluids, which are the primary interstellar neutral atoms and the interstellar neutral atoms deflected in the outer heliosheath between the slow bow shock and the heliopause. Spherical expansion effects are properly taken into account for the ions and the solar magnetic field. The inflow parameters of the two neutral fluids (density, temperature, and velocity components) are set at the negative X (HGI) boundary at 50 AU distance, which are taken from previous 3-D global multi-fluid MHD simulations of the heliospheric interface in a much larger simulation box (1500x1500x1500 AU). The inflow velocity vectors of the two neutral fluids define the so-called hydrogen deflection plane. The solar wind ions and the interstellar neutrals interact through charge exchange source terms included in the multi-fluid MHD equations, so the two neutral populations are evolved self-consistently. We validate our model with the available plasma data from New Horizons as well as with Voyager 2 plasma and magnetic field observations within the heliocentric distance of 50 AU. Our new time-dependent 2-D multi-fluid MHD model is generally applicable for solar wind predictions at any outer planet (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) or spacecraft in the outer heliosphere where charge exchange between solar wind ions and interstellar neutrals play an important role.

  6. Microstructure Evolution During Continuous Cooling in AISI 5140 Steel Processed by Induction Heating Chromizing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Jianjun; Ma, Chaoping; Yang, Xian; Xu, Hongbin; Guo, Ning; Yu, Hongbing

    2017-11-01

    In this study, induction heating chromizing (IHC) and box-type furnace heating chromizing (BFHC) were conducted on commercial AISI 5140 steels, respectively. Microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of the chromized samples were characterized. The results show that the IHC samples have thicker Cr coating layer and stronger interface bond due to pre-compressive stress among the packed powders. Three kinds of microstructures including alloyed cementite (AC-layer), fine pearlite zone (FP-zone) and carbon-poor zone (CP-zone) are formed near the interface in the IHC samples. The main reason given for this is that different contents of Cr and C have different effects on pearlite phase and morphology. The IHC sample shows better wear properties due to its stronger interface bonding strength than that of the BFHC sample. The formation mechanism of CP-zone and its influences on microhardness and wear resistance are also discussed.

  7. Is the Magnetic Field in the Heliosheath Sector Region and in the Outer Heliosheath Laminar?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Opher, M.; Drake, J. F.; Swisdak, M. M.; Toth, G.

    2010-12-01

    All the current global models of the heliosphere are based on the assumption that the magnetic field in the outer heliosheath close to the heliopause is laminar. We argue that in the outer heliosheath the heliospheric magnetic field is not laminar but instead consists of nested magnetic islands. Recently, we proposed (Drake et al. 2009) that the annihilation of the ``sectored'' magnetic field within the heliosheath as it is compressed on its approach to the heliopause produces the anomalous cosmic rays (ACRs) and also energetic electrons. As a product of the annihilation of the sectored magnetic field, densly-packed magnetic islands are produced. These magnetic islands will be convected with the ambient flows as the sector boundary is carried to higher latitudes filling the outer heliosheath. We further argue that the magnetic islands will develop upstream (but still within the heliosheath) where collisionless reconnection is unfavorable -- large perturbations of the sector structure near the heliopause will cause compressions of the current sheet upstream, triggering reconnection. As a result, the magnetic field in the heliosheath sector region will be disordered well upstream of the heliopause. We present a 3D MHD simulation with unprecedent numerical resolution that captures the sector boundary. We show that due to the high pressure of the interstellar magnetic field the disordered sectored region fills a large portion of the northern part of the heliosphere with a smaller extension in the southern hemisphere. We test these ideas with observations of energetic electrons, which because of their high velocity are most sensitive to the structure of the magnetic field. We suggest that within our scenario we can explain two significant anomalies in the observations of energetic electrons in the outer heliosphere: the sudden decrease in the intensity of low energy electrons (0.02-1.5MeV) from the LECP instrument on Voyager 2 in 2008 (Decker 2010); and the dramatic differences in intensity trends between Galactic Cosmic Ray Electrons (3.8-59MeV) at Voyager 1 and 2 (McDonald 2010). We argue that these observations are a consequence of Voyager 2 leaving the sector region of disordered field in mid 2008 and crossing into a region of unipolar laminar field.

  8. Investigation of processes controlling summertime gaseous elemental mercury oxidation at midlatitudinal marine, coastal, and inland sites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ye, Zhuyun; Mao, Huiting; Lin, Che-Jen; Kim, Su Youn

    2016-07-01

    A box model incorporating a state-of-the-art chemical mechanism for atmospheric mercury (Hg) cycling was developed to investigate the oxidation of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) at three locations in the northeastern United States: Appledore Island (AI; marine), Thompson Farm (TF; coastal, rural), and Pack Monadnock (PM; inland, rural, elevated). The chemical mechanism in this box model included the most up-to-date Hg and halogen chemistry. As a result, the box model was able to simulate reasonably the observed diurnal cycles of gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and chemical speciation bearing distinct differences between the three sites. In agreement with observations, simulated GOM diurnal cycles at AI and TF showed significant daytime peaks in the afternoon and nighttime minimums compared to flat GOM diurnal cycles at PM. Moreover, significant differences in the magnitude of GOM diurnal amplitude (AI > TF > PM) were captured in modeled results. At the coastal and inland sites, GEM oxidation was predominated by O3 and OH, contributing 80-99 % of total GOM production during daytime. H2O2-initiated GEM oxidation was significant (˜ 33 % of the total GOM) at the inland site during nighttime. In the marine boundary layer (MBL) atmosphere, Br and BrO became dominant GEM oxidants, with mixing ratios reaching 0.1 and 1 pptv, respectively, and contributing ˜ 70 % of the total GOM production during midday, while O3 dominated GEM oxidation (50-90 % of GOM production) over the remaining day when Br and BrO mixing ratios were diminished. The majority of HgBr produced from GEM+Br was oxidized by NO2 and HO2 to form brominated GOM species. Relative humidity and products of the CH3O2+BrO reaction possibly significantly affected the mixing ratios of Br or BrO radicals and subsequently GOM formation. Gas-particle partitioning could potentially be important in the production of GOM as well as Br and BrO at the marine site.

  9. Provenance of sand on the Poverty Bay shelf, the link between source and sink sectors of the Waipaoa River sedimentary system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parra, Julie G.; Marsaglia, Kathleen M.; Rivera, Kevin S.; Dawson, Shelby T.; Walsh, J. P.

    2012-12-01

    The Poverty Shelf, North Island, New Zealand, is a segment of the Waipaoa Sedimentary System (WSS), a MARGINS Source-to-Sink focus site. Our petrographic analysis of sand from shelf core samples indicates that the sand fraction is mainly derived from intra- and potentially extrabasinal sources, but surprisingly, the major fluvial system that drains into Poverty Bay, the Waipaoa River (mean %QFL = xQyFzL), is not the dominant source. Only one vibracore at the mouth of Poverty Bay contained sand (%QFL = xQyFzL) potentially derived from the Waipaoa River. The shelf sand (mean %QFL = xQyFzL) more strongly resembles beach sand (mean %QFL = xQyFzL) collected along the coast, which is likely sourced from pervasive local cliff erosion of Miocene-Pliocene sedimentary units that exhibit similar sandstone detrital modes (mean %QFL = xQyFzL). Texturally, coarser, more poorly sorted and more angular sand is located along the outer shelf, while finer, well-sorted sand characterizes the mid-shelf. These findings suggest a shorter transport history for the material near the outer-shelf bathymetric high areas, and this observation along with the composition data suggests that they were sourced by erosion of locally exposed Miocene-Pliocene units. A potential extrabasinal source of shelf sediment is indicated by anomalous prolate and equant-shaped greywacke (Torlesse) and minor red chert pebbles collected in two outer-shelf box cores on the Lachlan anticline; these are not lithologies found within the terrestrial segment of the WSS or strata comprising the outer-shelf highs. The clast shapes are also distinctly different from the oblate-shaped, pebble-sized greywacke gravel clasts on beaches in Hawke Bay. Rather, these sediments are more similar to Torlesse stream gravel. Seismic and multibeam data support the possibility that during the most recent sea-level lowstand, the Hawke Bay fluvial system flowed into Poverty Canyon, bringing these unique gravels onto what is now the Poverty outer shelf. The presence of the Torlesse gravel is significant in that it highlights how the WSS was not a closed sedimentary system in the past, just as recent sedimentary research has shown in the case today.

  10. LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Surface passivation of (100) InP by organic thiols and polyimide as characterized by steady-state photoluminescence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schvartzman, M.; Sidorov, V.; Ritter, D.; Paz, Y.

    2001-10-01

    A method for the passivation of indium phosphide, based on thiolated organic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that form highly ordered, close-packed structures on the semiconductor surface, is presented. It is shown that the intensity of steady-state photoluminescence (PL) of n-type InP wafers covered with the thiolated SAMs increases significantly (as much as 14-fold) upon their covering with the monolayers. The ease with which one can tailor the outer functional groups of the SAMs provides a way to connect this new class of passivators with standard encapsulators, such as polyimide. Indeed, the PL intensity of SAM-coated InP wafers was not altered upon their overcoating with polyimide, despite the high curing temperature of the polymer (200 °C).

  11. Discrete element modeling of shock-induced particle jetting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xue, Kun; Cui, Haoran

    2018-05-01

    The dispersal of particle shell or ring by divergent impulsive loads takes the form of coherent particle jets with the dimensions several orders larger than that of constituent grain. Particle-scale simulations based on the discrete element method have been carried out to reveal the evolution of jets in semi-two-dimensional rings before they burst out of the external surface. We identify two key events which substantially change the resulted jetting pattern, specifically, the annihilation of incipient jets and the tip-slipping of jets, which become active in different phases of jet evolution. Parametric investigations have been done to assess the correlations between the jetting pattern and a variety of structural parameters. Overpressure, the internal and outer diameters of ring as well as the packing density are found to have effects on the jet evolution with different relative importance.

  12. Optimization of tannase production by Aspergillus niger in solid-state packed-bed bioreactor.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Durán, Luis V; Contreras-Esquivel, Juan C; Rodríguez, Raúl; Prado-Barragán, L Arely; Aguilar, Cristóbal N

    2011-09-01

    Tannin acyl hydrolase, also known as tannase, is an enzyme with important applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. However, despite a growing interest in the catalytic properties of tannase, its practical use is very limited owing to high production costs. Several studies have already demonstrated the advantages of solid-state fermentation (SSF) for the production of fungal tannase, yet the optimal conditions for enzyme production strongly depend on the microbial strain utilized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to improve the tannase production by a locally isolated A. niger strain in an SSF system. The SSF was carried out in packed-bed bioreactors using polyurethane foam as an inert support impregnated with defined culture media. The process parameters influencing the enzyme production were identified using a Plackett–Burman design, where the substrate concentration, initial pH, and incubation temperature were determined as the most significant. These parameters were then further optimized using a Box-Behnken design. The maximum tannase production was obtained with a high tannic acid concentration (50 g/l), relatively low incubation temperature (30°C), and unique low initial pH (4.0). The statistical strategy aided in increasing the enzyme activity nearly 1.97-fold, from 4,030 to 7,955 U/l. Consequently, these findings can lead to the development of a fermentation system that is able to produce large amounts of tannase in economical, compact, and scalable reactors.

  13. Development of post-harvest protocol of okra for export marketing.

    PubMed

    Dhall, R K; Sharma, S R; Mahajan, B V C

    2014-08-01

    The study was carried out on the harvesting and handling methods of okra with the objective to maintain the best quality of pods from harvesting to end consumer especially for export marketing. For that purpose okra cv. 'Punjab-8' pods were harvested with minimum handling (least injuries to the pubescence on the ridges of pod) and normal handling (no safety taken to prevent injuries on pods). Pods were precooled at 15 ± 1ºC, 90-95% RH; jumble packed in the CFB boxes of 2.0 Kg capacity and than stored at 8 ± 1ºC, 90-95% RH. The quality parameters of okra namely texture, chlorophyll content, physiological loss in weight, rotting percentage and general appearance were studied. The pods harvested with minimum handling and field packaging can retain their green colour, crisp texture (maximum force to puncture pod = 500.2 g) with minimum rotting (3.0%) and physiological loss in weight (15.8%) and good appearance upto 13 days of cold storage whereas normal handled pods can be stored upto 5 days at 8 ± 1ºC, 90-95% RH and thereafter lost their general appearance on the 7th day of storage and were discarded. Therefore, in order to maintain high quality of okra from harvesting to the final destination (consumer), the okra pods should be harvested with minimum handling followed by field packaging in CFB boxes.

  14. Hidden costs of HIV treatment in Spain: inefficiency of the antiretroviral drug packaging.

    PubMed

    Llibre-Codina, Josep M; Andreu-Crespo, Angels; Cardona-Peitx, Gloria; Sala-Piñol, Ferran; Clotet-Sala, Bonaventura; Bonafont-Pujol, Xavier

    2014-01-01

    Antiretroviral drugs in Spain are delivered by law only in hospital pharmacies. Commercial packages meet variable quality standards when dispensed drugs are returned due to treatment changes or adherence problems Nearly 20-25% of the initial regimens will be changed at 48 weeks for different reasons. We evaluated the economic impact on public health system of the inability of using returned drugs due to inefficient packaging. We defined socially efficient packaging as the best adapted one to being delivered in unit dose to outpatients and classified: Class A - Drug packed in unit doses with complete info (name of drug, dosage in mg, lot, and expiring date) in each unit, maintaining complete information of the drug if returned when the external package is opened. Class B - packed in blisters with complete info in the blister, but not in unit doses, without special conservation conditions (should be re-packed in unit doses in the pharmacy before its dispensation to assure a class A excellence). Class C - packed in plastic containers with complete info written only on a label over the container, would allow repackaging only before its initial delivery, but not when returned. Class D - drug packed in plastic containers with manufacturer's warning that the product cannot be placed outside of the original package due to special conditions of conservation (fridge, humidity) that doesn't allow a unit dose repackaging or reusing an opened container. We analysed a 12-month period (July 2011-June 2012) in a hospital-based HIV outpatient pharmacy that serves 2413 treated individuals. Patients generated 23,574 visits to pharmacy, and received 48,325 drug packages, with 2.529.137 pills delivered. The patients suffered 1051 treatment changes for any reason. A total amount of 122.945€ in treatment were returned to pharmacy in opened packages during the study period. 47.139.91€ would be totally lost, mainly due to being packaged in class C and D boxes, the equivalent of treating 78 patients with rilpivirine/TDF/FTC during 1 month. Class A and B packages in bad condition represented only 1.1% of the cost. However, 75.805€ came from returned packages in good condition that could potentially be reused. Most of the treatment changes were not foreseeable. A significant economic budget is lost through socially inefficient antiretroviral packages. Newer treatments are packaged in C and D categories, therefore maintaining these hidden costs in the near future. Any improvement in the excellence of packaging by the manufacturer, and favouring the choice of drugs supplied through efficient packages (when efficacy, toxicity and convenience are similar) should minimize the treatment expenditures paid by national health budgets.

  15. Constructive systems, load-bearing and enclosing structures of high-rise buildings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anatol'evna Korol', Elena; Olegovna Kustikova, Yuliya

    2018-03-01

    As the height of the building increases, loads on load-carrying structures increase dramatically, and as a result of the development of high-rise construction, several structural systems of such buildings have been developed: frame, frame-frame, cross-wall, barrel, box-type, box-to-wall ("pipe in pipe", "Trumpet in the farm"), etc. In turn, the barrel systems have their own versions: cantilever support of the ceilings on the trunk, suspension of the outer part of the overlap to the upper carrying console "hanging house" or its support by means of the walls on the lower bearing cantilever, intermediate position of the supporting cantilevers in height to the floor, from a part of floors. The object of the study are the structural solutions of high-rise buildings. The subject of the study is the layout of structural schemes of high-rise buildings, taking into account the main parameters - altitude (height), natural climatic conditions of construction, materials of structural elements and their physical and mechanical characteristics. The purpose of the study is to identify the features and systematization of structural systems of high-rise buildings and the corresponding structural elements. The results of the research make it possible, at the stage of making design decisions, to establish rational parameters for the correspondence between the structural systems of high-rise buildings and their individual elements.

  16. Single-crystal-material-based induced-shear actuation for vibration reduction of helicopters with composite rotor system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pawar, Prashant M.; Jung, Sung Nam

    2008-12-01

    In this study, an assessment is made for the helicopter vibration reduction of composite rotor blades using an active twist control concept. Special focus is given to the feasibility of implementing the benefits of the shear actuation mechanism along with elastic couplings of composite blades for achieving maximum vibration reduction. The governing equations of motion for composite rotor blades with surface bonded piezoceramic actuators are obtained using Hamilton's principle. The equations are then solved for dynamic response using finite element discretization in the spatial and time domains. A time domain unsteady aerodynamic theory with free wake model is used to obtain the airloads. A newly developed single-crystal piezoceramic material is introduced as an actuator material to exploit its superior shear actuation authority. Seven rotor blades with different elastic couplings representing stiffness properties similar to stiff-in-plane rotor blades are used to investigate the hub vibration characteristics. The rotor blades are modeled as a box beam with actuator layers bonded on the outer surface of the top and bottom of the box section. Numerical results show that a notable vibration reduction can be achieved for all the combinations of composite rotor blades. This investigation also brings out the effect of different elastic couplings on various vibration-reduction-related parameters which could be useful for the optimal design of composite helicopter blades.

  17. Comparative analysis of ampoules and vials in sterile and conventional packaging as to microbial load and sterility test.

    PubMed

    Freitas, Raphael Ribeiro de Aquino; Tardelli, Maria Angela

    2016-05-24

    To compare sterility and microbial (bacteria and fungi) load in the outer part of hyperbaric bupivacaine (Neocaína®) in ampoule and bupivacaine in vial, in conventional and sterile pack formulations. The sterile packs were divided into two groups: G1 (n=16) with ampoules and G2 (n=16) with vials. Conventional formulations were divided into two groups, being G3 (n=16) with ampoules and G4 (n=16) with vials. The ampoules and vials were opened and had their content drawn. The empty bottles were then placed in sterile plastic bags and sent for analysis of microbial load (bacteria and fungi) and sterility testing. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test with Yates correction, and 95% confidence interval. G1 and G2 showed no bacterial growth when compared to conventional groups (p<0.001). The most common agent in conventional microbiological samples was Staphylococcus aureus. There was no fungal growth in both groups. The use of (sterile pack) reduces the microbial load of bottles, and would decrease the chance of exposure to potential contamination of the anesthetic solution. Comparar a esterilidade e a carga microbiana (bactérias e fungos) da parte externa dos frascos de envasamento de bupivacaína hiperbárica (Neocaína®) em ampola e bupivacaína em frasco-ampola das apresentações convencional e estéril (sterile pack). As apresentações estéreis (sterile pack) foram distribuídas em dois grupos, sendo que o G1 (n=16) continha as ampolas e o G2 (n=16), os frascos-ampola. As apresentações convencionais foram distribuídas em dois grupos, a saber G3 (n=16) com as ampolas e G4 (n=16) com os frascos-ampola. As ampolas e os frascos-ampolas eram abertos e tinham seu conteúdo aspirado. Os frascos vazios eram, então, acondicionados em sacos plásticos estéreis e enviados para análise quanto à carga microbiana (bactérias e fungos), bem como para o teste de esterilidade. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste χ2 com correção Yates com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Os grupos G1 e G2 não apresentaram crescimento bacteriano quando comparado aos grupos convencionais (p<0,001). O microbiano mais comum nas amostras convencionais foi o Staphylococcus aureus. Não houve crescimento de fungos em nenhum dos grupos. O uso de embalagens estéreis (sterile pack) diminui a carga microbiana dos frascos de envasamentos, o que diminuiria a chance de exposição a uma potencial contaminação da solução anestésica.

  18. Large-eddy simulations of adverse pressure gradient turbulent boundary layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bobke, Alexandra; Vinuesa, Ricardo; Örlü, Ramis; Schlatter, Philipp

    2016-04-01

    Adverse pressure-gradient (APG) turbulent boundary layers (TBL) are studied by performing well-resolved large-eddy simulations. The pressure gradient is imposed by defining the free-stream velocity distribution with the description of a power law. Different inflow conditions, box sizes and upper boundary conditions are tested in order to determine the final set-up. The statistics of turbulent boundary layers with two different power-law coefficients and thus magnitudes of adverse pressure gradients are then compared to zero pressure-gradient (ZPG) data. The effect of the APG on TBLs is manifested in the mean flow through a much more prominent wake region and in the Reynolds stresses through the existence of an outer peak. The pre-multiplied energy budgets show that more energy is transported from the near-wall region to farther away from the wall.

  19. The outer-membrane export signal of Porphyromonas gingivalis type IX secretion system (T9SS) is a conserved C-terminal β-sandwich domain

    PubMed Central

    de Diego, Iñaki; Ksiazek, Miroslaw; Mizgalska, Danuta; Koneru, Lahari; Golik, Przemyslaw; Szmigielski, Borys; Nowak, Magdalena; Nowakowska, Zuzanna; Potempa, Barbara; Houston, John A.; Enghild, Jan J.; Thøgersen, Ida B.; Gao, Jinlong; Kwan, Ann H.; Trewhella, Jill; Dubin, Grzegorz; Gomis-Rüth, F. Xavier; Nguyen, Ky-Anh; Potempa, Jan

    2016-01-01

    In the recently characterized Type IX Secretion System (T9SS), the conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) in secreted proteins functions as an outer membrane translocation signal for export of virulence factors to the cell surface in the Gram-negative Bacteroidetes phylum. In the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, the CTD is cleaved off by PorU sortase in a sequence-independent manner, and anionic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS) is attached to many translocated proteins, thus anchoring them to the bacterial surface. Here, we solved the atomic structure of the CTD of gingipain B (RgpB) from P. gingivalis, alone and together with a preceding immunoglobulin-superfamily domain (IgSF). The CTD was found to possess a typical Ig-like fold encompassing seven antiparallel β-strands organized in two β-sheets, packed into a β-sandwich structure that can spontaneously dimerise through C-terminal strand swapping. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed no fixed orientation of the CTD with respect to the IgSF. By introducing insertion or substitution of residues within the inter-domain linker in the native protein, we were able to show that despite the region being unstructured, it nevertheless is resistant to general proteolysis. These data suggest structural motifs located in the two adjacent Ig-like domains dictate the processing of CTDs by the T9SS secretion pathway. PMID:27005013

  20. Coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy: a novel technique for imaging the retina.

    PubMed

    Masihzadeh, Omid; Ammar, David A; Kahook, Malik Y; Lei, Tim C

    2013-05-01

    To image the cellular and noncellular structures of the retina in an intact mouse eye without the application of exogenous fluorescent labels using noninvasive, nondestructive techniques. Freshly enucleated mouse eyes were imaged using two nonlinear optical techniques: coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and two-photon autofluorescence (TPAF). Cross sectional transverse sections and sequential flat (en face) sagittal sections were collected from a region of sclera approximately midway between the limbus and optic nerve. Imaging proceeded from the surface of the sclera to a depth of ∼60 μm. The fluorescent signal from collagen fibers within the sclera was evident in the TPAF channel; the scleral collagen fibers showed no organization and appeared randomly packed. The sclera contained regions lacking TPAF and CARS fluorescence of ∼3 to 15 μm in diameter that could represent small vessels or scleral fibroblasts. Intense punctate CARS signals from the retinal pigment epithelial layer were of a size and shape of retinyl storage esters. Rod outer segments could be identified by the CARS signal from their lipid-rich plasma membranes. CARS microscopy can be used to image the outer regions of the mammalian retina without the use of a fluorescent dye or exogenously expressed recombinant protein. With technical advancements, CARS/TPAF may represent a new avenue for noninvasively imaging the retina and might complement modalities currently used in clinical practice.

  1. Exploring bacterial infections: theoretical and experimental studies of the bacterial population dynamics and antibiotic treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shao, Xinxian

    Bacterial infections are very common in human society. Thus extensive research has been conducted to reveal the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis and to evaluate the antibiotics' efficacy against bacteria. Little is known, however, about the population dynamics of bacterial populations and their interactions with the host's immune system. In this dissertation, a stochatic model is developed featuring stochastic phenotypic switching of bacterial individuals to explain the single-variant bottleneck discovered in multi strain bacterial infections. I explored early events in a bacterial infection establishment using classical experiments of Moxon and Murphy on neonatal rats. I showed that the minimal model and its simple variants do not work. I proposed modifications to the model that could explain the data quantitatively. The bacterial infections are also commonly established in physical structures, as biofilms or 3-d colonies. In contrast, most research on antibiotic treatment of bacterial infections has been conducted in well-mixed liquid cultures. I explored the efficacy of antibiotics to treat such bacterial colonies, a broadly applicable method is designed and evaluated where discrete bacterial colonies on 2-d surfaces were exposed to antibiotics. I discuss possible explanations and hypotheses for the experimental results. To verify these hypotheses, we investigated the dynamics of bacterial population as 3-d colonies. We showed that a minimal mathematical model of bacterial colony growth in 3-d was able to account for the experimentally observed presence of a diffusion-limited regime. The model further revealed highly loose packing of the cells in 3-d colonies and smaller cell sizes in colonies than plancktonic cells in corresponding liquid culture. Further experimental tests of the model predictions have revealed that the ratio of the cell size in liquid culture to that in colony cultures was consistent with the model prediction, that the dead cells emerged randomly in a colony, and that the cells packed heterogeneously in the outer part of a colony, possibly explaining the loose packing.

  2. CENPT bridges adjacent CENPA nucleosomes on young human α-satellite dimers

    PubMed Central

    Thakur, Jitendra; Henikoff, Steven

    2016-01-01

    Nucleosomes containing the CenH3 (CENPA or CENP-A) histone variant replace H3 nucleosomes at centromeres to provide a foundation for kinetochore assembly. CENPA nucleosomes are part of the constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) that forms the inner kinetochore on which outer kinetochore proteins assemble. Two components of the CCAN, CENPC and the histone-fold protein CENPT, provide independent connections from the ∼171-bp centromeric α-satellite repeat units to the outer kinetochore. However, the spatial relationship between CENPA nucleosomes and these two branches remains unclear. To address this issue, we use a base-pair resolution genomic readout of protein–protein interactions, comparative chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with sequencing, together with sequential ChIP, to infer the in vivo molecular architecture of the human CCAN. In contrast to the currently accepted model in which CENPT associates with H3 nucleosomes, we find that CENPT is centered over the CENPB box between two well-positioned CENPA nucleosomes on the most abundant centromeric young α-satellite dimers and interacts with the CENPB/CENPC complex. Upon cross-linking, the entire CENPA/CENPB/CENPC/CENPT complex is nuclease-protected over an α-satellite dimer that comprises the fundamental unit of centromeric chromatin. We conclude that CENPA/CENPC and CENPT pathways for kinetochore assembly are physically integrated over young α-satellite dimers. PMID:27384170

  3. Pseudopotential plane-wave calculation of the structural properties of yttrium

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

    Wang, Y.; Chou, M.Y.

    1991-11-01

    The structural properties of hexagonal-close-packed yttrium are studied by using the plane-wave basis within the pseudopotential method and local-density-functional approximation. By employing a soft'' pseudopotential proposed by Troullier and Martins, satisfactory convergence is achieved with a plane-wave energy cutoff of 30--40 Ry for this early-transition-metal element. The overall results for the structural properties are in good agreement with experiment. It is found that the charge overlap between core and valence electrons has a substantial effect on the accuracy of the calculated structural properties. Two different calculations are performed with and without the outer-core 4{ital p} orbital included as a valencemore » state. In addition, as found in some other local-density calculations, the uncertainty in the results due to different exchange-correlation energy functionals may not be negligible in transition metals.« less

  4. EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY (EVA) - ASTRONAUT EDWARD H. WHITE II - MISC. - OUTER SPACE

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1965-06-03

    S65-32924 (3 June 1965) --- Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot of the Gemini IV four-day Earth-orbital mission, floats in the zero gravity of space outside the Gemini IV spacecraft. White wears a specially designed spacesuit; and the visor of the helmet is gold plated to protect him against the unfiltered rays of the sun. He wears an emergency oxygen pack, also. He is secured to the spacecraft by a 25-feet umbilical line and a 23-feet tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand is a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) with which he controls his movements in space. Astronaut James A. McDivitt, command pilot of the mission, remained inside the spacecraft. (This image is black and white) Photo credit: NASA EDITOR'S NOTE: Astronaut White died in the Apollo/Saturn 204 fire at Cape Kennedy on Jan. 27, 1967.

  5. EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY (EVA) - ASTRONAUT EDWARD H. WHITE II - MISC. - OUTER SPACE

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1965-06-03

    S65-32928 (3 June 1965) --- Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot of the Gemini IV four-day Earth-orbital mission, floats in the zero gravity of space outside the Gemini IV spacecraft. White wears a specially designed spacesuit; and the visor of the helmet is gold plated to protect him against the unfiltered rays of the sun. He wears an emergency oxygen pack, also. He is secured to the spacecraft by a 25-feet umbilical line and a 23-feet tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his left hand is a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) with which he controls his movements in space. Astronaut James A. McDivitt, command pilot of the mission, remained inside the spacecraft. (This image is black and white) Photo credit: NASA EDITOR'S NOTE: Astronaut White died in the Apollo/Saturn 204 fire at Cape Kennedy on Jan. 27, 1967.

  6. Phase relations of Fe Ni alloys at high pressure and temperature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mao, Wendy L.; Campbell, Andrew J.; Heinz, Dion L.; Shen, Guoyin

    2006-04-01

    Using a diamond anvil cell and double-sided laser-heating coupled with synchrotron X-ray diffraction, we determined phase relations for three compositions of Fe-rich FeNi alloys in situ at high pressure and high temperature. We studied Fe with 5, 15, and 20 wt.% Ni to 55, 62, and 72 GPa, respectively, at temperatures up to ˜3000 K. Ni stabilizes the face-centered cubic phase to lower temperatures and higher pressure, and this effect increases with increasing pressure. Extrapolation of our experimental results for Fe with 15 wt.% Ni suggests that the stable phase at inner core conditions is hexagonal close packed, although if the temperature at the inner core boundary is higher than ˜6400 K, a two phase outer region may also exist. Comparison to previous laser-heated diamond anvil cell studies demonstrates the importance of kinetics even at high temperatures.

