Sample records for driving force concentration

  1. Present-day deformation across the Basin and Range Province, western United States

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Thatcher, W.; Foulger, G.R.; Julian, B.R.; Svarc, J.; Quilty, E.; Bawden, G.W.

    1999-01-01

    The distribution of deformation within the Basin and Range province was determined from 1992, 1996, and 1998 surveys of a dense, 800-kilometer- aperture, Global Positioning System network, Internal deformation generally follows the pattern of Holocene fault distribution and is concentrated near the western extremity of the province, with lesser amounts focused near the eastern boundary. Little net deformation occurs across the central 500 kilometers of the network in western Utah and eastern Nevada. Concentration of deformation adjacent to the rigid Sierra Nevada block indicates that external plate-driving forces play an important role in driving deformation, modulating the extensional stress field generated by internal buoyancy forces that are due to lateral density gradients and topography near the province boundaries.

  2. Excited state intramolecular charge transfer reaction in nonaqueous electrolyte solutions: Temperature dependence

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

    Pradhan, Tuhin; Gazi, Harun Al Rasid; Biswas, Ranjit

    2009-08-07

    Temperature dependence of the excited state intramolecular charge transfer reaction of 4-(1-azetidinyl)benzonitrile (P4C) in ethyl acetate (EA), acetonitrile (ACN), and ethanol at several concentrations of lithium perchlorate (LiClO{sub 4}) has been investigated by using the steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The temperature range considered is 267-343 K. The temperature dependent spectral peak shifts and reaction driving force (-{Delta}G{sub r}) in electrolyte solutions of these solvents can be explained qualitatively in terms of interaction between the reactant molecule and ion-atmosphere. Time resolved studies indicate that the decay kinetics of P4C is biexponential, regardless of solvents, LiClO{sub 4} concentrations,more » and temperatures considered. Except at higher electrolyte concentrations in EA, reaction rates in solutions follow the Arrhenius-type temperature dependence where the estimated activation energy exhibits substantial electrolyte concentration dependence. The average of the experimentally measured activation energies in these three neat solvents is found to be in very good agreement with the predicted value based on data in room temperature solvents. While the rate constant in EA shows a electrolyte concentration induced parabolic dependence on reaction driving force (-{Delta}G{sub r}), the former in ethanol and ACN increases only linearly with the increase in driving force (-{Delta}G{sub r}). The data presented here also indicate that the step-wise increase in solvent reorganization energy via sequential addition of electrolyte induces the ICT reaction in weakly polar solvents to crossover from the Marcus inverted region to the normal region.« less

  3. Chemical Potentials and Activities: An Electrochemical Introduction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wetzel, T. L.; And Others

    1986-01-01

    Describes a laboratory experiment which explores the effects of adding inert salts to electrolytic cells and demonstrates the difference between concentration and chemical activity. Examines chemical potentials as the driving force of reactions. Provides five examples of cell potential and concentration change. (JM)

  4. Line length dependence of threshold current density and driving force in eutectic SnPb and SnAgCu solder electromigration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoon, Min-Seung; Ko, Min-Ku; Kim, Bit-Na; Kim, Byung-Joon; Park, Yong-Bae; Joo, Young-Chang

    2008-04-01

    The relationship between the threshold current density and the critical line length in eutectic SnPb and SnAgCu electromigrations were examined using solder lines with the various lengths ranging from 100to1000μm. When the electron wind-force was balanced by the back-stress gradient force, the net flux of electromigration is zero, at which the current density and line length are defined as the threshold current density and the critical length, respectively. It was found that in SnAgCu electromigration, the 1/L dependence on the threshold current density showed good agreement, whereas the threshold current densities of the eutectic SnPb deviated from the 1/L dependence. The balance between the electron wind-force and the back-stress gradient force was the main factor determining the threshold product of SnAgCu electromigration. On the other hand, in the case of eutectic SnPb, the chemical driving force is contributed as a back-flux force in addition to the back-stress gradient force. The existence of the chemical driving force was caused by the nonequilibrium Pb concentration inside the Pb-rich phases between the cathode and anode during the electromigration procedure.

  5. Probing into the Supramolecular Driving Force of an Amphiphilic β-Cyclodextrin Dimer in Various Solvents: Host-Guest Recognition or Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Interaction?

    PubMed

    Bai, Yang; Fan, Xiao-dong; Yao, Hao; Yang, Zhen; Liu, Ting-ting; Zhang, Hai-tao; Zhang, Wan-bin; Tian, Wei

    2015-09-03

    Tuning of the morphology and size of supramolecular self-assemblies is of theoretical and practical significance. To date, supramolecular driving forces in different solvents remain unclear. In this study, we first synthesized an amphiphilic β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) dimer that consists of one hydrophobic ibuprofen (Ibu) and two hydrophilic β-CD moieties (i.e., Ibu-CD2). Ibu-CD2 possesses double supramolecular driving forces, namely, the host-guest recognition and hydrophilic-hydrophobic interaction. The host-guest interaction of Ibu-CD2 induced the formation of branched supramolecular polymers (SPs) in pure water, whereas the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interaction generated spherical or irregular micelles in water/organic mixtures. The SP size increased with the increase in Ibu-CD2 concentration in pure water. By contrast, the size of micelles decreased with the increase in volume ratio of water in mixtures.

  6. Effect of calcium chloride concentration on output force in electrical actuator made of sodium alginate gel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Yuda; Zhao, Gang; Wei, Chengye; Liu, Shuang; Fu, Yu; Liu, Xvxiong

    2018-01-01

    As a kind of artificial muscle intelligent material, the biological gel electric driver has the advantages of low driving voltage, large strain, good biological compatibility, good flexibility, low price, etc. The application prospect is broad and it has high academic value. Alginate, as a common substance in sea, has characteristics of low cost, green and pollution-free. Therefore,this paper obtains biological gel electric actuator by sodium alginate and calcium chloride. Effects on output force of the electric actuator is researched by changing the crosslinking of calcium chloride concentration and the output force enhancement mechanism is analyzed in this paper.

  7. Fault tolerant linear actuator

    DOEpatents

    Tesar, Delbert

    2004-09-14

    In varying embodiments, the fault tolerant linear actuator of the present invention is a new and improved linear actuator with fault tolerance and positional control that may incorporate velocity summing, force summing, or a combination of the two. In one embodiment, the invention offers a velocity summing arrangement with a differential gear between two prime movers driving a cage, which then drives a linear spindle screw transmission. Other embodiments feature two prime movers driving separate linear spindle screw transmissions, one internal and one external, in a totally concentric and compact integrated module.

  8. Heavy metal(loid)s and organic contaminants in groundwater in the Pearl River Delta that has undergone three decades of urbanization and industrialization: Distributions, sources, and driving forces.

    PubMed

    Huang, Guanxing; Zhang, Ming; Liu, Chunyan; Li, Liangping; Chen, Zongyu

    2018-09-01

    Urbanization and industrialization have increased groundwater resource demands, and may drive the change of heavy metal(loid)s and organic chemicals in groundwater in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), southern China. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the distributions, sources, and driving forces of heavy metal(loid)s and organic chemicals in groundwater in the PRD is vital for water resource management in this region. In this study, eight heavy metal(loid)s and fifty-five organic chemicals in groundwater across the PRD were investigated. The results show that undrinkable groundwater related to heavy metal(loid)s was mainly due to high concentrations of Fe (19.3%) and As (6.8%). Eighteen organic contaminants were detected in groundwater in the PRD, where the most frequently detected organic contaminant was naphthalene, and its detection rate was 2.51%. In 5.3% of all groundwater samples, one or more organic contaminants were found. All detected organic contaminants, except ones without allowable limits, in groundwater were at concentrations below allowable limits of China. The mean concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s in granular aquifers were higher than those in fissured and karst aquifers, especially for Fe and As. Except Se, the mean concentrations of other heavy metal(loid)s and the frequency of detection of organic contaminants in groundwater in urbanized and peri-urban areas were higher than those in non-urbanized areas, especially for Hg, Co, and organic contaminants. Fe, As, and Se in groundwater mainly originated from the release of Fe/As/Se rich sediments. The former two were driven by reduction reactions, while the latter was driven by oxidation resulting from the infiltration of NO 3 - . In contrast, other five heavy metal(loid)s and organic contaminants in groundwater mainly originated from the anthropogenic sources, such as the infiltration of industrial sewage. It is evident that urbanization and industrialization are two powerful driving forces for heavy metal(loid)s and organic contaminants in groundwater in the PRD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Ultra high vacuum seal arrangement

    DOEpatents

    Flaherty, Robert

    1981-01-01

    Arrangement for demountably sealing two concentric metallic tubes in an ultra high vacuum system which facilitates remote actuation. A tubular seal includes integral spaced lips which circumferentially engage the metallic tubes. The lips plastically deform the metallic tubes by mechanical forces resulting from a martensite to austenite transformation of the tubular seal upon application of a predetermined temperature. The sealing force is released upon application of another temperature which causes a transformation from the stronger austenite to the weaker martensite. Use of a dual acting sealing ring and driving ring circumferentially contacting the sealing ring is particularly applicable to sealing larger diameter concentric metallic members.

  10. Finite Element Method Analysis of Nanoscratch Test for the Evaluation of Interface Adhesion Strength in Cu Thin Films on Si Substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sekiguchi, Atsuko; Koike, Junichi

    2008-01-01

    Mechanical processes of the nanoscratch test are investigated using a finite element analysis of Cu/Ta/SiO2/Si multilayer films. The calculated stress distribution at the moment of delamination suggests that delamination occurs in a small region of approximately 100 nm. The driving force for delamination is the stress concentration due to strain-incompatibility at the Cu/Ta interface resulting from the large plastic deformation in Cu. The degree of stress concentration is found to depend on internal variables, such as plastic deformation, residual stress, and the elastic modulus, and on the magnitude of lateral force.

  11. EPS forces in Bacillus subtilis biofilms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Wenbo; Angelini, Thomas; Tsai, Shih-Ming; Nixon, Ryan

    2014-03-01

    Bacteria have evolved to congregate in complex communities known as biofilms. The structure that holds a biofilm together is a matrix called extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). It has been observed in previous studies that EPS up-regulation occurs when the nutrient levels fall below a threshold concentration; this increase in EPS concentration produces an osmotic pressure that forces the colony to spread outward. This osmotic pressure may drive nutrient uptake, but the stresses generated by the EPS matrix has never been measured. Here we present measurements of the forces exerted by a biofilm on its supporting substrate and on its fluid nutrients. In our experiments, we use a technique analogous to traction force microscopy to measure strain in agar nutrient substrates imposed by Bacillus subtilis biofilms. By running additional test to measure the permeability and elastic modulus of the agar, we can estimate the pressure generated by the biofilm.

  12. The application of multilayer elastic beam in MEMS safe and arming system

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

    Li, Guozhong, E-mail: liguozhong-bit@bit.edu.cn; Shi, Gengchen; Sui, Li

    In this paper, a new approach for a multilayer elastic beam to provide a driving force and driving distance for a MEMS safe and arming system is presented. In particular this is applied where a monolayer elastic beam cannot provide adequate driving force and driving distance at the same time in limited space. Compared with thicker elastic beams, the bilayer elastic beam can provide twice the driving force of a monolayer beam to guarantee the MEMS safe and arming systems work reliably without decreasing the driving distance. In this paper, the theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental verification of themore » multilayer elastic beam is presented. The numerical simulation and experimental results show that the bilayer elastic provides 1.8–2 times the driving force of a monolayer, and a method that improves driving force without reducing the driving distance.« less

  13. Fracture toughness in Mode I (GIC) for ductile adhesives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gálvez, P.; Carbas, RJC; Campilho, RDSG; Abenojar, J.; Martínez, MA; Silva LFM, da

    2017-05-01

    Works carried out in this publication belong to a project that seeks the replacement of welded joints by adhesive joints at stress concentration nodes in bus structures. Fracture toughness in Mode I (GIC) has been measured for two different ductile adhesives, SikaTack Drive and SikaForce 7720. SikaTack Drive is a single-component polyurethane adhesive with high viscoelasticity (more than 100%), whose main use is the car-glass joining and SikaForce 7720 is double-component structural polyurethane adhesive. Experimental works have been carried out from the test called Double Cantilever Beam (DCB), using two steel beams as adherents and an adhesive thickness according to the problem posed in the Project, of 2 and 3 mm for SikaForce 7720 and SikaTack Drive, respectively. Three different methods have been used for measuring the fracture toughness in mode I (GIC) from the values obtained in the experimental DCB procedure for each adhesive: Corrected Beam Theory (CBT), Compliance Calibration Method (CCM) and Compliance Based Beam Method (CBBM). Four DCB specimens have been tested for each adhesive. Dispersion of each GIC calculation method for each adhesive has been studied. Likewise variations between the three different methods have been also studied for each adhesive.

  14. Glenohumeral contact force during flat and topspin tennis forehand drives.

    PubMed

    Blache, Yoann; Creveaux, Thomas; Dumas, Raphaël; Chèze, Laurence; Rogowski, Isabelle

    2017-03-01

    The primary role of the shoulder joint in tennis forehand drive is at the expense of the loadings undergone by this joint. Nevertheless, few studies investigated glenohumeral (GH) contact forces during forehand drives. The aim of this study was to investigate GH compressive and shearing forces during the flat and topspin forehand drives in advanced tennis players. 3D kinematics of flat and topspin forehand drives of 11 advanced tennis players were recorded. The Delft Shoulder and Elbow musculoskeletal model was implemented to assess the magnitude and orientation of GH contact forces during the forehand drives. The results showed no differences in magnitude and orientation of GH contact forces between the flat and topspin forehand drives. The estimated maximal GH contact force during the forward swing phase was 3573 ± 1383 N, which was on average 1.25 times greater than during the follow-through phase, and 5.8 times greater than during the backswing phase. Regardless the phase of the forehand drive, GH contact forces pointed towards the anterior-superior part of the glenoid therefore standing for shearing forces. Knowledge of GH contact forces during real sport tasks performed at high velocity may improve the understanding of various sport-specific adaptations and causative factors for shoulder problems.

  15. Friction phenomena and phase transition in the underdamped two-dimensional Frenkel-Kontorova model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Yang; Duan, Wen-Shan; Chen, Jian-Min; Yang, Lei; Tekić, Jasmina; Shao, Zhi-Gang; Wang, Cang-Long

    2010-11-01

    Locked-to-sliding phase transition has been studied in the driven two-dimensional Frenkel-Kontorova model with the square symmetric substrate potential. It is found that as the driving force increases, the system transfers from the locked state to the sliding state where the motion of particles is in the direction different from that of driving force. With the further increase in driving force, at some critical value, the particles start to move in the direction of driving force. These two critical forces, the static friction or depinning force, and the kinetic friction force for which particles move in the direction of driving force have been analyzed for different system parameters. Different scenarios of phase transitions have been examined and dynamical phases are classified. In the case of zero misfit angle, the analytical expressions for static and kinetic friction force have been obtained.

  16. Effect of a powered drive on pushing and pulling forces when transporting bariatric hospital beds.

    PubMed

    Wiggermann, Neal

    2017-01-01

    Powered drives designed to assist with moving hospital beds are commercially available but no studies have evaluated whether they reduce the push and pull forces likely contributing to injury in caregivers. This study measured hand forces of 10 caregivers maneuvering a manual and powered bariatric bed through simulated hospital environments (hallway, elevator, and ramp). Peak push and pull forces exceeded previously established psychophysical limits for all activities with the manual bed. For the powered bed, peak forces were significantly (p < 0.05) lower for all tasks, and below psychophysical limits. Powered drive reduced peak forces between 38% (maneuvering into elevator) and 94% (descending ramp). Powered drive also reduced stopping distance by 55%. When maneuvering, the integral of hand force was 34% lower with powered drive, but average forces during straight-line pushing did not differ between beds. Powered drive may reduce the risk of injury or the number of caregivers needed for transport. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Ultrabreathable and protective membranes with sub-5 nm carbon nanotube pores

    DOE PAGES

    Bui, Ngoc; Meshot, Eric R.; Kim, Sangil; ...

    2016-05-09

    Here, small-diameter carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are shown to enable exceptionally fast transport of water vapor under a concentration gradient driving force. Thanks to this property, membranes having sub-5 nm CNTs as conductive pores feature outstanding breathability while maintaining a high degree of protection from biothreats by size exclusion.

  18. Mechanochemical regulations of RPA's binding to ssDNA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Jin; Le, Shimin; Basu, Anindita; Chazin, Walter J.; Yan, Jie

    2015-03-01

    Replication protein A (RPA) is a ubiquitous eukaryotic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein that serves to protect ssDNA from degradation and annealing, and as a template for recruitment of many downstream factors in virtually all DNA transactions in cell. During many of these transactions, DNA is tethered and is likely subject to force. Previous studies of RPA's binding behavior on ssDNA were conducted in the absence of force; therefore the RPA-ssDNA conformations regulated by force remain unclear. Here, using a combination of atomic force microscopy imaging and mechanical manipulation of single ssDNA tethers, we show that force mediates a switch of the RPA bound ssDNA from amorphous aggregation to a much more regular extended conformation. Further, we found an interesting non-monotonic dependence of the binding affinity on monovalent salt concentration in the presence of force. In addition, we discovered that zinc in micromolar concentrations drives ssDNA to a unique, highly stiff and more compact state. These results provide new mechanochemical insights into the influences and the mechanisms of action of RPA on large single ssDNA.

  19. A one-pot strategy for biomimetic synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yi; Chen, Li Qiang; Li, Yuan Fang; Zhao, Xi Juan; Peng, Li; Zhi Huang, Cheng

    2010-07-01

    A simple, one-pot and controllable strategy is reported in this contribution for biomimetic synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). It involves our synthesized polyaldehyde dextran (PAD), which has been proved to be a biomacromolecule with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, acting as both a reducing agent and a stabilizer. The morphology of the as-prepared Au-NP assemblies can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, such as the concentration of aldehyde in PAD, the reaction time and the temperature. Investigations of the mechanism suggest that stabilizers may distribute on different crystal facets of NPs non-uniformly owing to the different binding forces, and dipole-dipole interaction of NPs could be the main driving force for the assembly of Au-NPs. In addition, intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction of stabilizers could also act as a possible driving force. The excellent biocompatibility of the Au-NP assemblies makes them promising candidates for fabricating future optical nanodevices and application in biological systems.

  20. Assembly of purple membranes on polyelectrolyte films.

    PubMed

    Saab, Marie-belle; Estephan, Elias; Cloitre, Thierry; Legros, René; Cuisinier, Frédéric J G; Zimányi, László; Gergely, Csilla

    2009-05-05

    The membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin in its native membrane bound form (purple membrane) was adsorbed and incorporated into polyelectrolyte multilayered films, and adsorption was in situ monitored by optical waveguide light-mode spectroscopy. The formation of a single layer or a double layer of purple membranes was observed when adsorbed on negatively or positively charged surfaces, respectively. The purple membrane patches adsorbed on the polyelectrolyte multilayers were also evidenced by atomic force microscopy images. The driving forces of the adsorption process were evaluated by varying the ionic strength of the solution as well as the purple membrane concentration. At high purple membrane concentration, interpenetrating polyelectrolyte loops might provide new binding sites for the adsorption of a second layer of purple membranes, whereas at lower concentrations only a single layer is formed. Negative surfaces do not promote a second protein layer adsorption. Driving forces other than just electrostatic ones, such as hydrophobic forces, should play a role in the polyelectrolyte/purple membrane layering. The subtle interplay of all these factors determines the formation of the polyelectrolyte/purple membrane matrix with a presumably high degree of orientation for the incorporated purple membranes, with their cytoplasmic, or extracellular side toward the bulk on negatively or positively charged polyelectrolyte, respectively. The structural stability of bacteriorhodopsin during adsorption onto the surface and incorporation into the polyelectrolyte multilayers was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode. Adsorption and incorporation of purple membranes within polyelectrolyte multilayers does not disturb the conformational majority of membrane-embedded alpha-helix structures of the protein, but may slightly alter the structure of the extramembraneous segments or their interaction with the environment. This high stability is different from the lower stability of the predominantly beta-sheet structures of numerous globular proteins when adsorbed onto surfaces.

  1. Driving Force of Plasma Bullet in Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yambe, Kiyoyuki; Masuda, Seiya; Kondo, Shoma

    2018-06-01

    When plasma is generated by applying high-voltage alternating current (AC), the driving force of the temporally and spatially varying electric field is applied to the plasma. The strength of the driving force of the plasma at each spatial position is different because the electrons constituting the atmospheric-pressure nonequilibrium (cold) plasma move at a high speed in space. If the force applied to the plasma is accelerated only by the driving force, the plasma will be accelerated infinitely. The equilibrium between the driving force and the restricting force due to the collision between the plasma and neutral particles determines the inertial force and the drift velocity of the plasma. Consequently, the drift velocity depends on the strength of the time-averaged AC electric field. The pressure applied by the AC electric field equilibrates with the plasma pressure. From the law of conservation of energy, the pressure equilibrium is maintained by varying the drift velocity of the plasma.

  2. Driving forces of heavy metal changes in agricultural soils in a typical manufacturing center.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Menglong; Li, Fangbai; Wang, Qi; Chen, Junjian; Yang, Guoyi; Liu, Liming

    2015-05-01

    Heavy metal concentrations in 2002 and 2012 in agricultural soils in Dongguan, a manufacturing center in southern China, were analyzed to determine the impact of rapid economic development on soil pollution. The level of pollution was assessed using the Nemerow synthetic pollution index (NPI), and its changing characteristics and driving forces were analyzed using multivariate statistical and geostatistical methods. The results indicate that the mean NPI was 0.79 in 2002 and 0.84 in 2012, which indicates aggravated heavy metal contamination in the agricultural soils. The concentrations of Cd and Zn increased 54.7 and 20.8 %, respectively, whereas Hg and Pb decreased 35.3 and 24.5 %, respectively. Cr, As, Cu, and Ni remained relatively stable. The Hg and Cd concentrations were highly correlated with soil types (P < 0.01), the secondary industrial output per unit of land (P < 0.01), proportion of cereal fields (P < 0.01), proportion of vegetable fields (P < 0.01), population density (P < 0.05), and road density (P < 0.05). The Pb and As concentrations were greatly influenced by soil types (P < 0.01), river density (P < 0.01), fertilizer rate (P < 0.01), and road density (P < 0.05). Cr, Zn, Cu, and Ni concentrations were primarily driven by soil types (P < 0.01), river density (P < 0.01), and fertilizer rate (P < 0.05).

  3. NaCl nucleation from brine in seeded simulations: Sources of uncertainty in rate estimates.

    PubMed

    Zimmermann, Nils E R; Vorselaars, Bart; Espinosa, Jorge R; Quigley, David; Smith, William R; Sanz, Eduardo; Vega, Carlos; Peters, Baron

    2018-06-14

    This work reexamines seeded simulation results for NaCl nucleation from a supersaturated aqueous solution at 298.15 K and 1 bar pressure. We present a linear regression approach for analyzing seeded simulation data that provides both nucleation rates and uncertainty estimates. Our results show that rates obtained from seeded simulations rely critically on a precise driving force for the model system. The driving force vs. solute concentration curve need not exactly reproduce that of the real system, but it should accurately describe the thermodynamic properties of the model system. We also show that rate estimates depend strongly on the nucleus size metric. We show that the rate estimates systematically increase as more stringent local order parameters are used to count members of a cluster and provide tentative suggestions for appropriate clustering criteria.

  4. External solution driving forces for isotonic fluid absorption in proximal tubules.

    PubMed

    Andreoli, T E; Schafer, J A

    1979-02-01

    We have explored evidence that suggests that lateral intercellular spaces is the mammalian proximal nephron do not serve as a hypertonic "central compartment" driving volume absorption. A primary consideration is the very low transepithelial resistance of this tissue as demonstrated by several laboratories. By making the reasonable assumption that passive ion permeation occurs via a paracellular route, we have concluded that the diffusion resistance of the spaces in insufficient to allow the development of a significant compositional difference between the spaces and the peritubular medium. This conclusion led us to look for potential osmotic gradients existing between the luminal and peritubular solutions. From the perfusion rate dependence of osmotic volume flow in the absence of active transport in isolated convoluted and straight proximal tubules, we calculated that both segments have very high hydraulic conductances, on the order of 3,000-5,000 micron/sec. Consequently, slight differences in the effective osmolality of the external solutions are sufficient to explain net volume absorption both in vivo and in vitro. We have provided evidence for two such driving forces. First, the development of asymmetrical anion concentration differences along the length of the proximal nephron due to preferential reabsorption of HCO-3 provides a driving force if the reflection coefficient for HCO-3 exceeds that for Cl-. Second, slight luminal hypotonicity may develop as a consequence of active solute absorption. Although both mechanisms probably occur simultaneously in vivo, we consider the former to be quantitatively the most important.

  5. Driving force of stacking-fault formation in SiC p-i-n diodes.

    PubMed

    Ha, S; Skowronski, M; Sumakeris, J J; Paisley, M J; Das, M K

    2004-04-30

    The driving force of stacking-fault expansion in SiC p-i-n diodes was investigated using optical emission microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The stacking-fault expansion and properties of the partial dislocations were inconsistent with any stress as the driving force. A thermodynamic free energy difference between the perfect and a faulted structure is suggested as a plausible driving force in the tested diodes, indicating that hexagonal polytypes of silicon carbide are metastable at room temperature.

  6. Nonstationary time series prediction combined with slow feature analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, G.; Chen, X.

    2015-01-01

    Almost all climate time series have some degree of nonstationarity due to external driving forces perturbations of the observed system. Therefore, these external driving forces should be taken into account when reconstructing the climate dynamics. This paper presents a new technique of combining the driving force of a time series obtained using the Slow Feature Analysis (SFA) approach, then introducing the driving force into a predictive model to predict non-stationary time series. In essence, the main idea of the technique is to consider the driving forces as state variables and incorporate them into the prediction model. To test the method, experiments using a modified logistic time series and winter ozone data in Arosa, Switzerland, were conducted. The results showed improved and effective prediction skill.

