Mathematic modeling of the method of measurement relative dielectric permeability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plotnikova, I. V.; Chicherina, N. V.; Stepanov, A. B.

2018-05-01

The method of measuring relative permittivity’s and the position of the interface between layers of a liquid medium is considered in the article. An electric capacitor is a system consisting of two conductors that are separated by a dielectric layer. It is mathematically proven that at any given time it is possible to obtain the values of the relative permittivity in the layers of the liquid medium and to determine the level of the interface between the layers of the two-layer liquid. The estimation of measurement errors is made.

Architectures and criteria for the design of high efficiency organic photovoltaic cells

DOEpatents

Rand, Barry; Forrest, Stephen R; Burk, Diana Pendergrast

2015-03-24

An organic photovoltaic cell includes an anode and a cathode, and a plurality of organic semiconductor layers between the anode and the cathode. At least one of the anode and the cathode is transparent. Each two adjacent layers of the plurality of organic semiconductor layers are in direct contact. The plurality of organic semiconductor layers includes an intermediate layer consisting essentially of a photoconductive material, and two sets of at least three layers. A first set of at least three layers is between the intermediate layer and the anode. Each layer of the first set consists essentially of a different organic semiconductor material having a higher LUMO and a higher HOMO, relative to the material of an adjacent layer of the plurality of organic semiconductor layers closer to the cathode. A second set of at least three layers is between the intermediate layer and the cathode. Each layer of the second set consists essentially of a different organic semiconductor material having a lower LUMO and a lower HOMO, relative to the material of an adjacent layer of the plurality of organic semiconductor layers closer to the anode.

Solution-processed multilayer polymer light-emitting diode without intermixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasparek, C.; Blom, P. W. M.

2017-01-01

The intermixing of two emissive layers in a four-layer solution-processed polymeric light-emitting diode with a hole injection, two emissive layers, and one hole-blocking layer is investigated. The relative emission of both emissive layers is measured and compared to a calculated recombination profile across the device using drift-diffusion simulations. A good agreement between the measured and calculated relative emission was found, supporting that there is no intermixing in the two emissive materials.

The Application of Layer Theory to Design: The Control Layer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibbons, Andrew S.; Langton, Matthew B.

2016-01-01

A theory of design layers proposed by Gibbons ("An Architectural Approach to Instructional Design." Routledge, New York, 2014) asserts that each layer of an instructional design is related to a body of theory closely associated with the concerns of that particular layer. This study focuses on one layer, the control layer, examining…

Design and construction control guidance for chemically stabilized pavement base layers.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-12-01

A laboratory and field study was conducted related to chemically stabilized pavement layers, which is also : referred to as soil-cement. Soil-cement practices within MDOT related to Class 9C soils used for base layers : were evaluated in this report....

Effect of anisotropy on defect mode peculiarities in chiral liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gevorgyan, A. H.; Oganesyan, K. B.

2018-01-01

The effect of anisotropy on defect mode peculiarities in cholesteric liquid crystals is investigated. The light transmission through the cholesteric liquid crystal layer with an anisotropic layer defect inside is solved by Ambartsumian’s layer addition modified method. Two cases are considered. In the first case, it is assumed that the defect layer is non-absorbing, and the effect of refraction anisotropy on the reflection, relative photonic density of states and the total field intensity produced in the defect layer are studied. In the second case, the defect layer is assumed to be isotropic for refraction and anisotropic for absorption, and the influence of defect layer absorption anisotropy on reflection, absorption, relative photonic density of states and the total field intensity produced in the defect layer are investigated.

Photovoltaic Cell Having A P-Type Polycrystalline Layer With Large Crystals

DOEpatents

Albright, Scot P.; Chamberlin, Rhodes R.

1996-03-26

A photovoltaic cell has an n-type polycrystalline layer and a p-type polycrystalline layer adjoining the n-type polycrystalline layer to form a photovoltaic junction. The p-type polycrystalline layer comprises a substantially planar layer portion having relatively large crystals adjoining the n-type polycrystalline layer. The planar layer portion includes oxidized impurities which contribute to obtainment of p-type electrical properties in the planar layer portion.

Generation and characterization of surface layers on acoustically levitated drops.

PubMed

Tuckermann, Rudolf; Bauerecker, Sigurd; Cammenga, Heiko K

2007-06-15

Surface layers of natural and technical amphiphiles, e.g., octadecanol, stearic acid and related compounds as well as perfluorinated fatty alcohols (PFA), have been investigated on the surface of acoustically levitated drops. In contrast to Langmuir troughs, traditionally used in the research of surface layers at the air-water interface, acoustic levitation offers the advantages of a minimized and contact-less technique. Although the film pressure cannot be directly adjusted on acoustically levitated drops, it runs through a wide pressure range due to the shrinking surface of an evaporating drop. During this process, different states of the generated surface layer have been identified, in particular the phase transition from the gaseous or liquid-expanded to the liquid-condensed state of surface layers of octadecanol and other related amphiphiles. Characteristic parameters, such as the relative permeation resistance and the area per molecule in a condensed surface layer, have been quantified and were found comparable to results obtained from surface layers generated on Langmuir troughs.

Discharge cell for ozone generator

DOEpatents

Nakatsuka, Suguru

2000-01-01

A discharge cell for use in an ozone generator is provided which can suppress a time-related reduction in ozone concentration without adding a catalytic gas such as nitrogen gas to oxygen gas as a raw material gas. The discharge cell includes a pair of electrodes disposed in an opposed spaced relation with a discharge space therebetween, and a dielectric layer of a three-layer structure consisting of three ceramic dielectric layers successively stacked on at least one of the electrodes, wherein a first dielectric layer of the dielectric layer contacting the one electrode contains no titanium dioxide, wherein a second dielectric layer of the dielectric layer exposed to the discharge space contains titanium dioxide in a metal element ratio of not lower than 10 wt %.

The inducement of planetary boundary layer mass convergence associated with varying vorticity beneath tropospheric wind maximum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. R.

1984-01-01

The effects of the vorticity distribution are applied to study planetary boundary layer mass convergence beneath free tropospheric wind maximum. For given forcing by viscous and pressure gradient forces beneath a wind maximum, boundary layer cross stream mass transport is increased by anticyclonic vorticity on the right flank and decreased by cyclonic vorticity on the left flank. Such frictionally forced mass transport induces boundary layer mass convergence beneath the relative wind maximum. This result is related to the empirical rule that the most intense convection and severe weather frequently develop beneath the 500 mb zero relative vorticity isopleth.

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

Oliver, J. B.

Planetary substrate rotation for optical-coating deposition is evaluated based on initial and final positions for a given layer with different numbers of revolutions and various deposition-source locations. The influence of partial revolutions of the rotation system is analyzed relative to the total number of planetary revolutions in that layer to determine the relative impact on film thickness and uniformity. Furthermore, guidance is provided on the necessary planetary revolutions that should take place in each layer versus the expected error level in the layer thickness for the modeled system.

Encapsulation of high temperature molten salts

DOEpatents

Oxley, James D.; Mathur, Anoop Kumar

2017-05-16

The present disclosure relates to a method of encapsulating microcapsules containing relatively high temperature phase change materials and the microcapsules so produced. The microcapsules are coated with an inorganic binder, film former and an inorganic filler. The microcapsules may include a sacrificial layer that is disposed between the particle and the coating. The microcapsules may also include an inner coating layer, sacrificial layer and outer coating layer. The microcapsules are particularly useful for thermal energy storage in connection with, e.g., heat collected from concentrating solar collectors.

Growth of coincident site lattice matched semiconductor layers and devices on crystalline substrates

DOEpatents

Norman, Andrew G; Ptak, Aaron J

2013-08-13

Methods of fabricating a semiconductor layer or device and said devices are disclosed. The methods include but are not limited to providing a substrate having a crystalline surface with a known lattice parameter (a). The method further includes growing a crystalline semiconductor layer on the crystalline substrate surface by coincident site lattice matched epitaxy, without any buffer layer between the crystalline semiconductor layer and the crystalline surface of the substrate. The crystalline semiconductor layer will be prepared to have a lattice parameter (a') that is related to the substrate lattice parameter (a). The lattice parameter (a') maybe related to the lattice parameter (a) by a scaling factor derived from a geometric relationship between the respective crystal lattices.

Fuel cell with electrolyte feed system

DOEpatents

Feigenbaum, Haim

1984-01-01

A fuel cell having a pair of electrodes at the sites of electrochemical reactions of hydrogen and oxygen and a phosphoric acid electrolyte provided with an electrolyte supporting structure in the form of a laminated matrix assembly disposed between the electrodes. The matrix assembly is formed of a central layer disposed between two outer layers, each being permeable to the flow of the electrolyte. The central layer is provided with relatively large pores while the outer layers are provided with relatively small pores. An external reservoir supplies electrolyte via a feed means to the central layer to compensate for changes in electrolyte volume in the matrix assembly during the operation of fuel cell.

Multilayer heterostructures and their manufacture

DOEpatents

Hammond, Scott R; Reese, Matthew; Rupert, Benjamin; Miedaner, Alexander; Curtis, Clavin; Olson, Dana; Ginley, David S

2015-11-04

A method of synthesizing multilayer heterostructures including an inorganic oxide layer residing on a solid substrate is described. Exemplary embodiments include producing an inorganic oxide layer on a solid substrate by a liquid coating process under relatively mild conditions. The relatively mild conditions include temperatures below 225.degree. C. and pressures above 9.4 mb. In an exemplary embodiment, a solution of diethyl aluminum ethoxide in anhydrous diglyme is applied to a flexible solid substrate by slot-die coating at ambient atmospheric pressure, and the diglyme removed by evaporation. An AlO.sub.x layer is formed by subjecting material remaining on the solid substrate to a relatively mild oven temperature of approximately 150.degree. C. The resulting AlO.sub.x layer exhibits relatively high light transmittance and relatively low vapor transmission rates for water. An exemplary embodiment of a flexible solid substrate is polyethylene napthalate (PEN). The PEN is not substantially adversely affected by exposure to 150.degree. C

Remote direct memory access over datagrams

DOEpatents

Grant, Ryan Eric; Rashti, Mohammad Javad; Balaji, Pavan; Afsahi, Ahmad

2014-12-02

A communication stack for providing remote direct memory access (RDMA) over a datagram network is disclosed. The communication stack has a user level interface configured to accept datagram related input and communicate with an RDMA enabled network interface card (NIC) via an NIC driver. The communication stack also has an RDMA protocol layer configured to supply one or more data transfer primitives for the datagram related input of the user level. The communication stack further has a direct data placement (DDP) layer configured to transfer the datagram related input from a user storage to a transport layer based on the one or more data transfer primitives by way of a lower layer protocol (LLP) over the datagram network.

Roles of drizzle in a one-dimensional third-order turbulence closure model of the nocturnal stratus-topped marine boundary layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Shouping; Wang, Qing

1994-01-01

This study focuses on the effects of drizzle in a one-dimensional third-order turbulence closure model of the nocturnal stratus-topped marine boundary layer. When the simulated drizzle rate is relatively small (maximum approximately equal to 0.6 mm/day), steady-state solutions are obtained. The boundary layer stabilizes essentially because drizzle causes evaporative cooling of the subcloud layer. This stabilization considerably reduces the buoyancy flux and turbulence kinetic energy below the stratus cloud. Thus, drizzle tends to decouple the cloud from the subcloud layer in the model, as suggested by many observational studies. In addition, the evaporation of drizzle in the subcloud layer creates small scattered clouds, which are likely to represent cumulus clouds, below the solid stratus cloud in the model. The sensitivity experiments show that these scattered clouds help maintain a coupled boundary layer. When the drizzle rate is relatively large (maximum approximately equal to 0.9 mm/day), the response of the model becomes transient with bursts in turbulent fluxes. This phenomenon is related to the formation of the scattered cloud layer below the solid stratus cloud. It appears that the model is inadequate to represent the heat and moisture transport by strong updrafts covering a small fractional area in cumulus convection.

The Impact of Wet Soil and Canopy Temperatures on Daytime Boundary-Layer Growth.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segal, M.; Garratt, J. R.; Kallos, G.; Pielke, R. A.

1989-12-01

The impact of very wet soil and canopy temperatures on the surface sensible heat flux, and on related daytime boundary-layer properties is evaluated. For very wet soils, two winter situations are considered, related to significant changes in soil surface temperature: (1) due to weather perturbations at a given location, and (2) due to the climatological north-south temperature gradient. Analyses and scaling of the various boundary-layer properties, and soil surface fluxes affecting the sensible beat flux, have been made; related evaluations show that changes in the sensible heat flux at a given location by a factor of 2 to 3 due to temperature changes related to weather perturbations is not uncommon. These changes result in significant alterations in the boundary-layer depth; in the atmospheric boundary-layer warming; and in the break-up time of the nocturnal surface temperature inversion. Investigation of the impact of the winter latitudinal temperature gradient on the above characteristics indicated that the relative increase in very wet soil sensible heat flux, due to the climatological reduction in the surface temperature in northern latitudes, moderates to some extent its reduction due to the corresponding decrease in solar radiation. Numerical model simulations confirmed these analytical evaluations.In addition, the impact of synoptic temperature perturbations during the transition seasons (fall and spring) on canopy sensible heal fluxes, and the related boundary-layer characteristics mentioned above, was evaluated. Analogous features to those found for very wet soil surfaces occurred also for the canopy situations. Likewise, evaluations were also carried out to explore the impact of high midlatitude foreste areas on the boundary-layer characteristics during the winter as compared to those during the summer. Similar impacts were found in both seasons, regardless of the substantial difference in the daily total solar radiation.

Impact of non-integer planetary revolutions on the distribution of evaporated optical coatings

DOE PAGES

Oliver, J. B.

2017-02-08

Planetary substrate rotation for optical-coating deposition is evaluated based on initial and final positions for a given layer with different numbers of revolutions and various deposition-source locations. The influence of partial revolutions of the rotation system is analyzed relative to the total number of planetary revolutions in that layer to determine the relative impact on film thickness and uniformity. Furthermore, guidance is provided on the necessary planetary revolutions that should take place in each layer versus the expected error level in the layer thickness for the modeled system.

[Effects of snow pack on soil nitrogen transformation enzyme activities in a subalpine Abies faxioniana forest of western Sichuan, China].

PubMed

Xiong, Li; Xu, Zhen-Feng; Wu, Fu-Zhong; Yang, Wan-Qin; Yin, Rui; Li, Zhi-Ping; Gou, Xiao-Lin; Tang, Shi-Shan

2014-05-01

This study characterized the dynamics of the activities of urease, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer under three depths of snow pack (deep snowpack, moderate snowpack and shallow snowpack) over the three critical periods (snow formed period, snow stable period, and snow melt period) in the subalpine Abies faxoniana forest of western Sichuan in the winter of 2012 and 2013. Throughout the winter, soil temperature under deep snowpack increased by 46.2% and 26.2%, respectively in comparison with moderate snowpack and shallow snowpack. In general, the three nitrogen-related soil enzyme activities under shallow snowpack were 0.8 to 3.9 times of those under deep snowpack during the winter. In the beginning and thawing periods of seasonal snow pack, shallow snowpack significantly increased the activities of urease, nitrate and nitrite reductase enzyme in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer. Although the activities of the studied enzymes in soil organic layer and mineral soil layer were observed to be higher than those under deep- and moderate snowpacks in deep winter, no significant difference was found under the three snow packs. Meanwhile, the effects of snowpack on the activities of the measured enzymes were related with season, soil layer and enzyme type. Significant variations of the activities of nitrogen-related enzymes were found in three critical periods over the winter, and the three measured soil enzymes were significantly higher in organic layer than in mineral layer. In addition, the activities of the three measured soil enzymes were closely related with temperature and moisture in soils. In conclusion, the decrease of snow pack induced by winter warming might increase the activities of soil enzymes related with nitrogen transformation and further stimulate the process of wintertime nitrogen transformation in soils of the subalpine forest.

Method For Improving The Oxidation Resistance Of Metal Substrates Coated With Thermal Barrier Coatings

DOEpatents

Thompson, Anthony Mark; Gray, Dennis Michael; Jackson, Melvin Robert

2003-05-13

A method for providing a protective coating on a metal-based substrate is disclosed. The method involves the application of an aluminum-rich mixture to the substrate to form a discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles, followed by the application of a second coating over the discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles. Aluminum diffuses from the aluminum-rich layer into the substrate, and into any bond coat layer which is subsequently applied. Related articles are also described. A method for providing a protective coating on a metal-based substrate is disclosed. The method involves the application of an aluminum-rich mixture to the substrate to form a discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles, followed by the application of a second coating over the discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles. Aluminum diffuses from the aluminum-rich layer into the substrate, and into any bond coat layer which is subsequently applied. Related articles are also described.

The growth of deactivated layers on CsI(Na) scintillating crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodman, N. B.

1975-01-01

An effective and sensitive measurement of the depth of a deactivated or dead layer can be obtained from the relative attenuation of the 22.162 KeV and 87.9 KeV X-rays emitted by Cd 109. The alpha-particles emitted by Am 241 are also useful in measuring dead layers less than 25 microns. The properties and temporal development of dead layers are discussed in detail. The rate of growth of a deal layer is closely related to the ambient humidity, and the damage to the crystal is irreversible by any known process. The dead layer can be minimized by polishing all crystal surfaces and by keeping the crystal in a vacuum or a dry atmosphere. Since a dead layer seriously inhibits the response of a crystal to X-rays of energies below approximately 20 keV, CsI(Na) detectors should not be used at these energies unless precautions are taken to ensure that no dead layer forms.

Magnon Valve Effect between Two Magnetic Insulators.

PubMed

Wu, H; Huang, L; Fang, C; Yang, B S; Wan, C H; Yu, G Q; Feng, J F; Wei, H X; Han, X F

2018-03-02

The key physics of the spin valve involves spin-polarized conduction electrons propagating between two magnetic layers such that the device conductance is controlled by the relative magnetization orientation of two magnetic layers. Here, we report the effect of a magnon valve which is made of two ferromagnetic insulators (YIG) separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer (Au). When a thermal gradient is applied perpendicular to the layers, the inverse spin Hall voltage output detected by a Pt bar placed on top of the magnon valve depends on the relative orientation of the magnetization of two YIG layers, indicating the magnon current induced by the spin Seebeck effect at one layer affects the magnon current in the other layer separated by Au. We interpret the magnon valve effect by the angular momentum conversion and propagation between magnons in two YIG layers and conduction electrons in the Au layer. The temperature dependence of the magnon valve ratio shows approximately a power law, supporting the above magnon-electron spin conversion mechanism. This work opens a new class of valve structures beyond the conventional spin valves.

Magnon Valve Effect between Two Magnetic Insulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, H.; Huang, L.; Fang, C.; Yang, B. S.; Wan, C. H.; Yu, G. Q.; Feng, J. F.; Wei, H. X.; Han, X. F.

2018-03-01

The key physics of the spin valve involves spin-polarized conduction electrons propagating between two magnetic layers such that the device conductance is controlled by the relative magnetization orientation of two magnetic layers. Here, we report the effect of a magnon valve which is made of two ferromagnetic insulators (YIG) separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer (Au). When a thermal gradient is applied perpendicular to the layers, the inverse spin Hall voltage output detected by a Pt bar placed on top of the magnon valve depends on the relative orientation of the magnetization of two YIG layers, indicating the magnon current induced by the spin Seebeck effect at one layer affects the magnon current in the other layer separated by Au. We interpret the magnon valve effect by the angular momentum conversion and propagation between magnons in two YIG layers and conduction electrons in the Au layer. The temperature dependence of the magnon valve ratio shows approximately a power law, supporting the above magnon-electron spin conversion mechanism. This work opens a new class of valve structures beyond the conventional spin valves.

Financial Brownian Particle in the Layered Order-Book Fluid and Fluctuation-Dissipation Relations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yura, Yoshihiro; Takayasu, Hideki; Sornette, Didier; Takayasu, Misako

2014-03-01

We introduce a novel description of the dynamics of the order book of financial markets as that of an effective colloidal Brownian particle embedded in fluid particles. The analysis of comprehensive market data enables us to identify all motions of the fluid particles. Correlations between the motions of the Brownian particle and its surrounding fluid particles reflect specific layering interactions; in the inner layer the correlation is strong and with short memory, while in the outer layer it is weaker and with long memory. By interpreting and estimating the contribution from the outer layer as a drag resistance, we demonstrate the validity of the fluctuation-dissipation relation in this nonmaterial Brownian motion process.

BOREAS Soils Data over the SSA in Raster Format and AEAC Projection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knapp, David; Rostad, Harold; Hall, Forrest G. (Editor)

2000-01-01

This data set consists of GIS layers that describe the soils of the BOREAS SSA. The original data were submitted as vector layers that were gridded by BOREAS staff to a 30-meter pixel size in the AEAC projection. These data layers include the soil code (which relates to the soil name), modifier (which also relates to the soil name), and extent (indicating the extent that this soil exists within the polygon). There are three sets of these layers representing the primary, secondary, and tertiary soil characteristics. Thus, there is a total of nine layers in this data set along with supporting files. The data are stored in binary, image format files.

Financial Brownian particle in the layered order-book fluid and fluctuation-dissipation relations.

PubMed

Yura, Yoshihiro; Takayasu, Hideki; Sornette, Didier; Takayasu, Misako

2014-03-07

We introduce a novel description of the dynamics of the order book of financial markets as that of an effective colloidal Brownian particle embedded in fluid particles. The analysis of comprehensive market data enables us to identify all motions of the fluid particles. Correlations between the motions of the Brownian particle and its surrounding fluid particles reflect specific layering interactions; in the inner layer the correlation is strong and with short memory, while in the outer layer it is weaker and with long memory. By interpreting and estimating the contribution from the outer layer as a drag resistance, we demonstrate the validity of the fluctuation-dissipation relation in this nonmaterial Brownian motion process.

Extending the Diffuse Layer Model of Surface Acidity Constant Behavior: IV. Diffuse Layer Charge/Potential Relationships

EPA Science Inventory

Most current electrostatic surface complexation models describing ionic binding at the particle/water interface rely on the use of Poisson - Boltzmann (PB) theory for relating diffuse layer charge densities to diffuse layer electrostatic potentials. PB theory is known to contain ...

Multi-layer articles and methods of making same

DOEpatents

Fritzemeier, Leslie G.; Zhang, Wei; Palm, Walter C.; Rupich, Martin W.

2005-05-17

The invention relates to superconductor articles, and compositions and methods for making superconductor articles. The methods can include using a precursor solution having a relatively small concentration of total free acid. The articles can include more than one layer of superconductor material in which at least one layer of superconductor material can be formed by a solution process, such as a solution process involving the use of metalorganic precursors.

Computer Modeling of the Dynamic Strength of Metal-Plastic Cylindrical Shells Under Explosive Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abrosimov, N. A.; Novosel'tseva, N. A.

2017-05-01

A technique for numerically analyzing the dynamic strength of two-layer metal-plastic cylindrical shells under an axisymmetric internal explosive loading is developed. The kinematic deformation model of the layered package is based on a nonclassical theory of shells. The geometric relations are constructed using relations of the simplest quadratic version of the nonlinear elasticity theory. The stress and strain tensors in the composite macrolayer are related by Hooke's law for an orthotropic body with account of degradation of the stiffness characteristics of the multilayer package due to local failure of some its elementary layers. The physical relations in the metal layer are formulated in terms of a differential theory of plasticity. An energy-correlated resolving system of dynamic equations for the metal-plastic cylindrical shells is derived by minimizing the functional of total energy of the shells as three-dimensional bodies. The numerical method for solving the initial boundary-value problem formulated is based on an explicit variational-difference scheme. The reliability of the technique considered is verified by comparing numerical results with experimental data. An analysis of the ultimate strains and strength of one-layer basalt-and glass-fiber-reinforced plastic and two-layer metalplastic cylindrical shells is carried out.

Fundamental limits of ultrathin metasurfaces

PubMed Central

Arbabi, Amir; Faraon, Andrei

2017-01-01

We present a set of universal relations which relate the local transmission, reflection, and polarization conversion coefficients of a general class of non-magnetic passive ultrathin metasurfaces. We show that these relations are a result of equal forward and backward scattering by single layer ultrathin metasurfaces, and they lead to confinement of the transmission, reflection, and polarization conversion coefficients to limited regions of the complex plane. Using these relations, we investigate the effect of the presence of a substrate, and show that the maximum polarization conversion efficiency for a transmissive metasurface decreases as the refractive index contrast between the substrate and cladding layer increases. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a single layer reflective metasurface can achieve full 2π phase shift coverage without altering the polarization if it is illuminated from the higher refractive index material. We also discuss two approaches for achieving asymmetric scattering from metasurfaces, and realizing metasurfaces which overcome the performance limitations of single layer ultrathin metasurfaces. PMID:28262739

Rank-frequency relation for Chinese characters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Weibing; Allahverdyan, Armen E.; Li, Bo; Wang, Qiuping A.

2014-02-01

We show that the Zipf's law for Chinese characters perfectly holds for sufficiently short texts (few thousand different characters). The scenario of its validity is similar to the Zipf's law for words in short English texts. For long Chinese texts (or for mixtures of short Chinese texts), rank-frequency relations for Chinese characters display a two-layer, hierarchic structure that combines a Zipfian power-law regime for frequent characters (first layer) with an exponential-like regime for less frequent characters (second layer). For these two layers we provide different (though related) theoretical descriptions that include the range of low-frequency characters (hapax legomena). We suggest that this hierarchic structure of the rank-frequency relation connects to semantic features of Chinese characters (number of different meanings and homographies). The comparative analysis of rank-frequency relations for Chinese characters versus English words illustrates the extent to which the characters play for Chinese writers the same role as the words for those writing within alphabetical systems.

Excess Oxygen Defects in Layered Cuprates

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Lightfoot, P.; Pei, S. Y.; Jorgensen, J. D.; Manthiram, A.; Tang, X. X.; Goodenough, J. B.

1990-09-01

Neutron powder diffraction has been used to study the oxygen defect chemistry of two non-superconducting layered cuprates, La{sub 1. 25}Dy{sub 0.75}Cu{sub 3.75}F{sub 0.5}, having a T{sup {asterisk}}- related structure, and La{sub 1.85}Sr{sub 1.15}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 6.25}, having a structure related to that of the newly discovered double-layer superconductor La{sub 2-x}Sr{sub x}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 6}. The role played by oxygen defects in determining the superconducting properties of layered cuprates is discussed.

p-Type semiconducting nickel oxide as an efficiency-enhancing anodal interfacial layer in bulk heterojunction solar cells

DOEpatents

Irwin, Michael D; Buchholz, Donald B; Marks, Tobin J; Chang, Robert P. H.

2014-11-25

The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a solar cell. In one embodiment, the solar cell includes an anode, a p-type semiconductor layer formed on the anode, and an active organic layer formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, where the active organic layer has an electron-donating organic material and an electron-accepting organic material.

Laminate armor and related methods

DOEpatents

Chu, Henry S; Lillo, Thomas M; Zagula, Thomas M

2013-02-26

Laminate armor and methods of manufacturing laminate armor. Specifically, laminate armor plates comprising a commercially pure titanium layer and a titanium alloy layer bonded to the commercially pure titanium outer layer are disclosed, wherein an average thickness of the titanium alloy inner layer is about four times an average thickness of the commercially pure titanium outer layer. In use, the titanium alloy layer is positioned facing an area to be protected. Additionally, roll-bonding methods for manufacturing laminate armor plates are disclosed.

Age-Related Alterations in the Retinal Microvasculature, Microcirculation, and Microstructure.

PubMed

Wei, Yantao; Jiang, Hong; Shi, Yingying; Qu, Dongyi; Gregori, Giovanni; Zheng, Fang; Rundek, Tatjana; Wang, Jianhua

2017-07-01

To characterize age-related alterations in the retinal microcirculation, microvascular network, and microstructure in healthy subjects. Seventy-four healthy subjects aged from 18 to 82 years were recruited and divided into four age groups (G1 with age <35 years, G2 with age 35 ∼ 49 years, G3 with age 50 ∼ 64 years, and G4 with age ≥65 years). Custom ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) was used to acquire six intraretinal layers of the macula. OCT angiography (OCTA) was used to image the retinal microvascular network. The retinal blood flow velocity (BFV) was measured using a Retinal Function Imager (RFI). Compared to G1, G2 had significant thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) (P < 0.05), while G3 had thinning of the RNFL and ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) (P < 0.05), in addition to thickening of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and photoreceptor layer (PR) (P < 0.05). G4 had loss in retinal vessel density, thinning in RNFL and GCIPL, and decrease in venular BFV, in addition to thickening of the OPL and PR (P < 0.05). Age was negatively related to retinal vessel densities, the inner retinal layers, and venular BFV (P < 0.05). By contrast, age was positively related to OPL and PR (P < 0.05). During aging, decreases in retinal vessel density, inner retinal layer thickness, and venular BFV were evident and impacted each other as observed by simultaneous changes in multiple retinal components.

Nitride based quantum well light-emitting devices having improved current injection efficiency

DOEpatents

Tansu, Nelson; Zhao, Hongping; Liu, Guangyu; Arif, Ronald

2014-12-09

A III-nitride based device provides improved current injection efficiency by reducing thermionic carrier escape at high current density. The device includes a quantum well active layer and a pair of multi-layer barrier layers arranged symmetrically about the active layer. Each multi-layer barrier layer includes an inner layer abutting the active layer; and an outer layer abutting the inner layer. The inner barrier layer has a bandgap greater than that of the outer barrier layer. Both the inner and the outer barrier layer have bandgaps greater than that of the active layer. InGaN may be employed in the active layer, AlInN, AlInGaN or AlGaN may be employed in the inner barrier layer, and GaN may be employed in the outer barrier layer. Preferably, the inner layer is thin relative to the other layers. In one embodiment the inner barrier and active layers are 15 .ANG. and 24 .ANG. thick, respectively.

Turbulent boundary layers over nonstationary plane boundaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roper, A. T.; Gentry, G. L., Jr.

1978-01-01

Methods of predicting integral parameters and skin friction coefficients of turbulent boundary layers developing over moving ground planes were evaluated. The three methods evaluated were: relative integral parameter method; relative power law method; and modified law of the wall method.

Characterization of nano-porosity in molecular layer deposited films.

PubMed

Perrotta, Alberto; Poodt, Paul; van den Bruele, F J Fieke; Kessels, W M M Erwin; Creatore, Mariadriana

2018-06-12

Molecular layer deposition (MLD) delivers (ultra-) thin organic and hybrid materials, with atomic-level thickness control. However, such layers are often reported to be unstable under ambient conditions, due to the interaction of water and oxygen with the hybrid structure, consequently limiting their applications. In this contribution, we investigate the impact of porosity in MLD layers on their degradation. Alucone layers were deposited by means of trimethylaluminium and ethylene glycol, adopting both temporal and spatial MLD and characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and ellipsometric porosimetry. The highest growth per cycle (GPC) achieved by spatial MLD resulted in alucone layers with very low stability in ambient air, leading to their conversion to AlOx. Alucones deposited by means of temporal MLD, instead, showed a lower GPC and a higher ambient stability. Ellipsometric porosimetry showed the presence of open nano-porosity in pristine alucone layers. Pores with a diameter in the range of 0.42-2 nm were probed, with a relative content between 1.5% and 5%, respectively, which are attributed to the temporal and spatial MLD layers. We concluded that a correlation exists between the process GPC, the open-porosity relative content, and the degradation of alucone layers.

Citizen's dosimeter

DOEpatents

Klemic, Gladys [Naperville, IL; Bailey, Paul [Chicago, IL; Breheny, Cecilia [Yonkers, NY

2008-09-02

The present invention relates to a citizen's dosimeter. More specifically, the invention relates to a small, portable, personal dosimetry device designed to be used in the wake of a event involving a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), Improvised Nuclear Device (IND), or other event resulting in the contamination of large area with radioactive material or where on site personal dosimetry is required. The card sized dosimeter generally comprises: a lower card layer, the lower card body having an inner and outer side; a upper card layer, the layer card having an inner and outer side; an optically stimulated luminescent material (OSLM), wherein the OSLM is sandwiched between the inner side of the lower card layer and the inner side of the upper card layer during dosimeter radiation recording, a shutter means for exposing at least one side of the OSLM for dosimeter readout; and an energy compensation filter attached to the outer sides of the lower and upper card layers.

Analytical and numerical modeling for flexible pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Chen, Geng

2011-12-01

The unbonded flexible pipe of eight layers, in which all the layers except the carcass layer are assumed to have isotropic properties, has been analyzed. Specifically, the carcass layer shows the orthotropic characteristics. The effective elastic moduli of the carcass layer have been developed in terms of the influence of deformation to stiffness. With consideration of the effective elastic moduli, the structure can be properly analyzed. Also the relative movements of tendons and relative displacements of wires in helical armour layer have been investigated. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model has been presented to predict the response of flexible pipes under axial force and torque. Further, the friction and contact of interlayer have been considered. Comparison between the finite element model and experimental results obtained in literature has been given and discussed, which might provide practical and technical support for the application of unbonded flexible pipes.

Decoupled direct tracking control system based on use of a virtual track for multilayer disk with a separate guide layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Yukinobu; Ogata, Takeshi; Imagawa, Seiji

2015-09-01

We developed a decoupled direct tracking control system for multilayer optical disk that uses a separate guide layer. Data marks are recorded on a recording layer immediately above the guide layer by using two spatially separated spots with different wavelengths. Accurate data mark recording requires that the relative positions of the corresponding spots on the recording layer and guide layer are maintained. However, a disk tilt can shift their relative positions and cause previously recorded data marks to be overwritten. Additionally, a two-input/two-output control system is susceptible to mutual interference phenomenon between the two outputs, which can destabilize tracking control. A tracking control system based on use of data marks previously recorded as a virtual track has been developed that prevents spot shifting and mutual interference even if the disk tilt reaches 0.7°, thereby preventing overwriting.

Relative Translucency of a Multilayered Ultratranslucent Zirconia Material.

PubMed

Shamseddine, Loubna; Majzoub, Zeina

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare the translucency parameter (TP) of ultratranslucent multilayered (UTML) zirconia according to thickness and layer level. Rectangles of UTML zirconia with four layers [dentin layer (DEL), first transitional layer (FTL), second transitional layer (STL), and enamel layer (ENL)] and four different thicknesses (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 mm) were milled from blanks. Digital images were taken in a dark studio against white and black backgrounds under simulated daylight illumination and international commission on illumination (CIE) Lab* color values recorded using Photoshop Creative Cloud software. The TP was computed and compared according to thickness and layer level using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc analysis for multiple comparisons. Significance was set at p < 0.05. In each thickness, TP values were similar between any two layers. The significant effect of thickness on the TP was observed only in the first two layers. In the DEL, translucency was significantly greater at 0.4 mm than all other thicknesses. In the FTL, differences were significant between 0.4 and 0.8 mm and between 0.4 and 1 mm. The investigated zirconia does not seem to show gradational changes in relative translucency from dentin to enamel levels regardless of the thickness used. Thickness affected the TP only in the first two layers with better translu-cency at 0.4 mm. Since relative translucency does not seem to be significantly different between layers, clinicians can modify the apicocoronal positioning of the UTML layers within the restoration according to the desired Chroma without any implications on the clinically perceived translucency. While the thickness of 0.4 mm may be suggested for anterior esthetic veneers because of its higher translucency, the other thicknesses of 0.6 to 1 mm can be used to mask colored abutments in full contour restorations.

Dense, layered membranes for hydrogen separation

DOEpatents

Roark, Shane E.; MacKay, Richard; Mundschau, Michael V.

2006-02-21

This invention provides hydrogen-permeable membranes for separation of hydrogen from hydrogen-containing gases. The membranes are multi-layer having a central hydrogen-permeable layer with one or more catalyst layers, barrier layers, and/or protective layers. The invention also relates to membrane reactors employing the hydrogen-permeable membranes of the invention and to methods for separation of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing gas using the membranes and reactors. The reactors of this invention can be combined with additional reactor systems for direct use of the separated hydrogen.

Langmuir probe measurements of double-layers in a pulsed discharge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, J. S.; Crawford, F. W.

1980-01-01

Langmuir probe measurements were carried out which confirm the occurrence of double-layers in an argon positive column. Pulsing the discharge current permitted probe measurements to be performed in the presence of the double-layer. Supplementary evidence, obtained from DC and pulsed discharges, indicated that the double-layers formed in the two modes of operation were similar. The double-layers observed were weak and stable; their relation to other classes of double-layers are discussed, and directions for future work are suggested.

Catalytic devices

DOEpatents

Liu, Ming; Zhang, Xiang

2018-01-23

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to catalytic devices. In one aspect, a device includes a substrate, an electrically insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a layer of material disposed on the electrically insulating layer, and a catalyst disposed on the layer of material. The substrate comprises an electrically conductive material. The substrate and the layer of material are electrically coupled to one another and configured to have a voltage applied across them.

Inventory of File nam.t00z.smartpr00.tm00.grib2

Science.gov Websites

layer WDIR analysis Wind Direction (from which blowing) [degtrue] 016 planetary boundary layer WIND analysis Wind Speed [m/s] 017 planetary boundary layer RH analysis Relative Humidity [%] 018 planetary boundary layer DIST analysis Geometric Height [m] 019 surface 4LFTX analysis Best (4 layer) Lifted Index [K

Inventory of File nam.t00z.smartak00.tm00.grib2

Science.gov Websites

layer WDIR analysis Wind Direction (from which blowing) [degtrue] 016 planetary boundary layer WIND analysis Wind Speed [m/s] 017 planetary boundary layer RH analysis Relative Humidity [%] 018 planetary boundary layer DIST analysis Geometric Height [m] 019 surface 4LFTX analysis Best (4 layer) Lifted Index [K

Inventory of File gfs.t06z.smartguam00.tm00.grib2

Science.gov Websites

boundary layer WDIR analysis Wind Direction (from which blowing) [degtrue] 013 planetary boundary layer WIND analysis Wind Speed [m/s] 014 planetary boundary layer RH analysis Relative Humidity [%] 015 planetary boundary layer DIST analysis Geometric Height [m] 016 surface 4LFTX analysis Best (4 layer) Lifted

Inventory of File nam.t00z.smarthi00.tm00.grib2

Science.gov Websites

layer WDIR analysis Wind Direction (from which blowing) [degtrue] 016 planetary boundary layer WIND analysis Wind Speed [m/s] 017 planetary boundary layer RH analysis Relative Humidity [%] 018 planetary boundary layer DIST analysis Geometric Height [m] 019 surface 4LFTX analysis Best (4 layer) Lifted Index [K

High dielectric constant and energy density induced by the tunable TiO2 interfacial buffer layer in PVDF nanocomposite contained with core-shell structured TiO2@BaTiO3 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Penghao; Jia, Zhuye; Shen, Zhonghui; Wang, Peng; Liu, Xiaoru

2018-05-01

To realize application in high-capacity capacitors and portable electric devices, large energy density is eagerly desired for polymer-based nanocomposite. The core-shell structured nanofillers with inorganic buffer layer are recently supposed to be promising in improving the dielectric property of polymer nanocomposite. In this work, core-shell structured TO@BT nanoparticles with crystalline TiO2 buffer layer coated on BaTiO3 nanoparticle were fabricated via solution method and heat treatment. The thickness of the TO buffer layer can be tailored by modulating the additive amount of the titanate coupling agent in preparation process, and the apparent dielectric properties of nanocomposite are much related to the thickness of the TO layer. The relatively thin TO layer prefer to generate high polarization to increase dielectric constant while the relatively thick TO layer would rather to homogenize field to maintain breakdown strength. Simulation of electric field distribution in the interfacial region reveals the improving effect of the TO buffer layer on the dielectric properties of nanocomposite which accords with the experimental results well. The optimized nanoparticle TO@BT-2 with a mean thickness of 3-5 nm buffer layer of TO is effective in increasing both the ε and Eb in the PVDF composite film. The maximal discharged energy density of 8.78 J/cm3 with high energy efficiency above 0.6 is obtained in TO@BT-2/PVDF nanocomposite with 2.5 vol% loading close to the breakdown strength of 380 kV/mm. The present study demonstrates the approach to optimize the structure of core-shell nanoparticles by modulating buffer layer and provides a new way to further enlarge energy density in polymer nanocomposite.

In silico studies of the properties of water hydrating a small protein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, Sudipta Kumar; Jana, Madhurima; Chakraborty, Kausik; Bandyopadhyay, Sanjoy

2014-12-01

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation of an aqueous solution of the small protein HP-36 has been carried out with explicit solvent at room temperature. Efforts have been made to explore the influence of the protein on the relative packing and ordering of water molecules around its secondary structures, namely, three α-helices. The calculations reveal that the inhomogeneous water ordering and density distributions around the helices are correlated with their relative hydrophobicity. Importantly, we have identified the existence of a narrow relatively dehydrated region containing randomly organized "quasi-free" water molecules beyond the first layer of "bound" waters at the protein surface. These water molecules with relatively weaker binding energies form the transition state separating the "bound" and "free" water molecules at the interface. Further, increased contribution of solid-like caging motions of water molecules around the protein is found to be responsible for reduced fluidity of the hydration layer. Interestingly, we notice that the hydration layer of helix-3 is more fluidic with relatively higher entropy as compared to the hydration layers of the other two helical segments. Such characteristics of helix-3 hydration layer correlate well with the activity of HP-36, as helix-3 contains the active site of the protein.

Evaluation of two working methods for screed floor layers on musculoskeletal complaints, work demands and workload.

PubMed

Visser, Steven; van der Molen, Henk F; Kuijer, P Paul F M; van Holland, Berry J; Frings-Dresen, Monique H W

2013-01-01

Screed floors are bound by sand-cement (SF) or by anhydrite (AF). Sand-cement floors are levelled manually and anhydrite floors are self-levelling and therefore differences in work demands and prevalences of musculoskeletal complaints might occur. The objective was to assess among SF layers and AF layers (1) the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints and (2) the physical work demands, energetic workload, perceived workload and discomfort. A questionnaire survey and an observational field study were performed. Compared with AF layers (n = 35), SF layers (n = 203) had higher, however, not statistically significant different, prevalences of neck (20% vs. 7%), shoulder (27% vs. 13%), low back (39% vs. 26%) and ankles/feet (9% vs. 0%) complaints. Sand-cement-bound screed floor layers (n = 18) bent and kneeled significantly longer (Δ77 min and Δ94 min; respectively), whereas AF layers (n = 18) stood significantly longer (Δ60 min). The work demands of SF layers exceeded exposure criteria for low back and knee complaints and therefore new working measures should be developed and implemented. In comparison with anhydrite-bound screed floor layers, sand-cement-bound screed floor layers exceeded exposure criteria for work-related low back and knee complaints. New working methods and measures for sand-cement-bound screed floor layers should be developed and implemented to reduce the risk for work-related musculoskeletal complaints.

Research and embedded implementation of Layer 3 switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jin; Cheng, Zijing

2009-12-01

In the internetworking world, switches and routers have been deployed for workgroup and enterprise connectivity. In the past, switches mainly operated at Layer 2 (they were extensions of bridges), while routers were clearly Layer3 devices. Recently, the line has blurred and switches operating at Layer 3 are becoming more popular. This paper explains the Linux Bridge, Layer 2 Switches, Virtual LAN (VLAN) and Layer 3 Switches. The flow chart of Layer 3 switches and working routine related to Layer 3 switch technology were investigated in detail. This paper presents a new method to implement layer 3 switching that is entirely accomplished in software and is embedded implemented by code transplanting based on PowerPC 460GT platform.

Stacked white OLED having separate red, green and blue sub-elements

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen; Qi, Xiangfei; Slootsky, Michael

2014-07-01

The present invention relates to efficient organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). The devices employ three emissive sub-elements, typically emitting red, green and blue, to sufficiently cover the visible spectrum. Thus, the devices may be white-emitting OLEDs, or WOLEDs. Each sub-element comprises at least one organic layer which is an emissive layer--i.e., the layer is capable of emitting light when a voltage is applied across the stacked device. The sub-elements are vertically stacked and are separated by charge generating layers. The charge-generating layers are layers that inject charge carriers into the adjacent layer(s) but do not have a direct external connection.

Two-axis magnetic field sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Carl H. (Inventor); Nordman, Catherine A. (Inventor); Jander, Albrecht (Inventor); Qian, Zhenghong (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field sensor with first and second sensitive direction sensing structures each having a nonmagnetic intermediate layer with two major surfaces on opposite sides thereof having a magnetization reference layer on one and an anisotropic ferromagnetic material sensing layer on the other having a length in a selected length direction and a smaller width perpendicular thereto and parallel to the relatively fixed magnetization direction. The relatively fixed magnetization direction of said magnetization reference layer in each is oriented in substantially parallel to the substrate but substantially perpendicular to that of the other. An annealing process is used to form the desired magnetization directions.

Normal Incidence for Graded Index Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khankhoje, Uday K.; Van Zyl, Jakob

2011-01-01

A plane wave is incident normally from vacuum (eta(sub 0) = 1) onto a smooth surface. The substrate has three layers; the top most layer has thickness d(sub 1) and permittivity epsilon(sub 1). The corresponding numbers for the next layer are d(sub 2); epsilon(sub 2), while the third layer which is semi-in nite has index eta(sub 3). The Hallikainen model [1] is used to relate volumetric soil moisture to the permittivity. Here, we consider the relation for the real part of the permittivity for a typical loam soil: acute epsilon(mv) = 2.8571 + 3.9678 x mv + 118:85 x mv(sup 2).

Specifications of ZnO growth for heterostructure solar cell and PC1D based simulations

PubMed Central

Hussain, Babar; Ebong, Abasifreke

2015-01-01

This data article is related to our recently published article (Hussain et al., in press [1]) where we have proposed a new solar cell model based on n-ZnO as front layer and p-Si as rear region. The ZnO layer will act as an active n-layer as well as antireflection (AR) coating saving considerable processing cost. There are several reports presenting use of ZnO as window/antireflection coating in solar cells (Mansoor et al., 2015; Haq et al., 2014; Hussain et al., 2014; Matsui et al., 2014; Ding et al., 2014 [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]) but, here, we provide data specifically related to simultaneous use of ZnO as n-layer and AR coating. Apart from the information we already published, we provide additional data related to growth of ZnO (with and without Ga incorporation) layers using MOCVD. The data related to PC1D based simulation of internal and external quantum efficiencies with and without antireflection effects of ZnO as well as the effects of doping level in p-Si on current–voltage characteristics have been provided. PMID:26587557

A two-layered mechanical model of the rat esophagus. Experiment and theory

PubMed Central

Fan, Yanhua; Gregersen, Hans; Kassab, Ghassan S

2004-01-01

Background The function of esophagus is to move food by peristaltic motion which is the result of the interaction of the tissue forces in the esophageal wall and the hydrodynamic forces in the food bolus. The structure of the esophagus is layered. In this paper, the esophagus is treated as a two-layered structure consisting of an inner collagen-rich submucosa layer and an outer muscle layer. We developed a model and experimental setup for determination of elastic moduli in the two layers in circumferential direction and related the measured elastic modulus of the intact esophagus to the elastic modulus computed from the elastic moduli of the two layers. Methods Inflation experiments were done at in vivo length and pressure-diameters relations were recorded for the rat esophagus. Furthermore, the zero-stress state was taken into consideration. Results The radius and the strain increased as function of pressure in the intact as well as in the individual layers of the esophagus. At pressures higher than 1.5 cmH2O the muscle layer had a larger radius and strain than the mucosa-submucosa layer. The strain for the intact esophagus and for the muscle layer was negative at low pressures indicating the presence of residual strains in the tissue. The stress-strain curve for the submucosa-mucosa layer was shifted to the left of the curves for the muscle layer and for the intact esophagus at strains higher than 0.3. The tangent modulus was highest in the submucosa-mucosa layer, indicating that the submucosa-mucosa has the highest stiffness. A good agreement was found between the measured elastic modulus of the intact esophagus and the elastic modulus computed from the elastic moduli of the two separated layers. PMID:15518591

Systems and methods for using a boehmite bond-coat with polyimide membranes for gas separation

DOEpatents

Polishchuk, Kimberly Ann

2013-03-05

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to gas separation membranes and, more specifically, to polyimide gas separation membranes. In an embodiment, a gas separation membrane includes a porous substrate, a substantially continuous polyimide membrane layer, and one or more layers of boehmite nanoparticles disposed between the porous substrate and the polyimide membrane layer to form a bond-coat layer. The bond-coat layer is configured to improve the adhesion of the polyimide membrane layer to the porous substrate, and the polyimide membrane layer has a thickness approximately 100 nm or less.

Age-Related Alterations in the Retinal Microvasculature, Microcirculation, and Microstructure

PubMed Central

Wei, Yantao; Jiang, Hong; Shi, Yingying; Qu, Dongyi; Gregori, Giovanni; Zheng, Fang; Rundek, Tatjana; Wang, Jianhua

2017-01-01

Purpose To characterize age-related alterations in the retinal microcirculation, microvascular network, and microstructure in healthy subjects. Methods Seventy-four healthy subjects aged from 18 to 82 years were recruited and divided into four age groups (G1 with age <35 years, G2 with age 35 ∼ 49 years, G3 with age 50 ∼ 64 years, and G4 with age ≥65 years). Custom ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) was used to acquire six intraretinal layers of the macula. OCT angiography (OCTA) was used to image the retinal microvascular network. The retinal blood flow velocity (BFV) was measured using a Retinal Function Imager (RFI). Results Compared to G1, G2 had significant thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) (P < 0.05), while G3 had thinning of the RNFL and ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) (P < 0.05), in addition to thickening of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and photoreceptor layer (PR) (P < 0.05). G4 had loss in retinal vessel density, thinning in RNFL and GCIPL, and decrease in venular BFV, in addition to thickening of the OPL and PR (P < 0.05). Age was negatively related to retinal vessel densities, the inner retinal layers, and venular BFV (P < 0.05). By contrast, age was positively related to OPL and PR (P < 0.05). Conclusions During aging, decreases in retinal vessel density, inner retinal layer thickness, and venular BFV were evident and impacted each other as observed by simultaneous changes in multiple retinal components. PMID:28744554

Dependency-based long short term memory network for drug-drug interaction extraction.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Yang, Xi; Yang, Canqun; Guo, Xiaowei; Zhang, Xiang; Wu, Chengkun

2017-12-28

Drug-drug interaction extraction (DDI) needs assistance from automated methods to address the explosively increasing biomedical texts. In recent years, deep neural network based models have been developed to address such needs and they have made significant progress in relation identification. We propose a dependency-based deep neural network model for DDI extraction. By introducing the dependency-based technique to a bi-directional long short term memory network (Bi-LSTM), we build three channels, namely, Linear channel, DFS channel and BFS channel. All of these channels are constructed with three network layers, including embedding layer, LSTM layer and max pooling layer from bottom up. In the embedding layer, we extract two types of features, one is distance-based feature and another is dependency-based feature. In the LSTM layer, a Bi-LSTM is instituted in each channel to better capture relation information. Then max pooling is used to get optimal features from the entire encoding sequential data. At last, we concatenate the outputs of all channels and then link it to the softmax layer for relation identification. To the best of our knowledge, our model achieves new state-of-the-art performance with the F-score of 72.0% on the DDIExtraction 2013 corpus. Moreover, our approach obtains much higher Recall value compared to the existing methods. The dependency-based Bi-LSTM model can learn effective relation information with less feature engineering in the task of DDI extraction. Besides, the experimental results show that our model excels at balancing the Precision and Recall values.

HISTOLOGY OF GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY SECONDARY TO AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A Multilayer Approach.

PubMed

Li, Miaoling; Huisingh, Carrie; Messinger, Jeffrey; Dolz-Marco, Rosa; Ferrara, Daniela; Freund, K Bailey; Curcio, Christine A

2018-05-03

To systematically characterize histologic features of multiple chorioretinal layers in eyes with geographic atrophy, or complete retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retinal atrophy, secondary to age-related macular degeneration, including Henle fiber layer and outer nuclear layer; and to compare these changes to those in the underlying RPE-Bruch membrane-choriocapillaris complex and associated extracellular deposits. Geographic atrophy was delimited by the external limiting membrane (ELM) descent towards Bruch membrane. In 13 eyes, histologic phenotypes and/or thicknesses of Henle fiber layer, outer nuclear layer, underlying supporting tissues, and extracellular deposits at four defined locations on the non-atrophic and atrophic sides of the ELM descent were assessed and compared across other tissue layers, with generalized estimating equations and logit models. On the non-atrophic side of the ELM descent, distinct Henle fiber layer and outer nuclear layer became dyslaminated, cone photoreceptor inner segment myoids shortened, photoreceptor nuclei and mitochondria translocated inward, and RPE was dysmorphic. On the atrophic side of the ELM descent, all measures of photoreceptor health declined to zero. Henle fiber layer/outer nuclear layer thickness halved, and only Müller cells remained, in the absence of photoreceptors. Sub-RPE deposits remained, Bruch membrane thinned, and choriocapillaris density decreased. The ELM descent sharply delimits an area of marked gliosis and near-total photoreceptor depletion clinically defined as Geographic atrophy (or outer retinal atrophy), indicating severe and potentially irreversible tissue damage. Degeneration of supporting tissues across this boundary is gradual, consistent with steady age-related change and suggesting that RPE and Müller cells subsequently respond to a threshold of stress. Novel clinical trial endpoints should be sought at age-related macular degeneration stages before intense gliosis and thick deposits impede therapeutic intervention.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.

SUBFIELD AND LAYER-SPECIFIC DEPLETION IN CALBINDIN-D28K, CALRETININ AND PARVALBUMIN IMMUNOREACTIVITY IN THE DENTATE GYRUS OF APP/PS1 TRANSGENIC MICE

PubMed Central

Popovi, Miroljub; Caballero-Bleda, María; Kadish, Inga; van Groen, Thomas

2008-01-01

The depletion of neuronal calcium binding proteins deprives neurons of the capacity to buffer high levels of intracellular Ca2+ and this leaves them vulnerable to pathological processes, such as those present in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of the calcium binding proteins, calbindin-D28K, calretinin and parvalbumin in the dentate gyrus (DG) of APP/PS1 transgenic mice and their non-Tg littermates, as well as the relation with the deposition of human Aβ. We measured the expression of these three proteins at seven different rostro-caudal levels, and in the molecular, granular and polymorphic layers of the DG. We found that, except in the most caudal part of the DG, there is a substantial loss of calbindin-D28K immunoreactivity in all three layers of the DG in APP/PS1 mice compared to the non-Tg mice. Significant loss of calretinin immunoreactivity is present in most of the polymorphic layer of the DG of APP/PS1 mice compared to the non-Tg mice, as well as in the rostral and intermediate part of the inner molecular layer. Compared to the non-Tg mice parvalbumin immunoreactivity is significantly reduced throughout the whole polymorphic layer as well as in the rostral and intermediate part of the granular layer of DG in APP/PS1 mice. The relatively preservation of calbindin immunoreactivity in the caudal part of molecular and granular layers as well as calretinin immunoreactivity in the caudal part of polymorphic layer of the DG is likely related to the lower Aβ expression in those parts of DG. The present data suggest an involvement of calcium-dependent pathways in the pathogenesis of AD and indicate that there exists a subfield and layer-specific decrease in immunoreactivity which is related to the type of calcium-binding protein in APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, it seems that APP expression affects more the calbindin expression then parvalbumin and calretinin expression in the DG of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. PMID:18583063

Relating results from earthworm toxicity tests to agricultural soil

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beyer, W.N.; Greig-Smith, P.W.

1992-01-01

The artificial soil tests of the European Economic Community and of the Organization for Economic Cooperation produce data relating earthworm mortality to pesticide concentrations in soil under laboratory conditions. To apply these results to agricultural soils it is necessary to relate these concentrations to amounts of pesticide applied per area. This paper reviews the relevant published literature and suggests a simple relation for regulatory use. Hazards to earthworms from pesticides are suggested to be greatest soon after application, when the pesticides may be concentrated in a soil layer a few millimeters thick. For estimating exposure of earthworms, however, a thicker soil layer should be considered, to account for their movement through soil. During favorable weather conditions, earthworms belonging to species appropriate to the artificial soil test have been reported to confine their activity to a layer about 5 cm. If a 5-cm layer is accepted as relevant for regulatory purposes, then an application of 1 kg/ha would be equivalent to 1-67 ppm (dry) in the artificial soil test.

Method and apparatus for the evaluation of a depth profile of thermo-mechanical properties of layered and graded materials and coatings

DOEpatents

Finot, Marc; Kesler, Olivera; Suresh, Subra

1998-01-01

A technique for determining properties such as Young's modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, and residual stress of individual layers within a multi-layered sample is presented. The technique involves preparation of a series of samples, each including one additional layer relative to the preceding sample. By comparison of each sample to a preceding sample, properties of the topmost layer can be determined, and residual stress at any depth in each sample, resulting from deposition of the top layer, can be determined.

Conductive and robust nitride buffer layers on biaxially textured substrates

DOEpatents

Sankar, Sambasivan [Chicago, IL; Goyal, Amit [Knoxville, TN; Barnett, Scott A [Evanston, IL; Kim, Ilwon [Skokie, IL; Kroeger, Donald M [Knoxville, TN

2009-03-31

The present invention relates to epitaxial, electrically conducting and mechanically robust, cubic nitride buffer layers deposited epitaxially on biaxially textured substrates such as metals and alloys. The invention comprises of a biaxially textured substrate with epitaxial layers of nitrides. The invention also discloses a method to form such epitaxial layers using a high rate deposition method as well as without the use of forming gases. The invention further comprises epitaxial layers of oxides on the biaxially textured nitride layer. In some embodiments the article further comprises electromagnetic devices which may have superconducting properties.

Laser interferometer/Preston tube skin-friction comparison in shock/boundary-layer interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, K.-S.; Lee, Y.; Settles, G. S.

1991-01-01

An evaluation is conducted of the accuracy of the 'Preston tube' surface pitot-pressure skin friction measurement method relative to the already proven laser interferometer skin-friction meter in a swept shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction. The Preston tube was used to estimate the total shear-stress distribution in a fin-generated swept shock-wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction. The Keener-Hopkins calibration method using the isentropic relation to calculate the Preston-tube Mach number produces the best results.

Mössbauer study of oxide phase distributions in rust formed on steel constructions near the Black Sea in Sochi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippov, V. P.; Lauer, Yu. A.; Goloborodko, P. G.; Polyakov, A. M.

2016-12-01

The phase composition of the intermediate oxide layers formed on elements of steel structures at different positions relative to the sea water of the Black Sea near Sochi are investigated. The differences of the phase composition of these oxide layers are shown, depending on the location of the design details in relation to the sea and the abundancies of certain types of oxides in the studied layers are discussed.

Plasma Oxidation Of Silver And Zinc In Low-Emissivity Stacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ross, R. C.; Sherman, R.,; Bunger, R. A.; Nadel, S. J.

1987-11-01

The oxidation of silver and zinc films was studied by exposing metallic films to low-power 02 plasmas and analyzing the reacted films. This type of oxidation is an important phenomenon near the barrier layer in sputter-deposited metal-oxide/Ag/metal-oxide low-emissivity (low-e) coatings. Barrier layers generally are deposited on the Ag layer to prevent its degradation during subsequent 02 reactive sputtering. Both individual layers and complete stacks were studied. In addition, the thermal stability of plasma-oxidized Ag was examined. There are several important findings for the individual layers. Ag oxidizes rapidly in the plasma, forming Ag≍1.70 after complete reaction. Relative to the original Ag, the 9ide has -l.7 times greater thick-ness, >10 times higher electrical resistiv-ity (p), and increased surface roughness. Zn oxidizes slowly, at only -1% to 0.1% times the rate for Ag, and is thus more difficult to characterize. The results for individual layers are discussed as they relate to practical pro-perties of low-e stacks: the difficulty of obtaining complete barrier layer oxidation without partially degrading the Ag layer as well as the effects of heat treatment and aging.

Predator-Prey Dynamics in the Mesopelagic: Odontocete Foraging Ecology and Anti-predator Behavior of Prey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benoit-Bird, K. J.

2016-02-01

We explored the behavior of Risso's dolphins foraging in scattering layers off California using an integrated approach comprising echosounders deployed in a deep-diving autonomous underwater vehicle, ship based acoustics, visual observations, direct prey sampling, and animal-borne tags on deep-diving predators. We identified three distinct prey layers: a persistent layer around 425 m, a vertically migrating layer around 300 m, and a layer intermittently present near 50 m, all of which were used by individual tagged animals. Active acoustic measurements demonstrated that Risso's dolphins dove to discrete prey layers throughout the day and night with only slightly higher detection rates at night. Dolphins were detected in all three layers during the day with over half of detections in the middle layer, 20% of detections in the deepest layer, and 10% falling outside the main layers. Dolphins were found less frequently in areas where the shallow, intermittent layer was absent, suggesting that this layer, while containing the smallest prey and the lowest densities of squid, was an important component of their foraging strategy. The deepest layer was targeted equally both during the day and at night. Using acoustic data collected from the AUV, we found layers were made up of distinct, small patches of animals of similar size and taxonomy adjacent to contrasting patches. Squid made up over 70% of the patches in which dolphins were found and more than 95% of those in deep water. Squid targeted by dolphins in deep water were also relatively large, indicating significant benefit from these relatively rare, physically demanding dives. Within these patches, prey formed tighter aggregations when Risso's dolphins were present. Careful integration of a suite of traditional and novel tools is providing insight into the ecology and dynamics of predator and prey in the mesopelagic.