  7. Switching fields and their distributions in rounded-rectangle [Co/Pd]8 nanodots and nanorings with identical configuration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, Y.; Wang, Y.; He, X. D.; Adeyeye, A. O.

    2018-04-01

    We present two different types of magnetization reversal behaviors for the identically-configured Co/Pd multilayers with rounded-rectangular nanodots and nanorings for various edge-to-edge distances (s), by using focused magneto-optic Kerr measurements and magnetic force microscopy measurements. For the nanodots with a fixed outer diameter of d = 580 nm, the switching field Hsw and switching field distribution (SFD) are almost invariant with respect to s. However, the Hsw and SFD for the nanodot arrays could be easily modulated by varying d, which is ascribed to the size effect. In contrast, the Hsw and SFD are strongly dependent on s for the nanorings. Compared to the strongly coupled magnetic moments of the closely-packed nanorings, the magnetostatic interaction among nanodots is negligible, which should be responsible for the observed different magnetization reversal behaviors.

  8. Low-loss and energy efficient modulation in silicon photonic waveguides by adiabatic elimination scheme

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mrejen, Michael; Suchowski, Haim; Bachelard, Nicolas; Wang, Yuan; Zhang, Xiang

    2017-07-01

    High-speed Silicon Photonics calls for solutions providing a small footprint, high density, and minimum crosstalk, as exemplified by the recent development of integrated optical modulators. Yet, the performances of such modulators are hindered by intrinsic material losses, which results in low energy efficiency. Using the concept of Adiabatic Elimination, here, we introduce a scheme allowing for the low-loss modulation in densely packed waveguides. Our system is composed of two waveguides, whose coupling is mediated by an intermediate third waveguide. The signal is carried by the two outer modes, while the active control of their coupling is achieved via the intermediate dark mode. The modulation is performed by the manipulation of the central-waveguide mode index, leaving the signal-carrying waveguides unaffected by the loss. We discuss how Adiabatic Elimination provides a solution for mitigating signal losses and designing relatively compact, broadband, and energy-efficient integrated optical modulators.

  9. UNIT OPERATIONS SECTION MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT, OCTOBER 1961

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

    Whatley, M.E.; Haas, P.A.; Horton, R.W.

    1962-04-01

    Additional runs were made in the 6-in.-dia. separation column. The kinetics of the methane --copper oxide reaction was investigated in deep bed tests. The work on the development of the shear included a satisfactory method of ng, preliminary test of an outer gag faced with rubber, and a metallic inner gsg contoured to the shape of a sheared assembly. The mechanical dejacketing of the SRE Core I fuel, NaK-bonded, stainless steel-clad uranium slugs, was successfully completed. The effective therrnal conductivity of a packed bed of 0.023-in. steel shot was approximately 0.33 Btu/hr- deg Fft at 200 deg F. Flow capacitymore » for the compound extraction scrub column equipped with sieve plates (0.125-in.-dia. was determined. Average waste calcination rates for Purex were higher by a factor of 1.5 to 2.0 than rates for TBP-25. (auth)« less

  10. Regenerable non-venting cooler for protective suit

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roebelen, Jr., George J. (Inventor); Bayes, Stephen A. (Inventor)

    1992-01-01

    A life support back pack 14 for use during extravehicular activity in space incorporates a cooling apparatus 20 comprised of five panels 22 each of which include in layered fashion a LCG coolant heat exchange coil 32, a heat distribution plate 42, and a heat dissipation module 50A or 50B having an outer radiator surface 52. Each module 50A houses a first phase change material 55A, for example hexadecane paraffin, and each module 50B houses a second phase change material 55B, for example tetradecane paraffin, which has a phase change temperature which is less than the phase change temperature of the first phase change material 55A. The cooling apparatus 20 is equipped with a coolant heat exchange circuit provided with mode selection valves 84 and 86 which are operated by a controller 88 to selectively direct the LCG coolant to be cooled through the cooling apparatus in one of three operating modes.

  11. A novel methodology to model the cooling processes of packed horticultural produce using 3D shape models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gruyters, Willem; Verboven, Pieter; Rogge, Seppe; Vanmaercke, Simon; Ramon, Herman; Nicolai, Bart

    2017-10-01

    Freshly harvested horticultural produce require a proper temperature management to maintain their high economic value. Towards this end, low temperature storage is of crucial importance to maintain a high product quality. Optimizing both the package design of packed produce and the different steps in the postharvest cold chain can be achieved by numerical modelling of the relevant transport phenomena. This work presents a novel methodology to accurately model both the random filling of produce in a package and the subsequent cooling process. First, a cultivar-specific database of more than 100 realistic CAD models of apple and pear fruit is built with a validated geometrical 3D shape model generator. To have an accurate representation of a realistic picking season, the model generator also takes into account the biological variability of the produce shape. Next, a discrete element model (DEM) randomly chooses surface meshed bodies from the database to simulate the gravitational filling process of produce in a box or bin, using actual mechanical properties of the fruit. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is then developed with the final stacking arrangement of the produce to study the cooling efficiency of packages under several conditions and configurations. Here, a typical precooling operation is simulated to demonstrate the large differences between using actual 3D shapes of the fruit and an equivalent spheres approach that simplifies the problem drastically. From this study, it is concluded that using a simplified representation of the actual fruit shape may lead to a severe overestimation of the cooling behaviour.

  12. Structural investigation of re-deposited layers in JET

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Likonen, J.; Vainonen-Ahlgren, E.; Khriachtchev, L.; Coad, J. P.; Rubel, M.; Renvall, T.; Arstila, K.; Hole, D. E.; Contributors to the EFDA-JET Work-programme

    2008-07-01

    JET Mk-II Gas Box divertor tiles exposed in 1998-2001 have been analysed with various ion beam techniques, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and Raman spectroscopy. Inner divertor wall tiles removed in 2001 were covered with a duplex film. The inner layer was very rich in metallic impurities, with Be/C ˜ 1 and H-isotopes only present at low concentrations. The outer layer contained higher concentrations of D than normal for plasma-facing surfaces in JET (D/C ˜ 0.4), and Be/C ˜ 0.14. Raman and SIMS analyses show that the deposited films on inner divertor tiles are hydrogenated amorphous carbon with low sp 3 fractions. The deposits have polymeric structure and low density. Both Raman scattering and SIMS indicate that films on inner divertor wall Tiles 1 and 3, and on floor Tile 4 have some differences in the chemical structure of the deposited films

  13. Energy flow in passive and active 3D cochlear model

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

    Wang, Yanli; Steele, Charles; Puria, Sunil

    Energy flow in the cochlea is an important characteristic of the cochlear traveling wave, and many investigators, such as von Békésy and Lighthill, have discussed this phenomenon. Particularly after the discovery of the motility of the outer hair cells (OHCs), the nature of the power gain of the cochlea has been a fundamental research question. In the present work, direct three-dimensional (3D) calculations of the power on cross sections of the cochlea and on the basilar membrane are performed based on a box model of the mouse cochlea. The distributions of the fluid pressure and fluid velocity in the scalamore » vestibuli are presented. The power output from the OHCs and the power loss due to fluid viscous damping are calculated along the length of the cochlea. This work provides a basis for theoretical calculations of the power gain of the OHCs from mechanical considerations.« less

  14. Energy flow in passive and active 3D cochlear model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yanli; Puria, Sunil; Steele, Charles

    2015-12-01

    Energy flow in the cochlea is an important characteristic of the cochlear traveling wave, and many investigators, such as von Békésy and Lighthill, have discussed this phenomenon. Particularly after the discovery of the motility of the outer hair cells (OHCs), the nature of the power gain of the cochlea has been a fundamental research question. In the present work, direct three-dimensional (3D) calculations of the power on cross sections of the cochlea and on the basilar membrane are performed based on a box model of the mouse cochlea. The distributions of the fluid pressure and fluid velocity in the scala vestibuli are presented. The power output from the OHCs and the power loss due to fluid viscous damping are calculated along the length of the cochlea. This work provides a basis for theoretical calculations of the power gain of the OHCs from mechanical considerations.

  15. Signal transmissibility in marginal granular materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pinson, Matthew B.; Witten, Thomas A.

    2016-12-01

    We examine the ‘transmissibility’ of a simulated two-dimensional pack of frictionless disks formed by confining dilute disks in a shrinking, periodic box to the point of mechanical stability. Two opposite boundaries are then removed, thus allowing a set of free motions. Small free displacements on one boundary then induce proportional displacements on the opposite boundary. Transmissibility is the ability to distinguish different perturbations by their distant responses. We assess transmissibility by successively identifying free orthonormal modes of motion that have the smallest distant responses. The last modes to be identified in this ‘pessimistic’ basis are the most transmissive. The transmitted amplitudes of these most transmissive modes fall off exponentially with mode number. Similar exponential falloff is seen in a simple elastic medium, though the responsible modes differ greatly in structure in the two systems. Thus the marginal pack’s transmissibility is qualitatively similar to that of a simple elastic medium. We compare our results with recent findings based on the projection of the space of free motion onto interior sites.

  16. Analysis of confiscated black market drugs using chromatographic and mass spectrometric approaches.

    PubMed

    Thevis, Mario; Schrader, Yvonne; Thomas, Andreas; Sigmund, Gerd; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm

    2008-04-01

    In the context of house searches in Germany, numerous drugs were confiscated and subjected to chemical analysis, including anabolic agents such as various anabolic-androgenic steroids (stanozolol, testosterone derivatives, trenbolone esters, etc.) and clenbuterol, as well as agents with anti-estrogenic activity (tamoxifen, clomiphene), drugs stimulating virility (sildenafil, tadalafil), and unlabeled plastic bags. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with nitrogen-phosphorus specific detection, gel electrophoresis, and immunological tests were employed to test for the effective content of 70 products. In 18 cases (25.7%), the declared ingredients differed from the actual content, in particular concerning anabolic-androgenic steroids. Nandrolone and trenbolone esters, for instance, were frequently substituted or complemented by various testosterone derivatives, and several testosterone depot formulations originally composed of four different esters were found to contain fewer or wrong components. Except for those drugs supposedly originating from so-called underground labs, fake packings were hardly or not distinguishable from original boxes by visual inspection.

  17. Crystals of Janus colloids at various interaction ranges

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

    Preisler, Z.; Soft Condensed Matter, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht; Vissers, T.

    We investigate the effect of interaction range on the phase behaviour of Janus particles with a Kern-Frenkel potential. Specifically, we study interaction ranges Δ = 0.1σ, 0.3σ, 0.4σ, 0.5σ with σ the particle diameter, and use variable box shape simulations to predict crystal structures. We found that changing the interaction range beyond 0.2σ drastically increases the variety of possible crystal structures. In addition to close-packed structures, we find body-centered tetragonal and AA-stacked hexagonal crystals, as well as several lamellar crystals. For long interaction ranges and low temperatures, we also observe an extremely large number of metastable structures which compete withmore » the thermodynamically stable ones. These competing structures hinder the detection of the lowest-energy crystal structures, and are also likely to interfere with the spontaneous formation of the ground-state structure. Finally, we determine the gas-liquid coexistence curves for several interaction ranges, and observe that these are metastable with respect to crystallization.« less

  18. Changes of pH and peroxide value in carp (Cyprinus carpio) cuts packaged in modified atmosphere

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Milijašević, M.; Babić Milijašević, J.; Đinović-Stojanović, J.; Vesković Moračanin, S.; Lilić, S.

    2017-09-01

    The aim of our research was to examine the influence of packaging in modified atmosphere on the pH and peroxide value in muscle of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), as well as to determine the most suitable gas mixtures for packing of that freshwater species. Three sample groups of carp cuts were investigated. One group of carp cuts was placed on top of flaked ice placed in polystyrene boxes. Two other groups were packaged in modified atmosphere with different gas ratios: 80%O2+20%CO2 (MAP 1) and 90%CO2+10%N2 (MAP 2). All carp cuts were stored in the same conditions at 3±0.5°C, and on 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15. and 17 days of storage, chemical testing was performed. The results obtained indicate that the packaging of common carp under 90%CO2+10%N2 slowed proteolytic reaction as well as secondary lipid oxidation.

  19. Investigation of Processes Controlling Mercury Cycling at Midlatitudinal Marine and Inland Sites: Improvements and Applications of A Mercury Box Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    ye, Z.

    2013-12-01

    Mercury (Hg) is a hazardous pollutant due to the bioaccumulation in food chain. It is emitted to the atmosphere primarily as elemental form, and the long lifetime of which allows global transport. Oxidation of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) generates reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) which plays an important role in the atmospheric mercury cycle by enhancing the rate of mercury deposition to ecosystem. The present study aimed to investigate the midlatitudinal atmospheric Hg cycling. To achieve that, a mercury chemistry box model was improved by employing the most up-to-date kinetic data for gaseous and aqueous reactions, and was applied to summertime clear sky conditions at three specific sites: Appledore Island (marine site), Thompson Farm (coastal site), and Pack Monadnock (inland site). The model was evaluated using observational data of RGM and pHg (particulate mercury) concentrations from these sites. The simulation results for all three sites showed that HgO, which is produced from oxidation of GEM by O3 and OH, contributed the most (>82%) to the total RGM production. Even in the marine boundary layer, halogen species (mainly Br) only contributed less than 12% to total RGM. The importance of reactions in most updated halogen chemistry has been evaluated. Gas and particle partitioning played an important role in coastal and inland environments. Some abnormally high RGM peaks were found at Appledore Island which may be explained by transport and air-sea exchange. Specific reactions and other processes controlling the diurnal cycles of RGM and pHg at the three sites are still being investigated.

  20. Perfluorochemicals and human semen quality: the LIFE study.

    PubMed

    Louis, Germaine M Buck; Chen, Zhen; Schisterman, Enrique F; Kim, Sungduk; Sweeney, Anne M; Sundaram, Rajeshwari; Lynch, Courtney D; Gore-Langton, Robert E; Barr, Dana Boyd

    2015-01-01

    The relation between persistent environmental chemicals and semen quality is evolving, although limited data exist for men recruited from general populations. We examined the relation between perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and semen quality among 501 male partners of couples planning pregnancy. Using population-based sampling strategies, we recruited 501 couples discontinuing contraception from two U.S. geographic regions from 2005 through 2009. Baseline interviews and anthropometric assessments were conducted, followed by blood collection for the quantification of seven serum PFCs (perfluorosulfonates, perfluorocarboxylates, and perfluorosulfonamides) using tandem mass spectrometry. Men collected a baseline semen sample and another approximately 1 month later. Semen samples were shipped with freezer packs, and analyses were performed on the day after collection. We used linear regression to estimate the difference in each semen parameter associated with a one unit increase in the natural log-transformed PFC concentration after adjusting for confounders and modeling repeated semen samples. Sensitivity analyses included optimal Box-Cox transformation of semen quality end points. Six PFCs [2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate (Me-PFOSA-AcOH), perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)] were associated with 17 semen quality end points before Box-Cox transformation. PFOSA was associated with smaller sperm head area and perimeter, a lower percentage of DNA stainability, and a higher percentage of bicephalic and immature sperm. PFDeA, PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS were associated with a lower percentage of sperm with coiled tails. Select PFCs were associated with certain semen end points, with the most significant associations observed for PFOSA but with results in varying directions.

  1. Effects of 30% and 50% Cigarette Pack Graphic Warning Labels on Visual Attention, Negative Affect, Quit Intentions, and Smoking Susceptibility among Disadvantaged Populations in the United States.

    PubMed

    Skurka, Chris; Kemp, Deena; Davydova, Julie; Thrasher, James F; Byrne, Sahara; Safi, Amelia Greiner; Avery, Rosemary J; Dorf, Michael C; Mathios, Alan D; Scolere, Leah; Niederdeppe, Jeff

    2018-06-07

    Though the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) calls for the implementation of large graphic warning labels (GWLs) on cigarette boxes, the courts have blocked the implementation of 50% labels in the United States. We conducted an experiment to explore whether changing the size of GWLs is associated with changes in visual attention, negative affect, risk beliefs, and behavioral intentions. We recruited adult smokers (N = 238) and middle-school youth (N = 237) throughout the state of New York in May 2016. We randomly assigned participants to one of three between-subject conditions (no GWL [control], 30% GWL, 50% GWL). Adult and youth participants looked at the GWLs longer when the GWL covered 50% versus 30% of the pack's front. Increasing GWL size from 30% to 50% did not influence negative affect or risk beliefs, though both GWL sizes increased negative affect relative to the no-GWL control group. Exposure to 50% GWLs increased adult smokers' intentions to quit compared to no-GWL, but smokers exposed to 30% GWLs did not differ from control. There were no differences between 50% GWLs, 30% GWLs, and control on youth smoking susceptibility. Findings provide some evidence of the benefits of a 50% versus 30% GWL covering the front of the pack for adult smokers and at-risk youth from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds-though not on all outcomes. This research shows that 30% GWLs on cigarette packages increase negative affect relative to packages without front-of-package GWLs. Larger GWLs on cigarette packages (50% vs. 30%) increase visual attention to the warning and its pictorial content among low-SES smokers and at-risk youth but do not further increase negative affect. A 50% GWL increased adults' quit intention compared to no GWL at all, but we were underpowered to detect modest differences in quit intentions between a 50% and 30% GWL. Future work should thus continue to explore the boundary conditions under which relatively larger GWLs influence cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes.

  2. Mars EVA Suit Airlock (MESA)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ransom, Stephen; Böttcher, Jörg; Steinsiek, Frank

    The Astrium Space Infrastructure Division has begun an in-house research activity of an Earth-based simulation facility supporting future manned missions to Mars. This research unit will help to prepare and support planned missions in the following ways: 1) to enable the investigation and analysis of contamination issues in advance of a human visit to Mars; 2) as a design tool to investigate and simulate crew operations; 3) to simulate crew operation during an actual mission; 4) to enable on-surface scientific operations without leaving the shirt-sleeve habitation environment ("glove box principle"). The MESA module is a surface EVA facility attached to the main habitation or laboratory module, or mobile pressurized rover. It will be sealed, but not pressurized, and provide protection against the harsh Martian environment. This module will include a second crew airlock for safety reasons. The compartment can also be used to provide an external working bench and experiment area for the crew. A simpler MESA concept provides only an open shelter against wind and dust. This concept does not incorporate working and experimental areas. The principle idea behind the MESA concept is to tackle the issue of contamination by minimizing the decontamination processes needed to clean surface equipment and crew suit surfaces after an EVA excursion prior to the astronaut re-entering the habitable area. The technical solution envisages the use of a dedicated crew suit airlock. This airlock uses an EVA suit which is externally attached by its back-pack to the EVA compartment area facing the Martian environment. The crew donns the suit from inside the habitable volume through the airlock on the back of the suit. The surface EVA can be accomplished after closing the back-pack and detaching the suit. A special technical design concept foresees an extendable suit back-pack, so that the astronaut can operate outside and in the vincinity of the module. The key driver in the investigation is the problem of contamination of the habitable volume by EVA and sampling activities and the transport of Earth-generated contaminants to Mars.

  3. A laboratory model for solidification of Earth's core

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bergman, Michael I.; Macleod-Silberstein, Marget; Haskel, Michael; Chandler, Benjamin; Akpan, Nsikan

    2005-11-01

    To better understand the influence of rotating convection in the outer core on the solidification of the inner core we have constructed a laboratory model for solidification of Earth's core. The model consists of a 15 cm radius hemispherical acrylic tank concentric with a 5 cm radius hemispherical aluminum heat exchanger that serves as the incipient inner core onto which we freeze ice from salt water. Long exposure photographs of neutrally buoyant particles in illuminated planes suggest reduction of flow parallel to the rotation axis. Thermistors in the tank near the heat exchanger show that in experiments with rotation the temperature near the pole is lower than near the equator, unlike for control experiments without rotation or with a polymer that increases the fluid viscosity. The photographs and thermistors suggest that our observation that ice grows faster near the pole than near the equator for experiments with rotation is a result of colder water not readily convecting away from the pole. Because of the reversal of the thermal gradient, we expect faster equatorial solidification in the Earth's core. Such anisotropy in solidification has been suggested as a cause of inner core elastic (and attenuation) anisotropy, though the plausibility of this suggestion will depend on the core Nusselt number and the slope of the liquidus, and the effects of post-solidification deformation. Previous experiments on hexagonal close-packed alloys such as sea ice and zinc-tin have shown that fluid flow in the melt can result in a solidification texture transverse to the solidification direction, with the texture depending on the nature of the flow. A comparison of the visualized flow and the texture of columnar ice crystals in thin sections from these experiments confirms flow-induced transverse textures. This suggests that the convective pattern at the base of the outer core is recorded in the texture of the inner core, and that outer core convection might contribute to the complexity in the seismically inferred pattern of anisotropy in the Earth's inner core.

  4. Plasma oscillation effects on nested Hall thruster operation and stability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McDonald, M. S.; Sekerak, M. J.; Gallimore, A. D.; Hofer, R. R.

    High-power Hall thrusters capable of throughput on the order of 100 kW are currently under development, driven by more demanding mission profiles and rapid growth in on-orbit solar power generation capability. At these power levels the nested Hall thruster (NHT), a new design that concentrically packs multiple thrusters into a single body with a shared magnetic circuit, offers performance and logistical advantages over conventional single-channel Hall thrusters. An important area for risk reduction in NHT development is quantifying inter-channel coupling between discharge channels. This work presents time- and frequency-domain discharge current and voltage measurements paired with high-speed video of the X2, a 10-kW class dual channel NHT. Two “ triads” of operating conditions at 150 V, 3.6 kW and 250 V, 8.6 kW were examined, including each channel in individual operation and both channels in joint operation. For both triads tested, dual-channel operation did not noticeably destabilize the discharge. Partial coupling of outer channel oscillations into the inner channel occurred at 150 V, though oscillation amplitudes did not change greatly. As a percentage of mean discharge current, RMS oscillations at 150 V increased from 8% to 13% on the inner channel and decreased from 10% to 8% on the outer channel from single- to dual-channel operation. At 250 V the RMS/mean level stayed steady at 13% on the inner channel and decreased from 7% to 6% on the outer channel. The only mean discharge parameter noticeably affected was the cathode floating potential, which decreased in magnitude below ground with increased absolute cathode flow rate in dual-channel mode. Rotating spokes were detected on high-speed video across all X2 operating cases with wavelength 12-18 cm, and spoke velocity generally increased from single- to dual-channel operation.

  5. Control of electronic properties of 2D carbides (MXenes) by manipulating their transition metal layers

    DOE PAGES

    Anasori, Babak; Shi, Chenyang; Moon, Eun Ju; ...

    2016-02-24

    In this paper, a transition from metallic to semiconducting-like behavior has been demonstrated in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides by replacing titanium with molybdenum in the outer transition metal (M) layers of M 3C 2 and M 4C 3 MXenes. The MXene structure consists of n + 1 layers of near-close packed M layers with C or N occupying the octahedral site between them in an [MX] nM arrangement. Recently, two new families of ordered 2D double transition metal carbides MXenes were discovered, M' 2M"C 2 and M' 2M" 2C 3 – where M' and M" are two different earlymore » transition metals, such as Mo, Cr, Ta, Nb, V, and Ti. The M' atoms only occupy the outer layers and the M" atoms fill the middle layers. In other words, M' atomic layers sandwich the middle M"–C layers. Using X-ray atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis on Mo 2TiC 2 and Mo 2Ti 2C 3 MXenes, we present the first quantitative analysis of structures of these novel materials and experimentally confirm that Mo atoms are in the outer layers of the [MC] nM structures. The electronic properties of these Mo-containing MXenes are compared with their Ti 3C 2 counterparts, and are found to be no longer metallic-like conductors; instead the resistance increases mildly with decreasing temperatures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that OH terminated Mo–Ti MXenes are semiconductors with narrow band gaps. Measurements of the temperature dependencies of conductivities and magnetoresistances have confirmed that Mo 2TiC 2T x exhibits semiconductor-like transport behavior, while Ti 3C 2T x is a metal. Finally, this finding opens new avenues for the control of the electronic and optical applications of MXenes and for exploring new applications, in which semiconducting properties are required.« less

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

    Anasori, Babak; Shi, Chenyang; Moon, Eun Ju

    In this paper, a transition from metallic to semiconducting-like behavior has been demonstrated in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides by replacing titanium with molybdenum in the outer transition metal (M) layers of M 3C 2 and M 4C 3 MXenes. The MXene structure consists of n + 1 layers of near-close packed M layers with C or N occupying the octahedral site between them in an [MX] nM arrangement. Recently, two new families of ordered 2D double transition metal carbides MXenes were discovered, M' 2M"C 2 and M' 2M" 2C 3 – where M' and M" are two different earlymore » transition metals, such as Mo, Cr, Ta, Nb, V, and Ti. The M' atoms only occupy the outer layers and the M" atoms fill the middle layers. In other words, M' atomic layers sandwich the middle M"–C layers. Using X-ray atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis on Mo 2TiC 2 and Mo 2Ti 2C 3 MXenes, we present the first quantitative analysis of structures of these novel materials and experimentally confirm that Mo atoms are in the outer layers of the [MC] nM structures. The electronic properties of these Mo-containing MXenes are compared with their Ti 3C 2 counterparts, and are found to be no longer metallic-like conductors; instead the resistance increases mildly with decreasing temperatures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that OH terminated Mo–Ti MXenes are semiconductors with narrow band gaps. Measurements of the temperature dependencies of conductivities and magnetoresistances have confirmed that Mo 2TiC 2T x exhibits semiconductor-like transport behavior, while Ti 3C 2T x is a metal. Finally, this finding opens new avenues for the control of the electronic and optical applications of MXenes and for exploring new applications, in which semiconducting properties are required.« less

  7. Recognition of Nucleoside Monophosphate Substrates by Haemophilus influenzae Class C Acid Phosphatase

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

    Singh, Harkewal; Schuermann, Jonathan P.; Reilly, Thomas J.

    2010-12-08

    The e (P4) phosphatase from Haemophilus influenzae functions in a vestigial NAD{sup +} utilization pathway by dephosphorylating nicotinamide mononucleotide to nicotinamide riboside. P4 is also the prototype of class C acid phosphatases (CCAPs), which are nonspecific 5{prime},3{prime}-nucleotidases localized to the bacterial outer membrane. To understand substrate recognition by P4 and other class C phosphatases, we have determined the crystal structures of a substrate-trapping mutant P4 enzyme complexed with nicotinamide mononucleotide, 5{prime}-AMP, 3{prime}-AMP, and 2{prime}-AMP. The structures reveal an anchor-shaped substrate-binding cavity comprising a conserved hydrophobic box that clamps the nucleotide base, a buried phosphoryl binding site, and three solvent-filled pocketsmore » that contact the ribose and the hydrogen-bonding edge of the base. The span between the hydrophobic box and the phosphoryl site is optimal for recognizing nucleoside monophosphates, explaining the general preference for this class of substrate. The base makes no hydrogen bonds with the enzyme, consistent with an observed lack of base specificity. Two solvent-filled pockets flanking the ribose are key to the dual recognition of 5{prime}-nucleotides and 3{prime}-nucleotides. These pockets minimize the enzyme's direct interactions with the ribose and provide sufficient space to accommodate 5{prime} substrates in an anti conformation and 3{prime} substrates in a syn conformation. Finally, the structures suggest that class B acid phosphatases and CCAPs share a common strategy for nucleotide recognition.« less

  8. Isolation and Functional Analyses of a Putative Floral Homeotic C-Function Gene in a Basal Eudicot London Plane Tree (Platanus acerifolia)

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Guofeng; Bao, Manzhu

    2013-01-01

    The identification of mutants in model plant species has led to the isolation of the floral homeotic function genes that play crucial roles in flower organ specification. However, floral homeotic C-function genes are rarely studied in basal eudicots. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the AGAMOUS (AG) orthologous gene (PaAG) from a basal eudicot London plane tree (Platanus acerifolia Willd). Phylogenetic analysis showed that PaAG belongs to the C- clade AG group of genes. PaAG was found to be expressed predominantly in the later developmental stages of male and female inflorescences. Ectopic expression of PaAG-1 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) resulted in morphological alterations of the outer two flower whorls, as well as some defects in vegetative growth. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) confirmed homeotic sepal-to-carpel transformation in the transgenic plants. Protein interaction assays in yeast cells indicated that PaAG could interact directly with PaAP3 (a B-class MADS-box protein in P. acerifolia), and also PaSEP1 and PaSEP3 (E-class MADS-box proteins in P. acerifolia). This study performed the functional analysis of AG orthologous genes outside core eudicots and monocots. Our findings demonstrate a conserved functional role of AG homolog in London plane tree, which also represent a contribution towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of flower development in this monoecious tree species. PMID:23691041

  9. Effect of crowding and confinement on first-passage times: A model study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Antoine, C.; Talbot, J.

    2016-06-01

    We study the "color dynamics" of a hard-disk fluid confined in an annulus, as well as the corresponding hard-sphere system in three dimensions, using event-driven simulation in order to explore the effect of confinement and self-crowding on the search for targets. We compute the mean first-passage times (MFPTs) of red particles transiting from the outer to the inner boundary as well as those of blue particles passing from the inner to the outer boundary for different packing fractions and geometries. In the steady state the reaction rate, defined as the rate of collision of red particles with the inner boundary, is inversely proportional to the sum of the MFPTs. The reaction rate is wall mediated (ballistic) at low densities and diffusion controlled at higher densities and displays a maximum at intermediate densities. At moderate to high densities, the presence of layering has a strong influence on the search process. The numerical results for the reaction rate and MFPTs are compared with a ballistic model at low densities and a Smoluchowski approach with uniform diffusivities at higher densities. We discuss the reasons for the limited validity of the theoretical approaches. The maximum in the reaction rate is qualitatively well rendered by a Bosanquet-like approach that interpolates between the two regimes. Finally, we compute the position-dependent diffusivity from the MFPTs and observe that it is out of phase with the radial density.

  10. Densely packed beta-structure at the protein-lipid interface of porin is revealed by high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy.