  7. The Effect of Nb Micro-alloying on the Bainitic Phase Transformation Under Strip Casting Conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stanford, N.; Dorin, T.; Hodgson, P. D.

    2018-04-01

    The effect of Nb concentration on the transformation from austenite to bainitic ferrite has been examined under simulated strip casting conditions. Nb concentration was found to delay the nucleation of bainite, but accelerated its growth. It is suggested that the delay in nucleation increases the driving force for transformation, which results in an increase in the growth rate of the bainite. The bainite/austenite interfaces are proposed to move too quickly to suffer appreciable solute drag.

  8. Human health and the water environment: using the DPSEEA framework to identify the driving forces of disease.

    PubMed

    Gentry-Shields, Jennifer; Bartram, Jamie

    2014-01-15

    There is a growing awareness of global forces that threaten human health via the water environment. A better understanding of the dynamic between human health and the water environment would enable prediction of the significant driving forces and effective strategies for coping with or preventing them. This report details the use of the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action (DPSEEA) framework to explore the linkage between water-related diseases and their significant driving forces. The DPSEEA frameworks indicate that a select group of driving forces, including population growth, agriculture, infrastructure (dams and irrigation), and climate change, is at the root cause of key global disease burdens. Construction of the DPSEEA frameworks also allows for the evaluation of public health interventions. Sanitation was found to be a widely applicable and effective intervention, targeting the driver/pressure linkage of most of the water-related diseases examined. Ultimately, the DPSEEA frameworks offer a platform for constituents in both the health and environmental fields to collaborate and commit to a common goal targeting the same driving forces. © 2013.

  9. Vehicle Dynamics Control of In-wheel Electric Motor Drive Vehicles Based on Averaging of Tire Force Usage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Masaki, Nobuo; Iwano, Haruo; Kamada, Takayoshi; Nagai, Masao

    For in-wheel electric motor drive vehicles, a new vehicle dynamics control which is based on the tire force usage rate is proposed. The new controller adopts non-linear optimal control could manage the interference between direct yaw-moment control and the tire force usage rate. The new control is considered total longitudinal and transverse tire force. Therefore the controller can prevent tire force saturation near tire force limit during cornering. Simulations and test runs by the custom made four wheel drive in-wheel motor electric vehicle show that higher driving stability performance compared to the performance of the same vehicle without control.

  10. A balanced ATP driving force module for enhancing photosynthetic biosynthesis of 3-hydroxybutyrate from CO2.

    PubMed

    Ku, Jason T; Lan, Ethan I

    2018-03-01

    Using engineered photoautotrophic microorganisms for the direct chemical synthesis from CO 2 is an attractive direction for both sustainability and CO 2 mitigation. However, the behaviors of non-native metabolic pathways may be difficult to control due to the different intracellular contexts between natural and heterologous hosts. While most metabolic engineering efforts focus on strengthening driving forces in pathway design to favor biochemical production in these organisms, excessive driving force may be detrimental to product biosynthesis due to imbalanced cellular intermediate distribution. In this study, an ATP-hydrolysis based driving force module was engineered into cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 to produce 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), a valuable chemical feedstock for the synthesis of biodegradable plastics and antibiotics. However, while the ATP driving force module is effective for increasing product formation, uncontrolled accumulation of intermediate metabolites likely led to metabolic imbalance and thus to cell growth inhibition. Therefore, the ATP driving force module was reengineered by providing a reversible outlet for excessive carbon flux. Upon expression of this balanced ATP driving force module with 3HB biosynthesis, engineered strain produced 3HB with a cumulative titer of 1.2 g/L, a significant increase over the initial strain. This result highlighted the importance of pathway reversibility as an effective design strategy for balancing driving force and intermediate accumulation, thereby achieving a self-regulated control for increased net flux towards product biosynthesis. Copyright © 2018 International Metabolic Engineering Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Ethylene monitoring and control system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nelson, Bruce N. (Inventor); Kanc, James A. (Inventor); Richard, II, Roy V. (Inventor)

    2000-01-01

    A system that can accurately monitor and control low concentrations of ethylene gas includes a test chamber configured to receive sample gas potentially containing an ethylene concentration and ozone, a detector configured to receive light produced during a reaction between the ethylene and ozone and to produce signals related thereto, and a computer connected to the detector to process the signals to determine therefrom a value of the concentration of ethylene in the sample gas. The supply for the system can include a four way valve configured to receive pressurized gas at one input and a test chamber. A piston is journaled in the test chamber with a drive end disposed in a drive chamber and a reaction end defining with walls of the test chamber a variable volume reaction chamber. The drive end of the piston is pneumatically connected to two ports of the four way valve to provide motive force to the piston. A manifold is connected to the variable volume reaction chamber, and is configured to receive sample gasses from at least one of a plurality of ports connectable to degreening rooms and to supply the sample gas to the reactive chamber for reaction with ozone. The apparatus can be used to monitor and control the ethylene concentration in multiple degreening rooms.

  12. Ethylene monitoring and control system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nelson, Bruce N. (Inventor); Kane, James A. (Inventor); Richard, II, Roy V. (Inventor)

    2001-01-01

    A system that can accurately monitor and control low concentrations of ethylene gas includes a test chamber configured to receive sample gas potentially containing an ethylene concentration and ozone, a detector configured to receive light produced during a reaction between the ethylene and ozone and to produce signals related thereto, and a computer connected to the detector to process the signals to determine therefrom a value of the concentration of ethylene in the sample gas. The supply for the system can include a four way valve configured to receive pressurized gas at one input and a test chamber. A piston is journaled in the test chamber with a drive end disposed in a drive chamber and a reaction end defining with walls of the test chamber a variable volume reaction chamber. The drive end of the piston is pneumatically connected to two ports of the four way valve to provide motive force to the piston. A manifold is connected to the variable volume reaction chamber, and is configured to receive sample gasses from at least one of a plurality of ports connectable to degreening rooms and to supply the sample gas to the reactive chamber for reaction with ozone. The apparatus can be used to monitor and control the ethylene concentration in multiple degreening rooms.

  13. Inversion for the driving forces of plate tectonics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Richardson, R. M.

    1983-01-01

    Inverse modeling techniques have been applied to the problem of determining the roles of various forces that may drive and resist plate tectonic motions. Separate linear inverse problems have been solved to find the best fitting pole of rotation for finite element grid point velocities and to find the best combination of force models to fit the observed relative plate velocities for the earth's twelve major plates using the generalized inverse operator. Variance-covariance data on plate motion have also been included. Results emphasize the relative importance of ridge push forces in the driving mechanism. Convergent margin forces are smaller by at least a factor of two, and perhaps by as much as a factor of twenty. Slab pull, apparently, is poorly transmitted to the surface plate as a driving force. Drag forces at the base of the plate are smaller than ridge push forces, although the sign of the force remains in question.

  14. Field Investigation of a Roof Fall Accident and Large Roadway Deformation Under Geologically Complex Conditions in an Underground Coal Mine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Hongwei; Xue, Sheng; Jiang, Yaodong; Deng, Daixin; Shi, Suzhen; Zhang, Dengqiang

    2018-06-01

    An investigation was undertaken to study the characteristics of large roadway deformation and driving force of roof fall in a geologically complex zone at Huangyanhui underground coal mine, Shanxi Province, China, and to determine the main factors contributing to a roof fall accident that occurred in this mine. A series of field tests were conducted in the mine to study the geological structures, in situ stress, excavation-damaged zones of the roadway, roof-to-floor and sidewall convergences, roof separation, bolts loading and island coal pillar stress. The results of these tests have revealed that the driving force of the large roadway deformation and roof fall was not the activation of the karst collapsed pillars or concentration stress in island coal pillar, but high levels of horizontal tectonic stress and fault slip were induced by mining activities.

  15. Carbon Dioxide Physiological Forcing Dominates Projected Eastern Amazonian Drying

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Richardson, T. B.; Forster, P. M.; Andrews, T.; Boucher, O.; Faluvegi, G.; Fläschner, D.; Kasoar, M.; Kirkevâg, A.; Lamarque, J.-F.; Myhre, G.; Olivié, D.; Samset, B. H.; Shawki, D.; Shindell, D.; Takemura, T.; Voulgarakis, A.

    2018-03-01

    Future projections of east Amazonian precipitation indicate drying, but they are uncertain and poorly understood. In this study we analyze the Amazonian precipitation response to individual atmospheric forcings using a number of global climate models. Black carbon is found to drive reduced precipitation over the Amazon due to temperature-driven circulation changes, but the magnitude is uncertain. CO2 drives reductions in precipitation concentrated in the east, mainly due to a robustly negative, but highly variable in magnitude, fast response. We find that the physiological effect of CO2 on plant stomata is the dominant driver of the fast response due to reduced latent heating and also contributes to the large model spread. Using a simple model, we show that CO2 physiological effects dominate future multimodel mean precipitation projections over the Amazon. However, in individual models temperature-driven changes can be large, but due to little agreement, they largely cancel out in the model mean.

  16. Investigation of the heparin-thrombin interaction by dynamic force spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Wang, Congzhou; Jin, Yingzi; Desai, Umesh R; Yadavalli, Vamsi K

    2015-06-01

    The interaction between heparin and thrombin is a vital step in the blood (anti)coagulation process. Unraveling the molecular basis of the interactions is therefore extremely important in understanding the mechanisms of this complex biological process. In this study, we use a combination of an efficient thiolation chemistry of heparin, a self-assembled monolayer-based single molecule platform, and a dynamic force spectroscopy to provide new insights into the heparin-thrombin interaction from an energy viewpoint at the molecular scale. Well-separated single molecules of heparin covalently attached to mixed self-assembled monolayers are demonstrated, whereby interaction forces with thrombin can be measured via atomic force microscopy-based spectroscopy. Further these interactions are studied at different loading rates and salt concentrations to directly obtain kinetic parameters. An increase in the loading rate shows a higher interaction force between the heparin and thrombin, which can be directly linked to the kinetic dissociation rate constant (koff). The stability of the heparin/thrombin complex decreased with increasing NaCl concentration such that the off-rate was found to be driven primarily by non-ionic forces. These results contribute to understanding the role of specific and nonspecific forces that drive heparin-thrombin interactions under applied force or flow conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Trends in mica–mica adhesion reflect the influence of molecular details on long-range dispersion forces underlying aggregation and coalignment

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

    Li, Dongsheng; Chun, Jaehun; Xiao, Dongdong

    2017-07-05

    Oriented attachment of nanocrystalline subunits is recognized as a common crystallization pathway that is closely related to formation of nanoparticle superlattices, mesocrystals, and other kinetically stabilized structures. Approaching particles have been observed to rotate to achieve co-alignment while separated by nanometer-scale solvent layers. Little is known about the forces that drive co-alignment, particularly in this “solvent-separated” regime. To obtain a mechanistic understanding of this process, we used atomic force microscopy-based dynamic force spectroscopy with tips fabricated from oriented mica to measure the adhesion forces between mica (001) surfaces in electrolyte solutions as a function of orientation, temperature, electrolyte type, andmore » electrolyte concentration. The results reveal a ~60° periodicity as well as a complex dependence on electrolyte concentration and temperature. A continuum model that considers the competition between electrostatic repulsion and van der Waals attraction, augmented by microscopic details that include surface separation, water structure, ion hydration, and charge regulation at the interface, qualitatively reproduces the observed trends and implies that dispersion forces are responsible for establishing co-alignment in the solvent-separated state.« less

  18. Trends in mica–mica adhesion reflect the influence of molecular details on long-range dispersion forces underlying aggregation and coalignment

    DOE PAGES

    Li, Dongsheng; Chun, Jaehun; Xiao, Dongdong; ...

    2017-07-05

    Here, oriented attachment of nanocrystalline subunits is recognized as a common crystallization pathway that is closely related to formation of nanoparticle superlattices, mesocrystals, and other kinetically stabilized structures. Approaching particles have been observed to rotate to achieve co-alignment while separated by nanometer-scale solvent layers. Little is known about the forces that drive co-alignment, particularly in this “solvent-separated” regime. To obtain a mechanistic understanding of this process, we used atomic force microscopy-based dynamic force spectroscopy with tips fabricated from oriented mica to measure the adhesion forces between mica (001) surfaces in electrolyte solutions as a function of orientation, temperature, electrolyte type,more » and electrolyte concentration. The results reveal a ~60° periodicity as well as a complex dependence on electrolyte concentration and temperature. A continuum model that considers the competition between electrostatic repulsion and van der Waals attraction, augmented by microscopic details that include surface separation, water structure, ion hydration, and charge regulation at the interface, qualitatively reproduces the observed trends and implies that dispersion forces are responsible for establishing co-alignment in the solvent-separated state.« less

  19. Trends in mica–mica adhesion reflect the influence of molecular details on long-range dispersion forces underlying aggregation and coalignment

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

    Li, Dongsheng; Chun, Jaehun; Xiao, Dongdong

    Oriented attachment of nanocrystalline subunits is recognized as a common crystallization pathway that is closely related to formation of nanoparticle superlattices, mesocrystals, and other kinetically stabilized structures. Approaching particles have been observed to rotate to achieve co-alignment while separated by nanometer-scale solvent layers. Little is known about the forces that drive co-alignment, particularly in this “solvent-separated” regime. To obtain a mechanistic understanding of this process, we used atomic force microscopy-based dynamic force spectroscopy with tips fabricated from oriented mica to measure the adhesion forces between mica (001) surfaces in electrolyte solutions as a function of orientation, temperature, electrolyte type, andmore » electrolyte concentration. The results reveal a ~60° periodicity as well as a complex dependence on electrolyte concentration and temperature. A continuum model that considers the competition between electrostatic repulsion and van der Waals attraction, augmented by microscopic details that include surface separation, water structure, ion hydration, and charge regulation at the interface, qualitatively reproduces the observed trends and implies that dispersion forces are responsible for establishing co-alignment in the solvent-separated state.« less

  20. Study on the inclusion complex between β-cyclodextrin derivatives and flurbiprofen by spectrofluorometric

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miao, Jiabing; Guo, Zhaohua; Wang, Yongwang; Chen, Dong; Li, Yifan; Zhang, Feng

    2017-08-01

    The inclusion behavior between β-cyclodextrin derivatives (β-CDs) and flurbiprofen had been studied by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The effects of type and concentration of β-CDs; ionic strength; pH as well as temperature on inclusion behavior were investigated. And then the thermodynamic parameters ΔH/ΔS and ΔG of the inclusion complex of flurbiprofen and HP-β-CD were calculated, the driving force of the inclusion reaction had been also certified. The experimental results indicate, the fluorescence intensity (F) of flurbiprofen increases with the raising of β-CDs concentration, among the studied types of β-cyclodextrin derivatives, hydroxypropy l-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) has the most obvious enhancement, namely HP-β-CD has the strongest ability to complex with flurbiprofen. Plot of 1/ (F-F0) against 1/ [β-CD] yields a straight line, indicating 1:1 stoichiometric complex formed between β-CDs and flurbiprofen. Inclusion constant is enhanced with the increase in ionic strength of solution, whereas followes an opposite tendency with the rise of pH value. In the inclusive process, under normal temperature ΔG<0, it illustrates that this process is spontaneous, and the driving force is the change of enthalpy.

  1. Crack Driving Forces in a Multilayered Coating System for Ceramic Matrix Composite Substrates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ghosn, Louis J.; Zhu, Dongming; Miller, Robert A.

    2005-01-01

    The effects of the top coating thickness, modulus and shrinkage strains on the crack driving forces for a baseline multilayer Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia/Mullite/Si thermal and environment barrier coating (TEBC) system for SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite substrates are determined for gas turbine applications. The crack driving forces increase with increasing modulus, and a low modulus thermal barrier coating material (below 10 GPa) will have no cracking issues under the thermal gradient condition analyzed. Since top coating sintering increases the crack driving forces with time, highly sintering resistant coatings are desirable to maintain a low tensile modulus and maintain a low crack driving force with time. Finite element results demonstrated that an advanced TEBC system, such as ZrO2/HfO2, which possesses improved sintering resistance and high temperature stability, exhibited excellent durability. A multi-vertical cracked structure with fine columnar spacing is an ideal strain tolerant coating capable of reducing the crack driving forces to an acceptable level even with a high modulus of 50 GPa.

  2. Apparatus and method for producing an artificial gravitational field

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mccanna, Jason (Inventor)

    1993-01-01

    An apparatus and method is disclosed for producing an artificial gravitational field in a spacecraft by rotating the same around a spin axis. The centrifugal force thereby created acts as an artificial gravitational force. The apparatus includes an engine which produces a drive force offset from the spin axis to drive the spacecraft towards a destination. The engine is also used as a counterbalance for a crew cabin for rotation of the spacecraft. Mass of the spacecraft, which may include either the engine or crew cabin, is shifted such that the centrifugal force acting on that mass is no longer directed through the center of mass of the craft. This off-center centrifugal force creates a moment that counterbalances the moment produced by the off-center drive force to eliminate unwanted rotation which would otherwise be precipitated by the offset drive force.

  3. The driving forces of land change in the Northern Piedmont of the United States

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Auch, Roger F.; Napton, Darrell E.; Kambly, Steven; Moreland, Thomas R.; Sayler, Kristi L.

    2012-01-01

    Driving forces facilitate or inhibit land-use/land-cover change. Human driving forces include political, economic, cultural, and social attributes that often change across time and space. Remotely sensed imagery provides regional land-change data for the Northern Piedmont, an ecoregion of the United States that continued to urbanize after 1970 through conversion of agricultural and forest land covers to developed uses. Eight major driving forces facilitated most of the land conversion; other drivers inhibited or slowed change. A synergistic web of drivers may be more important in understanding land change than individual drivers by themselves.

  4. Comparison and extension of free dendritic growth models through application to silver-15 mass percent copper alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Onel, Selis

    Modeling free dendritic growth in supercooled alloys is a critical requirement in controlling the microstructure of materials during rapid solidification processing of materials. Recent models developed to predict the growth of a dendrite in a highly supercooled melt adopt modifications that account for the interface kinetics and thermodynamics at high interface velocities, but the assumptions necessary to simplify the mathematical problem impose inherent restrictions. The assumption of straight phase boundaries adopted in early models often loses validity at high supercoolings, where phase boundaries are often curved. The use of equations with Henrian restrictions, such as the Baker-Cahn equation for the interfacial driving force and the Aziz equation for solute trapping confine these models to dilute solutions. Turnbull's collision-limited linear kinetic equation for interface growth may not apply to large interfacial driving forces. Therefore, a useful application and modification of free dendritic growth models require a thorough understanding of their limitations in producing consistent results. One of the objectives of this research is to numerically compare the free dendritic growth models derived from the earlier LGK model developed by Lipton et al. The subsequent LKT model by Lipton et al., the TLK model by Trivedi et al., and the BCT model by Boettinger et al., together with a modification of the TLK model, and the DA model by DiVenuti and Ando are compared through application to an Ag-15 mass % Cu alloy. In addition, a new model to extend the DA model is developed by incorporating a thermodynamic solution model for the calculation of the interfacial driving force, thereby eliminating the Baker-Cahn equation that limits the use of the correct BCT and DA models to dilute solutions. Direct computation of the interfacial driving force by calculating a metastable phase diagram for the Ag-Cu system using a temperature dependent subregular solution model is carried out. Comparison of the results of the new model with the DA model confirms that the Baker-Cahn equation is applicable at low solute concentrations. As a future research direction, the new model can be extended to apply to higher concentration alloys by using a new solute trapping equation to further eliminate the dilute solution limitations.

  5. Design and analysis of new fault-tolerant permanent magnet motors for four-wheel-driving electric vehicles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Guohai; Gong, Wensheng; Chen, Qian; Jian, Linni; Shen, Yue; Zhao, Wenxiang

    2012-04-01

    In this paper, a novel in-wheel permanent-magnet (PM) motor for four-wheel-driving electrical vehicles is proposed. It adopts an outer-rotor topology, which can help generate a large drive torque, in order to achieve prominent dynamic performance of the vehicle. Moreover, by adopting single-layer concentrated-windings, fault-tolerant teeth, and the optimal combination of slot and pole numbers, the proposed motor inherently offers negligible electromagnetic coupling between different phase windings, hence, it possesses a fault-tolerant characteristic. Meanwhile, the phase back electromotive force waveforms can be designed to be sinusoidal by employing PMs with a trapezoidal shape, eccentric armature teeth, and unequal tooth widths. The electromagnetic performance is comprehensively investigated and the optimal design is conducted by using the finite-element method.

  6. Towards understanding what contributes to forming an opinion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Peng; Song, Jia; Huo, Jie; Hao, Rui; Wang, Xu-Ming

    Opinion evolution mechanism can be captured by physical modeling. In this paper, a kinetic equation is established by defining a generalized displacement(cognitive level), a driving force and the related factors such as generalized potential, information quantity and attitude. It has been shown that the details of opinion evolution depend on the type of the driving force, self-dominated driving or environment-dominated driving. In the former case, the participants can have their attitudes changed in the process of competition between the self-driving force and environment-driving force. In the latter case, all of the participants are pulled by the environment. Some regularities behind the dynamics of opinion are also revealed, for instance, the information entropy decays with time in a special way, etc. The results may help us to get some deep understanding for the formation of a public opinion.

  7. Parametric modulation of thermomagnetic convection in magnetic fluids.

    PubMed

    Engler, H; Odenbach, S

    2008-05-21

    Previous theoretical investigations on thermal flow in a horizontal fluid layer have shown that the critical temperature difference, where heat transfer changes from diffusion to convective flow, depends on the frequency of a time-modulated driving force. The driving force of thermal convection is the buoyancy force resulting from the interaction of gravity and the density gradient provided by a temperature difference in the vertical direction of a horizontal fluid layer. An experimental investigation of such phenomena fails because of technical problems arising if buoyancy is to be changed by altering the temperature difference or gravitational acceleration. The possibility of influencing convective flow in a horizontal magnetic fluid layer by magnetic forces might provide us with a means to solve the problem of a time-modulated magnetic driving force. An experimental setup to investigate the dependence of the critical temperature difference on the frequency of the driving force has been designed and implemented. First results show that the time modulation of the driving force has significant influence on the strength of the convective flow. In particular a pronounced minimum in the strength of convection has been found for a particular frequency.

  8. The Energetics of Motivated Cognition: A Force-Field Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kruglanski, Arie W.; Belanger, Jocelyn J.; Chen, Xiaoyan; Kopetz, Catalina; Pierro, Antonio; Mannetti, Lucia

    2012-01-01

    A force-field theory of motivated cognition is presented and applied to a broad variety of phenomena in social judgment and self-regulation. Purposeful cognitive activity is assumed to be propelled by a "driving force" and opposed by a "restraining force". "Potential" driving force represents the maximal amount of energy an individual is prepared…

  9. Technical Guidelines on Performing a Sediment Erosion and Deposition Assessment (SEDA) at Superfund Sites

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    that 1) identifies the processes and mechanisms that might result in erosion, 2) determines the most appropriate methods to use in assessing...fluid mechanics , driving forces of flows in surface waters, turbulence, hydrodynamic governing equations, scale analysis, and types of hydrodynamic...2 requires the following: 1) establishing the MNR mechanisms responsible for declining contaminant concentrations (e.g., burial as the major

  10. Shoulder muscle forces during driving: Sudden steering can load the rotator cuff beyond its repair limit

    PubMed Central

    Pandis, Petros; Prinold, Joe A.I.; Bull, Anthony M.J.

    2015-01-01

    Background Driving is one of the most common everyday tasks and the rotator cuff muscles are the primary shoulder stabilisers. Muscle forces during driving are not currently known, yet knowledge of these would influence important clinical advice such as return to activities after surgery. The aim of this study is to quantify shoulder and rotator cuff muscle forces during driving in different postures. Methods A musculoskeletal modelling approach is taken, using a modified driving simulator in combination with an upper limb musculoskeletal model (UK National Shoulder Model). Motion data and external force vectors were model inputs and upper limb muscle and joint forces were the outputs. Findings Comparisons of the predicted glenohumeral joint forces were compared to in vivo literature values, with good agreement demonstrated (61 SD 8% body weight mean peak compared to 60 SD 1% body weight mean peak). High muscle activation was predicted in the rotator cuff muscles; particularly supraspinatus (mean 55% of the maximum and up to 164 SD 27 N). This level of loading is up to 72% of mean failure strength for supraspinatus repairs, and could therefore be dangerous for some cases. Statistically significant and large differences are shown to exist in the joint and muscle forces for different driving positions as well as steering with one or both hands (up to 46% body weight glenohumeral joint force). Interpretation These conclusions should be a key consideration in rehabilitating the shoulder after surgery, preventing specific upper limb injuries and predicting return to driving recommendations. PMID:26139549

  11. Magnus-induced dynamics of driven skyrmions on a quasi-one-dimensional periodic substrate

    DOE PAGES

    Reichhardt, Charles; Reichhardt, Cynthia Jane

    2016-09-13

    Here we numerically examine driven skyrmions interacting with a periodic quasi-one-dimensional substrate where the driving force is applied either parallel or perpendicular to the substrate periodicity direction. For perpendicular driving, the particles in a purely overdamped system simply slide along the substrate minima; however, for skyrmions where the Magnus force is relevant, we find that a rich variety of dynamics can arise. In the single skyrmion limit, the skyrmion motion is locked along the driving or longitudinal direction for low drives, while at higher drives a transition occurs to a state in which the skyrmion moves both transverse and longitudinalmore » to the driving direction. Within the longitudinally locked phase we find a pronounced speedup effect that occurs when the Magnus force aligns with the external driving force, while at the transition to transverse and longitudinal motion, the skyrmion velocity drops, producing negative differential conductivity. For collectively interacting skyrmion assemblies, the speedup effect is still present and we observe a number of distinct dynamical phases, including a sliding smectic phase, a disordered or moving liquid phase, a moving hexatic phase, and a moving crystal phase. The transitions between the dynamic phases produce distinct features in the structure of the skyrmion lattice and in the velocity-force curves. Lastly, we map these different phases as a function of the ratio of the Magnus term to the dissipative term, the substrate strength, the commensurability ratio, and the magnitude of the driving force.« less

  12. Magnus-induced dynamics of driven skyrmions on a quasi-one-dimensional periodic substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reichhardt, C.; Reichhardt, C. J. Olson

    2016-09-01

    We numerically examine driven skyrmions interacting with a periodic quasi-one-dimensional substrate where the driving force is applied either parallel or perpendicular to the substrate periodicity direction. For perpendicular driving, the particles in a purely overdamped system simply slide along the substrate minima; however, for skyrmions where the Magnus force is relevant, we find that a rich variety of dynamics can arise. In the single skyrmion limit, the skyrmion motion is locked along the driving or longitudinal direction for low drives, while at higher drives a transition occurs to a state in which the skyrmion moves both transverse and longitudinal to the driving direction. Within the longitudinally locked phase we find a pronounced speedup effect that occurs when the Magnus force aligns with the external driving force, while at the transition to transverse and longitudinal motion, the skyrmion velocity drops, producing negative differential conductivity. For collectively interacting skyrmion assemblies, the speedup effect is still present and we observe a number of distinct dynamical phases, including a sliding smectic phase, a disordered or moving liquid phase, a moving hexatic phase, and a moving crystal phase. The transitions between the dynamic phases produce distinct features in the structure of the skyrmion lattice and in the velocity-force curves. We map these different phases as a function of the ratio of the Magnus term to the dissipative term, the substrate strength, the commensurability ratio, and the magnitude of the driving force.

