DETAIL OF TYPICAL WALL CONSTRUCTION IN COOLING ROOMS; TWO LAYERS ...

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

DETAIL OF TYPICAL WALL CONSTRUCTION IN COOLING ROOMS; TWO LAYERS OF CORK INSULATION ARE ATTACHED TO REINFORCED CONCRETE WALL WITH WOOD SLEEPERS AND ASPHALT MASTIC; THIN, GLAZED TERRA-COTTA TILES PROTECT THE INSULATION INSIDE THE COOLER - Rath Packing Company, Hog Cutting Building, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

Time resolved quantitative imaging of charring in materials at temperatures above 1000 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böhrk, Hannah; Jemmali, Raouf

2016-07-01

A device is presented allowing for in situ investigation of chemically changing materials by means of X-ray imaging. A representative cork ablator sample, additionally instrumented with thermocouples, is encapsulated in an evacuated cell heating a sample surface with a heat flux of 230 kW/m2. The images show the sample surface and the in-depth progression of the char front dividing the char layer from the virgin material. Correlating the images to thermocouple data allows for the deduction of a reaction temperature. For the representative cork ablator investigated at the present conditions, the progression rate of the pyrolysis layer is determined to 0.0285 mm/s and pyrolysis temperature is 770 or 737 K, depending on the pre-existing conditions. It is found that the novel device is ideally suited for volume process imaging.

Simple, affordable and sustainable borehole observatories for complex monitoring objectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopf, A.; Freudenthal, T.; Ratmeyer, V.; Bergenthal, M.; Lange, M.; Fleischmann, T.; Hammerschmidt, S.; Seiter, C.; Wefer, G.

2014-12-01

Seafloor drill rigs are remotely operated systems that provide a cost effective means to recover sedimentary records of the upper sub-seafloor deposits. Recent increases in their payload included downhole logging tools or autoclave coring systems. We here report on another milestone in using seafloor rigs: the development and installation of shallow borehole observatories. Three different systems have been developed for the MARUM-MeBo seafloor drill, which is operated by MARUM, University of Bremen, Germany. A simple design, the MeBoPLUG, separates the inner borehole from the overlying ocean by using o-ring seals at the conical threads of the drill pipe. The systems are self-contained and include data loggers, batteries, thermistors and a differential pressure sensor. A second design, the so-called MeBoCORK, is more sophisticated and also hosts an acoustic modem for data transfer and, if desired, fluid sampling capability using osmotic pumps. Of these MeBoCORKs, two systems have to be distinguished: the CORK-A (A = autonomous) can be installed by the MeBo alone and monitors pressure and temperature inside and above the borehole (the latter for reference). The CORK-B (B = bottom) has a higher payload and can additionally be equipped with geochemical, biological or other physical components. Owing to its larger size, it is installed by ROV and utilises a hotstab connection in the upper portion of the drill string. Either design relies on a hotstab connection from beneath which coiled tubing with a conical drop weight is lowered to couple to the formation. These tubes are fluid-saturated and either serve to transmit pore pressure signals or collect pore water in the osmo-sampler. The third design, the MeBoPUPPI (Pop-Up Pore Pressure Instrument), is similar to the MeBoCORK-A and monitors pore pressure and temperature in a self-contained manner. Instead of transferring data upon command using an acoustic modem, the MeBoPUPPI contains a pop-up telemetry with Iridium link. After a predefined period, the data unit with satellite link is released, ascends to the sea surface, and remains there for up to two weeks while sending the long-term data sets to shore. In summer 2012, two MeBoPLUGs, one MeBoCORK-A and one MeBoCORK-B were installed with MeBo on German RV Sonne in the Nankai Trough area, Japan. We have successfully downloaded data from the CORKs, attesting that coupling to the formation worked and pressure records were elevated relative to the seafloor reference. In the near future, we will further deploy the first two MeBoPUPPIs. Recovery of all monitoring systems by ROV is planned for 2016.

Cork Composites: A Review

PubMed Central

Gil, Luís

2009-01-01

Cork is a material which has been used for mankind for the last 5,000 years and it is a strategic material used for multiple applications, from wine bottles to aeronautics. Many of current cork materials are composites, in particular cork materials for floor and wall coverings and several other building and industrial applications. Recent developments in cork research have shifted from the classical cork-wine relationship to quality and environmental issues, exploitation of cork industry residues and new cork based materials. In recent years a number of new cork based composite materials were developed.

Simple, affordable, and sustainable borehole observatories for complex monitoring objectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopf, A.; Freudenthal, T.; Ratmeyer, V.; Bergenthal, M.; Lange, M.; Fleischmann, T.; Hammerschmidt, S.; Seiter, C.; Wefer, G.

2015-05-01

Seafloor drill rigs are remotely operated systems that provide a cost-effective means to recover sedimentary records of the upper sub-seafloor deposits. Recent increases in their payload included downhole logging tools or autoclave coring systems. Here we report on another milestone in using seafloor rigs: the development and installation of shallow borehole observatories. Three different systems have been developed for the MARUM-MeBo (Meeresboden-Bohrgerat) seafloor drill, which is operated by MARUM, University of Bremen, Germany. A simple design, the MeBoPLUG, separates the inner borehole from the overlying ocean by using o-ring seals at the conical threads of the drill pipe. The systems are self-contained and include data loggers, batteries, thermistors and a differential pressure sensor. A second design, the so-called MeBoCORK (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit), is more sophisticated and also hosts an acoustic modem for data transfer and, if desired, fluid sampling capability using osmotic pumps. In these MeBoCORKs, two systems have to be distinguished: the CORK-A (A stands for autonomous) can be installed by the MeBo alone and monitors pressure and temperature inside and above the borehole (the latter for reference); the CORK-B (B stands for bottom) has a higher payload and can additionally be equipped with geochemical, biological or other physical components. Owing to its larger size, it is installed by a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) and utilises a hot-stab connection in the upper portion of the drill string. Either design relies on a hot-stab connection from beneath in which coiled tubing with a conical drop weight is lowered to couple to the formation. These tubes are fluid-saturated and either serve to transmit pore pressure signals or collect porewater in the osmo-sampler. The third design, the MeBoPUPPI (Pop-Up Pore Pressure Instrument), is similar to the MeBoCORK-A and monitors pore pressure and temperature in a self-contained manner. Instead of transferring data on command using an acoustic modem, the MeBoPUPPI contains a pop-up telemetry with iridium link. After a predefined period, the data unit with satellite link is released, ascends to the sea surface, and remains there for up to 2 weeks while sending the long-term data sets to shore. In summer 2012, two MeBoPLUGs, one MeBoCORK-A and one MeBoCORK-B were installed with MeBo on RV Sonne, Germany, in the Nankai Trough area, Japan. We have successfully downloaded data from the CORKs, attesting that coupling to the formation worked, and pressure records were elevated relative to the seafloor reference. In the near future, we will further deploy the first two MeBoPUPPIs. Recovery of all monitoring systems by a ROV is planned for 2016.

New Cork-Based Materials and Applications.

PubMed

Gil, Luís

2015-02-10

This review work is an update of a previous work reporting the new cork based materials and new applications of cork based materials. Cork is a material which has been used for multiple applications. The most known uses of cork are in stoppers (natural and agglomerated cork) for alcoholic beverages, classic floor covering with composite cork tiles (made by the binding of cork particles with different binders), and thermal/acoustic/vibration insulation with expanded corkboard in buildings and some other industrial fields. Many recent developments have been made leading to new cork based materials. Most of these newly developed cork materials are not yet on the market, but they represent new possibilities for engineers, architects, designers and other professionals which must be known and considered, potentially leading to their industrialization. This paper is a review covering the last five years of innovative cork materials and applications also mentioning previous work not reported before.

New Cork-Based Materials and Applications

PubMed Central

Gil, Luís

2015-01-01

This review work is an update of a previous work reporting the new cork based materials and new applications of cork based materials. Cork is a material which has been used for multiple applications. The most known uses of cork are in stoppers (natural and agglomerated cork) for alcoholic beverages, classic floor covering with composite cork tiles (made by the binding of cork particles with different binders), and thermal/acoustic/vibration insulation with expanded corkboard in buildings and some other industrial fields. Many recent developments have been made leading to new cork based materials. Most of these newly developed cork materials are not yet on the market, but they represent new possibilities for engineers, architects, designers and other professionals which must be known and considered, potentially leading to their industrialization. This paper is a review covering the last five years of innovative cork materials and applications also mentioning previous work not reported before. PMID:28787962

Catalytic copyrolysis of cork oak and bio-oil distillation residue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yejin; Oh, Daejun; Kim, Young-Min; Jae, Jungho; Jung, Sang-Chul; Jeon, Jong-Ki; Kim, Sang Chai; Park, Young-Kwon

2018-01-01

The atmospheric distillation residue (ADR) of cork oak (CO) pyrolysis oil was used as the co-feeding material for the catalytic pyrolysis of CO over HZSM-5 catalysts to improve the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons. Although the non-catalytic copyrolysis of CO and ADR did not improve the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons, the catalytic copyrolysis of CO and ADR promoted the synergistic formation of aromatic hydrocarbons. HZSM-5(30), having a lower SiO2/Al2O3(30), showed better performance for the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons than HZSM-5(80) because of its higher acidity. The catalytic copyrolysis of CO and ADR also decreased the formation of coke. The largest quantity of aromatic hydrocarbons was obtained from the catalytic copyrolysis of CO and ADR over HZSM-5 (30) at 600 °C, whereas the lowest coke yield was achieved at 700 °C. When the catalyst to sample ratio was increased from 2:1 to 5:1, the synergistic formation of aromatic hydrocarbons was limited, resulting in a lower experimental yield of aromatic hydrocarbons than the theoretical yield. A lower coke yield was also achieved at a high catalyst to sample ratio (5:1).

Typical tropospheric aerosol backscatter profiles for Southern Ireland: The Cork Raman lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAuliffe, Michael A. P.; Ruth, Albert A.

2013-02-01

A Raman lidar instrument (UCLID) was established at the University College Cork as part of the European lidar network EARLINET. Raman backscatter coefficients, extinction coefficients and lidar ratios were measured within the period 28/08/2010 and 24/04/2011. Typical atmospheric scenarios over Southern Ireland in terms of the aerosol load in the planetary boundary layer are outlined. The lidar ratios found are typical for marine atmospheric condition (lidar ratio ca. 20-25 sr). The height of the planetary boundary layer is below 1000 m and therefore low in comparison to heights found at other lidar sites in Europe. On the 21st of April a large aerosol load was detected, which was assigned to a Saharan dust event based on HYSPLIT trajectories and DREAM forecasts along with the lidar ratio (70 sr) for the period concerned. The dust was found at two heights, pure dust at 2.5 km and dust mixing with pollution from 0.7 to 1.8 km with a lidar ratio of 40-50 sr.

Simple, Affordable and Sustainable Borehole Observatories for Complex Monitoring Objectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopf, A.; Freudenthal, T.; Ratmeyer, V.; Wefer, G.

2014-12-01

Seafloor drill rigs are remotely operated systems that provide a cost effective means to recover sedimentary records of the upper sub-seafloor deposits. Recent increases in their payload included downhole logging tools or autoclave coring systems. We here report on another milestone in using seafloor rigs: The development and installation of shallow borehole observatories. Three different systems have been developed for the MeBo seafloor drill, which is operated by MARUM, Univ. Bremen, Germany. A simple design, the MeBoPLUG, separates the inner borehole from the overlying ocean by using o-ring seals at the conical threads of the drill pipe. The systems are self-contained and include data loggers, batteries, thermistors and a differential pressure sensor. A second design, the so-called MeBoCORK, is more sophisticated and also hosts an acoustic modem for data transfer and, if desired, fluid sampling capability using osmotic pumps. Of these MeBoCORKs, two systems have to be distinguished: The CORK-A (A = autonomous) can be installed by the MeBo alone and monitors pressure and temperature inside and above the borehole (the latter for reference). The CORK-B (B = bottom) has a higher payload and can additionally be equipped with geochemical, biological or other physical components. Owing to its larger size, it is installed by ROV and utilises a hotstab connection in the upper portion of the drill string. Either design relies on a hostab connection from beneath which coiled tubing with a conical drop weight is lowered to couple to the formation. These tubes are fluid-saturated and either serve to transmit pore pressure signals or collect pore water in the osmo-sampler. The third design, the MeBoPUPPI (Pop-Up Pore Pressure Instrument), is similar to the MeBoCORK-A and monitors pore pressure and temperature in a self-contained manner. Instead of transferring data upon command using an acoustic modem, the MeBoPUPPI contains a pop-up telemetry with Iridium link. After a predefined period, the data unit with satellite link is released, ascends to the sea surface, and remains there for up to two weeks while sending the long-term data sets to shore. In 2012, 2 MeBoPLUGs, 1 MeBoCORK-A and 1 MeBoCORK-B were installed with MeBo in the Nankai Trough, Japan, and data were successfully downloaded from the CORKs.

Search for the contamination source of butyltin compounds in wine: agglomerated cork stoppers.

PubMed

Jiang, Gui-Bin; Liu, Ji-Yan; Zhou, Qun-Fang

2004-08-15

A possible butyltin contamination source in wine was studied in this paper. Agglomerated cork stoppers, which were produced in Portugal, Spain, and Italy, used in wine bottles were examined. The domestic cork products, cork granules, and mucus used for cork products were also analyzed. The levels of mono- and dibutyltin compounds in corks were found in the range from <0.0024 to 3.3 and from <0.0029 to 6.7 microg of Sn/g, respectively. A low level of tributyltin contamination was also found in 2 of 31 tested samples. The presence of butyltin compounds in agglomerated cork stoppers was confirmed by GC-MS. Experimental results indicated that all overseas agglomerated cork stoppers studied contained mono- and/or dibutyltins. Butyltins were not detected in cork granules, mucus, most of the natural cork stoppers, and domestic agglomerated cork products. The concentrations of mono- and dibutyltins increased with the time in a 30-day experiment, showing that butyltin compounds can leach from agglomerated cork to the wine. When the butyltin concentrations in wine samples were compared with their levels in the corresponding agglomerated cork stoppers, a correlation was found. The potential harm of such food contamination was evaluated by the toxic research of butyltin compounds using Daphnia sp. as the experimental model.

Characterization of Atypical Off-Flavor Compounds in Natural Cork Stoppers by Multidimensional Gas Chromatographic Techniques.

PubMed

Slabizki, Petra; Fischer, Claus; Legrum, Charlotte; Schmarr, Hans-Georg

2015-09-09

Natural cork stoppers with sensory deviations other than the typical cork taint were subgrouped according to their sensory descriptions and compared with unaffected control cork stoppers. The assessment of purge and trap extracts obtained from corresponding cork soaks was performed by heart-cut multidimensional gas chromatography-olfactometry (MDGC-O). The identification of compounds responsible for atypical cork taint detected in MDGC-O was further supported with additional multidimensional GC analysis in combination with mass spectrometric detection. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol were mainly found in cork stoppers described as moldy and cellarlike; 3-isopropyl-2-methoxypyrazine and 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine were found in cork stoppers described with green attributes. Across all cork subgroups, the impact compound for typical cork taint, 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), was present and is therefore a good marker for cork taint in general. Another potent aroma compound, 3,5-dimethyl-2-methoxypyrazine (MDMP), was also detected in each subgroup, obviously playing an important role with regard to the atypical cork taint. Sensory deviations possibly affecting the wine could be generated by MDMP and its presence should thus be monitored in routine quality control.

Reactivity of Cork Extracts with (+)-Catechin and Malvidin-3-O-glucoside in Wine Model Solutions: Identification of a New Family of Ellagitannin-Derived Compounds (Corklins).

PubMed

Azevedo, Joana; Fernandes, Ana; Oliveira, Joana; Brás, Natércia F; Reis, Sofia; Lopes, Paulo; Roseira, Isabel; Cabral, Miguel; Mateus, Nuno; de Freitas, Victor

2017-10-04

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reactivity of phenolic compounds extracted from cork stoppers to wine model solutions with two major wine components, namely, (+)-catechin and malvidin-3-O-glucoside. Besides the formation of some compounds already described in the literature, these reactions also yielded a new family of ellagitannin-derived compounds, named herein as corklins. This new family of compounds that were found to result from the interaction between ellagitannins in alcoholic solutions and (+)-catechin were structurally characterized by mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and computational methods.

7 CFR 3201.81 - Floor coverings (non-carpet).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., that are designed for use as the top layer on a floor. Examples are bamboo, hardwood, and cork tiles...—floor tiles. USDA is requesting that manufacturers of these qualifying biobased products provide... floor tile products and which product should be afforded the preference in purchasing. Note to paragraph...

7 CFR 3201.81 - Floor coverings (non-carpet).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., that are designed for use as the top layer on a floor. Examples are bamboo, hardwood, and cork tiles...—floor tiles. USDA is requesting that manufacturers of these qualifying biobased products provide... floor tile products and which product should be afforded the preference in purchasing. Note to paragraph...

About the Role of the Bottleneck/Cork Interface on Oxygen Transfer.

PubMed

Lagorce-Tachon, Aurélie; Karbowiak, Thomas; Paulin, Christian; Simon, Jean-Marc; Gougeon, Régis D; Bellat, Jean-Pierre

2016-09-07

The transfer of oxygen through a corked bottleneck was investigated using a manometric technique. First, the effect of cork compression on oxygen transfer was evaluated without considering the glass/cork interface. No significant effect of cork compression (at 23% strain, corresponding to the compression level of cork in a bottleneck for still wines) was noticeable on the effective diffusion coefficient of oxygen. The mean value of the effective diffusion coefficient is equal to 10(-8) m(2) s(-1), with a statistical distribution ranging from 10(-10) to 10(-7) m(2) s(-1), which is of the same order of magnitude as for the non-compressed cork. Then, oxygen transfer through cork compressed in a glass bottleneck was determined to assess the effect of the glass/cork interface. In the particular case of a gradient-imposed diffusion of oxygen through our model corked bottleneck system (dry cork without surface treatment; 200 and ∼0 hPa of oxygen on both sides of the sample), the mean effective diffusion coefficient is of 5 × 10(-7) m(2) s(-1), thus revealing the possible importance of the role of the glass/stopper interface in the oxygen transfer.

Environmental analysis of raw cork extraction in cork oak forests in southern Europe (Catalonia--Spain).

PubMed

Rives, Jesús; Fernandez-Rodriguez, Ivan; Rieradevall, Joan; Gabarrell, Xavier

2012-11-15

Cork oak grows endemically in a narrow region bordering the western Mediterranean, and especially in the Iberian Peninsula. The importance of cork agro-forestry systems lies in the fact that a natural and renewable raw material - cork - can be extracted sustainably without endangering the tree or affecting biodiversity. This paper describes an environmental analysis of the extraction of raw cork in cork oak forests in Catalonia, using data from five representative local forest exploitations. The evaluation was carried out using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, and all the forestry management required to obtain a tonne of raw cork was included. The aim of the study was to evaluate the environmental impacts - in terms of global warming, acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity, and so on - caused by cork extraction and determine the carbon dioxide balance of these forestry systems, with a tree lifespan of about 200 years. During the life cycle extraction of cork in Catalonia, 0.2 kg of CO(2) eq. was emitted per kg of raw cork extracted. Moreover, cork cannot be extracted without the tree, which will be fixing carbon dioxide throughout its technological useful life (200 years), despite the fact that the bark is removed periodically: every 13-14 years. If the emission from extraction and the carbon contained in the material is discounted, the carbon dioxide balance indicates that 18 kg of CO(2) are fixed per kg of raw cork extracted. Therefore, cork is a natural, renewable and local material that can replace other non-renewable materials, at local level, to reduce the environmental impacts of products, and particularly to reduce their carbon footprint. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic and hormonal regulation of cambial development.

PubMed

Ursache, Robertas; Nieminen, Kaisa; Helariutta, Ykä

2013-01-01

The stems and roots of most dicot plants increase in diameter by radial growth, due to the activity of secondary meristems. Two types of meristems function in secondary plant body formation: the vascular cambium, which gives rise to secondary xylem and phloem, and the cork cambium, which produces a bark layer that replaces the epidermis and protects the plant stem from mechanical damage and pathogens. Cambial development, the initiation and activity of the vascular cambium, leads to an accumulation of wood, the secondary xylem tissue. The thick, cellulose-rich cell walls of wood provide a source of cellulose and have the potential to be used as a raw material for sustainable and renewable energy production. In this review, we will discuss what is known about the mechanisms regulating the cambium and secondary tissue development. Copyright © Physiologia Plantarum 2012.

Multilocus sequence identification of Penicillium species in cork bark during plank preparation for the manufacture of stoppers.

PubMed

Serra, Rita; Peterson, Stephen; Venâncio, Armando

2008-04-01

Despite several studies reporting Penicillium as one of the most frequent fungal genera in cork planks, the isolates were rarely identified to species level. We conducted a detailed study to identify Penicillium species from the field to the factory environment prior to and after boiling the cork planks. A total of 84 samples were analyzed. Of the 486 Penicillium isolates phenotypically identified, 32 representative or unusual strains were selected for identification by multilocus DNA sequence type. Cork proved to be a rich source of Penicillium biodiversity. A total of 30 taxa were recognized from cork including rarely seen species and 6 phylogenetically unique groups. Spores of some species lodged deep in cork can survive the boiling process. P. glabrum, P. glandicola and P. toxicarium, species with high CFU numbers in the field, are still frequently present in cork after boiling. Other species are killed by the boiling treatment and replaced by Penicillium species originating from the factory environment. Species known to contribute to cork taint were isolated at all stages. Good manufacturing practices are necessary at all stages in the preparation of cork planks to minimize the load of Penicillium species that produce cork taint.

New insights into the interactions between cork chemical components and pesticides. The contribution of π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effect.

PubMed

Olivella, M À; Bazzicalupi, C; Bianchi, A; Fiol, N; Villaescusa, I

2015-01-01

The role of chemical components of cork in the sorption of several pesticides has been investigated. For this purpose raw cork and three cork extracted fractions (i.e. cork free of aliphatic extractives, cork free of all extractives and cork free of all extractives and suberin) were used as sorbent of three ionic pesticides (propazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and alachlor) and five non-ionic pesticides (chlorpyrifos, isoproturon, metamitron, methomyl and oxamyl) with a logKow within the range -0.47 to 4.92. The effect of cations on the ionic pesticides, propazine and 2,4-D sorption was also analyzed. Results indicated that the highest yields were obtained for chlorpyrifos and alachlor sorption onto raw cork (>55%). After removal of aliphatic extractives sorption of all pesticides increased that ranged from 3% for propazine to 31% for alachlor. In contrast, removal of phenolic extractives caused a sorption decrease. Low sorption yields were obtained for hydrophobic pesticides such as metamitron, oxamyl and methomyl (<11%) by using all cork fractions and extremely low when using raw cork (<1%). FTIR analysis was useful to indicate that lignin moieties were the main components involved on the sorption process. Modelling calculations evidenced that π-stacking interactions with the aromatic groups of lignin play a major role in determining the adsorption properties of cork toward aromatic pesticides. Results presented in this paper gain insights into the cork affinities for pesticides and the interactions involved in the sorption process and also enables to envisage sorption affinity of cork for other organic pollutants. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential DNA Methylation Patterns Are Related to Phellogen Origin and Quality of Quercus suber Cork.

PubMed

Inácio, Vera; Barros, Pedro M; Costa, Augusta; Roussado, Cristóvão; Gonçalves, Elsa; Costa, Rita; Graça, José; Oliveira, M Margarida; Morais-Cecílio, Leonor

2017-01-01

DNA methylation is thought to influence Quercus suber cork quality, which is the main constraint for its economic valorisation. However, a deep knowledge of the cytosine methylation patterns disclosing the epigenetic variability of trees with different cork quality types is totally missing. This study investigates the hypothesis that variations in DNA methylation contribute to differences in cork cellular characteristics directly related to original or traumatic phellogen activity. We used MSAPs (Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism) to assess DNA methylation patterns of cork and leaf tissues of Q. suber adult trees growing in three cork oak stands. The relationship between the detected polymorphisms and the diversity of cork quality traits was explored by a marker-trait analysis focusing on the most relevant quality characteristics. Populations differed widely in cork quality, but only slightly in degree of epigenetic differentiation. Four MSAP markers (1.3% of the total) were significantly associated with the most noteworthy quality traits: wood inclusions (nails) and porosity. This evidence supports the potential role of cytosine methylation in the modulation of differential phellogen activity either involved in localized cell death or in pore production, resulting in different cork qualities. Although, the underlying basis of the methylation polymorphism of loci affecting cork quality traits remain unclear, the disclosure of markers statistically associated with cork quality strengthens the potential role of DNA methylation in the regulation of these traits, namely at the phellogen level.

A new model for cork weight estimation in Northern Portugal with methodology for construction of confidence intervals

Treesearch

Teresa J.F. Fonseca; Bernard R. Parresol

2001-01-01

Cork, a unique biological material, is a highly valued non-timber forest product. Portugal is the leading producer of cork with 52 percent of the world production. Tree cork weight models have been developed for Southern Portugal, but there are no representative published models for Northern Portugal. Because cork trees may have a different form between Northern and...

Differential DNA Methylation Patterns Are Related to Phellogen Origin and Quality of Quercus suber Cork

PubMed Central

Costa, Augusta; Roussado, Cristóvão; Gonçalves, Elsa; Costa, Rita; Graça, José; Oliveira, M. Margarida

2017-01-01

DNA methylation is thought to influence Quercus suber cork quality, which is the main constraint for its economic valorisation. However, a deep knowledge of the cytosine methylation patterns disclosing the epigenetic variability of trees with different cork quality types is totally missing. This study investigates the hypothesis that variations in DNA methylation contribute to differences in cork cellular characteristics directly related to original or traumatic phellogen activity. We used MSAPs (Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism) to assess DNA methylation patterns of cork and leaf tissues of Q. suber adult trees growing in three cork oak stands. The relationship between the detected polymorphisms and the diversity of cork quality traits was explored by a marker-trait analysis focusing on the most relevant quality characteristics. Populations differed widely in cork quality, but only slightly in degree of epigenetic differentiation. Four MSAP markers (1.3% of the total) were significantly associated with the most noteworthy quality traits: wood inclusions (nails) and porosity. This evidence supports the potential role of cytosine methylation in the modulation of differential phellogen activity either involved in localized cell death or in pore production, resulting in different cork qualities. Although, the underlying basis of the methylation polymorphism of loci affecting cork quality traits remain unclear, the disclosure of markers statistically associated with cork quality strengthens the potential role of DNA methylation in the regulation of these traits, namely at the phellogen level. PMID:28045988

5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein rescues activity of 5-lipoxygenase mutations that delay nuclear membrane association and disrupt product formation.

PubMed

Gerstmeier, Jana; Newcomer, Marcia E; Dennhardt, Sophie; Romp, Erik; Fischer, Jana; Werz, Oliver; Garscha, Ulrike

2016-05-01

Leukotrienes (LTs) are proinflammatory lipid mediators formed from arachidonic acid in a 2-step reaction catalyzed by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) requiring the formation of 5-HPETE [5(S)-hydroperoxy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid] and its subsequent transformation to LTA4 5-LOX is thought to receive arachidonic acid from the nuclear membrane-embedded 5-LOX-activating protein (FLAP). The crystal structure of 5-LOX revealed an active site concealed by F177 and Y181 (FY cork). We examined the influence of the FY cork on 5-LOX activity and membrane binding in HEK293 cells in the absence and presence of FLAP. Uncapping the 5-LOX active site by mutation of F177 and/or Y181 to alanine (5-LOX-F177A, 5-LOX-Y181A, 5-LOX-F177/Y181A) resulted in delayed and diminished 5-LOX membrane association in A23187-stimulated cells. For 5-LOX-F177A and 5-LOX-F177/Y181A, formation of 5-LOX products was dramatically reduced relative to 5-LOX-wild type (wt). Strikingly, coexpression of FLAP in A23187-activated HEK293 cells effectively restored formation of 5-H(p)ETE (5-hydroxy- and 5-peroxy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid) by these same 5-LOX mutants (≈60-70% 5-LOX-wt levels) but not of LTA4 hydrolysis products. Yet 5-LOX-Y181A generated 5-H(p)ETE at levels comparable to 5-LOX-wt but reduced LTA4 hydrolysis products. Coexpression of FLAP partially restored LTA4 hydrolysis product formation by 5-LOX-Y181A. Together, the data suggest that the concealed FY cork impacts membrane association and that FLAP may help shield an uncapped active site.-Gerstmeier, J., Newcomer, M. E., Dennhardt, S., Romp, E., Fischer, J., Werz, O., Garscha, U. 5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein rescues activity of 5-lipoxygenase mutations that delay nuclear membrane association and disrupt product formation. © FASEB.

Diffusion of oxygen in cork.

PubMed

Lequin, Sonia; Chassagne, David; Karbowiak, Thomas; Simon, Jean-Marc; Paulin, Christian; Bellat, Jean-Pierre

2012-04-04

This work reports measurements of effective oxygen diffusion coefficient in raw cork. Kinetics of oxygen transfer through cork is studied at 298 K thanks to a homemade manometric device composed of two gas compartments separated by a cork wafer sample. The first compartment contains oxygen, whereas the second one is kept under dynamic vacuum. The pressure decrease in the first compartment is recorded as a function of time. The effective diffusion coefficient D(eff) is obtained by applying Fick's law to transient state using a numerical method based on finite differences. An analytical model derived from Fick's law applied to steady state is also proposed. Results given by these two methods are in close agreement with each other. The harmonic average of the effective diffusion coefficients obtained from the distribution of 15 cork wafers of 3 mm thickness is 1.1 × 10(-9) m(2) s(-1) with a large distribution over four decades. The statistical analysis of the Gaussian distribution obtained on a 3 mm cork wafer is extrapolated to a 48 mm cork wafer, which length corresponds to a full cork stopper. In this case, the probability density distribution gives a mean value of D(eff) equal to 1.6 × 10(-9) m(2) s(-1). This result shows that it is possible to obtain the effective diffusion coefficient of oxygen through cork from short time (few days) measurements performed on a thin cork wafer, whereas months are required to obtain the diffusion coefficient for a full cork stopper. Permeability and oxygen transfer rate are also calculated for comparison with data from other studies.

Destruction of chloroanisoles by using a hydrogen peroxide activated method and its application to remove chloroanisoles from cork stoppers.

PubMed

Recio, Eliseo; Alvarez-Rodríguez, María Luisa; Rumbero, Angel; Garzón, Enrique; Coque, Juan José R

2011-12-14

A chemical method for the efficient destruction of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) and pentachloroanisole (PCA) in aqueous solutions by using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant catalyzed by molybdate ions in alkaline conditions was developed. Under optimal conditions, more than 80.0% TCA and 75.8% PCA were degraded within the first 60 min of reaction. Chloroanisoles destruction was followed by a concomitant release of up to 2.9 chloride ions per TCA molecule and 4.6 chloride ions per PCA molecule, indicating an almost complete dehalogenation of chloroanisoles. This method was modified to be adapted to chloroanisoles removal from the surface of cork materials including natural cork stoppers (86.0% decrease in releasable TCA content), agglomerated corks (78.2%), and granulated cork (51.3%). This method has proved to be efficient and inexpensive with practical application in the cork industry to lower TCA levels in cork materials.

Use of cork powder and granules for the adsorption of pollutants: a review.

PubMed

Pintor, Ariana M A; Ferreira, Catarina I A; Pereira, Joana C; Correia, Patrícia; Silva, Susana P; Vilar, Vítor J P; Botelho, Cidália M S; Boaventura, Rui A R

2012-06-15

Cork powder and granules are the major subproducts of the cork industry, one of the leading economic activities in Portugal and other Mediterranean countries. Many applications have been envisaged for this product, from cork stoppers passing through the incorporation in agglomerates and briquettes to the use as an adsorbent in the treatment of gaseous emissions, waters and wastewaters. This paper aims at reviewing the state of the art on the properties of cork and cork powder and their application in adsorption technologies. Cork biomass has been used on its original form as biosorbent for heavy metals and oils, and is also a precursor of activated carbons for the removal of emerging organic pollutants in water and VOCs in the gas phase. Through this literature review, different potential lines of research not yet explored can be more easily identified. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simple, Affordable and Sustainable Borehole Observatories for Complex Monitoring Objectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopf, A.; Hammerschmidt, S.; Davis, E.; Saffer, D.; Wheat, G.; LaBonte, A.; Meldrum, R.; Heesemann, M.; Villinger, H.; Freudenthal, T.; Ratmeyer, V.; Renken, J.; Bergenthal, M.; Wefer, G.

2012-04-01

Around 20 years ago, the scientific community started to use borehole observatories, so-called CORKs or Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kits, which are installed inside submarine boreholes, and which allow the re-establishment and monitoring of in situ conditions. From the first CORKs which allowed only rudimentary fluid pressure and temperature measurements, the instruments evolved to multi-functional and multi-level subseafloor laboratories, including, for example, long-term fluid sampling devices, in situ microbiological experiments or strainmeter. Nonetheless, most boreholes are still left uninstrumented, which is a major loss for the scientific community. In-stallation of CORKs usually requires a drillship and subsequent ROV assignments for data download and instru-ment maintenance, which is a major logistic and financial effort. Moreover, the increasing complexity of the CORK systems increased not only the expenses but led also to longer installation times and a higher sensitivity of the in-struments to environmental constraints. Here, we present three types of Mini-CORKs, which evolved back to more simple systems yet providing a wide range of possible in situ measurements. As a regional example the Nankai Trough is chosen, where repeated subduction thrust earthquakes with M8+ occurred. The area has been investigated by several drilling campaigns of the DSDP, ODP and IODP, where boreholes were already instrumented by different CORKs. Unfortunately, some of the more complex systems showed incomplete functionality, and moreover, the increased ship time forced IODP to rely on third party funds for the observatories. Consequently, the need for more affordable CORKs arose, which may be satisfied by the systems presented here. The first type, the so-called SmartPlug, provides two pressure transducers and four temperature sensors, and monitors a hydrostatic reference section and an isolated zone of interest. It was already installed at the Nankai Trough accretionary prism during IODP Exp. 319 and successfully recovered during IODP Exp. 332, both cruises being part of NanTroSEIZE (Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment). The 15-months long data showed transients related to the arrival of seismic waves, storms and can further be used for detection of seismogenic strain events. Moreover, based on tidal signals in the pressure data, it was possible to make assumptions regarding the elastic properties of the surrounding formation. The SmartPlug was exchanged by an enhanced version, the GeniusPlug, which provides additional fluid sampling devices and microbiological experiments during the monitoring period. Its recovery is planned for 2013. Going one step further in simplicity, a Mini-CORK has recently developed especially designed for the portable seafloor drill rig MeBo (MARUM, Univ. Bremen, Germany), which can be installed without a drillship and which, due to its telemetric unit, makes costly recovery operations obsolete. The MeBo can be operated from any re-search vessel and allows coring to a depth of 70 m, which may be followed by instrumentation of the borehole with the MeBo-CORK. Two designs are available: the first design allows in situ measurement of pressure and temperature solely, whereas the second design consists of a seafloor unit including additional mission specific sensors (osmo-samlers for geochemistry and microbiology, etc.). A first field test for the MeBo-CORKs into mud volcanoes in the Kumano forearc basin is envisaged for summer 2012 to complement IODP project NanTroSEIZE.

Development of a microwave assisted extraction method for the analysis of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in cork stoppers by SIDA-SBSE-GC-MS.

PubMed

Vestner, Jochen; Fritsch, Stefanie; Rauhut, Doris

2010-02-15

The aim of this research work was focused on the replacement of the time-consuming soaking of cork stoppers which is mainly used as screening method for cork lots in connection with sensory analysis and/or analytical methods to detect releasable 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) of natural cork stoppers. Releasable TCA from whole cork stoppers was analysed with the application of a microwave assisted extraction method (MAE) in combination with stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). The soaking of corks (SOAK) was used as a reference method to optimise MAE parameters. Cork lots of different quality and TCA contamination levels were used to adapt MAE. Pre-tests indicated that an MAE at 40 degrees C for 120 min with 90 min of cooling time are suitable conditions to avoid an over-extraction of TCA of low and medium tainted cork stoppers in comparison to SOAK. These MAE parameters allow the measuring of almost the same amounts of releasable TCA as with the application of the soaking procedure in the relevant range (<25 ng L(-1) releasable TCA from one cork) to evaluate the TCA level of cork stoppers. Stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) was applied to optimise quantification of the released TCA with deuterium-labelled TCA (TCA-d(5)) using a time-saving GC-MS technique in single ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The developed MAE method allows the measuring of releasable TCA from the whole cork stopper under improved conditions and in connection with a low use of solvent and a higher sample throughput. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A carbon footprint simulation model for the cork oak sector.

PubMed

Demertzi, Martha; Paulo, Joana Amaral; Arroja, Luís; Dias, Ana Cláudia

2016-10-01

In the present study, a simulation model for the calculation of the carbon footprint of the cork oak sector (CCFM) is developed for the first time. A life cycle approach is adopted including the forest management, manufacturing, use and end-of-life stages. CCFM allows the user to insert the cork type used as raw material and its respective quantity and the distances in-between the various stages. The user can choose among different end-of-life destination options for the used cork products. The option of inserting different inputs, allows the use of the present simulation model for different cork oak systems, in different countries and with different conditions. CCFM allows the identification of the stages and products with the greatest carbon footprint and thus, a better management of the sector from an environmental perspective. The Portuguese cork oak sector is used as an application example of the model. The results obtained showed that the agglomeration industry is the hotspot for the carbon footprint of the cork sector mainly due to the production of the resins that are mixed with the cork granules for the production of agglomerated cork products. The consideration of the biogenic carbon emissions and sequestration of carbon at the forest in the carbon footprint, resulted to a great decrease of the sector's carbon footprint. Future actions for improvement are suggested in order to decrease the carbon footprint of the entire cork sector. It was found that by decreasing by 10% the emission factor of the agglomeration and transformation industries, substituting the transport trucks by more recent ones and by decreasing by 10% the cork products reaching the landfilling end-of-life destinations (while increasing the quantities reaching incineration and recycling), a decrease of the total CF (excluding the biogenic emissions and sequestration) of the entire cork industry by 10% can be achieved. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigating Aspergillus nidulans secretome during colonisation of cork cell walls.

PubMed

Martins, Isabel; Garcia, Helga; Varela, Adélia; Núñez, Oscar; Planchon, Sébastien; Galceran, Maria Teresa; Renaut, Jenny; Rebelo, Luís P N; Silva Pereira, Cristina

2014-02-26

Cork, the outer bark of Quercus suber, shows a unique compositional structure, a set of remarkable properties, including high recalcitrance. Cork colonisation by Ascomycota remains largely overlooked. Herein, Aspergillus nidulans secretome on cork was analysed (2DE). Proteomic data were further complemented by microscopic (SEM) and spectroscopic (ATR-FTIR) evaluation of the colonised substrate and by targeted analysis of lignin degradation compounds (UPLC-HRMS). Data showed that the fungus formed an intricate network of hyphae around the cork cell walls, which enabled polysaccharides and lignin superficial degradation, but probably not of suberin. The degradation of polysaccharides was suggested by the identification of few polysaccharide degrading enzymes (β-glucosidases and endo-1,5-α-l-arabinosidase). Lignin degradation, which likely evolved throughout a Fenton-like mechanism relying on the activity of alcohol oxidases, was supported by the identification of small aromatic compounds (e.g. cinnamic acid and veratrylaldehyde) and of several putative high molecular weight lignin degradation products. In addition, cork recalcitrance was corroborated by the identification of several protein species which are associated with autolysis. Finally, stringent comparative proteomics revealed that A. nidulans colonisation of cork and wood share a common set of enzymatic mechanisms. However the higher polysaccharide accessibility in cork might explain the increase of β-glucosidase in cork secretome. Cork degradation by fungi remains largely overlook. Herein we aimed at understanding how A. nidulans colonise cork cell walls and how this relates to wood colonisation. To address this, the protein species consistently present in the secretome were analysed, as well as major alterations occurring in the substrate, including lignin degradation compounds being released. The obtained data demonstrate that this fungus has superficially attacked the cork cell walls apparently by using both enzymatic and Fenton-like reactions. Only a few polysaccharide degrading enzymes could be detected in the secretome which was dominated by protein species associated with autolysis. Lignin degradation was corroborated by the identification of some degradation products, but the suberin barrier in the cell wall remained virtually intact. Comparative proteomics revealed that cork and wood colonisation share a common set of enzymatic mechanisms. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Results from an Integrated Optical/Acoustic Communication System Installed at CORK 857D: Implications for Future Seafloor Observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tivey, M.; Farr, N.; Ware, J.; Pontbriand, C.

2011-12-01

A CORK (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit) borehole represents all of the basic components required for a seafloor observatory: a stable environment for long-term continuous measurements of earth and ocean phenomena, access to a unique environment below the seafloor under controlled conditions (e.g. hydrologically sealed), and a standard interface for communication. Typically, however, due to power constraints and a limited frequency of data download opportunities, data sampling has been limited to rates on the order of several minutes. For full seismic wave sampling, at least 1 Hz or better is required. While some CORK systems are now being connected to an underwater cable to provide continuous power and real-time data (cf. Neptune network in the Northeast Pacific), there will be locations where cabled observatories are not viable. Another mode of communication is required to enable both high data rate communication and access for data download via more conventional vessels and not limited to those with ROV or submersibles. We here report on technology to enable high data rate download and transfer of data and information using underwater optical communications, which can be accomplished from a surface vessel of opportunity or, in the future, by autonomous underwater vehicle. In 2010, we successfully deployed and tested an underwater optical communication system that provides high data rate communications over a range of 100 meters from a deep sea CORK borehole observatory located in the northeast Pacific at IODP Hole 857D. The CORK is instrumented with a thermistor string and pressure sensors that record downhole formation pressures and temperatures within oceanic basement and is pressure sealed from the overlying water column. The seafloor Optical Telemetry System (OTS) was plugged into the CORK's existing underwater matable connector to provide an optical and acoustic communication interface and additional data storage and battery power for the CORK to sample at 1 Hz data-rate, an increase over the normal 15 sec data sample rate. A CTD-mounted OTS lowered by wire from a surface ship established an optical communication link at 100 meters range at rates of 1, 5 and 10 Mbps with no bit errors. This mode of communication demonstrates the effectiveness of using a ship-based system to interrogate the system remotely. The OTS was designed to be installed at the seafloor CORK for a year. In 2011, we will revisit the CORK and OTS using the ROV Jason to test the system, download the data collected during this period and to refurbish the batteries for a further year-long deployment period. We will report on the results of those tests at the meeting. As the need to observe oceanic and earth phenomenon over periods not limited to weather windows or cruise schedules increases, the borehole observatory will provide an important venue for gaining access to such timescales. High data-rate underwater communications will be required to make full use of such observatory infrastructure. The use of free water optical communication methods provides a logical way to accomplish these goals in the future.

Fungal strains isolated from cork stoppers and the formation of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole involved in the cork taint of wine.

PubMed

Prak, Sina; Gunata, Ziya; Guiraud, Joseph-Pierre; Schorr-Galindo, Sabine

2007-05-01

Cork taint is mainly due to 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) produced through the activity of undesirable fungal strains. We observed that CFU mould number in TCA-containing stoppers was not quantitatively different to that of the stoppers not containing TCA (ca. 10(5)CFU/g). In contrast more fungi diversity was observed in TCA-containing stoppers. Penicillium spp (Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium glabrum), Aspergillus spp (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae), Chrysonilia sitophila, Mucor racemosus, Paecilomyces sp. and Trichoderma viride were found in TCA-containing stoppers, while C. sitophila and Penicillium sp. were the main fungi in the stoppers devoid of TCA. Conidia were numerous close to the lenticels and present from the lateral surface through to the centre of the stoppers. Strains of Aspergillus, Mucor, Paecilomyces, Penicillium and Trichoderma isolated from TCA-containing stoppers were able to convert 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) in TCA in resting cell or growing conditions. The best yields of conversion were obtained by green fungi Paecilomyces sp. and P. chrysogenum, 17% and 20%, respectively. Chysonilia sitophila and Penicillium sp. did not produce TCA from TCP in our conditions.

Assessment of exposure to the Penicillium glabrum complex in cork industry using complementing methods.

PubMed

Viegas, Carla; Sabino, Raquel; Botelho, Daniel; dos Santos, Mateus; Gomes, Anita Quintal

2015-09-01

Cork oak is the second most dominant forest species in Portugal and makes this country the world leader in cork export. Occupational exposure to Chrysonilia sitophila and the Penicillium glabrum complex in cork industry is common, and the latter fungus is associated with suberosis. However, as conventional methods seem to underestimate its presence in occupational environments, the aim of our study was to see whether information obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a molecular-based method, can complement conventional findings and give a better insight into occupational exposure of cork industry workers. We assessed fungal contamination with the P. glabrum complex in three cork manufacturing plants in the outskirts of Lisbon using both conventional and molecular methods. Conventional culturing failed to detect the fungus at six sampling sites in which PCR did detect it. This confirms our assumption that the use of complementing methods can provide information for a more accurate assessment of occupational exposure to the P. glabrum complex in cork industry.

Permeability of cork for water and ethanol.

PubMed

Fonseca, Ana Luisa; Brazinha, Carla; Pereira, Helena; Crespo, Joao G; Teodoro, Orlando M N D

2013-10-09

Transport properties of natural (noncompressed) cork were evaluated for water and ethanol in both vapor and liquid phases. The permeability for these permeants has been measured, as well as the sorption and diffusion coefficients. This paper focuses on the differences between the transport of gases' relevant vapors and their liquids (water and ethanol) through cork. A transport mechanism of vapors and liquids is proposed. Experimental evidence shows that both vapors and liquids permeate not only through the small channels across the cells (plasmodesmata), as in the permeation of gases, but also through the walls of cork cells by sorption and diffusion as in dense membranes. The present study also shows that cork permeability for gases was irreversibly and drastically decreased after cork samples were exposed to ethanol or water in liquid phase.

Real-time monitoring of corks' water absorption using laser speckle temporal correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nassif, Rana; Abou Nader, Christelle; Pellen, Fabrice; Le Jeune, Bernard; Le Brun, Guy; Abboud, Marie

2015-08-01

Physical and mechanical properties of cork allow it solving many types of problems and make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Our objective consists into studying cork's water absorption by analyzing the dynamic speckle field using the temporal correlation method. Experimental results show that the medium was inert at first with the absence of activity, and as the cap cork was more and more immersed into water, the presence of the activity becomes more significant. This temporal parameter revealed the sensibility of biospeckle method to monitor the amount of absorbed water by cork caps.

Ready for practice? A study of confidence levels of final year dental students at Cardiff University and University College Cork.

PubMed

Honey, J; Lynch, C D; Burke, F M; Gilmour, A S M

2011-05-01

The aim of this study was to describe the self-reported confidence levels of final year students at the School of Dentistry, Cardiff University and at the University Dental School & Hospital, Cork, Ireland in performing a variety of dental procedures commonly completed in primary dental care settings. A questionnaire was distributed to 61 final year students at Cardiff and 34 final year students at Cork. Information requested related to the respondents confidence in performing a variety of routine clinical tasks, using a five-point scale (1=very little confidence, 5=very confident). Comparisons were made between the two schools, gender of the respondent, and whether or not a student intended completing a year of vocational training after graduation. A response rate of 74% was achieved (n=70). The greatest self-reported confidence scores were for 'scale and polish' (4.61), fissure sealants (4.54) and delivery of oral hygiene instruction (4.51). Areas with the least confidence were placement of stainless steel crowns (2.83), vital tooth bleaching (2.39) and surgical extractions (2.26). Students at Cardiff were more confident than those at Cork in performing simple extractions (Cardiff: 4.31; Cork: 3.76) and surgical extractions (Cardiff: 2.61; Cork: 1.88), whilst students in Cork were more confident in caries diagnosis (Cork: 4.24; Cardiff: 3.89) fissure sealing (Cork: 4.76; Cardiff: 4.33) and placement of preventive resin restorations (Cork: 4.68; Cardiff: 4.22).   Final year students at Cardiff and Cork were most confident in simpler procedures and procedures in which they had had most clinical experience. They were least confident in more complex procedures and procedures in which they had the least clinical experience. Increased clinical time in complex procedures may help in increasing final year students' confidence in those areas. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Adsorption behavior of alpha -cypermethrin on cork and activated carbon.

PubMed

Domingues, Valentina F; Priolo, Giuseppe; Alves, Arminda C; Cabral, Miguel F; Delerue-Matos, Cristina

2007-08-01

Studies were undertaken to determine the adsorption behavior of alpha -cypermethrin [R)-alpha -cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl(1S)-cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, and (S)-alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (1R)-cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate] in solutions on granules of cork and activated carbon (GAC). The adsorption studies were carried out using a batch equilibrium technique. A gas chromatograph with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) was used to analyze alpha -cypermethrin after solid phase extraction with C18 disks. Physical properties including real density, pore volume, surface area and pore diameter of cork were evaluated by mercury porosimetry. Characterization of cork particles showed variations thereby indicating the highly heterogeneous structure of the material. The average surface area of cork particles was lower than that of GAC. Kinetics adsorption studies allowed the determination of the equilibrium time - 24 hours for both cork (1-2 mm and 3-4 mm) and GAC. For the studied alpha -cypermethrin concentration range, GAC revealed to be a better sorbent. However, adsorption parameters for equilibrium concentrations, obtained through the Langmuir and Freundlich models, showed that granulated cork 1-2 mm have the maximum amount of adsorbed alpha-cypermethrin (q(m)) (303 microg/g); followed by GAC (186 microg/g) and cork 3-4 mm (136 microg/g). The standard deviation (SD) values, demonstrate that Freundlich model better describes the alpha -cypermethrin adsorption phenomena on GAC, while alpha -cypermethrin adsorption on cork (1-2 mm and 3-4 mm) is better described by the Langmuir. In view of the adsorption results obtained in this study it appears that granulated cork may be a better and a cheaper alternative to GAC for removing alpha -cypermethrin from water.

Cork is used to make tooling patterns and molds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, F. J.

1965-01-01

Sheet and waste cork are cemented together to provide a tooling pattern or mold. The cork form withstands moderately high temperatures under vacuum or pressure with minimum expansion, shrinkage, or distortion.

Moldable cork ablation material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

A successful thermal ablative material was manufactured. Moldable cork sheets were tested for density, tensile strength, tensile elongation, thermal conductivity, compression set, and specific heat. A moldable cork sheet, therefore, was established as a realistic product.

Life-cycle assessment of typical Portuguese cork oak woodlands.

PubMed

González-García, Sara; Dias, Ana Cláudia; Arroja, Luis

2013-05-01

Cork forest systems are responsible for making an important economic contribution to the Mediterranean region, especially Portugal where the cork oak woodlands or montados contain about 32% of the world's area. The environmental profile derived from reproduction cork production and extraction in two Portuguese regions (Tagus valley and Alentejo) representative of the Portuguese sector were assessed in detail using the Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology from a cradle-to-gate perspective. The production line was divided into four stages considering all the processes involved: stand establishment, stand management, cork stripping and field recovery. According to the environmental results, there were remarkable differences between the two production scenarios mainly due to the intensity and repetition of forest activities even though the cork yield was reported to be the same. The management system in the Alentejo region presented the worse environmental profile in almost all the impact categories under assessment, mainly due to the shorter cycle duration of the mechanical cleaning and pruning processes. Cork stripping was identified in both scenarios as the production stage with the highest contribution to the environmental profile due to the cleaning and pruning processes. A sensitivity assessment concerning the cork yield was performed since the average production yields in the Portuguese montados are lower than the ones used in this study. Thus, if the cork yield is reduced, the environmental profile in both scenarios gets worse since almost all the forest activities involved are the same. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of tree cover on herbaceous layer development and carbon and water fluxes in a Portuguese cork-oak woodland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubbert, Maren; Mosena, Alexander; Piayda, Arndt; Cuntz, Matthias; Correia, Alexandra Cristina; Pereira, Joao Santos; Werner, Christiane

2014-08-01

Facilitation and competition between different vegetation layers may have a large impact on small-scale vegetation development. We propose that this should not only influence overall herbaceous layer yield but also species distribution and understory longevity, and hence the ecosystems carbon uptake capacity especially during spring. We analyzed the effects of trees on microclimate and soil properties (water and nitrate content) as well as the development of an herbaceous community layer regarding species composition, aboveground biomass and net water and carbon fluxes in a cork-oak woodland in Portugal, between April and November 2011. The presence of trees caused a significant reduction in photosynthetic active radiation of 35 mol m-2 d-1 and in soil temperature of 5 °C from April to October. At the same time differences in species composition between experimental plots located in open areas and directly below trees could be observed: species composition and abundance of functional groups became increasingly different between locations from mid April onwards. During late spring drought adapted native forbs had significantly higher cover and biomass in the open area while cover and biomass of grasses and nitrogen fixing forbs was highest under the trees. Further, evapotranspiration and net carbon exchange decreased significantly stronger under the tree crowns compared to the open during late spring and the die back of herbaceous plants occurred earlier and faster under trees. This was most likely caused by interspecific competition for water between trees and herbaceous plants, despite the more favorable microclimate conditions under the trees during the onset of summer drought.

Development, Calibration and Deployment of an Electromagnetic Flowmeter for Cross-Hole Hydrogeologic Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slovacek, A. E.; Fisher, A. T.; Kirkwood, W.; Wheat, C. G.; Maughan, T.; Gomes, K.

2011-12-01

We developed an autonomous electromagnetic flowmeter as part of a cross-hole hydrogeologic experiment using subseafloor borehole observatories (CORKs) that penetrate into the volcanic ocean crust. The cylindrical flowmeter is adapted from a conventional industrial tool and hardened for use at water depths up to 6000 m. In addition, the electronics were modified with a new power controller, and a data logger and communication board was added to enable data storage and long-term, autonomous use for up to eight years. The flowmeter generates a magnetic field and measures a voltage gradient that is created across the orifice as water moves through it. This kind of tool is ideally suited for use in the deep sea, particularly for measuring hydrothermal fluids emanating from the ocean crust, because it requires no moving parts, places no obstructions along the flow path, gives total flow volume as well as instantaneous flow rate, and is highly accurate across a large dynamic range, including bi-directional flow. This flowmeter was deployed on a CORK wellhead using an adapter and ring clamp system located above a 4-inch ball valve. The ball valve can be opened to permit flow (from an overpressured formation) out of the CORK and into the overlying ocean. A polyvinyl chloride "chimney" positioned vertically above the flowmeter is instrumented with autonomous temperature loggers to permit an additional estimate of fluid flow rates with time, based on heat loss during fluid ascent, and to facilitate fluid sampling. Calibration of the new flowmeter was completed in two stages: tank testing using a pump at flow rates of 0.5 to 1.2 L/s, and by lowering the flowmeter on a wireline at sea at rates equivalent to 0.5 to 5.2 L/s. A cross plot of apparent and reference flow rates obtained during calibration indicates a highly linear instrument response. Comparison of instantaneous (once per minute) and integrated (total flow) data collected during calibration indicates good agreement, although the instantaneous data tended to be noisy because of irregularity of flow (turbulence). The flowmeter was deployed in Summer 2011 on a CORK installed in IODP Hole 1362B, on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca ridge. Once the flowmeter was attached to the wellhead, the underlying ball valve was opened, which allowed overpressured fluids from the permeable ocean crust to flow upward and out of the seafloor at 5 to 10 L/s (estimated rate). Changes in formation fluid pressure resulting from this flow are being monitored in four additional CORKs located 310 to 2320 m away from Hole 1362B, which will allow large-scale, directional assessment of formation properties. The flowmeter is recording data for instantaneous flow rate and total flow once per hour, and will be recovered to permit collection and analysis of experimental data during a servicing visit in Summer 2012.

Improved malignant melanoma prognosis at a consultant-delivered multidisciplinary pigmented lesion clinic in Cork.

PubMed

Field, S; Deady, S; Fitzgibbon, J; Murphy, M; Comber, H

2010-02-01

Early detection and excision is the only effective treatment for malignant melanoma. To assess the effect of a consultant-delivered, rapid-access pigmented lesion clinic (PLC) established at the South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), we analyzed melanoma tumour-stage prior to (1998-2002) and after (2003-2007) the advent of the PLC. Patients attending SIVUH had a greater proportion of early-stage tumours (65.3%) compared to the rest of Cork (51.2%), County Cork as a whole (56.7%) and all of Ireland (57.4%). The proportion of SIVUH males with early-stage tumours was statistically significantly higher than the rest of County Cork (chi2 = 11.23, P < 0.05). The proportion of patients > 50y with early-stage tumours was also statistically significantly higher than the rest of County Cork (chi2 = 18.88, P < 0.05), the whole of County Cork (chi2 = 7.84, P < 0.05) and all of Ireland (chi2 = 9.67, P < 0.05). We believe that the early detection and improved prognosis of Cork melanoma patients is at least partly due to the PLC.

Maritime Information Sources: A Guide to Current Statistical Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

listed alphabetically under the fleet name and address. It covers supply, tug/supply, platform /supply and maintenance, diving support, geophysical, and...from each vessel’s owner/operator. Westinform Service 9 Cork Street London WIX lPD England Order from: Westinform Service 9 Cork Street London WIX 1PD...Westinform Service 9 Cork Street London WIX lPD England Order from: The Westinform Service 9 Cork Street London WlX lPD England 82

Impact of Different Binders on the Roughness, Adhesion Strength, and Other Properties of Mortars with Expanded Cork.

PubMed

Barnat-Hunek, Danuta; Widomski, Marcin K; Szafraniec, Małgorzata; Łagód, Grzegorz

2018-03-01

The aim of the research that is presented in this paper was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of heat-insulating mortars with expanded cork aggregates and different binders. In this work, the measurements of surface roughness and adhesion strength, supported by determination of basic mechanical and physical parameters, such as density, bulk density, open porosity, total porosity, absorbability, thermal conductivity coefficient, compressive strength, flexural strength, and frost resistance of mortars containing expanded oak cork, were performed. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations demonstrated the microstructure, contact zone, and distribution of pores in the heat-insulating mortars containing expanded cork. The results indicated that the addition of expanded cork and different binders in heat-insulating mortars triggers changes in their roughness and adhesion strength. The SEM research confirmed the very good adhesion of the paste to the cork aggregate.

Impact of Different Binders on the Roughness, Adhesion Strength, and Other Properties of Mortars with Expanded Cork

PubMed Central

Barnat-Hunek, Danuta; Widomski, Marcin K.; Szafraniec, Małgorzata; Łagód, Grzegorz

2018-01-01

The aim of the research that is presented in this paper was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of heat-insulating mortars with expanded cork aggregates and different binders. In this work, the measurements of surface roughness and adhesion strength, supported by determination of basic mechanical and physical parameters, such as density, bulk density, open porosity, total porosity, absorbability, thermal conductivity coefficient, compressive strength, flexural strength, and frost resistance of mortars containing expanded oak cork, were performed. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations demonstrated the microstructure, contact zone, and distribution of pores in the heat-insulating mortars containing expanded cork. The results indicated that the addition of expanded cork and different binders in heat-insulating mortars triggers changes in their roughness and adhesion strength. The SEM research confirmed the very good adhesion of the paste to the cork aggregate. PMID:29494525

SRB attach ring phenolic TPS fishtail seal evaluation tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karu, Z. S.

1982-01-01

The SRB attach ring is thermally protected with layered phenolic cloth fairings that are fastened to the ring. The gap between the fairings and the motor case is closed off with a rubber seal of a fishtail cross sectional shape bonded to the phenolic. On both the STS-1 and STS-2 flights this gap was discovered to vary anywhere from an intended gap of 0.375 in. to an actual measured gap of 0.60 in. due to tolerances. Tests were conducted with and without a 0.25 in. thick cork shim placed under the seal with a 0.60 in. gap under the phenolic TPS to determine and compare the performance of the seal in the two different configurations. To alleviate the difficult and costly procedure of installing the cork shim under the seal, especially after phenolic TPS mounting on the attach ring, large fishtail seals of idential Elder gray silicon material and two different hardnesses were tested. A similar matrix of tests was conducted with this new large fishtail seal, and seals with both type hardnesses performed well regardless of whether or not the seal was bonded in the phenolic at the front of the seal groove. Similar results had been obtained with the original small fishtail seal which performed adequately with the 0.25 in. cork shim under it.

Conversion of cellulosic wastes to liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Progress report, January-February 1981

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

Kuester, J.L.

1981-01-01

The following materials were processed thru gasification: sugarcane bagasse, smooth sumac, coralberry, wild bergamot, pokeweed, cornstarch, Portugese oak cork and hog fuel. A data summary is given. The high H/sub 2//CO ratio at low temperature for pokeweed is of significance (>T, >H/sub 2/). Also the high olefin content of Portugese oak cork (commercial cork) is of major interest. The most promising feedstock to date with regard to synthesis gas composition has been guayule cork. A comparison of data for the two cork materials is given. A detailed breakdown for corn starch is given revealing an exceptionally high methane content (35.50more » mole %). (MHR)« less

Self-bioremediation of cork-processing wastewaters by (chloro)phenol-degrading bacteria immobilised onto residual cork particles.

PubMed

del Castillo, I; Hernández, P; Lafuente, A; Rodríguez-Llorente, I D; Caviedes, M A; Pajuelo, E

2012-04-15

Cork manufacturing is a traditional industry in Southern Europe, being the main application of this natural product in wine stoppers and insulation. Cork processing begins at boiling the raw material. As a consequence, great volumes of dark wastewaters, with elevated concentrations of chlorophenols, are generated, which must be depurated through costly physicochemical procedures before discarding them into public water courses. This work explores the potential of bacteria, isolated from cork-boiling waters storage ponds, in bioremediation of the same effluent. The bacterial population present in cork-processing wastewaters was analysed by DGGE; low bacterial biodiversity was found. Aerobic bacteria were isolated and investigated for their tolerance against phenol and two chlorophenols. The most tolerant strains were identified by sequencing 16S rDNA. The phenol-degrading capacity was investigated by determining enzyme activities of the phenol-degrading pathway. Moreover, the capacity to form biofilms was analysed in a microtitre plate assay. Finally, the capacity to form biofilms onto the surface of residual small cork particles was evaluated by acridine staining followed by epifluorescence microscopy and by SEM. A low-cost bioremediation system, using phenol-degrading bacteria immobilised onto residual cork particles (a by-product of the industry) is proposed for the remediation of this industrial effluent (self-bioremediation). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Permeability of cork to gases.