    PubMed

    Sass, H J; Büldt, G; Beckmann, E; Zemlin, F; van Heel, M; Zeitler, E; Rosenbusch, J P; Dorset, D L; Massalski, A

    1989-09-05

    Porin is an integral membrane protein that forms channels across the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. Electron microscopic studies of negatively stained two-dimensional porin crystals have shown three stain accumulations per porin trimer, revealing the locations of pores spanning the membrane. In this study, reconstituted porin lattices embedded in glucose were investigated using the low-dose technique on a cryo-electron microscope equipped with a helium-cooled superconducting objective lens. The specimen temperature was maintained at 5 K to yield an improved microscopic and specimen stability. Under these conditions, we obtained for the first time electron diffraction patterns from porin lattices to a resolution of 3.2 A and images showing optical diffraction up to a resolution of 4.9 A. Applying correlation averaging techniques to the digitized micrographs, we were able to reconstruct projected images of the porin trimer to a resolution of up to 3.5 A. In the final projection maps, amplitudes from electron diffraction and phases from these images were combined. The predominant feature is a high-density narrow band (about 6 A in thickness) that delineates the outer perimeter of the trimer. Since the molecule consists of almost exclusively beta-sheet structure, as revealed by spectroscopic data, we conclude that this band is a cylindrical beta-pleated sheet crossing the membrane nearly perpendicularly to its plane. Another intriguing finding is a low-density area (about 70 A2) situated in the centre of the trimer.

  11. ECCENTRICITY EVOLUTION THROUGH ACCRETION OF PROTOPLANETS

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

    Matsumoto, Yuji; Nagasawa, Makiko; Ida, Shigeru, E-mail: yuji.matsumoto@nao.ac.jp, E-mail: nagasawa.m.ad@m.titech.ac.jp, E-mail: ida@elsi.jp

    2015-09-10

    Most super-Earths detected by the radial velocity (RV) method have significantly smaller eccentricities than the eccentricities corresponding to velocity dispersion equal to their surface escape velocity (“escape eccentricities”). If orbital instability followed by giant impacts among protoplanets that have migrated from outer regions is considered, it is usually considered that eccentricities of the merged bodies become comparable to those of orbital crossing bodies, which are excited up to their escape eccentricities by close scattering. However, the eccentricity evolution in the in situ accretion model has not been studied in detail. Here, we investigate the eccentricity evolution through N-body simulations. Wemore » have found that the merged planets tend to have much smaller eccentricities than escape eccentricities due to very efficient collision damping. If the protoplanet orbits are initially well separated and their eccentricities are securely increased, an inner protoplanet collides at its apocenter with an outer protoplanet at its pericenter. The eccentricity of the merged body is the smallest for such configurations. Orbital inclinations are also damped by this mechanism and planets tend to share a same orbital plane, which is consistent with Kepler data. Such efficient collision damping is not found when we start calculations from densely packed orbits of the protoplanets. If the protoplanets are initially in the mean-motion resonances, which corresponds to well separated orbits, the in situ accretion model well reproduces the features of eccentricities and inclinations of multiple super-Earths/Earth systems discovered by RV and Kepler surveys.« less

  12. Comparison of waxy and normal potato starch remaining granules after chemical surface gelatinization: pasting behavior and surface morphology.

    PubMed

    Huang, Junrong; Chen, Zhenghong; Xu, Yalun; Li, Hongliang; Liu, Shuxing; Yang, Daqing; Schols, Henk A

    2014-02-15

    To understand the contribution of granule inner portion to the pasting property of starch, waxy potato starch and two normal potato starches and their acetylated starch samples were subjected to chemical surface gelatinization by 3.8 mol/L CaCl2 to obtain remaining granules. Native and acetylated, original and remaining granules of waxy potato starch had similar rapid visco analyzer (RVA) pasting profiles, while those of two normal potato starches behaved obviously different from each other. All remaining granules had lower peak viscosity than the corresponding original granules. Contribution of waxy potato starch granule's inner portion to the peak viscosity was significant more than those of normal potato starches. The shell structure appearing on the remaining granule surface for waxy potato starch was smoother and thinner than that for normal potato starches as observed by scanning electron microscopy, indicating a more regular structure of shell and a more ordered packing of shell for waxy potato starch granules. The blocklet size of waxy potato starch was smaller and more uniform than those of normal potato starches as shown by atomic force microscopy images of original and remaining granules. In general, our results provided the evidence for the spatial structure diversity between waxy and normal potato starch granules: outer layer and inner portion of waxy potato starch granule had similar structure, while outer layer had notably different structure from inner portion for normal potato starch granule. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. De Novo Assembly of the Donkey White Blood Cell Transcriptome and a Comparative Analysis of Phenotype-Associated Genes between Donkeys and Horses

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Feng-Yun; Feng, Yu-Long; Wang, Hong-Hui; Ma, Yun-Feng; Yang, Yang; Wang, Yin-Chao; Shen, Wei; Pan, Qing-Jie; Yin, Shen; Sun, Yu-Jiang; Ma, Jun-Yu

    2015-01-01

    Prior to the mechanization of agriculture and labor-intensive tasks, humans used donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) for farm work and packing. However, as mechanization increased, donkeys have been increasingly raised for meat, milk, and fur in China. To maintain the development of the donkey industry, breeding programs should focus on traits related to these new uses. Compared to conventional marker-assisted breeding plans, genome- and transcriptome-based selection methods are more efficient and effective. To analyze the coding genes of the donkey genome, we assembled the transcriptome of donkey white blood cells de novo. Using transcriptomic deep-sequencing data, we identified 264,714 distinct donkey unigenes and predicted 38,949 protein fragments. We annotated the donkey unigenes by BLAST searches against the non-redundant (NR) protein database. We also compared the donkey protein sequences with those of the horse (E. caballus) and wild horse (E. przewalskii), and linked the donkey protein fragments with mammalian phenotypes. As the outer ear size of donkeys and horses are obviously different, we compared the outer ear size-associated proteins in donkeys and horses. We identified three ear size-associated proteins, HIC1, PRKRA, and KMT2A, with sequence differences among the donkey, horse, and wild horse loci. Since the donkey genome sequence has not been released, the de novo assembled donkey transcriptome is helpful for preliminary investigations of donkey cultivars and for genetic improvement. PMID:26208029

  14. De Novo Assembly of the Donkey White Blood Cell Transcriptome and a Comparative Analysis of Phenotype-Associated Genes between Donkeys and Horses.

    PubMed

    Xie, Feng-Yun; Feng, Yu-Long; Wang, Hong-Hui; Ma, Yun-Feng; Yang, Yang; Wang, Yin-Chao; Shen, Wei; Pan, Qing-Jie; Yin, Shen; Sun, Yu-Jiang; Ma, Jun-Yu

    2015-01-01

    Prior to the mechanization of agriculture and labor-intensive tasks, humans used donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) for farm work and packing. However, as mechanization increased, donkeys have been increasingly raised for meat, milk, and fur in China. To maintain the development of the donkey industry, breeding programs should focus on traits related to these new uses. Compared to conventional marker-assisted breeding plans, genome- and transcriptome-based selection methods are more efficient and effective. To analyze the coding genes of the donkey genome, we assembled the transcriptome of donkey white blood cells de novo. Using transcriptomic deep-sequencing data, we identified 264,714 distinct donkey unigenes and predicted 38,949 protein fragments. We annotated the donkey unigenes by BLAST searches against the non-redundant (NR) protein database. We also compared the donkey protein sequences with those of the horse (E. caballus) and wild horse (E. przewalskii), and linked the donkey protein fragments with mammalian phenotypes. As the outer ear size of donkeys and horses are obviously different, we compared the outer ear size-associated proteins in donkeys and horses. We identified three ear size-associated proteins, HIC1, PRKRA, and KMT2A, with sequence differences among the donkey, horse, and wild horse loci. Since the donkey genome sequence has not been released, the de novo assembled donkey transcriptome is helpful for preliminary investigations of donkey cultivars and for genetic improvement.

  15. Viral nanoparticle-encapsidated enzyme and restructured DNA for cell delivery and gene expression

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Jinny L.; Dixit, Aparna Banerjee; Robertson, Kelly L.; Qiao, Eric; Black, Lindsay W.

    2014-01-01

    Packaging specific exogenous active proteins and DNAs together within a single viral-nanocontainer is challenging. The bacteriophage T4 capsid (100 × 70 nm) is well suited for this purpose, because it can hold a single long DNA or multiple short pieces of DNA up to 170 kb packed together with more than 1,000 protein molecules. Any linear DNA can be packaged in vitro into purified procapsids. The capsid-targeting sequence (CTS) directs virtually any protein into the procapsid. Procapsids are assembled with specific CTS-directed exogenous proteins that are encapsidated before the DNA. The capsid also can display on its surface high-affinity eukaryotic cell-binding peptides or proteins that are in fusion with small outer capsid and head outer capsid surface-decoration proteins that can be added in vivo or in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that the site-specific recombinase cyclic recombination (Cre) targeted into the procapsid is enzymatically active within the procapsid and recircularizes linear plasmid DNA containing two terminal loxP recognition sites when packaged in vitro. mCherry expression driven by a cytomegalovirus promoter in the capsid containing Cre-circularized DNA is enhanced over linear DNA, as shown in recipient eukaryotic cells. The efficient and specific packaging into capsids and the unpackaging of both DNA and protein with release of the enzymatically altered protein–DNA complexes from the nanoparticles into cells have potential in numerous downstream drug and gene therapeutic applications. PMID:25161284

  16. A Delicate Interplay of Structure, Dynamics, and Thermodynamics for Function: A High Pressure NMR Study of Outer Surface Protein A

    PubMed Central

    Kitahara, Ryo; Simorellis, Alana K.; Hata, Kazumi; Maeno, Akihiro; Yokoyama, Shigeyuki; Koide, Shohei; Akasaka, Kazuyuki

    2012-01-01

    Outer surface protein A (OspA) is a crucial protein in the infection of Borrelia burgdorferi causing Lyme disease. We studied conformational fluctuations of OspA with high-pressure 15N/1H two-dimensional NMR along with high-pressure fluorescence spectroscopy. We found evidence within folded, native OspA for rapid local fluctuations of the polypeptide backbone in the nonglobular single layer β-sheet connecting the N- and C-terminal domains with τ << ms, which may give the two domains certain independence in mobility and thermodynamic stability. Furthermore, we found that folded, native OspA is in equilibrium (τ >> ms) with a minor conformer I, which is almost fully disordered and hydrated for the entire C-terminal part of the polypeptide chain from β8 to the C-terminus. Conformer I is characterized with ΔG0 = 32 ± 9 kJ/mol and ΔV0 = −140 ± 40 mL/mol, populating only ∼0.001% at 40°C at 0.1 MPa, pH 5.9. Because in the folded conformer the receptor binding epitope of OspA is buried in the C-terminal domain, its transition into conformer I under in vivo conditions may be critical for the infection of B. burgdorferi. The formation and stability of the peculiar conformer I are apparently supported by a large packing defect or cavity located in the C-terminal domain. PMID:22385863

  17. Silicide Coating Fabricated by HAPC/SAPS Combination to Protect Niobium Alloy from Oxidation.

    PubMed

    Sun, Jia; Fu, Qian-Gang; Guo, Li-Ping; Wang, Lu

    2016-06-22

    A combined silicide coating, including inner NbSi2 layer and outer MoSi2 layer, was fabricated through a two-step method. The NbSi2 was deposited on niobium alloy by halide activated pack cementation (HAPC) in the first step. Then, supersonic atmospheric plasma spray (SAPS) was applied to obtain the outer MoSi2 layer, forming a combined silicide coating. Results show that the combined coating possessed a compact structure. The phase constitution of the combined coating prepared by HAPC and SAPS was NbSi2 and MoSi2, respectively. The adhesion strength of the combined coating increased nearly two times than that for single sprayed coating, attributing to the rougher surface of the HAPC-bond layer whose roughness increased about three times than that of the grit-blast substrate. After exposure at 1200 °C in air, the mass increasing rate for single HAPC-silicide coating was 3.5 mg/cm(2) because of the pest oxidation of niobium alloy, whereas the combined coating displayed better oxidation resistance with a mass gain of only 1.2 mg/cm(2). Even more, the combined coating could significantly improve the antioxidation ability of niobium based alloy at 1500 °C. The good oxidation resistance of the combined silicide coating was attributed to the integrity of the combined coating and the continuous SiO2 protective scale provided by the oxidation of MoSi2.

  18. Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) Microscopy: A Novel Technique for Imaging the Retina

    PubMed Central

    Masihzadeh, Omid; Ammar, David A.; Kahook, Malik Y.; Lei, Tim C.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose. To image the cellular and noncellular structures of the retina in an intact mouse eye without the application of exogenous fluorescent labels using noninvasive, nondestructive techniques. Methods. Freshly enucleated mouse eyes were imaged using two nonlinear optical techniques: coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and two-photon autofluorescence (TPAF). Cross sectional transverse sections and sequential flat (en face) sagittal sections were collected from a region of sclera approximately midway between the limbus and optic nerve. Imaging proceeded from the surface of the sclera to a depth of ∼60 μm. Results. The fluorescent signal from collagen fibers within the sclera was evident in the TPAF channel; the scleral collagen fibers showed no organization and appeared randomly packed. The sclera contained regions lacking TPAF and CARS fluorescence of ∼3 to 15 μm in diameter that could represent small vessels or scleral fibroblasts. Intense punctate CARS signals from the retinal pigment epithelial layer were of a size and shape of retinyl storage esters. Rod outer segments could be identified by the CARS signal from their lipid-rich plasma membranes. Conclusions. CARS microscopy can be used to image the outer regions of the mammalian retina without the use of a fluorescent dye or exogenously expressed recombinant protein. With technical advancements, CARS/TPAF may represent a new avenue for noninvasively imaging the retina and might complement modalities currently used in clinical practice. PMID:23580484

  19. Cloning and Characterization of an Outer Membrane Protein of Vibrio vulnificus Required for Heme Utilization: Regulation of Expression and Determination of the Gene Sequence

    PubMed Central

    Litwin, Christine M.; Byrne, Burke L.

    1998-01-01

    Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic, marine pathogen that has been associated with septicemia and serious wound infections in patients with iron overload and preexisting liver disease. For V. vulnificus, the ability to acquire iron from the host has been shown to correlate with virulence. V. vulnificus is able to use host iron sources such as hemoglobin and heme. We previously constructed a fur mutant of V. vulnificus which constitutively expresses at least two iron-regulated outer membrane proteins, of 72 and 77 kDa. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 77-kDa protein purified from the V. vulnificus fur mutant had 67% homology with the first 15 amino acids of the mature protein of the Vibrio cholerae heme receptor, HutA. In this report, we describe the cloning, DNA sequence, mutagenesis, and analysis of transcriptional regulation of the structural gene for HupA, the heme receptor of V. vulnificus. DNA sequencing of hupA demonstrated a single open reading frame of 712 amino acids that was 50% identical and 66% similar to the sequence of V. cholerae HutA and similar to those of other TonB-dependent outer membrane receptors. Primer extension analysis localized one promoter for the V. vulnificus hupA gene. Analysis of the promoter region of V. vulnificus hupA showed a sequence homologous to the consensus Fur box. Northern blot analysis showed that the transcript was strongly regulated by iron. An internal deletion in the V. vulnificus hupA gene, done by using marker exchange, resulted in the loss of expression of the 77-kDa protein and the loss of the ability to use hemin or hemoglobin as a source of iron. The hupA deletion mutant of V. vulnificus will be helpful in future studies of the role of heme iron in V. vulnificus pathogenesis. PMID:9632577

  20. Impact of female-oriented cigarette packaging in the United States.

    PubMed

    Hammond, David; Doxey, Juliana; Daniel, Samantha; Bansal-Travers, Maansi

    2011-07-01

    Cigarette packaging is among the most prominent forms of tobacco marketing. This study examined the impact of cigarette pack design among young women in the United States. A national sample of 18- to 19-year-old females in the United States completed an online survey in February 2010. Participants were randomized to view eight cigarette packs designed according to one of four experimental conditions: fully branded female packs, same packs without descriptors (e.g., "slims"), same packs without brand imagery or descriptors ("plain" packs), and branded non-female brands. Participants rated packs on measures of appeal and health risk and completed a behavioral pack selection task. Fully branded female packs were rated significantly more appealing than the same packs without descriptors, "plain" packs, and non-female-branded packs. Female-branded packs were associated with a greater number of positive attributes including glamour, slimness, and attractiveness and were more likely to be perceived as less harmful. Approximately 40% of smokers and nonsmokers requested a pack at the end of the study; female-branded packs were 3 times more likely to be selected than plain packs. Plain packaging and removing descriptors such as "slims" from cigarette packs may reduce smoking susceptibility among young women.

  1. Eccentricities and inclinations of multiplanet systems with external perturbers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pu, Bonan; Lai, Dong

    2018-07-01

    Compact multiplanet systems containing super-Earths or sub-Neptunes, commonly found around solar-type stars, may be surrounded by external giant planet or stellar companions, which can shape the architecture and observability of the inner systems. We present a comprehensive study on the evolution of the inner planetary system subject to the gravitational influence of an eccentric, misaligned outer perturber. Analytic results are derived for the inner planet eccentricities (ei) and mutual inclination (θ12) of the `two-planet + perturber' system, calibrated with numerical secular and N-body integrations, as a function of the perturber mass mp, semimajor axis ap, and inclination angle θp. We find that the dynamics of the inner system is determined by the dimensionless parameter ɛ12, given by the ratio between the differential precession rate driven by the perturber and the mutual precession rate of the inner planets. Loosely packed systems (corresponding to ɛ12 ≫ 1) are more susceptible to eccentricity/inclination excitations by the perturber than tightly packed inner systems (with ɛ12 ≪ 1) (or singletons), although resonance may occur around ɛ12 ˜ 1, leading to large ei and θ12. Dynamical instability may set in for inner planet systems with large excited eccentricities and mutual inclinations. We present a formalism to extend our analytical results to general inner systems with N > 2 planets and apply our results to constrain possible external companions to the Kepler-11 system. Eccentricity and inclination excitation by external companions may help explain the observational trend that systems with fewer transiting planets are dynamically hotter than those with more transiting planets.

  2. Rational design of interfacial properties of ferric (hydr)oxide nanoparticles by adsorption of fatty acids from aqueous solutions.

    PubMed

    Ponnurangam, Sathish; Chernyshova, Irina V; Somasundaran, Ponisseril

    2012-07-24

    Notwithstanding the great practical importance, still open are the questions how, why, and to what extent the size, morphology, and surface charge of metal (hydr)oxide nanoparticles (NPs) affect the adsorption form, adsorption strength, surface density, and packing order of organic (bio)molecules containing carboxylic groups. In this article, we conclusively answer these questions for a model system of ferric (hydr)oxide NPs and demonstrate applicability of the established relationships to manipulating their hydrophobicity and dispersibility. Employing in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and adsorption isotherm measurements, we study the interaction of 150, 38, and 9 nm hematite (α-Fe(2)O(3)) and ∼4 nm 2-line ferrihydrite with sodium laurate (dodecanoate) in water. We discover that, independent of morphology, an increase in size of the ferric (hydr)oxide NPs significantly improves their adsorption capacity and affinity toward fatty acids. This effect favors the formation of bilayers, which in turn promotes dispersibility of the larger NPs in water. At the same time, the local order in self-assembled monolayer (SAM) strongly depends on the morphological compatibility of the NP facets with the geometry-driven well-packed arrangements of the hydrocarbon chains as well as on the ratio of the chemisorbed to the physically adsorbed carboxylate groups. Surprisingly, the geometrical constraints can be removed, and adsorption capacity can be increased by negatively polarizing the NPs due to promotion of the outer-sphere complexes of the fatty acid. We interpret these findings and discuss their implications for the nanotechnological applications of surface-functionalized metal (hydr)oxide NPs.

  3. Environmentally Resistant Mo-Si-B-Based Coatings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perepezko, J. H.; Sossaman, T. A.; Taylor, M.

    2017-06-01

    High-temperature applications have demonstrated aluminide-coated nickel-base superalloys to be remarkably effective, but are reaching their service limit. Alternate materials such as refractory (e.g., W, Mo) silicide alloys and SiC composites are being considered to extend high temperature capability, but the silica surfaces on these materials require coatings for enhanced environmental resistance. This can be accomplished with a Mo-Si-B-based coating that is deposited by a spray deposition of Mo followed by a chemical vapor deposition of Si and B by pack cementation to develop an aluminoborosilica surface. Oxidation of the as-deposited (Si + B)-pack coatings proceeds with partial consumption of the initial MoSi2 forming amorphous silica. This Si depletion leads to formation of a B-saturated Mo5Si3 (T1) phase. Reactions between the Mo and the B rich phases develop an underlying Mo5SiB2 (T2) layer. The T1 phase saturated with B has robust oxidation resistance, and the Si depletion is prevented by the underlying diffusion barrier (T2). Further, due to the natural phase transformation characteristics of the Mo-Si-B system, cracks or scratches to the outer silica and T1 layers can be repaired from the Si and B reservoirs of T2 + MoB layer to yield a self-healing characteristic. Mo-Si-B-based coatings demonstrate robust performance up to at least 1700 °C not only to the rigors of elevated temperature oxidation, but also to CMAS attack, hot corrosion attack, water vapor and thermal cycling.

  4. Eccentricities and Inclinations of Multi-Planet Systems with External Perturbers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pu, Bonan; Lai, Dong

    2018-05-01

    Compact multi-planet systems containing super-Earths or sub-Neptunes, commonly found around solar-type stars, may be surrounded by external giant planet or stellar companions, which can shape the architechture and observability of the inner systems. We present a comprehensive study on the evolution of the inner planetary system subject to the gravitational influence of an eccentric, misaligned outer perturber. Analytic results are derived for the inner planet eccentricities (ei) and mutual inclination (θ12) of the "2-planet + perturber" system, calibrated with numerical secular and N-body integrations, as a function of the perturber mass mp, semi-major axis ap and inclination angle θp. We find that the dynamics of the inner system is determined by the dimensionless parameter ɛ12, given by the ratio between the differential precession rate driven by the perturber and the mutual precession rate of the inner planets. Loosely packed systems (corresponding to ɛ12 ≫ 1) are more susceptible to eccentricity/inclination excitations by the perturber than tightly packed inner systems (with ɛ12 ≪ 1) (or singletons), although resonance may occur around ɛ12 ˜ 1, leading to large ei and θ12. Dynamical instability may set in for inner planet systems with large excited eccentricities and mutual inclinations. We present a formalism to extend our analytical results to general inner systems with N > 2 planets and apply our results to constrain possible external companions to the Kepler-11 system. Eccentricity and inclination excitation by external companions may help explain the observational trend that systems with fewer transiting planets are dynamically hotter than those with more transiting planets.

  5. Three-dimensional six-connecting organic building blocks based on polychlorotriphenylmethyl units--synthesis, self-assembly, and magnetic properties.

    PubMed

    Roques, Nans; Maspoch, Daniel; Wurst, Klaus; Ruiz-Molina, Daniel; Rovira, Concepció; Veciana, Jaume

    2006-12-13

    The synthesis of a three-dimensional, six-connecting, organic building block based on a robust, rigid, and open-shell polychlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) unit (radical 1) is reported, and its self-assembly properties are described in detail. The tendencies of this highly polar molecule and its hydrogenated precursor, compound 4, to form hydrogen bonds with oxygenated solvents ([1THF(6)] and [4THF(6)]) were reduced by replacing THF with diethyl ether in the crystallization process to yield two-dimensional (2D) hydrogen-bonded structures ([1(Et(2)O)(3)] and [4(Et(2)O)(3)]). The presence of direct hydrogen bonds between the radicals in the latter phase of 1 gives rise to very weak ferromagnetic intermolecular interactions at low temperatures, whereas when the radicals are isolated by THF molecules these interactions are antiferromagnetic and very weak. The role played by the carboxylic groups not only in the self-assembly properties but also in the transmission of the magnetic interactions has been illustrated by determination of the crystal structure and measurement of the magnetic properties of the corresponding hexaester radical 6, in which the close packing of molecular units gives rise to weak antiferromagnetic intermolecular interactions. Attempts to avoid solvation of the molecules in the solid state and to increase the structural and magnetic dimensionality were pursued by recrystallization of both compounds 1 and 4 from concentrated nitric acid, affording two three-dimensional (3D) robust hydrogen-bonded structures. While the structure obtained with compound 4 is characterized by the presence of polar channels and boxes containing water guest molecules along the c axis, radical 1 was oxidized to the corresponding fuchsone 10, which presented a completely different close-packed, guest-free structure.

  6. HUBBLE SEES A VAST 'CITY' OF STARS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2002-01-01

    In these pictures, a 'city' of a million stars glitters like a New York City skyline. The images capture the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, located 15,000 light-years from Earth in the southern constellation Tucana. Using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers went hunting in this large city for planetary companions: bloated gaseous planets that snuggle close to their parent stars, completing an orbit in a quick three to five days. To their surprise, they found none. This finding suggests that the cluster's environment is too hostile for breeding planets or that it lacks the necessary elements for making them. The picture at left, taken by a terrestrial telescope, shows most of the cluster, a tightly packed group of middle-aged stars held together by mutual gravitational attraction. The box near the center represents the Hubble telescope's view. The image at right shows the Hubble telescope's close-up look at a swarm of 35,000 stars near the cluster's central region. The stars are tightly packed together: They're much closer together than our Sun and its closest stars. The picture, taken by the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2, depicts the stars' natural colors and tells scientists about their composition and age. For example, the red stars denote bright red giants nearing the end of their lives; the more common yellow stars are similar to our middle-aged Sun. Most of the stars in the cluster are believed to have formed about 10 billion years ago. The bright, blue stars -- thought to be remnants of stellar collisions and mergers -- provide a few rejuvenated, energetic stars in an otherwise old system. The Hubble picture was taken in July 1999. Credits for Hubble image: NASA and Ron Gilliland (Space Telescope Science Institute) Credits for ground-based image: David Malin, c Anglo-Australian Observatory

  7. Impact of Female-Oriented Cigarette Packaging in the United States

    PubMed Central

    Doxey, Juliana; Daniel, Samantha; Bansal-Travers, Maansi

    2011-01-01

    Introduction: Cigarette packaging is among the most prominent forms of tobacco marketing. This study examined the impact of cigarette pack design among young women in the United States. Method: A national sample of 18- to 19-year-old females in the United States completed an online survey in February 2010. Participants were randomized to view eight cigarette packs designed according to one of four experimental conditions: fully branded female packs, same packs without descriptors (e.g., “slims”), same packs without brand imagery or descriptors (“plain” packs), and branded non-female brands. Participants rated packs on measures of appeal and health risk and completed a behavioral pack selection task. Results: Fully branded female packs were rated significantly more appealing than the same packs without descriptors, “plain” packs, and non–female-branded packs. Female-branded packs were associated with a greater number of positive attributes including glamour, slimness, and attractiveness and were more likely to be perceived as less harmful. Approximately 40% of smokers and nonsmokers requested a pack at the end of the study; female-branded packs were 3 times more likely to be selected than plain packs. Conclusion: Plain packaging and removing descriptors such as “slims” from cigarette packs may reduce smoking susceptibility among young women. PMID:21486994

  8. The expected and unexpected benefits of dispensing the exact number of pills.

    PubMed

    Treibich, Carole; Lescher, Sabine; Sagaon-Teyssier, Luis; Ventelou, Bruno

    2017-01-01

    From November 2014 to November 2015, an experiment in French community pharmacies replaced traditional pre-packed boxes by per-unit dispensing of pills in the exact numbers prescribed, for 14 antibiotics. A cluster randomised control trial was carried out in 100 pharmacies. 75 pharmacies counted out the medication by units (experimental group), the other 25 providing the treatment in the existing pharmaceutical company boxes (control group). Data on patients under the two arms were compared to assess the environmental, economic and health effects of this change in drug dispensing. In particular, adherence was measured indirectly by comparing the number of pills left at the end of the prescribed treatment. Out of the 1185 patients included during 3 sessions of 4 consecutive weeks each, 907 patients experimented the personalized delivery and 278 were assigned to the control group, consistent with a 1/3 randomization-rate at the pharmacy level. 80% of eligible patients approved of the per-unit dispensing of their treatment. The initial packaging of the drugs did not match with the prescription in 60% of cases and per-unit dispensing reduced by 10% the number of pills supplied. 13.1% of patients declared that they threw away pills residuals instead of recycling-no differences between groups. Finally, per-unit dispensing appeared to improve adherence to antibiotic treatment (marginal effect 0.21, IC 95, 0.14-0.28). Supplying antibiotics per unit is not only beneficial in terms of a reduced number of pills to reimburse or for the environment (less pills wasted and non-recycled), but also has a positive and unexpected impact on adherence to treatment, and thus on both individual and public health.

  9. The expected and unexpected benefits of dispensing the exact number of pills

    PubMed Central

    Lescher, Sabine; Sagaon-Teyssier, Luis; Ventelou, Bruno

    2017-01-01

    Background From November 2014 to November 2015, an experiment in French community pharmacies replaced traditional pre-packed boxes by per-unit dispensing of pills in the exact numbers prescribed, for 14 antibiotics. Methods A cluster randomised control trial was carried out in 100 pharmacies. 75 pharmacies counted out the medication by units (experimental group), the other 25 providing the treatment in the existing pharmaceutical company boxes (control group). Data on patients under the two arms were compared to assess the environmental, economic and health effects of this change in drug dispensing. In particular, adherence was measured indirectly by comparing the number of pills left at the end of the prescribed treatment. Results Out of the 1185 patients included during 3 sessions of 4 consecutive weeks each, 907 patients experimented the personalized delivery and 278 were assigned to the control group, consistent with a 1/3 randomization-rate at the pharmacy level. 80% of eligible patients approved of the per-unit dispensing of their treatment. The initial packaging of the drugs did not match with the prescription in 60% of cases and per-unit dispensing reduced by 10% the number of pills supplied. 13.1% of patients declared that they threw away pills residuals instead of recycling—no differences between groups. Finally, per-unit dispensing appeared to improve adherence to antibiotic treatment (marginal effect 0.21, IC 95, 0.14–0.28). Conclusions Supplying antibiotics per unit is not only beneficial in terms of a reduced number of pills to reimburse or for the environment (less pills wasted and non-recycled), but also has a positive and unexpected impact on adherence to treatment, and thus on both individual and public health. PMID:28926636

  10. Effects of helicopter transport on red blood cell components.

    PubMed

    Otani, Taiichi; Oki, Ken-ichi; Akino, Mitsuaki; Tamura, Satoru; Naito, Yuki; Homma, Chihiro; Ikeda, Hisami; Sumita, Shinzou

    2012-01-01

    There are no reported studies on whether a helicopter flight affects the quality and shelf-life of red blood cells stored in mannitol-adenine-phosphate. Seven days after donation, five aliquots of red blood cells from five donors were packed into an SS-BOX-110 container which can maintain the temperature inside the container between 2 °C and 6 °C with two frozen coolants. The temperature of an included dummy blood bag was monitored. After the box had been transported in a helicopter for 4 hours, the red blood cells were stored again and their quality evaluated at day 7 (just after the flight), 14, 21 and 42 after donation. Red blood cell quality was evaluated by measuring adenosine triphosphate, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and supernatant potassium, as well as haematocrit, intracellular pH, glucose, supernatant haemoglobin, and haemolysis rate at the various time points. During the experiment the recorded temperature remained between 2 and 6 °C. All data from the red blood cells that had undergone helicopter transportation were the same as those from a control group of red blood cell samples 7 (just after the flight), 14, 21, and 42 days after the donation. Only supernatant Hb and haemolysis rate 42 days after the donation were slightly increased in the helicopter-transported group of red blood cell samples. All other parameters at 42 days after donation were the same in the two groups of red blood cells. These results suggest that red blood cells stored in mannitol-adenine-phosphate are not significantly affected by helicopter transportation. The differences in haemolysis by the end of storage were small and probably not of clinical significance.