  13. Target studies for the neutrino factory at the Rutherford Appleton laboratory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Drumm, Paul; Densham, Chris; Bennett, Roger

    2001-10-01

    Target studies at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory have concentrated on studies of a solid heavy metal target. The suggestion to use a radiatively cooled target which rotates in beam was made shortly after the first NuFact workshop as a means of dissipating large amounts of power at a high temperature, and as an alternative to the proposed water-cooled rotating band and liquid metal jet targets. This paper examines the proposed drive scheme for the target ring, which uses induced currents and magnetic forces to both levitate and drive the target. Estimates of the power required to levitate and drive the target ring and the forces exerted on the moving ring as it enters the target capture solenoid are given. One of the principle concerns in the operation of a solid target is the severe shock stress experienced due to the impact of an intense energetic proton beam in a short time compared to the transit time of sound in the material. Calculations of the stresses induced in the target ring and their evolution with time as well as an initial estimation of the expected power densities and stresses in an existing high power density target are presented.

  14. Magnetic moment of solar plasma and the Kelvin force: -The driving force of plasma up-flow -

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shibasaki, Kiyoto

    2017-04-01

    Thermal plasma in the solar atmosphere is magnetized (diamagnetic). The magnetic moment does not disappear by collisions because complete gyration is not a necessary condition to have magnetic moment. Magnetized fluid is subjected to Kelvin force in non-uniform magnetic field. Generally, magnetic field strength decreases upwards in the solar atmosphere, hence the Kelvin force is directed upwards along the field. This force is not included in the fluid treatment of MHD. By adding the Kelvin force to the MHD equation of motion, we can expect temperature dependent plasma flows along the field which are reported by many observations. The temperature dependence of the flow speed is explained by temperature dependence of magnetic moment. From the observed parameters, we can infer physical parameters in the solar atmosphere such as scale length of the magnetic field strength and the friction force acting on the flowing plasma. In case of closed magnetic field lines, loop-top concentration of hot plasma is expected which is frequently observed.

  15. Connecting the dots in the Gulf of the Farallones: linking physical ocean conditions and nutrients to the ecological success of planktivorous predators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hartnett, R. J.; Jahncke, J.; Wilkerson, F. P.; Nielsen, K. J.; Nur, N.

    2016-02-01

    Nutrients are essential for phytoplankton to thrive and drive bottom-up forcing of ecosystem production. Upwelling of deep water from the shelf break delivers pulses of nutrients resulting in recurring blooms of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Gulf of the Farallones (GoF) region of the California Current Ecosystem, supporting a diversity of pelagic predators. Anomalies in ocean conditions are often associated with booms and crashes of these predator populations, such as the recent mortality of thousands of Cassin's Auklets. These anomalies are often associated with changes in physical conditions affecting the Pacific Ocean, as well as more localized physical conditions along the California coastline that drive nutrient availability, but the specific role of nutrients in driving the abundances of top predators has not been directly examined. Using a ten-year multivariate time series from the GoF, including nutrient concentrations, we test the hypothesis that nutrients regulate the abundance of plankton and planktivorous predators, as a result of physical forcing. Using path analysis we test alternate interaction webs, including the direct and indirect effects of physical and biological factors on pelagic predator abundances. Insights from this work may be useful to marine resource managers in understanding how future variability in ocean conditions may drive ecosystem conditions including the abundance of pelagic predators in the GoF Marine Sanctuary.

  16. Analyte preconcentration in nanofluidic channels with nonuniform zeta potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eden, A.; McCallum, C.; Storey, B. D.; Pennathur, S.; Meinhart, C. D.

    2017-12-01

    It is well known that charged analytes in the presence of nonuniform electric fields concentrate at locations where the relevant driving forces balance, and a wide range of ionic stacking and focusing methods are commonly employed to leverage these physical mechanisms in order to improve signal levels in biosensing applications. In particular, nanofluidic channels with spatially varying conductivity distributions have been shown to provide increased preconcentration of charged analytes due to the existence of a finite electric double layer (EDL), in which electrostatic attraction and repulsion from charged surfaces produce nonuniform transverse ion distributions. In this work, we use numerical simulations to show that one can achieve greater levels of sample accumulation by using field-effect control via wall-embedded electrodes to tailor the surface potential heterogeneity in a nanochannel with overlapped EDLs. In addition to previously demonstrated stacking and focusing mechanisms, we find that the coupling between two-dimensional ion distributions and the axial electric field under overlapped EDL conditions can generate an ion concentration polarization interface in the middle of the channel. Under an applied electric field, this interface can be used to concentrate sample ions between two stationary regions of different surface potential and charge density. Our numerical model uses the Poisson-Nernst-Planck system of equations coupled with the Stokes equation to demonstrate the phenomenon, and we discuss in detail the driving forces behind the predicted sample enhancement. The numerical velocity and salt concentration profiles exhibit good agreement with analytical results from a simplified one-dimensional area-averaged model for several limiting cases, and we show predicted amplification ratios of up to 105.

  17. Nonstationary time series prediction combined with slow feature analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, G.; Chen, X.

    2015-07-01

    Almost all climate time series have some degree of nonstationarity due to external driving forces perturbing the observed system. Therefore, these external driving forces should be taken into account when constructing the climate dynamics. This paper presents a new technique of obtaining the driving forces of a time series from the slow feature analysis (SFA) approach, and then introduces them into a predictive model to predict nonstationary time series. The basic theory of the technique is to consider the driving forces as state variables and to incorporate them into the predictive model. Experiments using a modified logistic time series and winter ozone data in Arosa, Switzerland, were conducted to test the model. The results showed improved prediction skills.

  18. Experimental comparison of forces resisting viral DNA packaging and driving DNA ejection

    PubMed Central

    Keller, Nicholas; Berndsen, Zachary T.; Jardine, Paul J.; Smith, Douglas E.

    2018-01-01

    We compare forces resisting DNA packaging in bacteriophage phi29 inferred from optical tweezers studies with forces driving DNA ejection inferred from osmotic pressure studies. Ejection forces from 0–80% filling are consistent with a model that assumes a repulsive DNA-DNA interaction potential derived from DNA condensation studies and predicts an inverse spool DNA conformation. Forces resisting packaging from ~80–100% filling are also consistent with this model. However, that electron microscopy does not reveal a spool conformation suggests that this model overestimates bending rigidity and underestimates repulsion. Below 80% filling, inferred ejection forces are higher than those resisting packaging. Although unexpected, this suggests that most force that builds during packaging is available to drive DNA ejection. PMID:28618627

  19. Drive-amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy: From vacuum to liquids

    PubMed Central

    Jaafar, Miriam; Cuenca, Mariano; Melcher, John; Raman, Arvind

    2012-01-01

    Summary We introduce drive-amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy as a dynamic mode with outstanding performance in all environments from vacuum to liquids. As with frequency modulation, the new mode follows a feedback scheme with two nested loops: The first keeps the cantilever oscillation amplitude constant by regulating the driving force, and the second uses the driving force as the feedback variable for topography. Additionally, a phase-locked loop can be used as a parallel feedback allowing separation of the conservative and nonconservative interactions. We describe the basis of this mode and present some examples of its performance in three different environments. Drive-amplutide modulation is a very stable, intuitive and easy to use mode that is free of the feedback instability associated with the noncontact-to-contact transition that occurs in the frequency-modulation mode. PMID:22563531

  20. Fast charge separation in a non-fullerene organic solar cell with a small driving force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Jing; Chen, Shangshang; Qian, Deping; Gautam, Bhoj; Yang, Guofang; Zhao, Jingbo; Bergqvist, Jonas; Zhang, Fengling; Ma, Wei; Ade, Harald; Inganäs, Olle; Gundogdu, Kenan; Gao, Feng; Yan, He

    2016-07-01

    Fast and efficient charge separation is essential to achieve high power conversion efficiency in organic solar cells (OSCs). In state-of-the-art OSCs, this is usually achieved by a significant driving force, defined as the offset between the bandgap (Egap) of the donor/acceptor materials and the energy of the charge transfer (CT) state (ECT), which is typically greater than 0.3 eV. The large driving force causes a relatively large voltage loss that hinders performance. Here, we report non-fullerene OSCs that exhibit ultrafast and efficient charge separation despite a negligible driving force, as ECT is nearly identical to Egap. Moreover, the small driving force is found to have minimal detrimental effects on charge transfer dynamics of the OSCs. We demonstrate a non-fullerene OSC with 9.5% efficiency and nearly 90% internal quantum efficiency despite a low voltage loss of 0.61 V. This creates a path towards highly efficient OSCs with a low voltage loss.

  1. Regional and global forcing of glacier retreat during the last deglaciation.

    PubMed

    Shakun, Jeremy D; Clark, Peter U; He, Feng; Lifton, Nathaniel A; Liu, Zhengyu; Otto-Bliesner, Bette L

    2015-08-21

    The ongoing retreat of glaciers globally is one of the clearest manifestations of recent global warming associated with rising greenhouse gas concentrations. By comparison, the importance of greenhouse gases in driving glacier retreat during the most recent deglaciation, the last major interval of global warming, is unclear due to uncertainties in the timing of retreat around the world. Here we use recently improved cosmogenic-nuclide production-rate calibrations to recalculate the ages of 1,116 glacial boulders from 195 moraines that provide broad coverage of retreat in mid-to-low-latitude regions. This revised history, in conjunction with transient climate model simulations, suggests that while several regional-scale forcings, including insolation, ice sheets and ocean circulation, modulated glacier responses regionally, they are unable to account for global-scale retreat, which is most likely related to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.

  2. Low-Frequency Oscillations and Control of the Motor Output

    PubMed Central

    Lodha, Neha; Christou, Evangelos A.

    2017-01-01

    A less precise force output impairs our ability to perform movements, learn new motor tasks, and use tools. Here we show that low-frequency oscillations in force are detrimental to force precision. We summarize the recent evidence that low-frequency oscillations in force output represent oscillations of the spinal motor neuron pool from the voluntary drive, and can be modulated by shifting power to higher frequencies. Further, force oscillations below 0.5 Hz impair force precision with increased voluntary drive, aging, and neurological disease. We argue that the low-frequency oscillations are (1) embedded in the descending drive as shown by the activation of multiple spinal motor neurons, (2) are altered with force intensity and brain pathology, and (3) can be modulated by visual feedback and motor training to enhance force precision. Thus, low-frequency oscillations in force provide insight into how the human brain regulates force precision. PMID:28261107

  3. Sequential reconstruction of driving-forces from nonlinear nonstationary dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Güntürkün, Ulaş

    2010-07-01

    This paper describes a functional analysis-based method for the estimation of driving-forces from nonlinear dynamic systems. The driving-forces account for the perturbation inputs induced by the external environment or the secular variations in the internal variables of the system. The proposed algorithm is applicable to the problems for which there is too little or no prior knowledge to build a rigorous mathematical model of the unknown dynamics. We derive the estimator conditioned on the differentiability of the unknown system’s mapping, and smoothness of the driving-force. The proposed algorithm is an adaptive sequential realization of the blind prediction error method, where the basic idea is to predict the observables, and retrieve the driving-force from the prediction error. Our realization of this idea is embodied by predicting the observables one-step into the future using a bank of echo state networks (ESN) in an online fashion, and then extracting the raw estimates from the prediction error and smoothing these estimates in two adaptive filtering stages. The adaptive nature of the algorithm enables to retrieve both slowly and rapidly varying driving-forces accurately, which are illustrated by simulations. Logistic and Moran-Ricker maps are studied in controlled experiments, exemplifying chaotic state and stochastic measurement models. The algorithm is also applied to the estimation of a driving-force from another nonlinear dynamic system that is stochastic in both state and measurement equations. The results are judged by the posterior Cramer-Rao lower bounds. The method is finally put into test on a real-world application; extracting sun’s magnetic flux from the sunspot time series.

  4. A guide for statewide impaired-driving task forces.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-09-01

    The purpose of the guide is to assist State officials and other stakeholders who are interested in establishing an : Impaired-Driving Statewide Task Force or who are exploring ways to improve their current Task Force. The guide : addresses issues suc...

  5. Simulating the minimum core for hydrophobic collapse in globular proteins.

    PubMed Central

    Tsai, J.; Gerstein, M.; Levitt, M.

    1997-01-01

    To investigate the nature of hydrophobic collapse considered to be the driving force in protein folding, we have simulated aqueous solutions of two model hydrophobic solutes, methane and isobutylene. Using a novel methodology for determining contacts, we can precisely follow hydrophobic aggregation as it proceeds through three stages: dispersed, transition, and collapsed. Theoretical modeling of the cluster formation observed by simulation indicates that this aggregation is cooperative and that the simulations favor the formation of a single cluster midway through the transition stage. This defines a minimum solute hydrophobic core volume. We compare this with protein hydrophobic core volumes determined from solved crystal structures. Our analysis shows that the solute core volume roughly estimates the minimum core size required for independent hydrophobic stabilization of a protein and defines a limiting concentration of nonpolar residues that can cause hydrophobic collapse. These results suggest that the physical forces driving aggregation of hydrophobic molecules in water is indeed responsible for protein folding. PMID:9416609

  6. An introductory handbook for state task forces to combat drunk driving.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1983-01-01

    In June 1982 Governor Robb created a task force to identify and assess efforts under way in Virginia to address the problem of drunken driving and to make recommendations. This booklet was prepared to assist the task force in its deliberations.

  7. Precision wire feeder for small diameter wire

    DOEpatents

    Brandon, Eldon D.; Hooper, Frederick M.; Reichenbach, Marvin L.

    1992-01-01

    A device for feeding small diameter wire having a diameter less than 0.04 mm (16 mil) to a welding station includes a driving wheel for controllably applying a non-deforming driving force to the wire to move the free end of the wire towards the welding station; and a tension device such as a torque motor for constantly applying a reverse force to the wire in opposition to the driving force to keep the wire taut.

  8. Precision wire feeder for small diameter wire

    DOEpatents

    Brandon, E.D.; Hooper, F.M.; Reichenbach, M.L.

    1992-08-11

    A device for feeding small diameter wire having a diameter less than 0.04 mm (16 mil) to a welding station includes a driving wheel for controllably applying a non-deforming driving force to the wire to move the free end of the wire towards the welding station; and a tension device such as a torque motor for constantly applying a reverse force to the wire in opposition to the driving force to keep the wire taut. 1 figure.

  9. Molecular origin of urea driven hydrophobic polymer collapse and unfolding depending on side chain chemistry.

    PubMed

    Nayar, Divya; Folberth, Angelina; van der Vegt, Nico F A

    2017-07-19

    Osmolytes affect hydrophobic collapse and protein folding equilibria. The underlying mechanisms are, however, not well understood. We report large-scale conformational sampling of two hydrophobic polymers with secondary and tertiary amide side chains using extensive molecular dynamics simulations. The calculated free energy of unfolding increases with urea for the secondary amide, yet decreases for the tertiary amide, in agreement with experiment. The underlying mechanism is rooted in opposing entropic driving forces: while urea screens the hydrophobic macromolecular interface and drives unfolding of the tertiary amide, urea's concomitant loss in configurational entropy drives collapse of the secondary amide. Only at sufficiently high urea concentrations bivalent urea hydrogen bonding interactions with the secondary amide lead to further stabilisation of its collapsed state. The observations provide a new angle on the interplay between side chain chemistry, urea hydrogen bonding, and the role of urea in attenuating or strengthening the hydrophobic effect.

  10. Axial force and efficiency tests of fixed center variable speed belt drive

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bents, D. J.

    1981-01-01

    An investigation of how the axial force varies with the centerline force at different speed ratios, speeds, and loads, and how the drive's transmission efficiency is affected by these related forces is described. The tests, intended to provide a preliminary performance and controls characterization for a variable speed belt drive continuously variable transmission (CVT), consisted of the design and construction of an experimental test rig geometrically similar to the CVT, and operation of that rig at selected speed ratios and power levels. Data are presented which show: how axial forces exerted on the driver and driven sheaves vary with the centerline force at constant values of speed ratio, speed, and output power; how the transmission efficiency varies with centerline force and how it is also a function of the V belt coefficient; and the axial forces on both sheaves as normalized functions of the traction coefficient.

  11. Assessment of Cracks in Stress Concentration Regions with Localized Plastic Zones

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

    Friedman, E.

    1998-11-25

    Marty brittle fracture evaluation procedures include plasticity corrections to elastically computed stress intensity factors. These corrections, which are based on the existence of a plastic zone in the vicinity of the crack tip, can overestimate the plasticity effect for a crack embedded in a stress concentration region in which the elastically computed stress exceeds the yield strength of the material in a localized zone. The interactions between the crack, which acts to relieve the high stresses driving the crack, plasticity effects in the stress concentration region, and the nature and source of the loading are examined by formulating explicit flawmore » finite element models for a crack emanating from the root of a notch located in a panel subject to an applied tensile stress. The results of these calculations provide conditions under which a crack-tip plasticity correction based on the Irwin plastic zone size overestimates the plasticity effect. A failure assessment diagram (FAD) curve is used to characterize the effect of plasticity on the crack driving force and to define a less restrictive plasticity correction for cracks at notch roots when load-controlled boundary conditions are imposed. The explicit flaw finite element results also demonstrate that stress intensity factors associated with load-controlled boundary conditions, such as those inherent in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as well as in most handbooks of stress intensity factors, can be much higher than those associated with displacement-controlled conditions, such as those that produce residual or thermal stresses. Under certain conditions, the inclusion of plasticity effects for cracks loaded by displacement-controlled boundary conditions reduces the crack driving force thus justifying the elimination of a plasticity correction for such loadings. The results of this study form the basis for removing unnecessary conservatism from flaw evaluation procedures that utilize plasticity corrections.« less

  12. Phase locking route behind complex periodic windows in a forced oscillator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jan, Hengtai; Tsai, Kuo-Ting; Kuo, Li-wei

    2013-09-01

    Chaotic systems have complex reactions against an external driving force; even in cases with low-dimension oscillators, the routes to synchronization are diverse. We proposed a stroboscope-based method for analyzing driven chaotic systems in their phase space. According to two statistic quantities generated from time series, we could realize the system state and the driving behavior simultaneously. We demonstrated our method in a driven bi-stable system, which showed complex period windows under a proper driving force. With increasing periodic driving force, a route from interior periodic oscillation to phase synchronization through the chaos state could be found. Periodic windows could also be identified and the circumstances under which they occurred distinguished. Statistical results were supported by conditional Lyapunov exponent analysis to show the power in analyzing the unknown time series.

  13. Easter microplate dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Neves, M. C.; Searle, R. C.; Bott, M. H. P.

    2003-04-01

    We use two-dimensional elastic finite element analysis, supplemented by strength estimates, to investigate the driving mechanism of the Easter microplate. Modeled stresses are compared with the stress indicators compiled from earthquake focal mechanisms and structural observations. The objective is to constrain the tectonic forces that govern the Easter microplate rotation and to test the microplate driving hypothesis proposed by [1993]. We infer that the mantle basal drag cannot drive the microplate rotation but opposes it, and that the asthenospheric viscosity is no more than about 1 × 1018 Pa s. At most, the basal drag comprises 20% of the force resisting microplate rotation. The outward pull of the main plates can drive the rotation by shear drag applied along the northern and southern boundaries of the microplate. However, we propose an additional driving force which arises from the strong variation of the ridge resistance force along the east and west rifts, so that the main driving torques come from the pull of the major plates acting across the narrowing and slowing rifts. This requires the strength to increase substantially toward the rift tips due to thickening of the brittle lithosphere as the spreading rate slows.

  14. Estimation of Muscle Force Based on Neural Drive in a Hemispheric Stroke Survivor.

    PubMed

    Dai, Chenyun; Zheng, Yang; Hu, Xiaogang

    2018-01-01

    Robotic assistant-based therapy holds great promise to improve the functional recovery of stroke survivors. Numerous neural-machine interface techniques have been used to decode the intended movement to control robotic systems for rehabilitation therapies. In this case report, we tested the feasibility of estimating finger extensor muscle forces of a stroke survivor, based on the decoded descending neural drive through population motoneuron discharge timings. Motoneuron discharge events were obtained by decomposing high-density surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals of the finger extensor muscle. The neural drive was extracted from the normalized frequency of the composite discharge of the motoneuron pool. The neural-drive-based estimation was also compared with the classic myoelectric-based estimation. Our results showed that the neural-drive-based approach can better predict the force output, quantified by lower estimation errors and higher correlations with the muscle force, compared with the myoelectric-based estimation. Our findings suggest that the neural-drive-based approach can potentially be used as a more robust interface signal for robotic therapies during the stroke rehabilitation.

  15. Confinement effect on the dynamics of non-equilibrium concentration fluctuations far from the onset of convection.

    PubMed

    Giraudet, Cédric; Bataller, Henri; Sun, Yifei; Donev, Aleksandar; Ortiz de Zárate, José M; Croccolo, Fabrizio

    2016-12-01

    In a recent letter (C. Giraudet et al., EPL 111, 60013 (2015)) we reported preliminary data showing evidence of a slowing-down of non-equilibrium fluctuations of the concentration in thermodiffusion experiments on a binary mixture of miscible fluids. The reason for this slowing-down was attributed to the effect of confinement. Such tentative explanation is here experimentally corroborated by new measurements and theoretically substantiated by studying analytically and numerically the relevant fluctuating hydrodynamics equations. In the new experiments presented here, the magnitude of the temperature gradient is changed, confirming that the system is controlled solely by the solutal Rayleigh number, and that the slowing-down is dominated by a combined effect of the driving force of buoyancy, the dissipating force of diffusion and the confinement provided by the vertical extension of the sample cell. Moreover, a compact phenomenological interpolating formula is proposed for easy analysis of experimental results.

  16. Regional and global forcing of glacier retreat during the last deglaciation

    PubMed Central

    Shakun, Jeremy D.; Clark, Peter U.; He, Feng; Lifton, Nathaniel A.; Liu, Zhengyu; Otto-Bliesner, Bette L.

    2015-01-01

    The ongoing retreat of glaciers globally is one of the clearest manifestations of recent global warming associated with rising greenhouse gas concentrations. By comparison, the importance of greenhouse gases in driving glacier retreat during the most recent deglaciation, the last major interval of global warming, is unclear due to uncertainties in the timing of retreat around the world. Here we use recently improved cosmogenic-nuclide production-rate calibrations to recalculate the ages of 1,116 glacial boulders from 195 moraines that provide broad coverage of retreat in mid-to-low-latitude regions. This revised history, in conjunction with transient climate model simulations, suggests that while several regional-scale forcings, including insolation, ice sheets and ocean circulation, modulated glacier responses regionally, they are unable to account for global-scale retreat, which is most likely related to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. PMID:26293133

  17. OSHA Laboratory Standard: Driving Force for Laboratory Safety!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roy, Kenneth R.

    2000-01-01

    Discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Laboratory Safety Standards as the major driving force in establishing and maintaining a safe working environment for teachers and students. (Author)

  18. Lyapunov stability analysis for the generalized Kapitza pendulum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Druzhinina, O. V.; Sevastianov, L. A.; Vasilyev, S. A.; Vasilyeva, D. G.

    2017-12-01

    In this work generalization of Kapitza pendulum whose suspension point moves in the vertical and horizontal planes is made. Lyapunov stability analysis of the motion for this pendulum subjected to excitation of periodic driving forces and stochastic driving forces that act in the vertical and horizontal planes has been studied. The numerical study of the random motion for generalized Kapitza pendulum under stochastic driving forces has made. It is shown the existence of stable quasi-periodic motion for this pendulum.