PubMed

Faria, David P; Fonseca, Ana L; Pereira, Helen; Teodoro, Orlando M N D

2011-04-27

The permeability of gases through uncompressed cork was investigated. More than 100 samples were assessed from different plank qualities to provide a picture of the permeability distribution. A novel technique based on a mass spectrometer leak detector was used to directly measure the helium flow through the central area of small disks 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick. The permeability for nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases was measured by the pressure rise technique. Boiled and nonboiled cork samples from different sections were evaluated. An asymmetric frequency distribution ranging 3 orders of magnitude (roughly from 1 to 1000 μmol/(cm·atm·day)) for selected samples without macroscopic defects was found, having a peak below 100 μmol/(cm·atm·day). Correlation was found between density and permeability: higher density samples tend to show lower permeability. However, boiled cork showed a mean lower permeability despite having a lower density. The transport mechanism of gases through cork was also examined. Calculations suggest that gases permeate uncompressed cork mainly through small channels between cells under a molecular flow regime. The diameter of such channels was estimated to be in the range of 100 nm, in agreement with the plasmodesmata size in the cork cell walls.

Effects of gamma radiation on cork wastewater: Antioxidant activity and toxicity.

PubMed

Madureira, Joana; Pimenta, Andreia I; Popescu, Larisa; Besleaga, Alexandra; Dias, Maria Inês; Santos, Pedro M P; Melo, Rita; Ferreira, Isabel C F R; Cabo Verde, Sandra; Margaça, Fernanda M A

2017-02-01

A comprehensive assessment of the toxicity and antioxidant activity of cork boiling wastewater and the effects of gamma radiation on these parameters was performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using different methodologies as DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. The results have shown that gamma radiation can induce an increase on the antioxidant activity of cork boiling wastewater. Toxicity tests were performed to access the potential added value of the irradiated wastewaters and/or minimization of the impact for discharge in the environment. Two different methods for toxicity evaluation were followed, bacterial growth inhibition test and cytotoxicity assay, in order to predict the behavior of different cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) in the presence of cork wastewater. Non-treated cork boiling wastewater seemed to be non-toxic for prokaryotic cells (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis) but toxic for eukaryotic cells (A549 human cells and RAW264.7 mouse cells). The gamma radiation treatment at doses of 100 kGy appeared to increase the toxicity of cork compounds for all tested cells, which could be related to a toxic effect of radiolytic products of cork compounds in the wastewaters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of a multivariate analysis method for non-target screening detection of persistent transformation products during the cork boiling wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Ponce-Robles, L; Oller, I; Agüera, A; Trinidad-Lozano, M J; Yuste, F J; Malato, S; Perez-Estrada, L A

2018-08-15

Cork boiling wastewater is a very complex mixture of naturally occurring compounds leached and partially oxidized during the boiling cycles. The effluent generated is recalcitrant and could cause a significant environmental impact. Moreover, if this untreated industrial wastewater enters a municipal wastewater treatment plant it could hamper or reduce the efficiency of most activated sludge degradation processes. Despite the efforts to treat the cork boiling wastewater for reusing purposes, is still not well-known how safe these compounds (original compounds and oxidation by-products) will be. The purpose of this work was to apply an HPLC-high resolution mass spectrometry method and subsequent non-target screening using a multivariate analysis method (PCA), to explore relationships between samples (treatments) and spectral features (masses or compounds) that could indicate changes in formation, degradation or polarity, during coagulation/flocculation (C/F) and photo-Fenton (PhF). Although, most of the signal intensities were reduced after the treatment line, 16 and 4 new peaks were detected to be formed after C/F and PhF processes respectively. The use of this non-target approach showed to be an effective strategy to explore, classify and detect transformation products during the treatment of an unknown complex mixture. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Performance Field Emission from a Carbonized Cork.

PubMed

Lee, Jeong Seok; Lee, Hak Jun; Yoo, Jae Man; Kim, Taewoo; Kim, Yong Hyup

2017-12-20

To broaden the range of application of electron beams, low-power field emitters are needed that are miniature and light. Here, we introduce carbonized cork as a material for field emitters. The light natural cork becomes a graphitic honeycomb upon carbonization, with the honeycomb cell walls 100-200 nm thick and the aspect ratio larger than 100, providing an ideal structure for the field electron emission. Compared to nanocarbon field emitters, the cork emitter produces a high current density and long-term stability with a low turn-on field. The nature of the cork material makes it quite simple to fabricate the emitter. Furthermore, any desired shape of the emitter tailored for the final application can easily be prepared for point, line, or planar emission.

PREFACE: International Workshop on Multi-Rate processes and Hysterisis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortell, Michael P.; O'Malley, Robert E.; Pokrovskii, Alexei V.; Sobolev, Vladimir A.

2006-12-01

We are interested in singular perturbation problems and hysteresis as common strongly nonlinear phenomena that occur in many industrial, physical and economic systems. The wording `strongly nonlinear' means that linearization will not encapsulate the observed phenomena. Often these two types of phenomena are manifested for different stages of the same or similar processes. A number of fundamental hysteresis models can be considered as limit cases of time relaxation processes, or admit an approximation by a differential equation which is singular with respect to a particular parameter. However, the amount of interaction between practitioners of theories of systems with time relaxation and systems with hysteresis (and between the `relaxation' and `hysteresis' research communities) is still low. In recent years Ireland has become a home for a series of prestigious International Workshops in Singular Perturbations and Hysteresis: International Workshop on Hysteresis and Multi-scale Asymptotics (University College Cork, Ireland, 17-21 March 2004). Proceedings are published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series 22. International Workshop on Relaxation Oscillations and Hysteresis (University College Cork, Ireland, 1-6 April 2002). The related collection of invited lectures, was published as a volume Singular Perturbations and Hysteresis, SIAM, Philadelphia, 2005. International Workshop on Geometrical Methods of Nonlinear Analysis and Semiconductor Laser Dynamics (University College Cork, Ireland, 5-5 April 2001). A collection of invited papers has been published as a special issue of Proceedings of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences: Nonlinear dynamics of laser and reacting systems. Among the aims of these workshops were to bring together leading experts in time relaxation and hysteresis phenomena in applied problems; to discuss important problems in areas such as reacting systems, semiconductor lasers, shock phenomena in economic modelling, fluid mechanics, etc with an emphasis on hysteresis and singular perturbations; to learn and to share modern techniques in areas of common interest. The `International Workshop on Multi-Rate Processes and Hysteresis' (University College Cork, Ireland, April 3-8, 2006) brought together more than 50 scientists, actively researching in the areas of dynamical systems with hysteresis and singular perturbations, to analyze these phenomena that occur in many industrial, physical and economic systems. The Workshop has been sponsored by the University College Cork (UCC), the Boole Centre for Research in Informatics, UCC, Cork, the School of Mathematical Sciences UCC, Cork, Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Mathematical Society. The supportive affiliation of the UK and Republic of Ireland SIAM Section is gratefully acknowledged. The Editors and the Organizers of the Workshop wish to place on record their sincere gratitude to Mr Andrew Zhezherun of University College Cork for both the assistance which he provided to all the presenters at the Workshop, and for the careful formatting of all the manuscripts prior to their being forwarded to the Publisher. More information about the Workshop can be found at http://euclid.ucc.ie/murphys2006.htm Michael P Mortell, Robert E O'Malley, Alexei Pokrovskii and Vladimir Sobolev Editors From left to right: M P Mortell, V Sobolev, R E O'Malley and A Pokrovskii.

Volatile compounds in samples of cork and also produced by selected fungi.

PubMed

Barreto, M C; Vilas Boas, L; Carneiro, L C; San Romão, M V

2011-06-22

The production of volatile compounds by microbial communities of cork samples taken during the cork manufacturing process was investigated. The majority of volatiles were found in samples collected at two stages: resting after the first boiling and nontreated cork disks. Volatile profiles produced by microbiota in both stages are similar. The releasable volatile compounds and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) produced in cork-based culture medium by five isolated fungal species in pure and mixed cultures were also analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The results showed that 1-octen-3-ol and esters of fatty acids (medium chain length C8-C20) were the main volatile compounds produced by either pure fungal species or their mixture. Apparently, Penicillium glabrum is the main contributor to the overall volatile composition observed in the mixed culture. The production of releasable TCA on cork cannot be attributed to any of the assayed fungal isolates.

Severe dry winter affects plant phenology and carbon balance of a cork oak woodland understorey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Correia, A. C.; Costa-e-Silva, F.; Dubbert, M.; Piayda, A.; Pereira, J. S.

2016-10-01

Mediterranean climates are prone to a great variation in yearly precipitation. The effects on ecosystem will depend on the severity and timing of droughts. In this study we questioned how an extreme dry winter affects the carbon flux in the understorey of a cork oak woodland? What is the seasonal contribution of understorey vegetation to ecosystem productivity? We used closed-system portable chambers to measure CO2 exchange of the dominant shrub species (Cistus salviifolius, Cistus crispus and Ulex airensis), of the herbaceous layer and on bare soil in a cork oak woodland in central Portugal during the dry winter year of 2012. Shoot growth, leaf shedding, flower and fruit setting, above and belowground plant biomass were measured as well as seasonal leaf water potential. Eddy-covariance and micrometeorological data together with CO2 exchange measurements were used to access the understorey species contribution to ecosystem gross primary productivity (GPP). The herbaceous layer productivity was severely affected by the dry winter, with half of the yearly maximum aboveground biomass in comparison with the 6 years site average. The semi-deciduous and evergreen shrubs showed desynchronized phenophases and lagged carbon uptake maxima. Whereas shallow-root shrubs exhibited opportunistic characteristics in exploiting the understorey light and water resources, deep rooted shrubs showed better water status but considerably lower assimilation rates. The contribution of understorey vegetation to ecosystem GPP was lower during summer with 14% and maximum during late spring, concomitantly with the lowest tree productivity due to tree canopy renewal. The herbaceous vegetation contribution to ecosystem GPP never exceeded 6% during this dry year stressing its sensitivity to winter and spring precipitation. Although shrubs are more resilient to precipitation variability when compared with the herbaceous vegetation, the contribution of the understorey vegetation to ecosystem GPP can be quite variable and will ultimately depend of tree density and canopy cover.

PREFACE: International Workshop on Multi-Rate Processes and Hysteresis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortell, Michael P.; O'Malley, Robert E.; Pokrovskii, Alexei; Rachinskii, Dmitrii; Sobolev, Vladimir A.

2008-07-01

We are interested in singular perturbation problems and hysteresis as common strongly nonlinear phenomena that occur in many industrial, physical and economic systems. The wording `strongly nonlinear' means that linearization will not encapsulate the observed phenomena. Often these two types of phenomena are manifested for different stages of the same or similar processes. A number of fundamental hysteresis models can be considered as limit cases of time relaxation processes, or admit an approximation by a differential equation which is singular with respect to a particular parameter. However, the amount of interaction between practitioners of theories of systems with time relaxation and systems with hysteresis (and between the `relaxation' and `hysteresis' research communities) is still low, and cross-fertilization is small. In recent years Ireland has become a home for a series of prestigious International Workshops in Singular Perturbations and Hysteresis: International Workshop on Multi-rate Processes and Hysteresis (University College Cork, Ireland, 3-8 April 2006). Proceedings are published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series, volume 55. See further information at http://euclid.ucc.ie/murphys2008.htm International Workshop on Hysteresis and Multi-scale Asymptotics (University College Cork, Ireland, 17-21 March 2004). Proceedings are published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series, volume 22. See further information at http://euclid.ucc.ie/murphys2006.htm International Workshop on Relaxation Oscillations and Hysteresis (University College Cork, Ireland, 1-6 April 2002). The related collection of invited lectures, was published as a volume Singular Perturbations and Hysteresis, SIAM, Philadelphia, 2005. See further information at http://euclid.ucc.ie/hamsa2004.htm International Workshop on Geometrical Methods of Nonlinear Analysis and Semiconductor Laser Dynamics (University College Cork, Ireland, 5-5 April 2001). A collection of invited papers has been published as a special issue of Proceedings of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences: Nonlinear dynamics of laser and reacting systems, and is available online at http://www.ins.ucc.ie/roh2002.htm. See further information at http://www.ins.ucc.ie/roh2002.htm Among the aims of these workshops were to bring together leading experts in singular perturbations and hysteresis phenomena in applied problems; to discuss important problems in areas such as reacting systems, semiconductor lasers, shock phenomena in economic modelling, fluid mechanics, etc with an emphasis on hysteresis and singular perturbations; to learn and to share modern techniques in areas of common interest. The `International Workshop on Multi-Rate Processes and Hysteresis' (University College Cork, Ireland, April 3-8, 2006) brought together more than 70 scientists (including more than 10 students), actively researching in the areas of dynamical systems with hysteresis and singular perturbations, to analyze those phenomena that occur in many industrial, physical and economic systems. The countries represented at the Workshop included Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland and USA. All papers published in this volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing. The Workshop has been sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), KE Consulting group, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA, University College Cork (UCC), Boole Centre for Research in Informatics, UCC, Cork, School of Mathematical Sciences, UCC, Cork, Irish Mathematical Society, Tyndall National Institute, Cork, University of Limerick, Cork Institute of Technology, and Heineken. The supportive affiliation of the European Geophysics Society, International Association of Hydrological Sciences, and Laboratoire Poncelet is gratefully acknowledged. The Editors and the Organizers of the Workshop wish to place on record their sincere gratitude to Mr Andrew Zhezherun and Mr Alexander Pimenov of University College Cork for both the assistance which he provided to all the presenters at the Workshop, and for the careful formatting of all the manuscripts prior to their being forwarded to the Publisher. More information about the Workshop can be found at http://euclid.ucc.ie/murphys2006.htm Michael P Mortell, Robert E O'Malley Jr, Alexei Pokrovskii, Dmitrii Rachinskii and Vladimir Sobolev Editors

Use of cork as absorbent material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trematerra, Amelia; Lombardi, Ilaria; D'Alesio, Andrea

2017-07-01

Cork is a green and sustainable material. At the end of its useful life, it can be disposed of into the environment without causing any damage. It can be used to improve the acoustics inside environments, as a system for the reduction of reverberation time. Sound absorption systems consist of cork panels mounted at a distance onto a rigid wall. The thickness of the cork panels considered are 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. While the distances considered from the rigid wall are 3 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm and 15 cm. The absorption coefficient of the samples was measured in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 2,000 Hz with an impedance tube (tube of Kundt). Furthermore, the problems relating to the realization of sound-absorption systems composed of cork panels are also discussed.

Enzymatic functionalization of cork surface with antimicrobial hybrid biopolymer/silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Francesko, Antonio; Blandón, Lucas; Vázquez, Mario; Petkova, Petya; Morató, Jordi; Pfeifer, Annett; Heinze, Thomas; Mendoza, Ernest; Tzanov, Tzanko

2015-05-13

Laccase-assisted assembling of hybrid biopolymer-silver nanoparticles and cork matrices into an antimicrobial material with potential for water remediation is herein described. Amino-functional biopolymers were first used as doping agents to stabilize concentrated colloidal dispersions of silver nanoparticles (AgNP), additionally providing the particles with functionalities for covalent immobilization onto cork to impart a durable antibacterial effect. The solvent-free AgNP synthesis by chemical reduction was carried out in the presence of chitosan (CS) or 6-deoxy-6-(ω-aminoethyl) aminocellulose (AC), leading to simultaneous AgNP biofunctionalization. This approach resulted in concentrated hybrid NP dispersion stable to aggregation and with hydrodynamic radius of particles of about 250 nm. Moreover, laccase enabled coupling between the phenolic groups in cork and amino moieties in the biopolymer-doped AgNP for permanent modification of the material. The antibacterial efficiency of the functionalized cork matrices, aimed as adsorbents for wastewater treatment, was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus during 5 days in conditions mimicking those in constructed wetlands. Both intrinsically antimicrobial CS and AC contributed to the bactericidal effect of the enzymatically grafted on cork AgNP. In contrast, unmodified AgNP were easily washed off from the material, confirming that the biopolymers potentiated a durable antibacterial functionalization of the cork matrices.

Fungal biodegradation of anthracene-polluted cork: A comparative study.

PubMed

Jové, Patrícia; Olivella, Maria À; Camarero, Susana; Caixach, Josep; Planas, Carles; Cano, Laura; De Las Heras, Francesc X

2016-01-01

The efficiency of cork waste in adsorbing aqueous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been previously reported. Biodegradation of contaminated cork using filamentous fungi could be a good alternative for detoxifying cork to facilitate its final processing. For this purpose, the degradation efficiency of anthracene by three ligninolytic white-rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Irpex lacteus and Pleurotus ostreatus) and three non-ligninolytic fungi which are found in the cork itself (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium simplicissimum and Mucor racemosus) are compared. Anthracene degradation by all fungi was examined in solid-phase cultures after 0, 16, 30 and 61 days. The degradation products of anthracene by P. simplicissimum and I. lacteus were also identified by GC-MS and a metabolic pathway was proposed for P. simplicissimum. Results show that all the fungi tested degraded anthracene. After 61 days of incubation, approximately 86%, 40%, and 38% of the initial concentration of anthracene (i.e., 100 µM) was degraded by P. simplicissimum, P. chrysosporium and I. lacteus, respectively. The rest of the fungi degraded anthracene to a lesser extent (<30%). As a final remark, the results obtained in this study indicate that P. simplicissimum, a non-ligninolytic fungi characteristic of cork itself, could be used as an efficient degrader of PAH-contaminated cork.

Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of cork.

PubMed

Gonçalves, Filipa; Correia, Patrícia; Silva, Susana P; Almeida-Aguiar, Cristina

2016-02-01

Cork presents a range of diverse and versatile properties making this material suitable for several and extremely diverse industrial applications. Despite the wide uses of cork, its antimicrobial properties and potential applications have deserved little attention from industry and the scientific community. Thus, the main purpose of this work was the evaluation of the antibacterial properties of cork, by comparison with commercially available antimicrobial materials (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate copolymer and a currently used antimicrobial commercial additive (ACA)), following the previous development and optimization of a method for such antimicrobial assay. The AATCC 100-2004 standard method, a quantitative procedure developed for the assessment of antimicrobial properties in textile materials, was used as reference and optimized to assess cork antibacterial activity. Cork displayed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with a bacterial reduction of almost 100% (96.93%) after 90 minutes of incubation, similar to the one obtained with ACA. A more reduced but time-constant antibacterial action was observed against Escherichia coli (36% reduction of the initial number of bacterial colonies). To complement this study, antibacterial activity was further evaluated for a water extract of cork and an MIC of 6 mg mL(-1) was obtained against the reference strain S. aureus. © FEMS 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A High-Speed Optical Modem Communication System for CORK Seafloor Observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farr, N.; Tivey, M.; Ware, J.; Pontbriand, C.; Pelletier, L. P.

2014-12-01

High-speed communications underwater is an increasing requirement for data intensive seafloor sensors. Acoustic modems provide dependable long-range communications underwater, but data rates are limited to <57Kbps. Free-water optical modems (OMs) offer high data rate, 10Mbps communications over a range of 200 m - a distance for ROVs, AUVs or wire-lowered packages to communicate without the need to directly plug-in or retrieve the instrument. Over the past 4 years, we have demonstrated the functionality and utility of OM technology using a CORK borehole observatory as a test case. A CORK represents all of the basic components required for a seafloor observatory: a stable environment for long-term continuous measurements of earth and ocean phenomena, access to a unique environment below the seafloor and a standard communication interface. The CORK-OM features a high-bandwidth, low-latency optical system based on LED emitters and PMT receivers and an acoustic command and control system. OM tests established a communication link from 20 to 200 meters range at rates of 1, 5 and 10 Mbps with no bit errors. The seafloor OM was plugged into the CORK's existing underwater wet mateable connector and provided additional power to the CORK to boost the data rate to 1 Hz from the normal 1 minute sample period. To communicate with the seafloor CORK-OM, a number of different modalities were used. One method was an OM mounted to a CTD frame on a lowered wire from a ship with an SDSL link over the conducting wire. Other methods utilized OMs mounted to both ROV Jason and submersible Alvin. We deployed OMs at two CORKs in 2012 in the northeast pacific at sites 857D and 1025C. The CORKs were visited in 2013 by a vessel of opportunity to download data and were put into sleep mode. The CORKs were revisited in 2014, woken up and successfully interrogated for data. ALVIN retrieved the CORK-OMs for corrosion, biofouling and battery performance assessment. We also performed tests of a next generation OM using a deployed seafloor modem and AUV Sentry. A complete lambertian optical field was quantitatively mapped by Sentry and test data was successfully downloaded from 20 to 150 m slant range. The AUV modality demonstrates the capability of 'data-mule' operations to autonomously recover data from a seafloor observatory with minimal human intervention.

Design Guide: Designing and Building High Voltage Power Supplies. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

and edges. * Isolation system: * One layer ol’ Tedlar: or type 120 glass fabric with a compatible resin : or finish. 199 5.4.2 Composite Joints...plastics Cellulose esters Asphalt Cork Chloride flux Epoxy resins Copper (bare) Masonite Fiber board Melamine resins Greases Nylon Polyvinyl chloride resins ...cycloaliphatic epoxy to a level inferior to the porcelain. In one application having a glass -cloth epoxy- based laminate coated with cycloaliphatic epoxy the

Turbulent Flow Modification With Thermoacoustic Waves for Separation Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-24

analyses using two different approaches in order to provide guidance to physics-based design of active flow control using thermal-based actuators. RPPR... control effects are also observed by Post & Corke (2004) on the same airfoil. The uses of plasma actuators on other shear layer setups have been...region may be a more practical approach than introducing control inputs externally. On the other hand, Barone & Lele (2005) studied the receptivity of the

Furosemide removal in constructed wetlands: Comparative efficiency of LECA and Cork granulates as support matrix.

PubMed

Machado, A I; Dordio, A; Fragoso, R; Leitão, A E; Duarte, E

2017-12-01

The removal efficiency of LECA and cork granulates as support matrix for pharmaceuticals active compounds in a constructed wetland system was investigated using the diuretic drug Furosemide. Kinetics studies were performed testing three different concentrations of Furosemide in an ultrapure water matrix, along seven days. LECA achieved higher removal values compared to cork granulates. However, cork granulates presented a higher removal in the first 24 h of contact time compared to the other adsorbent. The kinetic studies showed that LECA and cork granulates have different adsorption behaviours for Furosemide which is controlled by different adsorption mechanisms. Both materials showed good removal efficiencies and a combination of the two should be further explored in order to applied both materials as support matrix to cope with different furosemide concentrations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Attitudes of final-year dental students to bleaching of vital and non-vital teeth in Cardiff, Cork, and Malmö.

PubMed

Hatherell, S; Lynch, C D; Burke, F M; Ericson, D; Gilmour, A S M

2011-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine attitudes of final-year dental students in Cardiff, Cork and Malmö towards tooth whitening. Following receipt of ethical approval, pre-piloted questionnaires were distributed to final-year dental students in Cork, Cardiff, and Malmö as close as possible to graduation. The questionnaire sought information relating to various opinions and attitudes towards the use of bleaching techniques including safety of bleaching, confidence in the provision of bleaching, recommendations to patients, teaching received, awareness of restrictions on the use of bleaching products and management of simulated clinical scenarios. Eighty three per cent (n = 116) of questionnaires were returned. Cork dental students had the most didactic teaching (2-h vital, 1-h non-vital bleaching) compared to Cardiff or Malmö students (0 h each). More Cork students regarded bleaching as safe (76%, n = 28) than Cardiff (70%, n = 32) or Malmö (36%, n = 12) students. More than 50% of Cork students feel they know enough about bleaching to provide it in practice, significantly more than Cardiff (< 25%) or Malmö (< 25%) students. The majority of students would provide vital bleaching after qualification (100% (n = 37) Cork; 82% (n = 27) Malmö; 76% (n = 35) Cardiff). In simulated clinical scenarios, more Cork students would propose bleaching treatments (89%n = 33) than Malmö (64%n = 21) or Cardiff (48%n= 22) students. Variations exist in the attitudes and approaches of three European dental schools towards bleaching. Dental students need to be best prepared to meet the needs of their future patients. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Methodology for cork plank characterization (Quercus suber L.) by near-infrared spectroscopy and image analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prades, Cristina; García-Olmo, Juan; Romero-Prieto, Tomás; García de Ceca, José L.; López-Luque, Rafael

2010-06-01

The procedures used today to characterize cork plank for the manufacture of cork bottle stoppers continue to be based on a traditional, manual method that is highly subjective. Furthermore, there is no specific legislation regarding cork classification. The objective of this viability study is to assess the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology for characterizing cork plank according to the following variables: aspect or visual quality, porosity, moisture and geographical origin. In order to calculate the porosity coefficient, an image analysis program was specifically developed in Visual Basic language for a desktop scanner. A set comprising 170 samples from two geographical areas of Andalusia (Spain) was classified into eight quality classes by visual inspection. Spectra were obtained in the transverse and tangential sections of the cork planks using an NIRSystems 6500 SY II reflectance spectrophotometer. The quantitative calibrations showed cross-validation coefficients of determination of 0.47 for visual quality, 0.69 for porosity and 0.66 for moisture. The results obtained using NIRS technology are promising considering the heterogeneity and variability of a natural product such as cork in spite of the fact that the standard error of cross validation (SECV) in the quantitative analysis is greater than the standard error of laboratory (SEL) for the three variables. The qualitative analysis regarding geographical origin achieved very satisfactory results. Applying these methods in industry will permit quality control procedures to be automated, as well as establishing correlations between the different classification systems currently used in the sector. These methods can be implemented in the cork chain of custody certification and will also provide a certainly more objective tool for assessing the economic value of the product.

Prevalence of smoking among bar workers prior to the Republic of Ireland smokefree workplace legislation.

PubMed

Mullally, B J; Greiner, B A; Allwright, S; Paul, G; Perry, I J

2008-12-01

This study establishes baseline prevalence of smoking and cigarette consumption among Cork bar workers prior to the Republic of Ireland's (ROI) smokefree workplace legislation and compares gender- and age-specific smoking rates and estimates the adjusted odds of being a smoker for Cork bar workers relative to the general population. Cross-sectional random sample of bar workers in Cork city and cross-sectional random telephone survey of the general population were conducted prior to the smokefree legislation. Self reported smoking prevalence among Cork bar workers (n = 129) was 54% (58% using cotinine-validated measures), with particularly high rates in women (70%) and 18-28 years old (72%). Within the ROI (n = 1,240) sub-sample rates were substantially lower at 28%. Bar workers were twice as likely to be smokers as the general population sub-sample (OR = 2.15). Cork bar workers constitute an occupational group with an extremely high smoking prevalence.

Natural cork agglomerate employed as an environmentally friendly solution for quiet sandwich composites.

PubMed

Sargianis, James; Kim, Hyung-ick; Suhr, Jonghwan

2012-01-01

Carbon fiber-synthetic foam core sandwich composites are widely used for many structural applications due to their superior mechanical performance and low weight. Unfortunately these structures typically have very poor acoustic performance. There is increasingly growing demand in mitigating this noise issue in sandwich composite structures. This study shows that marrying carbon fiber composites with natural cork in a sandwich structure provides a synergistic effect yielding a noise-free sandwich composite structure without the sacrifice of mechanical performance or weight. Moreover the cork-core sandwich composites boast a 250% improvement in damping performance, providing increased durability and lifetime operation. Additionally as the world seeks environmentally friendly materials, the harvesting of cork is a natural, renewable process which reduces subsequent carbon footprints. Such a transition from synthetic foam cores to natural cork cores could provide unprecedented improvements in acoustic and vibrational performance in applications such as aircraft cabins or wind turbine blades.

The influence of season on carbon allocation to suberin and other stem components of cork oak saplings.

PubMed

Aguado, Pedro L; Curt, M Dolores; Pereira, Helena; Fernández, Jesús

2017-02-01

The growth pattern of cork oak (Quercus suber L.), an important component of South Mediterranean woodlands, is seasonal. Seasonality has been found for shoot, radial and cork ring growth as well as for carbon (C) photoassimilation, nutrients remobilization and water relations, among other physiological aspects. However, little is known about the seasonality of C allocation to cork oak chemical compounds, including suberin, a major component of cork. In order to achieve this goal, an isotopic tracer experiment was conducted using 18-month-old cork oaks so that the fate of C photoassimilated in different seasons could be traced into biochemical (main organic) stem components. Two distinct patterns of C allocation, associated with the stages of active plant growth and dormancy, were identified and described. Evidence was provided that translocation of photoassimilated C to stems does not cease during the dormancy period and that suberin is the major C sink for the C assimilated throughout the whole active growth period, as compared with other stem components. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in cork bark.

PubMed

Olivella, M Àngels; Caixach, Josep; Planas, Carles; Oliveras, Anna; Jové, Patrícia

2012-02-01

Organochlorine pesticides are persistent lipophilic organic pollutants and tend to accumulate in growing plants. During growth, cork is in contact with the open air for long periods (9-12 years). Owing to the previous widespread use of organochlorine pesticides and their high persistence in the environment, there is a risk that residues of such pesticides may be present in cork. In this study, the concentrations of 14 organochlorine pesticides-all of which are indicators of environmental pollution-were analyzed in cork bark samples from three regions in Spain and one in Portugal. In addition, the concentrations of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) were also analyzed. Our results show only very low concentrations of lindane, γ-HCH (<2.6 ng g(-1)) and its byproducts α-HCH (<3.5 ng g(-1)) and β-HCH (<0.6 ng g(-1)). Among the DDT and its metabolites, only two were found: p,p'-DDT was found in a cork sample from Extremadura (0.1 ng g(-1)) and p,p'-DDE was present at a maximum concentration of 2.9 ng g(-1) in a cork sample from Castile-La Mancha. However, all concentrations were well below the legal limit established by Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005 (10 ng g(-1) in foodstuffs). We can conclude, therefore, that the cork samples we studied complied with food safety standards. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cork stoppers as an effective sorbent for water treatment: the removal of mercury at environmentally relevant concentrations and conditions.

PubMed

Lopes, Cláudia B; Oliveira, Joana R; Rocha, Luciana S; Tavares, Daniela S; Silva, Carlos M; Silva, Susana P; Hartog, Niels; Duarte, Armando C; Pereira, E

2014-02-01

The technical feasibility of using stopper-derived cork as an effective biosorbent towards bivalent mercury at environmentally relevant concentrations and conditions was evaluated in this study. Only 25 mg/L of cork powder was able to achieve 94 % of mercury removal for an initial mercury concentration of 500 μg/L. It was found that under the conditions tested, the efficiency of mercury removal expressed as equilibrium removal percentage does not depend on the amount of cork or its particle size, but is very sensitive to initial metal concentration, with higher removal efficiencies at higher initial concentrations. Ion exchange was identified as one of the mechanisms involved in the sorption of Hg onto cork in the absence of ionic competition. Under ionic competition, stopper-derived cork showed to be extremely effective and selective for mercury in binary mixtures, while in complex matrices like seawater, moderate inhibition of the sorption process was observed, attributed to a change in mercury speciation. The loadings achieved are similar to the majority of literature values found for other biosorbents and for other metals, suggesting that cork stoppers can be recycled as an effective biosorbent for water treatment. However, the most interesting result is that equilibrium data show a very rare behaviour, with the isotherm presenting an almost square convex shape to the concentration axis, with an infinite slope for an Hg concentration in solution around 25 μg/L.

Cyclic voltammetry: a tool to quantify 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in aqueous samples from cork planks boiling industrial process.

PubMed

Peres, António M; Freitas, Patrícia; Dias, Luís G; Sousa, Mara E B C; Castro, Luís M; Veloso, Ana C A

2013-12-15

Chloroanisoles, namely 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, are pointed out as the primary responsible of the development of musty off-flavours in bottled wine, due to their migration from cork stoppers, which results in huge economical losses for wine industry. A prevention step is the detection of these compounds in cork planks before stoppers are produced. Mass spectrometry gas chromatography is the reference method used although it is far beyond economical possibilities of the majority of cork stoppers producers. In this work, a portable cyclic voltammetry approach was used to detect 2,4,6-trichloroanisole extracted from natural cork planks to the aqueous phase during the cork boiling industrial treatment process. Analyses were carried out under ambient conditions, in less than 15 min with a low use of solvent and without any sample pre-treatment. The proposed technique had detection (0.31±0.01 ng/L) and quantification (0.95±0.05 ng/L) limits lower than the human threshold detection level. For blank solutions, without 2,4,6-trichloroanisole addition, a concentration in the order of the quantification limit was estimated (1.0±0.2 ng/L), which confirms the satisfactory performance of the proposed methodology. For aqueous samples from the industrial cork planks boiling procedure, intra-day repeatabilities were lower than 3%, respectively. Also, 2,4,6-trichloroanisole contents in the aqueous samples determined by this novel approach were in good agreement with those obtained by GC-MS (correlation coefficient equal to 0.98), confirming the satisfactory accuracy of the proposed methodology. So, since this novel approach is a fast, low-cost, portable and user-friendly method, it can be an alternative and helpful tool for in-situ industrial applications, allowing accurate detection of releasable 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in an earlier phase of cork stoppers production, which may allow implementing more effective cork treatments to reduce or avoid future 2,4,6-trichloroanisole contaminations of wine. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diffusion of oxygen through cork stopper: is it a Knudsen or a Fickian mechanism?

PubMed

Lagorce-Tachon, Aurélie; Karbowiak, Thomas; Simon, Jean-Marc; Gougeon, Régis; Bellat, Jean-Pierre

2014-09-17

The aim of this work is to identify which law governs oxygen transfer through cork: Knudsen or Fickian mechanism. This is important to better understand wine oxidation during post-bottling aging. Oxygen transfer through cork wafers is measured at 298 K using a manometric permeation technique. Depending on the mechanism, we can extract the transport coefficients. Increasing the initial pressure of oxygen from 50 to 800 hPa leads to a change in the values of the transport coefficients. This implies that oxygen transport through cork does not obey the Knudsen law. From these results, we conclude that the limiting step of oxygen transport through cork occurs in the cell wall following Fickian law. From the diffusion dependence's coefficients with pressure, we also extract by applying transition state theory an apparent activation volume of 45 ± 4 nm(3). This high value indicates that oxygen molecules also diffuse from one site to another by passing through a gas phase.

An integrated optical/acoustic communication system for seafloor observatories: A field test of high data rate communications at CORK 857D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tivey, M.; Farr, N.; Ware, J.; Pontbriand, C.

2010-12-01

We report the successful deployment and testing of an underwater optical communication system that provides high data rate communications over a range of 100 meters from a deep sea borehole observatory located in the northeast Pacific. Optical underwater communications offers many advantages over acoustic or underwater wet mateable connections (UWMC). UMWCs requires periodic visits from a submersible or ROV to plug in and download data. Typically, these vehicles cannot perform any other tasks during these download periods - their time on station is limited, restricting the amount of data that can be downloaded. To eliminate the need for UWMCs requires the use of remote communication techniques such as acoustics or optical communications. Optical communications is capable of high data rates up to 10 mega bits per sec (Mbps) compared to acoustic data rates of 57 Kbps. We have developed an integrated optical/acoustic telemetry system (OTS) that uses an acoustic command system to control a high bandwidth, low latency optical communication system. In July 2010, we used the deep submersible ALVIN to install the Optical Telemetry System (OTS) at CORK 857D. The CORK is instrumented with a thermistor string and pressure sensors that record downhole formation pressures and temperatures within oceanic basement that is pressure sealed from the overlying water column. The seafloor OTS was plugged into the CORK’s existing UWMC to provide an optical and acoustic communication interface and additional data storage and battery power for the CORK to sample at 1 Hz data-rate, an increase over the normal 15 sec data sample rate. Using a CTD-mounted OTS lowered by wire from a surface ship, we established an optical communication link at 100 meters range at rates of 1, 5 and 10 Mbps with no bit errors. Tests were also done to establish the optical range of various data rates and the optical power of the system. After a week, we repeated the CTD-OTS experiment and downloaded 20 Mbytes of data over a 5 Mbps link at a range of 80 m. The OTS will remain installed at CORK 857D for a year. Our OTS enables faster data rates to be employed for in situ measurements that were previously limited by data download times from a submersible. The OTS also permits non submersible-equipped vessels to interrogate the CORK borehole observatory on a more frequent basis using a receiver lowered by wire from a ship of opportunity. In the future, autonomous vehicles could interrogate such seafloor observatories in a “data-mule” configuration and then dock at a seafloor cabled node to download data. While borehole observatories may ultimately be linked into undersea cables relaying real-time data back to shore they represent a superb opportunity to test free water optical communication methods. The lessons learned from our CORK development efforts will go a long way towards establishing the viability of underwater optical communications for a host of autonomous seafloor sensor systems in the future.

Quercus Suber L. Cork Extracts Induce Apoptosis in Human Myeloid Leukaemia HL-60 Cells.

PubMed

Bejarano, Ignacio; Godoy-Cancho, Belén; Franco, Lourdes; Martínez-Cañas, Manuel A; Tormo, María A

2015-08-01

Quercus suber L. cork contains a diversity of phenolic compounds, mostly low molecular weight phenols. A rising number of reports support with convergent findings that polyphenols evoke pro-apoptotic events in cancerous cells. However, the literature related to the anti-cancer bioactivity of Q. suber L. cork extractives (QSE) is still limited. Herein, we aim to describe the antitumor potential displayed by cork extractives obtained by different extraction methods in the human promyelocytic leukaemia cells. In order to quantify the effects of QSE on cancer cells viability, phosphatidylserine exposure, caspase-3 activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle were evaluated. The results indicated that the QSE present a time-dependent and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in the human promyelocytic leukaemia cells. Such a noxious effect leads these leukaemia cells to their death through apoptotic processes by altering the mitochondrial outer membrane potential, activating caspase-3 and externalizing phosphatidylserine. However, cells cycle progression was not affected by the treatments. This study contributes to open a new way to use this natural resource by exploiting its anti-cancer properties. Moreover, it opens new possibilities of application of cork by-products, being more efficient in the sector of cork-based agriculture. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Use of green coating (cork) in solid-phase microextraction for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in water by gas chromatography-electron capture detection.

PubMed

Neves Dias, Adriana; Simão, Vanessa; Merib, Josias; Carasek, Eduardo

2015-03-01

A novel method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in water samples with extraction using cork fiber and analysis by gas chromatography with electron capture detector was developed. Also, the procedure to extract these pesticides with DVB/Car/PDMS fiber was optimized. The optimization of the variables involved in the extraction of organochlorine pesticides using the aforementioned fibers was carried out by multivariate design. The optimum extraction conditions were sample temperature 75 °C, extraction time 60 min and sodium chloride concentration 10% for the cork fiber and sample temperature 50 °C and extraction time 60 min (without salt) for the DVB/Car/PDMS fiber. The quantification limits for the two fibers varied between 1.0 and 10.0 ng L(-1). The linear correlation coefficients were >0.98 for both fibers. The method applied with the use of the cork fiber provided recovery values between 60.3 and 112.7 and RSD≤25.5 (n=3). The extraction efficiency values for the cork and DVB/Car/PDMS fibers were similar. The results show that cork is a promising alternative as a coating for SPME. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Origin and incidence of 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, a compound with a "fungal" and "corky" aroma found in cork stoppers and oak chips in contact with wines.

PubMed

Chatonnet, Pascal; Fleury, Antoine; Boutou, Stéphane

2010-12-08

This study identifies a previously isolated bacterium as Rhizobium excellensis, a new species of proteobacteria able to form a large quantity of 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine (MDMP). R. excellensis actively synthesizes MDMP from L-alanine and L-leucine and, to a lesser extent, from L-phenylalanine and L-valine. MDMP is a volatile, strong-smelling substance detected in wines with cork stoppers that have an unpleasant "corky", "herbaceous" (potato, green hazelnut), or "dusty" odor that is very different from the typical "fungal" nose of a "corked" wine that is generally due to 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA). The contamination of cork by MDMP is not correlated with the presence of TCA. It appears possible that R. excellensis is the microorganism mainly responsible for the presence of this molecule in cork bark. However, other observations suggest that MDMP might taint wine through other ways. Oak wood can also be contaminated and affect wines with which it comes into contact. Nevertheless, because 93% of the MDMP content in wood is destroyed after 10 min at 220 °C, sufficiently toasted oak barrels or alternatives probably do not represent a major source of MDMP in most of the cases. Due to MDMP's relatively low detection threshold estimated at 2.1 ng/L, its presence in about 40% of the untreated natural cork stoppers sampled at concentrations above 10 ng/cork suggests that this compound, if extracted from the stoppers, may pose a risk for wine producers.

The use of cork waste as a biosorbent for persistent organic pollutants-Study of adsorption/desorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

PubMed

Olivella, Maria À; Jové, Patrícia; Oliveras, Anna

2011-01-01

The aim of this study is to determine the sorption-desorption behavior of a mixture of thirteen aqueous PAHs on cork waste at a particle of size 0.25-0.42 mm obtained from the remains of cork strips. The final purpose is to use this natural adsorbent as an alternative to activated carbon in an innovative approach for the removal of this class of toxic compounds, and significantly reduce the regeneration costs of the process. The chemical composition of the selected cork revealed that suberin (38.5 %) and lignin (31.6 %) were the main structural components of the cell wall. The high efficiency of cork as a biosorbent of PAHs is shown by the fact that just over 80 % of adsorption occurred during the first two minutes of contact time. Both Freundlich's and Langmuir's isotherms gave good fits to the sorption process. The highest adsorption affinities were exhibited for pyrene, anthracene, and phenanthrene. Desorption studies indicate a high degree of irreversibility for all PAHs, and especially so in the case of high molecular PAHs. The correlation with K(F) and low molecular weight PAHs was the most significant. The quantity of cork required to reduce water pollution was estimated to be between 3 and 15 times less than the quantities required in the case of other materials (i.e. aspen wood and leonardite). This study demonstrates for the first time that cork is a potential biosorbent for PAHs and may have relevance in the future treatment of PAH-contaminated waters.

Cork boiling wastewater treatment and reuse through combination of advanced oxidation technologies.

PubMed

Ponce-Robles, L; Miralles-Cuevas, S; Oller, I; Agüera, A; Trinidad-Lozano, M J; Yuste, F J; Malato, S

2017-03-01

Industrial preparation of cork consists of its immersion for approximately 1 hour in boiling water. The use of herbicides and pesticides in oak tree forests leads to absorption of these compounds by cork; thus, after boiling process, they are present in wastewater. Cork boiling wastewater shows low biodegradability and high acute toxicity involving partial inhibition of their biodegradation when conventional biological treatment is applied. In this work, a treatment line strategy based on the combination of advanced physicochemical technologies is proposed. The final objective is the reuse of wastewater in the cork boiling process; thus, reducing consumption of fresh water in the industrial process itself. Coagulation pre-treatment with 0.5 g/L of FeCl 3 attained the highest turbidity elimination (86 %) and 29 % of DOC elimination. Similar DOC removal was attained when using 1 g/L of ECOTAN BIO (selected for ozonation tests), accompanied of 64 % of turbidity removal. Ozonation treatments showed less efficiency in the complete oxidation of cork boiling wastewater, compared to solar photo-Fenton process, under the studied conditions. Nanofiltration system was successfully employed as a final purification step with the aim of obtaining a high-quality reusable permeate stream. Monitoring of unknown compounds by LC-QTOF-MS allowed the qualitative evaluation of the whole process. Acute and chronic toxicity as well as biodegradability assays were performed throughout the whole proposed treatment line.

Direct sample introduction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of haloanisole compounds in cork stoppers.

PubMed

Cacho, J I; Nicolás, J; Viñas, P; Campillo, N; Hernández-Córdoba, M

2016-12-02

A solventless analytical method is proposed for analyzing the compounds responsible for cork taint in cork stoppers. Direct sample introduction (DSI) is evaluated as a sample introduction system for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) determination of four haloanisoles (HAs) in cork samples. Several parameters affecting the DSI step, including desorption temperature and time, gas flow rate and other focusing parameters, were optimized using univariate and multivariate approaches. The proposed method shows high sensitivity and minimises sample handling, with detection limits of 1.6-2.6ngg -1 , depending on the compound. The suitability of the optimized procedure as a screening method was evaluated by obtaining decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCβ) for each analyte, which were found to be in 6.9-11.8 and 8.7-14.8ngg -1 , respectively, depending on the compound. Twenty-four cork samples were analysed, and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole was found in four of them at levels between 12.6 and 53ngg -1 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sorption equilibria of ethanol on cork.

PubMed

Lequin, Sonia; Chassagne, David; Karbowiak, Thomas; Bellat, Jean-Pierre

2013-06-05

We report here for the first time a thermodynamic study of gaseous ethanol sorption on raw cork powder and plate. Our study aims at a better understanding of the reactivity of this material when used as a stopper under enological conditions, thus in close contact with a hydroethanolic solution, wine. Sorption−desorption isotherms were accurately measured by thermogravimetry at 298 K in a large range of relative pressures. Sorption enthalpies were determined by calorimetry as a function of loading. Sorption−desorption isotherms exhibit a hysteresis loop probably due to the swelling of the material and the absorption of ethanol. Surprisingly, the sorption enthalpy of ethanol becomes lower than the liquefaction enthalpy as the filling increases. This result could be attributed to the swelling of the material, which would generate endothermic effects. Sorption of SO₂ on cork containing ethanol was also studied. When the ethanol content in cork is 2 wt %, the amount of SO₂ sorbed is divided by 2. Thus, ethanol does not enhance the sorption rate for SO₂ but, on the contrary, decreases the SO₂ sorption activity onto cork, probably because of competitive sorption mechanisms.

Nano-gold corking and enzymatic uncorking of carbon nanotube cups

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Yong; Burkert, Seth C.; Tang, Yifan; ...

2014-12-21

Because of their unique stacked, cup-shaped, hollow compartments, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube cups (NCNCs) have promising potential as nanoscale containers. Individual NCNCs are isolated from their stacked structure through acid oxidation and subsequent probe-tip sonication. The NCNCs are then effectively corked with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) by sodium citrate reduction with chloroauric acid, forming graphitic nanocapsules with significant surface-enhanced Raman signature. Mechanistically, the growth of the GNP corks starts from the nucleation and welding of gold seeds on the open rims of NCNCs enriched with nitrogen functionalities, as confirmed by density functional theory calculations. A potent oxidizing enzyme of neutrophils, myeloperoxidase (MPO),more » can effectively open the corked NCNCs through GNP detachment, with subsequent complete enzymatic degradation of the graphitic shells. Lastly, this controlled opening and degradation was further carried out in vitro with human neutrophils. In addition, the GNP-corked NCNCs were demonstrated to function as novel drug delivery carriers, capable of effective (i) delivery of paclitaxel to tumor-associated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), (ii) MPO-regulated release, and (iii) blockade of MDSC immunosuppressive potential.« less

The draft genome sequence of cork oak

PubMed Central

Ramos, António Marcos; Usié, Ana; Barbosa, Pedro; Barros, Pedro M.; Capote, Tiago; Chaves, Inês; Simões, Fernanda; Abreu, Isabl; Carrasquinho, Isabel; Faro, Carlos; Guimarães, Joana B.; Mendonça, Diogo; Nóbrega, Filomena; Rodrigues, Leandra; Saibo, Nelson J. M.; Varela, Maria Carolina; Egas, Conceição; Matos, José; Miguel, Célia M.; Oliveira, M. Margarida; Ricardo, Cândido P.; Gonçalves, Sónia

2018-01-01

Cork oak (Quercus suber) is native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa where it plays a crucial environmental and economical role. To tackle the cork oak production and industrial challenges, advanced research is imperative but dependent on the availability of a sequenced genome. To address this, we produced the first draft version of the cork oak genome. We followed a de novo assembly strategy based on high-throughput sequence data, which generated a draft genome comprising 23,347 scaffolds and 953.3 Mb in size. A total of 79,752 genes and 83,814 transcripts were predicted, including 33,658 high-confidence genes. An InterPro signature assignment was detected for 69,218 transcripts, which represented 82.6% of the total. Validation studies demonstrated the genome assembly and annotation completeness and highlighted the usefulness of the draft genome for read mapping of high-throughput sequence data generated using different protocols. All data generated is available through the public databases where it was deposited, being therefore ready to use by the academic and industry communities working on cork oak and/or related species. PMID:29786699

The draft genome sequence of cork oak.

PubMed

Ramos, António Marcos; Usié, Ana; Barbosa, Pedro; Barros, Pedro M; Capote, Tiago; Chaves, Inês; Simões, Fernanda; Abreu, Isabl; Carrasquinho, Isabel; Faro, Carlos; Guimarães, Joana B; Mendonça, Diogo; Nóbrega, Filomena; Rodrigues, Leandra; Saibo, Nelson J M; Varela, Maria Carolina; Egas, Conceição; Matos, José; Miguel, Célia M; Oliveira, M Margarida; Ricardo, Cândido P; Gonçalves, Sónia

2018-05-22

Cork oak (Quercus suber) is native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa where it plays a crucial environmental and economical role. To tackle the cork oak production and industrial challenges, advanced research is imperative but dependent on the availability of a sequenced genome. To address this, we produced the first draft version of the cork oak genome. We followed a de novo assembly strategy based on high-throughput sequence data, which generated a draft genome comprising 23,347 scaffolds and 953.3 Mb in size. A total of 79,752 genes and 83,814 transcripts were predicted, including 33,658 high-confidence genes. An InterPro signature assignment was detected for 69,218 transcripts, which represented 82.6% of the total. Validation studies demonstrated the genome assembly and annotation completeness and highlighted the usefulness of the draft genome for read mapping of high-throughput sequence data generated using different protocols. All data generated is available through the public databases where it was deposited, being therefore ready to use by the academic and industry communities working on cork oak and/or related species.

Estimation of Complex Permittivity of Composite Multilayer Material at Microwave Frequency Using Waveguide Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, Manohar D.; Dudley, Kenneth

2003-01-01

A simple method is presented to estimate the complex dielectric constants of individual layers of a multilayer composite material. Using the MatLab Optimization Tools simple MatLab scripts are written to search for electric properties of individual layers so as to match the measured and calculated S-parameters. A single layer composite material formed by using materials such as Bakelite, Nomex Felt, Fiber Glass, Woven Composite B and G, Nano Material #0, Cork, Garlock, of different thicknesses are tested using the present approach. Assuming the thicknesses of samples unknown, the present approach is shown to work well in estimating the dielectric constants and the thicknesses. A number of two layer composite materials formed by various combinations of above individual materials are tested using the present approach. However, the present approach could not provide estimate values close to their true values when the thicknesses of individual layers were assumed to be unknown. This is attributed to the difficulty in modelling the presence of airgaps between the layers while doing the measurement of S-parameters. A few examples of three layer composites are also presented.

"Cork taint" responsible compounds. Determination of haloanisoles and halophenols in cork matrix: A review.

PubMed

Tarasov, Andrii; Rauhut, Doris; Jung, Rainer

2017-12-01

Analytical methods of haloanisoles and halophenols quantification in cork matrix are summarized in the current review. Sample-preparation and sample-treatment techniques have been compared and discussed from the perspective of their efficiency, time- and extractant-optimization, easiness of performance. Primary interest of these analyses usually addresses to 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), which is a major wine contaminant among haloanisoles. Two concepts of TCA determination are described in the review: releasable TCA and total TCA analyses. Chromatographic, bioanalytical and sensorial methods were compared according to their application in the cork industry and in scientific investigations. Finally, it was shown that modern analytical techniques are able to provide required sensitivity, selectivity and repeatability for haloanisoles and halophenols determination. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Silencing of the potato StNAC103 gene enhances the accumulation of suberin polyester and associated wax in tuber skin

PubMed Central

Verdaguer, Roger; Soler, Marçal; Serra, Olga; Garrote, Aïda; Fernández, Sandra; Company-Arumí, Dolors; Anticó, Enriqueta; Molinas, Marisa; Figueras, Mercè

2016-01-01

Suberin and wax deposited in the cork (phellem) layer of the periderm form the lipophilic barrier that protects mature plant organs. Periderm lipids have been widely studied for their protective function with regards to dehydration and for how they respond to environmental stresses and wounding. However, despite advances in the biosynthetic pathways of suberin and associated wax, little is known about the regulation of their deposition. Here, we report on a potato NAC transcription factor gene, StNAC103, induced in the tuber phellem (skin). The StNAC103 promoter is active in cells undergoing suberization such as in the basal layer of the phellem, but also in the root apical meristem. Gene silencing in potato periderm correlates with an increase in the suberin and wax load, and specifically in alkanes, ω-hydroxyacids, diacids, ferulic acid, and primary alcohols. Concomitantly, silenced lines also showed up-regulation of key genes related to the biosynthesis and transport of suberin and wax in the tuber periderm. Taken together, our results suggest that StNAC103 has a role in the tight regulation of the formation of apoplastic barriers and is, to the best of our knowledge, the first candidate gene to be identified as being involved in the repression of suberin and wax deposition. PMID:27520790

[Impact of cork oak management on the ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity associated with Quercus suber in the Mâamora forest (Morocco)].

PubMed

Maghnia, Fatima Z; Sanguin, Hervé; Abbas, Younes; Verdinelli, Marcello; Kerdouh, Benaissa; El Ghachtouli, Naima; Lancellotti, Enrico; Bakkali Yakhlef, Salah Eddine; Duponnois, Robin

2017-05-01

The cork oak forest is an ecosystem playing a major role in Moroccan socio-economy and biodiversity conservation. However, this ecosystem is negatively impacted by extensive human- and climate-driven pressures, causing a strong decrease in its distribution and a worsening of the desertification processes. This study aims at characterising the impact of cork oak forest management on a major actor of its functioning, the ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community associated with Quercus suber, and the determination of EcM bio-indicators. The EcM fungal community has been monitored during spring and winter seasons in two sites of the Moroccan Mâamora forest, corresponding to a forest site either impacted by human activities or protected. A significant impact of cork oak forest management on the EcM fungal community has been revealed, with major differences during the summer season. The results confirmed the potential ecological significance of several EcM fungi (e.g., Cenococcum) in the sustainability of the cork oak forest functioning, but also the significant association of certain EcM fungi (Pachyphloeus, Russula, Tomentella) with a perturbation or a season, and consequently to the cork oak forest status or to climatic conditions, respectively. The development of study at the Mediterranean scale may improve the robustness of ecological models to predict the impact of global changes on this emblematic ecosystem of Mediterranean basin. Copyright © 2017 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Multivariate analysis of volatile compounds detected by headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography: A tool for sensory classification of cork stoppers.

PubMed

Prat, Chantal; Besalú, Emili; Bañeras, Lluís; Anticó, Enriqueta

2011-06-15

The volatile fraction of aqueous cork macerates of tainted and non-tainted agglomerate cork stoppers was analysed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME)/gas chromatography. Twenty compounds containing terpenoids, aliphatic alcohols, lignin-related compounds and others were selected and analysed in individual corks. Cork stoppers were previously classified in six different classes according to sensory descriptions including, 2,4,6-trichloroanisole taint and other frequent, non-characteristic odours found in cork. A multivariate analysis of the chromatographic data of 20 selected chemical compounds using linear discriminant analysis models helped in the differentiation of the a priori made groups. The discriminant model selected five compounds as the best combination. Selected compounds appear in the model in the following order; 2,4,6 TCA, fenchyl alcohol, 1-octen-3-ol, benzyl alcohol and benzothiazole. Unfortunately, not all six a priori differentiated sensory classes were clearly discriminated in the model, probably indicating that no measurable differences exist in the chromatographic data for some categories. The predictive analyses of a refined model in which two sensory classes were fused together resulted in a good classification. Prediction rates of control (non-tainted), TCA, musty-earthy-vegetative, vegetative and chemical descriptions were 100%, 100%, 85%, 67.3% and 100%, respectively, when the modified model was used. The multivariate analysis of chromatographic data will help in the classification of stoppers and provide a perfect complement to sensory analyses. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Filter presence and tipping paper color influence consumer perceptions of cigarettes.

PubMed

O'Connor, Richard J; Bansal-Travers, Maansi; Cummings, K Michael; Hammond, David; Thrasher, James F; Tworek, Cindy

2015-12-22

Cigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers' perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys 'lightness'. This study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette. Overall, the cork-tipped cigarette was most commonly selected on taste and attractiveness, the white-tipped on least dangerous, and the unfiltered on most dangerous. Current smokers were more likely to select white-tipped (OR = 1.98) and cork-tipped (OR = 3.42) cigarettes, while ever smokers more commonly selected the cork-tipped (OR = 1.96), as most willing to try over the other products. Those willing to try the filtered white-tipped cigarette were more likely to have rated that cigarette as best tasting (OR = 11.10), attracting attention (OR = 17.91), and lowest health risk (OR = 1.94). Similarly, those willing to try cork tipped or unfiltered cigarettes rated those as best testing, attracting attention, and lowest health risk, respectively. Findings from this study demonstrate that consumer product perceptions can be influenced by elements of cigarette design, such as the presence and color of the filter tip.

Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Cork Agglomerates by GDME-HPLC-UV: Identification of the Extracted Compounds by HPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Brandão, Pedro Francisco; Ramos, Rui Miguel; Almeida, Paulo Joaquim; Rodrigues, José António

2017-02-08

A new approach is proposed for the extraction and determination of carbonyl compounds in solid samples, such as wood or cork materials. Cork products are used as building materials due to their singular characteristics; however, little is known about its aldehyde emission potential and content. Sample preparation was done by using a gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) device for the direct extraction of volatile aldehydes and derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. Analytical determination of the extracts was done by HPLC-UV, with detection at 360 nm. The developed methodology proved to be a reliable tool for aldehyde determination in cork agglomerate samples with suitable method features. Mass spectrometry studies were performed for each sample, which enabled the identification, in the extracts, of the derivatization products of a total of 13 aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, furfural, propanal, 5-methylfurfural, butanal, benzaldehyde, pentanal, hexanal, trans-2-heptenal, heptanal, octanal, and trans-2-nonenal) and 4 ketones (3-hydroxy-2-butanone, acetone, cyclohexanone, and acetophenone). This new analytical methodology simultaneously proved to be consistent for the identification and determination of aldehydes in cork agglomerates and a very simple and straightforward procedure.

Development of a robust chromatographic method for the detection of chlorophenols in cork oak forest soils.

PubMed

McLellan, Iain; Hursthouse, Andrew; Morrison, Calum; Varela, Adélia; Pereira, Cristina Silva

2014-02-01

A major concern for the cork and wine industry is 'cork taint' which is associated with chloroanisoles, the microbial degradation metabolites of chlorophenols. The use of chlorophenolic compounds as pesticides within cork forests was prohibited in 1993 in the European Union (EU) following the introduction of industry guidance. However, cork produced outside the EU is still thought to be affected and simple, robust methods for chlorophenol analysis are required for wider environmental assessment by industry and local environmental regulators. Soil samples were collected from three common-use forests in Tunisia and from one privately owned forest in Sardinia, providing examples of varied management practice and degree of human intervention. These provided challenge samples for the optimisation of a HPLC-UV detection method. It produced recoveries consistently >75% against a soil CRM (ERM-CC008) for pentachlorophenol. The optimised method, with ultraviolet (diode array) detection is able to separate and quantify 16 different chlorophenols at field concentrations greater than the limits of detection ranging from 6.5 to 191.3 μg/kg (dry weight). Application to a range of field samples demonstrated the absence of widespread contamination in forest soils at sites sampled in Sardinia and Tunisia.

Laser Shearography Inspection of TPS (Thermal Protection System) Cork on RSRM (Reusable Solid Rocket Motors)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lingbloom, Mike; Plaia, Jim; Newman, John

2006-01-01

Laser Shearography is a viable inspection method for detection of de-bonds and voids within the external TPS (thermal protection system) on to the Space Shuttle RSRM (reusable solid rocket motors). Cork samples with thicknesses up to 1 inch were tested at the LTI (Laser Technology Incorporated) laboratory using vacuum-applied stress in a vacuum chamber. The testing proved that the technology could detect cork to steel un-bonds using vacuum stress techniques in the laboratory environment. The next logical step was to inspect the TPS on a RSRM. Although detailed post flight inspection has confirmed that ATK Thiokol's cork bonding technique provides a reliable cork to case bond, due to the Space Shuttle Columbia incident there is a great interest in verifying bond-lines on the external TPS. This interest provided and opportunity to inspect a RSRM motor with Laser Shearography. This paper will describe the laboratory testing and RSRM testing that has been performed to date. Descriptions of the test equipment setup and techniques for data collection and detailed results will be given. The data from the test show that Laser Shearography is an effective technology and readily adaptable to inspect a RSRM.

Compartment A14m cork lined powder magazine looking port to ...

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

Compartment A-14m - cork lined powder magazine looking port to starboard; note temperature sensor in the overhead. (022) - USS Olympia, Penn's Landing, 211 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA

Analysis of Pelletizing of Granulometric Separation Powder from Cork Industries

PubMed Central

Montero, Irene; Miranda, Teresa; Sepúlveda, Francisco José; Arranz, José Ignacio; Nogales, Sergio

2014-01-01

Cork industries generate a considerable amount of solid waste during their processing. Its management implies a problem for companies that should reconsider its reuse for other purposes. In this work, an analysis of pelletizing of granulometric separation powder, which is one of the major wastes in cork industries and which presents suitable properties (as an raw material) for its thermal use, is studied. However, its characteristic heterogeneity, along with its low bulk density (which makes its storage and transportation difficult) are restrictive factors for its energy use. Therefore, its densified form is a real alternative in order to make the product uniform and guarantee its proper use in boiler systems. Thus, the cork pellets (from granulometric separation powder) in the study met, except for ash content specification, the specifications in standard European Norm EN-Plus (B) for its application as fuel for domestic use. PMID:28788207

Analysis of Pelletizing of Granulometric Separation Powder from Cork Industries.

PubMed

Montero, Irene; Miranda, Teresa; Sepúlveda, Francisco José; Arranz, José Ignacio; Nogales, Sergio

2014-09-18

Cork industries generate a considerable amount of solid waste during their processing. Its management implies a problem for companies that should reconsider its reuse for other purposes. In this work, an analysis of pelletizing of granulometric separation powder, which is one of the major wastes in cork industries and which presents suitable properties (as an raw material) for its thermal use, is studied. However, its characteristic heterogeneity, along with its low bulk density (which makes its storage and transportation difficult) are restrictive factors for its energy use. Therefore, its densified form is a real alternative in order to make the product uniform and guarantee its proper use in boiler systems. Thus, the cork pellets (from granulometric separation powder) in the study met, except for ash content specification, the specifications in standard European Norm EN-Plus (B) for its application as fuel for domestic use.