Resonant infrared detector with substantially unit quantum efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farhoomand, Jam (Inventor); Mcmurray, Robert E., Jr. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A resonant infrared detector includes an infrared-active layer which has first and second parallel faces and which absorbs radiation of a given wavelength. The detector also includes a first tuned reflective layer, disposed opposite the first face of the infrared-active layer, which reflects a specific portion of the radiation incident thereon and allows a specific portion of the incident radiation at the given wavelength to reach the infrared-active layer. A second reflective layer, disposed opposite the second face of the infrared-active layer, reflects back into the infrared-active layer substantially all of the radiation at the given wavelength which passes through the infrared-active layer. The reflective layers have the effect of increasing the quantum efficiency of the infrared detector relative to the quantum efficiency of the infrared-active layer alone.

[Abnormal of tear lipid layer and recent advances in clinical study of dry eye].

PubMed

Xiao, Xin-Ye; Liu, Zu-Guo

2012-03-01

Dry eye is a common disease in the ophthalmological clinic, which is related to the dysfunction of tear film. The tear film is composed of lipid layer, aqueous layer and mucin layer (or lipid layer, aqueous/mucin layer). The lipid of the outmost layer derived from Meibomian gland and distributed on the tear film after blinking can decrease the evaporation and stabilize the tear film. The thickness, quality, and distribution of lipid layer are impaired in many dry eye patients, hence restoring the physiological function of lipid layer may be crucial for the treatment of this kind of dry eye. The lipid artificial tears manifest great effects on increasing lipid layer thickness, stabilizing tear film, improving Meibomian gland dysfunction, and promoting tear film distribution.

Relation between boundary slip mechanisms and waterlike fluid behavior.

PubMed

Ternes, Patricia; Salcedo, Evy; Barbosa, Marcia C

2018-03-01

The slip of a fluid layer in contact with a solid confining surface is investigated for different temperatures and densities using molecular dynamic simulations. We show that for an anomalous waterlike fluid the slip goes as follows: for low levels of shear, defect slip appears and is related to the particle exchange between the fluid layers; at high levels of shear, global slip occurs and is related to the homogeneous distribution of the fluid in the confining surfaces. The oscillations in the transition velocity from defect to global slip are shown to be associated with changes in the layering distribution in the anomalous fluid.

Clustering network layers with the strata multilayer stochastic block model.

PubMed

Stanley, Natalie; Shai, Saray; Taylor, Dane; Mucha, Peter J

2016-01-01

Multilayer networks are a useful data structure for simultaneously capturing multiple types of relationships between a set of nodes. In such networks, each relational definition gives rise to a layer. While each layer provides its own set of information, community structure across layers can be collectively utilized to discover and quantify underlying relational patterns between nodes. To concisely extract information from a multilayer network, we propose to identify and combine sets of layers with meaningful similarities in community structure. In this paper, we describe the "strata multilayer stochastic block model" (sMLSBM), a probabilistic model for multilayer community structure. The central extension of the model is that there exist groups of layers, called "strata", which are defined such that all layers in a given stratum have community structure described by a common stochastic block model (SBM). That is, layers in a stratum exhibit similar node-to-community assignments and SBM probability parameters. Fitting the sMLSBM to a multilayer network provides a joint clustering that yields node-to-community and layer-to-stratum assignments, which cooperatively aid one another during inference. We describe an algorithm for separating layers into their appropriate strata and an inference technique for estimating the SBM parameters for each stratum. We demonstrate our method using synthetic networks and a multilayer network inferred from data collected in the Human Microbiome Project.

Clustering network layers with the strata multilayer stochastic block model

PubMed Central

Stanley, Natalie; Shai, Saray; Taylor, Dane; Mucha, Peter J.

2016-01-01

Multilayer networks are a useful data structure for simultaneously capturing multiple types of relationships between a set of nodes. In such networks, each relational definition gives rise to a layer. While each layer provides its own set of information, community structure across layers can be collectively utilized to discover and quantify underlying relational patterns between nodes. To concisely extract information from a multilayer network, we propose to identify and combine sets of layers with meaningful similarities in community structure. In this paper, we describe the “strata multilayer stochastic block model” (sMLSBM), a probabilistic model for multilayer community structure. The central extension of the model is that there exist groups of layers, called “strata”, which are defined such that all layers in a given stratum have community structure described by a common stochastic block model (SBM). That is, layers in a stratum exhibit similar node-to-community assignments and SBM probability parameters. Fitting the sMLSBM to a multilayer network provides a joint clustering that yields node-to-community and layer-to-stratum assignments, which cooperatively aid one another during inference. We describe an algorithm for separating layers into their appropriate strata and an inference technique for estimating the SBM parameters for each stratum. We demonstrate our method using synthetic networks and a multilayer network inferred from data collected in the Human Microbiome Project. PMID:28435844

Voltage controlled spintronic devices for logic applications

DOEpatents

You, Chun-Yeol; Bader, Samuel D.

2001-01-01

A reprogrammable logic gate comprising first and second voltage-controlled rotation transistors. Each transistor comprises three ferromagnetic layers with a spacer and insulating layer between the first and second ferromagnetic layers and an additional insulating layer between the second and third ferromagnetic layers. The third ferromagnetic layer of each transistor is connected to each other, and a constant external voltage source is applied to the second ferromagnetic layer of the first transistor. As input voltages are applied to the first ferromagnetic layer of each transistor, the relative directions of magnetization of the ferromagnetic layers and the magnitude of the external voltage determines the output voltage of the gate. By altering these parameters, the logic gate is capable of behaving as AND, OR, NAND, or NOR gates.

Sediment transport under wave groups: Relative importance between nonlinear waveshape and nonlinear boundary layer streaming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yu, X.; Hsu, T.-J.; Hanes, D.M.

2010-01-01

Sediment transport under nonlinear waves in a predominately sheet flow condition is investigated using a two-phase model. Specifically, we study the relative importance between the nonlinear waveshape and nonlinear boundary layer streaming on cross-shore sand transport. Terms in the governing equations because of the nonlinear boundary layer process are included in this one-dimensional vertical (1DV) model by simplifying the two-dimensional vertical (2DV) ensemble-averaged two-phase equations with the assumption that waves propagate without changing their form. The model is first driven by measured time series of near-bed flow velocity because of a wave group during the SISTEX99 large wave flume experiment and validated with the measured sand concentration in the sheet flow layer. Additional studies are then carried out by including and excluding the nonlinear boundary layer terms. It is found that for the grain diameter (0.24 mm) and high-velocity skewness wave condition considered here, nonlinear waveshape (e.g., skewness) is the dominant mechanism causing net onshore transport and nonlinear boundary layer streaming effect only causes an additional 36% onshore transport. However, for conditions of relatively low-wave skewness and a stronger offshore directed current, nonlinear boundary layer streaming plays a more critical role in determining the net transport. Numerical experiments further suggest that the nonlinear boundary layer streaming effect becomes increasingly important for finer grain. When the numerical model is driven by measured near-bed flow velocity in a more realistic surf zone setting, model results suggest nonlinear boundary layer processes may nearly double the onshore transport purely because of nonlinear waveshape. Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.

Conserved S-Layer-Associated Proteins Revealed by Exoproteomic Survey of S-Layer-Forming Lactobacilli

PubMed Central

Johnson, Brant R.; Hymes, Jeffrey; Sanozky-Dawes, Rosemary; Henriksen, Emily DeCrescenzo

2015-01-01

The Lactobacillus acidophilus homology group comprises Gram-positive species that include L. acidophilus, L. helveticus, L. crispatus, L. amylovorus, L. gallinarum, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, L. gasseri, and L. johnsonii. While these bacteria are closely related, they have varied ecological lifestyles as dairy and food fermenters, allochthonous probiotics, or autochthonous commensals of the host gastrointestinal tract. Bacterial cell surface components play a critical role in the molecular dialogue between bacteria and interaction signaling with the intestinal mucosa. Notably, the L. acidophilus complex is distinguished in two clades by the presence or absence of S-layers, which are semiporous crystalline arrays of self-assembling proteinaceous subunits found as the outermost layer of the bacterial cell wall. In this study, S-layer-associated proteins (SLAPs) in the exoproteomes of various S-layer-forming Lactobacillus species were proteomically identified, genomically compared, and transcriptionally analyzed. Four gene regions encoding six putative SLAPs were conserved in the S-layer-forming Lactobacillus species but not identified in the extracts of the closely related progenitor, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, which does not produce an S-layer. Therefore, the presence or absence of an S-layer has a clear impact on the exoproteomic composition of Lactobacillus species. This proteomic complexity and differences in the cell surface properties between S-layer- and non-S-layer-forming lactobacilli reveal the potential for SLAPs to mediate intimate probiotic interactions and signaling with the host intestinal mucosa. PMID:26475115

Bacterial Presence in Layered Rock Varnish-Possible Mars Analog?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krinsley, D.; Rusk, B. G.

2000-08-01

Rock varnish from locations in Death Valley, California; Peru; Antarctica; and Hawaii reveal nanometer scale layering (less than 1 nm to about 75 nm) when studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Parallel layers of clay minerals containing evidence of presumed bacteria were present in all samples. Samples range in age from a few thousand years to perhaps a million years. Diagenesis is relatively limited, as chemical composition is variable, both from top to bottom and along layers in these varnish samples. Also, occasional exotic minerals occur randomly in most varnish sections, and vary in size and hardness, again suggesting relative lack of diagenetic alteration. Additional information can be found in the original extended abstract.

Variable-transparency wall regulates temperatures of structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Osullivan, W. J., Jr.

1964-01-01

An effective temperature regulating wall consists of one layer /e.g., one of the paraffins/ relatively opaque to thermal radiation in the solid state and transparent to it in the molten state and placed between two transparent layers. A mirror coating is applied to back layer.

Clinical evaluation of extraperitoneal colostomy without damaging the muscle layer of the abdominal wall.

PubMed

Dong, L-R; Zhu, Y-M; Xu, Q; Cao, C-X; Zhang, B-Z

2012-01-01

This study investigated whether extraperitoneal colostomy without damaging the muscle layer of the abdominal wall is an improved surgical procedure compared with conventional sigmoid colostomy in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection. Patients with rectal cancer undergoing abdominoperineal resection were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the study group received extraperitoneal colostomy without damaging the muscle layer of the abdominal wall and the control group received conventional colostomy. Clinical data from both groups were analysed. A total of 128 patients were included: 66 received extraperitoneal colostomy without damaging the muscle layer of the abdominal wall and 62 received conventional colostomy. Significant differences between the two groups were found in relation to colostomy operating time, defaecation sensation, bowel control and overall stoma-related complications. Duration of postoperative hospital stay was also significantly different between the study groups. Extraperitoneal colostomy without damaging the muscle layer of the abdominal wall was found to be an improved procedure compared with conventional sigmoid colostomy in abdominoperineal resection, and may reduce colostomy-related complications, shorten operating time and postoperative hospital stay, and potentially improve patients' quality of life.

Effects of spatial variation of skull and cerebrospinal fluid layers on optical mapping of brain activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuping; Shibahara, Nanae; Kuramashi, Daishi; Okawa, Shinpei; Kakuta, Naoto; Okada, Eiji; Maki, Atsushi; Yamada, Yukio

2010-07-01

In order to investigate the effects of anatomical variation in human heads on the optical mapping of brain activity, we perform simulations of optical mapping by solving the photon diffusion equation for layered-models simulating human heads using the finite element method (FEM). Particularly, the effects of the spatial variations in the thicknesses of the skull and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) layers on mapping images are investigated. Mapping images of single active regions in the gray matter layer are affected by the spatial variations in the skull and CSF layer thicknesses, although the effects are smaller than those of the positions of the active region relative to the data points. The increase in the skull thickness decreases the sensitivity of the images to active regions, while the increase in the CSF layer thickness increases the sensitivity in general. The images of multiple active regions are also influenced by their positions relative to the data points and by their depths from the skin surface.

Band structure of one-dimensional photonic crystal with graphene layers using the Fresnel coefficients method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, A.; Rahmat, A.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we have calculated the band structure of an instance of one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC) composed of double-layered dielectrics via the Fresnel coefficients method. Then, we supposed the addition of a thin layer of graphene to each dielectric layer and the given photonic crystal (PC) composed of dielectric-graphene composites. The effects of graphene layers on the PC band structure were evaluated. We found out that according to the effective medium theory unlike the TE polarization, the electric permittivity of the dielectric layers changed at TM polarization. As such, the band structure of PC for TM polarization changed, too. Moreover, instead of bandgap related to “zero averaged refractive index” an approximately omnidirectional bandgap appeared and a related bandgap to “𝜀 = 0” disappeared. In addition, a new angular gap branch appeared at a new frequency at TM polarization in which the width of gap increased as the angle increased.

Combined effects of trapped energetic ions and resistive layer damping on the stability of the resistive wall mode

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

He, Yuling; Liu, Yue, E-mail: Yueqiang.Liu@ccfe.ac.uk, E-mail: liuyue@dlut.edu.cn; Liu, Chao

2016-01-15

A dispersion relation is derived for the stability of the resistive wall mode (RWM), which includes both the resistive layer damping physics and the toroidal precession drift resonance damping from energetic ions in tokamak plasmas. The dispersion relation is numerically solved for a model plasma, for the purpose of systematic investigation of the RWM stability in multi-dimensional plasma parameter space including the plasma resistivity, the radial location of the resistive wall, as well as the toroidal flow velocity. It is found that the toroidal favorable average curvature in the resistive layer contributes a significant stabilization of the RWM. This stabilizationmore » is further enhanced by adding the drift kinetic contribution from energetic ions. Furthermore, two traditionally assumed inner layer models are considered and compared in the dispersion relation, resulting in different predictions for the stability of the RWM.« less

Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor films for solar cell application

DOEpatents

Basol, Bulent M.; Kapur, Vijay K.

1991-01-01

This invention relates to an improved thin film solar cell with excellent electrical and mechanical integrity. The device comprises a substrate, a Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor absorber layer and a transparent window layer. The mechanical bond between the substrate and the Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor layer is enhanced by an intermediate layer between the substrate and the Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor film being grown. The intermediate layer contains tellurium or substitutes therefor, such as Se, Sn, or Pb. The intermediate layer improves the morphology and electrical characteristics of the Group I-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor layer.

Direct synthesis of multilayer graphene on an insulator by Ni-induced layer exchange growth of amorphous carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, H.; Toko, K.; Saitoh, N.; Yoshizawa, N.; Suemasu, T.

2017-01-01

Multilayer graphene (MLG) growth on arbitrary substrates is desired for incorporating carbon wiring and heat spreaders into electronic devices. We investigated the metal-induced layer exchange growth of a sputtered amorphous C layer using Ni as a catalyst. A MLG layer uniformly formed on a SiO2 substrate at 600 °C by layer exchange between the C and Ni layers. Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy showed that the resulting MLG layer was highly oriented and contained relatively few defects. The present investigation will pave the way for advanced electronic devices integrated with carbon materials.

Quantification of Peripapillary Sparing and Macular Involvement in Stargardt Disease (STGD1)

PubMed Central

Rhee, David W.; Smith, R. Theodore; Tsang, Stephen H.; Allikmets, Rando; Chang, Stanley; Lazow, Margot A.; Hood, Donald C.; Greenstein, Vivienne C.

2011-01-01

Purpose. To quantify and compare structure and function across the macula and peripapillary area in Stargardt disease (STGD1). Methods. Twenty-seven patients (27 eyes) and 12 age-similar controls (12 eyes) were studied. Patients were classified on the basis of full-field electroretinogram (ERG) results. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) horizontal line scans were obtained through the fovea and peripapillary area. The thicknesses of the outer nuclear layer plus outer plexiform layer (ONL+), outer segment (OS), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were measured through the fovea, and peripapillary areas from 1° to 4° temporal to the optic disc edge using a computer-aided, manual segmentation technique. Visual sensitivities in the central 10° were assessed using microperimetry and related to retinal layer thicknesses. Results. Compared to the central macula, the differences between controls and patients in ONL+, OS, and RPE layer thicknesses were less in the nasal and temporal macula. Relative sparing of the ONL+ and/or OS layers was detected in the nasal (i.e., peripapillary) macula in 8 of 13 patients with extramacular disease on FAF; relative functional sparing was also detected in this subgroup. All 14 patients with disease confined to the central macula, as detected on FAF, showed ONL+ and OS layer thinning in regions of normal RPE thickness. Conclusions. Relative peripapillary sparing was detected in STGD1 patients with extramacular disease on FAF. Photoreceptor thinning may precede RPE degeneration in STGD1. PMID:21873672

Growth of Fault-Cored Anticlines by Flexural Slip Folding: Analysis by Boundary Element Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Kaj M.

2018-03-01

Fault-related folds develop due to a combination of slip on the associated fault and distributed deformation off the fault. Under conditions that are sufficient for sedimentary layering to act as a stack of mechanical layers with contact slip, buckling can dramatically amplify the folding process. We develop boundary element models of fault-related folding of viscoelastic layers embedded with a reverse fault to examine the influence of such layering on fold growth. The strength of bedding contacts, the thickness and stiffness of layering, and fault geometry all contribute significantly to the resulting fold form. Frictional contact strength between layers controls the degree of localization of slip within fold limbs; high contact friction in relatively thin bedding tends to localize bedding slip within narrow kink bands on fold limbs, and low contact friction tends to produce widespread bedding slip and concentric fold form. Straight ramp faults tend to produce symmetric folds, whereas listric faults tend to produce asymmetric folds with short forelimbs and longer backlimbs. Fault-related buckle folds grow exponentially with time under steady loading rates. At early stages of folding, fold growth is largely attributed to slip on the fault, but as the fold increases amplitude, a larger portion of the fold growth is attributed to distributed slip across bedding contacts on the limbs of the fold. An important implication for geologic and earthquake studies is that not all surface deformation associated with blind reverse faults may be attributed to slip on the fault during earthquakes.

A three-layer distributed RC network with two transmission zeros

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huelsman, L. P.

1974-01-01

This report describes the properties of a three-layer distributed RC network consisting of two resistive layers separated by a dielectric which may be used to realize two zeros of transmission on the j-omega axis of the complex frequency plane. The relative location of the two zeros is controlled by the location of a contact placed on one of the resistive layers.

Inventory of File nam.t00z.smartconus00.tm00.grib2

Science.gov Websites

(Eta model reduction) [Pa] 014 planetary boundary layer WDIR analysis Wind Direction (from which blowing) [degtrue] 015 planetary boundary layer WIND analysis Wind Speed [m/s] 016 planetary boundary layer RH analysis Relative Humidity [%] 017 planetary boundary layer DIST analysis Geometric Height [m

The scaling of oblique plasma double layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borovsky, J. E.

1983-01-01

Strong oblique plasma double layers are investigated using three methods, i.e., electrostatic particle-in-cell simulations, numerical solutions to the Poisson-Vlasov equations, and analytical approximations to the Poisson-Vlasov equations. The solutions to the Poisson-Vlasov equations and numerical simulations show that strong oblique double layers scale in terms of Debye lengths. For very large potential jumps, theory and numerical solutions indicate that all effects of the magnetic field vanish and the oblique double layers follow the same scaling relation as the field-aligned double layers.

Method of evaluating the integrity of the outer carbon layer of triso-coated reactor fuel particles

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

Caputo, A.J.; Costanzo, D.A.; Lackey, W.J.

1980-10-07

This invention relates to a method for determining defective final layers of carbon on triso-coated fuel particles and the like. Samples of the particles are subjected to a high temperature treatment with gaseous chlorine and thereafter radiographed. The chlorine penetrates through any defective carbon layer and reacts with the underlying silicon carbide resulting in the volatilization of the silicon as sicl4 leaving carbon as a porous layer. This porous carbon layer is easily detected by the radiography.

Extended OLED operational lifetime through phosphorescent dopant profile management

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen R.; Zhang, Yifan

2017-05-30

This disclosure relates, at least in part, an organic light emitting device, which in some embodiments comprises an anode; a cathode; a first emissive layer disposed between the anode and the cathode, the first emissive layer comprising an electron transporting compound and a phosphorescent emissive dopant compound; and wherein the phosphorescent emissive dopant compound has a concentration gradient, in the emissive layer, which varies from the cathode side of the first emissive layer to the anode side of the emissive layer.

Durable solar mirror films

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

O'Neill, Mark B.; Henderson, Andrew J.; Hebrink, Timothy J.

The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.

Durable solar mirror films

DOEpatents

O'Neill, Mark B.; Henderson, Andrew J.; Hebrink, Timothy J.; Katare, Rajesh K.; Jing, Naiyong; North, Diane; Peterson, Eric M.

2017-02-14

The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.

Liquid flow cells having graphene on nitride for microscopy

DOEpatents

Adiga, Vivekananda P.; Dunn, Gabriel; Zettl, Alexander K.; Alivisatos, A. Paul

2016-09-20

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to liquid flow cells for microscopy. In one aspect, a device includes a substrate having a first and a second oxide layer disposed on surfaces of the substrate. A first and a second nitride layer are disposed on the first and second oxide layers, respectively. A cavity is defined in the first oxide layer, the first nitride layer, and the substrate, with the cavity including a third nitride layer disposed on walls of the substrate and the second oxide layer that define the cavity. A channel is defined in the second oxide layer. An inlet port and an outlet port are defined in the second nitride layer and in fluid communication with the channel. A plurality of viewports is defined in the second nitride layer. A first graphene sheet is disposed on the second nitride layer covering the plurality of viewports.

Microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules and systems

DOEpatents

Nielson, Gregory N; Sweatt, William C; Okandan, Murat

2015-05-12

A microsystem enabled photovoltaic (MEPV) module including: an absorber layer; a fixed optic layer coupled to the absorber layer; a translatable optic layer; a translation stage coupled between the fixed and translatable optic layers; and a motion processor electrically coupled to the translation stage to controls motion of the translatable optic layer relative to the fixed optic layer. The absorber layer includes an array of photovoltaic (PV) elements. The fixed optic layer includes an array of quasi-collimating (QC) micro-optical elements designed and arranged to couple incident radiation from an intermediate image formed by the translatable optic layer into one of the PV elements such that it is quasi-collimated. The translatable optic layer includes an array of focusing micro-optical elements corresponding to the QC micro-optical element array. Each focusing micro-optical element is designed to produce a quasi-telecentric intermediate image from substantially collimated radiation incident within a predetermined field of view.

Penetration resistant barrier

DOEpatents

Hoover, William R.; Mead, Keith E.; Street, Henry K.

1977-01-01

The disclosure relates to a barrier for resisting penetration by such as hand tools and oxy-acetylene cutting torches. The barrier comprises a layer of firebrick, which is preferably epoxy impregnated sandwiched between inner and outer layers of steel. Between the firebrick and steel are layers of resilient rubber-like filler.

Gas sensor with attenuated drift characteristic

DOEpatents

Chen, Ing-Shin [Danbury, CT; Chen, Philip S. H. [Bethel, CT; Neuner, Jeffrey W [Bethel, CT; Welch, James [Fairfield, CT; Hendrix, Bryan [Danbury, CT; Dimeo, Jr., Frank [Danbury, CT

2008-05-13

A sensor with an attenuated drift characteristic, including a layer structure in which a sensing layer has a layer of diffusional barrier material on at least one of its faces. The sensor may for example be constituted as a hydrogen gas sensor including a palladium/yttrium layer structure formed on a micro-hotplate base, with a chromium barrier layer between the yttrium layer and the micro-hotplate, and with a tantalum barrier layer between the yttrium layer and an overlying palladium protective layer. The gas sensor is useful for detection of a target gas in environments susceptible to generation or incursion of such gas, and achieves substantial (e.g., >90%) reduction of signal drift from the gas sensor in extended operation, relative to a corresponding gas sensor lacking the diffusional barrier structure of the invention

Probabilistic description of ice-supersaturated layers in low resolution profiles of relative humidity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickson, N. C.; Gierens, K. M.; Rogers, H. L.; Jones, R. L.

2010-07-01

The global observation, assimilation and prediction in numerical models of ice super-saturated (ISS) regions (ISSR) are crucial if the climate impact of aircraft condensation trails (contrails) is to be fully understood, and if, for example, contrail formation is to be avoided through aircraft operational measures. Given their small scales compared to typical atmospheric model grid sizes, statistical representations of the spatial scales of ISSR are required, in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, if global occurrence of ISSR is to be adequately represented in climate models. This paper uses radiosonde launches made by the UK Meteorological Office, from the British Isles, Gibraltar, St. Helena and the Falkland Islands between January 2002 and December 2006, to investigate the probabilistic occurrence of ISSR. Each radiosonde profile is divided into 50- and 100-hPa pressure layers, to emulate the coarse vertical resolution of some atmospheric models. Then the high resolution observations contained within each thick pressure layer are used to calculate an average relative humidity and an ISS fraction for each individual thick pressure layer. These relative humidity pressure layer descriptions are then linked through a probability function to produce an s-shaped curve which empirically describes the ISS fraction in any average relative humidity pressure layer. Using this empirical understanding of the s-shaped relationship a mathematical model was developed to represent the ISS fraction within any arbitrary thick pressure layer. Two models were developed to represent both 50- and 100-hPa pressure layers with each reconstructing their respective s-shapes within 8-10% of the empirical curves. These new models can be used, to represent the small scale structures of ISS events, in modelled data where only low vertical resolution is available. This will be useful in understanding, and improving the global distribution, both observed and forecasted, of ice super-saturation.

Conductive and robust nitride buffer layers on biaxially textured substrates

DOEpatents

Sankar, Sambasivan; Goyal, Amit; Barnett, Scott A.; Kim, Ilwon; Kroeger, Donald M.

2004-08-31

The present invention relates to epitaxial, electrically conducting and mechanically robust, cubic nitride buffer layers deposited epitaxially on biaxially textured substrates such as metal and alloys. The invention comprises of a biaxially textured substrate with epitaxial layers of nitrides. The invention also discloses a method to form such epitaxial layers using a high rate deposition method as well as without the use of forming gases. The invention further comprises epitaxial layers of oxides on the biaxially textured nitride layers. In some embodiments the article further comprises electromagnetic devices which may be super conducting properties.

TFB:TPDSi2 interfacial layer usable in organic photovoltaic cells

DOEpatents

Marks, Iobin J [Evanston, IL; Hains, Alexander W [Evanston, IL

2011-02-15

The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a solar cell. In one embodiment, the solar cell includes an anode; an active organic layer comprising an electron-donating organic material and an electron-accepting organic material; and an interfacial layer formed between the anode and active organic layer, where the interfacial layer comprises a hole-transporting polymer characterized with a hole-mobility higher than that of the electron-donating organic material in the active organic layer, and a small molecule that has a high hole-mobility and is capable of crosslinking on contact with air.

Method and apparatus for the evaluation of a depth profile of thermo-mechanical properties of layered and graded materials and coatings

DOEpatents

Finot, M.; Kesler, O.; Suresh, S.

1998-12-08

A technique for determining properties such as Young`s modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, and residual stress of individual layers within a multi-layered sample is presented. The technique involves preparation of a series of samples, each including one additional layer relative to the preceding sample. By comparison of each sample to a preceding sample, properties of the topmost layer can be determined, and residual stress at any depth in each sample, resulting from deposition of the top layer, can be determined. 11 figs.

Rough-to-smooth transition of an equilibrium neutral constant stress layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Logan, E., Jr.; Fichtl, G. H.

1975-01-01

Purpose of research on rough-to-smooth transition of an equilibrium neutral constant stress layer is to develop a model for low-level atmospheric flow over terrains of abruptly changing roughness, such as those occurring near the windward end of a landing strip, and to use the model to derive functions which define the extent of the region affected by the roughness change and allow adequate prediction of wind and shear stress profiles at all points within the region. A model consisting of two bounding logarithmic layers and an intermediate velocity defect layer is assumed, and dimensionless velocity and stress distribution functions which meet all boundary and matching conditions are hypothesized. The functions are used in an asymptotic form of the equation of motion to derive a relation which governs the growth of the internal boundary layer. The growth relation is used to predict variation of surface shear stress.

Major element compositional variation within and between different late Eocene microtektite strewnfields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Hondt, S. L.; Keller, G.; Stallard, R. F.

1987-03-01

The major element composition of microspherules from all three late Eocene stratigraphic layers was analyzed using an electron microprobe. The results indicate a major element compositional overlap beween individual microspherules of different microtektite layers or strewn fields. However, multivariate factor analysis shows that the microtektites of the three late Eocene layers follow recognizably different compositional trends. The microtektite population of the North American strewn field is characterized by high concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2; the microspherules of an older layer, the Gl. cerroazulensis Zone, are relatively enriched in FeO and MgO and impoverished in SiO2 and TiO2; while those of the oldest layer in the uppermost G. semiinvoluta Zone are relatively enriched in CaO and impoverished in Al2O3 and Na2O.

Surface influence upon vertical profiles in the nocturnal boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garratt, J. R.

1983-05-01

Near-surface wind profiles in the nocturnal boundary layer, depth h, above relatively flat, tree-covered terrain are described in the context of the analysis of Garratt (1980) for the unstable atmospheric boundary layer. The observations at two sites imply a surface-based transition layer, of depth z *, within which the observed non-dimensional profiles Φ M 0 are a modified form of the inertial sub-layer relation Φ _M ( {{z L}} = ( {{{1 + 5_Z } L}} ) according to Φ _M^{{0}} ˜eq ( {{{1 + 5z} L}} )exp [ { - 0.7( {{{1 - z} z}_ * } )] , where z is height above the zero-plane displacement and L is the Monin-Obukhov length. At both sites the depth z * is significantly smaller than the appropriate neutral value ( z * N ) found from the previous analysis, as might be expected in the presence of a buoyant sink for turbulent kinetic energy.

Enhanced efficiency and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells using highly crystalline SnO 2 nanocrystals as the robust electron-transporting layer

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Zonglong; Bai, Yang; Liu, Xiao; ...

2016-05-11

Here highly crystalline SnO 2 is demonstrated to serve as a stable and robust electron-transporting layer for high-performance perovskite solar cells. Benefiting from its high crystallinity, the relatively thick SnO 2 electron-transporting layer (≈120 nm) provides a respectable electron-transporting property to yield a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE)(18.8%) Over 90% of the initial PCE can be retained after 30 d storage in ambient with ≈70% relative humidity.

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Internal hypersonic flow. [in thin shock layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, T. C.; Rubin, S. G.

1974-01-01

An approach for studying hypersonic internal flow with the aid of a thin-shock-layer approximation is discussed, giving attention to a comparison of thin-shock-layer results with the data obtained on the basis of the imposition theory or a finite-difference integration of the Euler equations. Relations in the case of strong interaction are considered together with questions of pressure distribution and aspects of the boundary-layer solution.

Taylor instability in the shock layer on a Jovian atmosphere entry probe.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Compton, D. L.

1972-01-01

Investigation of the Taylor instability relative to the dynamical instability whose presence in the shock layer on a spacecraft entering the Jovian atmosphere is to be expected because of the difference in velocity across the shear layer. Presented calculations show that the Taylor instability at the interface between shock-heated freestream gas and ablation products is inconsequential in comparison to the shear layer instability.

Inventory of File gfs.t06z.smartguam15.tm00.grib2

Science.gov Websites

hour fcst Visibility [m] 014 planetary boundary layer WDIR 15 hour fcst Wind Direction (from which blowing) [degtrue] 015 planetary boundary layer WIND 15 hour fcst Wind Speed [m/s] 016 planetary boundary layer RH 15 hour fcst Relative Humidity [%] 017 planetary boundary layer DIST 15 hour fcst Geometric

Effect of Nano-TiC Dispersed Particles and Electro-Codeposition Parameters on Morphology and Structure of Hybrid Ni/TiC Nanocomposite Layers.

PubMed

Benea, Lidia; Celis, Jean-Pierre

2016-04-06

This research work describes the effect of dispersed titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles into nickel plating bath on Ni/TiC nanostructured composite layers obtained by electro-codeposition. The surface morphology of Ni/TiC nanostructured composite layers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition of coatings and the incorporation percentage of TiC nanoparticles into Ni matrix were studied and estimated by using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) has been applied in order to investigate the phase structure as well as the corresponding relative texture coefficients of the composite layers. The results show that the concentration of nano-TiC particles added in the nickel electrolyte affects the inclusion percentage of TiC into Ni/TiC nano strucured layers, as well as the corresponding morphology, relative texture coefficients and thickness indicating an increasing tendency with the increasing concentration of nano-TiC concentration. By increasing the amount of TiC nanoparticles in the electrolyte, their incorporation into nickel matrix also increases. The hybrid Ni/nano-TiC composite layers obtained revealed a higher roughness and higher hardness; therefore, these layers are promising superhydrophobic surfaces for special application and could be more resistant to wear than the pure Ni layers.

Expansible apparatus for removing the surface layer from a concrete object

DOEpatents

Allen, Charles H.

1979-01-01

A method and apparatus for removing the surface layer from a concrete object. The method consists of providing a hole having a circular wall in the surface layer of the object, the hole being at least as deep as the thickness of the surface layer to be removed, and applying an outward wedging pressure on the wall of the hole sufficient to spall the surface layer around the hole. By the proper spacing of an appropriate number of holes, it is possible to remove the entire surface layer from an object. The apparatus consists of an elongated tubular-shaped body having a relatively short handle with a solid wall at one end, the wall of the remainder of the body containing a plurality of evenly spaced longitudinal cuts to form a relatively long expandable section, the outer end of the expandable section having an expandable, wedge-shaped spalling edge extending from the outer surface of the wall, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, and expanding means in the body for outwardly expanding the expandable section and forcing the spalling edge into the wall of a hole with sufficient outward pressure to spall away the surface layer of concrete. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for removing surface layers of concrete which are radioactively contaminated.

Probabilistic description of ice-supersaturated layers in low resolution profiles of relative humidity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickson, N. C.; Gierens, K. M.; Rogers, H. L.; Jones, R. L.

2010-02-01

The global observation, assimilation and prediction in numerical models of ice super-saturated (ISS) regions (ISSR) are crucial if the climate impact of aircraft condensations trails (contrails) is to be fully understood, and if, for example, contrail formation is to be avoided through aircraft operational measures. A robust assessment of the global distribution of ISSR will further this debate, and ISS event occurrence, frequency and spatial scales have recently attracted significant attention. The mean horizontal path length through ISSR as observed by MOZAIC aircraft is 150 km (±250 km). The average vertical thickness of ISS layers is 600-800 m (±575 m) but layers ranging from 25 m to 3000 m have been observed, with up to one third of ISS layers thought to be less than 100 m deep. Given their small scales compared to typical atmospheric model grid sizes, statistical representations of the spatial scales of ISSR are required, in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, if global occurrence of ISSR is to be adequately represented in climate models. This paper uses radiosonde launches made by the UK Meteorological Office, from the British Isles, Gibraltar, St. Helena and the Falkland Islands between January 2002 and December 2006, to investigate the probabilistic occurrence of ISSR. Specifically each radiosonde profile is divided into 50- and 100-hPa pressure layers, to emulate the coarse vertical resolution of some atmospheric models. Then the high resolution observations contained within each thick pressure layer are used to calculate an average relative humidity and an ISS fraction for each individual thick pressure layer. These relative humidity pressure layer descriptions are then linked through a probability function to produce an s-shaped curve describing the ISS fraction in any average relative humidity pressure layer. An empirical investigation has shown that this one curve is statistically valid for mid-latitude locations, irrespective of season and altitude, however, pressure layer depth is an important variable. Using this empirical understanding of the s-shaped relationship a mathematical model was developed to represent the ISS fraction within any arbitrary thick pressure layer. Here the statistical distributions of actual high resolution RHi observations in any thick pressure layer, along with an error function, are used to mathematically describe the s-shape. Two models were developed to represent both 50- and 100-hPa pressure layers with each reconstructing their respective s-shapes within 8-10% of the empirical curves. These new models can be used, to represent the small scale structures of ISS events, in modelled data where only low vertical resolution is available. This will be useful in understanding, and improving the global distribution, both observed and forecasted, of ice super-saturation.

Error Control with Perfectly Matched Layer or Damping Layer Treatments for Computational Aeroacoustics with Jet Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodrich, John W.

2009-01-01

In this paper we show by means of numerical experiments that the error introduced in a numerical domain because of a Perfectly Matched Layer or Damping Layer boundary treatment can be controlled. These experimental demonstrations are for acoustic propagation with the Linearized Euler Equations with both uniform and steady jet flows. The propagating signal is driven by a time harmonic pressure source. Combinations of Perfectly Matched and Damping Layers are used with different damping profiles. These layer and profile combinations allow the relative error introduced by a layer to be kept as small as desired, in principle. Tradeoffs between error and cost are explored.

Regional Thicknesses and Thickening of Compacted and Trabeculated Myocardial Layers of the Normal Left Ventricle Studied by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

PubMed Central

Dawson, Dana K.; Maceira, Alicia M.; Raj, Vimal J.; Graham, Catriona; Pennell, Dudley J.; Kilner, Philip J.

2011-01-01

Background We used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to study normal left ventricular (LV) trabeculation as a basis for differentiation from pathological noncompaction. Methods and Results The apparent end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) thicknesses and thickening of trabeculated and compacted myocardial layers were measured in 120 volunteers using a consistent selection of basal, mid, and apical CMR short-axis slices. All had a visible trabeculated layer in 1 or more segments. The compacted but not the trabeculated layer was thicker in men than in women (P<0.01 at ED and ES). When plotted against age, the trabeculated and compacted layer thicknesses demonstrated opposite changes: an increase of the compact layer after the fourth decade at both ED and ES (P<0.05) but a decrease of the trabeculated layer. There was age-related preservation of total wall thickness at ED but an increase at ES (P<0.05). The compacted layer thickened, whereas the trabeculated layer thinned with systole, but neither change differed between sexes. With age, the most trabeculated LV segments showed significantly greater systolic thinning of trabeculated layers and, conversely, greater thickening of the compact segments (P<0.05). Total wall thickening is neither sex nor age dependent. There were no sex differences in the trabeculated/compacted ratio at ES or ED, but the ES trabeculated/compacted ratio was smaller in older (50 to 79 years) versus younger (20 to 49 years) groups (P<0.05). Conclusions We demonstrated age- and sex-related morphometric differences in the apparent trabeculated and compacted layer thicknesses and systolic thinning of the visible trabeculated layer that contrasts with compacted myocardial wall thickening. PMID:21193690

A model for thin layer formation by delayed particle settling at sharp density gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prairie, Jennifer C.; White, Brian L.

2017-02-01

Thin layers - regions where plankton or particles accumulate vertically on scales of a few meters or less - are common in coastal waters, and have important implications for both trophic dynamics and carbon cycling. These features can form by a variety of biological and physical mechanisms, including localized growth, shear-thinning, and directed swimming. An additional mechanism may result in the formation of thin layers of marine aggregates, which have been shown to decrease their settling velocity when passing through sharp density gradients, a behavior termed delayed settling. Here, we apply a simple vertical advection-diffusion model to predict the properties of aggregate thin layers formed by this process. We assume a constant vertical flux of particles from the surface, which is parameterized by observations from laboratory experiments with marine aggregates. The formation, maintenance, and shape of the layers are described in relation to non-dimensional numbers that depend on environmental conditions and particle settling properties. In particular, model results demonstrate layer intensity and sharpness both increase with higher Péclet number (Pe), that is, under conditions with weaker mixing relative to layer formation. Similarly, more intense and sharper layers are found when the delayed settling behavior of aggregates is characterized by a lower velocity minimum. The model also predicts layers that are vertically asymmetric and highly "peaky" when compared with a Gaussian distribution, features often seen in thin layers in natural environments. Lastly, by comparing model predictions with observations of thin layers in the field, we are able to gain some insight into the applicability of delayed settling as a thin layer formation mechanism in different environmental conditions.

Atomistic Modeling of the Fluid-Solid Interface in Simple Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadjiconstantinou, Nicolas; Wang, Gerald

2017-11-01

Fluids can exhibit pronounced structuring effects near a solid boundary, typically manifested in a layered structure that has been extensively shown to directly affect transport across the interface. We present and discuss several results from molecular-mechanical modeling and molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations aimed at characterizing the structure of the first fluid layer directly adjacent to the solid. We identify a new dimensionless group - termed the Wall number - which characterizes the degree of fluid layering, by comparing the competing effects of wall-fluid interaction and thermal energy. We find that in the layering regime, several key features of the first layer layer - including its distance from the solid, its width, and its areal density - can be described using mean-field-energy arguments, as well as asymptotic analysis of the Nernst-Planck equation. For dense fluids, the areal density and the width of the first layer can be related to the bulk fluid density using a simple scaling relation. MD simulations show that these results are broadly applicable and robust to the presence of a second confining solid boundary, different choices of wall structure and thermalization, strengths of fluid-solid interaction, and wall geometries.

Development of a model for whole brain learning of physiology.

PubMed

Eagleton, Saramarie; Muller, Anton

2011-12-01

In this report, a model was developed for whole brain learning based on Curry's onion model. Curry described the effect of personality traits as the inner layer of learning, information-processing styles as the middle layer of learning, and environmental and instructional preferences as the outer layer of learning. The model that was developed elaborates on these layers by relating the personality traits central to learning to the different quadrants of brain preference, as described by Neethling's brain profile, as the inner layer of the onion. This layer is encircled by the learning styles that describe different information-processing preferences for each brain quadrant. For the middle layer, the different stages of Kolb's learning cycle are classified into the four brain quadrants associated with the different brain processing strategies within the information processing circle. Each of the stages of Kolb's learning cycle is also associated with a specific cognitive learning strategy. These two inner circles are enclosed by the circle representing the role of the environment and instruction on learning. It relates environmental factors that affect learning and distinguishes between face-to-face and technology-assisted learning. This model informs on the design of instructional interventions for physiology to encourage whole brain learning.

Lamination of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of Catarrhine Primates

PubMed Central

de Sousa, Alexandra A.; Sherwood, Chet C.; Hof, Patrick R.; Zilles, Karl

2013-01-01

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of catarrhines – with the exception of gibbons – is typically described as a six-layered structure, comprised of two ventral magnocellular layers, and four dorsal parvocellular layers. The parvocellular layers of the LGN are involved in color vision. Therefore, it is hypothesized that a six-layered LGN is a shared-derived trait among catarrhines. This might suggest that in gibbons the lack of further subdivisions of the parvocellular layers is a recent change, and could be related to specializations of visual information processing in this taxon. To address these hypotheses, the lamination of the LGN was investigated in a range of catarrhine species, including several taxa not previously described, and the evolution of the LGN was reconstructed using phylogenetic information. The findings indicate that while all catarrhine species have four parvocellular leaflets, two main patterns of LGN parvocellular lamination occur: two undivided parvocellular layers in some species, and four parvocellular leaflets (with occasional subleaflets) in other species. LGN size was not found to be related to lamination pattern. Both patterns were found to occur in divergent clades, which is suggestive of homoplasy within the catarrhines in LGN morphology. PMID:23467282

Multi-Dimensional Damage Detection for Surfaces and Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Martha; Lewis, Mark; Roberson, Luke; Medelius, Pedro; Gibson, Tracy; Parks, Steen; Snyder, Sarah

2013-01-01

Current designs for inflatable or semi-rigidized structures for habitats and space applications use a multiple-layer construction, alternating thin layers with thicker, stronger layers, which produces a layered composite structure that is much better at resisting damage. Even though such composite structures or layered systems are robust, they can still be susceptible to penetration damage. The ability to detect damage to surfaces of inflatable or semi-rigid habitat structures is of great interest to NASA. Damage caused by impacts of foreign objects such as micrometeorites can rupture the shell of these structures, causing loss of critical hardware and/or the life of the crew. While not all impacts will have a catastrophic result, it will be very important to identify and locate areas of the exterior shell that have been damaged by impacts so that repairs (or other provisions) can be made to reduce the probability of shell wall rupture. This disclosure describes a system that will provide real-time data regarding the health of the inflatable shell or rigidized structures, and information related to the location and depth of impact damage. The innovation described here is a method of determining the size, location, and direction of damage in a multilayered structure. In the multi-dimensional damage detection system, layers of two-dimensional thin film detection layers are used to form a layered composite, with non-detection layers separating the detection layers. The non-detection layers may be either thicker or thinner than the detection layers. The thin-film damage detection layers are thin films of materials with a conductive grid or striped pattern. The conductive pattern may be applied by several methods, including printing, plating, sputtering, photolithography, and etching, and can include as many detection layers that are necessary for the structure construction or to afford the detection detail level required. The damage is detected using a detector or sensory system, which may include a time domain reflectometer, resistivity monitoring hardware, or other resistance-based systems. To begin, a layered composite consisting of thin-film damage detection layers separated by non-damage detection layers is fabricated. The damage detection layers are attached to a detector that provides details regarding the physical health of each detection layer individually. If damage occurs to any of the detection layers, a change in the electrical properties of the detection layers damaged occurs, and a response is generated. Real-time analysis of these responses will provide details regarding the depth, location, and size estimation of the damage. Multiple damages can be detected, and the extent (depth) of the damage can be used to generate prognostic information related to the expected lifetime of the layered composite system. The detection system can be fabricated very easily using off-the-shelf equipment, and the detection algorithms can be written and updated (as needed) to provide the level of detail needed based on the system being monitored. Connecting to the thin film detection layers is very easy as well. The truly unique feature of the system is its flexibility; the system can be designed to gather as much (or as little) information as the end user feels necessary. Individual detection layers can be turned on or off as necessary, and algorithms can be used to optimize performance. The system can be used to generate both diagnostic and prognostic information related to the health of layer composite structures, which will be essential if such systems are utilized for space exploration. The technology is also applicable to other in-situ health monitoring systems for structure integrity.

Automotive Exterior Noise Optimization Using Grey Relational Analysis Coupled with Principal Component Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shuming; Wang, Dengfeng; Liu, Bo

This paper investigates optimization design of the thickness of the sound package performed on a passenger automobile. The major characteristics indexes for performance selected to evaluate the processes are the SPL of the exterior noise and the weight of the sound package, and the corresponding parameters of the sound package are the thickness of the glass wool with aluminum foil for the first layer, the thickness of the glass fiber for the second layer, and the thickness of the PE foam for the third layer. In this paper, the process is fundamentally with multiple performances, thus, the grey relational analysis that utilizes grey relational grade as performance index is especially employed to determine the optimal combination of the thickness of the different layers for the designed sound package. Additionally, in order to evaluate the weighting values corresponding to various performance characteristics, the principal component analysis is used to show their relative importance properly and objectively. The results of the confirmation experiments uncover that grey relational analysis coupled with principal analysis methods can successfully be applied to find the optimal combination of the thickness for each layer of the sound package material. Therefore, the presented method can be an effective tool to improve the vehicle exterior noise and lower the weight of the sound package. In addition, it will also be helpful for other applications in the automotive industry, such as the First Automobile Works in China, Changan Automobile in China, etc.

Skin Friction Reduction by Micro-Blowing Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hwang, Danny P. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

A system and method for reducing skin friction of an object in relative motion to a fluid. A skin forming a boundary between the object and the fluid, the skin having holes through which micro-blowing of air is blown and a transmitting mechanism for transmitting air through the skin. The skin has an inner layer and an outer layer. the inner layer being a low permeable porous sheet, the outer layer being a plate having high aspect ratio high porosity. and small holes. The system may further include a suction apparatus for suctioning air from the outer layer. The method includes the steps of transmitting air through the inner layer and passing the air transmitted through the inner layer to the outer layer. The method may further include the step of bleeding air off the outer layer using the suction apparatus.

Global chaotization of fluid particle trajectories in a sheared two-layer two-vortex flow.

PubMed

Ryzhov, Evgeny A; Koshel, Konstantin V

2015-10-01

In a two-layer quasi-geostrophic approximation, we study the irregular dynamics of fluid particles arising due to two interacting point vortices embedded in a deformation flow consisting of shear and rotational components. The two vortices are arranged within the bottom layer, but an emphasis is on the upper-layer fluid particle motion. Vortices moving in one layer induce stirring of passive scalars in the other layer. This is of interest since point vortices induce singular velocity fields in the layer they belong to; however, in the other layer, they induce regular velocity fields that generally result in a change in passive particle stirring. If the vortices are located at stagnation points, there are three different types of the fluid flow. We examine how properties of each flow configuration are modified if the vortices are displaced from the stagnation points and thus circulate in the immediate vicinity of these points. To that end, an analysis of the steady-state configurations is presented with an emphasis on the frequencies of fluid particle oscillations about the elliptic stagnation points. Asymptotic relations for the vortex and fluid particle zero-oscillation frequencies are derived in the vicinity of the corresponding elliptic points. By comparing the frequencies of fluid particles with the ones of the vortices, relations between the parameters that lead to enhanced stirring of fluid particles are established. It is also demonstrated that, if the central critical point is elliptic, then the fluid particle trajectories in its immediate vicinity are mostly stable making it harder for the vortex perturbation to induce stirring. Change in the type of the central point to a hyperbolic one enhances drastically the size of the chaotic dynamics region. Conditions on the type of the central critical point also ensue from the derived asymptotic relations.

Effect of a long-term afforestation of pine in a beech domain in NE-Spain revealed by analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girona García, Antonio; Badía-Villas, David; Tomás Jiménez-Morillo, Nicasio; Martí-Dalmau, Clara; González-Pérez, José Antonio

2015-04-01

The replacement of native beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) afforestation may exert changes in soil properties, particularly in soil organic matter (SOM) [1]. It is known that the products generated by Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) pyrolysis of organic matter are related to their origin [2 and references therein]. Therefore this technique can be used to investigate said changes. In this work, Py-GC/MS is used to study changes in SOM quality surrogated to the effect of the centennial replacement of beech by Scots pine. The soils studied were two acid soil profiles developed on quartzites under a humid climate at an altitude of 1400-1500 masl from Moncayo (Iberian range, NE-Spain). For each soil profile three organic layers (litter: OL, fragmented litter OF and humified litter OH) and the mineral soil horizons (Ah, E, Bhs and C) were sampled. After 100 years since the pine afforestation, differences in the relative abundance of lipids released by pyrolysis were observed in the O-layers ranging from 3.82-7.20% in pine soils and 0.98-1.25% in beech soils. No differences were observed in mineral horizons with depth except for the C horizons where beech lipid content was much higher (21.25%) than in that under pine (1.07%). Both pine and beech soils show similar nitrogen compounds relative contents along the soil profile, increasing from OL to Ah (3.49-9.11% and 2.75-11.73% in beech and pine respectively) with a conspicuous reduction in the E horizon. It is remarkable the absence of nitrogen compounds in beech Bhs and C horizons. The relative content of aromatic compounds in O-layers show opposite trends for beech and pine; an enrichment in aromatic compounds is observed in beech OL layer (12.39%) decreasing to 4.11% in OH layer in contrast, whereas for pine O-layers the aromatic compounds relative abundance was higher in the OH (5.83%) than in the OL layer (2.8%). Mineral Ah and E horizons show similar values in both beech (18.30-10.09%) and pine (15.81-10.01%) soils; nevertheless the relative abundance of aromatic compounds content is higher in beech mineral horizons Bhs (41.96%) and C (30.91%) than in those under pine (11.43% and 13.04% for Bhs and C respectively). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were only observed in the mineral soil horizons showing similar relative abundances ranging from 0.61-6.63% in beech and 0.96-3.05% in pine soils. The highest PAHs relative abundance was found in the Bhs horizon under beech. This may indicate the occurrence of fire events in the area and its translocation and accumulation by leaching from top soil in the spodic horizon. Differences in the relative abundances of lignin derived pyrolysis products (Methoxyphenols) were mainly observed in the O-layers whereas the relative abundances were similar for the mineral horizons that ranged from 1.49-4.31% in beech and 1.42-4.67% in pine. Lignin relative abundance is much higher in OH beech layer (31.88%) than in pine OH layer (14.99%) whereas similar relative contents were found in OL and OF layers ranging from 26.21-27-12% and 20.22-25.92% in beech and pine respectively. In the soil developed under beech the polysaccharide derived moieties show a relative content increase along the profile from a 9.86% in OL layer to a 29.86% in E horizon followed by a remarkable decrease in the Bhs (4.86%) and C (11.22%). Besides, the polysaccharide relative abundance in the soil under pine show a similar trend ranging from 12-23% to 30.65% but the decrease in Bhs and C horizons was found less marked (26.83% and 24.12% respectively). (1) Carceller F, Vallejo VR (1996). Influencia de la vegetación en los procesos de podsolización en los suelos de la Sierra del Moncayo (Zaragoza). Geogaceta 20: 1127-1130. (2) De la Rosa JM, Faria SR, Varela ME, Knicker H, González-Vila FJ, González-Pérez JA, Keizer J (2012). Characterization of wildfire effects on soil organic matter using analytical pyrolysis. Geoderma 191: 24-30. Acknowledgements This study is part of the results of the FUEGOSOL (CGL2013-43440-R) and GEOFIRE Projects (CGL2012-38655-C04-01) funded by the Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness. N.T Jiménez-Morillo is funded by a FPI research grant (BES-2013-062573).

Observation of a stationary, current-free double layer in a plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hairapetian, G.; Stenzel, R. L.

1990-01-01

A stationary, current-free, potential double layer is formed in a two-electron-population plasma due to self-consistent separation of the two electron species. The position and amplitude of the double layer are controlled by the relative densities of the two electron populations. The steady-state double layer traps the colder electrons on the high potential side, and generates a neutralized, monoenergetic ion beam on the low potential side. The field-aligned double layer is annihilated when an electron current is drawn through the plasma.

Three dimensional flow field inside compressor rotor, including blade boundary layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galmes, J. M.; Pouagere, M.; Lakshminarayana, B.

1982-01-01

The Reynolds stress equation, pressure strain correlation, and dissipative terms and diffusion are discussed in relation to turbulence modelling using the Reynolds stress model. Algebraic modeling of Reynolds stresses and calculation of the boundary layer over an axial cylinder are examined with regards to the kinetic energy model for turbulence modelling. The numerical analysis of blade and hub wall boundary layers, and an experimental study of rotor blade boundary layer in an axial flow compressor rotor are discussed. The Patankar-Spalding numerical method for two dimensional boundary layers is included.

Method of evaluating the integrity of the outer carbon layer of triso-coated reactor fuel particles

DOEpatents

Caputo, Anthony J.; Costanzo, Dante A.; Lackey, Jr., Walter J.; Layton, Frank L.; Stinton, David P.

1980-01-01

This invention relates to a method for determining defective final layers of carbon on triso-coated fuel particles and the like. Samples of the particles are subjected to a high temperature treatment with gaseous chlorine and thereafter radiographed. The chlorine penetrates through any defective carbon layer and reacts with the underlying silicon carbide resulting in the volatilization of the silicon as SiCl.sub.4 leaving carbon as a porous layer. This porous carbon layer is easily detected by the radiography.

Organic photovoltaic cell incorporating electron conducting exciton blocking layers

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

Forrest, Stephen R.; Lassiter, Brian E.

2014-08-26

The present disclosure relates to photosensitive optoelectronic devices including a compound blocking layer located between an acceptor material and a cathode, the compound blocking layer including: at least one electron conducting material, and at least one wide-gap electron conducting exciton blocking layer. For example, 3,4,9,10 perylenetetracarboxylic bisbenzimidazole (PTCBI) and 1,4,5,8-napthalene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (NTCDA) function as electron conducting and exciton blocking layers when interposed between the acceptor layer and cathode. Both materials serve as efficient electron conductors, leading to a fill factor as high as 0.70. By using an NTCDA/PTCBI compound blocking layer structure increased power conversion efficiency is achieved, compared to anmore » analogous device using a conventional blocking layers shown to conduct electrons via damage-induced midgap states.« less

On the turbulent friction layer for rising pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wieghardt, K; Tillmann, W

1951-01-01

Among the information presented are included displacement, momentum, and kinetic energy thicknesses, shearing stress distributions across boundary layer, and surface friction coefficients. The Gruschwitz method and its modifications are examined and tested. An energy theorem for the turbulent boundary layer is introduced and discussed but does not lead to a method for the prediction of the behavior of the turbulent boundary layer because relations for the shearing stress and the surface friction are lacking.

Physical Characteristics of Soil Collected in Iraq and Afghanistan Related to Remote Sensing

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

shallow subsurface in both Iraq and Afghanistan were layered. Generally, there was a crust ( duricrust ) on the surface from a few millimeters to...centimeters in thickness (Fig. 5). When disturbed, the crust broke apart into blocky pieces. Lichen was sometimes present in the duricrust layer. An...unconsolidated layer of silty sand usually was present below the duricrust . This layer was not more than 50 cm in thickness and lacked evaporite

Inventory of File gfs.t06z.smartguam24.tm00.grib2

Science.gov Websites

boundary layer WDIR 24 hour fcst Wind Direction (from which blowing) [degtrue] 016 planetary boundary layer WIND 24 hour fcst Wind Speed [m/s] 017 planetary boundary layer RH 24 hour fcst Relative Humidity [%] 018 planetary boundary layer DIST 24 hour fcst Geometric Height [m] 019 surface 4LFTX 24 hour fcst

Using the Hilbert uniqueness method in a reconstruction algorithm for electrical impedance tomography.

PubMed

Dai, W W; Marsili, P M; Martinez, E; Morucci, J P

1994-05-01

This paper presents a new version of the layer stripping algorithm in the sense that it works essentially by repeatedly stripping away the outermost layer of the medium after having determined the conductivity value in this layer. In order to stabilize the ill posed boundary value problem related to each layer, we base our algorithm on the Hilbert uniqueness method (HUM) and implement it with the boundary element method (BEM).

Core-shell fuel cell electrodes

DOEpatents

Adzic, Radoslav; Bliznakov, Stoyan; Vukmirovic, Miomir

2017-07-25

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to electrocatalysts. The electrocatalyst may include at least one gas-diffusion layer having a first side and a second side, and particle cores adhered to at least one of the first and second sides of the at least one gas-diffusion layer. The particle cores includes surfaces adhered to the at least one of the first and second sides of the at least one gas-diffusion layer and surfaces not in contact with the at least one gas-diffusion layer. Furthermore, a thin layer of catalytically atoms may be adhered to the surfaces of the particle cores not in contact with the at least one gas-diffusion layer.

Field-effect P-N junction

DOEpatents

Regan, William; Zettl, Alexander

2015-05-05

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to field-effect p-n junctions. In one aspect, a device includes an ohmic contact, a semiconductor layer disposed on the ohmic contact, at least one rectifying contact disposed on the semiconductor layer, a gate including a layer disposed on the at least one rectifying contact and the semiconductor layer and a gate contact disposed on the layer. A lateral width of the rectifying contact is less than a semiconductor depletion width of the semiconductor layer. The gate contact is electrically connected to the ohmic contact to create a self-gating feedback loop that is configured to maintain a gate electric field of the gate.

Temperature boundary layer profiles in turbulent Rayleigh-Benard convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ching, Emily S. C.; Emran, Mohammad S.; Horn, Susanne; Shishkina, Olga

2017-11-01

Classical boundary-layer theory for steady flows cannot adequately describe the boundary layer profiles in turbulent Rayleigh-Benard convection. We have developed a thermal boundary layer equation which takes into account fluctuations in terms of an eddy thermal diffusivity. Based on Prandtl's mixing length ideas, we relate the eddy thermal diffusivity to the stream function. With this proposed relation, we can solve the thermal boundary layer equation and obtain a closed-form expression for the dimensionless mean temperature profile in terms of two independent parameters: θ(ξ) =1/b∫0b ξ [ 1 +3a3/b3(η - arctan(η)) ] - c dη , where ξ is the similarity variable and the parameters a, b, and c are related by the condition θ(∞) = 1 . With a proper choice of the parameters, our predictions of the temperature profile are in excellent agreement with the results of our direct numerical simulations for a wide range of Prandtl numbers (Pr), from Pr=0.01 to Pr=2547.9. OS, ME and SH acknowledge the financial support by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) under Grants Sh405/4-2 (Heisenberg fellowship), Sh405/3-2 and Ho 5890/1-1, respectively.

Composite lamination method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickerson, G. E. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

A process was developed for preparing relatively thick composite laminate structure wherein thin layers of prepreg tapes are assembled, these thin layers are cut into strips that are partially cured, and stacked into the desired thickness with uncured prepreg disposed between each layer of strips. The formed laminate is finally cured and thereafter machined to the desired final dimensions.

Transport, mechanical and global migration data of multilayer copolyamide nanocomposite films with different layouts.

PubMed

Scarfato, P; Garofalo, E; Di Maio, L; Incarnato, L

2017-06-01

Transport, mechanical and global migration data concern multilayer food packaging films with different layouts, all incorporating a layered silicate/polyamide nanocomposite as oxygen barrier layer, and a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as moisture resistant layer in direct contact with food. The data are related to "Tuning of co-extrusion processing conditions and film layout to optimize the performances of PA/PE multilayer nanocomposite films for food packaging" by Garofalo et al. (2017) [1]. Nanocomposite multilayer films, with different relative layer thicknesses and clay types, were produced using a laboratory scale co-extrusion blown-film equipment and were analyzed in terms of transport to oxygen and water vapor, mechanical properties and overall migration. The results have shown that all the multilayer hybrid films, based on the copolyamide layer filled with Cloisite 30B, displayed the most significant oxygen barrier improvements and the best mechanical properties compared to the unfilled films. No significant alteration of the overall migration values was observed, as expectable [2], [3], [4]. The performance improvement was more relevant in the case of the film with the thinner nanocomposite layer.