  19. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of some antibiotics can drive diversification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations in artificial sputum medium

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations within the cystic fibrosis lung exhibit extensive phenotypic and genetic diversification. The resultant population diversity is thought to be crucial to the persistence of infection and may underpin the progression of disease. However, because cystic fibrosis lungs represent ecologically complex and hostile environments, the selective forces driving this diversification in vivo remain unclear. We took an experimental evolution approach to test the hypothesis that sub-inhibitory antibiotics can drive diversification of P. aeruginosa populations. Replicate populations of P. aeruginosa LESB58 were cultured for seven days in artificial sputum medium with and without sub-inhibitory concentrations of various clinically relevant antibiotics. We then characterised diversification with respect to 13 phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Results We observed that higher population diversity evolved in the presence of azithromycin, ceftazidime or colistin relative to antibiotic-free controls. Divergence occurred due to alterations in antimicrobial susceptibility profiles following exposure to azithromycin, ceftazidime and colistin. Alterations in colony morphology and pyocyanin production were observed following exposure to ceftazidime and colistin only. Diversification was not observed in the presence of meropenem. Conclusions Our study indicates that certain antibiotics can promote population diversification when present in sub-inhibitory concentrations. Hence, the choice of antibiotic may have previously unforeseen implications for the development of P. aeruginosa infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. PMID:23879797

  20. Energetic basis on interactions between ferredoxin and ferredoxin NADP{sup +} reductase at varying physiological conditions

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

    Kinoshita, Misaki; Kim, Ju Yaen; Kume, Satoshi

    In spite of a number of studies to characterize ferredoxin (Fd):ferredoxin NADP{sup +} reductase (FNR) interactions at limited conditions, detailed energetic investigation on how these proteins interact under near physiological conditions and its linkage to FNR activity are still lacking. We herein performed systematic Fd:FNR binding thermodynamics using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) at distinct pH (6.0 and 8.0), NaCl concentrations (0–200 mM), and temperatures (19–28 °C) for mimicking physiological conditions in chloroplasts. Energetically unfavorable endothermic enthalpy changes were accompanied by Fd:FNR complexation at all conditions. This energetic cost was compensated by favorable entropy changes, balanced by conformational and hydrational entropy. Increases inmore » the NaCl concentration and pH weakened interprotein affinity due to the less contribution of favorable entropy change regardless of energetic gains from enthalpy changes, suggesting that entropy drove complexation and modulated affinity. Effects of temperature on binding thermodynamics were much smaller than those of pH and NaCl. NaCl concentration and pH-dependent enthalpy and heat capacity changes provided clues for distinct binding modes. Moreover, decreases in the enthalpy level in the Hammond's postulate-based energy landscape implicated kinetic advantages for FNR activity. All these energetic interplays were comprehensively demonstrated by the driving force plot with the enthalpy-entropy compensation which may serve as an energetic buffer against outer stresses. We propose that high affinity at pH 6.0 may be beneficial for protection from proteolysis of Fd and FNR in rest states, and moderate affinity at pH 8.0 and proper NaCl concentrations with smaller endothermic enthalpy changes may contribute to increase FNR activity. - Highlights: • Energetics of Fd:FNR binding were examined by considering physiological conditions. • NaCl and pH affect energetically Fd:FNR binding with minimal effects of temperature. • Enthalpy and heat capacity may modulate binding kinetics and modes for FNR activity. • Entropy drives complexation by overcoming unfavorable enthalpy and tunes affinity. • Driving force plot reveals condition-dependent energetic interplays for complexation.« less

  1. Position and force control of a vehicle with two or more steerable drive wheels

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

    Reister, D.B.; Unseren, M.A.

    1992-10-01

    When a vehicle with two or more steerable drive wheels is traveling in a circle, the motion of the wheels is constrained. The wheel translational velocity divided by the radius to the center of rotation must be the same for all wheels. When the drive wheels are controlled independently using position control, the motion of the wheels may violate the constraints and the wheels may slip. Consequently, substantial errors can occur in the orientation of the vehicle. A vehicle with N drive wheels has (N - 1) constraints and one degree of freedom. We have developed a new approach tomore » the control of a vehicle with N steerable drive wheels. The novel aspect of our approach is the use of force control. To control the vehicle, we have one degree of freedom for the position on the circle and (N - 1) forces that can be used to reduce errors. Recently, Kankaanranta and Koivo developed a control architecture that allows the force and position degrees of freedom to be decoupled. In the work of Kankaanranta and Koivo the force is an exogenous input. We have made the force endogenous by defining the force in terms of the errors in satisfying the rigid body kinematic constraints. We have applied the control architecture to the HERMIES-III robot and have measured a dramatic reduction in error (more than a factor of 20) compared to motions without force control.« less

  2. Amnioserosa cell constriction but not epidermal actin cable tension autonomously drives dorsal closure.

    PubMed

    Pasakarnis, Laurynas; Frei, Erich; Caussinus, Emmanuel; Affolter, Markus; Brunner, Damian

    2016-11-01

    Tissue morphogenesis requires coordination of multiple force-producing components. During dorsal closure in fly embryogenesis, an epidermis opening closes. A tensioned epidermal actin/MyosinII cable, which surrounds the opening, produces a force that is thought to combine with another MyosinII force mediating apical constriction of the amnioserosa cells that fill the opening. A model proposing that each force could autonomously drive dorsal closure was recently challenged by a model in which the two forces combine in a ratchet mechanism. Acute force elimination via selective MyosinII depletion in one or the other tissue shows that the amnioserosa tissue autonomously drives dorsal closure while the actin/MyosinII cable cannot. These findings exclude both previous models, although a contribution of the ratchet mechanism at dorsal closure onset remains likely. This shifts the current view of dorsal closure being a combinatorial force-component system to a single tissue-driven closure event.

  3. Application of laser ranging and VLBI data to a study of plate tectonic driving forces. [finite element method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Solomon, S. C.

    1980-01-01

    The measurability of changes in plate driving or resistive forces associated with plate boundary earthquakes by laser rangefinding or VLBI is considered with emphasis on those aspects of plate forces that can be characterized by such measurements. Topics covered include: (1) analytic solutions for two dimensional stress diffusion in a plate following earthquake faulting on a finite fault; (2) two dimensional finite-element solutions for the global state of stress at the Earth's surface for possible plate driving forces; and (3) finite-element solutions for three dimensional stress diffusion in a viscoelastic Earth following earthquake faulting.

  4. Sensing mode atomic force microscope

    DOEpatents

    Hough, Paul V. C.; Wang, Chengpu

    2003-01-01

    An atomic force microscope utilizes a pulse release system and improved method of operation to minimize contact forces between a probe tip affixed to a flexible cantilever and a specimen being measured. The pulse release system includes a magnetic particle affixed proximate the probe tip and an electromagnetic coil. When energized, the electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field which applies a driving force on the magnetic particle sufficient to overcome adhesive forces exhibited between the probe tip and specimen. The atomic force microscope includes two independently displaceable piezo elements operable along a Z-axis. A controller drives the first Z-axis piezo element to provide a controlled approach between the probe tip and specimen up to a point of contact between the probe tip and specimen. The controller then drives the first Z-axis piezo element to withdraw the cantilever from the specimen. The controller also activates the pulse release system which drives the probe tip away from the specimen during withdrawal. Following withdrawal, the controller adjusts the height of the second Z-axis piezo element to maintain a substantially constant approach distance between successive samples.

  5. Nanoindentation cannot accurately predict the tensile strength of graphene or other 2D materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Jihoon; Pugno, Nicola M.; Ryu, Seunghwa

    2015-09-01

    Due to the difficulty of performing uniaxial tensile testing, the strengths of graphene and its grain boundaries have been measured in experiments by nanoindentation testing. From a series of molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the strength measured in uniaxial simulation and the strength estimated from the nanoindentation fracture force can differ significantly. Fracture in tensile loading occurs simultaneously with the onset of crack nucleation near 5-7 defects, while the graphene sheets often sustain the indentation loads after the crack initiation because the sharply concentrated stress near the tip does not give rise to enough driving force for further crack propagation. Due to the concentrated stress, strength estimation is sensitive to the indenter tip position along the grain boundaries. Also, it approaches the strength of pristine graphene if the tip is located slightly away from the grain boundary line. Our findings reveal the limitations of nanoindentation testing in quantifying the strength of graphene, and show that the loading-mode-specific failure mechanism must be taken into account in designing reliable devices from graphene and other technologically important 2D materials.Due to the difficulty of performing uniaxial tensile testing, the strengths of graphene and its grain boundaries have been measured in experiments by nanoindentation testing. From a series of molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the strength measured in uniaxial simulation and the strength estimated from the nanoindentation fracture force can differ significantly. Fracture in tensile loading occurs simultaneously with the onset of crack nucleation near 5-7 defects, while the graphene sheets often sustain the indentation loads after the crack initiation because the sharply concentrated stress near the tip does not give rise to enough driving force for further crack propagation. Due to the concentrated stress, strength estimation is sensitive to the indenter tip position along the grain boundaries. Also, it approaches the strength of pristine graphene if the tip is located slightly away from the grain boundary line. Our findings reveal the limitations of nanoindentation testing in quantifying the strength of graphene, and show that the loading-mode-specific failure mechanism must be taken into account in designing reliable devices from graphene and other technologically important 2D materials. Electronic ESI (ESI) available: Modelling of polycrystalline graphene, verification of loading speed, biaxial tensile simulations, comparison of stress distribution, size effects of indenter radius, force-deflection curves, and stability analysis of crack propagation. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04134a

  6. Analysis on the multi-dimensional spectrum of the thrust force for the linear motor feed drive system in machine tools

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Xiaojun; Lu, Dun; Ma, Chengfang; Zhang, Jun; Zhao, Wanhua

    2017-01-01

    The motor thrust force has lots of harmonic components due to the nonlinearity of drive circuit and motor itself in the linear motor feed drive system. What is more, in the motion process, these thrust force harmonics may vary with the position, velocity, acceleration and load, which affects the displacement fluctuation of the feed drive system. Therefore, in this paper, on the basis of the thrust force spectrum obtained by the Maxwell equation and the electromagnetic energy method, the multi-dimensional variation of each thrust harmonic is analyzed under different motion parameters. Then the model of the servo system is established oriented to the dynamic precision. The influence of the variation of the thrust force spectrum on the displacement fluctuation is discussed. At last the experiments are carried out to verify the theoretical analysis above. It can be found that the thrust harmonics show multi-dimensional spectrum characteristics under different motion parameters and loads, which should be considered to choose the motion parameters and optimize the servo control parameters in the high-speed and high-precision machine tools equipped with the linear motor feed drive system.

  7. Discovery of Dozy Chaos and Discovery of Quanta: Analogy Being in Science and Perhaps in Human Progress

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Egorov, Vladimir V.

    The concept of a dozy chaos in the theory of quantum transitions and its applications are discussed in a historical context. Conjectured that dozy chaos is of primary importance to the dynamic self-organization of any living organism and concentrated in its brain. A hypothesis of the physical origin of cancer is put forward. Surmised that dozy chaos is the physical origin of life and driving force of its evolution.

  8. How mantle slabs drive plate tectonics.

    PubMed

    Conrad, Clinton P; Lithgow-Bertelloni, Carolina

    2002-10-04

    The gravitational pull of subducted slabs is thought to drive the motions of Earth's tectonic plates, but the coupling between slabs and plates is not well established. If a slab is mechanically attached to a subducting plate, it can exert a direct pull on the plate. Alternatively, a detached slab may drive a plate by exciting flow in the mantle that exerts a shear traction on the base of the plate. From the geologic history of subduction, we estimated the relative importance of "pull" versus "suction" for the present-day plates. Observed plate motions are best predicted if slabs in the upper mantle are attached to plates and generate slab pull forces that account for about half of the total driving force on plates. Slabs in the lower mantle are supported by viscous mantle forces and drive plates through slab suction.

  9. Analysis of Korean Students' International Mobility by 2-D Model: Driving Force Factor and Directional Factor

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Park, Elisa L.

    2009-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to understand the dynamics of Korean students' international mobility to study abroad by using the 2-D Model. The first D, "the driving force factor," explains how and what components of the dissatisfaction with domestic higher education perceived by Korean students drives students' outward mobility to seek…

  10. Stiffness Control of Surgical Continuum Manipulators

    PubMed Central

    Mahvash, Mohsen; Dupont, Pierre E.

    2013-01-01

    This paper introduces the first stiffness controller for continuum robots. The control law is based on an accurate approximation of a continuum robot’s coupled kinematic and static force model. To implement a desired tip stiffness, the controller drives the actuators to positions corresponding to a deflected robot configuration that produces the required tip force for the measured tip position. This approach provides several important advantages. First, it enables the use of robot deflection sensing as a means to both sense and control tip forces. Second, it enables stiffness control to be implemented by modification of existing continuum robot position controllers. The proposed controller is demonstrated experimentally in the context of a concentric tube robot. Results show that the stiffness controller achieves the desired stiffness in steady state, provides good dynamic performance, and exhibits stability during contact transitions. PMID:24273466

  11. Effects of a Finger Tapping Fatiguing Task on M1-Intracortical Inhibition and Central Drive to the Muscle.

    PubMed

    Madrid, Antonio; Madinabeitia-Mancebo, Elena; Cudeiro, Javier; Arias, Pablo

    2018-06-19

    The central drive to the muscle reduces when muscle force wanes during sustained MVC, and this is generally considered the neurophysiological footprint of central fatigue. The question is if force loss and the failure of central drive to the muscle are responsible mechanisms of fatigue induced by un-resisted repetitive movements. In various experimental blocks, we validated a 3D-printed hand-fixation system permitting the execution of finger-tapping and maximal voluntary contractions (MVC). Subsequently, we checked the suitability of the system to test the level of central drive to the muscle and developed an algorithm to test it at the MVC force plateau. Our main results show that the maximum rate of finger-tapping dropped at 30 s, while the excitability of inhibitory M1-intracortical circuits and corticospinal excitability increased (all by approximately 15%). Furthermore, values obtained immediately after finger-tapping showed that MVC force and the level of central drive to the muscle remained unchanged. Our data suggest that force and central drive to the muscle are not determinants of fatigue induced by short-lasting un-resisted repetitive finger movements, even in the presence of increased inhibition of the motor cortex. According to literature, this profile might be different in longer-lasting, more complex and/or resisted repetitive movements.

  12. ICRF mode conversion in three-ion species heating experiment and in flow drive experiment on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Y.; Wukitch, S. J.; Edlund, E.; Ennever, P.; Hubbard, A. E.; Porkolab, M.; Rice, J.; Wright, J.

    2017-10-01

    In recent three-ion species (majority D and H plus a trace level of 3He) ICRF heating experiments on Alcator C-Mod, double mode conversion on both sides of the 3He cyclotron resonance has been observed using the phase contrast imaging (PCI) system. The MC locations are used to estimate the species concentrations in the plasma. Simulation using TORIC shows that with the 3He level <1%, most RF power is absorbed by the 3He ions and the process can generate energetic 3He ions. In mode conversion (MC) flow drive experiment in D(3He) plasma at 8 T, MC waves were also monitored by PCI. The MC ion cyclotron wave (ICW) amplitude and wavenumber kR have been found to correlate with the flow drive force. The MC efficiency, wave-number k of the MC ICW and their dependence on plasma parameters like Te0 have been studied. Based on the experimental observation and numerical study of the dispersion solutions, a hypothesis of the flow drive mechanism has been proposed.

  13. Study on magnetic force of electromagnetic levitation circular knitting machine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, X. G.; Zhang, C.; Xu, X. S.; Zhang, J. G.; Yan, N.; Zhang, G. Z.

    2018-06-01

    The structure of the driving coil and the electromagnetic force of the test prototype of electromagnetic-levitation (EL) circular knitting machine are studied. In this paper, the driving coil’s structure and working principle of the EL circular knitting machine are firstly introduced, then the mathematical modelling analysis of the driving electromagnetic force is carried out, and through the Ansoft Maxwell finite element simulation software the coil’s magnetic induction intensity and the needle’s electromagnetic force is simulated, finally an experimental platform is built to measure the coil’s magnetic induction intensity and the needle’s electromagnetic force. The results show that the theoretical analysis, the simulation analysis and the results of the test are very close, which proves the correctness of the proposed model.

  14. The short range anion-H interaction is the driving force for crystal formation of ions in water.

    PubMed

    Alejandre, José; Chapela, Gustavo A; Bresme, Fernando; Hansen, Jean-Pierre

    2009-05-07

    The crystal formation of NaCl in water is studied by extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Ionic solutions at room temperature and various concentrations are studied using the SPC/E and TIP4P/2005 water models and seven force fields of NaCl. Most force fields of pure NaCl fail to reproduce the experimental density of the crystal, and in solution some favor dissociation at saturated conditions, while others favor crystal formation at low concentration. A new force field of NaCl is proposed, which reproduces the experimental phase diagram in the solid, liquid, and vapor regions. This force field overestimates the solubility of NaCl in water at saturation conditions when used with standard Lorentz-Berthelot combining rules for the ion-water pair potentials. It is shown that precipitation of ions is driven by the short range interaction between Cl-H pairs, a term which is generally missing in the simulation of ionic solutions. The effects of intramolecular flexibility of water on the solubility of NaCl ions are analyzed and is found to be small compared to rigid models. A flexible water model, extending the rigid SPC/E, is proposed, which incorporates Lennard-Jones interactions centered on the hydrogen atoms. This force field gives liquid-vapor coexisting densities and surface tensions in better agreement with experimental data than the rigid SPC/E model. The Cl-H, Na-O, and Cl-O pair distribution functions of the rigid and flexible models agree well with experiment. The predicted concentration dependence of the electric conductivity is in fair agreement with available experimental data.

  15. Information driving force and its application in agent-based modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Ting-Ting; Zheng, Bo; Li, Yan; Jiang, Xiong-Fei

    2018-04-01

    Exploring the scientific impact of online big-data has attracted much attention of researchers from different fields in recent years. Complex financial systems are typical open systems profoundly influenced by the external information. Based on the large-scale data in the public media and stock markets, we first define an information driving force, and analyze how it affects the complex financial system. The information driving force is observed to be asymmetric in the bull and bear market states. As an application, we then propose an agent-based model driven by the information driving force. Especially, all the key parameters are determined from the empirical analysis rather than from statistical fitting of the simulation results. With our model, both the stationary properties and non-stationary dynamic behaviors are simulated. Considering the mean-field effect of the external information, we also propose a few-body model to simulate the financial market in the laboratory.

  16. Wall relaxation and the driving forces for cell expansive growth

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cosgrove, D. J.

    1987-01-01

    When water uptake by growing cells is prevented, the turgor pressure and the tensile stress in the cell wall are reduced by continued wall loosening. This process, termed in vivo stress relaxation, provides a new way to study the dynamics of wall loosening and to measure the wall yield threshold and the physiological wall extensibility. Stress relaxation experiments indicate that wall stress supplies the mechanical driving force for wall yielding. Cell expansion also requires water absorption. The driving force for water uptake during growth is created by wall relaxation, which lowers the water potential of the expanding cells. New techniques for measuring this driving force show that it is smaller than believed previously; in elongating stems it is only 0.3 to 0.5 bar. This means that the hydraulic resistance of the water transport pathway is small and that rate of cell expansion is controlled primarily by wall loosening and yielding.

  17. The surface diffusion coefficient for an arbitrarily curved fluid-fluid interface. (I). General expression

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    M. C. Sagis, Leonard

    2001-03-01

    In this paper, we develop a theory for the calculation of the surface diffusion coefficient for an arbitrarily curved fluid-fluid interface. The theory is valid for systems in hydrodynamic equilibrium, with zero mass-averaged velocities in the bulk and interfacial regions. We restrict our attention to systems with isotropic bulk phases, and an interfacial region that is isotropic in the plane parallel to the dividing surface. The dividing surface is assumed to be a simple interface, without memory effects or yield stresses. We derive an expression for the surface diffusion coefficient in terms of two parameters of the interfacial region: the coefficient for plane-parallel diffusion D (AB)aa(ξ) , and the driving force d(B)I||(ξ) . This driving force is the parallel component of the driving force for diffusion in the interfacial region. We derive an expression for this driving force using the entropy balance.

  18. An allosterically regulated reversible mechanical molecular switch: A de novo protein maquette functions as a redox/ionic strength sensor coupling chemical binding energy or charge interactions to conformational change

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grosset, Anne Marie

    2000-10-01

    Switch-like structural rearrangements of subunits due to charge-interactions are common in the basic biological action of proteins that couple and transfer chemical and ionic signals, sensing and regulation, mechanical force and electrochemical free energy. A simple synthetic protein model (maquette) has been designed to better understand the engineering of natural switches. Basic thermodynamic principles define the two key elements required for biological or chemical function of a switch. First, there must be two well-defined states. In this case, the two conformational states must have an energetic difference (DeltaDeltaG°) that is spanned by the applied driving force. Second, there must be an external stimulus, which preferentially interacts with one of the two states. The external stimulus provides the driving force that shifts the equilibrium from the first state to the second state (≥10:1 shifting towards ≤1:10). The energetic difference between the states must be the same order of magnitude as the driving force. In this synthetic protein, the two conformational states correspond to parallel (syn) and antiparallel (anti) assembly of the two identical helix-ss-helix subunits that bind heme close to the di-sulfide loop region. Charge interactions between two ferric hemes bound to histidines provide a driving force on the order of 2 kcal/mol (corresponding in the syn-topology to the 75--100 mV split in the heme redox potentials, or the 25--80 times weaker binding for the second ferric heme). The tetra-alpha-helix bundle has been modified to have a DeltaG around 1.8--2.5 kcal/mol (a 50--80 fold difference in the anti/syn ratio). Therefore, oxidation and reduction of the heme, or the binding of a second charged ferric heme can reversibly switch between syn- and anti-topologies, providing a sensitive detector of redox state or heme concentration. External solution conditions (e.g. ionic composition) can act on the protein remotely from the primary internal switch action and confer a secondary level of allosteric regulation. Bifunctional ligands can link subunits to shift topology. Scanning redox potentiometry can monitor the kinetics of topological change. Point amino acid substitutions and computer repacking of the hydrophobic core can modulate both the kinetics and the energetics.

  19. Combination spindle-drive system for high precision machining

    DOEpatents

    Gerth, Howard L.

    1977-07-26

    A combination spindle-drive is provided for fabrication of optical quality surface finishes. Both the spindle-and-drive utilize the spindle bearings for support, thereby removing the conventional drive-means bearings as a source of vibration. An airbearing spindle is modified to carry at the drive end a highly conductive cup-shaped rotor which is aligned with a stationary stator to produce torque in the cup-shaped rotor through the reaction of eddy currents induced in the rotor. This arrangement eliminates magnetic attraction forces and all force is in the form of torque on the cup-shaped rotor.

  20. Metal band drives in spacecraft mechanisms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maus, Daryl

    1993-01-01

    Transmitting and changing the characteristics of force and stroke is a requirement in nearly all mechanisms. Examples include changing linear to rotary motion, providing a 90 deg change in direction, and amplifying stroke or force. Requirements for size, weight, efficiency and reliability create unique problems in spacecraft mechanisms. Flexible metal band and cam drive systems provide powerful solutions to these problems. Band drives, rack and pinion gears, and bell cranks are compared for effectiveness. Band drive issues are discussed including materials, bend radius, fabrication, attachment and reliability. Numerous mechanisms are shown which illustrate practical applications of band drives.

  1. Statistical thermodynamics unveils the dissolution mechanism of cellobiose.

    PubMed

    Nicol, Thomas W J; Isobe, Noriyuki; Clark, James H; Shimizu, Seishi

    2017-08-30

    In the study of the cellulose dissolution mechanism opinion is still divided. Here, the solution interaction components of the most prominent hypotheses for the driving force of cellulose dissolution were evaluated quantitatively. Combining a rigorous statistical thermodynamic theory and cellobiose solubility data in the presence of chloride salts, whose cations progress in the Hofmeister series (KCl, NaCl, LiCl and ZnCl 2 ), we have shown that cellobiose solubilization is driven by the preferential accumulation of salts around the solutes which is stronger than cellobiose hydration. Yet contrary to the classical chaotropy hypothesis, increasing salt concentration leads to cellobiose dehydration in the presence of the strongest solubilizer ZnCl 2 . However, thanks to cellobiose dehydration, cellobiose-salt interaction still remains preferential despite weakening salt accumulation. Based on such insights, the previous hypotheses based on hydrophobicity and polymer charging have also been evaluated quantitatively. Thus, our present study successfully paved a way towards identifying the basic driving forces for cellulose solubilization in a quantitative manner for the first time. When combined with unit additivity methods this quantitative information could lead to a full understanding of cellulose solubility.

  2. Weber electrodynamics, part I. general theory, steady current effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wesley, J. P.

    1990-10-01

    The original Weber action at a distance theory, valid for slowly varying effects, is extended to time-retarded fields, valid for rapidly varying effects including radiation. A new law for the force on a charge moving in this field is derived (replacing the Lorentz force which violates Newton's third law). The limitations of the Maxwell theory are discussed. The Weber theory, in addition to predicting all of the usual electrodynamic results, predicts the following crucial results for slowly varying effects (where Maxwell theory fails): 1) the force on Ampere's bridge in agreement with the measurements of Moyssides and Pappas, 2) the tension required to rupture current carrying wires as observed by Graneau, 3) the force to drive the Graneau-Hering submarine, 4) the force to drive the mercury in Hering's pump, and 5) the force to drive the oscillations in a current carrying mercury wedge as observed by Phipps.

  3. Crash and risky driving involvement among novice adolescent drivers and their parents.

    PubMed

    Simons-Morton, Bruce G; Ouimet, Marie Claude; Zhang, Zhiwei; Klauer, Sheila E; Lee, Suzanne E; Wang, Jing; Albert, Paul S; Dingus, Thomas A

    2011-12-01

    We compared rates of risky driving among novice adolescent and adult drivers over the first 18 months of adolescents' licensure. Data-recording systems installed in participants' vehicles provided information on driving performance of 42 newly licensed adolescent drivers and their parents. We analyzed crashes and near crashes and elevated g-force event rates by Poisson regression with random effects. During the study period, adolescents were involved in 279 crashes or near crashes (1 involving injury); parents had 34 such accidents. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) comparing adolescent and parent crash and near-crash rates was 3.91. Among adolescent drivers, elevated rates of g-force events correlated with crashes and near crashes (r = 0.60; P < .001). The IRR comparing incident rates of risky driving among adolescents and parents was 5.08. Adolescents' rates of crashes and near crashes declined with time (with a significant uptick in the last quarter), but elevated g-force event rates did not decline. Elevated g-force events among adolescents may have contributed to crash and near-crash rates that remained much higher than adult levels after 18 months of driving.