  11. Identification of quantitative trait loci affecting resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in a double backcross population of Red Maasai and Dorper sheep.

    PubMed

    Silva, M V B; Sonstegard, T S; Hanotte, O; Mugambi, J M; Garcia, J F; Nagda, S; Gibson, J P; Iraqi, F A; McClintock, A E; Kemp, S J; Boettcher, P J; Malek, M; Van Tassell, C P; Baker, R L

    2012-02-01

    A genome-wide scan for quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting gastrointestinal nematode resistance in sheep was completed using a double backcross population derived from Red Maasai and Dorper ewes bred to F(1) rams. This design provided an opportunity to map potentially unique genetic variation associated with a parasite-tolerant breed like Red Maasai, a breed developed to survive East African grazing conditions. Parasite indicator phenotypes (blood packed cell volume - PCV and faecal egg count - FEC) were collected on a weekly basis from 1064 lambs during a single 3-month post-weaning grazing challenge on infected pastures. The averages of last measurements for FEC (AVFEC) and PCV (AVPCV), along with decline in PCV from challenge start to end (PCVD), were used to select lambs (N = 371) for genotyping that represented the tails (10% threshold) of the phenotypic distributions. Marker genotypes for 172 microsatellite loci covering 25 of 26 autosomes (1560.7 cm) were scored and corrected by Genoprob prior to qxpak analysis that included Box-Cox transformed AVFEC and arcsine transformed PCV statistics. Significant QTL for AVFEC and AVPCV were detected on four chromosomes, and this included a novel AVFEC QTL on chromosome 6 that would have remained undetected without Box-Cox transformation methods. The most significant P-values for AVFEC, AVPCV and PCVD overlapped the same marker interval on chromosome 22, suggesting the potential for a single causative mutation, which remains unknown. In all cases, the favourable QTL allele was always contributed from Red Maasai, providing support for the idea that future marker-assisted selection for genetic improvement of production in East Africa will rely on markers in linkage disequilibrium with these QTL. © 2011 The Authors, Animal Genetics © 2011 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.

  12. Effectiveness of ice-vest cooling in prolonging work tolerance time during heavy exercise in the heat for personnel wearing Canadian forces chemical defense ensembles

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

    Bain, B.

    Effectiveness of a portable, ice-pack cooling vest (Steelevest) in prolonging work tolerance time in chemical defense clothing in the heat (33 C dry bulb, 33% relative humidity or 25 C WBGT) was evaluated while subjects exercised at a metabolic rate of approx. 700 watts. Subjects were six male volunteers. The protocol consisted of a 20 minute treadmill walk at 1.33 m/s. and 7.5% grade, followed by 15 minutes of a lifting task, 5 minutes rest, then another 20 minutes of lifting task for a total of one hour. The lifting task consisted of lifting of 20 kg box, carrying itmore » 3 meters and setting it down. This was followed by a 6 m walk (3m back to the start point and 3 m back to the box) 15 sec after which the lifting cycle began again. The work was classified as heavy as previously defined. This protocol was repeated until the subjects were unable to continue or they reached a physiological endpoint. Time to voluntary cessation or physiological endpoint was called the work tolerance time. Physiological endpoints were rectal temperature of 39 C, heart rate exceeding 95% of maximum for two consecutive minutes or visible loss of motor control or nausea. The cooling vest had no effect on work tolerance time, rate of rise of rectal temperature or sweat loss. It was concluded that the Steelvest ice-vest is ineffective in prolonging work tolerance time and preventing increases in rectal temperature while wearing chemical protective clothing.« less

  13. “You're made to feel like a dirty filthy smoker when you're not, cigar smoking is another thing all together.” Responses of Australian cigar and cigarillo smokers to plain packaging

    PubMed Central

    Miller, Caroline L; Ettridge, Kerry A; Wakefield, Melanie A

    2015-01-01

    Objective To explore experiences of cigar and cigarillo smokers under Australian laws requiring plain packaging (PP) and strengthened graphic health warnings (GHWs). Methods In February/March 2014, we conducted: in-depth interviews with 10 regular premium cigar smokers; two focus groups with occasional premium cigar and premium cigarillo smokers (n=14); four focus groups with non-premium cigarillo smokers (n=28); and a national online survey of cigar and/or cigarillo smokers (n=268). Results Premium cigar smokers had limited exposure to PP, with many purchasing fully branded cigars in boxes duty free or online and singles in non-compliant packaging. Those who were exposed noticed and were concerned by the warnings, tried to avoid them and felt more like ‘dirty smokers’. Changes in perceived taste, harm and value were minimal for experienced premium cigar smokers. Occasional premium cigar and premium cigarillo smokers with higher PP exposure (gained by purchasing boxes rather than singles) perceived cigar/package appeal and value had declined and noticed the GHWs. Non-premium cigarillo smokers reported high PP exposure, reduced perceived appeal, quality, taste, enjoyment and value, somewhat increased perceived harm, greater noticeability of GHWs and concealment of packs and more contemplation of quitting. Online survey participants reported increased noticeability of GHWs (33%), decreased appeal of packaging (53%) and reduced consumption of cigars (42%) and cigarillos (44%) since PP implementation. Conclusions Non-premium cigarillo smokers appear to have been most exposed and influenced by PP, with cigar smokers less so, especially regular premium cigar smokers who have maintained access to fully branded products. PMID:28407613

  14. Evaluation of Energy Efficiency Performance of Heated Windows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jammulamadaka, Hari Swarup

    The study about the evaluation of the performance of the heated windows was funded by the WVU Research Office as a technical assistance award at the 2014 TransTech Energy Business Development Conference to the Green Heated Glass company/project owned by Frank Dlubak. The award supports a WVU researcher to conduct a project important for commercialization. This project was awarded to the WVU Industrial Assessment Center in 2015. The current study attempted to evaluate the performance of the heated windows by developing an experimental setup to test the window at various temperatures by varying the current input to the window. The heated double pane window was installed in an insulated box. A temperature gradient was developed across the window by cooling one side of the window using gel based ice packs. The other face of the window was heated by passing current at different wattages through the window. The temperature of the inside and outside panes, current and voltage input, room and box temperature were recorded, and used to calculate the apparent R-value of the window when not being heated vs when being heated. It has been concluded from the study that the heated double pane window is more effective in reducing heat losses by as much as 50% than a non-heated double pane window, if the window temperature is maintained close to the room temperature. If the temperature of the window is much higher than the room temperature, the losses through the window appear to increase beyond that of a non-heated counterpart. The issues encountered during the current round of experiments are noted, and recommendations provided for future studies.

  15. Effects of helicopter transport on red blood cell components

    PubMed Central

    Otani, Taiichi; Oki, Ken-ichi; Akino, Mitsuaki; Tamura, Satoru; Naito, Yuki; Homma, Chihiro; Ikeda, Hisami; Sumita, Shinzou

    2012-01-01

    Background There are no reported studies on whether a helicopter flight affects the quality and shelf-life of red blood cells stored in mannitol-adenine-phosphate. Materials and methods Seven days after donation, five aliquots of red blood cells from five donors were packed into an SS-BOX-110 container which can maintain the temperature inside the container between 2 °C and 6 °C with two frozen coolants. The temperature of an included dummy blood bag was monitored. After the box had been transported in a helicopter for 4 hours, the red blood cells were stored again and their quality evaluated at day 7 (just after the flight), 14, 21 and 42 after donation. Red blood cell quality was evaluated by measuring adenosine triphosphate, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and supernatant potassium, as well as haematocrit, intracellular pH, glucose, supernatant haemoglobin, and haemolysis rate at the various time points. Results During the experiment the recorded temperature remained between 2 and 6 °C. All data from the red blood cells that had undergone helicopter transportation were the same as those from a control group of red blood cell samples 7 (just after the flight), 14, 21, and 42 days after the donation. Only supernatant Hb and haemolysis rate 42 days after the donation were slightly increased in the helicopter-transported group of red blood cell samples. All other parameters at 42 days after donation were the same in the two groups of red blood cells. Discussion These results suggest that red blood cells stored in mannitol-adenine-phosphate are not significantly affected by helicopter transportation. The differences in haemolysis by the end of storage were small and probably not of clinical significance. PMID:22153688

  16. System and Method for High-Speed Data Recording

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Taveniku, Mikael B. (Inventor)

    2017-01-01

    A system and method for high speed data recording includes a control computer and a disk pack unit. The disk pack is provided within a shell that provides handling and protection for the disk packs. The disk pack unit provides cooling of the disks and connection for power and disk signaling. A standard connection is provided between the control computer and the disk pack unit. The disk pack units are self sufficient and able to connect to any computer. Multiple disk packs are connected simultaneously to the system, so that one disk pack can be active while one or more disk packs are inactive. To control for power surges, the power to each disk pack is controlled programmatically for the group of disks in a disk pack.

  17. Structure of the MacAB-TolC ABC-type tripartite multidrug efflux pump

    PubMed Central

    Llabrés, Salomé; Neuberger, Arthur; Blaza, James N.; Bai, Xiao-chen; Okada, Ui; Murakami, Satoshi; van Veen, Hendrik W.; Zachariae, Ulrich; Scheres, Sjors H.W.; Luisi, Ben F.

    2017-01-01

    The MacA-MacB-TolC assembly of Escherichia coli is a transmembrane machine that spans the cell envelope and actively extrudes substrates, including macrolide antibiotics and polypeptide virulence factors. These transport processes are energized by the ATPase MacB, a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. We present an electron cryo-microscopy structure of the ABC-type tripartite assembly at near-atomic resolution. A hexamer of the periplasmic protein MacA bridges between a TolC trimer in the outer membrane and a MacB dimer in the inner membrane, generating a quaternary structure with a central channel for substrate translocation. A gating ring found in MacA is proposed to act as a one-way valve in substrate transport. The MacB structure features an atypical transmembrane domain (TMD) with a closely packed dimer interface and a periplasmic opening that is the likely portal for substrate entry from the periplasm, with subsequent displacement through an allosteric transport mechanism. PMID:28504659

  18. Wear Resistance Enhancement of Ti-6Al-4 V Alloy by Applying Zr-Modified Silicide Coatings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xuan; Hu, Guangzhong; Tian, Jin; Tian, Wei; Xie, Wenling; Li, Xiulan

    2018-03-01

    Zr-modified silicide coatings were prepared on Ti-6Al-4 V alloy by pack cementation process to enhance its wear resistance. The microstructure and wear properties of the substrate and the coatings were comparatively investigated using GCr15 and Al2O3 as the counterparts under different sliding loads. The obtained Zr-modified silicide coating had a multilayer structure, consisting of a thick (Ti, X)Si2 (X represents Al, Zr and V elements) outer layer, a TiSi middle layer and a Ti5Si4 + Ti5Si3 inner layer. The micro-hardness of the coating was much higher than the substrate and displayed a decrease tendency from the coating surface to the interior. Sliding against either GCr15 or Al2O3 balls, the coatings showed superior anti-friction property to the Ti-6Al-4 V alloy, as confirmed by its much lower wear rate under each employed sliding condition.

  19. Recent trends in ultra-fast HPLC: new generation superficially porous silica columns.

    PubMed

    Ali, Imran; Al-Othman, Zeid A; Nagae, Norikaju; Gaitonde, Vinay D; Dutta, Kamlesh K

    2012-12-01

    New generation columns, i.e. packed with superficially porous silica particles are available as trade names with following manufacturers: Halo, Ascentis Express, Proshell 120, Kinetex, Accucore, Sunshell, and Nucleoshell. These provide ultra-fast HPLC separations for a variety of compounds with moderate sample loading capacity and low back pressure. Chemistries of these columns are C(8), C(18), RP-Amide, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography, penta fluorophenyl (PFP), F5, and RP-aqua. Normally, the silica gel particles are of 2.7 and 1.7 μm as total and inner solid core diameters, respectively, with 0.5-μm-thick of outer porous layer having 90 Å pore sizes and 150 m(2)/g surface area. This article describes these new generation columns with special emphasis on their textures and chemistries, separations, optimization, and comparison (inter and intra stationary phases). Besides, future perspectives have also been discussed. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Heterogeneity and Anisotropy of Earth's Inner Core

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deuss, Arwen

    2014-05-01

    Seismic observations provide strong evidence that Earth's inner core is anisotropic, with larger velocity in the polar than in the equatorial direction. The top 60-80 km of the inner core is isotropic; evidence for an innermost inner core is less compelling. The anisotropy is most likely due to alignment of hcp (hexagonal close-packed) iron crystals, aligned either during solidification or by deformation afterward. The existence of hemispherical variations used to be controversial, but there is now strong evidence from both seismic body wave and normal mode observations, showing stronger anisotropy, less attenuation, and a lower isotropic velocity in the western hemisphere. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the hemispherical pattern: either (a) inner core translation, wherein one hemisphere is melting and the other is solidifying, or (b) thermochemical convection in the outer core, leading to different solidification conditions at the inner core boundary. Neither is (yet) able to explain all seismically observed features, and a combination of different mechanisms is probably required.

  1. Structural basis for catalysis at the membrane-water interface.

    PubMed

    Dufrisne, Meagan Belcher; Petrou, Vasileios I; Clarke, Oliver B; Mancia, Filippo

    2017-11-01

    The membrane-water interface forms a uniquely heterogeneous and geometrically constrained environment for enzymatic catalysis. Integral membrane enzymes sample three environments - the uniformly hydrophobic interior of the membrane, the aqueous extramembrane region, and the fuzzy, amphipathic interfacial region formed by the tightly packed headgroups of the components of the lipid bilayer. Depending on the nature of the substrates and the location of the site of chemical modification, catalysis may occur in each of these environments. The availability of structural information for alpha-helical enzyme families from each of these classes, as well as several beta-barrel enzymes from the bacterial outer membrane, has allowed us to review here the different ways in which each enzyme fold has adapted to the nature of the substrates, products, and the unique environment of the membrane. Our focus here is on enzymes that process lipidic substrates. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bacterial Lipids edited by Russell E. Bishop. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Ammoniated alkali fullerides (ND(3))(x)NaA(2)C(60): ammonia specific effects and superconductivity.

    PubMed

    Margadonna, Serena; Aslanis, Efstathios; Prassides, Kosmas

    2002-08-28

    The crystal structure of the superconducting (ND(3))(x)()NaA(2)C(60) (0.7 < or = x < or = 1, A= K, Rb) fullerides (T(c)= 6-15 K) has been studied by synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. It is face-centered cubic (fcc) to low temperatures with Na(+)-ND(3) pairs residing in the octahedral interstices. These are disordered over the corners of two "interpenetrating" cubes with the Na(+) ions and the N atoms displaced by approximately 2.0 A and approximately 0.5 A from the center of the site and statically disordered over the corners of the inner and outer cube, respectively. Close contacts between the D atoms of the ND(3) molecules and electron rich 6:6 C-C bonds of neighboring C(60) units provide the signature of weak N-D.pi hydrogen-bonding interactions, which control the intermolecular packing in the crystal and may determine the unusual superconducting properties.

  3. Pleated turtle escapes the box--shape changes in Dermochelys coriacea.

    PubMed

    Davenport, John; Plot, Virginie; Georges, Jean-Yves; Doyle, Thomas K; James, Michael C

    2011-10-15

    Typical chelonians have a rigid carapace and plastron that form a box-like structure that constrains several aspects of their physiology and ecology. The leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, has a flexible bony carapace strengthened by seven longitudinal ridges, whereas the plastron is reduced to an elliptical outer bony structure, so that the ventrum has no bony support. Measurements of the shell were made on adult female leatherbacks studied on the feeding grounds of waters off Nova Scotia (NS) and on breeding beaches of French Guiana (FG) to examine whether foraging and/or breeding turtles alter carapace size and/or shape. NS turtles exhibited greater mass and girth for a given curved carapace length (CCL) than FG turtles. Girth:CCL ratios rose during the feeding season, indicating increased girth. Measurements were made of the direct (straight) and surface (curved) distances between the medial longitudinal ridge and first right-hand longitudinal ridge (at 50% CCL). In NS turtles, the ratio of straight to curved inter-ridge distances was significantly higher than in FG turtles, indicating distension of the upper surfaces of the NS turtles between the ridges. FG females laid 11 clutches in the breeding season; although CCL and curved carapace width remained stable, girth declined between each nesting episode, indicating loss of mass. Straight to curved inter-ridge distance ratios did not change significantly during the breeding season, indicating loss of dorsal blubber before the onset of breeding. The results demonstrate substantial alterations in size and shape of female D. coriacea over periods of weeks to months in response to alterations in nutritional and reproductive status.

  4. A voxel-based technique to estimate the volume of trees from terrestrial laser scanner data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bienert, A.; Hess, C.; Maas, H.-G.; von Oheimb, G.

    2014-06-01

    The precise determination of the volume of standing trees is very important for ecological and economical considerations in forestry. If terrestrial laser scanner data are available, a simple approach for volume determination is given by allocating points into a voxel structure and subsequently counting the filled voxels. Generally, this method will overestimate the volume. The paper presents an improved algorithm to estimate the wood volume of trees using a voxel-based method which will correct for the overestimation. After voxel space transformation, each voxel which contains points is reduced to the volume of its surrounding bounding box. In a next step, occluded (inner stem) voxels are identified by a neighbourhood analysis sweeping in the X and Y direction of each filled voxel. Finally, the wood volume of the tree is composed by the sum of the bounding box volumes of the outer voxels and the volume of all occluded inner voxels. Scan data sets from several young Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides) were used to analyse the algorithm. Therefore, the scanned trees as well as their representing point clouds were separated in different components (stem, branches) to make a meaningful comparison. Two reference measurements were performed for validation: A direct wood volume measurement by placing the tree components into a water tank, and a frustum calculation of small trunk segments by measuring the radii along the trunk. Overall, the results show slightly underestimated volumes (-0.3% for a probe of 13 trees) with a RMSE of 11.6% for the individual tree volume calculated with the new approach.

  5. Oil exudation and histological structures of duck egg yolks during brining.

    PubMed

    Lai, K M; Chung, W H; Jao, C L; Hsu, K C

    2010-04-01

    Changes in oil exudation and histological structures of salted duck egg yolks during brining up to 5 wk were investigated. During brining, the salt contents of albumen, exterior yolk (hardened portion), and interior yolk (soft or liquid portion) gradually increased accompanied by slight decreases in moisture content. The hardening ratio of salted egg yolks increased rapidly to about 60% during the first week of brining and then reached 100% at the end of brining. After brining, part of the lipids in salted egg yolk became free due to the structural changes of low-density lipoprotein induced by dehydration and increase of salt content, and more free lipids in salted egg yolk were released after the cooking process. With the brining time increased up to 5 wk, the outer region of the cooked salted yolk gradually changed into dark brown, brown, orange, and then dark brown, whereas the center region changed into light yellow, yellow, dark yellow, and then yellow again. The microstructures of cooked salted egg yolks showed that the yolk spheres in the outer and middle regions retained their original shape, with some shrinking and being packed more loosely when brining time increased, and the exuded oil filled the space between the spheres. Furthermore, the yolk spheres in the center region transformed to a round shape but still showed granulation after 4 wk of brining, whereas they were mostly disrupted after 2 to 5 wk of brining. One of the most important characteristics of cooked salted egg yolks, gritty texture, contributed to oil exudation and granulated yolk spheres were observed at the brining time of 4 wk.

  6. The extremely truncated circumstellar disc of V410 X-ray 1: a precursor to TRAPPIST-1?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boneberg, D. M.; Facchini, S.; Clarke, C. J.; Ilee, J. D.; Booth, R. A.; Bruderer, S.

    2018-06-01

    Protoplanetary discs around brown dwarfs and very low mass (VLM) stars offer some of the best prospects for forming Earth-sized planets in their habitable zones. To this end, we study the nature of the disc around the VLM star V410 X-ray 1, whose spectral energy distribution (SED) is indicative of an optically thick and very truncated dust disc, with our modelling suggesting an outer radius of only 0.6 au. We investigate two scenarios that could lead to such a truncation, and find that the observed SED is compatible with both. The first scenario involves the truncation of both the dust and gas in the disc, perhaps due to a previous dynamical interaction or the presence of an undetected companion. The second scenario involves the fact that a radial location of 0.6 au is close to the expected location of the H2O snowline in the disc. As such, a combination of efficient dust growth, radial migration, and subsequent fragmentation within the snowline leads to an optically thick inner dust disc and larger, optically thin outer dust disc. We find that a firm measurement of the CO J = 2-1 line flux would enable us to distinguish between these two scenarios, by enabling a measurement of the radial extent of gas in the disc. Many models we consider contain at least several Earth-masses of dust interior to 0.6 au, suggesting that V410 X-ray 1 could be a precursor to a system with tightly packed inner planets, such as TRAPPIST-1.

  7. Adsorption mechanism of an antimicrobial peptide on carbonaceous surfaces: A molecular dynamics study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roccatano, Danilo; Sarukhanyan, Edita; Zangi, Ronen

    2017-02-01

    Peptides are versatile molecules with applications spanning from biotechnology to nanomedicine. They exhibit a good capability to unbundle carbon nanotubes (CNT) by improving their solubility in water. Furthermore, they are a powerful drug delivery system since they can easily be uptaken by living cells, and their high surface-to-volume ratio facilitates the adsorption of molecules of different natures. Therefore, understanding the interaction mechanism between peptides and CNT is important for designing novel therapeutical agents. In this paper, the mechanisms of the adsorption of antimicrobial peptide Cecropin A-Magainin 2 (CA-MA) on a graphene nanosheet (GNS) and on an ultra-short single-walled CNT are characterized using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the peptide coats both GNS and CNT surfaces through preferential contacts with aromatic side chains. The peptide packs compactly on the carbon surfaces where the polar and functionalizable Lys side chains protrude into the bulk solvent. It is shown that the adsorption is strongly correlated to the loss of the peptide helical structure. In the case of the CNT, the outer surface is significantly more accessible for adsorption. Nevertheless when the outer surface is already covered by other peptides, a spontaneous diffusion, via the amidated C-terminus into the interior of the CNT, was observed within 150 ns of simulation time. We found that this spontaneous insertion into the CNT interior can be controlled by the polarity of the entrance rim. For the positively charged CA-MA peptide studied, hydrogenated and fluorinated rims, respectively, hinder and promote the insertion.

  8. Effect of packing method on the randomness of disc packings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Z. P.; Yu, A. B.; Oakeshott, R. B. S.

    1996-06-01

    The randomness of disc packings, generated by random sequential adsorption (RSA), random packing under gravity (RPG) and Mason packing (MP) which gives a packing density close to that of the RSA packing, has been analysed, based on the Delaunay tessellation, and is evaluated at two levels, i.e. the randomness at individual subunit level which relates to the construction of a triangle from a given edge length distribution and the randomness at network level which relates to the connection between triangles from a given triangle frequency distribution. The Delaunay tessellation itself is also analysed and its almost perfect randomness at the two levels is demonstrated, which verifies the proposed approach and provides a random reference system for the present analysis. It is found that (i) the construction of a triangle subunit is not random for the RSA, MP and RPG packings, with the degree of randomness decreasing from the RSA to MP and then to RPG packing; (ii) the connection of triangular subunits in the network is almost perfectly random for the RSA packing, acceptable for the MP packing and not good for the RPG packing. Packing method is an important factor governing the randomness of disc packings.

  9. Particle packing from an earth science viewpoint

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rogers, C. D. F.; Dijkstra, T. A.; Smalley, I. J.

    1994-04-01

    Particle packings are relevant to many aspects of the Earth sciences, and there is a long history of the study of packings from an Earth science viewpoint. Packings have also been studied in connection with other subjects and disciplines. Allen (1982) produced a major review which provides a solid base for Earth science related studies. This review complements Allen's work and in particular focuses on advances in the study of random packings over the last ten years. Transitions from packing to packing may be as important as the packings themselves, and possibly easier to model. This paper places emphasis on certain neglected works, in particular Morrow and Graves (1969) and the packing transition envelope, Kahn (1956) and the measurement of packing parameters, Griffiths (1962) on packings in one-dimension, and Getis and Boots (1978) on packings in two dimensions. Certain packing problems are relevant to current areas of study including structure collapse in loess (hydroconsolidation), flowslides in very sensitive soils, wind erosion, jewel quality in opals and the structure and functions of sand dunes. The region where interparticle forces become active (particles < 200 μm) is considered and the implications for packing are examined.

  10. Young adult smokers' perceptions of plain packs, numbered packs and pack inserts in Turkey: a focus group study.

    PubMed

    Mucan, Burcu; Moodie, Crawford

    2017-11-09

    The Turkish Government's 'National Tobacco Control Program 2015-2018' included plans to introduce plain packaging and also a ban on brand names on cigarette packs, allowing only assigned numbers on packs. We explored perceptions of these proposed measures, and also pack inserts with cessation messages, another novel way of using the packaging to communicate with consumers. Eight focus groups were conducted with 47 young adult smokers in Manisa and Kutahya (Turkey) in December 2016. Participants were shown three straight-edged plain cigarette packs, as required in Australia, and then three bevelled-edged plain packs, as permitted in the UK. They were then shown plain packs with numbers rather than brand names, and finally three pack inserts with messages encouraging quitting or offering tips on how to do so. Participants were asked about their perceptions of each. Plain packs were considered unappealing and off-putting, although the bevelled-edged packs were viewed more favourably than the straight-edged packs. Numbered packs were thought by some to diminish the appeal created by the brand name and potentially decrease interest among never smokers and newer smokers. Pack inserts were thought to have less of an impact than the on-pack warnings, but could potentially help discourage initiation and encourage cessation. That bevelled-edged plain packs were perceived more positively than straight-edged plain packs is relevant to countries planning to introduce plain packaging. The study provides a first insight into smokers' perceptions of a ban on brand names, which was perceived to reduce appeal among young people. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  11. Tuning jammed frictionless disk packings from isostatic to hyperstatic.

    PubMed

    Schreck, Carl F; O'Hern, Corey S; Silbert, Leonardo E

    2011-07-01

    We perform extensive computational studies of two-dimensional static bidisperse disk packings using two distinct packing-generation protocols. The first involves thermally quenching equilibrated liquid configurations to zero temperature over a range of thermal quench rates r and initial packing fractions followed by compression and decompression in small steps to reach packing fractions φ(J) at jamming onset. For the second, we seed the system with initial configurations that promote micro- and macrophase-separated packings followed by compression and decompression to φ(J). Using these protocols, we generate more than 10(4) static packings over a wide range of packing fraction, contact number, and compositional and positional order. We find that disordered, isostatic packings exist over a finite range of packing fractions in the large-system limit. In agreement with previous calculations, the most dilute mechanically stable packings with φ min ≈ 0.84 are obtained for r > r*, where r* is the rate above which φ(J) is insensitive to rate. We further compare the structural and mechanical properties of isostatic versus hyperstatic packings. The structural characterizations include the contact number, several order parameters, and mixing ratios of the large and small particles. We find that the isostatic packings are positionally and compositionally disordered (with only small changes in a number of order parameters), whereas bond-orientational and compositional order increase strongly with contact number for hyperstatic packings. In addition, we calculate the static shear modulus and normal mode frequencies (in the harmonic approximation) of the static packings to understand the extent to which the mechanical properties of disordered, isostatic packings differ from partially ordered packings. We find that the mechanical properties of the packings change continuously as the contact number increases from isostatic to hyperstatic.

  12. The impact of structural packaging design on young adult smokers' perceptions of tobacco products.

    PubMed

    Borland, Ron; Savvas, Steven; Sharkie, Fiona; Moore, Karen

    2013-03-01

    To examine the extent that novel cigarette pack shapes and openings have on smokers' perceptions of those packs and the cigarettes contained within. Using a web-based survey, 160 young adult ever-smokers (18-29 years) were shown computer images of plain packaged cigarette packs in five different shapes. This was followed by packs illustrating five different methods of opening. Brand (prestige or budget) and size of the health warnings (30% or 70% warning size) were between-subject conditions. Respondents ranked packs on attractiveness, perceived quality of the cigarettes contained within and extent that the pack distracted from health warnings. Ratings of attractiveness and perceived quality were significantly associated in both substudies, but tendency to distract from warnings was more independent. Significant differences were found between the pack shapes on attractiveness, perceived quality and distraction from warnings. Standard, 2×10 and 4×5 packs were ranked less attractive than Bevelled and Rounded packs. 2×10 and 4×5 packs were also perceived as lower quality than Bevelled and Rounded packs. The Standard pack was less distracting to health warnings than all other shapes except the 2×10 pack. Pack openings were perceived as different on quality of cigarettes contained and extent of distraction to warnings. The Standard Flip-top was rated significantly lower in distracting from warnings than all other openings. Pack shape and pack opening affect ever-smokers' perceptions of the packs and the cigarettes they contain. This means that they have the potential to create appeal and differentiate products and thus should be regulated.

  13. Magical Boxes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Costello, Judith

    2005-01-01

    Students get excited when they realize that they can transform a flat sheet of paper into a box. By using different sizes of paper, they can make different sizes of boxes and put a box inside a box, inside a box. These magical boxes within boxes can contain unwanted emotions or special treasures. The project described in this article incorporates…

  14. Effect of soaking in noni (Morinda citrifolia) juice on the microbiological and color behavior of Haden minimally processed mango.