Impact of herbaceous understory vegetation to ecosystem water cycle, productivity and infiltration in a semi arid oak woodland assessed by stable oxygen isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubbert, Maren; Piayda, Arndt; Silva, Filipe Costa e.; Correia, Alexandra C.; Pereira, Joao S.; Cuntz, Matthias; Werner, Christiane

2015-04-01

Water is one of the key factors driving ecosystem productivity, especially in water-limited ecosystems. Thus a separation of these component fluxes is needed to gain a functional understanding on the development of net ecosystem water and carbon fluxes. Oxygen isotope signatures are valuable tracers for such water movements within the ecosystem because of the distinct isotopic compositions of water in the soil and vegetation. Here, a novel approach was used (Dubbert et al., 2013), combining a custom build flow-through gas-exchange branch chamber with a Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer in a Mediterranean cork-oak woodland where two vegetation layers respond differently to drought: oak-trees (Quercus suber L.) avoid drought due to their access to ground water while herbaceous plants survive the summer as seeds. We used this approach to quantify the impact of the understory herbaceous vegetation on ecosystem carbon and water fluxes throughout the year and disentangle how ET components of the ecosystem relate to carbon dioxide exchange. Partitioning ecosystem ET and NEE into its three sources revealed that understory vegetation contributed markedly to ecosystem ET and gross primary production (GPP; max. 43 and 51%, respectively). It reached similar water-use efficiencies (WUE) as cork-oak trees and significantly contributed to the ecosystem sink-strength in spring and fall. The understory vegetation layer further strongly inhibited soil evaporation (E) and, although E was large during wet periods, it did not diminish ecosystem WUE during water-limited times (Dubbert et al., 2014a). Although, during most of the year, interactions with trees neither facilitated nor hampered the development of the understory vegetation, strong competition for water could be observed at the end of the growing period, which shortened the life-cycle of understory plants and significantly reduced the carbon uptake of the ecosystem in spring (Dubbert et al., 2014b). Finally, herbaceous understory vegetation strongly increased rain infiltration, specifically during strong rain events. In conclusion, beneficial understory vegetation effects were dominant. However, the observed vulnerability of the understory vegetation to drought and competition for water with trees suggests, that increased drought and altered precipitation pattern as predicted in future climate change scenarios for the Mediterranean basin not only threaten understory development. They also very likely decrease rain infiltration and ground water recharge by decreasing understory vegetation cover and increasing amount of heavy precipitation events with high run-off from sealed bare soils. This in turn can severely diminish cork-oak productivity and hence the resilience of the ecosystem toward drought (Costa e Silva et al., in rev.). Dubbert, M; Cuntz, M; Piayda, A; Maguas, C; Werner, C: Partitioning evapotranspiration - Testing the Craig and Gordon model with field measurements of oxygen isotope ratios of evaporative fluxes. J Hydrol (2013) Dubbert, M; Piayda, A; Cuntz, M; Correia, AC; Costa e Silva, F; Pereira, JS; Werner, C: Stable oxygen isotope and flux partitioning demonstrates understory of an oak savanna contributes up to half of ecosystem carbon and water exchange, Frontiers in Plant Science (2014a) Dubbert, M; Mosena, A; Piayda, A; Cuntz, M; Correia, AC; Pereira, JS; Werner, C: Influence of tree cover on herbaceous layer development and carbon and water fluxes in a Portuguese cork oak woodland., Acta Oecologica

Cork Embedded Internal Features and Contrast Mechanisms with Del Using 18, 20, 30, 36 and 40 keV Synchrotron X-rays

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

Rao, D.V.; Zhong, Z.; Akatsuka, T.

Images of the cork used for wine and other bottles are visualized with the use of diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) technique. Present experimental studies allowed us to identify the cracks, holes, porosity, and importance of soft-matter (soft-material) and associated biology by visualization of the embedded internal complex features of the biological material such as cork and its microstructure. Highlighted the contrast mechanisms above and below the K-absorption edge of iodine and studied the attenuation through a combination of weakly and strongly attenuating materials.

Cork Embedded Internal Features and Contrast Mechanisms with DEI using 18, 20, 30, 36, and 40 kev Synchrotron X-rays

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

Donepudi, R.; Cesareo, R; Brunetti, A

Images of the cork used for wine and other bottles are visualized with the use of diffraction-enhanced imaging (DEI) technique. Present experimental studies allowed us to identify the cracks, holes, porosity, and importance of soft-matter (soft-material) and associated biology by visualization of the embedded internal complex features of the biological material such as cork and its microstructure. Highlighted the contrast mechanisms above and below the K-absorption edge of iodine and studied the attenuation through a combination of weakly and strongly attenuating materials.

Cork as a new (green) coating for solid-phase microextraction: determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Dias, Adriana Neves; Simão, Vanessa; Merib, Josias; Carasek, Eduardo

2013-04-15

A new fiber for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was prepared employing cork as a coating. The morphology and composition of the cork fiber was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The proposed fiber was used for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in river water samples by gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring-mass spectrometry (GC-SIM-MS). A central composite design was used for optimization of the variables involved in the extraction of PAHs from water samples. The optimal extraction conditions were extraction time and temperature of 60 min and 80°C, respectively. The detection and quantification limits were 0.03 and 0.1 μg L(-1), respectively. The recovery values were between 70.2 and 103.2% and the RSD was ≤15.7 (n=3). The linear range was 0.1-10 μg L(-1) with r≥0.96 and the fiber-to-fiber reproducibility showed RSD≤18.6% (n=5). The efficiency of the cork fiber was compared with commercially available fibers and good results were achieved, demonstrating the applicability and great potential of cork as a coating for SPME. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Review of thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients attending Cork University Hospital.

PubMed

Byrne, Stephen; Weaver, Daniel Timothy

2013-06-01

Although preventable, venous thromboembolism remains a common cause of hospital acquired morbidity and mortality. Guidelines, such as the one produced by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), are aimed at reducing hospital associated venous thromboemboli. Unfortunately the majority of studies have revealed inadequate adherence to these guidelines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis at Cork University Hospital. Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. Data from the patient's chart, drug kardex and laboratory results were recorded during April 2010. A Caprini score, a venous thromboembolism risk factor assessment tool, was subsequently calculated for each patient based on data collected. Appropriate prophylaxis was determined after examining data collected, Caprini score and prophylactic regime according to the ACCP 8th edition guidelines. Primary outcome was to analyse adherence to VTE prophylaxis guidelines. A total of 394 patients met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed, of which, 60% (n = 236) were medical and 37% (n = 146) were surgical patients. In total 63% of patients received some form of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Furthermore, 54% of medical and 76% of surgical patients received prophylaxis. However only 37% of the patients studied received appropriate thromboprophylaxis according to the ACCP 8th edition guidelines (Geerts et al. in chest 133(6 Suppl):381S-453S, 2008). Additionally 51% of surgical and 27% of medical patients received appropriate prophylaxis. Data collected from Cork University Hospital revealed poor adherence to international venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines. As stated in the ACCP 8th edition guidelines, every hospital should develop a formal strategy for venous thromboembolism prevention (Geerts et al. in chest 133(6 Suppl):381S-453S, 2008). In order to improve adherence to guidelines, Cork University Hospital should develop, implement and re-evaluate a specific protocol for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

The problem of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in cork planks studied by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy: proof of concept.

PubMed

Garcia, Ana R; Lopes, Luís F; Brito de Barros, Ricardo; Ilharco, Laura M

2015-01-14

Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) proved to be a promising detection technique for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), which confers organoleptic defects to bottled alcoholic beverages, allowing the proposal of a criterion for cork plank acceptance when meant for stopper production. By analysis of a significant number of samples, it was proved that the presence of TCA, even in very low concentrations, imparts subtle changes to the cork spectra, namely, the growth of two new bands at ∼1417 (νC═C of TCA ring) and 1314 cm–1 (a shifted νCC of TCA) and an increase in the relative intensities of the bands at ∼1039 cm–1 (δCO of polysaccharides) and ∼813 cm–1 (τCH of suberin), the latter by overlapping with intense bands of TCA. These relative intensities were evaluated in comparison to a fingerprint of suberin (νasC–O–C), at 1161 cm–1. On the basis of those spectral variables, a multivariate statistics linear analysis (LDA) was performed to obtain a discriminant function that allows classifying the samples according to whether they contain or not TCA. The methodology proposed consists of a demanding acceptance criterion for cork planks destined for stopper production (with the guarantee of nonexistence of TCA) that results from combining the quantitative results with the absence of the two TCA correlated bands. ATR infrared spectroscopy is a nondestructive and easy to apply technique, both on cork planks and on stoppers, and has proven more restrictive than other techniques used in the cork industry that analyze the cleaning solutions. At the level of proof of concept, the method here proposed is appealing for high-value stopper applications.

Lignin Composition and Structure Differs between Xylem, Phloem and Phellem in Quercus suber L.

PubMed Central

Lourenço, Ana; Rencoret, Jorge; Chemetova, Catarina; Gominho, Jorge; Gutiérrez, Ana; del Río, José C.; Pereira, Helena

2016-01-01

The composition and structure of lignin in different tissues—phellem (cork), phloem and xylem (wood)—of Quercus suber was studied. Whole cell walls and their respective isolated milled lignins were analyzed by pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (2D-NMR) and derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC). Different tissues presented varied p-hydroxyphenyl:guaiacyl:syringyl (H:G:S) lignin compositions. Whereas lignin from cork has a G-rich lignin (H:G:S molar ratio 2:85:13), lignin from phloem presents more S-units (H:G:S molar ratio of 1:58:41) and lignin from xylem is slightly enriched in S-lignin (H:G:S molar ratio 1:45:55). These differences were reflected in the relative abundances of the different interunit linkages. Alkyl-aryl ethers (β–O–4′) were predominant, increasing from 68% in cork, to 71% in phloem and 77% in xylem, as consequence of the enrichment in S-lignin units. Cork lignin was enriched in condensed structures such as phenylcoumarans (β-5′, 20%), dibenzodioxocins (5–5′, 5%), as corresponds to a lignin enriched in G-units. In comparison, lignin from phloem and xylem presented lower levels of condensed linkages. The lignin from cork was highly acetylated at the γ-OH of the side-chain (48% lignin acetylation), predominantly over G-units; while the lignins from phloem and xylem were barely acetylated and this occurred mainly over S-units. These results are a first time overview of the lignin structure in xylem, phloem (generated by cambium), and in cork (generated by phellogen), in agreement with literature that reports that lignin biosynthesis is flexible and cell specific. PMID:27833631

Demographics of cattle positive for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis by faecal culture, from submissions to the Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

The demography of bovine infections caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Ireland is poorly defined. The objective of this study was to describe the demographics of cattle positive to MAP on faecal culture, based on submissions to the Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory (Cork RVL) from 1994 to 2006. The study focused on all available faecal samples from adult cattle with non-responsive chronic diarrhoea that were submitted by private veterinary practitioners to Cork RVL for MAP culture. For each MAP-positive by faecal culture animal, data were collated from Cork RVL and Cattle Movement Monitoring Scheme (CMMS) records. Johne's disease (JD) was confirmed in 110 animals from 86 herds by the Cork RVL between 1994 and 2006, with a rate of positive cases between 15% and 18% over last four years of the study. Two breeds (Holstein/Friesian or Limousin) made up 78% of submissions. Movements were assessed for the 57 study animals with available movement information, 90% died within one year of the test and 26% tested positive in the herd they were born into. The study provides preliminary information about movement trends and demographics of animals with MAP positive submissions. Although the study area is restricted, it includes the most intensive (and economically-important) dairy region in Ireland. The demographics of JD infection from the study area are in agreement with international reports. Further work is required to determine demographic trends, incidence and prevalence of JD throughout Ireland. It is hoped this work may contribute to the development of a surveillance strategy for MAP by regional veterinary laboratories. PMID:21851736

Mini-CORK observatories using the MeBo seafloor drill rig - a new development for long-term data acquisition and sampling in shallow boreholes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopf, A.; Freudenthal, T.; Ratmeyer, V.; Bergenthal, M.; Renken, J.; Zabel, M.; Wefer, G.

2011-12-01

State of the art technology for long-term monitoring of fluid migration within the sea floor is the sealing of a borehole with a Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit (CORK) after sensor installation and/or fluid sampling devices within the drill string. However, the combined used of a drilling vessels and a remotely operated drilling (ROV) required for a CORK installation in the deep sea is a costly exercise that limits the number of monitoring stations installed. Robotic sea floor drill rigs are a cost effective alternative for shallow drillings down to 50-100 m below sea floor. Here we present a Mini-CORK system that is developed for installation with the sea floor drill rig MeBo. This rig was developed at MARUM Research Centre, University of Bremen in 2005 and can sample the sea floor in water depths up to 2000 m. The MeBo is deployed on the seabed and remotely controlled from the vessel. All required drill tools for wire-line core drilling down to 70 m below sea floor are stored on two rotating magazines and can be loaded below the top drive drill head for assembling the drill string. For one of the upcoming cruises with RV Sonne offshore Japan (Nankai Trough accretionary prism), MeBo will be used for the first time to place observatories. Two different designs have been developed. The first, relatively simple long-term device resembles a MeBo drill rod in its geometry, and contains a pressure and temperature transducer in the borehole plus an identical pair of transducers for seafloor reference. The device also contains a data logger, battery unit, and an acoustic modem so that data can be downloaded at any time from a ship of opportunity. The key element at the base of the observatory rod is a seal at the conical thread to separate the borehole hydraulically from the overlying water body. It is realized by an adapter, which also contains a hotstab hydraulic connection and an electrical connection. The second observatory device is a seafloor unit, which replaces part of the first unit and which is deployed by ROV. In essence, the upper portion of the former observatory is taken away by ROV, and an umbilical containing hydraulic lines and tubing to withdraw formation water from the borehole is plugged into the hotstab female adapter by ROV. At the far end, the umbilical is connected to a seafloor unit with battery power, data logger, P and T transducers, and the same acoustic modem as the former one. In addition, the latter contains osmo samplers and biological chambers (FLOCS) for in situ sampling and experiments. After the envisaged deployment period, the entire unit is replaced while an identical one is prepared on deck and lowered from the vessel. In theory, the MeBo hole infinitely serves as an access to depth since no electronic, but only tubing is lowered into the (open) hole. In summary, long-term borehole installations with MeBo offer an affordable way to measure key physical properties over time and sample the formation fluids for geochemistry and microbiology (in case of the second, ROV-deployed CORK).

Toxicological impact of methanolic extract of the leaves and acorns of the cork oak on Culiseta annulata, S in Algeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amel, Aouati

2018-05-01

The methanolic extract of leaves and acorns of cork oak tree was tested against 4th instar larvae of the mosquito Culiseta annulata Schrank, 1776. The obtained results indicated a sensitivity of Culiseta annulata larvae for the plant species aroused. This sensitivity is even higher when exposure of the larvae to insecticides is extended in time. Generates the greatest mortality rate 83% for 1g /l after 72 h of exposure against 39% for 1g /l after 24 h exposure for the extract of leaves and acorns of cork oak. For LC50 values, leaves and acorns of cork oak acted at low concentrations with an LC50of 439mg /l after 72 h of exposure. thus, these findings can help in the development of alternatives to the chemical hazardous insecticide to the environment like the use of plants that are generally available and not toxic to the fauna and flora.

Migration of components from cork stoppers to food: challenges in determining inorganic elements in food simulants.

PubMed

Corona, T; Iglesias, M; Anticó, E

2014-06-18

The inorganic elements potentially migrating from cork to a food simulant [a hydroalcoholic solution containing 12 and 20% (v/v) ethanol] have been determined by means of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) with atomic emission and mass spectrometric detection. The experimental instrumental conditions were evaluated in depth, taking into account spectroscopic and nonspectroscopic interference caused by the presence of ethanol and other components in the sample. We report concentrations ranging from 4 μg kg(-1) for Cd to 28000 μg kg(-1) for Al in the food simulant (concentrations given in kilograms of cork). The values found for Ba, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn have been compared with the guideline values stated in EU Regulation 10/2011. In all cases, cork met the general safety criteria applicable to food contact material. Finally, we have proposed water as an alternative to the hydroalcoholic solution to simplify quantification of the tested elements using ICP techniques.

Results of tests of MTA-2 TPS on the SRB hold-down bolt blast container

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, W. G.

1982-01-01

The four solid rocket booster (SRB) hold-down posts are fastened to the mobile launch platform (MLP) with four large nuts. At liftoff the nuts are split with explosive changes to release the SRB/Shuttle. A blast container is placed over the nuts to protect the vehicle from flying debris. The blast container is a reusable part and has to be protected from aerodynamic heating during flight. The thermal protection system (TPS) used to protect these blast containers is cork. Fitting the flat cork sheet to this hemispherical shaped blast container is both time consuming and expensive. Another problem is removing the charred cork and epoxy glue from the blast containers. Replacements of this cork with another TPS material such as MTA-2 was examined. Heating rates along the centerline of the forward facing areas of the blast container were determined. The feasibility of using 1/2 in. MTA-2 on the SRB blast containers for protection from ascent, plume impingement and reentry heating is demonstrated.

Cork-resin ablative insulation for complex surfaces and method for applying the same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, H. M.; Sharpe, M. H.; Simpson, W. G. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A method of applying cork-resin ablative insulation material to complex curved surfaces is disclosed. The material is prepared by mixing finely divided cork with a B-stage curable thermosetting resin, forming the resulting mixture into a block, B-stage curing the resin-containing block, and slicing the block into sheets. The B-stage cured sheet is shaped to conform to the surface being insulated, and further curing is then performed. Curing of the resins only to B-stage before shaping enables application of sheet material to complex curved surfaces and avoids limitations and disadvantages presented in handling of fully cured sheet material.

Experimental investigation on IXV TPS interface effects in Plasmatron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceglia, Giuseppe; Trifoni, Eduardo; Gouriet, Jean-Baptiste; Chazot, Olivier; Mareschi, Vincenzo; Rufolo, Giuseppe; Tumino, Giorgio

2016-06-01

An experimental investigation related to the thermal protection system (TPS) interfaces of the intermediate experimental vehicle has been carried out in the Plasmatron facility at the von Karman Institute for fluid dynamics. The objective of this test campaign is to qualify the thermal behaviours of two different TPS interfaces under flight representative conditions in terms of heat flux and integral heat load ( 180 kW/m2 for 700 s). Three test samples are tested in off-stagnation configuration installed on an available flat plate holder under the same test conditions. The first junction is composed of an upstream ceramic matrix composite (CMC) plate and an ablative P50 cork composite block separated by a gap of 2 mm. The second one is made of an upstream P50 block and a downstream ablative SV2A silicon elastomer block with silicon-based filler in between. A sample composed of P50 material is tested in order to obtain reference results without TPS interface effect. The overheating at the CMC-P50 interface due to the jump of the catalytic properties of the materials, and the recession/swelling behaviour of the P50-SV2A interface are under investigation. All the test samples withstand relatively well the imposed heat flux for the test duration. As expected, both the ablative materials undergo a thermal degradation. The P50 exhibits the formation of a porous char layer and its recession; on the other hand, the SV2A swells and forms a fragile char layer.

Extraction-less, rapid assay for the direct detection of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) in cork samples.

PubMed

Apostolou, Theofylaktos; Pascual, Nuria; Marco, M-Pilar; Moschos, Anastassios; Petropoulos, Anastassios; Kaltsas, Grigoris; Kintzios, Spyridon

2014-07-01

2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), the cork taint molecule, has been the target of several analytical approaches over the few past years. In spite of the development of highly efficient and sensitive tools for its detection, ranging from advanced chromatography to biosensor-based techniques, a practical breakthrough for routine cork screening purposes has not yet been realized, in part due to the requirement of a lengthy extraction of TCA in organic solvents, mostly 12% ethanol and the high detectability required. In the present report, we present a modification of a previously reported biosensor system based on the measurement of the electric response of cultured fibroblast cells membrane-engineered with the pAb78 TCA-specific antibody. Samples were prepared by macerating cork tissue and mixing it directly with the cellular biorecognition elements, without any intervening extraction process. By using this novel approach, we were able to detect TCA in just five minutes at extremely low concentrations (down to 0.2 ppt). The novel biosensor offers a number of practical benefits, including a very considerable reduction in the total assay time by one day, and a full portability, enabling its direct employment for on-site, high throughput screening of cork in the field and production facilities, without requiring any type of supporting infrastructure. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the expression of putative heat-stress related genes in relation to thermotolerance of cork oak.

PubMed

Correia, Barbara; Rodriguez, José Luis; Valledor, Luis; Almeida, Tânia; Santos, Conceição; Cañal, Maria Jesús; Pinto, Glória

2014-03-15

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is a research priority in the Mediterranean area and because of cork oaks' distribution these stands are experiencing daily stress. Based on projections of intensifying climate change and considering the key role of exploring the recovery abilities, cork oak seedlings were subjected to a cumulative temperature increase from 25°C to 55°C and subsequent recovery. CO2 assimilation rate, chlorophyll fluorescence, anthocyanins, proline and lipid peroxidation were used to evaluate plant performance, while the relative abundance of seven genes encoding for proteins of cork oak with a putative role in thermal/stress regulation (POX1, POX2, HSP10.4, HSP17a.22, CHS, MTL and RBC) was analyzed by qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction). A temperature change to 35°C showed abundance alterations in the tested genes; at 45°C, the molecular changes were associated with an antioxidant response, possibly modulated by anthocyanins. At 55°C, HSP17a.22, MTL and proline accumulation were evident. After recovery, physiological balance was restored, whereas POX1, HSP10.4 and MTL abundances were suggested to be involved in increased thermotolerance. The data presented here are expected to pinpoint some pathways changes occurring during such stress and further recovery in this particular Mediterranean species. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Molding cork sheets to complex shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharpe, M. H.; Simpson, W. G.; Walker, H. M.

1977-01-01

Partially cured cork sheet is easily formed to complex shapes and then final-cured. Temperature and pressure levels required for process depend upon resin system used and final density and strength desired. Sheet can be bonded to surface during final cure, or can be first-formed in mold and bonded to surface in separate step.

The Learning Festival: Pathway to Sustainable Learning Cities?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kearns, Peter; Lane, Yvonne; Neylon, Tina; Osborne, Michael

2013-01-01

Cork and Limerick have conducted Lifelong Learning Festivals, Cork for ten years and Limerick for the past three years. This paper reviews aspects of this experience and considers the question of whether successful Lifelong Learning Festivals can be seen as a pathway to building sustainable learning cities. Discussed in the context of an…

Universities, Partnership and the Promotion of Social Inclusion: Some Issues and Developments in Ireland.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O Fathaigh, Mairtin

University College Cork (UCC) and excluded/disadvantaged communities on Cork's Northside undertook a partnership project. The partnership process exposed real divisions and differences among the partners and stakeholders on the link between participation and partnership and on the continuum of issues ranging from the more traditionalist model of…

Planning Community-Based Youth Services in Cork, Ireland: The Relevance of the Concepts "Youth" and "Community."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaetz, Stephen

1992-01-01

A weakness in the approach to community-based youth services in Cork (Ireland) involves viewing the terms "youth" and "community" as though they represented homogeneous categories. Ethnographic data highlight the difficulties of monolithic classification by describing the experiences of three distinct categories of young…

Optical Flow-Based State Estimation for Guided Projectiles

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

Computer Vision and Image Understanding. 2012;116(5):606–633. 3. Corke P, Lobo J, Dias J. An introduction to inertial and visual sensing. The...International Journal of Robotics Research. 2007;26(6):519–535. 4. Hutchinson S, Hager GD, Corke PI. A tutorial on visual servo control. Robotics and

Proceedings of the Fourth International Seminar on Special Education (Cork, Ireland, September 8-12, 1969).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McHugh, M. F., Ed.

Proceedings of the Fourth International Seminar on Special Education (Cork, Ireland, September 8-12, 1969) contain papers relating to the following themes: special education personnel, identification of the handicapped, general aspects of early education, special education methods, early education programs for the mentally handicapped, and early…

Biomorphous SiC ceramics prepared from cork oak as precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yukhymchuk, V. O.; Kiselov, V. S.; Valakh, M. Ya.; Tryus, M. P.; Skoryk, M. A.; Rozhin, A. G.; Kulinich, S. A.; Belyaev, A. E.

2016-04-01

Porous ceramic materials of SiC were synthesized from carbon matrices obtained via pyrolysis of natural cork as precursor. We propose a method for the fabrication of complex-shaped porous ceramic hardware consisting of separate parts prepared from natural cork. It is demonstrated that the thickness of the carbon-matrix walls can be increased through their impregnation with Bakelite phenolic glue solution followed by pyrolysis. This decreases the material's porosity and can be used as a way to modify its mechanical and thermal characteristics. Both the carbon matrices (resulted from the pyrolysis step) and the resultant SiC ceramics are shown to be pseudomorphous to the structure of initial cork. Depending on the synthesis temperature, 3C-SiC, 6H-SiC, or a mixture of these polytypes, could be obtained. By varying the mass ratio of initial carbon and silicon components, stoichiometric SiC or SiC:C:Si, SiC:C, and SiC:Si ceramics could be produced. The structure, as well as chemical and phase composition of the prepared materials were studied by means of Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Exploring the potential of novel biomixtures and Lentinula edodes fungus for the degradation of selected pesticides. Evaluation for use in biobed systems.

PubMed

Pinto, A P; Rodrigues, S C; Caldeira, A T; Teixeira, D M

2016-01-15

An approach to reduce the contamination of water sources with pesticides is the use of biopurificaction systems. The active core of these systems is the biomixture. The composition of biomixtures depends on the availability of local agro-industrial wastes and design should be adapted to every region. In Portugal, cork processing is generally regarded as environmentally friendly and would be interesting to find applications for its industry residues. In this work the potential use of different substrates in biomixtures, as cork (CBX); cork and straw, coat pine and LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregates), was tested on the degradation of terbuthylazine, difenoconazole, diflufenican and pendimethalin pesticides. Bioaugmentation strategies using the white-rot fungus Lentinula edodes inoculated into the CBX, was also assessed. The results obtained from this study clearly demonstrated the relevance of using natural biosorbents as cork residues to increase the capacity of pesticide dissipation in biomixtures for establishing biobeds. Furthermore, higher degradation of all the pesticides was achieved by use of bioaugmented biomixtures. Indeed, the biomixtures inoculated with L. edodes EL1 were able to mineralize the selected xenobiotics, revelling that these white-rot fungi might be a suitable fungus for being used as inoculum sources in on-farm sustainable biopurification system, in order to increase its degradation efficiency. After 120 days, maximum degradation of terbuthylazine, difenoconazole, diflufenican and pendimethalin, of bioaugmented CBX, was 89.9%, 75.0%, 65.0% and 99.4%, respectively.. The dominant metabolic route of terbuthylazine in biomixtures inoculated with L. edodes EL1 proceeded mainly via hydroxylation, towards production of terbuthylazine-hydroxy-2 metabolite. Finally, sorption process to cork by pesticides proved to be a reversible process, working cork as a mitigating factor reducing the toxicity to microorganisms in the biomixture, especially in the early stages. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simulation Methods for Optics and Electromagnetics in Complex Geometries and Extreme Nonlinear Regimes with Disparate Scales

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

software devel- oped with this project support. S1 Cork School 2013: I. UPPEcore Simulator design and usage, Simulation examples II. Nonlinear pulse...pulse propagation 08/28/13 — 08/02/13, University College Cork , Ireland S2 ACMS MURI School 2012: Computational Methods for Nonlinear PDEs describing

Designing and Implementing Neighborhoods of Learning in Cork's UNESCO Learning City Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ó Tuama, Séamus; O'Sullivan, Siobhán

2015-01-01

Cork, the Republic of Ireland's second most populous city, is one of 12 UNESCO Learning Cities globally. Becoming a learning city requires a sophisticated audit of education, learning and other socio-economic indicators. It also demands that cities become proactively engaged in delivering to the objectives set by the "Beijing Declaration on…

The Effect of Low Oxygen Stress on Phytophthora cinnamomi Infection and Disease of Cork Oak Roots

Treesearch

Karel A. Jacobs; James D. MacDonald; Alison M. Berry; Laurence R. Costello

1997-01-01

The incidence and severity of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands root disease was quantified in cork oak (Quercus suber L.) roots subjected to low oxygen (hypoxia) stress. Seedling root tips were inoculated with mycelial plugs of the fungus and incubated in ≤1, 3-4, or 21 percent oxygen for 5 days. Ninety-four percent of roots...

A Fresh Look at Flooring Costs. A Report on a Survey of User Experience Compiled by Armstrong Cork Company.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Armstrong Cork Co., Lancaster, PA.

Survey information based on actual flooring installations in several types of buildings and traffic conditions, representing nearly 113 million square feet of actual user experience, is contained in this comprehensive report compiled by the Armstrong Cork Company. The comparative figures provided by these users clearly establish that--(1) the…

Results of tests of K5NA and a revised formulation of EPDM/cork patch material in MSFC Hot Gas Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, W. G.

1982-01-01

During prelaunch procedures at Kennedy Space Center some of the EPDM Thermal Protection System material was damaged on the Solid Rocket Booster stiffener stubs. The preferred solution was to patch the damaged areas with a cork-filled epoxy patching compound. Before this was done, however, it was requested that this patching technique be checked out by testing it in the MSFC Hot Gas Facility. Two tests were run in the HFG in 1980. The results showed the patch material to be adequate. Since that time, the formulation of the cork-filled epoxy material has been changed. It became necessary to retest this concept to be sure that the new material is as good as or better than the original material. In addition to the revised formulation material, tests were also made using K5NA as the patch material. The objectives of the tests reported herein were to: (1) compare the thermal performance of the original and the new cork-filled epoxy formulations, and (2) compare the K5NA closeout material to these epoxy materials. Material specifications are also discussed.

Treatment of a textile effluent by adsorption with cork granules and titanium dioxide nanomaterial.

PubMed

Castro, Margarida; Nogueira, Verónica; Lopes, Isabel; Vieira, Maria N; Rocha-Santos, Teresa; Pereira, Ruth

2018-05-12

This study aimed to explore the efficiency of two adsorbents, cork granules with different granulometry and titanium dioxide nanomaterial, in the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour and toxicity from a textile effluent. The adsorption assays with cork were unsatisfactory in the removal of chemical parameters however they eliminated the acute toxicity of the raw effluent to Daphnia magna. The assay with TiO 2 NM did not prove to be efficient in the removal of colour and COD even after 240 min of contact; nevertheless it also reduced the raw effluent toxicity. The best approach for complete remediation of the textile effluent has not yet been found however promising findings were achieved, which may be an asset in future adsorption assays.

Using a ceptometer to validate a visual evaluation of the degree of defoliation of holm and cork oak trees

Treesearch

Margarida Tome; Maria Vasconcelos

2000-01-01

The study presented in this paper is part of a project to monitor the defoliation degree of cork and holm oak trees in stands with signs of "decline," alter application of different amounts of Aliette, a product specific for Phytophotora cinnamonii, one of the possible causes of the "decline". The specific objective was to...

Assessing the Relationship between Community Education, Political Efficacy and Electoral Participation: A Case Study of the Asylum Seeking Community in Cork

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Clodagh; Murphy, Philip

2012-01-01

This paper assesses the relationship between community education and internal political efficacy. In particular it examines the association between voter/civic programmes run in advance of the 2009 local elections in Ireland and internal political efficacy amongst the asylum seeking community in Cork. A survey is used to test this relationship.…

Relevance of genetics for conservation policies: the case of Minorcan cork oaks

PubMed Central

Lorenzo, Zaida; Burgarella, Concetta; de Heredia, Unai López; Lumaret, Roselyne; Petit, Rémy J.; Soto, Álvaro; Gil, Luis

2009-01-01

Background and Aims Marginal populations of widely distributed species can be of high conservation interest when they hold a significant or unique portion of the genetic diversity of the species. However, such genetic information is frequently lacking. Here the relevance of genetic surveys to develop efficient conservation strategies for such populations is illustrated using cork oak (Quercus suber) from Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) as a case study. Cork oak is highly endangered on the island, where no more than 67 individuals live in small, isolated stands in siliceous sites. As a consequence, it was recently granted protected status. Methods Two Bayesian clustering approaches were used to analyse the genetic structure of the Minorcan population, on the basis of nuclear microsatellite data. The different groups within the island were also compared with additional island and continental populations surrounding Minorca. Key Results Very high genetic diversity was found, with values comparable with those observed in continental parts of the species' range. Furthermore, the Minorcan oak stands were highly differentiated from one another and were genetically related to different continental populations of France and Spain. Conclusions The high levels of genetic diversity and inter-stands differentiation make Minorcan cork oak eligible for specific conservation efforts. The relationship of Minorcan stands to different continental populations in France and Spain probably reflects multiple colonization events. However, discrepancy between chloroplast DNA- and nuclear DNA-based groups does not support a simple scenario of recent introduction. Gene exchanges between neighbouring cork oak stands and with holm oak have created specific and exceptional genetic combinations. They also constitute a wide range of potential genetic resources for research on adaptation to new environmental conditions. Conservation guidelines that take into account these findings are provided. PMID:19671575

Development of a RadFET Linear Array for Intracavitary in vivo Dosimetry During External Beam Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, R. A.; Benson, C.; Joyce, M. J.; Rodgers, K.

2004-08-01

We present the details of a new linear array dosimeter consisting of a chain of semiconductors mounted on an ultra-thin (50 /spl mu/m thick) flexible substrate and housed in an intracavitary catheter. The semiconductors, manufactured by NMRC Cork, have not been packaging and incorporate a passivation layer that allows them to be mounted on the substrate using flip-chip-bonding. This paper reports, for the first time, the construction of a multiple (ten) detector array suited to in vivo dosimetry in the rectum, esophagus and vagina during external beam radiotherapy, as well as being adaptable to in vivo dosimetry during brachytherapy and diagnostic radiology.

Gas-diffusion microextraction coupled with spectrophotometry for the determination of formaldehyde in cork agglomerates.

PubMed

Brandão, Pedro F; Ramos, Rui M; Valente, Inês M; Almeida, Paulo J; Carro, Antonia M; Lorenzo, Rosa A; Rodrigues, José A

2017-04-01

In this work, a simple methodology was developed for the extraction and determination of free formaldehyde content in cork agglomerate samples. For the first time, gas-diffusion microextraction was used for the extraction of volatile formaldehyde directly from samples, with simultaneous derivatization with acetylacetone (Hantzsch reaction). The absorbance of the coloured solution was read in a spectrophotometer at 412 nm. Different extraction parameters were studied and optimized (extraction temperature, sample mass, volume of acceptor solution, extraction time and concentration of derivatization reagent) by means of an asymmetric screening. The developed methodology proved to be a reliable tool for the determination of formaldehyde in cork agglomerates with the following suitable method features: low LOD (0.14 mg kg -1 ) and LOQ (0.47 mg kg -1 ), r 2  = 0.9994, and intraday and interday precision of 3.5 and 4.9%, respectively. The developed methodology was applied to the determination of formaldehyde in different cork agglomerate samples, and contents between 1.9 and 9.4 mg kg -1 were found. Furthermore, formaldehyde was also determined by the standard method EN 717-3 for comparison purposes; no significant differences between the results of both methods were observed. Graphical abstract Representation of the GDME system and its main components.

Production of added value bacterial lipids through valorisation of hydrocarbon-contaminated cork waste.

PubMed

Castro, A R; Guimarães, M; Oliveira, J V; Pereira, M A

2017-12-15

This work demonstrates that cork used as oil-spill sorbents, contaminated with liquid hydrocarbons, herein demonstrated with hexadecane, can be biologically treated by Rhodococcus opacus B4 with concomitant lipids production. R. opacus B4 consumed up to 96% of hexadecane (C16) impregnated in natural and regranulated cork sorbents after 48h incubation, producing 0.59±0.06g of triacylglycerol (TAG) g -1 of C16 consumed with a TAG content of 0.60±0.06gg -1 of cellular dry weight (CDW) and 0.54±0.05g TAG g -1 of C16 consumed with a TAG content of 0.77±0.04gg -1 (CDW), respectively. TAG was mainly composed by fatty acids of 16 and 18 carbon chains demonstrating the feasibility of using it as raw material for biodiesel production. In addition, the obtained lipid-rich biomass (whole cells) can be used for biomethane production, at a yield of 0.4L CH 4 g -1 (CDW). The obtained results support a novel approach for management of oil-spill contaminated cork sorbents through its valorisation by producing bacterial lipids, which can be used as feedstocks for biofuels production. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new cochlear implant electrode with a "cork"-type stopper for inner ear malformations.

PubMed

Sennaroğlu, Levent; Atay, Gamze; Bajin, Münir Demir

2014-08-01

Gusher in inner ear malformations is common in patients with incomplete partition type I and type III. It is also common in less severe form as oozing in incomplete partition type II and large vestibular aqueduct. It is important to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) escape around the electrode to prevent meningitis. The custom-made device was produced by Med-El Company. It has a "cork"-like stopper instead of the usual silicon ring to prevent gusher. There are two types of electrodes of different lengths. The standard one is 25mm (contact space 1.7mm) and the short one is 20mm (contact space 1.3mm). It was used in 50 patients with different inner ear malformations. Thirteen patients had gusher, and 11 patients oozing during cochleostomy. One patient with initial prototype of the cork electrode had to be revised because of persistent oozing around the electrode. Another patient had slow extrusion of the electrode most probably due to CSF pulsation and had to be revised. Both patients had no more CSF fistula. CSF fistula in inner ear malformations is a serious situation which may lead to recurrent meningitis. The new electrode with "cork" stopper looks promising in preventing the postoperative CSF leak around the electrode. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity and community structure associated with cork oak in different landscapes.

PubMed

Reis, Francisca; Valdiviesso, Teresa; Varela, Carolina; Tavares, Rui M; Baptista, Paula; Lino-Neto, Teresa

2018-05-01

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests play an important ecological and economic role. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) are key components for the sustainability and functioning of these ecosystems. The community structure and composition of ECMF associated with Q. suber in different landscapes of distinct Mediterranean bioclimate regions have not previously been compared. In this work, soil samples from cork oak forests residing in different bioclimates (arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and humid) were collected and surveyed for ectomycorrhizal (ECM) root tips. A global analysis performed on 3565 ECM root tips revealed that the ECMF community is highly enriched in Russula, Tomentella, and Cenoccocum, which correspond to the ECMF genera that mainly contribute to community differences. The ECMF communities from the rainiest and the driest cork oak forests were distinct, with soils from the rainiest climates being more heterogeneous than those from the driest climates. The analyses of several abiotic factors on the ECMF communities revealed that bioclimate, precipitation, soil texture, and forest management strongly influenced ECMF structure. Shifts in ECMF with different hyphal exploration types were also detected among forests, with precipitation, forest system, and soil texture being the main drivers controlling their composition. Understanding the effects of environmental factors on the structuring of ECM communities could be the first step for promoting the sustainability of this threatened ecosystem.

Manoyl oxide (13R), the biosynthetic precursor of forskolin, is synthesized in specialized root cork cells in Coleus forskohlii.

PubMed

Pateraki, Irini; Andersen-Ranberg, Johan; Hamberger, Britta; Heskes, Allison Maree; Martens, Helle Juel; Zerbe, Philipp; Bach, Søren Spanner; Møller, Birger Lindberg; Bohlmann, Jörg; Hamberger, Björn

2014-03-01

Forskolin, a complex labdane diterpenoid found in the root of Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae), has received attention for its broad range of pharmacological activities, yet the biosynthesis has not been elucidated. We detected forskolin in the root cork of C. forskohlii in a specialized cell type containing characteristic structures with histochemical properties consistent with oil bodies. Organelle purification and chemical analysis confirmed the localization of forskolin and of its simplest diterpene precursor backbone, (13R) manoyl oxide, to the oil bodies. The labdane diterpene backbone is typically synthesized by two successive reactions catalyzed by two distinct classes of diterpene synthases. We have recently described the identification of a small gene family of diterpene synthase candidates (CfTPSs) in C. forskohlii. Here, we report the functional characterization of four CfTPSs using in vitro and in planta assays. CfTPS2, which synthesizes the intermediate copal-8-ol diphosphate, in combination with CfTPS3 resulted in the stereospecific formation of (13R) manoyl oxide, while the combination of CfTPS1 and CfTPS3 or CfTPS4 led to formation of miltiradiene, precursor of abietane diterpenoids in C. forskohlii. Expression profiling and phylogenetic analysis of the CfTPS family further support the functional diversification and distinct roles of the individual diterpene synthases and the involvement of CfTPS1 to CfTPS4 in specialized metabolism and of CfTPS14 and CfTPS15 in general metabolism. Our findings pave the way toward the discovery of the remaining components of the pathway to forskolin, likely localized in this specialized cell type, and support a role of oil bodies as storage organelles for lipophilic bioactive metabolites.

Manoyl Oxide (13R), the Biosynthetic Precursor of Forskolin, Is Synthesized in Specialized Root Cork Cells in Coleus forskohlii1[W][OPEN

PubMed Central

Pateraki, Irini; Andersen-Ranberg, Johan; Hamberger, Britta; Heskes, Allison Maree; Martens, Helle Juel; Zerbe, Philipp; Bach, Søren Spanner; Møller, Birger Lindberg; Bohlmann, Jörg; Hamberger, Björn

2014-01-01

Forskolin, a complex labdane diterpenoid found in the root of Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae), has received attention for its broad range of pharmacological activities, yet the biosynthesis has not been elucidated. We detected forskolin in the root cork of C. forskohlii in a specialized cell type containing characteristic structures with histochemical properties consistent with oil bodies. Organelle purification and chemical analysis confirmed the localization of forskolin and of its simplest diterpene precursor backbone, (13R) manoyl oxide, to the oil bodies. The labdane diterpene backbone is typically synthesized by two successive reactions catalyzed by two distinct classes of diterpene synthases. We have recently described the identification of a small gene family of diterpene synthase candidates (CfTPSs) in C. forskohlii. Here, we report the functional characterization of four CfTPSs using in vitro and in planta assays. CfTPS2, which synthesizes the intermediate copal-8-ol diphosphate, in combination with CfTPS3 resulted in the stereospecific formation of (13R) manoyl oxide, while the combination of CfTPS1 and CfTPS3 or CfTPS4 led to formation of miltiradiene, precursor of abietane diterpenoids in C. forskohlii. Expression profiling and phylogenetic analysis of the CfTPS family further support the functional diversification and distinct roles of the individual diterpene synthases and the involvement of CfTPS1 to CfTPS4 in specialized metabolism and of CfTPS14 and CfTPS15 in general metabolism. Our findings pave the way toward the discovery of the remaining components of the pathway to forskolin, likely localized in this specialized cell type, and support a role of oil bodies as storage organelles for lipophilic bioactive metabolites. PMID:24481136

Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity of the Aids Virus

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

al., 1987; Luciw et al., 1989), sheep (visna virus) (Haas et al., 1985), goats (caprine-arthritis encepha- litis virus) (Narayan & Cork , 1985), and...into therapeutic maneuvers which may suppress virus replication and/or cytopathicity, and assist in the development of a vaccine for WIV prevention. 7...and AIDS. Narayan and Cork , 1985, Rev. Infect. Dis. 7:89. Niederran et al., 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 86:1128. Pederson et al., 1987, Science 235

Threshold Concepts: From Personal Practice to Communities of Practice. Proceedings of the National Academy's Sixth Annual Conference and the Fourth Biennial Threshold Concepts Conference [E-publication] (Dublin, Ireland, June 27-29, 2012)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Mahony, Catherine, Ed.; Buchanan, Avril, Ed.; O'Rourke, Mary, Ed.; Higgs, Bettie, Ed.

2014-01-01

The 6th Annual Conference of the National Academy for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (NAIRTL) and the 4th Biennial Threshold Concepts Conference was held at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, on June 27-29, 2012. The NAIRTL is a collaborative initiative between University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology, National…

Characterization of the Migration of Hop Volatiles into Different Crown Cork Liner Polymers and Can Coatings.

PubMed

Wietstock, Philip C; Glattfelder, Richard; Garbe, Leif-Alexander; Methner, Frank-Jürgen

2016-04-06

Absorption of hop volatiles by crown cork liner polymers and can coatings was investigated in beer during storage. All hop volatiles measured were prone to migrate into the closures, and the absorption kinetics was demonstrated to fit Fick's second law of diffusion well for a plane sheet. The extent and rate of diffusion were significantly dissimilar and were greatly dependent upon the nature of the volatile. Diffusion coefficients ranged from 1.32 × 10(-5) cm(2)/day (limonene) to 0.26 × 10(-5) cm(2)/day (α-humulene). The maximum amounts absorbed into the material at equilibrium were in the following order: limonene > α-humulene > trans-caryophyllene > myrcene ≫ linalool > α-terpineol > geraniol. With the application of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) liners with oxygen-scavenging functionality, oxygen-barrier liners made up from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or liner polymers from a different manufacturer had no significant effect on the composition of hop volatiles in beers after prolonged storage of 55 days; however, significantly higher amounts of myrcene and limonene were found in the oxygen-barrier-type crown cork, while all other closures behaved similarly. Can coatings were demonstrated to absorb hop volatiles in a similar pattern as crown corks but to a lesser extent. Consequently, significantly higher percentages of myrcene were found in the beers.

Chloroplast DNA analysis of Tunisian cork oak populations (Quercus suber L.): sequence variations and molecular evolution of the trnL (UAA)-trnF (GAA) region.

PubMed

Abdessamad, A; Baraket, G; Sakka, H; Ammari, Y; Ksontini, M; Hannachi, A Salhi

2016-10-24

Sequences of the trnL-trnF spacer and combined trnL-trnF region in chloroplast DNA of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) were analyzed to detect polymorphisms and to elucidate molecular evolution and demographic history. The aligned sequences varied in length and nucleotide composition. The overall ratio of transition/transversion (ti/tv) of 0.724 for the intergenic spacer and 0.258 for the pooled sequences were estimated, and indicated that transversions are more frequent than transitions. The molecular evolution and demographic history of Q. suber were investigated. Neutrality tests (Tajima's D and Fu and Li) ruled out the null hypothesis of a strictly neutral model, and Fu's Fs and Ramos-Onsins and Rozas' R2 confirmed the recent expansion of cork oak trees, validating its persistency in North Africa since the last glaciation during the Quaternary. The observed uni-modal mismatch distribution and the Harpending's raggedness index confirmed the demographic history model for cork oak. A phylogenetic dendrogram showed that the distribution of Q. suber trees occurs independently of geographical origin, the relief of the population site, and the bioclimatic stages. The molecular history and cytoplasmic diversity suggest that in situ and ex situ conservation strategies can be recommended for preserving landscape value and facing predictable future climatic changes.

Comparisons of NDT Methods to Inspect Cork and Cork filled Epoxy Bands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lingbloom, Mike

2007-01-01

Sheet cork and cork filled epoxy provide external insulation for the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) on the Nation's Space Transportation System (STS). Interest in the reliability of the external insulation bonds has increased since the Columbia incident. A non-destructive test (NDT) method that will provide the best inspection for these bonds has been under evaluation. Electronic Shearography has been selected as the primary NDT method for inspection of these bond lines in the RSRM production flow. ATK Launch Systems Group has purchased an electronic shearography system that includes a vacuum chamber that is used for evaluation of test parts and custom vacuum windows for inspection of full-scale motors. Although the electronic shearography technology has been selected as the primary method for inspection of the external bonds, other technologies that exist continue to be investigated. The NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) NDT department has inspected several samples for comparison with electronic shearography with various inspections systems in their laboratory. The systems that were evaluated are X-ray backscatter, terahertz imaging, and microwave imaging. The samples tested have some programmed flaws as well as some flaws that occurred naturally during the sample making process. These samples provide sufficient flaw variation for the evaluation of the different inspection systems. This paper will describe and compare the basic functionality, test method and test results including dissection for each inspection technology.

Mass spectrometry identification of alkyl-substituted pyrazines produced by Pseudomonas spp. isolates obtained from wine corks.

PubMed

Bañeras, Lluís; Trias, Rosalia; Godayol, Anna; Cerdán, Laura; Nawrath, Thorben; Schulz, Stefan; Anticó, Enriqueta

2013-06-15

We investigated the pyrazine production of 23 Pseudomonas isolates obtained from cork in order to assess their implications in off-flavour development. Off-flavour development in cork stoppers is a crucial process in maintaining the high quality of some wines. Pyrazine production was analyzed by headspace solid-phase-microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Five out of the 23 isolates, i.e. Pseudomonas koreensis TCA20, Pseudomonas palleroniana TCA16, Pseudomonas putida TCA23 and N7, and Pseudomonas stutzeri TRA27a were able to produce branched alkyl-substituted pyrazines. For isolates N7 and TCA16, 14 compounds could be identified as pyrazines. The use of mineral media supplemented with different carbon and nitrogen sources resulted in changes in the pyrazine production capacity. In the two strains the amount of pyrazines produced was higher with glucose and decreased significantly with lactate. In all cases, 2,5-di(1-methylethyl)pyrazine was found to be dominant and independent of amino acid addition, suggesting a completely de novo synthesis. Aroma descriptions of most alkyl substituted pyrazines include mild vegetal aromas, not necessarily undesirable for the cork manufacturing industry. Methoxypyrazines, exhibiting earthy and musty aromas, could not be detected in any of the strains analysed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biogeochemistry of dissolved methane and hydrogen in basement fluids of the sediment-buried Juan de Fuca Ridge flank at Boreholes (CORKs) 1301A, 1362A and 1362B: methane isotopic compositions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, H.; Cowen, J. P.; Olson, E. J.; Lilley, M. D.; Jungbluth, S.; Rappe, M. S.

2013-12-01

The ocean crust is the largest aquifer system on Earth. Within the sediment-buried 3.5 Myr basaltic crust of the eastern Juan de Fuca Ridge (JFR) flank, the circulating basement fluids have moderate temperature (~65°C) and potentially harbor a substantial subseafloor biosphere. With dissolved oxygen and nitrate exhausted, sulfate may serve as the major electron acceptor in this environment. This study aims to evaluate the availability and the biogeochemistry of two important electron donors, methane and hydrogen, for the subseafloor biosphere. Basement fluids were collected via stainless steel and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer (ETFE) fluid delivery lines associated with Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kits (CORKs) that extend from basement depths to outlet ports at the seafloor. Three CORKs were visited; 1301A, 1362A and 1362B lie within 200 to 500 m of each other, and their fluid intakes lie at ~30, ~60, and ~50 m below the sediment-basement interface (mbs), respectively. In addition, CORK 1362A contains a second intake at a deep (~200 mbs) horizon. The basement fluids from the three CORKs contained significantly higher concentrations of methane (1.5-13μM) and hydrogen (0.05-1.1 μM) than in bottom seawater (0.002 and 0.0004, respectively), indicating that prevalence and availability of both methane and hydrogen as electron donors for the subseafloor biosphere. Thermodynamic calculations show that sulfate reduction coupled with either methane or hydrogen oxidation is energy yielding in the oceanic basement. The δ13C values of methane ranged from -43×1‰ to -58×0.3‰; the δ2H values of methane in CORKs 1301A, 1362A and 1362B fluids were 57×5‰, -262×2‰, -209×2‰, respectively. The isotopic compositions suggest that methane in the basement fluid is of biogenic origin. Interestingly, the δ2H value of methane in the CORK 1301A fluids is far more positive than that in other marine environments investigated so far (Martens et al., 1999; Kessler et al., 2006; Kessler et al., 2008). The positive δ2H value of methane is best explained by partial microbial oxidation of biogenic methane, which has an initial isotopic composition similar to that from CORK 1362A and 1362B borehole fluid. High-throughput sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene indicates the presence of methanogenic Euryarchaeota (e.g. Methanobacteria) in each of the borehole fluid samples described here. On average, fluid samples from boreholes 1362A and 1362B possessed a relatively higher abundance of known methanogens compared to borehole 1301A, consistent with higher methane concentration in 1362A and 1362B relative to 1301A fluids. Methane-oxidizing bacterial lineages from the phyla Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia were also detected; however, these groups were less abundant relative to the putative methane-producing groups. In conclusion, our study shows that methane and hydrogen are available electron donors and that methane is produced and potentially consumed by microorganisms in the oceanic basement. The data presented will guide incubation experiments using basement fluid in order to better understand the methane production/utilization processes within the oceanic basement.

Corked bats, juiced balls, and humidors: The physics of cheating in baseball

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nathan, Alan M.; Smith, Lloyd V.; Faber, Warren L.; Russell, Daniel A.

2011-06-01

Three questions of relevance to Major League Baseball are investigated from a physics perspective. Can a baseball be hit farther with a corked bat? Is there evidence that the baseball is more lively today than in earlier years? Can storing baseballs in a temperature- or humidity-controlled environment significantly affect home run production? These questions are subjected to a physics analysis, including an experiment and an interpretation of the data. The answers to the three questions are no, no, and yes, respectively.

Sorption of 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol by suberin from cork.

PubMed

Gallardo-Chacón, Joan-Josep; Karbowiak, Thomas

2015-08-15

Cork shows an active role in the sorption of volatile phenols from wine. The sorption properties of 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol phenols in hydro-alcoholic medium placed in contact with suberin extracted from cork were especially investigated. To that purpose, suberin was immersed in model wine solutions containing several concentrations of each phenol and the amount of the compound remaining in the liquid phase was determined by SPME-GC-MS. Sorption isotherms of 4-ethylguaiacol and 4-ethylphenol by suberin followed the Henry's model. The solid/liquid partition coefficients (KSL) between the suberin and the model wine were also determined for several other volatile phenols. Suberin displayed rather high sorption capacity, which was positively correlated to the hydrophobicity of the volatile. Finally, the capacity of suberin to decrease the concentration of 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol was also tested in real wines affected by a Brettanomyces character. It also lead to a significant reduction of their concentration in wine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of fire severity via analysis of photosynthetic pigments: Oak, eucalyptus and cork oak leaves in a Mediterranean forest.

PubMed

Soler, M; Úbeda, X

2018-01-15

Few studies to date have examined the effect of the high temperatures attained during wildfire events on the pigments present in forest foliage. Here, we seek to analyse the main photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of the oak, cork oak and eucalyptus following a wildfire. We also subject leaves of these last two species to a range of contact temperatures (100-500 °C) in the laboratory using a muffle furnace. The samples were left in the muffle for two hours at 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400 and 500 °C, in line with other soil study models (Úbeda et al., 2009; Düdaite et al., 2013). At temperatures above 250 °C, chromatography fails to detect any pigments. A minimal increase in temperature degrades chlorophyll, the process being more rapid in eucalyptus than in cork oak, while it increases pheophytin concentrations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computation of turbulence and dispersion of cork in the NETL riser

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

Jiradilok, Veeraya; Gidaspow, Dimitri; Breault, R.W.

The knowledge of dispersion coefficients is essential for reliable design of gasifiers. However, a literature review had shown that dispersion coefficients in fluidized beds differ by more than five orders of magnitude. This study presents a comparison of the computed axial solids dispersion coefficients for cork particles to the NETL riser cork data. The turbulence properties, the Reynolds stresses, the granular temperature spectra and the radial and axial gas and solids dispersion coefficients are computed. The standard kinetic theory model described in Gidaspow’s 1994 book, Multiphase Flow and Fluidization, Academic Press and the IIT and Fluent codes were used tomore » compute the measured axial solids volume fraction profiles for flow of cork particles in the NETL riser. The Johnson–Jackson boundary conditions were used. Standard drag correlations were used. This study shows that the computed solids volume fractions for the low flux flow are within the experimental error of those measured, using a two-dimensional model. At higher solids fluxes the simulated solids volume fractions are close to the experimental measurements, but deviate significantly at the top of the riser. This disagreement is due to use of simplified geometry in the two-dimensional simulation. There is a good agreement between the experiment and the three-dimensional simulation for a high flux condition. This study concludes that the axial and radial gas and solids dispersion coefficients in risers operating in the turbulent flow regime can be computed using a multiphase computational fluid dynamics model.« less

Preliminary Results from Downhole Osmotic Samplers in a Gas Tracer Injection Experiment in the Upper Oceanic Crust on the Eastern Flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Jong, M. T.; Clark, J. F.; Neira, N. M.; Fisher, A. T.; Wheat, C. G.

2015-12-01

We present results from a gas tracer injection experiment in the ocean crust on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, in an area of hydrothermal circulation. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer was injected in Hole 1362B in 2010, during IODP Expedition 327. Fluid samples were subsequently collected from a borehole observatory (CORK) installed in this hole and similar CORKs in three additional holes (1026B, 1362A, and 1301A), located 300 to 500 m away. This array of holes is located on 3.5 My old seafloor, as an array oriented subparallel to the Endeavor Segment of Juan de Fuca Ridge. Borehole fluid samples were collected in copper coils using osmotic pumps. In addition to pumps at seafloor wellheads, downhole sampling pumps were installed in the perforated casing in the upper ocean crust. These downhole samplers were intended to produce a high-resolution continuous record of tracer concentrations, including records from the first year after tracer injection in Holes 1362A and 1362B. In contrast, wellhead samplers were not installed on these CORKs holes until 2011, and wellhead records from all CORKs have a record gap of up to one year, because of a delayed expedition in 2012. The downhole samples were recovered with the submersible Alvin in August 2014. SF6 concentrations in downhole samples recovered in 2014 are generally consistent with data obtained from wellhead samples. Of particular interest are the results from Hole 1362B, where a seafloor valve was opened and closed during various recovery expeditions. High resolution tracer curves produced from the 1362B downhole samples confirm that these operations produced an SF6 breakthrough curve corresponding to a classic push-pull test used to evaluate contaminant field locations in terrestrial setting. Complete analyses of downhole samples from these CORKs are expected to produce high-resolution breakthrough curves that will allow more precise analysis and modeling of hydrothermal flow in the study area.

Characterization of the cork oak transcriptome dynamics during acorn development.

PubMed

Miguel, Andreia; de Vega-Bartol, José; Marum, Liliana; Chaves, Inês; Santo, Tatiana; Leitão, José; Varela, Maria Carolina; Miguel, Célia M

2015-06-25

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) has a natural distribution across western Mediterranean regions and is a keystone forest tree species in these ecosystems. The fruiting phase is especially critical for its regeneration but the molecular mechanisms underlying the biochemical and physiological changes during cork oak acorn development are poorly understood. In this study, the transcriptome of the cork oak acorn, including the seed, was characterized in five stages of development, from early development to acorn maturation, to identify the dominant processes in each stage and reveal transcripts with important functions in gene expression regulation and response to water. A total of 80,357 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were de novo assembled from RNA-Seq libraries representative of the several acorn developmental stages. Approximately 7.6 % of the total number of transcripts present in Q. suber transcriptome was identified as acorn specific. The analysis of expression profiles during development returned 2,285 differentially expressed (DE) transcripts, which were clustered into six groups. The stage of development corresponding to the mature acorn exhibited an expression profile markedly different from other stages. Approximately 22 % of the DE transcripts putatively code for transcription factors (TF) or transcriptional regulators, and were found almost equally distributed among the several expression profile clusters, highlighting their major roles in controlling the whole developmental process. On the other hand, carbohydrate metabolism, the biological pathway most represented during acorn development, was especially prevalent in mid to late stages as evidenced by enrichment analysis. We further show that genes related to response to water, water deprivation and transport were mostly represented during the early (S2) and the last stage (S8) of acorn development, when tolerance to water desiccation is possibly critical for acorn viability. To our knowledge this work represents the first report of acorn development transcriptomics in oaks. The obtained results provide novel insights into the developmental biology of cork oak acorns, highlighting transcripts putatively involved in the regulation of the gene expression program and in specific processes likely essential for adaptation. It is expected that this knowledge can be transferred to other oak species of great ecological value.

Diet, Physical Activity, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in Irish Children: The Cork Children's Lifestyle Study Protocol.

PubMed

Keane, Eimear; Kearney, Patricia M; Perry, Ivan J; Browne, Gemma M; Harrington, Janas M

2014-08-19

Childhood obesity is complex, and its aetiology is known to be multifaceted. The contribution of lifestyle behaviors, including poor diet and physical inactivity, to obesity remains unclear. Due to the current high prevalence, childhood obesity is an urgent public health priority requiring current and reliable data to further understand its aetiology. The objective of this study is to explore the individual, family, and environmental factors associated with childhood overweight and obesity, with a specific focus on diet and physical activity. A secondary objective of the study is to determine the average salt intake and distribution of blood pressure in Irish children. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of children 8-11 years old in primary schools in Cork, Ireland. Urban schools were selected using a probability proportionate to size sampling strategy, and a complete sample of rural schools from one area in Cork County were invited to participate. Information collected included physical measurement data (anthropometric measurements, blood pressure), early morning spot and 24 hour urine samples, a 3 day estimated food diary, and 7 days of accelerometer data. Principal- (school head) reported, parent/guardian-reported, and child-reported questionnaires collected information on lifestyle behaviors and environmental attributes. The Cork Children's Lifestyle Study (CCLaS) was designed by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in University College Cork, Ireland in 2011 and 2012. Piloting and modification of study methods was undertaken. Data collection took place between April 2012 and June 2013. Overall, 27/46 schools and 1075/1641 children, of which 623 were boys, participated. Preliminary data analysis is underway. It is anticipated that the results of the CCLaS study will be available in late 2014. The CCLaS study has collected in-depth data on a wide range of individual, family, social, and environmental correlates which will allow us to access multilevel influences on childhood obesity. This study will contribute to the evidence base by highlighting current knowledge and gaps regarding the predominant drivers of childhood obesity.

Stereochemistry of C18 monounsaturated cork suberin acids determined by spectroscopic techniques including (1) H-NMR multiplet analysis of olefinic protons.

PubMed

Santos, Sara; Graça, José

2014-01-01

Suberin is a biopolyester responsible for the protection of secondary plant tissues, and yet its molecular structure remains unknown. The C18:1 ω-hydroxyacid and the C18:1 α,ω-diacid are major monomers in the suberin structure, but the configuration of the double bond remains to be elucidated. To unequivocally define the configuration of the C18:1 suberin acids. Pure C18:1 ω-hydroxyacid and C18:1 α,ω-diacid, isolated from cork suberin, and two structurally very close C18:1 model compounds of known stereochemistry, methyl oleate and methyl elaidate, were analysed by NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and GC-MS. The GC-MS analysis showed that both acids were present in cork suberin as only one geometric isomer. The analysis of dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) and picolinyl derivatives proved the double bond position to be at C-9. The FTIR spectra were concordant with a cis-configuration for both suberin acids, but their unambiguous stereochemical assignment came from the NMR analysis: (i) the chemical shifts of the allylic (13) C carbons were shielded comparatively to the trans model compound, and (ii) the complex multiplets of the olefinic protons could be simulated only with (3) JHH and long-range (4) JHH coupling constants typical of a cis geometry. The two C18:1 suberin acids in cork are (Z)-18-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid and (Z)-octadec-9-enedoic acid. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Solar treatment of cork boiling and bleaching wastewaters in a pilot plant.