  4. Experimental modeling of the effect of hurricane wind forces on driving behavior and vehicle performance.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez, Jose M; Codjoe, Julius; Osman, Osama; Ishak, Sherif; Wolshon, Brian

    2015-01-01

    While traffic planning is important for developing a hurricane evacuation plan, vehicle performance on the roads during extreme weather conditions is critical to the success of the planning process. This novel study investigates the effect of gusty hurricane wind forces on the driving behavior and vehicle performance. The study explores how the parameters of a driving simulator could be modified to reproduce wind loadings experienced by three vehicle types (passenger car, ambulance, and bus) during gusty hurricane winds, through manipulation of appropriate software. Thirty participants were then tested on the modified driving simulator under five wind conditions (ranging from normal to hurricane category 4). The driving performance measures used were heading error and lateral displacement. The results showed that higher wind forces resulted in more varied and greater heading error and lateral displacement. The ambulance had the greatest heading errors and lateral displacements, which were attributed to its large lateral surface area and light weight. Two mathematical models were developed to estimate the heading error and lateral displacements for each of the vehicle types for a given change in lateral wind force. Through a questionnaire, participants felt the different characteristics while driving each vehicle type. The findings of this study demonstrate the valuable use of a driving simulator to model the behavior of different vehicle types and to develop mathematical models to estimate and quantify driving behavior and vehicle performance under hurricane wind conditions.

  5. Training toddlers seated on mobile robots to drive indoors amidst obstacles.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xi; Ragonesi, Christina; Galloway, James C; Agrawal, Sunil K

    2011-06-01

    Mobility is a causal factor in development. Children with mobility impairments may rely upon power mobility for independence and thus require advanced driving skills to function independently. Our previous studies show that while infants can learn to drive directly to a goal using conventional joysticks in several months of training, they are unable in this timeframe to acquire the advanced skill to avoid obstacles while driving. Without adequate driving training, children are unable to explore the environment safely, the consequences of which may in turn increase their risk for developmental delay. The goal of this research therefore is to train children seated on mobile robots to purposefully and safely drive indoors. In this paper, we present results where ten typically-developing toddlers are trained to drive a robot within an obstacle course. We also report a case study with a toddler with spina-bifida who cannot independently walk. Using algorithms based on artificial potential fields to avoid obstacles, we create force field on the joystick that trains the children to navigate while avoiding obstacles. In this "assist-as-needed" approach, if the child steers the joystick outside a force tunnel centered on the desired direction, the driver experiences a bias force on the hand. Our results suggest that the use of a force-feedback joystick may yield faster learning than the use of a conventional joystick.

  6. Removal of PCB and Other Halogenated Organic Contaminants found in Ex Situ Structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Quinn, Jacqueline (Inventor); Clausen, Christian (Inventor); Geiger, Cherie L. (Inventor); Coon, Christina (Inventor); Berger, Cristina M. (Inventor); Filipek, Laura B. (Inventor); Milum, Kristen M. (Inventor)

    2007-01-01

    Emulsified systems or a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.

  7. Removal of PCB and other halogenated organic contaminants found in ex situ structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Quinn, Jacqueline (Inventor); Clausen, Christian (Inventor); Geiger, Cherie L. (Inventor); Coon, Christina (Inventor); Berger, Cristina M. (Inventor); Filipek, Laura B. (Inventor); Milum, Kristen M. (Inventor)

    2007-01-01

    Emulsified systems of a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.

  8. Removal of PCB and other halogenated organic contaminants found in ex situ structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Clausen, Christian A. (Inventor); Milum, Kristen M. (Inventor); Quinn, Jacqueline W. (Inventor); Berger, Cristina M. (Inventor); Geiger, Cherie L. (Inventor); Filipek, Laura B. (Inventor); Coon, Christina (Inventor)

    2009-01-01

    Emulsified systems of a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.

  9. Modeling of Passive Forces of Machine Tool Covers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kolar, Petr; Hudec, Jan; Sulitka, Matej

    The passive forces acting against the drive force are phenomena that influence dynamical properties and precision of linear axes equipped with feed drives. Covers are one of important sources of passive forces in machine tools. The paper describes virtual evaluation of cover passive forces using the cover complex model. The model is able to compute interaction between flexible cover segments and sealing wiper. The result is deformation of cover segments and wipers which is used together with measured friction coefficient for computation of cover total passive force. This resulting passive force is dependent on cover position. Comparison of computational results and measurement on the real cover is presented in the paper.

  10. Synchronization of a self-sustained cold-atom oscillator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heimonen, H.; Kwek, L. C.; Kaiser, R.; Labeyrie, G.

    2018-04-01

    Nonlinear oscillations and synchronization phenomena are ubiquitous in nature. We study the synchronization of self-oscillating magneto-optically trapped cold atoms to a weak external driving. The oscillations arise from a dynamical instability due the competition between the screened magneto-optical trapping force and the interatomic repulsion due to multiple scattering of light. A weak modulation of the trapping force allows the oscillations of the cloud to synchronize to the driving. The synchronization frequency range increases with the forcing amplitude. The corresponding Arnold tongue is experimentally measured and compared to theoretical predictions. Phase locking between the oscillator and drive is also observed.

  11. Extracting the driving force from ozone data using slow feature analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Geli; Yang, Peicai; Zhou, Xiuji

    2016-05-01

    Slow feature analysis (SFA) is a recommended technique for extracting slowly varying features from a quickly varying signal. In this work, we apply SFA to total ozone data from Arosa, Switzerland. The results show that the signal of volcanic eruptions can be found in the driving force, and wavelet analysis of this driving force shows that there are two main dominant scales, which may be connected with the effect of climate mode such as North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and solar activity. The findings of this study represent a contribution to our understanding of the causality from observed climate data.

  12. Analyzing the Long Term Cohesive Effect of Sector Specific Driving Forces.

    PubMed

    Berman, Yonatan; Ben-Jacob, Eshel; Zhang, Xin; Shapira, Yoash

    2016-01-01

    Financial markets are partially composed of sectors dominated by external driving forces, such as commodity prices, infrastructure and other indices. We characterize the statistical properties of such sectors and present a novel model for the coupling of the stock prices and their dominating driving forces, inspired by mean reverting stochastic processes. Using the model we were able to explain the market sectors' long term behavior and estimate the coupling strength between stocks in financial markets and the sector specific driving forces. Notably, the analysis was successfully applied to the shipping market, in which the Baltic dry index (BDI), an assessment of the price of transporting the major raw materials by sea, influences the shipping financial market. We also present the analysis of other sectors-the gold mining market and the food production market, for which the model was also successfully applied. The model can serve as a general tool for characterizing the coupling between external forces and affected financial variables and therefore for estimating the risk in sectors and their vulnerability to external stress.

  13. Analyzing the Long Term Cohesive Effect of Sector Specific Driving Forces

    PubMed Central

    Berman, Yonatan; Zhang, Xin; Shapira, Yoash

    2016-01-01

    Financial markets are partially composed of sectors dominated by external driving forces, such as commodity prices, infrastructure and other indices. We characterize the statistical properties of such sectors and present a novel model for the coupling of the stock prices and their dominating driving forces, inspired by mean reverting stochastic processes. Using the model we were able to explain the market sectors’ long term behavior and estimate the coupling strength between stocks in financial markets and the sector specific driving forces. Notably, the analysis was successfully applied to the shipping market, in which the Baltic dry index (BDI), an assessment of the price of transporting the major raw materials by sea, influences the shipping financial market. We also present the analysis of other sectors—the gold mining market and the food production market, for which the model was also successfully applied. The model can serve as a general tool for characterizing the coupling between external forces and affected financial variables and therefore for estimating the risk in sectors and their vulnerability to external stress. PMID:27031230

  14. Hydrogels Based on Ag+ -Modulated Assembly of 5'-Adenosine Monophosphate for Enriching Biomolecules.

    PubMed

    Hu, Yuanyuan; Xie, Dong; Wu, Yang; Lin, Nangui; Song, Aixin; Hao, Jingcheng

    2017-11-07

    Supramolecular hydrogels obtained by combining 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) with Ag + were fabricated in this work. Their gelation capability was enhanced by increasing the concentration of Ag + or decreasing the pH. The gels are very sensitive to light, which endows them with potential applications as visible-light photosensitive materials. Coordination between the nucleobase of AMP and Ag + , as well as π-π stacking of nucleobases, are considered to be the main driving forces for self-assembly. The hydrogels successfully achieved the encapsulation and enrichment of biomolecules. Hydrogen bonding between the amino group of guest molecules and silver nanoparticles along the nanofibers drives the enrichment and is considered to be a crucial interaction. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. FLEXIBLE COUPLING

    DOEpatents

    Babelay, E.F.

    1962-02-13

    A flexible shaft coupling for operation at speeds in excess of 14,000 rpm is designed which requires no lubrication. A driving sleeve member and a driven sleeve member are placed in concentric spaced relationship. A torque force is transmitted to the driven member from the driving member through a plurality of nylon balls symmetrically disposed between the spaced sleeves. The balls extend into races and recesses within the respective sleeve members. The sleeve members have a suitable clearance therebetween and the balls have a suitable radial clearance during operation of the coupling to provide a relatively loose coupling. These clearances accommodate for both parallel and/or angular misalignments and avoid metal-tometal contact between the sleeve members during operation. Thus, no lubrication is needed, and a minimum of vibrations is transmitted between the sleeve members. (AEC)

  16. Phase-field-crystal investigation of the morphology of a steady-state dendrite tip on the atomic scale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Sai; Wang, Jincheng; Li, Junjie; Wang, Zhijun; Guo, Yaolin; Guo, Can; Zhou, Yaohe

    2017-06-01

    Through phase-field-crystal (PFC) simulations, we investigated, on the atomic scale, the crucial role played by interface energy anisotropy and growth driving force during the morphological evolution of a dendrite tip at low growth driving force. In the layer-by-layer growth manner, the interface energy anisotropy drives the forefront of the dendrite tip to evolve to be highly similar to the corner of the corresponding equilibrium crystal from the aspects of atom configuration and morphology, and thus affects greatly the formation and growth of a steady-state dendrite tip. Meanwhile, the driving force substantially influences the part behind the forefront of the dendrite tip, rather than the forefront itself. However, as the driving force increases enough to change the layer-by-layer growth to the multilayer growth, the morphology of the dendrite tip's forefront is completely altered. Parabolic fitting of the dendrite tip reveals that an increase in the influence of interface energy anisotropy makes dendrite tips deviate increasingly from a parabolic shape. By quantifying the deviations under various interface energy anisotropies and growth driving forces, it is suggested that a perfect parabola is an asymptotic limit for the shape of the dendrite tips. Furthermore, the atomic scale description of the dendrite tip obtained in the PFC simulation is compatible with the mesoscopic results obtained in the phase-field simulation in terms of the dendrite tip's morphology and the stability criterion constant.

  17. 7. TOP SURFACES OF FOUR HYDRAULIC UNITS TO DRIVE COMPRESSORS. ...

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

    7. TOP SURFACES OF FOUR HYDRAULIC UNITS TO DRIVE COMPRESSORS. Looking southeast along rear of building. - Edwards Air Force Base, Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, Helium Compression Plant, Test Area 1-115, intersection of Altair & Saturn Boulevards, Boron, Kern County, CA

  18. Self-Motion Depending on the Physicochemical Properties of Esters as the Driving Force

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nakata, Satoshi; Matsuo, Kyoko; Kirisaka, Junko

    2007-01-01

    The self-motion of an ester boat is investigated depending on the physicochemical properties of the surface-active substance. The results show that the ester boat moves towards the higher surface tension generating as the driving force.

  19. Calculations of Alfven Wave Driving Forces, Plasma Flow and Current Drive in Tokamak Plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elfimov, Artur; Galvao, Ricardo; Amarante-Segundo, Gesil; Nascimento, Ivan

    2000-10-01

    A general form of time-averaged poloidal ponderomotive forces induced by fast and kinetic Alfvin waves by direct numerical calculations and in geometric optics approximation are analyzed on the basis of the collisionless two fluid (ions and electrons) magneto-hydrodynamics equation. Analytical approximations are used to clarify the effect of Larmour radius on radio-frequency (RF) ponderomotive forces and on poloidal flows induced by them in tokamak plasmas.The RF ponderomotive force is expressed as a sum of a gradient part and of a wave momentum transfer force, which is proportional to wave dissipation. The gradient electromagnetic stress force is combined with fluid dynamic (Reynolds) stress force. It is shown that accounting only Reynolds stress term can overestimate the plasma flow and it is found that the finite ion Larmor radius effect play fundamental role in ponderomotive forces that can drive a poloidal flow, which is larger than a flow driven by a wave momentum transfer force. Finally, balancing the RF forces by the electron-ion friction and viscous force the current and plasma flows driven by ponderomotive forces are calculated for tokamak plasmas, using a kinetic code [Phys. Plasmas, v.6 (1999) p.2437]. Strongly sheared current and plasma flow waves is found.

  20. Demonstration of motion control of ZrO2 microparticles in uniform/non-uniform electric field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Onishi, Genki; Trung, Ngo Nguyen Chi; Matsutani, Naoto; Nakayama, Tadachika; Suzuki, Tsuneo; Suematsu, Hisayuki; Niihara, Koichi

    2018-02-01

    This study aims to elucidate the mechanism that drives dielectric microparticles under an electric field. The driving of microstructures is affected by various electrical phenomena occurring at the same time such as surface potential, polarization, and electrostatic force. It makes the clarification of the driving mechanism challenging. A simple experimental system was used to observe the behavior of spherical ZrO2 microparticles in a nonaqueous solution under an electric field. The results suggest that the mechanism that drives the ZrO2 microparticles under an electric field involved the combination of an electric image force, a gradient force, and the contact charging phenomenon. A method is proposed to control the motion of micro- and nanostructures in further study and applications.

  1. What are the driving forces for water lifting in the xylem conduit?

    PubMed

    Zimmermann, Ulrich; Schneider, Heike; Wegner, Lars H; Wagner, Hans-Jürgen; Szimtenings, Michael; Haase, Axel; Bentrup, Friedrich-Wilhelm

    2002-03-01

    After Renner had shown convincingly in 1925 that the transpirational water loss generates tensions larger than 0.1 MPa (i.e. negative pressures) in the xylem of cut leafy twigs the Cohesion Theory proposed by Böhm, Askenasy, Dixon and Joly at the end of the 19th century was immediately accepted by plant physiologists. Introduction of the pressure chamber technique by Scholander et al. in 1965 enforced the general belief that tension is the only driving force for water lifting although substantial criticism regarding the technique and/or the Cohesion Theory was published by several authors. As typical for scientific disciplines, the advent of minimal- and non-invasive techniques in the last decade as well as the development of a new, reliable method for xylem sap sampling have challenged this view. Today, xylem pressure gradients, potentials, ion concentrations and volume flows as well as cell turgor pressure gradients can be monitored online in intact transpiring higher plants, and within a given physiological context by using the pressure probe technique and high-resolution NMR imaging techniques, respectively. Application of the pressure probe technique to transpiring plants has shown that negative absolute pressures (down to - 0.6 MPa) and pressure gradients can exist temporarily in the xylem conduit, but that the magnitude and (occasionally) direction of gradients contrasts frequently the belief that tension is the only driving force. This seems to be particularly the case for plants faced with problems of height, drought, freezing and salinity as well as with cavitation of the tensile water. Reviewing the current data base shows that other forces come into operation when exclusively tension fails to lift water against gravity due to environmental conditions. Possible candidates are longitudinal cellular and xylem osmotic pressure gradients, axial potential gradients in the vessels as well as gel- and gas bubble-supported interfacial gradients. The multiforce theory overcomes the problem of the Cohesion Theory that life on earth depends on water being in a highly metastable state.

  2. Influences of meteorological parameters on indoor radon concentrations (222Rn) excluding the effects of forced ventilation and radon exhalation from soil and building materials.

    PubMed

    Schubert, Michael; Musolff, Andreas; Weiss, Holger

    2018-06-13

    Elevated indoor radon concentrations ( 222 Rn) in dwellings pose generally a potential health risk to the inhabitants. During the last decades a considerable number of studies discussed both the different sources of indoor radon and the drivers for diurnal and multi day variations of its concentration. While the potential sources are undisputed, controversial opinions exist regarding their individual relevance and regarding the driving influences that control varying radon indoor concentrations. These drivers include (i) cyclic forced ventilation of dwellings, (ii) the temporal variance of the radon exhalation from soil and building materials due to e.g. a varying moisture content and (iii) diurnal and multi day temperature and pressure patterns. The presented study discusses the influences of last-mentioned temporal meteorological parameters by effectively excluding the influences of forced ventilation and undefined radon exhalation. The results reveal the continuous variation of the indoor/outdoor pressure gradient as key driver for a constant "breathing" of any interior space, which affects the indoor radon concentration with both diurnal and multi day patterns. The diurnally recurring variation of the pressure gradient is predominantly triggered by the day/night cycle of the indoor temperature that is associated with an expansion/contraction of the indoor air volume. Multi day patterns, on the other hand, are mainly due to periods of negative air pressure indoors that is triggered by periods of elevated wind speeds as a result of Bernoulli's principle. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. 40 CFR 1066.210 - Dynamometers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... to recreate the mechanical inertia and frictional forces that a vehicle exerts on road surfaces... drive axles may share a single drive roll. Use good engineering judgment to ensure that the dynamometer... engineering judgment. (3) The load applied by the dynamometer simulates forces acting on the vehicle during...

  4. Device For Controlling Crystallization Of Protein

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Noever, David A.

    1993-01-01

    Variable sandwich spacer enables optimization of evaporative driving force that governs crystallization of protein from solution. Mechanically more rigid than hanging-drop and sitting-drop devices. Large oscillations and dislodgment of drop of solution in response to vibrations suppressed by glass plates. Other advantages include: suitable for automated delivery, stable handling, and programmable evaporation of protein solution; controlled configuration enables simple and accurate determination of volume of solution without disrupting crystallization; pH and concentration of precipitant controlled dynamically because pH and concentration coupled to rate of evaporation, controllable via adjustment of gap between plates; and enables variation of ratio between surface area and volume of protein solution. Alternative version, plates oriented vertically instead of horizontally.

  5. Tuning the driving force for exciton dissociation in single-walled carbon nanotube heterojunctions

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

    Ihly, Rachelle; Mistry, Kevin S.; Ferguson, Andrew J.

    2016-04-25

    Understanding the kinetics and energetics of interfacial electron transfer in molecular systems is crucial for the development of a broad array of technologies, including photovoltaics, solar fuel systems and energy storage. The Marcus formulation for electron transfer relates the thermodynamic driving force and reorganization energy for charge transfer between a given donor/acceptor pair to the kinetics and yield of electron transfer. Here we investigated the influence of the thermodynamic driving force for photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and fullerene derivatives by employing time-resolved microwave conductivity as a sensitive probe of interfacial exciton dissociation. For the firstmore » time, we observed the Marcus inverted region (in which driving force exceeds reorganization energy) and quantified the reorganization energy for PET for a model SWCNT/acceptor system. The small reorganization energies (about 130 meV, most of which probably arises from the fullerene acceptors) are beneficial in minimizing energy loss in photoconversion schemes.« less

  6. Flow enhancement of deformable self-driven objects by countercurrent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mashiko, Takashi; Fujiwara, Takashi

    2016-10-01

    We report numerical simulations of the mixed flows of two groups of deformable self-driven objects. The objects belonging to the group A (B) have drift coefficient D =DA (DB), where a positive (negative) value of D denotes the rightward (leftward) driving force. For co-current flows (DA ,DB > 0), the result is rather intuitive: the net flow of one group (QA) increases if the driving force of the other group is stronger than its own driving force (i.e., DB >DA), and decreases otherwise (DB

  7. Hydrological heterogeneity, nutrient dynamics and water quality of a non-tidal lentic ecosystem (Lesina Lagoon, Italy)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roselli, Leonilde; Fabbrocini, Adele; Manzo, Cristina; D'Adamo, Raffaele

    2009-10-01

    The dynamics of the Lesina coastal lagoon (Italy) in terms of nutrients, phytoplankton and chemical-physical parameters were evaluated, together with their functional relationships with freshwater inputs, in order to identify ecosystem responses to changes in driving forces in a Mediterranean non-tidal lentic environment. Lesina Lagoon is a shallow coastal environment characterised by limited exchange with coastal waters, which favours enrichment of nutrients and organic matter and benthic fluxes within the system. Lagoon-sea exchanges are influenced by human management. There is a steep salinity gradient from East to West. High nitrogen and silica values were found close to freshwater inputs, indicating wastewater discharges and agricultural runoff, especially in winter. Dissolved oxygen was well below saturation (65%) near sewage and runoff inputs in the western part of the lagoon during summer. Classification in accordance with EEA (2001) guidelines suggests the system is of "poor" or "bad" quality in terms of nitrogen concentrations in the eastern zone during the winter rainy period. In terms of phosphate concentrations, the majority of the stations fall into the "good" category, with only two stations (close to the sewage and runoff inputs) classed as "bad". In both cases, the raw nitrogen levels make the lagoon a P-limited system, especially in the eastern part. There was wide space-time variability in chlorophyll a concentrations, which ranged from 0.25 to 56 μg l -1. No relationships between chlorophyll a and nutrients were found, suggesting that autotrophic biomass may be controlled by a large number of internal and external forcing factors driving eutrophication processes. Water quality for this type of environment depends heavily on pressure from human activities but also on the management of sewage treatment plants, agricultural practices and the channels connecting the lagoon with the sea.

  8. Recurrence plots revisited

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Casdagli, M. C.

    1997-09-01

    We show that recurrence plots (RPs) give detailed characterizations of time series generated by dynamical systems driven by slowly varying external forces. For deterministic systems we show that RPs of the time series can be used to reconstruct the RP of the driving force if it varies sufficiently slowly. If the driving force is one-dimensional, its functional form can then be inferred up to an invertible coordinate transformation. The same results hold for stochastic systems if the RP of the time series is suitably averaged and transformed. These results are used to investigate the nonlinear prediction of time series generated by dynamical systems driven by slowly varying external forces. We also consider the problem of detecting a small change in the driving force, and propose a surrogate data technique for assessing statistical significance. Numerically simulated time series and a time series of respiration rates recorded from a subject with sleep apnea are used as illustrative examples.

  9. How the interior viscosity structure of a terrestrial planet controls plate driving forces and plate tectonics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoeink, T.; Lenardic, A.; Jellinek, M.; Richards, M. A.

    2011-12-01

    One of the fundamental unresolved problems in Earth and planetary science is the generation of plate tectonics from mantle convection. Important achievements can be made when considering rheological properties in the context of mantle convection dynamics. Among these milestones are (1) a deeper understanding of the balance of forces that drive and resist plate motion and (2) the dynamic generation of narrow plate boundaries (that lead to a piecewise continuous surface velocity distribution). Extending classic plate-tectonic theory we predict a plate driving force due to viscous coupling at the base of the plate from fast flow in the asthenosphere. Flow in the asthenosphere is due to shear-driven contributions from an overriding plate and due to additional pressure-driven contributions. We use scaling analysis to show that the extent to which this additional plate-driving force contributes to plate motions depends on the lateral dimension of plates and on the relative viscosities and thicknesses of lithosphere and asthenosphere. Whereas slab-pull forces always govern the motions of plates with a lateral extent greater than the mantle depth, asthenosphere-drive forces can be relatively more important for smaller (shorter wavelength) plates, large relative asthenosphere viscosities or large asthenosphere thicknesses. Published plate velocities, tomographic images and age-binned mean shear wave velocity anomaly data allow us to estimate the relative contributions of slab-pull and asthenosphere-drive forces driving the motions of the Atlantic and Pacific plates. At the global scale of terrestrial planets, we use 3D spherical shell simulations of mantle convection with temperature-, depth- and stress dependent rheology to demonstrate that a thin low-viscosity layer (asthenosphere) governs convective stresses imparted to the lithosphere. We find, consistent with theoretical predictions, that convective stresses increase for thinner asthenospheres. This result might eliminate the need for special weakening mechanisms to generate plate tectonics from mantle convection. Our results elucidate the role of the asthenosphere for plate tectonics on Earth, and also provide insights into the differences in tectonic styles between Earth and Venus.

  10. A linear magnetic motor and generator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Studer, P. A.

    1980-01-01

    In linear magnetic motor and generator suitable for remote and hostile environments, magnetic forces drive reciprocating shaft along its axis. Actuator shaft is located in center of cylindrical body and may be supported by either contacting or noncontacting bearings. When device operates as bidirectional motor, drive coil selectively adds and subtracts magnetic flux to and from flux paths, producing forces that drive actuator along axis. When actuator is driven by external reciprocating engine, device becomes ac generator.

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

    Reister, D.B.; Unseren, M.A.

    When a vehicle with two or more steerable drive wheels is traveling in a circle, the motion of the wheels is constrained. The wheel translational velocity divided by the radius to the center of rotation must be the same for all wheels. When the drive wheels are controlled independently using position control, the motion of the wheels may violate the constraints and the wheels may slip. Consequently, substantial errors can occur in the orientation of the vehicle. A vehicle with N drive wheels has (N - 1) constraints and one degree of freedom. We have developed a new approach tomore » the control of a vehicle with N steerable drive wheels. The novel aspect of our approach is the use of force control. To control the vehicle, we have one degree of freedom for the position on the circle and (N - 1) forces that can be used to reduce errors. Recently, Kankaanranta and Koivo developed a control architecture that allows the force and position degrees of freedom to be decoupled. In the work of Kankaanranta and Koivo the force is an exogenous input. We have made the force endogenous by defining the force in terms of the errors in satisfying the rigid body kinematic constraints. We have applied the control architecture to the HERMIES-III robot and have measured a dramatic reduction in error (more than a factor of 20) compared to motions without force control.« less

  12. Models for coupling of salt and water transport; Proximal tubular reabsorption in Necturus kidney.

    PubMed

    Sackin, H; Boulpaep, E L

    1975-12-01

    Models for coupling of salt and water transport are developed with two important assumptions appropriate for leaky epithelia. (a) The tight junction is permeable to both sale and water. (b) Active Na transport into the lateral speces is assumed to occur uniformly along the length of the channel. The proposed models deal specifically with the intraepithelial mechanism of proximal tubular resbsorption in the Necturus kidney although they have implications for epithelial transport in the gallbladder and small intestine as well. The first model (continuous version) is similar to the standing gradient model devised by Diamond and Bossert but used different boundary conditions. In contrast to Diamond and Bossert's model, the predicted concentration profiles are relatively flat with no sizable gradients along the interspace. The second model (compartment version) expands Curran's model of epithelial salt and water transport by including additional compartments and considering both electrical and chemical driving forces for individual Na and Cl ions as well as hydraulic and osmotic driving forces for water. In both models, ion and water fluxes are investigated as a function of the transport parameters. The behavior of the models is consistent with previously suggested mechanisms for the control of net transport, particularly during saline diuresis. Under all conditions the predicted ratio of net solute to solvent flux, or emergent concentration, deviates from exact isotonicity (except when the basement membrane has an appreciable salt reflection coefficient). However, the degree of hypertonicity may be small enough to be experimentally indistinguishable from isotonic transport.