    PubMed

    Ulloa, José Armando; González Tapia, Noemí T; Rosas Ulloa, Petra; Ramírez Ramírez, José Carmen; Ulloa Rangel, Blanca E

    2015-05-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of soaking in noni juice on the microbiological and color behavior of minimally processed mango. Two batches of Haden mango cubes were treated by immersion in noni juice for 2.5 or 5.0 min. Each batch was packed in polypropylene boxes and stored at 6 °C for up to 15 days; in addition, a control group of mango cubes was prepared by immersion in sterile water for the same duration. According to the results, the soaking of mango cubes in noni juice had an antimicrobial effect on mesophilic aerobic bacteria, molds and yeasts during storage at 6 °C for 15 days, without significantly (P < 0.05) affecting the CIE L*, a*, b*, chroma and hue angle values, in comparison with the control after 12 days of storage. The noni juice soaking treatment was demonstrated to be a potentially valuable technology for decontamination of fresh-cut fruit surfaces.

  15. Elastic properties of dense solid phases of hard cyclic pentamers and heptamers in two dimensions.

    PubMed

    Wojciechowski, K W; Tretiakov, K V; Kowalik, M

    2003-03-01

    Systems of model planar, nonconvex, hard-body "molecules" of fivefold and sevenfold symmetry axes are studied by constant pressure Monte Carlo simulations with variable shape of the periodic box. The molecules, referred to as pentamers (heptamers), are composed of five (seven) identical hard disks "atoms" with centers forming regular pentagons (heptagons) of sides equal to the disk diameter. The elastic compliances of defect-free solid phases are computed by analysis of strain fluctuations and the reference (equilibrium) state is determined within the same run in which the elastic properties are computed. Results obtained by using pseudorandom number generators based on the idea proposed by Holian and co-workers [Holian et al., Phys. Rev. E 50, 1607 (1994)] are in good agreement with the results generated by DRAND48. It is shown that singular behavior of the elastic constants near close packing is in agreement with the free volume approximation; the coefficients of the leading singularities are estimated. The simulations prove that the highest density structures of heptamers (in which the molecules cannot rotate) are auxetic, i.e., show negative Poisson ratios.

  16. Understanding homogeneous nucleation in solidification of aluminum by molecular dynamics simulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahata, Avik; Asle Zaeem, Mohsen; Baskes, Michael I.

    2018-02-01

    Homogeneous nucleation from aluminum (Al) melt was investigated by million-atom molecular dynamics simulations utilizing the second nearest neighbor modified embedded atom method potentials. The natural spontaneous homogenous nucleation from the Al melt was produced without any influence of pressure, free surface effects and impurities. Initially isothermal crystal nucleation from undercooled melt was studied at different constant temperatures, and later superheated Al melt was quenched with different cooling rates. The crystal structure of nuclei, critical nucleus size, critical temperature for homogenous nucleation, induction time, and nucleation rate were determined. The quenching simulations clearly revealed three temperature regimes: sub-critical nucleation, super-critical nucleation, and solid-state grain growth regimes. The main crystalline phase was identified as face-centered cubic, but a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) and an amorphous solid phase were also detected. The hcp phase was created due to the formation of stacking faults during solidification of Al melt. By slowing down the cooling rate, the volume fraction of hcp and amorphous phases decreased. After the box was completely solid, grain growth was simulated and the grain growth exponent was determined for different annealing temperatures.

  17. Improving the Simulation of Sea Ice Lead Conditions and Turbulent Fluxes Using RGPS Products and Merged RADARSAT, AVHRR and MODIS Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maslanik, James A.

    2004-01-01

    The importance of sea ice leads in the ice-ocean-atmosphere system lies in the fact that each of the boxes in the 'surface processes' interface in this diagram is closely linked to lead conditions. For example, heat, moisture and salt exchange between the Ocean and atmosphere within the ice pack occur nearly entirely through leads. The shear, divergence and convergence associated with lead formation and closure alter surface and basal roughness and topography, which in turn affects momentum transfer in the atmosphere and ocean boundary layers, and modifies the accumulation of snow on the ice surface, which then affects heat conduction and summertime albedo. In addition to providing openings for loss of heat and moisture fluxes to the atmosphere, leads absorb solar energy, which is used to melt ice and is transmitting to the underlying ocean. Given that leads dominate the ice-ocean interface in this manner, then it stands to reason that focusing on lead treatments within models can identify performance limitations of models and yield routes for significant improvements.

  18. Hemolytic anemia after ingestion of the natural hair dye Lawsonia inermis (henna) in a dog.

    PubMed

    Jardes, Daniel J; Ross, Linda A; Markovich, Jessica E

    2013-01-01

    To describe the clinical presentation and case management of a dog that developed hemolytic anemia and evidence of renal tubular dysfunction after ingestion of a natural hair dye containing Lawsonia inermis (henna). To review cases of henna toxicity reported in the human literature. An 8-year-old female spayed Border Collie was presented 5 days after ingestion of a box of natural hair dye. The dog was showing signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. A serum biochemistry profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis demonstrated evidence of renal tubular dysfunction and a regenerative anemia without spherocytosis. The dog was treated with a transfusion of packed RBCs and IV fluids, resulting in significant clinical improvement. Repeat diagnostics showed resolution of the anemia and no lasting evidence of tubular dysfunction. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case in the veterinary literature of toxicity following ingestion of Lawsonia inermis (henna). Henna ingestion was associated with the development of hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury. © Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2013.

  19. A new large-volume metal reference standard for radioactive waste management.

    PubMed

    Tzika, F; Hult, M; Stroh, H; Marissens, G; Arnold, D; Burda, O; Kovář, P; Suran, J; Listkowska, A; Tyminski, Z

    2016-03-01

    A new large-volume metal reference standard has been developed. The intended use is for calibration of free-release radioactivity measurement systems and is made up of cast iron tubes placed inside a box of the size of a Euro-pallet (80 × 120 cm). The tubes contain certified activity concentrations of (60)Co (0.290 ± 0.006 Bq g(-1)) and (110m)Ag (3.05 ± 0.09 Bq g(-1)) (reference date: 30 September 2013). They were produced using centrifugal casting from a smelt into which (60)Co was first added and then one piece of neutron irradiated silver wire was progressively diluted. The iron castings were machined to the desirable dimensions. The final material consists of 12 iron tubes of 20 cm outer diameter, 17.6 cm inner diameter, 40 cm length/height and 245.9 kg total mass. This paper describes the reference standard and the process of determining the reference activity values. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

  20. Continuum Lowering and Fermi-Surface Rising in Strongly Coupled and Degenerate Plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, S. X.

    2017-08-01

    Continuum lowering is a well known and important physics concept that describes the ionization potential depression (IPD) in plasmas caused by thermal- or pressure-induced ionization of outer-shell electrons. The existing IPD models are often used to characterize plasma conditions and to gauge opacity calculations. Recent precision measurements have revealed deficits in our understanding of continuum lowering in dense hot plasmas. However, these investigations have so far been limited to IPD in strongly coupled but nondegenerate plasmas. Here, we report a first-principles study of the K -edge shifting in both strongly coupled and fully degenerate carbon plasmas, with quantum molecular dynamics calculations based on the all-electron density-functional theory. The resulting K -edge shifting versus plasma density, as a probe to the continuum lowering and the Fermi-surface rising, is found to be significantly different from predictions of existing IPD models. In contrast, a simple model of "single-atom-in-box," developed in this work, accurately predicts K -edge locations as ab initio calculations provide.

  1. Volume efficient sodium sulfur battery

    DOEpatents

    Mikkor, Mati

    1980-01-01

    In accordance with the teachings of this specification, a sodium sulfur battery is formed as follows. A plurality of box shaped sulfur electrodes are provided, the outer surfaces of which are defined by an electrolyte material. Each of the electrodes have length and width dimensions substantially greater than the thicknesses thereof as well as upwardly facing surface and a downwardly facing surface. An electrode structure is contained in each of the sulfur electrodes. A holding structure is provided for holding the plurality of sulfur electrodes in a stacked condition with the upwardly facing surface of one sulfur electrode in facing relationship to the downwardly facing surface of another sulfur electrode thereabove. A small thickness dimension separates each of the stacked electrodes thereby defining between each pair of sulfur electrodes a volume which receives the sodium reactant. A reservoir is provided for containing sodium. A manifold structure interconnects the volumes between the sulfur electrodes and the reservoir. A metering structure controls the flow of sodium between the reservoir and the manifold structure.

  2. Application of a Simple Model to Predict Environmental Radionuclide Levels and Consequential Dose Rates on the South Welsh Coast, U.K.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Halliwell, C. M.; McKay, W. A.

    1994-02-01

    The impact of liquid effluent discharges, from both existing nuclear power stations and from a possible future pressurized water reactor (PWR), on the levels of radioactivity in Welsh Severn coastal waters has been addressed in this study through the use of a simple box model. If a PWR was in operation at Hinkley Point, and assuming that the existing discharges into the estuary remained the same as in 1989, the levels of the most radiologically significant radionuclide, 137Cs, in seawater along the Welsh shoreline are predicted to increase by 7% (inner estuary), 7% (Welsh outer estuary) and 5% (inner channel) and in sediment by 0·3, 1·3 and 2% respectively. The radiation dose rate from 137Cs to members of the coastal population alone would show only a marginal increase due to these changes, and would remain less than 1% of the internationally recognized limit.

  3. [Research progress on the management of no packing after septoplasty].

    PubMed

    Lu, Sheng; Zhang, Longcheng; Li, Jieen

    2016-01-01

    Packing the nose after septoplasty is common practice. The use of postoperative packing has been proposed to reduce the dead space between the subperichondrial flaps and minimize postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, septal hematoma, and formation of synechiae. Additionally, postoperative packing is thought to stabilize the remaining cartilaginous septum and minimize persistence or recurrence of septal deviation. Despite these theoretic advantages, evidence to support the use of postoperative packing is lacking. Additionally, nasal packing is not an innocuous procedure. The use of nasal packing actually cause these complications such as postop- erative pain, mucosal injury, bleeding, worsening of breathing due to sleep disorders, and postoperative infections. Routine use of anterior nasal packing after septoplasty should be challenged for not presenting proven benefit. As alternatives to traditional packing, septal suturing, septal stapler and fibrin glue have been used recently. The purpose of this article is to summarize the progress of traditional packing to no packing after septoplasty.

  4. Cigarette pack design and adolescent smoking susceptibility: a cross-sectional survey

    PubMed Central

    Ford, Allison; MacKintosh, Anne Marie; Moodie, Crawford; Richardson, Sol; Hastings, Gerard

    2013-01-01

    Objectives To compare adolescents’ responses to three different styles of cigarette packaging: novelty (branded packs designed with a distinctive shape, opening style or bright colour), regular (branded pack with no special design features) and plain (brown pack with a standard shape and opening and all branding removed, aside from brand name). Design Cross-sectional in-home survey. Setting UK. Participants Random location quota sample of 1025 never smokers aged 11–16 years. Main outcome measures Susceptibility to smoking and composite measures of pack appraisal and pack receptivity derived from 11 survey items. Results Mean responses to the three pack types were negative for all survey items. However, ‘novelty’ packs were rated significantly less negatively than the ‘regular’ pack on most items, and the novelty and regular packs were rated less negatively than the ‘plain’ pack. For the novelty packs, logistic regressions, controlling for factors known to influence youth smoking, showed that susceptibility was associated with positive appraisal and also receptivity. For example, those receptive to the innovative Silk Cut Superslims pack were more than four times as likely to be susceptible to smoking than those not receptive to this pack (AOR=4.42, 95% CI 2.50 to 7.81, p<0.001). For the regular pack, an association was found between positive appraisal and susceptibility but not with receptivity and susceptibility. There was no association with pack appraisal or receptivity for the plain pack. Conclusions Pack structure (shape and opening style) and colour are independently associated, not just with appreciation of and receptivity to the pack, but also with susceptibility to smoke. In other words, those who think most highly of novelty cigarette packaging are also the ones who indicate that they are most likely to go on to smoke. Plain packaging, in contrast, was found to directly reduce the appeal of smoking to adolescents. PMID:24056481

  5. 7 CFR 51.310 - Packing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Apples Packing Requirements § 51.310 Packing requirements. (a) Apples tray packed or cell packed in cartons shall be arranged according to approved and... that apples are of the proper size for molds or cell compartments in which they are packed, and that...

  6. 7 CFR 51.310 - Packing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Apples Packing Requirements § 51.310 Packing requirements. (a) Apples tray packed or cell packed in cartons shall be arranged according to approved and... that apples are of the proper size for molds or cell compartments in which they are packed, and that...

  7. Studies of Elementary Reactions of Chemical Importance in the Atmospheres of Planets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nesbitt, Fred L.

    2003-01-01

    The paper discusses the following: 1. F + Cl2 Kinetics. Absolute rate constant for the reaction F(P-2) with Cl2 has been measured using the discharge flow kinetics technique coupled to mass spectrometric detection at T = 180 - 360 K and 1 Torr He nominal pressure. 2. Vapor pressure system. The main effort on the vapor pressure system involved the design and construction of an insulated enclosure ("Bakeout Box") to improve the uniformity of heating during the bakeout process. 3. Sunphotometer System. This period saw the completion of the two-channel sunphotometer, its calibration, and two field deployments. 4. Vibrational-to-translation (V-T) transfer rates for light hydrocarbons at low temperatures are important parameters in thermal-structure models of the upper atmospheres of the outer planets and their satellites. However, the required data are either simply not available or do not extend to the low temperatures found in those systems. Because methane is such an important constituent in outer planet atmospheres, we have initiated a program to measure the temperature dependence of (V-T) rates for its relaxation by appropriate collision partners. 5. The central focus of this research has been the vapor phase nucleation and growth of metals/refractory species into small particles and the aggregation of these primary particles into larger structures. These topics are part of the broader goal of understanding the conditions under which interstellar dust grains condense from stellar outflows and how these small dust grains coagulate into larger bodies such as planetesimals or planets.

  8. Influence of the shell thickness and charge distribution on the effective interaction between two like-charged hollow spheres.

    PubMed

    Angelescu, Daniel G; Caragheorgheopol, Dan

    2015-10-14

    The mean-force and the potential of the mean force between two like-charged spherical shells were investigated in the salt-free limit using the primitive model and Monte Carlo simulations. Apart from an angular homogeneous distribution, a discrete charge distribution where point charges localized on the shell outer surface followed an icosahedral arrangement was considered. The electrostatic coupling of the model system was altered by the presence of mono-, trivalent counterions or small dendrimers, each one bearing a net charge of 9 e. We analyzed in detail how the shell thickness and the radial and angular distribution of the shell charges influenced the effective interaction between the shells. We found a sequence of the potential of the mean force similar to the like-charged filled spheres, ranging from long-range purely repulsive to short-range purely attractive as the electrostatic coupling increased. Both types of potentials were attenuated and an attractive-to-repulsive transition occurred in the presence of trivalent counterions as a result of (i) thinning the shell or (ii) shifting the shell charge from the outer towards the inner surface. The potential of the mean force became more attractive with the icosahedrally symmetric charge model, and additionally, at least one shell tended to line up with 5-fold symmetry axis along the longest axis of the simulation box at the maximum attraction. The results provided a basic framework of understanding the non-specific electrostatic origin of the agglomeration and long-range assembly of the viral nanoparticles.

  9. Medical and Safety Reforms in Boxing

    PubMed Central

    Jordan, Barry D.

    1988-01-01

    The continued existence of boxing as an accepted sport in civilized society has been long debated. The position of the American Medical Association (AMA) has evolved from promoting increased safety and medical reform to recommending total abolition of both amateur and professional boxing. In response to the AMA opposition to boxing, the boxing community has attempted to increase the safeguards in amateur and professional boxing. The United States of America Amateur Boxing Federation, which is the national regulatory agency for all amateur boxing in the United States, has taken several actions to prevent the occurrence of acute brain injury and is currently conducting epidemiologic studies to assess the long-term neuropsychologic consequences of amateur boxing. In professional boxing, state regulatory agencies such as the New York State Athletic Commission have introduced several medical interventions to prevent and reduce neurologic injury. The lack of a national regulatory agency to govern professional boxing has stimulated the formation of the Association of Boxing Commissions and potential legislation for the federal regulation of professional boxing by a federally chartered organization called the United States Boxing Commission. The AMA's opposition to boxing and the medical and safety reforms implemented by the proponents of boxing are discussed. PMID:3385788

  10. Comparison of the biological NH3 removal characteristics among four inorganic packing materials.

    PubMed

    Hirai, M; Kamamoto, M; Yani, M; Shoda, M

    2001-01-01

    Four inorganic packing materials were evaluated in terms of their availability as a packing material of a packed tower deodorization apparatus (biofilter) from the viewpoints of biological NH3 removal characteristics and some physical properties. Porous ceramics (A), calcinated cristobalite (B), calcinated and formed obsidian (C), granulated and calculated soil (D) were used. The superiority of these packing materials determined based on the values of non-biological removal per unit weight or unit volume of packing material, complete removal capacity of NH3 per unit weight of packing material per day or unit volume of packing material per day and pressure drop of the packed bed was in the order of A approximately = C > B > or = D. Packing materials A and C with high porosity, maximum water content, and suitable mean pore diameter showed excellent removal capacity.

  11. How does increasingly plainer cigarette packaging influence adult smokers’ perceptions about brand image? An experimental study

    PubMed Central

    Wakefield, M A; Germain, D; Durkin, S J

    2008-01-01

    Background: Cigarette packaging is a key marketing strategy for promoting brand image. Plain packaging has been proposed to limit brand image, but tobacco companies would resist removal of branding design elements. Method: A 3 (brand types) × 4 (degree of plain packaging) between-subject experimental design was used, using an internet online method, to expose 813 adult Australian smokers to one randomly selected cigarette pack, after which respondents completed ratings of the pack. Results: Compared with current cigarette packs with full branding, cigarette packs that displayed progressively fewer branding design elements were perceived increasingly unfavourably in terms of smokers’ appraisals of the packs, the smokers who might smoke such packs, and the inferred experience of smoking a cigarette from these packs. For example, cardboard brown packs with the number of enclosed cigarettes displayed on the front of the pack and featuring only the brand name in small standard font at the bottom of the pack face were rated as significantly less attractive and popular than original branded packs. Smokers of these plain packs were rated as significantly less trendy/stylish, less sociable/outgoing and less mature than smokers of the original pack. Compared with original packs, smokers inferred that cigarettes from these plain packs would be less rich in tobacco, less satisfying and of lower quality tobacco. Conclusion: Plain packaging policies that remove most brand design elements are likely to be most successful in removing cigarette brand image associations. PMID:18827035

  12. How does increasingly plainer cigarette packaging influence adult smokers' perceptions about brand image? An experimental study.

    PubMed

    Wakefield, M A; Germain, D; Durkin, S J

    2008-12-01

    Cigarette packaging is a key marketing strategy for promoting brand image. Plain packaging has been proposed to limit brand image, but tobacco companies would resist removal of branding design elements. A 3 (brand types) x 4 (degree of plain packaging) between-subject experimental design was used, using an internet online method, to expose 813 adult Australian smokers to one randomly selected cigarette pack, after which respondents completed ratings of the pack. Compared with current cigarette packs with full branding, cigarette packs that displayed progressively fewer branding design elements were perceived increasingly unfavourably in terms of smokers' appraisals of the packs, the smokers who might smoke such packs, and the inferred experience of smoking a cigarette from these packs. For example, cardboard brown packs with the number of enclosed cigarettes displayed on the front of the pack and featuring only the brand name in small standard font at the bottom of the pack face were rated as significantly less attractive and popular than original branded packs. Smokers of these plain packs were rated as significantly less trendy/stylish, less sociable/outgoing and less mature than smokers of the original pack. Compared with original packs, smokers inferred that cigarettes from these plain packs would be less rich in tobacco, less satisfying and of lower quality tobacco. Plain packaging policies that remove most brand design elements are likely to be most successful in removing cigarette brand image associations.

  13. Quasistatic packings of droplets in flat microfluidic channels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kadivar, Erfan

    2016-02-01

    As observed in recent experiments, monodisperse droplets self-assemble spontaneously in different ordered packings. In this work, we present a numerical study of the droplet packings in the flat rectangular microfluidic channels. Employing the boundary element method, we numerically solve the Stokes equation in two-dimension and investigate the appearance of droplet packing and transition between one and two-row packings of monodisperse emulsion droplets. By calculating packing force applied on the droplet interface, we investigate the effect of flow rate, droplet size, and surface tension on the packing configurations of droplets and transition between different topological packings.

  14. Role of Aromatic Amino Acids in Lipopolysaccharide and Membrane Interactions of Antimicrobial Peptides for Use in Plant Disease Control*

    PubMed Central

    Datta, Aritreyee; Bhattacharyya, Dipita; Singh, Shalini; Ghosh, Anirban; Schmidtchen, Artur; Malmsten, Martin; Bhunia, Anirban

    2016-01-01

    KYE28 (KYEITTIHNLFRKLTHRLFRRNFGYT-LR), the representative sequence of helix D of heparin co-factor II, was demonstrated to be potent against agronomically important Gram-negative plant pathogens Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas oryzae, capable of inhibiting disease symptoms in detached tomato leaves. NMR studies in the presence of lipopolysaccharide provided structural insights into the mechanisms underlying this, notably in relationship to outer membrane permeabilization. The three-dimensional solution structure of KYE28 in LPS is characterized by an N-terminal helical segment, an intermediate loop followed by another short helical stretch, and an extended C terminus. The two termini are in close proximity to each other via aromatic packing interactions, whereas the positively charged residues form an exterior polar shell. To further demonstrate the importance of the aromatic residues for this, a mutant peptide KYE28A, with Ala substitutions at Phe11, Phe19, Phe23, and Tyr25 was designed, which showed attenuated antimicrobial activity at high salt concentrations, as well as lower membrane disruption and LPS binding abilities compared with KYE28. In contrast to KYE28, KYE28A adopted an extended helical structure in LPS with extended N and C termini. Aromatic packing interactions were completely lost, although hydrophobic interaction between the side chains of hydrophobic residues were still partly retained, imparting an amphipathic character and explaining its residual antimicrobial activity and LPS binding as observed from ellipsometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. We thus present key structural aspects of KYE28, constituting an aromatic zipper, of potential importance for the development of novel plant protection agents and therapeutic agents. PMID:27137928

  15. Evaluation and routine application of the novel restricted-access precolumn packing material Alkyl-Diol Silica: coupled-column high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the photoreactive drug 8-methoxypsoralen in plasma.

    PubMed

    Vielhauer, S; Rudolphi, A; Boos, K S; Seidel, D

    1995-04-21

    A fully automated coupled-column HPLC method for on-line sample processing and determination of the photoreactive drug 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) in plasma has been developed. The method is based on the novel internal-surface reversed-phase precolumn packing materials Alkyl-Diol Silica (ADS). This new family of restricted-access materials has a hydrophilic, electroneutral outer particle surface and a hydrophobic internal pore surface. The supports tolerate the direct and repetitive injection of proteinaceous fluids such as plasma and allow a classical C18-, C8- or C4-reversed-phase partitioning at the internal (pore) surface. The total protein load, i.e. the lifetime of the precolumn used in this study (C8-Alkyl-Diol Silica, 25 microns, 25 x 4 mm I.D.), exceeds more than 100 ml of plasma. 8-MOP was detected by its native fluorescence (excitation 312 nm, emission 540 nm). Validation of the method revealed a quantitative and matrix-independent recovery (99.5-101.3% measured at five concentrations between 21.3 and 625.2 ng of 8-MOP per milliliter of plasma), linearity over a wide range of 8-MOP concentrations (1.2-3070 ng of 8-MOP/ml, r = 0.999), low limits of detection (0.39 ng of 8-MOP/ml) and quantitation (0.79 ng of 8-MOP/ml) and a high between-run (C.V. 1.47%, n = 10) and within-run (C.V. 1.33%, n = 10) reproducibility. This paper introduces coupled-column HPLC as a suitable method for on-site analysis of drug plasma profiles (bedside-monitoring).

  16. Greenland Sea Odden sea ice feature: Intra-annual and interannual variability

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Shuchman, R.A.; Josberger, E.G.; Russel, C.A.; Fischer, K.W.; Johannessen, O.M.; Johannessen, J.; Gloersen, P.

    1998-01-01

    The "Odden" is a large sea ice feature that forms in the east Greenland Sea that may protrude eastward to 5??E from the main sea ice pack (at about 8??W) between 73?? and 77??N. It generally forms at the beginning of the winter season and can cover 300,000 km2. Throughout the winter the outer edge of the Odden may advance and retreat by several hundred kilometers on timescales of a few days to weeks. Satellite passive microwave observations from 1978 through 1995 provide a continuous record of the spatial and temporal variations of this extremely dynamic phenomenon. Aircraft synthetic aperture radar, satellite passive microwave, and ship observations in the Odden show that the Odden consists of new ice types, rather than older ice types advected eastward from the main pack. The 17-year record shows both strong interannual and intra-annual variations in Odden extent and temporal behavior. For example, in 1983 the Odden was weak, in 1984 the Odden did not occur, and in 1985 the Odden returned late in the season. An analysis of the ice area and extent time series derived from the satellite passive microwave observations along with meteorological data from the International Arctic Buoy Program (IABP) determined the meteorological forcing associated with Odden growth, maintenance, and decay. The key meteorological parameters that are related to the rapid ice formation and decay associated with the Odden are, in order of importance, air temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. Oceanographic parameters must play an important role in controlling Odden formation, but it is not yet possible to quantify this role because of a lack of long-term oceanographic observations. Copyright 1998 by the American Geophysical Union.

  17. Scandinavian consumer preference for beef steaks packed with or without oxygen.

    PubMed

    Aaslyng, M D; Tørngren, M A; Madsen, N T

    2010-07-01

    Beef steaks retail-packed with (80% O(2), 20% CO(2)) or without oxygen (either skin-packed or gas-packed (69.6% N(2), 30% CO(2), 0.04% CO or 70% N(2), 30% CO(2))) were compared by consumers in Denmark (n=382), Norway (n=316) and Sweden (n=374). Two pairs of two steaks - one steak packed in a high oxygen atmosphere and one packed without oxygen - were given to the consumers. They were instructed to prepare the steaks at home on two consecutive days, and two persons had to taste each steak. In Denmark, the oxygen-free packing was either gas packing with CO (69.6% N(2), 30% CO(2), 0.04% CO) or without CO (70% N(2), 30% CO(2)), in Norway it was either gas packing with CO (69.6% N(2), 30% CO(2), 0.04% CO) or skin packing, and in Sweden it was either skin packing or gas packing without CO (70% N(2), 30% CO(2)). The meat represented animals that were between 17 and 80 months old (Denmark) and young bulls (Norway and Sweden). Consumers in all three countries clearly preferred steaks packed without oxygen, in terms of overall liking, willingness to pay and their preferred choice of one steak. Furthermore, they preferred the oxygen-free steaks in terms of both overall liking and liking of tenderness, juiciness and flavour. In Sweden, many consumers would pay more than usual for the skin-packed steak, and it was more often chosen as the preferred steak out of the four compared with gas-packed without oxygen. No difference was seen between the two oxygen-free packing methods in Denmark and Norway. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. The silent salesman: an observational study of personal tobacco pack display at outdoor café strips in Australia.

    PubMed

    Wakefield, Melanie A; Zacher, Meghan; Bayly, Megan; Brennan, Emily; Dono, Joanne; Miller, Caroline; Durkin, Sarah J; Scollo, Michelle M

    2014-07-01

    We sought to determine the relative frequency and nature of personal display of cigarette packs by smokers in two Australian cities where 30% front-of-pack and 90% back-of-pack health warnings have been used since 2006 and comprehensive tobacco marketing restrictions apply. An observational study counted patrons, active smokers and tobacco packs at cafés, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. Pack orientation and use of cigarette cases were also noted. Overall, 18954 patrons, 1576 active smokers and 2153 packs were observed, meaning that one out of every 12.0 patrons was actively smoking, and one of every 8.8 patrons displayed a pack. Packs were more frequently observed in lower socio-economic neighbourhoods, reflecting the higher prevalence of smoking in those regions. Packs were displayed less often in venues where children were present, suggesting a greater tendency not to smoke around children. Most packs (81.4%) were oriented face-up, permitting prominent brand display. Only 1.5% of observed packs were cigarette cases, and 4.2% of packs were concealed by another item, such as a phone or wallet. Tobacco packs are frequently seen on table-tops in café strips, providing many opportunities for other patrons and passers-by to be incidentally exposed to cigarette brand names and imagery. Use of cigarette cases is rare, suggesting that smokers eventually habituate to pictorial warnings on branded packs and/or find repeated decanting of each newly purchased branded pack into a case to be inconvenient. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

  19. Pushing the glass transition towards random close packing using self-propelled hard spheres

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ni, Ran; Stuart, Martien A. Cohen; Dijkstra, Marjolein

    2013-10-01

    Although the concept of random close packing with an almost universal packing fraction of approximately 0.64 for hard spheres was introduced more than half a century ago, there are still ongoing debates. The main difficulty in searching the densest packing is that states with packing fractions beyond the glass transition at approximately 0.58 are inherently non-equilibrium systems, where the dynamics slows down with a structural relaxation time diverging with density; hence, the random close packing is inaccessible. Here we perform simulations of self-propelled hard spheres, and we find that with increasing activity the relaxation dynamics can be sped up by orders of magnitude. The glass transition shifts to higher packing fractions upon increasing the activity, allowing the study of sphere packings with fluid-like dynamics at packing fractions close to RCP. Our study opens new possibilities of investigating dense packings and the glass transition in systems of hard particles.

  20. Thermodynamics and kinetics of pack aluminide coating formation on IN-100

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Levine, S. R.; Caves, R. M.

    1973-01-01

    An investigation of the effects of pack variables on the formation of aluminide coatings on nickel-base superalloy IN-100 was conducted. Also, the thermodynamics and kinetics of coating formation were analyzed. Observed coating weights were in good agreement with predictions made from the analysis. Pack temperature rather than pack aluminum activity controls the principal coating phase formed. In 1 weight percent aluminum packs, aluminum weight gains were related to the halide pack activator. Solid-state nickel diffusion controlled coating formation from sodium fluoride and chloride and ammonium fluoride activated packs. In other ammonium and sodium halide activated 1 weight percent aluminum packs, gaseous diffusion controlled coating formation.