Preserved number of entorhinal cortex layer II neurons in aged macaque monkeys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gazzaley, A. H.; Thakker, M. M.; Hof, P. R.; Morrison, J. H.; Bloom, F. E. (Principal Investigator)

1997-01-01

The perforant path, which consists of the projection from the layer II neurons of the entorhinal cortex to the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, is a critical circuit involved in learning and memory formation. Accordingly, disturbances in this circuit may contribute to age-related cognitive deficits. In a previous study, we demonstrated a decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 immunofluorescence intensity in the outer molecular layer of aged macaque monkeys. In this study, we used the optical fractionator, a stereological method, to determine if a loss of layer II neurons occurred in the same animals in which the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 alteration was observed. Our results revealed no significant differences in the number of layer II neurons between juvenile, young adult, and aged macaque monkeys. These results suggest that the circuit-specific decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 reported previously occurs in the absence of structural compromise of the perforant path, and thus may be linked to an age-related change in the physiological properties of this circuit.

Establishment of the Vertebrate Germ Layers.

PubMed

Tseng, Wei-Chia; Munisha, Mumingjiang; Gutierrez, Juan B; Dougan, Scott T

2017-01-01

The process of germ layer formation is a universal feature of animal development. The germ layers separate the cells that produce the internal organs and tissues from those that produce the nervous system and outer tissues. Their discovery in the early nineteenth century transformed embryology from a purely descriptive field into a rigorous scientific discipline, in which hypotheses could be tested by observation and experimentation. By systematically addressing the questions of how the germ layers are formed and how they generate overall body plan, scientists have made fundamental contributions to the fields of evolution, cell signaling, morphogenesis, and stem cell biology. At each step, this work was advanced by the development of innovative methods of observing cell behavior in vivo and in culture. Here, we take an historical approach to describe our current understanding of vertebrate germ layer formation as it relates to the long-standing questions of developmental biology. By comparing how germ layers form in distantly related vertebrate species, we find that highly conserved molecular pathways can be adapted to perform the same function in dramatically different embryonic environments.

Stability Criteria of Fullerene-like Nanoparticles: Comparing V₂O5 to Layered Metal Dichalcogenides and Dihalides.

PubMed

Levi, Roi; Bar-Sadan, Maya; Albu-Yaron, Ana; Popovitz-Biro, Ronit; Houben, Lothar; Prior, Yehiam; Tenne, Reshef

2010-08-18

Numerous examples of closed-cage nanostructures, such as nested fullerene-like nanoparticles and nanotubes, formed by the folding of materials with layered structure are known. These compounds include WS₂, NiCl₂, CdCl₂, Cs₂O, and recently V₂O₅. Layered materials, whose chemical bonds are highly ionic in character, possess relatively stiff layers, which cannot be evenly folded. Thus, stress-relief generally results in faceted nanostructures seamed by edge-defects. V₂O₅, is a metal oxide compound with a layered structure. The study of the seams in nearly perfect inorganic "fullerene-like" hollow V₂O 5 nanoparticles (NIF-V₂O₅) synthesized by pulsed laser ablation (PLA), is discussed in the present work. The relation between the formation mechanism and the seams between facets is examined. The formation mechanism of the NIF-V₂O 5 is discussed in comparison to fullerene-like structures of other layered materials, like IF structures of MoS₂, CdCl₂, and Cs₂O. The criteria for the perfect seaming of such hollow closed structures are highlighted.

Quantitative thickness measurement of polarity-inverted piezoelectric thin-film layer by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odagawa, Hiroyuki; Terada, Koshiro; Tanaka, Yohei; Nishikawa, Hiroaki; Yanagitani, Takahiko; Cho, Yasuo

2017-10-01

A quantitative measurement method for a polarity-inverted layer in ferroelectric or piezoelectric thin film is proposed. It is performed nondestructively by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM). In SNDM, linear and nonlinear dielectric constants are measured using a probe that converts the variation of capacitance related to these constants into the variation of electrical oscillation frequency. In this paper, we describe a principle for determining the layer thickness and some calculation results of the output signal, which are related to the radius of the probe tip and the thickness of the inverted layer. Moreover, we derive an equation that represents the relationship between the output signal and the oscillation frequency of the probe and explain how to determine the thickness from the measured frequency. Experimental results in Sc-doped AlN piezoelectric thin films that have a polarity-inverted layer with a thickness of 1.5 µm fabricated by radio frequency magnetron sputtering showed a fairly good value of 1.38 µm for the thickness of the polarity-inverted layer.

Electrodynamic properties and height of atmospheric convective boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anisimov, S. V.; Galichenko, S. V.; Mareev, E. A.

2017-09-01

We consider the relations between the mixed layer height and atmospheric electric parameters affected by convective mixing. Vertical turbulent transport of radon, its progeny and electrically charged particles is described under Lagrangian stochastic framework, which is the next step to develop a consistent model for the formation of electrical conditions in the atmospheric boundary layer. Using the data from detailed and complex measurements of vertical profiles of the temperature and turbulence statistics as input, we calculated non-stationary vertical profiles of radon and its daughter products concentrations, atmospheric electric conductivity and intensity of electric field in the convective boundary layer from the morning transition through early afternoon quasi-stationary conditions. These profiles demonstrate substantial variability due to the changing turbulent regime in the evolving boundary layer. We obtained quantitative estimates of the atmospheric electric field variability range essentially related to the sunrise and convection development. It is shown that the local change in the electrical conductivity is the only factor that can change the intensity of electric field at the earth's surface more than twice during the transition from night to day. The established relations between electric and turbulent parameters of the boundary layer indicate that the effect of sunrise is more pronounced in the case when development of convection is accompanied by an increase in aerosol concentration and, hence, a decrease in local conductivity.

Fouling mechanisms of gel layer in a submerged membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Hong, Huachang; Zhang, Meijia; He, Yiming; Chen, Jianrong; Lin, Hongjun

2014-08-01

The fouling mechanisms underlying gel layer formation and its filtration resistance in a submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) were investigated. It was found that gel layer rather than cake layer was more easily formed when soluble microbial products content in sludge suspension was relatively high. Thermodynamic analyses showed that gel layer formation process should overcome a higher energy barrier as compared with cake layer formation process. However, when separation distance <2.3 nm, attractive interaction energy of gelling foulant-membrane combination was remarkably higher than that of sludge floc-membrane combination. The combined effects were responsible for gel layer formation. Filtration tests showed that specific filtration resistance (SFR) of gel layer was almost 100 times higher than that of cake layer. The unusually high SFR of gel layer could be ascribed to the gelling propensity and osmotic pressure mechanism. These findings shed significant light on fouling mechanisms of gel layer in MBRs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of Cu layer thickness on the magnetic anisotropy of pulsed electrodeposited Ni/Cu/Ni tri-layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhanapal, K.; Prabhu, D.; Gopalan, R.; Narayanan, V.; Stephen, A.

2017-07-01

The Ni/Cu/Ni tri-layer film with different thickness of Cu layer was deposited using pulsed electrodeposition method. The XRD pattern of all the films show the formation of fcc structure of nickel and copper. This shows the orientated growth in the (2 2 0) plane of the layered films as calculated from the relative intensity ratio. The layer formation in the films were observed from cross sectional view using FE-SEM and confirms the decrease in Cu layer thickness with decreasing deposition time. The magnetic anisotropy behaviour was measured using VSM with two different orientations of layered film. This shows that increasing anisotropy energy with decreasing Cu layer thickness and a maximum of  -5.13  ×  104 J m-3 is observed for copper deposited for 1 min. From the K eff.t versus t plot, development of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the layered system is predicted below 0.38 µm copper layer thickness.

Flexible cryogenic conduit

DOEpatents

Brindza, Paul Daniel; Wines, Robin Renee; Takacs, James Joseph

1999-01-01

A flexible and relatively low cost cryogenic conduit is described. The flexible cryogenic conduit of the present invention comprises a first inner corrugated tube with single braided serving, a second outer corrugated tube with single braided serving concentric with the inner corrugated tube, and arranged outwardly about the periphery of the inner corrugated tube and between the inner and outer corrugated tubes: a superinsulation layer; a one half lap layer of polyester ribbon; a one half lap layer of copper ribbon; a spirally wound refrigeration tube; a second one half lap layer of copper ribbon; a second one half lap layer of polyester ribbon; a second superinsulation layer; a third one half lap layer of polyester ribbon; and a spirally wound stretchable and compressible filament.

Stratigraphy Identification with Emphasis to Shells Layer using 2-D Electrical Resistivity Method at Guar Kepah, Penang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosli, Najmiah; Mansor, Hafizuddin; Ismail, N. A.; Masnan, S. S. K.; Saidin, M.

2018-04-01

2-D electrical resistivity method was done at an archaeological site in Guar Kepah, Penang, to determine its stratigraphy with emphasis to shells layer. This study aims to guide the archaeological studies where many prehistoric findings are related to shells and also for engineering purposes as an archaeological gallery is to be built there. Results show that the area is composed of three unconsolidated soil strata where the uppermost layer is sandy-clay, followed by shells layer, and lastly sandy layer. The shells layer is undulating with similar thickness throughout the site, but thickens at the northern part of the study area. The depth of the shells layer however, is different at different parts of the site.

Differential erosion and the formation of layered yardangs in the Loulan region (Lop Nur), eastern Tarim Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yongchong; Xu, Lishuai; Mu, Guijin

2018-02-01

Yardangs are a type of wind-sculpted landform which generally form in hyper-arid regions. Several factors affect the development of yardangs, and the relative importance of these factors likely varies with differences in regional environmental factors. In the Loulan region of Lop Nur, wind dynamics are the principal factor affecting the development of yardangs. However, layered yardangs, which have undergone a unique form of differential erosion, are common in the region. These erosional landforms differ from typical yardangs which are eroded solely by abrasion and deflation. We conducted field and laboratory investigations of layered yardangs to determine their origin. The results indicate that there are two types of strata comprising the yardangs: uncompacted sand-silt layers, with a lower carbonate content; and compacted clay-silt layers, with a higher carbonate content. Both types of strata are horizontal and occur in alternating layers. This type of structure enables the wind to more easily erode the less resistant sand-silt layers at different heights, leaving the more resistant compacted clay-silt layers relatively intact. Eventually the undercut remnant clay-silt layers collapse once the weight of the suspended strata exceeds their elastic resistance (more than 90% of the fallen blocks have length/thickness ratios between 1.2 and 2.5). Therefore, in addition to wind dynamics, the lithology and structure of the strata are important factors affecting the development of the layered yardangs. This type of differential erosion accelerates the development of the yardangs in the Loulan region.

Computations in the deep vs superficial layers of the cerebral cortex.

PubMed

Rolls, Edmund T; Mills, W Patrick C

2017-11-01

A fundamental question is how the cerebral neocortex operates functionally, computationally. The cerebral neocortex with its superficial and deep layers and highly developed recurrent collateral systems that provide a basis for memory-related processing might perform somewhat different computations in the superficial and deep layers. Here we take into account the quantitative connectivity within and between laminae. Using integrate-and-fire neuronal network simulations that incorporate this connectivity, we first show that attractor networks implemented in the deep layers that are activated by the superficial layers could be partly independent in that the deep layers might have a different time course, which might because of adaptation be more transient and useful for outputs from the neocortex. In contrast the superficial layers could implement more prolonged firing, useful for slow learning and for short-term memory. Second, we show that a different type of computation could in principle be performed in the superficial and deep layers, by showing that the superficial layers could operate as a discrete attractor network useful for categorisation and feeding information forward up a cortical hierarchy, whereas the deep layers could operate as a continuous attractor network useful for providing a spatially and temporally smooth output to output systems in the brain. A key advance is that we draw attention to the functions of the recurrent collateral connections between cortical pyramidal cells, often omitted in canonical models of the neocortex, and address principles of operation of the neocortex by which the superficial and deep layers might be specialized for different types of attractor-related memory functions implemented by the recurrent collaterals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Apparatus for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells employing materials selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite compounds

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, Reid A.; Chen, Wen S.

1983-01-01

Apparatus for forming thin-film, large area solar cells having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n-type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin "composition-graded" layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns (.congruent.2.5 .mu.m to .congruent.5.0 .mu.m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, causes the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer to evolve into p-type material, thereby defining a thin layer heterojunction device characterized by the absence of voids, vacancies and nodules which tend to reduce the energy conversion efficiency of the system.

Effect of interface layer on the performance of high power diode laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Pu; Wang, Jingwei; Xiong, Lingling; Li, Xiaoning; Hou, Dong; Liu, Xingsheng

2015-02-01

Packaging is an important part of high power diode laser (HPLD) development and has become one of the key factors affecting the performance of high power diode lasers. In the package structure of HPLD, the interface layer of die bonding has significant effects on the thermal behavior of high power diode laser packages and most degradations and failures in high power diode laser packages are directly related to the interface layer. In this work, the effects of interface layer on the performance of high power diode laser array were studied numerically by modeling and experimentally. Firstly, numerical simulations using finite element method (FEM) were conducted to analyze the effects of voids in the interface layer on the temperature rise in active region of diode laser array. The correlation between junction temperature rise and voids was analyzed. According to the numerical simulation results, it was found that the local temperature rise of active region originated from the voids in the solder layer will lead to wavelength shift of some emitters. Secondly, the effects of solder interface layer on the spectrum properties of high power diode laser array were studied. It showed that the spectrum shape of diode laser array appeared "right shoulder" or "multi-peaks", which were related to the voids in the solder interface layer. Finally, "void-free" techniques were developed to minimize the voids in the solder interface layer and achieve high power diode lasers with better optical-electrical performances.

Omnidirectional optical waveguide

DOEpatents

Bora, Mihail; Bond, Tiziana C.

2016-08-02

In one embodiment, a system includes a scintillator material; a detector coupled to the scintillator material; and an omnidirectional waveguide coupled to the scintillator material, the omnidirectional waveguide comprising: a plurality of first layers comprising one or more materials having a refractive index in a first range; and a plurality of second layers comprising one or more materials having a refractive index in a second range, the second range being lower than the first range, a plurality of interfaces being defined between alternating ones of the first and second layers. In another embodiment, a method includes depositing alternating layers of a material having a relatively high refractive index and a material having a relatively low refractive index on a substrate to form an omnidirectional waveguide; and coupling the omnidirectional waveguide to at least one surface of a scintillator material.

Multilayered composite proton exchange membrane and a process for manufacturing the same

DOEpatents

Santurri, Pasco R; Duvall, James H; Katona, Denise M; Mausar, Joseph T; Decker, Berryinne

2015-05-05

A multilayered membrane for use with fuel cells and related applications. The multilayered membrane includes a carrier film, at least one layer of an undoped conductive polymer electrolyte material applied onto the carrier film, and at least one layer of a conductive polymer electrolyte material applied onto the adjacent layer of polymer electrolyte material. Each layer of conductive polymer electrolyte material is doped with a plurality of nanoparticles. Each layer of undoped electrolyte material and doped electrolyte material may be applied in an alternating configuration, or alternatively, adjacent layers of doped conductive polymer electrolyte material is employed. The process for producing a multilayered composite membrane includes providing a carrier substrate and solution casting a layer of undoped conductive polymer electrolyte material and a layer of conductive polymer electrolyte material doped with nanoparticles in an alternating arrangement or in an arrangement where doped layers are adjacent to one another.

Contact mechanics for layered materials with randomly rough surfaces.

PubMed

Persson, B N J

2012-03-07

The contact mechanics model of Persson is applied to layered materials. We calculate the M function, which relates the surface stress to the surface displacement, for a layered material, where the top layer (thickness d) has different elastic properties than the semi-infinite solid below. Numerical results for the contact area as a function of the magnification are presented for several cases. As an application, we calculate the fluid leak rate for laminated rubber seals.

Effect of Nano-TiC Dispersed Particles and Electro-Codeposition Parameters on Morphology and Structure of Hybrid Ni/TiC Nanocomposite Layers

PubMed Central

Benea, Lidia; Celis, Jean-Pierre

2016-01-01

This research work describes the effect of dispersed titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles into nickel plating bath on Ni/TiC nanostructured composite layers obtained by electro-codeposition. The surface morphology of Ni/TiC nanostructured composite layers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition of coatings and the incorporation percentage of TiC nanoparticles into Ni matrix were studied and estimated by using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) has been applied in order to investigate the phase structure as well as the corresponding relative texture coefficients of the composite layers. The results show that the concentration of nano-TiC particles added in the nickel electrolyte affects the inclusion percentage of TiC into Ni/TiC nano strucured layers, as well as the corresponding morphology, relative texture coefficients and thickness indicating an increasing tendency with the increasing concentration of nano-TiC concentration. By increasing the amount of TiC nanoparticles in the electrolyte, their incorporation into nickel matrix also increases. The hybrid Ni/nano-TiC composite layers obtained revealed a higher roughness and higher hardness; therefore, these layers are promising superhydrophobic surfaces for special application and could be more resistant to wear than the pure Ni layers. PMID:28773395

Aerosol characteristics in the entrainment interface layer in relation to the marine boundary layer and free troposphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadashazar, Hossein; Braun, Rachel A.; Crosbie, Ewan; Chuang, Patrick Y.; Woods, Roy K.; Jonsson, Haflidi H.; Sorooshian, Armin

2018-02-01

This study uses airborne data from two field campaigns off the California coast to characterize aerosol size distribution characteristics in the entrainment interface layer (EIL), a thin and turbulent layer above marine stratocumulus cloud tops, which separates the stratocumulus-topped boundary layer (STBL) from the free troposphere (FT). The vertical bounds of the EIL are defined in this work based on considerations of buoyancy and turbulence using thermodynamic and dynamic data. Aerosol number concentrations are examined from three different probes with varying particle diameter (Dp) ranges: > 3 nm, > 10 nm, and 0.11-3.4 µm. Relative to the EIL and FT layers, the sub-cloud (SUB) layer exhibited lower aerosol number concentrations and higher surface area concentrations. High particle number concentrations between 3 and 10 nm in the EIL are indicative of enhanced nucleation, assisted by high actinic fluxes, cool and moist air, and much lower surface area concentrations than the STBL. Slopes of number concentration versus altitude in the EIL were correlated with the particle number concentration difference between the SUB and lower FT layers. The EIL aerosol size distribution was influenced by varying degrees from STBL aerosol versus subsiding FT aerosol depending on the case examined. These results emphasize the important role of the EIL in influencing nucleation and aerosol-cloud-climate interactions.

Neutronic reactor thermal shield

DOEpatents

Lowe, Paul E.

1976-06-15

1. The combination with a plurality of parallel horizontal members arranged in horizontal and vertical rows, the spacing of the members in all horizontal rows being equal throughout, the spacing of the members in all vertical rows being equal throughout; of a shield for a nuclear reactor comprising two layers of rectangular blocks through which the members pass generally perpendicularly to the layers, each block in each layer having for one of the members an opening equally spaced from vertical sides of the block and located closer to the top of the block than the bottom thereof, whereby gravity tends to make each block rotate about the associated member to a position in which the vertical sides of the block are truly vertical, the openings in all the blocks of one layer having one equal spacing from the tops of the blocks, the openings in all the blocks of the other layer having one equal spacing from the tops of the blocks, which spacing is different from the corresponding spacing in the said one layer, all the blocks of both layers having the same vertical dimension or length, the blocks of both layers consisting of relatively wide blocks and relatively narrow blocks, all the narrow blocks having the same horizontal dimension or width which is less than the horizontal dimension or width of the wide blocks, which is the same throughout, each layer consisting of vertical rows of narrow blocks and wide blocks alternating with one another, each vertical row of narrow blocks of each layer being covered by a vertical row of wide blocks of the other layer which wide blocks receive the same vertical row of members as the said each vertical row of narrow blocks, whereby the rectangular perimeters of each block of each layer is completely out of register with that of each block in the other layer.

A Theory of Density Layering in Stratified Turbulence using Statistical State Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzgerald, J.; Farrell, B.

2016-12-01

Stably stratified turbulent fluids commonly develop density structures that are layered in the vertical direction (e.g., Manucharyan et al., 2015). Within layers, density is approximately constant and stratification is weak. Between layers, density varies rapidly and stratification is strong. A common explanation for the existence of layers invokes the negative diffusion mechanism of Phillips (1972) & Posmentier (1977). The physical principle underlying this mechanism is that the flux-gradient relationship connecting the turbulent fluxes of buoyancy to the background stratification must have the special property of weakening fluxes with strengthening gradient. Under these conditions, the evolution of the stratification is governed by a negative diffusion problem which gives rise to spontaneous layer formation. In previous work on stratified layering, this flux-gradient property is often assumed (e.g, Posmentier, 1977) or drawn from phenomenological models of turbulence (e.g., Balmforth et al., 1998).In this work we develop the theoretical underpinnings of layer formation by applying stochastic turbulence modeling and statistical state dynamics (SSD) to predict the flux-gradient relation and analyze layer formation directly from the equations of motion. We show that for stochastically-forced homogeneous 2D Boussinesq turbulence, the flux-gradient relation can be obtained analytically and indicates that the fluxes always strengthen with stratification. The Phillips mechanism thus does not operate in this maximally simplified scenario. However, when the problem is augmented to include a large scale background shear, we show that the flux-gradient relationship is modified so that the fluxes weaken with stratification. Sheared and stratified 2D Boussinesq turbulence thus spontaneously forms density layers through the Phillips mechanism. Using SSD (Farrell & Ioannou 2003), we obtain a closed, deterministic dynamics for the stratification and the statistical turbulent state. We show that density layers form as a linear instability of the sheared turbulence, associated with a supercritical bifurcation. We further show that SSD predicts the nonlinear equilibration and maintenance of the layers, and captures the phenomena of layer growth and mergers (Radko, 2007).

Distinctive transcriptome alterations of prefrontal pyramidal neurons in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

PubMed Central

Arion, Dominique; Corradi, John P.; Tang, Shaowu; Datta, Dibyadeep; Boothe, Franklyn; He, Aiqing; Cacace, Angela M.; Zaczek, Robert; Albright, Charles F.; Tseng, George; Lewis, David A.

2014-01-01

Schizophrenia is associated with alterations in working memory that reflect dysfunction of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) circuitry. Working memory depends on the activity of excitatory pyramidal cells in DLPFC layer 3, and to a lesser extent in layer 5. Although many studies have profiled gene expression in DLPFC gray matter in schizophrenia, little is known about cell type-specific transcript expression in these two populations of pyramidal cells. We hypothesized that interrogating gene expression specifically in DLPFC layer 3 or 5 pyramidal cells would reveal new and/or more robust schizophrenia-associated differences that would provide new insights into the nature of pyramidal cell dysfunction in the illness. We also sought to determine the impact of other variables, such as a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder or medication use at time of death, on the patterns of gene expression in pyramidal neurons. Individual pyramidal cells in DLPFC layers 3 or 5 were captured by laser microdissection from 36 subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and matched normal comparison subjects. The mRNA from cell collections was subjected to transcriptome profiling by microarray followed by qPCR validation. Expression of genes involved in mitochondrial (MT) or ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) functions were markedly down-regulated in the patient group (p values for MT-related and UPS-related pathways were <10−7 and <10−5 respectively). MT-related gene alterations were more prominent in layer 3 pyramidal cells, whereas UPS-related gene alterations were more prominent in layer 5 pyramidal cells. Many of these alterations were not present, or found to a lesser degree, in samples of DLPFC gray matter from the same subjects, suggesting that they are pyramidal cell-specific. Furthermore, these findings principally reflected alterations in the schizophrenia subjects, were not present or present to a lesser degree in the schizoaffective disorder subjects (diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder was the most significant covariate, p<10−6), and were not attributable to factors frequently comorbid with schizophrenia. In summary, our findings reveal expression deficits in MT- and UPS-related genes specific to layer 3 and/or layer 5 pyramidal cells in the DLPFC of schizophrenia subjects. These cell type-specific transcriptome signatures are not characteristic of schizoaffective disorder, providing a potential molecular-cellular basis of differences in clinical phenotypes. PMID:25560755

Distinctive transcriptome alterations of prefrontal pyramidal neurons in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

PubMed

Arion, D; Corradi, J P; Tang, S; Datta, D; Boothe, F; He, A; Cacace, A M; Zaczek, R; Albright, C F; Tseng, G; Lewis, D A

2015-11-01

Schizophrenia is associated with alterations in working memory that reflect dysfunction of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) circuitry. Working memory depends on the activity of excitatory pyramidal cells in DLPFC layer 3 and, to a lesser extent, in layer 5. Although many studies have profiled gene expression in DLPFC gray matter in schizophrenia, little is known about cell-type-specific transcript expression in these two populations of pyramidal cells. We hypothesized that interrogating gene expression, specifically in DLPFC layer 3 or 5 pyramidal cells, would reveal new and/or more robust schizophrenia-associated differences that would provide new insights into the nature of pyramidal cell dysfunction in the illness. We also sought to determine the impact of other variables, such as a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder or medication use at the time of death, on the patterns of gene expression in pyramidal neurons. Individual pyramidal cells in DLPFC layers 3 or 5 were captured by laser microdissection from 36 subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and matched normal comparison subjects. The mRNA from cell collections was subjected to transcriptome profiling by microarray followed by quantitative PCR validation. Expression of genes involved in mitochondrial (MT) or ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) functions were markedly downregulated in the patient group (P-values for MT-related and UPS-related pathways were <10(-7) and <10(-5), respectively). MT-related gene alterations were more prominent in layer 3 pyramidal cells, whereas UPS-related gene alterations were more prominent in layer 5 pyramidal cells. Many of these alterations were not present, or found to a lesser degree, in samples of DLPFC gray matter from the same subjects, suggesting that they are pyramidal cell specific. Furthermore, these findings principally reflected alterations in the schizophrenia subjects were not present or present to a lesser degree in the schizoaffective disorder subjects (diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder was the most significant covariate, P<10(-6)) and were not attributable to factors frequently comorbid with schizophrenia. In summary, our findings reveal expression deficits in MT- and UPS-related genes specific to layer 3 and/or layer 5 pyramidal cells in the DLPFC of schizophrenia subjects. These cell type-specific transcriptome signatures are not characteristic of schizoaffective disorder, providing a potential molecular-cellular basis of differences in clinical phenotypes.

Reflective article having a sacrificial cathodic layer

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

Kabagambe, Benjamin; Buchanan, Michael J.; Scott, Matthew S.

The present invention relates to reflective articles, such as solar mirrors, that include a sacrificial cathodic layer. The reflective article, more particularly includes a substrate, such as glass, having a multi-layered coating thereon that includes a lead-free sacrificial cathodic layer. The sacrificial cathodic layer includes at least one transition metal, such as a particulate transition metal, which can be in the form of flakes (e.g., zinc flakes). The sacrificial cathodic layer can include an inorganic matrix formed from one or more organo-titanates. Alternatively, the sacrificial cathodic layer can include an organic polymer matrix (e.g., a crosslinked organic polymer matrix formedmore » from an organic polymer and an aminoplast crosslinking agent). The reflective article also includes an outer organic polymer coating, that can be electrodeposited over the sacrificial cathodic layer.« less

75 FR 38182 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

... Deplete the Ozone Layer and on Products Containing Such Chemicals (Sec. Sec. 52.4682-1(b), 52.4682-2(b....gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Excise Tax on Chemicals That Deplete the Ozone Layer and on... Revenue Code sections 4681 and 4682 relating to the tax on chemicals that deplete the ozone layer and on...

Materials science and integration bases for fabrication of (BaxSr1-x)TiO3 thin film capacitors with layered Cu-based electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, W.; Kabius, B.; Hiller, J. M.; Saha, S.; Carlisle, J. A.; Auciello, O.; Chang, R. P. H.; Ramesh, R.

2003-11-01

The synthesis and fundamental material properties of layered TiAl/Cu/Ta electrodes were investigated to achieve the integration of Cu electrodes with high-dielectric constant (κ) oxide thin films for application to the fabrication of high-frequency devices. The Ta layer is an excellent diffusion barrier to inhibit deleterious Cu diffusion into the Si substrate, while the TiAl layer provides an excellent barrier against oxygen diffusion into the Cu layer to inhibit Cu oxidation during the growth of the high-κ layer in an oxygen atmosphere. Polycrystalline (BaxSr1-x)TiO3 (BST) thin films were grown on the Cu-based bottom electrode by rf magnetron sputtering at temperatures in the range 400-600 °C in oxygen, to investigate the performance of BST/Cu-based capacitors. Characterization of the Cu-based layered structure using surface analytical methods showed that two amorphous oxide layers were formed on both sides of the TiAl barrier, such that the oxide layer on the free surface of the TiAl layer correlates with TiAlOx, while the oxide layer at the TiAl/Cu interface is an Al2O3-rich layer. This double amorphous barrier layer structure effectively prevents oxygen penetration towards the underlying Cu and Ta layers. The TiAlOx interfacial layer, which has a relatively low dielectric constant compared with BST, reduced the total capacitance of the BST thin film capacitors. In addition, the layered electrode-oxide interface roughening observed during the growth of BST films at high temperature, due to copper grain growth, resulted in large dielectric loss on the fabricated BST capacitors. These problems were solved by growing the BST layer at 450 °C followed by a rapid thermal annealing at 700 °C. This process significantly reduced the thickness of the TiAlOx layer and interface roughness resulting in BST capacitors exhibiting properties suitable for the fabrication of high-performance high-frequency devices. In summary, relatively high dielectric constant (280), low dielectric loss (0.007), and low leakage current (<2×10-8 A/cm2 at 100 kV/cm) were achieved for BST thin film capacitors with Cu-based electrodes.

Probabilistic description of ice-supersaturated layers in low resolution profiles of relative humidity N. C. Dickson, K. Gierens, H. L. Rogers, R. L. Jones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickson, N.

2009-12-01

The global observation, assimilation and prediction in numerical models of ice super-saturated (ISS) regions (ISSR) are crucial if the climate impact of aircraft condensations trails (contrails) is to be fully understood, and if, for example, contrail formation is to be avoided through aircraft operational measures. A robust assessment of the global distribution of ISSR will further this debate, and ISS event occurrence, frequency and spatial scales have recently attracted significant attention. The mean horizontal size of ISSR is 150 km (±250km) although 12-14% of ISS events occur on horizontal scales of less than 5km. The average vertical thickness of ISS layers is 600-800m (±575m) but layers ranging from 25m to 3000m have been observed, with up to one third of ISS layers thought to be less than 100m deep. Given their small scales compared to typical atmospheric model grid sizes, statistical representations of the spatial scales of ISSR are required, in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, if global occurrence of ISSR is to be adequately represented in climate models. This paper uses radiosonde launches made by the UK Meteorological Office, from the British Isles, Gibraltar, St. Helena and the Falkland Islands between January 2002 and December 2006, to investigate the probabilistic occurrence of ISSR. Specifically each radiosonde profile is divided into 50 and 100 hPa pressure layers, to emulate the coarse vertical resolution of some atmospheric models. Then the high resolution observations contained within each thick pressure layer are used to calculate an average relative humidity and an ISS fraction for each individual thick pressure layer. These relative humidity pressure layer descriptions are then linked through a probability function to produce an s-shaped curve describing the ISS fraction in any average relative humidity pressure layer. An empirical investigation has shown that this one curve is statistically valid for mid-latitude locations, irrespective of season and altitude, however, pressure layer depth is an important variable. Using this empirical understanding of the s-shaped relationship a mathematical model was developed to represent the ISS fraction within any arbitrary thick pressure layer. Here the statistical distributions of actual high resolution RHi observations in any thick pressure layer, along with an error function, are used to mathematically describe the s-shape. Two models were developed to represent both 50 and 100 hPa pressure layers with each reconstructing their respective s-shapes within 8-10% of the empirical curves. These new models can be used, to represent the small scale structures of ISS events, in modelled data where only low vertical resolution is available. This will be useful in understanding, and improving the global distribution, both observed and forecasted, of ice super-saturation.

Soil moisture dynamics and dominant controls at different spatial scales over semiarid and semi-humid areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suo, Lizhu; Huang, Mingbin; Zhang, Yongkun; Duan, Liangxia; Shan, Yan

2018-07-01

Soil moisture dynamics plays an active role in ecological and hydrological processes, and it depends on a large number of environmental factors, such as topographic attributes, soil properties, land use types, and precipitation. However, studies must still clarify the relative significance of these environmental factors at different soil depths and at different spatial scales. This study aimed: (1) to characterize temporal and spatial variations in soil moisture content (SMC) at four soil layers (0-40, 40-100, 100-200, and 200-500 cm) and three spatial scales (plot, hillslope, and region); and (2) to determine their dominant controls in diverse soil layers at different spatial scales over semiarid and semi-humid areas of the Loess Plateau, China. Given the high co-dependence of environmental factors, partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to detect relative significance among 15 selected environmental factors that affect SMC. Temporal variation in SMC decreased with increasing soil depth, and vertical changes in the 0-500 cm soil profile were divided into a fast-changing layer (0-40 cm), an active layer (40-100 cm), a sub-active layer (100-200 cm), and a relatively stable layer (200-500 cm). PLSR models simulated SMC accurately in diverse soil layers at different scales; almost all values for variation in response (R2) and goodness of prediction (Q2) were >0.5 and >0.0975, respectively. Upper and lower layer SMCs were the two most important factors that influenced diverse soil layers at three scales, and these SMC variables exhibited the highest importance in projection (VIP) values. The 7-day antecedent precipitation and 7-day antecedent potential evapotranspiration contributed significantly to SMC only at the 0-40 cm soil layer. VIP of soil properties, especially sand and silt content, which influenced SMC strongly, increased significantly after increasing the measured scale. Mean annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration also influenced SMC at the regional scale significantly. Overall, this study indicated that dominant controls of SMC varied among three spatial scales on the Loess Plateau, and VIP was a function of spatial scale and soil depth.

Method of fabricating multiwavelength infrared focal plane array detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forrest, Stephen R. (Inventor); Olsen, Gregory H. (Inventor); Kim, Dong-Su (Inventor); Lange, Michael J. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A multiwavelength local plane array infrared detector is included on a common substrate having formed on its top face a plurality of In.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As (x.ltoreq.0.53) absorption layers, between each pair of which a plurality of InAs.sub.y P.sub.1-y (y.ltoreq.1) buffer layers are formed having substantially increasing lattice parameters, respectively, relative to said substrate, for preventing lattice mismatch dislocations from propagating through successive ones of the absorption layers of decreasing bandgap relative to said substrate, whereby a plurality of detectors for detecting different wavelengths of light for a given pixel are provided by removing material above given areas of successive ones of the absorption layers, which areas are doped to form a pn junction with the surrounding unexposed portions of associated absorption layers, respectively, with metal contacts being formed on a portion of each of the exposed areas, and on the bottom of the substrate for facilitating electrical connections thereto.

Multiwavelength infrared focal plane array detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forrest, Stephen R. (Inventor); Olsen, Gregory H. (Inventor); Kim, Dong-Su (Inventor); Lange, Michael J. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A multiwavelength focal plane array infrared detector is included on a common substrate having formed on its top face a plurality of In.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As (x.ltoreq.0.53) absorption layers, between each pair of which a plurality of InAs.sub.y P.sub.1-y (y<1) buffer layers are formed having substantially increasing lattice parameters, respectively, relative to said substrate, for preventing lattice mismatch dislocations from propagating through successive ones of the absorption layers of decreasing bandgap relative to said substrate, whereby a plurality of detectors for detecting different wavelengths of light for a given pixel are provided by removing material above given areas of successive ones of the absorption layers, which areas are doped to form a pn junction with the surrounding unexposed portions of associated absorption layers, respectively, with metal contacts being formed on a portion of each of the exposed areas, and on the bottom of the substrate for facilitating electrical connections thereto.

Laminar activity in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex related to novelty and episodic encoding

PubMed Central

Maass, Anne; Schütze, Hartmut; Speck, Oliver; Yonelinas, Andrew; Tempelmann, Claus; Heinze, Hans-Jochen; Berron, David; Cardenas-Blanco, Arturo; Brodersen, Kay H.; Enno Stephan, Klaas; Düzel, Emrah

2014-01-01

The ability to form long-term memories for novel events depends on information processing within the hippocampus (HC) and entorhinal cortex (EC). The HC–EC circuitry shows a quantitative segregation of anatomical directionality into different neuronal layers. Whereas superficial EC layers mainly project to dentate gyrus (DG), CA3 and apical CA1 layers, HC output is primarily sent from pyramidal CA1 layers and subiculum to deep EC layers. Here we utilize this directionality information by measuring encoding activity within HC/EC subregions with 7 T high resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Multivariate Bayes decoding within HC/EC subregions shows that processing of novel information most strongly engages the input structures (superficial EC and DG/CA2–3), whereas subsequent memory is more dependent on activation of output regions (deep EC and pyramidal CA1). This suggests that while novelty processing is strongly related to HC–EC input pathways, the memory fate of a novel stimulus depends more on HC–EC output. PMID:25424131

A UML-based ontology for describing hospital information system architectures.

PubMed

Winter, A; Brigl, B; Wendt, T

2001-01-01

To control the heterogeneity inherent to hospital information systems the information management needs appropriate hospital information systems modeling methods or techniques. This paper shows that, for several reasons, available modeling approaches are not able to answer relevant questions of information management. To overcome this major deficiency we offer an UML-based ontology for describing hospital information systems architectures. This ontology views at three layers: the domain layer, the logical tool layer, and the physical tool layer, and defines the relevant components. The relations between these components, especially between components of different layers make the answering of our information management questions possible.

Properties of Surface-Modification Layer Generated by Atomic Hydrogen Annealing on Poly(ethylene naphthalate) Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heya, Akira; Matsuo, Naoto

2008-01-01

The surface of a poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) substrate was modified by atomic hydrogen annealing (AHA). In this method, a PEN substrate was exposed to atomic hydrogen generated by cracking hydrogen molecules on heated tungsten wire. The properties of the surface-modification layer by AHA were evaluated by spectroscopic ellipsometry. It is found that the thickness of the modified layer was 5 nm and that the modification layer has a low refractive index compared with the PEN substrate. The modification layer relates to the reduction reaction of the PEN substrate by AHA.

Optical losses in p-type layers of GaN ridge waveguides in the IR region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westreich, Ohad; Katz, Moti; Atar, Gil; Paltiel, Yossi; Sicron, Noam

2017-07-01

Optical losses in c-plane (0001) GaN ridge waveguides, containing Mg-doped layers, were measured at 1064 nm, using the Fabry-Perot method. The losses increase linearly with the modal content of the p-layer, indicating that the absorption in these waveguides is dominated by p-layer absorption. The p-layer absorption is strongly anisotropic with E⊥c losses 4 times higher than E∥c. The absorption is temperature independent between 10 °C and 60 °C, supporting the possibility that it is related to Mg-bound holes.

Mineralogy and composition of concentric layers within a manganese nodule from the North Pacific Ocean

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piper, D.Z.; Williamson, M.E.

1981-01-01

The minor-element composition of concentric layers within a single ferromanganese nodule from the eastern North Pacific exhibits strong correlations with Fe and Mn contents but appears to be independent of pronounced mineralogic variations. On the basis of these correlations, the elemental composition of individual layers apparently is controlled by the relative contribution of two sources: seawater, and interstitial water of associated sediment. In contrast, the mineralogy of the nodule, consisting of birnessite in the outer few layers and todorokite in the inner layers, is considered to be a function of nodule diagenesis. ?? 1981.

Multi-viewpoint Image Array Virtual Viewpoint Rapid Generation Algorithm Based on Image Layering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lu; Piao, Yan

2018-04-01

The use of multi-view image array combined with virtual viewpoint generation technology to record 3D scene information in large scenes has become one of the key technologies for the development of integrated imaging. This paper presents a virtual viewpoint rendering method based on image layering algorithm. Firstly, the depth information of reference viewpoint image is quickly obtained. During this process, SAD is chosen as the similarity measure function. Then layer the reference image and calculate the parallax based on the depth information. Through the relative distance between the virtual viewpoint and the reference viewpoint, the image layers are weighted and panned. Finally the virtual viewpoint image is rendered layer by layer according to the distance between the image layers and the viewer. This method avoids the disadvantages of the algorithm DIBR, such as high-precision requirements of depth map and complex mapping operations. Experiments show that, this algorithm can achieve the synthesis of virtual viewpoints in any position within 2×2 viewpoints range, and the rendering speed is also very impressive. The average result proved that this method can get satisfactory image quality. The average SSIM value of the results relative to real viewpoint images can reaches 0.9525, the PSNR value can reaches 38.353 and the image histogram similarity can reaches 93.77%.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI{sub 2}

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, R.A.; Chen, W.S.

1985-08-13

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same are disclosed, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI{sub 2} chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin ``composition-graded`` layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns ({approx_equal}2.5 {mu}m to {approx_equal}5.0 {mu}m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii) a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion occurs (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer. 16 figs.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI[sub 2

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, R.A.; Chen, W.S.

1982-06-15

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same are disclosed, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (1) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI[sub 2] chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin composition-graded'' layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns ([approx equal]2.5[mu]m to [approx equal]5.0[mu]m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (2), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, is allowed.

A Canopy Density Model for Planar Orchard Target Detection Based on Ultrasonic Sensors

PubMed Central

Li, Hanzhe; Zhai, Changyuan; Weckler, Paul; Wang, Ning; Yang, Shuo; Zhang, Bo

2016-01-01

Orchard target-oriented variable rate spraying is an effective method to reduce pesticide drift and excessive residues. To accomplish this task, the orchard targets’ characteristic information is needed to control liquid flow rate and airflow rate. One of the most important characteristics is the canopy density. In order to establish the canopy density model for a planar orchard target which is indispensable for canopy density calculation, a target density detection testing system was developed based on an ultrasonic sensor. A time-domain energy analysis method was employed to analyze the ultrasonic signal. Orthogonal regression central composite experiments were designed and conducted using man-made canopies of known density with three or four layers of leaves. Two model equations were obtained, of which the model for the canopies with four layers was found to be the most reliable. A verification test was conducted with different layers at the same density values and detecting distances. The test results showed that the relative errors of model density values and actual values of five, four, three and two layers of leaves were acceptable, while the maximum relative errors were 17.68%, 25.64%, 21.33% and 29.92%, respectively. It also suggested the model equation with four layers had a good applicability with different layers which increased with adjacent layers. PMID:28029132

Origin of leucite-rich and sanidine-rich flow layers in the Leucite Hills Volcanic Field, Wyoming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunter, W. D.; Hoinkes, Georg; Ogden, Palmer; Pajari, G. E.

1990-09-01

Two types of orendite (sanidine-phlogopite lamproite) and wyomingite (leucite-phlogopite lamproite) intraflow layering are present in the ultrapotassic Leucite Hills Volcanic Field, Wyoming. In large-scale layering, wyomingites are confined to the base of the flow, while in centimeter-scale layering, orendite and wyomingite alternate throughout the flow. The mineralogy of the orendites and wyomingites are the same; only the relative amount of each mineral vary substantially. The chemical compositions of adjacent layers of wyomingite and orendite are almost identical except for water. The centimeter-scale flow layering probably represents fossil streamlines of the lava and therefore defines the path of circulation of the viscous melt. Toward the front of the flow, the layers are commonly folded. Structures present which are indicative that the flows may have possessed a yield strength are limb shears, boudinage, and slumping. Phlogopite phenocrysts are poorly aligned in the orendite layers, while they are often in subparallel alignment in the wyomingite layers; and they are used as a measure of shearing intensity during emplacement of the flow. Vesicle volumes are concentrated in the orendite layers. In the large-scale layering, a discontinuous base rubble zone of autobreccia is overlain by a thin platy zone followed by a massive zone which composes more than the upper 75% of the flow. Consequently, we feel that the origin of the layering may be related to shearing. Two extremes in the geometry of shearing are proposed: closely spaced, thin, densely sheared layers separated by discrete intervals throughout a lava flow as in the centimeter-scale layering and classical plug flow where all the shearing is confined to the base as in the large-scale layering. A mechanism is proposed which causes thixotropic behavior and localizes shearing: the driving force is the breakdown of molecular water to form T-OH bonds which establishes a chemical potential gradient for water in the melt. The higher activity of water in the nonsheared regions allows sandine to crystallize, whereas the lower activity of water in the areas of active shearing causes leucite to crystallize.

Core-shell fuel cell electrodes

DOEpatents

Adzic, Radoslav; Bliznakov, Stoyan; Vukmirovic, Miomir

2017-12-26

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to membrane electrode assemblies. The membrane electrode assembly may include at least one gas-diffusion layer having a first side and a second side, and particle cores adhered to at least one of the first and second sides of the at least one gas-diffusion layer. The particle cores includes surfaces adhered to the at least one of the first and second sides of the at least one gas-diffusion layer and surfaces not in contact with the at least one gas-diffusion layer. Furthermore, a thin layer of catalytically atoms may be adhered to the surfaces of the particle cores not in contact with the at least one gas-diffusion layer.

Measurements of aerosol layer height and vertical profiles by lidar over Jinhua City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Siqi; Liu, Dong; Wang, Zhenzhu; Xu, Jiwei; Tian, Xiaomin; Wu, Decheng; Xie, Chenbo; Wang, Yingjian

2018-03-01

The vertical distribution of the aerosol layers is depicted by using the lidar data in Jinhua city from 2013 to 2014. The lidar installed in Jinhua is a dual-wavelength Mie polarization Raman lidar. Aerosol layers are searched through gradient method. At the same time, HYSPLIT model is used to tracing the aerosol trajectories. The results show that different heights of aerosol layers have different transportation route. By a case study, the lidar data on December 30, 2013 and May 1, 2014 reveal several vertical aerosol layers. According to the 24-hour backward trajectory of HYSPLIT model, different aerosol layers comes from different places, and this may relate to the winter monsoon in China.

Predictions of High Strain Rate Failure Modes in Layered Aluminum Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khanikar, Prasenjit; Zikry, M. A.

2014-01-01

A dislocation density-based crystalline plasticity formulation, specialized finite-element techniques, and rational crystallographic orientation relations were used to predict and characterize the failure modes associated with the high strain rate behavior of aluminum layered composites. Two alloy layers, a high strength alloy, aluminum 2195, and an aluminum alloy 2139, with high toughness, were modeled with representative microstructures that included precipitates, dispersed particles, and different grain boundary distributions. Different layer arrangements were investigated for high strain rate applications and the optimal arrangement was with the high toughness 2139 layer on the bottom, which provided extensive shear strain localization, and the high strength 2195 layer on the top for high strength resistance The layer thickness of the bottom high toughness layer also affected the bending behavior of the roll-bonded interface and the potential delamination of the layers. Shear strain localization, dynamic cracking, and delamination are the mutually competing failure mechanisms for the layered metallic composite, and control of these failure modes can be used to optimize behavior for high strain rate applications.

Gas sensor

DOEpatents

Schmid, Andreas K.; Mascaraque, Arantzazu; Santos, Benito; de la Figuera, Juan

2014-09-09

A gas sensor is described which incorporates a sensor stack comprising a first film layer of a ferromagnetic material, a spacer layer, and a second film layer of the ferromagnetic material. The first film layer is fabricated so that it exhibits a dependence of its magnetic anisotropy direction on the presence of a gas, That is, the orientation of the easy axis of magnetization will flip from out-of-plane to in-plane when the gas to be detected is present in sufficient concentration. By monitoring the change in resistance of the sensor stack when the orientation of the first layer's magnetization changes, and correlating that change with temperature one can determine both the identity and relative concentration of the detected gas. In one embodiment the stack sensor comprises a top ferromagnetic layer two mono layers thick of cobalt deposited upon a spacer layer of ruthenium, which in turn has a second layer of cobalt disposed on its other side, this second cobalt layer in contact with a programmable heater chip.

Training effect in specular spin valves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ventura, J.; Araujo, J. P.; Sousa, J. B.; Veloso, A.; Freitas, P. P.

2008-05-01

Specular spin valves show an enhanced giant magnetoresistive (GMR) ratio due to specular reflection in nano-oxide layers (NOLs) formed by the partial oxidation of CoFe pinned and free layers. The oxides that form the (pinned layer) NOL were recently shown to antiferromagnetically order at Ttilde 175K . Here, we study the training effect (TE) in MnIr/CoFe/NOL/CoFe/Cu/CoFe/NOL/Ta specular spin valves in the 300-15 K temperature range. The exchange bias direction between the MnIr and CoFe layers impressed during annealing is taken as the positive direction. The training effect is observed in antiferromagnetic (AFM)/ferromagnetic (FM) exchange systems and related to the rearrangement of interfacial AFM spin structure with the number of hysteretic cycles performed (n) , resulting in the decrease of the exchange field (Hexch) . Here, in the studied specular spin valve, TE was only observed for T<175K and is thus related to the pinned layer NOL-AFM ordering and to the evolution of the corresponding spin structure with n . We show that FM spins that are strongly coupled to AFM domains do not align with the applied positive magnetic field (H) , giving rise to a residual MR at H≫0 . Such nonsaturating MR will be related with a spin-glass-like behavior of the interfacial magnetism induced by the nano-oxide layer. The observed dependence of the training effect on the field cooling procedure is also likely associated with the existence of different spin configurations available in the magnetically disordered oxide. Furthermore, anomalous magnetoresistance cycles measured after cooling runs under -500Oe are here related to induced NOL exchange bias/applied magnetic field misalignment. The temperature dependence of the training effect was obtained and fitted by using a recent theoretical model.

THICKNESS OF THE MACULA, RETINAL NERVE FIBER LAYER, AND GANGLION CELL-INNER PLEXIFORM LAYER IN THE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: The Repeatability Study of Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Shin, Il-Hwan; Lee, Woo-Hyuk; Lee, Jong-Joo; Jo, Young-Joon; Kim, Jung-Yeul

2018-02-01

To determine the repeatability of measuring the thickness of the central macula, retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD-OCT) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. One hundred and thirty-four eyes were included. The measurement repeatability was assessed by an experienced examiner who performed two consecutive measurements using a 512 × 128 macular cube scan and a 200 × 200 optic disk cube scan. To assess changes in macular morphology in patients with age-related macular degeneration, the patients were divided into the following three groups according to the central macular thickness (CMT): A group, CMT < 200 μm; B group, 200 μm ≤ CMT < 300 μm; and C group, CMT > 300 μm. Measurement repeatability was assessed using test-retest variability, a coefficient of variation, and an intraclass correlation coefficient. The mean measurement repeatability for the central macular, retinal nerve fiber layer, and GC-IPL thickness was high in the B group. The mean measurement repeatability for both the central macula and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was high in the A and C groups, but was lower for the GC-IPL thickness. The measurement repeatability for GC-IPL thickness was high in the B group, but low in the A group and in the C group. The automated measurement repeatability for GC-IPL thickness was significantly lower in patients with age-related macular degeneration with out of normal CMT range. The effect of changes in macular morphology should be considered when analyzing GC-IPL thicknesses in a variety of ocular diseases.

Regenerator cross arm seal assembly

DOEpatents

Jackman, Anthony V.

1988-01-01

A seal assembly for disposition between a cross arm on a gas turbine engine block and a regenerator disc, the seal assembly including a platform coextensive with the cross arm, a seal and wear layer sealingly and slidingly engaging the regenerator disc, a porous and compliant support layer between the platform and the seal and wear layer porous enough to permit flow of cooling air therethrough and compliant to accommodate relative thermal growth and distortion, a dike between the seal and wear layer and the platform for preventing cross flow through the support layer between engine exhaust and pressurized air passages, and air diversion passages for directing unregenerated pressurized air through the support layer to cool the seal and wear layer and then back into the flow of regenerated pressurized air.

Bi-layer Channel AZO/ZnO Thin Film Transistors Fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huijin; Han, Dedong; Liu, Liqiao; Dong, Junchen; Cui, Guodong; Zhang, Shengdong; Zhang, Xing; Wang, Yi

2017-03-01

This letter demonstrates bi-layer channel Al-doped ZnO/ZnO thin film transistors (AZO/ZnO TFTs) via atomic layer deposition process at a relatively low temperature. The effects of annealing in oxygen atmosphere at different temperatures have also been investigated. The ALD bi-layer channel AZO/ZnO TFTs annealed in dry O2 at 300 °C exhibit a low leakage current of 2.5 × 10-13A, I on/ I off ratio of 1.4 × 107, subthreshold swing (SS) of 0.23 V/decade, and high transmittance. The enhanced performance obtained from the bi-layer channel AZO/ZnO TFT devices is explained by the inserted AZO front channel layer playing the role of the mobility booster.

Excited waves in shear layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bechert, D. W.

1982-01-01

The generation of instability waves in free shear layers is investigated. The model assumes an infinitesimally thin shear layer shed from a semi-infinite plate which is exposed to sound excitation. The acoustical shear layer excitation by a source further away from the plate edge in the downstream direction is very weak while upstream from the plate edge the excitation is relatively efficient. A special solution is given for the source at the plate edge. The theory is then extended to two streams on both sides of the shear layer having different velocities and densities. Furthermore, the excitation of a shear layer in a channel is calculated. A reference quantity is found for the magnitude of the excited instability waves. For a comparison with measurements, numerical computations of the velocity field outside the shear layer were carried out.

Laser patterning of laminated structures for electroplating

DOEpatents

Mayer, Steven T.; Evans, Leland B.

1993-01-01

A process for laser patterning of a substrate so that it can be subsequently electroplated or electrolessly plated. The process utilizes a laser to treat an inactive (inert) layer formed over an active layer to either combine or remove the inactive layer to produce a patterned active layer on which electrodeposition can occur. The process is carried out by utilizing laser alloying and laser etching, and involves only a few relatively high yield steps and can be performed on a very small scale.

Laser patterning of laminated structures for electroplating

DOEpatents

Mayer, S.T.; Evans, L.B.

1993-11-23

A process for laser patterning of a substrate so that it can be subsequently electroplated or electrolessly plated. The process utilizes a laser to treat an inactive (inert) layer formed over an active layer to either combine or remove the inactive layer to produce a patterned active layer on which electrodeposition can occur. The process is carried out by utilizing laser alloying and laser etching, and involves only a few relatively high yield steps and can be performed on a very small scale. 9 figures.

Properties of various silicon oxide phases in thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, E.

1980-01-01

Layers of SiO2 with reproducible properties can be manufactured relatively easily today. In the case of SiO and Si2O3 layers, it is necessary to carefully check all of the manufacturing parameters for producing layers with reproducible properties. The properties of the layers in the case of SiO2 do conform to expectations. In the case of Si2O3 and SiO, they can be understood at least qualitatively. Additional interesting models are available for a quantitative understanding.

Method for improving the oxidation-resistance of metal substrates coated with thermal barrier coatings

DOEpatents

Thompson, Anthony Mark; Gray, Dennis Michael; Jackson, Melvin Robert

2002-01-01

A method for providing a protective coating on a metal-based substrate is disclosed. The method involves the application of an aluminum-rich mixture to the substrate to form a discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles, followed by the application of a second coating over the discontinuous layer of aluminum-rich particles. Aluminum diffuses from the aluminum-rich layer into the substrate, and into any bond coat layer which is subsequently applied. Related articles are also described.

Double layer drainage performance of porous asphalt pavement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yangyang; Xie, Jianguang; Liu, Mingxi

2018-06-01

In order to improve the design reliability of the double layer porous asphalt pavement, the 3D seepage finite element method was used to study the drainage capacity of double layer PAC pavements with different geometric parameters. It revealed that the effect of pavement drainage length, slope, permeability coefficient and structure design on the drainage capacity. The research of this paper can provide reference for the design of double layer porous asphalt pavement in different rainfall intensity areas, and provide guides for the related engineering design.

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

Chimonas, G.

We consider the motion of a sporadic E layer initially located at the top of the E region near the node of the north-south component of the tidal wind. We find that, as the layer descends to follow the phase progression of the winds, the relative enhancement of the importance of the cast-west wind component can erode the layer trapping mechanisms til at some instant it fails, and the layer is freed. Thereupon it moves with a much greater vertical velocity than it did formerly until it reaches a new trapping location. (auth)

The Rayleigh-Taylor instability in a self-gravitating two-layer viscous sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Puskar; Korenaga, Jun

2018-03-01

The dispersion relation of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in the spherical geometry is of profound importance in the context of the Earth's core formation. Here we present a complete derivation of this dispersion relation for a self-gravitating two-layer viscous sphere. Such relation is, however, obtained through the solution of a complex transcendental equation, and it is difficult to gain physical insights directly from the transcendental equation itself. We thus also derive an empirical formula to compute the growth rate, by combining the Monte Carlo sampling of the relevant model parameter space with linear regression. Our analysis indicates that the growth rate of Rayleigh-Taylor instability is most sensitive to the viscosity of inner layer in a physical setting that is most relevant to the core formation.

Rhythmic Layering in Danielson Crater on Mars

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-21

Rhythmic patterns of sedimentary layering in Danielson Crater on Mars result from periodic changes in climate related to changes in tilt of the planet in this image was taken by NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Morphometric Variations in the Skin Layers of Frogs: An Exploration Into Their Relation With Ecological Parameters in Leptodactylus (Anura, Leptodactylidae), With an Emphasis on the Eberth-Kastschenko Layer.

PubMed

Ponssa, María Laura; Barrionuevo, J Sebastián; Pucci Alcaide, Franco; Pucci Alcaide, Ana

2017-10-01

Leptodactylus is a genus of frogs known to live in diverse habitats and to show both aquatic and terrestrial breeding habits. We studied 21 species of Leptodactylus to explore whether skin structure specialization relates to habitats and habit variation. Morphometric analyses of the skin thickness revealed that phylogeny has a strong influence on variations in the thickness of the epidermis, stratum spongiosum, Eberth-Kastschenko layer, and stratum compactum, while habitat and habits display no significant correlation. The optimization of the phylogenetic hypothesis suggested that a pattern of intermediate values for skin layer thickness are plesiomorphic for this group. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:1895-1909, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cracking of coated materials under transient thermal stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizk, A. A.; Erdogan, Fazil

1988-01-01

The crack problem for a relatively thin layer bonded to a very thick substrate under thermal shock conditions is considered. The effect of surface cooling rate is studied by assuming the temperature boundary condition to be a ramp function. Among the crack geometries considered are the edge crack in the coating layer, the broken layer, the edge crack going through the interface, the undercoat crack in the substrate and the embedded crack crossing the interface. The primary calculated quantity is the stress intensity factor at various singular points and the main variables are the relative sizes and locations of cracks, the time, and the duration of the cooling ramp. The problem is solved and rather extensive results are given for two material pairs, namely a stainless steel layer welded on a ferritic medium and a ceramic coating on a steel substrate.

Cracking of coated materials under transient thermal stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizk, A. A.; Erdogan, F.

1989-01-01

The crack problem for a relatively thin layer bonded to a very thick substrate under thermal shock conditions is considered. The effect of surface cooling rate is studied by assuming the temperature boundary condition to be a ramp function. Among the crack geometries considered are the edge crack in the coating layer, the broken layer, the edge crack going through the interface, the undercoat crack in the substrate and the embedded crack crossing the interface. The primary calculated quantity is the stress intensity factor at various singular points and the main variables are the relative sizes and locations of cracks, the time, and the duration of the cooling ramp. The problem is solved and rather extensive results are given for two material pairs, namely a stainless steel layer welded on a ferritic medium and a ceramic coating on a steel substrate.

Zaleplon loaded bi-layered chronopatch: A novel buccal chronodelivery approach to overcome circadian rhythm related sleep disorder.

PubMed

Farag, Michael M; Abd El Malak, Nevine S; Yehia, Soad A

2018-05-05

The aim of this study was to develop a novel buccal bi-layered chronopatch capable of eliciting pulsatile release pattern of drugs treating diseases with circadian rhythm related manifestation. Zaleplon (ZLP) was used as a model drug intended to induce sleep and to treat middle of night insomnia. The chronopatch was prepared adopting double casting technique. The first layer was composed of a controlled release patch containing ZLP-Precirol melt granules intended to release ZLP in a sustained manner to maintain sleep and to prevent early morning awakening. The second layer was composed of a fast release lyophilized buccal disc containing ZLP loaded SNEDDS (Z-SNEDDS) intended for rapid sleep induction. Pharmacokinetic parameters of ZLP from the chronopatch were compared to those of the immediate release capsule, Siesta®, as reference in Mongrel dogs using a randomized crossover design. The appearance of two peaks having two C max and T max proved the pulsatile release pattern. The increase in relative bioavailability of ZLP from the chronopatch was 2.63 folds. The results revealed the ability of the developed ZLP loaded bi-layered chronopatch to be a candidate for overcoming early morning awakening without middle of night dose administration. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Deliquescence and efflorescence of small particles.

PubMed

McGraw, Robert; Lewis, Ernie R

2009-11-21

We examine size-dependent deliquescence/efflorescence phase transformation for particles down to several nanometers in size. Thermodynamic properties of inorganic salt particles, coated with aqueous solution layers of varying thickness and surrounded by vapor, are analyzed. A thin layer criterion (TLC) is introduced to define a limiting deliquescence relative humidity (RH(D)) for small particles. This requires: (1) equality of chemical potentials between salt in an undissolved core, and thin adsorbed solution layer, and (2) equality of chemical potentials between water in the thin layer and vapor phase. The usual bulk deliquescence conditions are recovered in the limit of large dry particle size. Nanosize particles are found to deliquesce at relative humidity just below the RH(D) on crossing a nucleation barrier, located at a critical solution layer thickness. This barrier vanishes precisely at the RH(D) defined by the TLC. Concepts and methods from nucleation theory including the kinetic potential, self-consistent nucleation theory, nucleation theorems, and the Gibbs dividing surface provide theoretical foundation and point to unifying features of small particle deliquescence/efflorescence processes. These include common thermodynamic area constructions, useful for interpretation of small particle water uptake measurements, and a common free-energy surface, with constant RH cross sections describing deliquescence and efflorescence related through the nucleation theorem.