PubMed

Vilar, Vítor J P; Maldonado, Manuel I; Oller, I; Malato, Sixto; Boaventura, Rui A R

2009-09-01

This paper reports on cork boiling and bleaching wastewaters treatment by solar photocatalytic processes, TiO(2)/UV and Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)/UV (TiO(2)-only for bleaching wastewater), in a pilot plant with compound parabolic collectors. The photo-Fenton reaction (k=0.12L/kJ(UV), r(0)=59.4 mg/kJ(UV)) is much more efficient that TiO(2) photocatalysis and TiO(2)+S(2)O(8)(2-) (k=0.0024 L/kJ(UV), r(0)=1.36 mg/kJ(UV)), leading to 94% mineralization of the bleaching wastewater after 31.5 kJ(UV)/L, consuming 77.1mM of H(2)O(2) (3.0 mmol/kJ(UV)) and using 20 mg/L of iron. For the cork boiling wastewater, after a slow initial reaction rate, the DOC degradation curve shows a first-order kinetics behaviour (k=0.015 L/kJ(UV), r(0)=20.8 mg/kJ(UV)) until 173 kJ(UV)/L ( approximately 300 mgC/L). According to the average oxidation state (AOS), toxicity profiles, respirometry and kinetic results obtained in two solar CPCs plants, the optimal energy dose estimated for phototreatment to reach a biodegradable effluent is 15 kJ(UV)/L and 114 kJ(UV)/L, consuming 33 mM and 151 mM of H(2)OT:/PGN/ELSEVIER/WR/web/00007490/(2), achieving almost 49% and 48% mineralization of the wastewaters, respectively for the cork bleaching and boiling wastewaters.

The environmental behaviour of polychlorinated phenols and its relevance to cork forest ecosystems: a review.

PubMed

McLellan, Iain; Carvalho, Mariana; Silva Pereira, Cristina; Hursthouse, Andrew; Morrison, Calum; Tatner, Paul; Martins, Isabel; San Romão, M Vitória; Leitão, Maria

2007-10-01

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) has been used as a herbicide, biocide and preservative worldwide since the 1930s and as a result, extensive and prolonged contamination exists. The environmental impact increases when its many degradation products are taken into consideration. A number of chloroanisols and their related chlorophenols have been found in cork slabs collected from Portuguese oak tree forests before stopper manufacturing, and contamination by PCP and polychlorinated anisole (PCA) has been detected in Canadian forests. It is suggested that the use of polychlorinated phenols, in particular PCP, is thought to be a cause of the cork taint problem in wine, a major socio-economic impact not only for industry but on sensitive and highly biodiverse ecosystems. It also highlights particular issues relating to the regional regulation of potentially toxic chemicals and global economics world wide. To fully understand the impact of contamination sources, the mechanisms responsible for the fate and transport of PCP and its degradation products and assessment of their environmental behaviour is required. This review looks at the current state of knowledge of soil sorption, fate and bioavailability and identifies the challenges of degradation product identification and the contradictory evidence from field and laboratory observations. The need for a systematic evaluation of PCP contamination in relation to cork forest ecosystems and transfer of PCP between trophic levels is emphasised by discrepancies in bioaccumulation and toxicity. This is essential to enable long term management of not only transboundary contaminants, but also the sustainable management of socially and economically important forest ecosystems.

Geomorphology of the Southwest Coast of County Cork, Ireland: A Look into the Rocks, Folds, and Glacial Scours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowden, S.; Wireman, R.; Sautter, L.; Beutel, E. K.

2015-12-01

Bathymetric data were collected off the southwest coast of County Cork, Ireland by the joint INFOMAR project between the Marine Institute of Ireland and the Geologic Survey of Ireland. Data were collected using a Kongsberg EM2040 multibeam sonar on the R/V Celtic Voyager, in August and September 2014, and were post-processed with CARIS HIPS and SIPS 8.1 and 9.0 software to create 2D and 3D bathymetric surfaces. From the computer generated images, some of the lithologic formations were relatively aged and observed. The studied regions range in depth from 20 to 118 m, with shallower areas to the northeast. Several large rock outcrops occur, the larger of which shows a vertical rise of nearly 20 m. These outcrops are oriented in a northeast-southwest direction, and exhibit significant bed folding, regional folding, tilted beds, and cross joints. The folds studied are plunging chevron folds. These folds have a northeast-southwest fold axis orthogonal to the cross joints and are older relative to the jointing systems. The NE-SW joints are older than the NW-SE joints due to their correlation with drainage and erosion patterns. Regional folding is the youngest feature due to its superposition on the chevron folding and jointing systems. The interaction of cross jointing and folding is consistent with the geologic history of the area, and creates a unique bathymetry worthy of further study.

Determination of Alkaloid Contents in Various Tissues of Coptis Chinensis Franch. by Reversed Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry.

PubMed

Yang, Yanfang; Peng, Jingling; Li, Fangping; Liu, Xin; Deng, Meng; Wu, Hezhen

2017-05-01

A simple and intuitive method for optimizing the chemical constituents of Coptis Chinensis Franch. is important to assess its quality and clinical efficacy. An high performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry method was developed for the determination of berberine hydrochloride, palmatine chloride, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, epiberberine, coptisine, columbamine and magnoflorine in various tissues (i.e., phloem, xylem and medulla) and rizhome of C. Chinensis Franch. The transection of rhizome from outside-in includes cork layer, cortex, phloem, cambium, xylem and medulla. Cork layer consists of dead cells, and therefore is not of any research significance. Cortex, phloem and cambium were almost impossible to separate, therefore they were studied as a whole in our experiments. They were collectively referred to as "phloem". The analytes were separated on a Gemini-NX C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) reversed phase column using a gradient elution of acetonitrile-0.03 mol/L ammonium acetate solution (containing 0.1% triethylamine and 0.6% ammonium hydroxide) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 270 nm. The method allowing the simultaneous quantification of seven major active constituents was optimized and validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification. The LOD ranged from 0.102 to 0.651 mg/mL (r ≥ 0.9993). Accuracy, precision and recovery were all within the required limits. The average recovery was between 100.14% and 102.75% and the relative standard deviations were <3.34%. At the same time, the absorbance was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry at 345 nm wavelength. Based on contents of the seven constituents and clustering result, this investigation suggests that there are significant differences in the distribution of seven alkaloids in the tissues examined. Furthermore, the total alkaloid content in xylem is relatively lower than that in phloem, medulla and rhizome. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Quercus suber range dynamics by ecological niche modelling: from the Last Interglacial to present time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vessella, Federico; Simeone, Marco Cosimo; Schirone, Bartolomeo

2015-07-01

Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) is widely used to depict species potential occurrence according to environmental variables under different climatic scenarios. We tested the ENM approach to infer past range dynamics of cork oak, a keystone species of the Mediterranean Biome, from 130 ka to the present time. Hindcasting implications would deal with a better species risk assessment and conservation management for the future. We modelled present and past occurrence of cork oak using seven ENM algorithms, starting from 63,733 spatially unique presence points at 30 arc-second resolution. Fourteen environmental variables were used and four time slices were considered (Last Interglacial, Last Glacial Maximum, mid-Holocene and present time). A threshold-independent evaluation of the goodness-of-fit of the models was evaluated by means of ROC curve and fossil or historical evidences were used to validate the results. Four weighted average maps depicted the dynamics of area suitability for cork oak in the last 130 ka. The derived species autoecology allowed its long-term occurrence in the Mediterranean without striking range reduction or shifting. Fossil and historical post-processing validation support the modelled past spatial extension and a neglected species presence at Levantine until the recent time. Despite the severe climatic oscillation since the Last Glacial Maximum, cork oak potential distribution area experienced limited range changes, confirming its strong link with the Mediterranean Basin. The ecological amplitude of Quercus suber could be therefore adopted as a reference to trace the Mediterranean bioclimate area. A better knowledge of the past events of Mediterranean vegetation, a wider range of study species and environmental determinants are essential to inform us about its current state, its sensitivity to human impact and the potential responses to future changes.

QsMYB1 expression is modulated in response to heat and drought stresses and during plant recovery in Quercus suber.

PubMed

Almeida, Tânia; Pinto, Glória; Correia, Barbara; Santos, Conceição; Gonçalves, Sónia

2013-12-01

Cork oak is an economically important forest species showing a great tolerance to high temperatures and shortage of water. However, the mechanisms underlying this plasticity are still poorly understood. Among the stress regulators, transcription factors (TFs) are especially important since they can control a wide range of stress-inducible genes, which make them powerful targets for genetic engineering of stress tolerance. Here we evaluated the influence of increasing temperatures (up to 55 °C) or drought (18% field capacity, FC) on the expression profile of an R2R3-MYB transcription factor of cork oak, the QsMYB1. QsMYB1 was previously identified as being preferentially expressed in cork tissues and as having an associated alternative splicing mechanism, which results in two different transcripts (QsMYB1.1 and QsMYB1.2). Expression analysis by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that increasing temperatures led to a gradual down-regulation of QsMYB1 transcripts with more effect on QsMYB1.1 abundance. On the other hand, under drought condition, expression of QsMYB1 variants, mainly the QsMYB1.2, was transiently up-regulated shortly after the stress imposition. Recovery from each stress has also resulted in a differential response by both QsMYB1 transcripts. Several physiological and biochemical parameters (plant water status, chlorophyll fluorescence, lipid peroxidation and proline content) were determined in order to monitor the plant performance under stress and recovery. In conclusion, this report provides the first evidence that QsMYB1 TF may have a putative function in the regulatory network of cork oak response to heat and drought stresses and during plant recovery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

KSC-07pd2369

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-08-24

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A United Space Alliance external tank technician has completed the removal of a layer of BX265 foam insulation from the LO2 feed line bracket on the external tank. The BX265 foam insulation will later be reapplied without the super lightweight ablator, or SLA, cork insulation. The tank is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Discovery in October 2007 on mission STS-120. Discovery's crew will add the module Harmony that will serve as a port for installing additional international laboratories. Harmony will be the first expansion of the living and working space on the complex since the Russian Pirs airlock was installed in 2001. The mission also will move the first set of solar arrays installed on the station to a permanent location on the complex and redeploy them. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Evaluation of methods for the microbiological control of natural corks for sparkling wine bottles.

PubMed

Centeno, S; Calvo, M A

2000-01-01

The various parameters proposed in Norm 0.20/95 of Catalunya (Spain) for the microbiological analysis of natural corks for sparkling wines were evaluated. The best results were obtained through the use of 1/4 Ringer's solution or saline for rinsing with an agitation time of 30 min, and an agitation speed of 150-200 rpm. Tryptone soya agar (TSA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) were used as a culture medium for the bacteria and fungi, respectively, and a cultivation time of 48 h and incubation temperatures of 37 +/- 2 degrees C for bacteria and 28 degrees C for yeast and filamentous fungi.

Wine oxidation and the role of cork.

PubMed

Karbowiak, Thomas; Gougeon, Régis D; Alinc, Jean-Baptiste; Brachais, Laurent; Debeaufort, Frédéric; Voilley, Andrée; Chassagne, David

2010-01-01

The present review aims to show the state of the art of oxidation mechanisms occurring especially in white wines by taking into account knowledge from different fields in relation to the subject. It is therefore divided into three main parts. First, the mechanisms of oxidation relevant to white wine are discussed in the light of recent scientific literature. Next, the phenomenon of oxygen solubility in wine during the winemaking process, and in particular during bottling is stated theoretically as well as practically. Finally, the aspect of wine conservation after bottling is examined with respect to mass transfers which may occur through the closure, with a special emphasis on cork. Currently, specific physico-chemical properties still make cork closures the most important closure type used for the wine market, and especially for high quality wines. This final section will also include a review of studies performed on this subject, which have been analyzed in detail from a theoretical mass transfer point of view, in order to assess the extent to which the proposed scientific tools and the observed tendencies are relevant to progress in the understanding of the impact of this parameter on the behavior of a wine.

Foraging activity and dietary spectrum of the Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in invaded natural areas of the northeast Iberian Peninsula.

PubMed

Abril, S; Oliveras, J; Gómez, C

2007-10-01

We analyzed the foraging activity and the dietary spectrum of the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile Mayr) and select native ants on cork oaks from Mediterranean open cork oak (Quercus suber) secondary forests. The study areas included invaded and noninvaded zones in close proximity. The Argentine ant's daily foraging activity was correlated to the abiotic factors studied, whereas the seasonal foraging activity was related not only to the variations in the average air temperature, but also to the trophic needs of the colony. Argentine ant workers focused their attention on protein foods during the queens' oviposition periods and during the larvae development phase, and on carbohydrate foods, such as honeydew, when males and workers were hatching. There were no significant differences over the entire year in the quantity of liquid food collected by the Argentine ant workers in comparison with the native ants studied. The solid diet of the Argentine ant on cork oaks is composed of insects, most of which are aphids. Our results have clear applications for control methods based on toxic baits in the invaded natural ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula.

Unveiling CO2 heterogeneous freezing plumes during champagne cork popping.

PubMed

Liger-Belair, Gérard; Cordier, Daniel; Honvault, Jacques; Cilindre, Clara

2017-09-14

Cork popping from clear transparent bottles of champagne stored at different temperatures (namely, 6, 12, and 20 °C) was filmed through high-speed video imaging in the visible light spectrum. During the cork popping process, a plume mainly composed of gaseous CO 2 with traces of water vapour freely expands out of the bottleneck through ambient air. Most interestingly, for the bottles stored at 20 °C, the characteristic grey-white cloud of fog classically observed above the bottlenecks of champagne stored at lower temperatures simply disappeared. It is replaced by a more evanescent plume, surprisingly blue, starting from the bottleneck. We suggest that heterogeneous freezing of CO 2 occurs on ice water clusters homogeneously nucleated in the bottlenecks, depending on the saturation ratio experienced by gas-phase CO 2 after adiabatic expansion (indeed highly bottle temperature dependent). Moreover, and as observed for the bottles stored at 20 °C, we show that the freezing of only a small portion of all the available CO 2 is able to pump the energy released through adiabatic expansion, thus completely inhibiting the condensation of water vapour found in air packages adjacent to the gas volume gushing out of the bottleneck.

Ability of calibration phantom to reduce the interscan variability in electron beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Budoff, Matthew J; Mao, Songshou; Lu, Bin; Takasu, Junichiro; Child, Janis; Carson, Sivi; Fisher, Hans

2002-01-01

To test the hypothesis that a calibration phantom would improve interpatient and interscan variability in coronary artery calcium (CAC) studies. We scanned 144 patients twice with or without the calibration phantom and then scanned 93 patients with a single calcific lesion twice and, finally, scanned a cork heart with calcific foci. There were no linear correlations in computed tomography Hounsfield unit (CT HU) and CT HU interscan variation between blood pool and phantom plugs at any slice level in patient groups (p > 0.05). The CT HU interscan variation in phantom plugs (2.11 HU) was less than that of the blood pool (3.47 HU; p < 0.05) and CAC lesion (20.39; p < 0.001). Comparing images with and without a calibration phantom, there was a significant decrease in CT HU as well as an increase in noise and peak values in patient studies and the cork phantom study. The CT HU attenuation variations of the interpatient and interscan blood pool, calibration phantom plug, and cork coronary arteries were not parallel. Therefore, the ability to adjust the CT HU variation of calcific lesions by a calibration phantom is problematic and may worsen the problem.

PREFACE Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanyi, Amalia; Iványi, Péter; Rachinskii, Dmitrii; Sobolev, Vladimir A.

2011-02-01

The International Workshop on Multi-Rate Processes and Hysteresis conference series focuses on singular perturbation problems and hysteresis as common strongly nonlinear phenomena occurring in mathematical, physical, economical, engineering and information systems. The term 'strongly nonlinear' means, in particular, that linearization will not encapsulate the observed phenomena. Singular perturbation problems and hysteresis can be manifested at different stages of the same or similar processes. Furthermore, a number of fundamental hysteresis models can be considered as a limit of time relaxation processes, or admit an approximation by a differential equation, which is singular with respect to a particular parameter. However, interaction between researchers in the areas of systems with time relaxation and systems with hysteresis (and between the 'multi-rate' and 'hysteresis' research communities) has so far been limited, and there is little cross-fertilization of ideas. It is the aim of the conference series to fill this gap. The 5th International Workshop on Multi-Rate Processes and Hysteresis (MURPHYS 2010) was hosted by the Pollack Mihály Faculty of Engineering, University of Pécs, Hungary, from 31 May to 3 June 2010, on the occasion of Pécs being the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2010. The workshop was organized in cooperation with University College Cork, Ireland, which hosted all of the previous Workshops: International Workshop on Multi-rate Processes and Hysteresis (University College, Cork, Ireland, 31 March-5 April 2008). Proceedings are published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series volume 138. See http://euclid.ucc.ie/appliedmath/murphys2008/murphys2008.htm; International Workshop on Multi-rate Processes and Hysteresis (University College, Cork, Ireland, 3-8 April 2006). Proceedings are published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series volume 55. Further information is available at http://Euclid.ucc.ie/murphys2006.htm; International Workshop on Hysteresis and Multi-scale Asymptotic (University College, Cork, Ireland, 17-21 March 2004). Proceedings are published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series volume 22. Further details are available at http://Euclid.ucc.ie/hamsa2004.htm; International Workshop on Relaxation Oscillations and Hysteresis (University College, Cork, Ireland, 1-6 April 2002). The related collection of invited lectures was published as a volume Singular Perturbations and Hysteresis, SIAM, Philadelphia, 2005. International Workshop on Geometrical Methods of Nonlinear Analysis and Semiconductor Laser Dynamics (University College Cork, Ireland, 5-6 April 2001). A collection of invited papers has been published as a special issue of Proceedings of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences: Nonlinear dynamics of laser and reacting system, available at http://euclid.ucc.ie/appliedmath/gmna2001/ProcGMNA2001p1.pdf. Among the aims of this and previous workshops were: to bring together the leading experts in singular perturbation and hysteresis phenomena in applied problems; to discuss important problems in the areas of reacting systems, semiconductor lasers, shock phenomena, economic modelling, fluid mechanics, electrical engineering and modelling biological systems with emphasises on hysteresis and singular perturbations; to learn and share modern techniques in areas of common interest. The International Workshop on Multi-rate Processes and Hysteresis (Pollack Mihály Faculty of Engineering, University of Pécs, Hungary, 31 May-3 June 2010) brought together about 50 scientists who are actively researching the areas of dynamical systems with hysteresis and singular perturbations with applications to physical, engineering and economic systems. The countries represented at the Workshop included the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Poland, Romania, Russia, the United Kingdom and USA. Workshop photo Workshop photo 31 May 2010 Sponsorship of the Workshop by the Pollack Mihály Faculty of Engineering, University of Pécs (Hungary), University College Cork (Ireland), University of Pécs (Hungary), The University of Texas at Dallas (USA), and the Cultural Capital of Europe 2010, Pécs (Hungary), is gratefully acknowledged. The Editors and Organizers of the Workshop are sincerely grateful to Dr Géza Várady, Ms Andrea Zseni and Mr Ádám Schiffer of the Pollack Mihály Faculty of Engineering, University of Pécs, and Dr Alexander Pimenov of University College Cork for managing the organization of the conference and for the assistance in formatting of all the manuscripts. More information about the workshop can be found at http://murphys5.pmmk.pte.hu/ Amalia Ivanyi, Péter Iványi, Dmitrii Rachinskii and Vladimir A SobolevEditors MURPHYS 2010, PMMK PTE, 31 May - 3 June 2010 Sponsored by Pollack Mihály logo POLLACK MIHÁLY FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS UCC logo PÉCSI TUDOMÁNYEGYETEM logo PÉCSI TUDOMÁNYEGYETEM UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS UTD logo Cultural capital logo Cultural Capital of Europe 2010, Pécs, Hungary International Steering Committee Z I BalanovIsrael M BrokateGermany R CrossUK K DahmenUSA M DimianRomania G FriedmanUSA A Ivanyi (Co-Chairman)Hungary P Iványi (Co-Chairman)Hungary L KalachevUSA P KrejčíCzech Republic R O'Malley (Co-Chairman)USA A Pokrovskii (Co-Chairman)Ireland N PopovicUK D Rachinskii (Co-Chairman)Ireland S S SazhinUK V Sobolev (Co-Chairman)Russia S SzabóHungary C VisoneItaly International Program Committee G AlmásiHungary Z BalanovIsrael M BrokateGermany R CrossUK K DahmenUSA M DimianRomania G FriedmanUSA A Ivanyi (Co-Chairman)Hungary P Iványi (Co-Chairman)Hungary S JeneiHungary G KádárHungary L KalachevUSA R KersnerHungary G KovácsHungary P KrejčíCzech Republic P M KuczmannHungary P P O'KaneIreland R O'Malley (Co-Chairman)USA A Pokrovskii (Co-Chairman)Ireland N PopovicUK D Rachinskii (Co-Chairman)Ireland B V H ToppingUK V C VisoneItaly

Cadmium induces hypodermal periderm formation in the roots of the monocotyledonous medicinal plant Merwilla plumbea

PubMed Central

Lux, Alexander; Vaculík, Marek; Martinka, Michal; Lišková, Desana; Kulkarni, Manoj G.; Stirk, Wendy A.; Van Staden, Johannes

2011-01-01

Background and Aims Merwilla plumbea is an important African medicinal plant. As the plants grow in soils contaminated with metals from mining activities, the danger of human intoxication exists. An experiment with plants exposed to cadmium (Cd) was performed to investigate the response of M. plumbea to this heavy metal, its uptake and translocation to plant organs and reaction of root tissues. Methods Plants grown from seeds were cultivated in controlled conditions. Hydroponic cultivation is not suitable for this species as roots do not tolerate aquatic conditions, and additional stress by Cd treatment results in total root growth inhibition and death. After cultivation in perlite the plants exposed to 1 and 5 mg Cd L−1 in half-strength Hoagland's solution were compared with control plants. Growth parameters were evaluated, Cd content was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and root structure was investigated using various staining procedures, including the fluorescent stain Fluorol yellow 088 to detect suberin deposition in cell walls. Key Results The plants exposed to Cd were significantly reduced in growth. Most of the Cd taken up by plants after 4 weeks cultivation was retained in roots, and only a small amount was translocated to bulbs and leaves. In reaction to higher Cd concentrations, roots developed a hypodermal periderm close to the root tip. Cells produced by cork cambium impregnate their cell walls by suberin. Conclusions It is suggested that the hypodermal periderm is developed in young root parts in reaction to Cd toxicity to protect the root from radial uptake of Cd ions. Secondary meristems are usually not present in monocotyledonous species. Another interpretation explaining formation of protective suberized layers as a result of periclinal divisions of the hypodermis is discussed. This process may represent an as yet unknown defence reaction of roots when exposed to elemental stress. PMID:21118841

Proper horizontal photospheric flows below an eruptive filament

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmieder, Brigitte; Mein, Pierre; Mein, Nicole; Roudier, Thierry; Chandra, Ramseh

An analysis of the proper motions using SDO/HMI continuum images with the new version of the coherent structure tracking (CST) algorithm developed to track the granules as well as the large scale photospheric flows, was perfomed during three hours in a region containing a large filament channel on September 17, 2010. Supergranules were idenfied in the filament channel. Diverging flows inside the supergranules are similar in and out the filament channel. Using corks, we derived the passive scalar points and produced maps of cork distribution. The anchorage structures with the photosphere (feet) of the filament are located in the areas of converging flows with accumulations of corks. Averaging the velocity vectors for each latitude we defined a profile of the differential rotation. We conclude that the coupling between the convection and magnetic field in the photosphere is relatively strong. The filament experienced the convection motions through its feet. On a large scale point-of-view the differential rotation induced a shear of 0.1 km/s in the filament. On a small scale point-of-view convection motions favored the interaction/cancellation of the parasitic polarities at the base of the feet with the surrounding network explaining the brightenings,/jets and the eruption that were observed in the EUV filament.

Insulation Cork Boards-Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of an Organic Construction Material.

PubMed

Silvestre, José D; Pargana, Nuno; de Brito, Jorge; Pinheiro, Manuel D; Durão, Vera

2016-05-20

Envelope insulation is a relevant technical solution to cut energy consumption and reduce environmental impacts in buildings. Insulation Cork Boards (ICB) are a natural thermal insulation material whose production promotes the recycling of agricultural waste. The aim of this paper is to determine and evaluate the environmental impacts of the production, use, and end-of-life processing of ICB. A "cradle-to-cradle" environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed according to International LCA standards and the European standards on the environmental evaluation of buildings. These results were based on site-specific data and resulted from a consistent methodology, fully described in the paper for each life cycle stage: Cork oak tree growth, ICB production, and end-of-life processing-modeling of the carbon flows ( i.e. , uptakes and emissions), including sensitivity analysis of this procedure; at the production stage-the modeling of energy processes and a sensitivity analysis of the allocation procedures; during building operation-the expected service life of ICB; an analysis concerning the need to consider the thermal diffusivity of ICB in the comparison of the performance of insulation materials. This paper presents the up-to-date "cradle-to-cradle" environmental performance of ICB for the environmental categories and life-cycle stages defined in European standards.

Insulation Cork Boards—Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of an Organic Construction Material

PubMed Central

Silvestre, José D.; Pargana, Nuno; de Brito, Jorge; Pinheiro, Manuel D.; Durão, Vera

2016-01-01

Envelope insulation is a relevant technical solution to cut energy consumption and reduce environmental impacts in buildings. Insulation Cork Boards (ICB) are a natural thermal insulation material whose production promotes the recycling of agricultural waste. The aim of this paper is to determine and evaluate the environmental impacts of the production, use, and end-of-life processing of ICB. A “cradle-to-cradle” environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed according to International LCA standards and the European standards on the environmental evaluation of buildings. These results were based on site-specific data and resulted from a consistent methodology, fully described in the paper for each life cycle stage: Cork oak tree growth, ICB production, and end-of-life processing-modeling of the carbon flows (i.e., uptakes and emissions), including sensitivity analysis of this procedure; at the production stage—the modeling of energy processes and a sensitivity analysis of the allocation procedures; during building operation—the expected service life of ICB; an analysis concerning the need to consider the thermal diffusivity of ICB in the comparison of the performance of insulation materials. This paper presents the up-to-date “cradle-to-cradle” environmental performance of ICB for the environmental categories and life-cycle stages defined in European standards. PMID:28773516

How does vegetation structure influence woodpeckers and secondary cavity nesting birds in African cork oak forest?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segura, Amalia

2017-08-01

The Great Spotted Woodpecker provides important information about the status of a forest in terms of structure and age. As a primary cavity creator, it provides small-medium size cavities for passerines. However, despite its interest as an ecosystem engineer, studies of this species in Africa are scarce. Here, spatially explicit predictive models were used to investigate how forest structural variables are related to both the Great Spotted Woodpecker and secondary cavity nesting birds in Maamora cork oak forest (northwest Morocco). A positive association between Great Spotted Woodpecker and both dead-tree density and large mature trees (>60 cm dbh) was found. This study area, Maamora, has an old-growth forest structure incorporating a broad range of size and condition of live and dead trees, favouring Great Spotted Woodpecker by providing high availability of foraging and excavating sites. Secondary cavity nesting birds, represented by Great Tit, African Blue Tit, and Hoopoe, were predicted by Great Spotted Woodpecker detections. The findings suggest that the conservation of the Maamora cork oak forest could be key to maintaining these hole-nesting birds. However, this forest is threatened by forestry practises and livestock overgrazing and the challenge is therefore to find sustainable management strategies that ensure conservation while allowing its exploitation.

North Cork HSE orthodontic treatment waiting list 2009-2010: retrospective audit of patient records.

PubMed

McSwiney, Timothy P; Millett, Declan T

2013-01-01

To evaluate the case profile and verify the treatment eligibility (based on the modified IOTN) from written case records, of patients accepted for orthodontic treatment from the North Cork area of HSE South. A data collection form was designed and applied to the written case records of 200 consecutive patients accepted for orthodontic treatment in 2009/2010. Data relating to the IOTN (DHC and AC, where relevant) were provided by a calibrated examiner. Based on the written case records, most (57%) of the treatment cohort were female and had an average age of 14 years and two months. The predominant malocclusion was Class II division 1 (40%). The prevalence of Class III malocclusion was high at 18%. A total of 61% of patients were in grade 5 and 36% in grade 4. The majority of patients in each of these grades fell into DHC 5a (32%), followed by 5i (24%) and 4d AC > 8 (16%). Written case records conclude that patients accepted for orthodontic treatment from the North Cork area of HSE South were predominantly female. Class II division 1 malocclusion was the most common accepted for treatment. These records verify that those patients accepted for orthodontic treatment satisfy the eligibility criteria for HSE treatment.

Energetic and biochemical valorization of cork boiling wastewater by anaerobic digestion.

PubMed

Marques, Isabel Paula; Gil, Luís; La Cara, Francesco

2014-01-01

In addition to energy benefits, anaerobic digestion offers other interesting advantages. The cork industry is of great environmental, economic and social significance in the western Mediterranean region, with Portugal being the world-leading producer and exporter. Cork boiling wastewater (CBW) is a toxic and recalcitrant organic effluent produced by this sector, which constitutes a serious environmental hazard. However, there is no documented research on anaerobic treatment/valorization performed with this effluent. The work presented here was developed with the aim to use the anaerobic digestion process to convert the CBW polluting organic load into an energy carrier gas and valuable molecules for industry. No lag phases were observed and a methane yield of 0.126 to 0.142 m(3) kg(-1) chemical oxygen demand (COD)added was registered in the mesophilic consortium experiments carried out in batch flasks at 37 ± 1°C. Anaerobic digestion can be advantageously connected to ultrafiltration or electrochemical processes, due to the following: 1) reduction of ellagic acid content and consequent decrease of CBW viscosity; and 2) increase in conductivity after the anaerobic process, avoiding the electrolyte application of the electrochemical process. The improvement of several CBW biochemical features shows that anaerobic digestion may provide additionally useful molecules. The rise in concentration of some of these compounds, belonging to the benzoic acid family (gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic and syringic acids), is responsible for the increase of antiradical activity of the phenolic fraction. Additionally, some enzymatic activity was also observed and while the laccase activity increased in the digested effluent by anaerobiosis, xylanase was formed in the process. The multidisciplinary approach adopted allowed the valorization of CBW in terms of energy and valuable biomolecules. By exploiting the anaerobic digestion process potential, a novel methodology to toxic and recalcitrant cork processing wastewater was developed.

Environmental and microbial factors influencing methane and nitrous oxide fluxes in Mediterranean cork oak woodlands: trees make a difference.

PubMed

Shvaleva, Alla; Siljanen, Henri M P; Correia, Alexandra; Costa E Silva, Filipe; Lamprecht, Richard E; Lobo-do-Vale, Raquel; Bicho, Catarina; Fangueiro, David; Anderson, Margaret; Pereira, João S; Chaves, Maria M; Cruz, Cristina; Martikainen, Pertti J

2015-01-01

Cork oak woodlands (montado) are agroforestry systems distributed all over the Mediterranean basin with a very important social, economic and ecological value. A generalized cork oak decline has been occurring in the last decades jeopardizing its future sustainability. It is unknown how loss of tree cover affects microbial processes that are consuming greenhouse gases in the montado ecosystem. The study was conducted under two different conditions in the natural understory of a cork oak woodland in center Portugal: under tree canopy (UC) and open areas without trees (OA). Fluxes of methane and nitrous oxide were measured with a static chamber technique. In order to quantify methanotrophs and bacteria capable of nitrous oxide consumption, we used quantitative real-time PCR targeting the pmoA and nosZ genes encoding the subunit of particulate methane mono-oxygenase and catalytic subunit of the nitrous oxide reductase, respectively. A significant seasonal effect was found on CH4 and N2O fluxes and pmoA and nosZ gene abundance. Tree cover had no effect on methane fluxes; conversely, whereas the UC plots were net emitters of nitrous oxide, the loss of tree cover resulted in a shift in the emission pattern such that the OA plots were a net sink for nitrous oxide. In a seasonal time scale, the UC had higher gene abundance of Type I methanotrophs. Methane flux correlated negatively with abundance of Type I methanotrophs in the UC plots. Nitrous oxide flux correlated negatively with nosZ gene abundance at the OA plots in contrast to that at the UC plots. In the UC soil, soil organic matter had a positive effect on soil extracellular enzyme activities, which correlated positively with the N2O flux. Our results demonstrated that tree cover affects soil properties, key enzyme activities and abundance of microorganisms and, consequently net CH4 and N2O exchange.

Sources of ambient concentrations and chemical composition of PM 2.5-0.1 in Cork Harbour, Ireland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hellebust, S.; Allanic, A.; O'Connor, I. P.; Jourdan, C.; Healy, D.; Sodeau, J. R.

2010-02-01

Particulate matter (PM 10-2.5 and PM 2.5-0.1) has been collected over a period of one year in Cork Harbour, Ireland, using a high-volume cascade impactor and polyurethane foam collection substrate. Collected PM 2.5-0.1 was analysed for water-soluble inorganic ions and metal content using ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. On average approximately 50% by mass of the chemical content of PM was identified. The motivation for the study was to assess the potential impact of shipping emissions on air quality in Cork Harbour and City, with a view to informing public health impacts. The average ambient concentration of PM 10 between May 2007 and April 2008 was 4.6 µgm - 3 and the maximum concentration measured in one sample, representing a 4 day collection period, was 16 µgm - 3 . The major inorganic constituents identified in PM collected in Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour were sulfate, ammonium, nitrate, chloride and sodium ions, which were mainly attributable to sea salt and secondary inorganic aerosols from regional sources. The results were analysed by principal component analysis for the purpose of source apportionment. Four factors were identified explaining over 80% of the data set variance. The factors were: shipping, sea salt, crustal material and secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA). The smaller size fraction was frequently observed to dominate, as the average concentration was 2.77 µgm - 3 for PM 2.5-0.1 compared to 1.9 µgm - 3 for PM 10-2.5. Fresh ship plumes were not found to make a significant contribution to primary PM 2.5-0.1 concentrations adjacent to the shipping channel. However, this was partially attributed to the ultrafine nature of ship emissions and the majority of the toxic metal content was attributed to emissions associated with heavy oil combustion sources, which include ship engines.

Energetic and biochemical valorization of cork boiling wastewater by anaerobic digestion

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background In addition to energy benefits, anaerobic digestion offers other interesting advantages. The cork industry is of great environmental, economic and social significance in the western Mediterranean region, with Portugal being the world-leading producer and exporter. Cork boiling wastewater (CBW) is a toxic and recalcitrant organic effluent produced by this sector, which constitutes a serious environmental hazard. However, there is no documented research on anaerobic treatment/valorization performed with this effluent. The work presented here was developed with the aim to use the anaerobic digestion process to convert the CBW polluting organic load into an energy carrier gas and valuable molecules for industry. Results No lag phases were observed and a methane yield of 0.126 to 0.142 m3 kg-1 chemical oxygen demand (COD)added was registered in the mesophilic consortium experiments carried out in batch flasks at 37 ± 1°C. Anaerobic digestion can be advantageously connected to ultrafiltration or electrochemical processes, due to the following: 1) reduction of ellagic acid content and consequent decrease of CBW viscosity; and 2) increase in conductivity after the anaerobic process, avoiding the electrolyte application of the electrochemical process. The improvement of several CBW biochemical features shows that anaerobic digestion may provide additionally useful molecules. The rise in concentration of some of these compounds, belonging to the benzoic acid family (gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic and syringic acids), is responsible for the increase of antiradical activity of the phenolic fraction. Additionally, some enzymatic activity was also observed and while the laccase activity increased in the digested effluent by anaerobiosis, xylanase was formed in the process. Conclusions The multidisciplinary approach adopted allowed the valorization of CBW in terms of energy and valuable biomolecules. By exploiting the anaerobic digestion process potential, a novel methodology to toxic and recalcitrant cork processing wastewater was developed. PMID:24847378

Cork Oak Vulnerability to Fire: The Role of Bark Harvesting, Tree Characteristics and Abiotic Factors

PubMed Central

Catry, Filipe X.; Moreira, Francisco; Pausas, Juli G.; Fernandes, Paulo M.; Rego, Francisco; Cardillo, Enrique; Curt, Thomas

2012-01-01

Forest ecosystems where periodical tree bark harvesting is a major economic activity may be particularly vulnerable to disturbances such as fire, since debarking usually reduces tree vigour and protection against external agents. In this paper we asked how cork oak Quercus suber trees respond after wildfires and, in particular, how bark harvesting affects post-fire tree survival and resprouting. We gathered data from 22 wildfires (4585 trees) that occurred in three southern European countries (Portugal, Spain and France), covering a wide range of conditions characteristic of Q. suber ecosystems. Post-fire tree responses (tree mortality, stem mortality and crown resprouting) were examined in relation to management and ecological factors using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Results showed that bark thickness and bark harvesting are major factors affecting resistance of Q. suber to fire. Fire vulnerability was higher for trees with thin bark (young or recently debarked individuals) and decreased with increasing bark thickness until cork was 3–4 cm thick. This bark thickness corresponds to the moment when exploited trees are debarked again, meaning that exploited trees are vulnerable to fire during a longer period. Exploited trees were also more likely to be top-killed than unexploited trees, even for the same bark thickness. Additionally, vulnerability to fire increased with burn severity and with tree diameter, and was higher in trees burned in early summer or located in drier south-facing aspects. We provided tree response models useful to help estimating the impact of fire and to support management decisions. The results suggested that an appropriate management of surface fuels and changes in the bark harvesting regime (e.g. debarking coexisting trees in different years or increasing the harvesting cycle) would decrease vulnerability to fire and contribute to the conservation of cork oak ecosystems. PMID:22787521

The teaching of medical ethics: University College, Cork, Ireland.

PubMed Central

Clarke, D D

1978-01-01

Dolores Dooley Clarke describes how the course in medical ethics at University College, Cork is structured, how it has changed and how it is likely to change as time goes on. Originally, the students seemed to view it as an intrusion 'to be tolerated' in their programme of 'strictly medical' studies. However, having moved on from that and away from the lecturer always being a Roman Catholic priest as well as a member of the Philosophy Department, the students now appear to view it as producing a stimulus for a new interest in the area of ethics for physicians. This seems to have come about through the more extensive participation of students in researching and presenting issues of medical ethics. PMID:633310

Unravelling the distinct crystallinity and thermal properties of suberin compounds from Quercus suber and Betula pendula outer barks.

PubMed

Sousa, Andreia F; Gandini, Alessandro; Caetano, Ana; Maria, Teresa M R; Freire, Carmen S R; Neto, Carlos Pascoal; Silvestre, Armando J D

2016-12-01

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of suberin (a naturally occurring aromatic-aliphatic polyester ubiquitous to the vegetable realm) as a renewable source of chemicals and, in particular, to assess their physical properties. A comparison between cork and birch suberin fragments obtained by conventional depolymerisation processes (hydrolysis or methanolysis) is provided, focusing essentially on their thermal and crystallinity properties. It was found that suberin fragments obtained by the hydrolysis depolymerisation of birch had a high degree of crystallinity, as indicated by their thermal analysis and corroborated by the corresponding XRD diffractions, as opposed to hydrolysis-depolymerised cork suberin counterparts, which were essentially amorphous. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of magnetically enhanced buried soil layer in arid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrovsky, E.; Grison, H.; Kapicka, A.; Silva, P. F.; Font, E.

2011-12-01

Magnetic susceptibility (MS) of soils, reflecting the presence of magnetite/maghemite, can be used in several environmental applications. Magnetic topsoil mapping is often used to outline areas polluted by atmospherically deposited dust. However, in these studies, the magnetically enhanced layer is usually shallow, some 5-6 cm under the surface. In our contribution, we present the case when the magnetic susceptibility is enhanced in deeper soil layers. Investigated soils are mostly sandy soils, from several localities in Portugal, in a zone with arid climate. Sample profiles were collected always in forests or forest stands with pines, cork oaks or eucalyptus trees in two areas: around the city of Sines (on the coast south of Lisbon) and around the city of Abrantes (inland, north-east of Lisbon). Both areas are presumably affected by one major source of pollution - power plant. Surface magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed by Bartington MS2D loop; values vary from 10 to 300 x 10-5 SI units. Vertical distribution of magnetic susceptibility was measured already in situ using the SM400 (ZHInstruments) on profiles about 40cm in length. Mass-specific MS was determined using Bartington MS2B dual frequency meter and Agico MFK1. Nine vertical profiles were selected for detailed analyses including the ARM, IRM and hysteresis measurements. Distinctly enhanced magnetic layers were detected in deeper horizons. This enhancement can be ascribed to several mechanisms. Migration of magnetic particles seems to be probable, as observed in our model experiments with sand columns. In coastal areas, the enhanced layer could be due to tsunami deposits, as described in other areas. Finally, in particular at sites close to power plants, the construction works followed by surface remediation have to be also considered as one of the possible mechanisms.

Development of an automated data acquisition and processing pipeline using multiple telescopes for observing transient phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savant, Vaibhav; Smith, Niall

2016-07-01

We report on the current status in the development of a pilot automated data acquisition and reduction pipeline based around the operation of two nodes of remotely operated robotic telescopes based in California, USA and Cork, Ireland. The observatories are primarily used as a testbed for automation and instrumentation and as a tool to facilitate STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) promotion. The Ireland node is situated at Blackrock Castle Observatory (operated by Cork Institute of Technology) and consists of two optical telescopes - 6" and 16" OTAs housed in two separate domes while the node in California is its 6" replica. Together they form a pilot Telescope ARrAy known as TARA. QuickPhot is an automated data reduction pipeline designed primarily to throw more light on the microvariability of blazars employing precision optical photometry and using data from the TARA telescopes as they constantly monitor predefined targets whenever observing conditions are favourable. After carrying out aperture photometry, if any variability above a given threshold is observed, the reporting telescope will communicate the source concerned and the other nodes will follow up with multi-band observations, taking advantage that they are located in strategically separated time-zones. Ultimately we wish to investigate the applicability of Shock-in-Jet and Geometric models. These try to explain the processes at work in AGNs which result in the formation of jets, by looking for temporal and spectral variability in TARA multi-band observations. We are also experimenting with using a Twochannel Optical PHotometric Imaging CAMera (TOΦCAM) that we have developed and which has been optimised for simultaneous two-band photometry on our 16" OTA.

40 CFR 300.915 - Data requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... methods for such determinations: Salmonella, fecal coliform, Shigella, Staphylococcus Coagulase positive... fibers or cork; (C) Corn cobs; (D) Chicken, duck, or other bird feathers. (ii) Mineral compounds— (A...

40 CFR 300.915 - Data requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... methods for such determinations: Salmonella, fecal coliform, Shigella, Staphylococcus Coagulase positive... fibers or cork; (C) Corn cobs; (D) Chicken, duck, or other bird feathers. (ii) Mineral compounds— (A...

40 CFR 300.915 - Data requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... methods for such determinations: Salmonella, fecal coliform, Shigella, Staphylococcus Coagulase positive... fibers or cork; (C) Corn cobs; (D) Chicken, duck, or other bird feathers. (ii) Mineral compounds— (A...

40 CFR 300.915 - Data requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... methods for such determinations: Salmonella, fecal coliform, Shigella, Staphylococcus Coagulase positive... fibers or cork; (C) Corn cobs; (D) Chicken, duck, or other bird feathers. (ii) Mineral compounds— (A...

Woodwind Instrument Maintenance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sperl, Gary

1980-01-01

The author presents a simple maintenance program for woodwind instruments which includes the care of tendon corks, the need for oiling keys, and methods of preventing cracks in woodwind instruments. (KC)

Ectomycorrhizal inoculation with Pisolithus tinctorius reduces stress induced by drought in cork oak.

PubMed

Sebastiana, Mónica; da Silva, Anabela Bernardes; Matos, Ana Rita; Alcântara, André; Silvestre, Susana; Malhó, Rui

2018-04-01

We investigated whether the performance of cork oak under drought could be improved by colonization with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius. Results show that inoculation alone had a positive effect on plant height, shoot biomass, shoot basal diameter, and root growth. Under drought, root growth of mycorrhizal plants was significantly increased showing that inoculation was effective in increasing tolerance to drought. In accordance, mycorrhizal plants subjected to drought showed less symptoms of stress when compared to non-mycorrhizal plants, such as lower concentration of soluble sugars and starch, increased ability to maintain fatty acid content and composition, and increased unsaturation level of membrane lipids. After testing some of the mechanisms suggested to contribute to the enhanced tolerance of mycorrhizal plants to drought, we could not find any by which Pisolithus tinctorius could benefit cork oak, at least under the drought conditions imposed in our experiment. Inoculation did not increase photosynthesis under drought, suggesting no effect in sustaining stomatal opening at low soil water content. Similarly, plant water status was not affected by inoculation suggesting that P. tinctorius does not contribute to an increased plant water uptake during drought. Inoculation did increase nitrogen concentration in plants but it was independent of the water status. Furthermore, no significant mycorrhizal effect on drought-induced ROS production or osmotic adjustment was detected, suggesting that these factors are not important for the improved drought tolerance triggered by P. tinctorius.

Identification and responsibility of 2,4,6-tribromoanisole in musty, corked odors in wine.

PubMed

Chatonnet, Pascal; Bonnet, Sandra; Boutou, Stéphane; Labadie, Marie-Dominique

2004-03-10

In this work, gas phase chromatography analysis coupled with selective selected ion monitoring (SIM) identified 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) in wines found on tasting to have significant "musty or corked" character, although they did not contain noteworthy quantities of chloroanisoles or chlorophenols, the contaminants generally reported to cause this type of defect. The perception thresholds were studied, together with contamination conditions during winemaking, storage, and bottle-aging. A "musty" off-odor was perceptible on smelling wine containing as little as 4 ng L(-)(1) TBA, and spoilage may be detected by retro-olfaction at even lower concentrations. TBA, produced by O-methylation of its direct precursor, 2,4,6-tribromophenol, generally comes from sources in the winery environment. This paper is the first to identify the sources of a large number of cases of wines polluted during storage in premises where the atmosphere was contaminated with TBA used recently to treat wood, or originating from much older structural elements of the winery, or from used wooden containers. In certain cases, although the initial source had been eliminated, residual pollution adsorbed on walls could be sufficient to make a building unsuitable for storing wooden barrels and plastics, as well as corks, which have been found to be particularly susceptible to contamination by the TBA in the winery atmosphere.

Evaluation of EA-934NA with 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caldwell, Gordon A.

1990-01-01

Currently, Hysol adhesive EA-934NA is used to bond the Field Joint Protection System on the Shuttle rocket motors at Kennedy Space Center. However, due to processing problems, an adhesive with a higher viscosity is needed to alleviate these difficulties. One possible solution is to add Cab-O-Sil to the current adhesive. The adhesive strength and bond strengths that can be obtained when 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil is added to adhesive EA-934NA are examined and tested over a range of test temperatures from -20 to 300 F. Tensile adhesion button and lap shear specimens were bonded to D6AC steel and uniaxial tensile specimens (testing for strength, initial tangent modulus, elongation and Poisson's ratio) were prepared using Hysol adhesive EA-934NA with 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil added. These specimens were tested at -20, 20, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, and 300 F, respectively. Additional tensile adhesion button specimens bonding Rust-Oleum primed and painted D6AC steel to itself and to cork using adhesive EA-934NA with 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil added were tested at 20, 75, 125, 200, and 300 F, respectively. Results generally show decreasing strength values with increasing test temperatures. The bond strengths obtained using cork as a substrate were totally dependent on the cohesive strength of the cork.

Quantification of dynamic soil - vegetation feedbacks following an isotopically labelled precipitation pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piayda, Arndt; Dubbert, Maren; Siegwolf, Rolf; Cuntz, Matthias; Werner, Christiane

2017-04-01

The presence of vegetation alters hydrological cycles of ecosystems. Complex plant-soil interactions govern the fate of precipitation input and water transitions through ecosystem compartments. Disentangling these interactions is a major challenge in the field of ecohydrology and pivotal foundation for understanding the carbon cycle of semi-arid ecosystems. Stable water isotopes can be used in this context as tracer to quantify water movement through soil-vegetation-atmosphere interfaces. The aim of this study is to disentangle vegetation effects on soil water infiltration and distribution as well as dynamics of soil evaporation and grassland water-use in a Mediterranean cork-oak woodland during dry conditions. An irrigation experiment using δ18O-labeled water was carried out in order to quantify distinct effects of tree and herbaceous vegetation on infiltration and distribution of event water in the soil profile. Dynamic responses of soil and herbaceous vegetation fluxes to precipitation regarding event water-use, water uptake depth plasticity and contribution to ecosystem evapotranspiration were quantified. Total water loss to the atmosphere from bare soil was as high as from vegetated soil, utilizing large amounts of unproductive water loss for biomass production, carbon sequestration and nitrogen fixation. During the experiment no adjustments of main root water uptake depth to changes of water availability could be observed, rendering light to medium precipitation events under dry conditions useless. This forces understory plants to compete with adjacent trees for soil water in deeper soil layers. Thus understory plants are faster subject to chronic drought, leading to premature senescence at the onset of drought. Despite this water competition, the presence of Cork oak trees fosters infiltration to large degrees. That reduces drought stress, caused by evapotranspiration, due to favourable micro climatic conditions under tree crown shading. This study highlights complex soil-plant-atmosphere and inter-species interactions in both space and time controlling the fate of rain pulse transitions through a typical Mediterranean savannah ecosystem, disentangled by the use of stable water isotopes.

Quantification of dynamic soil-vegetation feedbacks following an isotopically labelled precipitation pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piayda, Arndt; Dubbert, Maren; Siegwolf, Rolf; Cuntz, Matthias; Werner, Christiane

2017-05-01

The presence of vegetation alters hydrological cycles of ecosystems. Complex plant-soil interactions govern the fate of precipitation input and water transitions through ecosystem compartments. Disentangling these interactions is a major challenge in the field of ecohydrology and a pivotal foundation for understanding the carbon cycle of semi-arid ecosystems. Stable water isotopes can be used in this context as tracer to quantify water movement through soil-vegetation-atmosphere interfaces. The aim of this study is to disentangle vegetation effects on soil water infiltration and distribution as well as dynamics of soil evaporation and grassland water use in a Mediterranean cork oak woodland during dry conditions. An irrigation experiment using δ18O labelled water was carried out in order to quantify distinct effects of tree and herbaceous vegetation on the infiltration and distribution of event water in the soil profile. Dynamic responses of soil and herbaceous vegetation fluxes to precipitation regarding event water use, water uptake depth plasticity, and contribution to ecosystem soil evaporation and transpiration were quantified. Total water loss to the atmosphere from bare soil was as high as from vegetated soil, utilizing large amounts of unproductive evaporation for transpiration, but infiltration rates decreased. No adjustments of main root water uptake depth to changes in water availability could be observed during the experiment. This forces understorey plants to compete with adjacent trees for water in deeper soil layers at the onset of summer. Thus, understorey plants are subjected to chronic water deficits faster, leading to premature senescence at the onset of drought. Despite this water competition, the presence of cork oak trees fosters infiltration and reduces evapotranspirative water losses from the understorey and the soil, both due to altered microclimatic conditions under crown shading. This study highlights complex soil-plant-atmosphere and inter-species interactions controlling rain pulse transitions through a typical Mediterranean savannah ecosystem, disentangled by the use of stable water isotopes.

Sensitivity to detect small coronary artery calcium lesions with varying slice thickness using electron beam tomography.

PubMed

Mao, Songshou; Child, Janis; Carson, Sivi; Liu, Steve C K; Oudiz, Ronald J; Budoff, Matthew J

2003-03-01

To estimate the sensitivity to find small coronary artery calcium lesions with use of different slice widths with electron beam tomography. Two studies were performed. Study 1 utilized double scanning of a stationary cork phantom with three different slice thickness (1.5, 3, and 6 mm). Fifty different calcific lesions (all <20 mm2 in area) fitted in 10 cork coronary arteries were utilized. The calcium foci area, peak value and score were measured and compared. In group 2, 30 patients underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) screen studies. Each patient was scanned with both 3-mm and 6-mm scan widths in a same study time. Lesions with < 20 mm2 of area of CAC were measured on both 3-mm and 6-mm images. The mean and peak Hounsfield unit measure, and Agatston score were compared between both images. In the cork study, the sensitivity to detect small calcium foci were 96% (48/50), 82% (41/50), and 34% (17/50) in images with 1.5-, 3-, and 6-mm slice thickness, respectively. There is a smaller value in mass, and calcium volume in 6-mm images than 1.5-mm and 3-mm images ( P< 0.001). There was no significant difference between the true value and measured value from 1.5-mm and 3-mm images. In the human study, 18 (30%) of 60 CAC lesions with an area < 20 mm2 defined on 3 mm images were not visible on 6-mm images. Sensitivity of small lesions (P< 5 mm2) was 48% using 6-mm slices. There was a smaller value in CAC area, mean and peak Hounsfield units and score measured from 6-mm images, as compared with 3 mm slices ( P< 0.05). Thinner slice imaging has a higher sensitivity to detect small calcium focus. There was no significant change in score between 3 mm and 1.5 mm on the cork phantom study. However, the use of 6-mm slices should be discouraged, as this protocol both underestimates calcific mass and misses a significant number of calcific lesions in both a phantom and human study.

In situ heat treatment from multiple layers of a tar sands formation

DOEpatents

Vinegar, Harold J.

2010-11-30

A method for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. The method includes providing a drive fluid to a first hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the first layer. At least some of the mobilized hydrocarbons are allowed to flow into a second hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation. Heat is provided to the second layer from one or more heaters located in the second layer. At least some hydrocarbons are produced from the second layer of the formation.

Jochem Weber | NREL

Science.gov Websites

mechanical engineering (design) and physical engineering (fluid and system dynamics), and a Ph.D. in modeling Ph.D. in Engineering, University College Cork (Ireland); M.S. and B.S. in Physical Engineering

Helicobacter pylori displays spiral trajectories while swimming like a cork-screw in solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Constantino, Maira A.; Hardcastle, Joseph M.; Bansil, Rama; Jabbarzadeh, Mehdi; Fu, Henry C.

Helicobacter pylori is a helical shaped bacterium that causes gastritis, ulcers and gastric cancer in humans and other animals. In order to colonize the harsh acidic environment of the stomach H. pylori has evolved a unique biochemical mechanism to go across the viscoelastic gel-like gastric mucus layer. Many studies have been conducted on the swimming of H. pylori in viscous media. However a yet unanswered question is if the helical cell shape influences bacterial swimming dynamics or confers any advantage when swimming in viscous solution. We will present measurements of H. pylori trajectories displaying corkscrew motion while swimming in solution obtained by tracking single cells using 2-dimensional phase contrast imaging at high magnification and fast frame rates and simultaneously imaging their shape. We observe a linear relationship between swimming speed and rotation rate. The experimental trajectories show good agreement with trajectories calculated using a regularized Stokeslet method to model the low Reynolds number swimming behavior. Supported by NSF PHY 1410798 (PI: RB).

Inexpensive cryogenic insulation replaces vacuum jacketed line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuchs, C. E.

1967-01-01

Commercially available aluminized Mylar, cork and fiber glass form a multilayered sealed system and provide rugged and economical field installed insulation for cryogenic /liquid nitrogen or oxygen/ pipe lines in an exposed environment.

7 CFR 51.1304 - U.S. No. 2.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... end, or broken skins. The pears shall also be free from serious damage caused by bruises, russeting, limbrubs, hail, scars, cork spot, drought spot, sunburn, sprayburn, stings or other insect injury, disease...

7 CFR 51.1301 - U.S. Extra No. 1.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., internal breakdown, scald, freezing injury, worm holes, black end, hard end, drought spot, and free from injury caused by russeting, limbrubs, hail, scars, cork spot, sunburn, sprayburn, stings or other insect...

Suicide levels in Cork City 1987/1991.

PubMed

Daly, C; Kelleher, M J; Crowley, M J; Daly, M; Keohane, B; Daly, F; McLeavey, B C

1996-01-01

This study investigates the level of suicide in Cork City during the 5-year period 1987/1991. Both male and female crude rates were higher than the corresponding national levels. The male/female ratio was 2.3:1, which is consistent with established findings. Vulnerability to suicide is most pronounced in 20-39 year old males and females in the 40-59 age category. There was some evidence of an increased risk of suicide among single elderly males; otherwise marital status was not a significant factor. A positive association was noted between unemployment and suicide rate for males. Drowning was used as the method of suicide by approximately half the male and female sub-groups; this was followed by hanging in the case of males and overdosing among females. However all suicide cases under 20 years of age used hanging.

Bright Sparks of Our Future!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riordan, Naoimh

2016-04-01

My name is Naoimh Riordan and I am the Vice Principal of Rockboro Primary School in Cork City, South of Ireland. I am a full time class primary teacher and I teach 4th class, my students are aged between 9-10 years. My passion for education has developed over the years and grown towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. I believe these subjects are the way forward for our future. My passion and beliefs are driven by the unique after school programme that I have developed. It is titled "Sparks" coming from the term Bright Sparks. "Sparks" is an after school programme with a difference where the STEM subjects are concentrated on through lessons such as Science, Veterinary Science Computer Animation /Coding, Eco engineering, Robotics, Magical Maths, Chess and Creative Writing. All these subjects are taught through activity based learning and are one-hour long each week for a ten-week term. "Sparks" is fully inclusive and non-selective which gives all students of any level of ability an opportunity to engage into these subjects. "Sparks" is open to all primary students in County Cork. The "Sparks" after school programme is taught by tutors from the different Universities and Colleges in Cork City. It works very well because the tutor brings their knowledge, skills and specialised equipment from their respective universities and in turn the tutor gains invaluable teaching practise, can trial a pilot programme in a chosen STEM subject and gain an insight into what works in the physical classroom.

RNA-Seq and Gene Network Analysis Uncover Activation of an ABA-Dependent Signalosome During the Cork Oak Root Response to Drought

PubMed Central

Magalhães, Alexandre P.; Verde, Nuno; Reis, Francisca; Martins, Inês; Costa, Daniela; Lino-Neto, Teresa; Castro, Pedro H.; Tavares, Rui M.; Azevedo, Herlânder

2016-01-01

Quercus suber (cork oak) is a West Mediterranean species of key economic interest, being extensively explored for its ability to generate cork. Like other Mediterranean plants, Q. suber is significantly threatened by climatic changes, imposing the need to quickly understand its physiological and molecular adaptability to drought stress imposition. In the present report, we uncovered the differential transcriptome of Q. suber roots exposed to long-term drought, using an RNA-Seq approach. 454-sequencing reads were used to de novo assemble a reference transcriptome, and mapping of reads allowed the identification of 546 differentially expressed unigenes. These were enriched in both effector genes (e.g., LEA, chaperones, transporters) as well as regulatory genes, including transcription factors (TFs) belonging to various different classes, and genes associated with protein turnover. To further extend functional characterization, we identified the orthologs of differentially expressed unigenes in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, which then allowed us to perform in silico functional inference, including gene network analysis for protein function, protein subcellular localization and gene co-expression, and in silico enrichment analysis for TFs and cis-elements. Results indicated the existence of extensive transcriptional regulatory events, including activation of ABA-responsive genes and ABF-dependent signaling. We were then able to establish that a core ABA-signaling pathway involving PP2C-SnRK2-ABF components was induced in stressed Q. suber roots, identifying a key mechanism in this species’ response to drought. PMID:26793200

A review of official data obtained from dog control records generated by the dog control service of county cork, Ireland during 2007

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background There are no peer reviewed data on dog control records from an official agency in Ireland. In order to address this, a total of 2,669 official dog control service records generated during 2007 by Cork County Council dog control service were reviewed. Results Over 70 percent of records related to unwanted dogs and dogs not under their owners control. Stray dogs were collected by the service regularly throughout the year but with notable increase in voluntary surrenders by owners from January through to April. The majority of dogs collected or surrendered were male (2:1 ratio), of medium size, described as having a friendly temperament and were not wearing a neck collar. The Crossbreed and Greyhound breeds were more frequently collected as strays, while Greyhounds and German Shepherds were more frequently voluntarily surrendered by their owner. Restricted breeds such as Pit Bull terriers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers were more frequently reported by members of the public for aggressive behaviour while the only restricted breed reported for biting or snapping was the German Shepherd. Conclusions Routine recording of dog control services in County Cork provide data on responsible dog ownership including the licensing of breeds, and surrender of owned dogs and the collection of stray dogs. Data capture and utilisation of dog control services by local authorities has potential to inform policy on responsible dog ownership and education programmes. PMID:22681751

Thermographic inspection of external thermal insulation systems with mechanical fixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simões, Nuno; Simões, Inês; Serra, Catarina; Tadeu, António

2015-05-01

An External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) kit may include anchors to mechanically fix the insulation product onto the wall. Using this option increases safety when compared to a simple bonded solution, however, it is more expensive and needs higher labor resources. The insulation product is then coated with rendering, which applied to the insulation material without any air gap. The rendering comprises one or more layers of coats with an embedded reinforcement. The most common multi-coat rendering system presents a base coat applied directly to the insulation product with a glass fiber mesh as reinforcement, followed by a second base coat, before a very thin coat (key coat) that prepares the surface to receive the finishing and decorative coat. The thickness of the rendering system may vary between around 5 to 10 mm. The higher thicknesses may be associated with a reinforcement composed by two layers of glass fiber mesh. The main purpose of this work is to apply infrared thermography (IRT) techniques to 2 ETICS solution (single or double layer of glass fiber mesh) and evaluate its capability in the detection of anchors. The reliability of IRT was tested using an ETICS configuration of expanded cork boards and a rendering system with one or two layers of glass fiber mesh. An active thermography approach was performed in laboratory conditions, in transmission and reflection mode. In the reflection mode halogen lamps and air heater were employed as the thermal stimulus. Air heater was also the source used in the transmission mode tests. The resulting data was processed in both time and frequency domains. In this last approach, phase contrast images were generated and studied.

Organic light emitting device having multiple separate emissive layers

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen R [Ann Arbor, MI

2012-03-27

An organic light emitting device having multiple separate emissive layers is provided. Each emissive layer may define an exciton formation region, allowing exciton formation to occur across the entire emissive region. By aligning the energy levels of each emissive layer with the adjacent emissive layers, exciton formation in each layer may be improved. Devices incorporating multiple emissive layers with multiple exciton formation regions may exhibit improved performance, including internal quantum efficiencies of up to 100%.

On-the-Job Foot Health

MedlinePlus

... and direct flame PROTECTION: overshoes or boots of fire-resistant materials with wooden soles HAZARD: high voltage PROTECTION: shoes with rubber or cork heels and soles, and no exposed metal parts HAZARD: hot surfaces PROTECTION: safety shoes with ...

Linking water and carbon fluxes in a Mediterranean oak woodland using a combined flux and ?18O partitioning approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubbert, M.; Piayda, A.; Costa e Silva, F.; Correia, A.; Pereira, J. S.; Cuntz, M.; Werner, C.