  1. A study on parameter variation effects on battery packs for electric vehicles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Long; Zheng, Yuejiu; Ouyang, Minggao; Lu, Languang

    2017-10-01

    As one single cell cannot meet power and driving range requirement in an electric vehicle, the battery packs with hundreds of single cells connected in parallel and series should be constructed. The most significant difference between a single cell and a battery pack is cell variation. Not only does cell variation affect pack energy density and power density, but also it causes early degradation of battery and potential safety issues. The cell variation effects on battery packs are studied, which are of great significant to battery pack screening and management scheme. In this study, the description for the consistency characteristics of battery packs was first proposed and a pack model with 96 cells connected in series was established. A set of parameters are introduced to study the cell variation and their impacts on battery packs are analyzed through the battery pack capacity loss simulation and experiments. Meanwhile, the capacity loss composition of the battery pack is obtained and verified by the temperature variation experiment. The results from this research can demonstrate that the temperature, self-discharge rate and coulombic efficiency are the major affecting parameters of cell variation and indicate the dissipative cell equalization is sufficient for the battery pack.

  2. Surface reflectance drives nest box temperature profiles and thermal suitability for target wildlife.

    PubMed

    Griffiths, Stephen R; Rowland, Jessica A; Briscoe, Natalie J; Lentini, Pia E; Handasyde, Kathrine A; Lumsden, Linda F; Robert, Kylie A

    2017-01-01

    Thermal properties of tree hollows play a major role in survival and reproduction of hollow-dependent fauna. Artificial hollows (nest boxes) are increasingly being used to supplement the loss of natural hollows; however, the factors that drive nest box thermal profiles have received surprisingly little attention. We investigated how differences in surface reflectance influenced temperature profiles of nest boxes painted three different colors (dark-green, light-green, and white: total solar reflectance 5.9%, 64.4%, and 90.3% respectively) using boxes designed for three groups of mammals: insectivorous bats, marsupial gliders and brushtail possums. Across the three different box designs, dark-green (low reflectance) boxes experienced the highest average and maximum daytime temperatures, had the greatest magnitude of variation in daytime temperatures within the box, and were consistently substantially warmer than light-green boxes (medium reflectance), white boxes (high reflectance), and ambient air temperatures. Results from biophysical model simulations demonstrated that variation in diurnal temperature profiles generated by painting boxes either high or low reflectance colors could have significant ecophysiological consequences for animals occupying boxes, with animals in dark-green boxes at high risk of acute heat-stress and dehydration during extreme heat events. Conversely in cold weather, our modelling indicated that there are higher cumulative energy costs for mammals, particularly smaller animals, occupying light-green boxes. Given their widespread use as a conservation tool, we suggest that before boxes are installed, consideration should be given to the effect of color on nest box temperature profiles, and the resultant thermal suitability of boxes for wildlife, particularly during extremes in weather. Managers of nest box programs should consider using several different colors and installing boxes across a range of both orientations and shade profiles (i.e., levels of canopy cover), to ensure target animals have access to artificial hollows with a broad range of thermal profiles, and can therefore choose boxes with optimal thermal conditions across different seasons.

  3. Surface reflectance drives nest box temperature profiles and thermal suitability for target wildlife

    PubMed Central

    Rowland, Jessica A.; Briscoe, Natalie J.; Lentini, Pia E.; Handasyde, Kathrine A.; Lumsden, Linda F.; Robert, Kylie A.

    2017-01-01

    Thermal properties of tree hollows play a major role in survival and reproduction of hollow-dependent fauna. Artificial hollows (nest boxes) are increasingly being used to supplement the loss of natural hollows; however, the factors that drive nest box thermal profiles have received surprisingly little attention. We investigated how differences in surface reflectance influenced temperature profiles of nest boxes painted three different colors (dark-green, light-green, and white: total solar reflectance 5.9%, 64.4%, and 90.3% respectively) using boxes designed for three groups of mammals: insectivorous bats, marsupial gliders and brushtail possums. Across the three different box designs, dark-green (low reflectance) boxes experienced the highest average and maximum daytime temperatures, had the greatest magnitude of variation in daytime temperatures within the box, and were consistently substantially warmer than light-green boxes (medium reflectance), white boxes (high reflectance), and ambient air temperatures. Results from biophysical model simulations demonstrated that variation in diurnal temperature profiles generated by painting boxes either high or low reflectance colors could have significant ecophysiological consequences for animals occupying boxes, with animals in dark-green boxes at high risk of acute heat-stress and dehydration during extreme heat events. Conversely in cold weather, our modelling indicated that there are higher cumulative energy costs for mammals, particularly smaller animals, occupying light-green boxes. Given their widespread use as a conservation tool, we suggest that before boxes are installed, consideration should be given to the effect of color on nest box temperature profiles, and the resultant thermal suitability of boxes for wildlife, particularly during extremes in weather. Managers of nest box programs should consider using several different colors and installing boxes across a range of both orientations and shade profiles (i.e., levels of canopy cover), to ensure target animals have access to artificial hollows with a broad range of thermal profiles, and can therefore choose boxes with optimal thermal conditions across different seasons. PMID:28472147

  4. 77 FR 26323 - In the Matter of the Application of BOX Options Exchange LLC for Registration as a National...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-03

    .... Ownership Structure of BOX Exchange, BOX Holdings, and BOX Market BOX Exchange will issue Economic Units, as well as Voting Units, to each of its owners, or Members.\\53\\ Economic Units, comprising all interests... BOX Exchange or other economic value in BOX Exchange.\\55\\ The total number of Voting Units will be...

  5. The effect of cigarette branding and plain packaging on female youth in the United Kingdom.

    PubMed

    Hammond, David; Daniel, Samantha; White, Christine M

    2013-02-01

    Cigarette packaging is the most prominent form of tobacco marketing remaining in countries such as the United Kingdom. The current study examined perceptions of cigarette packaging among female youth and the potential impact of "plain" cigarette packaging regulations. A national sample of 947 16- to 19-year-old female subjects in the United Kingdom completed an online survey. Participants were randomized to view 10 cigarette packs designed according to one of four experimental conditions: fully branded female packs, the same packs without descriptor words, the same packs without brand imagery or descriptors ("plain" packs), and branded non-female brands. Participants rated packs on measures of appeal and health risk, positive smoker image, and completed a behavioral pack selection task. Plain packs were rated as the least appealing and worse tasting compared with all other conditions. Plain packs were also associated with fewer false beliefs about health risks compared with branded packs. Removing brand descriptors from packs significantly reduced measures of appeal and taste, particularly for brands with flavor descriptors, such as cherry and vanilla. Plain packs were significantly less likely to be associated with positive images, such as glamour, sophistication, and slimness. Most importantly, respondents were significantly less likely to accept a pack of cigarettes when offered only plain versus branded packs (p = .026). Marketing in the form of pack branding remains a potent tool for increasing the appeal of tobacco products to young women. The findings provide empirical support for plain cigarette packaging regulations in Australia to be implemented in 2012. Copyright © 2013 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Kinetics of pack aluminization of nickel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Seigle, L. L.; Gupta, B. K.; Shankar, R.; Sarkhel, A. K.

    1978-01-01

    The kinetics of pack aluminization of unalloyed nickel in packs of varying aluminum activity with various halide activators were studied. Surface compositions of the coatings as functions of time, temperature, and pack composition were obtained in order to establish the boundary conditions for diffusion in the system. The structure of the packs was also examined in order to clarify the mechanism of aluminum transport. The results indicate that the kinetics of pack aluminization are controlled jointly by gas diffusion in the pack and solid diffusion in the coating. Levine and Caves' model for gas diffusion was combined with calculations of rates of diffusion in the solid to formulate a more complete theory for the kinetics of pack aluminization.

  7. Comparison of the biological H2S removal characteristics among four inorganic packing materials.

    PubMed

    Hirai, M; Kamamoto, M; Yani, M; Shoda, M

    2001-01-01

    Four inorganic packing materials were evaluated in terms of their availability as packing materials of a packed tower deodorization apparatus (biofilter) from the viewpoints of biological H2S removal characteristics and some physical properties. Among porous ceramics (A), calcinated cristobalite (B), calcinated and formed obsidian (C), granulated and calcinated soil (D), the superiority of these packing materials determined based on the values of non-biological removal per unit weight or unit volume of packing material, complete removal capacity of H2S per unit weight of packing material per day or unit volume of packing material per day and pressure drop of the packed bed was in the order of A approximately equal to C > D approximately equal to B, which is correlated with the maximum water content, porosity, and mean pore diameter.

  8. Analysis of S-box in Image Encryption Using Root Mean Square Error Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hussain, Iqtadar; Shah, Tariq; Gondal, Muhammad Asif; Mahmood, Hasan

    2012-07-01

    The use of substitution boxes (S-boxes) in encryption applications has proven to be an effective nonlinear component in creating confusion and randomness. The S-box is evolving and many variants appear in literature, which include advanced encryption standard (AES) S-box, affine power affine (APA) S-box, Skipjack S-box, Gray S-box, Lui J S-box, residue prime number S-box, Xyi S-box, and S8 S-box. These S-boxes have algebraic and statistical properties which distinguish them from each other in terms of encryption strength. In some circumstances, the parameters from algebraic and statistical analysis yield results which do not provide clear evidence in distinguishing an S-box for an application to a particular set of data. In image encryption applications, the use of S-boxes needs special care because the visual analysis and perception of a viewer can sometimes identify artifacts embedded in the image. In addition to existing algebraic and statistical analysis already used for image encryption applications, we propose an application of root mean square error technique, which further elaborates the results and enables the analyst to vividly distinguish between the performances of various S-boxes. While the use of the root mean square error analysis in statistics has proven to be effective in determining the difference in original data and the processed data, its use in image encryption has shown promising results in estimating the strength of the encryption method. In this paper, we show the application of the root mean square error analysis to S-box image encryption. The parameters from this analysis are used in determining the strength of S-boxes

  9. Densest local sphere-packing diversity. II. Application to three dimensions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hopkins, Adam B.; Stillinger, Frank H.; Torquato, Salvatore

    2011-01-01

    The densest local packings of N three-dimensional identical nonoverlapping spheres within a radius Rmin(N) of a fixed central sphere of the same size are obtained for selected values of N up to N=1054. In the predecessor to this paper [A. B. Hopkins, F. H. Stillinger, and S. Torquato, Phys. Rev. EPLEEE81063-651X10.1103/PhysRevE.81.041305 81, 041305 (2010)], we described our method for finding the putative densest packings of N spheres in d-dimensional Euclidean space Rd and presented those packings in R2 for values of N up to N=348. Here we analyze the properties and characteristics of the densest local packings in R3 and employ knowledge of the Rmin(N), using methods applicable in any d, to construct both a realizability condition for pair correlation functions of sphere packings and an upper bound on the maximal density of infinite sphere packings. In R3, we find wide variability in the densest local packings, including a multitude of packing symmetries such as perfect tetrahedral and imperfect icosahedral symmetry. We compare the densest local packings of N spheres near a central sphere to minimal-energy configurations of N+1 points interacting with short-range repulsive and long-range attractive pair potentials, e.g., 12-6 Lennard-Jones, and find that they are in general completely different, a result that has possible implications for nucleation theory. We also compare the densest local packings to finite subsets of stacking variants of the densest infinite packings in R3 (the Barlow packings) and find that the densest local packings are almost always most similar as measured by a similarity metric, to the subsets of Barlow packings with the smallest number of coordination shells measured about a single central sphere, e.g., a subset of the fcc Barlow packing. Additionally, we observe that the densest local packings are dominated by the dense arrangement of spheres with centers at distance Rmin(N). In particular, we find two “maracas” packings at N=77 and N=93, each consisting of a few unjammed spheres free to rattle within a “husk” composed of the maximal number of spheres that can be packed with centers at respective Rmin(N).

  10. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (Insecta) Abundance, Diversity and Role in Leaf Litter Breakdown in Tropical Headwater River

    PubMed Central

    Ab Hamid, Suhaila; Md Rawi, Che Salmah

    2017-01-01

    Leaf litter decomposition in a tropical stream was examined in two types of leaf packs; single species leaf packs of Pometia pinnata and two species leaf packs of equal combination of Pometia pinnata and Dolichandrone spathacea leaves. Both leaf packs were immersed in a river and weekly examined for remains of decomposed leaves and presence of EPT. In the control leaf packs, leaves in the two species leaf packs treatments decomposed within 35 days, faster than in single species leaf packs which decomposed after 42 days. In the presence of EPT, the leaf breakdown took 28 days in two species and 35 days for single species leaf packs. Higher abundance of EPT was observed in single species leaf packs but its diversity was higher in two species leaf packs. Litter breakdown in the stream was faster in the presence of EPT and softer leaves of D. spathacea with higher nitrogen content underwent faster decomposition and sustained higher numbers of EPT. PMID:28890763

  11. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (Insecta) Abundance, Diversity and Role in Leaf Litter Breakdown in Tropical Headwater River.

    PubMed

    Ab Hamid, Suhaila; Md Rawi, Che Salmah

    2017-07-01

    Leaf litter decomposition in a tropical stream was examined in two types of leaf packs; single species leaf packs of Pometia pinnata and two species leaf packs of equal combination of Pometia pinnata and Dolichandrone spathacea leaves. Both leaf packs were immersed in a river and weekly examined for remains of decomposed leaves and presence of EPT. In the control leaf packs, leaves in the two species leaf packs treatments decomposed within 35 days, faster than in single species leaf packs which decomposed after 42 days. In the presence of EPT, the leaf breakdown took 28 days in two species and 35 days for single species leaf packs. Higher abundance of EPT was observed in single species leaf packs but its diversity was higher in two species leaf packs. Litter breakdown in the stream was faster in the presence of EPT and softer leaves of D. spathacea with higher nitrogen content underwent faster decomposition and sustained higher numbers of EPT.

  12. Centrifugal sedimentation for selectively packing channels with silica microbeads in three-dimensional micro/nanofluidic devices.

    PubMed

    Gong, Maojun; Bohn, Paul W; Sweedler, Jonathan V

    2009-03-01

    Incorporation of nanofluidic elements into microfluidic channels is one approach for adding filtration and partition functionality to planar microfluidic devices, as well as providing enhanced biomolecular separations. Here we introduce a strategy to pack microfluidic channels with silica nanoparticles and microbeads, thereby indirectly producing functional nanostructures; the method allows selected channels to be packed, here demonstrated so that a separation channel is packed while keeping an injection channel unpacked. A nanocapillary array membrane is integrated between two patterned microfluidic channels that cross each other in vertically separated layers. The membrane serves both as a frit for bead packing and as a fluid communication conduit between microfluidic channels. Centrifugal force-assisted sedimentation is then used to selectively pack the microfluidic channels using an aqueous silica bead suspension loaded into the appropriate inlet reservoirs. This packing approach may be used to simultaneously pack multiple channels with silica microbeads having different sizes and surface properties. The chip design and packing method introduced here are suitable for packing silica particles in sizes ranging from nanometers to micrometers and allow rapid (approximately 10 min) packing with high quality. The liquid/analyte transport characteristics of these packed micro/nanofluidic devices have potential utility in a wide range of applications, including electroosmotic pumping, liquid chromatographic separations, and electrochromatography.

  13. Adhesive loose packings of small dry particles.

    PubMed

    Liu, Wenwei; Li, Shuiqing; Baule, Adrian; Makse, Hernán A

    2015-08-28

    We explore adhesive loose packings of small dry spherical particles of micrometer size using 3D discrete-element simulations with adhesive contact mechanics and statistical ensemble theory. A dimensionless adhesion parameter (Ad) successfully combines the effects of particle velocities, sizes and the work of adhesion, identifying a universal regime of adhesive packings for Ad > 1. The structural properties of the packings in this regime are well described by an ensemble approach based on a coarse-grained volume function that includes the correlation between bulk and contact spheres. Our theoretical and numerical results predict: (i) an equation of state for adhesive loose packings that appear as a continuation from the frictionless random close packing (RCP) point in the jamming phase diagram and (ii) the existence of an asymptotic adhesive loose packing point at a coordination number Z = 2 and a packing fraction ϕ = 1/2(3). Our results highlight that adhesion leads to a universal packing regime at packing fractions much smaller than the random loose packing (RLP), which can be described within a statistical mechanical framework. We present a general phase diagram of jammed matter comprising frictionless, frictional, adhesive as well as non-spherical particles, providing a classification of packings in terms of their continuation from the spherical frictionless RCP.

  14. Design of housing file box of fire academy based on RFID

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Huaiyi

    2018-04-01

    This paper presents a design scheme of intelligent file box based on RFID. The advantages of RFID file box and traditional file box are compared and analyzed, and the feasibility of RFID file box design is analyzed based on the actual situation of our university. After introducing the shape and structure design of the intelligent file box, the paper discusses the working process of the file box, and explains in detail the internal communication principle of the RFID file box and the realization of the control system. The application of the RFID based file box will greatly improve the efficiency of our school's archives management.

  15. Optimization and development of antidiabetic phytosomes by the Box-Behnken design.

    PubMed

    Rathee, Sushila; Kamboj, Anjoo

    2018-06-01

    Researchers have extensively reviewed on herbs and natural products for their marked clinical efficacy in some recent years, however, maximum of the newly discovered bioactive constituents offer poor bioavailability due to their large size molecules or to their poor miscibility with oils and lipids, thereby limiting their ability to pass across the lipid-rich outer membranes of the enterocytes of the small intestine. Phytosomes are more bioavailable as compared to herbal extracts owing to their enhanced capacity to cross the bio-membranes and thus reaching the systemic circulation. This study was aimed to investigate the development and optimization of antidiabetic phytosomes using a three-factor, three-level the Box-Behnken design (17 batches). The fruits of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Momordica balsamina and Momordica dioica were extracted using Soxhlet's apparatus. The phytochemical fingerprint profile of the combined methanolic extracts was done by using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The polynomial quadratic equation analysis was designed to study the response (entrapment efficiency (EE), % yield) of independent significant factors at different levels. Phytosomes were characterized in terms of drug content, particle size, EE, zeta potential and in vitro dissolution. TEM analysis revealed good stability and a spherical, self-closed structure of phytosomes in complex formulations. Average particle size was found to 450 nm. Total flavonoid content was found to be 10.0 ± 0.002 μg/g. Optimized formulation was selected and was prepared using A (1:3), B (60 °C) and C (2.5 h) to give maximum yield and entrapment efficiencies (72% and 92.1 ± 5.1%). Phytosomes were found to have antidiabetic activity comparable to metformin in low dose. HPTLC showed the presence of the phyto-constituent quercetin.

  16. Planetesimal and Protoplanet Dynamics in a Turbulent Protoplanetary Disk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Chao-Chin; Mac Low, M.; Menou, K.

    2010-01-01

    In core accretion scenario of planet formation, kilometer-sized planetesimals are the building blocks toward planetary cores. Their dynamics, however, are strongly influenced by their natal protoplanetary gas disks. It is generally believed that these disks are turbulent, most likely due to magnetorotational instability. The resulting density perturbations in the gas render the movement of the particles a random process. Depending on its strength, this process might cause several interesting consequences in the course of planet formation, specifically the survivability of objects under rapid inward type-I migration and/or collisional destruction. Using the local-shearing-box approximation, we conduct numerical simulations of planetesimals moving in a turbulent, magnetized gas disk, either unstratified or vertically stratified. We produce a fiducial disk model with turbulent accretion of Shakura-Sunyaev alpha about 10-2 and root-mean-square density perturbation of about 10% and statistically characterize the evolution of the orbital properties of the particles moving in the disk. These measurements result in accurate calibration of the random process of particle orbital change, indicating noticeably smaller magnitudes than predicted by global simulations, although the results may depend on the size of the shearing box. We apply these results to revisit the survivability of planetesimals under collisional destruction or protoplanets under type-I migration. Planetesimals are probably secure from collisional destruction, except for kilometer-sized objects situated in the outer regions of a young protoplanetary disk. On the other hand, we confirm earlier studies of local models in that type-I migration probably dominates diffusive migration due to stochastic torques for most planetary cores and terrestrial planets. Discrepancies in the derived magnitude of turbulence between local and global simulations of magnetorotationally unstable disks remains an open issue, with important consequences for planet formation scenarios.

  17. 7 CFR 51.310 - Packing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... (INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Apples Packing Requirements § 51.310 Packing requirements. (a) Apples tray packed or cell packed in cartons shall be arranged.... 3 2 “Fairly tight” means that apples are of the proper size for molds or cell compartments in which...

  18. 7 CFR 51.310 - Packing requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... (INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Apples Packing Requirements § 51.310 Packing requirements. (a) Apples tray packed or cell packed in cartons shall be arranged.... 3 2 “Fairly tight” means that apples are of the proper size for molds or cell compartments in which...

  19. Sleeping distance in wild wolf packs

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Knick, S.T.; Mech, L.D.

    1980-01-01

    Sleeping distances were observed among members of 13 wild wolf (Canis lupus) packs and 11 pairs in northeastern Minnesota to determine if the distances correlated with pack size and composition. The study utilized aerial radio-tracking and observation during winter. Pack size and number of adults per pack were inversely related to pack average sleeping distance and variability. No correlation between sleeping distance and microclimate was observed. Possible relationships between social bonding and our results are discussed.

  20. Marginal rigidity and history dependence in packings of attractive athermal emulsions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bargteil, Dylan; Pontani, Lea-Laetitia; Brujic, Jasna

    2014-03-01

    The geometry and stress through particulate packings depends on the method of preparation and the interaction potential between the particles. Previously, we discovered that creaming frictionless, athermal emulsions with a short-range depletion attraction leads to an initial increase in the packing density above random close packing, followed by a monotonic decrease in density (Jorjadze et al, PNAS, 2011). This decrease is because the attractive force stabilizes loose voids, thus reducing the average coordination number, , of the packing. In order to understand the mechanism of packing creation, we investigate whether the final density is influenced by the polydispersity or the initial volume fraction of droplets, as it is in frictional packings. Finally, we compress the attractive packings by centrifugation to probe the scaling laws of pressure versus density and and compare them with those found in repulsive packings (Jorjadze et al, PRL, 2013).

  1. Influence of catalyst packing configuration on the discharge characteristics of dielectric barrier discharge reactors: A numerical investigation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gadkari, Siddharth; Gu, Sai

    2018-06-01

    A two-dimensional numerical fluid model is developed for studying the influence of packing configurations on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) characteristics. Discharge current profiles and time averaged electric field strength, electron number density, and electron temperature distributions are compared for the three DBD configurations, plain DBD with no packing, partially packed DBD, and fully packed DBD. The results show that a strong change in discharge behaviour occurs when a DBD is fully packed as compared to partial packing or no packing. While the average electric field strength and electron temperature of a fully packed DBD are higher relative to the other DBD configurations, the average electron density is substantially lower and may impede the DBD reactor performance under certain operating conditions. Possible scenarios of the synergistic effect of the combination of plasma with catalysis are also discussed.

  2. Hemato-biochemical responses to packing in donkeys administered ascorbic acid during the harmattan season.

    PubMed

    Olaifa, Folashade; Ayo, Joseph Olusegun; Ambali, Suleiman Folorunsho; Rekwot, Peter Ibrahim

    2015-02-01

    Experiments were performed to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) in reducing hemato-biochemical changes in pack donkeys during the cold-dry (harmattan) season. Six experimental donkeys administered orally AA (200 mg/kg) and six control donkeys not administered ascorbic acid were subjected to packing. Blood samples were collected from all donkeys for hematological and biochemical analyses. In the control donkeys, packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) decreased significantly (P<0.05) at the end of packing. In the experimental donkeys, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-packing values of PCV, erythrocyte count and Hb. In the control donkeys, the neutrophil and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio increased significantly (P<0.05) post packing, but in the experimental donkeys, the pre- and post-packing values were not significantly different. The eosinophil count increased significantly (P<0.05) in experimental and control donkeys post packing. In conclusion, packing exerted significant adverse effects on the hematological parameters ameliorated by AA administration. AA may modulate neutrophilia and induce a considerable alteration of erythroid markers in donkeys subjected to packing during the harmattan season.

  3. Hemato-biochemical responses to packing in donkeys administered ascorbic acid during the harmattan season

    PubMed Central

    OLAIFA, Folashade; AYO, Joseph Olusegun; AMBALI, Suleiman Folorunsho; REKWOT, Peter Ibrahim

    2012-01-01

    Experiments were performed to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) in reducing hemato-biochemical changes in pack donkeys during the cold-dry (harmattan) season. Six experimental donkeys administered orally AA (200 mg/kg) and six control donkeys not administered ascorbic acid were subjected to packing. Blood samples were collected from all donkeys for hematological and biochemical analyses. In the control donkeys, packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) decreased significantly (P<0.05) at the end of packing. In the experimental donkeys, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-packing values of PCV, erythrocyte count and Hb. In the control donkeys, the neutrophil and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio increased significantly (P<0.05) post packing, but in the experimental donkeys, the pre- and post-packing values were not significantly different. The eosinophil count increased significantly (P<0.05) in experimental and control donkeys post packing. In conclusion, packing exerted significant adverse effects on the hematological parameters ameliorated by AA administration. AA may modulate neutrophilia and induce a considerable alteration of erythroid markers in donkeys subjected to packing during the harmattan season. PMID:23154452

  4. Vacuum packing: a model system for laboratory-scale silage fermentations.

    PubMed

    Johnson, H E; Merry, R J; Davies, D R; Kell, D B; Theodorou, M K; Griffith, G W

    2005-01-01

    To determine the utility of vacuum-packed polythene bags as a convenient, flexible and cost-effective alternative to fixed volume glass vessels for lab-scale silage studies. Using perennial ryegrass or red clover forage, similar fermentations (as assessed by pH measurement) occurred in glass tube and vacuum-packed silos over a 35-day period. As vacuum-packing devices allow modification of initial packing density, the effect of four different settings (initial packing densities of 0.397, 0.435, 0.492 and 0.534 g cm(-3)) on the silage fermentation over 16 days was examined. Significant differences in pH decline and lactate accumulation were observed at different vacuum settings. Gas accumulation was apparent within all bags and changes in bag volume with time was observed to vary according to initial packing density. Vacuum-packed silos do provide a realistic model system for lab-scale silage fermentations. Use of vacuum-packed silos holds potential for lab-scale evaluations of silage fermentations, allowing higher throughput of samples, more consistent packing as well as the possibility of investigating the effects of different initial packing densities and use of different wrapping materials.

  5. A randomized trial of Rapid Rhino Riemann and Telfa nasal packs following endoscopic sinus surgery.

    PubMed

    Cruise, A S; Amonoo-Kuofi, K; Srouji, I; Kanagalingam, J; Georgalas, C; Patel, N N; Badia, L; Lund, V J

    2006-02-01

    To compare Telfa with the Rapid Rhino Riemann nasal pack for use following endoscopic sinus surgery. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, paired trial. Tertiary otolaryngology hospital. Forty-five adult patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery for either chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps. A visual analogue scale was used to assess discomfort caused by the presence of the packs in the nose and by their removal. The amount of bleeding was noted with the packs in place and following their removal. Crusting and adhesions were assessed 2 and 6 weeks following surgery. Both packs performed well giving good haemostasis and causing little bleeding on removal. Both packs caused only mild discomfort while in the nose. On the visual analogue scale of 0-10 cm the mean visual analogue score for Rapid Rhino Riemann pack was 1.7 and for Telfa 2.0 (P = 0.371). The Rapid Rhino Riemann pack caused significantly less pain on removal compared with the Telfa pack with a mean visual analogue score of 2.0 in comparison with 3.7 for Telfa (P = 0.001). There were less adhesions with the Rapid Rhino Riemann than Telfa pack but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.102). Both Telfa and Rapid Rhino Riemann packs can be recommended as packs that control postoperative haemorrhage, do not cause bleeding on removal and cause little discomfort while in the nose. The Rapid Rhino Riemann pack has the advantage of causing significantly less pain on removal.

  6. High-Density Terminal Box for Testing Wire Harness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pierce, W. B.; Collins, W. G.

    1982-01-01

    Compact terminal box provides access to complex wiring harnesses for testing. Box accommodates more than twice as many wires as previous boxes. Box takes in wires via cable connectors and distributes them to contacts on box face. Instead of separate insulated jacks in metal face panel, box uses pairs of small military-standard metal sockets in precision-drilled plastic panel. Shorting plug provides continuity for wires when not being tested.

  7. 'Soothing the ring of fire': Australian women's and midwives' experiences of using perineal warm packs in the second stage of labour.

    PubMed

    Dahlen, Hannah G; Homer, Caroline S E; Cooke, Margaret; Upton, Alexis M; Nunn, Rosalie A; Brodrick, Belinda S

    2009-04-01

    to determine women's and midwives' experiences of using perineal warm packs in the second stage of labour. as part of a randomised controlled trial (Warm Pack Trial), women and midwives were asked to complete questionnaires about the effects of the warm packs on pain, perineal trauma, comfort, feelings of control, satisfaction and intentions for use during future births. two hospitals in Sydney, Australia. a randomised controlled trial was undertaken. In the late second stage of labour, nulliparous women (n=717) giving birth were randomly allocated to having warm packs (n=360) applied to their perineum or standard care (n=357). Standard care was defined as any second stage practice carried out by midwives that did not include the application of warm packs to the perineum. Three hundred and two nulliparous women randomised to receive warm packs (84%) received the treatment. Questionnaires were completed by 266 (88%) women who received warm packs, and 270 (89%) midwives who applied warm packs to these women. warm, moist packs were applied to the perineum in the late second stage of labour. warm packs were highly acceptable to both women and midwives as a means of relieving pain during the late second stage of labour. Almost the same number of women (79.7%) and midwives (80.4%) felt that the warm packs reduced perineal pain during the birth. Both midwives and women were positive about using warm packs in the future. The majority of women (85.7%) said that they would like to use perineal warm packs again for their next birth and would recommend them to friends (86.1%). Likewise, 91% of midwives were positive about using the warm packs, with 92.6% considering using them in the future as part of routine care in the second stage of labour. responses to questionnaires, eliciting experiences of women and midwives involved in the Warm Pack Trial, demonstrated that the practice of applying perineal warm packs in the late second stage of labour was highly acceptable and effective in helping to relieve perineal pain and increase comfort. perineal warm packs should be incorporated into second stage pain relief options available to women during childbirth.