Depth Profiling Analysis of Aluminum Oxidation During Film Deposition in a Conventional High Vacuum System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jongmin; Weimer, Jeffrey J.; Zukic, Muamer; Torr, Douglas G.

1994-01-01

The oxidation of aluminum thin films deposited in a conventional high vacuum chamber has been investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and depth profiling. The state of the Al layer was preserved by coating it with a protective MgF2 layer in the deposition chamber. Oxygen concentrations in the film layers were determined as a function of sputter time (depth into the film). The results show that an oxidized layer is formed at the start of Al deposition and that a less extensively oxidized Al layer is deposited if the deposition rate is fast. The top surface of the Al layer oxidizes very quickly. This top oxidized layer may be thicker than has been previously reported by optical methods. Maximum oxygen concentrations measured by XPS at each Al interface are related to pressure to rate ratios determined during the Al layer deposition.

Effect of layer thickness on the thermal release from Be-D co-deposited layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldwin, M. J.; Doerner, R. P.

2014-08-01

The results of previous work (Baldwin et al 2013 J. Nucl. Mater. 438 S967-70 and Baldwin et al 2014 Nucl. Fusion 54 073005) are extended to explore the influence of layer thickness on the thermal D2 release from co-deposited Be-(0.05)D layers produced at ˜323 K. Bake desorption of layers of thickness 0.2-0.7 µm are explored with a view to examine the influence of layer thickness on the efficacy of the proposed ITER bake procedure, to be carried out at the fixed temperatures of 513 K on the first wall and 623 K in the divertor. The results of experiment and modelling with the TMAP-7 hydrogen transport code, show that thicker Be-D co-deposited layers are relatively more difficult to desorb (time-wise) than thinner layers with the same concentrations of intrinsic traps and retained hydrogen isotope fraction.

Even–odd layer-dependent magnetotransport of high-mobility Q-valley electrons in transition metal disulfides

PubMed Central

Wu, Zefei; Xu, Shuigang; Lu, Huanhuan; Khamoshi, Armin; Liu, Gui-Bin; Han, Tianyi; Wu, Yingying; Lin, Jiangxiazi; Long, Gen; He, Yuheng; Cai, Yuan; Yao, Yugui; Zhang, Fan; Wang, Ning

2016-01-01

In few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), the conduction bands along the ΓK directions shift downward energetically in the presence of interlayer interactions, forming six Q valleys related by threefold rotational symmetry and time reversal symmetry. In even layers, the extra inversion symmetry requires all states to be Kramers degenerate; whereas in odd layers, the intrinsic inversion asymmetry dictates the Q valleys to be spin-valley coupled. Here we report the transport characterization of prominent Shubnikov-de Hass (SdH) oscillations and the observation of the onset of quantum Hall plateaus for the Q-valley electrons in few-layer TMDCs. Universally in the SdH oscillations, we observe a valley Zeeman effect in all odd-layer TMDC devices and a spin Zeeman effect in all even-layer TMDC devices, which provide a crucial information for understanding the unique properties of multi-valley band structures of few-layer TMDCs. PMID:27651106

Children's Use of Metaphors in Relation To Their Mental Models: The Case of the Ozone Layer and Its Depletion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christidou, Vasilia; Koulaidis, Vasilis; Christidis, Theodor

1997-01-01

Examines the relationship between children's use of metaphors and their mental models concerning the ozone layer and ozone layer depletion. Results indicate that the way children represent the role and depletion of ozone is strongly correlated with the types of metaphors they use while constructing and/or articulating their models. Also discusses…

Crystalline boron nitride aerogels

DOEpatents

Zettl, Alexander K.; Rousseas, Michael; Goldstein, Anna P.; Mickelson, William; Worsley, Marcus A.; Woo, Leta

2017-04-04

This disclosure provides methods and materials related to boron nitride aerogels. In one aspect, a material comprises an aerogel comprising boron nitride. The boron nitride has an ordered crystalline structure. The ordered crystalline structure may include atomic layers of hexagonal boron nitride lying on top of one another, with atoms contained in a first layer being superimposed on atoms contained in a second layer.

A brief review of some mechanisms causing boundary layer transition at high speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tauber, M. E.

1990-01-01

In high speed flight, the state of the boundary layer can strongly influence the design of vehicles through its effect on skin friction drag and aerodynamic heating. The major mechanisms causing boundary layer transition on high speed vehicles are briefly reviewed and some empirical relations from the unclassified literature are given for the transition Reynolds numbers.

Autonomic innervation of the muscles in the wall of the bladder and proximal urethra of male rats.

PubMed Central

Watanabe, H; Yamamoto, T Y

1979-01-01

The muscular coat of the body of the rat bladder is innervated almost exclusively by cholinergic endings:adrenergic endings are rare. In the inner longitudinal muscle layer of the proximal urethra, 53% of 310 autonomic nerve endings observed in close relation to the smooth muscle cells were adrenergic and the remaining 47% cholinergic. The middle circular muscle layer of the proximal urethra was innervated predominantly by adrenergic endings: in this layer 86% of the total of 335 endings examined wre regarded as adrenergic. A similar predominantly adrenergic innervation was noted in the outer longitudinal layer of the proximal urethra. A number of striated muscle fibres arose from the outermost striated muscle layer of the proximal urethra and intruded deeply into the outer and middle smooth muscle layers. These intruding striated muscle fibres also received direct autonomic (mostly adrenergic) innervation. The significance of these findings in relation to the physiology of the lower urinary tracts is discussed. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 Fig. 13 Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 16 PMID:489473

Stability Criteria of Fullerene-like Nanoparticles: Comparing V2O5 to Layered Metal Dichalcogenides and Dihalides

PubMed Central

Levi, Roi; Bar-Sadan, Maya; Albu-Yaron, Ana; Popovitz-Biro, Ronit; Houben, Lothar; Prior, Yehiam; Tenne, Reshef

2010-01-01

Numerous examples of closed-cage nanostructures, such as nested fullerene-like nanoparticles and nanotubes, formed by the folding of materials with layered structure are known. These compounds include WS2, NiCl2, CdCl2, Cs2O, and recently V2O5. Layered materials, whose chemical bonds are highly ionic in character, possess relatively stiff layers, which cannot be evenly folded. Thus, stress-relief generally results in faceted nanostructures seamed by edge-defects. V2O5, is a metal oxide compound with a layered structure. The study of the seams in nearly perfect inorganic "fullerene-like" hollow V2O5 nanoparticles (NIF-V2O5) synthesized by pulsed laser ablation (PLA), is discussed in the present work. The relation between the formation mechanism and the seams between facets is examined. The formation mechanism of the NIF-V2O5 is discussed in comparison to fullerene-like structures of other layered materials, like IF structures of MoS2, CdCl2, and Cs2O. The criteria for the perfect seaming of such hollow closed structures are highlighted. PMID:28883335

New insights into the Mo/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 interface in thin film solar cells: Formation and properties of the MoSe2 interfacial layer.

PubMed

Klinkert, T; Theys, B; Patriarche, G; Jubault, M; Donsanti, F; Guillemoles, J-F; Lincot, D

2016-10-21

Being at the origin of an ohmic contact, the MoSe 2 interfacial layer at the Mo/Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 interface in CIGS (Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 and related compounds) based solar cells has allowed for very high light-to-electricity conversion efficiencies up to 22.3%. This article gives new insights into the formation and the structural properties of this interfacial layer. Different selenization-steps of a Mo covered glass substrate prior to the CIGS deposition by co-evaporation led to MoSe 2 interfacial layers with varying thickness and orientation, as observed by x-ray diffraction and atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy. A novel model based on the anisotropy of the Se diffusion coefficient in MoSe 2 is proposed to explain the results. While the series resistance of finished CIGS solar cells is found to correlate with the MoSe 2 orientation, the adhesion forces between the CIGS absorber layer and the Mo substrate stay constant. Their counter-intuitive non-correlation with the configuration of the MoSe 2 interfacial layer is discussed and related to work from the literature.

Macular Choroidal Small-Vessel Layer, Sattler's Layer and Haller's Layer Thicknesses: The Beijing Eye Study.

PubMed

Zhao, Jing; Wang, Ya Xing; Zhang, Qi; Wei, Wen Bin; Xu, Liang; Jonas, Jost B

2018-03-13

To study macular choroidal layer thickness, 3187 study participants from the population-based Beijing Eye Study underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging for thickness measurements of the macular small-vessel layer, including the choriocapillaris, medium-sized choroidal vessel layer (Sattler's layer) and large choroidal vessel layer (Haller's layer). In multivariate analysis, greater thickness of all three choroidal layers was associated (all P < 0.05) with higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (except for geographic atrophy), while it was not significantly (all P > 0.05) associated with the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. There was a tendency (0.07 > P > 0.02) toward thinner choroidal layers in chronic angle-closure glaucoma. The ratio of small-vessel layer thickness to total choroidal thickness increased (P < 0.001; multivariate analysis) with older age and longer axial length, while the ratios of Sattler's layer and Haller's layer thickness to total choroidal thickness decreased. A higher ratio of small-vessel layer thickness to total choroidal thickness was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of AMD (early type, intermediate type, late geographic type). Axial elongation-associated and aging-associated choroidal thinning affected Haller's and Sattler's layers more markedly than the small-vessel layer. Non-exudative and exudative AMD, except for geographic atrophy, was associated with slightly increased choroidal thickness.

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

McNeill, Jason Douglas

Electronic states of a thin layer of material on a surface possess unique physical and chemical properties. Some of these properties arise from the reduced dimensionality of the thin layer with respect to the bulk or the properties of the electric field where two materials of differing dielectric constants meet at an interface. Other properties are related to the nature of the surface chemical bond. Here, the properties of excess electrons in thin layers of Xenon, Krypton, and alkali metals are investigated, and the bound state energies and effective masses of the excess electrons are determined using two-photon photoemission. Formore » Xenon, the dependence of bound state energy, effective mass, and lifetime on layer thickness from one to nine layers is examined. Not all quantities were measured at each coverage. The two photon photoemission spectra of thin layers of Xenon on a Ag(111) substrate exhibit a number of sharp, well-defined peaks. The binding energy of the excess electronic states of Xenon layers exhibited a pronounced dependence on coverage. A discrete energy shift was observed for each additional atomic layer. At low coverage, a series of states resembling a Rydberg series is observed. This series is similar to the image state series observed on clean metal surfaces. Deviations from image state energies can be described in terms of the dielectric constant of the overlayer material and its effect on the image potential. For thicker layers of Xe (beyond the first few atomic layers), the coverage dependence of the features begins to resemble that of quantum well states. Quantum well states are related to bulk band states. However, the finite thickness of the layer restricts the perpendicular wavevector to a discrete set of values. Therefore, the spectrum of quantum well states contains a series of peaks which correspond to the various allowed values of the perpendicular wavevector. Analysis of the quantum well spectrum yields electronic band structure information. In this case, the quantum well states examined are derived from the Xenon conduction band. Measurements of the energies as a function of coverage yield the dispersion along the axis perpendicular to the surface while angle-resolved two-photon photoemission measurements yield information about dispersion along the surface parallel. The relative importance of the image potential and the overlayer band structure also depends on the quantum number and energy of the state. Some members of the image series may have an energy which is in an energy gap of the layer material, therefore such states may tend to remain physically outside the layer and retain much of their image character even at higher coverages. This is the case for the n = 1 image state of the Xe/Ag(111) system. The energies of image states which are excluded from the layer have a complex dependence on the thickness of the layer and its dielectric constant. The population decay kinetics of excited electronic states of the layer were also determined. Lifetimes are reported for the first three excited states for 1-6 atomic layers of Xe on Ag(111). As the image states evolve into quantum well states with increasing coverage, the lifetimes undergo an oscillation which marks a change in the spatial extent of the state. For example, the n = 2 quantum well state decreases substantially at 3-5 layers as the electron probability density in the layer increases. The lifetime data are modeled by extending the two-band nearly-free-electron approximation to account for the insulating Xe layer.« less

Tetrakis(1-imidazolyl) borate (BIM4) based zwitterionic and related molecules used as electron injection layers

DOEpatents

Li, Huaping; Xu, Yunhua; Bazan, Guillermo C

2013-02-05

Tetrakis(1-imidazolyl)borate (BIm4) based zwitterionic and/or related molecules for the fabrication of PLEDs is provided. Device performances with these materials approaches that of devices with Ba/Al cathodes for which the cathode contact is ohmic. Methods of producing such materials, and electron injection layers and devices containing these materials are also provided.

Influence of head size on the development of metallic wear and on the characteristics of carbon layers in metal-on-metal hip joints

PubMed Central

Sprecher, Christoph M; Wimmer, Markus A; Milz, Stefan; Taeger, Georg

2009-01-01

Background and purpose Particles originating from the articulating surfaces of hip endoprostheses often induce an inflammatory response, which can be related to implant failure. We therefore analyzed the metal content in capsular tissue from 44 McKee-Farrar metal-on-metal hip prostheses (with 3 different head sizes) and we also analyzed the morphological structure of layers located on articulating surfaces. Methods Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to analyze the metal content in capsular tissue. Visually detectable carbon layers located on the articulating surfaces were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results Metallic debris was detected in all capsular tissue samples but no statistically significant differences in metal content were found in relation to implant head size. The morphological characteristics of the different layer zones allowed an exact analysis of contact and non-contact areas. Furthermore, surface layers appear to have a protective function because they can prevent sharp-edged particles from damaging the prostheses surface. Interpretation The implant head size does not appear to influence the amount of metallic debris. The layers obviously act like a lubricating agent because the protection function does not occur in regions without layers where the metal surface often shows numerous scratches. As layers are not generated immediately after the implantation of hip prostheses, these findings may at least partially explain the high amount of wear early after implantation. PMID:19421914

Photoresist laminate

DOEpatents

Andrade, A.D.; Galbraith, L.K.

1979-10-01

The disclosure relates to a laminated negative dry-film photoresist for the production of thick, as well as thin, patterns with vertical sidewalls. Uniform depthwise exposure in a photoresist layer is effected by the use of an ultraviolet filtering top layer.

Ozone Layer Research and Technical Resources

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Access information on research and technical resources related to ozone layer science. This page provides links to research efforts led by organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United Nations Environment Program, an

First-principles calculation of the geometric and electronic structure of the Be(0001) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feibelman, Peter J.

1992-07-01

Linearized-augmented-plane-wave calculations for a nine-layer Be(0001) slab agree with the unusual experimental finding of a substantial outer-layer expansion relative to the truncated bulk lattice. They imply that the separation between the outer two layers should be 3.9% larger than in the bulk, while the second- to third-layer separation should be 2.2% larger. The surface expansion is accompanied by demotion of pσ to s electrons on outer-layer Be's. The surface Be's loss of three neighbors makes the energy cost of s- to pσ-electron promotion, which is necessary for the formation of strong bonds to the next layer down, less profitable than in the bulk.

Frictional Magneto-Coulomb Drag in Graphene Double-Layer Heterostructures.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaomeng; Wang, Lei; Fong, Kin Chung; Gao, Yuanda; Maher, Patrick; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Hone, James; Dean, Cory; Kim, Philip

2017-08-04

Coulomb interaction between two closely spaced parallel layers of conductors can generate the frictional drag effect by interlayer Coulomb scattering. Employing graphene double layers separated by few-layer hexagonal boron nitride, we investigate density tunable magneto- and Hall drag under strong magnetic fields. The observed large magnetodrag and Hall-drag signals can be related with Laudau level filling status of the drive and drag layers. We find that the sign and magnitude of the drag resistivity tensor can be quantitatively correlated to the variation of magnetoresistivity tensors in the drive and drag layers, confirming a theoretical formula for magnetodrag in the quantum Hall regime. The observed weak temperature dependence and ∼B^{2} dependence of the magnetodrag are qualitatively explained by Coulomb scattering phase-space argument.

The influence of free-stream turbulence on turbulent boundary layers with mild adverse pressure gradients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffmann, Jon A.

1988-01-01

The influence of near isotropic free-stream turbulence on the shape factors and skin friction coefficients of turbulent bounday layers is presented for the cases of zero and mild adverse pressure gradients. With free-stream turbulence, improved fluid mixing occurs in boundary layers with adverse pressure gradients relative to the zero pressure gradient condition, with the same free-stream turbulence intensity and length scale. Stronger boundary layers with lower shape factors occur as a result of a lower ratio of the integral scale of turbulence to the boundary layer thickness, and to vortex stretching of the turbulent eddies in the free stream, both of which act to improve the transmission of momentum from the free stream to the boundary layers.

The influence of free-stream turbulence on turbulent boundary layers with mild adverse pressure gradients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffmann, J. A.; Kassir, S. M.; Larwood, S. M.

1989-01-01

The influence of near isotropic free-stream turbulence on the shape factors and skin friction coefficients of turbulent boundary layers is presented for the cases of zero and mild adverse pressure gradients. With free-stream turbulence, improved fluid mixing occurs in boundary layers with adverse pressure gradients relative to the zero pressure gradient condition, with the same free-stream turbulence intensity and length scale. Stronger boundary layers with lower shape factors occur as a result of a lower ratio of the integral scale of turbulence to the boundary layer thickness, and to vortex stretching of the turbulent eddies in the free-stream, both of which act to improve the transmission of momentum from the free-stream to the boundary layers.

Enrichment and association of lead and bacteria at particulate surfaces in a salt-marsh surface layer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harvey, R.W.; Lion, Leonard W.; Young, L.Y.; Leckie, J.O.

1982-01-01

The particle-laden surface layer (approx 150-370 mu m) and subsurface waters of a South San Francisco Bay salt marsh were sampled over 2 tidal cycles and analyzed for particle numbers and particulate-associated and total concentrations of Pb and bacteria. Laboratory studies examined the ability of a bacterial isolate from the surface layer and a bacterial 'film-former' to sorb Pb at environmentally significant concentrations in seawater. Degrees by which Pb concentrated in the surface layer relative to the subsurface strongly correlated with enrichments of surface layer bacteria (bacterioneuston). A significant fraction of the bacterioneuston and surface layer Pb were associated with particles. Particle-bound bacterioneuston may interact with Pb at particulate surfaces in this microenvironment.

Cobalt coordination and clustering in alpha-Co(OH)(2) revealed by synchrotron X-ray total scattering.

PubMed

Neilson, James R; Kurzman, Joshua A; Seshadri, Ram; Morse, Daniel E

2010-09-03

Structures of layered metal hydroxides are not well described by traditional crystallography. Total scattering from a synthesis-controlled subset of these materials, as described here, reveals that different cobalt coordination polyhedra cluster within each layer on short length scales, offering new insights and approaches for understanding the properties of these and related layered materials. Structures related to that of brucite [Mg(OH)(2)] are ubiquitous in the mineral world and offer a variety of useful functions ranging from catalysis and ion-exchange to sequestration and energy transduction, including applications in batteries. However, it has been difficult to resolve the atomic structure of these layered compounds because interlayer disorder disrupts the long-range periodicity necessary for diffraction-based structure determination. For this reason, traditional unit-cell-based descriptions have remained inaccurate. Here we apply, for the first time to such layered hydroxides, synchrotron X-ray total scattering methods-analyzing both the Bragg and diffuse components-to resolve the intralayer structure of three different alpha-cobalt hydroxides, revealing the nature and distribution of metal site coordination. The different compounds with incorporated chloride ions have been prepared with kinetic control of hydrolysis to yield different ratios of octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated cobalt ions within the layers, as confirmed by total scattering. Real-space analyses indicate local clustering of polyhedra within the layers, manifested in the weighted average of different ordered phases with fixed fractions of tetrahedrally coordinated cobalt sites. These results, hidden from an averaged unit-cell description, reveal new structural characteristics that are essential to understanding the origin of fundamental material properties such as color, anion exchange capacity, and magnetic behavior. Our results also provide further insights into the detailed mechanisms of aqueous hydrolysis chemistry of hydrated metal salts. We emphasize the power of the methods used here for establishing structure-property correlations in functional materials with related layered structures.

Characteristics of earthquake-induced turbidites in Beppu Bay, southwest Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, K.; Takemura, K.; Kuwae, M.; Ikehara, K.; Yamamoto, M.

2015-12-01

Beppu Bay is located at the western end of the arc-bisecting dextral fault (Median Tectonic Line) associated with the northwestward subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate. According to Itoh et al. (1998) and Itoh et al. (2014), the process of formation of the bay was divided into two stages. The older stage (5 to 1.5 Ma) was dominated by a northward-inclined half-graben, while a pull-apart stress resulting from the right-stepping of the MTL developed during the younger stage (1.5 Ma to present in particular, 0.7 Ma to present), so seamless sediments were clearly preserved in the bay. Recently, Kuwae et al. (2012) revealed that the hemipelagic sediments accompanied with some event layers (18 major event layers (> 1 cm thick) and 55 minor event layers (< 1 cm thick)) were deposited. The core was well dated based on AMS 14C ages of 42 bivalves. In this study, we investigated the lithology of the event layers to understand how the layers were deposited. As a result, major event layers are classified into five types based on difference in the grain composition and facies: turbidites (type A-C), tephras (type D), and others (type E). Type A (4 layers) is thick event layers with a basal sand division, middle laminated silt division, and upper clay division. Relatively heavy particles, such as minerals, are concentrated in the basal division with clear erosion. Type B (7 layers) is similar to type A, but lack the basal division. Type C (5 layers) is almost the same as type B, but contains gypsum. Type D (2 layers) consists of a large amount of volcanic glass without bottom erosion. Type E (1 layer) is different from all other types and distinguishes by black color coarse particles and relatively high magnetic susceptibility. In particular, type A event layers are deposited in 334, 617, 1685, and 1893 cal. yrs BP using our age-depth model. The deposition age of an event layer corresponds to Keicho-Bungo historical earthquake occurred in 354 cal. yrs BP (Usami, 1996). The ages of other three layers are also not inconsistent with the ages of three fault events estimated by previous on-fault studies (Oita Prefecture, 2001; Chida et al., 2004). We thus concluded that the type A event layers were likely induced by earthquakes.

Method and apparatus for increasing resistance of bipolar buried layer integrated circuit devices to single-event upsets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zoutendyk, John A. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Bipolar transistors fabricated in separate buried layers of an integrated circuit chip are electrically isolated with a built-in potential barrier established by doping the buried layer with a polarity opposite doping in the chip substrate. To increase the resistance of the bipolar transistors to single-event upsets due to ionized particle radiation, the substrate is biased relative to the buried layer with an external bias voltage selected to offset the built-in potential just enough (typically between about +0.1 to +0.2 volt) to prevent an accumulation of charge in the buried-layer-substrate junction.

Working with layers: The governance and regulation of healthcare quality in an institutionally layered system.

PubMed

van de Bovenkamp, Hester M; Stoopendaal, Annemiek; Bal, Roland

2017-01-01

Institutional arrangements used to steer public policies have increasingly become layered. Inspired by the literature on institutional layering and institutional work, this paper aims to make a contribution to our understanding of institutional layering. We do so by studying an interesting case of layering: the Dutch hospital sector. We focus on the actors responsible for the internal governance (Board of Directors and Supervisory Boards) and the external regulation (the Healthcare Inspectorate) of hospitals. In the paper, we explore the institutional work of these actors, more specifically how institutional work results from and is influenced by institutional layering and how this in turn influences the institutional makeup of both healthcare organizations and their institutional context. Our approach allowed us to see that layering changes the activities of actors in the public sector, can be used to strengthen one's position but also presents actors with new struggles, which they in turn can try to overcome by relating and using the institutionally layered context. Layering and institutional work are therefore in continuous interaction. Combining institutional layering with a focus on the lived experiences of actors and their institutional work makes it possible to move into the layered arrangement and better understand its consequences.

Controlled growth of larger heterojunction interface area for organic photosensitive devices

DOEpatents

Yang, Fan [Somerset, NJ; Forrest, Stephen R [Ann Arbor, MI

2009-12-29

An optoelectronic device and a method of fabricating a photosensitive optoelectronic device includes depositing a first organic semiconductor material on a first electrode to form a continuous first layer having protrusions, a side of the first layer opposite the first electrode having a surface area at least three times greater than an underlying lateral cross-sectional area; depositing a second organic semiconductor material directly on the first layer to form a discontinuous second layer, portions of the first layer remaining exposed; depositing a third organic semiconductor material directly on the second layer to form a discontinuous third layer, portions of at least the second layer remaining exposed; depositing a fourth organic semiconductor material on the third layer to form a continuous fourth layer, filling any exposed gaps and recesses in the first, second, and third layers; and depositing a second electrode on the fourth layer, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is transparent, and the first and third organic semiconductor materials are both of a donor-type or an acceptor-type relative to second and fourth organic semiconductor materials, which are of the other material type.

STM/STS study of superconducting properties in Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jisun; Nam, Hyoungdo; Li, Guorong; Karki, Amar; Shih, Chih-Kang; Zhang, Jiandi; Jin, Rongying; Plummer, E. W.

2014-03-01

Newly discovered iron-based superconductor, Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5 (Tc = 34 K) is studied using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/S). Given the symmetry of the crystal structure, several surface terminations are expected with roughly same probability: 1) Ca or partial Ca layer on top Fe2As2; 2) Ca or partial Ca layer on top Pt4As8 layer; 3) A Fe2As2 layer, and; 4) A Pt4As8layer.Surprisingly,Fe2As2 related layers (1 & 3) are rarely observed (less than 1%). Instead, we observe Pt4As8 layers separated by unit-cell-high (~ 1 nm) steps accompanied with Ca or partial Ca layer on top Pt4As8 layer (1 - 2 Å step height). Scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals different spectra for each surface, with superconducting coherence peaks seen only on Ca layers. We argue that intermediary layers are proximity-coupled to superconducting Fe2As2 layers. The results from Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5 are discussed with the properties observed in other iron-based superconductors. Funded by NSF

tOWL: Integrating Time in OWL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frasincar, Flavius; Milea, Viorel; Kaymak, Uzay

The Web Ontology Language (OWL) is the most expressive standard language for modeling ontologies on the Semantic Web. In this chapter, we present the temporal OWL (tOWL) language: a temporal extension of the OWL DL language. tOWL is based on three layers added on top of OWL DL. The first layer is the Concrete Domains layer, which allows the representation of restrictions using concrete domain binary predicates. The second layer is the Time Representation layer, which adds time points, intervals, and Allen's 13 interval relations. The third layer is the Change Representation layer which supports a perdurantist view on the world, and allows the representation of complex temporal axioms, such as state transitions. A Leveraged Buyout process is used to exemplify the different tOWL constructs and show the tOWL applicability in a business context.

Bi-layer Channel AZO/ZnO Thin Film Transistors Fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition Technique.

PubMed

Li, Huijin; Han, Dedong; Liu, Liqiao; Dong, Junchen; Cui, Guodong; Zhang, Shengdong; Zhang, Xing; Wang, Yi

2017-12-01

This letter demonstrates bi-layer channel Al-doped ZnO/ZnO thin film transistors (AZO/ZnO TFTs) via atomic layer deposition process at a relatively low temperature. The effects of annealing in oxygen atmosphere at different temperatures have also been investigated. The ALD bi-layer channel AZO/ZnO TFTs annealed in dry O 2 at 300 °C exhibit a low leakage current of 2.5 × 10 -13 A, I on /I off ratio of 1.4 × 10 7 , subthreshold swing (SS) of 0.23 V/decade, and high transmittance. The enhanced performance obtained from the bi-layer channel AZO/ZnO TFT devices is explained by the inserted AZO front channel layer playing the role of the mobility booster.

Light diffusion in N-layered turbid media: steady-state domain.

PubMed

Liemert, André; Kienle, Alwin

2010-01-01

We deal with light diffusion in N-layered turbid media. The steady-state diffusion equation is solved for N-layered turbid media having a finite or an infinitely thick N'th layer. Different refractive indices are considered in the layers. The Fourier transform formalism is applied to derive analytical solutions of the fluence rate in Fourier space. The inverse Fourier transform is calculated using four different methods to test their performance and accuracy. Further, to avoid numerical errors, approximate formulas in Fourier space are derived. Fast solutions for calculation of the spatially resolved reflectance and transmittance from the N-layered turbid media ( approximately 10 ms) with small relative differences (<10(-7)) are found. Additionally, the solutions of the diffusion equation are compared to Monte Carlo simulations for turbid media having up to 20 layers.

Electro-refractive photonic device

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

Zortman, William A.; Watts, Michael R.

2015-06-09

The various technologies presented herein relate to phase shifting light to facilitate any of light switching, modulation, amplification, etc. Structures are presented where a second layer is juxtaposed between a first layer and a third layer with respective doping facilitating formation of p-n junctions at the interface between the first layer and the second layer, and between the second layer and the third layer. Application of a bias causes a carrier concentration change to occur at the p-n junctions which causes a shift in the effective refractive index per incremental change in an applied bias voltage. The effective refractive indexmore » enhancement can occur in both reverse bias and forward bias. The structure can be incorporated into a waveguide, an optical resonator, a vertical junction device, a horizontal junction device, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a tuneable optical filter, etc.« less

Excitatory neuronal connectivity in the barrel cortex

PubMed Central

Feldmeyer, Dirk

2012-01-01

Neocortical areas are believed to be organized into vertical modules, the cortical columns, and the horizontal layers 1–6. In the somatosensory barrel cortex these columns are defined by the readily discernible barrel structure in layer 4. Information processing in the neocortex occurs along vertical and horizontal axes, thereby linking individual barrel-related columns via axons running through the different cortical layers of the barrel cortex. Long-range signaling occurs within the neocortical layers but also through axons projecting through the white matter to other neocortical areas and subcortical brain regions. Because of the ease of identification of barrel-related columns, the rodent barrel cortex has become a prototypical system to study the interactions between different neuronal connections within a sensory cortical area and between this area and other cortical as well subcortical regions. Such interactions will be discussed specifically for the feed-forward and feedback loops between the somatosensory and the somatomotor cortices as well as the different thalamic nuclei. In addition, recent advances concerning the morphological characteristics of excitatory neurons and their impact on the synaptic connectivity patterns and signaling properties of neuronal microcircuits in the whisker-related somatosensory cortex will be reviewed. In this context, their relationship between the structural properties of barrel-related columns and their function as a module in vertical synaptic signaling in the whisker-related cortical areas will be discussed. PMID:22798946

Environmental barrier coating

DOEpatents

Pujari, Vimal K.; Vartabedian, Ara; Collins, William T.; Woolley, David; Bateman, Charles

2012-12-18

The present invention relates generally to a multi-layered article suitable for service in severe environments. The article may be formed of a substrate, such as silicon carbide and/or silicon nitride. The substrate may have a first layer of a mixture of a rare earth silicate and Cordierite. The substrate may also have a second layer of a rare earth silicate or a mixture of a rare earth silicate and cordierite.

Miniaturized nuclear battery

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

Adler, K.; Ducommun, G.

1976-01-20

The invention relates to a miniaturized nuclear battery, consisting of several in series connected cells, wherein each cell contains a support which acts as positive pole and which supports on one side a ..beta..-emitter, above said emitter is a radiation resisting insulation layer which is covered by an absorption layer, above which is a collector layer, and wherein the in series connected calls are disposed in an airtight case.

The remarkable chemical uniformity of Apollo 16 layered deep drill core section 60002

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nava, D. F.; Philpotts, J. A.; Lindstrom, M. M.; Schuhmann, P. J.; Lindstrom, D. J.

1976-01-01

Atomic absorption and colorimetric spectrophotometers were used to determine major- and minor-element abundances in 12 samples from layered section 60002 of the Apollo 16 deep drill core. It is suggested that gardening of a relatively thick local unit produced the layering in this section in such a manner that the proportions of materials of different compositions remained virtually unchanged.

Double layer of platinum electrodes: Non-monotonic surface charging phenomena and negative double layer capacitance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jun; Zhou, Tao; Zhang, Jianbo; Eikerling, Michael

2018-01-01

In this study, a refined double layer model of platinum electrodes accounting for chemisorbed oxygen species, oriented interfacial water molecules, and ion size effects in solution is presented. It results in a non-monotonic surface charging relation and a peculiar capacitance vs. potential curve with a maximum and possibly negative values in the potential regime of oxide-formation.

Fabrication of magnetic tunnel junctions with epitaxial and textured ferromagnetic layers

DOEpatents

Chang, Y. Austin; Yang, Jianhua Joshua

2008-11-11

This invention relates to magnetic tunnel junctions and methods for making the magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic tunnel junctions include a tunnel barrier oxide layer sandwiched between two ferromagnetic layers both of which are epitaxial or textured with respect to the underlying substrate upon which the magnetic tunnel junctions are grown. The magnetic tunnel junctions provide improved magnetic properties, sharper interfaces and few defects.

Solution processed metal oxide thin film hole transport layers for high performance organic solar cells

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

Steirer, K. Xerxes; Berry, Joseph J.; Chesin, Jordan P.

2017-01-10

A method for the application of solution processed metal oxide hole transport layers in organic photovoltaic devices and related organic electronics devices is disclosed. The metal oxide may be derived from a metal-organic precursor enabling solution processing of an amorphous, p-type metal oxide. An organic photovoltaic device having solution processed, metal oxide, thin-film hole transport layer.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI.sub. 2

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, Reid A.; Chen, Wen S.

1982-01-01

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin "composition-graded" layer ranging from on the order of about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns (.congruent.2.5.mu.m to .congruent.5.0.mu.m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, causes the transient n-type material in The Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. EG-77-C-01-4042, Subcontract No. XJ-9-8021-1 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI.sub. 2

DOEpatents

Mickelsen, Reid A [Bellevue, WA; Chen, Wen S [Seattle, WA

1985-08-13

An improved thin-film, large area solar cell, and methods for forming the same, having a relatively high light-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency and characterized in that the cell comprises a p-n type heterojunction formed of: (i) a first semiconductor layer comprising a photovoltaic active material selected from the class of I-III-VI.sub.2 chalcopyrite ternary materials which is vacuum deposited in a thin "composition-graded" layer ranging from on the order ot about 2.5 microns to about 5.0 microns (.congruent.2.5 .mu.m to .congruent.5.0 .mu.m) and wherein the lower region of the photovoltaic active material preferably comprises a low resistivity region of p-type semiconductor material having a superimposed region of relatively high resistivity, transient n-type semiconductor material defining a transient p-n homojunction; and (ii), a second semiconductor layer comprising a low resistivity n-type semiconductor material; wherein interdiffusion (a) between the elemental constituents of the two discrete juxtaposed regions of the first semiconductor layer defining a transient p-n homojunction layer, and (b) between the transient n-type material in the first semiconductor layer and the second n-type semiconductor layer, causes the The Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. EG-77-C-01-4042, Subcontract No. XJ-9-8021-1 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Stratigraphy of the north polar layered deposits of Mars from high-resolution topography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Becerra, Patricio; Byrne, Shane; Sori, Michael M.; Sutton, Sarah; Herkenhoff, Kenneth E.

2016-01-01

The stratigraphy of the layered deposits of the polar regions of Mars is theorized to contain a record of recent climate change linked to insolation changes driven by variations in the planet's orbital and rotational parameters. In order to confidently link stratigraphic signals to insolation periodicities, a description of the stratigraphy is required based on quantities that directly relate to intrinsic properties of the layers. We use stereo Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) to derive a characteristic of North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD) strata that can be correlated over large distances: the topographic protrusion of layers exposed in troughs, which is a proxy for the layers’ resistance to erosion. Using a combination of image analysis and a signal-matching algorithm to correlate continuous depth-protrusion signals taken from DTMs at different locations, we construct a stratigraphic column that describes the upper ~500 m of at least 7% of the area of the NPLD, and find accumulation rates that vary by factors of up to two. We find that, when coupled with observations of exposed layers in orbital images, the topographic expression of the strata is consistently continuous through large distances in the top 300 – 500 m of the NPLD, suggesting it is better related to intrinsic layer properties than brightness alone.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-05-01

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

Layered structure and related magnetic properties for annealed Fe/Ir(111) ultrathin films

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

Jiang, Pei-Cheng; Chen, Wei-Hsiang; Hsieh, Chen-Yuan

2015-05-07

After annealing treatments for fcc-Fe/Ir(111) below 600 K, the surface layers remain pseudomorphic. The Ir(111) substrate plays an important role on the expanded Fe lattice. At temperatures between 750 and 800 K, the surface composition shows a stable state and a c(2 × 4) structure is observed. We discover a layered structure composed of some Fe atoms on the top of a Fe{sub 0.5}Ir{sub 0.5} interfacial alloy supported on the Ir(111) substrate. The competition between the negative formation heat of Fe{sub 0.5}Ir{sub 0.5} and surface free energy of Fe causes the formation of layered structure. The existence of ferromagnetic dead layer coincides with themore » formation of fcc-Fe for ultrathin Fe on Fe{sub 0.5}Ir{sub 0.5}/Ir(111). For Fe films thicker than three monolayers, the linear increase of the Kerr intensity versus the Fe coverage is related to the growing of bcc-Fe on the surface where the Fe layer is incoherent to the underlying Fe{sub 0.5}Ir{sub 0.5}/Ir(111). These results emphasize the importance of the substrate induced strain and layered structure of Fe/Fe{sub 0.5}Ir{sub 0.5}/Ir(111) on the magnetic properties and provide valuable information for future applications.« less

Southern Ocean Mixed-Layer Seasonal and Interannual Variations From Combined Satellite and In Situ Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buongiorno Nardelli, B.; Guinehut, S.; Verbrugge, N.; Cotroneo, Y.; Zambianchi, E.; Iudicone, D.

2017-12-01

The depth of the upper ocean mixed layer provides fundamental information on the amount of seawater that directly interacts with the atmosphere. Its space-time variability modulates water mass formation and carbon sequestration processes related to both the physical and biological pumps. These processes are particularly relevant in the Southern Ocean, where surface mixed-layer depth estimates are generally obtained either as climatological fields derived from in situ observations or through numerical simulations. Here we demonstrate that weekly observation-based reconstructions can be used to describe the variations of the mixed-layer depth in the upper ocean over a range of space and time scales. We compare and validate four different products obtained by combining satellite measurements of the sea surface temperature, salinity, and dynamic topography and in situ Argo profiles. We also compute an ensemble mean and use the corresponding spread to estimate mixed-layer depth uncertainties and to identify the more reliable products. The analysis points out the advantage of synergistic approaches that include in input the sea surface salinity observations obtained through a multivariate optimal interpolation. Corresponding data allow to assess mixed-layer depth seasonal and interannual variability. Specifically, the maximum correlations between mixed-layer anomalies and the Southern Annular Mode are found at different time lags, related to distinct summer/winter responses in the Antarctic Intermediate Water and Sub-Antarctic Mode Waters main formation areas.

Layered Deposits on the floor of Ganges Chasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

(Released 29 March 2002) The Science The Story These layered deposits are located on the floor of a large canyon called Ganges Chasma which is a part of the Valles Marineris. Dramatic layering can be seen throughout the deposit. Different styles of erosion are manifest in these different layers and at different locations within the layered material. For example, the southern portion of these deposits have a pronounced fluting, whereas in other areas the same layers are more intact. Relatively dark dunes and sand sheets can be observed surrounding the relatively brighter layered material in the upper right and lower portions of the image. Darker material also appears to mantle select areas of the layered deposits. The formation of the dunes is influenced by topography; this influence is best illustrated in the upper left of the image where a small hillock has interfered with the local wind flow. Impact craters of all sizes are noticeably absent in this image, indicating a relatively young age for this surface. This image is approximately 22 km wide and 60 km in length; north is toward the top. The Story If this wonderfully textured landform were on Earth, it would have to be designated as a 'national park,' much like the popular canyon parklands of the American Southwest. Look for the oblong plateau at the center right of this image, and see how the terrain descends from it on all sides. The southerly canyon wall (bottom third of the image) displays a visually beautiful canyon slope, with descending erosional flutes that cut pathways through the differently hued rock and mineral layers. While the northern side of the plateau might not look as dramatic, don't miss the dark-colored sand dunes that lie at the base of the canyon. Why did they form in just that place? To find out, look for the small hillock in the top left of the image that has interfered with the wind's flow, causing the ripply dunes to form. With so many interesting and physically stunning features, this spot will no doubt attract eager Mars tourists some day far in the future.

Liquefaction-induced downdrag on drilled shafts.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-04-01

Sandy soil layers reduce in volume during and following liquefaction. The downward relative movement of the overlying soil layers around drilled shafts induces shear stress along the shaft and changes the axial load distribution. Depending on the sit...

Hydrogen-related defects in Al2O3 layers grown on n-type Si by the atomic layer deposition technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolkovsky, Vl.; Stübner, R.

2018-04-01

The electrical properties of alumina films with thicknesses varying from 15 nm to 150 nm, grown by the atomic layer deposition technique on n-type Si, were investigated. We demonstrated that the annealing of the alumina layers in argon (Ar) or hydrogen (H) atmosphere at about 700 K resulted in the introduction of negatively charged defects irrespective of the type of the substrate. These defects were also observed in samples subjected to a dc H plasma treatment at temperatures below 400 K, whereas they were not detected in as-grown samples and in samples annealed in Ar atmosphere at temperatures below 400 K. The concentration of these defects increased with a higher H content in the alumina films. In good agreement with theory we assigned these defects to interstitial H-related defects.

Effects of spanwise rotation on the structure of two-dimensional fully developed turbulent channel flow.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, J. P.; Halleen, R. M.; Lezius, D. K.

1972-01-01

Experiments on fully developed turbulent flow in a channel which is rotating at a steady rate about a spanwise axis are described. The Coriolis force components in the region of two-dimensional mean flow affect both local and global stability. Three stability-related phenomena were observed or inferred: (1) the reduction (increase) of the rate of wall-layer streak bursting in locally stabilized (destabilized) wall layers; (2) the total suppression of transition to turbulence in a stabilized layer; (3) the development of large-scale roll cells on the destabilized side of the channel by growth of a Taylor-Gortler vortex instability. Local effects of rotational stabilization, such as reduction of the turbulent stress in wall layers, can be related to the local Richardson number in a simple way. This paper not only investigates this effect, but also, by methods of flow visualization, exposes some of the underlying structure changes caused by rotation.-

X-ray reflectivity of ruthenium nano-oxide layer in a CoFe-Ru-CoFe trilayer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asghari Zadeh, Saeid; Sutton, Mark; Altonian, Zaven; Mao, Ming; Lee, Chih-Ling

2006-03-01

A grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity technique is used to determine electron density profile(EDP) as a function of depth in CoFe-Ru-CoFe and CoFe-Ru nano oxide layer(NOL)-CoFe trilayers. Four trilayers with ruthenium thicknesses of 8,8.5 and 9 å.08cm and one with Ru8.5.05cmå.05cmNOL, prepared by a dc planetary sputtering system, were investigated. For all samples, EDP shows a central peak which is related to the Ru layer. Natural oxidation in all samples introduces a graded EDP of the top CoFe layer that decreases gradually to zero. The large surface resistivity of Ru8.5 å.05cm NOL compared to Ru 8.5å.08cm can be related to the remarkable difference between their EDP.

The influence of meridional ice transport on Europa's ocean stratification and heat content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Peiyun; Manucharyan, Georgy E.; Thompson, Andrew F.; Goodman, Jason C.; Vance, Steven D.

2017-06-01

Jupiter's moon Europa likely hosts a saltwater ocean beneath its icy surface. Geothermal heating and rotating convection in the ocean may drive a global overturning circulation that redistributes heat vertically and meridionally, preferentially warming the ice shell at the equator. Here we assess the previously unconstrained influence of ocean-ice coupling on Europa's ocean stratification and heat transport. We demonstrate that a relatively fresh layer can form at the ice-ocean interface due to a meridional ice transport forced by the differential ice shell heating between the equator and the poles. We provide analytical and numerical solutions for the layer's characteristics, highlighting their sensitivity to critical ocean parameters. For a weakly turbulent and highly saline ocean, a strong buoyancy gradient at the base of the freshwater layer can suppress vertical tracer exchange with the deeper ocean. As a result, the freshwater layer permits relatively warm deep ocean temperatures.

Structure of a reattaching supersonic shear flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samimy, M.; Abu-Hijleh, B. A. K.

1988-01-01

A Mach 1.83 fully developed turbulent boundary layer with boundary layer thickness, free stream velocity, and Reynolds number of 7.5 mm, 476 m/s, and 6.2 x 10 to the 7th/m, respectively, was separated at a 25.4-mm backward step and formed a shear layer. Fast-response pressure transducers, schlieren photography, and LDV were used to study the structure of this reattaching shear flow. The preliminary results show that large-scale relatively organized structures with limited spanwise extent form in the free shear layer. Some of these structures appear to survive the recompression and reattachment processes, while others break down into smaller scales and the flow becomes increasingly three-dimensional. The survived large-scale structures lose their organization through recompression/reattachment, but regain it after reattachment. The structures after reattachment form a 40-45-degree angle relative to the free stream and deteriorate gradually as they move downstream.

Dynamical processes and epidemic threshold on nonlinear coupled multiplex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Chao; Tang, Shaoting; Li, Weihua; Yang, Yaqian; Zheng, Zhiming

2018-04-01

Recently, the interplay between epidemic spreading and awareness diffusion has aroused the interest of many researchers, who have studied models mainly based on linear coupling relations between information and epidemic layers. However, in real-world networks the relation between two layers may be closely correlated with the property of individual nodes and exhibits nonlinear dynamical features. Here we propose a nonlinear coupled information-epidemic model (I-E model) and present a comprehensive analysis in a more generalized scenario where the upload rate differs from node to node, deletion rate varies between susceptible and infected states, and infection rate changes between unaware and aware states. In particular, we develop a theoretical framework of the intra- and inter-layer dynamical processes with a microscopic Markov chain approach (MMCA), and derive an analytic epidemic threshold. Our results suggest that the change of upload and deletion rate has little effect on the diffusion dynamics in the epidemic layer.

The influence of meridional ice transport on Europa's ocean stratification and heat content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, P.; Manucharyan, G.; Thompson, A. F.; Goodman, J. C.; Vance, S.

2017-12-01

Jupiter's moon Europa likely hosts a saltwater ocean beneath its icy surface. Geothermal heating and rotating convection in the ocean may drive a global overturning circulation that redistributes heat vertically and meridionally, preferentially warming the ice shell at the equator. Here we assess thepreviously unconstrained influence of ocean-ice coupling on Europa's ocean stratification and heat transport. We demonstrate that a relatively fresh layer can form at the ice-ocean interface due to a meridional ice transport forced by the differential ice shell heating between the equator and the poles. We provide analytical and numerical solutions for the layer's characteristics, highlighting their sensitivity to critical ocean parameters. For a weakly turbulent and highly saline ocean, a strong buoyancy gradient at the base of the freshwater layer can suppress vertical tracer exchange with the deeper ocean. As a result, the freshwater layer permits relatively warm deep ocean temperatures.

Convection in an ideal gas at high Rayleigh numbers.

PubMed

Tilgner, A

2011-08-01

Numerical simulations of convection in a layer filled with ideal gas are presented. The control parameters are chosen such that there is a significant variation of density of the gas in going from the bottom to the top of the layer. The relations between the Rayleigh, Peclet, and Nusselt numbers depend on the density stratification. It is proposed to use a data reduction which accounts for the variable density by introducing into the scaling laws an effective density. The relevant density is the geometric mean of the maximum and minimum densities in the layer. A good fit to the data is then obtained with power laws with the same exponent as for fluids in the Boussinesq limit. Two relations connect the top and bottom boundary layers: The kinetic energy densities computed from free fall velocities are equal at the top and bottom, and the products of free fall velocities and maximum horizontal velocities are equal for both boundaries.

Laminar and cytoarchitectonic features of the cerebral cortex in the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

PubMed

Furutani, Rui

2008-09-01

The present investigation carried out Nissl, Klüver-Barrera, and Golgi studies of the cerebral cortex in three distinct genera of oceanic dolphins (Risso's dolphin, striped dolphin and bottlenose dolphin) to identify and classify cortical laminar and cytoarchitectonic structures in four distinct functional areas, including primary motor (M1), primary sensory (S1), primary visual (V1), and primary auditory (A1) cortices. The laminar and cytoarchitectonic organization of each of these cortical areas was similar among the three dolphin species. M1 was visualized as five-layer structure that included the molecular layer (layer I), external granular layer (layer II), external pyramidal layer (layer III), internal pyramidal layer (layer V), and fusiform layer (layer VI). The internal granular layer was absent. The cetacean sensory-related cortical areas S1, V1, and A1 were also found to have a five-layer organization comprising layers I, II, III, V and VI. In particular, A1 was characterized by the broadest layer I, layer II and developed band of pyramidal neurons in layers III (sublayers IIIa, IIIb and IIIc) and V. The patch organization consisting of the layer IIIb-pyramidal neurons was detected in the S1 and V1, but not in A1. The laminar patterns of V1 and S1 were similar, but the cytoarchitectonic structures of the two areas were different. V1 was characterized by a broader layer II than that of S1, and also contained the specialized pyramidal and multipolar stellate neurons in layers III and V.

Early Cretaceous Ductile Deformation of Marbles from the Western Hills of Beijing, North China Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, H.; Liu, J.

2017-12-01

During the Early Cretaceous tectonic lithosphere extension, the pre-mesozoic rocks from the Western Hills in the central part of the North China Craton suffered from weak metamorphism but intense shear deformation. The prominent features of the deformation structures are the coexisting layer-parallel shear zones and intrafolia folds, and the along-strike thickness variations of the marble layers from the highly sheared Mesoproterozoic Jing'eryu Formation. Platy marbles are well-developed in the thinner layers, while intrafolia folds are often observed in the thicker layers. Most folds are tight recumbent folds and their axial planes are parallel to the foliations and layerings of the marbles. The folds are A-type folds with hinges being always paralleling to the stretching lineations consistently oriented at 130°-310° directions throughout the entire area. SPO and microstructural analyses of the sheared marbles suggest that the thicker layers suffered from deformations homogeneously, while strain localization can be distinguished in the thinner layers. Calcite twin morphology and CPO analysis indicate that the deformation of marbles from both thinner and thicker layers happened at temperatures of 300 to 500°C. The above analysis suggests that marbles in the thicker layers experienced a progressive sequence of thermodynamic events: 1) regional metamorphism, 2) early ductile deformation dominated by relatively higher temperature conditions, during which all the mineral particles elongated and oriented limitedly and the calcite grains are deformed mainly by mechanical twinning, and 3) late superimposition of relatively lower temperature deformation and recrystallization, which superposed the early deformation, and made the calcites finely granulated, elongated and oriented by dynamical recrystallization along with other grains. Marbles from the thinner layers, however, experienced a similar, but different sequence of thermo-dynamic events, i.e. regional metamorphism, early ductile deformation and weak superimposition by subsequent deformation, which caused the development of the strain localization. It is also shown that the intensity of progressive superimposition deformation contributed to the thinning and thickening of the marble layers.

A prospective study of two methods of closing surgical scalp wounds.

PubMed

Adeolu, A A; Olabanji, J K; Komolafe, E O; Ademuyiwa, A O; Awe, A O; Oladele, A O

2012-02-01

Scalp wounds are commonly closed in two layers, although single layer closure is feasible. This study prospectively compared the two methods of closing scalp wounds. Patients with non-traumatic scalp wounds were allocated to either the single layer closure group or the multilayer closure group. We obtained relevant data from the patients. The primary outcome measures were wound edge related complications, rate of suturing and cost of sutures used for suturing. Thirty-one wounds were in the single layer closure group and 30 were in the multilayer closure group. Age range was 1-80 years. The most common indication for making a scalp incision was subdural hematoma, representing 27.8% of all the indications. The most common surgery was burr hole drainage of subdural hematoma. Polyglactin acid suture was used for the inner layer and polyamide -00- for the final layer in the multilayer closure group. Only the latter suture was used for the single layer closure method. Total cost of suturing per wound in the single layer closure group was N= 100 (0.70USD) and N= 800 (5.30USD) in the multilayer group. The mean rate of closure was 0.39 ± 1.89 mm/sec for single layer closure and 0.23 ± 0.89 mm/sec in multilayer closure. The difference was statistically significant. Wound edge related complication rate was 19.35% in the single layer closure group and 16.67% in the multilayer closure method group. The difference was not statistically significant (z: 0.00, p value: 1.000; Pearson chi-squared (DF = 1)= 0.0075, p = 0.0785). The study shows that closing the scalp in one layer is much faster and more cost effective compared to the multilayer closure method. We did not observe significant difference in the complication rates in the two methods of closure. Long-term outcome, especially cosmetic outcome, remains to be determined in this preliminary study.

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

PubMed

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

2006-06-20

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

Notes on the Prediction of Shock-induced Boundary-layer Separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lange, Roy H.

1953-01-01

The present status of available information relative to the prediction of shock-induced boundary-layer separation is discussed. Experimental results showing the effects of Reynolds number and Mach number on the separation of both laminar and turbulent boundary layer are given and compared with available methods for predicting separation. The flow phenomena associated with separation caused by forward-facing steps, wedges, and incident shock waves are discussed. Applications of the flat-plate data to problems of separation on spoilers, diffusers, and scoop inlets are indicated for turbulent boundary layers.

Multi-layer coatings

DOEpatents

Maghsoodi, Sina; Brophy, Brenor L.; Abrams, Ze'ev R.; Gonsalves, Peter R.

2016-06-28

Disclosed herein are coating materials and methods for applying a top-layer coating that is durable, abrasion resistant, highly transparent, hydrophobic, low-friction, moisture-sealing, anti-soiling, and self-cleaning to an existing conventional high temperature anti-reflective coating. The top coat imparts superior durability performance and new properties to the under-laying conventional high temperature anti-reflective coating without reducing the anti-reflectiveness of the coating. Methods and data for optimizing the relative thickness of the under-layer high temperature anti-reflective coating and the top-layer thickness for optimizing optical performance are also disclosed.

Buffer architecture for biaxially textured structures and method of fabricating same

DOEpatents

Norton, David P.; Park, Chan; Goyal, Amit

2004-04-06

The invention relates to an article with an improved buffer layer architecture comprising a substrate having a metal surface, and an epitaxial buffer layer on the surface of the substrate. The epitaxial buffer layer comprises at least one of the group consisting of ZrO.sub.2, HfO.sub.2, and compounds having at least one of Ca and a rare earth element stabilizing cubic phases of ZrO.sub.2 and/or HfO.sub.2. The article can also include a superconducting layer deposited on the epitaxial buffer layer. The article can also include an epitaxial capping layer between the epitaxial buffer layer and the superconducting layer. A method for preparing an epitaxial article comprises providing a substrate with a metal surface, depositing on the metal surface an epitaxial buffer layer comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of ZrO.sub.2, HfO.sub.2, and compounds having at least one of Ca and a rare earth element stabilizing cubic phases of at least one of ZrO.sub.2 and HfO.sub.2. The epitaxial layer depositing step occurs in a vacuum with a background pressure of no more than 1.times.10.sup.-5 Torr. The method can further comprise depositing a superconducting layer on the epitaxial layer, and depositing an epitaxial capping layer between the epitaxial buffer layer and the superconducting layer.

Molecular communication among biological nanomachines: a layered architecture and research issues.

PubMed

Nakano, Tadashi; Suda, Tatsuya; Okaie, Yutaka; Moore, Michael J; Vasilakos, Athanasios V

2014-09-01

Molecular communication is an emerging communication paradigm for biological nanomachines. It allows biological nanomachines to communicate through exchanging molecules in an aqueous environment and to perform collaborative tasks through integrating functionalities of individual biological nanomachines. This paper develops the layered architecture of molecular communication and describes research issues that molecular communication faces at each layer of the architecture. Specifically, this paper applies a layered architecture approach, traditionally used in communication networks, to molecular communication, decomposes complex molecular communication functionality into a set of manageable layers, identifies basic functionalities of each layer, and develops a descriptive model consisting of key components of the layer for each layer. This paper also discusses open research issues that need to be addressed at each layer. In addition, this paper provides an example design of targeted drug delivery, a nanomedical application, to illustrate how the layered architecture helps design an application of molecular communication. The primary contribution of this paper is to provide an in-depth architectural view of molecular communication. Establishing a layered architecture of molecular communication helps organize various research issues and design concerns into layers that are relatively independent of each other, and thus accelerates research in each layer and facilitates the design and development of applications of molecular communication.

Organic light-emitting device with a phosphor-sensitized fluorescent emission layer

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen [Ann Arbor, MI; Kanno, Hiroshi [Osaka, JP

2009-08-25

The present invention relates to organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), and more specifically to OLEDS that emit light using a combination of fluorescent emitters and phosphorescent emitters. The emissive region of the devices of the present invention comprise at least one phosphor-sensitized layer which has a combined emission from a phosphorescent emitter and a fluorescent emitter. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to white-emitting OLEDS (WOLEDs).

Swelling properties of montmorillonite and beidellite clay minerals from molecular simulation: Comparison of temperature interlayer cation, and charge location effects

DOE PAGES

Teich-McGoldrick, Stephanie L.; Greathouse, Jeffery A.; Jove-Colon, Carlos F.; ...

2015-08-27

In this study, the swelling properties of smectite clay minerals are relevant to many engineering applications including environmental remediation, repository design for nuclear waste disposal, borehole stability in drilling operations, and additives for numerous industrial processes and commercial products. We used molecular dynamics and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations to study the effects of layer charge location, interlayer cation, and temperature on intracrystalline swelling of montmorillonite and beidellite clay minerals. For a beidellite model with layer charge exclusively in the tetrahedral sheet, strong ion–surface interactions shift the onset of the two-layer hydrate to higher water contents. In contrast, for amore » montmorillonite model with layer charge exclusively in the octahedral sheet, weaker ion–surface interactions result in the formation of fully hydrated ions (two-layer hydrate) at much lower water contents. Clay hydration enthalpies and interlayer atomic density profiles are consistent with the swelling results. Water adsorption isotherms from grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations are used to relate interlayer hydration states to relative humidity, in good agreement with experimental findings.« less

Ruthenium nano-oxide layer in CoFe-Ru-CoFe trilayer system: An x-ray reflectivity study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asgharizadeh, S.; Sutton, M.; Altounian, Z.; Mao, M.; Lee, C. L.

2008-05-01

A grazing incidence x-ray reflectivity technique is used to determine the electron density profile as a function of depth in CoFe-Ru-CoFe and CoFe-Ru nano-oxide layer (NOL)-CoFe trilayers. Four trilayers with ruthenium thicknesses of 8, 8.5, and 9Å and one with Ru 8.5Å NOL, prepared by a dc planetary sputtering system, were investigated. For all samples, the electron density profile (EDP) shows a central peak that is related to the Ru layer. Natural oxidation in all of the samples introduces a graded EDP of the top CoFe layers, which decreases gradually to zero. The large surface resistivity of Ru 8.5Å NOL as compared to Ru 8.5Å is related to the remarkable difference between their EDPs. EDP changes have also been investigated in Ru NOL trilayers after annealing at 280°C. The Ru phase in the EDP was observed to confirm the thermal stability of the spacer layer after annealing.

Locomotion of bacteria in liquid flow and the boundary layer effect on bacterial attachment.

PubMed

Zhang, Chao; Liao, Qiang; Chen, Rong; Zhu, Xun

2015-06-12

The formation of biofilm greatly affects the performance of biological reactors, which highly depends on bacterial swimming and attachment that usually takes place in liquid flow. Therefore, bacterial swimming and attachment on flat and circular surfaces with the consideration of flow was studied experimentally. Besides, a mathematical model comprehensively combining bacterial swimming and motion with flow is proposed for the simulation of bacterial locomotion and attachment in flow. Both experimental and theoretical results revealed that attached bacteria density increases with decreasing boundary layer thickness on both flat and circular surfaces, the consequence of which is inherently related to the competition between bacterial swimming and the non-slip motion with flow evaluated by the Péclet number. In the boundary layer, where the Péclet number is relatively higher, bacterial locomotion mainly depends on bacterial swimming. Thinner boundary layer promotes bacterial swimming towards the surface, leading to higher attachment density. To enhance the performance of biofilm reactors, it is effective to reduce the boundary layer thickness on desired surfaces. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Asymptotic structure and similarity solutions for three-dimensional turbulent boundary layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Degani, A. T.; Walker, J. D. A.

1989-01-01

The asymptotic structure of the three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer is investigated in the limit of large Reynolds numbers. A self-consistent, but relatively complex, two-layer structure exists and the simplest situation, corresponding to a plane of symmetry, is considered in this paper as a first step. The adjustment of the streamwise velocity to relative rest, through an outer defect layer and then an inner wall layer, is similar to that in two-dimensional flow. The adjustment of the cross-streamwise velocity is more complicated and it is shown that two terms in the expansion are required to obtain useful results, and in particular to obtain the velocity skew angle at the wall near the symmetry plane. The conditions under which self-similarity is achieved near a plane of symmetry are investigated. A set of ordinary differential equations is developed which describe the streamwise and cross-streamwise velocities near a plane of symmetry in a self-similar flow through two orders of magnitude. Calculated numerical solutions of these equations yield trends which are consistent with experimental observations.