  13. Driving-forces model on individual behavior in scenarios considering moving threat agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Shuying; Zhuang, Jun; Shen, Shifei; Wang, Jia

    2017-09-01

    The individual behavior model is a contributory factor to improve the accuracy of agent-based simulation in different scenarios. However, few studies have considered moving threat agents, which often occur in terrorist attacks caused by attackers with close-range weapons (e.g., sword, stick). At the same time, many existing behavior models lack validation from cases or experiments. This paper builds a new individual behavior model based on seven behavioral hypotheses. The driving-forces model is an extension of the classical social force model considering scenarios including moving threat agents. An experiment was conducted to validate the key components of the model. Then the model is compared with an advanced Elliptical Specification II social force model, by calculating the fitting errors between the simulated and experimental trajectories, and being applied to simulate a specific circumstance. Our results show that the driving-forces model reduced the fitting error by an average of 33.9% and the standard deviation by an average of 44.5%, which indicates the accuracy and stability of the model in the studied situation. The new driving-forces model could be used to simulate individual behavior when analyzing the risk of specific scenarios using agent-based simulation methods, such as risk analysis of close-range terrorist attacks in public places.

  14. Active mechanics in living oocytes reveal molecular-scale force kinetics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmed, Wylie; Fodor, Etienne; Almonacid, Maria; Bussonnier, Matthias; Verlhac, Marie-Helene; Gov, Nir; Visco, Paolo; van Wijland, Frederic; Betz, Timo

    Unlike traditional materials, living cells actively generate forces at the molecular scale that change their structure and mechanical properties. This nonequilibrium activity is essential for cellular function, and drives processes such as cell division. Single molecule studies have uncovered the detailed force kinetics of isolated motor proteins in-vitro, however their behavior in-vivo has been elusive due to the complex environment inside the cell. Here, we quantify active forces and intracellular mechanics in living oocytes using in-vivo optical trapping and laser interferometry of endogenous vesicles. We integrate an experimental and theoretical framework to connect mesoscopic measurements of nonequilibrium properties to the underlying molecular- scale force kinetics. Our results show that force generation by myosin-V drives the cytoplasmic-skeleton out-of-equilibrium (at frequencies below 300 Hz) and actively softens the environment. In vivo myosin-V activity generates a force of F ~ 0 . 4 pN, with a power-stroke of length Δx ~ 20 nm and duration τ ~ 300 μs, that drives vesicle motion at vv ~ 320 nm/s. This framework is widely applicable to characterize living cells and other soft active materials.

  15. Depletion forces drive polymer-like self-assembly in vibrofluidized granular materials†

    PubMed Central

    Nossal, Ralph

    2011-01-01

    Ranging from nano- to granular-scales, control of particle assembly can be achieved by limiting the available free space, for example by increasing the concentration of particles (“crowding”) or through their restriction to 2D environments. It is unclear, however, if self-assembly principles governing thermally-equilibrated molecules can also apply to mechanically-excited macroscopic particles in non-equilibrium steady-state. Here we show that low densities of vibrofluidized steel rods, when crowded by high densities of spheres and confined to quasi-2D planes, can self-assemble into linear polymer-like structures. Our 2D Monte Carlo simulations show similar finite sized aggregates in thermally equilibrated binary mixtures. Using theory and simulations, we demonstrate how depletion interactions create oriented “binding” forces between rigid rods to form these “living polymers.” Unlike rod-sphere mixtures in 3D that can demonstrate well-defined equilibrium phases, our mixtures confined to 2D lack these transitions because lower dimensionality favors the formation of linear aggregates, thus suppressing a true phase transition. The qualitative and quantitative agreement between equilibrium and granular patterning for these mixtures suggests that entropy maximization is the determining driving force for bundling. Furthermore, this study uncovers a previously unknown patterning behavior at both the granular and nanoscales, and may provide insights into the role of crowding at interfaces in molecular assembly. PMID:22039392

  16. Model Predictive Control Based Motion Drive Algorithm for a Driving Simulator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rehmatullah, Faizan

    In this research, we develop a model predictive control based motion drive algorithm for the driving simulator at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Motion drive algorithms exploit the limitations of the human vestibular system to formulate a perception of motion within the constrained workspace of a simulator. In the absence of visual cues, the human perception system is unable to distinguish between acceleration and the force of gravity. The motion drive algorithm determines control inputs to displace the simulator platform, and by using the resulting inertial forces and angular rates, creates the perception of motion. By using model predictive control, we can optimize the use of simulator workspace for every maneuver while simulating the vehicle perception. With the ability to handle nonlinear constraints, the model predictive control allows us to incorporate workspace limitations.

  17. Medium-Alloy Manganese-Rich Transformation-Induced Plasticity Steels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suh, Dong Woo; Ryu, Joo Hyun; Joo, Min Sung; Yang, Hong Seok; Lee, Kyooyoung; Bhadeshia, H. K. D. H.

    2013-01-01

    The manganese concentration of steels which rely on transformation-induced plasticity is generally less than 2 wt pct. Recent work has highlighted the potential for strong and ductile alloys containing some 6 wt pct of manganese, but with aluminum additions in order to permit heat treatments which are amenable to rapid production. However, large concentrations of aluminum also cause difficulties during continuous casting. Alloy design calculations have been carried out in an effort to balance these conflicting requirements, while maintaining the amount of retained austenite and transformation kinetics. The results indicate that it is possible by adjusting the carbon and manganese concentrations to reduce the aluminum concentration, without compromising the mechanical properties or transformation kinetics. The deformation-induced transformation of retained austenite is explained quantitatively, for a range of alloys, in terms of a driving force which takes into account the very fine state of the retained austenite.

  18. Boron removal in radioactive liquid waste by forward osmosis membrane

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

    Doo Seong Hwang; Hei Min Choi; Kune Woo Lee

    2013-07-01

    This study investigated the treatment of boric acid contained in liquid radioactive waste using a forward osmosis membrane. The boron permeation through the membrane depends on the type of membrane, membrane orientation, pH of the feed solution, salt and boron concentration in the feed solution, and osmotic pressure of the draw solution. The boron flux begins to decline from pH 7 and increases with an increase of the osmotic driving force. The boron flux decreases slightly with the salt concentration, but is not heavily influenced by a low salt concentration. The boron flux increases linearly with the concentration of boron.more » No element except for boron was permeated through the FO membrane in the multi-component system. The maximum boron flux is obtained in an active layer facing a draw solution orientation of the CTA-ES membrane under conditions of less than pH 7 and high osmotic pressure. (authors)« less

  19. A Note on Diffusive Mass Transport.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haynes, Henry W., Jr.

    1986-01-01

    Current chemical engineering textbooks teach that the driving force for diffusive mass transport in ideal solutions is the gradient in mole fraction. This is only true for ideal solution liquids. Therefore, it is shown that the appropriate driving force for use with ideal gases is the gradient in partial pressure. (JN)

  20. Neuromorphic meets neuromechanics, part II: the role of fusimotor drive.

    PubMed

    Jalaleddini, Kian; Minos Niu, Chuanxin; Chakravarthi Raja, Suraj; Joon Sohn, Won; Loeb, Gerald E; Sanger, Terence D; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J

    2017-04-01

    We studied the fundamentals of muscle afferentation by building a Neuro-mechano-morphic system actuating a cadaveric finger. This system is a faithful implementation of the stretch reflex circuitry. It allowed the systematic exploration of the effects of different fusimotor drives to the muscle spindle on the closed-loop stretch reflex response. As in Part I of this work, sensory neurons conveyed proprioceptive information from muscle spindles (with static and dynamic fusimotor drive) to populations of α-motor neurons (with recruitment and rate coding properties). The motor commands were transformed into tendon forces by a Hill-type muscle model (with activation-contraction dynamics) via brushless DC motors. Two independent afferented muscles emulated the forces of flexor digitorum profundus and the extensor indicis proprius muscles, forming an antagonist pair at the metacarpophalangeal joint of a cadaveric index finger. We measured the physical response to repetitions of bi-directional ramp-and-hold rotational perturbations for 81 combinations of static and dynamic fusimotor drives, across four ramp velocities, and three levels of constant cortical drive to the α-motor neuron pool. We found that this system produced responses compatible with the physiological literature. Fusimotor and cortical drives had nonlinear effects on the reflex forces. In particular, only cortical drive affected the sensitivity of reflex forces to static fusimotor drive. In contrast, both static fusimotor and cortical drives reduced the sensitivity to dynamic fusimotor drive. Interestingly, realistic signal-dependent motor noise emerged naturally in our system without having been explicitly modeled. We demonstrate that these fundamental features of spinal afferentation sufficed to produce muscle function. As such, our Neuro-mechano-morphic system is a viable platform to study the spinal mechanisms for healthy muscle function-and its pathologies such as dystonia and spasticity. In addition, it is a working prototype of a robust biomorphic controller for compliant robotic limbs and exoskeletons.

  1. Neuromorphic meets neuromechanics, part II: the role of fusimotor drive

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jalaleddini, Kian; Minos Niu, Chuanxin; Chakravarthi Raja, Suraj; Sohn, Won Joon; Loeb, Gerald E.; Sanger, Terence D.; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J.

    2017-04-01

    Objective. We studied the fundamentals of muscle afferentation by building a Neuro-mechano-morphic system actuating a cadaveric finger. This system is a faithful implementation of the stretch reflex circuitry. It allowed the systematic exploration of the effects of different fusimotor drives to the muscle spindle on the closed-loop stretch reflex response. Approach. As in Part I of this work, sensory neurons conveyed proprioceptive information from muscle spindles (with static and dynamic fusimotor drive) to populations of α-motor neurons (with recruitment and rate coding properties). The motor commands were transformed into tendon forces by a Hill-type muscle model (with activation-contraction dynamics) via brushless DC motors. Two independent afferented muscles emulated the forces of flexor digitorum profundus and the extensor indicis proprius muscles, forming an antagonist pair at the metacarpophalangeal joint of a cadaveric index finger. We measured the physical response to repetitions of bi-directional ramp-and-hold rotational perturbations for 81 combinations of static and dynamic fusimotor drives, across four ramp velocities, and three levels of constant cortical drive to the α-motor neuron pool. Main results. We found that this system produced responses compatible with the physiological literature. Fusimotor and cortical drives had nonlinear effects on the reflex forces. In particular, only cortical drive affected the sensitivity of reflex forces to static fusimotor drive. In contrast, both static fusimotor and cortical drives reduced the sensitivity to dynamic fusimotor drive. Interestingly, realistic signal-dependent motor noise emerged naturally in our system without having been explicitly modeled. Significance. We demonstrate that these fundamental features of spinal afferentation sufficed to produce muscle function. As such, our Neuro-mechano-morphic system is a viable platform to study the spinal mechanisms for healthy muscle function—and its pathologies such as dystonia and spasticity. In addition, it is a working prototype of a robust biomorphic controller for compliant robotic limbs and exoskeletons.

  2. Teen drivers' awareness of vehicle instrumentation in naturalistic research.

    PubMed

    Ehsani, J P; Haynie, D; Ouimet, M C; Zhu, C; Guillaume, C; Klauer, S G; Dingus, T; Simons-Morton, B G

    2017-12-01

    Naturalistic driving methods require the installation of instruments and cameras in vehicles to record driving behavior. A critical, yet unexamined issue in naturalistic driving research is the extent to which the vehicle instruments and cameras used for naturalistic methods change human behavior. We sought to describe the degree to which teenage participants' self-reported awareness of vehicle instrumentation changes over time, and whether that awareness was associated with driving behaviors. Forty-two newly-licensed teenage drivers participated in an 18-month naturalistic driving study. Data on driving behaviors including crash/near-crashes and elevated gravitational force (g-force) events rates were collected over the study period. At the end of the study, participants were asked to rate the extent to which they were aware of instruments in the vehicle at four time points. They were also asked to describe their own and their passengers' perceptions of the instrumentation in the vehicle during an in-depth interview. The number of critical event button presses was used as a secondary measure of camera awareness. The association between self-reported awareness of the instrumentation and objectively measured driving behaviors was tested using correlations and linear mixed models. Most participants' reported that their awareness of vehicle instrumentation declined across the duration of the 18-month study. Their awareness increased in response to their passengers' concerns about the cameras or if they were involved in a crash. The number of the critical event button presses was initially high and declined rapidly. There was no correlation between driver's awareness of instrumentation and their crash and near-crash rate or elevated g-force events rate. Awareness was not associated with crash and near-crash rates or elevated g-force event rates, consistent with having no effect on this measure of driving performance. Naturalistic driving studies are likely to yield valid measurements of driving behavior. Copyright © 2017 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Neuromorphic Meets Neuromechanics, Part II: The Role of Fusimotor Drive

    PubMed Central

    Jalaleddini, Kian; Minos Niu, Chuanxin; Chakravarthi Raja, Suraj; Joon Sohn, Won; Loeb, Gerald E.; Sanger, Terence D.; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J.

    2017-01-01

    Objective We studied the fundamentals of muscle afferentation by building a neuro-mechano-morphic system actuating a cadaveric finger. This system is a faithful implementation of the stretch reflex circuitry. It allowed the systematic exploration of the effects of different fusimotor drives to the muscle spindle on the closed-loop stretch reflex response. Approach As in Part I of this work, sensory neurons conveyed proprioceptive information from muscle spindles (with static and dynamic fusimotor drive) to populations of α-motor neurons (with recruitment and rate coding properties). The motor commands were transformed into tendon forces by a Hill-type muscle model (with activation-contraction dynamics) via brushless DC motors. Two independent afferented muscles emulated the forces of flexor digitorum profundus and the extensor indicis proprius muscles, forming an antagonist pair at the metacarpophalangeal joint of a cadaveric index finger. We measured the physical response to repetitions of bidirectional ramp-and-hold rotational perturbations for 81 combinations of static and dynamic fusimotor drives, across four ramp velocities, and three levels of constant cortical drive to the α-motor neuron pool. Results We found that this system produced responses compatible with the physiological literature. Fusimotor and cortical drives had nonlinear effects on the reflex forces. In particular, only cortical drive affected the sensitivity of reflex forces to static fusimotor drive. In contrast, both static fusimotor and cortical drives reduced the sensitivity to dynamic fusimotor drive. Interestingly, realistic signal-dependent motor noise emerged naturally in our system without having been explicitly modeled. Significance We demonstrate that these fundamental features of spinal afferentation sufficed to produce muscle function. As such, our neuro-mechano-morphic system is a viable platform to study the spinal mechanisms for healthy muscle function — and its pathologies such as dystonia and spasticity. In addition, it is a working prototype of a robust biomorphic controller for compliant robotic limbs and exoskeletons. PMID:28094764

  4. Characteristics of secondary migration driving force of tight oil and its geologic effect: a case study of Jurassic in Central Sichuan Basin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pang, Zhenglian; Tao, Shizhen; Zhang, Bin; Wu, Songtao; Yang, Jiajing; Chen, Ruiyin

    2017-04-01

    As the rising of its production, tight oil is becoming more and more important. Much research has been done about it. Some articles mention that buoyancy is ineffective for tight oil secondary migration, and abnormal pressure is the alternative. Others believe that overpressure caused hydrocarbon generation is the very force. Though opinions have been given, there are two inadequacies. Firstly, the points are lack of sufficient evidences. Mostly, they are only one or two sentences in the papers. Secondly, geologic effect of the change of driving force hasn't been discussed. In this context, analog experiments, physical property testing, mercury injection, and oil/source comparison were utilized to study 3 issues: origin and value of tight oil secondary migration resistance, values and effectiveness of different potential driving forces, and geologic effect of tight oil secondary migration driving force. Firstly, resistance values of tight reservoir were detected by analog experiments. The value of tight limestone is 15.8MPa, while tight sandstone is 10.7MPa. Tiny size of pores and throats in tight reservoir is the main reason causing huge resistances. Over 90% of pores and throats in tight reservoir are smaller than 1μm. They form huge capillary force when oil migrating through them. Secondly, maximum of buoyancy in study area was confirmed, 0.09MPa, too small to overcome the resistances. Meanwhile, production data suggests that tight oil distribution pattern is not controlled by buoyancy. Conversely, analog experiment proves that overpressure caused by hydrocarbon generation can reach 38MPa, large enough to be the driving force. This idea is also supported by positive correlation between output and source rock formation pressure. Thirdly, is the geologic effect of tight oil secondary migration resistance and driving force. Tight oil can migrate only as non-darcy flow due to huge resistances according to percolation experiments. It needs to overcome the starting pressure gradient. As a result, it migrated a much shorter distance compared with conventional petroleum, coincident with the result of oil/source comparison. The effect of driving force is that boundary of tight oil profitable area is controlled by source rock. This boundary in the study area is the line of hydrocarbon generating strength of 40×104t/km2. By confirming controlling factors of tight oil formation and their evaluation index, it is of great significance during tight oil exploration.

  5. Challenges in constraining anthropogenic aerosol effects on cloud radiative forcing using present-day spatiotemporal variability.

    PubMed

    Ghan, Steven; Wang, Minghuai; Zhang, Shipeng; Ferrachat, Sylvaine; Gettelman, Andrew; Griesfeller, Jan; Kipling, Zak; Lohmann, Ulrike; Morrison, Hugh; Neubauer, David; Partridge, Daniel G; Stier, Philip; Takemura, Toshihiko; Wang, Hailong; Zhang, Kai

    2016-05-24

    A large number of processes are involved in the chain from emissions of aerosol precursor gases and primary particles to impacts on cloud radiative forcing. Those processes are manifest in a number of relationships that can be expressed as factors dlnX/dlnY driving aerosol effects on cloud radiative forcing. These factors include the relationships between cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration and emissions, droplet number and CCN concentration, cloud fraction and droplet number, cloud optical depth and droplet number, and cloud radiative forcing and cloud optical depth. The relationship between cloud optical depth and droplet number can be further decomposed into the sum of two terms involving the relationship of droplet effective radius and cloud liquid water path with droplet number. These relationships can be constrained using observations of recent spatial and temporal variability of these quantities. However, we are most interested in the radiative forcing since the preindustrial era. Because few relevant measurements are available from that era, relationships from recent variability have been assumed to be applicable to the preindustrial to present-day change. Our analysis of Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models (AeroCom) model simulations suggests that estimates of relationships from recent variability are poor constraints on relationships from anthropogenic change for some terms, with even the sign of some relationships differing in many regions. Proxies connecting recent spatial/temporal variability to anthropogenic change, or sustained measurements in regions where emissions have changed, are needed to constrain estimates of anthropogenic aerosol impacts on cloud radiative forcing.

  6. Challenges in constraining anthropogenic aerosol effects on cloud radiative forcing using present-day spatiotemporal variability

    PubMed Central

    Ghan, Steven; Wang, Minghuai; Zhang, Shipeng; Ferrachat, Sylvaine; Gettelman, Andrew; Griesfeller, Jan; Kipling, Zak; Lohmann, Ulrike; Morrison, Hugh; Neubauer, David; Partridge, Daniel G.; Stier, Philip; Takemura, Toshihiko; Wang, Hailong; Zhang, Kai

    2016-01-01

    A large number of processes are involved in the chain from emissions of aerosol precursor gases and primary particles to impacts on cloud radiative forcing. Those processes are manifest in a number of relationships that can be expressed as factors dlnX/dlnY driving aerosol effects on cloud radiative forcing. These factors include the relationships between cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration and emissions, droplet number and CCN concentration, cloud fraction and droplet number, cloud optical depth and droplet number, and cloud radiative forcing and cloud optical depth. The relationship between cloud optical depth and droplet number can be further decomposed into the sum of two terms involving the relationship of droplet effective radius and cloud liquid water path with droplet number. These relationships can be constrained using observations of recent spatial and temporal variability of these quantities. However, we are most interested in the radiative forcing since the preindustrial era. Because few relevant measurements are available from that era, relationships from recent variability have been assumed to be applicable to the preindustrial to present-day change. Our analysis of Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models (AeroCom) model simulations suggests that estimates of relationships from recent variability are poor constraints on relationships from anthropogenic change for some terms, with even the sign of some relationships differing in many regions. Proxies connecting recent spatial/temporal variability to anthropogenic change, or sustained measurements in regions where emissions have changed, are needed to constrain estimates of anthropogenic aerosol impacts on cloud radiative forcing. PMID:26921324

  7. Sodium triflate decreases interaggregate repulsion and induces phase separation in cationic micelles.

    PubMed

    Lima, Filipe S; Cuccovia, Iolanda M; Buchner, Richard; Antunes, Filipe E; Lindman, Björn; Miguel, Maria G; Horinek, Dominik; Chaimovich, Hernan

    2015-03-10

    Dodecyltrimethylammonium triflate (DTATf) micelles possess lower degree of counterion dissociation (α), lower hydration, and higher packing of monomers than other micelles of similar structure. Addition of sodium triflate ([NaTf] > 0.05 M) to DTATf solutions promotes phase separation. This phenomenon is commonly observed in oppositely charged surfactant mixtures, but it is rare for ionic surfactants and relatively simple counterions. While the properties of DTATf have already been reported, the driving forces for the observed phase separation with added salt remain unclear. Thus, we propose an interpretation for the observed phase separation in cationic surfactant solutions. Addition of up to 0.03 M NaTf to micellar DTATf solutions led to a limited increase of the aggregation number, to interface dehydration, and to a progressive decrease in α. The viscosity of DTATf solutions of higher concentration ([DTATf] ≥ 0.06 M) reached a maximum with increasing [NaTf], though the aggregation number slightly increased, and no shape change occurred. We hypothesize that this maximum results from a decrease in interaggregate repulsion, as a consequence of increased ion binding. This reduction in micellar repulsion without simultaneous infinite micellar growth is, probably, the major driving force for phase separation at higher [NaTf].

  8. Visualizing driving forces of spatially extended systems using the recurrence plot framework

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riedl, Maik; Marwan, Norbert; Kurths, Jürgen

    2017-12-01

    The increasing availability of highly resolved spatio-temporal data leads to new opportunities as well as challenges in many scientific disciplines such as climatology, ecology or epidemiology. This allows more detailed insights into the investigated spatially extended systems. However, this development needs advanced techniques of data analysis which go beyond standard linear tools since the more precise consideration often reveals nonlinear phenomena, for example threshold effects. One of these tools is the recurrence plot approach which has been successfully applied to the description of complex systems. Using this technique's power of visualization, we propose the analysis of the local minima of the underlying distance matrix in order to display driving forces of spatially extended systems. The potential of this novel idea is demonstrated by the analysis of the chlorophyll concentration and the sea surface temperature in the Southern California Bight. We are able not only to confirm the influence of El Niño events on the phytoplankton growth in this region but also to confirm two discussed regime shifts in the California current system. This new finding underlines the power of the proposed approach and promises new insights into other complex systems.

  9. Gradient elution behavior of proteins in hydrophobic interaction chromatography with U-shaped retention factor curves.

    PubMed

    Creasy, Arch; Lomino, Joseph; Barker, Gregory; Khetan, Anurag; Carta, Giorgio

    2018-04-27

    Protein retention in hydrophobic interaction chromatography is described by the solvophobic theory as a function of the kosmostropic salt concentration. In general, an increase in salt concentration drives protein partitioning to the hydrophobic surface while a decrease reduces it. In some cases, however, protein retention also increases at low salt concentrations resulting in a U-shaped retention factor curve. During gradient elution the salt concentration is gradually decreased from a high value thereby reducing the retention factor and increasing the protein chromatographic velocity. For these conditions, a steep gradient can overtake the protein in the column, causing it to rebind. Two dynamic models, one based on the local equilibrium theory and the other based on the linear driving force approximation, are presented. We show that the normalized gradient slope determines whether the protein elutes in the gradient, partially elutes, or is trapped in the column. Experimental results are presented for two different monoclonal antibodies and for lysozyme on Capto Phenyl (High Sub) resin. One of the mAbs and lysozyme exhibit U-shaped retention factor curves and for each, we determine the critical gradient slope beyond which 100% recovery is no longer possible. Elution with a reverse gradient is also demonstrated at low salt concentrations for these proteins. Understanding this behavior has implications in the design of gradient elution since the gradient slope impacts protein recovery. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Lattice Boltzmann simulation of shear-induced particle migration in plane Couette-Poiseuille flow: Local ordering of suspension

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chun, Byoungjin; Kwon, Ilyoung; Jung, Hyun Wook; Hyun, Jae Chun

    2017-12-01

    The shear-induced migration of concentrated non-Brownian monodisperse suspensions in combined plane Couette-Poiseuille (C-P) flows is studied using a lattice Boltzmann simulation. The simulations are mainly performed for a particle volume fraction of ϕbulk = 0.4 and H/a = 44.3, 23.3, where H and a denote the channel height and radius of suspended particles, respectively. The simulation method is validated in two simple flows, plane Poiseuille and plane Couette flows. In the Poiseuille flow, particles migrate to the mid-plane of the channel where the local concentration is close to the limit of random-close-packing, and a random structure is also observed at the plane. In the Couette flow, the particle distribution remains in the initial uniform distribution. In the combined C-P flows, the behaviors of migration are categorized into three groups, namely, Poiseuille-dominant, Couette-dominant, and intermediate regimes, based on the value of a characteristic force, G, where G denotes the relative magnitude of the body force (P) against the wall-driving force (C). With respect to the Poiseuille-dominant regime, the location of the maximum concentration is shifted from the mid-plane to the lower wall moving in the same direction as the external body force, when G decreases. With respect to the Couette-dominant regime, the behavior is similar to that of a simple shear flow with the exception that a slightly higher concentration of particles is observed near the lower wall. However, with respect to the intermediate value of G, several layers of highly ordered particles are unexpectedly observed near the lower wall where the plane of maximum concentration is located. The locally ordered structure is mainly due to the lateral migration of particles and wall confinement. The suspended particles migrate toward a vanishingly small shear rate at the wall, and they are consequently layered into highly ordered two-dimensional structures at the high local volume fraction.