  8. Internal fabrics in magmatic plutons emplaced in extended brittle crust - insight from analogue models with AMS (Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mirzaei, Masoud; Zavada, Prokop; Machek, Matej; Roxerova, Zuzana

    2016-04-01

    Magma emplacement in extended brittle crust was simulated by injecting plaster of Paris (magma) into a large sandbox with central deformable rubber sheet. Analog magma is during the experiments injected through small circular inlet cut in the center of the elastic sheet. Injection force oscillation during the steadily evacuating analog magma was recorded during the experiments and regularly showed 3-4 increases followed by a quick drop. The recorded oscillation amplitude is largest for static injection without extension of the sandbox, which formed a columnar body with concentric and zonal internal fabric. Experiments including normal or oblique 20% extension resulted in along rift axis elongated oblate ellipsoidal pluton with rift parallel ridges in the top part of the pluton. Inspection of horizontal profiles show bone-shaped internal zoning patterns limited by conjugate sets of shear zones. Orientation of these internal shear zones is correlated with the sand-clock fault pattern developed in the overburden sand pack. Another set of shear zones parallel with the long axes of the plutons (rift axis) are associated with successive emplacement of distinct plaster pulses during the buildup of the entire body. The innermost lastly emplaced pulses of plaster display weak vertical magnetic fabrics with vertical lineations, while the outer shells of already emplaced plaster reveal stronger and margin parallel oblate magnetic fabrics with subhorizontal lineations. We interpret the vertical innermost fabrics as a result of active ascent of plaster from the injection inlet, while the fabrics in the outer zones likely reflect push due to inflation of the inner domain reflected in the reworking of the magnetic fabric.

  9. The actin-binding proteins eps8 and gelsolin have complementary roles in regulating the growth and stability of mechanosensory hair bundles of mammalian cochlear outer hair cells.

    PubMed

    Olt, Jennifer; Mburu, Philomena; Johnson, Stuart L; Parker, Andy; Kuhn, Stephanie; Bowl, Mike; Marcotti, Walter; Brown, Steve D M

    2014-01-01

    Sound transduction depends upon mechanosensitive channels localized on the hair-like bundles that project from the apical surface of cochlear hair cells. Hair bundles show a stair-case structure composed of rows of stereocilia, and each stereocilium contains a core of tightly-packed and uniformly-polarized actin filaments. The growth and maintenance of the stereociliary actin core are dynamically regulated. Recently, it was shown that the actin-binding protein gelsolin is expressed in the stereocilia of outer hair cells (OHCs) and in its absence they become long and straggly. Gelsolin is part of a whirlin scaffolding protein complex at the stereocilia tip, which has been shown to interact with other actin regulatory molecules such as Eps8. Here we investigated the physiological effects associated with the absence of gelsolin and its possible overlapping role with Eps8. We found that, in contrast to Eps8, gelsolin does not affect mechanoelectrical transduction during immature stages of development. Moreover, OHCs from gelsolin knockout mice were able to mature into fully functional sensory receptors as judged by the normal resting membrane potential and basolateral membrane currents. Mechanoelectrical transducer current in gelsolin-Eps8 double knockout mice showed a profile similar to that observed in the single mutants for Eps8. We propose that gelsolin has a non-overlapping role with Eps8. While Eps8 is mainly involved in the initial growth of stereocilia in both inner hair cells (IHCs) and OHCs, gelsolin is required for the maintenance of mature hair bundles of low-frequency OHCs after the onset of hearing.

  10. Scattering of exocomets by a planet chain: exozodi levels and the delivery of cometary material to inner planets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marino, Sebastian; Bonsor, Amy; Wyatt, Mark C.; Kral, Quentin

    2018-06-01

    Exocomets scattered by planets have been invoked to explain observations in multiple contexts, including the frequently found near- and mid-infrared excess around nearby stars arising from exozodiacal dust. Here we investigate how the process of inward scattering of comets originating in an outer belt, is affected by the architecture of a planetary system, to determine whether this could lead to observable exozodi levels or deliver volatiles to inner planets. Using N-body simulations, we model systems with different planet mass and orbital spacing distributions in the 1-50 AU region. We find that tightly packed (Δap < 20RH, m) low mass planets are the most efficient at delivering material to exozodi regions (5-7% of scattered exocomets end up within 0.5 AU at some point), although the exozodi levels do not vary by more than a factor of ˜7 for the architectures studied here. We suggest that emission from scattered dusty material in between the planets could provide a potential test for this delivery mechanism. We show that the surface density of scattered material can vary by two orders of magnitude (being highest for systems of low mass planets with medium spacing), whilst the exozodi delivery rate stays roughly constant, and that future instruments such as JWST could detect it. In fact for η Corvi, the current Herschel upper limit rules our the scattering scenario by a chain of ≲30 M⊕ planets. Finally, we show that exocomets could be efficient at delivering cometary material to inner planets (0.1-1% of scattered comets are accreted per inner planet). Overall, the best systems at delivering comets to inner planets are the ones that have low mass outer planets and medium spacing (˜20RH, m).

  11. Properties of iron under core conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brown, J. M.

    2003-04-01

    Underlying an understanding of the geodynamo and evolution of the core is knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of iron and iron mixtures under high pressure and temperature conditions. Key properties include the viscosity of the fluid outer core, thermal diffusivity, equations-of-state, elastic properties of solid phases, and phase equilibria for iron and iron-dominated mixtures. As is expected for work that continues to tax technological and intellectual limits, controversy has followed both experimental and theoretical progress in this field. However, estimates for the melting temperature of the inner core show convergence and the equation-of-state for iron as determined in independent experiments and theories are in remarkable accord. Furthermore, although the structure and elastic properties of the solid inner-core phase remains uncertain, theoretical and experimental underpinnings are better understood and substantial progress is likely in the near future. This talk will focus on an identification of properties that are reasonably well known and those that merit further detailed study. In particular, both theoretical and experimental (static and shock wave) determinations of the density of iron under extreme conditions are in agreement at the 1% or better level. The behavior of the Gruneisen parameter (which determines the geothermal gradient and controls much of the outer core heat flux) is constrained by experiment and theory under core conditions for both solid and liquid phases. Recent experiments and theory are suggestive of structure or structures other than the high-pressure hexagonal close-packed (HCP) phase. Various theories and experiments for the elasticity of HCP iron remain in poor accord. Uncontroversial constraints on core chemistry will likely never be possible. However, reasonable bounds are possible on the basis of seismic profiles, geochemical arguments, and determinations of sound velocities and densities at high pressure and temperature.

  12. Standards and interdisciplinary treatment of boxing injuries of the head in professional boxing on the basis of an IBF World Championship Fight.

    PubMed

    Dragu, Adrian; Unglaub, Frank; Radomirovic, Sinisa; Schnürer, Stefan; Wagner, Walter; Horch, Raymund E; Hell, Berthold

    2010-12-01

    Boxing injuries are well known in hobby boxing as well as in professional boxing. Especially in professional boxing it is of great importance to implement and follow prevention-, diagnosis- and therapy-standards in order to prevent or at least to minimize injuries of the athlete. The utmost aim would be to establish international prevention-, diagnosis- and therapy-standards for boxing injuries in professional boxing. However, this aim is on a short run unrealistic, as there are too many different professional boxing organisations with different regulations. A realistic short term aim would be to develop a national standard in order to unify the management and medical treatment of boxing injuries in professional boxing. We present the management and interdisciplinary treatment of a professional boxer with a bilateral open fracture of the mandible during a middle weight IBF World Championship Fight. On the basis of this case we want to present and discuss the possibilities of an interdisciplinary and successful medical treatment. In order to prevent or minimize boxing injuries of professional boxers, annual MRI-Scans of the head and neck have to be performed as prevention standard. Furthermore, neurocognitive tests must be performed on a regular basis. Boxing injuries in professional boxing need an interdisciplinary, unbiased and complex analysis directly at the boxing ring. The treatment of the injuries should be only performed in medical centres and thus under constant parameters. The needed qualifications must be learned in mandatory national licence courses of boxing physicians, referees and promoters.

  13. Maximally dense packings of two-dimensional convex and concave noncircular particles.

    PubMed

    Atkinson, Steven; Jiao, Yang; Torquato, Salvatore

    2012-09-01

    Dense packings of hard particles have important applications in many fields, including condensed matter physics, discrete geometry, and cell biology. In this paper, we employ a stochastic search implementation of the Torquato-Jiao adaptive-shrinking-cell (ASC) optimization scheme [Nature (London) 460, 876 (2009)] to find maximally dense particle packings in d-dimensional Euclidean space R(d). While the original implementation was designed to study spheres and convex polyhedra in d≥3, our implementation focuses on d=2 and extends the algorithm to include both concave polygons and certain complex convex or concave nonpolygonal particle shapes. We verify the robustness of this packing protocol by successfully reproducing the known putative optimal packings of congruent copies of regular pentagons and octagons, then employ it to suggest dense packing arrangements of congruent copies of certain families of concave crosses, convex and concave curved triangles (incorporating shapes resembling the Mercedes-Benz logo), and "moonlike" shapes. Analytical constructions are determined subsequently to obtain the densest known packings of these particle shapes. For the examples considered, we find that the densest packings of both convex and concave particles with central symmetry are achieved by their corresponding optimal Bravais lattice packings; for particles lacking central symmetry, the densest packings obtained are nonlattice periodic packings, which are consistent with recently-proposed general organizing principles for hard particles. Moreover, we find that the densest known packings of certain curved triangles are periodic with a four-particle basis, and we find that the densest known periodic packings of certain moonlike shapes possess no inherent symmetries. Our work adds to the growing evidence that particle shape can be used as a tuning parameter to achieve a diversity of packing structures.

  14. Maximally dense packings of two-dimensional convex and concave noncircular particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Atkinson, Steven; Jiao, Yang; Torquato, Salvatore

    2012-09-01

    Dense packings of hard particles have important applications in many fields, including condensed matter physics, discrete geometry, and cell biology. In this paper, we employ a stochastic search implementation of the Torquato-Jiao adaptive-shrinking-cell (ASC) optimization scheme [Nature (London)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature08239 460, 876 (2009)] to find maximally dense particle packings in d-dimensional Euclidean space Rd. While the original implementation was designed to study spheres and convex polyhedra in d≥3, our implementation focuses on d=2 and extends the algorithm to include both concave polygons and certain complex convex or concave nonpolygonal particle shapes. We verify the robustness of this packing protocol by successfully reproducing the known putative optimal packings of congruent copies of regular pentagons and octagons, then employ it to suggest dense packing arrangements of congruent copies of certain families of concave crosses, convex and concave curved triangles (incorporating shapes resembling the Mercedes-Benz logo), and “moonlike” shapes. Analytical constructions are determined subsequently to obtain the densest known packings of these particle shapes. For the examples considered, we find that the densest packings of both convex and concave particles with central symmetry are achieved by their corresponding optimal Bravais lattice packings; for particles lacking central symmetry, the densest packings obtained are nonlattice periodic packings, which are consistent with recently-proposed general organizing principles for hard particles. Moreover, we find that the densest known packings of certain curved triangles are periodic with a four-particle basis, and we find that the densest known periodic packings of certain moonlike shapes possess no inherent symmetries. Our work adds to the growing evidence that particle shape can be used as a tuning parameter to achieve a diversity of packing structures.

  15. Territoriality and inter-pack aggression in gray wolves: shaping a social carnivore's life history

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cassidy, Kira A.; Smith, Douglas W.; Mech, L. David; MacNulty, Daniel R.; Stahler, Daniel R.; Metz, Matthew C.

    2016-01-01

    When Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book in 1894 and included the famous line "For the strength of the Wolf is the Pack, and the strength of the Pack is the Wolf," he would have had no idea that over a century later, scientific research would back up his poetic phrase. Recent studies in Yellowstone have found that both the individual wolf and the collective pack rely on each other and play important roles in territoriality. At a time when most fairy tales and fables were portraying wolves as demonic killers or, at best, slapstick gluttons, Kipling seemed to have a respect or even reverence for the wolf. Wolves in The Jungle Book raise and mentor the main character Mowgli, with the pack's leader eventually dying to save the "man-cub" from a pack of wolves. Kipling may have extended intra- pack benevolence to a human boy for literary sake, but he was clearly enthralled with how pack members treat each other. As wolf packs are almost always family units, most commonly comprised of a breeding pair and their offspring from several years, amiable behavior within the pack is unsurprising. By contrast, wolf packs are fiercely intolerant of their neighbors, their rivals. And this competition is proving to be an important facet in the life of a wolf and its pack.

  16. Packing Fraction of a Two-dimensional Eden Model with Random-Sized Particles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kobayashi, Naoki; Yamazaki, Hiroshi

    2018-01-01

    We have performed a numerical simulation of a two-dimensional Eden model with random-size particles. In the present model, the particle radii are generated from a Gaussian distribution with mean μ and standard deviation σ. First, we have examined the bulk packing fraction for the Eden cluster and investigated the effects of the standard deviation and the total number of particles NT. We show that the bulk packing fraction depends on the number of particles and the standard deviation. In particular, for the dependence on the standard deviation, we have determined the asymptotic value of the bulk packing fraction in the limit of the dimensionless standard deviation. This value is larger than the packing fraction obtained in a previous study of the Eden model with uniform-size particles. Secondly, we have investigated the packing fraction of the entire Eden cluster including the effect of the interface fluctuation. We find that the entire packing fraction depends on the number of particles while it is independent of the standard deviation, in contrast to the bulk packing fraction. In a similar way to the bulk packing fraction, we have obtained the asymptotic value of the entire packing fraction in the limit NT → ∞. The obtained value of the entire packing fraction is smaller than that of the bulk value. This fact suggests that the interface fluctuation of the Eden cluster influences the packing fraction.

  17. 49 CFR 178.515 - Standards for reconstituted wood boxes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standards for reconstituted wood boxes. 178.515... wood boxes. (a) The identification code for a reconstituted wood box is 4F. (b) Construction requirements for reconstituted wood boxes are as follows: (1) The walls of boxes must be made of water...

  18. 27 CFR 24.308 - Bottled or packed wine record.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Bottled or packed wine... BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS WINE Records and Reports § 24.308 Bottled or packed wine record. A proprietor who bottles, packs, or receives bottled or packed beverage wine in bond shall...

  19. SimPackJ/S: a web-oriented toolkit for discrete event simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Minho; Fishwick, Paul A.

    2002-07-01

    SimPackJ/S is the JavaScript and Java version of SimPack, which means SimPackJ/S is a collection of JavaScript and Java libraries and executable programs for computer simulations. The main purpose of creating SimPackJ/S is that we allow existing SimPack users to expand simulation areas and provide future users with a freeware simulation toolkit to simulate and model a system in web environments. One of the goals for this paper is to introduce SimPackJ/S. The other goal is to propose translation rules for converting C to JavaScript and Java. Most parts demonstrate the translation rules with examples. In addition, we discuss a 3D dynamic system model and overview an approach to 3D dynamic systems using SimPackJ/S. We explain an interface between SimPackJ/S and the 3D language--Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML). This paper documents how to translate C to JavaScript and Java and how to utilize SimPackJ/S within a 3D web environment.

  20. Multi-Node Thermal System Model for Lithium-Ion Battery Packs: Preprint

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

    Shi, Ying; Smith, Kandler; Wood, Eric

    Temperature is one of the main factors that controls the degradation in lithium ion batteries. Accurate knowledge and control of cell temperatures in a pack helps the battery management system (BMS) to maximize cell utilization and ensure pack safety and service life. In a pack with arrays of cells, a cells temperature is not only affected by its own thermal characteristics but also by its neighbors, the cooling system and pack configuration, which increase the noise level and the complexity of cell temperatures prediction. This work proposes to model lithium ion packs thermal behavior using a multi-node thermal network model,more » which predicts the cell temperatures by zones. The model was parametrized and validated using commercial lithium-ion battery packs. neighbors, the cooling system and pack configuration, which increase the noise level and the complexity of cell temperatures prediction. This work proposes to model lithium ion packs thermal behavior using a multi-node thermal network model, which predicts the cell temperatures by zones. The model was parametrized and validated using commercial lithium-ion battery packs.« less

  1. 46 CFR 111.81-1 - Outlet boxes and junction boxes; general.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... fixture, wiring device, or similar item, including each separately installed connection and junction box... used. (d) As appropriate, each outlet-box or junction-box installation must meet the following...

  2. MADS goes genomic in conifers: towards determining the ancestral set of MADS-box genes in seed plants

    PubMed Central

    Gramzow, Lydia; Weilandt, Lisa; Theißen, Günter

    2014-01-01

    Background and Aims MADS-box genes comprise a gene family coding for transcription factors. This gene family expanded greatly during land plant evolution such that the number of MADS-box genes ranges from one or two in green algae to around 100 in angiosperms. Given the crucial functions of MADS-box genes for nearly all aspects of plant development, the expansion of this gene family probably contributed to the increasing complexity of plants. However, the expansion of MADS-box genes during one important step of land plant evolution, namely the origin of seed plants, remains poorly understood due to the previous lack of whole-genome data for gymnosperms. Methods The newly available genome sequences of Picea abies, Picea glauca and Pinus taeda were used to identify the complete set of MADS-box genes in these conifers. In addition, MADS-box genes were identified in the growing number of transcriptomes available for gymnosperms. With these datasets, phylogenies were constructed to determine the ancestral set of MADS-box genes of seed plants and to infer the ancestral functions of these genes. Key Results Type I MADS-box genes are under-represented in gymnosperms and only a minimum of two Type I MADS-box genes have been present in the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of seed plants. In contrast, a large number of Type II MADS-box genes were found in gymnosperms. The MRCA of extant seed plants probably possessed at least 11–14 Type II MADS-box genes. In gymnosperms two duplications of Type II MADS-box genes were found, such that the MRCA of extant gymnosperms had at least 14–16 Type II MADS-box genes. Conclusions The implied ancestral set of MADS-box genes for seed plants shows simplicity for Type I MADS-box genes and remarkable complexity for Type II MADS-box genes in terms of phylogeny and putative functions. The analysis of transcriptome data reveals that gymnosperm MADS-box genes are expressed in a great variety of tissues, indicating diverse roles of MADS-box genes for the development of gymnosperms. This study is the first that provides a comprehensive overview of MADS-box genes in conifers and thus will provide a framework for future work on MADS-box genes in seed plants. PMID:24854168

  3. Comparing the efficacy of mature mud pack and hot pack treatments for knee osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Sarsan, Ayşe; Akkaya, Nuray; Ozgen, Merih; Yildiz, Necmettin; Atalay, Nilgun Simsir; Ardic, Fusun

    2012-01-01

    The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of mature mud pack and hot pack therapies on patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study was designed as a prospective, randomized-controlled, and single-blinded clinical trial. Twenty-seven patients with clinical and radiologic evidence of knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into two groups and were treated with mature mud packs (n 15) or hot packs (n=12). Patients were evaluated for pain [based on the visual analog scale (VAS)], function (WOMAC, 6 min walking distance), quality of life [Short Form-36 (SF-36)], and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) at baseline, post-treatment, and 3 and 6~months after treatment. The mud pack group shows a significant improvement in VAS, pain, stifness, and physical function domains of WOMAC. The difference between groups of pain and physical activity domains is significant at post-treatment in favor of mud pack. For a 6 min walking distance, mud pack shows significant improvement, and the difference is significant between groups in favor of mud pack at post-treatment and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Mud pack shows significant improvement in the pain subscale of SF-36 at the third month continuing until the sixth month after the treatment. Significant improvements are found for the social function, vitality/energy, physical role disability, and general health subscales of SF-36 in favor of the mud pack compared with the hot pack group at post-treatment. A significant increase is detected for IGF-1 in the mud pack group 3 months after treatment compared with the baseline, and the difference is significant between groups 3 months after the treatment. Mud pack is a favorable option compared with hotpack for pain relief and for the improvement of functional conditions in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis.

  4. The retail display life of steaks prepared from chill stored vacuum and carbon dioxide-packed sub-primal beef cuts.

    PubMed

    Bell, R G; Penney, N; Moorhead, S M

    1996-01-01

    Chilled striploins and cube rolls from ten Australian steers (grain-fed for 150 days) were trimmed of external fat and cut transversely into portions approximately 10 cm thick, each weighing between 750 and 1000 g. These 'retailer-ready' cuts were each wrapped in drip saver pads and slid inside a plastic sleeve before being individually placed into a clear plastic high oxygen barrier film, metallized film or conventional vacuum bag. Cuts in clear plastic and metallized film packs were packaged in an oxygen-free saturated carbon dioxide atmosphere (CO(2)-CAP), those in vacuum bags were conventionally vacuum-packed. All packs were returned to the chiller for further cooling. After 24 hr, half the clear plastic and metallized CO(2)-CAP packs were carbon dioxide master-packed in groups of eight. Retailer-ready cuts in both clear plastic and metallized film single unit and master-packed CO(2)-CAP packs were air freighted to New Zealand and sea freighted to Japan for assessment. The control vacuum packs were all consigned to New Zealand. Assessments in both countries after 39-89 days storage at between 0 °C and -1.0 °C indicated that fat colour stability limited the retail display life of steaks cut from meat in these retailer-ready packs to approximately 48 hr. In this regard, meat from single unit CO(2)-CAP, master pack CO(2)-CAP and vacuum packs performed similarly. Lean meat colour and sensory attributes remained acceptable for up to 48 hr after displayed product was rejected because of grey-green fat discoloration. The microbiological status of retailer-ready cuts removed from CO(2)-CAP packs after 89 days chilled storage was superior to that of cuts from vacuum packs. Clear plastic and metallized film CO(2)-CAP packs performed comparably.

  5. Electrocauterization and no packing may be comparable with nasal packing for postoperative hemorrhage after endoscopic sinus surgery.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong-Kyu; Rhee, Chae Seo; Kim, Jeong-Whun

    2016-05-01

    Nasal packing is commonly performed after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). However, nasal packing is associated with higher cost (owing to the cost of packing materials), patient discomfort, delayed wound healing, and concern about toxic shock syndrome. Some surgeons have been performing FESS without packing, but there are few studies that show its safety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of electrocauterization and no packing. A total of 490 patients who underwent bilateral FESS for chronic rhinosinusitis were included in this retrospective study, 242 in the nasal packing group and 248 in the electrocauterization and no-packing group. Electrocauterization was performed by using a suction coagulator. Rates of immediate (first 24 hours after surgery) and delayed postoperative bleeding were compared. Patient characteristics, including concomitant disease and medication history, and Lund-Mackay computed tomography score were also assessed Results: There were no significant differences in age; sex; Lund-Mackay score; use of anticoagulant drugs; or prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, or asthma between the two groups. In the electrocauterization and no-packing group, there were fewer patients with allergic rhinitis and more smokers. Primary bleeding did not occur in the nasal packing group, but 11 patients (4.4%) had delayed bleeding. Primary bleeding occurred in four patients (1.7%) in the electrocauterization and no-packing group, and five patients (2.1%) had delayed bleeding. There were no significant differences in primary (p = 0.058) and secondary bleeding (p = 0.142) between the two groups. All bleeding was minor and easily controlled. Multivariate logistic regression analysis ruled out significant correlation between no packing and postoperative bleeding. This study provided evidence that, in terms of postoperative hemorrhage, the safety of the electrocauterization and no-packing technique after FESS was comparable with that of nasal packing.

  6. An Amino Acid Code for β-sheet Packing Structure

    PubMed Central

    Joo, Hyun; Tsai, Jerry

    2014-01-01

    To understand the relationship between protein sequence and structure, this work extends the knob-socket model in an investigation of β-sheet packing. Over a comprehensive set of β-sheet folds, the contacts between residues were used to identify packing cliques: sets of residues that all contact each other. These packing cliques were then classified based on size and contact order. From this analysis, the 2 types of 4 residue packing cliques necessary to describe β-sheet packing were characterized. Both occur between 2 adjacent hydrogen bonded β-strands. First, defining the secondary structure packing within β-sheets, the combined socket or XY:HG pocket consists of 4 residues i,i+2 on one strand and j,j+2 on the other. Second, characterizing the tertiary packing between β-sheets, the knob-socket XY:H+B consists of a 3 residue XY:H socket (i,i+2 on one strand and j on the other) packed against a knob B residue (residue k distant in sequence). Depending on the packing depth of the knob B residue, 2 types of knob-sockets are found: side-chain and main-chain sockets. The amino acid composition of the pockets and knob-sockets reveal the sequence specificity of β-sheet packing. For β-sheet formation, the XY:HG pocket clearly shows sequence specificity of amino acids. For tertiary packing, the XY:H+B side-chain and main-chain sockets exhibit distinct amino acid preferences at each position. These relationships define an amino acid code for β-sheet structure and provide an intuitive topological mapping of β-sheet packing. PMID:24668690

  7. Packing and deploying Soft Origami to and from cylindrical volumes with application to automotive airbags

    PubMed Central

    Nelson, Todd G.; Zimmerman, Trent K.; Fernelius, Janette D.; Magleby, Spencer P.; Howell, Larry L.

    2016-01-01

    Packing soft-sheet materials of approximately zero bending stiffness using Soft Origami (origami patterns applied to soft-sheet materials) into cylindrical volumes and their deployment via mechanisms or internal pressure (inflation) is of interest in fields including automobile airbags, deployable heart stents, inflatable space habitats, and dirigible and parachute packing. This paper explores twofold patterns, the ‘flasher’ and the ‘inverted-cone fold’, for packing soft-sheet materials into cylindrical volumes. Two initial packing methods and mechanisms are examined for each of the flasher and inverted-cone fold patterns. An application to driver’s side automobile airbags is performed, and deployment tests are completed to compare the influence of packing method and origami pattern on deployment performance. Following deployment tests, two additional packing methods for the inverted-cone fold pattern are explored and applied to automobile airbags. It is shown that modifying the packing method (using different methods to impose the same base pattern on the soft-sheet material) can lead to different deployment performance. In total, two origami patterns and six packing methods are examined, and the benefits of using Soft Origami patterns and packing methods are discussed. Soft Origami is presented as a viable method for efficiently packing soft-sheet materials into cylindrical volumes. PMID:27703707

  8. Microstructural characterization of random packings of cubic particles

    PubMed Central

    Malmir, Hessam; Sahimi, Muhammad; Tabar, M. Reza Rahimi

    2016-01-01

    Understanding the properties of random packings of solid objects is of critical importance to a wide variety of fundamental scientific and practical problems. The great majority of the previous works focused, however, on packings of spherical and sphere-like particles. We report the first detailed simulation and characterization of packings of non-overlapping cubic particles. Such packings arise in a variety of problems, ranging from biological materials, to colloids and fabrication of porous scaffolds using salt powders. In addition, packing of cubic salt crystals arise in various problems involving preservation of pavements, paintings, and historical monuments, mineral-fluid interactions, CO2 sequestration in rock, and intrusion of groundwater aquifers by saline water. Not much is known, however, about the structure and statistical descriptors of such packings. We have developed a version of the random sequential addition algorithm to generate such packings, and have computed a variety of microstructural descriptors, including the radial distribution function, two-point probability function, orientational correlation function, specific surface, and mean chord length, and have studied the effect of finite system size and porosity on such characteristics. The results indicate the existence of both spatial and orientational long-range order in the packing, which is more distinctive for higher packing densities. The maximum packing fraction is about 0.57. PMID:27725736

  9. Packing and deploying Soft Origami to and from cylindrical volumes with application to automotive airbags

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bruton, Jared T.; Nelson, Todd G.; Zimmerman, Trent K.; Fernelius, Janette D.; Magleby, Spencer P.; Howell, Larry L.

    2016-09-01

    Packing soft-sheet materials of approximately zero bending stiffness using Soft Origami (origami patterns applied to soft-sheet materials) into cylindrical volumes and their deployment via mechanisms or internal pressure (inflation) is of interest in fields including automobile airbags, deployable heart stents, inflatable space habitats, and dirigible and parachute packing. This paper explores twofold patterns, the `flasher' and the `inverted-cone fold', for packing soft-sheet materials into cylindrical volumes. Two initial packing methods and mechanisms are examined for each of the flasher and inverted-cone fold patterns. An application to driver's side automobile airbags is performed, and deployment tests are completed to compare the influence of packing method and origami pattern on deployment performance. Following deployment tests, two additional packing methods for the inverted-cone fold pattern are explored and applied to automobile airbags. It is shown that modifying the packing method (using different methods to impose the same base pattern on the soft-sheet material) can lead to different deployment performance. In total, two origami patterns and six packing methods are examined, and the benefits of using Soft Origami patterns and packing methods are discussed. Soft Origami is presented as a viable method for efficiently packing soft-sheet materials into cylindrical volumes.

  10. The effect of nanoparticle packing on capacitive electrode performance.

    PubMed

    Lee, Younghee; Noh, Seonmyeong; Kim, Min-Sik; Kong, Hye Jeong; Im, Kyungun; Kwon, Oh Seok; Kim, Sungmin; Yoon, Hyeonseok

    2016-06-09

    Nanoparticles pack together to form macro-scale electrodes in various types of devices, and thus, optimization of the nanoparticle packing is a prerequisite for the realization of a desirable device performance. In this work, we provide in-depth insight into the effect of nanoparticle packing on the performance of nanoparticle-based electrodes by combining experimental and computational findings. As a model system, polypyrrole nanospheres of three different diameters were used to construct pseudocapacitive electrodes, and the performance of the electrodes was examined at various nanosphere diameter ratios and mixed weight fractions. Two numerical algorithms are proposed to simulate the random packing of the nanospheres on the electrode. The binary nanospheres exhibited diverse, complicated packing behaviors compared with the monophasic packing of each nanosphere species. The packing of the two nanosphere species with lower diameter ratios at an optimized composition could lead to more dense packing of the nanospheres, which in turn could contribute to better device performance. The dense packing of the nanospheres would provide more efficient transport pathways for ions because of the reduced inter-nanosphere pore size and enlarged surface area for charge storage. Ultimately, it is anticipated that our approach can be widely used to define the concept of "the best nanoparticle packing" for desirable device performance.