2013-12-01

Water is one of the key factors driving ecosystem productivity, especially in water-limited ecosystems, where global climate change is expected to intensify drought and alter precipitation patterns. One such ecosystem is the ';Montado', where two vegetation layers respond differently to drought: oak trees avoid drought due to their access to deeper soil layers and ground water while herbaceous plants, surviving the summer in the form of seeds. We aimed at 1) quantifying the impact of the understory herbaceous vegetation on ecosystem carbon and water fluxes throughout the year, 2) determining the driving environmental factors for evapotranspiration (ET) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and 3) disentangling how ET components of the ecosystem relate to carbon dioxide exchange. We present one year data set comparing modeled and measured stable oxygen isotope signatures (δ18O) of soil evaporation, confirming that the Craig and Gordon equation leads to good agreement with measured δ18O of evaporation (Dubbert et al. 2013). Partitioning ecosystem ET and NEE into its three sources revealed a strong contribution of soil evaporation (E) and herbaceous transpiration (T) to ecosystem ET during spring and fall. In contrast, soil respiration (R) and herbaceous net carbon gain contributed to a lesser amount to ecosystem NEE during spring and fall, leading to consistently smaller water use efficiencies (WUE) of the herbaceous understory compared to the cork-oaks. Here, we demonstrate that the ability to assess ET, NEE and WUE independent of soil evaporation dynamics enables the understanding of the mechanisms of the coupling between water and carbon fluxes and their responses to drought. Dubbert, M., Cuntz, M., Piayda, A., Maguas, C., Werner, C., 2013: Partitioning evapotranspiration - Testing the Craig and Gordon model with field measurements of oxygen isotope ratios of evaporative fluxes. J Hydrol. a) Oxygen isotope signatures of soil evaporation on bare soil plots calculated with the Craig and Gordon equation versus measured values for the open (white circles) and tree site (black circles) of every measurement point (mean values × SD; n=3; R2=0.8; p<0.001). b) Modeled δ18O of leaf water at the evaporating sites in the non steady state versus measured leaf water δ18Ofor the open and tree site (R2=0.9,p<0.001). Relative contribution (%) of soil, herbaceous vegetation and cork-oaks to ecosystem evapotranspiration and net ecosystem CO2 exchange

Distinct high molecular weight organic compound (HMW-OC) types in aerosol particles collected at a coastal urban site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dall'Osto, M.; Healy, R. M.; Wenger, J. C.; O'Dowd, C.; Ovadnevaite, J.; Ceburnis, D.; Harrison, Roy M.; Beddows, D. C. S.

2017-12-01

Organic oligomers were discovered in laboratory-generated atmospheric aerosol over a decade ago. However, evidence for the presence of oligomers in ambient aerosols is scarce and mechanisms for their formation have yet to be fully elucidated. In this work, three unique aerosol particle types internally mixed with High molecular weight organic compounds (HMW-OC) species - likely oligomers - were detected in ambient air using single particle Aerosol Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ATOFMS) in Cork (Ireland) during winter 2009. These particle types can be described as follows: (1) HMW-OCs rich in organic nitrogen - possibly containing nitrocatechols and nitroguaiacols - originating from primary emissions of biomass burning particles during evening times; (2) HMW-OCs internally mixed with nitric acid, occurring in stagnant conditions during night time; and (3) HMW-OCs internally mixed with sea salt, likely formed via photochemical reactions during day time. The study exemplifies the power of methodologies capable of monitoring the simultaneous formation of organic and inorganic particle-phase reaction products. Primary emissions and atmospheric aging of different types of HMW-OC contributes to aerosol with a range of acidity, hygroscopic and optical properties, which can have different impacts on climate and health.

High renewable content sandwich structures based on flax-basalt hybrids and biobased epoxy polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colomina, S.; Boronat, T.; Fenollar, O.; Sánchez-Nacher, L.; Balart, R.

2014-05-01

In the last years, a growing interest in the development of high environmental efficiency materials has been detected and this situation is more accentuated in the field of polymers and polymer composites. In this work, green composite sandwich structures with high renewable content have been developed with core cork materials. The base resin for composites was a biobased epoxy resin derived from epoxidized vegetable oils. Hybrid basalt-flax fabrics have been used as reinforcements for composites and the influence of the stacking sequence has been evaluated in order to optimize the appropriate laminate structure for the sandwich bases. Core cork materials with different thickness have been used to evaluate performance of sandwich structures thus leading to high renewable content composite sandwich structures. Results show that position of basalt fabrics plays a key role in flexural fracture of sandwich structures due to differences in stiffness between flax and basalt fibers.

Seafloor Uplift in Middle Valley, Juan de Fuca Ridge: New High-Resolution Pressure Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inderbitzen, K. E.; Becker, K.; Davis, E. E.

2011-12-01

Currently, in-situ seafloor and basement pressures are continuously monitored and recorded by an ODP subseafloor hydrogeological observatory (CORK) located in Middle Valley, Juan de Fuca Ridge. Hole 857D was drilled in 1991 in thickly sedimented crust to a depth of 936 mbsf and instrumented with an original CORK that was replaced in 1996. A large hydrothermal field (Dead Dog) lies roughly 1.7 km north of the hole, and two isolated chimneys and several diffuse flow sites are located ~800 meters northeast. The borehole and the vent fields have been visited periodically by submersible/ROV since 1999. Recent results from the CORK at 857D have shown apparent seafloor uplift, supported by depth records from the submersible Alvin. A constant rate of pressure change of ~6 kPa/yr, from its initiation in 2005 to the visit in 2010, has reduced mean seafloor pressure by ~28 kPa, equivalent to nearly 3 meters of head. This uplift rate is several times the typical pre-eruption inflation rates observed at Axial Seamount further south along the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Initially, the apparent uplift at 857D did not seem to have any effect on local high-temperature hydrothermal venting, however recent operations in Middle Valley revealed distinct changes at not only the hydrothermal field to the northeast, but also a shutdown of high-temperature venting to the north of 857D. We will present new data from Middle Valley, including the first year of data collected by a high-resolution pressure data logger deployed at 857D in June, 2010.

Initiation of long-term coupled microbiological, geochemical, and hydrological experimentation within the seafloor at North Pond, western flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Edwards, K.J.; Backert, N.; Bach, W.; Becker, K.; Klaus, A.; Griffin, Dale W.; Anderson, L.; Haddad, A.G.; Harigane, Y.; Campion, P.L.; Hirayama, H.; Mills, H.J.; Hulme, S.M.; Nakamura, K.; Jorgensen, S.L.; Orcutt, B.; Insua, T.L.; Park, Y.-S.; Rennie, V.; Salas, E.C.; Rouxel, O.; Wang, F.; Russel, J.A.; Wheat, C.G.; Sakata, K.; Brown, M.; Magnusson, J.L.; Ettlinger, Z.

2012-01-01

Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 336 successfully initiated subseafloor observatory science at a young mid-ocean-ridge flank setting. All of the drilled sites are located in the North Pond region of the Atlantic Ocean (22??45'N, 46??05'W) in 4414-4483 m water depth. This area is known from previous ocean drilling and site survey investigations as a site of particularly vigorous circulation of seawater in permeable 8 Ma basaltic basement underlying a <300 m thick sedimentary pile. Understanding how this seawater circulation affects microbial and geochemical processes in the uppermost basement was the primary science objective of Expedition 336. Basement was cored and wireline-logged in Holes U1382A and U1383C. Upper oceanic crust in Hole U1382A, which is only 50 m west of Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Hole 395A, recovered 32 m of core between 110 and 210 meters below seafloor (mbsf). Core recovery in basement was 32%, yielding a number of volcanic flow units with distinct geochemical and petrographic characteristics. A unit of sedimentary breccia containing clasts of basalt, gabbroic rocks, and mantle peridotite was found intercalated between two volcanic flow units and was interpreted as a rock slide deposit. From Hole U1383C we recovered 50.3 m of core between 69.5 and 331.5 mbsf (19%). The basalts are aphyric to highly plagioclase-olivine-phyric tholeiites that fall on a liquid line of descent controlled by olivine fractionation. They are fresh to moderately altered, with clay minerals (saponite, nontronite, and celadonite), Fe oxyhydroxide, carbonate, and zeolite as secondary phases replacing glass and olivine to variable extents. In addition to traditional downhole logs, we also used a new logging tool for detecting in situ microbial life in ocean floor boreholes-the Deep Exploration Biosphere Investigative tool (DEBI-t). Sediment thickness was ???90 m at Sites U1382 and U1384 and varied between 38 and 53 m at Site U1383. The sediments are predominantly nannofossil ooze with layers of coarse foraminiferal sand and occasional pebble-size clasts of basalt, serpentinite, gabbroic rocks, and bivalve debris. The bottommost meters of sections cored with the advanced piston corer feature brown clay. Extended core barrel coring at the sediment/basement interface recovered <1 m of brecciated basalt with micritic limestone. Sediments were intensely sampled for geochemical pore water analyses and microbiological work. In addition, high-resolution measurements of dissolved oxygen concentration were performed on the whole-round sediment cores. Major strides in ridge-flank studies have been made with subseafloor borehole observatories (CORKs) because they facilitate combined hydrological, geochemical, and microbiological studies and controlled experimentation in the subseafloor. During Expedition 336, two fully functional observatories were installed in two newly drilled holes (U1382A and U1383C) and an instrument and sampling string were placed in an existing hole (395A). Although the CORK wellhead in Hole 395A broke off and Hole U1383B was abandoned after a bit failure, these holes and installations are intended for future observatory science targets. The CORK observatory in Hole U1382A has a packer seal in the bottom of the casing and monitors/samples a single zone in uppermost oceanic crust extending from 90 to 210 mbsf. Hole U1383C was equipped with a three-level CORK observatory that spans a zone of thin basalt flows with intercalated limestone (???70-146 mbsf), a zone of glassy, thin basaltic flows and hyaloclastites (146-200 mbsf), and a lowermost zone (???200-331.5 mbsf) of more massive pillow flows with occasional hyaloclastites in the upper part.

Ireland Seasons

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2013-04-17

... since 1766. Despite being one of the warmest years in recent history, a cold snap arrived between Christmas and New Year's Day. According to ... Kerry and Cork. MISR was built and is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, for NASA's Science Mission ...

A Simple But Tricky Experiment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grosu, I.; Baltag, O.

1994-01-01

Describes an experiment that uses a bottle, a cork, and a wooden match to study students' explanations of what they observe to reveal misunderstandings about pressure and to produce some incorrect interpretations such as creation of a gradient of pressure. (DDR)

Microbial diversity within Juan de Fuca ridge basement fluids sampled from oceanic borehole observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jungbluth, S.; Bowers, R.; Lin, H.; Hsieh, C.; Cowen, J. P.; Rappé, M.

2012-12-01

Three generations of sampling and instrumentation platforms known as Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit (CORK) observatories affixed to Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) and Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) boreholes are providing unrivaled access to fluids originating from 1.2-3.5 million-years (Myr) old basaltic crust of the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca ridge. Borehole fluid samples obtained via a custom seafloor fluid pumping and sampling system coupled to CORK continuous fluid delivery lines are yielding critical insights into the biogeochemistry and nature of microbial life inhabiting the sediment-covered basement environment. Direct microscopic enumeration revealed microbial cell abundances that are 2-41% of overlying bottom seawater. Snapshots of basement fluid microbial diversity and community structure have been obtained through small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene cloning and sequencing from five boreholes that access a range of basement ages and temperatures at the sediment-basement interface. SSU rRNA gene clones were derived from four different CORK installations (1026B, 1301A, 1362A, and 1362B) accessing relatively warmer (65°C) and older (3.5 Myr) ridge flank, and one location (1025C) accessing relatively cooler (39°C) and younger (1.2 Myr) ridge flank, revealing that warmer basement fluids had higher microbial diversity. A sampling time-series collected from borehole 1301A has revealed a microbial community that is temporally variable, with the dominant lineages changing between years. Each of the five boreholes sampled contained a unique microbial assemblage, however, common members are found from both cultivated and uncultivated lineages within the archaeal and bacterial domains, including meso- and thermophilic microbial lineages involved with sulfur cycling (e.g Thiomicrospira, Sulfurimonas, Desulfocapsa, Desulfobulbus). In addition, borehole fluid environmental gene clones were also closely related to uncultivated lineages recovered from both terrestrial and marine hydrothermal systems (e.g. Candidatus Desulforudis, Candidate Phylum OP8) as well as globally distributed marine sediments (e.g. Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotic Group, JTB35). This analysis provides a framework for future research investigating the evolutionary and functional diversity, population genetics, and activity of the poorly understood habitat. These ongoing sampling expeditions greatly benefit from improvements to both CORK observatories and evolving sampling equipment including microbiologically-friendly materials and dependable access to pristine fluids from the ocean crust.

In situ heat treatment of a tar sands formation after drive process treatment

DOEpatents

Vinegar, Harold J.; Stanecki, John

2010-09-21

A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing a drive fluid to a hydrocarbon containing layer of the tar sands formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the layer. At least some first hydrocarbons from the layer are produced. Heat is provided to the layer from one or more heaters located in the formation. At least some second hydrocarbons are produced from the layer of the formation. The second hydrocarbons include at least some hydrocarbons that are upgraded compared to the first hydrocarbons produced by using the drive fluid.

Prebiotic mechanisms, functions and application

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In October 2012, a group of scientists met at the 10th Meeting of the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) in Cork, Ireland to discuss issues surrounding prebiotics and their development. This article summarises outputs from the meeting. Various prebiotic defin...

Sprayable lightweight ablative coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, William G. (Inventor); Sharpe, Max H. (Inventor); Hill, William E. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

An improved lightweight, ablative coating is disclosed that may be spray applied and cured without the development of appreciable shrinkage cracks. The ablative mixture consists essentially of phenolic microballoons, hollow glass spheres, glass fibers, ground cork, a flexibilized resin binder, and an activated colloidal clay.

4. INTERIOR VIEW OF CLUB HOUSE REFRIGERATION UNIT, SHOWING COOLING ...

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

4. INTERIOR VIEW OF CLUB HOUSE REFRIGERATION UNIT, SHOWING COOLING COILS AND CORK-LINED ROOM. CAMERA IS BETWEEN SEVEN AND EIGHT FEET ABOVE FLOOR LEVEL, FACING SOUTHEAST. - Swan Falls Village, Clubhouse 011, Snake River, Kuna, Ada County, ID

Unit Cells

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olsen, Robert C.; Tobiason, Fred L.

1975-01-01

Describes the construction of unit cells using clear plastic cubes which can be disassembled, and one inch cork balls of various colors, which can be cut in halves, quarters, or eighths, and glued on the inside face of the cube, thus simulating a unit cell. (MLH)

DOING Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zwicker, Earl, Ed.

1989-01-01

The first demonstration shows rolling balls on two tracks: one is straight and the other dips down and then comes back up. Discusses the reason why the former is slower than the latter. The second demonstration shows a rising cork inside a water tube flowing downward. (YP)

Candles, Corks and Contracts: Essential Relationships between Learners and Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burge, Elizabeth J.; Snow, Judith E.

2000-01-01

Current relationships between libraries and adult learners are shaped by technology adoption, learner demographics, constructivist learning, and institutional pressures. Future relationships must emphasize learner-centered action over technological efficiency, stronger learning leadership, and greater integration of libraries in educational…

Demonstrating Sound Impulses in Pipes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raymer, M. G.; Micklavzina, Stan

1995-01-01

Describes a simple, direct method to demonstrate the effects of the boundary conditions on sound impulse reflections in pipes. A graphical display of the results can be made using a pipe, cork, small hammer, microphone, and fast recording electronics. Explains the principles involved. (LZ)

Treating tar sands formations with dolomite

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

Vinegar, Harold J.; Karanikas, John Michael

A method for treating a karsted formation containing heavy hydrocarbons and dolomite includes providing heat to at least part of one or more karsted layers in the formation from one or more heaters located in the karsted layers. A temperature in at least one of the karsted layers is allowed to reach a decomposition temperature of dolomite in the formation. The dolomite is allowed to decompose and at least some hydrocarbons are produced from at least one of the karsted layers of the formation.

Characterization and analysis of structural isomers of dimethyl methoxypyrazines in cork stoppers and ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata).

PubMed

Slabizki, Petra; Legrum, Charlotte; Meusinger, Reinhard; Schmarr, Hans-Georg

2014-10-01

The three constitutional isomers of dimethyl-substituted methoxypyrazines: 3,5-dimethyl-2-methoxypyrazine 1; 2,5-dimethyl-3-methoxypyrazine 2; and 2,3-dimethyl-5-methoxypyrazine 3 are potent flavor compounds with similar mass spectrometric, gas chromatographic, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic behavior. Therefore, unambiguous analytical determination is critical, particularly in complex matrices. The unequivocal identification of 1-3 could be achieved by homo- and heteronuclear NMR correlation experiments. The observed mass fragmentation for 1-3 is proposed and discussed, benefitting from synthesized partially deuterated 1 and 2. On common polar and apolar stationary phases used in gas chromatography (GC) 1 and 2 show similar behavior whereas 3 can be separated. In our focus on off-flavor analysis with respect to wine aroma, 1 has been described as a "moldy" off-flavor compound in cork and 2 as a constituent in Harmonia axyridis contributing to the so-called "ladybug taint," whereas 3 has not yet been described as a constituent of wine aroma. A successful separation of 1 and 2 could be achieved on octakis-(2,3-di-O-pentyl-6-O-methyl)-γ-cyclodextrin as stationary phase in GC. Applying heart-cut multidimensional GC analysis with tandem mass spectrometric detection we could confirm the presence of 1 as a "moldy" off-flavor compound in cork. However, in the case of Harmonia axyridis, a previous identification of 2 has to be reconsidered. In our experiments we identified the constitutional isomer 1, which was also found in Coccinella septempunctata, another species discussed with respect to the "ladybug taint." The analysis of such structurally related compounds is a demonstrative example for the importance of a chromatographic separation, as mass spectrometric data by itself could not guarantee the unequivocal identification.

Adherence with early infant feeding and complementary feeding guidelines in the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study.

PubMed

O'Donovan, Sinéad M; Murray, Deirdre M; Hourihane, Jonathan O'B; Kenny, Louise C; Irvine, Alan D; Kiely, Mairead

2015-10-01

To describe adherence with infant feeding and complementary feeding guidelines. Prospective study of infant feeding and complementary feeding practices were collected as part of the Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study. Cork, Ireland. Data are described for the 823 infants for whom a diary was completed. Breast-feeding was initiated in 81 % of infants, and 34 %, 14 % and 1 % of infants were exclusively breast-fed at hospital discharge, 2 and 6 months, respectively. Stage one infant formula decreased from 71 % at 2 months to 13 % at 12 months. The majority of infants (79 %) were introduced to solids between 17 and 26 weeks and 18 % were given solid foods before 17 weeks. Mothers of infants who commenced complementary feeding prior to 17 weeks were younger (29·8 v. 31·5 years; P<0·001) and more likely to smoke (18 v. 8 %; P=0·004). The first food was usually baby rice (69 %), infant breakfast cereals (14 %) or fruit/vegetables (14 %). Meals were generally home-made (49 %), cereal-based (35 %), manufactured (10 %), dairy (3 %) and dessert-based (3 %). The median gap between the first-second, second-third, third-fourth and fourth-fifth new foods was 4, 2, 2 and 2 d, respectively. We present the largest prospective cohort study to date on early infant feeding in Ireland. The rate of breast-feeding is low by international norms. Most mothers introduce complementary foods between 4 and 6 months with lengthy gaps between each new food/food product. There is a high prevalence of exposure to infant breakfast cereals, which are composite foods, among the first foods introduced.

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.

33. Photocopy of photograph (original print located in LBNL Photo ...

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

33. Photocopy of photograph (original print located in LBNL Photo Lab Collection). Photographer unknown. April 10, 1958. BEV-1515. ANTI-PROTON SET-UP; BRUCE CORK, GLENN LAMBERTSON. B-51. - University of California Radiation Laboratory, Bevatron, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, Alameda County, CA

Double the Benefits: Use Museum Collections.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ory, Norma R.

1984-01-01

A project for elementary school children based on a museum's collection of Alexander Calder's art is described. After studying Calder's works of art, students created their own three-dimensional stabiles, molded clay into animals, and made circus figures from cork, fabric, yarn, and colored paper. (RM)

Effect of Various Interface Thicknesses on the Behaviour of Infilled frame Subjected to Lateral Load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senthil, K.; Muthukumar, S.; Rupali, S.; Satyanarayanan, K. S.

2018-03-01

Two dimensional numerical investigations were carried out to study the influence of interface thickness on the behaviour of reinforced concrete frames subjected to in-plane lateral loads using commercial finite element tool SAP 2000. The cement mortar, cork and foam was used as interface material and their effect was studied by varying thicknesses as 6, 8, 10, 14 and 20 mm. The effect of lateral loads on infill masonry wall was also studied by varying arbitrary loads as 10, 20, 40 and 60 kN. The resistance of the frame with cement mortar was found maximum with the interface thickness 10 mm therefore, it is concluded that the maximum influence of interface thickness of 10 mm was found effective. The resistance of integral infill frame with cork and foam interface was found maximum with the interface thickness 6 mm and it is concluded that 6 mm thick interface among the chosen thickness was found effective.

Water stress assessment of cork oak leaves and maritime pine needles based on LIF spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavrov, A.; Utkin, A. B.; Marques da Silva, J.; Vilar, Rui; Santos, N. M.; Alves, B.

2012-02-01

The aim of the present work was to develop a method for the remote assessment of the impact of fire and drought stress on Mediterranean forest species such as the cork oak ( Quercus suber) and maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster). The proposed method is based on laser induced fluorescence (LIF): chlorophyll fluorescence is remotely excited by frequency-doubled YAG:Nd laser radiation pulses and collected and analyzed using a telescope and a gated high sensitivity spectrometer. The plant health criterion used is based on the I 685/ I 740 ratio value, calculated from the fluorescence spectra. The method was benchmarked by comparing the results achieved with those obtained by conventional, continuous excitation fluorometric method and water loss gravimetric measurements. The results obtained with both methods show a strong correlation between them and with the weight-loss measurements, showing that the proposed method is suitable for fire and drought impact assessment on these two species.

Modified nondestructive colorimetric method to evaluate the variability of oxygen diffusion rate through wine bottle closures.

PubMed

Brotto, Laura; Battistutta, Franco; Tat, Lara; Comuzzo, Piergiorgio; Zironi, Roberto

2010-03-24

Some modifications to a previous nondestructive colorimetric method that permits evaluation of the oxygen diffusion rate through wine closures were proposed. The method is based on the reaction of indigo carmine solution with oxygen and the tristimulus measurement of the consequent color change. Simplified preparation and measurement procedures were set up, allowing the analysis of a large number of samples simultaneously. The method was applied to the evaluation of the variability within the lot of 20 different types of stoppers (synthetic, produced by molding, and natural cork). The closures were tested at a storage temperature of 26 degrees C. With regard to oxygen permeability, the natural cork stopper showed a low homogeneity within the lot, especially during the first month after bottling, whereas the synthetic closure showed a greater steadiness in the performance. The limits of the colorimetric method were also analyzed, and three possible causes of degradation of the indigo carmine solution were identified: oxygen, light, and heat.

Biodegradability enhancement and detoxification of cork processing wastewater molecular size fractions by ozone.

PubMed

Santos, Diana C; Silva, Lúcia; Albuquerque, António; Simões, Rogério; Gomes, Arlindo C

2013-11-01

Cork boiling wastewater pollutants were fractionated by sequential use of four ultrafiltration membranes and five fractions were obtained: four retentates (>100, 50-100, 20-50 and 10-20 kDa) and one permeate (<10 kDa); which were used to study the correlation of molecular size with biodegradability and toxicity before and after ozonation. The results show that molecular size is correlated with organic load and restrains biodegradability. The fraction with >100 kDa corresponds to 56% of the organic load and the one with <10 kDa only 8%. The biodegradability of fractions increased 182% with fractions molecular size reduction from >100 to <10 kDa and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was from 3436 to 386 mg L(-1). For biodegradability enhancement the best outcome of ozonation was obtained with compounds having molecular size >20 kDa and range from 5% up to 175% for applied ozone doses to COD ratios between 0.15 and 0.38. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Space Technology For Tuna Boats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Freshly-caught tuna is stored below decks in wells cooled to about zero degrees by brine circulated through a refrigerating system. The wells formerly were insulated by cork or fiberglass, but both materials were subject to deterioration; cork, for instance, needs replacement every three years. The Campbell Machine Division of Campbell Industries, San Diego, which manufactures and repairs large boats for the commercial fishing industry, was looking for a better way to insulate tuna storage wells. Learning of the Rockwell technique, Campbell contracted for a test installation on one boat, then bought its own equipment and adopted the spray-foam procedure for their boats. The foam hardens after application. It not only is a superior insulator, it also is considerably lighter and easier to apply. Fishing industry spokesmen say that foam insulation is far more reliable, efficient and economical than prior techniques. More than 40 foam-insulated tuna boats, ranging in cost from $1 million to $4 million, have been built and sold. Principal customers are Ralston Purina's Van Camp Seafood Division and Star-Kist Inc.

Assessment of biomarkers in Mytilus edulis to determine good environmental status for implementation of MSFD in Ireland.

PubMed

Giltrap, M; Ronan, J; Hardenberg, S; Parkes, G; McHugh, B; McGovern, E; Wilson, J G

2013-06-15

Candidate OSPAR/ICES recommended biomarkers at the level of the individual in Mytilus edulis for determination of good environmental status for MSFD were evaluated against contaminant levels at sites around Ireland. The sites chosen ranged from moderate to low pollution levels, but the actual ranking of the sites varied according to the contaminant levels present. At the most contaminated site, Cork, 4 out of 16 contaminants exceeded the EAC, while at Shannon, no EACs were exceeded. The SOS assay suggested that Cork was the healthiest site with a LT50 of 17.6 days, while SOS for Shannon was 15.6 days. Likewise, condition factors varied among sites and did not always correspond to contaminant-based status. There may be uncertainty in assigning status around the not good:good boundary. This raises potential difficulties not only in the biomarker/contaminant load relationship but also in the reliability of the biomarkers themselves and hence barriers meeting compliance levels. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sewage sludge effects on mesofauna and cork oak (Quercus suber L.) leaves decomposition in a Mediterranean forest firebreak.

PubMed

Pernin, Céline; Cortet, Jérôme; Joffre, Richard; Le Petit, Jean; Torre, Franck

2006-01-01

Effects of sewage sludge on litter mesofauna communities (Collembola and Acari) and cork oak (Quercus suber L.) leaf litter decomposition have been studied during 18 mo using litterbags in an in situ experimental forest firebreak in southeastern France. The sludge (2.74 t DM ha(-1) yr(-1)) was applied to fertilize and maintain a pasture created on the firebreak. Litterbag colonization had similar dynamics on both the control and fertilized plots and followed a typical Mediterranean pattern showing a greater abundance in spring and autumn and a lower abundance in summer. After 9 mo of litter colonization, Collembola and Acari, but mainly Oribatida, were more abundant on the sludge-fertilized plot. Leaf litter decomposition showed a similar pattern on both plots, but it was faster on the control plot. Furthermore, leaves from the fertilized plot were characterized by greater nitrogen content. Both chemical composition of leaves and sludges and the decomposition state of leaves have significantly affected the mesofauna community composition from each plot.

Formation Energies of Native Point Defects in Strained-Layer Superlattices (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-05

AFRL-RX-WP-JA-2017-0217 FORMATION ENERGIES OF NATIVE POINT DEFECTS IN STRAINED-LAYER SUPERLATTICES (POSTPRINT) Zhi-Gang Yu...2016 Interim 11 September 2013 – 5 November 2016 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE FORMATION ENERGIES OF NATIVE POINT DEFECTS IN STRAINED-LAYER SUPERLATTICES...native point defect (NPD) formation energies and absence of mid-gap levels. In this Letter we use first-principles calculations to study the formation

Gyrotactic trapping: A numerical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorai, S.

2016-04-01

Gyrotactic trapping is a mechanism proposed by Durham et al. ["Disruption of vertical motility by shear triggers formation of thin Phytoplankton layers," Science 323, 1067-1070 (2009)] to explain the formation of thin phytoplankton layer just below the ocean surface. This mechanism is examined numerically using a rational model based on the generalized Taylor dispersion theory. The crucial role of sedimentation speed in the thin layer formation is demonstrated. The effects of variation in different parameters on the thin layer formation are also investigated.

Individualised Qualitative Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Sullivan, Denis

1987-01-01

The author discusses student evaluation in relation to adult and continuing education programs offered by the Department of Adult Education, University College, Cork. He highlights the need for a more individualized and interactive approach to evaluation, allowing the student to benefit from qualitative feedback in the process of being evaluated.…

Idea Notebook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Janet; And Others

1986-01-01

Three entries address various outdoor education issues. The first outlines eight steps for promoting professional work. The second suggests ways to adapt 16 games, group initiatives, and ropes course elements to teach environmental concepts. The third explains the use of belay anchors, or cork-screw anchors designed to tether large dogs. (JHZ)

Effect of therapeutic footwear on foot reulceration in patients with diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Reiber, Gayle E; Smith, Douglas G; Wallace, Carolyn; Sullivan, Katrina; Hayes, Shane; Vath, Christy; Maciejewski, Matthew L; Yu, Onchee; Heagerty, Patrick J; LeMaster, Joseph

2002-05-15

Many people with diabetes experience lower-limb ulcers. Footwear has been implicated as a primary cause of foot ulcers, yet research is limited on the efficacy of shoe and insert combinations to prevent reulceration. To determine whether extra-depth and -width therapeutic shoes used with 2 types of inserts reduce reulceration in diabetic individuals with a history of foot ulcer. Randomized clinical trial of 400 diabetes patients with history of foot ulcer in 2 Washington State health care organizations who did not require custom shoes for foot deformity and were enrolled between August 1997 and December 1998 and followed up for 2 years. Data collected at regular intervals documented physical, foot, and diabetes characteristics; footwear use; foot lesions; and ulcers. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 3 pairs of therapeutic shoes and 3 pairs of customized medium-density cork inserts with a neoprene closed-cell cover (n = 121); to receive 3 pairs of therapeutic shoes and 3 pairs of prefabricated, tapered polyurethane inserts with a brushed nylon cover (n = 119); or to wear their usual footwear (controls; n = 160). Foot reulceration, compared among the 3 groups. Two-year cumulative reulceration incidence across the 3 groups was low: 15% in the cork-insert group, 14% in the prefabricated-insert group, and 17% in controls. In the intent-to-treat analysis, patients assigned to therapeutic shoes did not have a significantly lower risk of reulceration compared with controls (risk ratio [RR] for the cork-insert group, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-1.52 and RR the for prefabricated-insert group, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.48-1.48). All ulcer episodes in patients assigned to therapeutic shoes and 88% wearing nonstudy shoes occurred in patients with foot insensitivity. This study of persons without severe foot deformity does not provide evidence to support widespread dispensing of therapeutic shoes and inserts to diabetic patients with a history of foot ulcer. Study shoes and custom cork or preformed polyurethane inserts conferred no significant ulcer reduction compared with control footwear. This study suggests that careful attention to foot care by health care professionals may be more important than therapeutic footwear but does not negate the possibility that special footwear is beneficial in persons with diabetes who do not receive such close attention to foot care by their health care providers or in individuals with severe foot deformities.

Hybrid structure of white layer in high carbon steel - Formation mechanism and its properties.

PubMed

Hossain, Rumana; Pahlevani, Farshid; Witteveen, Evelien; Banerjee, Amborish; Joe, Bill; Prusty, B Gangadhara; Dippenaar, Rian; Sahajwalla, Veena

2017-10-16

This study identifies for the first time, the hybrid structure of the white layer in high carbon steel and describes its formation mechanism and properties. The so-called 'white layer' in steel forms during high strain rate deformation and appears featureless under optical microscopy. While many researchers have investigated the formation of the white layer, there has been no definitive study, nor is there sufficient evidence to fully explain the formation, structure and properties of the layer. In this study, the formation, morphology and mechanical properties of the white layer was determined following impact testing, using a combination of optical and SE- microscopy, HR-EBSD, TKD and TEM as well as nano-indentation hardness measurements and FE modelling. The phase transformation and recrystallization within and near the white layer was also investigated. The microstructure of the steel in the white layer consisted of nano-sized grains of martensite. A very thin layer of austenite with nano sized grains was identified within the white layer by HR-EBSD techniques, the presence of which is attributed to a thermally-induced reverse phase transformation. Overall, the combination of phase transformations, strain hardening and grain refinement led to a hybrid structure and an increase in hardness of the white layer.

Strong White Photoluminescence from Carbon-Incorporated Silicon Oxide Fabricated by Preferential Oxidation of Silicon in Nano-Structured Si:C Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasin, Andriy V.; Ishikawa, Yukari; Shibata, Noriyoshi; Salonen, Jarno; Lehto, Vesa-Pekka

2007-05-01

A new approach to development of light-emitting SiO2:C layers on Si wafer is demonstrated. Carbon-incorporated silicon oxide was fabricated by three-step procedure: (1) formation of the porous silicon (por-Si) layer by ordinary anodization in HF:ethanol solution; (2) carbonization at 1000 °C in acetylene flow (formation of por-Si:C layer); (3) oxidation in the flow of moisturized argon at 800 °C (formation of SiO2:C layer). Resulting SiO2:C layer exhibited very strong and stable white photoluminescence at room temperature. It is shown that high reactivity of water vapor with nano-crystalline silicon and inertness with amorphous carbon play a key role in the formation of light-emitting SiO2:C layer.

[Effects of fire recurrence on fire behaviour in cork oak woodlands (Quercus suber L.) and Mediterranean shrublands over the last fifty years].

PubMed

Schaffhauser, Alice; Pimont, François; Curt, Thomas; Cassagne, Nathalie; Dupuy, Jean-Luc; Tatoni, Thierry

2015-12-01

Past fire recurrence impacts the vegetation structure, and it is consequently hypothesized to alter its future fire behaviour. We examined the fire behaviour in shrubland-forest mosaics of southeastern France, which were organized along a range of fire frequency (0 to 3-4 fires along the past 50 years) and had different time intervals between fires. The mosaic was dominated by Quercus suber L. and Erica-Cistus shrubland communities. We described the vegetation structure through measurements of tree height, base of tree crown or shrub layer, mean diameter, cover, plant water content and bulk density. We used the physical model Firetec to simulate the fire behaviour. Fire intensity, fire spread, plant water content and biomass loss varied significantly according to fire recurrence and vegetation structure, mainly linked to the time since the last fire, then the number of fires. These results confirm that past fire recurrence affects future fire behaviour, with multi-layered vegetation (particularly high shrublands) producing more intense fires, contrary to submature Quercus woodlands that have not burnt since 1959 and that are unlikely to reburn. Further simulations, with more vegetation scenes according to shrub and canopy covers, will complete this study in order to discuss the fire propagation risk in heterogeneous vegetation, particularly in the Mediterranean area, with a view to a local management of these ecosystems. Copyright © 2015 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Trowelable ablative coating composition and method of use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Headrick, Stephen E. (Inventor); Hill, Roger L. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A trowelable ablative coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises an epoxy resin, an amide curing agent, glass microspheres and ground cork. A method for protecting a substrate is also disclosed. The method comprises applying the trowelable ablative coating discussed above to a substrate and curing the coating composition.

Trowelable ablative coating composition and method of use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Headrick, Stephen E. (Inventor); Hill, Roger L. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

A trowelable ablative coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises an epoxy resin, an amide curing agent, glass microspheres and ground cork. A method for protecting a substrate is also disclosed. The method comprises applying the trowelable ablative coating discussed above to a substrate and curing the coating composition.

7 CFR 319.37-8 - Growing media.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... plants) established solely on tree fern slabs, coconut husks, coconut fiber, new clay pots, or new wooden...) Approved growing media are baked expanded clay pellets, coal cinder, coir, cork, glass wool, organic and... this section; (ii) Grown solely in a greenhouse in which sanitary procedures adequate to exclude plant...

Multiple Intelligences: Curriculum and Assessment Project. Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyland, Aine, Ed.

2011-01-01

The "Multiple Intelligences, Curriculum and Assessment Project" at University College Cork was a collaborative project carried out between 1995 and 1999. The key research question focused on whether Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences could be applied to, and enhance, aspects of curriculum and assessment at primary and…

A Multivariate Test of the Bott Hypothesis in an Urban Irish Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Michael; Downing, Helen

1978-01-01

Using a sample of 686 married Irish women in Cork City the Bott hypothesis was tested, and the results of a multivariate regression analysis revealed that neither network connectedness nor the strength of the respondent's emotional ties to the network had any explanatory power. (Author)

Irish Adult Learners' Perceptions of Classroom Environment: Some Empirical Findings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O Fathaigh, Mairtin

1997-01-01

Adult learners (n=532) at University College Cork (Ireland) identified the following features of a positive affective learning environment: teacher's key role in class organization and pace, healthy interpersonal interaction among students, and focused cognitive environment. Older learners were particularly sensitive to six of seven dimensions of…

7 CFR 51.1319 - Injury.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...-fourths inch in diameter. 2 (2) Hail marks or other similar depressions or scars which are not very...) Cork spot when a pear shows depressions or the flesh of the pear is more than slightly affected. (4... depressions, or any stings which materially affect the general appearance of the fruit. (6) Blister mite or...

7 CFR 51.1319 - Injury.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...-fourths inch in diameter. 2 (2) Hail marks or other similar depressions or scars which are not very...) Cork spot when a pear shows depressions or the flesh of the pear is more than slightly affected. (4... depressions, or any stings which materially affect the general appearance of the fruit. (6) Blister mite or...

7 CFR 319.37-8 - Growing media.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... offer for importation into the United States shall be free of sand, soil, earth, and other growing media...) Approved growing media are baked expanded clay pellets, coal cinder, coir, cork, glass wool, organic and... pests, and other plant pests. The greenhouse must be free from sand and soil and must have screening...

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.

Influence of temperature and molecular structure on ionic liquid solvation layers.

PubMed

Wakeham, Deborah; Hayes, Robert; Warr, Gregory G; Atkin, Rob

2009-04-30

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) force profiling is used to investigate the structure of adsorbed and solvation layers formed on a mica surface by various room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), ethanolammonium nitrate (EtAN), ethylammonium formate (EAF), propylammonium formate (PAF), ethylmethylammonium formate (EMAF), and dimethylethylammonium formate (DMEAF). At least seven layers are observed for EAN at 14 degrees C (melting point 13 degrees C), decreasing as the temperature is increased to 30 degrees C due to thermal energy disrupting solvophobic forces that lead to segregation of cation alkyl tails from the charged ammonium and nitrate moieties. The number and properties of the solvation layers can also be controlled by introducing an alcohol moiety to the cation's alkyl tail (EtAN), or by replacing the nitrate anion with formate (EAF and PAF), even leading to the detection of distinct cation and anion sublayers. Substitution of primary by secondary or tertiary ammonium cations reduces the number of solvation layers formed, and also weakens the cation layer adsorbed onto mica. The observed solvation and adsorbed layer structures are discussed in terms of the intermolecular cohesive forces within the ILs.

Formation mechanism of the protective layer in a blast furnace hearth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Ke-xin; Zhang, Jian-liang; Liu, Zheng-jian; Xu, Meng; Liu, Feng

2015-10-01

A variety of techniques, such as chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, were applied to characterize the adhesion protective layer formed below the blast furnace taphole level when a certain amount of titanium- bearing burden was used. Samples of the protective layer were extracted to identify the chemical composition, phase assemblage, and distribution. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the protective layer was determined after clarifying the source of each component. Finally, a technical strategy was proposed for achieving a stable protective layer in the hearth. The results show that the protective layer mainly exists in a bilayer form in the sidewall, namely, a titanium-bearing layer and a graphite layer. Both the layers contain the slag phase whose major crystalline phase is magnesium melilite (Ca2MgSi2O7) and the main source of the slag phase is coke ash. It is clearly determined that solid particles such as graphite, Ti(C,N) and MgAl2O4 play an important role in the formation of the protective layer, and the key factor for promoting the formation of a stable protective layer is reasonable control of the evolution behavior of coke.

36. Photocopy of photograph (original print located in LBNL Photo ...

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

36. Photocopy of photograph (original print located in LBNL Photo Lab Collection). Photographer unknown. September 21, 1956. BEV-1154. DISCOVERERS OF ANTI-NEUTRON--(L. to R.) W. WENZEL, B. CORK, G. LAMBERTSON, AND O. PICCIONI, WITH FOCUS MAGNET. B-51. - University of California Radiation Laboratory, Bevatron, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, Alameda County, CA

Supergranular waves revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langfellner, Jan; Birch, Aaron; Gizon, Laurent

2017-08-01

Solar supergranules remain a mysterious phenomenon, half a century after their discovery. One particularly interesting aspect of supergranulation is its wave-like nature detected in Fourier space. Using SDO/HMI local helioseismology and granulation tracking, we provide new evidence for supergranular waves. We also discuss their influence on the evolution of the network magnetic field using cork simulations.

Developing Tomorrows Engineers: A Case Study in Instrument Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonnell, Liam; O'Neill, Donal

2009-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to outline the challenges facing industry and educational institutions in educating and training instrument engineers against a backdrop of declining interest by secondary school students in mathematics and physics. This case study cites the experience and strategies of the Kentz Group and Cork Institute…

Using Structure-Based Organic Chemistry Online Tutorials with Automated Correction for Student Practice and Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Sullivan, Timothy P.; Hargaden, Gra´inne C.

2014-01-01

This article describes the development and implementation of an open-access organic chemistry question bank for online tutorials and assessments at University College Cork and Dublin Institute of Technology. SOCOT (structure-based organic chemistry online tutorials) may be used to supplement traditional small-group tutorials, thereby allowing…

Apparatus for Teaching Physics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gottlieb, Herbert H., Ed.

1979-01-01

Describes the following: a device which converts the displacement of a pendulum into an electric signal and is used as a voltage generator of low frequencies; a turn-by-turn transformer demonstration; how to remove the buoyant force on a piece of cork immersed in water; and how to demonstrate Coulomb's Law on the overhead projector. (GA)

Certification as a SOTL Process: Some Steps along the Way

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarthy, Marian

2009-01-01

Certificated Courses in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, provide opportunities for faculty to develop a culture of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). The Teaching and Learning Centre runs a Certificate, Diploma and Master's Programme which is grounded in a SoTL philosophy. Central to…

Children and Global Diversity: Collaborative Development of Learning Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Riordan, Jacqui; Martin, Shirley; Horgan, Deirdre; Murray, Ruth; Shore, Caroline

2009-01-01

This paper explores the work of an ongoing research project at University College Cork (UCC) which has sought to further the understanding of students in the BA Early Childhood Studies (BAECS) programme on issues of global diversity, set within childhood contexts. It tracks the process of development of the project thus far, highlighting key…

Rooting Responses of Three Oak Species to Low Oxygen Stress

Treesearch

Karel A. Jacobs; James D. MacDonald; Alison M. Berry; Laurence R. Costello

1997-01-01

Rooting characteristics were compared in blue (Q. douglasii), valley (Q. lobata), and cork oak (Q. suber) seedlings under hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions. A 50 percent reduction in root growth occurred in all species at an oxygen level of 4 percent, or an oxygen diffusion rate of 0.3 mg cm-2...

First report of tomato spotted wilt virus causing potato tuber necrosis in Texas

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In the summer of 2008, potato tubers (cv FL1867, FL2053, and FL1922) from commercial fields near Dalhart, Texas were observed with distinct external erumpent rings and severe internal discolorations including blotches, spots, and dry, cork-like tissue. The presence of rings suggested the possible i...

The Ecology and Acoustic Behavior of Minke Whales in the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

with similar acoustic behaviors. RELATED PROJECTS Related projects are being conducted by Len Thomas, Vincent Janik, and Steve Martin. These...Cork, Ireland. 15-20 Aug. (Proceedings to be published by Springer). Marques, T.A., L. Thomas, S.W. Martin, D.K. Mellinger, S. Jarvis , R.P

7 CFR 319.37-8 - Growing media.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... shall be free of sand, soil, earth, and other growing media, except as provided in paragraph (b), (c..., coir, cork, glass wool, organic and inorganic fibers, peat, perlite, phenol formaldehyde, plastic... greenhouse must be free from sand and soil and must have screening with openings of not more than 0.6 mm (0.2...

7 CFR 319.37-8 - Growing media.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... shall be free of sand, soil, earth, and other growing media, except as provided in paragraph (b), (c..., coir, cork, glass wool, organic and inorganic fibers, peat, perlite, phenol formaldehyde, plastic... greenhouse must be free from sand and soil and must have screening with openings of not more than 0.6 mm (0.2...

7 CFR 319.37-8 - Growing media.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... shall be free of sand, soil, earth, and other growing media, except as provided in paragraph (b), (c..., coir, cork, glass wool, organic and inorganic fibers, peat, perlite, phenol formaldehyde, plastic... greenhouse must be free from sand and soil and must have screening with openings of not more than 0.6 mm (0.2...

Microbial life in cold, hydrologically active oceanic crustal fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, J. L.; Jaekel, U.; Girguis, P. R.; Glazer, B. T.; Huber, J. A.

2012-12-01

It is estimated that at least half of Earth's microbial biomass is found in the deep subsurface, yet very little is known about the diversity and functional roles of these microbial communities due to the limited accessibility of subseafloor samples. Ocean crustal fluids, which may have a profound impact on global nutrient cycles given the large volumes of water moving through the crustal aquifer, are particularly difficult to sample. Access to uncontaminated ocean crustal fluids is possible with CORK (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit) observatories, installed through the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). Here we present the first microbiological characterization of the formation fluids from cold, oxygenated igneous crust at North Pond on the western flank of the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Fluids were collected from two CORKs installed at IODP boreholes 1382A and 1383C and include fluids from three different depth horizons within oceanic crust. Collection of borehole fluids was monitored in situ using an oxygen optode and solid-state voltammetric electrodes. In addition, discrete samples were analyzed on deck using a comparable lab-based system as well as a membrane-inlet mass spectrometer to quantify all dissolved volatiles up to 200 daltons. The instruments were operated in parallel and both in situ and shipboard geochemical measurements point to a highly oxidized fluid, revealing an apparent slight depletion of oxygen in subsurface fluids (~215μM) relative to bottom seawater (~245μM). We were unable to detect reduced hydrocarbons, e.g. methane. Cell counts indicated the presence of roughly 2 x 10^4 cells per ml in all fluid samples, and DNA was extracted and amplified for the identification of both bacterial and archaeal community members. The utilization of ammonia, nitrate, dissolved inorganic carbon, and acetate was measured using stable isotopes, and oxygen consumption was monitored to provide an estimate of the rate of respiration per cell per day. These results provide the first dataset describing the diversity of microbes present in cold, oxygenated ocean crustal fluids and the biogeochemical processes they mediate in the subseafloor.

Use of Several Thermal Analysis Techniques on a Hypalon Paint Coating for the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) of the Space Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wingard, Charles D.; Whitaker, Ann F. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

White Hypalon paint is brush-applied as a moisture barrier coating over cork surfaces on each of the two Space Shuttle SRBs. Fine cracks have been observed in the Hypalon coating three times historically on laboratory witness panels, but never on flight hardware. Samples of the cracked and standard ("good") Hypalon were removed from witness panel cork surfaces, and were tested in 1998 by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), TMA and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis techniques. The TGA data showed that at 700C, where only paint pigment solids remain, the cracked material had about 9 weight percent more material remaining than the standard material, probably indicating incomplete mixing of the paint before it was brush-applied to produce the cracked material. Use of the TMA film/fiber technique showed that the average modulus (stiffness) vs. temperature was about 3 to 6 times higher for the cracked material than for the standard material. The TMA data also showed that an increase in coating thickness for the cracked Hypalon was not a factor in the anomaly.

A soft X-ray source based on a low divergence, high repetition rate ultraviolet laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, E. A.; Hoffman, A. L.; Milroy, R. D.; Quimby, D. C.; Albrecht, G. F.

The CORK code is utilized to evaluate the applicability of low divergence ultraviolet lasers for efficient production of soft X-rays. The use of the axial hydrodynamic code wih one ozone radial expansion to estimate radial motion and laser energy is examined. The calculation of ionization levels of the plasma and radiation rates by employing the atomic physics and radiation model included in the CORK code is described. Computations using the hydrodynamic code to determine the effect of laser intensity, spot size, and wavelength on plasma electron temperature are provided. The X-ray conversion efficiencies of the lasers are analyzed. It is observed that for a 1 GW laser power the X-ray conversion efficiency is a function of spot size, only weakly dependent on pulse length for time scales exceeding 100 psec, and better conversion efficiencies are obtained at shorter wavelengths. It is concluded that these small lasers focused to 30 micron spot sizes and 10 to the 14th W/sq cm intensities are useful sources of 1-2 keV radiation.

Collecting Currents with Water Turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, J.; Allen, S.

2017-12-01

Our science poster is inspired by Florida Atlantic University's recent program to develop three types of renewable energy. They are using water turbines and the Gulf Stream Current to produce a renewable energy source. Wave, tidal and current driven energy. Our poster is called "Collecting Currents with Water Turbines". In our science poster, the purpose was to see which turbine design could produce the most power. We tested three different variables, the number of blades (four, six, and eight), the material of the blades and the shape of the blades. To test which number of blades produced the most power we cut slits into a cork. We used plastic from a soda bottle to make the blades and then we put the blades in the cork to make the turbines. We observed each blade and how much time it took for the water turbines to pull up 5 pennies. Currently water turbines are used in dams to make hydroelectric energy. But with FAU we could understand how to harness the Gulf Stream current off Florida's coast we could soon have new forms of renewable energy.

Use of porous materials to remove oil contaminants from water.

PubMed

Gołub, Adam; Piekutin, Janina

2018-06-15

The purpose of the research was to remove petroleum substances from water using porous materials. Birch bark, cork, glass wool and polyurethane foam were used for the study. The model solution was distilled water enriched with a mixture of petrol and diesel fuel in a volume ratio of 1:3. The model water used had 3 different concentrations of oil substances. The research included petroleum substances expressed as mineral oil index and aliphatic hydrocarbons, n-alkanes (from C7H16 to C38H78). The process of oil substances removal was carried out applying two methods: static and dynamic. Based on the research, it was found that materials the most effective in lowering the index of mineral oil and C7H16-C38H78 n-alkane concentrations were both birch bark and glass wool, both static and dynamic, while cork and polyurethane foam were less effective. In addition, concentration of C7H16-C38H78 n-alkanes was lowered in each measurement series to a greater extent than the mineral oil index. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations

DOEpatents

Li, Ruijian [Katy, TX; Karanikas, John Michael [Houston, TX

2009-07-21

A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.

Effects of cadmium on cork oak (Quercus suber L.) plants grown in hydroponics.

PubMed

Gogorcena, Yolanda; Larbi, Ajmi; Andaluz, Sofia; Carpena, Ramón O; Abadía, Anunciación; Abadía, Javier

2011-12-01

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) is an autochthonous tree species that is being used for reforestation in heavy-metal-contaminated areas in Spain. A hydroponics experiment was carried out to characterize the effects of Cd on several morphological and physiological parameters in this species, including shoot length, nutrient concentrations and allocation in different organs, leaf pigment concentrations, photosynthetic efficiency, root ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity and organic acid concentrations in xylem sap. Four different Cd treatments were applied, adding Cd chelated with EDTA or as chloride salt at two different concentrations (10 and 50 µM Cd). After 1 month of Cd treatment, plant growth was significantly inhibited in all treatments. Results indicate that Cd accumulates in all organs 7- to 500-fold when compared with control plants. The highest Cd concentration was found in the 50 µM CdCl(2) treatment, which led to concentrations of ~30, 123 and 1153 µg Cd g(-1) dry weight in leaves, stems and roots, respectively. In the strongest Cd treatments the concentrations of P and Ca decreased in some plant parts, whereas the Mn leaf concentrations decreased with three of the four Cd treatments applied. The concentrations of chlorophyll and carotenoids on an area basis decreased, whereas the (zeaxanthin plus antheraxanthin)/(total violaxanthin cycle carotenoids) ratio and the non-photochemical quenching increased significantly in all Cd treatments. Cadmium treatments caused significant increases in the activity of the enzyme FCR in roots and in the concentrations of organic acids in xylem sap. Some of the physiological changes found support the fact that Cd induces a deficiency of Fe in cork oak, although the plant Fe concentrations were not reduced significantly. At higher concentrations the effects of Cd were more pronounced, and were more marked when Cd was in the free ion form than when present in the form of Cd-EDTA.

CORKSCREW 2013 CORK study of children's realistic estimation of weight.

PubMed

Skrobo, Darko; Kelleher, Gemma

2015-01-01

In a resuscitation situation involving a child (age 1-15 years) it is crucial to obtain a weight as most interventions and management depend on it. The APLS formula, '2×(age+4)', is taught via the APLS course and is widely used in Irish hospitals. As the prevalence of obesity is increasing the accuracy of the formula has been questioned and a newer formula has been suggested, the Luscombe and Owens (LO) formula, '(3×age)+7'. To gather data on the weights and ages of the Cork paediatric population (ages 1-15 years) attending services at the Cork University Hospital (CUH), and to identify which of the two age-based weight estimation formulae has best diagnostic accuracy. CUH, Ireland's only level one trauma centre. Retrospective data collection from charts in the Emergency Department, Paediatric Assessment Unit and the Paediatric wards of CUH. 3155 children aged 1-15 years were included in the study. There were 1344 girls and 1811 boys. The formula weight='2×(age+4)' underestimated children's weights by a mean of 20.3% (95% CI 19.7% to 20.9%) for the ages of 1-15 years. The LO formula weight='(3×age)+7' showed a mean underestimation of 4.0% (95% CI 3.3% to 4.6%) for the same age range. The LO formula has been validated in several studies and proven to be a superior age-based weight estimation formula in many western emergency departments. This study shows that the LO formula leads to less underestimation of weights in Irish children than the APLS formula. It is a simple, safe and more accurate age-based estimation formula that can be used over a large age range (1-15 years). Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Innovative design of composite structures: Use of curvilinear fiber format to improve structural efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyer, M. W.; Charette, R. F.

1987-01-01

To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of fiber-reinforced materials, the use of fibers in a curvilinear rather than the traditional straightline format is explored. The capacity of a laminated square plate with a central circular hole loaded in tension is investigated. The orientation of the fibers is chosen so that the fibers in a particular layer are aligned with the principle stress directions in that layer. Finite elements and an iteration scheme are used to find the fiber orientation. A noninteracting maximum strain criterion is used to predict load capacity. The load capacities of several plates with different curvilinear fibers format are compared with the capacities of more conventional straightline format designs. It is found that the most practical curvilinear design sandwiches a group of fibers in a curvilinear format between a pair of +/-45 degree layers. This design has a 60% greater load capacity than a conventional quasi-isotropic design with the same number of layers. The +/-45 degree layers are necessary to prevent matrix cracking in the curvilinear layers due to stresses perpendicular to the fibers in those layers. Greater efficiencies are achievable with composite structures than now realized.

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.

Structural, optical and compositional stability of MoS2 multi-layer flakes under high dose electron beam irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rotunno, E.; Fabbri, F.; Cinquanta, E.; Kaplan, D.; Longo, M.; Lazzarini, L.; Molle, A.; Swaminathan, V.; Salviati, G.

2016-06-01

MoS2 multi-layer flakes, exfoliated from geological molybdenite, have been exposed to high dose electron irradiation showing clear evidence of crystal lattice and stoichiometry modifications. A massive surface sulfur depletion is induced together with the consequent formation of molybdenum nanoislands. It is found that a nanometric amorphous carbon layer, unwillingly deposited during the transmission electron microscope experiments, prevents the formation of the nanoislands. In the absence of the carbon layer, the formation of molybdenum grains proceeds both on the top and bottom surfaces of the flake. If carbon is present on both the surfaces then the formation of Mo grains is completely prevented.

Exploring an Undergraduate Public Health Learning Environment through the Teaching for Understanding (TfU) Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacLeod, Fiona

2009-01-01

Background: The BSc Public Health and Health Promotion at University College Cork (UCC) aims to produce graduates who are passionate about their discipline. Teachers need to communicate this "passion" to students, but it can be difficult to know whether this has been achieved. The TFU framework makes such an outcome explicit, through…

Clinical Linguistics: Conversational Reflections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crystal, David

2013-01-01

This is a report of the main points I made in an informal "conversation" with Paul Fletcher and the audience at the 14th ICPLA conference in Cork. The observations arose randomly, as part of an unstructured 1-h Q&A, so they do not provide a systematic account of the subject, but simply reflect the issues which were raised by the conference…

Use of Mobile Applications for Hospital Discharge Letters: Improving Handover at Point of Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maher, Bridget; Drachsler, Hendrik; Kalz, Marco; Hoare, Cathal; Sorensen, Humphrey; Lezcano, Leonardo; Henn, Pat; Specht, Marcus

2013-01-01

Handover of patient care is a time of particular risk and it is important that accurate and relevant information is clearly communicated. The hospital discharge letter is an important part of handover. However, the quality of hospital discharge letters is variable and letters frequently omit important information. The Cork Letter-Writing…

The Importance and Benefits of Supervision in Youth Work Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkinson, Hilary

2009-01-01

This article explores the concept of supervision and its implementation within a youth work context. The article describes and explores a process of staff development facilitated by the author which involved providing supervision training to a group of youth work practitioners at Cork YMCA in Ireland and continuing to meet them on a monthly basis…

What Young People Say about Physical Activity: The Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tannehill, Deborah; MacPhail, Ann; Walsh, Julia; Woods, Catherine

2015-01-01

The Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) study is a unique multi-centre/discipline study undertaken by three Irish institutions, Dublin City University, University of Limerick and University College Cork. The study sought to assess participation in physical activity, physical education and sport (PAPES) among 10-18 year…

Perceptual Supports for Correspondence in the Conservation of Number. Developmental Program Report No. 51.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Patricia H.; West, Richard F.

A total of 72 kindergarteners received eight conservation of number trials which varied in the degree of perceptual support for one-to-one correspondence (four levels) and type of stimuli (toy animals or corks). A between-subjects variable was the method of presentation (standard conservation presentation, a partially fixed array, or a fixed…

From County Cork to New York: The Emigration of Megan O'Rourke (A Work of Historical Fiction).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Social Education, 2000

2000-01-01

Presents the story of Megan O'Rourke and her family from their life in Ireland, the experience of living through the Great Irish Famine, and their journey to New York City. States that this is a work of historical fiction. Includes a glossary of terms, questions, and activities. (CMK)

The R. J. Reynolds'"Smokeless Cigarette": Pancea or New Public Health Menace?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slade, John

The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is planning to introduce a so-called "smokeless cigarette". This product called Premier is an aluminum cylinder filled with porous alumina beads, corked with charcoal. The company has strongly hinted that the cigarette will provide the user with a dose of nicotine adequate to sustain nicotine dependence…

Formation Energies of Native Point Defects in Strained layer Superlattices (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-05

AFRL-RX-WP-JA-2017-0440 FORMATION ENERGIES OF NATIVE POINT DEFECTS IN STRAINED-LAYER SUPERLATTICES (POSTPRINT) Zhi Gang Yu...2017 Interim 11 September 2013 – 31 May 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE FORMATION ENERGIES OF NATIVE POINT DEFECTS IN STRAINED-LAYER SUPERLATTICES...Hamiltonian, tight-binding Hamiltonian, and Green’s function techniques to obtain energy levels arising from native point defects (NPDs) in InAs-GaSb and

A Survey of Melting Layer Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-04

melting layer done over the past 40 years, or since Findeisen (1940) 14 first looked at isothermal layers in the atmosphere at temperatures close to 0°C...Atmospheric Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, 204 pp. 14. Findeisen , W. (1940) The formation of the 00C-isothermal layer and fracto...Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, 204 pp. 14. Findeisen , W. (1940) The formation of the 0°C-isothermal layer and fracto- cumulus under nimbostratus, Met. Zeit 57

Formation mechanism of photo-induced nested wrinkles on siloxane-photomonomer hybrid film

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

Suzuki, Kazumasa; International Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology; Laboratorio di Scienz

Nested wrinkle structures, hierarchical surface wrinkles of different periodicities of sub-μm and tens-μm, have been fabricated on a siloxane-photomonomer hybrid film via a photo-induced surface polymerization of acrylamide. The formation mechanism of the nested wrinkle structures is examined based on a time-dependent structure observation and chemical composition analyses. In-situ observation of the evolving surface structure showed that sub-μm scale wrinkles first formed, subsequently the tens-μm scale ones did. In-situ FT-IR analysis indicated that the nested wrinkles formation took place along with the development of siloxane network of under layer. A cross sectional observation of the film revealed that the filmmore » was composed of three layers. FT-IR spectra of the film revealed that the surface and interior layers were polyacrylamide rich layer and siloxane-polymer rich layer, respectively. The intermediate layer formed as a diffusion layer by migration of acrylamide from interior to the surface. These three layers have different chemical compositions and therefore different mechanical characteristics, which allows the wrinkle formation. Shrinkage of siloxane-polymer interior layers, as a result of polycondensation of siloxane network, induced mechanical instabilities at interlayers, to form the nested wrinkle structures.« less

Effects of Burning Conditions to the Formation of Gold Layer Photograph and Gold Layer Hologram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuge, Ken'ichi; Takahashi, Ataru; Harada, Takahito; Doi, Keiji; Sakai, Tomoko

Burning stage from gold nanoparticles to gold layer in the formation process of gold-layer photograph using gold deposition development was investigated. The gelatin layer holding gold nanoparticles is carbonized at about 400°C and burned out until about 500°C. Because gold nanoparticles would be compressed only to vertical direction and then melt to form the gold layer, the gold-layer photograph still holds the high resolution. Gold nanoparaticles do not melt completely even at 900°C, and form continuous clusters of several hundred nm.

Wounding coordinately induces cell wall protein, cell cycle and pectin methyl esterase genes involved in tuber closing layer and wound periderm development.

PubMed

Neubauer, Jonathan D; Lulai, Edward C; Thompson, Asunta L; Suttle, Jeffrey C; Bolton, Melvin D

2012-04-15

Little is known about the coordinate induction of genes that may be involved in agriculturally important wound-healing events. In this study, wound-healing events were determined together with wound-induced expression profiles of selected cell cycle, cell wall protein, and pectin methyl esterase genes using two diverse potato genotypes and two harvests (NDTX4271-5R and Russet Burbank tubers; 2008 and 2009 harvests). By 5 d after wounding, the closing layer and a nascent phellogen had formed. Phellogen cell divisions generated phellem layers until cessation of cell division at 28 d after wounding for both genotypes and harvests. Cell cycle genes encoding epidermal growth factor binding protein (StEBP), cyclin-dependent kinase B (StCDKB) and cyclin-dependent kinase regulatory subunit (StCKS1At) were induced by 1 d after wounding; these expressions coordinated with related phellogen formation and the induction and cessation of phellem cell formation. Genes encoding the structural cell wall proteins extensin (StExt1) and extensin-like (StExtlk) were dramatically up-regulated by 1-5 d after wounding, suggesting involvement with closing layer and later phellem cell layer formation. Wounding up-regulated pectin methyl esterase genes (StPME and StPrePME); StPME expression increased during closing layer and phellem cell formation, whereas maximum expression of StPrePME occurred at 5-14 d after wounding, implicating involvement in later modifications for closing layer and phellem cell formation. The coordinate induction and expression profile of StTLRP, a gene encoding a cell wall strengthening "tyrosine-and lysine-rich protein," suggested a role in the formation of the closing layer followed by phellem cell generation and maturation. Collectively, the genes monitored were wound-inducible and their expression profiles markedly coordinated with closing layer formation and the index for phellogen layer meristematic activity during wound periderm development; results were more influenced by harvest than genotype. Importantly, StTLRP was the only gene examined that may be involved in phellogen cell wall thickening after cessation of phellogen cell division. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

75 FR 30427 - Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items: University of Idaho, Alfred W. Bowers Laboratory...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-01

... vulgare shell, one-end rounded cork, and one bone whistle. This site is located within the area ceded by... Silver, Idaho State Archaeological Society). In addition to being a funerary object, the bone whistle has been described as possibly sacred. Bone whistles are used in special ceremonies, and may have been...