A shape-based inter-layer contours correspondence method for ICT-based reverse engineering

PubMed Central

Duan, Liming; Yang, Shangpeng; Zhang, Gui; Feng, Fei; Gu, Minghui

2017-01-01

The correspondence of a stack of planar contours in ICT (industrial computed tomography)-based reverse engineering, a key step in surface reconstruction, is difficult when the contours or topology of the object are complex. Given the regularity of industrial parts and similarity of the inter-layer contours, a specialized shape-based inter-layer contours correspondence method for ICT-based reverse engineering was presented to solve the above problem based on the vectorized contours. In this paper, the vectorized contours extracted from the slices consist of three graphical primitives: circles, arcs and segments. First, the correspondence of the inter-layer primitives is conducted based on the characteristics of the primitives. Second, based on the corresponded primitives, the inter-layer contours correspond with each other using the proximity rules and exhaustive search. The proposed method can make full use of the shape information to handle industrial parts with complex structures. The feasibility and superiority of this method have been demonstrated via the related experiments. This method can play an instructive role in practice and provide a reference for the related research. PMID:28489867

A shape-based inter-layer contours correspondence method for ICT-based reverse engineering.

PubMed

Duan, Liming; Yang, Shangpeng; Zhang, Gui; Feng, Fei; Gu, Minghui

2017-01-01

The correspondence of a stack of planar contours in ICT (industrial computed tomography)-based reverse engineering, a key step in surface reconstruction, is difficult when the contours or topology of the object are complex. Given the regularity of industrial parts and similarity of the inter-layer contours, a specialized shape-based inter-layer contours correspondence method for ICT-based reverse engineering was presented to solve the above problem based on the vectorized contours. In this paper, the vectorized contours extracted from the slices consist of three graphical primitives: circles, arcs and segments. First, the correspondence of the inter-layer primitives is conducted based on the characteristics of the primitives. Second, based on the corresponded primitives, the inter-layer contours correspond with each other using the proximity rules and exhaustive search. The proposed method can make full use of the shape information to handle industrial parts with complex structures. The feasibility and superiority of this method have been demonstrated via the related experiments. This method can play an instructive role in practice and provide a reference for the related research.

Double-diffusive layers in the Adriatic Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carniel, Sandro; Sclavo, Mauro; Kantha, Lakshmi; Prandke, Hartmut

2008-01-01

A microstructure profiler was deployed to make turbulence measurements in the upper layers of the southern Adriatic Sea in the Mediterranean during the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) DART06A (Dynamics of the Adriatic in Real Time) winter cruise in March 2006. Measurements in the Po river plume along the Italian coast near the Gargano promontory displayed classic double-diffusive layers and staircase structures resulting from the relatively colder and fresher wintertime Po river outflow water masses overlying warmer and more saline water masses from the Adriatic Sea. We report here on the water mass and turbulence structure measurements made both in the double-diffusive interfaces and the adjoining mixed layers in the water columns undergoing double-diffusive convection (DDC). This dataset augments the relatively sparse observations available hitherto on the diffusive layer type of DDC. Measured turbulence diffusivities are consistent with those from earlier theoretical and experimental formulations, suggesting that the wintertime Po river plume is a convenient and easily accessible place to study double diffusive convective processes of importance to mixing in the interior of many regions of the global oceans.

Study of the influence of the agarose hydrogel layer thickness on sensitivity of the coated silica microsphere resonator to humidity.

PubMed

Mallik, Arun Kumar; Farrell, Gerald; Wu, Qiang; Semenova, Yuliya

2017-05-10

In this paper, we investigate both theoretically and experimentally the influence of the agarose hydrogel layer thickness on the sensitivity of a proposed relative humidity (RH) sensor based on a silica microsphere resonator coated with agarose hydrogel. The operating principle of the sensor relies on excitation of whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in the coated silica microsphere using the evanescent field of a tapered fiber. A change in the ambient relative humidity is detected by measuring the wavelength shift of the WGMs in the transmission spectrum of the tapered fiber. Using perturbation theory, we analyze the influence of the agarose coating thickness on the sensitivity of the proposed sensor and compare the results of this analysis with experimental findings for different coating layer thicknesses. We demonstrate that an increase in the coating layer thickness initially leads to an increase in the sensitivity to RH and reaches saturation at higher values of the agarose layer thickness. The results of the study are useful for the design and optimization of microsphere sensor parameters to meet a performance specification.

Atomically thick bismuth selenide freestanding single layers achieving enhanced thermoelectric energy harvesting.

PubMed

Sun, Yongfu; Cheng, Hao; Gao, Shan; Liu, Qinghua; Sun, Zhihu; Xiao, Chong; Wu, Changzheng; Wei, Shiqiang; Xie, Yi

2012-12-19

Thermoelectric materials can realize significant energy savings by generating electricity from untapped waste heat. However, the coupling of the thermoelectric parameters unfortunately limits their efficiency and practical applications. Here, a single-layer-based (SLB) composite fabricated from atomically thick single layers was proposed to optimize the thermoelectric parameters fully. Freestanding five-atom-thick Bi(2)Se(3) single layers were first synthesized via a scalable interaction/exfoliation strategy. As revealed by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, surface distortion gives them excellent structural stability and a much increased density of states, resulting in a 2-fold higher electrical conductivity relative to the bulk material. Also, the surface disorder and numerous interfaces in the Bi(2)Se(3) SLB composite allow for effective phonon scattering and decreased thermal conductivity, while the 2D electron gas and energy filtering effect increase the Seebeck coefficient, resulting in an 8-fold higher figure of merit (ZT) relative to the bulk material. This work develops a facile strategy for synthesizing atomically thick single layers and demonstrates their superior ability to optimize the thermoelectric energy harvesting.

Coincidence of features of emitted THz electromagnetic wave power form a single Josephson junction and different current components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamdipour, Mohammad

2017-12-01

By applying a voltage to a Josephson junction, the charge in superconducting layers (S-layers) will oscillate. Wavelength of the charge oscillations in S-layers is related to external current in junction, by increasing the external current, the wavelength will decrease which cause in some currents the wavelength be incommensurate with width of junction, so the CVC shows Fiske like steps. External current throwing along junction has some components, resistive, capacitive and superconducting current, beside these currents there is a current in lateral direction of junction, (x direction). On the other hand, the emitted electromagnetic wave power in THz region is related to AC component of electric field in junction, which itself is related to charge density in S-layers, which is related to currents in the system. So we expect that features of variation of current components reflect the features of emitted THz power form junction. Here we study in detail the superconductive current in a long Josephson junction (JJ), the current voltage characteristics (CVC) of junction and emitted THz power from the system. Then we compare the results. Comparing the results we see that there is a good qualitative coincidence in features of emitted THz power and supercurrent in junction.

Constraints on Thermochemical Convection of the Mantle from Plume-related Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, S.

2005-05-01

Although geochemical observations have long suggested a layered mantle with more enriched mantle material in the bottom layer to provide a significant amount of heat to the top layer, the nature of such a layering remains unclear. An important observation that has been used to argue against the conventional layered mantle model (i.e., the layering at the 670 km depth) was the plume heat flux [Davies, 1999]. Plume heat flux is estimated as ~ 3.5 TW, or 10% of the surface heat flux [Davies, 1988; Sleep, 1990]. In this study, we demonstrate with 3-D spherical models of mantle convection with depth- and temperature-dependent viscosity that observed plume heat flux, plume excess temperature (<350°C), and upper mantle temperature (~ 1300°C) can pose important constraints on the layered mantle convection. We show that for a purely thermal convection model (i.e., a whole mantle convection), the observations of plume heat flux, plume excess temperature, and upper mantle temperature can be simultaneously explained only when internal heating rate is about 65%. For smaller internal heating rate, plume heat flux and plume excess temperature would be too large, and upper mantle temperature would be too small, compared with the observed. This suggests that for a whole mantle convection the CMB heat flux needs to be > 10 TW. For a core with no significant heat producing elements, such large CMB heat flux may lead to too rapid cooling of the core or a too young inner core. A layered mantle convection may help reduce the CMB heat flux. For layered convection models, we found that the top layer needs to be ~70% internally heated to explain the upper mantle temperature and plume-related observations, and this required internal heating ratio is insensitive to the layer thickness for the bottom layer (we used ~600 km and 1100 km thicknesses). This result suggests that heat generation rate for the bottom layer cannot be significantly larger (< a factor of 2) than that for the top layer. thus challenging the conventional geochemical inference for an significantly enriched bottom layer. However, this is more consistent with recent estimate of the MORB source composition that increases heat producing element concentration by a factor of three compared with the previously proposed.

Prediction of unsaturated flow and water backfill during infiltration in layered soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Guotao; Zhu, Jianting

2018-02-01

We develop a new analytical infiltration model to determine water flow dynamics around layer interfaces during infiltration process in layered soils. The model mainly involves the analytical solutions to quadratic equations to determine the flux rates around the interfaces. Active water content profile behind the wetting front is developed based on the solution of steady state flow to dynamically update active parameters in sharp wetting front infiltration equations and to predict unsaturated flow in coarse layers before the front reaches an impeding fine layer. The effect of water backfill to saturate the coarse layers after the wetting front encounters the impeding fine layer is analytically expressed based on the active water content profiles. Comparison to the numerical solutions of the Richards equation shows that the new model can well capture water dynamics in relation to the arrangement of soil layers. The steady state active water content profile can be used to predict the saturation state of all layers when the wetting front first passes through these layers during the unsteady infiltration process. Water backfill effect may occur when the unsaturated wetting front encounters a fine layer underlying a coarse layer. Sensitivity analysis shows that saturated hydraulic conductivity is the parameter dictating the occurrence of unsaturated flow and water backfill and can be used to represent the coarseness of soil layers. Water backfill effect occurs in coarse layers between upper and lower fine layers when the lower layer is not significantly coarser than the upper layer.

Seismic, magnetic, and geotechnical properties of a landslide and clinker deposits, Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, C.H.

1979-01-01

Exploitation of vast coal and other resources in the Powder River Basin has caused recent, rapid increases in population and in commercial and residential development and has prompted land utilization studies. Two aspects of land utilization were studied for this report: (1) the seismic and geotechnical properties of a landslide and (2) the seismic, magnetic, and geotechnical properties of clinker deposits. (1) The landslide seismic survey revealed two layers in the slide area. The upper (low-velocity) layer is a relatively weak mantle of colluvium and unconsolidated and weathered bedrock that ranges in thickness from 3.0 to 7.5 m and has an average seismic velocity of about 390 m/s. It overlies high-velocity, relatively strong sedimentary bedrock that has velocities greater than about 1330 m/s. The low-velocity layer is also present at the other eight seismic refraction sites in the basin; a similar layer has also been reported in the Soviet Union in a landslide area over similar bedrock. The buried contact of the low- and high-velocity layers is relatively smooth and is nearly parallel with the restored topographic surface. There is no indication that any of the high-velocity layer (bedrock) has been displaced or removed. The seismic data also show that the shear modulus of the low-velocity layer is only about one-tenth that of the high-velocity layer and the shear strength (at failure) is only about one-thirtieth. Much of the slide failure is clearly in the shear mode, and failure is, therefore, concluded to be confined to the low-velocity layer. The major immediate factor contributing to landslide failure is apparently the addition of moisture to the low-velocity layer. The study implies that the low-velocity layer can be defined over some of the basin by seismic surveys and that they can help predict or delineate potential slides. Preventative actions that could then be taken include avoidance, dewatering, prevention of saturation, buttressing the toe, and unloading the head. The low-velocity layer is usually less than about 5 m thick and may be excavated by dozing, whereas the bedrock must be blasted. Thus, it would seem economically feasible to underpin a structure to nonweathered bedrock or, perhaps, to remove the low-velocity layer prior to construction. (2) Many coal beds in the Powder River Basin have burned along their outcrops, and the resulting intense heat has baked and fused the overlying clastic (sedimentary) rocks into clinkers. The clinkers are very magnetic and a buried edge of a single layer of burn can easily be located by magnetic prospecting methods. Location of the edge is very important in estimating unburned coal deposits, locating clinker quarries, and planning drilling of seismic reflection lines. The clinkers are very porous and highly fractured,-and seismic and geotechnical tests show that they have relatively low strength and competency. Many of the laboratory tests, however, are inherently biased because the clinkers are so highly fractured that only competent samples are selected. The laboratory tests, for example, show that clinkers must be loosened by heavy ripping tractors or blasting, whereas the field data and practical experience indicate that clinkers may be mined with light equipment. Heavy structures such as coal silos and bridge abutments may have to be sited on clinkers. However, differential settlement may occur, with failure in the shear mode, because chimneys of relatively greater strength occur among the weaker clinkers. Preliminary data indicate that the chimneys may be located by magnetic or possibly seismic surveys. Special foundation-preparation techniques could be used or, perhaps, the chimneys could be avoided altogether at a construction site.

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

Wang, Lifeng, E-mail: walfe@nuaa.edu.cn; Hu, Haiyan

The thermal vibration of a rectangular single-layered graphene sheet is investigated by using a rectangular nonlocal elastic plate model with quantum effects taken into account when the law of energy equipartition is unreliable. The relation between the temperature and the Root of Mean Squared (RMS) amplitude of vibration at any point of the rectangular single-layered graphene sheet in simply supported case is derived first from the rectangular nonlocal elastic plate model with the strain gradient of the second order taken into consideration so as to characterize the effect of microstructure of the graphene sheet. Then, the RMS amplitude of thermalmore » vibration of a rectangular single-layered graphene sheet simply supported on an elastic foundation is derived. The study shows that the RMS amplitude of the rectangular single-layered graphene sheet predicted from the quantum theory is lower than that predicted from the law of energy equipartition. The maximal relative difference of RMS amplitude of thermal vibration appears at the sheet corners. The microstructure of the graphene sheet has a little effect on the thermal vibrations of lower modes, but exhibits an obvious effect on the thermal vibrations of higher modes. The quantum effect is more important for the thermal vibration of higher modes in the case of smaller sides and lower temperature. The relative difference of maximal RMS amplitude of thermal vibration of a rectangular single-layered graphene sheet decreases monotonically with an increase of temperature. The absolute difference of maximal RMS amplitude of thermal vibration of a rectangular single-layered graphene sheet increases slowly with the rising of Winkler foundation modulus.« less

Electric field dynamics in nitride structures containing quaternary alloy (Al, In, Ga)N

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

Borysiuk, J., E-mail: jolanta.borysiuk@ifpan.edu.pl; Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw; Sakowski, K.

2016-07-07

Molecular beam epitaxy growth and basic physical properties of quaternary AlInGaN layers, sufficiently thick for construction of electron blocking layers (EBL), embedded in ternary InGaN layers are presented. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurement revealed good crystallographic structure and compositional uniformity of the quaternary layers contained in other nitride layers, which are typical for construction of nitride based devices. The AlInGaN layer was epitaxially compatible to InGaN matrix, strained, and no strain related dislocation creation was observed. The strain penetrated for limited depth, below 3 nm, even for relatively high content of indium (7%). For lower indium content (0.6%), the strain wasmore » below the detection limit by TEM strain analysis. The structures containing quaternary AlInGaN layers were studied by time dependent photoluminescence (PL) at different temperatures and excitation powers. It was shown that PL spectra contain three peaks: high energy donor bound exciton peak from the bulk GaN (DX GaN) and the two peaks (A and B) from InGaN layers. No emission from quaternary AlInGaN layers was observed. An accumulation of electrons on the EBL interface in high-In sample and formation of 2D electron gas (2DEG) was detected. The dynamics of 2DEG was studied by time resolved luminescence revealing strong dependence of emission energy on the 2DEG concentration. Theoretical calculations as well as power-dependence and temperature-dependence analysis showed the importance of electric field inside the structure. At the interface, the field was screened by carriers and could be changed by illumination. From these measurements, the dynamics of electric field was described as the discharge of carriers accumulated on the EBL.« less

Effect of atomic layer deposited Al2O3:ZnO alloys on thin-film silicon photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdul Hadi, Sabina; Dushaq, Ghada; Nayfeh, Ammar

2017-12-01

In this work, we present the effects of the Al2O3:ZnO ratio on the optical and electrical properties of aluminum doped ZnO (AZO) layers deposited by atomic layer deposition, along with AZO application as the anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer and in heterojunction configurations. Here, we report complex refractive indices for AZO layers with different numbers of aluminum atomic cycles (ZnO:Al2O3 = 1:0, 39:1, 19:1, and 9:1) and we confirm their validity by fitting models to experimental data. Furthermore, the most conductive layer (ZnO:Al2O3 = 19:1, conductivity ˜4.6 mΩ cm) is used to fabricate AZO/n+/p-Si thin film solar cells and AZO/p-Si heterojunction devices. The impact of the AZO layer on the photovoltaic properties of these devices is studied by different characterization techniques, resulting in the extraction of recombination and energy band parameters related to the AZO layer. Our results confirm that AZO 19:1 can be used as a low cost and effective conductive ARC layer for solar cells. However, AZO/p-Si heterojunctions suffer from an insufficient depletion region width (˜100 nm) and recombination at the interface states, with an estimated potential barrier of ˜0.6-0.62 eV. The work function of AZO (ZnO:Al2O3 = 19:1) is estimated to be in the range between 4.36 and 4.57 eV. These material properties limit the use of AZO as an emitter in Si solar cells. However, the results imply that AZO based heterojunctions could have applications as low-cost photodetectors or photodiodes, operating under relatively low reverse bias.

Seismic Wave Propagation from Underground Chemical Explosions: Sensitivity to Velocity and Thickness of a Weathered Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirakawa, E. T.; Ezzedine, S. M.

2017-12-01

Recorded motions from underground chemical explosions are complicated by long duration seismic coda as well as motion in the tangential direction. The inability to distinguish the origins of these complexities as either source or path effects comprises a limitation to effective monitoring of underground chemical explosions. With numerical models, it is possible to conduct rigorous sensitivity analyses for chemical explosive sources and their resulting ground motions under the influence of many attributes, including but not limited to complex velocity structure, topography, and non-linear source characteristics. Previously we found that topography can cause significant scattering in the direct wave but leads to relatively little motion in the coda. Here, we aim to investigate the contribution from the low-velocity weathered layer that exists in the shallow subsurface apart from and in combination with surface topography. We use SW4, an anelastic anisotropic fourth order finite difference code to simulate chemical explosive source in a 1D velocity structure consisting of a single weathered layer over a half space. A range of velocity magnitudes are used for the upper weathered layer with the velocities always being lower than that of the granitic underlaying layer. We find that for lower weathered layer velocities, the wave train is highly dispersed and causes a large percentage of energy to be contained in the coda in relation to the entire time series. The percentage of energy contained in the coda grows with distance from the source but saturates at a certain distance that depends on weathered layer velocity and thickness. The saturation onset distance increases with decreasing layer thickness and increasing velocity of the upper layer. Measurements of relative coda energy and coda saturation onset distance from real recordings can provide an additional constraint on the properties of the weathered layer in remote sites as well as test sites like the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The results of this modeling study will aid in distinguishing source effects from path effects to the recorded motions in experiments such as the Source Physics Experiment (SPE). This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Transcriptional analysis of liver from chickens with fast (meat bird), moderate (F1 layer x meat bird cross) and low (layer bird) growth potential.

PubMed

Willson, Nicky-Lee; Forder, Rebecca E A; Tearle, Rick; Williams, John L; Hughes, Robert J; Nattrass, Greg S; Hynd, Philip I

2018-05-02

Divergent selection for meat and egg production in poultry has resulted in strains of birds differing widely in traits related to these products. Modern strains of meat birds can reach live weights of 2 kg in 35 d, while layer strains are now capable of producing more than 300 eggs per annum but grow slowly. In this study, RNA-Seq was used to investigate hepatic gene expression between three groups of birds with large differences in growth potential; meat bird, layer strain as well as an F1 layer x meat bird. The objective was to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes between all three strains to elucidate biological factors underpinning variations in growth performance. RNA-Seq analysis was carried out on total RNA extracted from the liver of meat bird (n = 6), F1 layer x meat bird cross (n = 6) and layer strain (n = 6), males. Differential expression of genes were considered significant at P < 0.05, and a false discovery rate of < 0.05, with any fold change considered. In total, 6278 genes were found to be DE with 5832 DE between meat birds and layers (19%), 2935 DE between meat birds and the cross (9.6%) and 493 DE between the cross and layers (1.6%). Comparisons between the three groups identified 155 significant DE genes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the 155 DE genes showed the FoxO signalling pathway was most enriched (P = 0.001), including genes related to cell cycle regulation and insulin signalling. Significant GO terms included 'positive regulation of glucose import' and 'cellular response to oxidative stress', which is also consistent with FoxOs regulation of glucose metabolism. There were high correlations between FoxO pathway genes and bodyweight, as well as genes related to glycolysis and bodyweight. This study revealed large transcriptome differences between meat and layer birds. There was significant evidence implicating the FoxO signalling pathway (via cell cycle regulation and altered metabolism) as an active driver of growth variations in chicken. Functional analysis of the FoxO genes is required to understand how they regulate growth and egg production.

Fuel cell catalyst layers containing short-side-chain perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peron, Jennifer; Edwards, Dave; Haldane, Mark; Luo, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Yongming; Holdcroft, Steven; Shi, Zhiqing

Porous catalyst layers (CLs) containing short-side-chain (SSC) perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers of different ion exchange capacity (IEC: 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 meq g -1) were deposited onto Nafion 211 to form catalyst-coated membranes. The porosity of SSC-PFSA-based CLs is larger than Nafion-CL analogues. CLs incorporating SSC ionomer extend the current density of fuel cell polarization curves at elevated temperature and lower relative humidity compared to those based on long-side chain PFSA (e.g., Nafion)-based CLs. Fuel cell polarization performance was greatly improved at 110 °C and 30% relative humidity (RH) when SSC PFSI was incorporated into the catalyst layer.

Layered double hydroxide stability. 1. Relative stabilities of layered double hydroxides and their simple counterparts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boclair, J. W.; Braterman, P. S.

1999-01-01

Solutions containing di- and trivalent metal chlorides [M(II) = Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+; M(III) = Al3+, Fe3+] were titrated with NaOH to yield hydrotalcite-like layered double hydroxides (LDH), [[M(II)]1-x[M(III)]x(OH)2][Cl]x yH2O, by way of M(III) hydroxide/hydrous oxide intermediates. Analysis of the resultant titration curves yields nominal solubility constants for the LDH. The corresponding LDH stabilities are in the order Mg < Mn < Co approximately Ni < Zn for M(II) and Al < Fe for M(III). The stability of LDH relative to the separate metal hydroxides/hydrous oxides is discussed.

Experimental investigation of the excess charge and time constant of minority carriers in the thin diffused layer of 0.1 ohm-cm silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Godlewski, M. P.; Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.; Lindholm, F. A.; Sah, C. T.

1976-01-01

An experimental method is presented that can be used to interpret the relative roles of bandgap narrowing and recombination processes in the diffused layer. This method involves measuring the device time constant by open-circuit voltage decay and the base region diffusion length by X-ray excitation. A unique illuminated diode method is used to obtain the diode saturation current. These data are interpreted using a simple model to determine individually the minority carrier lifetime and the excess charge. These parameters are then used to infer the relative importance of bandgap narrowing and recombination processes in the diffused layer.

The photovoltaic effect and charge carrier mobility in layered compositions of bithiophene or related rotaxane copolymer with C70 fullerene derivative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostromin, S. V.; Malov, V. V.; Tameev, A. R.; Bronnikov, S. V.; Farcas, A.

2017-02-01

Organic photovoltaic cells with a bulk heterojunction have been manufactured in which the photoactive layer consists of a mixture of bithiophene copolymer or related rotaxane with a fullerene derivative (PC70BM). The mobility of charge carriers in photoactive layers has been determined, the current-voltage characteristics of photovoltaic cells have been measured, and the energy level diagram of cell components has been constructed. It is established that the polyrotaxane component (macrocycle) insulates a part of thiophene fragments of the macromolecule, thus hindering the transport of carriers and leading to large energy losses for exciton dissociation, which results in a decreasing photovoltaic effect.

Method for improving the performance of oxidizable ceramic materials in oxidizing environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagaraj, Bangalore A. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Improved adhesion of thermal barrier coatings to nonmetallic substrates using a dense layer of ceramic on an underlying nonmetallic substrate that includes at least one oxidizable component. The improved adhesion occurs because the application of the dense ceramic layer forms a diffusion barrier for oxygen. This diffusion barrier prevents the oxidizable component of the substrate from decomposing. The present invention applies ceramic by a process that deposits a relatively thick and dense ceramic layer on the underlying substrate. The formation of the dense layer of ceramic avoids the problem of void formation associated with ceramic formation by most prior art thermal decomposition processes. The formation of voids has been associated with premature spalling of thermal barrier layers and other protective layers applied to substrates.

A new Information publishing system Based on Internet of things

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Li; Ma, Guoguang

2018-03-01

A new information publishing system based on Internet of things is proposed, which is composed of four level hierarchical structure, including the screen identification layer, the network transport layer, the service management layer and the publishing application layer. In the architecture, the screen identification layer has realized the internet of screens in which geographically dispersed independent screens are connected to the internet by the customized set-top boxes. The service management layer uses MQTT protocol to implement a lightweight broker-based publish/subscribe messaging mechanism in constrained environments such as internet of things to solve the bandwidth bottleneck. Meanwhile the cloud-based storage technique is used to storage and manage the promptly increasing multimedia publishing information. The paper has designed and realized a prototype SzIoScreen, and give some related test results.

Method for providing uranium with a protective copper coating

DOEpatents

Waldrop, Forrest B.; Jones, Edward

1981-01-01

The present invention is directed to a method for providing uranium metal with a protective coating of copper. Uranium metal is subjected to a conventional cleaning operation wherein oxides and other surface contaminants are removed, followed by etching and pickling operations. The copper coating is provided by first electrodepositing a thin and relatively porous flash layer of copper on the uranium in a copper cyanide bath. The resulting copper-layered article is then heated in an air or inert atmosphere to volatilize and drive off the volatile material underlying the copper flash layer. After the heating step an adherent and essentially non-porous layer of copper is electro-deposited on the flash layer of copper to provide an adherent, multi-layer copper coating which is essentially impervious to corrosion by most gases.

Laboratory layered latte.

PubMed

Xue, Nan; Khodaparast, Sepideh; Zhu, Lailai; Nunes, Janine K; Kim, Hyoungsoo; Stone, Howard A

2017-12-12

Inducing thermal gradients in fluid systems with initial, well-defined density gradients results in the formation of distinct layered patterns, such as those observed in the ocean due to double-diffusive convection. In contrast, layered composite fluids are sometimes observed in confined systems of rather chaotic initial states, for example, lattes formed by pouring espresso into a glass of warm milk. Here, we report controlled experiments injecting a fluid into a miscible phase and show that, above a critical injection velocity, layering emerges over a time scale of minutes. We identify critical conditions to produce the layering, and relate the results quantitatively to double-diffusive convection. Based on this understanding, we show how to employ this single-step process to produce layered structures in soft materials, where the local elastic properties vary step-wise along the length of the material.

Multiple wavelength photolithography for preparing multilayer microstructures

DOEpatents

Dentinger, Paul Michael; Krafcik, Karen Lee

2003-06-24

The invention relates to a multilayer microstructure and a method for preparing thereof. The method involves first applying a first photodefinable composition having a first exposure wavelength on a substrate to form a first polymeric layer. A portion of the first photodefinable composition is then exposed to electromagnetic radiation of the first exposure wavelength to form a first pattern in the first polymeric layer. After exposing the first polymeric layer, a second photodefinable composition having a second exposure wavelength is applied on the first polymeric layer to form a second polymeric layer. A portion of the second photodefinable composition is then exposed to electromagnetic radiation of the second exposure wavelength to form a second pattern in the second polymeric layer. In addition, a portion of each layer is removed according to the patterns to form a multilayer microstructure having a cavity having a shape that corresponds to the portions removed.

Semiconductor light-emitting devices having concave microstructures providing improved light extraction efficiency and method for producing same

DOEpatents

Tansu, Nelson; Gilchrist, James F; Ee, Yik-Khoon; Kumnorkaew, Pisist

2013-11-19

A conventional semiconductor LED is modified to include a microlens layer over its light-emitting surface. The LED may have an active layer including at least one quantum well layer of InGaN and GaN. The microlens layer includes a plurality of concave microstructures that cause light rays emanating from the LED to diffuse outwardly, leading to an increase in the light extraction efficiency of the LED. The concave microstructures may be arranged in a substantially uniform array, such as a close-packed hexagonal array. The microlens layer is preferably constructed of curable material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and is formed by soft-lithography imprinting by contacting fluid material of the microlens layer with a template bearing a monolayer of homogeneous microsphere crystals, to cause concave impressions, and then curing the material to fix the concave microstructures in the microlens layer and provide relatively uniform surface roughness.

Study of boundary-layer transition using transonic-cone preston tube data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, T. D.; Moretti, P. M.

1980-01-01

The laminar boundary layer on a 10 degree cone in a transonic wind tunnel was studied. The inviscid flow and boundary layer development were simulated by computer programs. The effects of pitch and yaw angles on the boundary layer were examined. Preston-tube data, taken on the boundary-layer-transition cone in the NASA Ames 11 ft transonic wind tunnel, were used to develope a correlation which relates the measurements to theoretical values of laminar skin friction. The recommended correlation is based on a compressible form of the classical law-of-the-wall. The computer codes successfully simulates the laminar boundary layer for near-zero pitch and yaw angles. However, in cases of significant pitch and/or yaw angles, the flow is three dimensional and the boundary layer computer code used here cannot provide a satisfactory model. The skin-friction correlation is thought to be valid for body geometries other than cones.

Temperature Dependence of Raman-Active In-Plane E2g Phonons in Layered Graphene and h-BN Flakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaoli; Liu, Jian; Ding, Kai; Zhao, Xiaohui; Li, Shuai; Zhou, Wenguang; Liang, Baolai

2018-01-01

Thermal properties of sp2 systems such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have attracted significant attention because of both systems being excellent thermal conductors. This research reports micro-Raman measurements on the in-plane E2g optical phonon peaks ( 1580 cm-1 in graphene layers and 1362 cm-1 in h-BN layers) as a function of temperature from - 194 to 200 °C. The h-BN flakes show higher sensitivity to temperature-dependent frequency shifts and broadenings than graphene flakes. Moreover, the thermal effect in the c direction on phonon frequency in h-BN layers is more sensitive than that in graphene layers but on phonon broadening in h-BN layers is similar as that in graphene layers. These results are very useful to understand the thermal properties and related physical mechanisms in h-BN and graphene flakes for applications of thermal devices.

An operational large-scale marine planetary boundary layer model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, R. A.; Liu, W. T.

1982-01-01

A marine planetary boundary layer (PBL) model is presented and compared with data from sea-based experiments. The PBL model comprises two layers, the outer an Ekman-Taylor layer with stratification-dependent secondary flow, and the logarithmic surface layer corrected for stratification and humidity effects and variable surface roughness. Corrections are noted for air much warmer than water in stable conditions and for low wind speeds. The layers are analytically defined along with similarity relations and a resistance law for inclusion in a program. An additional interfacial layer correction is developed and shown to be significant for heat flux calculations. Experimental data from GOASEX were used to predict the windfield in the Gulf of Alaska, and JASIN data was used for windfields SE of Iceland. The JASIN-derived wind field predictions were accurate to within 1 m/sec and 10 deg in a 200 km triangle.

Characterization of Ultrathin Ta-oxide Films Formed on Ge(100) by ALD and Layer-by-Layer Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishima, K.; Murakami, H.; Ohta, A.; Sahari, S. K.; Fujioka, T.; Higashi, S.; Miyazaki, S.

2013-03-01

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and Layer-by-Layer deposition of Ta-oxide films on Ge(100) with using tris (tert-butoxy) (tert-butylimido) tantalum have been studied systematically. From the analysis of the chemical bonding features of the interface between TaOx and Ge(100) using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Ge atom diffusion into the Ta oxide layer and resultant TaGexOy formation during deposition at temperatures higher than 200°C were confirmed. Also, we have demonstrated that nanometer-thick deposition of Tantalum oxide as an interfacial layer effectively suppresses the formation of GeOx in the HfO2 ALD on Ge. By the combination of TaOx pre-deposition on Ge(100) and subsequent ALD of HfO2, a capacitance equivalent thickness (CET) of 1.35 nm and relative dielectric constant of 23 were achieved.

MCrAlY bond coat with enhanced Yttrium layer

DOEpatents

Jablonski, Paul D; Hawk, Jeffrey A

2015-04-21

One or more embodiments relates to an MCrAlY bond coat comprising an MCrAlY layer in contact with a Y--Al.sub.2O.sub.3 layer. The MCrAlY layer is comprised of a .gamma.-M solid solution, a .beta.-MAl intermetallic phase, and Y-type intermetallics. The Y--Al.sub.2O.sub.3 layer is comprised of Yttrium atoms coordinated with oxygen atoms comprising the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 lattice. Both the MCrAlY layer and the Y--Al.sub.2O.sub.3 layer have a substantial absence of Y--Al oxides, providing advantage in the maintainability of the Yttrium reservoir within the MCrAlY bulk. The MCrAlY bond coat may be fabricated through application of a Y.sub.2O.sub.3 paste to an MCrAlY material, followed by heating in a non-oxidizing environment.

Directed Self-Assembly on Photo-Crosslinked Polystyrene Sub-Layers: Nanopattern Uniformity and Orientation

PubMed Central

Koh, Haeng-Deog; Kim, Mi-Jeong

2016-01-01

A photo-crosslinked polystyrene (PS) thin film is investigated as a potential guiding sub-layer for polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate) block copolymer (BCP) cylindrical nanopattern formation via topographic directed self-assembly (DSA). When compared to a non-crosslinked PS brush sub-layer, the photo-crosslinked PS sub-layer provided longer correlation lengths of the BCP nanostructure, resulting in a highly uniform DSA nanopattern with a low number of BCP dislocation defects. Depending on the thickness of the sub-layer used, parallel or orthogonal orientations of DSA nanopattern arrays were obtained that covered the entire surface of patterned Si substrates, including both trench and mesa regions. The design of DSA sub-layers and guide patterns, such as hardening the sub-layer by photo-crosslinking, nano-structuring on mesas, the relation between trench/mesa width, and BCP equilibrium period, were explored with a view to developing defect-reduced DSA lithography technology. PMID:28773768

Origin of the outer layer of martian low-aspect ratio layered ejecta craters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyce, Joseph M.; Wilson, Lionel; Barlow, Nadine G.

2015-01-01

Low-aspect ratio layered ejecta (LARLE) craters are one of the most enigmatic types of martian layered ejecta craters. We propose that the extensive outer layer of these craters is produced through the same base surge mechanism as that which produced the base surge deposits generated by near-surface, buried nuclear and high-explosive detonations. However, the LARLE layers have higher aspect ratios compared with base surge deposits from explosion craters, a result of differences in thicknesses of these layers. This characteristics is probably caused by the addition of large amounts of small particles of dust and ice derived from climate-related mantles of snow, ice and dust in the areas where LARLE craters form. These deposits are likely to be quickly stabilized (order of a few days to a few years) from eolian erosion by formation of duricrust produced by diffusion of water vapor out of the deposits.

[Difference of water relationships of poplar trees in Zhangbei County, Hebei, China based on stable isotope and thermal dissipation method].

PubMed

Miao, Bo; Meng, Ping; Zhang, Jin Song; He, Fang Jie; Sun, Shou Jia

2017-07-18

The water sources and transpiration of poplar trees in Zhangbei County were measured using stable hydrogen isotope and thermal dissipation method. The differences in water relationships between dieback and non-dieback poplar trees were analyzed. The results showed that the dieback trees mainly used shallow water from 0-30 cm soil layer during growing season while the non-dieback trees mainly used water from 30-80 cm soil layer. There was a significant difference in water source between them. The non-dieback trees used more water from middle and deep soil layers than that of the dieback trees during the dry season. The percentage of poplar trees using water from 0-30 cm soil layer increased in wet season, and the increase of dieback trees was higher than that of non-dieback trees. The contributions of water from 30-180 cm soil layer of dieback and non-dieback trees both decreased in wet season. The sap flow rate of non-dieback trees was higher than that of dieback trees. There was a similar variation tend of sap flow rate between dieback and non-dieback trees in different weather conditions, but the start time of sap flow of non-dieback trees was earlier than that of dieback trees. Correlation analysis showed that the sap flow rate of either dieback or non-dieback poplar trees strongly related to soil temperature, wind speed, photosynthetically active radiation, relative humidity and air temperature. The sap flow rate of die-back poplar trees strongly negatively related to soil temperature and relative humidity, and strongly positively related to the other factors. The sap flow rate of non-dieback poplar trees only strongly negatively related to relative humidity but positively related to the other factors. The results revealed transpiration of both poplar trees was easily affected by environmental factors. The water consumption of dieback trees was less than non-dieback trees because the cumulative sap flow amount of dieback trees was lower. Reduced transpiration of dieback trees couldn't help to prevent poplar forest declining due to shallow water source.

An Object-Oriented View of Backend Databases in a Mobile Environment for Navy and Marine Corps Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

Each of these layers will be described in more detail to include relevant technologies ( Java , PDA, Hibernate , and PostgreSQL) used to implement...Logic Layer -Object-Relational Mapper ( Hibernate ) Data 35 capable in order to interface with Java applications. Based on meeting the selection...further discussed. Query List Application Logic Layer HibernateApache - Java Servlet - Hibernate Interface -OR Mapper -RDBMS Interface

New diagnostic technique for the study of turbulent boundary-layer separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horstman, C. C.; Owen, F. K.

1974-01-01

Description of a diagnostic technique for determining the unsteady character of turbulent boundary-layer separation. The technique uses thin platinum films mounted flush with the model surface. Voltages from these films provide measurements related to the flow character above the film. For illustration, results obtained by this technique are presented for the interaction of a hypersonic shock wave and a turbulent boundary layer, with and without separation.

MPLNET V3 Cloud and Planetary Boundary Layer Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Jasper R.; Welton, Ellsworth J.; Campbell, James R.; Haftings, Phillip C.

2016-01-01

The NASA Micropulse Lidar Network Version 3 algorithms for planetary boundary layer and cloud detection are described and differences relative to the previous Version 2 algorithms are highlighted. A year of data from the Goddard Space Flight Center site in Greenbelt, MD consisting of diurnal and seasonal trends is used to demonstrate the results. Both the planetary boundary layer and cloud algorithms show significant improvement of the previous version.

Experimental Investigation of Soil and Atmospheric Conditions on the Momentum, Mass, and Thermal Boundary Layers Above the Land Atmosphere Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trautz, A.; Smits, K. M.; Illangasekare, T. H.; Schulte, P.

2014-12-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of soil conditions (i.e. soil type, saturation) and atmospheric forcings (i.e. velocity, temperature, relative humidity) on the momentum, mass, and temperature boundary layers. The atmospheric conditions tested represent those typically found in semi-arid and arid climates and the soil conditions simulate the three stages of evaporation. The data generated will help identify the importance of different soil conditions and atmospheric forcings with respect to land-atmospheric interactions which will have direct implications on future numerical studies investigating the effects of turbulent air flow on evaporation. The experimental datasets generated for this study were performed using a unique climate controlled closed-circuit wind tunnel/porous media facility located at the Center for Experimental Study of Subsurface Environmental Processes (CESEP) at the Colorado School of Mines. The test apparatus consisting of a 7.3 m long porous media tank and wind tunnel, were outfitted with a sensor network to carefully measure wind velocity, air and soil temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, and soil air pressure. Boundary layer measurements were made between the heights of 2 and 500 mm above the soil tank under constant conditions (i.e. wind velocity, temperature, relative humidity). The soil conditions (e.g. soil type, soil moisture) were varied between datasets to analyze their impact on the boundary layers. Experimental results show that the momentum boundary layer is very sensitive to the applied atmospheric conditions and soil conditions to a much less extent. Increases in velocity above porous media leads to momentum boundary layer thinning and closely reflect classical flat plate theory. The mass and thermal boundary layers are directly dependent on both atmospheric and soil conditions. Air pressure within the soil is independent of atmospheric temperature and relative humidity - wind velocity and soil moisture effects were observed. This data provides important insight into future work of accurately modeling the exchange processes associated with evaporation under various turbulent atmospheric conditions.

Precision calibration of the silicon doping level in gallium arsenide epitaxial layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhov, D. V.; Berezovskaya, T. N.; Kuzmenkov, A. G.; Maleev, N. A.; Timoshnev, S. N.; Ustinov, V. M.

2017-10-01

An approach to precision calibration of the silicon doping level in gallium arsenide epitaxial layers is discussed that is based on studying the dependence of the carrier density in the test GaAs layer on the silicon- source temperature using the Hall-effect and CV profiling techniques. The parameters are measured by standard or certified measuring techniques and approved measuring instruments. It is demonstrated that the use of CV profiling for controlling the carrier density in the test GaAs layer at the thorough optimization of the measuring procedure ensures the highest accuracy and reliability of doping level calibration in the epitaxial layers with a relative error of no larger than 2.5%.

Layer Anti-Ferromagnetism on Bilayer Honeycomb Lattice

PubMed Central

Tao, Hong-Shuai; Chen, Yao-Hua; Lin, Heng-Fu; Liu, Hai-Di; Liu, Wu-Ming

2014-01-01

Bilayer honeycomb lattice, with inter-layer tunneling energy, has a parabolic dispersion relation, and the inter-layer hopping can cause the charge imbalance between two sublattices. Here, we investigate the metal-insulator and magnetic phase transitions on the strongly correlated bilayer honeycomb lattice by cellular dynamical mean-field theory combined with continuous time quantum Monte Carlo method. The procedures of magnetic spontaneous symmetry breaking on dimer and non-dimer sites are different, causing a novel phase transition between normal anti-ferromagnet and layer anti-ferromagnet. The whole phase diagrams about the magnetism, temperature, interaction and inter-layer hopping are obtained. Finally, we propose an experimental protocol to observe these phenomena in future optical lattice experiments. PMID:24947369

Fast retinal layer segmentation of spectral domain optical coherence tomography images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tianqiao; Song, Zhangjun; Wang, Xiaogang; Zheng, Huimin; Jia, Fucang; Wu, Jianhuang; Li, Guanglin; Hu, Qingmao

2015-09-01

An approach to segment macular layer thicknesses from spectral domain optical coherence tomography has been proposed. The main contribution is to decrease computational costs while maintaining high accuracy via exploring Kalman filtering, customized active contour, and curve smoothing. Validation on 21 normal volumes shows that 8 layer boundaries could be segmented within 5.8 s with an average layer boundary error <2.35 μm. It has been compared with state-of-the-art methods for both normal and age-related macular degeneration cases to yield similar or significantly better accuracy and is 37 times faster. The proposed method could be a potential tool to clinically quantify the retinal layer boundaries.

Modeling of composite coupling technology for oil-gas pipeline section resource-saving repair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donkova, Irina; Yakubovskiy, Yuriy; Kruglov, Mikhail

2017-10-01

The article presents a variant of modeling and calculation of a main pipeline repair section with a composite coupling installation. This section is presented in a shape of a composite cylindrical shell. The aim of this work is mathematical modeling and study of main pipeline reconstruction section stress-strain state (SSS). There has been given a description of a structure deformation mathematical model. Based on physical relations of elasticity, integral characteristics of rigidity for each layer of a two-layer pipe section have been obtained. With the help of the systems of forces and moments which affect the layers differential equations for the first and second layer (pipeline and coupling) have been obtained. The study of the SSS has been conducted using the statements and hypotheses of the composite structures deformation theory with consideration of interlayer joint stresses. The relations to describe the work of the joint have been stated. Boundary conditions for each layer have been formulated. To describe the deformation of the composite coupling with consideration of the composite cylindrical shells theory a mathematical model in the form of a system of differential equations in displacements and boundary conditions has been obtained. Calculation of a two-layer cylindrical shell under the action of an axisymmetric load has been accomplished.

Smectic layer instabilities in liquid crystals.

PubMed

Dierking, Ingo; Mitov, Michel; Osipov, Mikhail A

2015-02-07

Scientists aspire to understand the underlying physics behind the formation of instabilities in soft matter and how to manipulate them for diverse investigations, while engineers aim to design materials that inhibit or impede the nucleation and growth of these instabilities in critical applications. The present paper reviews the field-induced rotational instabilities which may occur in chiral smectic liquid-crystalline layers when subjected to an asymmetric electric field. Such instabilities destroy the so-named bookshelf geometry (in which the smectic layers are normal to the cell surfaces) and have a detrimental effect on all applications of ferroelectric liquid crystals as optical materials. The transformation of the bookshelf geometry into horizontal chevron structures (in which each layer is in a V-shaped structure), and the reorientation dynamics of these chevrons, are discussed in details with respect to the electric field conditions, the material properties and the boundary conditions. Particular attention is given to the polymer-stabilisation of smectic phases as a way to forbid the occurrence of instabilities and the decline of related electro-optical performances. It is also shown which benefit may be gained from layer instabilities to enhance the alignment of the liquid-crystalline geometry in practical devices, such as optical recording by ferroelectric liquid crystals. Finally, the theoretical background of layer instabilities is given and discussed in relation to the experimental data.

Testing alternative conceptual models of seawater intrusion in a coastal aquifer using computer simulation, southern California, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nishikawa, Tracy

1997-01-01

Two alternative conceptual models of the physical processes controlling seawater intrusion in a coastal basin in California, USA, were tested to identify a likely principal pathway for seawater intrusion. The conceptual models were tested by using a two-dimensional, finite-element groundwater flow and transport model. This pathway was identified by the conceptual model that best replicated the historical data. The numerical model was applied in cross section to a submarine canyon that is a main avenue for seawater to enter the aquifer system underlying the study area. Both models are characterized by a heterogeneous, layered, water-bearing aquifer. However, the first model is characterized by flat-lying aquifer layers and by a high value of hydraulic conductivity in the basal aquifer layer, which is thought to be a principal conduit for seawater intrusion. The second model is characterized by offshore folding, which was modeled as a very nearshore outcrop, thereby providing a shorter path for seawater to intrude. General conclusions are that: 1) the aquifer system is best modeled as a flat, heterogeneous, layered system; 2) relatively thin basal layers with relatively high values of hydraulic conductivity are the principal pathways for seawater intrusion; and 3) continuous clay layers of low hydraulic conductivity play an important role in controlling the movement of seawater.

Improved engineering models for turbulent wall flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

She, Zhen-Su; Chen, Xi; Zou, Hong-Yue; Hussain, Fazle

2015-11-01

We propose a new approach, called structural ensemble dynamics (SED), involving new concepts to describe the mean quantities in wall-bounded flows, and its application to improving the existing engineering turbulence models, as well as its physical interpretation. First, a revised k - ω model for pipe flows is obtained, which accurately predicts, for the first time, both mean velocity and (streamwise) kinetic energy for a wide range of the Reynolds number (Re), validated by Princeton experimental data. In particular, a multiplicative factor is introduced in the dissipation term to model an anomaly in the energy cascade in a meso-layer, predicting the outer peak of agreeing with data. Secondly, a new one-equation model is obtained for compressible turbulent boundary layers (CTBL), building on a multi-layer formula of the stress length function and a generalized temperature-velocity relation. The former refines the multi-layer description - viscous sublayer, buffer layer, logarithmic layer and a newly defined bulk zone - while the latter characterizes a parabolic relation between the mean velocity and temperature. DNS data show our predictions to have a 99% accuracy for several Mach numbers Ma = 2.25, 4.5, improving, up to 10%, a previous similar one-equation model (Baldwin & Lomax, 1978). Our results promise notable improvements in engineering models.

Electrical characteristics and interface properties of ALD-HfO2/AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs fabricated with post-deposition annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo, Toshiharu; Egawa, Takashi

2017-12-01

HfO2/AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS)-type high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on Si substrates were fabricated by atomic layer deposition of HfO2 layers and post-deposition annealing (PDA). The current-voltage characteristics of the MIS-HEMTs with as-deposited HfO2 layers showed a low gate leakage current (I g) despite the relatively low band gap of HfO2, and a dynamic threshold voltage shift (ΔV th) was observed. After PDA above 500 °C, ΔV th was reduced from 2.9 to 0.7 V with an increase in I g from 2.2 × 10-7 to 4.8 × 10-2 mA mm-1. Effects of the PDA on the HfO2 layer and the HfO2/AlGaN interface were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) using synchrotron radiation. XPS data showed that oxygen vacancies exist in the as-deposited HfO2 layers and they disappeared with an increase in the PDA temperature. These results indicate that the deep electron traps that cause ΔV th are related to the oxygen vacancies in the HfO2 layers.

RESEARCH: Shrub Propagation Techniques for Biological Control ofInvading Tree Species

PubMed

Meilleur; Veronneau; Bouchard

1997-05-01

/ The use of relatively stable shrub communities to control invasionby trees could be an efficient way of reducing herbicide applications, andthus represents an environmental gain, in areas such as rights-of-way. Thequestion is how to favor the expansion of these relatively stable shrubcommunities using different propagation techniques. Three experimentaltreatments, cutting back, layering, and cutting back-layering were performedon Cornus stolonifera, Salix petiolaris, and Spiraea albaclones already located within the corridor of an electrical power line. Toestablish the efficiency of treatments, we examined the statisticaldifferences of growth traits between species and treatments.An analysis of the effects of layering shows, after the first growth season,differences for all growth traits in only one species, Spiraea alba.After the second growth season, we observed the development of new aerialstems. Layering favors horizontal expansion of shrubs over heightdevelopment. The third year after treatment, the effect of layering isreduced except for Cornus stolonifera, which continuously increases,as shown by the significant progression of the clone issued from the layereven five years after treatments. With the cutting back technique, weexpected a distinct vertical growth of the shrubs at the expense ofincreasing the crown diameter. This technique would be best associated withthe rejuvenation of clones, followed by a layering of new shoots to allow ahorizontal expansion of the shrubs. Therefore, the formation of a dense shrubcommunity by layering should be considered a valuable approach for thebiological control of undesirable trees in powerline rights-of-way.KEY WORDS: Layering; Cutting back; Right-of-way; Cornus stolonifera;Salix petiolaris; Spiraea alba; Quebec

Black carbon solar absorption suppresses turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer.

PubMed

Wilcox, Eric M; Thomas, Rick M; Praveen, Puppala S; Pistone, Kristina; Bender, Frida A-M; Ramanathan, Veerabhadran

2016-10-18

The introduction of cloud condensation nuclei and radiative heating by sunlight-absorbing aerosols can modify the thickness and coverage of low clouds, yielding significant radiative forcing of climate. The magnitude and sign of changes in cloud coverage and depth in response to changing aerosols are impacted by turbulent dynamics of the cloudy atmosphere, but integrated measurements of aerosol solar absorption and turbulent fluxes have not been reported thus far. Here we report such integrated measurements made from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the CARDEX (Cloud Aerosol Radiative Forcing and Dynamics Experiment) investigation conducted over the northern Indian Ocean. The UAV and surface data reveal a reduction in turbulent kinetic energy in the surface mixed layer at the base of the atmosphere concurrent with an increase in absorbing black carbon aerosols. Polluted conditions coincide with a warmer and shallower surface mixed layer because of aerosol radiative heating and reduced turbulence. The polluted surface mixed layer was also observed to be more humid with higher relative humidity. Greater humidity enhances cloud development, as evidenced by polluted clouds that penetrate higher above the top of the surface mixed layer. Reduced entrainment of dry air into the surface layer from above the inversion capping the surface mixed layer, due to weaker turbulence, may contribute to higher relative humidity in the surface layer during polluted conditions. Measurements of turbulence are important for studies of aerosol effects on clouds. Moreover, reduced turbulence can exacerbate both the human health impacts of high concentrations of fine particles and conditions favorable for low-visibility fog events.

Black carbon solar absorption suppresses turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer

PubMed Central

Wilcox, Eric M.; Thomas, Rick M.; Praveen, Puppala S.; Pistone, Kristina; Bender, Frida A.-M.; Ramanathan, Veerabhadran

2016-01-01

The introduction of cloud condensation nuclei and radiative heating by sunlight-absorbing aerosols can modify the thickness and coverage of low clouds, yielding significant radiative forcing of climate. The magnitude and sign of changes in cloud coverage and depth in response to changing aerosols are impacted by turbulent dynamics of the cloudy atmosphere, but integrated measurements of aerosol solar absorption and turbulent fluxes have not been reported thus far. Here we report such integrated measurements made from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the CARDEX (Cloud Aerosol Radiative Forcing and Dynamics Experiment) investigation conducted over the northern Indian Ocean. The UAV and surface data reveal a reduction in turbulent kinetic energy in the surface mixed layer at the base of the atmosphere concurrent with an increase in absorbing black carbon aerosols. Polluted conditions coincide with a warmer and shallower surface mixed layer because of aerosol radiative heating and reduced turbulence. The polluted surface mixed layer was also observed to be more humid with higher relative humidity. Greater humidity enhances cloud development, as evidenced by polluted clouds that penetrate higher above the top of the surface mixed layer. Reduced entrainment of dry air into the surface layer from above the inversion capping the surface mixed layer, due to weaker turbulence, may contribute to higher relative humidity in the surface layer during polluted conditions. Measurements of turbulence are important for studies of aerosol effects on clouds. Moreover, reduced turbulence can exacerbate both the human health impacts of high concentrations of fine particles and conditions favorable for low-visibility fog events. PMID:27702889

Tuning SPT-3G Transition-Edge-Sensor Electrical Properties with a Four-Layer Ti-Au-Ti-Au Thin-Film Stack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, F. W.; Ade, P. A. R.; Ahmed, Z.; Anderson, A. J.; Austermann, J. E.; Avva, J. S.; Thakur, R. Basu; Bender, A. N.; Benson, B. A.; Carlstrom, J. E.; Cecil, T.; Chang, C. L.; Cliche, J. F.; Cukierman, A.; Denison, E. V.; de Haan, T.; Ding, J.; Divan, R.; Dobbs, M. A.; Dutcher, D.; Everett, W.; Foster, A.; Gannon, R. N.; Gilbert, A.; Groh, J. C.; Halverson, N. W.; Harke-Hosemann, A. H.; Harrington, N. L.; Henning, J. W.; Hilton, G. C.; Holzapfel, W. L.; Huang, N.; Irwin, K. D.; Jeong, O. B.; Jonas, M.; Khaire, T.; Kofman, A. M.; Korman, M.; Kubik, D.; Kuhlmann, S.; Kuo, C. L.; Kutepova, V.; Lee, A. T.; Lowitz, A. E.; Meyer, S. S.; Michalik, D.; Miller, C. S.; Montgomery, J.; Nadolski, A.; Natoli, T.; Nguyen, H.; Noble, G. I.; Novosad, V.; Padin, S.; Pan, Z.; Pearson, J.; Posada, C. M.; Rahlin, A.; Ruhl, J. E.; Saunders, L. J.; Sayre, J. T.; Shirley, I.; Shirokoff, E.; Smecher, G.; Sobrin, J. A.; Stan, L.; Stark, A. A.; Story, K. T.; Suzuki, A.; Tang, Q. Y.; Thompson, K. L.; Tucker, C.; Vale, L. R.; Vanderlinde, K.; Vieira, J. D.; Wang, G.; Whitehorn, N.; Yefremenko, V.; Yoon, K. W.; Young, M. R.

2018-04-01

We have developed superconducting Ti transition-edge sensors with Au protection layers on the top and bottom for the South Pole Telescope's third-generation receiver (a cosmic microwave background polarimeter, due to be upgraded this austral summer of 2017/2018). The base Au layer (deposited on a thin Ti glue layer) isolates the Ti from any substrate effects; the top Au layer protects the Ti from oxidation during processing and subsequent use of the sensors. We control the transition temperature and normal resistance of the sensors by varying the sensor width and the relative thicknesses of the Ti and Au layers. The transition temperature is roughly six times more sensitive to the thickness of the base Au layer than to that of the top Au layer. The normal resistance is inversely proportional to sensor width for any given film configuration. For widths greater than five micrometers, the critical temperature is independent of width.

How the Number of Layers and Relative Position Modulate the Interlayer Electron Transfer in π-Stacked 2D Materials.

PubMed

Biancardi, Alessandro; Caraiani, Claudiu; Chan, Wai-Lun; Caricato, Marco

2017-04-06

Understanding the interfacial electron transfer (IET) between 2D layers is central to technological applications. We present a first-principles study of the IET between a zinc phthalocyanine film and few-layer graphene by using our recent method for the calculation of electronic coupling in periodic systems. The ultimate goal is the development of a predictive in silico approach for designing new 2D materials. We find IET to be critically dependent on the number of layers and their stacking orientation. In agreement with experiment, IET to single-layer graphene is shown to be faster than that to double-layer graphene due to interference effects between layers. We predict that additional graphene layers increase the number of IET pathways, eventually leading to a faster rate. These results shed new light on the subtle interplay between structure and IET, which may lead to more effective "bottom up" design strategies for these materials.

Interface roughness induced asymmetric magnetic property in sputter-deposited Co/CoO/Co exchange coupled trilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Sannomiya, T.; Shi, J.; Nakamura, Y.

2012-04-01

The effect of interface roughness on magnetic properties of exchange coupled polycrystalline Co/CoO(tAF)/Co trilayers has been investigated by varying antiferromagnetic layer (CoO) thickness. It has been found that the upper CoO/Co interface becomes rougher with increasing CoO layer thickness, resulting in stronger exchange bias of the upper interface than the lower one. The interfacial exchange coupling is strengthened by the increase of defect-generated uncompensated antiferromagnetic spins; such spins form coupling with spins in the Co layer at the interface. As a result, the CoO layer thickness dependence of exchange bias is much enhanced for the upper Co layer. The transition from anisotropic magnetoresistance to isotropic magnetoresistance for the top Co layer has also been found. This could be attributed to the defects, probably partial thin oxide layers, between Co grains in the top Co layer that leads a switch from spin-orbit scattering related magnetoresistance to spin-dependent electron scattering dominated magnetoresistance.

Non-destructive evaluation of nano-sized structure of thin film devices by using small angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Shin, E J; Seong, B S; Choi, Y; Lee, J K

2011-01-01

Nano-sized multi-layers copper-doped SrZrO3, platinum (Pt) and silicon oxide (SiO2) on silicon substrates were prepared by dense plasma focus (DPF) device with the high purity copper anode tip and analyzed by using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) to establish a reliable method for the non-destructive evaluation of the under-layer structure. Thin film was well formed at the time-to-dip of 5 microsec with stable plasma of DPF. Several smooth intensity peaks were periodically observed when neutron beam penetrates the thin film with multi-layers perpendicularly. The platinum layer is dominant to intensity peaks, where the copper-doped SrZnO3 layer next to the platinum layer causes peak broadening. The silicon oxide layer has less effect on the SANS spectra due to its relative thick thickness. The SANS spectra shows thicknesses of platinum and copper-doped SrZnO3 layers as 53 and 25 nm, respectively, which are well agreement with microstructure observation.

Electrical Coupling between the Myenteric Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Adjacent Muscle Layers in the Guinea-Pig Gastric Antrum

PubMed Central

Cousins, H M; Edwards, F R; Hickey, H; Hill, C E; Hirst, G D S

2003-01-01

Intracellular recordings were made from short segments of the muscular wall of the guinea-pig gastric antrum. Preparations were impaled using two independent microelectrodes, one positioned in the circular layer and the other either in the longitudinal layer, in the network of myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCmy) or in the circular layer. Cells in each layer displayed characteristic patterns of rhythmical activity, with the largest signals being generated by ICCmy. Current pulses injected into the circular muscle layer produced electrotonic potentials in each cell layer, indicating that the layers are electrically interconnected. The amplitudes of these electrotonic potentials were largest in the circular layer and smallest in the longitudinal layer. An analysis of electrical coupling between the three layers suggests that although the cells in each layer are well coupled to neighbouring cells, the coupling between either muscle layer and the network of ICCmy is relatively poor. The electrical connections between ICCmy and the circular layer did not rectify. In parallel immunohistochemical studies, the distribution of the connexins Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45 within the antral wall was determined. Only Cx43 was detected; it was widely distributed on ICCmy and throughout the circular smooth muscle layer, being concentrated around ICCIM, but was less abundant in the circular muscle layer immediately adjacent to ICCmy. Although the electrophysiological studies indicate that smooth muscle cells in the longitudinal muscle layer are electrically coupled to each other, none of the connexins examined were detected in this layer. PMID:12844505

The formation process of the flood type lamina in the Lake Mokoto, Hokkaido, Japan.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seto, K.; Katsuki, K.; Takeshi, S.

2017-12-01

In the coastal area of the Sea of Okhotsk in the east part of Hokkaido located to subarctic zone, many brackish-water lakes are distributed. Lake Mokoto consist of organic mud with the lamination. The 09Mk-1C core at 2009. In the soft X-ray photograph, the cyclic lamina set is observed. The cyclic lamina set consists of low- and high-density lamina. According to the meteorological data in Abashiri region, the annually precipitation is high from August to September. Probably, the cyclic lamina set is formed by seasonal change of precipitation. In August 2016, it showed a precipitation of 425 mm which is about 4 times the average precipitation. In February 2017, the 10 cm class short core (17Mk-4SC core) was collected and the flood lamina was observed. Six layers showing different color were observed in top 6.5 cm. The first, third and fifth layers from the top are relatively light in color (L*value=17). The second, fourth and sixth layers are relatively dark in color (L*value=8). Thickness of the first to fourth layers is about 5 mm, but the thickness of the fifth layer reaches 4 cm. According to the observation of the soft X-ray photograph, the third and fifth layers were high-density lamina, and the others were low-density lamina. Because these layers were not observed in the 15Mk-3C core collected in March 2015, they were deposited after that. It is estimated that the third layer showing the high-density lamina is the sediment of the flood event in August 2016. This is supported by the fact that the total organic carbon (TOC) and total sulfur (TS) contents are diluted and the C/N ratio is relatively high value. Because this lamina is remarkable, it will be used as a future key bed. On the other hand, the fifth layer showing the high-density is a very thick. In this layer, the TS content is diluted and the C/N ratio is high, but the TOC content shows the highest value. This suggests that sediments with high TOC content flowed out from Mokoto River Basin. It has been reported that a large-scale artificial sediment discharge occurred in agricultural lands in the basin. This sediment was probably deposited at the downstream Lake Mokoto. It is suggested that a remarkable event layer is formed by sediment discharge due to slope collapse in basin.