  11. Water-assisted growth of graphene-carbon nanotube hybrids in plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tewari, Aarti; Ghosh, Santanu; Srivastava, Pankaj

    2018-04-01

    The enhanced growth of graphene-carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrids in a hydrocarbon and hydrogen plasma assisted by water is numerically formulated. The catalyst activity and agglomeration of catalyst particles are the rate determining factors in the growth of hybrids and their constituents, i.e., the CNT and graphene. The water vapor concentration is varied to investigate its effect on the growth process. The enhanced catalyst activity on account of oxidation by hydroxyl ions of water to impede the agglomeration of catalyst particles and the removal of amorphous carbon through etching by hydrogen ions of water are seen to be the main driving forces behind the many fold increase in the dimensions of constituent nanostructures and the hybrids with water vapor concentration. Importantly, beyond a certain specific water vapor concentration, the growth rates dropped due to active oxidation of the catalyst particle.

  12. New Equation for Prediction of Martensite Start Temperature in High Carbon Ferrous Alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Jihye; Shim, Jae-Hyeok; Lee, Seok-Jae

    2018-02-01

    Since previous equations fail to predict M S temperature of high carbon ferrous alloys, we first propose an equation for prediction of M S temperature of ferrous alloys containing > 2 wt pct C. The presence of carbides (Fe3C and Cr-rich M 7C3) is thermodynamically considered to estimate the C concentration in austenite. Especially, equations individually specialized for lean and high Cr alloys very accurately reproduce experimental results. The chemical driving force for martensitic transformation is quantitatively analyzed based on the calculation of T 0 temperature.

  13. High reliability linear drive device for artificial hearts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ji, Jinghua; Zhao, Wenxiang; Liu, Guohai; Shen, Yue; Wang, Fangqun

    2012-04-01

    In this paper, a new high reliability linear drive device, termed as stator-permanent-magnet tubular oscillating actuator (SPM-TOA), is proposed for artificial hearts (AHs). The key is to incorporate the concept of two independent phases into this linear AH device, hence achieving high reliability operation. The fault-tolerant teeth are employed to provide the desired decoupling phases in magnetic circuit. Also, as the magnets and the coils are located in the stator, the proposed SPM-TOA takes the definite advantages of robust mover and direct-drive capability. By using the time-stepping finite element method, the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed SPM-TOA are analyzed, including magnetic field distributions, flux linkages, back- electromotive forces (back-EMFs) self- and mutual inductances, as well as cogging and thrust forces. The results confirm that the proposed SPM-TOA meets the dimension, weight, and force requirements of the AH drive device.

  14. Improved motors for utility applications: Volume 6, Squirrel-cage rotor analysis: Final report

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

    Griffith, J.W.; McCoy, R.M.

    1986-11-01

    An analysis of squirrel cage induction motor rotors was undertaken in response to an Industry Assessment Study finding 10% of motor failures to be rotor related. The analysis focuses on evaluating rotor design life. The evaluation combines state-of-the-art electromagnetic, thermal, and structural solution techniques into an integrated analysis and presents a simple summary. Finite element techniques are central tools in the analysis. The analysis is applied to a specific forced draft fan drive design. Fans as a category of application have a higher failure rate than other categories of power station auxiliary motor applications. Forced-draft fan drives are one ofmore » the major fan drives which accelerate a relatively high value of rotor load inertia. Various starting and operating conditions are studied for this forced-draft fan drive motor including a representative application duty cycle.« less

  15. Haptic device for telerobotic surgery

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

    Salisbury, Curt; Salisbury, Jr., J. Kenneth

    A haptic device for telerobotic surgery, including a base; a linkage system having first and second linkage members coupled to the base; a motor that provides a motor force; a transmission including first and second driving pulleys arranged such that their faces form an angle and their axes form a plane, first and second idler pulleys offset from the plane and arranged between the first and second driving pulleys such that their axes divide the angle between the first and second driving pulleys, and a cable that traverses the first and second driving pulleys and the set of idler pulleysmore » and transfers the motor force to the linkage system; an end effector coupled to distal ends of the first and second linkage members and maneuverable relative to the base; and a controller that modulates the motor force to simulate a body part at a point portion of the end effector.« less

  16. Bifurcation, chaos, and scan instability in dynamic atomic force microscopy

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

    Cantrell, John H., E-mail: john.h.cantrell@nasa.gov; Cantrell, Sean A., E-mail: scantrell@nlsanalytics.com

    The dynamical motion at any point on the cantilever of an atomic force microscope can be expressed quite generally as a superposition of simple harmonic oscillators corresponding to the vibrational modes allowed by the cantilever shape. Central to the dynamical equations is the representation of the cantilever-sample interaction force as a polynomial expansion with coefficients that account for the interaction force “stiffness,” the cantilever-to-sample energy transfer, and the displacement amplitude of cantilever oscillation. Renormalization of the cantilever beam model shows that for a given cantilever drive frequency cantilever dynamics can be accurately represented by a single nonlinear mass-spring model withmore » frequency-dependent stiffness and damping coefficients [S. A. Cantrell and J. H. Cantrell, J. Appl. Phys. 110, 094314 (2011)]. Application of the Melnikov method to the renormalized dynamical equation is shown to predict a cascade of period doubling bifurcations with increasing cantilever drive force that terminates in chaos. The threshold value of the drive force necessary to initiate bifurcation is shown to depend strongly on the cantilever setpoint and drive frequency, effective damping coefficient, nonlinearity of the cantilever-sample interaction force, and the displacement amplitude of cantilever oscillation. The model predicts the experimentally observed interruptions of the bifurcation cascade for cantilevers of sufficiently large stiffness. Operational factors leading to the loss of image quality in dynamic atomic force microscopy are addressed, and guidelines for optimizing scan stability are proposed using a quantitative analysis based on system dynamical parameters and choice of feedback loop parameter.« less

  17. Current kinematics and dynamics of Africa and the East African Rift System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stamps, D. S.; Flesch, L. M.; Calais, E.; Ghosh, A.

    2014-06-01

    Although the East African Rift System (EARS) is an archetype continental rift, the forces driving its evolution remain debated. Some contend buoyancy forces arising from gravitational potential energy (GPE) gradients within the lithosphere drive rifting. Others argue for a major role of the diverging mantle flow associated with the African Superplume. Here we quantify the forces driving present-day continental rifting in East Africa by (1) solving the depth averaged 3-D force balance equations for 3-D deviatoric stress associated with GPE, (2) inverting for a stress field boundary condition that we interpret as originating from large-scale mantle tractions, (3) calculating dynamic velocities due to lithospheric buoyancy forces, lateral viscosity variations, and velocity boundary conditions, and (4) calculating dynamic velocities that result from the stress response of horizontal mantle tractions acting on a viscous lithosphere in Africa and surroundings. We find deviatoric stress associated with lithospheric GPE gradients are ˜8-20 MPa in EARS, and the minimum deviatoric stress resulting from basal shear is ˜1.6 MPa along the EARS. Our dynamic velocity calculations confirm that a force contribution from GPE gradients alone is sufficient to drive Nubia-Somalia divergence and that additional forcing from horizontal mantle tractions overestimates surface kinematics. Stresses from GPE gradients appear sufficient to sustain present-day rifting in East Africa; however, they are lower than the vertically integrated strength of the lithosphere along most of the EARS. This indicates additional processes are required to initiate rupture of continental lithosphere, but once it is initiated, lithospheric buoyancy forces are enough to maintain rifting.

  18. Skill Needs and Human Resources Development in the Emerging Field of Nanotechnology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yawson, Robert Mayfield

    2010-01-01

    Strong societal requirements and consumer acceptance are the driving force of nanotechnology development. The necessity for qualified experts and strong demand on education in the multi-, trans- and interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology is a logical consequence of this driving force. There is the need for a comprehensive national…

  19. Simulations of the kinematic dynamo onset of spherical Couette flows with smooth and rough boundaries.

    PubMed

    Finke, K; Tilgner, A

    2012-07-01

    We study numerically the dynamo transition of an incompressible electrically conducting fluid filling the gap between two concentric spheres. In a first series of simulations, the fluid is driven by the rotation of a smooth inner sphere through no-slip boundary conditions, whereas the outer sphere is stationary. In a second series a volume force intended to simulate a rough surface drives the fluid next to the inner sphere within a layer of thickness one-tenth of the gap width. We investigate the effect of the boundary layer thickness on the dynamo threshold in the turbulent regime. The simulations show that the boundary forcing simulating the rough surface lowers the necessary rotation rate, which may help to improve spherical dynamo experiments.

  20. Self-induced pinning of vortices in the presence of ac driving force in magnetic superconductors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bulaevskii, Lev N.; Lin, Shi-Zeng

    2012-12-01

    We derive the response of the magnetic superconductors in the vortex state to the ac Lorentz force, FL(t)=Facsin(ωt), taking into account the interaction of vortices with the magnetic moments described by the relaxation dynamics (polaronic effect). At low amplitudes of the driving force Fac the dissipation in the system is suppressed due to the enhancement of the effective viscosity at low frequencies and due to formation of the magnetic pinning at high frequencies ω. In the adiabatic limit with low frequencies ω and high amplitude of the driving force Fac, the vortex and magnetic polarization form a vortex polaron when FL(t) is small. When FL increases, the vortex polaron accelerates and at a threshold driving force, the vortex polaron dissociates and the motion of vortex and the relaxation of magnetization are decoupled. When FL decreases, the vortex is retrapped by the background of remnant magnetization and they again form vortex polaron. This process repeats when FL(t) increases in the opposite direction. Remarkably, after dissociation, decoupled vortices move in the periodic potential induced by magnetization which remains for some periods of time due to retardation after the decoupling. At this stage vortices oscillate with high frequencies determined by the Lorentz force at the moment of dissociation. We derive also the creep rate of vortices and show that magnetic moments suppress creep rate.

  1. Driving Chemical Reactions in Plasmonic Nanogaps with Electrohydrodynamic Flow.

    PubMed

    Thrift, William J; Nguyen, Cuong Q; Darvishzadeh-Varcheie, Mahsa; Zare, Siavash; Sharac, Nicholas; Sanderson, Robert N; Dupper, Torin J; Hochbaum, Allon I; Capolino, Filippo; Abdolhosseini Qomi, Mohammad Javad; Ragan, Regina

    2017-11-28

    Nanoparticles from colloidal solution-with controlled composition, size, and shape-serve as excellent building blocks for plasmonic devices and metasurfaces. However, understanding hierarchical driving forces affecting the geometry of oligomers and interparticle gap spacings is still needed to fabricate high-density architectures over large areas. Here, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow is used as a long-range driving force to enable carbodiimide cross-linking between nanospheres and produces oligomers exhibiting sub-nanometer gap spacing over mm 2 areas. Anhydride linkers between nanospheres are observed via surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The anhydride linkers are cleavable via nucleophilic substitution and enable placement of nucleophilic molecules in electromagnetic hotspots. Atomistic simulations elucidate that the transient attractive force provided by EHD flow is needed to provide a sufficient residence time for anhydride cross-linking to overcome slow reaction kinetics. This synergistic analysis shows assembly involves an interplay between long-range driving forces increasing nanoparticle-nanoparticle interactions and probability that ligands are in proximity to overcome activation energy barriers associated with short-range chemical reactions. Absorption spectroscopy and electromagnetic full-wave simulations show that variations in nanogap spacing have a greater influence on optical response than variations in close-packed oligomer geometry. The EHD flow-anhydride cross-linking assembly method enables close-packed oligomers with uniform gap spacings that produce uniform SERS enhancement factors. These results demonstrate the efficacy of colloidal driving forces to selectively enable chemical reactions leading to future assembly platforms for large-area nanodevices.

  2. Effect of particle-particle interactions on the acoustic radiation force in an ultrasonic standing wave

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lipkens, Bart; Ilinskii, Yurii A.; Zabolotskaya, Evgenia A.

    2015-10-01

    Ultrasonic standing waves are widely used for separation applications. In MEMS applications, a half wavelength standing wave field is generated perpendicular to a laminar flow. The acoustic radiation force exerted on the particle drives the particle to the center of the MEMS channel, where concentrated particles are harvested. In macro-scale applications, the ultrasonic standing wave spans multiple wavelengths. Examples of such applications are oil/water emulsion splitting [1], and blood/lipid separation [2]. In macro-scale applications, particles are typically trapped in the standing wave, resulting in clumping or coalescence of particles/droplets. Subsequent gravitational settling results in separation of the secondary phase. An often used expression for the radiation force on a particle is that derived by Gorkov [3]. The assumptions are that the particle size is small relative to the wavelength, and therefore, only monopole and dipole scattering contributions are used to calculate the radiation force. This framework seems satisfactory for MEMS scale applications where each particle is treated separately by the standing wave, and concentrations are typically low. In macro-scale applications, particle concentration is high, and particle clumping or droplet coalescence results in particle sizes not necessarily small relative to the wavelength. Ilinskii et al. developed a framework for calculation of the acoustic radiation force valid for any size particle [4]. However, this model does not take into account particle to particle effects, which can become important as particle concentration increases. It is known that an acoustic radiation force on a particle or a droplet is determined by the local field. An acoustic radiation force expression is developed that includes the effect of particle to particle interaction. The case of two neighboring particles is considered. The approach is based on sound scattering by the particles. The acoustic field at the location of one particle then consists of two components, the incident sound wave and the scattered field generated by the neighboring particle. The radiation force calculation then includes the contributions of these two fields and incorporates the mutual particle influence. In this investigation the droplet/particle influence on each other has been analyzed theoretically by using the method developed by Gorkov and modified by Ilinskii et al.

  3. Effect of particle-particle interactions on the acoustic radiation force in an ultrasonic standing wave

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

    Lipkens, Bart, E-mail: blipkens@wne.edu; Ilinskii, Yurii A., E-mail: ilinskii@gmail.com; Zabolotskaya, Evgenia A., E-mail: zheniazabolotskaya@gmail.com

    Ultrasonic standing waves are widely used for separation applications. In MEMS applications, a half wavelength standing wave field is generated perpendicular to a laminar flow. The acoustic radiation force exerted on the particle drives the particle to the center of the MEMS channel, where concentrated particles are harvested. In macro-scale applications, the ultrasonic standing wave spans multiple wavelengths. Examples of such applications are oil/water emulsion splitting [1], and blood/lipid separation [2]. In macro-scale applications, particles are typically trapped in the standing wave, resulting in clumping or coalescence of particles/droplets. Subsequent gravitational settling results in separation of the secondary phase. Anmore » often used expression for the radiation force on a particle is that derived by Gorkov [3]. The assumptions are that the particle size is small relative to the wavelength, and therefore, only monopole and dipole scattering contributions are used to calculate the radiation force. This framework seems satisfactory for MEMS scale applications where each particle is treated separately by the standing wave, and concentrations are typically low. In macro-scale applications, particle concentration is high, and particle clumping or droplet coalescence results in particle sizes not necessarily small relative to the wavelength. Ilinskii et al. developed a framework for calculation of the acoustic radiation force valid for any size particle [4]. However, this model does not take into account particle to particle effects, which can become important as particle concentration increases. It is known that an acoustic radiation force on a particle or a droplet is determined by the local field. An acoustic radiation force expression is developed that includes the effect of particle to particle interaction. The case of two neighboring particles is considered. The approach is based on sound scattering by the particles. The acoustic field at the location of one particle then consists of two components, the incident sound wave and the scattered field generated by the neighboring particle. The radiation force calculation then includes the contributions of these two fields and incorporates the mutual particle influence. In this investigation the droplet/particle influence on each other has been analyzed theoretically by using the method developed by Gorkov and modified by Ilinskii et al.« less

  4. Ratchet baryogenesis and an analogy with the forced pendulum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bamba, Kazuharu; Barrie, Neil D.; Sugamoto, Akio; Takeuchi, Tatsu; Yamashita, Kimiko

    2018-06-01

    A new scenario of baryogenesis via the ratchet mechanism is proposed based on an analogy with the forced pendulum. The oscillation of the inflaton field during the reheating epoch after inflation plays the role of the driving force, while the phase 𝜃 of a scalar baryon field (a complex scalar field with baryon number) plays the role of the angle of the pendulum. When the inflaton is coupled to the scalar baryon, the behavior of the phase 𝜃 can be analogous to that of the angle of the forced pendulum. If the oscillation of the driving force is adjusted to the pendulum’s motion, a directed rotation of the pendulum is obtained with a nonvanishing value of 𝜃˙, which models successful baryogenesis since 𝜃˙ is proportional to the baryon number density. Similar ratchet models which lead to directed motion have been used in the study of molecular motors in biology. There, the driving force is supplied by chemical reactions, while in our scenario this role is played by the inflaton during the reheating epoch.

  5. Analysis of electrolyte transport through charged nanopores.

    PubMed

    Peters, P B; van Roij, R; Bazant, M Z; Biesheuvel, P M

    2016-05-01

    We revisit the classical problem of flow of electrolyte solutions through charged capillary nanopores or nanotubes as described by the capillary pore model (also called "space charge" theory). This theory assumes very long and thin pores and uses a one-dimensional flux-force formalism which relates fluxes (electrical current, salt flux, and fluid velocity) and driving forces (difference in electric potential, salt concentration, and pressure). We analyze the general case with overlapping electric double layers in the pore and a nonzero axial salt concentration gradient. The 3×3 matrix relating these quantities exhibits Onsager symmetry and we report a significant new simplification for the diagonal element relating axial salt flux to the gradient in chemical potential. We prove that Onsager symmetry is preserved under changes of variables, which we illustrate by transformation to a different flux-force matrix given by Gross and Osterle [J. Chem. Phys. 49, 228 (1968)JCPSA60021-960610.1063/1.1669814]. The capillary pore model is well suited to describe the nonlinear response of charged membranes or nanofluidic devices for electrokinetic energy conversion and water desalination, as long as the transverse ion profiles remain in local quasiequilibrium. As an example, we evaluate electrical power production from a salt concentration difference by reverse electrodialysis, using an efficiency versus power diagram. We show that since the capillary pore model allows for axial gradients in salt concentration, partial loops in current, salt flux, or fluid flow can develop in the pore. Predictions for macroscopic transport properties using a reduced model, where the potential and concentration are assumed to be invariant with radial coordinate ("uniform potential" or "fine capillary pore" model), are close to results of the full model.

  6. Polarization-dependent force driving the Eg mode in bismuth under optical excitation: comparison of first-principles theory with ultra-fast x-ray experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fahy, Stephen; Murray, Eamonn

    2015-03-01

    Using first principles electronic structure methods, we calculate the induced force on the Eg (zone centre transverse optical) phonon mode in bismuth immediately after absorption of a ultrafast pulse of polarized light. To compare the results with recent ultra-fast, time-resolved x-ray diffraction experiments, we include the decay of the force due to carrier scattering, as measured in optical Raman scattering experiments, and simulate the optical absorption process, depth-dependent atomic driving forces, and x-ray diffraction in the experimental geometry. We find excellent agreement between the theoretical predictions and the observed oscillations of the x-ray diffraction signal, indicating that first-principles theory of optical absorption is well suited to the calculation of initial atomic driving forces in photo-excited materials following ultrafast excitation. This work is supported by Science Foundation Ireland (Grant No. 12/IA/1601) and EU Commission under the Marie Curie Incoming International Fellowships (Grant No. PIIF-GA-2012-329695).

  7. Polymer translocation under time-dependent driving forces: resonant activation induced by attractive polymer-pore interactions.

    PubMed

    Ikonen, Timo; Shin, Jaeoh; Sung, Wokyung; Ala-Nissila, Tapio

    2012-05-28

    We study the driven translocation of polymers under time-dependent driving forces using N-particle Langevin dynamics simulations. We consider the force to be either sinusoidally oscillating in time or dichotomic noise with exponential correlation time, to mimic both plausible experimental setups and naturally occurring biological conditions. In addition, we consider both the case of purely repulsive polymer-pore interactions and the case with additional attractive polymer-pore interactions, typically occurring inside biological pores. We find that the nature of the interaction fundamentally affects the translocation dynamics. For the non-attractive pore, the translocation time crosses over to a fast translocation regime as the frequency of the driving force decreases. In the attractive pore case, because of a free energy well induced inside the pore, the translocation time can be a minimum at the optimal frequency of the force, the so-called resonant activation. In the latter case, we examine the effect of various physical parameters on the resonant activation, and explain our observations using simple theoretical arguments.

  8. Training Toddlers Seated on Mobile Robots to Steer Using Force-Feedback Joystick.

    PubMed

    Agrawal, S K; Xi Chen; Ragonesi, C; Galloway, J C

    2012-01-01

    The broader goal of our research is to train infants with special needs to safely and purposefully drive a mobile robot to explore the environment. The hypothesis is that these impaired infants will benefit from mobility in their early years and attain childhood milestones, similar to their healthy peers. In this paper, we present an algorithm and training method using a force-feedback joystick with an "assist-as-needed" paradigm for driving training. In this "assist-as-needed" approach, if the child steers the joystick outside a force tunnel centered on the desired direction, the driver experiences a bias force on the hand. We show results with a group study on typically developing toddlers that such a haptic guidance algorithm is superior to training with a conventional joystick. We also provide a case study on two special needs children, under three years old, who learn to make sharp turns during driving, when trained over a five-day period with the force-feedback joystick using the algorithm.

  9. Characterization of Intercalated Graphite Fibers for Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    electric charge to drive movement, eg. a micromirror . These two actuator types have different characteristics and apply dif- ferent forces. The thermal...actuators include micromirrors , comb drives, cantilevers and scratch drives. A scratch drive actuator uses an applied square wave voltage to operate, as

  10. On the driving force of PAH production

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Frenklach, Michael

    1989-01-01

    The kinetic factors affecting the production of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in high-temperature pyrolysis and combustion environments are analyzed. A lumped kinetic model representing polymerization-type growth by one irreversible step and two reversible steps is considered. It is shown that at high temperatures, PAH growth is controlled by the superequilibrium of hydrogen atoms; at low temperatures and low H2 concentrations, the PAH growth rate is proportional to the rate of the H-abstraction of a hydrogen atom from aromatic molecules; while at low temperatures and high H2 concentrations, it is controlled by the thermodynamics of the H-abstraction and the kinetics of acetylene addition to aromatic radicals. The presence of oxygen mainly affects the small-molecule reactions during the induction period.

  11. On the Sensitivity of Atmospheric Ensembles to Cloud Microphysics in Long-Term Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zeng, Xiping; Tao, Wei-Kuo; Lang, Stephen; Hou, Arthur Y.; Zhang, Minghua; Simpson, Joanne

    2008-01-01

    Month-long large-scale forcing data from two field campaigns are used to drive a cloud-resolving model (CRM) and produce ensemble simulations of clouds and precipitation. Observational data are then used to evaluate the model results. To improve the model results, a new parameterization of the Bergeron process is proposed that incorporates the number concentration of ice nuclei (IN). Numerical simulations reveal that atmospheric ensembles are sensitive to IN concentration and ice crystal multiplication. Two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) simulations are carried out to address the sensitivity of atmospheric ensembles to model dimensionality. It is found that the ensembles with high IN concentration are more sensitive to dimensionality than those with low IN concentration. Both the analytic solutions of linear dry models and the CRM output show that there are more convective cores with stronger updrafts in 3D simulations than in 2D, which explains the differing sensitivity of the ensembles to dimensionality at different IN concentrations.

  12. Estimation of Longitudinal Force and Sideslip Angle for Intelligent Four-Wheel Independent Drive Electric Vehicles by Observer Iteration and Information Fusion.

    PubMed

    Chen, Te; Chen, Long; Xu, Xing; Cai, Yingfeng; Jiang, Haobin; Sun, Xiaoqiang

    2018-04-20

    Exact estimation of longitudinal force and sideslip angle is important for lateral stability and path-following control of four-wheel independent driven electric vehicle. This paper presents an effective method for longitudinal force and sideslip angle estimation by observer iteration and information fusion for four-wheel independent drive electric vehicles. The electric driving wheel model is introduced into the vehicle modeling process and used for longitudinal force estimation, the longitudinal force reconstruction equation is obtained via model decoupling, the a Luenberger observer and high-order sliding mode observer are united for longitudinal force observer design, and the Kalman filter is applied to restrain the influence of noise. Via the estimated longitudinal force, an estimation strategy is then proposed based on observer iteration and information fusion, in which the Luenberger observer is applied to achieve the transcendental estimation utilizing less sensor measurements, the extended Kalman filter is used for a posteriori estimation with higher accuracy, and a fuzzy weight controller is used to enhance the adaptive ability of observer system. Simulations and experiments are carried out, and the effectiveness of proposed estimation method is verified.