Motives and Suicide Intent Underlying Hospital Treated Deliberate Self-Harm and Their Association with Repetition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McAuliffe, Carmel; Arensman, Ella; Keeley, Helen S.; Corcoran, Paul; Fitzgerald, Anthony P.

2007-01-01

The association between motives for deliberate self-harm (DSH), level of suicide intent, and history of DSH is poorly understood. As part of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behavior, the Suicide Intent Scale, and the Motives for Parasuicide Questionnaire were administered to 146 patients presenting with DSH in the Cork region in…

Clinical linguistics: conversational reflections.

PubMed

Crystal, David

2013-04-01

This is a report of the main points I made in an informal "conversation" with Paul Fletcher and the audience at the 14th ICPLA conference in Cork. The observations arose randomly, as part of an unstructured 1-h Q&A, so they do not provide a systematic account of the subject, but simply reflect the issues which were raised by the conference participants during that time.

Spatial Reflexivity and Undergraduate Transitions in the Republic of Ireland after the Celtic Tiger

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cairns, David; Growiec, Katarzyna; Smyth, Jim

2012-01-01

This article explores the geographical mobility intentions of students aged between 18 and 24 years in the Republic of Ireland after the end of the economic boom commonly referred to as the "Celtic Tiger". Focusing upon a sample of undergraduates in Dublin and Cork, the article looks at how many respondents intend to move abroad in the…

"I Am a Human Being like You": An Identification Strategy to Maintain Continuity in a Cultural Contact Zone

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Sullivan-Lago, Ria; de Abreu, Guida; Burgess, Mark

2008-01-01

In this article, we discuss a qualitative study carried out in a cultural contact zone. Irish nationals, immigrants, and asylum seekers in Cork, Ireland, were interviewed about their cultural identities and future trajectories. Cultural Continuity theory was used as a model to offer an insight into the processes and strategies of the Dialogical…

Flight motor set 360L001 (STS-26R). Volume 1: System overview, revision A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garecht, Diane M.

1990-01-01

The NASA space shuttle flight STS-26R, launched at 11:37.00.009 am, EDT on 29 Sep. 1988, used the redesigned solid rocket motors (RSRM) 360L001A and 360L001B. Evaluation of the ground environment instrumentation (GEI) data recorded prior to flight showed no launch commit criteria violations; that the field joint heater and aft skirt thermal conditioning systems performed adequately; and that the GEI data showed good agreement with thermal model predictions. Evaluation of the developmental flight instrumentation (DFI) revealed excellent agreement with both the predicted and required ballistic specifications. All parameters were well within the GEI specification requirements including propellant burn rates, specific impulse values, and thrust imbalance. Recorded strain values also indicated satisfactory radial growth and stress levels, as well as verification of adequate safety factors. Postflight inspection of the insulation, seals, case, and nozzles showed overall excellent performance. Some thermal DFI protective cork was missing, and inoperative field joint vent valves on the thermal protection cork allowed water entry into the field joints upon splashdown. Evaluation of these anomalies, as well as complete evaluation of all Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor components, is contained.

Flight motor set 360L001 (STS-26R), volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ricks, Glen A.

1988-01-01

The NASA space shuttle flight STS-26R, launched at 11:37.00.009 a.m. EDT on 29 Sep. 1988, used the redesigned solid rocket motors (RSRM) 360LOO1A and 360LOO1B. Evaluation of the ground environment instrumentation (GEI) data recorded prior to flight showed: (1) no launch commit criteria violations, (2) that the field joint heater and aft skirt thermal conditioning systems performed adequately, and (3) that the GEI data showed good agreement with thermal model predictions. Evaluation of the developmental flight instrumentation (DFI) revealed excellent agreement with both the predicted and required ballistic specifications. All parameters were well within the CEI specification requirements including propellant burn rates, specific impulse values, and thrust imbalance. Recorded strain values also indicated satisfactory radial growth and stress levels, as well as verification of adequate safety factors. Postflight inspection of the insulation, seals, case, and nozzles showed overall excellent performance. Some thermal DFI protective cork was missing, and inoperative field joint vent valves on the thermal protection cork allowed water entry into the field joints upon splashdown. Evaluation of these anomalies, as well as complete evaluation of all RSRM components, is presented.

Use of Several Thermal Analysis Techniques on a Hypalon Paint Coating for the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) of the Space Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wingard, Charles D.

1999-01-01

White Hypalon paint is brush-applied as a moisture barrier coating over cork surfaces on each of the two Space Shuttle SRBS. Fine cracks have been observed in the Hypalon coating three times historically on laboratory witness panels, but never on flight hardware. Recent samples of the cracked and standard ("good") Hypalon were removed from cork surfaces and were tested by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Thermomechanical (TMA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis techniques. The TGA data showed that at 700 C, where only paint pigment solids remain, the cracked material had about 9 weight percent more material remaining than the standard material, probably indicating incomplete mixing of the paint before it was brush-applied to produce the cracked material. Use of the TMA film tension method showed that the average static modulus vs. temperature was about 3 to 6 times higher for the cracked material than for the standard material, indicating a much higher stiffness for the cracked Hypalon. The TMA data also showed than an increased coating thickness for the cracked Hypalon was not a factor in the anomaly.

The influence of radiation-induced vacancy on the formation of thin-film of compound layer during a reactive diffusion process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akintunde, S. O.; Selyshchev, P. A.

2016-05-01

A theoretical approach is developed that describes the formation of a thin-film of AB-compound layer under the influence of radiation-induced vacancy. The AB-compound layer is formed as a result of a chemical reaction between the atomic species of A and B immiscible layers. The two layers are irradiated with a beam of energetic particles and this process leads to several vacant lattice sites creation in both layers due to the displacement of lattice atoms by irradiating particles. A- and B-atoms diffuse via these lattice sites by means of a vacancy mechanism in considerable amount to reaction interfaces A/AB and AB/B. The reaction interfaces increase in thickness as a result of chemical transformation between the diffusing species and surface atoms (near both layers). The compound layer formation occurs in two stages. The first stage begins as an interfacial reaction controlled process, and the second as a diffusion controlled process. The critical thickness and time are determined at a transition point between the two stages. The influence of radiation-induced vacancy on layer thickness, speed of growth, and reaction rate is investigated under irradiation within the framework of the model presented here. The result obtained shows that the layer thickness, speed of growth, and reaction rate increase strongly as the defect generation rate rises in the irradiated layers. It also shows the feasibility of producing a compound layer (especially in near-noble metal silicide considered in this study) at a temperature below their normal formation temperature under the influence of radiation.

Enzyme-assisted growth of nacreous CaCO3/polymer hybrid nanolaminates via the formation of mineral bridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeom, Bongjun; Char, Kookheon

2016-06-01

Laminated nanostructures in nacre have been adopted as models in the fabrication of strong, tough synthetic nanocomposites. However, the utilization of CaCO3 biominerals in these composites is limited by the complexity of the synthesis method for nanosized biominerals. In this study, we use the enzymatic reaction of urease to generate a nanoscale CaCO3 thin film to prepare CaCO3/polymer hybrid nanolaminates. Additional layers of CaCO3 thin film are consecutively grown over the base CaCO3 layer with the intercalation of organic layers. The morphology and crystallinity of the added CaCO3 layers depend strongly on the thickness of the organic layer coated on the underlying CaCO3 layer. When the organic layer is less than 20 nm thick, the amorphous CaCO3 layer is spontaneously transformed into crystalline calcite layer during the growth process. We also observe crystalline continuity between adjacent CaCO3 layers through interconnecting mineral bridges. The formation of these mineral bridges is crucial to the epitaxial growth of CaCO3 layers, similar to the formation of natural nacre.

Preservation of Archaeal Surface Layer Structure During Mineralization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kish, Adrienne; Miot, Jennyfer; Lombard, Carine; Guigner, Jean-Michel; Bernard, Sylvain; Zirah, Séverine; Guyot, François

2016-05-01

Proteinaceous surface layers (S-layers) are highly ordered, crystalline structures commonly found in prokaryotic cell envelopes that augment their structural stability and modify interactions with metals in the environment. While mineral formation associated with S-layers has previously been noted, the mechanisms were unconstrained. Using Sulfolobus acidocaldarius a hyperthermophilic archaeon native to metal-enriched environments and possessing a cell envelope composed only of a S-layer and a lipid cell membrane, we describe a passive process of iron phosphate nucleation and growth within the S-layer of cells and cell-free S-layer “ghosts” during incubation in a Fe-rich medium, independently of metabolic activity. This process followed five steps: (1) initial formation of mineral patches associated with S-layer; (2) patch expansion; (3) patch connection; (4) formation of a continuous mineral encrusted layer at the cell surface; (5) early stages of S-layer fossilization via growth of the extracellular mineralized layer and the mineralization of cytosolic face of the cell membrane. At more advanced stages of encrustation, encrusted outer membrane vesicles are formed, likely in an attempt to remove damaged S-layer proteins. The S-layer structure remains strikingly well preserved even upon the final step of encrustation, offering potential biosignatures to be looked for in the fossil record.

Lithium implantation at low temperature in silicon for sharp buried amorphous layer formation and defect engineering

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

Oliviero, E.; David, M. L.; Beaufort, M. F.

The crystalline-to-amorphous transformation induced by lithium ion implantation at low temperature has been investigated. The resulting damage structure and its thermal evolution have been studied by a combination of Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy channelling (RBS/C) and cross sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM). Lithium low-fluence implantation at liquid nitrogen temperature is shown to produce a three layers structure: an amorphous layer surrounded by two highly damaged layers. A thermal treatment at 400 Degree-Sign C leads to the formation of a sharp amorphous/crystalline interfacial transition and defect annihilation of the front heavily damaged layer. After 600 Degree-Sign C annealing, complete recrystallization takes placemore » and no extended defects are left. Anomalous recrystallization rate is observed with different motion velocities of the a/c interfaces and is ascribed to lithium acting as a surfactant. Moreover, the sharp buried amorphous layer is shown to be an efficient sink for interstitials impeding interstitial supersaturation and {l_brace}311{r_brace} defect formation in case of subsequent neon implantation. This study shows that lithium implantation at liquid nitrogen temperature can be suitable to form a sharp buried amorphous layer with a well-defined crystalline front layer, thus having potential applications for defects engineering in the improvement of post-implantation layers quality and for shallow junction formation.« less

Formation Learning Control of Multiple Autonomous Underwater Vehicles With Heterogeneous Nonlinear Uncertain Dynamics.

PubMed

Yuan, Chengzhi; Licht, Stephen; He, Haibo

2017-09-26

In this paper, a new concept of formation learning control is introduced to the field of formation control of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), which specifies a joint objective of distributed formation tracking control and learning/identification of nonlinear uncertain AUV dynamics. A novel two-layer distributed formation learning control scheme is proposed, which consists of an upper-layer distributed adaptive observer and a lower-layer decentralized deterministic learning controller. This new formation learning control scheme advances existing techniques in three important ways: 1) the multi-AUV system under consideration has heterogeneous nonlinear uncertain dynamics; 2) the formation learning control protocol can be designed and implemented by each local AUV agent in a fully distributed fashion without using any global information; and 3) in addition to the formation control performance, the distributed control protocol is also capable of accurately identifying the AUVs' heterogeneous nonlinear uncertain dynamics and utilizing experiences to improve formation control performance. Extensive simulations have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.

Jet Formation and Penetration Study of Double-Layer Shaped Charge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhe; Jiang, Jian-Wei; Wang, Shu-You; Liu, Han

2018-04-01

A theoretical analysis on detonation wave propagation in a double-layer shaped charge (DLSC) is performed. Numerical simulations using the AUTODYN software are carried out to compare the distinctions between jet formations in DLSC and ordinary shaped charge (OSC), in particular, the OSC made using a higher detonation velocity explosive, which is treated as the outer layer charge in the DLSC. The results show that the improved detonation velocity ratio and radial charge percentage of outer-to-inner layer charge are conducive to the formation of a convergent detonation wave, which contributes to enhancement of jet tip velocity in DLSC. The thickness and mass percentages of liner flowing into jet in DLSC closely follow the exponential distribution along the radial direction, but the percentages in DLSC and the mass of effective jet, which have significant influence on the penetration depth, are lower than those in OSC with the outer layer charge. This implies that the total charge energy is the major factor controlling the effective jet formation, which is confirmed by the verification tests using flash X-ray system and following penetration tests. The numerical simulation and test results compare well, while penetration test results indicate that the performance of DLSC is not better than that of OSC with the outer layer charge, due to the differences in jet formation.

In-situ aging microwave heating synthesis of LTA zeolite layer on mesoporous TiO2 coated porous alumina support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baig, Mirza A.; Patel, Faheemuddin; Alhooshani, Khalid; Muraza, Oki; Wang, Evelyn N.; Laoui, Tahar

2015-12-01

LTA zeolite layer was successfully grown on a superhydrophilic mesoporous titania layer coated onto porous α-alumina substrate. Mesoporous titania layer was formed as an intermediate bridge in the pore size variation between the macroporous α-alumina support and micro-porous LTA zeolite layer. In-situ aging microwave heating synthesis method was utilized to deposit the LTA zeolite layer. Mesoporous titania layer was pre-treated with UV photons and this was observed to have played a major role in improving the surface hydrophilicity of the substrate leading to formation of increased number of Ti-OH groups on the surface. This increase in Ti-OH groups enhanced the interaction between the synthesis gel and the substrate leading to strong attachment of the amorphous gel on the substrate, thus enhancing coverage of the LTA zeolite layer to almost the entire surface of the 1-inch (25.4 mm) diameter membrane. LTA zeolite layer was developed via in-situ aged under microwave irradiation to study the effect of synthesis parameters such as in-situ aging time and synthesis time on the formation of the LTA zeolite layer. Optimized process parameters resulted in the formation of crack-free porous zeolite layer yielding a zeolite-titania-alumina multi-layer membrane with a gradient in porosity.

Influence of carbon on the formation of the surface layer in the process of electroerosion alloying of steel with tungsten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasil'eva, E. V.; Bochkov, V. E.; Mikheev, É. A.; Lyakishev, V. A.; Afanas'eva, T. N.

1983-10-01

With an increase in carbon content in the steel being treated, the thickness of the alloyed layer increases and its microhardness also increases. The carbon exerts a deoxidizing action on the layer being formed and promotes a reduction in the threshold of deerosion and also additional strengthening of the layer as the result of the formation of binary η-carbides.

a Fractal Permeability Model Coupling Boundary-Layer Effect for Tight Oil Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fuyong; Liu, Zhichao; Jiao, Liang; Wang, Congle; Guo, Hu

A fractal permeability model coupling non-flowing boundary-layer effect for tight oil reservoirs was proposed. Firstly, pore structures of tight formations were characterized with fractal theory. Then, with the empirical equation of boundary-layer thickness, Hagen-Poiseuille equation and fractal theory, a fractal torturous capillary tube model coupled with boundary-layer effect was developed, and verified with experimental data. Finally, the parameters influencing effective liquid permeability were quantitatively investigated. The research results show that effective liquid permeability of tight formations is not only decided by pore structures, but also affected by boundary-layer distributions, and effective liquid permeability is the function of fluid type, fluid viscosity, pressure gradient, fractal dimension, tortuosity fractal dimension, minimum pore radius and maximum pore radius. For the tight formations dominated with nanoscale pores, boundary-layer effect can significantly reduce effective liquid permeability, especially under low pressure gradient.

Silicide formation process of Er films with Ta and TaN capping layers.

PubMed

Choi, Juyun; Choi, Seongheum; Kim, Jungwoo; Na, Sekwon; Lee, Hoo-Jeong; Lee, Seok-Hee; Kim, Hyoungsub

2013-12-11

The phase development and defect formation during the silicidation reaction of sputter-deposited Er films on Si with ∼20-nm-thick Ta and TaN capping layers were examined. TaN capping effectively prevented the oxygen incorporation from the annealing atmosphere, which resulted in complete conversion to the ErSi2-x phase. However, significant oxygen penetration through the Ta capping layer inhibited the ErSi2-x formation, and incurred the growth of several Er-Si-O phases, even consuming the ErSi2-x layer formed earlier. Both samples produced a number of small recessed defects at an early silicidation stage. However, large rectangular or square-shaped surface defects, which were either pitlike or pyramidal depending on the capping layer identity, were developed as the annealing temperature increased. The origin of different defect generation mechanisms was suggested based on the capping layer-dependent silicidation kinetics.

Nanoparticle layer deposition for highly controlled multilayer formation based on high- coverage monolayers of nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Liu, Yue; Williams, Mackenzie G.; Miller, Timothy J.; Teplyakov, Andrew V.

2015-01-01

This paper establishes a strategy for chemical deposition of functionalized nanoparticles onto solid substrates in a layer-by-layer process based on self-limiting surface chemical reactions leading to complete monolayer formation within the multilayer system without any additional intermediate layers – nanoparticle layer deposition (NPLD). This approach is fundamentally different from previously established traditional layer-by-layer deposition techniques and is conceptually more similar to well-known atomic and molecular – layer deposition processes. The NPLD approach uses efficient chemical functionalization of the solid substrate material and complementary functionalization of nanoparticles to produce a nearly 100% coverage of these nanoparticles with the use of “click chemistry”. Following this initial deposition, a second complete monolayer of nanoparticles is deposited using a copper-catalyzed “click reaction” with the azide-terminated silica nanoparticles of a different size. This layer-by-layer growth is demonstrated to produce stable covalently-bound multilayers of nearly perfect structure over macroscopic solid substrates. The formation of stable covalent bonds is confirmed spectroscopically and the stability of the multilayers produced is tested by sonication in a variety of common solvents. The 1-, 2- and 3-layer structures are interrogated by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and the thickness of the multilayers formed is fully consistent with that expected for highly efficient monolayer formation with each cycle of growth. This approach can be extended to include a variety of materials deposited in a predesigned sequence on different substrates with a highly conformal filling. PMID:26726273

Formation of porous surface layers in reaction bonded silicon nitride during processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, N. J.; Glasgow, T. K.

1979-01-01

An effort was undertaken to determine if the formation of the generally observed layer of large porosity adjacent to the as-nitride surfaces of reaction bonded silicon nitrides could be prevented during processing. Isostatically pressed test bars were prepared from wet vibratory milled Si powder. Sintering and nitriding were each done under three different conditions:(1) bars directly exposed to the furnance atmosphere; (2) bars packed in Si powder; (3) bars packed in Si3N4 powder. Packing the bars in either Si of Si3N4 powder during sintering retarded formation of the layer of large porosity. Only packing the bars in Si prevented formation of the layer during nitridation. The strongest bars (316 MPa) were those sintered in Si and nitrided in Si3N4 despite their having a layer of large surface porosity; failure initiated at very large pores and inclusions. The alpha/beta ratio was found to be directly proportional to the oxygen content; a possible explanation for this relationship is discussed.

Implementation of a diffusion convection surface evolution model in WallDYN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid, K.

2013-07-01

In thermonuclear fusion experiments with multiple plasma facing materials the formation of mixed materials is inevitable. The formation of these mixed material layers is a dynamic process driven the tight interaction between transport in the plasma scrape off layer and erosion/(re-) deposition at the surface. To track this global material erosion/deposition balance and the resulting formation of mixed material layers the WallDYN code has been developed which couples surface processes and plasma transport. The current surface model in WallDYN cannot fully handle the growth of layers nor does it include diffusion. However at elevated temperatures diffusion is a key process in the formation of mixed materials. To remedy this shortcoming a new surface model has been developed which, for the first time, describes both layer growth/recession and diffusion in a single continuous diffusion/convection equation. The paper will detail the derivation of the new surface model and compare it to TRIDYN calculations.

Architectural Survey of Pence Elementary School, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

classroom floors , replacement acoustical tile drop ceilings, both original pendent ceiling light fixtures and replacement light fixtures, replacement wood...fixed pane transoms above, original door hardware, acoustical tile drop-ceiling, asbestos tile floor , and a metal radiator cover (photos 38-40...119). The corridors have acoustical tile drop-ceilings, concrete block walls, and asbestos tile floors (photo 44). There are several push-pin cork

Temporal dynamics of stem expansion and contraction in savanna trees: withdrawal and recharge of stored water.

Treesearch

Fabian G. Scholz; Sandra J. Bucci; Guillermo Goldstein; Frederick C. Meinzer; Agusto C. Franco; Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm

2008-01-01

Relationships between diel changes in stem expansion and contraction and discharge and refilling of stem water storage tissues were studied in six dominant Neotropical savanna (cerrado) tree species from central Brazil. Two stem tissues were studied, the active xylem or sapwood and the living tissues located between the cambium and the cork, made up predominantly of...

Water absorption and desorption in shuttle ablator and insulation materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitaker, A. F.; Smith, C. F.; Wooden, V. A.; Cothren, B. E.; Gregory, H.

1982-01-01

Shuttle systems ablator and insulation materials underwent water soak with subsequent water desorption in vacuum. Water accumulation in these materials after a soak for 24 hours ranged from +1.1% for orbiter tile to +161% for solid rocket booster MSA-1. After 1 minute in vacuum, water retention ranged from none in the orbiter tile to +70% for solid rocket booster cork.

Five Decades of Adult Education at U.C.C., 1948-1998: From Roman Catholic Social Reconstructionism to Community Partnerships and Empowerment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O Fathaigh, Mairtin; O'Sullivan, Denis

Looking back over the past 5 decades of adult education at University College, Cork, one is struck by the realities of continuity and change as the guiding rationale moved from Roman Catholic reconstructionism to community partnership and empowerment. Structures put in place under President O'Rahilly's sponsorship persisted so robustly they…

An Inexpensive and Versatile Version of Kundt's Tube for Measuring the Speed of Sound in Air

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papacosta, Pangratios; Linscheid, Nathan

2016-01-01

Experiments that measure the speed of sound in air are common in high schools and colleges. In the Kundt's tube experiment, a horizontal air column is adjusted until a resonance mode is achieved for a specific frequency of sound. When this happens, the cork dust in the tube is disturbed at the displacement antinode regions. The location of the…

SeisCORK Engineering Design Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

Stephen, R. A., et al. (1994a), The seafloor borehole array seismic system (SEABASS) and VLF ambient noise, Marine Geophysical Researches, 16, 243...286. Stephen, R. A., et al. (1994b), The Seafloor Borehole Array Seismic System (SEABASS) and VLF Ambient Noise, Marine Geophysical Researches, 16, 243...Contents Executive Summary 4 Introduction 5 General Science Goals and Justification for Borehole Seismology in the Seafloor 6 Validating Surface Seismic

Child Poverty as Public Policy: Direct Provision and Asylum Seeker Children in the Republic of Ireland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fanning, Bryan; Veale, Angela

2004-01-01

This paper evaluates responses to asylum seeker children in Ireland from a child poverty perspective and from that of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It draws upon research undertaken in early 2001 on behalf of the Irish Refugee Council among asylum seeker families with children in Cork, Limerick and Ennis on their…

Role-Play in Literature Lectures: The Students' Assessment of Their Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riain, Isobel Ní; Dawson, Ciarán; McCarthy, Marian

2018-01-01

The following article is based on a piece of qualitative research on the use of role-play in a literature module in the Modern Irish Dept. of University College Cork, Ireland, in 2015. There were 18 students involved in the research. The aim of the research was to investigate if students associate learning with the use of role-play in literature…

Annual Research Progress Report (U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research)

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-09-30

have proven effective clinically (2). Additionally, the model remains the standard for evaluating Pseudomonas vaccines , toxoids (3), parenteral...infusion while five others received a 8.5% crystalline amino acid solution. Liver cork bore biopsies were obtained in selected animals and hepatocyte...been used extensively at this Institute and elsewhere to investigate antimicrobial chemo- therapies (18), vaccines (16) and trauma-associated metabolic

Molecular Organization of the 25S–18S rDNA IGS of Fagus sylvatica and Quercus suber: A Comparative Analysis

PubMed Central

Inácio, Vera; Rocheta, Margarida; Morais-Cecílio, Leonor

2014-01-01

The 35S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) units, repeated in tandem at one or more chromosomal loci, are separated by an intergenic spacer (IGS) containing functional elements involved in the regulation of transcription of downstream rRNA genes. In the present work, we have compared the IGS molecular organizations in two divergent species of Fagaceae, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus suber, aiming to comprehend the evolution of the IGS sequences within the family. Self- and cross-hybridization FISH was done on representative species of the Fagaceae. The IGS length variability and the methylation level of 18 and 25S rRNA genes were assessed in representatives of three genera of this family: Fagus, Quercus and Castanea. The intergenic spacers in Beech and Cork Oak showed similar overall organizations comprising putative functional elements needed for rRNA gene activity and containing a non-transcribed spacer (NTS), a promoter region, and a 5′-external transcribed spacer. In the NTS: the sub-repeats structure in Beech is more organized than in Cork Oak, sharing some short motifs which results in the lowest sequence similarity of the entire IGS; the AT-rich region differed in both spacers by a GC-rich block inserted in Cork Oak. The 5′-ETS is the region with the higher similarity, having nonetheless different lengths. FISH with the NTS-5′-ETS revealed fainter signals in cross-hybridization in agreement with the divergence between genera. The diversity of IGS lengths revealed variants from ∼2 kb in Fagus, and Quercus up to 5.3 kb in Castanea, and a lack of correlation between the number of variants and the number of rDNA loci in several species. Methylation of 25S Bam HI site was confirmed in all species and detected for the first time in the 18S of Q. suber and Q. faginea. These results provide important clues for the evolutionary trends of the rDNA 25S-18S IGS in the Fagaceae family. PMID:24893289

How normative interpretations of climate risk assessment affect local decision-making: an exploratory study at the city scale in Cork, Ireland.

PubMed

McDermott, T K J; Surminski, S

2018-06-13

Urban areas already suffer substantial losses in both economic and human terms from climate-related disasters. These losses are anticipated to grow substantially, in part as a result of the impacts of climate change. In this paper, we investigate the process of translating climate risk data into action for the city level. We apply a commonly used decision-framework as our backdrop and explore where in this process climate risk assessment and normative political judgements intersect. We use the case of flood risk management in Cork city in Ireland to investigate what is needed for translating risk assessment into action at the local city level. Evidence presented is based on focus group discussions at two stakeholder workshops, and a series of individual meetings and phone-discussions with stakeholders involved in local decision-making related to flood risk management and adaptation to climate change, in Ireland. Respondents were chosen on the basis of their expertise or involvement in the decision-making processes locally and nationally. Representatives of groups affected by flood risk and flood risk management and climate adaptation efforts were also included. The Cork example highlights that, despite ever more accurate data and an increasing range of theoretical approaches available to local decision-makers, it is the normative interpretation of this information that determines what action is taken. The use of risk assessments for decision-making is a process that requires normative decisions, such as setting 'acceptable risk levels' and identifying 'adequate' protection levels, which will not succeed without broader buy-in and stakeholder participation. Identifying and embracing those normative views up-front could strengthen the urban adaptation process-this may, in fact, turn out to be the biggest advantage of climate risk assessment: it offers an opportunity to create a shared understanding of the problem and enables an informed evaluation and discussion of remedial action.This article is part of the theme issue 'Advances in risk assessment for climate change adaptation policy'. © 2018 The Author(s).

How normative interpretations of climate risk assessment affect local decision-making: an exploratory study at the city scale in Cork, Ireland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDermott, T. K. J.; Surminski, S.

2018-06-01

Urban areas already suffer substantial losses in both economic and human terms from climate-related disasters. These losses are anticipated to grow substantially, in part as a result of the impacts of climate change. In this paper, we investigate the process of translating climate risk data into action for the city level. We apply a commonly used decision-framework as our backdrop and explore where in this process climate risk assessment and normative political judgements intersect. We use the case of flood risk management in Cork city in Ireland to investigate what is needed for translating risk assessment into action at the local city level. Evidence presented is based on focus group discussions at two stakeholder workshops, and a series of individual meetings and phone-discussions with stakeholders involved in local decision-making related to flood risk management and adaptation to climate change, in Ireland. Respondents were chosen on the basis of their expertise or involvement in the decision-making processes locally and nationally. Representatives of groups affected by flood risk and flood risk management and climate adaptation efforts were also included. The Cork example highlights that, despite ever more accurate data and an increasing range of theoretical approaches available to local decision-makers, it is the normative interpretation of this information that determines what action is taken. The use of risk assessments for decision-making is a process that requires normative decisions, such as setting `acceptable risk levels' and identifying `adequate' protection levels, which will not succeed without broader buy-in and stakeholder participation. Identifying and embracing those normative views up-front could strengthen the urban adaptation process-this may, in fact, turn out to be the biggest advantage of climate risk assessment: it offers an opportunity to create a shared understanding of the problem and enables an informed evaluation and discussion of remedial action. This article is part of the theme issue `Advances in risk assessment for climate change adaptation policy'.

Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation in leaf ecophysiological traits of 13 contrasting cork oak populations under different water availabilities.

PubMed

Ramírez-Valiente, Jose Alberto; Sánchez-Gómez, David; Aranda, Ismael; Valladares, Fernando

2010-05-01

Plants distributed across a wide range of environmental conditions are submitted to differential selective pressures. Long-term selection can lead to the development of adaptations to the local environment, generating ecotypic differentiation. Additionally, plant species can cope with this environmental variability by phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we examine the importance of both processes in coping with environmental heterogeneity in the Mediterranean sclerophyllous cork oak Quercus suber. For this purpose, we measured growth and key functional traits at the leaf level in 9-year-old plants across 2 years of contrasting precipitation (2005 and 2006) in a common garden. Plants were grown from acorns originated from 13 populations spanning a wide range of climates along the distribution range of the species. The traits measured were: leaf size (LS), specific leaf area (SLA), carbon isotope discrimination (Delta(13)C) and leaf nitrogen content per unit mass (N(mass)). Inter-population differences in LS, SLA and Delta(13)C were found. These differences were associated with rainfall and temperature at the sites of origin, suggesting local adaptation in response to diverging climates. Additionally, SLA and LS exhibited positive responses to the increase in annual rainfall. Year effect explained 28% of the total phenotypic variance in LS and 2.7% in SLA. There was a significant genotype x environment interaction for shoot growth and a phenotypic correlation between the difference in shoot growth among years and the annual mean temperature at origin. This suggests that populations originating from warm sites can benefit more from wet conditions than populations from cool sites. Finally, we investigated the relationships between functional traits and aboveground growth by several regression models. Our results showed that plants with lower SLA presented larger aboveground growth in a dry year and plants with larger leaf sizes displayed larger growth rates in both years. Overall, the study supports the adaptive value of SLA and LS for cork oak under a Mediterranean climate and their potentially important role for dealing with varying temperature and rainfall regimes through both local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity.

The use of polar organic compounds to estimate the contribution of domestic solid fuel combustion and biogenic sources to ambient levels of organic carbon and PM2.5 in Cork Harbour, Ireland.

PubMed

Kourtchev, Ivan; Hellebust, Stig; Bell, Jennifer M; O'Connor, Ian P; Healy, Robert M; Allanic, Arnaud; Healy, David; Wenger, John C; Sodeau, John R

2011-05-01

PM(2.5) samples collected at Cork Harbour, Ireland during summer, autumn, late autumn and winter, 2008-2009 were analyzed for polar organic compounds that are useful markers for aerosol source characterization. The determined compounds include tracers for biomass burning primary particles, fungal spores, markers for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from isoprene, α-/β-pinene, and d-limonene. Seasonal and temporal variations and other characteristic features of the detected tracers are discussed in terms of aerosol sources and processes. The biogenic species were detected only during the summer period where the contributions of isoprene SOA and fungal spores to the PM(2.5) organic carbon (OC) were estimated to be 1.6% and 1% respectively. The biomass burning markers, and in particular levoglucosan, were present in all samples and attributed to the combustion of cellulose-containing fuels including wood, peat, bituminous and smokeless coal. The contribution of domestic solid fuel (DSF) burning to the measured OC mass concentration was estimated at 10.8, 50, 66.4 and 74.9% for summer, autumn, late autumn and winter periods, respectively, based on factors derived from a series of burning experiments on locally available fuels. Application of an alternative approach, namely principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR), to the measured concentrations of the polar organic marker compounds used in conjunction with real-time air quality data provided similar trends and estimates for DSF combustion during all seasons except summer. This study clearly demonstrates that, despite the ban on the sale of bituminous coal in Cork and other large urban areas in Ireland, DSF combustion is still the major source of OC during autumn and winter periods and also makes a significant contribution to PM(2.5) levels. The developed marker approach for estimating the contribution of DSF combustion to ambient OC concentrations can, in principle, also be applied to other locations. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SU-E-T-101: Determination and Comparison of Correction Factors Obtained for TLDs in Small Field Lung Heterogenous Phantom Using Acuros XB and EGSnrc

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

Soh, R; Lee, J; Harianto, F

Purpose: To determine and compare the correction factors obtained for TLDs in 2 × 2cm{sup 2} small field in lung heterogenous phantom using Acuros XB (AXB) and EGSnrc. Methods: This study will simulate the correction factors due to the perturbation of TLD-100 chips (Harshaw/Thermoscientific, 3 × 3 × 0.9mm{sup 3}, 2.64g/cm{sup 3}) in small field lung medium for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). A physical lung phantom was simulated by a 14cm thick composite cork phantom (0.27g/cm{sup 3}, HU:-743 ± 11) sandwiched between 4cm thick Plastic Water (CIRS,Norfolk). Composite cork has been shown to be a good lung substitute materialmore » for dosimetric studies. 6MV photon beam from Varian Clinac iX (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) with field size 2 × 2cm{sup 2} was simulated. Depth dose profiles were obtained from the Eclipse treatment planning system Acuros XB (AXB) and independently from DOSxyznrc, EGSnrc. Correction factors was calculated by the ratio of unperturbed to perturbed dose. Since AXB has limitations in simulating actual material compositions, EGSnrc will also simulate the AXB-based material composition for comparison to the actual lung phantom. Results: TLD-100, with its finite size and relatively high density, causes significant perturbation in 2 × 2cm{sup 2} small field in a low lung density phantom. Correction factors calculated by both EGSnrc and AXB was found to be as low as 0.9. It is expected that the correction factor obtained by EGSnrc wlll be more accurate as it is able to simulate the actual phantom material compositions. AXB have a limited material library, therefore it only approximates the composition of TLD, Composite cork and Plastic water, contributing to uncertainties in TLD correction factors. Conclusion: It is expected that the correction factors obtained by EGSnrc will be more accurate. Studies will be done to investigate the correction factors for higher energies where perturbation may be more pronounced.« less

The installation of a sub sea floor observatory using the sea floor drill rig MeBo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wefer, G.; Freudenthal, T.; Kopf, A.

2012-04-01

Sea floor drill rigs that can be deployed from standard research vessels are bridging the gap between dedicated drill ships that are used for deep drillings in the range of several hundred meters below sea floor and conventional sampling tools like gravity corers, piston corer or dredges that only scratch the surface of the sea floor. A major advantage of such robotic drill rigs is that the drilling action is conducted from a stable platform at the sea bed independent of any ship movements due to waves, wind or currents. At the MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen we developed the sea bed drill rig MeBo that can be deployed from standard research vessels. The drill rig is deployed on the sea floor and controlled from the vessel. Drilling tools for coring the sea floor down to 70 m can be stored on two magazines on the rig. A steel-armoured umbilical is used for lowering the rig to the sea bed in water depths up to 2000 m in the present system configuration. It was successfully operated on ten expeditions since 2005 and drilled more than 1000 m in different types of geology including hemipelagic mud, glacial till as well as sedimentary and crystalline rocks. MeBo boreholes be equipped with sensors and used for long term monitoring are planned. Depending on the scientific demands, a MeBoCORK monitoring system will allow in situ measurements of eg. temperature and pressure. The "MeBoCORK" will be equipped with data loggers and data transmission interface for reading out the collected data from the vessel. By additional payload installation on the MeBoCORK with an ROV it will be possible to increase the energy capacity as well as to conduct fluid sampling in the bore hole for geochemical analyses. It is planned to install a prototype of this additional payload with the MARUM ROV QUEST4000M during the following R/V SONNE cruise in July 2012.

Protective layer formation on magnesium in cell culture medium.

PubMed

Wagener, V; Virtanen, S

2016-06-01

In the past, different studies showed that hydroxyapatite (HA) or similar calcium phosphates can be precipitated on Mg during immersion in simulated body fluids. However, at the same time, in most cases a dark grey or black layer is built under the white HA crystals. This layer seems to consist as well of calcium phosphates. Until now, neither the morphology nor its influence on Mg corrosion have been investigated in detail. In this work commercially pure magnesium (cp) was immersed in cell culture medium for one, three and five days at room temperature and in the incubator (37 °C, 5% CO2). In addition, the influence of proteins on the formation of a corrosion layer was investigated by adding 20% of fetal calf serum (FCS) to the cell culture medium in the incubator. In order to analyze the formed layers, SEM images of cross sections, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were carried out. Characterization of the corrosion behavior was achieved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and by potentio-dynamic polarization in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) at 37°C. Surface analysis showed that all formed layers consist mainly of amorphous calcium phosphate compounds. For the immersion at room temperature the Ca/P ratio indicates the formation of HA, while in the incubator probably pre-stages to HA are formed. The different immersion conditions lead to a variation in layer thicknesses. However, electrochemical characterization shows that the layer thickness does not influence the corrosion resistance of magnesium. The main influencing factor for the corrosion behavior is the layer morphology. Thus, immersion at room temperature leads to the highest corrosion protection due to the formation of a compact outer layer. Layers formed in the incubator show much worse performances due to completely porous structures. The existence of proteins in DMEM seems to hinder the formation of a corrosion layer. However, protein adsorption leads to similar results as concerns corrosion protection as the formed calcium phosphate layer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coating transformations in the early stages of hot-dip galvannealing of steel sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDevitt, Erin Todd

The present, comprehensive study of the reactions occurring early in galvanneal processing under conditions typical of commercial production represents the first detailed investigation of the microstructural evolution of the coating in the early stages of galvannealing and the results shed new light on the course of the coating microstructural development. During hot dipping, an Fe2Al5 inhibition layer formed on the surface of the steel substrate in the first instants of immersion in Zn baths containing as low as 0.10 wt.% Al. When hot-dipping in a 0.14 wt.% Al, the as-dipped coating microstructure consisted of an Fe2Al 5 layer on the steel surface. That layer was covered by a layer of the Fe-Zn compound Gamma1, which was covered by the zeta phase or unalloyed Zn. Substrate chemistry did not affect coating microstructure development in the bath. Thermodynamic predictions of the precipitation behavior during the bath reactions agrees well with experimental observations. A mechanism for coating microstructure development in the Zn bath which is consistent with all the experimental results is proposed. From this information, the metallurgical variables which govern inhibition layer formation are discerned. The breakdown of the Fe2Al5 inhibition layer during galvannealing at 500°C occurred without the formation of outbursts. Instead, the grain boundary diffusion of Al into the steel substrate accounted for dissolution of the inhibition layer in the first second of galvannealing. A mechanism for inhibition layer breakdown is presented. P-additions affected only the rate at which the inhibition layer dissolved and did not affect the rate of Fe-Zn compound formation. P in the substrate blocked grain boundary diffusion of Al into the substrate thus slowing inhibition layer dissolution. The slower overall galvannealing behavior often observed on P-bearing substrates is due to a longer period of inhibition layer survival which results in a longer incubation period for the initiation of the formation of Fe-Zn compounds. The coating solidified after inhibition layer dissolution by the continuous formation of new delta grains from the liquid at the solidification front. The microstructural evolution of the entire coating, including the formation of Gamma and Gammal, during solidification is also presented.

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

Hindered settling and the formation of layered intrusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bons, Paul D.; Baur, Albrecht; Elburg, Marlina A.; Lindhuber, Matthias J.; Marks, Michael A. W.; Soesoo, Alvar; van Milligen, Boudewijn P.; Walte, Nicolas P.

2015-04-01

Layered intrusions are characterized by (often repetitive) layering on a range of scales. Many explanations for the formation of such layering have been proposed over the past decades. We investigated the formation of "mats" by hindered crystal settling, a model that was first suggested by Lauder (1964). The interaction of sinking and rising crystals leads to the amplification of perturbations in crystal density within a magma chamber, a process similar to the formation of traffic jams in dense traffic (Bons et al., 2015). Once these "crystal traffic jams" form they constitute a barrier for further settling of crystals. Between these barriers, the magma evolves in a semi-closed system in which stratification may develop by gravitational sorting. Barriers, and therefore layers, form sequentially during inward cooling of the magma chamber. Barring later equilibration, mineralogical and geochemical trends within the layers are repetitive, but with variations due to the random process of initial perturbation formation. Layers can form in the transition between two end-member regimes: (1) in a fast cooling and/or viscous magma crystals cannot sink or float a significant distance and minerals are distributed homogeneously throughout the chamber; (2) in a slow cooling and/or low-viscosity magma crystals can quickly settle at the top and bottom of the chamber and crystals concentrations are never high enough to form "traffic jams". As a result, heavy and light minerals get fully separated in the chamber. Between these two end members, crystals can sink and float a significant distance, but not the whole height of the magma chamber before entrapment in "traffic jams". We illustrate the development of layers with numerical models and compare the results with the layered nepheline syenites (kakortokites) of the Ilímaussaq intrusion in SW Greenland. References: Bons, P.D., Baur, A., Elburg, M.A., Lindhuber, M.J., Marks, M.A.W., Soesoo, A., van Milligen, B.P., Walte, N.P. 2015. Layered intrusions and traffic jams. Geology 43, 71-74 Lauder, W. 1964. Mat formation and crystal settling in magma. Nature 202, 1100-1101.

Adaptive format conversion for scalable video coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Wade K.; Lim, Jae S.

2001-12-01

The enhancement layer in many scalable coding algorithms is composed of residual coding information. There is another type of information that can be transmitted instead of (or in addition to) residual coding. Since the encoder has access to the original sequence, it can utilize adaptive format conversion (AFC) to generate the enhancement layer and transmit the different format conversion methods as enhancement data. This paper investigates the use of adaptive format conversion information as enhancement data in scalable video coding. Experimental results are shown for a wide range of base layer qualities and enhancement bitrates to determine when AFC can improve video scalability. Since the parameters needed for AFC are small compared to residual coding, AFC can provide video scalability at low enhancement layer bitrates that are not possible with residual coding. In addition, AFC can also be used in addition to residual coding to improve video scalability at higher enhancement layer bitrates. Adaptive format conversion has not been studied in detail, but many scalable applications may benefit from it. An example of an application that AFC is well-suited for is the migration path for digital television where AFC can provide immediate video scalability as well as assist future migrations.

Antiferromagnetic MnN layer on the MnGa(001) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrero-Sánchez, J.; Takeuchi, Noboru

2016-12-01

Spin polarized first principles total energy calculations have been applied to study the stability and magnetic properties of the MnGa(001) surface and the formation of a topmost MnN layer with the deposit of nitrogen. Before nitrogen adsorption, surface formation energies show a stable gallium terminated ferromagnetic surface. After incorporation of nitrogen atoms, the antiferromagnetic manganese terminated surface becomes stable due to the formation of a MnN layer (Mn-N bonding at the surface). Spin density distribution shows a ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic arrangement in the first surface layers. This thermodynamically stable structure may be exploited to growth MnGa/MnN magnetic heterostructures as well as to look for exchange biased systems.

On the photon annealing of silicon-implanted gallium-nitride layers

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

Seleznev, B. I., E-mail: Boris.Seleznev@novsu.ru; Moskalev, G. Ya.; Fedorov, D. G.

2016-06-15

The conditions for the formation of ion-doped layers in gallium nitride upon the incorporation of silicon ions followed by photon annealing in the presence of silicon dioxide and nitride coatings are analyzed. The conditions of the formation of ion-doped layers with a high degree of impurity activation are established. The temperature dependences of the surface concentration and mobility of charge carriers in ion-doped GaN layers annealed at different temperatures are studied.

Formation of an Anti-Core–Shell Structure in Layered Oxide Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

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

Zhang, Hanlei; Omenya, Fredrick; Whittingham, M. Stanley

The layered → rock-salt phase transformation in the layered dioxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries is believed to result in a “core-shell” structure of the primary particles, in which the core region maintains as the layered phase while the surface region undergoes the phase transformation to the rock-salt phase. Using transmission electron microscopy, here we demonstrate the formation of an “anti-core-shell” structure in cycled primary particles with a formula of LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2, in which the surface and subsurface regions remain as the layered structure while the rock-salt phase forms as domains in the bulk with a thin layer of the spinel phasemore » between the rock-salt core and the skin of the layered phase. Formation of this anti-core-shell structure is attributed to the oxygen loss at the surface that drives the migration of oxygen from the bulk to the surface, thereby resulting in localized areas of significantly reduced oxygen levels in the bulk of the particle, which subsequently undergoes the phase transformation to the rock-salt domains. The formation of the anti-core-shell rock-salt domains is responsible for the reduced capacity, discharge voltage and ionic conductivity in cycled cathode.« less

The state of understanding of the lithium-ion-battery graphite solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and its relationship to formation cycling

DOE PAGES

An, Seong Jin; Li, Jianlin; Daniel, Claus; ...

2016-04-09

An in-depth review is presented on the science of lithium-ion battery (LIB) solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation on the graphite anode, including structure, morphology, chemical composition, electrochemistry, formation mechanism, and LIB formation cycling. During initial operation of LIBs, the SEI layer forms on the graphite surfaces, the most commonly used anode material, due to side reactions with the electrolyte solvent/salt at low electro-reduction potentials. It is accepted that the SEI layer is essential to the long-term performance of LIBs, and it also has an impact on its initial capacity loss, self-discharge characteristics, cycle life, rate capability, and safety. While themore » presence of the anode SEI layer is vital, it is difficult to control its formation and growth, as the chemical composition, morphology, and stability depend on several factors. These factors include the type of graphite, electrolyte composition, electrochemical conditions, and cell temperature. Thus, SEI layer formation and electrochemical stability over long-term operation should be a primary topic of future investigation in the development of LIB technology. We review the progression of knowledge gained about the anode SEI, from its discovery in 1979 to the current state of understanding, and covers its formation process, differences in the chemical and structural makeup when cell materials and components are varied, methods of characterization, and associated reactions with the liquid electrolyte phase. It also discusses the relationship of the SEI layer to the LIB formation step, which involves both electrolyte wetting and subsequent slow charge-discharge cycles to grow the SEI.« less

Effect of Tween 80 on formation of the superficial L1 layer of the Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex.

PubMed Central

Masaki, S; Sugimori, G; Okamoto, A; Imose, J; Hayashi, Y

1991-01-01

The effects of Tween 80 supplementation of liquid culture medium on the formation of the superficial L1 layer of the Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex (MAC) were examined by serological and scanning electron microscopic experiments. Specific antiserum to the glycopeptidolipids on the L1 layer of M. avium S-139, made in a rabbit, was used for seroagglutination reactions with antigens prepared from strain S-139 grown in medium supplemented with various levels of Tween 80 (0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/ml). The agglutination titers gradually decreased as the concentration of Tween 80 rose. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the fibrillar materials consisting mainly of glycopeptidolipids on the L1 layer of strain S-139 also disappeared with increases in the concentration of Tween 80. In addition, there was no obvious correlation between (i) the plasmid DNAs and serotypes of MAC and (ii) formation of the L1 layer of MAC. It is therefore concluded that Tween 80 used to supplement liquid culture medium affects formation of the L1 layer, which has been considered to be one of the pathogenic factors of MAC. Images PMID:1885740

Formation mechanism of the graphite-rich protective layer in blast furnace hearths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Ke-xin; Zhang, Jian-liang; Liu, Zheng-jian; Liu, Feng; Liang, Li-sheng

2016-01-01

A long campaign life of blast furnaces is heavily linked to the existence of a protective layer in their hearths. In this work, we conducted dissection studies and investigated damage in blast furnace hearths to estimate the formation mechanism of the protective layer. The results illustrate that a significant amount of graphite phase was trapped within the hearth protective layer. Furthermore, on the basis of the thermodynamic and kinetic calculations of the graphite precipitation process, a precipitation potential index related to the formation of the graphite-rich protective layer was proposed to characterize the formation ability of this layer. We determined that, under normal operating conditions, the precipitation of graphite phase from hot metal was thermodynamically possible. Among elements that exist in hot metal, C, Si, and P favor graphite precipitation, whereas Mn and Cr inhibit this process. Moreover, at the same hot-face temperature, an increase of carbon concentration in hot metal can shorten the precipitation time. Finally, the results suggest that measures such as reducing the hot-face temperature and increasing the degree of carbon saturation in hot metal are critically important to improve the precipitation potential index.

AA6082 to DX56-Steel Laser Brazing: Process Parameter-Intermetallic Formation Correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narsimhachary, D.; Pal, S.; Shariff, S. M.; Padmanabham, G.; Basu, A.

2017-09-01

In the present study, laser-brazed AA6082 to DX56-galvanized steel joints were investigated to understand the influence of process parameters on joint strength in terms of intermetallic layer formation. 1.5-mm-thick sheet of aluminum alloy (AA6082-T6) and galvanized steel (DX56) sheet of 0.7 mm thickness were laser-brazed with 1.5-mm-diameter Al-12% Si solid filler wire. During laser brazing, laser power (4.6 kW) and wire feed rate (3.4 m/min) were kept constant with a varying laser scan speed of 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, and 1 m/min. Microstructure of brazed joint reveals epitaxial growth at the aluminum side and intermetallic layer formation at steel interface. Intermetallic layer formation was confirmed by EDS analysis and XRD study. Hardness profile showed hardness drop in filler region, and failure during tensile testing was initiated through the filler region near the steel interface. As per both experimental study and numerical analysis, it was observed that intermetallic layer thickness decreases with increasing brazing speed. Zn vaporization from galvanized steel interface also affected the joint strength. It was found that high laser scan speed or faster cooling rate can be chosen for suppressing intermetallic layer formation or at least decreasing the layer thickness which results in improved mechanical properties.

The increase of apatite layer formation by the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) surface modification of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate.

PubMed

Szubert, M; Adamska, K; Szybowicz, M; Jesionowski, T; Buchwald, T; Voelkel, A

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was the surface modification of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate by poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) grafting and characterization of modificates. The bioactivity examination was carried out by the determination to grow an apatite layer on modified materials during incubation in simulated body fluid at 37°C. The additional issue taken up in this paper was to investigate the influence of fluid replacement. The process of the surface modification of biomaterials was evaluated by means of infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Formation of the apatite layer was assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy and confirmed by energy dispersive, Raman and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. During exposure in simulated body fluid, the variation of the zeta potential, pH measurement and relative weight was monitored. Examination of scanning electron microscopy micrographs suggests that modification of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate by poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) significantly increases apatite layer formation. Raman spectroscopy evaluation revealed that the formation of the apatite layer was more significant in the case of hydroxyapatite modificate, when compared to the β-tricalcium phosphate modificate. Both modificates were characterized by stable pH, close to the natural pH of human body fluids. Furthermore, we have shown that a weekly changed, simulated body fluid solution increases apatite layer formation. © 2013.

Some aspects of metallic ion chemistry and dynamics in the mesosphere and thermosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathews, J. D.

1987-01-01

The relationship between the formation of sporadic layers of metallic ion and the dumping of these ions into the upper mesosphere is discussed in terms of the tidal wind, classical (i.e., windshear) and other more complex, perhaps highly nonlinear layer formation mechanisms, and a possible circulation mechanism for these ions. Optical, incoherent scatter radar, rocket, and satellite derived evidence for various layer formation mechanisms and for the metallic ion circulation system is reviewed. The results of simple one dimensional numerical model calculations of sporadic E and intermediate layer formation are presented along with suggestions for more advanced models of intense or blanketing sporadic E. The flux of metallic ions dumped by the tidal wind system into the mesosphere is estimated and compared with estimates of total particle flux of meteoric origin. Possible effects of the metallic ion flux and of meteoric dust on D region ion chemistry are discussed.

Double Layers in Astrophysics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Alton C. (Editor); Moorehead, Tauna W. (Editor)

1987-01-01

Topics addressed include: laboratory double layers; ion-acoustic double layers; pumping potential wells; ion phase-space vortices; weak double layers; electric fields and double layers in plasmas; auroral double layers; double layer formation in a plasma; beamed emission from gamma-ray burst source; double layers and extragalactic jets; and electric potential between plasma sheet clouds.

Microstructural Development during Directional Solidification of Peritectic Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lograsso, Thomas A.

1996-01-01

A thorough understanding of the microstructures produced through solidification in peritectic systems has yet to be achieved, even though a large number of industrially and scientifically significant materials are in this class. One type of microstructure frequently observed during directional solidification consists of alternating layers of primary solid and peritectic solid oriented perpendicular to the growth direction. This layer formation is usually reported for alloy compositions within the two-phase region of the peritectic isotherm and for temperature gradient and growth rate conditions that result in a planar solid-liquid interface. Layered growth in peritectic alloys has not previously been characterized on a quantitative basis, nor has a mechanism for its formation been verified. The mechanisms that have been proposed for layer formation can be categorized as either extrinsic or intrinsic to the alloy system. The extrinsic mechanisms rely on externally induced perturbations to the system for layer formation, such as temperature oscillations, growth velocity variations, or vibrations. The intrinsic mechanisms approach layer formation as an alternative type of two phase growth that is inherent for certain peritectic systems and solidification conditions. Convective mixing of the liquid is an additional variable which can strongly influence the development and appearance of layers due to the requisite slow growth rate. The first quantitative description of layer formation is a model recently developed by Trivedi based on the intrinsic mechanism of cyclic accumulation and depiction of solute in the liquid ahead of the interface, linked to repeated nucleation events in the absence of convection. The objective of this research is to characterize the layered microstructures developed during ground-based experiments in which external influences have been minimized as much as possible and to compare these results to the current the model. Also, the differences between intrinsic and externally influenced layer formation were explored. The choice of alloy system is critical to a study of the formation of layered microstructures. The ideal system would have a well-characterized phase diagram, equal densities of both elements in the liquid state to minimize compositionally-driven convective flows, a low peritectic temperature to simplify directional solidification and the achievement of a high temperature gradient in the liquid, a broad composition range for the peritectic reaction, and a reasonable hardness at room temperature to facilitate handling and metallographic preparation. The In-Sn system was selected initially due to a very low peritectic temperature and the nearly equal densities of In and Sn in the liquid state. Since the In-rich peritectic reaction had apparently not been utilized previously for solidification research, experiments were conducted to check the phase diagram in the region of interest. The alloys in this system proved to be difficult to handle and prepare in bulk form with the equipment available, so experiments were initiated with the Sn-Cd system. Layered microstructures had been observed previously in Sn-Cd.

Sonar Transducer Reliability Improvement Program (STRIP)

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

Fair *[51] EPDM NORDOL 1370 - Poor *[511 NATURAL 1155- Poor *[51] NITRILE 6100 - Good *[51] VITON CTBN (BF635075) - Poor *[511 CORK- RUBBER ... aging problems have been found. A report entitled "Reliability and Service Life Concepts for Sonar Transducer Applications" has been completed. - A draft...or aging problems have been found. See Section 9. * A report entitled "Reliability and Service Life Concepts for Sonar Transducer Applications" has

QM-8 field joint protection system, volume 7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hale, Elgie

1989-01-01

The pre-launch functioning data of the Field Joint Protection System (JPS) used on QM-8 are presented. Also included is the post fire condition of the JPS components following the test firing of the motor. The JPS components are: field joint heaters; field joint sensors; field joint moisture seal; moisture seal kevlar retaining straps; field joint external extruded cork insulation; vent valve; power cables; and igniter heater.

Camouflage, Concealment, and Decoys

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-26

connections. Such positions are usually constructed of earth and logs but may also be composed of man- made building materials such as concrete ...paint sticks are unavailable, use field expedients such as burnt cork, bark, charcoal, lampblack, or mud. Mud contains bacteria, some of which is harmful...Camo enamel, sand 8010-00-111-8336 NA 5 gal Camo enamel, sand 8010-00-111-7988 NA 1 gal Camo screen, ultralite, asphalt/ concrete 1080-01-338

Container volume and subirrigation schedule influence Quercus variabilis seedling growth and nutrient status in the nursery and field

Treesearch

Qiaoyu Sun; R. Kasten Dumroese; Yong Liu

2018-01-01

Container volume and irrigation management affect seedling growth in the nursery and field. We evaluated the effects of container volumes (D40, 656 ml; D60, 983 ml) and subirrigation schedules (85%, 75%, 65%, and 55% of 100% total substrate moisture content, TSMC) on seedling growth in a greenhouse and outplanting performance of Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis...

Design for a Simple and Inexpensive Cylinder-within-a-Cylinder Gradient Maker for the Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sims, Paul A.; O'Mealey, Gary B.; Khan, Nabeel A.; Larabee, Chelsea M.

2011-01-01

A design for a simple and inexpensive gradient maker is described. The gradient maker is assembled by (i) cutting the tops off two plastic bottles of differing diameters to produce two cylinders with intact bottoms; (ii) drilling a small hole toward the bottom of the smaller diameter cylinder and plugging the hole with a size 00 cork stopper; and…

Improved Sprayable Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, W. F.; Sharpe, M. H.; Lester, C. N.; Echols, Sherman; Simpson, W. G.; Lambert, J. D.; Norton, W. F.; Mclemore, J. P.; Patel, A. K.; Patel, S. V.;

Preparation of novel layer-stack hexagonal CdO micro-rods by a pre-oxidation and subsequent evaporation process

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

Peng, Kun, E-mail: kpeng@hnu.edu.cn; Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Spray Deposition Technology and Application, Hunan University, Changsha 410082; Jiang, Pan

2014-12-15

Graphical abstract: Layer-stack hexagonal cadmium oxide (CdO) micro-rods were prepared. - Highlights: • Novel hexagonal layer-stack structure CdO micro-rods were synthesized by a thermal evaporation method. • The pre-oxidation, vapor pressure and substrate nature play a key role on the formation of CdO rods. • The formation mechanism of CdO micro-rods was explained. - Abstract: Novel layer-stack hexagonal cadmium oxide (CdO) micro-rods were prepared by pre-oxidizing Cd granules and subsequent thermal oxidation under normal atmospheric pressure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to characterize the phase structure and microstructure. The pre-oxidation process, vapor pressure and substratemore » nature were the key factors for the formation of CdO micro-rods. The diameter of micro-rod and surface rough increased with increasing of thermal evaporation temperature, the length of micro-rod increased with the increasing of evaporation time. The formation of hexagonal layer-stack structure was explained by a vapor–solid mechanism.« less

Defense pattern of Chinese cork oak across latitudinal gradients: influences of ontogeny, herbivory, climate and soil nutrients

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiao-Fei; Liu, Jian-Feng; Gao, Wen-Qiang; Deng, Yun-Peng; Ni, Yan-Yan; Xiao, Yi-Hua; Kang, Feng-Feng; Wang, Qi; Lei, Jing-Pin; Jiang, Ze-Ping

2016-01-01

Knowledge of latitudinal patterns in plant defense and herbivory is crucial for understanding the mechanisms that govern ecosystem functioning and for predicting their responses to climate change. Using a widely distributed species in East Asia, Quercus variabilis, we aim to reveal defense patterns of trees with respect to ontogeny along latitudinal gradients. Six leaf chemical (total phenolics and total condensed tannin concentrations) and physical (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and dry mass concentration) defensive traits as well as leaf herbivory (% leaf area loss) were investigated in natural Chinese cork oak (Q. variabilis) forests across two ontogenetic stages (juvenile and mature trees) along a ~14°-latitudinal gradient. Our results showed that juveniles had higher herbivory values and a higher concentration of leaf chemical defense substances compared with mature trees across the latitudinal gradient. In addition, chemical defense and herbivory in both ontogenetic stages decreased with increasing latitude, which supports the latitudinal herbivory-defense hypothesis and optimal defense theory. The identified trade-offs between chemical and physical defense were primarily determined by environmental variation associated with the latitudinal gradient, with the climatic factors (annual precipitation, minimum temperature of the coldest month) largely contributing to the latitudinal defense pattern in both juvenile and mature oak trees. PMID:27252112

Airborne emissions in the harbour and port of Cork.

PubMed

Sodeau, John R; Hellebust, Stig; Allanic, Arnaud; O'Connor, Ian; Healy, David A; Healy, Robert; Wenger, John

2009-07-01

It is now accepted that the transport sector is responsible for a large and growing share of global emissions affecting both health and climate. The quantification of these effects requires, as an essential first step, a comprehensive analysis and characterization of the contributing subsectors, i.e. road transport, shipping, aviation and rail. The shipping contribution in dock/harbour areas is of particular interest because many vessels use old engines powered with old technology giving rise to high levels of particulate emissions mainly because the fuel employed contains high levels of sulphur, up to 4.5%. Large amounts of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and varying contents of transition metals are also detected. Few studies on the physicochemical composition of direct emissions from ship fuels have been performed; none have been compared to actual contents in local harbour or port atmospheres. The transformation of these ship-related materials to toxicologically active species may be much more efficient than corresponding road emission or domestic sources because of the expected highly acidic nature of the particulates. Surface, toxic material may therefore become readily bioavailable under such conditions but such studies have not been performed hitherto. This mini-review outlines in detail the issues raised above in the context of measurements made in Cork, Ireland.

Understanding fungal functional biodiversity during the mitigation of environmentally dispersed pentachlorophenol in cork oak forest soils.