Working with layers: The governance and regulation of healthcare quality in an institutionally layered system

PubMed Central

Stoopendaal, Annemiek; Bal, Roland

2016-01-01

Institutional arrangements used to steer public policies have increasingly become layered. Inspired by the literature on institutional layering and institutional work, this paper aims to make a contribution to our understanding of institutional layering. We do so by studying an interesting case of layering: the Dutch hospital sector. We focus on the actors responsible for the internal governance (Board of Directors and Supervisory Boards) and the external regulation (the Healthcare Inspectorate) of hospitals. In the paper, we explore the institutional work of these actors, more specifically how institutional work results from and is influenced by institutional layering and how this in turn influences the institutional makeup of both healthcare organizations and their institutional context. Our approach allowed us to see that layering changes the activities of actors in the public sector, can be used to strengthen one’s position but also presents actors with new struggles, which they in turn can try to overcome by relating and using the institutionally layered context. Layering and institutional work are therefore in continuous interaction. Combining institutional layering with a focus on the lived experiences of actors and their institutional work makes it possible to move into the layered arrangement and better understand its consequences. PMID:28596640

Laminar and cytoarchitectonic features of the cerebral cortex in the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

PubMed Central

Furutani, Rui

2008-01-01

The present investigation carried out Nissl, Klüver-Barrera, and Golgi studies of the cerebral cortex in three distinct genera of oceanic dolphins (Risso's dolphin, striped dolphin and bottlenose dolphin) to identify and classify cortical laminar and cytoarchitectonic structures in four distinct functional areas, including primary motor (M1), primary sensory (S1), primary visual (V1), and primary auditory (A1) cortices. The laminar and cytoarchitectonic organization of each of these cortical areas was similar among the three dolphin species. M1 was visualized as five-layer structure that included the molecular layer (layer I), external granular layer (layer II), external pyramidal layer (layer III), internal pyramidal layer (layer V), and fusiform layer (layer VI). The internal granular layer was absent. The cetacean sensory-related cortical areas S1, V1, and A1 were also found to have a five-layer organization comprising layers I, II, III, V and VI. In particular, A1 was characterized by the broadest layer I, layer II and developed band of pyramidal neurons in layers III (sublayers IIIa, IIIb and IIIc) and V. The patch organization consisting of the layer IIIb-pyramidal neurons was detected in the S1 and V1, but not in A1. The laminar patterns of V1 and S1 were similar, but the cytoarchitectonic structures of the two areas were different. V1 was characterized by a broader layer II than that of S1, and also contained the specialized pyramidal and multipolar stellate neurons in layers III and V. PMID:18625031

Internal stratigraphy of the South Polar Layered Deposits, Mars from SHARAD data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitten, J. L.; Campbell, B. A.

2017-12-01

The South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD) are one of the largest deposits of water ice on Mars, composed of alternating layers of ice and dust. The accumulation of the layers is driven by orbital forcings (e.g., obliquity) and both the cadence and structure of these layers preserve a record of the past martian climate. Image of very limited exposed layering suggest several distinct sequences, demarcated by erosional hiatuses, with a gently domical shape. Here we use the Shallow Radar (SHARAD) sounder dataset to investigate the internal stratigraphy of the SPLD in order to further constrain the south polar climate record. We identify four distinct units based in part on their degree of vertical sharpness (focus) in the SHARAD data: (1) upper focused layer packets, (2) focused layer packets, (3) blurred layer packets, and (4) reflection free zones (RFZs). A diffuse echo pattern related to uncertain aspects of composition or layer roughness is termed fog. The upper focused layer packets are concentrated in the area between 270° to 90°E, close to the residual polar cap. The focused and blurred layer packets cover a large portion of the SPLD and are subdivided into two different units, those with an average reflecting-interface brightness and those with substantially brighter reflectors. The brighter radar reflectors have a coherent spatial distribution and only comprise a small portion of the entire unit. The diffuse echoes are separated into a fog that is present throughout the entire vertical column of the SPLD and a fog that begins at the surface and traverses only the uppermost layers. Depending on the geometry of individual SHARAD tracks, reflectors can be traced for hundreds of kilometers, but the fog obscures much of the internal layering, and is related to the focusing distortion that prevents individual reflectors from being traced across the entire SPLD. We identify a major deviation from a gently domical SPLD shape in a 200 km dome. Its presence suggests that the depositional history of the SPLD was more complicated than previously proposed. Differences in the distribution of the identified units further supports the dynamic and changing nature of the south polar climate. We also explore the distribution and radar characteristics of other ice-rich deposits in the south polar region of Mars.

Corrosion of galvanized transmission towers near the Colbert Steam Plant: data report

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

Coleman, J.H.

1980-01-01

This report contains data relating power plant emissions and the thickness of the galvanized layers on 20 electric transmission towers near the Colbert Steam plant after 25 years of ambient exposure. In addition to the thickness of the galvanized layers, total exposure to SO/sub 2/ at each tower was estimated and relevant meteorological data were reported. These data may be useful in relating galvanized corrosion to power plant emissions.

Carbon and nitrogen abundances determined from transition layer lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boehm-Vitense, Erika; Mena-Werth, Jose

1992-01-01

The possibility of determining relative carbon, nitrogen, and silicon abundances from the emission-line fluxes in the lower transition layers between stellar chromospheres and coronae is explored. Observations for main-sequence and luminosity class IV stars with presumably solar element abundances show that for the lower transition layers Em = BT sup -gamma. For a given carbon abundance the constants gamma and B in this relation can be determined from the C II and C IV emission-line fluxes. From the N V and S IV lines, the abundances of these elements relative to carbon can be determined from their surface emission-line fluxes. Ratios of N/C abundances determined in this way for some giants and supergiants agree within the limits of errors with those determined from molecular bands. For giants, an increase in the ratio of N/C at B-V of about 0.8 is found, as expected theoretically.

Characteristics of absorption and frequency filtration of ULF electromagnetic waves in the ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prikner, K.

A statistical method for interpreting data from experimental investigations of vertically-propagating electromagnetic ULF waves in the inhomogeneous magnetoactive ionosphere is considered theoretically. Values are obtained for the transmission, reflection and absorption characteristics of ULF waves in a limited ionospheric layer, in order to describe the relation between the frequency of a wave generated at the earth surface and that of a total wave propagating above the ionospheric layer. This relation is used to express the frequency-selective amplitude filtration of ULF waves in the layer. The method is applied to a model of the night ionosphere of mid-geomagnetic latitudes in the form of a plate 1000 km thick. It is found that the relative characteristics of transmission and amplitude loss in the wave adequately describe the frequency selectiveness and wave filtration capacity of the ionosphere. The method is recommended for studies of the structural changes of wave parameters in ionospheric models.

Effect of thermal annealing Super Yellow emissive layer on efficiency of OLEDs

PubMed Central

Burns, Samantha; MacLeod, Jennifer; Trang Do, Thu; Sonar, Prashant; Yambem, Soniya D.

2017-01-01

Thermal annealing of the emissive layer of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) is a common practice for solution processable emissive layers and reported annealing temperatures varies across a wide range of temperatures. We have investigated the influence of thermal annealing of the emissive layer at different temperatures on the performance of OLEDs. Solution processed polymer Super Yellow emissive layers were annealed at different temperatures and their performances were compared against OLEDs with a non-annealed emissive layer. We found a significant difference in the efficiency of OLEDs with different annealing temperatures. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) reached a maximum of 4.09% with the emissive layer annealed at 50 °C. The EQE dropped by ~35% (to 2.72%) for OLEDs with the emissive layers annealed at 200 °C. The observed performances of OLEDs were found to be closely related to thermal properties of polymer Super Yellow. The results reported here provide an important guideline for processing emissive layers and are significant for OLED and other organic electronics research communities. PMID:28106082

Cadmium-free junction fabrication process for CuInSe.sub.2 thin film solar cells

DOEpatents

Ramanathan, Kannan V.; Contreras, Miguel A.; Bhattacharya, Raghu N.; Keane, James; Noufi, Rommel

1999-01-01

The present invention provides an economical, simple, dry and controllable semiconductor layer junction forming process to make cadmium free high efficiency photovoltaic cells having a first layer comprised primarily of copper indium diselenide having a thin doped copper indium diselenide n-type region, generated by thermal diffusion with a group II(b) element such as zinc, and a halide, such as chlorine, and a second layer comprised of a conventional zinc oxide bilayer. A photovoltaic device according the present invention includes a first thin film layer of semiconductor material formed primarily from copper indium diselenide. Doping of the copper indium diselenide with zinc chloride is accomplished using either a zinc chloride solution or a solid zinc chloride material. Thermal diffusion of zinc chloride into the copper indium diselenide upper region creates the thin n-type copper indium diselenide surface. A second thin film layer of semiconductor material comprising zinc oxide is then applied in two layers. The first layer comprises a thin layer of high resistivity zinc oxide. The second relatively thick layer of zinc oxide is doped to exhibit low resistivity.

Atomic-layer soft plasma etching of MoS2

PubMed Central

Xiao, Shaoqing; Xiao, Peng; Zhang, Xuecheng; Yan, Dawei; Gu, Xiaofeng; Qin, Fang; Ni, Zhenhua; Han, Zhao Jun; Ostrikov, Kostya (Ken)

2016-01-01

Transition from multi-layer to monolayer and sub-monolayer thickness leads to the many exotic properties and distinctive applications of two-dimensional (2D) MoS2. This transition requires atomic-layer-precision thinning of bulk MoS2 without damaging the remaining layers, which presently remains elusive. Here we report a soft, selective and high-throughput atomic-layer-precision etching of MoS2 in SF6 + N2 plasmas with low-energy (<0.4 eV) electrons and minimized ion-bombardment-related damage. Equal numbers of MoS2 layers are removed uniformly across domains with vastly different initial thickness, without affecting the underlying SiO2 substrate and the remaining MoS2 layers. The etching rates can be tuned to achieve complete MoS2 removal and any desired number of MoS2 layers including monolayer. Layer-dependent vibrational and photoluminescence spectra of the etched MoS2 are also demonstrated. This soft plasma etching technique is versatile, scalable, compatible with the semiconductor manufacturing processes, and may be applicable for a broader range of 2D materials and intended device applications. PMID:26813335

[ACTIVITY OF ANTIMICROBIAL NANOSTRUCTURED BARRIER LAYERS BASED ON POLYETHYLENETEREPHTHALATE IN RELATION TO CLINICAL STRAINES OF MICROORGANISMS FOR SICK PERSONS OF GASTROENTEROLOGICAL PROFILE].

PubMed

Elinson, V M; Rusanova, E V; Vasilenko, I A; Lyamin, A N; Kostyuchenko, L N

2015-01-01

Homeostasis transgressions of enteral medium including disbiotic ones are often accompanying deseases of digestive tract. Espessially it touches upon sick persons connected with probe nourishing. One of the way for solving this problem is normalization of digestion microflore by means of wares with nanotechnological modifications of walls (probes, stomic tubes) which provide them antimicrobial properties and assist to normalization of digestive microbiotis and enteral homeostasis completely. The aim to study is research of antimicrobial activity of of nanostructured barrier layers based on polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) in relation to clinical straines of microorganisms. For barrier layer creation the approach on the base of methods of ion-plasma technology was used including ion-plasma treatment (nanostructuring) of the surface by ions noble and chemically active gases and following formation nanodimensional carbon films on the surface/ For the study of antimicrobial activity in relation to clinical straines of microorganisms we used the technique which allowed to establish the influence of parting degree of microorganisms suspension and time for samples exposing and microorganisms adsorbed on the surface. In experiment clinical straines obtained from different materials were used: Staphylococcus Hly+ and Calbicans--from pharyngeal mucosa, E. coli--from feces, K.pneumoniae--from urine. Sharing out and species identification of microorganisms were fulfilled according with legasy documents. In results of the study itwas obtained not only the presence of staticticaly confirmed antimicrobial activity of PET samples with nanostructured barrier layers in relation to different stimulators of nosocomical infections but also the influence of different factors connected with formation of nanostructured layers and consequently based with them physicochemical characteristics such as, in particular, surface energy, surface relief parameters, surface charg and others, as well as influence of microorganisms nature onto the interaction of between barrier layers and microorganisms.

Bioavailable Carbon and the Relative Degradation State of Organic Matter in Active Layer and Permafrost Soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jastrow, J. D.; Burke, V. J.; Vugteveen, T. W.; Fan, Z.; Hofmann, S. M.; Lederhouse, J. S.; Matamala, R.; Michaelson, G. J.; Mishra, U.; Ping, C. L.

2015-12-01

The decomposability of soil organic carbon (SOC) in permafrost regions is a key uncertainty in efforts to predict carbon release from thawing permafrost and its impacts. The cold and often wet environment is the dominant factor limiting decomposer activity, and soil organic matter is often preserved in a relatively undecomposed and uncomplexed state. Thus, the impacts of soil warming and permafrost thaw are likely to depend at least initially on the genesis and past history of organic matter degradation before its stabilization in permafrost. We compared the bioavailability and relative degradation state of SOC in active layer and permafrost soils from Arctic tundra in Alaska. To assess readily bioavailable SOC, we quantified salt (0.5 M K2SO4) extractable organic matter (SEOM), which correlates well with carbon mineralization rates in short-term soil incubations. To assess the relative degradation state of SOC, we used particle size fractionation to isolate fibric (coarse) from more degraded (fine) particulate organic matter (POM) and separated mineral-associated organic matter into silt- and clay-sized fractions. On average, bulk SOC concentrations in permafrost were lower than in comparable active layer horizons. Although SEOM represented a very small proportion of the bulk SOC, this proportion was greater in permafrost than in comparable active layer soils. A large proportion of bulk SOC was found in POM for all horizons. Even for mineral soils, about 40% of bulk SOC was in POM pools, indicating that organic matter in both active layer and permafrost mineral soils was relatively undecomposed compared to typical temperate soils. Not surprisingly, organic soils had a greater proportion of POM and mineral soils had greater silt- and clay-sized carbon pools, while cryoturbated soils were intermediate. For organic horizons, permafrost organic matter was generally more degraded than in comparable active layer horizons. However, in mineral and cryoturbated horizons, the presence of permafrost appeared to have little effect on SOC distribution among size fractions. Future studies will investigate the utility of using organic matter pools defined by SEOM and particle size to predict the bioavailable pools characterized through more time-consuming long-term incubation studies of permafrost region soils.

Bi-layer channel structure-based oxide thin-film transistors consisting of ZnO and Al-doped ZnO with different Al compositions and stacking sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Sung Woon; Yun, Myeong Gu; Ahn, Cheol Hyoun; Kim, So Hee; Cho, Hyung Koun

2015-03-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO)-based bi-layers, consisting of ZnO and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) layers grown by atomic layer deposition, were utilized as the channels of oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs). Thin AZO layers (5 nm) with different Al compositions (5 and 14 at. %) were deposited on top of and beneath the ZnO layers in a bi-layer channel structure. All of the bi-layer channel TFTs that included the AZO layers showed enhanced stability (Δ V Th ≤ 3.2 V) under a positive bias stress compared to the ZnO single-layer channel TFT (Δ V Th = 4.0 V). However, the AZO/ZnO bi-layer channel TFTs with an AZO interlayer between the gate dielectric and the ZnO showed a degraded field effect mobility (0.3 cm2/V·s for 5 at. % and 1.8 cm2/V·s for 14 at. %) compared to the ZnO single-layer channel TFT (5.5 cm2/V·s) due to increased scattering caused by Al-related impurities near the gate dielectric/channel interface. In contrast, the ZnO/AZO bi-layer channel TFTs with an AZO layer on top of the ZnO layer exhibited an improved field effect mobility (7.8 cm2/V·s for 14 at. %) and better stability. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Surface pressure and elasticity of hydrophobin HFBII layers on the air-water interface: rheology versus structure detected by AFM imaging.

PubMed

Stanimirova, Rumyana D; Gurkov, Theodor D; Kralchevsky, Peter A; Balashev, Konstantin T; Stoyanov, Simeon D; Pelan, Eddie G

2013-05-21

Here, we combine experiments with Langmuir trough and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the reasons for the special properties of layers from the protein HFBII hydrophobin spread on the air-water interface. The hydrophobin interfacial layers possess the highest surface dilatational and shear elastic moduli among all investigated proteins. The AFM images show that the spread HFBII layers are rather inhomogeneous, (i.e., they contain voids, monolayer and multilayer domains). A continuous compression of the layer leads to filling the voids and transformation of a part of the monolayer into a trilayer. The trilayer appears in the form of large surface domains, which can be formed by folding and subduction of parts from the initial monolayer. The trilayer appears also in the form of numerous submicrometer spots, which can be obtained by forcing protein molecules out of the monolayer and their self-assembly into adjacent pimples. Such structures are formed because not only the hydrophobic parts, but also the hydrophilic parts of the HFBII molecules can adhere to each other in the water medium. If a hydrophobin layer is subjected to oscillations, its elasticity considerably increases, up to 500 mN/m, which can be explained with compaction. The relaxation of the layer's tension after expansion or compression follows the same relatively simple law, which refers to two-dimensional diffusion of protein aggregates within the layer. The characteristic diffusion time after compression is longer than after expansion, which can be explained with the impedence of diffusion in the more compact interfacial layer. The results shed light on the relation between the mesoscopic structure of hydrophobin interfacial layers and their unique mechanical properties that find applications for the production of foams and emulsions of extraordinary stability; for the immobilization of functional molecules at surfaces, and as coating agents for surface modification.

Discrete particle modeling and micromechanical characterization of bilayer tablet compaction.

PubMed

Yohannes, B; Gonzalez, M; Abebe, A; Sprockel, O; Nikfar, F; Kiang, S; Cuitiño, A M

2017-08-30

A mechanistic particle scale model is proposed for bilayer tablet compaction. Making bilayer tablets involves the application of first layer compaction pressure on the first layer powder and a second layer compaction pressure on entire powder bed. The bonding formed between the first layer and the second layer particles is crucial for the mechanical strength of the bilayer tablet. The bonding and the contact forces between particles of the first layer and second layer are affected by the deformation and rearrangement of particles due to the compaction pressures. Our model takes into consideration the elastic and plastic deformations of the first layer particles due to the first layer compaction pressure, in addition to the mechanical and physical properties of the particles. Using this model, bilayer tablets with layers of the same material and different materials, which are commonly used pharmaceutical powders, are tested. The simulations show that the strength of the layer interface becomes weaker than the strength of the two layers as the first layer compaction pressure is increased. The reduction of strength at the layer interface is related to reduction of the first layer surface roughness. The reduced roughness decreases the available bonding area and hence reduces the mechanical strength at the interface. In addition, the simulations show that at higher first layer compaction pressure the bonding area is significantly less than the total contact area at the layer interface. At the interface itself, there is a non-monotonic relationship between the bonding area and first layer force. The bonding area at the interface first increases and then decreases as the first layer pressure is increased. These results are in agreement with findings of previous experimental studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Developing visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy to detect changes of the dermal collagen concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chiao-Yi; Liao, Andy Ying Chi; Sung, Kung Bin

2018-02-01

Collagen provides skin structure integrity and its concentration is related to the severity of scars. The objective of this study is to develop a hand-held and relatively inexpensive system to detect changes of the dermal collagen concentration in vivo. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and two-layer diffusion model have often been used to quantify the collagen concentration and other optical properties of the skin. However, the influences of fat and muscle, which are just below the dermis, have not been thoroughly investigated. We applied Monte Carlo simulations to find source-detector separations most sensitive to changes in collagen absorption and identify four wavelengths between 650 nm and 1000 nm suitable for separating influences of other chromophores including melanin, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. Our tissue model consisted of at least three layers including the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat with an optional forth layer representing the muscle. Results showed that the reflectance of the three-layered tissue model differed significantly from that of the two-layered tissue model, and the additional muscle layer might also influence the reflectance depending on the thickness of the fat layer. In addition, whether scattering coefficients of the epidermis and dermis were the same significantly affected the reflectance. Differences in reflectance due to changes in the collagen concentration were distinct from those due to changes in scattering coefficients and other chromophores. Further in-vivo experiments are ongoing to to validate the proposed approach.

The compression–error trade-off for large gridded data sets

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

Silver, Jeremy D.; Zender, Charles S.

The netCDF-4 format is widely used for large gridded scientific data sets and includes several compression methods: lossy linear scaling and the non-lossy deflate and shuffle algorithms. Many multidimensional geoscientific data sets exhibit considerable variation over one or several spatial dimensions (e.g., vertically) with less variation in the remaining dimensions (e.g., horizontally). On such data sets, linear scaling with a single pair of scale and offset parameters often entails considerable loss of precision. We introduce an alternative compression method called "layer-packing" that simultaneously exploits lossy linear scaling and lossless compression. Layer-packing stores arrays (instead of a scalar pair) of scalemore » and offset parameters. An implementation of this method is compared with lossless compression, storing data at fixed relative precision (bit-grooming) and scalar linear packing in terms of compression ratio, accuracy and speed. When viewed as a trade-off between compression and error, layer-packing yields similar results to bit-grooming (storing between 3 and 4 significant figures). Bit-grooming and layer-packing offer significantly better control of precision than scalar linear packing. Relative performance, in terms of compression and errors, of bit-groomed and layer-packed data were strongly predicted by the entropy of the exponent array, and lossless compression was well predicted by entropy of the original data array. Layer-packed data files must be "unpacked" to be readily usable. The compression and precision characteristics make layer-packing a competitive archive format for many scientific data sets.« less

Potential annealing treatments for tailoring the starting microstructure of low-enriched U-Mo dispersion fuels to optimize performance during irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiser, Dennis D.; Jue, Jan-Fong; Woolstenhulme, Nicolas E.; Ewh, Ashley

2011-12-01

Low-enriched uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) alloy particles dispersed in aluminum alloy (e.g., dispersion fuels) are being developed for application in research and test reactors. To achieve the best performance of these fuels during irradiation, optimization of the starting microstructure may be required by utilizing a heat treatment that results in the formation of uniform, Si-rich interaction layers between the U-Mo particles and Al-Si matrix. These layers behave in a stable manner under certain irradiation conditions. To identify the optimum heat treatment for producing these kinds of layers in a dispersion fuel plate, a systematic annealing study has been performed using actual dispersion fuel samples, which were fabricated at relatively low temperatures to limit the growth of any interaction layers in the samples prior to controlled heat treatment. These samples had different Al matrices with varying Si contents and were annealed between 450 and 525 °C for up to 4 h. The samples were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the thickness, composition, and uniformity of the interaction layers. Image analysis was performed to quantify various attributes of the dispersion fuel microstructures that related to the development of the interaction layers. The most uniform layers were observed to form in fuel samples that had an Al matrix with at least 4 wt.% Si and a heat treatment temperature of at least 475 °C.

The compression–error trade-off for large gridded data sets

DOE PAGES

Silver, Jeremy D.; Zender, Charles S.

2017-01-27

The netCDF-4 format is widely used for large gridded scientific data sets and includes several compression methods: lossy linear scaling and the non-lossy deflate and shuffle algorithms. Many multidimensional geoscientific data sets exhibit considerable variation over one or several spatial dimensions (e.g., vertically) with less variation in the remaining dimensions (e.g., horizontally). On such data sets, linear scaling with a single pair of scale and offset parameters often entails considerable loss of precision. We introduce an alternative compression method called "layer-packing" that simultaneously exploits lossy linear scaling and lossless compression. Layer-packing stores arrays (instead of a scalar pair) of scalemore » and offset parameters. An implementation of this method is compared with lossless compression, storing data at fixed relative precision (bit-grooming) and scalar linear packing in terms of compression ratio, accuracy and speed. When viewed as a trade-off between compression and error, layer-packing yields similar results to bit-grooming (storing between 3 and 4 significant figures). Bit-grooming and layer-packing offer significantly better control of precision than scalar linear packing. Relative performance, in terms of compression and errors, of bit-groomed and layer-packed data were strongly predicted by the entropy of the exponent array, and lossless compression was well predicted by entropy of the original data array. Layer-packed data files must be "unpacked" to be readily usable. The compression and precision characteristics make layer-packing a competitive archive format for many scientific data sets.« less

Quasi-Steady Evolution of Hillslopes in Layered Landscapes: An Analytic Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glade, R. C.; Anderson, R. S.

2018-01-01

Landscapes developed in layered sedimentary or igneous rocks are common on Earth, as well as on other planets. Features such as hogbacks, exposed dikes, escarpments, and mesas exhibit resistant rock layers adjoining more erodible rock in tilted, vertical, or horizontal orientations. Hillslopes developed in the erodible rock are typically characterized by steep, linear-to-concave slopes or "ramps" mantled with material derived from the resistant layers, often in the form of large blocks. Previous work on hogbacks has shown that feedbacks between weathering and transport of the blocks and underlying soft rock can create relief over time and lead to the development of concave-up slope profiles in the absence of rilling processes. Here we employ an analytic approach, informed by numerical modeling and field data, to describe the quasi-steady state behavior of such rocky hillslopes for the full spectrum of resistant layer dip angles. We begin with a simple geometric analysis that relates structural dip to erosion rates. We then explore the mechanisms by which our numerical model of hogback evolution self-organizes to meet these geometric expectations, including adjustment of soil depth, erosion rates, and block velocities along the ramp. Analytical solutions relate easily measurable field quantities such as ramp length, slope, block size, and resistant layer dip angle to local incision rate, block velocity, and block weathering rate. These equations provide a framework for exploring the evolution of layered landscapes and pinpoint the processes for which we require a more thorough understanding to predict their evolution over time.

Age-dependent differences in myelin basic protein expression in the hippocampus of young, adult and aged gerbils

PubMed Central

Ahn, Ji Hyeon; Lee, Tae-Kyeong; Park, Joon Ha; Cho, Jeong Hwi; Kim, In Hye; Lee, Jae Chul; Hong, Seongkweon; Jeon, Yong Hwan; Kang, Il Jun; Lee, Young Joo

2017-01-01

Myelin degeneration is one of the characteristics of aging and degenerative diseases. This study investigated age-related alterations in expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the hippocampal subregions (dentate gyrus, CA2/3 and CA1 areas) of gerbils of various ages; young (1 month), adult (6 months) and aged (24 months), using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot results showed tendencies of age-related reductions of MBP levels. MBP immunoreactivity was significantly decreased with age in synaptic sites of trisynaptic loops, perforant paths, mossy fibers, and Schaffer collaterals. In particular, MBP immunoreactive fibers in the dentate molecular cell layer (perforant path) was significantly reduced in adult and aged subjects. In addition, MBP immunoreactive mossy fibers in the dentate polymorphic layer and in the CA3 striatum radiatum was significantly decreased in the aged group. Furthermore, we observed similar age-related alterations in the CA1 stratum radiatum (Schaffer collaterals). However, the density of MBP immunoreactive fibers in the dentate granular cell layer and CA stratum pyramidale was decreased with aging. These findings indicate that expression of MBP is age-dependent and tissue specific according to hippocampal layers. PMID:29046699

Physical properties and microstructure study of stainless steel 316L alloy fabricated by selective laser melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Nurul Kamariah Md Saiful; Harun, Wan Sharuzi Wan; Ghani, Saiful Anwar Che; Omar, Mohd Asnawi; Ramli, Mohd Hazlen; Ismail, Muhammad Hussain

2017-12-01

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) demonstrates the 21st century's manufacturing infrastructure in which powdered raw material is melted by a high energy focused laser, and built up layer-by-layer until it forms three-dimensional metal parts. SLM process involves a variation of process parameters which affects the final material properties. 316L stainless steel compacts through the manipulation of building orientation and powder layer thickness parameters were manufactured by SLM. The effect of the manipulated parameters on the relative density and dimensional accuracy of the 316L stainless steel compacts, which were in the as-build condition, were experimented and analysed. The relationship between the microstructures and the physical properties of fabricated 316L stainless steel compacts was investigated in this study. The results revealed that 90° building orientation has higher relative density and dimensional accuracy than 0° building orientation. Building orientation was found to give more significant effect in terms of dimensional accuracy, and relative density of SLM compacts compare to build layer thickness. Nevertheless, the existence of large number and sizes of pores greatly influences the low performances of the density.

Method and apparatus for processing algae

DOEpatents

Chew, Geoffrey; Reich, Alton J.; Dykes, Jr., H. Waite; Di Salvo, Roberto

2012-07-03

Methods and apparatus for processing algae are described in which a hydrophilic ionic liquid is used to lyse algae cells. The lysate separates into at least two layers including a lipid-containing hydrophobic layer and an ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic layer. A salt or salt solution may be used to remove water from the ionic liquid-containing layer before the ionic liquid is reused. The used salt may also be dried and/or concentrated and reused. The method can operate at relatively low lysis, processing, and recycling temperatures, which minimizes the environmental impact of algae processing while providing reusable biofuels and other useful products.

Evaluation of a technique to generate artificially thickened boundary layers in supersonic and hypersonic flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porro, A. R.; Hingst, W. R.; Davis, D. O.; Blair, A. B., Jr.

1991-01-01

The feasibility of using a contoured honeycomb model to generate a thick boundary layer in high-speed, compressible flow was investigated. The contour of the honeycomb was tailored to selectively remove momentum in a minimum of streamwise distance to create an artificially thickened turbulent boundary layer. Three wind tunnel experiments were conducted to verify the concept. Results indicate that this technique is a viable concept, especially for high-speed inlet testing applications. In addition, the compactness of the honeycomb boundary layer simulator allows relatively easy integration into existing wind tunnel model hardware.

Water depth penetration film test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lockwood, H. E.; Perry, L.; Sauer, G. E.; Lamar, N. T.

1974-01-01

As part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Earth Resources Program, a comparative and controlled evaluation of nine film-filter combinations was completed to establish the relative effectiveness in recording water subsurface detail if exposed from an aerial platform over a typical water body. The films tested, with one exception, were those which prior was suggested had potential. These included an experimental 2-layer positive color film, a 2-layer (minus blue layer) film, a normal 3-layer color film, a panchromatic black-and-white film, and a black-and-white infrared film. Selective filtration was used with all films.

Energy transfer through a multi-layer liner for shaped charges

DOEpatents

Skolnick, Saul; Goodman, Albert

1985-01-01

This invention relates to the determination of parameters for selecting materials for use as liners in shaped charges to transfer the greatest amount of energy to the explosive jet. Multi-layer liners constructed of metal in shaped charges for oil well perforators or other applications are selected in accordance with the invention to maximize the penetrating effect of the explosive jet by reference to four parameters: (1) Adjusting the explosive charge to liner mass ratio to achieve a balance between the amount of explosive used in a shaped charge and the areal density of the liner material; (2) Adjusting the ductility of each layer of a multi-layer liner to enhance the formation of a longer energy jet; (3) Buffering the intermediate layers of a multi-layer liner by varying the properties of each layer, e.g., composition, thickness, ductility, acoustic impedance and areal density, to protect the final inside layer of high density material from shattering upon impact of the explosive force and, instead, flow smoothly into a jet; and (4) Adjusting the impedance of the layers in a liner to enhance the transmission and reduce the reflection of explosive energy across the interface between layers.

The corrosion protection of AA2024-T3 aluminium alloy by leaching of lithium-containing salts from organic coatings.

PubMed

Visser, Peter; Liu, Yanwen; Zhou, Xiaorong; Hashimoto, Teruo; Thompson, George E; Lyon, Stuart B; van der Ven, Leendert G J; Mol, Arjan J M C; Terryn, Herman A

2015-01-01

Lithium carbonate and lithium oxalate were incorporated as leachable corrosion inhibitors in model organic coatings for the protection of AA2024-T3. The coated samples were artificially damaged with a scribe. It was found that the lithium-salts are able to leach from the organic coating and form a protective layer in the scribe on AA2024-T3 under neutral salt spray conditions. The present paper shows the first observation and analysis of these corrosion protective layers, generated from lithium-salt loaded organic coatings. The scribed areas were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy before and after neutral salt spray exposure (ASTM-B117). The protective layers typically consist of three different layered regions, including a relatively dense layer near the alloy substrate, a porous middle layer and a flake-shaped outer layer, with lithium uniformly distributed throughout all three layers. Scanning electron microscopy and white light interferometry surface roughness measurements demonstrate that the formation of the layer occurs rapidly and, therefore provides an effective inhibition mechanism. Based on the observation of this work, a mechanism is proposed for the formation of these protective layers.

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

Poletika, T. M., E-mail: poletm@ispms.tsc.ru; Girsova, S. L., E-mail: llm@ispms.tsc.ru; Meisner, L. L., E-mail: girs@ispms.tsc.ru

The structure of the surface and near-surface layers of single crystals of NiTi, differently oriented relative to the direction of ion beam treatment was investigated. The role of the crystallographic orientation in formation of structure of surface layers after ion-plasma alloying was revealed. It was found that the orientation effects of selective sputtering and channeling determine the thickness of the oxide and amorphous layers, the depth of penetration of ions and impurities, the distribution of Ni with depth.

Damped response of shells by a constrained viscoelastic layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Raheb, M.; Wagner, P.

1986-01-01

Vibration absorbers are introduced into an asymmetric configuration of thin cylinders and tori enclosing an acoustic medium. The absorbers consist of thin axial strips bonded to the cylinder with a thin viscoelastic layer. The constrained layer dissipates the energy of relative motions between strip and cylinder. The absorber is most effective on response modes with two or more circumferential waves. The use of transfer matrices is extended to the coupled cylinder-absorber system.

The Nature of Surface Oxides on Corrosion-Resistant Nickel Alloy Covered by Alkaline Water

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

A nickel alloy with high chrome and molybdenum content was found to form a highly resistive and passive oxide layer. The donor density and mobility of ions in the oxide layer has been determined as a function of the electrical potential when alkaline water layers are on the alloy surface in order to account for the relative inertness of the nickel alloy in corrosive environments. PMID:20672134

Asymmetrically interacting spreading dynamics on complex layered networks.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Tang, Ming; Yang, Hui; Younghae Do; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Lee, GyuWon

2014-05-29

The spread of disease through a physical-contact network and the spread of information about the disease on a communication network are two intimately related dynamical processes. We investigate the asymmetrical interplay between the two types of spreading dynamics, each occurring on its own layer, by focusing on the two fundamental quantities underlying any spreading process: epidemic threshold and the final infection ratio. We find that an epidemic outbreak on the contact layer can induce an outbreak on the communication layer, and information spreading can effectively raise the epidemic threshold. When structural correlation exists between the two layers, the information threshold remains unchanged but the epidemic threshold can be enhanced, making the contact layer more resilient to epidemic outbreak. We develop a physical theory to understand the intricate interplay between the two types of spreading dynamics.

Asymmetrically interacting spreading dynamics on complex layered networks

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Tang, Ming; Yang, Hui; Younghae Do; Lai, Ying-Cheng; Lee, GyuWon

2014-01-01

The spread of disease through a physical-contact network and the spread of information about the disease on a communication network are two intimately related dynamical processes. We investigate the asymmetrical interplay between the two types of spreading dynamics, each occurring on its own layer, by focusing on the two fundamental quantities underlying any spreading process: epidemic threshold and the final infection ratio. We find that an epidemic outbreak on the contact layer can induce an outbreak on the communication layer, and information spreading can effectively raise the epidemic threshold. When structural correlation exists between the two layers, the information threshold remains unchanged but the epidemic threshold can be enhanced, making the contact layer more resilient to epidemic outbreak. We develop a physical theory to understand the intricate interplay between the two types of spreading dynamics. PMID:24872257

Abrupt Depletion Layer Approximation for the Metal Insulator Semiconductor Diode.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Kenneth

1979-01-01

Determines the excess surface change carrier density, surface potential, and relative capacitance of a metal insulator semiconductor diode as a function of the gate voltage, using the precise questions and the equations derived with the abrupt depletion layer approximation. (Author/GA)

Exact solution of conductive heat transfer in cylindrical composite laminate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kayhani, M. H.; Shariati, M.; Nourozi, M.; Karimi Demneh, M.

2009-11-01

This paper presents an exact solution for steady-state conduction heat transfer in cylindrical composite laminates. This laminate is cylindrical shape and in each lamina, fibers have been wound around the cylinder. In this article heat transfer in composite laminates is being investigated, by using separation of variables method and an analytical relation for temperature distribution in these laminates has been obtained under specific boundary conditions. Also Fourier coefficients in each layer obtain by solving set of equations that related to thermal boundary layer conditions at inside and outside of the cylinder also thermal continuity and heat flux continuity between each layer is considered. In this research LU factorization method has been used to solve the set of equations.

Magnetic field-related heating instabilities in the surface layers of the sun and stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrari, A.; Rosner, R.; Vaiana, G. S.

1982-01-01

The stability of a magnetized low-density plasma to current-driven filamentation instabilities is investigated and the results are applied to the surface layers of stars. Unlike previous studies, the initial (i.e., precoronal) state of the stellar surface atmosphere is taken to be a low-density, optically thin magnetized plasma in radiative equilibrium. The linear analysis shows that the surface layers of main-sequence stars (including the sun) which are threaded by magnetic fields are unstable; the instabilities considered lead to structuring perpendicular to the ambient magnetic fields. These results suggest that relatively modest surface motions, in conjunction with the presence of magnetic fields, suffice to account for the presence of inhomogeneous chromospheric and coronal plasma overlying a star's surface.

Is there a conclusive evidence on lightning-related effects on sporadic E layers?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haldoupis, Christos

2018-07-01

In recent years, there have been a few studies claiming that thunderstorm cloud-to-ground lightning discharges affect sporadic E layers existing over the storm. In this brief paper, we consider and critically evaluate the results of these studies in the context of our present knowledge on sporadic E layers and the coupling processes of thunderstorm and lightning wave energy into the upper atmosphere and lower ionosphere. It is shown that the reported findings and their implications raise questions and cast doubts, therefore the conclusions of the existing studies are not substantiated and thus need to be treated with caution. We reason that, the anticipated occurrence of lighting-related effects on midlatitude sporadic E lacks at present firm verification.

Innovation in Layer-by-Layer Assembly.

PubMed

Richardson, Joseph J; Cui, Jiwei; Björnmalm, Mattias; Braunger, Julia A; Ejima, Hirotaka; Caruso, Frank

2016-12-14

Methods for depositing thin films are important in generating functional materials for diverse applications in a wide variety of fields. Over the last half-century, the layer-by-layer assembly of nanoscale films has received intense and growing interest. This has been fueled by innovation in the available materials and assembly technologies, as well as the film-characterization techniques. In this Review, we explore, discuss, and detail innovation in layer-by-layer assembly in terms of past and present developments, and we highlight how these might guide future advances. A particular focus is on conventional and early developments that have only recently regained interest in the layer-by-layer assembly field. We then review unconventional assemblies and approaches that have been gaining popularity, which include inorganic/organic hybrid materials, cells and tissues, and the use of stereocomplexation, patterning, and dip-pen lithography, to name a few. A relatively recent development is the use of layer-by-layer assembly materials and techniques to assemble films in a single continuous step. We name this "quasi"-layer-by-layer assembly and discuss the impacts and innovations surrounding this approach. Finally, the application of characterization methods to monitor and evaluate layer-by-layer assembly is discussed, as innovation in this area is often overlooked but is essential for development of the field. While we intend for this Review to be easily accessible and act as a guide to researchers new to layer-by-layer assembly, we also believe it will provide insight to current researchers in the field and help guide future developments and innovation.

Sci-Sat AM: Radiation Dosimetry and Practical Therapy Solutions - 01: Optimization of an organic field effect transistor for radiation dosimetry measurements

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

Syme, Alasdair

2016-08-15

Purpose: To use Monte Carlo simulations to optimize the design of an organic field effect transistor (OFET) to maximize water-equivalence across the diagnostic and therapeutic photon energy ranges. Methods: DOSXYZnrc was used to simulate transport of mono-energetic photon beams through OFETs. Dose was scored in the dielectric region of devices and used for evaluating the response of the device relative to water. Two designs were considered: 1. a bottom-gate device on a substrate of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with an aluminum gate, a dielectric layer of either PMMA or CYTOP (a fluorocarbon) and an organic semiconductor (pentacene). 2. a symmetric bilayermore » design was employed in which two polymer layers (PET and CYTOP) were deposited both below the gate and above the semiconductor to improve water-equivalence and reduce directional dependence. The relative thickness of the layers was optimized to maximize water-equivalence. Results: Without the bilayer, water-equivalence was diminished relative to OFETs with the symmetric bilayer at low photon energies (below 80 keV). The bilayer’s composition was designed to have one layer with an effective atomic number larger than that of water and the other with an effective atomic number lower than that of water. For the particular materials used in this study, a PET layer 0.1mm thick coupled with a CYTOP layer of 900 nm provided a device with a water-equivalence within 3% between 20 keV and 5 MeV. Conclusions: organic electronic devices hold tremendous potential as water-equivalent dosimeters that could be used in a wide range of applications without recalibration.« less

van der Waals torque and force between dielectrically anisotropic layered media.

PubMed

Lu, Bing-Sui; Podgornik, Rudolf

2016-07-28

We analyse van der Waals interactions between a pair of dielectrically anisotropic plane-layered media interacting across a dielectrically isotropic solvent medium. We develop a general formalism based on transfer matrices to investigate the van der Waals torque and force in the limit of weak birefringence and dielectric matching between the ordinary axes of the anisotropic layers and the solvent. We apply this formalism to study the following systems: (i) a pair of single anisotropic layers, (ii) a single anisotropic layer interacting with a multilayered slab consisting of alternating anisotropic and isotropic layers, and (iii) a pair of multilayered slabs each consisting of alternating anisotropic and isotropic layers, looking at the cases where the optic axes lie parallel and/or perpendicular to the plane of the layers. For the first case, the optic axes of the oppositely facing anisotropic layers of the two interacting slabs generally possess an angular mismatch, and within each multilayered slab the optic axes may either be the same or undergo constant angular increments across the anisotropic layers. In particular, we examine how the behaviors of the van der Waals torque and force can be "tuned" by adjusting the layer thicknesses, the relative angular increment within each slab, and the angular mismatch between the slabs.

2D Si island nucleation on the Si(111) surface at initial and late growth stages: On the role of step permeability in pyramidlike growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogilo, D. I.; Fedina, L. I.; Kosolobov, S. S.; Ranguelov, B. S.; Latyshev, A. V.

2017-01-01

Initial and late stages of 2D Si island nucleation and growth (2DNG) on extra-large ( 100 μm) and medium size (1-10 μm) atomically flat Si(111)-(7×7) terraces bordered by step bunches have been studied by in situ REM at T =600-750 °С. At first, the layer-by-layer 2DNG takes place on whole terraces and 2D island concentration dependence on deposition rate R corresponds to critical nucleus size i =1. Continuous 2DNG triggers morphological instabilities: elongated pyramidlike waves and separate pyramids emerge on all terraces at T ≤720 °С and T =750 °С, respectively. Both instabilities arise due to the imbalance of uphill/downhill adatom currents related with large Ehrlich-Schwöbel (ES) barriers and permeability of straight [ 11 bar 2 ] -type step edges. However, the first one is initiated by dominant downhill adatom current to distant sinks: bunches, wave's step edges, and "vacancy" islands emerging on terraces due to 2D island coalescence. As a result, top layer size decreases to the critical terrace width λ where 2DNG takes place. From the analysis of λ ∝ R - χ / 2 scaling at T =650 °C, we have found that i increases from i =2 on a three-layer wave to i =6-8 on a six-layer wave. This authenticates the significance of downhill adatom sink to distant steps related to the step permeability. The second instability type at T >720 °C is related to the raising of uphill adatom current due to slightly larger ES barrier for step-up attachment comparing to the step-down one (EES- 0.9 eV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111 (2013) 036105]). This leads to "second layer" 2D nucleation on top layers, which triggers the growth of separate pyramids. Because of small difference between ES barriers, net uphill/downhill adatom currents are nearly equivalent, and therefore layer coverage distributions of both instabilities display similar linear slopes.

Reduction of channel resistance in amorphous oxide thin-film transistors with buried layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Eugene; Kim, Bosul; Lee, Sang Yeol

2012-04-01

A silicon-indium-zinc-oxide (SIZO) thin film transistor (TFT) with low channel-resistance (RCH) indium-zinc-oxide (In2O3:ZnO = 9:1) buried layer annealed at low temperature of 200°C exhibited high field-effect mobility (μFE) over 55.8 cm2/V·s which is 5 times higher than that of the conventional TFTs due to small threshold voltage (Vth) change of 1.8 V under bias-temperature stress (BTS) condition for 420 minutes. The low-RCH buried-layer allows more strong current-path formed in channel layer well within relatively high-RCH channel-layer since it is less affected by the channel bulk and/or back interface trap with high carrier concentration.

Electrical Double Layer Capacitance in a Graphene-embedded Al2O3 Gate Dielectric

PubMed Central

Ki Min, Bok; Kim, Seong K.; Jun Kim, Seong; Ho Kim, Sung; Kang, Min-A; Park, Chong-Yun; Song, Wooseok; Myung, Sung; Lim, Jongsun; An, Ki-Seok

2015-01-01

Graphene heterostructures are of considerable interest as a new class of electronic devices with exceptional performance in a broad range of applications has been realized. Here, we propose a graphene-embedded Al2O3 gate dielectric with a relatively high dielectric constant of 15.5, which is about 2 times that of Al2O3, having a low leakage current with insertion of tri-layer graphene. In this system, the enhanced capacitance of the hybrid structure can be understood by the formation of a space charge layer at the graphene/Al2O3 interface. The electrical properties of the interface can be further explained by the electrical double layer (EDL) model dominated by the diffuse layer. PMID:26530817

Electrical Characteristics of Organic Field Effect Transistor Formed by Gas Treatment of High-k Al2O3 at Low Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sunwoo; Yoon, Seungki; Park, In-Sung; Ahn, Jinho

2009-04-01

We studied the electrical characteristics of an organic field effect transistor (OFET) formed by the hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) mixed gas treatment of a gate dielectric layer. We also investigated how device mobility is related to the length and width variations of the channel. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) was used as the gate dielectric layer. After the treatment, the mobility and subthreshold swing were observed to be significantly improved by the decreased hole carrier localization at the interfacial layer between the gate oxide and pentacene channel layers. H2 gas plays an important role in removing the defects of the gate oxide layer at temperatures below 100 °C.

Analysis of the pressure-induced potential arising through composite membranes with selective surface layers.

PubMed

Szymczyk, Anthony; Sbaï, Mohammed; Fievet, Patrick

2005-03-01

When a pressure gradient is applied through a charged selective membrane, the transmembrane electrical potential difference, called the filtration potential, results from both the applied pressure and induced concentration difference across the membrane. In this work we investigate the electrokinetic properties relative to both active and support layers of a composite ceramic membrane close to the nanofiltration range. First, the volume charge density of the active layer is obtained by fitting a transport model to experimental rejection rates (which are controlled by the active layer only). Next, the value of the volume charge density is used to compute the theoretical filtration potential through the active layer. For sufficiently high permeate volume fluxes, the concentration difference across the active layer becomes constant, which allows assessing the membrane potential of the active layer. Experimental measurements of the overall filtration potential arising through the whole membrane are performed. The contribution of the support layer to this overall filtration potential is put in evidence. That implies that the membrane potential of the active layer cannot be deduced directly from the overall filtration potential measurements. Finally, the contribution of the support layer is singled out by subtracting the theoretical filtration potential of the active layer from the experimental filtration potential measured across the whole membrane (i.e., support + active layers). The amphoteric behavior of both layers is put in evidence, which is confirmed by electrophoretic measurements carried out with the powdered support layer and by recently reported tangential streaming potential measurements.

Interfacial thin films rupture and self-similarity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, Margaret H.

2011-06-01

Two superposed thin layers of fluids are prone to interfacial instabilities due to London-van der Waals forces. Evolution equations for the film thicknesses are derived using lubrication theory. Using the intrinsic scales, for a single layer, results in a system with parametric dependence of four ratios of the two layers: surface tension, Hamaker constant, viscosity, and film thickness. In contrast to the single layer case, the bilayer system has two unstable eigenmodes: squeezing and bending. For some particular parameter regimes, the system exhibits the avoided crossing behavior, where the two eigenmodes are interchanged. Based on numerical analysis, the system evolves into four different rupture states: basal layer rupture, upper layer rupture, double layer rupture, and mixed layer rupture. The ratio of Hamaker constants and the relative film thickness of the two layers control the system dynamics. Remarkably, the line of avoided crossing demarks the transition region of mode mixing and energy transfer, affecting the scaling of the dynamical regime map consequentially. Asymptotic and numerical analyses are used to examine the self-similar ruptures and to extract the power law scalings for both the basal layer rupture and the upper layer rupture. The scaling laws for the basal layer rupture are the same as those of the single layer on top of a substrate. The scaling laws for the upper layer rupture are different: the lateral length scale decreases according to (tr-t)1/3 and the film thickness decreases according to (tr-t)1/6.

Relating Vorticity Confinement to the Menter Shear Stress Transport Turbulence Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

uses a bent nose to effect aerodynamic control. The baseline geometry was constructed with CFDGEN using wind tunnel model blueprints and it...For the problem at hand, Reference 23 was used to find the boundary layer thickness at the separation point of a cylinder in cross flow and relate it...to the cylinder radius. Although it was only possible to find the thickness of a laminar boundary layer, the ratio of measured turbulent and laminar

SIMS depth profiling of rubber-tyre cord bonding layers prepared using 64Zn depleted ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulton, W. S.; Sykes, D. E.; Smith, G. C.

2006-07-01

Zinc oxide and copper/zinc sulphide layers are formed during vulcanisation and moulding of rubber to brass-coated steel tyre reinforcing cords. Previous studies have described how zinc diffuses through the rubber-brass interface to form zinc sulphide, and combines with oxygen to create zinc oxide during dezincification. The zinc is usually assumed to originate in the brass of the tyre cord, however, zinc oxide is also present in the rubber formulation. We reveal how zinc from these sources is distributed within the interfacial bonding layers, before and after heat and humidity ageing. Zinc oxide produced using 64Zn-isotope depleted zinc was mixed in the rubber formulation in place of the natural ZnO and the zinc isotope ratios within the interfacial layers were followed by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) depth profiling. Variations in the relative ratios of the zinc isotopes during depth profiling were measured for unaged, heat-aged and humidity-aged wire samples and in each case a relatively large proportion of the zinc incorporated into the interfacial layer as zinc sulphide was shown to have originated from ZnO in the rubber compound.

New Failure Mode of Flip-Chip Solder Joints Related to the Metallization of an Organic Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, J. W.; Yoo, S. J.; Hwang, H. I.; Yuk, S. Y.; Kim, C. K.; Kim, S. J.; Han, J. S.; An, S. H.

2015-10-01

We report a new failure phenomenon during flip-chip die attach. After reflow, flip-chip bumps were separated between the Al and Ti layers on the Si die side. This was mainly observed at the Si die corner. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed corrosion of the Al layer at the edge of the solder bump metallization. The corrosion at the metallization edge exhibited a notch shape with high stress concentration factor. The organic substrate had Cu metallization with an organic solderable preservative (OSP) coating layer, where a small amount of Cl ions were detected. A solder bump separation mechanism is suggested based on the reaction between Al and Cl, related to the flow of soldering flux. During reflow, the flux will dissolve the Cl-containing OSP layer and flow up to the Al layer on the Si die side. Then, the Cl-dissolved flux will actively react with Al, forming AlCl3. During cooling, solder bumps at the Si die corner will separate through the location of Al corrosion. This demonstrated that the chemistry of the substrate metallization can affect the thermomechanical reliability of flip-chip solder joints.

A multilayer network analysis of hashtags in twitter via co-occurrence and semantic links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Türker, Ilker; Sulak, Eyüb Ekmel

2018-02-01

Complex network studies, as an interdisciplinary framework, span a large variety of subjects including social media. In social networks, several mechanisms generate miscellaneous structures like friendship networks, mention networks, tag networks, etc. Focusing on tag networks (namely, hashtags in twitter), we made a two-layer analysis of tag networks from a massive dataset of Twitter entries. The first layer is constructed by converting the co-occurrences of these tags in a single entry (tweet) into links, while the second layer is constructed converting the semantic relations of the tags into links. We observed that the universal properties of the real networks like small-world property, clustering and power-law distributions in various network parameters are also evident in the multilayer network of hashtags. Moreover, we outlined that co-occurrences of hashtags in tweets are mostly coupled with semantic relations, whereas a small number of semantically unrelated, therefore random links reduce node separation and network diameter in the co-occurrence network layer. Together with the degree distributions, the power-law consistencies of degree difference, edge weight and cosine similarity distributions in both layers are also appealing forms of Zipf’s law evident in nature.

Automatic box loader

DOEpatents

Eldridge, Harry H.; Jones, Robert A.; Lindner, Gordon M.; Hight, Paul H.

1976-01-01

This invention relates to a system for repetitively forming an assembly consisting of a single layer of tubes and a row of ferromagnetic armatures underlying the same, electromagnetically conveying the resulting assembly to a position overlying a storage box, and depositing the assembly in the box. The system includes means for simultaneously depositing a row of the armatures on the inclined surface of a tube retainer. Tubes then are rolled down the surface to form a single tube layer bridging the armatures. A magnet assembly carrying electromagnets respectively aligned with the armatures is advanced close to the tube layer, and in the course of this advance is angularly displaced to bring the pole pieces of the electromagnets into parallelism with the tube layer. The magnets then are energized to pick up the assembly. The loaded magnet assembly is retracted to a position overlying the box, and during this retraction is again displaced to bring the pole pieces of the electromagnets into a horizontal plane. Means are provided for inserting the loaded electromagnets in the box and then de-energizing the electromagnets to deposit the assembly therein. The system accomplishes the boxing of fragile tubes at relatively high rates. Because the tubes are boxed as separated uniform layers, subsequent unloading operations are facilitated.

Neocortical maturation during adolescence: change in neuronal soma dimension.

PubMed

Rabinowicz, Theodore; Petetot, Jean Macdonald-Comber; Khoury, Jane C; de Courten-Myers, Gabrielle M

2009-03-01

During adolescence, cognitive abilities increase robustly. To search for possible related structural alterations of the cerebral cortex, we measured neuronal soma dimension (NSD = width times height), cortical thickness and neuronal densities in different types of neocortex in post-mortem brains of five 12-16 and five 17-24 year-olds (each 2F, 3M). Using a generalized mixed model analysis, mean normalized NSD comparing the age groups shows layer-specific change for layer 2 (p < .0001) and age-related differences between categorized type of cortex: primary/primary association cortex (BA 1, 3, 4, and 44) shows a generalized increase; higher-order regions (BA 9, 21, 39, and 45) also show increase in layers 2 and 5 but decrease in layers 3, 4, and 6 while limbic/orbital cortex (BA 23, 24, and 47) undergoes minor decrease (BA 1, 3, 4, and 44 vs. BA 9, 21, 39, and 45: p = .036 and BA 1, 3, 4, and 44 vs. BA 23, 24, and 47: p = .004). These data imply the operation of cortical layer- and type-specific processes of growth and regression adding new evidence that the human brain matures during adolescence not only functionally but also structurally.

Comparison of VVV Auger electron spectra from single and multilayer graphene and graphite.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chirayath, V. A.; Callewaert, V.; Fairchild, A. J.; Chrysler, M. D.; Gladen, R. W.; Imam, S. K.; Koymen, A. R.; Saniz, R.; Barbiellini, B.; Rajeshwar, K.; Partoens, B.; Weiss, A. H.

A direct observation of a low energy electron peak in the positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectra (PAES) from a single layer of graphene was made recently. A low energy positron beam (<1.25 eV) was used to deposit the positron on single layer graphene on a Cu substrate and the low energy peak was designated as VVV following the X-ray notation. The PAES signal is almost entirely from the top graphene layer due to the trapping of positrons in the image potential well on the surface of graphene. We utilize this monolayer sensitivity of PAES to compare the shape of the VVV Auger peak from the single layer graphene to the shapes of the VVV Auger peak obtained from multilayer graphene on Cu and from highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The VVV Auger peak from multilayer graphene on Cu and HOPG shows a systematic shift towards lower energies relative to the VVV Auger peak from the single layer graphene. The influence of the hole-hole interaction in distorting and shifting the VVV Auger spectra are discussed in relation to this observed shift. NSF Grant No. DMR 1508719 and DMR 1338130.

Ambipolar pentacene field-effect transistor with double-layer organic insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwak, Jeong-Hun; Baek, Heume-Il; Lee, Changhee

2006-08-01

Ambipolar conduction in organic field-effect transistor is very important feature to achieve organic CMOS circuitry. We fabricated an ambipolar pentacene field-effect transistors consisted of gold source-drain electrodes and double-layered PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) / PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) organic insulator on the ITO(Indium-tin-oxide)-patterned glass substrate. These top-contact geometry field-effect transistors were fabricated in the vacuum of 10 -6 Torr and minimally exposed to atmosphere before its measurement and characterized in the vacuum condition. Our device showed reasonable p-type characteristics of field-effect hole mobility of 0.2-0.9 cm2/Vs and the current ON/OFF ratio of about 10 6 compared to prior reports with similar configurations. For the n-type characteristics, field-effect electron mobility of 0.004-0.008 cm2/Vs and the current ON/OFF ratio of about 10 3 were measured, which is relatively high performance for the n-type conduction of pentacene field-effect transistors. We attributed these ambipolar properties mainly to the hydroxyl-free PMMA insulator interface with the pentacene active layer. In addition, an increased insulator capacitance due to double-layer insulator structure with high-k PVA layer also helped us to observe relatively good n-type characteristics.

One-dimensional pressure transfer models for acoustic-electric transmission channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilt, K. R.; Lawry, T. J.; Scarton, H. A.; Saulnier, G. J.

2015-09-01

A method for modeling piezoelectric-based ultrasonic acoustic-electric power and data transmission channels is presented. These channels employ piezoelectric disk transducers to convey signals across a series of physical layers using ultrasonic waves. This model decomposes the mechanical pathway of the signal into individual ultrasonic propagation layers which are generally independent of the layer's adjacent domains. Each layer is represented by a two-by-two traveling pressure wave transfer matrix which relates the forward and reverse pressure waves on one side of the layer to the pressure waves on the opposite face, where each face is assumed to be in contact with a domain of arbitrary reference acoustic impedance. A rigorous implementation of ultrasonic beam spreading is introduced and implemented within applicable domains. Compatible pressure-wave models for piezoelectric transducers are given, which relate the electric voltage and current interface of the transducer to the pressure waves on one mechanical interface while also allowing for passive acoustic loading of the secondary mechanical interface. It is also shown that the piezoelectric model's electrical interface is compatible with transmission line parameters (ABCD-parameters), allowing for connection of electronic components and networks. The model is shown to be capable of reproducing the behavior of realistic physical channels.

[Progress of midfacial fat compartments and related clinical applications].

PubMed

Wen, Lihong; Wang, Jinhuang; Li, Yang; Liu, Dalie

2018-02-01

To review the research progress of midfacial fat compartments, and to thoroughly understand its current state of the anatomy and the aging morphologic characters of midfacial fat compartments, as well as the current status of clinical applications. The recent literature concerning the midfacial fat compartments and related clinical applications were extensively reviewed and analyzed. Midfacial fat layer has been considered as a fusion and a continuous layer, experiencing a global atrophy when aging. As more anatomical researches have done, recent studies have shown that midfacial fat layer is broadly divided into superficial and deep layers, which are both divided into different fat compartments by fascia, ligaments, or muscles. Midfacial fat compartments tend to atrophy with age, specifically in the deep fat compartments while hypertrophy in the superficial fat compartments. Clinical applications show that fat volumetric restoration with deep medial cheek fat and Ristow's space can restore the appearance of midface effectively. In recent years, the researches of midfacial fat compartments have achieved obvious progress, which will provide new ideas and basis for fat volumetric restoration. Corresponding treatments are selected based on different sites and different layers with different aging changes, reshaping a more youthful midface.

Magnetotelluric study of the Pahute Mesa and Oasis Valley regions, Nye County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schenkel, Clifford J.; Hildenbrand, Thomas G.; Dixon, Gary L.

1999-01-01

Magnetotelluric data delineate distinct layers and lateral variations above the pre-Tertiary basement. On Pahute Mesa, three resistivity layers associated with the volcanic rocks are defined: a moderately resistive surface layer, an underlying conductive layer, and a deep resistive layer. Considerable geologic information can be derived from the conductive layer which extents from near the water table down to a depth of approximately 2 km. The increase in conductivity is probably related to zeolite zonation observed in the volcanic rock on Pahute Mesa, which is relatively impermeable to groundwater flow unless fractured. Inferred faults within this conductive layer are modeled on several profiles crossing the Thirsty Canyon fault zone. This fault zone extends from Pahute Mesa into Oasis Valley basin. Near Colson Pond where the basement is shallow, the Thirsty Canyon fault zone is several (~2.5) kilometers wide. Due to the indicated vertical offsets associated with the Thirsty Canyon fault zone, the fault zone may act as a barrier to transverse (E-W) groundwater flow by juxtaposing rocks of different permeabilities. We propose that the Thirsty Canyon fault zone diverts water southward from Pahute Mesa to Oasis Valley. The electrically conductive nature of this fault zone indicates the presence of abundant alteration minerals or a dense network of open and interconnected fractures filled with electrically conductive groundwater. The formation of alteration minerals require the presence of water suggesting that an extensive interconnected fracture system exists or existed at one time. Thus, the fractures within the fault zone may be either a barrier or a conduit for groundwater flow, depending on the degree of alteration and the volume of open pore space. In Oasis Valley basin, a conductive surface layer, composed of alluvium and possibly altered volcanic rocks, extends to a depth of 300 to 500 m. The underlying volcanic layer, composed mostly of tuffs, fills the basin with about 3-3.5 km of relief on basement. A fault zone, related to the southern margin of the basin, appears to extend up to a depth of about 500 m. The path of groundwater encountering this fault zone is uncertain but may be either to the southwest towards Beatty or to the south towards Crater Flat.