  11. Packing and deploying Soft Origami to and from cylindrical volumes with application to automotive airbags.

    PubMed

    Bruton, Jared T; Nelson, Todd G; Zimmerman, Trent K; Fernelius, Janette D; Magleby, Spencer P; Howell, Larry L

    2016-09-01

    Packing soft-sheet materials of approximately zero bending stiffness using Soft Origami (origami patterns applied to soft-sheet materials) into cylindrical volumes and their deployment via mechanisms or internal pressure (inflation) is of interest in fields including automobile airbags, deployable heart stents, inflatable space habitats, and dirigible and parachute packing. This paper explores twofold patterns, the 'flasher' and the 'inverted-cone fold', for packing soft-sheet materials into cylindrical volumes. Two initial packing methods and mechanisms are examined for each of the flasher and inverted-cone fold patterns. An application to driver's side automobile airbags is performed, and deployment tests are completed to compare the influence of packing method and origami pattern on deployment performance. Following deployment tests, two additional packing methods for the inverted-cone fold pattern are explored and applied to automobile airbags. It is shown that modifying the packing method (using different methods to impose the same base pattern on the soft-sheet material) can lead to different deployment performance. In total, two origami patterns and six packing methods are examined, and the benefits of using Soft Origami patterns and packing methods are discussed. Soft Origami is presented as a viable method for efficiently packing soft-sheet materials into cylindrical volumes.

  12. Confined disordered strictly jammed binary sphere packings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, D.; Torquato, S.

    2015-12-01

    Disordered jammed packings under confinement have received considerably less attention than their bulk counterparts and yet arise in a variety of practical situations. In this work, we study binary sphere packings that are confined between two parallel hard planes and generalize the Torquato-Jiao (TJ) sequential linear programming algorithm [Phys. Rev. E 82, 061302 (2010), 10.1103/PhysRevE.82.061302] to obtain putative maximally random jammed (MRJ) packings that are exactly isostatic with high fidelity over a large range of plane separation distances H , small to large sphere radius ratio α , and small sphere relative concentration x . We find that packing characteristics can be substantially different from their bulk analogs, which is due to what we term "confinement frustration." Rattlers in confined packings are generally more prevalent than those in their bulk counterparts. We observe that packing fraction, rattler fraction, and degree of disorder of MRJ packings generally increase with H , though exceptions exist. Discontinuities in the packing characteristics as H varies in the vicinity of certain values of H are due to associated discontinuous transitions between different jammed states. When the plane separation distance is on the order of two large-sphere diameters or less, the packings exhibit salient two-dimensional features; when the plane separation distance exceeds about 30 large-sphere diameters, the packings approach three-dimensional bulk packings. As the size contrast increases (as α decreases), the rattler fraction dramatically increases due to what we call "size-disparity" frustration. We find that at intermediate α and when x is about 0.5 (50-50 mixture), the disorder of packings is maximized, as measured by an order metric ψ that is based on the number density fluctuations in the direction perpendicular to the hard walls. We also apply the local volume-fraction variance στ2(R ) to characterize confined packings and find that these packings possess essentially the same level of hyperuniformity as their bulk counterparts. Our findings are generally relevant to confined packings that arise in biology (e.g., structural color in birds and insects) and may have implications for the creation of high-density powders and improved battery designs.

  13. 21 CFR 880.5760 - Chemical cold pack snakebite kit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. 880.5760 Section... Therapeutic Devices § 880.5760 Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. (a) Identification. A chemical cold pack snakebit kit is a device consisting of a chemical cold pack and tourniquet used for first-aid treatment of...

  14. 21 CFR 880.5760 - Chemical cold pack snakebite kit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. 880.5760 Section... Therapeutic Devices § 880.5760 Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. (a) Identification. A chemical cold pack snakebit kit is a device consisting of a chemical cold pack and tourniquet used for first-aid treatment of...

  15. 21 CFR 880.5760 - Chemical cold pack snakebite kit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. 880.5760 Section... Therapeutic Devices § 880.5760 Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. (a) Identification. A chemical cold pack snakebit kit is a device consisting of a chemical cold pack and tourniquet used for first-aid treatment of...

  16. 21 CFR 880.5760 - Chemical cold pack snakebite kit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. 880.5760 Section... Therapeutic Devices § 880.5760 Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. (a) Identification. A chemical cold pack snakebit kit is a device consisting of a chemical cold pack and tourniquet used for first-aid treatment of...

  17. 21 CFR 880.5760 - Chemical cold pack snakebite kit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. 880.5760 Section... Therapeutic Devices § 880.5760 Chemical cold pack snakebite kit. (a) Identification. A chemical cold pack snakebit kit is a device consisting of a chemical cold pack and tourniquet used for first-aid treatment of...

  18. 49 CFR 173.127 - Class 5, Division 5.1-Definition and assignment of packing groups.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ...) Packing Group II, any material which exhibits a mean pressure rise time less than or equal to the pressure... Packing Group I are not met. (iii) Packing Group III, any material which exhibits a mean pressure rise... packing groups. 173.127 Section 173.127 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation...

  19. 49 CFR 173.127 - Class 5, Division 5.1-Definition and assignment of packing groups.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ...) Packing Group II, any material which exhibits a mean pressure rise time less than or equal to the pressure... Packing Group I are not met. (iii) Packing Group III, any material which exhibits a mean pressure rise... packing groups. 173.127 Section 173.127 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation...

  20. A Calculus for Boxes and Traits in a Java-Like Setting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bettini, Lorenzo; Damiani, Ferruccio; de Luca, Marco; Geilmann, Kathrin; Schäfer, Jan

    The box model is a component model for the object-oriented paradigm, that defines components (the boxes) with clear encapsulation boundaries. Having well-defined boundaries is crucial in component-based software development, because it enables to argue about the interference and interaction between a component and its context. In general, boxes contain several objects and inner boxes, of which some are local to the box and cannot be accessed from other boxes and some can be accessible by other boxes. A trait is a set of methods divorced from any class hierarchy. Traits can be composed together to form classes or other traits. We present a calculus for boxes and traits. Traits are units of fine-grained reuse, whereas boxes can be seen as units of coarse-grained reuse. The calculus is equipped with an ownership type system and allows us to combine coarse- and fine-grained reuse of code by maintaining encapsulation of components.

  1. On the kinetics of the pack - Aluminization process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sivakumar, R.; Seigle, L. L.

    1976-01-01

    An investigation has been made of the aluminization of unalloyed Ni in fluoride-activated packs of varying Al activity. In packs of low Al activity, in which the ratio of Al to Ni was less than 50 at. pct, the specimen surface quickly came to equilibrium with the pack and remained close to equilibrium for the duration of normal coating runs. In these packs the kinetics of aluminization was controlled by diffusion in the solid. In packs of higher Al activity the surface of the specimen did not come to equilibrium with the pack and the kinetics of the process was governed by a combination of solid and gas diffusion rates. Under most conditions however, the surface composition was time-invariant and a steady-state appeared to exist at the pack-coating interface. By combining Levine and Caves' model for gaseous diffusion in pure-Al packs with calculations of solid diffusion rates some success has been achieved in explaining the results.

  2. Nonuniversality of density and disorder in jammed sphere packings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiao, Yang; Stillinger, Frank H.; Torquato, Salvatore

    2011-01-01

    We show for the first time that collectively jammed disordered packings of three-dimensional monodisperse frictionless hard spheres can be produced and tuned using a novel numerical protocol with packing density ϕ as low as 0.6. This is well below the value of 0.64 associated with the maximally random jammed state and entirely unrelated to the ill-defined "random loose packing" state density. Specifically, collectively jammed packings are generated with a very narrow distribution centered at any density ϕ over a wide density range ϕ ɛ(0.6,0.740 48…) with variable disorder. Our results support the view that there is no universal jamming point that is distinguishable based on the packing density and frequency of occurrence. Our jammed packings are mapped onto a density-order-metric plane, which provides a broader characterization of packings than density alone. Other packing characteristics, such as the pair correlation function, average contact number, and fraction of rattlers are quantified and discussed.

  3. Microscopic Origins of Shear Jamming for 2D Frictional Grains

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Dong; Ren, Jie; Dijksman, Joshua A.; Zheng, Hu; Behringer, Robert P.

    2018-05-01

    Shear jamming (SJ) occurs for frictional granular materials with packing fractions ϕ in ϕS<ϕ <ϕJ0, when the material is subject to shear strain γ starting from a force-free state. Here, ϕJμ is the isotropic jamming point for particles with a friction coefficient μ . SJ states have mechanically stable anisotropic force networks, e.g., force chains. Here, we investigate the origins of SJ by considering small-scale structures—trimers and branches—whose response to shear leads to SJ. Trimers are any three grains where the two outer grains contact a center one. Branches occur where three or more quasilinear force chain segments intersect. Certain trimers respond to shear by compressing and bending; bending is a nonlinear symmetry-breaking process that can push particles in the dilation direction faster than the affine dilation. We identify these structures in physical experiments on systems of two-dimensional frictional discs, and verify their role in SJ. Trimer bending and branch creation both increase Z above Ziso≃3 needed for jamming 2D frictional grains, and grow the strong force network, leading to SJ.

  4. Design, fabrication, test, and qualification and price analysis of third generation design solar cell modules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shepard, N. F.

    1980-03-01

    The Block 4 shingle type module makes it possible to apply a photovoltaic array to the sloping roof of a residential building by simply nailing the overlapping hexagon shaped shingles to the plywood roof sheathing. This third-generation shingle module design consists of nineteen series connected 100 mm diameter solar cells which are arranged in a closely packed hexagon configuration to provide in excess of 75 watts/sq m of exposed module area under standard operating conditions. The solar cells are individually bonded to the embossed underside of a 4.4 mm thick thermally tempered piece of glass. An experimental silicone pottant was used as the transparent bonding adhesive between the cells and glass. The semi-flexible portion of each shingle module is a composite laminate construction consisting of an outer layer of FLEXSEAL bonded to an inner core of closed cell polyethylene foam. Silaprene is used as the substrate laminating adhesive. The module design has satisfactorily survived qualification testing program which includes 50 thermal cycles between -40 and +90 C, a seven day temperature-humidity exposure test, and a wind resistance test.

  5. The Structure of Isolated Synechococcus Strain WH8102 Carboxysomes as Revealed by Electron Cryotomography

    PubMed Central

    Iancu, Cristina V.; Ding, H. Jane; Morris, Dylan M.; Dias, D. Prabha; Gonzales, Arlene D.; Martino, Anthony; Jensen, Grant J.

    2007-01-01

    Carboxysomes are organelle-like polyhedral bodies found in cyanobacteria and many chemoautotrophic bacteria that are thought to facilitate carbon fixation. Carboxysomes are bounded by a proteinaceous outer shell and filled with ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), the first enzyme in the CO2 fixation pathway, but exactly how they enhance carbon fixation is unclear. Here we report the three-dimensional structure of purified carboxysomes from Synechococcus species strain WH8102 as revealed by electron cryotomography. We found that while the sizes of individual carboxysomes in this organism varied from 114 to 137 nm, surprisingly, all were approximately icosahedral. There were on average ∼250 RuBisCOs per carboxysome, organized into 3-4 concentric layers. Some models of carboxysome function depend on specific contacts between individual RuBisCOs and the shell, but no evidence of such contacts was found: no systematic patterns of connecting densities or RuBisCO positions against the shell's presumed hexagonal lattice could be discerned, and simulations showed that packing forces alone could account for the layered organization of RuBisCOs. PMID:17669419

  6. Design, fabrication, test, and qualification and price analysis of third generation design solar cell modules

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shepard, N. F.

    1980-01-01

    The Block 4 shingle type module makes it possible to apply a photovoltaic array to the sloping roof of a residential building by simply nailing the overlapping hexagon shaped shingles to the plywood roof sheathing. This third-generation shingle module design consists of nineteen series connected 100 mm diameter solar cells which are arranged in a closely packed hexagon configuration to provide in excess of 75 watts/sq m of exposed module area under standard operating conditions. The solar cells are individually bonded to the embossed underside of a 4.4 mm thick thermally tempered piece of glass. An experimental silicone pottant was used as the transparent bonding adhesive between the cells and glass. The semi-flexible portion of each shingle module is a composite laminate construction consisting of an outer layer of FLEXSEAL bonded to an inner core of closed cell polyethylene foam. Silaprene is used as the substrate laminating adhesive. The module design has satisfactorily survived qualification testing program which includes 50 thermal cycles between -40 and +90 C, a seven day temperature-humidity exposure test, and a wind resistance test.

  7. 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.

  8. ASTRONAUT EDWARD H. WHITE II - GEMINI-TITAN (GT)-IV - ZERO GRAVITY - OUTER SPACE

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2015-03-20

    S65-30427 (3 June 1965) --- Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 (GT-4) spaceflight, floats in the zero-gravity of space during the third revolution of the GT-4 spacecraft. White wears a specially designed spacesuit. His face is shaded by a gold-plated visor to protect him from unfiltered rays of the sun. In his right hand he carries a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) that gives him control over his movements in space. White also wears an emergency oxygen chest pack; and he carries a camera mounted on the HHSMU for taking pictures of the sky, Earth and the GT-4 spacecraft. He is secured to the spacecraft by a 25-feet umbilical line and a 23-feet tether line. Both lines are wrapped together in gold tape to form one cord. Astronaut James A. McDivitt, command pilot, remained inside the spacecraft during the extravehicular activity (EVA). Photo credit: NASA EDITOR'S NOTE: Astronaut Edward H. White II died in the Apollo/Saturn 204 fire at Cape Kennedy on Jan. 27, 1967.

  9. Influence of DMPS on the water retention capacity of electroporated stratum corneum: ATR-FTIR study.

    PubMed

    Sckolnick, Maria; Hui, Sek-Wen; Sen, Arindam

    2008-02-28

    Anionic lipids like phosphatidylserine are known to significantly enhance electroporation mediated transepidermal transport of polar solutes of molecular weights up to 10kDa. The underlying mechanism of the effect of anionic lipids on transdermal transport is not fully understood. The main barrier to transdermal transport lies within the intercellular lipid matrix (ILM) of the stratum corneum (SC) and our previous studies indicate that dimyristoyl phosphatidylserine (DMPS) can perturb the packing of this lipid matrix. Here we report on our investigation on water retention in the SC following electroporation in the presence and the absence of DMPS. The water content in the outer most layers of the SC of full thickness porcine skin was determined using ATR-FTIR-spectroscopy. The results show that in the presence of DMPS, the SC remains in a state of enhanced hydration for longer periods after electroporation. This increase in water retention in the SC by DMPS is likely to play an important role in trans-epidermal transport, since improved hydration of the skin barrier can be expected to increase the partitioning of polar solutes and possibly the permeability.

  10. Very Hard Corrosion-Resistant Roll-Bonded Cr Coating on Mild Steel in Presence of Graphite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Pankaj; Khara, S.; Shekhar, S.; Mondal, K.

    2017-12-01

    The present work discusses the development of very hard Cr and Cr-carbide coating by roll bonding of Cr powder on a mild steel followed by annealing at 800, 1000, 1100 and 1200 °C with and without the presence of graphite powder packing in argon environment. In addition, the effect of a roll skin pass of 5% prior to the application of coating was studied. The presence of graphite allows diffusion of both carbon and Cr in the mild steel substrate, leading to the formation of Cr-carbide on the outer surface, making the surface very hard (VHN 1800). Depending on the annealing temperature and processing condition, diffusion layer thickness of Cr is found to be in the range of 10-250 μm with Cr content of 12.5-15 wt.% across the diffusion layer. Excellent stable passivity of the coated surface is observed in 0.2 N H2SO4, which is comparable to a highly passivating 304 stainless steel, and very low corrosion rate of the coating is observed as compared to the substrate mild steel.

  11. Fixing Stellarator Magnetic Surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hanson, James D.

    1999-11-01

    Magnetic surfaces are a perennial issue for stellarators. The design heuristic of finding a magnetic field with zero perpendicular component on a specified outer surface often yields inner magnetic surfaces with very small resonant islands. However, magnetic fields in the laboratory are not design fields. Island-causing errors can arise from coil placement errors, stray external fields, and design inadequacies such as ignoring coil leads and incomplete characterization of current distributions within the coil pack. The problem addressed is how to eliminate such error-caused islands. I take a perturbation approach, where the zero order field is assumed to have good magnetic surfaces, and comes from a VMEC equilibrium. The perturbation field consists of error and correction pieces. The error correction method is to determine the correction field so that the sum of the error and correction fields gives zero island size at specified rational surfaces. It is particularly important to correctly calculate the island size for a given perturbation field. The method works well with many correction knobs, and a Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) technique is used to determine minimal corrections necessary to eliminate islands.

  12. Compression of Fe-Si-H alloys to core pressures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tagawa, Shoh; Ohta, Kenji; Hirose, Kei; Kato, Chie; Ohishi, Yasuo

    2016-04-01

    We examined the compression behavior of hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) (Fe0.88Si0.12)1H0.61 and (Fe0.88Si0.12)1H0.79 (in atomic ratio) alloys up to 138 GPa in a diamond anvil cell (DAC). While contradicting experimental results were previously reported on the compression curve of double-hcp (dhcp) FeHx (x ≈ 1), our data show that the compressibility of hcp Fe0.88Si0.12Hx alloys is very similar to those of hcp Fe and Fe0.88Si0.12, indicating that the incorporation of hydrogen into iron does not change its compression behavior remarkably. The present experiments suggest that the inner core may contain up to 0.47 wt % hydrogen (FeH0.26) if temperature is 5000 K. The calculated density profile of Fe0.88Si0.12H0.17 alloy containing 0.32 wt % hydrogen in addition to geochemically required 6.5 wt % silicon matches the seismological observations of the outer core, supporting that hydrogen is an important core light element.

  13. Primary structure and glycosylation of the S-layer protein of Haloferax volcanii.

    PubMed Central

    Sumper, M; Berg, E; Mengele, R; Strobel, I

    1990-01-01

    The outer surface of the archaebacterium Haloferax volcanii (formerly named Halobacterium volcanii) is covered with a hexagonally packed surface (S) layer. The gene coding for the S-layer protein was cloned and sequenced. The mature polypeptide is composed of 794 amino acids and is preceded by a typical signal sequence of 34 amino acid residues. A highly hydrophobic stretch of 20 amino acids at the C-terminal end probably serves as a transmembrane domain. Clusters of threonine residues are located adjacent to this membrane anchor. The S-layer protein is a glycoprotein containing both N- and O-glycosidic bonds. Glucosyl-(1----2)-galactose disaccharides are linked to threonine residues. The primary structure and the glycosylation pattern of the S-layer glycoproteins from Haloferax volcanii and from Halobacterium halobium were compared and found to exhibit distinct differences, despite the fact that three-dimensional reconstructions from electron micrographs revealed no structural differences at least to the 2.5-nm level attained so far (M. Kessel, I. Wildhaber, S. Cohe, and W. Baumeister, EMBO J. 7:1549-1554, 1988). Images PMID:2123862

  14. Primary structure and glycosylation of the S-layer protein of Haloferax volcanii.

    PubMed

    Sumper, M; Berg, E; Mengele, R; Strobel, I

    1990-12-01

    The outer surface of the archaebacterium Haloferax volcanii (formerly named Halobacterium volcanii) is covered with a hexagonally packed surface (S) layer. The gene coding for the S-layer protein was cloned and sequenced. The mature polypeptide is composed of 794 amino acids and is preceded by a typical signal sequence of 34 amino acid residues. A highly hydrophobic stretch of 20 amino acids at the C-terminal end probably serves as a transmembrane domain. Clusters of threonine residues are located adjacent to this membrane anchor. The S-layer protein is a glycoprotein containing both N- and O-glycosidic bonds. Glucosyl-(1----2)-galactose disaccharides are linked to threonine residues. The primary structure and the glycosylation pattern of the S-layer glycoproteins from Haloferax volcanii and from Halobacterium halobium were compared and found to exhibit distinct differences, despite the fact that three-dimensional reconstructions from electron micrographs revealed no structural differences at least to the 2.5-nm level attained so far (M. Kessel, I. Wildhaber, S. Cohe, and W. Baumeister, EMBO J. 7:1549-1554, 1988).

  15. Can the design of glove dispensing boxes influence glove contamination?

    PubMed

    Assadian, O; Leaper, D J; Kramer, A; Ousey, K J

    2016-11-01

    Few studies have explored the microbial contamination of glove boxes in clinical settings. The objective of this observational study was to investigate whether a new glove packaging system in which single gloves are dispensed vertically, cuff end first, has lower levels of contamination on the gloves and on the surface around the box aperture compared with conventional glove boxes. Seven participating sites were provided with vertical glove dispensing systems (modified boxes) and conventional boxes. Before opening glove boxes, the surface around the aperture was sampled microbiologically to establish baseline levels of superficial contamination. Once the glove boxes were opened, the first pair of gloves in each box was sampled for viable bacteria. Thereafter, testing sites were visited on a weekly basis over a period of six weeks and the same microbiological assessments were made. The surface near the aperture of the modified boxes became significantly less contaminated over time compared with the conventional boxes (P<0.001), with an average of 46.7% less contamination around the aperture. Overall, gloves from modified boxes showed significantly less colony-forming unit contamination than gloves from conventional boxes (P<0.001). Comparing all sites over the entire six-week period, gloves from modified boxes had 88.9% less bacterial contamination. This simple improvement to glove box design reduces contamination of unused gloves. Such modifications could decrease the risk of microbial cross-transmission in settings that use gloves. However, such advantages do not substitute for strict hand hygiene compliance and appropriate use of non-sterile, single-use gloves. Copyright © 2016 The Healthcare Infection Society. All rights reserved.

  16. Prostatic fossa gauze-packing in the prevention of blood clot obstruction of the bladder after transvesical prostatectomy.

    PubMed

    Umunna, J I

    2010-01-01

    Clot obstruction often complicates transvesical prostatectomy. Any measure that prevents this will be a great relief to both surgeon and patient. To demonstrate that packing the prostatic fossa with roller gauze bandage after transvesical prostatectomy can prevent post-operative clot blockage of bladder drainage . Charts of all patients who had transvesical prostatectomy at Jasman Hospital Udo by me from 1988 to 1997 were sorted into two groups , Group A, not packed and Group B, packed. Information sought included patient's age, type of prostatectomy performed, whether the prostatic fossa was packed or not , average duration of catheter drainage, and complications. There were 68 patients who had no fossa packing and 72 in Group B with fossa packing. The age range of the two groups A and B were respective 45-85 year-old and 50-83 years. In both groups the highest number of patients was in the 60 t0 79 age bracket (48 in group A , 70%, and 56 in group B (78%). Bladder blockage occurred in 32(47%) patients without packing and none (0%) in group B with packing. Average duration of bladder drainage was 14 days in each group. There was no persisting vesico-cutaneous fistula. Temporary urinary incontinence occurred in three (3%) patients who had no packing and in five (7%) with packing. Gauze-packing of the prostatic fossa during transvesical prostatectomy can prevent bladder obstruction from clot retention without undue complications.

  17. Utilization of Boxes for Pesticide Storage in Sri Lanka.

    PubMed

    Pieris, Ravi; Weerasinghe, Manjula; Abeywickrama, Tharaka; Manuweera, Gamini; Eddleston, Michael; Dawson, Andrew; Konradsen, Flemming

    2017-01-01

    Pesticide self-poisoning is now considered one of the two most common methods of suicide worldwide. Encouraging safe storage of pesticides is one particular approach aimed at reducing pesticide self-poisoning. CropLife Sri Lanka (the local association of pesticide manufacturers), with the aid of the Department of Agriculture, distributed lockable in-house pesticide storage boxes free of charge to a farming community in a rural district of Sri Lanka. Padlocks were not provided with the boxes. These storage boxes were distributed to the farmers without prior education. The authors carried out a cross-sectional follow-up survey to assess the usage of boxes at 7 months after distribution. In an inspection of a sample of 239 box recipients' households, 142 households stored pesticides in the provided box at the time of survey. Among them, only 42 (42/142, 29.65%) households had locked the box; the remaining households (100/142, 70.4%) had not locked the box. A simple hand over of in-house pesticide storage boxes without awareness/education results in poor use of boxes. Additionally, providing in-house storage boxes may encourage farmers to store pesticides in and around houses and, if they are not locked, may lead to unplanned adverse effects.

  18. Cloning and expression of 3-deoxy-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid α-ketoside hydrolase from oyster hepatopancreas†

    PubMed Central

    Nakagawa, Tetsuto; Shimada, Yoshimi; Pavlova, Nadejda V; Li, Su-Chen; Li, Yu-Teh

    2015-01-01

    We have previously reported that oyster hepatopancreas contained three unusual α-ketoside hydrolases: (i) a 3-deoxy-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid α-ketoside hydrolase (α-Kdo-ase), (ii) a 3-deoxy-d-glycero-d-galacto-non-2-ulosonic acid α-ketoside hydrolase and (iii) a bifunctional ketoside hydrolase capable of cleaving both the α-ketosides of Kdn and Neu5Ac (Kdn-sialidase). After completing the purification of Kdn-sialidase, we proceeded to clone the gene encoding this enzyme. Unexpectedly, we found that instead of expressing Kdn-sialidase, our cloned gene expressed α-Kdo-ase activity. The full-length gene, consisting of 1176-bp (392 amino acids, Mr 44,604), expressed an active recombinant α-Kdo-ase (R-α-Kdo-ase) in yeast and CHO-S cells, but not in various Escherichia coli strains. The deduced amino acid sequence contains two Asp boxes (S277PDDGKTW and S328TDQGKTW) commonly found in sialidases, but is devoid of the signature FRIP-motif of sialidase. The R-α-Kdo-ase effectively hydrolyzed the Kdo in the core-oligosaccharide of the structurally defined lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Re-LPS (Kdo2-Lipid A) from Salmonella minnesota R595 and E. coli D31m4. However, Rd-LPS from S. minnesota R7 that contained an extra outer core phosphorylated heptose was only slowly hydrolyzed. The complex type LPS from Neisseria meningitides A1 and M992 that contained extra 5–6 sugar units at the outer core were refractory to R-α-Kdo-ase. This R-α-Kdo-ase should become useful for studying the structure and function of Kdo-containing glycans. PMID:26362869

  19. L-shell bifurcation of electron outer belt at the recovery phase of geomagnetic storm as observed by STEP-F and SphinX instruments onboard the CORONAS-Photon satellite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dudnik, Oleksiy; Sylwester, Janusz; Kowalinski, Miroslaw; Podgorski, Piotr

    2016-07-01

    Radiation belts and sporadically arising volumes comprising enhanced charged particle fluxes in the Earth's magnetosphere are typically studied by space-borne telescopes, semiconductor, scintillation, gaseous and other types of detectors. Ambient and internal electron bremsstrahlung in hard X-ray arises as a result of interaction of precipitating particles with the atmosphere (balloon experiments) and with the satellite's housings and instrument boxes (orbital experiments). Theses emissions provide a number of new information on the physics of radiation belts. The energies of primary electrons and their spectra responsible for measured X-ray emissions remain usually unknown. Combined measurements of particle fluxes, and their bremsstrahlung by individual satellite instruments placed next to each other provide insight to respective processes. The satellite telescope of electrons and protons STEP-F and the solar X-ray spectrophotometer SphinX were placed in close proximity to each other aboard CORONAS-Photon, the low, circular and highly inclined orbit satellite. Based on joint analysis of the data we detected new features in the high energy particle distributions of the Earth's magnetosphere during deep minimum of solar activity [1-3]. In this research the bifurcation of Van Allen outer electron radiation belt during the weak geomagnetic storm and during passage of interplanetary shock are discussed. Outer belt bifurcation and growth of electron fluxes in a wide energy range were recorded by both instruments during the recovery phase of May 8, 2009 substorm. STEP-F recorded also barely perceptible outer belt splitting on August 5, 2009, after arrival of interplanetary shock to the Earth's magnetosphere bowshock. The STEP-F and SphinX data are compared with the space weather indexes, and with relativistic electron fluxes observed at geostationary orbit. We discuss possible mechanism of the phenomena consisting in the splitting of drift shells because of Earth's magnetic field asymmetry and/or fast radial and pitch-angle particle diffusion from the outer edge of the magnetosphere. 1. P.Podgórski, O.V.Dudnik, J.Sylwester, S.Gburek, M.Kowaliński, M.Siarkowski, S.Plocieniak, J.Bąkala. Joint analysis of SphinX and STEP-F instruments data on magnetospheric electron flux dynamics at low Earth orbit / in: Abstracts of 39th Scientific Assembly of COSPAR, Mysore, India, July 14-22, 2012, Panel PSW.3: "Space Weather Data: Observations and Exploitation for Research and Applications", STW-C-119 PSW.3-0028-12, P.112. 2. O.V.Dudnik, P.Podgórski, J.Sylwester, S.Gburek, M.Kowalinski, M.Siarkowski, S.Plocieniak, and J.Bakala. X-Ray Spectrophotometer SphinX and Particle Spectrometer STEP-F of the Satellite Experiment CORONAS-PHOTON. Preliminary Results of the Joint Data Analysis / Solar System Research, 2012, V.46, No.2, P.160-169, doi:10.1134/S0038094612020025. 3. O.V.Dudnik, P.Podgórski, J.Sylwester. New perspectives to study the splitting of drift shells at the outer magnetosphere by using STEP-F and SphinX instruments on board the CORONAS-Photon satellite / in: Abstract Book of the Conference "Progress on EUV&X-ray spectroscopy and imaging II", Wroclaw, Poland, November 17-19, 2015, P.8, doi:10.13140/RG.2.1.1872.4889.

  20. Psychrotrophic Clostridium spp. associated with 'blown pack' spoilage of chilled vacuum-packed red meats and dog rolls in gas-impermeable plastic casings.

    PubMed

    Broda, D M; DeLacy, K M; Bell, R G; Braggins, T J; Cook, R L

    1996-04-01

    'Blown pack' spoilage of vacuum-packed chilled beef, lamb and venison, and of a cooked meat product, chilled dog rolls packed in an oxygen-impermeable plastic casing, was characterised by sensory, chemical and microbiological analysis. Investigation of the probable causative agents led to the isolation of eight strains of psychrotrophic clostridia. Three strains have been provisionally identified as C. difficile, C. beijerinckii and C. lituseburense; the other five remain unidentified. In inoculation studies only one isolate produced significant amount of gas on meat, causing pack 'blowing'. It is, therefore, possible that 'blown pack' spoilage involves a synergism with one or more other organisms.

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