PubMed

Varela, Adélia; Martins, Celso; Núñez, Oscar; Martins, Isabel; Houbraken, Jos A M P; Martins, Tiago M; Leitão, M Cristina; McLellan, Iain; Vetter, Walter; Galceran, M Teresa; Samson, Robert A; Hursthouse, Andrew; Silva Pereira, Cristina

2015-08-01

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is globally dispersed and contamination of soil with this biocide adversely affects its functional biodiversity, particularly of fungi - key colonizers. Their functional role as a community is poorly understood, although a few pathways have been already elucidated in pure cultures. This constitutes here our main challenge - elucidate how fungi influence the pollutant mitigation processes in forest soils. Circumstantial evidence exists that cork oak forests in N. W. Tunisia - economically critical managed forests are likely to be contaminated with PCP, but the scientific evidence has previously been lacking. Our data illustrate significant forest contamination through the detection of undefined active sources of PCP. By solving the taxonomic diversity and the PCP-derived metabolomes of both the cultivable fungi and the fungal community, we demonstrate here that most strains (predominantly penicillia) participate in the pollutant biotic degradation. They form an array of degradation intermediates and by-products, including several hydroquinone, resorcinol and catechol derivatives, either chlorinated or not. The degradation pathway of the fungal community includes uncharacterized derivatives, e.g. tetrachloroguaiacol isomers. Our study highlights fungi key role in the mineralization and short lifetime of PCP in forest soils and provide novel tools to monitor its degradation in other fungi dominated food webs. © 2015 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

POFBG-Embedded Cork Insole for Plantar Pressure Monitoring

PubMed Central

Vilarinho, Débora; Theodosiou, Antreas; Domingues, Maria de Fátima; André, Paulo; Marques, Carlos

2017-01-01

We propose a novel polymer optical fiber (POF) sensing system based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) to measure foot plantar pressure. The plantar pressure signals are detected by five FBGs, in the same piece of cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP) fiber, which are embedded in a cork insole for the dynamic monitoring of gait. The calibration and measurements performed with the suggested system are presented, and the results obtained demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the sensing platform to monitor the foot plantar pressure distribution during gait motion and the application of pressure. This architecture does not compromise the patient’s mobility nor interfere in their daily activities. The results using the CYTOP fiber showed a very good response when compared with solutions using silica optical fibers, resulting in a sensitivity almost twice as high, with excellent repeatability and ease of handling. The advantages of POF (e.g., high flexibility and robustness) proved that this is a viable solution for this type of application, since POF’s high fracture toughness enables its application in monitoring patients with higher body mass compared with similar systems based on silica fiber. This study has demonstrated the viability of the proposed system based on POF technology as a useful alternative for plantar pressure detection systems. PMID:29258166

POFBG-Embedded Cork Insole for Plantar Pressure Monitoring.

PubMed

Vilarinho, Débora; Theodosiou, Antreas; Leitão, Cátia; Leal-Junior, Arnaldo G; Domingues, Maria de Fátima; Kalli, Kyriacos; André, Paulo; Antunes, Paulo; Marques, Carlos

2017-12-16

We propose a novel polymer optical fiber (POF) sensing system based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) to measure foot plantar pressure. The plantar pressure signals are detected by five FBGs, in the same piece of cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP) fiber, which are embedded in a cork insole for the dynamic monitoring of gait. The calibration and measurements performed with the suggested system are presented, and the results obtained demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the sensing platform to monitor the foot plantar pressure distribution during gait motion and the application of pressure. This architecture does not compromise the patient's mobility nor interfere in their daily activities. The results using the CYTOP fiber showed a very good response when compared with solutions using silica optical fibers, resulting in a sensitivity almost twice as high, with excellent repeatability and ease of handling. The advantages of POF (e.g., high flexibility and robustness) proved that this is a viable solution for this type of application, since POF's high fracture toughness enables its application in monitoring patients with higher body mass compared with similar systems based on silica fiber. This study has demonstrated the viability of the proposed system based on POF technology as a useful alternative for plantar pressure detection systems.

Defense pattern of Chinese cork oak across latitudinal gradients: influences of ontogeny, herbivory, climate and soil nutrients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiao-Fei; Liu, Jian-Feng; Gao, Wen-Qiang; Deng, Yun-Peng; Ni, Yan-Yan; Xiao, Yi-Hua; Kang, Feng-Feng; Wang, Qi; Lei, Jing-Pin; Jiang, Ze-Ping

2016-06-01

Knowledge of latitudinal patterns in plant defense and herbivory is crucial for understanding the mechanisms that govern ecosystem functioning and for predicting their responses to climate change. Using a widely distributed species in East Asia, Quercus variabilis, we aim to reveal defense patterns of trees with respect to ontogeny along latitudinal gradients. Six leaf chemical (total phenolics and total condensed tannin concentrations) and physical (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and dry mass concentration) defensive traits as well as leaf herbivory (% leaf area loss) were investigated in natural Chinese cork oak (Q. variabilis) forests across two ontogenetic stages (juvenile and mature trees) along a ~14°-latitudinal gradient. Our results showed that juveniles had higher herbivory values and a higher concentration of leaf chemical defense substances compared with mature trees across the latitudinal gradient. In addition, chemical defense and herbivory in both ontogenetic stages decreased with increasing latitude, which supports the latitudinal herbivory-defense hypothesis and optimal defense theory. The identified trade-offs between chemical and physical defense were primarily determined by environmental variation associated with the latitudinal gradient, with the climatic factors (annual precipitation, minimum temperature of the coldest month) largely contributing to the latitudinal defense pattern in both juvenile and mature oak trees.

Development of high-resolution multi-scale modelling system for simulation of coastal-fluvial urban flooding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comer, Joanne; Indiana Olbert, Agnieszka; Nash, Stephen; Hartnett, Michael

2017-02-01

Urban developments in coastal zones are often exposed to natural hazards such as flooding. In this research, a state-of-the-art, multi-scale nested flood (MSN_Flood) model is applied to simulate complex coastal-fluvial urban flooding due to combined effects of tides, surges and river discharges. Cork city on Ireland's southwest coast is a study case. The flood modelling system comprises a cascade of four dynamically linked models that resolve the hydrodynamics of Cork Harbour and/or its sub-region at four scales: 90, 30, 6 and 2 m. Results demonstrate that the internalization of the nested boundary through the use of ghost cells combined with a tailored adaptive interpolation technique creates a highly dynamic moving boundary that permits flooding and drying of the nested boundary. This novel feature of MSN_Flood provides a high degree of choice regarding the location of the boundaries to the nested domain and therefore flexibility in model application. The nested MSN_Flood model through dynamic downscaling facilitates significant improvements in accuracy of model output without incurring the computational expense of high spatial resolution over the entire model domain. The urban flood model provides full characteristics of water levels and flow regimes necessary for flood hazard identification and flood risk assessment.

Electrochemical treatment of cork boiling wastewater with a boron-doped diamond anode.

PubMed

Fernandes, Annabel; Santos, Diana; Pacheco, Maria José; Ciríaco, Lurdes; Simões, Rogério; Gomes, Arlindo C; Lopes, Ana

2015-01-01

Anodic oxidation at a boron-doped diamond anode of cork boiling wastewater was successfully used for mineralization and biodegradability enhancement required for effluent discharge or subsequent biological treatment, respectively. The influence of the applied current density (30-70 mA/cm2) and the background electrolyte concentration (0-1.5 g/L Na2SO4) on the performance of the electrochemical oxidation was investigated. The supporting electrolyte was required to achieve conductivities that enabled anodic oxidation at the highest current intensities applied. The results indicated that pollutant removal increased with the applied current density, and after 8 h, reductions greater than 90% were achieved for COD, dissolved organic carbon, total phenols and colour. The biodegradability enhancement was from 0.13 to 0.59 and from 0.23 to 0.72 for the BOD/COD ratios with BOD of 5 and 20 days' incubation period, respectively. The tests without added electrolyte were performed at lower applied electrical charges (15 mA/cm2 or 30 V) with good organic load removal (up to 80%). For an applied current density of 30 mA/cm2, there was a minimum of electric conductivity of 1.9 mS/cm (corresponding to 0.75 g/L of Na2SO4), which minimized the specific energy consumption.

Constraints on the formation of layered tektites from the excavation and analysis of layered tektites from northeast Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiske, Peter S.

1996-01-01

The size, shape, composition, and vesicle content of 6 kg of layered tektite fragments, excavated near the town of Huai Sai, Thailand, place some constraints on the formation of layered tektites. The mass, shape, and distribution of the fragments are not consistent with an origin as a "puddle" of impact melt but suggest that they were derived from a single equant block. The presence of vesicles up to 7 mm in mean diameter within the tektite fragments suggests that the material was too viscous to allow for significant gravity-driven flow. These results suggest that layered tektites may be analogous to lava bombs, which may have been stretched and deformed in flight but underwent little flow after landing. Rather than being a product of "unusual circumstances," such as multiple impacts, layered tektites may differ from splash-form tektites only in initial temperature of formation, speed of ejection, and small differences in initial composition.

Formation and evolution of anodic TiO2 nanotube embryos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Rong; Liao, Maoying; Lin, Tong; Zhang, Shaoyu; Shen, Xiaoping; Song, Ye; Zhu, Xufei

2017-06-01

Anodic TiO2 nanotubes (ATNTs) have been widely investigated for decades due to their interesting nanostructures and various applications. However, the formation mechanism of ATNTs still remains unclear. To date, most of researches focus on the tubular structure but neglect the formation process of initial nanotube embryos. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is added into the traditional electrolyte to moderate the transformation process from compact layer to porous layer. Based on ‘oxygen bubble mould’ and ‘plastic flow model’ theory, the formation and evolution process of nanotube embryo is clarified firstly. Results validate the effect of ‘oxygen bubble mould’ on the formation of nanotube embryo, which has a great effect on regulating the morphology of ATNT arrays. Besides, nanotubes prepared in electrolytes with PEG show shorter tube length with larger diameter than that prepared in traditional electrolytes. The addition of PEG can also effectively avoid the breakdown phenomenon. Highlights Transformation from compact layer into porous layer is observed in PEG electrolyte. The effect of oxygen bubble mould is first demonstrated and observed. The formation process of TiO2 nanotube embryo is described systematically. TiO2 nanotubes prepared in PEG electrolyte show short length and large diameter.

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

Dumpala, Ravikumar; Nano Functional Materials Technology Centre, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036; Kumar, N.

Tribo-layer formation and frictional characteristics of the SiC ball were studied with the sliding test against nanocrystalline diamond coating under atmospheric test conditions. Unsteady friction coefficients in the range of 0.04 to 0.1 were observed during the tribo-test. Friction and wear characteristics were found to be influenced by the formation of cohesive tribo-layer (thickness ∼ 1.3 μm) in the wear track of nanocrystalline diamond coating. Hardness of the tribo-layer was measured using nanoindentation technique and low hardness of ∼ 1.2 GPa was observed. The presence of silicon and oxygen in the tribo-layer was noticed by the energy dispersive spectroscopy mappingmore » and the chemical states of the silicon were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Large amount of oxygen content in the tribo-layer indicated tribo-oxidation wear mechanism. - Highlights: • Sliding wear and friction characteristics of SiC were studied against NCD coating. • Silicon oxide tribo-layer formation was observed in the NCD coating wear track. • Low hardness 1.2 GPa of tribo-layer was measured using nanoindentation technique. • Chemical states of silicon were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.« less

Initial formation of calcite crystals in the thin prismatic layer with the periostracum of Pinctada fucata.

PubMed

Suzuki, Michio; Nakayama, Seiji; Nagasawa, Hiromichi; Kogure, Toshihiro

2013-02-01

Although the formation mechanism of calcite crystals in the prismatic layer has been studied well in many previous works, the initial state of calcite formation has not been observed in detail using electron microscopes. In this study, we report that the soft prismatic layer with transparent color (the thin prismatic layer) in the tip of the fresh shell of Pinctada fucata was picked up to observe the early calcification phase. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image showed that the growth tip of the thin prismatic layer was covered by the periostracum, which was also where the initial formation of calcite crystals began. A cross-section containing the thin calcite crystals in the thin prismatic layer with the periostracum was made using a focused ion beam (FIB) system. In a transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation, the thin calcite crystal (thickness is about 1μm) on the periostracum was found to be a single crystal with the c-axis oriented perpendicular to the shell surface. On the other hand, many aggregated small particles consisting of bassanite crystals were observed in the periostracum suggesting the possibility that not only organic sulfate but also inorganic sulfates exist in the prismatic layer. These discoveries in the early calcification phase of the thin prismatic layer may help to clarify the mechanism of regulating the nucleation and orientation of the calcite crystal in the shell. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sonic Hedgehog Expression in Corticofugal Projection Neurons Directs Cortical Microcircuit Formation

PubMed Central

Harwell, Corey C.; Parker, Philip R.L.; Gee, Steven M.; Okada, Ami; McConnell, Susan K.; Kreitzer, Anatol C.; Kriegstein, Arnold R.

2012-01-01

SUMMARY The precise connectivity of inputs and outputs is critical for cerebral cortex function; however, the cellular mechanisms that establish these connections are poorly understood. Here, we show that the secreted molecule Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is involved in synapse formation of a specific cortical circuit. Shh is expressed in layer V corticofugal projection neurons and the Shh receptor, Brother of CDO (Boc), is expressed in local and callosal projection neurons of layer II/III that synapse onto the subcortical projection neurons. Layer V neurons of mice lacking functional Shh exhibit decreased synapses. Conversely, the loss of functional Boc leads to a reduction in the strength of synaptic connections onto layer Vb, but not layer II/III, pyramidal neurons. These results demonstrate that Shh is expressed in postsynaptic target cells while Boc is expressed in a complementary population of presynaptic input neurons, and they function to guide the formation of cortical microcircuitry. PMID:22445340

Structural and electrical investigations of MBE-grown SiGe nanoislands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şeker, İsa; Karatutlu, Ali; Gürbüz, Osman; Yanık, Serhat; Bakış, Yakup; Karakız, Mehmet

2018-01-01

SiGe nanoislands were grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) method on Si (100) substrates with comparative growth parameters such as annealing temperature, top Ge content and layer-by-layer annealing (LBLA). XRD and Raman data suggest that annealing temperature, top Ge content and layer-by-layer annealing (LBLA) can overall give a control not only over the amorphous content but also over yielding the strained Ge layer formation in addition to mostly Ge crystallites. Depending on the layer design and growth conditions, size of the crystallites was observed to be changed. Four Point Probe (FPP) Method via Semiconductor Analyzer shows that 100 °C rise in annealing temperature of the samples with Si0.25Ge0.75 top layers caused rougher islands with vacancies which further resulted in the formation of laterally higher resistive thin film sheets. However, vertically performed I-AFM analysis produced higher I-V values which suggest that the vertical and horizantal conductance mechanisms appear to be different. Ge top-layered samples gained greater crystalline structure and better surface conductivity where LBLA resulted in the formation of Ge nucleation and tight 2D stacking resulting in enhanced current values.

Few-layer bismuth selenides exfoliated by hemin inhibit amyloid-β1–42 fibril formation

PubMed Central

Peng, Jian; Xiong, Yunjing; Lin, Zhiqin; Sun, Liping; Weng, Jian

2015-01-01

Inhibiting amyloid-β (Aβ) fibril formation is the primary therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease. Several small molecules and nanomaterials have been used to inhibit Aβ fibril formation. However, insufficient inhibition efficiency or poor metabolization limits their further applications. Here, we used hemin to exfoliate few-layer Bi2Se3 in aqueous solution. Then we separated few-layer Bi2Se3 with different sizes and thicknesses by fractional centrifugation, and used them to attempt to inhibit Aβ1-42 aggregation. The results show that smaller and thinner few-layer Bi2Se3 had the highest inhibition efficiency. We further investigated the interaction between few-layer Bi2Se3 and Aβ1-42 monomers. The results indicate that the inhibition effect may be due to the high adsorption capacity of few-layer Bi2Se3 for Aβ1−42 monomers. Few-layer Bi2Se3 also decreased Aβ-mediated peroxidase-like activity and cytotoxicity according to in vitro neurotoxicity studies under physiological conditions. Therefore, our work shows the potential for applications of few-layer Bi2Se3 in the biomedical field. PMID:26018135

Modelling hazardous surface hoar layers in the mountain snowpack over space and time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horton, Simon Earl

Surface hoar layers are a common failure layer in hazardous snow slab avalanches. Surface hoar crystals (frost) initially form on the surface of the snow, and once buried can remain a persistent weak layer for weeks or months. Avalanche forecasters have difficulty tracking the spatial distribution and mechanical properties of these layers in mountainous terrain. This thesis presents numerical models and remote sensing methods to track the distribution and properties of surface hoar layers over space and time. The formation of surface hoar was modelled with meteorological data by calculating the downward flux of water vapour from the atmospheric boundary layer. The timing of surface hoar formation and the modelled crystal size was verified at snow study sites throughout western Canada. The major surface hoar layers over several winters were predicted with fair success. Surface hoar formation was modelled over various spatial scales using meteorological data from weather forecast models. The largest surface hoar crystals formed in regions and elevation bands with clear skies, warm and humid air, cold snow surfaces, and light winds. Field surveys measured similar regional-scale patterns in surface hoar distribution. Surface hoar formation patterns on different slope aspects were observed, but were not modelled reliably. Mechanical field tests on buried surface hoar layers found layers increased in shear strength over time, but had persistent high propensity for fracture propagation. Layers with large crystals and layers overlying hard melt-freeze crusts showed greater signs of instability. Buried surface hoar layers were simulated with the snow cover model SNOWPACK and verified with avalanche observations, finding most hazardous surface hoar layers were identified with a structural stability index. Finally, the optical properties of surface hoar crystals were measured in the field with spectral instruments. Large plate-shaped crystals were less reflective at shortwave infrared wavelengths than other common surface snow grains. The methods presented in this thesis were developed into operational products that model hazardous surface hoar layers in western Canada. Further research and refinements could improve avalanche forecasts in regions prone to hazardous surface hoar layers.

New 3D coordination polymers constructed from pillared metal-formate Kagomé layers exhibiting spin canting only in the nickel(II) complex.

PubMed

Li, Zuo-Xi; Zhao, Jiong-Peng; Sañudo, E C; Ma, Hong; Pan, Zhong-Da; Zeng, Yong-Fei; Bu, Xian-He

2009-12-21

Sparked by the strategy of pillared-layer MOFs, three formate coordination polymers, {[Ni(2)(HCO(2))(3)(L)(2)](NO(3)).2H(2)O}(infinity) (1), {[Co(2)(HCO(2))(3)(L)(2)](HCO(2)).2H(2)O}(infinity) (2), and {[Cu(2)(HCO(2))(3)(L)(2)](HCO(2)).2H(2)O}(infinity) (3), have been synthesized by employing the rodlike ligand 4,4'-bis(imidazol-1-yl)biphenyl (L) as the pillar. Structural analysis indicates that the title complexes 1-3 are isostructural compounds, which possess metal-formate 2D layers perpendicularly pillared by the ligand L to afford a 3D open framework. This is an interesting example of a Kagome lattice based on the formate mediator. Moreover, the formate anion of this 2D Kagome layer exhibits various bridging modes: anti-anti, syn-anti, and 3.21 modes. Their magnetic measurements reveals that only complex 1 presents the spin canting phenomenon, while its isostructural Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes are simply paramagnets with antiferromagnetic coupling.

Germ layer differentiation during early hindgut and cloaca formation in rabbit and pig embryos

PubMed Central

Hassoun, Romia; Schwartz, Peter; Rath, Detlef; Viebahn, Christoph; Männer, Jörg

2010-01-01

Relative to recent advances in understanding molecular requirements for endoderm differentiation, the dynamics of germ layer morphology and the topographical distribution of molecular factors involved in endoderm formation at the caudal pole of the embryonic disc are still poorly defined. To discover common principles of mammalian germ layer development, pig and rabbit embryos at late gastrulation and early neurulation stages were analysed as species with a human-like embryonic disc morphology, using correlative light and electron microscopy. Close intercellular contact but no direct structural evidence of endoderm formation such as mesenchymal–epithelial transition between posterior primitive streak mesoderm and the emerging posterior endoderm were found. However, a two-step process closely related to posterior germ layer differentiation emerged for the formation of the cloacal membrane: (i) a continuous mesoderm layer and numerous patches of electron-dense flocculent extracellular matrix mark the prospective region of cloacal membrane formation; and (ii) mesoderm cells and all extracellular matrix including the basement membrane are lost locally and close intercellular contact between the endoderm and ectoderm is established. The latter process involves single cells at first and then gradually spreads to form a longitudinally oriented seam-like cloacal membrane. These gradual changes were found from gastrulation to early somite stages in the pig, whereas they were found from early somite to mid-somite stages in the rabbit; in both species cloacal membrane formation is complete prior to secondary neurulation. The results highlight the structural requirements for endoderm formation during development of the hindgut and suggest new mechanisms for the pathogenesis of common urogenital and anorectal malformations. PMID:20874819

Discrete element simulation of charging and mixed layer formation in the ironmaking blast furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, Tamoghna; Saxén, Henrik

2016-11-01

The burden distribution in the ironmaking blast furnace plays an important role for the operation as it affects the gas flow distribution, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions in the shaft. This work studies certain aspects of burden distribution by small-scale experiments and numerical simulation by the discrete element method (DEM). Particular attention is focused on the complex layer-formation process and the problems associated with estimating the burden layer distribution by burden profile measurements. The formation of mixed layers is studied, and a computational method for estimating the extent of the mixed layer, as well as its voidage, is proposed and applied on the results of the DEM simulations. In studying a charging program and its resulting burden distribution, the mixed layers of coke and pellets were found to show lower voidage than the individual burden layers. The dynamic evolution of the mixed layer during the charging process is also analyzed. The results of the study can be used to gain deeper insight into the complex charging process of the blast furnace, which is useful in the design of new charging programs and for mathematical models that do not consider the full behavior of the particles in the burden layers.

Investigation of formation of cut off layers and productivity of screw milling process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrosimov, S. K.; Morozova, A. V.

2018-03-01

The article presents studies of a new method for complex milling surfaces with a screw feed motion. Using the apparatus of algebra of logic, the process of formation of cut metal layers and processing capacity is presented.

Formation of thin-film resistors on silicon substrates

DOEpatents

Schnable, George L.; Wu, Chung P.

1988-11-01

The formation of thin-film resistors by the ion implantation of a metallic conductive layer in the surface of a layer of phosphosilicate glass or borophosphosilicate glass which is deposited on a silicon substrate. The metallic conductive layer materials comprise one of the group consisting of tantalum, ruthenium, rhodium, platinum and chromium silicide. The resistor is formed and annealed prior to deposition of metal, e.g. aluminum, on the substrate.

Dinosaurs, spherules, and the “magic” layer: A new K-T boundary clay site in Wyoming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohor, Bruce F.; Triplehorn, Don M.; Nichols, Douglas J.; Millard, Hugh T., Jr.

1987-10-01

A new Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary clay site has been found along Dogie Creek in Wyoming in the drainage of Lance Creek—the type area of the Lance Formation of latest Cretaceous age. The boundary clay was discovered in the uppermost part of the Lance Formation, 4 7 cm beneath the lowest lignite in the Paleocene Fort Union Formation and approximately 1 m above a fragmented dinosaur bone. The boundary clay consists of a basal kaolinitic claystone layer as much as 3 cm thick containing hollow goyazite spherules, overlain by a 2 3 mm smectitic layer (the “magic” layer) containing both shock-metamorphosed minerals and an iridium anomaly of 21 ppb. A palynological break coincides with the base of the claystone layer; numerous Late Cretaceous palynomorph species terminate at this boundary. The paleontological significance of this new boundary site lies in its close association with the well-studied assemblage of dinosaurs and other vertebrates and flora within the type area of the Lance Formation. The spherules at the Dogie Creek site are extremely well preserved by virtue of their replacement by the mineral goyazite. This preservation should facilitate the resolution of the origin of the spherules and of their host layer.

Increased upstream ionization due to formation of a double layer.

PubMed

Thakur, S Chakraborty; Harvey, Z; Biloiu, I A; Hansen, A; Hardin, R A; Przybysz, W S; Scime, E E

2009-01-23

We report observations that confirm a theoretical prediction that formation of a current-free double layer in a plasma expanding into a chamber of larger diameter is accompanied by an increase in ionization upstream of the double layer. The theoretical model argues that the increased ionization is needed to balance the difference in diffusive losses upstream and downstream of the expansion region. In our expanding helicon source experiments, we find that the upstream plasma density increases sharply at the same antenna frequency at which the double layer appears.

New insights into comparison between synthetic and practical municipal wastewater in cake layer characteristic analysis of membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Zhou, Lijie; Zhuang, Wei-Qin; Wang, Xin; Yu, Ke; Yang, Shufang; Xia, Siqing

2017-11-01

In previous studies, cake layer analysis in membrane bioreactor (MBR) was both carried out with synthetic and practical municipal wastewater (SMW and PMW), leading to different results. This study aimed to identify the comparison between SMW and PMW in cake layer characteristic analysis of MBR. Two laboratory-scale anoxic/oxic MBRs were operated for over 90days with SMW and PMW, respectively. Results showed that PMW led to rough cake layer surface with particles, and the aggravation of cake layer formation with thinner and denser cake layer. Additionally, inorganic components, especially Si and Al, in PMW accumulated into cake layer and strengthened the cake layer structure, inducing severer biofouling. However, SMW promoted bacterial metabolism during cake layer formation, thus aggravated the accumulation of organic components into cake layer. Therefore, SMW highlighted the organic components in cake layer, but weakened the inorganic functions in practical MBR operation. Copyright © 2017 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.

Encapsulated proppants

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

Aines, Roger D.; Bourcier, William L.; Duoss, Eric B.

2018-01-30

A capsule for carrying a proppant for emplaced in a formation containing formation fluid by a hydraulic fracture operation using a fracturing fluid. The capsule includes a capsule body. The capsule body includes a proppant. There is a surface layer on the capsule body that is permeable to the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or is permeable to both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid. The proppant material is dry cement that interacts with the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid that migrate through the surface layer and ismore » taken up by the dry cement causing the dry cement to harden.« less

Encapsulated proppants

DOEpatents

Aines, Roger D.; Bourcier, William L.; Duoss, Eric B.; Roberts, Jeffery James; Spadaccini, Christopher M.; Stolaroff, Joshuah K.

2018-01-09

A capsule for carrying a proppant for emplaced in a formation containing formation fluid by a hydraulic fracture operation using a fracturing fluid. The capsule includes a capsule body. The capsule body includes a proppant. There is a surface layer on the capsule body that is permeable to the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or is permeable to both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid. The proppant material is dry cement that interacts with the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid that migrate through the surface layer and is taken up by the dry cement causing the dry cement to harden.

Coupling of magnetopause-boundary layer to the polar ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wei, C. Q.; Lee, L. C.

1993-01-01

The plasma dynamics in the low-latitude boundary layer and its coupling to the polar ionosphere under boundary conditions at the magnetopause are investigated. In the presence of a driven plasma flow along the magnetopause, the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability can develop, leading to the formation and growth of plasma vortices in the boundary layer. The finite ionospheric conductivity leads to the decay of these vortices. The competing effect of the formation and decay of vortices leads to the formation of strong vortices only in a limited region. Several enhanced field-aligned power density regions associated with the boundary layer vortices and the upward field-aligned current (FAC) filaments can be found along the postnoon auroral oval. These enhanced field-aligned power density regions may account for the observed auroral bright spots.

Topology of magnetic flux ropes and formation of fossil flux transfer events and boundary layer plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, L. C.; Ma, Z. W.; Fu, Z. F.; Otto, A.

1993-01-01

A mechanism for the formation of fossil flux transfer events and the low-level boundary layer within the framework of multiple X-line reconnection is proposed. Attention is given to conditions for which the bulk of magnetic flux in a flux rope of finite extent has a simple magnetic topology, where the four possible connections of magnetic field lines are: IMF to MSP, MSP to IMF, IMF to IMF, and MSP to MSP. For a sufficient relative shift of the X lines, magnetic flux may enter a flux rope from the magnetosphere and exit into the magnetosphere. This process leads to the formation of magnetic flux ropes which contain a considerable amount of magnetosheath plasma on closed magnetospheric field lines. This process is discussed as a possible explanation for the formation of fossil flux transfer events in the magnetosphere and the formation of the low-latitude boundary layer.

Moving hydrocarbons through portions of tar sands formations with a fluid

DOEpatents

Stegemeier, George Leo; Mudunuri, Ramesh Raju; Vinegar, Harold J.; Karanikas, John Michael; Jaiswal, Namit; Mo, Weijian

2010-05-18

A method for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. The method includes heating a first portion of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from one or more heaters located in the first portion. The heat is controlled to increase a fluid injectivity of the first portion. A drive fluid and/or an oxidizing fluid is injected and/or created in the first portion to cause at least some hydrocarbons to move from a second portion of the hydrocarbon layer to a third portion of the hydrocarbon layer. The second portion is between the first portion and the third portion. The first, second, and third portions are horizontally displaced from each other. The third portion is heated from one or more heaters located in the third portion. Hydrocarbons are produced from the third portion of the formation. The hydrocarbons include at least some hydrocarbons from the second portion of the formation.

Molecular formation in the stagnation region of colliding laser-produced plasmas

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

Al-Shboul, K. F.; Hassan, S. M.; Harilal, S. S.

2016-10-27

The laser-produced colliding plasmas have numerous attractive applications and stagnation layer formed during collisions between plasmas is a useful system for understanding particle collisions and molecular formation in a controlled way. In this article, we explore carbon dimer formation and its evolutionary paths in a stagnation layer formed during the interaction of two laser-produced plasmas. Colliding laser produced plasmas are generated by splitting a laser beam into two sub-beams and then focus them into either a single flat (laterally colliding plasmas) or a V-shaped graphite targets (orthogonally colliding plasmas). The C2 formation in the stagnation region of both colliding plasmamore » schemes is investigated using optical spectroscopic means and compared with emission features from single seed plasma. Our results show that the collisions among the plasmas followed by the stagnation layer formation lead to rapid cooling causing enhanced carbon dimer formation. In addition, plasma electron temperature, density and C2 molecular temperature were measured for the stagnation zone and compared with seed plasma.« less

Formation of crack-free nanoporous tin oxide layers via simple one-step anodic oxidation in NaOH at low applied voltages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaraska, Leszek; Gilek, Dominika; Gawlak, Karolina; Jaskuła, Marian; Sulka, Grzegorz D.

2016-12-01

A simple anodic oxidation of metallic tin in fluoride-free alkaline electrolyte at low potentials was proposed as a new and effective strategy for fabrication of crack-free nanoporous tin oxide layers. A low-purity Sn foil (98.8%) was used as a starting material, and a series of anodizations were performed in 1 M NaOH at different conditions such as anodizing potential, and duration of the process. It was proved for the first time that nanostructured tin oxides with ultra-small nanochannels having diameters of <15 nm can be synthesized by simple anodization of metallic tin at a potential of 2 V in 1 M NaOH electrolyte. Increasing anodizing potential to 3 and 4 V allowed for formation of tin oxide layers with much larger pores (40-50 nm in diameter) which were still free from internal cracks and transversal pores. Applying such low potentials significantly reduces the oxide growth rate and suppresses vigorous oxygen evolution at the anode. As a result mechanical deterioration of the oxide structure is prevented while strongly alkaline electrolyte is responsible for formation of the porous layer with completely open pores even at such low potentials. On the contrary, when anodization was carried out at potentials of 5 and 6 V, much faster formation of anodic layer, accompanied by vigorous oxygen gas formation, was observed. In consequence, as grown oxide layers exhibited typical cracked or even stacked internal structure. Finally, we demonstrated for the first time that nanoporous tin oxide layers with segments of different channel sizes can be successfully obtained by simple altering potential during anodization.

Exciplex formation and electroluminescent absorption in ultraviolet organic light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qi; Zhang, Hao; Zhang, Xiao-Wen; Xu, Tao; Wei, Bin

2015-02-01

We investigated the formation of exciplex and electroluminescent absorption in ultraviolet organic light-emitting diodes (UV OLEDs) using different heterojunction structures. It is found that an energy barrier of over 0.3 eV between the emissive layer (EML) and adjacent transport layer facilitates exciplex formation. The electron blocking layer effectively confines electrons in the EML, which contributes to pure UV emission and enhances efficiency. The change in EML thickness generates tunable UV emission from 376 nm to 406 nm. In addition, the UV emission excites low-energy organic function layers and produces photoluminescent emission. In UV OLED, avoiding the exciplex formation and averting light absorption can effectively improve the purity and efficiency. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 1.2% with a UV emission peak of 376 nm is realized. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61136003 and 61275041) and the Guangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation, China (Grant No. 2012GXNSFBA053168).

The structure and the formation of egg shells in the parthenogenetic species Dactylobiotus dispar Murray, 1907 (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada).

PubMed

Poprawa, Izabela

2005-01-01

The eggs of Dactylobiotus dispar, similar to other Tardigrada eggs, are covered with two shells: the vitelline envelope and the chorion. Ultrastructural studies have shown that the oocyte actively participates in the formation of both shells. The process of egg capsule formation begins at the midpoint of vitellogenesis. The chorion at first appears as isolated cones resulting from the exocytotic activity of the oocyte and the ovarian epithelium. Subsequently, connections between the cones are formed. Three layers can be distinguished in the completely developed chorion: (1) the inner layer of medium electron density; (2) the middle, labyrinthine layer; (3) the outer layer of medium electron density with cones (future conical processes). After chorion formation, a vitelline envelope is secreted by the oocyte. The Dactylobiotus dispar egg is covered with small, conical processes with hooked tips. The surface of the chorion is covered with a mesh-like network consisting of elongated interstices. The egg capsule has no micropylar opening.

Induction log responses to layered, dipping, and anisotropic formations: Induction log shoulder-bed corrections to anisotropic formations and the effect of shale anisotropy in thinly laminated sand/shale sequences

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

Hagiwara, Teruhiko

1996-12-31

Induction log responses to layered, dipping, and anisotropic formations are examined analytically. The analytical model is especially helpful in understanding induction log responses to thinly laminated binary formations, such as sand/shale sequences, that exhibit macroscopically anisotropic: resistivity. Two applications of the analytical model are discussed. In one application we examine special induction log shoulder-bed corrections for use when thin anisotropic beds are encountered. It is known that thinly laminated sand/shale sequences act as macroscopically anisotropic: formations. Hydrocarbon-bearing formations also act as macroscopically anisotropic formations when they consist of alternating layers of different grain-size distributions. When such formations are thick, inductionmore » logs accurately read the macroscopic conductivity, from which the hydrocarbon saturation in the formations can be computed. When the laminated formations are not thick, proper shoulder-bed corrections (or thin-bed corrections) should be applied to obtain the true macroscopic formation conductivity and to estimate the hydrocarbon saturation more accurately. The analytical model is used to calculate the thin-bed effect and to evaluate the shoulder-bed corrections. We will show that the formation resistivity and hence the hydrocarbon saturation are greatly overestimated when the anisotropy effect is not accounted for and conventional shoulder-bed corrections are applied to the log responses from such laminated formations.« less

Role of graphene inter layer on the formation of the MoS2-CZTS interface during growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vishwakarma, Manoj; Thota, Narayana; Karakulina, Olesia; Hadermann, Joke; Mehta, B. R.

2018-05-01

The growth of MoS2 layer near the Mo/CZTS interface during sulphurization process can have an impact on back contact cell parameters (series resistance and fill factor) depending upon the thickness or quality of MoS2. This study reports the dependence of the thickness of interfacial MoS2 layer on the growth of graphene at the interface between molybdenum back contact and deposited CZTS layer. The graphene layer reduces the accumulation of Zn/ZnS, Sn/SnO2 and formation of pores near the MoS2-CZTS interface. The use of graphene as interface layer can be potentially useful for improving the quality of Mo/MoS2/CZTS interface.

MSR 2.0: Language Definition and Programming Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-01

this version, was also used in foundational studies for crypto - protocols [14, 19]. An implementation of MSR 2.0 which adheres to the definition...describing non-standard ways to parse oc- currences of this symbol. A unary constant f can be declared either prefixed or postfixed by means of the...Information Technology — MFCSIT’00, pages 1–43, Cork, Ireland, 2000. Elsevier ENTCS 40. [6] Iliano Cervesato. A Specification Language for Crypto

Fluidic Actuation and Control of Munition Aerodynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-31

downstream of a sharp-edged blunt face. Acoustic actuation control was applied at the point of separation in order to decrease drag through reducing...a novel approach, Higuchi et. al. (2006) levitated a blunt faced cylinder using a magnetic field support in a wind tunnel to measure drag without...Simulation, Modeling, and Active Control of Flow/ Acoustic Resonance in Open Cavities”, AIAA Paper, 2001-0076, 2001. Corke, T., Tillotson, D., Patel, M., Su

Joint Force Quarterly. Number 32, Autumn 2002

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-12-01

launch the invasion of Europe, he retired to his quarters and played chess with his driver. The next morning, his aide found him in bed reading a...rm y Pershing with Marshall (in rear) sailing home. 0332 Prelims.qxd 5/30/03 8:56 AM Page 7 On the Web merln The Military Education Research ...Xuzhou Yinchuan Torshavn Nantes Toulouse Agra Ahmadabad Allahabad Calcutta Jaipur Madras Nagpur Pune Surat Esfahan Shiraz Basra Cork Sendai Qaraghandy

Characterization of chemical interactions during chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung-Mahn

2003-10-01

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) has received much attention as an unique technique to provide a wafer level planarization in semiconductor manufacturing. However, despite the extensive use of CMP, it still remains one of the least understood areas in semiconductor processing. The lack of the fundamental understanding is a significant barrier to further advancements in CMP technology. One critical aspect of metal CMP is the formation of a thin surface layer on the metal surface. The formation and removal of this layer controls all the aspects of the CMP process, including removal rate, surface finish, etc. In this dissertation, we focus on the characterization of the formation and removal of the thin surface layer on the copper surface. The formation dynamics was investigated using static and dynamic electrochemical techniques, including potentiodynamic scans and chronoamperometry. The results were validated using XPS measurements. The mechanical properties of the surface layer were investigated using nanoindentation measurements. The electrochemical investigation showed that the thickness of the surface layer is controlled by the chemicals such as an oxidizer (hydrogen peroxide), a corrosion inhibitor (benzotriazole), a complexing agent (citric acid), and their concentrations. The dynamic electrochemical measurements indicated that the initial layer formation kinetics is unaffected by the corrosion inhibitors. The passivation due to the corrosion inhibitor becomes important only on large time scales (>200 millisecond). The porosity and the density of the chemically modified surface layer can be affected by additives of other chemicals such as citric acid. An optimum density of the surface layer is required for high polishing rate while at the same time maintaining a high degree of surface finish. Nanoindentation measurements indicated that the mechanical properties of the surface layer are strongly dependent on the chemical additives in the slurry. The CMP removal rates were found to be in good agreement with the initial reaction kinetics as well as the mechanical properties of the chemically modified surface layer. In addition, the material removal model based on the micro- and nano-scale interactions, which were measured experimentally, has been developed.

Convective Differentiation of the Earth's Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, U.; Schmalzl, J.; Stemmer, K.

2007-05-01

The differentiation of the Earth is likely to be influenced by convective motions within the early mantle. Double- diffusive convection (d.d.c), driven by thermally and compositionally induced density differences is considered as a vital mechanism behind the dynamic differentiation of the early mantle.. We demonstrate that d.d.c can lead to layer formation on a planetary scale in the diffusive regime where composition stabilizes the system whil heat provides the destabilizing force. Choosing initial conditions in which a stable compositional gradient overlies a hot reservoir we mimic the situation of a planet in a phase after core formation. Differently from earlier studies we fixed the temperature rather than the heat flux at the lower boundary, resembling a more realistic condition for the core-mantle boundary. We have carried out extended series of numerical experiments, ranging from 2D calculations in constant viscosity fluids to fully 3D experiments in spherical geometry with strongly temperature dependent viscosity. The buoyancy ratio R and the Lewis number Le are the important dynamical parameters. In all scenarios we could identify a parameter regime where the non-layered initial structure developed into a state consisting of several, mostly two layers. Initially plumes from the bottom boundary homogenize a first layer which subsequently thickens. The bottom layer heats up and then convection is initiated in the top layer. This creates dynamically (i.e. without jump in the material behavior) a stack of separately convecting layers. The bottom layer is significantly thicker than the top layer. Strongly temperature dependent viscosity leads to a more complex evolution The formation of the bottom layer is followed by the generation of several layers on top. Finally the uppermost layer starts to convect. In general, the multilayer structure collapses into a two layer system. We employed a numerical technique, allowing for a diffusion free treatment of the compositional field. In each case a similar evolution has been observed. This indicates that a temporary formation of layered structures in planetary interiors is a typical phenomenon. Moreover, in this scenario, plate tectonics appears only in later stages of the evolution.

The influence of tidal winds in the formation of blanketing sporadic e-layer over equatorial Brazilian region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resende, Laysa Cristina Araujo; Batista, Inez Staciarini; Denardini, Clezio Marcos; Batista, Paulo Prado; Carrasco, Alexander José; Andrioli, Vânia Fátima; Moro, Juliano

2018-06-01

This work analysis the blanketing sporadic layers (Esb) behavior over São Luís, Brazil (2° 31‧ S, 44° 16‧ W, dip: -4.80) which is classified as a transition region between equatorial and low-latitude. Hence, some peculiarities can appear as Esb occurrence instead of the common Esq, which is a non-blanketing irregularity layer. The analysis presented here was obtained using a modified version of a theoretical model for the E region (MIRE), which computes the densities of the metallic ions (Fe+ and Mg+) and the densities of the main molecular ions (NO+, O2+, N2+) by solving the continuity and momentum equations for each one of them. In that model, the Es layer physics driven by both diurnal and semidiurnal tidal winds are taken into account and it was extended in height coverage by adding a novel neutral wind model derived from the all-sky meteor radar measurements. Thus, we provide more trustworthy results related to the Es layer formation in the equatorial region. We verified the contribution of each tidal wind component to the Esb layer formation in this equatorial region. Additionally, we compared the Es layer electron density computed by MIRE with the data obtained by using the blanketing frequency parameter (fbEs) deduced from ionograms. The results show that the diurnal component of the tidal wind is more important in the Esb layer formation whereas the semidiurnal component has a little contribution in our simulations. Finally, it was verified that the modified MIRE presented here can be used to study the Esb layers occurrence over the equatorial region in the Brazilian sector.

Innovative design of composite structures: The use of curvilinear fiber format in structural design of composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charette, R. F.; Hyer, M. W.

1990-01-01

The influence is investigated of a curvilinear fiber format on load carrying capacity of a layered fiber reinforced plate with a centrally located hole. A curvilinear fiber format is descriptive of layers in a laminate having fibers which are aligned with the principal stress directions in those layers. Laminates of five curvilinear fiber format designs and four straightline fiber format designs are considered. A quasi-isotropic laminate having a straightline fiber format is used to define a baseline design for comparison with the other laminate designs. Four different plate geometries are considered and differentiated by two values of hole diameter/plate width equal to 1/6 and 1/3, and two values of plate length/plate width equal to 2 and 1. With the plates under uniaxial tensile loading on two opposing edges, alignment of fibers in the curvilinear layers with the principal stress directions is determined analytically by an iteration procedure. In-plane tensile load capacity is computed for all of the laminate designs using a finite element analysis method. A maximum strain failure criterion and the Tsai-Wu failure criterion are applied to determine failure loads and failure modes. Resistance to buckling of the laminate designs to uniaxial compressive loading is analyzed using the commercial code Engineering Analysis Language. Results indicate that the curvilinear fiber format laminates have higher in-plane tensile load capacity and comparable buckling resistance relative to the straightline fiber format laminates.

Vortex Formation During Unsteady Boundary-Layer Separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Debopam; Arakeri, Jaywant H.

1998-11-01

Unsteady laminar boundary-layer separation is invariably accompanied by the formation of vortices. The aim of the present work is to study the vortex formation mechanism(s). An adverse pressure gradient causing a separation can be decomposed into a spatial component ( spatial variation of the velocity external to the boundary layer ) and a temporal component ( temporal variation of the external velocity ). Experiments were conducted in a piston driven 2-D water channel, where the spatial component could be be contolled by geometry and the temporal component by the piston motion. We present results for three divergent channel geometries. The piston motion consists of three phases: constant acceleration from start, contant velocity, and constant deceleration to stop. Depending on the geometry and piston motion we observe different types of unsteady separation and vortex formation.

Surface Morphology Transformation Under High-Temperature Annealing of Ge Layers Deposited on Si(100).

PubMed

Shklyaev, A A; Latyshev, A V

2016-12-01

We study the surface morphology and chemical composition of SiGe layers after their formation under high-temperature annealing at 800-1100 °C of 30-150 nm Ge layers deposited on Si(100) at 400-500 °C. It is found that the annealing leads to the appearance of the SiGe layers of two types, i.e., porous and continuous. The continuous layers have a smoothened surface morphology and a high concentration of threading dislocations. The porous and continuous layers can coexist. Their formation conditions and the ratio between their areas on the surface depend on the thickness of deposited Ge layers, as well as on the temperature and the annealing time. The data obtained suggest that the porous SiGe layers are formed due to melting of the strained Ge layers and their solidification in the conditions of SiGe dewetting on Si. The porous and dislocation-rich SiGe layers may have properties interesting for applications.

Enhanced corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy by a silane-based solution treatment after an in-situ formation of the Mg(OH)2 layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Fubao; Shen, Jun; Gao, Runhua; Xie, Xiong; Luo, Xiong

2016-03-01

A novel organic-inorganic Mg(OH)2/silane surface layer has been developed for corrosion protection of AZ31 magnesium alloy. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the immersion tests, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and sellotape tests showed that the Mg(OH)2/silane-based composite surface layer possessed excellent corrosion resistance and very good adhesion due to the formation of Si-O-Mg bond between Mg(OH)2 layer and silane layer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests results indicated that for the long-term corrosion protection of AZ31 the increase of the curing temperature improved the impedance of the composited layer when the curing temperature was lower than 130 °С. However, the impedance of the composited layer deceased when the curing temperature was more than 130 °С due to the carbonization of the silane layer.

Opinion formation on multiplex scale-free networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Vu Xuan; Xiao, Gaoxi; Xu, Xin-Jian; Li, Guoqi; Wang, Zhen

2018-01-01

Most individuals, if not all, live in various social networks. The formation of opinion systems is an outcome of social interactions and information propagation occurring in such networks. We study the opinion formation with a new rule of pairwise interactions in the novel version of the well-known Deffuant model on multiplex networks composed of two layers, each of which is a scale-free network. It is found that in a duplex network composed of two identical layers, the presence of the multiplexity helps either diminish or enhance opinion diversity depending on the relative magnitudes of tolerance ranges characterizing the degree of openness/tolerance on both layers: there is a steady separation between different regions of tolerance range values on two network layers where multiplexity plays two different roles, respectively. Additionally, the two critical tolerance ranges follow a one-sum rule; that is, each of the layers reaches a complete consensus only if the sum of the tolerance ranges on the two layers is greater than a constant approximately equaling 1, the double of the critical bound on a corresponding isolated network. A further investigation of the coupling between constituent layers quantified by a link overlap parameter reveals that as the layers are loosely coupled, the two opinion systems co-evolve independently, but when the inter-layer coupling is sufficiently strong, a monotonic behavior is observed: an increase in the tolerance range of a layer causes a decline in the opinion diversity on the other layer regardless of the magnitudes of tolerance ranges associated with the layers in question.

Port wine oxidation management: a multiparametric kinetic approach.

PubMed

Martins, Rui Costa; Monforte, Ana Rita; Silva Ferreira, António

2013-06-05

Port wine is a flagship fortified wine of Portugal, which undergoes a particularly long aging period, developing a dynamic sensory profile over time, responsible for several wine categories, which is dependent upon the type of aging (bottle or barrel). Therefore, the quality of the product is dependent upon the chemical mechanisms occurring during the aging process, such as oxidation or Maillard reactions. To attain the desired quality management, it is necessary to understand how technological parameters, such as temperature or oxygen exposure, affect the kinetics of the formation of key odorants, such as sotolon. There is a lack of information about the impact of the storage conditions (oxygen and temperature) on Port wine quality. In this study, the effect of these two parameters were investigated to increase the knowledge database concerning aging management of Port wines. It was found that sotolon formation is highly dependent upon oxygen and temperature. There is however a synergistic effect between these two parameters that could significantly increase the concentration. The kinetic parameters of oxygen, sotolon, and other compounds related to Port aging (cis- and trans-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,3-dioxan, 2-furfural, 5-hydroxy-methyl-furfural, and 5-methyl-furfural) are also reported. Kinetic models with Monte Carlo simulations, where the oxygen permeability dispersion and temperature are the parameters under evaluation, were applied. On the basis of the modeling predictions, it would seem that the temperature of a cellar would have a more significant impact on the Port wines stored in containers where the oxygen intake is higher (barrels) when compared to containers with low oxygen permeability (bottles using cork stoppers).

Dark current of organic heterostructure devices with insulating spacer layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Sun; Nie, Wanyi; Mohite, Aditya D.; Saxena, Avadh; Smith, Darryl L.; Ruden, P. Paul

2015-03-01

The dark current density at fixed voltage bias in donor/acceptor organic planar heterostructure devices can either increase or decrease when an insulating spacer layer is added between the donor and acceptor layers. The dominant current flow process in these systems involves the formation and subsequent recombination of an interfacial exciplex state. If the exciplex formation rate limits current flow, the insulating interface layer can increase dark current whereas, if the exciplex recombination rate limits current flow, the insulating interface layer decreases dark current. We present a device model to describe this behavior and illustrate it experimentally for various donor/acceptor systems, e.g. P3HT/LiF/C60.

Conditions for double layers in the earth's magnetosphere and perhaps in other astrophysical objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyons, L. R.

1987-01-01

It is suggested that the features which govern the formation of the double layers are: (1) the divergence of the magnetospheric electric field, (2) the ionospheric conductivity, and (3) the current-voltage characteristics of auroral magnetic field lines. Also considered are conditions in other astrophysical objects that could lead to the formation of DLs in a manner analogous to what occurs in the earth's auroral zones. It is noted that two processes can drive divergent Pedersen currents within a collisional conducting layer: (1) sheared plasma flow applied anywhere along the magnetic field lines connected to the conducting layer and (2) a neutral flow with shear within the conducting layer.

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.

Current–voltage characteristics of organic heterostructure devices with insulating spacer layers

DOE PAGES

Yin, Sun; Nie, Wanyi; Mohite, Aditya D.; ...

2015-05-14

The dark current density in donor/acceptor organic planar heterostructure devices at a given forward voltage bias can either increase or decrease when an insulating spacer layer is added between the donor and acceptor layers. The dominant current flow process in these systems involves the formation and subsequent recombination of interfacial exciplex states. If the exciplex recombination rate limits current flow, an insulating interface layer decreases the dark current. However, if the exciplex formation rate limits the current, an insulating interface layer may increase the dark current. As a result, we present a device model to describe this behavior, and wemore » discuss relevant experimental data.« less

Disruption of vertical motility by shear triggers formation of thin phytoplankton layers.

PubMed

Durham, William M; Kessler, John O; Stocker, Roman

2009-02-20

Thin layers of phytoplankton are important hotspots of ecological activity that are found in the coastal ocean, meters beneath the surface, and contain cell concentrations up to two orders of magnitude above ambient concentrations. Current interpretations of their formation favor abiotic processes, yet many phytoplankton species found in these layers are motile. We demonstrated that layers formed when the vertical migration of phytoplankton was disrupted by hydrodynamic shear. This mechanism, which we call gyrotactic trapping, can be responsible for the thin layers of phytoplankton commonly observed in the ocean. These results reveal that the coupling between active microorganism motility and ambient fluid motion can shape the macroscopic features of the marine ecological landscape.

Sonic hedgehog expression in corticofugal projection neurons directs cortical microcircuit formation.

PubMed

Harwell, Corey C; Parker, Philip R L; Gee, Steven M; Okada, Ami; McConnell, Susan K; Kreitzer, Anatol C; Kriegstein, Arnold R

2012-03-22

The precise connectivity of inputs and outputs is critical for cerebral cortex function; however, the cellular mechanisms that establish these connections are poorly understood. Here, we show that the secreted molecule Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is involved in synapse formation of a specific cortical circuit. Shh is expressed in layer V corticofugal projection neurons and the Shh receptor, Brother of CDO (Boc), is expressed in local and callosal projection neurons of layer II/III that synapse onto the subcortical projection neurons. Layer V neurons of mice lacking functional Shh exhibit decreased synapses. Conversely, the loss of functional Boc leads to a reduction in the strength of synaptic connections onto layer Vb, but not layer II/III, pyramidal neurons. These results demonstrate that Shh is expressed in postsynaptic target cells while Boc is expressed in a complementary population of presynaptic input neurons, and they function to guide the formation of cortical microcircuitry. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of the Microstructure of the Functional Layers on the Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Huang, Fuzhi; Pascoe, Alexander R; Wu, Wu-Qiang; Ku, Zhiliang; Peng, Yong; Zhong, Jie; Caruso, Rachel A; Cheng, Yi-Bing

2017-05-01

The efficiencies of the hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells have been rapidly approaching the benchmarks held by the leading thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Arguably, one of the most important factors leading to this rapid advancement is the ability to manipulate the microstructure of the perovskite layer and the adjacent functional layers within the device. Here, an analysis of the nucleation and growth models relevant to the formation of perovskite films is provided, along with the effect of the perovskite microstructure (grain sizes and voids) on device performance. In addition, the effect of a compact or mesoporous electron-transport-layer (ETL) microstructure on the perovskite film formation and the optical/photoelectric properties at the ETL/perovskite interface are overviewed. Insight into the formation of the functional layers within a perovskite solar cell is provided, and potential avenues for further development of the perovskite microstructure are identified. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Varying properties of in situ heat treatment of a tar sands formation based on assessed viscosities

DOEpatents

Karanikas, John Michael; Vinegar, Harold J

2014-03-04

A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. The heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation. A viscosity of one or more zones of the hydrocarbon layer is assessed. The heating rates in the zones are varied based on the assessed viscosities. The heating rate in a first zone of the formation is greater than the heating rate in a second zone of the formation if the viscosity in the first zone is greater than the viscosity in the second zone. Fluids are produced from the formation through the production wells.

Modeling of Particulate Emissions

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

Concern Local Air Quality - A Continuing Concern Ground Level Troposphere Ozone Layer Depletion • H2O Ozone Depletion (ice formation) 5 Modeling... Ozone & Smog Formation Health Effects Local Air Quality 33,000-58,000 ft• NOx •Traffic Growth • CO2* • NOx O3* • NOx Reduces CH4 • H2O Vapor...Particulates • SOx Cloud Formation Global Warming * - Greenhouse Gases Ozone Layer Depletion - Not an Immediate Concern Global Warming - An Emerging

Thermal analysis of microlens formation on a sensitized gelatin layer

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

Muric, Branka; Pantelic, Dejan; Vasiljevic, Darko

2009-07-01

We analyze a mechanism of direct laser writing of microlenses. We find that thermal effects and photochemical reactions are responsible for microlens formation on a sensitized gelatin layer. An infrared camera was used to assess the temperature distribution during the microlens formation, while the diffraction pattern produced by the microlens itself was used to estimate optical properties. The study of thermal processes enabled us to establish the correlation between thermal and optical parameters.

Apportionment of urban aerosol sources in Cork (Ireland) by synergistic measurement techniques.

PubMed

Dall'Osto, Manuel; Hellebust, Stig; Healy, Robert M; O'Connor, Ian P; Kourtchev, Ivan; Sodeau, John R; Ovadnevaite, Jurgita; Ceburnis, Darius; O'Dowd, Colin D; Wenger, John C

2014-09-15

The sources of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during wintertime at a background urban location in Cork city (Ireland) have been determined. Aerosol chemical analyses were performed by multiple techniques including on-line high resolution aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Aerodyne HR-ToF-AMS), on-line single particle aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TSI ATOFMS), on-line elemental carbon-organic carbon analysis (Sunset_EC-OC), and off-line gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and ion chromatography analysis of filter samples collected at 6-h resolution. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) has been carried out to better elucidate aerosol sources not clearly identified when analyzing results from individual aerosol techniques on their own. Two datasets have been considered: on-line measurements averaged over 2-h periods, and both on-line and off-line measurements averaged over 6-h periods. Five aerosol sources were identified by PMF in both datasets, with excellent agreement between the two solutions: (1) regional domestic solid fuel burning--"DSF_Regional," 24-27%; (2) local urban domestic solid fuel burning--"DSF_Urban," 22-23%; (3) road vehicle emissions--"Traffic," 15-20%; (4) secondary aerosols from regional anthropogenic sources--"SA_Regional" 9-13%; and (5) secondary aged/processed aerosols related to urban anthropogenic sources--"SA_Urban," 21-26%. The results indicate that, despite regulations for restricting the use of smoky fuels, solid fuel burning is the major source (46-50%) of PM2.5 in wintertime in Cork, and also likely other areas of Ireland. Whilst wood combustion is strongly associated with OC and EC, it was found that peat and coal combustion is linked mainly with OC and the aerosol from these latter sources appears to be more volatile than that produced by wood combustion. Ship emissions from the nearby port were found to be mixed with the SA_Regional factor. The PMF analysis allowed us to link the AMS cooking organic aerosol factor (AMS_PMF_COA) to oxidized organic aerosol, chloride and locally produced nitrate, indicating that AMS_PMF_COA cannot be attributed to primary cooking emissions only. Overall, there are clear benefits from factor analysis applied to results obtained from multiple techniques, which allows better association of aerosols with sources and atmospheric processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel strategy to obtain quantitative data for modelling: combined enrichment and real-time PCR for enumeration of salmonellae from pig carcasses.

PubMed

Krämer, Nadine; Löfström, Charlotta; Vigre, Håkan; Hoorfar, Jeffrey; Bunge, Cornelia; Malorny, Burkhard

2011-03-01

Salmonella is a major zoonotic pathogen which causes outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. The primary sources for Salmonella are food-producing animals such as pigs and poultry. For risk assessment and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) concepts, it is essential to produce large amounts of quantitative data, which is currently not achievable with the standard cultural based methods for enumeration of Salmonella. This study presents the development of a novel strategy to enumerate low numbers of Salmonella in cork borer samples taken from pig carcasses as a first concept and proof of principle for a new sensitive and rapid quantification method based on combined enrichment and real-time PCR. The novelty of the approach is in the short pre-enrichment step, where for most bacteria, growth is in the log phase. The method consists of an 8h pre-enrichment of the cork borer sample diluted 1:10 in non-selective buffered peptone water, followed by DNA extraction, and Salmonella detection and quantification by real-time PCR. The limit of quantification was 1.4 colony forming units (CFU)/20 cm(2) (approximately 10 g) of artificially contaminated sample with 95% confidence interval of ± 0.7 log CFU/sample. The precision was similar to the standard reference most probable number (MPN) method. A screening of 200 potentially naturally contaminated cork borer samples obtained over seven weeks in a slaughterhouse resulted in 25 Salmonella-positive samples. The analysis of salmonellae within these samples showed that the PCR method had a higher sensitivity for samples with a low contamination level (<6.7 CFU/sample), where 15 of the samples negative with the MPN method was detected with the PCR method and 5 were found to be negative by both methods. For the samples with a higher contamination level (6.7-310 CFU/sample) a good agreement between the results obtained with the PCR and MPN methods was obtained. The quantitative real-time PCR method can easily be applied to other food and environmental matrices by adaptation of the pre-enrichment time and media. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vacuum deposition and curing of liquid monomers

DOEpatents

Affinito, J.D.

1993-11-09

The present invention is the formation of solid polymer layers under vacuum. More specifically, the present invention is the use of standard polymer layer-making equipment that is generally used in an atmospheric environment in a vacuum, and degassing the monomer material prior to injection into the vacuum. Additional layers of polymer or metal may be vacuum deposited onto solid polymer layers. Formation of polymer layers under a vacuum improves material and surface characteristics, and subsequent quality of bonding to additional layers. Further advantages include use of less to no photoinitiator for curing, faster curing, fewer impurities in the polymer electrolyte, as well as improvement in material properties including no trapped gas resulting in greater density, and reduced monomer wetting angle that facilitates spreading of the monomer and provides a smoother finished surface.

Formation of CCP-NOL in CPP-GMR spin valve structure for the enhancement of magnetoresistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Y. M.; Isogami, S.; Tsunoda, M.; Takahashi, M.; Yoo, S. I.

2007-03-01

For the MR enhancement in current perpendicular to plane-giant magetoresistance spin valve (CPP-GMR SV), a current-confined path—nano-oxide layer (CCP-NOL)—AlO x was formed on the Cu spacer of half SV structure. In order to form effective current-confining paths, an ultra-thin AlO x layer was deposited on a Cu spacer layer by O 2 reactive sputtering of Al with infra-red (IR) heat treatment on the substrate, and that enable to form an island-structured insulating AlO x layer having holes between AlO x islands. By controlling PO 2 and substrate temperature in the NOL deposition, AlO x layer formation without an oxidizing bottom layer could be achieved.

Vacuum deposition and curing of liquid monomers

DOEpatents

Affinito, J.D.

1995-03-07

The present invention is the formation of solid polymer layers under vacuum. More specifically, the present invention is the use of ``standard`` polymer layer-making equipment that is generally used in an atmospheric environment in a vacuum, and degassing the monomer material prior to injection into the vacuum. Additional layers of polymer or metal or oxide may be vacuum deposited onto solid polymer layers. Formation of polymer layers under a vacuum improves material and surface characteristics, and subsequent quality of bonding to additional layers. Further advantages include use of less to no photoinitiator for curing, faster curing, fewer impurities in the polymer electrolyte, as well as improvement in material properties including no trapped gas resulting in greater density, and reduced monomer wetting angle that facilitates spreading of the monomer and provides a smoother finished surface.

Vacuum deposition and curing of liquid monomers

DOEpatents

Affinito, John D.

1993-01-01

The present invention is the formation of solid polymer layers under vacuum. More specifically, the present invention is the use of "standard" polymer layer-making equipment that is generally used in an atmospheric environment in a vacuum, and degassing the monomer material prior to injection into the vacuum. Additional layers of polymer or metal may be vacuum deposited onto solid polymer layers. Formation of polymer layers under a vacuum improves material and surface characteristics, and subsequent quality of bonding to additional layers. Further advantages include use of less to no photoinitiator for curing, faster curing, fewer impurities in the polymer electrolyte, as well as improvement in material properties including no trapped gas resulting in greater density, and reduced monomer wetting angle that facilitates spreading of the monomer and provides a smoother finished surface.

Vacuum deposition and curing of liquid monomers apparatus

DOEpatents

Affinito, John D.

1996-01-01

The present invention is the formation of solid polymer layers under vacuum. More specifically, the present invention is the use of "standard" polymer layer-making equipment that is generally used in an atmospheric environment in a vacuum, and degassing the monomer material prior to injection into the vacuum. Additional layers of polymer or metal or oxide may be vacuum deposited onto solid polymer layers. Formation of polymer layers under a vacuum improves material and surface characteristics, and subsequent quality of bonding to additional layers. Further advantages include use of less to no photoinitiator for curing, faster curing, fewer impurities in the polymer electrolyte, as well as improvement in material properties including no trapped gas resulting in greater density, and reduced monomer wetting angle that facilitates spreading of the monomer and provides a smoother finished surface.

Vacuum deposition and curing of liquid monomers

DOEpatents

Affinito, John D.

1995-01-01

The present invention is the formation of solid polymer layers under vacuum. More specifically, the present invention is the use of "standard" polymer layer-making equipment that is generally used in an atmospheric environment in a vacuum, and degassing the monomer material prior to injection into the vacuum. Additional layers of polymer or metal or oxide may be vacuum deposited onto solid polymer layers. Formation of polymer layers under a vacuum improves material and surface characteristics, and subsequent quality of bonding to additional layers. Further advantages include use of less to no photoinitiator for curing, faster curing, fewer impurities in the polymer electrolyte, as well as improvement in material properties including no trapped gas resulting in greater density, and reduced monomer wetting angle that facilitates spreading of the monomer and provides a smoother finished surface.