ACUTE ZONAL OCCULT OUTER RETINOPATHY: Structural and Functional Analysis Across the Transition Zone Between Healthy and Diseased Retina.

PubMed

Duncker, Tobias; Lee, Winston; Jiang, Fan; Ramachandran, Rithambara; Hood, Donald C; Tsang, Stephen H; Sparrow, Janet R; Greenstein, Vivienne C

2018-01-01

To assess structure and function across the transition zone (TZ) between relatively healthy and diseased retina in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Six patients (6 eyes; age 22-71 years) with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy were studied. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, near-infrared reflectance, color fundus photography, and fundus perimetry were performed and images were registered to each other. The retinal layers of the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans were segmented and the thicknesses of two outer retinal layers, that is, the total receptor and outer segment plus layers, and the retinal nerve fiber layer were measured. All eyes showed a TZ on multimodal imaging. On spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, the TZ was in the nasal retina at varying distances from the fovea. For all eyes, it was associated with loss of the ellipsoid zone band, significant thinning of the two outer retinal layers, and in three eyes with thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer. On fundus autofluorescence, all eyes had a clearly demarcated peripapillary area of abnormal fundus autofluorescence delimited by a border of high autofluorescence; the latter was associated with loss of the ellipsoid zone band and with a change from relatively normal to markedly decreased or nonrecordable visual sensitivity on fundus perimetry. The results of multimodal imaging clarified the TZ in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. The TZ was outlined by a distinct high autofluorescence border that correlated with loss of the ellipsoid zone band on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. However, in fundus areas that seemed healthy on fundus autofluorescence, thinning of the outer retinal layers and thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer were observed near the TZ. The TZ was also characterized by a decrease in visual sensitivity.

[Dynamics of carbon and nitrogen storage of Cupressus chengiana plantations in the arid valley of Minjiang River, Southwest China].

PubMed

Luo, Da; Feng, Qiu-hong; Shi, Zuo-min; Li, Dong-sheng; Yang, Chang-xu; Liu, Qian-li; He, Jian-she

2015-04-01

The carbon and nitrogen storage and distribution patterns of Cupressus chengiana plantation ecosystems with different stand ages in the arid valley of Minjiang River were studied. The results showed that carbon contents in different organs of C. chengiana were relatively stable, while nitrogen contents were closely related to different organs, and soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents increased with the stand age. Carbon and nitrogen storage in vegetation layer, soil layer, and the whole ecosystem of the plantation increased with the stand age. The values of total carbon storage in the 13-, 11-, 8-, 6- and 4-year-old C. chengiana plantation ecosystems were 190.90, 165.91, 144.57, 119.44, and 113.49 t x hm(-2), and the values of total nitrogen storage were 19.09, 17.97, 13.82, 13.42, and 12.26 t x hm(-2), respectively. Most of carbon and nitrogen were stored in the 0-60 cm soil layer in the plantation ecosystems and occupied 92.8% and 98.8%, respectively, and the amounts of carbon and nitrogen stored in the top 0-20 cm soil layer, accounted for 54.4% and 48.9% of those in the 0-60 cm soil layer, respectively. Difference in distribution of carbon and nitrogen storage was observed in the vegetation layer. The percentage of carbon storage in tree layer (3.7%) were higher than that in understory vegetation (3.5%), while the percentage of nitrogen storage in tree layer (0.5%) was lower than that in understory (0.7%). The carbon and nitrogen storage and distribution patterns in the plantations varied obviously with the stand age, and the plantation ecosystems at these age stages could accumulate organic carbon and nitrogen continuously.

75 FR 18882 - Certain Footwear: Recommendations For Modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-13

... featuring outer soles of rubber or plastic to which a layer of textile material has been added. DATES: May... the HTSUS relating to certain footwear featuring outer soles of rubber or plastics to which a layer of...

ATMOSPHERIC DISPERSION IN THE ARCTIC: WINTERTIME BOUNDARY-LAYER MEASUREMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

The wintertime arctic atmospheric boundary layer was investigated with micro-meteorological and SF6 tracer measurements collected in Prudhoe Bay, AK. he flat, snow-covered tundra surface at this site generates a very small (0.03 cm) surface roughness. he relatively warm maritime ...

Microeukaryotic diversity in marine environments, an analysis of surface layer sediments from the East Sea.

PubMed

Park, Soo-Je; Park, Byoung-Joon; Pham, Vinh Hoa; Yoon, Dae-No; Kim, Si-Kwan; Rhee, Sung-Keun

2008-06-01

Molecular techniques, based on clone library of 18S rRNA gene, were employed to ascertain the diversity of microeukaryotic organisms in sediments from the East Sea. A total of 261 clones were recovered from surface sediments. Most of the clone sequences (90%) were affiliated with protists, dominated by Ciliates (18%) and Dinoflagellates (19%) of Alveolates, phototrophic Stramenopiles (11%), and Cercozoa (20%). Many of the clones were related to uncultivated eukaryotes clones retrieved from anoxic environments with several highly divergent 18S rRNA gene sequences. However, no clones were related to cultivated obligate anaerobic protists. Protistan communities between subsurface layers of 1 and 9 cm shared 23% of total phylotypes which comprised 64% of total clones retrieved. Analysis of diversity indices and rarefaction curve showed that the protistan community within the 1 cm layer exhibited higher diversity than the 9 cm layer. Our results imply that diverse protists remain to be uncovered within marine benthic environments.

Coexisting properties of thermostability and ultraviolet radiation resistance in the main S-layer complex of Deinococcus radiodurans.

PubMed

Farci, Domenica; Slavov, Chavdar; Piano, Dario

2018-01-17

Deinococcus radiodurans is well known for its unusual resistance to different environmental stresses. Recently, we have described a novel complex composed of the surface (S)-layer protein DR_2577 and the carotenoid deinoxanthin. We also showed a role of this complex in the UV resistance under desiccation. Both these properties, UV and desiccation resistance, suggest a selective pressure generated by Sun irradiation. In order to confirm this hypothesis we checked whether this S-layer Deinoxanthin Binding Complex (SDBC) has features of thermo-resistance, a property also expected in proteins evolved under solar irradiative pressure. We performed the spectroscopic characterization of the SDBC by means of thermal shift assay, circular dichroism and related in silico analysis. Our findings identify a stability typical of thermo-adapted proteins and provide a new insight into the origin of specific S-layer types. The results are discussed in terms of co-evolutionary mechanisms related to Sun-induced desiccation and heat.

Constituency and origins of cyclic growth layers in pelecypod shells, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, W. B. N.

1972-01-01

Growth layers occurring in shells of 98 species of pelecypods were examined microscopically in thin section and as natural and etched surfaces. Study began with shells of eleven species known from life history investigations to have annual cycles of growth. Internal microstructural features of the annual layers in these shells provided criteria for recognition of similar, apparently annual shell increments in eighty-six of eighty-seven other species. All of the specimens feature growth laminae, commonly on the order of 50 microns in thickness. The specimens from shallow marine environments show either a clustering of growth laminae related to the formation of concentric ridges or minor growth bands on the external shell surface. Based on observations of the number of growth laminae and clusters per annual-growth layer, it was hypothesised that the subannual increments may be related to daily and fortnightly (and in some cases monthly) cycles in the environment. Possible applications of the paleogrowth method in the fields of paleoecology and paleoclimatology are discussed.

Radiocarbon Ages and Environments of Deposition of the Wono and Trego Hot Springs Tephra Layers in the Pyramid Lake Subbasin, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benson, L.V.; Smoot, J.P.; Kashgarian, Michaele; Sarna-Wojcicki, A.; Burdett, J.W.

1997-01-01

Uncalibrated radiocarbon data from core PLC92B taken from Wizards Cove in the Pyramid Lake subbasin indicate that the Trego Hot Springs and Wono tephra layers were deposited 23,200 ?? 300 and 27,300 ??300 14C yr B.P. (uncorrected for reservoir effect). Sedimentological data from sites in the Pyramid Lake and Smoke Creek-Black Rock Desert subbasins indicate that the Trego Hot Springs tephra layer was deposited during a relatively dry period when Pyramid Lake was at or below its spill point (1177 m) to the Winnemucca Lake subbasin. The Wono tephra layer was deposited when lake depth was controlled by spill across Emerson Pass sill (1207 m) to the Smoke Creek-Black Rock Desert subbasin. 18O data from core PLC92B also support the concept that the Trego Hot Springs tephra fell into a relatively shallow Pyramid Lake and that the Wono tephra fell into a deeper spilling lake. ?? 1997 University of Washington.

Self-propagated combustion synthesis of few-layered graphene: an optical properties perspective.

PubMed

Mohandoss, Manonmani; Sen Gupta, Soujit; Kumar, Ramesh; Islam, Md Rabiul; Som, Anirban; Mohd, Azhardin Ganayee; Pradeep, T; Maliyekkal, Shihabudheen M

2018-04-26

This paper describes a labour efficient and cost-effective strategy to prepare few-layered of reduced graphene oxide like (RGOL) sheets from graphite. The self-propagated combustion route enables the bulk production of RGOL sheets. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the formation of few-layer graphene sheets of an average thickness of ∼3 nm and the presence of some oxygen functional groups with a C/O ratio of 8.74. A possible mechanistic pathway for the formation of RGOL sheets is proposed. The optical properties of the RGOL sample were studied in detail by means of Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE). The experimental abilities of SE in relating the optical properties with the number of oxygen functionalities present in the samples are explored. The data were analysed by a double-layered optical model along with the Drude-Lorentz oscillatory dispersion relation. The refractive index (n = 2.24), extinction coefficient (k = 2.03), and dielectric functions are obtained using point-by-point analysis and are also checked for Kramers-Kronig (KK) consistency.

Layer detection and snowpack stratigraphy characterisation from digital penetrometer signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Floyer, James Antony

Forecasting for slab avalanches benefits from precise measurements of snow stratigraphy. Snow penetrometers offer the possibility of providing detailed information about snowpack structure; however, their use has yet to be adopted by avalanche forecasting operations in Canada. A manually driven, variable rate force-resistance penetrometer is tested for its ability to measure snowpack information suitable for avalanche forecasting and for spatial variability studies on snowpack properties. Subsequent to modifications, weak layers of 5 mm thick are reliably detected from the penetrometer signals. Rate effects are investigated and found to be insignificant for push velocities between 0.5 to 100 cm s-1 for dry snow. An analysis of snow deformation below the penetrometer tip is presented using particle image velocimetry and two zones associated with particle deflection are identified. The compacted zone is a region of densified snow that is pushed ahead of the penetrometer tip; the deformation zone is a broader zone surrounding the compacted zone, where deformation is in compression and in shear. Initial formation of the compacted zone is responsible for pronounced force spikes in the penetrometer signal. A layer tracing algorithm for tracing weak layers, crusts and interfaces across transects or grids of penetrometer profiles is presented. This algorithm uses Wiener spiking deconvolution to detect a portion of the signal manually identified as a layer in one profile across to an adjacent profile. Layer tracing is found to be most effective for tracing crusts and prominent weak layers, although weak layers close to crusts were not well traced. A framework for extending this method for detecting weak layers with no prior knowledge of weak layer existence is also presented. A study relating the fracture character of layers identified in compression tests is presented. A multivariate model is presented that distinguishes between sudden and other fracture characters 80% of the time. Transects of penetrometer profiles are presented over several alpine terrain features commonly associated with spatial variability of snowpack properties. Physical processes relating to the variability of certain snowpack properties revealed in the transects is discussed. The importance of characteristic signatures for training avalanche practitioners to recognise potentially unstable terrain is also discussed.

A procedure and program to calculate shuttle mask advantage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balasinski, A.; Cetin, J.; Kahng, A.; Xu, X.

2006-10-01

A well-known recipe for reducing mask cost component in product development is to place non-redundant elements of layout databases related to multiple products on one reticle plate [1,2]. Such reticles are known as multi-product, multi-layer, or, in general, multi-IP masks. The composition of the mask set should minimize not only the layout placement cost, but also the cost of the manufacturing process, design flow setup, and product design and introduction to market. An important factor is the quality check which should be expeditious and enable thorough visual verification to avoid costly modifications once the data is transferred to the mask shop. In this work, in order to enable the layer placement and quality check procedure, we proposed an algorithm where mask layers are first lined up according to the price and field tone [3]. Then, depending on the product die size, expected fab throughput, and scribeline requirements, the subsequent product layers are placed on the masks with different grades. The actual reduction of this concept to practice allowed us to understand the tradeoffs between the automation of layer placement and setup related constraints. For example, the limited options of the numbers of layer per plate dictated by the die size and other design feedback, made us consider layer pairing based not only on the final price of the mask set, but also on the cost of mask design and fab-friendliness. We showed that it may be advantageous to introduce manual layer pairing to ensure that, e.g., all interconnect layers would be placed on the same plate, allowing for easy and simultaneous design fixes. Another enhancement was to allow some flexibility in mixing and matching of the layers such that non-critical ones requiring low mask grade would be placed in a less restrictive way, to reduce the count of orphan layers. In summary, we created a program to automatically propose and visualize shuttle mask architecture for design verification, with enhancements to due to the actual application of the code.

Splitting of the neutral mechanical plane depends on the length of the multi-layer structure of flexible electronics.

PubMed

Li, Shuang; Su, Yewang; Li, Rui

2016-06-01

Multi-layer structures with soft (compliant) interlayers have been widely used in flexible electronics and photonics as an effective design for reducing interactions among the hard (stiff) layers and thus avoiding the premature failure of an entire device. The analytic model for bending of such a structure has not been well established due to its complex mechanical behaviour. Here, we present a rational analytic model, without any parameter fitting, to study the bending of a multi-layer structure on a cylinder, which is often regarded as an important approach to mechanical reliability testing of flexible electronics and photonics. For the first time, our model quantitatively reveals that, as the key for accurate strain control, the splitting of the neutral mechanical plane depends not only on the relative thickness of the middle layer, but also on the length-to-thickness ratio of the multi-layer structure. The model accurately captures the key quantities, including the axial strains in the top and bottom layers, the shear strain in the middle layer and the locations of the neutral mechanical planes of the top and bottom layers. The effects of the length of the multi-layer and the thickness of the middle layer are elaborated. This work is very useful for the design of multi-layer structure-based flexible electronics and photonics.

Splitting of the neutral mechanical plane depends on the length of the multi-layer structure of flexible electronics

PubMed Central

Li, Shuang; Li, Rui

2016-01-01

Multi-layer structures with soft (compliant) interlayers have been widely used in flexible electronics and photonics as an effective design for reducing interactions among the hard (stiff) layers and thus avoiding the premature failure of an entire device. The analytic model for bending of such a structure has not been well established due to its complex mechanical behaviour. Here, we present a rational analytic model, without any parameter fitting, to study the bending of a multi-layer structure on a cylinder, which is often regarded as an important approach to mechanical reliability testing of flexible electronics and photonics. For the first time, our model quantitatively reveals that, as the key for accurate strain control, the splitting of the neutral mechanical plane depends not only on the relative thickness of the middle layer, but also on the length-to-thickness ratio of the multi-layer structure. The model accurately captures the key quantities, including the axial strains in the top and bottom layers, the shear strain in the middle layer and the locations of the neutral mechanical planes of the top and bottom layers. The effects of the length of the multi-layer and the thickness of the middle layer are elaborated. This work is very useful for the design of multi-layer structure-based flexible electronics and photonics. PMID:27436977

Keratin-lipid structural organization in the corneous layer of snake.

PubMed

Ripamonti, Alberto; Alibardi, Lorenzo; Falini, Giuseppe; Fermani, Simona; Gazzano, Massimo

2009-12-01

The shed epidermis (molt) of snakes comprises four distinct layers. The upper two layers, here considered as beta-layer, contain essentially beta-keratin. The following layer, known as mesos-layer, is similar to the human stratum corneum, and is formed by thin cells surrounded by intercellular lipids. The latter layer mainly contains alpha-keratin. In this study, the molecular assemblies of proteins and lipids contained in these layers have been analyzed in the scale of two species of snakes, the elapid Tiger snake (TS, Notechis scutatus) and the viperid Gabon viper (GV, Bitis gabonica). Scanning X-ray micro-diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy experiments confirm the presence of the three layers in the GV skin scale. Conversely, in the TS molt a typical alpha-keratin layer appears to be absent. In the latter, experimental data suggest the presence of two domains similar to those found in the lipid intercellular matrix of stratum corneum. X-ray diffraction data also allow to determine the relative orientation of keratins and lipids. The keratin fibrils are randomly oriented inside the layers parallel to the surface of scales while the lipids are organized in lamellar structures having aliphatic chains normal to the scale surface. The high ordered lipid organization in the mature mesos layer probably increases its effectiveness in limiting water-loss.

Stability of hypersonic boundary-layer flows with chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, Helen L.; Stuckert, Gregory K.; Haynes, Timothy S.

1993-01-01

The effects of nonequilibrium chemistry and three dimensionality on the stability characteristics of hypersonic flows are discussed. In two-dimensional (2-D) and axisymmetric flows, the inclusion of chemistry causes a shift of the second mode of Mack to lower frequencies. This is found to be due to the increase in size of the region of relative supersonic flow because of the lower speeds of sound in the relatively cooler boundary layers. Although this shift in frequency is present in both the equilibrium and nonequilibrium air results, the equilibrium approximation predicts modes which are not observed in the nonequilibrium calculations (for the flight conditions considered). These modes are superpositions of incoming and outgoing unstable disturbances which travel supersonically relative to the boundary-layer edge velocity. Such solutions are possible because of the finite shock stand-off distance. Their corresponding wall-normal profiles exhibit an oscillatory behavior in the inviscid region between the boundary-layer edge and the bow shock. For the examination of three-dimensional (3-D) effects, a rotating cone is used as a model of a swept wing. An increase of stagnation temperature is found to be only slightly stabilizing. The correlation of transition location (N = 9) with parameters describing the crossflow profile is discussed. Transition location does not correlate with the traditional crossflow Reynolds number. A new parameter that appears to correlate for boundary-layer flow was found. A verification with experiments on a yawed cone is provided.

Characterization of Three Different Unusual S-Layer Proteins from Viridibacillus arvi JG-B58 That Exhibits Two Super-Imposed S-Layer Proteins

PubMed Central

Günther, Tobias J.; Raff, Johannes; Pollmann, Katrin

2016-01-01

Genomic analyses of Viridibacillus arvi JG-B58 that was previously isolated from heavy metal contaminated environment identified three different putative surface layer (S-layer) protein genes namely slp1, slp2, and slp3. All three genes are expressed during cultivation. At least two of the V. arvi JG-B58 S-layer proteins were visualized on the surface of living cells via atomic force microscopy (AFM). These S-layer proteins form a double layer with p4 symmetry. The S-layer proteins were isolated from the cells using two different methods. Purified S-layer proteins were recrystallized on SiO2 substrates in order to study the structure of the arrays and self-assembling properties. The primary structure of all examined S-layer proteins lack some features that are typical for Bacillus or Lysinibacillus S-layers. For example, they possess no SLH domains that are usually responsible for the anchoring of the proteins to the cell wall. Further, the pI values are relatively high ranging from 7.84 to 9.25 for the matured proteins. Such features are typical for S-layer proteins of Lactobacillus species although sequence comparisons indicate a close relationship to S-layer proteins of Lysinibacillus and Bacillus strains. In comparison to the numerous descriptions of S-layers, there are only a few studies reporting the concomitant existence of two different S-layer proteins on cell surfaces. Together with the genomic data, this is the first description of a novel type of S-layer proteins showing features of Lactobacillus as well as of Bacillus-type S-layer proteins and the first study of the cell envelope of Viridibacillus arvi. PMID:27285458

Layered ultra-thin coherent structures used as electrical resistors having low-temperature coefficient of resistivity

DOEpatents

Werner, T.R.; Falco, C.M.; Schuller, I.K.

1982-08-31

A thin film resistor having a controlled temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) ranging from negative to positive degrees kelvin and having relatively high resistivity. The resistor is a multilayer superlattice crystal containing a plurality of alternating, ultra-thin layers of two different metals. TCR is varied by controlling the thickness of the individual layers. The resistor can be readily prepared by methods compatible with thin film circuitry manufacturing techniques.

3D structural patterns in scalable, elastomeric scaffolds guide engineered tissue architecture.

PubMed

Kolewe, Martin E; Park, Hyoungshin; Gray, Caprice; Ye, Xiaofeng; Langer, Robert; Freed, Lisa E

2013-08-27

Microfabricated elastomeric scaffolds with 3D structural patterns are created by semiautomated layer-by-layer assembly of planar polymer sheets with through-pores. The mesoscale interconnected pore architectures governed by the relative alignment of layers are shown to direct cell and muscle-like fiber orientation in both skeletal and cardiac muscle, enabling scale up of tissue constructs towards clinically relevant dimensions. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Low-frequency Raman modes as fingerprints of layer stacking configurations of transition metal dichalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Liangbo; Puretzky, Alexander; Sumpter, Bobby; Meunier, Vincent; Geohegan, David; David B. Geohegan Team; Vincent Meunier Team

The tunable optoelectronic properties of stacked two-dimensional (2D) crystal monolayers are determined by their stacking orientation, order, and atomic registry. Atomic-resolution Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (AR-Z-STEM) can be used to determine the exact atomic registration between different layers in few-layer 2D stacks; however, fast and relatively inexpensive optical characterization techniques are essential for rapid development of the field. Using two- and three-layer MoSe2 and WSe2 crystals synthesized by chemical vapor deposition, we show that the generally unexplored low-frequency (LF) Raman modes (<50 cm-1) that originate from interlayer vibrations can serve as fingerprints to characterize not only the number of layers, but also their stacking configurations [Puretzky and Liang et al, ACS Nano 2015, 9, 6333]. First-principles Raman calculations and group theory analysis corroborate the experimental assignments determined by AR-Z-STEM and show that the calculated LF mode fingerprints are related to the 2D crystal symmetries. Our combined experimental/theoretical work demonstrates the LF Raman modes potentially more effective than HF Raman modes to probe the layer stacking and interlayer interaction for 2D materials. The authors acknowledge support from Eugene P. Wigner Fellowship at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, a DOE Office of Science User Facility.

Locomotion of bacteria in liquid flow and the boundary layer effect on bacterial attachment

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

Zhang, Chao, E-mail: zhangchao@cqu.edu.cn; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030; Liao, Qiang, E-mail: lqzx@cqu.edu.cn

The formation of biofilm greatly affects the performance of biological reactors, which highly depends on bacterial swimming and attachment that usually takes place in liquid flow. Therefore, bacterial swimming and attachment on flat and circular surfaces with the consideration of flow was studied experimentally. Besides, a mathematical model comprehensively combining bacterial swimming and motion with flow is proposed for the simulation of bacterial locomotion and attachment in flow. Both experimental and theoretical results revealed that attached bacteria density increases with decreasing boundary layer thickness on both flat and circular surfaces, the consequence of which is inherently related to the competitionmore » between bacterial swimming and the non-slip motion with flow evaluated by the Péclet number. In the boundary layer, where the Péclet number is relatively higher, bacterial locomotion mainly depends on bacterial swimming. Thinner boundary layer promotes bacterial swimming towards the surface, leading to higher attachment density. To enhance the performance of biofilm reactors, it is effective to reduce the boundary layer thickness on desired surfaces. - Highlights: • Study of bacterial locomotion in flow as an early stage in biofilm formation. • Mathematical model combining bacterial swimming and the motion with flow. • Boundary layer plays a key role in bacterial attachment under flow condition. • The competition between bacterial swimming and the motion with flow is evaluated.« less

pn-Heterojunction effects of perylene tetracarboxylic diimide derivatives on pentacene field-effect transistor.

PubMed

Yu, Seong Hun; Kang, Boseok; An, Gukil; Kim, BongSoo; Lee, Moo Hyung; Kang, Moon Sung; Kim, Hyunjung; Lee, Jung Heon; Lee, Shichoon; Cho, Kilwon; Lee, Jun Young; Cho, Jeong Ho

2015-01-28

We investigated the heterojunction effects of perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) derivatives on the pentacene-based field-effect transistors (FETs). Three PTCDI derivatives with different substituents were deposited onto pentacene layers and served as charge transfer dopants. The deposited PTCDI layer, which had a nominal thickness of a few layers, formed discontinuous patches on the pentacene layers and dramatically enhanced the hole mobility in the pentacene FET. Among the three PTCDI molecules tested, the octyl-substituted PTCDI, PTCDI-C8, provided the most efficient hole-doping characteristics (p-type) relative to the fluorophenyl-substituted PTCDIs, 4-FPEPTC and 2,4-FPEPTC. The organic heterojunction and doping characteristics were systematically investigated using atomic force microscopy, 2D grazing incidence X-ray diffraction studies, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. PTCDI-C8, bearing octyl substituents, grew laterally on the pentacene layer (2D growth), whereas 2,4-FPEPTC, with fluorophenyl substituents, underwent 3D growth. The different growth modes resulted in different contact areas and relative orientations between the pentacene and PTCDI molecules, which significantly affected the doping efficiency of the deposited adlayer. The differences between the growth modes and the thin-film microstructures in the different PTCDI patches were attributed to a mismatch between the surface energies of the patches and the underlying pentacene layer. The film-morphology-dependent doping effects observed here offer practical guidelines for achieving more effective charge transfer doping in thin-film transistors.

Expanding the "Active Layer": Discussion of Church and Haschenburger (2017) What is the "Active Layer"? Water Resources Research 53, 5-10, Doi:10.1002/2016WR019675

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashmore, Peter; Peirce, Sarah; Leduc, Pauline

2018-03-01

Church and Haschenburger (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016WR019675) make helpful distinctions around the issue of defining the active layer, with which we agree. We propose expanding discussion and definition of the "active layer" in fluvial bedload transport to include the concept of the "morphological active layer." This is particularly applicable to laterally unstable rivers (such as braided rivers) in which progressive morphological change over short time periods is the process by which much of the bedload transport occurs. The morphological active layer is also distinguished by variable lateral and longitudinal extent continuity over a range of flows and transport intensity. We suggest that the issue of forms of active layer raised by Church and Haschenburger opens up an important discussion on the nature of bedload transport in relation to river morpho-dynamics over the range of river types.

MCrAlY bond coat with enhanced yttrium

DOEpatents

Jablonski, Paul D.; Hawk, Jeffrey A.

2016-08-30

One or more embodiments relates to a method of producing an MCrAlY bond coat comprising an MCrAlY layer in contact with a Y--Al.sub.2O.sub.3 layer. The MCrAlY layer is comprised of a .gamma.-M solid solution, a .beta.-MAl intermetallic phase, and Y-type intermetallics. The Y--Al.sub.2O.sub.3 layer is comprised of Yttrium atoms coordinated with oxygen atoms comprising the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 lattice. The method comprises depositing an MCrAlY material on a substrate, applying an Y.sub.2O.sub.3 paste, and heating the substrate in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 400-1300.degree. C. for a time sufficient to generate the Y--Al.sub.2O.sub.3 layer. Both the MCrAlY layer and the Y--Al.sub.2O.sub.3 layer have a substantial absence of Y.sub.2O.sub.3, YAG, and YAP phases.

Stratigraphy of the layered terrain in Valles Marineris, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Komatsu, G.; Strom, Roger G.

1991-01-01

The layered terrain in Valles Marineris provides information about its origin and the geologic history of this canyon system. Whether the terrain is sedimentary material deposited in a dry or lacustrine environment, or volcanic material related to the tectonics of the canyon is still controversial. However, recent studies of Gangis Layered Terrain suggests a cyclic sequence of deposition and erosion under episodic lacustrine conditions. The stratigraphic studies are extended to four other occurrences of layered terrains in Valles Marineris in an attempt to correlate and distinguish between depositional environments. The Juvantae Chasma, Hebes Chasma, Ophir and Candor Chasmata, Melas Chasma, and Gangis Layered Terrain were examined. Although there are broad similarities among the layered terrains, no two deposits are exactly alike. This suggests that there was no synchronized regional depositional processes to form all the layered deposits. However, the similar erosional style of the lower massive weakly bedded unit in Hebes, Gangis, and Ophir-Candor suggests it may have been deposited under similar circumstances.

Database of well and areal data, South San Francisco Bay and Peninsula area, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leighton, D.A.; Fio, J.L.; Metzger, L.F.

1995-01-01

A database was developed to organize and manage data compiled for a regional assessment of geohydrologic and water-quality conditions in the south San Francisco Bay and Peninsula area in California. Available data provided by local, State, and Federal agencies and private consultants was utilized in the assessment. The database consists of geographicinformation system data layers and related tables and American Standard Code for Information Interchange files. Documentation of the database is necessary to avoid misinterpretation of the data and to make users aware of potential errors and limitations. Most of the data compiled were collected from wells and boreholes (collectively referred to as wells in this report). This point-specific data, including construction, water-level, waterquality, pumping test, and lithologic data, are contained in tables and files that are related to a geographic information system data layer that contains the locations of the wells. There are 1,014 wells in the data layer and the related tables contain 35,845 water-level measurements (from 293 of the wells) and 9,292 water-quality samples (from 394 of the wells). Calculation of hydraulic heads and gradients from the water levels can be affected adversely by errors in the determination of the altitude of land surface at the well. Cation and anion balance computations performed on 396 of the water-quality samples indicate high cation and anion balance errors for 51 (13 percent) of the samples. Well drillers' reports were interpreted for 762 of the wells, and digital representations of the lithology of the formations are contained in files following the American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The usefulness of drillers' descriptions of the formation lithology is affected by the detail and thoroughness of the drillers' descriptions, as well as the knowledge, experience, and vocabulary of the individual who described the drill cuttings. Additional data layers were created that contain political, geohydrologic, and other geographic data. These layers contain features represented by areas and lines rather than discrete points. The layers consist of data representing the thickness of alluvium, surficial geology, physiographic subareas, watershed boundaries, land use, water-supply districts, wastewater treatment districts, and recharge basins. The layers manually digitizing paper maps, acquisition of data already in digital form, or creation of new layers from available layers. The scale of the source data affects the accurate representation of real-world features with the data layer, and, therefore, the scale of the source data must be considered when the data are analyzed and plotted.

Flower-like ZnO nanorod arrays grown on HF-etched Si (111): constraining relation between ZnO seed layer and Si (111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brahma, Sanjaya; Liu, C.-W.; Huang, R.-J.; Chang, S.-J.; Lo, K.-Y.

2015-11-01

We demonstrate the formation of self-assembled homogenous flower-like ZnO nanorods over a ZnO seed layer deposited on a HF-etched Si (111) substrate. The typical flower-like morphology of ZnO nanorod arrays is ascribed to the formation of the island-like seed layer which is deposited by the drop method followed by annealing at 300 °C. The island-like ZnO seed layer consists of larger ZnO grains, and is built by constraining of the Si (111) surface due to pattern matching. Pattern matching of Si with ZnO determines the shape and size of the seed layer and this controls the final morphology of ZnO nanorods to be either flower like or vertically aligned. The high quality of the island-like ZnO seed layer enhances the diameter and length of ZnO nanorods. Besides, while the amorphous layer formed during the annealing process would influence the strained ZnO grain, that subsequent amorphous layer will not block the constraining between the ZnO grain and the substrate.

Threading Dislocations in InGaAs/GaAs (001) Buffer Layers for Metamorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yifei; Kujofsa, Tedi; Ayers, John E.

2018-07-01

In order to evaluate various buffer layers for metamorphic devices, threading dislocation densities have been calculated for uniform composition In x Ga1- x As device layers deposited on GaAs (001) substrates with an intermediate graded buffer layer using the L MD model, where L MD is the average length of misfit dislocations. On this basis, we compare the relative effectiveness of buffer layers with linear, exponential, and S-graded compositional profiles. In the case of a 2 μm thick buffer layer linear grading results in higher threading dislocation densities in the device layer compared to either exponential or S-grading. When exponential grading is used, lower threading dislocation densities are obtained with a smaller length constant. In the S-graded case, lower threading dislocation densities result when a smaller standard deviation parameter is used. As the buffer layer thickness is decreased from 2 μm to 0.1 μm all of the above effects are diminished, and the absolute threading dislocation densities increase.

Indentation and overall compression behavior of multilayered thin-film composites. Effect of undulating layer geometry

DOE PAGES

Jamison, Ryan D.; Shen, Y. -L.

2015-03-19

Two finite element models are used to investigate the behavior of aluminum/silicon carbide thin-film layered composites with imperfect internal geometry when subjected to various loadings. In both models, undulating layers are represented by regular waveforms with various amplitudes, wavelengths, and phase offsets. First, uniaxial compressive loading of the composite is considered. The modulus and stress/strain response of the composite is sensitive to both loading direction and frequency of the undulation. Second, the nanoindentation response of the composite is investigated. The derived hardness and modulus are shown to be sensitive to the presence of undulating layers and the relative size ofmore » the indenter to the undulation. Undulating layers create bands of tensile and compressive stress in the indentation direction that are significantly different from the flat layers. The amount of equivalent plastic strain in the Al layers is increased by the presence of undulating layers. The correlations between the two forms of loading, and the implications to composite property measurement are carefully examined in this study.« less

Water Vapor Permeation of Metal Oxide/Polymer Coated Plastic Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Numata, Yukihiro; Oya, Toshiyuki; Kuwahara, Mitsuru; Ito, Katsuya

Barrier performance to water vapor permeation of ceramic coated layers deposited on flexible polymer films is of great interest to food packaging, medical device packaging and flat panel display industries. In this study, a new type film in which a ceramic layer is deposited on a polymer coated film was proposed for lower water vapor permeation. It is important how to control interfacial properties between each layer and film for good barrier performance. Several kinds of polymer coated materials were prepared for changing surface free energy of the films before and after depositing the ceramic layer. The ceramic layer, which is composed of mixed material of SiO2 and Al2O3, was adopted under the same conditions. The following results were obtained; 1) Water vapor permeation is not related to the surface energy of polymer coated films, 2) After depositing the ceramic layer, however, a strong correlation is observed between the water vapor permeation and surface free energy. 3) The phenomenon is considered that the polarity of the polymer layers plays a key role in changing the structure of ceramic coated layers.

Formation of anodic layers on InAs (111)III. Study of the chemical composition

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

Valisheva, N. A., E-mail: valisheva@thermo.isp.nsc.ru; Tereshchenko, O. E.; Prosvirin, I. P.

2012-04-15

The chemical composition of {approx}20-nm-thick anodic layers grown on InAs (111)III in alkaline and acid electrolytes containing or not containing NH{sub 4}F is studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is shown that the composition of fluorinated layers is controlled by the relation between the concentrations of fluorine and hydroxide ions in the electrolyte and by diffusion processes in the growing layer. Fluorine accumulates at the (anodic layer)/InAs interface. Oxidation of InAs in an acid electrolyte with a low oxygen content and a high NH{sub 4}F content brings about the formation of anodic layers with a high content of fluorine andmore » elemental arsenic and the formation of an oxygen-free InF{sub x}/InAs interface. Fluorinated layers grown in an alkaline electrolyte with a high content of O{sup 2-} and/or OH{sup -} groups contain approximately three times less fluorine and consist of indium and arsenic oxyfluorides. No distinction between the compositions of the layers grown in both types of fluorine-free electrolytes is established.« less

Influence of dielectric protective layer on laser damage resistance of gold coated gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kepeng; Ma, Ping; Pu, Yunti; Xia, Zhilin

2016-03-01

Aiming at the problem that the damage threshold of gold coated grating is relatively low, a dielectric film is considered on the gold coated gratings as a protective layer. The thickness range of the protective layer is determined under the prerequisite that the diffraction efficiency of the gold coated grating is reduced to an acceptable degree. In this paper, the electromagnetic field, the temperature field and the stress field distribution in the grating are calculated when the silica and hafnium oxide are used as protective layers, under the preconditions of the electromagnetic field distribution of the gratings known. The results show that the addition of the protective layer changes the distribution of the electromagnetic field, temperature field and stress field in the grating, and the protective layer with an appropriate thickness can improve the laser damage resistance of the grating.

Thin Carbon Layers on Nanostructured Silicon-Properties and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelescu, Anca; Kleps, Irina; Miu, Mihaela; Simion, Monica; Bragaru, Adina; Petrescu, Stefana; Paduraru, Crina; Raducanu, Aurelia

Thin carbon layers such as silicon carbide (SiC) and diamond like carbon (DLC) layers on silicon, or on nanostructured silicon substrats were obtained by different methods. This paper is a review of our results in the areas of carbon layer microfabrication technologies and their properties related to different microsystem apllications. So, silicon membranes using a-SiC or DLC layers as etching mask, as well as silicon carbide membranes using a combined porous silicon — DLC structure were fabricated for sensor applications. A detailed evaluation of the field emission (FE) properties of these films was done to demonstrate their capability to be used in field emission devices. Carbon thin layers on nanostructured silicon samples were also investigated with respect to the living cell adhesion on these structures. The experiments indicate that the cell attachment on the surface of carbon coatings can be controlled by deposition parameters during the technological process.

Interpretation of magnetotelluric resistivity and phase soundings over horizontal layers

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

Patella, D.

1976-02-01

The present paper deals with a new inverse method for quantitatively interpreting magnetotelluric apparent resistivity and phase-lag sounding curves over horizontally stratified earth sections. The recurrent character of the general formula relating the wave impedance of an (n-l)-layered medium to that of an n-layered medium suggests the use of the method of reduction to a lower boundary plane, as originally termed by Koefoed in the case of dc resistivity soundings. The layering parameters are so directly derived by a simple iterative procedure. The method is applicable for any number of layers but only when both apparent resistivity and phase-lag soundingmore » curves are jointly available. Moreover no sophisticated algorithm is required: a simple desk electronic calculator together with a sheet of two-layer apparent resistivity and phase-lag master curves are sufficient to reproduce earth sections which, in the range of equivalence, are all consistent with field data.« less

Enhanced Detectability of Community Structure in Multilayer Networks through Layer Aggregation.

PubMed

Taylor, Dane; Shai, Saray; Stanley, Natalie; Mucha, Peter J

2016-06-03

Many systems are naturally represented by a multilayer network in which edges exist in multiple layers that encode different, but potentially related, types of interactions, and it is important to understand limitations on the detectability of community structure in these networks. Using random matrix theory, we analyze detectability limitations for multilayer (specifically, multiplex) stochastic block models (SBMs) in which L layers are derived from a common SBM. We study the effect of layer aggregation on detectability for several aggregation methods, including summation of the layers' adjacency matrices for which we show the detectability limit vanishes as O(L^{-1/2}) with increasing number of layers, L. Importantly, we find a similar scaling behavior when the summation is thresholded at an optimal value, providing insight into the common-but not well understood-practice of thresholding pairwise-interaction data to obtain sparse network representations.

Teflon/SiO₂ Bilayer Passivation for Improving the Electrical Reliability of Oxide TFTs Fabricated Using a New Two-Photomask Self-Alignment Process.

PubMed

Fan, Ching-Lin; Shang, Ming-Chi; Li, Bo-Jyun; Lin, Yu-Zuo; Wang, Shea-Jue; Lee, Win-Der; Hung, Bohr-Ran

2015-04-13

This study proposes a two-photomask process for fabricating amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) that exhibit a self-aligned structure. The fabricated TFTs, which lack etching-stop (ES) layers, have undamaged a-IGZO active layers that facilitate superior performance. In addition, we demonstrate a bilayer passivation method that uses a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and SiO₂ combination layer for improving the electrical reliability of the fabricated TFTs. Teflon was deposited as a buffer layer through thermal evaporation. The Teflon layer exhibited favorable compatibility with the underlying IGZO channel layer and effectively protected the a-IGZO TFTs from plasma damage during SiO₂ deposition, resulting in a negligible initial performance drop in the a-IGZO TFTs. Compared with passivation-free a-IGZO TFTs, passivated TFTs exhibited superior stability even after 168 h of aging under ambient air at 95% relative humidity.

Reverse engineering of the homogeneous-entity product profiles based on CCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Yong; Zhong, Jingru; Sun, Ning; Sun, Aoran

2011-08-01

This measurement system uses delaminated measurement principle, measures the three perpendicular direction values of the entities. When the measured entity is immerged in the liquid layer by layer, every layer's image are collected by CCD and digitally processed. It introduces the basic measuring principle and the working process of the measure method. According to Archimedes law, the related buoyancy and volume that soaked in different layer's depth are measured by electron balance and the mathematics models are established. Through calculating every layer's weight and centre of gravity by computer based on the method of Artificial Intelligence, we can reckon 3D coordinate values of every minute entity cell in different layers and its 3D contour picture is constructed. The experimental results show that for all the homogeneous entity insoluble in water, it can measure them. The measurement velocity is fast and non-destructive test, it can measure the entity with internal hole.

Theoretical studies on a TeO2/ZnO/diamond-layered structure for zero TCD SAW devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewan, Namrata; Sreenivas, K.; Gupta, Vinay

2008-08-01

High-frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices based on diamond substrate are useful because of their very high SAW velocity. In the present work, SAW propagation characteristics, such as phase velocity, coupling coefficient and temperature coefficient of delay (TCD) of a TeO2/ZnO/diamond-layered structure, are examined using theoretical calculations. The ZnO/diamond bi-layer structure is found to exhibit a high positive TCD value. A zero TCD device structure is obtained after integration with a TeO2 over layer having a negative TCD value. Introduction of a non-piezoelectric TeO2 over layer on the bi-layer structure (ZnO/diamond) increases the coupling coefficient. A relatively low thickness of TeO2 thin film (~(1.6-3.1) × 10-3λ) is required to achieve temperature-stable SAW devices based on diamond.

Addition and subtraction of spin pumping voltages in magnetic hybrid structures

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

Azevedo, A., E-mail: aac@df.ufpe.br; Alves Santos, O.; Cunha, R. O.

2014-04-14

We report an investigation of the spin pumping voltage generated in bilayers of ferromagnetic/normal metal in which the ferromagnetic layer is yttrium iron garnet or Permalloy and the normal-metal layer is Pt or Ta. We also investigated a special case in which the voltage is detected in single layer of Permalloy under ferromagnetic resonance condition. It is shown that the spin pumping voltage generated in metallic bilayers have contributions from both layers and the resulting voltage depends on the relative signs of charge currents generated by the inverse spin Hall effect. For instance, the spin pumping voltage generated in Tamore » has the same sign as the one generate in single layer of Permalloy, but contrary to the voltage generated in Pt. When the voltage is measured in shunted metallic bilayers, the resulting voltage can be a sum or a subtraction of the voltages generated in both layers.« less

Construction of phase diagrams for nanoscaled Ising thin films on the honeycomb lattice using cellular automata simulation approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghaemi, Mehrdad; Javadi, Nabi

2017-11-01

The phase diagrams of the three-layer Ising model on the honeycomb lattice with a diluted surface have been constructed using the probabilistic cellular automata based on Glauber algorithm. The effects of the exchange interactions on the phase diagrams have been investigated. A general mathematical expression for the critical temperature is obtained in terms of relative coupling r = J1/J and Δs = (Js/J) - 1, where J and Js represent the nearest neighbor coupling within inner- and surface-layers, respectively, and each magnetic site in the surface-layer is coupled with the nearest neighbor site in the inner-layer via the exchange coupling J1. In the case of antiferromagnetic coupling between surface-layer and inner-layer, system reveals many interesting phenomena, such as the possibility of existence of compensation line before the critical temperature.

Organic photosensitive cells grown on rough electrode with nano-scale morphology control

DOEpatents

Yang, Fan [Piscataway, NJ; Forrest, Stephen R [Ann Arbor, MI

2011-06-07

An optoelectronic device and a method for fabricating the optoelectronic device includes a first electrode disposed on a substrate, an exposed surface of the first electrode having a root mean square roughness of at least 30 nm and a height variation of at least 200 nm, the first electrode being transparent. A conformal layer of a first organic semiconductor material is deposited onto the first electrode by organic vapor phase deposition, the first organic semiconductor material being a small molecule material. A layer of a second organic semiconductor material is deposited over the conformal layer. At least some of the layer of the second organic semiconductor material directly contacts the conformal layer. A second electrode is deposited over the layer of the second organic semiconductor material. The first organic semiconductor material is of a donor-type or an acceptor-type relative to the second organic semiconductor material, which is of the other material type.

Recent progress in the study of protective rust-layer formation on weathering steel

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

Yamashita, M.; Misawa, T.

Latest understanding of protective rust layer on weathering steel and its application for structural steels is discussed. Phase transformation of the weathering steel rust layer during long-time exposure brings {alpha}-(Fe{sub 1{minus}x},Cr{sub x})OOH, Cr-substituted goethite, as the final protective rust layer. It is said that the Cr content in the Cr-substituted goethite layer increases gradiently with reaching the rust-steel interface. This increase in the Cr content gives densely packed fine crystal structure end cation selective ability, which impedes the penetration of aggressive corrosives including anions such as Cl{sup {minus}} and SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}. Quite recently, new surface-treatment technique employing Cr{sub 2}(SO{submore » 4}){sub 3}, was proposed, which provides a possibility for obtaining the protective rust layer in a relatively short period even in the severe environment such as coastal region.« less

Bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials: layered structures meet photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jie; Yu, Ying; Zhang, Lizhi

2014-07-01

In recent years, layered bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials have received more and more interest as promising photocatalysts because their unique layered structures endow them with fascinating physicochemical properties; thus, they have great potential photocatalytic applications for environment remediation and energy harvesting. In this article, we explore the synthesis strategies and growth mechanisms of layered bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials, and propose design principles of tailoring a layered configuration to control the nanoarchitectures for high efficient photocatalysis. Subsequently, we focus on their layered structure dependent properties, including pH-related crystal facet exposure and phase transformation, facet-dependent photoactivity and molecular oxygen activation pathways, so as to clarify the origin of the layered structure dependent photoreactivity. Furthermore, we summarize various strategies for modulating the composition and arrangement of layered structures to enhance the photoactivity of nanostructured bismuth oxyhalides via internal electric field tuning, dehalogenation effect, surface functionalization, doping, plasmon modification, and heterojunction construction, which may offer efficient guidance for the design and construction of high-performance bismuth oxyhalide-based photocatalysis systems. Finally, we highlight some crucial issues in engineering the layered-structure mediated properties of bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts and provide tentative suggestions for future research on increasing their photocatalytic performance.

Improved CLARAty Functional-Layer/Decision-Layer Interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estlin, Tara; Rabideau, Gregg; Gaines, Daniel; Johnston, Mark; Chouinard, Caroline; Nessnas, Issa; Shu, I-Hsiang

2008-01-01

Improved interface software for communication between the CLARAty Decision and Functional layers has been developed. [The Coupled Layer Architecture for Robotics Autonomy (CLARAty) was described in Coupled-Layer Robotics Architecture for Autonomy (NPO-21218), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 26, No. 12 (December 2002), page 48. To recapitulate: the CLARAty architecture was developed to improve the modularity of robotic software while tightening coupling between planning/execution and basic control subsystems. Whereas prior robotic software architectures typically contained three layers, the CLARAty contains two layers: a decision layer (DL) and a functional layer (FL).] Types of communication supported by the present software include sending commands from DL modules to FL modules and sending data updates from FL modules to DL modules. The present software supplants prior interface software that had little error-checking capability, supported data parameters in string form only, supported commanding at only one level of the FL, and supported only limited updates of the state of the robot. The present software offers strong error checking, and supports complex data structures and commanding at multiple levels of the FL, and relative to the prior software, offers a much wider spectrum of state-update capabilities.

One-by-one imprinting in two eccentric layers of hollow core-shells: Sequential electroanalysis of anti-HIV drugs.

PubMed

Singh, Kislay; Jaiswal, Swadha; Singh, Richa; Fatma, Sana; Prasad, Bhim Bali

2018-07-15

Double layered one-by-one imprinted hollow core-shells@ pencil graphite electrode was fabricated for sequential sensing of anti-HIV drugs. For this, two eccentric layers were developed on the surface of vinylated silica nanospheres to obtain double layered one-by-one imprinted solid core-shells. This yielded hollow core-shells on treatment with hydrofluoric acid. The modified hollow core-shells (single layered dual imprinted) evolved competitive diffusion of probe/analyte molecules. However, the corresponding double layered one-by-one imprinted hollow core-shells (outer layer imprinted with Zidovudine, and inner layer with Lamivudine) were found relatively better owing to their bilateral diffusions into molecular cavities, without any competition. The entire work is based on differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry at double layered one-by-one imprinted hollow core-shells. This resulted in indirect detection of electro inactive targets with limits of detection as low as 0.91 and 0.12 (aqueous sample), 0.94 and 0.13 (blood serum), and 0.99 and 0.20 ng mL -1 (pharmaceutics) for lamivudine and zidovudine, respectively in anti-HIV drug combination. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stormwater infiltration and surface runoff pollution reduction performance of permeable pavement layers.

PubMed

Niu, Zhi-Guang; Lv, Zhi-Wei; Zhang, Ying; Cui, Zhen-Zhen

2016-02-01

In this paper, the laboratory-scale permeable pavement layers, including a surface permeable brick layer, coarse sand bedding layers (thicknesses = 2, 3.5, and 5 cm), and single-graded gravel sub-base layers (thicknesses = 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm), were built to evaluate stormwater infiltration and surface runoff pollution reduction performance. And, the infiltration rate (I) and concentrations of suspended solids (SS), total phosphorus (TP), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen, and total nitrogen (TN) were measured under the simulated rainfall intensity of 72.4 mm/h over duration of 60 min. The results indicate that the thickness factor primarily influences the infiltration rate and pollutant removal rate. The highest steady infiltration rate was for surface brick layer 51.0 mm/h, for 5-cm sand bedding layer 32.3 mm/h, and for 30-cm gravel sub-base layer 42.3 mm/h, respectively. The SS average removal rate was relative higher (79.8 ∼ 98.6 %) for all layers due to the interception and filtration. The average removal rates of TP and COD were for surface layer 71.2 and 24.1 %, for 5-cm bedding layer 54.8 and 9.0 %, and for 20-cm sub-base layer 72.2 and 26.1 %. Ammonia nitrogen and TN cannot steadily be removed by layers according to the experiment results. The optimal thickness of bedding sands was 5 cm, and that of sub-base gravels was 20 ∼ 30 cm.

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO NUCLEAR REACTOR CORE

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

Bell, F.R.

1963-03-01

A nuclear reactor core composed of a number of stacked horizontal layers is described. Each layer is made up of elements of moderator material of equal height and of generally hexagonal cross-section. Each element has holes containing nuclear fuel and separate ones for coolant. (C.E.S.)

Wind Energy-Related Atmospheric Boundary Layer Large-Eddy Simulation Using OpenFOAM: Preprint

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

Churchfield, M.J.; Vijayakumar, G.; Brasseur, J.G.

This paper develops and evaluates the performance of a large-eddy simulation (LES) solver in computing the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over flat terrain under a variety of stability conditions, ranging from shear driven (neutral stratification) to moderately convective (unstable stratification).

Refinement of current WisDOT HMA mixture application guidelines related to NMAS and aggregate characteristics.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-01-01

Current Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Specifications limit nominal maximum aggregate : size (NMAS) of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) to 12.5 mm in the surface layer and 19.0 mm in lower layers. This : potentially places unnecessary limits on...

Real-Space Formation and Dissipation Dynamics of Hexagonal Reconstruction on Au(100) in Aqueous Media as Explored by Potentiodynamic Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

the clusters appear to form monoatomic layers on the (i x 1) substrate. This assertion, derived from the apparent z-corrugation in the STH images, is...top-layer lattice and thereby displacing one of the nearest-neighbor atoms. A related , although more concerted, atomic motion can also provide a viable...microscopic rate-limiting step(s) for this process are not necessarily related straightforwardly to the free- energy difference for the overall macroscopic

Surface electrons in inverted layers of p-HgCdTe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schacham, Samuel E.; Finkman, Eliezer

1990-01-01

Anodic oxide passivation of p-type HgCdTe generates an inversion layer. Extremely high Hall mobility data for electrons in this layer indicated the presence of a two-dimensional electron gas. This is verified by use of the Shubnikov-de Haas effect from 1.45 to 4.15 K. Data are extracted utilizing a numerical second derivative of dc measurement. Three sub-bands are detected. Their relative occupancies are in excellent agreement with theory and with experimental results obtained on anodic oxide as accumulation layers of n-type HgCdTe. The effective mass derived is comparable to what was expected.

Phase Modulator with Terahertz Optical Bandwidth Formed by Multi-Layered Dielectric Stack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keys, Andrew S. (Inventor); Fork, Richard L. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

An optical phase modulator includes a bandpass multilayer stack, formed by a plurality of dielectric layers, preferably of GaAs and AlAs, and having a transmission function related to the refractive index of the layers of the stack, for receiving an optical input signal to be phase modulated. A phase modulator device produces a nonmechanical change in the refractive index of each layer of the stack by, e.g., the injection of free carrier, to provide shifting of the transmission function so as to produce phase modulation of the optical input signal and to thereby produce a phase modulated output signal.

Ternary metal-rich sulfide with a layered structure

DOEpatents

Franzen, Hugo F.; Yao, Xiaoqiang

1993-08-17

A ternary Nb-Ta-S compound is provided having the atomic formula, Nb.sub.1.72 Ta.sub.3.28 S.sub.2, and exhibiting a layered structure in the sequence S-M3-M2-M1-M2-M3-S wherein S represents sulfur layers and M1, M2, and M3 represent Nb/Ta mixed metal layers. This sequence generates seven sheets stacked along the [001] direction of an approximate body centered cubic crystal structure with relatively weak sulfur-to-sulfur van der Waals type interactions between adjacent sulfur sheets and metal-to-metal bonding within and between adjacent mixed metal sheets.

The nature of the interlayer interaction in bulk and few-layer phosphorus

DOE PAGES

Shulenburger, Luke; Baczewski, A. D.; Zhu, Z.; ...

2015-11-02

Sensitive dependence of the electronic structure on the number of layers in few-layer phosphorene raises a question about the true nature of the interlayer interaction in so-called van der Waals (vdW) solids . We performed quantum Monte Carlo calculations and found that the interlayer interaction in bulk black phosphorus and related few-layer phosphorene is associated with a significant charge redistribution that is incompatible with purely dispersive forces and not captured by density functional theory calculations with different vdW corrected functionals. Lastly, these findings confirm the necessity of more sophisticated treatment of nonlocal electron correlation in total energy calculations.

One-equation near-wall turbulence modeling with the aid of direct simulation data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodi, W.; Mansour, N. N.; Michelassi, V.

1993-01-01

The length scales appearing in the relations for the eddy viscosity and dissipation rate in one-equation models were evaluated from direct numerical (DNS) simulation data for developed channel and boundary-layer flow at two Reynolds numbers each. To prepare the ground for the evaluation, the distribution of the most relevant mean-flow and turbulence quantities is presented and discussed, also with respect to Reynolds-number influence and to differences between channel and boundary-layer flow. An alternative model is tested as near wall component of a two-layer model by application to developed-channel, boundary-layer and backward-facing-step flows.

The Nature of the Interlayer Interaction in Bulk and Few-Layer Phosphorus.

PubMed

Shulenburger, L; Baczewski, A D; Zhu, Z; Guan, J; Tománek, D

2015-12-09

Sensitive dependence of the electronic structure on the number of layers in few-layer phosphorene raises a question about the true nature of the interlayer interaction in so-called "van der Waals (vdW) solids". We performed quantum Monte Carlo calculations and found that the interlayer interaction in bulk black phosphorus and related few-layer phosphorene is associated with a significant charge redistribution that is incompatible with purely dispersive forces and not captured by density functional theory calculations with different vdW corrected functionals. These findings confirm the necessity of more sophisticated treatment of nonlocal electron correlation in total energy calculations.

Application of Satellite SAR Imagery in Mapping the Active Layer of Arctic Permafrost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Ting-Jun; Li, Shu-Sun

2003-01-01

The objective of this project is to map the spatial variation of the active layer over the arctic permafrost in terms of two parameters: (i) timing and duration of thaw period and (ii) differential frost heave and thaw settlement of the active layer. To achieve this goal, remote sensing, numerical modeling, and related field measurements are required. Tasks for the University of Colorado team are to: (i) determine the timing of snow disappearance in spring through changes in surface albedo (ii) simulate the freezing and thawing processes of the active layer and (iii) simulate the impact of snow cover on permafrost presence.

[Factors influencing the measurement of tear film lipid layer thickness with interferometry].

PubMed

Finis, D; Pischel, N; Borrelli, M; Schrader, S; Geerling, G

2014-06-01

The quantitative measurement of the tear film lipid layer thickness is a relatively new and promising method. However, so far it has not been investigated whether there is a diurnal or a day to day variability and whether certain factors are confounding the measurement of the lipid layer thickness. In three different experimental settings, 10 subjects without known sicca syndrome were examined at three different time points on one day, on three different days and before and after therapeutic expression of the Meibomian glands. As a comparison, the parameters tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, diagnostic expression of the Meibomian glands and subjective symptoms, determined using the OSDI (ocular surface disease index) questionnaire, were measured. The results of the study showed a smaller variation of the lipid layer thickness measurements during the day and from day to day compared to the tear film break-up time. The expression of the Meibomian glands significantly increased the lipid layer thickness. There was a correlation between the baseline values of tear film break-up time and the lipid layer thickness. Our data showed that the lipid layer thickness as measured with the Lipiview® interferometer appears to be a relatively constant parameter over time. In addition, the expression of the Meibomian glands could be identified as a potential confounding factor. In this study we included only healthy subjects without known sicca syndrome. For the future our findings need to be validated in dry eye patients. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Insight into the electrical properties and chain conformation of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes by dielectric spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaoxia; Zhao, Kongshuang

2017-02-01

We report here a dielectric study on three kinds of anionic spherical polyelectrolyte brush (SPBs, consisting of a polystyrene (PS) core and three different poly (acrylic acid) chains grafted onto the core) suspensions over a frequency ranging from 40 Hz to 110 MHz. The relaxation behavior of the SPB suspensions shows significant changes in the brush-layer properties when the mass fraction of SPBs and the pH of the suspensions change. Two definite relaxations related to the interfacial polarization are observed around 100 kHz and 10 MHz. A single-layer spherical-shell model is applied to describe the SPB suspensions wherein the suspended SPB is modeled as a spherical-shell composite particle in which an insulated PS sphere is surrounded by a conducting ion-permeable shell (the polyelectrolyte chain layer). We developed the curve-fitting procedure to analyze the dielectric spectrum in order to obtain the dielectric properties of the components of the SPBs, especially the properties of the polyelectrolyte brush. Based on this method and model, the permittivity and conductivity of the brush layer, ζ potential, etc are calculated. The ordered orientation of the water molecules in the layer leads to an additional electrical dipole moment; increasing pH causes the brush layer to swell. In addition, the repulsive force between the SPB particles are evaluated using the brush-layer thickness, which is obtained by fitting dielectric spectra, combined with relative theoretical formulas. Increasing PH values or SPB concentration would improve the stability of the SPBs dispersion.

Inferring regional vertical crustal velocities from averaged relative sea level trends: A proof of concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bâki Iz, H.; Shum, C. K.; Zhang, C.; Kuo, C. Y.

2017-11-01

We report the design of a high-throughput gradient hyperbolic lenslet built with real-life materials and capable of focusing a beam into a deep sub-wavelength spot of λ/23. This efficient design is achieved through high-order transformation optics and circular effective-medium theory (CEMT), which are used to engineer the radially varying anisotropic artificial material based on the thin alternating cylindrical metal and dielectric layers. The radial gradient of the effective anisotropic optical constants allows for matching the impedances at the input and output interfaces, drastically improving the throughput of the lenslet. However, it is the use of the zeroth-order CEMT that enables the practical realization of a gradient hyperlens with realistic materials. To illustrate the importance of using the CEMT versus the conventional planar effective-medium theory (PEMT) for cylindrical anisotropic systems, such as our hyperlens, both the CEMT and PEMT are adopted to design gradient hyperlenses with the same materials and order of elemental layers. The CEMT- and PEMT-based designs show similar performance if the number of metal-dielectric binary layers is sufficiently large (9+ pairs) and if the layers are sufficiently thin. However, for the manufacturable lenses with realistic numbers of layers (e.g. five pairs) and thicknesses, the performance of the CEMT design continues to be practical, whereas the PEMT-based design stops working altogether. The accurate design of transformation optics-based layered cylindrical devices enabled by CEMT allow for a new class of robustly manufacturable nanophotonic systems, even with relatively thick layers of real-life materials.

Evidence from central Mexico supporting the Younger Dryas extraterrestrial impact hypothesis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Israde-Alcántara, Isabel; Bischoff, James L.; Domínguez-Vázquez, Gabriela; Li, Hong-Chun; DeCarli, Paul S.; Bunch, Ted E.; Wittke, James H.; Weaver, James C.; Firestone, Richard B.; West, Allen; Kennett, James P.; Mercer, Chris; Xie, Sujing; Richman, Eric K.; Kinzie, Charles R.; Wolbach, Wendy S.

2012-01-01

We report the discovery in Lake Cuitzeo in central Mexico of a black, carbon-rich, lacustrine layer, containing nanodiamonds, microspherules, and other unusual materials that date to the early Younger Dryas and are interpreted to result from an extraterrestrial impact. These proxies were found in a 27-m-long core as part of an interdisciplinary effort to extract a paleoclimate record back through the previous interglacial. Our attention focused early on an anomalous, 10-cm-thick, carbon-rich layer at a depth of 2.8 m that dates to 12.9 ka and coincides with a suite of anomalous coeval environmental and biotic changes independently recognized in other regional lake sequences. Collectively, these changes have produced the most distinctive boundary layer in the late Quaternary record. This layer contains a diverse, abundant assemblage of impact-related markers, including nanodiamonds, carbon spherules, and magnetic spherules with rapid melting/quenching textures, all reaching synchronous peaks immediately beneath a layer containing the largest peak of charcoal in the core. Analyses by multiple methods demonstrate the presence of three allotropes of nanodiamond: n-diamond, i-carbon, and hexagonal nanodiamond (lonsdaleite), in order of estimated relative abundance. This nanodiamond-rich layer is consistent with the Younger Dryas boundary layer found at numerous sites across North America, Greenland, and Western Europe. We have examined multiple hypotheses to account for these observations and find the evidence cannot be explained by any known terrestrial mechanism. It is, however, consistent with the Younger Dryas boundary impact hypothesis postulating a major extraterrestrial impact involving multiple airburst(s) and and/or ground impact(s) at 12.9 ka.

Evidence from Central Mexico supporting the Younger Dryas extraterrestrial impact hypothesis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Israde-Alcántaraa, Isabel; Bischoff, James L.; Domínguez-Vázquez, Gabriela; Li, Hong-Chun; DeCarli, Paul S.; Bunch, Ted E.; Wittke, James H.; Weaver, James C.; Firestone, Richard B.; West, Allen; Kennett, James P.; Mercer, Chris; Xie, Sujing; Richman, Eric K.; Kinzie, Charles R.; Wolbach, Wendy S.; Stanley, Steven M.

2012-01-01

We report the discovery in Lake Cuitzeo in central Mexico of a black, carbon-rich, lacustrine layer, containing nanodiamonds, microspherules, and other unusual materials that date to the early Younger Dryas and are interpreted to result from an extraterrestrial impact. These proxies were found in a 27-m-long core as part of an interdisciplinary effort to extract a paleoclimate record back through the previous interglacial. Our attention focused early on an anomalous, 10-cm-thick, carbon-rich layer at a depth of 2.8 m that dates to 12.9 ka and coincides with a suite of anomalous coeval environmental and biotic changes independently recognized in other regional lake sequences. Collectively, these changes have produced the most distinctive boundary layer in the late Quaternary record. This layer contains a diverse, abundant assemblage of impact-related markers, including nanodiamonds, carbon spherules, and magnetic spherules with rapid melting/quenching textures, all reaching synchronous peaks immediately beneath a layer containing the largest peak of charcoal in the core. Analyses by multiple methods demonstrate the presence of three allotropes of nanodiamond: n-diamond, i-carbon, and hexagonal nanodiamond (lonsdaleite), in order of estimated relative abundance. This nanodiamond-rich layer is consistent with the Younger Dryas boundary layer found at numerous sites across North America, Greenland, and Western Europe. We have examined multiple hypotheses to account for these observations and find the evidence cannot be explained by any known terrestrial mechanism. It is, however, consistent with the Younger Dryas boundary impact hypothesis postulating a major extraterrestrial impact involving multiple airburst(s) and and/or ground impact(s) at 12.9 ka.

Relative Humidity in the Tropopause Saturation Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selkirk, H. B.; Schoeberl, M. R.; Pfister, L.; Thornberry, T. D.; Bui, T. V.

2017-12-01

The tropical tropopause separates two very different atmospheric regimes: the stable lower stratosphere where the air is both extremely dry and nearly always so, and a transition layer in the uppermost tropical troposphere, where humidity on average increases rapidly downward but can undergo substantial temporal fluctuations. The processes that control the humidity in this layer below the tropopause include convective detrainment (which can result in either a net hydration or dehydration), slow ascent, wave motions and advection. Together these determine the humidity of the air that eventually passes through the tropopause and into the stratosphere, and we refer to this layer as the tropopause saturation layer or TSL. We know from in situ water vapor observations such as Ticosonde's 12-year balloonsonde record at Costa Rica that layers of supersaturation are frequently observed in the TSL. While their frequency is greatest during the local rainy season from June through October, supersaturation is also observed in the boreal winter dry season when deep convection is well south of Costa Rica. In other words, local convection is not a necessary condition for the presence of supersaturation. Furthermore, there are indications from airborne measurements during the recent POSIDON campaign at Guam that if anything deep convection tends to `reset' the TSL locally to a state of just-saturation. Conversely, it may be that layers of supersaturation are the result of slow ascent. To explore these ideas we take Ticosonde water vapor observations from the TSL, stratify them on the basis of relative humidity and report on the differences in the the history of upstream convective influence between supersaturated parcels and those that are not.

Wave like signatures in aerosol optical depth and associated radiative impacts over the central Himalayan region

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

Shukla, K. K.; Phanikumar, D. V.; Kumar, K.  Niranjan

2015-10-01

In this study, we present a case study on 16 October 2011 to show the first observational evidence of the influence of short period gravity waves in aerosol transport during daytime over the central Himalayan region. The Doppler lidar data has been utilized to address the daytime boundary layer evolution and related aerosol dynamics over the site. Mixing layer height is estimated by wavelet covariance transform method and found to be ~ 0.7 km, AGL. Aerosol optical depth observations during daytime revealed an asymmetry showing clear enhancement during afternoon hours as compared to forenoon. Interestingly, Fourier and wavelet analysis ofmore » vertical velocity and attenuated backscatter showed similar 50-90 min short period gravity wave signatures during afternoon hours. Moreover, our observations showed that gravity waves are dominant within the boundary layer implying that the daytime boundary layer dynamics is playing a vital role in transporting the aerosols from surface to the top of the boundary layer. Similar modulations are also evident in surface parameters like temperature, relative humidity and wind speed indicating these waves are associated with the dynamical aspects over Himalayan region. Finally, time evolution of range-23 height indicator snapshots during daytime showed strong upward velocities especially during afternoon hours implying that convective processes through short period gravity waves plays a significant role in transporting aerosols from the nearby valley region to boundary layer top over the site. These observations also establish the importance of wave induced daytime convective boundary layer dynamics in the lower Himalayan region.« less

Vertical distribution of bacterial community is associated with the degree of soil organic matter decomposition in the active layer of moist acidic tundra.

PubMed

Kim, Hye Min; Lee, Min Jin; Jung, Ji Young; Hwang, Chung Yeon; Kim, Mincheol; Ro, Hee-Myong; Chun, Jongsik; Lee, Yoo Kyung

2016-11-01

The increasing temperature in Arctic tundra deepens the active layer, which is the upper layer of permafrost soil that experiences repeated thawing and freezing. The increasing of soil temperature and the deepening of active layer seem to affect soil microbial communities. Therefore, information on soil microbial communities at various soil depths is essential to understand their potential responses to climate change in the active layer soil. We investigated the community structure of soil bacteria in the active layer from moist acidic tundra in Council, Alaska. We also interpreted their relationship with some relevant soil physicochemical characteristics along soil depth with a fine scale (5 cm depth interval). The bacterial community structure was found to change along soil depth. The relative abundances of Acidobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and candidate phylum WPS-2 rapidly decreased with soil depth, while those of Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and candidate AD3 rapidly increased. A structural shift was also found in the soil bacterial communities around 20 cm depth, where two organic (upper Oi and lower Oa) horizons are subdivided. The quality and the decomposition degree of organic matter might have influenced the bacterial community structure. Besides the organic matter quality, the vertical distribution of bacterial communities was also found to be related to soil pH and total phosphorus content. This study showed the vertical change of bacterial community in the active layer with a fine scale resolution and the possible influence of the quality of soil organic matter on shaping bacterial community structure.

The crystal structures of BiTeO 3I, NdTeO 3X (X=Cl, Br) and Bi 5TeO 8.5I 2: some crystal chemistry peculiarities of layered Bi(Ln)Te oxyhalides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berdonosov, Peter S.; Charkin, Dmitry O.; Kusainova, Ardak M.; Hervoches, Charles H.; Dolgikh, Valeriy A.; Lightfoot, Philip

2000-09-01

Four new layered oxyhalides related to the Sillen family have been prepared and characterized by Rietveld refinement of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data. BiTeO 3I and NdTeO 3Br both adopt tetragonal symmetry, space group P4/ nmm (for BiTeO 3I, a=4.10811(8), c=27.988(1) Å; NdTeO 3Br, a=4.06603(7), c=26.922(1) Å, at 25°C). The structures are composed of triple and double fluorite-related mixed metal oxide layers separated by single and double halogen layers, in the sequence MTe 2O 5XXMTe 2O 5XM 2O 2X, which may be represented by the symbol X 13X 13X 22, where the subscript signifies the number of halogen layers and the superscript the number of metal sublayers within the fluorite block, by analogy with Sillen's notation. The double fluorite layers are occupied exclusively by Bi, whereas there is an ordered arrangement of Bi/Te within the triple fluorite layers, with Te exclusively occupying the outer sublayers of the block. NdTeO 3Cl adopts an orthorhombically distorted form of this structure type, space group Pmmn, a=4.08096(8), b=4.03441(8), c=25.7582(7) Å at 25°C. Bi 5TeO 8.5I 2 adopts a distorted, non-centrosymmetric version of the simpler X 13 structure type, space group Cmm2, a=5.6878(3), b=5.7230(3), c=9.7260(6) Å, consisting of single halogen layers sandwiched between triple fluorite layers, in which there is partial ordering of the Bi/Te cations.

USArray Receiver Function Imaging of Multiple-Layer Crustal Structure of the Contiguous United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, X.; Lowry, A. R.; Ravat, D.

2014-12-01

Thickness andseismic velocity of crustal layers are useful for understanding the history and evolution of continental lithosphere. Lowry and Pérez-Gussinyé (2011) observed that low bulk crustal seismic velocity ratio, Vp/Vs, strongly correlates with high geothermal gradient and active deformation, indicating quartz (to which Vp/Vs is most sensitive) plays a role in these processes. The lower crust (where ductile flow occurs which might explain the relationship) is commonly thought to be quartz-poor. However, layering of the crust may represent changes in either lithology or the phase of quartz. Laboratory strain-stress experiments on quartz indicate that near the a- to b-quartz phase transition, both Vp and Vp/Vs initially drop dramatically but then increase relative to the a-quartz regime because Young's modulus initially decreases by 30% before increasing by a net ~20%. Shear modulus varies only ~3% across the transition. Crustal structure is commonly represented by an upper, mid- and lower layer (e.g., Crust1.0) and conceptualized as primarily reflecting a change to more mafic lithology at greater depth, but estimates of Moho temperature indicate a quartz phase transition should be present in much of the western and central U.S. We have imaged multiple layering of the contiguous U.S. by applying a new cross-correlation and stacking method to USArray receiver functions. Synthetic models of a multiple layer crust indicate 'splitting' of converted-phase arrivals would be expected if a quartz phase transition were responsible. Preliminary imaging using cross-correlation of observed receiver functions with multiple layer synthetics demonstrates a marked improvement in correlation coefficients relative to a single-layer crust. In this presentation we will examine observational evidence for possible a- to b- phase transition layering (indicating quartz at depth) and compare with depths predicted for the quartz phase transition based on Pn-derived Moho temperatures and estimates of magnetic Curie depths.

Resistivity profiling for mapping gravel layers that may control contaminant migration at the Amargosa Desert Research Site, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lucius, Jeffrey E.; Abraham, Jared D.; Burton, Bethany L.

2008-01-01

Gaseous contaminants, including CFC 113, chloroform, and tritiated compounds, move preferentially in unsaturated subsurface gravel layers away from disposal trenches at a closed low-level radioactive waste-disposal facility in the Amargosa Desert about 17 kilometers south of Beatty, Nevada. Two distinct gravel layers are involved in contaminant transport: a thin, shallow layer between about 0.5 and 2.2 meters below the surface and a layer of variable thickness between about 15 and 30 meters below land surface. From 2003 to 2005, the U.S. Geological Survey used multielectrode DC and AC resistivity surveys to map these gravel layers. Previous core sampling indicates the fine-grained sediments generally have higher water content than the gravel layers or the sediments near the surface. The relatively higher electrical resistivity of the dry gravel layers, compared to that of the surrounding finer sediments, makes the gravel readily mappable using electrical resistivity profiling. The upper gravel layer is not easily distinguished from the very dry, fine-grained deposits at the surface. Two-dimensional resistivity models, however, clearly identify the resistive lower gravel layer, which is continuous near the facility except to the southeast. Multielectrode resistivity surveys provide a practical noninvasive method to image hydrogeologic features in the arid environment of the Amargosa Desert.

Identification of the layered morphology of the esophageal wall by optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Yokosawa, Satoshi; Koike, Tomoyuki; Kitagawa, Yasushi; Hatta, Waku; Uno, Kaname; Abe, Yasuhiko; Iijima, Katsunori; Imatani, Akira; Ohara, Shuichi; Shimosegawa, Tooru

2009-01-01

AIM: To assess each layer of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of the esophageal wall with reference to the histological structure. METHODS: Resected specimens of fresh pig esophagus was used as a model for the esophageal wall. We injected cyanoacrylate adhesive into the specimens to create a marker, and scanned them using a miniature OCT probe. The localization of these markers was assessed in the OCT images. Then we compared the OCT-imaged morphology with the corresponding histological section, guided by the cyanoacrylate adhesive markers. We prepared a second set of experiments using nylon sutures as markers. RESULTS: The OCT image of the esophageal specimen has a clear five-layered morphology. First, it consisted of a relatively less reflective layer; second, a more reflective layer; third, a less reflective layer; fourth, a more reflective layer; and fifth, a less reflective layer. Comparing the OCT images with marked histological sections showed that the first layer corresponded to stratified squamous epithelium; the second to lamina propria; the third to muscularis mucosa; fourth, submucosa; and fifth, muscularis propria with deeper structures of the esophageal wall. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the OCT image of the normal esophageal wall showed a five-layered morphology, which corresponds to histological esophageal wall components. PMID:19764091

Identification of the layered morphology of the esophageal wall by optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Yokosawa, Satoshi; Koike, Tomoyuki; Kitagawa, Yasushi; Hatta, Waku; Uno, Kaname; Abe, Yasuhiko; Iijima, Katsunori; Imatani, Akira; Ohara, Shuichi; Shimosegawa, Tooru

2009-09-21

To assess each layer of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of the esophageal wall with reference to the histological structure. Resected specimens of fresh pig esophagus was used as a model for the esophageal wall. We injected cyanoacrylate adhesive into the specimens to create a marker, and scanned them using a miniature OCT probe. The localization of these markers was assessed in the OCT images. Then we compared the OCT-imaged morphology with the corresponding histological section, guided by the cyanoacrylate adhesive markers. We prepared a second set of experiments using nylon sutures as markers. The OCT image of the esophageal specimen has a clear five-layered morphology. First, it consisted of a relatively less reflective layer; second, a more reflective layer; third, a less reflective layer; fourth, a more reflective layer; and fifth, a less reflective layer. Comparing the OCT images with marked histological sections showed that the first layer corresponded to stratified squamous epithelium; the second to lamina propria; the third to muscularis mucosa; fourth, submucosa; and fifth, muscularis propria with deeper structures of the esophageal wall. We demonstrated that the OCT image of the normal esophageal wall showed a five-layered morphology, which corresponds to histological esophageal wall components.

Sensitivity of complex cells in cat striate cortex to relative motion.

PubMed

Hammond, P; Smith, A T

1984-06-03

Sensitivity of 95 complex cells to relative motion between oriented bars and textured backgrounds was investigated monocularly in the striate cortex of lightly anesthetized, paralyzed cats. Cells were classified conventionally. Those in deep layers were either direction-selective, or strongly preferred one direction of motion, and responded well to background texture motion alone: backgrounds potentiated the response to the bar in the cell's preferred direction when moved in phase, or in the opposite direction when moved in antiphase; other combinations depressed the level of response compared with that for the bar alone. The majority of direction-selective or strongly direction-biased cells in superficial layers behaved similarly. The most interesting superficial-layer cells were bidirectional or weakly direction-biased, and recorded closer to the cortical surface than the direction-selective neurons. A majority showed preference for relative motion, some for antiphase, others for in-phase motion, regardless of the absolute direction of motion across the receptive field, which could not be accounted for on the basis of separate responses to bars and backgrounds alone. Three of the superficial-layer direction-selective cells also showed preference for antiphase relative motion. In a few complex cells from superficial laminae, backgrounds were either without influence on responses to oriented stimuli, or purely suppressive. Visual backgrounds against which objects are perceived are usually neither featureless nor motionless: the results suggest that most complex cells in striate cortex are sensitive to the context in which objects are seen and susceptible to relationships between objects and their backgrounds in relative motion.

Color stable white phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes with red emissive electron transport layer

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

Wook Kim, Jin; Yoo, Seung Il; Sung Kang, Jin

2015-06-28

We analyzed the performance of multi-emissive white phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) in relation to various red emitting sites of hole and electron transport layers (HTL and ETL). The shift of the recombination zone producing stable white emission in PHOLEDs was utilized as luminance was increased with red emission in its electron transport layer. Multi-emissive white PHOLEDs including the red light emitting electron transport layer yielded maximum external quantum efficiency of 17.4% with CIE color coordinates (−0.030, +0.001) shifting only from 1000 to 10 000 cd/m{sup 2}. Additionally, we observed a reduction of energy loss in the white PHOLED via Ir(piq){submore » 3} as phosphorescent red dopant in electron transport layer.« less

CuGaS₂ and CuGaS₂-ZnS Porous Layers from Solution-Processed Nanocrystals.

PubMed

Berestok, Taisiia; Guardia, Pablo; Estradé, Sònia; Llorca, Jordi; Peiró, Francesca; Cabot, Andreu; Brock, Stephanie L

2018-04-05

The manufacturing of semiconducting films using solution-based approaches is considered a low cost alternative to vacuum-based thin film deposition strategies. An additional advantage of solution processing methods is the possibility to control the layer nano/microstructure. Here, we detail the production of mesoporous CuGaS₂ (CGS) and ZnS layers from spin-coating and subsequent cross-linking through chalcogen-chalcogen bonds of properly functionalized nanocrystals (NCs). We further produce NC-based porous CGS/ZnS bilayers and NC-based CGS-ZnS composite layers using the same strategy. Photoelectrochemical measurements are used to demonstrate the efficacy of porous layers, and particularly the CGS/ZnS bilayers, for improved current densities and photoresponses relative to denser films deposited from as-produced NCs.

Layer-controllable graphene by plasma thinning and post-annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lufang; Feng, Shaopeng; Xiao, Shaoqing; Shen, Gang; Zhang, Xiumei; Nan, Haiyan; Gu, Xiaofeng; Ostrikov, Kostya (Ken)

2018-05-01

The electronic structure of graphene depends crucially on its layer number and therefore engineering the number of graphene's atomic stacking layers is of great importance for the preparation of graphene-based devices. In this paper, we demonstrated a relatively less invasive, high-throughput and uniform large-area plasma thinning of graphene based on direct bombardment effect of fast-moving ionic hydrogen or argon species. Any desired number of graphene layers including trilayer, bilayer and monolayer can be obtained. Structural changes of graphene layers are studied by optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Post annealing is adopted to self-heal the lattice defects induced by the ion bombardment effect. This plasma etching technique is efficient and compatible with semiconductor manufacturing processes, and may find important applications for graphene-based device fabrication.

Method utilizing laser-processing for the growth of epitaxial p-n junctions

DOEpatents

Young, R.T.; Narayan, J.; Wood, R.F.

1979-11-23

This invention is a new method for the formation of epitaxial p-n junctions in silicon. The method is relatively simple, rapid, and reliable. It produces doped epitaxial layers which are of well-controlled thickness and whose electrical properties are satisfactory. An illustrative form of the method comprises co-depositing a selected dopant and amorphous silicon on a crystalline silicon substrate to form a doped layer of amorphous silicon thereon. This layer then is irradiated with at least one laser pulse to generate a melt front which moves through the layer, into the silicon body to a depth effecting melting of virginal silicon, and back to the surface of the layer. The method may be conducted with dopants (e.g., boron and phosphorus) whose distribution coefficients approximate unity.

Direct visualization of a two-dimensional topological insulator in the single-layer 1 T'-WT e2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Zhen-Yu; Song, Ye-Heng; Li, Xiang-Bing; Ran, Kejing; Lu, Pengchao; Zheng, Hui-Jun; Zhu, Xin-Yang; Shi, Zhi-Qiang; Sun, Jian; Wen, Jinsheng; Xing, Dingyu; Li, Shao-Chun

2017-07-01

We have grown nearly freestanding single-layer 1 T'-WT e2 on graphitized 6 H -SiC(0001) by using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and characterized its electronic structure with scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS). The existence of topological edge states at the periphery of single-layer WT e2 islands was confirmed. Surprisingly, a bulk band gap at the Fermi level and insulating behaviors were also found in single-layer WT e2 at low temperature, which are likely associated with an incommensurate charge order transition. The realization of two-dimensional topological insulators (2D TIs) in single-layer transition-metal dichalcogenide provides a promising platform for further exploration of the 2D TIs' physics and related applications.

Effect of Sub-Boundary Layer Vortex Generations on Incident Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casper, J.; Lin, J. C.; Yao, C. S.

2003-01-01

Sub-boundary layer vortex generators were tested in a wind tunnel to assess their effect on the velocity field within the wake region of a turbulent boundary layer. Both mean flow quantities and turbulence statistics were measured. Although very small relative to the boundary layer thickness, these so-called micro vortex generators were found to have a measurable effect on the power spectra and integral length scales of the turbulence at a distance many times the height of the devices themselves. In addition, the potential acoustic impact of these devices is also discussed. Measured turbulence spectra are used as input to an acoustic formulation in a manner that compares predicted sound pressure levels that result from the incident boundary-layer turbulence, with and without the vortex generators in the flow.

The peri-esophageal connective tissue layers and related compartments: visualization by histology and magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Weijs, T J; Goense, L; van Rossum, P S N; Meijer, G J; van Lier, A L H M W; Wessels, F J; Braat, M N G; Lips, I M; Ruurda, J P; Cuesta, M A; van Hillegersberg, R; Bleys, R L A W

2017-02-01

An organized layer of connective tissue coursing from aorta to esophagus was recently discovered in the mediastinum. The relations with other peri-esophageal fascias have not been described and it is unclear whether this layer can be visualized by non-invasive imaging. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the peri-esophageal fascias and determine whether the connective tissue layer between aorta and esophagus can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). First, T2-weighted MRI scanning of the thoracic region of a human cadaver was performed, followed by histological examination of transverse sections of the peri-esophageal tissue between the thyroid gland and the diaphragm. Secondly, pretreatment motion-triggered MRI scans were prospectively obtained from 34 patients with esophageal cancer and independently assessed by two radiologists for the presence and location of the connective tissue layer coursing from aorta to esophagus. A layer of connective tissue coursing from the anterior aspect of the descending aorta to the left lateral aspect of the esophagus, with a thin extension coursing to the right pleural reflection, was visualized ex vivo in the cadaver on MR images, macroscopic tissue sections, and after histologic staining, as well as on in vivo MR images. The layer connecting esophagus and aorta was named 'aorto-esophageal ligament' and the layer connecting aorta to the right pleural reflection 'aorto-pleural ligament'. These connective tissue layers divides the posterior mediastinum in an anterior compartment containing the esophagus, (carinal) lymph nodes and vagus nerve, and a posterior compartment, containing the azygos vein, thoracic duct and occasionally lymph nodes. The anterior compartment was named 'peri-esophageal compartment' and the posterior compartment 'para-aortic compartment'. The connective tissue layers superior to the aortic arch and at the diaphragm corresponded with the currently available anatomic descriptions. This study confirms the existence of the previously described connective tissue layer coursing from aorta to esophagus, challenging the long-standing paradigm that no such structure exists. A comprehensive, detailed description of the peri-esophageal fascias is provided and, furthermore, it is shown that the connective tissue layer coursing from aorta to esophagus can be visualized in vivo by MRI. © 2016 Anatomical Society.

Shell structure and distribution of Cloudina, a potential index fossil for the terminal Proterozoic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grant, S. W.; Knoll, A. H. (Principal Investigator)

1990-01-01

Cloudina-bearing biosparites and biomicrites in the lower part of the Nama Group, Namibia, contain a wide morphological diversity of shell fragments that can all be attributed to the two named species C. hartmannae and C. riemkeae. The curved to sinuous tubular shells of Cloudina were multi-layered. Each shell layer was 8 to 50 micrometers thick and in the form of a slightly flaring tube with one end open and the other closed. Growth appears to have been periodic with successive shell layers forming within older layers. Each added layer was slightly elevated from the previous layer at the proximal end and was asymmetrically placed within the older layer so that only a portion of the new shell layer was fused to the previous layer. This type of growth left a relatively large unminerialized area between the shell layers which was often partially or fully occluded by early marine cements. The thin shell layers exhibit both plastic and brittle deformation and were likely formed of a rigid CaCO3-impregnated organic-rich material. Often the shell layers are preferentially dolomitized suggesting an original mineralogy of high-magnesian calcite. Both species in the Nama Group formed thickets, or perhaps bioherms, and this sedentary and gregarious habit suggests that Cloudina was probably a filter-feeding metazoan of at least a cnidarian grade of organization. The unusual shell structure of Cloudina gives rise to a characteristic suite of taphonomic and diagenetic features that can be used to identify Cloudina-bearing deposits within the Nama Group and in other terminal Proterozoic deposits around the world. Species of Cloudina occur in limestones from Brazil, Spain, China, and Oman in sequences consistent with a latest Proterozoic age assignment. In addition, supposed lower Cambrian, pre-trilobitic, shelly fossils from northwest Mexico and the White-Inyo Mountains in California and Nevada, including Sinotubulites, Nevadatubulus, and Wyattia, are all either closely related to or con-generic with Cloudina. Hence, it is probable that these outcrops are latest Proterozoic in age, and that Cloudina or Cloudina-like organisms were widely distributed at that time. It is possible, moreover, to suggest that metazoan biomineralization occurred on a global scale by the latest Proterozoic, at the same time that evidence for complex multicellularity and locomotion in animals appears in siliciclastic "Ediacaran" rocks in the form of body and trace fossils.

Nanocrystalline-to-amorphous transition in nanolaminates grown by low temperature atomic layer deposition and related mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raghavan, R.; Bechelany, M.; Parlinska, M.; Frey, D.; Mook, W. M.; Beyer, A.; Michler, J.; Utke, I.

2012-05-01

We report on a comprehensive structural and nanoindentation study of nanolaminates of Al2O3 and ZnO synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD). By reducing the bilayer thickness from 50 nm to below 1 nm, the nanocrystal size could be controlled in the nanolaminate structure. The softer and more compliant response of the multilayers as compared to the single layers of Al2O3 and ZnO is attributed to the structural change from nanocrystalline to amorphous at smaller bilayer thicknesses. It is also shown that ALD is a unique technique for studying the inverse Hall-Petch softening mechanism (E. Voce and D. Tabor, J. Inst. Metals 79(12), 465 (1951)) related to grain size effects in nanomaterials.

Functional wettability in carbonate reservoirs

DOE PAGES

Brady, Patrick V.; Thyne, Geoffrey

2016-10-11

Oil adsorbs to carbonate reservoirs indirectly through a relatively thick separating water layer, and directly to the surface through a relatively thin intervening water layer. Whereas directly sorbed oil desorbs slowly and incompletely in response to changes in reservoir conditions, indirectly sorbed oil can be rapidly desorbed by changing the chemistry of the separating water layer. The additional recovery might be as much as 30% original oil in place (OOIP) above the ~30% OOIP recovered from carbonates through reservoir depressurization (primary production) and viscous displacement (waterflooding). Electrostatic adhesive forces are the dominant control over carbonate reservoir wettability. A surface complexationmore » model that quantifies electrostatic adhesion accurately predicts oil recovery trends for carbonates. Furthermore, the approach should therefore be useful for estimating initial wettability and designing fluids that improve oil recovery.« less

Turbulent boundary layer on the surface of a sea geophysical antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smol'Yakov, A. V.

2010-11-01

A theory is constructed that makes it possible to calculate the initial parameters necessary for calculating the hydrodynamic (turbulent) noise, which is a handicap to the operation of sea geophysical antennas. Algorithms are created for calculating the profile and defect of the average speed, displacement thickness, momentum thickness, and friction resistance in a turbulent boundary layer on a cylinder in its axial flow. Results of calculations using the developed theory are compared to experimental data. As the diameter of the cylinder tends to infinity, all relations of the theory pass to known relations for the boundary layer on a flat plate. The developed theory represents the initial stage of creating a method to calculate hydrodynamic noise, which is handicap to the operation of sea geophysical antennas.

Interaction driven quantum Hall effect in artificially stacked graphene bilayers

PubMed Central

Iqbal, Muhammad Zahir; Iqbal, Muhammad Waqas; Siddique, Salma; Khan, Muhammad Farooq; Ramay, Shahid Mahmood; Nam, Jungtae; Kim, Keun Soo; Eom, Jonghwa

2016-01-01

The honeycomb lattice structure of graphene gives rise to its exceptional electronic properties of linear dispersion relation and its chiral nature of charge carriers. The exceptional electronic properties of graphene stem from linear dispersion relation and chiral nature of charge carries, originating from its honeycomb lattice structure. Here, we address the quantum Hall effect in artificially stacked graphene bilayers and single layer graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. The quantum Hall plateaus started to appear more than 3 T and became clearer at higher magnetic fields up to 9 T. Shubnikov-de Hass oscillations were manifestly observed in graphene bilayers texture. These unusual plateaus may have been due to the layers interaction in artificially stacked graphene bilayers. Our study initiates the understanding of interactions between artificially stacked graphene layers. PMID:27098387

Interaction driven quantum Hall effect in artificially stacked graphene bilayers.

PubMed

Iqbal, Muhammad Zahir; Iqbal, Muhammad Waqas; Siddique, Salma; Khan, Muhammad Farooq; Ramay, Shahid Mahmood; Nam, Jungtae; Kim, Keun Soo; Eom, Jonghwa

2016-04-21

The honeycomb lattice structure of graphene gives rise to its exceptional electronic properties of linear dispersion relation and its chiral nature of charge carriers. The exceptional electronic properties of graphene stem from linear dispersion relation and chiral nature of charge carries, originating from its honeycomb lattice structure. Here, we address the quantum Hall effect in artificially stacked graphene bilayers and single layer graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. The quantum Hall plateaus started to appear more than 3 T and became clearer at higher magnetic fields up to 9 T. Shubnikov-de Hass oscillations were manifestly observed in graphene bilayers texture. These unusual plateaus may have been due to the layers interaction in artificially stacked graphene bilayers. Our study initiates the understanding of interactions between artificially stacked graphene layers.

Noncontact Temperature Measurements of Organic Layers in an Organic Light-Emitting Diode Using Wavenumber-Temperature Relations of Raman Bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugiyama, Takuro; Furukawa, Yukio

2008-05-01

We have measured the temperatures of the organic layers in operating organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by Raman spectroscopy. The wavenumbers of the Raman bands due to N,N'-di-naphthaleyl-N,N'-diphenyl-1,1'-biphenyl-4,4'-diamine (NPD) and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) have been measured as a function of temperature in the range of 25-191 °C. The observed positions of strong bands around 1607 cm-1 (NPD) and 1531 cm-1 (CuPc) shifted downward linearly with increasing temperature in the ranges lower than 92 and 191 °C, respectively. We have determined the temperatures of the NPD and CuPc layers in an operating OLED from the wavenumber-temperature relations of these bands.

Analytical method to estimate waterflood performance

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

Cremonini, A.S.

A method to predict oil production resulting from the injection of immiscible fluids is described. The method is based on two models: one of them considers the vertical and displacement efficiencies, assuming unit areal efficiency and, therefore, a linear flow. It is a layered model without crossflow in which Buckley-Leveret`s displacement theory is used for each layer. The results obtained in the linear model are applied to a streamchannel model similar to the one used by Higgins and Leighton. In this way, areal efficiency is taken into account. The principal innovation is the possibility of applying different relative permeability curvesmore » to each layer. A numerical example in a five-spot pattern which uses relative permeability data obtained from reservoir core samples is presented.« less

Enhanced device performances of a new inverted top-emitting OLEDs with relatively thick Ag electrode.

PubMed

Park, So-Ra; Suh, Min Chul

2018-02-19

To improve the device performances of top-emitting organic light emitting diodes (TEOLEDs), we developed a new inverted TEOLEDs structure with silver (Ag) metal as a semi-transparent top electrode. Especially, we found that the use of relatively thick Ag electrode without using any carrier injection layer is beneficial to realize highly efficient device performances. Also, we could insert very thick overlying hole transport layer (HTL) on the emitting layer (EML) which could be very helpful to suppress the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) coupling if it is applied to the common bottom-emission OLEDs (BEOLEDs). As a result, we could realize noteworthy high current efficiency of approximately ~188.1 cd/A in our new inverted TEOLEDs with 25 nm thick Ag electrode.

Forced vibrations of a two-layered shell in the case of viscous resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghalovyan, L. A.; Ghulghazaryan, L. G.

2018-04-01

Forced vibrations of a two-layered orthotropic shell are studied in the case of viscous resistance in the lower layer of the shell. Two versions of spatial boundary conditions on the upper surface of the shell are posed, and the displacement vector is given on the lower surface. An asymptotic method is used to solve the corresponding dynamic equations and relations of the three-dimensional problem of elasticity. The amplitudes of the forced vibrations are determined, and the resonance conditions are established.

A Guide to Oceanic Sedimentary Layering.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-28

Profiling," J. Geophys. Res. 73, 2597-2614. L3 Lee, H. J., 1980. "Physical Properties of Northeast Pacific Sedi- ments Related to Sedimentary Environment and...7i -AI33 060 A GUIDE TO OCEANIC SEDIMENTARY LAYERING(U) TEXAS UNIV 1/i AT AUSTIN APPLIED RESEARCH LABS C B BENNETT ET AL, 28 JUL 83 RRL-TR-83-25...Copy No. 3 A GUIDE TO OCEANIC SEDIMENTARY LAYERING Christopher B. Bennett J. Mark Daniels APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT

THE SKIN | Functional morphology of the integumentary system in fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elliott, D.G.; Farrell, Anthony P.

2011-01-01

The integument that covers the outer surface of a fish’s body and fins is a multifunctional organ, with morphological features highly adapted to carry out these functions. The integument consists of two layers. The outer layer, the epidermis, is essentially cellular in structure, comprised of a multilayered epithelium that usually includes specialized cells. The inner layer, the dermis, is primarily a fibrous structure with relatively few cells, although it may contain scales, nerves, blood vessels, adipose tissue, and pigment cells.

Thermomagnetic properties of peat-soil layers from Sag pond near Lembang Fault, West Java, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iryanti, Mimin; Wibowo, Dimas Maulana; Bijaksana, Satria

2015-09-01

Sag pond is a body of water near fault system as water flows blocked by the fault. Sag pond is a special type of environment for peat formation as peat layers in were deposited as the fault moves in episodic fashion. Depending on the history of the fault, peat layers are often interrupted by soil layers. In this study, core of peat-soil layers from a Sag pond in Karyawangi Village near Lembang Fault was obtained and analyzed for its magnetic properties. The 5 m core was obtained using a hand auger. Individual samples were obtained every cm and measured for their magnetic susceptibility. In general, there are three distinct magnetic susceptibility layers that were associated with peat and soil layers. The upper first 1 m is unconsolidated mud layer with its relatively high magnetic susceptibility. Between 1-2.81 m, there is consolidated mud layer and the lowest part (2.82-5) m is basically peat layer. Six samples were then measured for their thermomagnetic properties by measuring their susceptibility during heating and cooling from room temperature to 700°C. The thermomagnetic profiles provide Curie temperatures for various magnetic minerals in the cores. It was found that the upper part (unconsolidated mud) contains predominantly iron-oxides, such as magnetite while the lowest part (peat layer) contains significant amount of iron-sulphides, presumably greigite.

GASEOUS ELEMENTAL MERCURY IN THE MARINE BOUNDARY LAYER: EVIDENCE FOR RAPID REMOVAL IN ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION

EPA Science Inventory

In this study, gas-phase elemental mercury (Hg0) and related species (including inorganic reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) and particulate mercury (PHg)) were measured at Cheeka Peak Observatory (CPO), Washington State, in the marine boundary layer (MBL) during 2001-2002. Air of...

Circulating Power and In/Visibility: Layers of Educational Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mifsud, Denise

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study circulating power and in/visibility. In the unfolding Maltese education scenario of decentralization and school networking, suffused with entrenched power, with added layers of leadership and more subtle levels of accountability, this paper explores the underlying power relations among the top…

Double layers without current

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

Perkins, F.W.; Sun, Y.C.

1980-11-01

The steady-state solution of the nonlinear Vlasov-Poisson equations is reduced to a nonlinear eigenvalue problem for the case of double-layer (potential drop) boundary conditions. Solutions with no relative electron-ion drifts are found. The kinetic stability is discussed. Suggestions for creating these states in experiments and computer simulations are offered.

Pseudocapacitance of MXene nanosheets for high-power sodium-ion hybrid capacitors

PubMed Central

Wang, Xianfen; Kajiyama, Satoshi; Iinuma, Hiroki; Hosono, Eiji; Oro, Shinji; Moriguchi, Isamu; Okubo, Masashi; Yamada, Atsuo

2015-01-01

High-power Na-ion batteries have tremendous potential in various large-scale applications. However, conventional charge storage through ion intercalation or double-layer formation cannot satisfy the requirements of such applications owing to the slow kinetics of ion intercalation and the small capacitance of the double layer. The present work demonstrates that the pseudocapacitance of the nanosheet compound MXene Ti2C achieves a higher specific capacity relative to double-layer capacitor electrodes and a higher rate capability relative to ion intercalation electrodes. By utilizing the pseudocapacitance as a negative electrode, the prototype Na-ion full cell consisting of an alluaudite Na2Fe2(SO4)3 positive electrode and an MXene Ti2C negative electrode operates at a relatively high voltage of 2.4 V and delivers 90 and 40 mAh g−1 at 1.0 and 5.0 A g−1 (based on the weight of the negative electrode), respectively, which are not attainable by conventional electrochemical energy storage systems. PMID:25832913

Density functional theory calculations of the turbostratically disordered compound [ ( SnSe ) 1 + y ] m ( VSe 2 ) n

DOE PAGES

Rudin, Sven P.; Johnson, David C.

2015-04-30

Among composite materials that layer constituent substances of nanoscale thicknesses, [(SnSe)1+y ]m(VSe2)n emerges as an example where the constituents retain incommensurate lattice structures. Perpendicular to the stacking direction, the system exhibits random translations and random rotations on average, i.e., turbostratic disorder, with local regions showing twelvefold diffraction patterns. Earlier theoretical work on these structures showed that combining density functional theory with an empirical treatment of the van der Waals interaction gave structural parameters in good agreement with experiment, but no attempt was made to examine the relative orientations. Here we approximate the extended system with one extended constituent and onemore » finite constituent, which allows the treatment of all relative orientations on equal footing. Furthermore, the calculations show how the twelvefold periodicity follows from how the ions of the SnSe layer lock in with favored positions relative to the VSe2 layer, and the associated energy scale supports arguments for the overall turbostratic disorder.« less

Anatomical verification and designation of the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle.

PubMed

Lee, Ju-Young; Kim, Jeong-Nam; Kim, Soon-Heum; Choi, Hyun-Gon; Hu, Kyung-Seok; Kim, Hee-Jin; Song, Wu-Chul; Koh, Ki-Seok

2012-03-01

The temporalis muscle, which is one of the masticatory muscles, enables elevation and retraction of the mandible. Direct injury to the temporalis muscle, facial nerve, or temporal fat pad during cranial-base surgery can cause temporal hollowing. The temporalis muscle is currently described in almost all atlases and textbooks as comprising a single layer. In this study, a superficial layer of the temporalis muscle is described, clarifying the anatomy of this muscle. Twenty heads of adult cadavers were dissected. The gross anatomy of the temporalis muscle was examined after removing the skin, subcutaneous tissue, superficial temporal fascia, and deep temporal fascia. The superficial layer of the temporalis muscle was clearly distinguishable from the deep layer. The superficial layer originated from the same region as the deep layer, and the muscle fibers of the two layers were intermingled in the superior part of the muscle. The deep layer of the temporalis muscle, which is referred to in textbooks and atlases simply as the temporalis muscle, was exposed after removing the superficial layer. The existence of this superficial layer was confirmed herein both histologically and by magnetic resonance imaging. Henceforth, the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle must be included in descriptions of the temporalis muscle in anatomy textbooks and atlases. The findings of this study are important not only from the perspective of simply acquiring correct anatomical knowledge, but also from the surgical perspective in preventing temporal hollowing during related surgical procedures. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Planar varactor frequency multiplier devices with blocking barrier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lieneweg, Udo (Inventor); Frerking, Margaret A. (Inventor); Maserjian, Joseph (Inventor)

1994-01-01

The invention relates to planar varactor frequency multiplier devices with a heterojunction blocking barrier for near millimeter wave radiation of moderate power from a fundamental input wave. The space charge limitation of the submillimeter frequency multiplier devices of the BIN(sup +) type is overcome by a diode structure comprising an n(sup +) doped layer of semiconductor material functioning as a low resistance back contact, a layer of semiconductor material with n-type doping functioning as a drift region grown on the back contact layer, a delta doping sheet forming a positive charge at the interface of the drift region layer with a barrier layer, and a surface metal contact. The layers thus formed on an n(sup +) doped layer may be divided into two isolated back-to-back BNN(sup +) diodes by separately depositing two surface metal contacts. By repeating the sequence of the drift region layer and the barrier layer with the delta doping sheet at the interfaces between the drift and barrier layers, a plurality of stacked diodes is formed. The novelty of the invention resides in providing n-type semiconductor material for the drift region in a GaAs/AlGaAs structure, and in stacking a plurality of such BNN(sup +) diodes stacked for greater output power with and connected back-to-back with the n(sup +) GaAs layer as an internal back contact and separate metal contact over an AlGaAs barrier layer on top of each stack.

Evaluation of the operational Aerosol Layer Height retrieval algorithm for Sentinel-5 Precursor: application to O2 A band observations from GOME-2A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanders, A. F. J.; de Haan, J. F.; Sneep, M.; Apituley, A.; Stammes, P.; Vieitez, M. O.; Tilstra, L. G.; Tuinder, O. N. E.; Koning, C. E.; Veefkind, J. P.

2015-06-01

An algorithm setup for the operational Aerosol Layer Height product for TROPOMI on the Sentinel-5 Precursor mission is described and discussed, applied to GOME-2A data, and evaluated with lidar measurements. The algorithm makes a spectral fit of reflectance at the O2 A band in the near-infrared and the fit window runs from 758 to 770 nm. The aerosol profile is parameterized by a scattering layer with constant aerosol volume extinction coefficient and aerosol single scattering albedo and with a fixed pressure thickness. The algorithm's target parameter is the height of this layer. In this paper, we apply the algorithm to observations from GOME-2A in a number of systematic and extensive case studies and we compare retrieved aerosol layer heights with lidar measurements. Aerosol scenes cover various aerosol types, both elevated and boundary layer aerosols, and land and sea surfaces. The aerosol optical thicknesses for these scenes are relatively moderate. Retrieval experiments with GOME-2A spectra are used to investigate various sensitivities, in which particular attention is given to the role of the surface albedo. From retrieval simulations with the single-layer model, we learn that the surface albedo should be a fit parameter when retrieving aerosol layer height from the O2 A band. Current uncertainties in surface albedo climatologies cause biases and non-convergences when the surface albedo is fixed in the retrieval. Biases disappear and convergence improves when the surface albedo is fitted, while precision of retrieved aerosol layer pressure is still largely within requirement levels. Moreover, we show that fitting the surface albedo helps to ameliorate biases in retrieved aerosol layer height when the assumed aerosol model is inaccurate. Subsequent retrievals with GOME-2A spectra confirm that convergence is better when the surface albedo is retrieved simultaneously with aerosol parameters. However, retrieved aerosol layer pressures are systematically low (i.e., layer high in the atmosphere) to the extent that retrieved values are not realistically representing actual extinction profiles anymore. When the surface albedo is fixed in retrievals with GOME-2A spectra, convergence deteriorates as expected, but retrieved aerosol layer pressures become much higher (i.e., layer lower in atmosphere). The comparison with lidar measurements indicates that retrieved aerosol layer heights are indeed representative of the underlying profile in that case. Finally, subsequent retrieval simulations with two-layer aerosol profiles show that a model error in the assumed profile (two layers in the simulation but only one in the retrieval) is partly absorbed by the surface albedo when this parameter is fitted. This is expected in view of the correlations between errors in fit parameters and the effect is relatively small for elevated layers (less than 100 hPa). In case one of the scattering layers is near the surface (boundary layer aerosols), the effect becomes surprisingly large such that the retrieved height of the single layer is above the two-layer profile. Furthermore, we find that the retrieval solution, once retrieval converges, hardly depends on the starting values for the fit. Sensitivity experiments with GOME-2A spectra also show that aerosol layer height is indeed relatively robust against inaccuracies in the assumed aerosol model, even when the surface albedo is not fitted. We show spectral fit residuals, which can be used for further investigations. Fit residuals may be partly explained by spectroscopic uncertainties, which is suggested by an experiment showing the improvement of convergence when the absorption cross section is scaled in agreement with Butz et al. (2012) and Crisp et al. (2012) and a temperature offset to the a priori ECMWF temperature profile is fitted. Retrieved temperature offsets are always negative and quite large (ranging between -4 and -8 K), which is not expected if temperature offsets absorb remaining inaccuracies in meteorological data. Other sensitivity experiments investigate fitting of stray light and fluorescence emissions. We find negative radiance offsets and negative fluorescence emissions, also for non-vegetated areas, but from the results it is not clear whether fitting these parameters improves the retrieval. Based on the present results, the operational baseline for the Aerosol Layer Height product currently will not fit the surface albedo. The product will be particularly suited for elevated, optically thick aerosol layers. In addition to its scientific value in climate research, anticipated applications of the product for TROPOMI are providing aerosol height information for aviation safety and improving interpretation of the Absorbing Aerosol Index.

Evaluation of the operational Aerosol Layer Height retrieval algorithm for Sentinel-5 Precursor: application to O2 A band observations from GOME-2A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanders, A. F. J.; de Haan, J. F.; Sneep, M.; Apituley, A.; Stammes, P.; Vieitez, M. O.; Tilstra, L. G.; Tuinder, O. N. E.; Koning, C. E.; Veefkind, J. P.

2015-11-01

An algorithm setup for the operational Aerosol Layer Height product for TROPOMI on the Sentinel-5 Precursor mission is described and discussed, applied to GOME-2A data, and evaluated with lidar measurements. The algorithm makes a spectral fit of reflectance at the O2 A band in the near-infrared and the fit window runs from 758 to 770 nm. The aerosol profile is parameterised by a scattering layer with constant aerosol volume extinction coefficient and aerosol single scattering albedo and with a fixed pressure thickness. The algorithm's target parameter is the height of this layer. In this paper, we apply the algorithm to observations from GOME-2A in a number of systematic and extensive case studies, and we compare retrieved aerosol layer heights with lidar measurements. Aerosol scenes cover various aerosol types, both elevated and boundary layer aerosols, and land and sea surfaces. The aerosol optical thicknesses for these scenes are relatively moderate. Retrieval experiments with GOME-2A spectra are used to investigate various sensitivities, in which particular attention is given to the role of the surface albedo. From retrieval simulations with the single-layer model, we learn that the surface albedo should be a fit parameter when retrieving aerosol layer height from the O2 A band. Current uncertainties in surface albedo climatologies cause biases and non-convergences when the surface albedo is fixed in the retrieval. Biases disappear and convergence improves when the surface albedo is fitted, while precision of retrieved aerosol layer pressure is still largely within requirement levels. Moreover, we show that fitting the surface albedo helps to ameliorate biases in retrieved aerosol layer height when the assumed aerosol model is inaccurate. Subsequent retrievals with GOME-2A spectra confirm that convergence is better when the surface albedo is retrieved simultaneously with aerosol parameters. However, retrieved aerosol layer pressures are systematically low (i.e., layer high in the atmosphere) to the extent that retrieved values no longer realistically represent actual extinction profiles. When the surface albedo is fixed in retrievals with GOME-2A spectra, convergence deteriorates as expected, but retrieved aerosol layer pressures become much higher (i.e., layer lower in atmosphere). The comparison with lidar measurements indicates that retrieved aerosol layer heights are indeed representative of the underlying profile in that case. Finally, subsequent retrieval simulations with two-layer aerosol profiles show that a model error in the assumed profile (two layers in the simulation but only one in the retrieval) is partly absorbed by the surface albedo when this parameter is fitted. This is expected in view of the correlations between errors in fit parameters and the effect is relatively small for elevated layers (less than 100 hPa). If one of the scattering layers is near the surface (boundary layer aerosols), the effect becomes surprisingly large, in such a way that the retrieved height of the single layer is above the two-layer profile. Furthermore, we find that the retrieval solution, once retrieval converges, hardly depends on the starting values for the fit. Sensitivity experiments with GOME-2A spectra also show that aerosol layer height is indeed relatively robust against inaccuracies in the assumed aerosol model, even when the surface albedo is not fitted. We show spectral fit residuals, which can be used for further investigations. Fit residuals may be partly explained by spectroscopic uncertainties, which is suggested by an experiment showing the improvement of convergence when the absorption cross section is scaled in agreement with Butz et al. (2013) and Crisp et al. (2012), and a temperature offset to the a priori ECMWF temperature profile is fitted. Retrieved temperature offsets are always negative and quite large (ranging between -4 and -8 K), which is not expected if temperature offsets absorb remaining inaccuracies in meteorological data. Other sensitivity experiments investigate fitting of stray light and fluorescence emissions. We find negative radiance offsets and negative fluorescence emissions, also for non-vegetated areas, but from the results it is not clear whether fitting these parameters improves the retrieval. Based on the present results, the operational baseline for the Aerosol Layer Height product currently will not fit the surface albedo. The product will be particularly suited for elevated, optically thick aerosol layers. In addition to its scientific value in climate research, anticipated applications of the product for TROPOMI are providing aerosol height information for aviation safety and improving interpretation of the Absorbing Aerosol Index.

Numerical simulation of the free surface and water inflow of a slope, considering the nonlinear flow properties of gravel layers: a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bin; Yang, Tianhong; Xu, Zenghe; Liu, Honglei; Shi, Wenhao; Yang, Xin

2018-02-01

Groundwater is an important factor of slope stability, and 90% of slope failures are related to the influence of groundwater. In the past, free surface calculations and the prediction of water inflow were based on Darcy's law. However, Darcy's law for steady fluid flow is a special case of non-Darcy flow, and many types of non-Darcy flows occur in practical engineering applications. In this paper, based on the experimental results of laboratory water seepage tests, the seepage state of each soil layer in the open-pit slope of the Yanshan Iron Mine, China, were determined, and the seepage parameters were obtained. The seepage behaviour in the silt layer, fine sand layer, silty clay layer and gravelly clay layer followed the traditional Darcy law, while the gravel layers showed clear nonlinear characteristics. The permeability increases exponentially and the non-Darcy coefficient decreases exponentially with an increase in porosity, and the relation among the permeability, the porosity and the non-Darcy coefficient is investigated. A coupled mathematical model is established for two flow fields, on the basis of Darcy flow in the low-permeability layers and Forchheimer flow in the high-permeability layers. In addition, the effect of the seepage in the slope on the transition from Darcy flow to Forchheimer flow was considered. Then, a numerical simulation was conducted by using finite-element software (FELAC 2.2). The results indicate that the free surface calculated by the Darcy-Forchheimer model is in good agreement with the in situ measurements; however, there is an evident deviation of the simulation results from the measured data when the Darcy model is used. Through a parameter sensitivity analysis of the gravel layers, it can be found that the height of the overflow point and the water inflow calculated by the Darcy-Forchheimer model are consistently less than those of the Darcy model, and the discrepancy between these two models increases as the permeability increases. The necessity of adopting the Darcy-Forchheimer model was explained. The Darcy-Forchheimer model would be applicable in slope engineering applications with highly permeable rock.

Molecular simulation of dispersion and mechanical stability of organically modified layered silicates in polymer matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Yao-Tsung

The experimental analysis of nanometer-scale separation processes and mechanical properties at buried interfaces in nanocomposites has remained difficult. We have employed molecular dynamics simulation in relation to available experimental data to alleviate such limitations and gain insight into the dispersion and mechanical stability of organically modified layered silicates in hydrophobic polymer matrices. We analyzed cleavage energies of various organically modified silicates as a function of the cation exchange capacity, surfactant head group chemistry, and chain length using MD simulations with the PCFF-PHYLLOSILICATE force field. The range of the cleavage energy is between 25 and 210 mJ/m2 upon the molecular structures and packing of surfactants. As a function of chain length, the cleavage energy indicates local minima for interlayer structures comprised of loosely packed layers of alkyl chains and local maxima for interlayer structures comprised of densely packed layers of alkyl chains between the layers. In addition, the distribution of cationic head groups between the layers in the equilibrium state determines whether large increases in cleavage energy due to Coulomb attraction. We have also examined mechanical bending and failure mechanisms of layered silicates on the nanometer scale using molecular dynamics simulation in comparison to a library of TEM data of polymer nanocomposites. We investigated the energy of single clay lamellae as a function of bending radius and different cation density. The layer energy increases particularly for bending radii below 20 nm and is largely independent of cation exchange capacity. The analysis of TEM images of agglomerated and exfoliated aluminosilicates of different CEC in polymer matrices at small volume fractions showed bending radii in excess of 100 nm due to free volumes in the polymer matrix. At a volume fraction >5%, however, bent clay layers were found with bending radii <20 nm and kinks as a failure mechanism in good agreement with simulation results. We have examined thermal conductivity of organically modified layered silicates using molecular dynamics simulation in comparison to experimental results by laser measurement. The thermal conductivity slightly increased from 0.08 to 0.14 Wm-1K-1 with increasing chain length, related to the gallery spacing and interlayer density of the organic material.

Numerical simulation of the free surface and water inflow of a slope, considering the nonlinear flow properties of gravel layers: a case study.

PubMed

Yang, Bin; Yang, Tianhong; Xu, Zenghe; Liu, Honglei; Shi, Wenhao; Yang, Xin

2018-02-01

Groundwater is an important factor of slope stability, and 90% of slope failures are related to the influence of groundwater. In the past, free surface calculations and the prediction of water inflow were based on Darcy's law. However, Darcy's law for steady fluid flow is a special case of non-Darcy flow, and many types of non-Darcy flows occur in practical engineering applications. In this paper, based on the experimental results of laboratory water seepage tests, the seepage state of each soil layer in the open-pit slope of the Yanshan Iron Mine, China, were determined, and the seepage parameters were obtained. The seepage behaviour in the silt layer, fine sand layer, silty clay layer and gravelly clay layer followed the traditional Darcy law, while the gravel layers showed clear nonlinear characteristics. The permeability increases exponentially and the non-Darcy coefficient decreases exponentially with an increase in porosity, and the relation among the permeability, the porosity and the non-Darcy coefficient is investigated. A coupled mathematical model is established for two flow fields, on the basis of Darcy flow in the low-permeability layers and Forchheimer flow in the high-permeability layers. In addition, the effect of the seepage in the slope on the transition from Darcy flow to Forchheimer flow was considered. Then, a numerical simulation was conducted by using finite-element software (FELAC 2.2). The results indicate that the free surface calculated by the Darcy-Forchheimer model is in good agreement with the in situ measurements; however, there is an evident deviation of the simulation results from the measured data when the Darcy model is used. Through a parameter sensitivity analysis of the gravel layers, it can be found that the height of the overflow point and the water inflow calculated by the Darcy-Forchheimer model are consistently less than those of the Darcy model, and the discrepancy between these two models increases as the permeability increases. The necessity of adopting the Darcy-Forchheimer model was explained. The Darcy-Forchheimer model would be applicable in slope engineering applications with highly permeable rock.

Numerical simulation of the free surface and water inflow of a slope, considering the nonlinear flow properties of gravel layers: a case study

PubMed Central

Yang, Bin; Xu, Zenghe; Liu, Honglei; Shi, Wenhao; Yang, Xin

2018-01-01

Groundwater is an important factor of slope stability, and 90% of slope failures are related to the influence of groundwater. In the past, free surface calculations and the prediction of water inflow were based on Darcy's law. However, Darcy's law for steady fluid flow is a special case of non-Darcy flow, and many types of non-Darcy flows occur in practical engineering applications. In this paper, based on the experimental results of laboratory water seepage tests, the seepage state of each soil layer in the open-pit slope of the Yanshan Iron Mine, China, were determined, and the seepage parameters were obtained. The seepage behaviour in the silt layer, fine sand layer, silty clay layer and gravelly clay layer followed the traditional Darcy law, while the gravel layers showed clear nonlinear characteristics. The permeability increases exponentially and the non-Darcy coefficient decreases exponentially with an increase in porosity, and the relation among the permeability, the porosity and the non-Darcy coefficient is investigated. A coupled mathematical model is established for two flow fields, on the basis of Darcy flow in the low-permeability layers and Forchheimer flow in the high-permeability layers. In addition, the effect of the seepage in the slope on the transition from Darcy flow to Forchheimer flow was considered. Then, a numerical simulation was conducted by using finite-element software (FELAC 2.2). The results indicate that the free surface calculated by the Darcy–Forchheimer model is in good agreement with the in situ measurements; however, there is an evident deviation of the simulation results from the measured data when the Darcy model is used. Through a parameter sensitivity analysis of the gravel layers, it can be found that the height of the overflow point and the water inflow calculated by the Darcy–Forchheimer model are consistently less than those of the Darcy model, and the discrepancy between these two models increases as the permeability increases. The necessity of adopting the Darcy–Forchheimer model was explained. The Darcy–Forchheimer model would be applicable in slope engineering applications with highly permeable rock. PMID:29515904

The relative contribution of near-bed vs. intragravel horizontal transport to fine sediment accumulation processes in river gravel beds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas-Mulet, Roser; Lakhanpal, Garima; Stewardson, Michael J.

2018-02-01

Understanding flow-sediment interactions is important for comprehending river functioning. Fine sediment accumulation processes, in particular, have key implications for ecosystem health. However, the amount of fines generated by intragravel flows and later accumulated in gravel streambeds may have been underestimated, as the hydraulic-related driving transport mechanisms in play are not clearly identified. Specifically, the relative contribution of fines from upper vs. lower sediment layers in gravel beds is not well understood. By recreating flooded and dewatered conditions in an experimental flume filled with natural sediment, we estimated such contributions by observing and collecting intragravel transported fines that were later accumulated into a void in the middle of the sediment matrix. Near-bed transport in the upper sediment layers (named Brinkman load) during flooded conditions accounted for most (90%) of the accumulated fines. Intragravel transport in the lower sediment layers (named Interstitial load) was the sole source of transport and accumulation during dewatered conditions with steeper hydraulic gradients. Interstitial load accounted for 10% of the total transport during flooded conditions. Although small, such estimations demonstrate that hydraulic-gradient transport in the lower sediment layers occurs in spite of the contradicting analytical assessments. We provide a case study to challenge the traditional approaches of assessing intragravel transport, and a useful framework to understand the origin and relative contribution of fine sediment accumulation in gravel beds. Such knowledge will be highly useful for the design of monitoring programs aiding river management, particularly in regulated rivers.

A Theoretical Study of the Outer Layers of Eight Kepler F-stars: The Relevance of Ionization Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brito, Ana; Lopes, Ilídio

2017-07-01

We have analyzed the theoretical model envelopes of eight Kepler F-stars by computing the phase shift of the acoustic waves, α (ω ), and its related function, β (ω ). The latter is shown to be a powerful probe of the external stellar layers since it is particularly sensitive to the partial ionization zones located in these upper layers. We found that these theoretical envelopes can be organized into two groups, each of which is characterized by a distinct β (ω ) shape that we show to reflect the differences related to the magnitudes of ionization processes. Since β (ω ) can also be determined from the experimental frequencies, we compared our theoretical results with the observable β (ω ). Using the function β (ω ), and with the purpose of quantifying the magnitude of the ionization processes occurring in the outer layers of these stars, we define two indexes, {{Δ }}{β }1 and {{Δ }}{β }2. These indexes allow us to connect the microphysics of the interior of the star with macroscopic observable characteristics. Motivated by the distinct magnetic activity behaviors of F-stars, we studied the relation between the star’s rotation period and these indexes. We found a trend, in the form of a power-law dependence, that favors the idea that ionization is acting as an underlying mechanism, which is crucial for understanding the relation between rotation and magnetism and even observational features such as the Kraft break.