Suppression of dilution in Ni-Cr-Si-B alloy cladding layer by controlling diode laser beam profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanigawa, Daichi; Funada, Yoshinori; Abe, Nobuyuki; Tsukamoto, Masahiro; Hayashi, Yoshihiko; Yamazaki, Hiroyuki; Tatsumi, Yoshihiro; Yoneyama, Mikio

2018-02-01

A Ni-Cr-Si-B alloy layer was produced on a type 304 stainless steel plate by laser cladding. In order to produce cladding layer with smooth surface and low dilution, influence of laser beam profile on cladding layer was investigated. A laser beam with a constant spatial intensity at the focus spot was used to suppress droplet formation during the cladding layer formation. This line spot, formed with a focussing unit designed by our group, suppressed droplet generation. The layer formed using this line spot with a constant spatial intensity had a much smoother surface compared to a layer formed using a line spot with a Gaussian-like beam. In addition, the dilution of the former layer was much smaller. These results indicated that a line spot with a constant spatial intensity was more effective in producing a cladding layer with smooth surface and low dilution because it suppressed droplet generation.

Coevolution of a multilayer node-aligned network whose layers represent different social relations.

PubMed

Bahulkar, Ashwin; Szymanski, Boleslaw K; Chan, Kevin; Lizardo, Omar

2017-01-01

We examine the coevolution of three-layer node-aligned network of university students. The first layer is defined by nominations based on perceived prominence collected from repeated surveys during the first four semesters; the second is a behavioral layer representing actual students' interactions based on records of mobile calls and text messages; while the third is a behavioral layer representing potential face-to-face interactions suggested by bluetooth collocations. We address four interrelated questions. First, we ask whether the formation or dissolution of a link in one of the layers precedes or succeeds the formation or dissolution of the corresponding link in another layer (temporal dependencies). Second, we explore the causes of observed temporal dependencies between the layers. For those temporal dependencies that are confirmed, we measure the predictive capability of such dependencies. Third, we observe the progress towards nominations and the stages that lead to them. Finally, we examine whether the differences in dissolution rates of symmetric (undirected) versus asymmetric (directed) links co-exist in all layers. We find strong patterns of reciprocal temporal dependencies between the layers. In particular, the creation of an edge in either behavioral layer generally precedes the formation of a corresponding edge in the nomination layer. Conversely, the decay of a link in the nomination layer generally precedes a decline in the intensity of communication and collocation. Finally, nodes connected by asymmetric nomination edges have lower overall communication and collocation volumes and more asymmetric communication flows than the nodes linked by symmetric edges. We find that creation and dissolution of cognitively salient contacts have temporal dependencies with communication and collocation behavior.

Boots on Mars: Earth Independent Human Exploration of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnett, Josephine; Gill, Tracy R.; Ellis, Kim Gina

2017-01-01

This package is for the conduct of a workshop during the International Space University Space Studies Program in the summer of 2017 being held in Cork, Ireland. It gives publicly available information on NASA and international plans to move beyond low Earth orbit to Mars and discusses challenges and capabilities. This information will provide the participants a basic level of insight to develop a response on their perceived obstacles to a future vision of humans on Mars.

Flambeau Mining Corporation, Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wisconsin. Proposed Open Pit Copper Mine and Waste Containment Area, Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

American elm Lonicera tatarica - tartarian honeysuckle Ulmus rubra - slippery elm Siiibucus canadenis - common elder Ulmus thoiii~sii - cork elm ...community borders the marshes and swamps. 2.060 The predominant species are the trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), red maple (Acer rubrum), the elms ...succession. The most numerous trees (in descending order) are: white birch, red maple, aspen, sugar maple, black ash, basswood, elm (Ulmus sp.), hemlock

The Coast Artillery Journal. Volume 77, Number 3, May-June 1934

DTIC Science & Technology

1934-06-01

from its bed. Two large holes had been b~rned in the bottom but the artificer plugged them with ~Iecesof a cork -like wood of the variety used by the...May-June By order of Captain, 29th Infantry. Adjutant . Headquarters Twenty-Ninth Infantry Office of the Regimental Commander Fort Benning, Georgia...January 24, 1934, OFFICIAL: Captain, 29th Infantry, Adjutant . FIELD ORDERS ) NO. I ) I. The regiment will move by rail pursuant to the Regimental

Cumulative and Synergistic Effects of Physical, Biological, and Acoustic Signals on Marine Mammal Habitat Use

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

Science 59, 1326-1336. PUBLICATIONS Nystuen, JA, Miksis-Olds, JL, Stabeno, PJ (in prep). Soundscapes under sea ice. Journal of the Acoustical...International Conference:The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life. Cork, Ireland. August 16-20. Nystuen, JA, Miksis-Olds, JL (2010). Soundscapes under sea... Soundscapes under sea ice:Can we listen for open water? Acoustical Society of America, Baltimore, MD. April 19-23. Miksis-Olds, JL, Nystuen, JA

Cumulative and Synergistic Effects of Physical, Biological, and Acoustic Signals on Marine Mammal Habitat Use

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-30

Science, Special Issue on Ocean Observatories. 7 Nystuen, JA, Miksis-Olds, JL, Stabeno, PJ (in prep). Soundscapes under sea ice. Journal of the...Conference:The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life. Cork, Ireland. August 16-20. Nystuen, JA, Miksis-Olds, JL (2010). Soundscapes under sea ice:Can we...listen for open water? European Conference on Underwater Acoustics. Istanbul, Turkey. July 5-9. Nystuen, JA, Miksis-Olds, JL (2010). Soundscapes

Federal Specification MMM-A-1617B for Adhesive, Rubber-Base, General-Purpose HAP-Free Replacement

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

A-1617B Type-I adhesive (table 1) (5). This adhesive is a natural rubber and SBR combination recommended for bonding cotton duck, leather , felt...cotton duck, leather , felt, and cork to themselves, aluminum, steel, or natural rubber (5). Clifton FA-1051 low-HAP (experimental) adhesive is...oils. This adhesive bonds leather , nitrile rubber, most plastics, and gasketing materials to a variety of substrates. The carrier solvent is acetone

Carbon Displacement-Induced Single Carbon Atomic Chain Formation and its Effects on Sliding of SiC Fibers in SiC/graphene/SiC Composite

DOE PAGES

Wallace, Joseph B.; Chen, Di; Shao, Lin

2015-11-03

Understanding radiation effects on the mechanical properties of SiC composites is important to their application in advanced reactor designs. By means of molecular dynamics simulations, we found that due to strong interface bonding between the graphene layers and SiC, the sliding friction of SiC fibers is largely determined by the frictional behavior between graphene layers. Upon sliding, carbon displacements between graphene layers can act as seed atoms to induce the formation of single carbon atomic chains (SCACs) by pulling carbon atoms from the neighboring graphene planes. The formation, growth, and breaking of SCACs determine the frictional response to irradiation.

Adult orthodontics: a quality assessment of Internet information.

PubMed

McMorrow, Siobhán Mary; Millett, Declan T

2016-09-01

This study evaluated the quality, reliability and readability of information on the Internet on adult orthodontics. A quality assessment of adult orthodontic websites. Postgraduate Orthodontic Unit, Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Cork, Ireland. An Internet search using three search engines (Google, Yahoo and Bing) was conducted using the terms ('adult orthodontics' and 'adult braces'). The first 50 websites from each engine and under each search term were screened and exclusion criteria applied. Included websites were then assessed for quality using four methods: the HON seal, JAMA benchmarks, the DISCERN instrument and the LIDA tool. Readability of included websites was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES). Only 13 websites met the inclusion criteria. Most were of US origin (n = 8; 61%). The authors of the websites were dentists (n = 5; 39%), professional organizations (n = 2; 15%), past patients (n = 2; 15%) and unspecified (n = 4; 31%). Only 1 website displayed the HON seal and three websites contained all JAMA benchmarks. The mean overall score for DISCERN was 3.9/5 and the mean total LIDA score was 115/144. The average FRES score was 63.1/100. The number of informative websites on adult orthodontics is low and these are of moderate quality. More accurate, high-quality Internet resources are required on adult orthodontics. Recommendations are made as to how this may be achieved.

Prepared for sudden cardiac arrest? A cross-sectional study of automated external defibrillators in amateur sport.

PubMed

Cronin, Owen; Jordan, Joseph; Quigley, Fionnuala; Molloy, Michael G

2013-12-01

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a rare but tragic part of professional and amateur sport. Following multiple high profile deaths in professional sport over the past two decades, there has been a significant trend towards the widespread availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at amateur sports grounds. To examine the availability of AEDs in amateur sports clubs in Cork, Ireland, and to investigate club practices with respect to the purchase, accessibility, maintenance and use of AEDs. A cross-sectional survey of 218 amateur Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), soccer and rugby clubs was conducted between July and September 2012. Club committee representatives answered a 22-point questionnaire. 126 GAA clubs and 28 soccer and 17 rugby (n=171) clubs were enrolled in this study. A total of 81.3% of amateur clubs own an AED. We estimate an AED-use rate of one AED use for every 54.5 years an AED is available. Almost 50% of club representatives thought the location of their club AED could be improved while 12.9% of clubs admitted to not maintaining their club AED on a regular basis. A large proportion of amateur clubs in Cork City and County own an AED. Many clubs engage in regular maintenance and storage of AEDs. However, this study identifies several areas for improvement in facilitating a secure chain of survival for players in the event of an SCA.

Schlieren imaging of loud sounds and weak shock waves in air near the limit of visibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hargather, Michael John; Settles, Gary S.; Madalis, Matthew J.

2010-02-01

A large schlieren system with exceptional sensitivity and a high-speed digital camera are used to visualize loud sounds and a variety of common phenomena that produce weak shock waves in the atmosphere. Frame rates varied from 10,000 to 30,000 frames/s with microsecond frame exposures. Sound waves become visible to this instrumentation at frequencies above 10 kHz and sound pressure levels in the 110 dB (6.3 Pa) range and above. The density gradient produced by a weak shock wave is examined and found to depend upon the profile and thickness of the shock as well as the density difference across it. Schlieren visualizations of weak shock waves from common phenomena include loud trumpet notes, various impact phenomena that compress a bubble of air, bursting a toy balloon, popping a champagne cork, snapping a wooden stick, and snapping a wet towel. The balloon burst, snapping a ruler on a table, and snapping the towel and a leather belt all produced readily visible shock-wave phenomena. In contrast, clapping the hands, snapping the stick, and the champagne cork all produced wave trains that were near the weak limit of visibility. Overall, with sensitive optics and a modern high-speed camera, many nonlinear acoustic phenomena in the air can be observed and studied.

Photo-oxidation of cork manufacturing wastewater.

PubMed

Silva, Carla A; Madeira, Luis M; Boaventura, Rui A; Costa, Carlos A

2004-04-01

Several photo-activated processes have been investigated for oxidation of a cork manufacturing wastewater. A comparative activity study is made between different homogeneous (H2O2/UV-Vis and H2O2/Fe2+/UV-Vis) and heterogeneous (TiO2/UV-Vis and TiO2/H2O2/UV-Vis) systems, with degradation performances being evaluated in terms of total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Results obtained in a batch photo-reactor show that photo-catalysis with TiO2 is not suitable for this kind of wastewater while the H2O2/UV-Vis oxidation process, for which the effect of some operating conditions was investigated, allows to remove 39% of TOC after 4 h of operation (for C(H2O2)=0.59 M, pH=10 and T=35 degrees C). The combined photo-activated process, i.e., using both TiO2 and H2O2, yields an overall TOC decrease of 46% (for C(TiO2)=1.0 gl(-1)). The photo-Fenton process proved to be the most efficient, proceeds at a much higher oxidation rate and allows to achieve 66% mineralization in just 10 min of reaction time (for C(H2O2)=0.31 M, T=30 degrees C, Fe2+:H2O2=0.12 (mol) and pH=3.2).

Fine structure and functional comments of mouthparts in Platypus cylindrus (Col., Curculionidae: Platypodinae).

PubMed

Belhoucine, Latifa; Bouhraoua, Rachid T; Prats, Eva; Pulade-Villar, Juli

2013-02-01

Oak pinhole borer, Platypus cylindrus is seen in recent years as one of the biggest enemies directly involved in the observed decline of cork oak in Mediterranean forests with all the economic implications. As an ambrosia beetle, it has developed its effective drilling mouthpart enough to make tunnels in hardwood of the tree. The fine structural aspects of the mouthpart using the field emission scanning electron microscopy are analyzed about 23 adults collected in galleries of infested cork oak trees (Quercus suber) in a littoral forest of northwest Algeria. These adults are preserved in alcohol 70%, cleaned and coated with gold. The mouthparts of this beetle consist commonly of a labrum, a pair of mandibles, a pair of maxillae and the labium but with adapted structure to excavate galleries in the hardwood. In this role is also involved the first pair of legs. The function that present the different structures related to the construction of the tunnels is discussed. Both of maxillary and labial palpi direct the food to the mouth and hold it while the mandibles chew the food. The distal ends of these palpi are flattened and have shovel-like setae. Females have larger maxillary palpi than males and this is related to the particular biology of each sex. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Consequences of volcanic ash deposition on the locomotor performance of the Phymaturus spectabilis lizard from Patagonia, Argentina.

PubMed

Cabezas-Cartes, Facundo; Kubisch, Erika Leticia; Ibargüengoytía, Nora Ruth

2014-03-01

The locomotor performance of lizards depends on their morphological and physiological adaptations to the habitat. However, when the habitat changes dramatically, for example, by a volcanic eruption, the performance of lizards may be affected. We registered the vegetation cover, the surface covered by ash, the presence of crevices suitable for Phymaturus and the rocks slopes to analyze the effects of ash accumulation produced by the eruption of Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex on microhabitat use and availability of the Phymaturus spectabilis lizard. In addition, we studied the effect of ashes and slope on the locomotor performance of P. spectabilis by registering the maximum speed in sprint runs and long runs under four different treatments (cork and on the level, ashes and on the level, cork and slope, and ashes and slope). P. spectabilis selected microhabitats unvegetated, with crevices and steep slopes. Regarding locomotor performance, the speed of lizards was negatively affected by the presence of ash only in sprint runs on the level and in long runs with slope. The slope had a negative impact on the speed in all the treatments. These results show that the presence of volcanic ashes in the substrate might have affected the locomotor performance of the lizards, especially in long runs, and hence, the interaction of individuals with the environment, that is, escaping from predators and social behavior. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Formation of nanofilament field emission devices

DOEpatents

Morse, Jeffrey D.; Contolini, Robert J.; Musket, Ronald G.; Bernhardt, Anthony F.

2000-01-01

A process for fabricating a nanofilament field emission device. The process enables the formation of high aspect ratio, electroplated nanofilament structure devices for field emission displays wherein a via is formed in a dielectric layer and is self-aligned to a via in the gate metal structure on top of the dielectric layer. The desired diameter of the via in the dielectric layer is on the order of 50-200 nm, with an aspect ratio of 5-10. In one embodiment, after forming the via in the dielectric layer, the gate metal is passivated, after which a plating enhancement layer is deposited in the bottom of the via, where necessary. The nanofilament is then electroplated in the via, followed by removal of the gate passification layer, etch back of the dielectric, and sharpening of the nanofilament. A hard mask layer may be deposited on top of the gate metal and removed following electroplating of the nanofilament.

Reaction layer formation at the graphite/copper-chromium alloy interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devincent, Sandra M.; Michal, Gary M.

1992-01-01

Sessile drop tests were used to obtain information about copper chromium alloys that suitably wet graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper-chromium alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures were conducted using scanning electron micrography, energy dispersive spectroscopy, auger electron spectroscopy, and x ray diffraction analyses. These analyses indicate that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for one hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 percent chromium form continuous reaction layers of approximately 10 micron thickness. The reaction layers adhere to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 degrees or less. X ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is chromium carbide. The kinetics of reaction layer formation were modelled in terms of bulk diffusion mechanisms. Reaction layer thickness is controlled initially by the diffusion of Cr out of Cu alloy and later by the diffusion of C through chromium carbide.

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.

Reaction layer formation at the graphite/copper-chromium alloy interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devincent, Sandra M.; Michal, Gary M.

1993-01-01

Sessile drop tests were used to obtain information about copper chromium alloys that suitably wet graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper-chromium alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures were conducted using scanning electron micrography, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. These analyses indicate that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for one hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 percent chromium form continuous reaction layers of approximately 10 micron thickness. The reaction layers adhere to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 degrees or less. X-ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is chromium carbide. The kinetics of reaction layer formation were modelled in terms of bulk diffusion mechanisms. Reaction layer thickness is controlled initially by the diffusion of Cr out of Cu alloy and later by the diffusion of C through chromium carbide.

STM/STS Study of the Sb (111) Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chekmazov, S. V.; Bozhko, S. I.; Smirnov, A. A.; Ionov, A. M.; Kapustin, A. A.

An Sb crystal is a Peierls insulator. Formation of double layers in the Sb structure is due to the shift of atomic planes (111) next but one along the C3 axis. Atomic layers inside the double layer are connected by covalent bonds. The interaction between double layers is determined mainly by Van der Waals forces. The cleave of an Sb single crystal used to be via break of Van der Waals bonds. However, using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) we demonstrated that apart from islands equal in thickness to the double layer, steps of one atomic layer in height also exist on the cleaved Sb (111) surface. Formation of "unpaired" (111) planes on the surface leads to a local break of conditions of Peierls transition. STS experiment reveals higher local density of states (LDOS) measured for "unpaired" (111) planes in comparison with those for the double layer.

Solar Synthesis of PbS-SnS2 Superstructure Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Brontvein, Olga; Albu-Yaron, Ana; Levy, Moshe; Feuerman, Daniel; Popovitz-Biro, Ronit; Tenne, Reshef; Enyashin, Andrey; Gordon, Jeffrey M

2015-08-25

We report the synthesis and supporting density-functional-theory computations for a closed-cage, misfit layered-compound superstructure from PbS-SnS2, generated by highly concentrated sunlight from a precursor mixture of Pb, SnS2, and graphite. The unique reactor conditions created in our solar furnace are found to be particularly conducive to the formation of these nanomaterials. Detailed structural and chemical characterization revealed a spontaneous inside-out formation mechanism, with a broad range of nonhollow fullerene-like structures starting at a diameter of ∼20 nm and a wall thickness of ∼5 layers. The computations also reveal a counterintuitive charge transfer pathway from the SnS2 layers to the PbS layers, which indicates that, in contrast to binary-layered compounds where it is principally van der Waals forces that hold the layers together, polar forces appear to be as important in stabilizing superstructures of misfit layered compounds.

SHR overexpression induces the formation of supernumerary cell layers with cortex cell identity in rice.

PubMed

Henry, S; Dievart, A; Divol, F; Pauluzzi, G; Meynard, D; Swarup, R; Wu, S; Gallagher, K L; Périn, C

2017-05-01

The number of root cortex cell layers varies among plants, and many species have several cortical cell layers. We recently demonstrated that the two rice orthologs of the Arabidopsis SHR gene, OsSHR1 and OsSHR2, could complement the A. thaliana shr mutant. Moreover, OsSHR1 and OsSHR2 expression in A. thaliana roots induced the formation of extra root cortical cell layers. In this article, we demonstrate that the overexpression of AtSHR and OsSHR2 in rice roots leads to plants with wide and short roots that contain a high number of extra cortical cell layers. We hypothesize that SHR genes share a conserved function in the control of cortical cell layer division and the number of ground tissue cell layers in land plants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design of co-existence parallel periodic surface structure induced by picosecond laser pulses on the Al/Ti multilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrović, Suzana; Peruško, D.; Kovač, J.; Panjan, P.; Mitrić, M.; Pjević, D.; Kovačević, A.; Jelenković, B.

2017-09-01

Formation of periodic nanostructures on the Ti/5x(Al/Ti)/Si multilayers induced by picosecond laser pulses is studied in order to better understand the formation of a laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS). At fluence slightly below the ablation threshold, the formation of low spatial frequency-LIPSS (LSFL) oriented perpendicular to the direction of the laser polarization is observed on the irradiated area. Prolonged irradiation while scanning results in the formation of a high spatial frequency-LIPSS (HSFL), on top of the LSFLs, creating a co-existence parallel periodic structure. HSFL was oriented parallel to the incident laser polarization. Intermixing between the Al and Ti layers with the formation of Al-Ti intermetallic compounds was achieved during the irradiation. The intermetallic region was formed mostly within the heat affected zone of the sample. Surface segregation of aluminium with partial ablation of the top layer of titanium was followed by the formation of an ultra-thin Al2O3 film on the surface of the multi-layered structure.

Experimental formation of a fractional vortex in a superconducting bi-layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Y.; Yamamori, H.; Yanagisawa, T.; Nishio, T.; Arisawa, S.

2018-05-01

We report the experimental formation of a fractional vortex generated by using a thin superconducting bi-layer in the form of a niobium bi-layer, observed as a magnetic flux distribution image taken by a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope. Thus, we demonstrated that multi-component superconductivity can be realized by an s-wave conventional superconductor, because, in these superconductors, the magnetic flux is no longer quantized as it is destroyed by the existence of an inter-component phase soliton (i-soliton).

Engineering of layered, lipid-encapsulated drug nanoparticles through spray-drying.

PubMed

Sapra, Mahak; Mayya, Y S; Venkataraman, Chandra

2017-06-01

Drug-containing nanoparticles have been synthesized through the spray-drying of submicron droplet aerosols by using matrix materials such as lipids and biopolymers. Understanding layer formation in composite nanoparticles is essential for the appropriate engineering of particle substructures. The present study developed a droplet-shrinkage model for predicting the solid-phase formation of two non-volatile solutes-stearic acid lipid and a set of drugs, by considering molecular volume and solubility. Nanoparticle formation was simulated to define the parameter space of material properties and process conditions for the formation of a layered structure with the preferential accumulation of the lipid in the outer layer. Moreover, lipid-drug demarcation diagrams representing a set of critical values of ratios of solute properties at which the two solutes precipitate simultaneously were developed. The model was validated through the preparation of stearic acid-isoniazid nanoparticles under controlled processing conditions. The developed model can guide the selection of solvents, lipids, and processing conditions such that drug loading and lipid encapsulation in composite nanoparticles are optimized. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrical coupling regulates layer 1 interneuron microcircuit formation in the neocortex

PubMed Central

Yao, Xing-Hua; Wang, Min; He, Xiang-Nan; He, Fei; Zhang, Shu-Qing; Lu, Wenlian; Qiu, Zi-Long; Yu, Yong-Chun

2016-01-01

The coexistence of electrical and chemical synapses among interneurons is essential for interneuron function in the neocortex. However, it remains largely unclear whether electrical coupling between interneurons influences chemical synapse formation and microcircuit assembly during development. Here, we show that electrical and GABAergic chemical connections robustly develop between interneurons in neocortical layer 1 over a similar time course. Electrical coupling promotes action potential generation and synchronous firing between layer 1 interneurons. Furthermore, electrically coupled interneurons exhibit strong GABA-A receptor-mediated synchronous synaptic activity. Disruption of electrical coupling leads to a loss of bidirectional, but not unidirectional, GABAergic connections. Moreover, a reduction in electrical coupling induces an increase in excitatory synaptic inputs to layer 1 interneurons. Together, these findings strongly suggest that electrical coupling between neocortical interneurons plays a critical role in regulating chemical synapse development and precise formation of circuits. PMID:27510304

The effect of boriding on wear resistance of cold work tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anzawa, Y.; Koyama, S.; Shohji, I.

2017-05-01

Recently, boriding has attracted extensive attention as surface stiffening processing of plain steel. In this research, the influence of processing time on the formation layer of cold work tool steel (KD11MAX) by Al added fused salt bath was examined. In addition, in order to improve the abrasion resistance of KD11MAX, the effect of the treatment of boronization on the formation layer has been investigated. Boriding were performed in molten borax which contained about 10 mass% Al at processing time of 1.8 ~ 7.2 ks (processing temperature of 1303 K). As a result of the examination, the hardness of the boriding layer becomes about 1900 HV when the processing time of 3.6 ks. Also the abrasion resistance has improved remarkably. Furthermore, it was revealed that the formation layer was boronized iron from the Vickers hardness and analysis of the X-ray diffraction measurement.

Low temperature formation of higher-k cubic phase HfO{sub 2} by atomic layer deposition on GeO{sub x}/Ge structures fabricated by in-situ thermal oxidation

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

Zhang, R., E-mail: zhang@mosfet.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Department of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027; Huang, P.-C.

2016-02-01

We have demonstrated a low temperature formation (300 °C) of higher-k HfO{sub 2} using atomic layer deposition (ALD) on an in-situ thermal oxidation GeO{sub x} interfacial layer. It is found that the cubic phase is dominant in the HfO{sub 2} film with an epitaxial-like growth behavior. The maximum permittivity of 42 is obtained for an ALD HfO{sub 2} film on a 1-nm-thick GeO{sub x} form by the in-situ thermal oxidation. It is suggested from physical analyses that the crystallization of cubic phase HfO{sub 2} can be induced by the formation of six-fold crystalline GeO{sub x} structures in the underlying GeO{sub x}more » interfacial layer.« less

A microfluidic galvanic cell on a single layer of paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, Krutarth H.; Emrani, Saina; Rodriguez, Sandra; Liaw, Shi-Shen; Pham, Linda; Galvan, Vicente; Domalaon, Kryls; Gomez, Frank A.; Haan, John L.

2016-06-01

Paper microfluidics is used to produce single layer galvanic and hybrid cells to produce energy that could power paper-based analytical sensors. When two aqueous streams are absorbed onto paper to establish co-laminar flow, the streams stay in contact with each other with limited mixing. The interface at which mixing occurs acts as a charge-transfer region, eliminating the need for a salt bridge. We designed a Cusbnd Zn galvanic cell that powers an LED when two are placed in series. We also used more powerful redox couples (formate and silver, formate and permanganate) to produce higher power density (18 and 3.1 mW mg-1 Pd). These power densities are greater than previously reported paper microfluidic fuel cells using formate or methanol. The single layer design is much more simplified than previous reports of multi-layer galvanic cells on paper.

Bio-layer management in anaerobic membrane bioreactors for wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Jeison, D; van Lier, J B

2006-01-01

Membrane separation technology represents an alternative way to achieve biomass retention in anaerobic bioreactors for wastewater treatment. Due to high biomass concentrations of anaerobic reactors, cake formation is likely to represent a major cause of flux decline. In the presented research, experiments are performed on the effect of biomass concentration and level of gas sparging on the hydraulic capacity of a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor. Both parameters significantly affected the hydraulic capacity, with biomass exerting the most pronounced effect. After 50 days of continuous operation the critical flux remained virtually unchanged, despite an increase in membrane resistance, suggesting that biomass characteristics and hydraulic conditions determine the bio-layer formation rather than the membrane's fouling level. The concept of bio-layer management is introduced to describe the programmed combination of actions performed in order to control the formation of biomass layer over membranes.

Corrosion mechanism of carbon brick in the blast furnace hearth by potassium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Ke-xin; Zhang, Jian-liang; Liu, Zheng-jian; Liu, Zhuang-zhuang; Deng, Yong; Fan, Xiaoyue

2017-11-01

Alkali plays a significant role in the formation of brittle layer of carbon brick in the blast furnace hearth. The brittle layer in a commercial blast furnace hearth was investigated. Large amounts of potassium compounds were found in the brittle layer. Subsequently, the carbon bricks which reacted with potassium in the simulation of blast furnace hearth under different contents of potassium in the brick (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt.%) during various reaction times (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h) were experimentally studied. Finally, the formation mechanism of the brittle layer in carbon brick was clarified. The investigation results show that a large number of cracks are present in the brittle layer. The average potassium content in the brittle layer is 1 wt.%. According to the experimental results, cracks in the carbon brick can be formed by the attack of potassium. The reason for the formation of the brittle layer in the carbon brick is that the liquid potassium permeates into the carbon brick through the pores and cracks, and then reacts with SiO2 and Al2O3 in CO atmosphere. The generated potassium compounds nepheline and leucite lead to the volume expansion and the damage of the carbon brick.

Thermal modeling using enthalpy methods to aid in the study of microstructural changes of multilayered phase change optical memories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagpal, Swati; Aurora, Aradhna

1999-11-01

In DOW type of phase change optical memories the focus has been mainly on gestate based systems due to their good overwriting capability and very high order cyclability. To avoid the material deterioration problems such as material flow, high melting point, high viscosity or high-density components such as CrTe, (which have the same refractive index) can be added to the active layer. This has led to an improved performance of overwrite cycles from 105 to 106. Material flow occurs due to void formation. Voids and sinks are formed due to porosity of the active layer because the active layer has a density lower than that of the bulk material. One of the reasons for the formation and coalescence of voids is the way in which the film is deposited viz. Sputtering which makes Ar atoms accumulate in the films during deposition. Also the mechanical strength of the protective layer effects the repeatability of the active layer. All the above mentioned processes occur during melting and re- solidification of the nano-sized spots which are laser irradiated. Since the structure of the protective layers is very important in controlling the void formation, it is very important to study the thermal modeling of the full layer structure.

Chemical-mechanical planarization of aluminum and copper interconnects with magnetic liners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin

2000-10-01

Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) has been employed to achieve Damascene patterning of aluminum and copper interconnects with unique magnetic liners. A one-step process was developed for each interconnect scheme, using a double-layered pad with mesh cells, pores, and perforations on a top hard layer. In a hydrogen peroxide-based slurry, aluminum CMP was a process of periodic removal and formation of a surface oxide layer. Cu CMP in the same slurry, however, was found to be a dissolution dominant process. In a potassium iodate-based slurry, copper removal was the result of two competing reactions: copper dissolution and a non-native surface layer formation. Guided by electrochemistry, slurries were developed to remove nickel in different regimes of the corrosion kinetics diagram. Nickel CMP in a ferric sulfate-based slurry resulted in periodic removal and formation of a passive surface layer. In a potassium permanganate-based slurry, nickel removal is a dissolution dominant process. Visible Al(Cu) surface damages obtained with copper-doped aluminum could be eliminated by understanding the interactions between the substrate, the pad, and the abrasive agglomerate. Increasing substrate hardness by annealing prior to CMP led to a surface finish free of visible scratches. A similar result was also obtained by preventing formation of abrasive agglomerates and minimizing their contact with the substrate.

Forecasting and modelling ice layer formation on the snowpack due to freezing precipitations in the Pyrenees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quéno, Louis; Vionnet, Vincent; Cabot, Frédéric; Vrécourt, Dominique; Dombrowski-Etchevers, Ingrid

2017-04-01

In the Pyrenees, freezing precipitations in altitude occur at least once per winter, leading to the formation of a pure ice layer on the surface of the snowpack. It may lead to accidents and fatalities among mountaineers and skiers, with sometimes a higher human toll than avalanches. Such events are not predicted by the current operational systems for snow and avalanche hazard forecasting. A crowd-sourced database of surface ice layer occurrences is first built up, using reports from Internet mountaineering and ski-touring communities, to mitigate the lack of observations from conventional observation networks. A simple diagnostic of freezing precipitation is then developed, based on the cloud water content and screen temperature forecast by the Numerical Weather Prediction model AROME, operating at 2.5-km resolution. The performance of this diagnostic is assessed for the event of 5-6 January 2012, with a good representation of altitudinal and spatial distributions of the ice layer. An evaluation of the diagnostic for major events over five winters gives good skills of detection compared to the occurrences reported in the observation database. A new modelling of ice formation on the surface of the snowpack due to impinging supercooled water is added to the detailed snowpack model Crocus. It is combined to the atmospheric diagnostic of freezing precipitations and resulting snowpack simulations over a winter season capture well the formation of the main ice layers. Their influence on the snowpack stratigraphy is also realistically simulated. These simple methods enable to forecast the occurrence of surface ice layer formations with good confidence and to simulate their evolution within the snowpack, even if an accurate estimation of freezing precipitation amounts remains the main challenge.

Vacuum deposition and curing of liquid monomers apparatus

DOEpatents

Affinito, J.D.

1996-08-20

The present invention is the formation of solid polymer layers under vacuum. More specifically, the present invention is the use of ``standard`` polymer layer-making equipment that is generally used in an atmospheric environment in a vacuum, and degassing the monomer material prior to injection into the vacuum. Additional layers of polymer or metal or oxide may be vacuum deposited onto solid polymer layers. Formation of polymer layers under a vacuum improves material and surface characteristics, and subsequent quality of bonding to additional layers. Further advantages include use of less to no photoinitiator for curing, faster curing, fewer impurities in the polymer electrolyte, as well as improvement in material properties including no trapped gas resulting in greater density, and reduced monomer wetting angle that facilitates spreading of the monomer and provides a smoother finished surface. 3 figs.

Bristled shark skin: a microgeometry for boundary layer control?

PubMed

Lang, A W; Motta, P; Hidalgo, P; Westcott, M

2008-12-01

There exists evidence that some fast-swimming shark species may have the ability to bristle their scales during fast swimming. Experimental work using a water tunnel facility has been performed to investigate the flow field over and within a bristled shark skin model submerged within a boundary layer to deduce the possible boundary layer control mechanisms being used by these fast-swimming sharks. Fluorescent dye flow visualization provides evidence of the formation of embedded cavity vortices within the scales. Digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) data, used to evaluate the cavity vortex formation and boundary layer characteristics close to the surface, indicate increased momentum in the slip layer forming above the scales. This increase in flow velocity close to the shark's skin is indicative of boundary layer control mechanisms leading to separation control and possibly transition delay for the bristled shark skin microgeometry.

Simulation of thermally induced processes of diffusion and phase formation in layered binary metallic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusakov, V. S.; Sukhorukov, I. A.; Zhankadamova, A. M.; Kadyrzhanov, K. K.

2010-05-01

Results of the simulation of thermally induced processes of diffusion and phase formation in model and experimentally investigated layered binary metallic systems are presented. The physical model is based on the Darken phenomenological theory and on the mechanism of interdiffusion of components along the continuous diffusion channels of phases in the two-phase regions of the system. The simulation of processes in the model systems showed that the thermally stabilized concentration profiles in two-layer binary metallic systems are virtually independent of the partial diffusion coefficients; for the systems with the average concentration of components that is the same over the sample depth, the time of the thermal stabilization of the structural and phase state inhomogeneous over the depth grows according to a power law with increasing thickness of the system in such a manner that the thicknesses of the surface layers grow, while the thickness of the intermediate layer approaches a constant value. The results of the simulation of the processes of diffusion and phase formation in experimentally investigated layered binary systems Fe-Ti and Cu-Be upon sequential isothermal and isochronous annealings agree well with the experimental data.

Controlling the crack formation in inkjet-printed silver nanoparticle thin-films for high resolution patterning using intense pulsed light treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gokhale, Pritesh; Mitra, Dana; Sowade, Enrico; Yoti Mitra, Kalyan; Leonel Gomes, Henrique; Ramon, Eloi; Al-Hamry, Ammar; Kanoun, Olfa; Baumann, Reinhard R.

2017-12-01

During the last years, intense pulsed light (IPL) processing has been employed and studied intensively for the drying and sintering of metal nanoparticle layers deposited by means of printing methods on flexible polymer substrates. IPL was found to be a very fast and substrate-gentle approach qualified for the field of flexible and large-area printed electronics, i.e. manufactured via roll-to-roll processing. In this contribution, IPL is used for the fine-patterning of printed silver nanoparticle layers. The patterning is obtained by induced and controlled crack formation in the thin silver layer due to the intense exposure of IPL. The crack formation is controlled by selection of the substrate material, the fine-tuning of the morphology of the silver layer and an application of a dielectric layer on top of the silver layer that acts as a stress concentrator. Careful optimization of the IPL parameters allowed to adjust the lateral width of the crack. This novel approach turned out to be a fast and reproducible high-resolution patterning process for multiple applications, e.g. to pattern the source-drain electrodes for all-inkjet-printed thin-film transistors.

Direct observation of nanowire growth and decomposition.

PubMed

Rackauskas, Simas; Shandakov, Sergey D; Jiang, Hua; Wagner, Jakob B; Nasibulin, Albert G

2017-09-26

Fundamental concepts of the crystal formation suggest that the growth and decomposition are determined by simultaneous embedding and removal of the atoms. Apparently, by changing the crystal formation conditions one can switch the regimes from the growth to decomposition. To the best of our knowledge, so far this has been only postulated, but never observed at the atomic level. By means of in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy we monitored and examined the atomic layer transformation at the conditions of the crystal growth and its decomposition using CuO nanowires selected as a model object. The atomic layer growth/decomposition was studied by varying an O 2 partial pressure. Three distinct regimes of the atomic layer evolution were experimentally observed: growth, transition and decomposition. The transition regime, at which atomic layer growth/decomposition switch takes place, is characterised by random nucleation of the atomic layers on the growing {111} surface. The decomposition starts on the side of the nanowire by removing the atomic layers without altering the overall crystal structure, which besides the fundamental importance offers new possibilities for the nanowire manipulation. Understanding of the crystal growth kinetics and nucleation at the atomic level is essential for the precise control of 1D crystal formation.

Distinguishing crystallization stages and their influence on quantum efficiency during perovskite solar cell formation in real-time.

PubMed

Wagner, Lukas; Mundt, Laura E; Mathiazhagan, Gayathri; Mundus, Markus; Schubert, Martin C; Mastroianni, Simone; Würfel, Uli; Hinsch, Andreas; Glunz, Stefan W

2017-11-02

Relating crystallization of the absorber layer in a perovskite solar cell (PSC) to the device performance is a key challenge for the process development and in-depth understanding of these types of high efficient solar cells. A novel approach that enables real-time photo-physical and electrical characterization using a graphite-based PSC is introduced in this work. In our graphite-based PSC, the device architecture of porous monolithic contact layers creates the possibility to perform photovoltaic measurements while the perovskite crystallizes within this scaffold. The kinetics of crystallization in a solution based 2-step formation process has been analyzed by real-time measurement of the external photon to electron quantum efficiency as well as the photoluminescence emission spectra of the solar cell. With this method it was in particular possible to identify a previously overlooked crystallization stage during the formation of the perovskite absorber layer. This stage has significant influence on the development of the photocurrent, which is attributed to the formation of electrical pathways between the electron and hole contact, enabling efficient charge carrier extraction. We observe that in contrast to previously suggested models, the perovskite layer formation is indeed not complete with the end of crystal growth.

Nonequilibrium mechanisms of weak electrolyte electrification under the action of constant voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stishkov, Yu. K.; Chirkov, V. A.

2016-07-01

The formation of space charge in weak electrolytes, specifically in liquid dielectrics, has been considered. An analytical solution is given to a simplified set of Nernst-Planck equations that describe the formation of nonequilibrium recombination layers in weak electrolytes. This approximate analytical solution is compared with computer simulation data for a complete set of Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations. It has been shown that the current passage in weak electrolytes can be described by a single dimensionless parameter that equals the length of a near-electrode recombination layer divided by the width of the interelectrode gap. The formation mechanism and the structure of charged nonequilibrium near-electrode layers in the nonstationary regime have been analyzed for different injection-to-conduction current ratios. It has been found that almost all charge structures encountered in weak dielectrics can be accounted for by the nonequilibrium dissociation-recombination mechanism of space charge formation.

Morphology of isolated mouse inner cell masses developing in vitro

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

Wiley, L.M.; Spindle, A.I.; Pedersen, R.A.

1978-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental capacity of the mouse inner cell mass (ICM) in the absence of the trophoblast. ICMs were isolated from blastocysts by immunosurgery and cultured under conditions that support egg cylinder formation by intact blastocysts. After 2 or 3 days of culture, the ICMs consisted of an outer layer of endoderm and an inner layer of ectoderm that had cavitated centrally. By 4 or 5 days of culture, 25 to 60% of these ICMs had developed into paired cysts, apparently by secondary cavity formation. The inner cell layer surrounding this secondary cavitymore » resembled the extraembryonic ectoderm of cultured egg cylinders. By 6 days of culture, 60% of the ICMs had expanded into yolk sac-like structures that subsequently produced capillaries containing blood cells. The ICMs appeared to develop mesoderm in two distinct ways. A few of them developed mesoderm as a third layer of cells in the cleft separating endoderm and ectoderm, presumably by migrating from the inner, ectodermal layer, through the primitive streak, as in the intact egg cylinder. In the rest of the ICMs the embryonic ectoderm gradually differentiated into mesoderm while still in the inner layer, without primitive streak formation. We suggest, therefore, that the continuous presence of the trophoblast or of its derivatives is not required for the cytodifferentiation of mesoderm although it may be important in establishing embryonic polarity or in providinginductive signals necessary for the morphogenetic aspects of mesoderm differentiation, specifically primitive streak formation.« less

Wetting-layer formation mechanisms of surface-directed phase separation under different quench depths with off-critical compositions in polymer binary mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Li-Tang; Xie, Xu-Ming

2007-02-01

Focusing on the off-critical condition, the quench depth dependence of surface-directed phase separation in the polymer binary mixture is numerically investigated by combination of the Cahn-Hilliard-Cook theory and the Flory-Huggins-de Gennes theory. Two distinct situations, i.e., for the wetting, the minority component is preferred by the surface and the majority component is preferred by the surface, are discussed in detail. The simulated results show that the formation mechanism of the wetting layer is affected by both the quench depth and the off-critical extent. Moreover, a diagram, illustrating the formation mechanisms of the wetting layer with various quench depths and compositions, is obtained on the basis of the simulated results. It is found that, when the minority component is preferred by the surface, the growth of the wetting layer can exhibit pure diffusion limited growth law, logarithmic growth law, and Lifshitz-Slyozov growth law. However, when the majority component is preferred by the surface, the wetting layer always grows logarithmically, regardless of the quench depth and the off-critical extent. It is interesting that the surface-induced nucleation can be observed in this case. The simulated results demonstrate that the surface-induced nucleation only occurs below a certain value of the quench depth, and a detailed range about it is calculated and indicated. Furthermore, the formation mechanisms of the wetting layer are theoretically analyzed in depth by the chemical potential gradient.

Carbon-containing compounds on fusion-related surfaces: Thermal and ion-induced formation and erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linsmeier, Christian

2004-12-01

The deposition of carbon on metals is the unavoidable consequence of the application of different wall materials in present and future fusion experiments like ITER. Presently used and prospected materials besides carbon (CFC materials in high heat load areas) are tungsten and beryllium. The simultaneous application of different materials leads to the formation of surface compounds due to the erosion, transport and re-deposition of material during plasma operations. The formation and erosion processes are governed by widely varying surface temperatures and kinetic energies as well as the spectrum of impinging particles from the plasma. The knowledge of the dependence on these parameters is crucial for the understanding and prediction of the compound formation on wall materials. The formation of surface layers is of great importance, since they not only determine erosion rates, but also influence the ability of the first wall for hydrogen isotope inventory accumulation and release. Surface compound formation, diffusion and erosion phenomena are studied under well-controlled ultra-high vacuum conditions using in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ion beam analysis techniques available at a 3 MV tandem accelerator. XPS provides chemical information and allows distinguishing elemental and carbidic phases with high surface sensitivity. Accelerator-based spectroscopies provide quantitative compositional analysis and sensitivity for deuterium in the surface layers. Using these techniques, the formation of carbidic layers on metals is studied from room temperature up to 1700 K. The formation of an interfacial carbide of several monolayers thickness is not only observed for metals with exothermic carbide formation enthalpies, but also in the cases of Ni and Fe which form endothermic carbides. Additional carbon deposited at 300 K remains elemental. Depending on the substrate, carbon diffusion into the bulk starts at elevated temperatures together with additional carbide formation. Depending on the bond nature in the carbide (metallic in the transition metal carbides, ionic e.g. in Be2C), the surface carbide layer is dissolved upon further increased temperatures or remains stable. Carbide formation can also be initiated by ion bombardment, both of chemically inert noble gas ions or C+ or CO+ ions. In the latter case, a deposition-erosion equilibrium develops which leads to a ternary surface layer of constant thickness. A chemical erosion channel is also discussed for the enhanced erosion of thin carbon films on metals by deuterium ions.

Dust to planetesimals - Settling and coagulation in the solar nebula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weidenschilling, S. J.

1980-01-01

The behavior of solid particles in a low-mass solar nebula during settling to the central plane and the formation of planetesimals is discussed. The gravitational instability in a dust layer and collisional accretion are examined as possible mechanisms of planetesimal formation. The shear between the gas and a dust layer is considered along with the differences in the planetesimal formation mechanisms between the inner and outer nebula. A numerical model for computing simultaneous coagulation and settling is described.

Parallel heater system for subsurface formations

DOEpatents

Harris, Christopher Kelvin [Houston, TX; Karanikas, John Michael [Houston, TX; Nguyen, Scott Vinh [Houston, TX

2011-10-25

A heating system for a subsurface formation is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented or inclined heater sections located in a hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. At least a portion of two of the heater sections are substantially parallel to each other. The ends of at least two of the heater sections in the layer are electrically coupled to a substantially horizontal, or inclined, electrical conductor oriented substantially perpendicular to the ends of the at least two heater sections.

Floating like a cork: The importance of glacial isostasy in the deglaciation progress in Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norddahl, H.; Ingolfsson, O.

2016-12-01

Being positioned on top of a hotspot and between two spreading ocean plates explains rheological structure of Iceland and the properties of a 30-35 km thick lithosphere, possibly with high proportion of partial melt, on top of a low viscous asthenosphere below Iceland, in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Rapid variations in glacier loading on the Iceland crust have been proved to generate more or less an instantaneous depression or uplift of the crust and, thus, uphold both temporal and spacial glacio-isostatic equilibrium. Formation of a shoreline requires at least temporal equilibrium between glacial isostasy and eustasy. Eminent raised shorelines - found throughout Iceland - were formed during two separate but consecutive culmination of climatically induced glacier re-advance and consequent transgression of relative sea-level in Younger Dryas and Preboreal times (12.0 and 11.3 kcal BP). A Marine Limit shoreline in W Iceland was formed at 14.7 kcal BP, subsequent to a collapse-like retreat of the marine based part of the Icelandic Ice Sheet (IIS) and just prior to the onset of the Bølling warming, i.e. during a period of anticipated rapid isostatic uplift. A temporary glacio-isostatic equilibrium at that time is best explained by changes in the mode of deglaciation generating dynamic changes within the Ice Sheet itself, changes that resulted in reduced rates of mass-loss and glacio-isostatic uplift to such a degree that a temporal quasi-equilibrium between eustatic rise and isostatic uplift was established. Formation of well-developed raised shoreline is generally regarded as a deglaciation proxy signaling large ice volume changes. Formation of the ML shoreline in W Iceland during the rapid climatic improvement at the beginning of the Bølling/Allerød Interstadial underlines the importance of, beside the geological data, also to take into consideration physical properties of both the lithosphere and asthenosphere in each location.

Transmission electron microscopy characterization of the erbium silicide formation process using a Pt/Er stack on a silicon-on-insulator substrate.

PubMed

Łaszcz, A; Katcki, J; Ratajczak, J; Tang, Xiaohui; Dubois, E

2006-10-01

Very thin erbium silicide layers have been used as source and drain contacts to n-type Si in low Schottky barrier MOSFETs on silicon-on-insulator substrates. Erbium silicide is formed by a solid-state reaction between the metal and silicon during annealing. The influence of annealing temperature (450 degrees C, 525 degrees C and 600 degrees C) on the formation of an erbium silicide layer in the Pt/Er/Si/SiO(2)/Si structure was analysed by means of cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The Si grains/interlayer formed at the interface and the presence of Si grains within the Er-related layer constitute proof that Si reacts with Er in the presence of a Pt top layer in the temperature range 450-600 degrees C. The process of silicide formation in the Pt/Er/Si structure differs from that in the Er/Si structure. At 600 degrees C, the Pt top layer vanishes and a (Pt-Er)Si(x) system is formed.

Conservation tillage versus conventional tillage on carbon stock in a Mediterranean dehesa (southern Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parras-Alcántara, Luis; Lozano-García, Beatriz

2014-05-01

Understanding soil dynamics is essential for making appropriate land management decisions, as soils can affect the carbon content from the atmosphere, emitting large quantities of CO2 or storing carbon. This property is essential for climate change mitigation strategies as agriculture and forestry soil management can affect the carbon cycle. The dehesa is a Mediterranean silvopastoral system formed by grasslands with scattered oaks (Quercus ilex or Q. suber). The dehesa is a pasture where the herbaceous layer is comprised of either cultivated cereals such as oat, barley and wheat or native vegetation dominated by annual species, which are used as grazing resources. In addition, the dehesa is a practice dedicated to the combined production of Iberian swine, sheep, fuel wood, coal and cork, as well as hunting. The dehesa is characterized by the preservation of forest oaks. In this work, we compared two management practices such as organic farming (OF) and conventional tillage (CT) on soil organic carbon stocks (SOC-S) in Cambisols (CM) and Leptosols (LP), and we analyzed the quality of these soils based on stratification ratio (SR) in a Mediterranean dehesa. MATERIAL AND METHODS An analysis of 85 soil profiles was performed in 2009 in Los Pedroches Valley (Cordoba, southern Spain). Two soil management practices were selected: OF (isolated trees of variable densities —15-25— trees ha-1, mostly holm and cork oaks, and patches of shrubs — cistaceae, fabaceae and lamiaceae— with a herbaceous pasture layer mostly composed of therophytic species and livestock are introduced to provide organic fertilizer to the soil, without ploughing and animal manure from the farms may be incorporated) for 20 years and CT (similar to OF, with ploughing —annual passes with a disc harrow and/or cultivator— is aimed at growing grain for livestock or at clearing the encroaching shrubs) in CM and LP. The dehesas studied were silvopastoral systems without cropping. Soil properties determined were: soil particle size, bulk density, SOC, TN, C:N ratio, stocks and SR. The statistical significance of the differences in the variables between management practices was tested using the Anderson-Darling test at each horizon or a combination of horizons for each soil type. RESULTS The SOC-S was greater in CM (75.64 Mg ha-1) than in LP (44.01 Mg ha-1). SOC-S was very similar in OF and CT (CM [74.90 Mg ha-1-CT; 76.39 Mg ha-1-OF] and LP [44.77 Mg ha-1-CT; 43.25 Mg ha-1-OF]). Data analysis showed that management practices had little effect on SOC storage. Significant differences between soil types and management practices were found in SOC content for different horizons. The SR index was >2 in both soils types (CM and LP) and management systems (OF and CT). These results indicate that the soil is of high quality and that management practices have little influence on SOC-S (Parras-Alcántara et al., 2014) and do not affect SOC storage. REFERENCES Parras-Alcántara, L., Díaz-Jaimes, L., Lozano-García, B., Fernández Rebollo, P., Moreno Elcure, F., Carbonero Muñoz, M.D. 2014. Organic farming has little effect on carbon stock in a Mediterranean dehesa (southern Spain). Catena, 113: 9-17.

Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. Volume 4 and 5

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-06

protected with what we call a milk can. It is a stainless steel fairing that goes, which has cork on it to protect the cabling between the 880 external...miiST*? ■pt*-r~A**’ j>stffnr*ss Kie^z*-vr-kjjy-if,*j 1 tf/m • \\eni-r iu.Lr>sw*> rvF - pi^nf- a-*&*=- ro e^r^r /rs ^-/-’■■uut.T-tK. |UO Af^-f-JfriT^J

Helical and tubular lipid microstructures that are electroless-coated with CoNiReP for wireless magnetic manipulation.

PubMed

Schuerle, Simone; Pané, Salvador; Pellicer, Eva; Sort, Jordi; Baró, Maria D; Nelson, Bradley J

2012-05-21

Hybrid magnetic phospholipidic-based tubular and helical microagents are wirelessly manipulated by means of a 5-DOF electromagnetic system. Two different strategies are used to manipulate these nanostructures in simulated biologic capillaries. Tubules are pulled by applying magnetic field gradients and oriented by magnetic fields. Helices exhibit a cork-screw motion similar to the swimming strategy used by motile bacteria such as E. coli. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Proceedings of the Conference on Emerging Technologies in Optical Sciences (ETOS 2004) held at University College Cork, Ireland on July 26-29, 2004

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-07-29

coherent coupling in large element arrays . 16 Characterisation of Picosecond Pulses Propagating through a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier...Effect is used. QSCE is widely used in optical intensity and phase modula- Oiz et • to tors [i]. The speed of reverse-biased devices is po- tentially...such devices generally have poor beam quality . The out-of- phase mode is In fact typically favoured in these devices because of the better

Avionics Corrosion Control Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-01-01

organic materials that produce * corrusl’Q vapors include: a Adhv’sives -Ureaformaldehyde, Phenol Formaldehyde a Gaskets - Neoprene/Asbestos, Resin /Cork 8...P1C Ohw o.x’gen area is anolic to the high oxygen urea . 1-3 g net-rvl ona metal conLaifls mre mea osa one point than~at ani~iner, SIntergranulir...better done by glucing than by normal mechanical methods involving s rewing or bolting. The glue to be used is a two-pot epoxy resin which is vyi to ugh

Indoor mold spore exposure: characteristics of 127 homes in southern California with endogenous mold problems.

PubMed

Gallup, J; Kozak, P; Cummins, L; Gillman, S

1987-01-01

We are constantly being exposed to molds in our environment. Indoor mold problems occur after prolonged or chronic water damage to a variety of organic materials such as unfinished wood, jutebacked carpeting, wallpaper, books, cardboard, leather, cork, paper, wallboard, and wicker baskets. Mechanisms for spore dispersal (such as air currents or foot traffic on carpets) must also be present. The presence of these organic materials and dispersal mechanisms leads to significant increases in indoor spore levels.

Army Science Conference Proceedings Held in Orlando, Florida on June 22 - 25, 1992. Volume 1, Principal Authors A Through G.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-25

Michael See Bryzik, Walter I 205 Reid, Robert H. Oral, Microencapsulated, CFA/II III 35 Vaccine Against E. coli Diarrheal Disease: Preclinical Evaluation...Cloning, Characterization, and III 179 Expression of Animal Toxin Genes for Vaccine Development Smith, Stan See Juhasz, Arpad II 159 Soicher, Haim...modeling predictions that were supported by test data. FWD AND AFT SHELLS LONGERONS T300 GR/934 EPOXYAND T300 GR/934 EPOXY(BASELINE) CORK HS (BASELINE) GR

Re-entry Flight Experiments Lessons Learned - The Atmospheric Reentry Demonstrator ARD

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

civilian cooperative program was managed by Aerospatiale – Lanceurs Stratégiques et Spatiaux (now EADS – SPACE Transportation) as prime contractor. The...of an Al-alloy structure protected on the cone by Norcoat 62250 FI cork tiles and on the heat-shield by Aleastrasil silica-phenolic tiles (Figure 3... structure of the flight data points are meaningful even if the absolute Kp level is doubtful. Figure 19 shows CFD comparisons at Mach 10. The real gas

Reading the climate record of the martian polar layered deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hvidberg, C.S.; Fishbaugh, K.E.; Winstrup, M.; Svensson, A.; Byrne, S.; Herkenhoff, K. E.

2012-01-01

The martian polar regions have layered deposits of ice and dust. The stratigraphy of these deposits is exposed within scarps and trough walls and is thought to have formed due to climate variations in the past. Insolation has varied significantly over time and caused dramatic changes in climate, but it has remained unclear whether insolation variations could be linked to the stratigraphic record. We present a model of layer formation based on physical processes that expresses polar deposition rates of ice and dust in terms of insolation. In this model, layer formation is controlled by the insolation record, and dust-rich layers form by two mechanisms: (1) increased summer sublimation during high obliquity, and (2) variations in the polar deposition of dust modulated by obliquity variations. The model is simple, yet physically plausible, and allows for investigations of the climate control of the polar layered deposits (PLD). We compare the model to a stratigraphic column obtained from the north polar layered deposits (NPLD) (Fishbaugh, K.E., Hvidberg, C.S., Byrne, S., Russel, P.S., Herkenhoff, K.E., Winstrup, M., Kirk, R. [2010a]. Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L07201) and show that the model can be tuned to reproduce complex layer sequences. The comparison with observations cannot uniquely constrain the PLD chronology, and it is limited by our interpretation of the observed stratigraphic column as a proxy for NPLD composition. We identified, however, a set of parameters that provides a chronology of the NPLD tied to the insolation record and consistently explains layer formation in accordance with observations of NPLD stratigraphy. This model dates the top 500 m of the NPLD back to ∼1 million years with an average net deposition rate of ice and dust of 0.55 mm a−1. The model stratigraphy contains a quasi-periodic ∼30 m cycle, similar to a previously suggested cycle in brightness profiles from the NPLD (Laskar, J., Levrard, B., Mustard, F. [2002]. Nature, 419, 375–377; Milkovich, S., Head, J.W. [2005]. J. Geophys. Res. 110), but here related to half of the obliquity cycles of 120 and 99 kyr and resulting from a combination of the two layer formation mechanisms. Further investigations of the non-linear insolation control of PLD formation should consider data from other geographical locations and include radar data and other stratigraphic datasets that can constrain the composition and stratigraphy of the NPLD layers.

Current-free double layers: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Nagendra

2011-12-01

During the last decade, there has been an upsurge in the research on current-free DLs (CFDLs). Research includes theory, laboratory measurements, and various applications of CFDLs ranging from plasma thrusters to acceleration of charged particles in space and astrophysical plasmas. The purpose of this review is to present a unified understanding of the basic plasma processes, which lead to the formation of CFDLs. The review starts with the discussion on early research on electric fields and double layers (DLs) and ion acceleration in planar plasma expansion. The review continues with the formation of DLs and rarefaction shocks (RFS) in expanding plasma with two electron populations with different temperatures. The basic theory mitigating the formation of a CFDL by two-electron temperature population is reviewed; we refer to such CFDLs as double layers structures formation by two-temperature electron populations (TET-CFDLs). Application of TET-CFDLS to ion acceleration in laboratory and space plasmas was discussed including the formation of stationary steady-state DLs. A quite different type of CFDLs forms in a helicon plasma device (HPD), in which plasma abruptly expands from a narrow plasma source tube into a wide diffusion tube with abruptly diverging magnetic fields. The formation mechanism of the CFDL in HPD, referred here as current free double layer structure in helicon plasma device (HPD-CFDL), and its applications are reviewed. The formation of a TET-CFDL is due to the self-consistent separation of the two electron populations parallel to the ambient magnetic field. In contrast, a HPD-CFDL forms due to self-consistent separation of electrons and ion perpendicular to the abruptly diverging magnetic field in conjunction with the conducting wall of the expansion chamber in the HPD. One-dimensional theoretical models of CFDLs based on steady-state solution of Vlasov-Poisson system of equations are briefly discussed. Applications of CFDLs ranging from helicon double-layer thrusters (HDLTs) to the accelerations of ions in space and astrophysical plasmas are summarized.

Formation of the Electric Double Layer and its Effects on Moving Bodies in a Space Plasma Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Qianli; Wu, S. T.; Stone, N. H.; Li, Xiaoquing

1996-01-01

In this paper we solve the self-consistent Vlasov and Poisson equations by a numerical method to determine the local distribution function of the ion and the electron, within a thin layer near the moving body, respectively. Using these ion and electron distributions, the number density for the ions and electrons are determined, such that, the electric potential is obtained within this thin layer (i.e., measured by Debye length). Numerical results are presented for temporal evolution of the electron and ion density and its corresponding electric potential within the layer which shows the formation of electric double layer and its structures. From these numerical results, we are able to determine the maximum conditions of the electric potential, it may create satellite anomaly.

Miocene non-marine diatoms from the western Cordillera basins of northern Peru

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fourtanier, E.; Gasse, F.; Bellier, O.; Bonhomme, M.G.; Robles, I.

1993-01-01

Diatom assemblages are documented from diatomite layers of two Miocene fluvio-lacustrine units from the basins of the western Cordillera of northern Peru: the Namora Formation and the Cajabamba Formation. Emphasis is given to taxa of particular stratigraphic interest. The diatom assemblages indicate for the Namora Formation the occurrence of swampy conditions with very dilute, low alkalinity water. The diatom assemblages of the Cajabamba Formation reflect the occurrence of fresh, slightly alkaline, eutrophic lakes with deep water in some samples, and swampy conditions with relatively high salt content in other samples. The Namora formation is late Miocene in age based on the diatom assemblages and radiometric analyses. The diatom layers of the Cajabamba Formation are dated as late middle to early late Miocene. -from Authors

Modulation of solid electrolyte interphase of lithium-ion batteries by LiDFOB and LiBOB electrolyte additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shiqiang; Wang, Shuwei; Hu, Guohong; Cheong, Ling-Zhi; Shen, Cai

2018-05-01

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is an organic-inorganic composite layer that allows Li+ transport across but blocks electron flow across and prevents solvent diffusing to electrode surface. Morphology, thickness, mechanical and chemical properties of SEI are important for safety and cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we employ a combination of in-situ AFM and XPS to investigate the effects of two electrolyte additives namely lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) and lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) on SEI layer. LiDFOB is found to result in a thin but hard SEI layer containing more inorganic species (LiF and LiCO3); meanwhile LiBOB promotes formation of a thick but soft SEI layer containing more organic species such as ROCO2Li. Findings from present study will help development of electrolyte additives that promote formation of good SEI layer.

High-Temperature Annealing as a Method for the Silicon Nanoclusters Growth in Stoichiometric Silicon Dioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanova, E. V.; Dementev, P. A.; Sitnikova, A. A.; Aleksandrov, O. V.; Zamoryanskaya, M. V.

2018-07-01

A method for the growth of nanocomposite layers in stoichiometric amorphous silicon dioxide is proposed. It is shown that, after annealing at a temperature of 1150°C in nitrogen atmosphere, a layer containing silicon nanoclusters is formed. Silicon nanoclusters have a crystal structure and a size of 3-6 nm. In a film grown on a n-type substrate, a layer of silicon nanoclusters with a thickness of about 10 nm is observed. In the case of a film grown on a p-type substrate, a nanocomposite layer with a thickness of about 100 nm is observed. The difference in the formation of a nanocomposite layer in films on various substrates is associated with the doping of silicon dioxide with impurities from the substrate during the growth of the film. The formation of the nanocomposite layer was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, XPS and local cathodoluminescence studies.

Solar cell contact formation using laser ablation

DOEpatents

Harley, Gabriel; Smith, David D.; Cousins, Peter John

2015-07-21

The formation of solar cell contacts using a laser is described. A method of fabricating a back-contact solar cell includes forming a poly-crystalline material layer above a single-crystalline substrate. The method also includes forming a dielectric material stack above the poly-crystalline material layer. The method also includes forming, by laser ablation, a plurality of contacts holes in the dielectric material stack, each of the contact holes exposing a portion of the poly-crystalline material layer; and forming conductive contacts in the plurality of contact holes.