  13. Estimation of Longitudinal Force and Sideslip Angle for Intelligent Four-Wheel Independent Drive Electric Vehicles by Observer Iteration and Information Fusion

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Long; Xu, Xing; Cai, Yingfeng; Jiang, Haobin; Sun, Xiaoqiang

    2018-01-01

    Exact estimation of longitudinal force and sideslip angle is important for lateral stability and path-following control of four-wheel independent driven electric vehicle. This paper presents an effective method for longitudinal force and sideslip angle estimation by observer iteration and information fusion for four-wheel independent drive electric vehicles. The electric driving wheel model is introduced into the vehicle modeling process and used for longitudinal force estimation, the longitudinal force reconstruction equation is obtained via model decoupling, the a Luenberger observer and high-order sliding mode observer are united for longitudinal force observer design, and the Kalman filter is applied to restrain the influence of noise. Via the estimated longitudinal force, an estimation strategy is then proposed based on observer iteration and information fusion, in which the Luenberger observer is applied to achieve the transcendental estimation utilizing less sensor measurements, the extended Kalman filter is used for a posteriori estimation with higher accuracy, and a fuzzy weight controller is used to enhance the adaptive ability of observer system. Simulations and experiments are carried out, and the effectiveness of proposed estimation method is verified. PMID:29677124

  14. Shapiro steps for skyrmion motion on a washboard potential with longitudinal and transverse ac drives

    DOE PAGES

    Reichhardt, Charles; Reichhardt, Cynthia Jane

    2015-12-28

    In this work, we numerically study the behavior of two-dimensional skyrmions in the presence of a quasi-one-dimensional sinusoidal substrate under the influence of externally applied dc and ac drives. In the overdamped limit, when both dc and ac drives are aligned in the longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of the substrate modulation, the velocity-force curves exhibit classic Shapiro step features when the frequency of the ac drive matches the washboard frequency that is dynamically generated by the motion of the skyrmions over the substrate, similar to previous observations in superconducting vortex systems. In the case of skyrmions, the additionalmore » contribution to the skyrmion motion from a nondissipative Magnus force shifts the location of the locking steps to higher dc drives, and we find that the skyrmions move at an angle with respect to the direction of the dc drive. For a longitudinal dc drive and a perpendicular or transverse ac drive, the overdamped system exhibits no Shapiro steps; however, when a finite Magnus force is present, we find pronounced transverse Shapiro steps along with complex two-dimensional periodic orbits of the skyrmions in the phase-locked regimes. Both the longitudinal and transverse ac drives produce locking steps whose widths oscillate with increasing ac drive amplitude. We examine the role of collective skyrmion interactions and find that additional fractional locking steps occur for both longitudinal and transverse ac drives. Finally, at higher skyrmion densities, the system undergoes a series of dynamical order-disorder transitions, with the skyrmions forming a moving solid on the phase locking steps and a fluctuating dynamical liquid in regimes between the steps.« less

  15. Light-Induced Pulling and Pushing by the Synergic Effect of Optical Force and Photophoretic Force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Jinsheng; Yang, Hangbo; Zhou, Lina; Yang, Yuanqing; Luo, Si; Li, Qiang; Qiu, Min

    2017-01-01

    Optical force, coming from momentum exchange during light-matter interactions, has been widely utilized to manipulate microscopic objects, though mostly in vacuum or in liquids. By contrast, due to the light-induced thermal effect, photophoretic force provides an alternative and effective way to transport light-absorbing particles in ambient gases. However, in most cases these forces work independently. Here, by employing the synergy of optical force and photophoretic force, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a configuration which can drive a micron-size metallic plate moving back and forth on a tapered fiber with supercontinuum light in ambient air. Optical pulling and oscillation of the metallic plate are experimentally realized. The results might open exhilarating possibilities in applications of optical driving and energy conversion.

  16. Dynamics and control of instrumented harmonic drives

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kazerooni, H.; Ellis, S. R. (Principal Investigator)

    1995-01-01

    Since torque in harmonic drives is transmitted by a pure couple, harmonic drives do not generate radial forces and therefore can be instrumented with torque sensors without interference from radial forces. The installation of torque sensors on the stationary component of harmonic drives (the Flexipline cup in this research work) produce backdrivability needed for robotic and telerobotic compliant maneuvers. Backdrivability of a harmonic drive, when used as torque increaser, means that the output shaft can be rotated via finite amount of torque. A high ratio harmonic drive is non-backdrivable because its output shaft cannot be turned by applying a torque on it. This article first develops the dynamic behavior of a harmonic drive, in particular the non-backdrivability, in terms of a sensitivity transfer function. The instrumentation of the harmonic drive with torque sensor is then described. This leads to a description of the control architecture which allows modulation of the sensitivity transfer function within the limits established by the closed-loop stability. A set of experiments on an active hand controller, powered by a DC motor coupled to an instrumented harmonic drive, is given to exhibit this method's limitations.

  17. An approach to improving transporting velocity in the long-range ultrasonic transportation of micro-particles

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

    Meng, Jianxin; Mei, Deqing, E-mail: meidq-127@zju.edu.cn; Yang, Keji

    2014-08-14

    In existing ultrasonic transportation methods, the long-range transportation of micro-particles is always realized in step-by-step way. Due to the substantial decrease of the driving force in each step, the transportation is lower-speed and stair-stepping. To improve the transporting velocity, a non-stepping ultrasonic transportation approach is proposed. By quantitatively analyzing the acoustic potential well, an optimal region is defined as the position, where the largest driving force is provided under the condition that the driving force is simultaneously the major component of an acoustic radiation force. To keep the micro-particle trapped in the optimal region during the whole transportation process, anmore » approach of optimizing the phase-shifting velocity and phase-shifting step is adopted. Due to the stable and large driving force, the displacement of the micro-particle is an approximately linear function of time, instead of a stair-stepping function of time as in the existing step-by-step methods. An experimental setup is also developed to validate this approach. Long-range ultrasonic transportations of zirconium beads with high transporting velocity were realized. The experimental results demonstrated that this approach is an effective way to improve transporting velocity in the long-range ultrasonic transportation of micro-particles.« less

  18. The nature of the laning transition in two dimensions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Glanz, T.; Löwen, H.

    2012-11-01

    If a binary colloidal mixture is oppositely driven by an external field, a transition towards a laned state occurs at sufficiently large drives, where particles driven alike form elongated structures (‘lanes’) characterized by a large correlation length ξ along the drive. Here we perform extensive Brownian dynamics computer simulations on a two-dimensional equimolar binary Yukawa system driven by a constant force that acts oppositely on the two species. We systematically address finite-size effects on lane formation by exploring large systems up to 262 144 particles under various boundary conditions. It is found that the correlation length ξ along the field depends exponentially on the driving force (or Peclet number). Conversely, in a finite system, ξ reaches a fraction of the system size at a driving force which is logarithmic in the system size, implying massive finite-size corrections. For a fixed finite drive, ξ does not diverge in the thermodynamic limit. Therefore, though laning has a signature as a sharp transition in a finite system, it is a smooth crossover in the thermodynamic limit.

  19. Testing thermal gradient driving force for grain boundary migration using molecular dynamics simulations

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

    Bai, Xian-Ming; Zhang, Yongfeng; Tonks, Michael R.

    2015-02-01

    Strong thermal gradients in low-thermal-conductivity ceramics may drive extended defects, such as grain boundaries and voids, to migrate in preferential directions. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to study thermal gradient driven grain boundary migration and to verify a previously proposed thermal gradient driving force equation, using uranium dioxide as a model system. It is found that a thermal gradient drives grain boundaries to migrate up the gradient and the migration velocity increases under a constant gradient owing to the increase in mobility with temperature. Different grain boundaries migrate at very different rates due to their different intrinsicmore » mobilities. The extracted mobilities from the thermal gradient driven simulations are compared with those calculated from two other well-established methods and good agreement between the three different methods is found, demonstrating that the theoretical equation of the thermal gradient driving force is valid, although a correction of one input parameter should be made. The discrepancy in the grain boundary mobilities between modeling and experiments is also discussed.« less

  20. Human grasp assist device and method of use

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Linn, Douglas Martin (Inventor); Ihrke, Chris A. (Inventor); Diftler, Myron A. (Inventor)

    2012-01-01

    A grasp assist device includes a glove portion having phalange rings, contact sensors for measuring a grasping force applied by an operator wearing the glove portion, and a tendon drive system (TDS). The device has flexible tendons connected to the phalange rings for moving the rings in response to feedback signals from the sensors. The TDS is connected to each of the tendons, and applies an augmenting tensile force thereto via a microcontroller adapted for determining the augmenting tensile force as a function of the grasping force. A method of augmenting a grasping force of an operator includes measuring the grasping force using the sensors, encoding the grasping force as the feedback signals, and calculating the augmenting tensile force as a function of the feedback signals using the microcontroller. The method includes energizing at least one actuator of a tendon drive system (TDS) to thereby apply the augmenting tensile force.

  1. Dynamo Induced by Time-periodic Force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wei, Xing

    2018-03-01

    To understand the dynamo driven by time-dependent flow, e.g., turbulence, we investigate numerically the dynamo induced by time-periodic force in rotating magnetohydrodynamic flow and focus on the effect of force frequency on the dynamo action. It is found that the dynamo action depends on the force frequency. When the force frequency is near resonance the force can drive dynamo, but when it is far away from resonance dynamo fails. In the frequency range near resonance to support dynamo, the force frequency at resonance induces a weak magnetic field and magnetic energy increases as the force frequency deviates from the resonant frequency. This is opposite to the intuition that a strong flow at resonance will induce a strong field. It is because magnetic field nonlinearly couples with fluid flow in the self-sustained dynamo and changes the resonance of driving force and inertial wave.

  2. 78 FR 42758 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-07-17

    ... aircraft, to include: Inlet/Fan Modules, Core Engine Modules, Rear Compressor Drive Turbines, Fan Drive...-PW-229 engines for the Hellenic Air Force F-16 aircraft, to include: Inlet/Fan Modules, Core Engine Modules, Rear Compressor Drive Turbines, Fan Drive Turbine Modules, Augmentor Duct and Nozzle Modules, and...

  3. Effects of 3D virtual haptics force feedback on brand personality perception: the mediating role of physical presence in advergames.

    PubMed

    Jin, Seung-A Annie

    2010-06-01

    This study gauged the effects of force feedback in the Novint Falcon haptics system on the sensory and cognitive dimensions of a virtual test-driving experience. First, in order to explore the effects of tactile stimuli with force feedback on users' sensory experience, feelings of physical presence (the extent to which virtual physical objects are experienced as actual physical objects) were measured after participants used the haptics interface. Second, to evaluate the effects of force feedback on the cognitive dimension of consumers' virtual experience, this study investigated brand personality perception. The experiment utilized the Novint Falcon haptics controller to induce immersive virtual test-driving through tactile stimuli. The author designed a two-group (haptics stimuli with force feedback versus no force feedback) comparison experiment (N = 238) by manipulating the level of force feedback. Users in the force feedback condition were exposed to tactile stimuli involving various force feedback effects (e.g., terrain effects, acceleration, and lateral forces) while test-driving a rally car. In contrast, users in the control condition test-drove the rally car using the Novint Falcon but were not given any force feedback. Results of ANOVAs indicated that (a) users exposed to force feedback felt stronger physical presence than those in the no force feedback condition, and (b) users exposed to haptics stimuli with force feedback perceived the brand personality of the car to be more rugged than those in the control condition. Managerial implications of the study for product trial in the business world are discussed.

  4. Regional Quality Assurance Activity in Higher Education in Southeast Asia: Its Characteristics and Driving Forces

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Umemiya, Naoki

    2008-01-01

    This article analyses the characteristics and driving forces of regional quality assurance activity in Southeast Asia, which has been actively promoted in recent years by the ASEAN University Network, an organisation for higher education under the auspices of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). There are now more collaborative…

  5. Understanding Resonance Graphs Using Easy Java Simulations (EJS) and Why We Use EJS

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wee, Loo Kang; Lee, Tat Leong; Chew, Charles; Wong, Darren; Tan, Samuel

    2015-01-01

    This paper reports a computer model simulation created using Easy Java Simulation (EJS) for learners to visualize how the steady-state amplitude of a driven oscillating system varies with the frequency of the periodic driving force. The simulation shows (N = 100) identical spring-mass systems being subjected to (1) a periodic driving force of…

  6. Mode conversion in ICRF experiments on Alcator C-Mod

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Y.; Wukitch, S. J.; Edlund, E.; Ennever, P.; Hubbard, A. E.; Porkolab, M.; Rice, J.; Wright, J.

    2017-10-01

    In recent three-ion species (majority D and H plus a trace level of 3He) ICRF heating experiment on Alcator C-Mod, double mode conversion on both sides of the 3He cyclotron resonance has been observed using the phase contrast imaging (PCI) system. The MC locations are used to estimate the species concentrations in the plasma. Simulation using TORIC shows that with the 3He level <1%, most RF power is absorbed by the 3He ions and the process can generate energetic 3He ions. In recent mode conversion flow drive experiment in D(3He) plasma at 8 T, MC waves were also monitored by PCI. The MC ion cyclotron wave (ICW) amplitude and wavenumber kR have been found to correlate with the flow drive force. The MC efficiency, wave-number k of the MC ICW and their dependence on plasma parameters like Te0 are shown to play important roles. Based on the experimental observation and numerical study of the dispersion solutions, a hypothesis of the flow drive mechanism has been proposed. Supported by USDoE awards DE-FC02-99ER54512.

  7. Controlling Casimir force via coherent driving field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmad, Rashid; Abbas, Muqaddar; Ahmad, Iftikhar; Qamar, Sajid

    2016-04-01

    A four level atom-field configuration is used to investigate the coherent control of Casimir force between two identical plates made up of chiral atomic media and separated by vacuum of width d. The electromagnetic chirality-induced negative refraction is obtained via atomic coherence. The behavior of Casimir force is investigated using Casimir-Lifshitz formula. It is noticed that Casimir force can be switched from repulsive to attractive and vice versa via coherent control of the driving field. This switching feature provides new possibilities of using the repulsive Casimir force in the development of new emerging technologies, such as, micro-electro-mechanical and nano-electro-mechanical systems, i.e., MEMS and NEMS, respectively.

  8. In vitro cardiomyocyte-driven biogenerator based on aligned piezoelectric nanofibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xia; Zhao, Hui; Lu, Yingxian; Li, Song; Lin, Liwei; Du, Yanan; Wang, Xiaohong

    2016-03-01

    Capturing the body's mechanical energy from the heart, lungs, and diaphragm can probably meet the requirements for in vivo applications of implantable biomedical devices. In this work, we present a novel contractile cardiomyocyte (CM)-driven biogenerator based on piezoelectric nanofibers (NFs) uniaxially aligned on a PDMS thin film. Flexible nanostructures interact with the CMs, as a physical cue to guide the CMs to align in a specific way, and create mechanical interfaces of contractile CMs and piezoelectric NFs. As such, the cellular construct features specific alignment and synchronous contraction, which realizes the maximal resultant force to drive the NFs to bend periodically. Studies on contraction mapping show that neonatal rat CMs self-assemble into a functional bio-bot film with well-defined axes of force generation. Consequently, the biogenerator produces an average voltage of 200 mV and current of 45 nA at the cell concentration of 1.0 million per ml, offering a biocompatible and scalable platform for biological energy conversion.Capturing the body's mechanical energy from the heart, lungs, and diaphragm can probably meet the requirements for in vivo applications of implantable biomedical devices. In this work, we present a novel contractile cardiomyocyte (CM)-driven biogenerator based on piezoelectric nanofibers (NFs) uniaxially aligned on a PDMS thin film. Flexible nanostructures interact with the CMs, as a physical cue to guide the CMs to align in a specific way, and create mechanical interfaces of contractile CMs and piezoelectric NFs. As such, the cellular construct features specific alignment and synchronous contraction, which realizes the maximal resultant force to drive the NFs to bend periodically. Studies on contraction mapping show that neonatal rat CMs self-assemble into a functional bio-bot film with well-defined axes of force generation. Consequently, the biogenerator produces an average voltage of 200 mV and current of 45 nA at the cell concentration of 1.0 million per ml, offering a biocompatible and scalable platform for biological energy conversion. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Includes the ESI methods and figures, and videos of cell contraction and biogenerator bending. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08430j

  9. Models for coupling of salt and water transport; Proximal tubular reabsorption in Necturus kidney

    PubMed Central

    Sackin, H; Boulpaep, EL

    1975-01-01

    Models for coupling of salt and water transport are developed with two important assumptions appropriate for leaky epithelia. (a) The tight junction is permeable to both sale and water. (b) Active Na transport into the lateral speces is assumed to occur uniformly along the length of the channel. The proposed models deal specifically with the intraepithelial mechanism of proximal tubular resbsorption in the Necturus kidney although they have implications for epithelial transport in the gallbladder and small intestine as well. The first model (continuous version) is similar to the standing gradient model devised by Diamond and Bossert but used different boundary conditions. In contrast to Diamond and Bossert's model, the predicted concentration profiles are relatively flat with no sizable gradients along the interspace. The second model (compartment version) expands Curran's model of epithelial salt and water transport by including additional compartments and considering both electrical and chemical driving forces for individual Na and Cl ions as well as hydraulic and osmotic driving forces for water. In both models, ion and water fluxes are investigated as a function of the transport parameters. The behavior of the models is consistent with previously suggested mechanisms for the control of net transport, particularly during saline diuresis. Under all conditions the predicted ratio of net solute to solvent flux, or emergent concentration, deviates from exact isotonicity (except when the basement membrane has an appreciable salt reflection coefficient). However, the degree of hypertonicity may be small enough to be experimentally indistinguishable from isotonic transport. PMID:1104761

  10. Remote Drying in the North Atlantic as a Common Response to Precessional Changes and CO 2 Increase Over Land

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

    Kelly, Patrick; Kravitz, Ben; Lu, Jian

    Here we demonstrate that changes of the North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH) and its regional rainfall pattern during mid-Holocene precessional changes and idealized 4xCO2 increase can both be understood as a remote response to changes in the African and Indian monsoon systems. Despite different sources and patterns of radiative forcing (increase in CO2 concentration vs. changes in orbital parameters), we find that the pattern of energy, circulation, and rainfall responses in the Northern Hemisphere summer subtropics are very similar in the two forcing scenarios because both are dominated by the same land-sea heating contrast in response to the forcing. Anmore » increase in energy input over land drives a westward displacement of the coupled NASH-monsoon circulation, consistent with increased precipitation in the Afro-Asia region and decreased precipitation in the America-Atlantic region. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of land heating in dictating remote drying through zonal shifts of the subtropical circulation.« less

  11. ENSO Transition Asymmetry: Internal and External Causes and Intermodel Diversity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    An, Soon-Il; Kim, Ji-Won

    2018-05-01

    El Niño is frequently followed by La Niña, but the opposite case rarely happens. Here we explore a mechanism for such an asymmetrical transition and its future changes. Internally, the asymmetrical response of upper ocean waves against surface wind stress anomaly exerts a primary cause of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) transition asymmetry. Externally, the asymmetrical capacitor effects of both Indian and Atlantic Oceans play some roles in driving the ENSO transition asymmetry via the interbasin interactions. The historical runs of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 show that the intermodel transition asymmetry is significantly correlated with the intermodel asymmetry in ocean wave response to surface wind forcing but not with that in the interbasin interactions. In addition, the El Niño-to-La Niña transition tendency was weaker in moderate global warming scenario runs (Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5) while slightly enhanced in strong warming scenario runs (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5). Similar changes also appeared in the asymmetrical response of ocean waves against the surface wind forcing.

  12. Solute-mediated interactions between active droplets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moerman, Pepijn G.; Moyses, Henrique W.; van der Wee, Ernest B.; Grier, David G.; van Blaaderen, Alfons; Kegel, Willem K.; Groenewold, Jan; Brujic, Jasna

    2017-09-01

    Concentration gradients play a critical role in embryogenesis, bacterial locomotion, as well as the motility of active particles. Particles develop concentration profiles around them by dissolution, adsorption, or the reactivity of surface species. These gradients change the surface energy of the particles, driving both their self-propulsion and governing their interactions. Here, we uncover a regime in which solute gradients mediate interactions between slowly dissolving droplets without causing autophoresis. This decoupling allows us to directly measure the steady-state, repulsive force, which scales with interparticle distance as F ˜1 /r2 . Our results show that the dissolution process is diffusion rather than reaction rate limited, and the theoretical model captures the dependence of the interactions on droplet size and solute concentration, using a single fit parameter, l =16 ±3 nm , which corresponds to the length scale of a swollen micelle. Our results shed light on the out-of-equilibrium behavior of particles with surface reactivity.

  13. Metastable Solution Thermodynamic Properties and Crystal Growth Kinetics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kim, Soojin; Myerson, Allan S.

    1996-01-01

    The crystal growth rates of NH4H2PO4, KH2PO4, (NH4)2SO4, KAl(SO4)2 central dot 12H2O, NaCl, and glycine and the nucleation rates of KBr, KCl, NaBr central dot 2H2O, (NH4)2Cl, and (NH4)2SO4 were expressed in terms of the fundamental driving force of crystallization calculated from the activity of supersaturated solutions. The kinetic parameters were compared with those from the commonly used kinetic expression based on the concentration difference. From the viewpoint of thermodynamics, rate expressions based on the chemical potential difference provide accurate kinetic representation over a broad range of supersaturation. The rates estimated using the expression based on the concentration difference coincide with the true rates of crystallization only in the concentration range of low supersaturation and deviate from the true kinetics as the supersaturation increases.

  14. Energy level alignment in TiO2/metal sulfide/polymer interfaces for solar cell applications.

    PubMed

    Lindblad, Rebecka; Cappel, Ute B; O'Mahony, Flannan T F; Siegbahn, Hans; Johansson, Erik M J; Haque, Saif A; Rensmo, Håkan

    2014-08-28

    Semiconductor sensitized solar cell interfaces have been studied with photoelectron spectroscopy to understand the interfacial electronic structures. In particular, the experimental energy level alignment has been determined for complete TiO2/metal sulfide/polymer interfaces. For the metal sulfides CdS, Sb2S3 and Bi2S3 deposited from single source metal xanthate precursors, it was shown that both driving forces for electron injection into TiO2 and hole transfer to the polymer decrease for narrower bandgaps. The energy level alignment results were used in the discussion of the function of solar cells with the same metal sulfides as light absorbers. For example Sb2S3 showed the most favourable energy level alignment with 0.3 eV driving force for electron injection and 0.4 eV driving force for hole transfer and also the most efficient solar cells due to high photocurrent generation. The energy level alignment of the TiO2/Bi2S3 interface on the other hand showed no driving force for electron injection to TiO2, and the performance of the corresponding solar cell was very low.

  15. Design considerations of electromagnetic force in a direct drive permanent magnet brushless motor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, H. S.; Tsai, M. C.

    2008-04-01

    In this paper, a numerical study of electromagnetic force associated with the width of stator teeth, width of rotor back iron, and slot opening for a ten-pole nine-slot direct drive permanent magnet brushless motor is presented. The study calculates the amplitude of the electromagnetic force on the rotating rotor by using the finite-element method. The results show that the amplitude of electromagnetic force, which may cause the noise and vibration of motors, changes with the variation of these above mentioned three factors. The relationship between the considerations of output torque and the minimization of noise and vibration is also established in this paper.

  16. Nonlinear Magnus-induced dynamics and Shapiro spikes for ac and dc driven skyrmions on periodic quasi-one-dimensional substrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reichhardt, Charles; Reichhardt, Cynthia J. Olson

    We numerically examine skyrmions interacting with a periodic quasi-one-dimensional substrate. When we drive the skyrmions perpendicular to the substrate periodicity direction, a rich variety of nonlinear Magnus-induced effects arise, in contrast to an overdamped system that shows only a linear velocity-force curve for this geometry. The skyrmion velocity-force curve is strongly nonlinear and we observe a Magnus-induced speed-up effect when the pinning causes the Magnus velocity response to align with the dissipative response. At higher applied drives these components decouple, resulting in strong negative differential conductivity. For skyrmions under combined ac and dc driving, we find a new class of phase locking phenomena in which the velocity-force curves contain a series of what we call Shapiro spikes, distinct from the Shapiro steps observed in overdamped systems. There are also regimes in which the skyrmion moves in the direction opposite to the applied dc drive to give negative mobility.

  17. Drive Control Scheme of Electric Power Assisted Wheelchair Based on Neural Network Learning of Human Wheelchair Operation Characteristics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanohata, Naoki; Seki, Hirokazu

    This paper describes a novel drive control scheme of electric power assisted wheelchairs based on neural network learning of human wheelchair operation characteristics. “Electric power assisted wheelchair” which enhances the drive force of the operator by employing electric motors is expected to be widely used as a mobility support system for elderly and disabled people. However, some handicapped people with paralysis of the muscles of one side of the body cannot maneuver the wheelchair as desired because of the difference in the right and left input force. Therefore, this study proposes a neural network learning system of such human wheelchair operation characteristics and a drive control scheme with variable distribution and assistance ratios. Some driving experiments will be performed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control system.

  18. Blood pressure and the contractility of a human leg muscle.

    PubMed

    Luu, Billy L; Fitzpatrick, Richard C

    2013-11-01

    These studies investigate the relationships between perfusion pressure, force output and pressor responses for the contracting human tibialis anterior muscle. Eight healthy adults were studied. Changing the height of tibialis anterior relative to the heart was used to control local perfusion pressure. Electrically stimulated tetanic force output was highly sensitive to physiological variations in perfusion pressure showing a proportionate change in force output of 6.5% per 10 mmHg. This perfusion-dependent change in contractility begins within seconds and is reversible with a 53 s time constant, demonstrating a steady-state equilibrium between contractility and perfusion pressure. These stimulated contractions did not produce significant cardiovascular responses, indicating that the muscle pressor response does not play a major role in cardiovascular regulation at these workloads. Voluntary contractions at forces that would require constant motor drive if perfusion pressure had remained constant generated a central pressor response when perfusion pressure was lowered. This is consistent with a larger cortical drive being required to compensate for the lost contractility with lower perfusion pressure. The relationship between contractility and perfusion for this large postural muscle was not different from that of a small hand muscle (adductor pollicis) and it responded similarly to passive peripheral and active central changes in arterial pressure, but extended over a wider operating range of pressures. If we consider that, in a goal-oriented motor task, muscle contractility determines central motor output and the central pressor response, these results indicate that muscle would fatigue twice as fast without a pressor response. From its extent, timing and reversibility we propose a testable hypothesis that this change in contractility arises through contraction- and perfusion-dependent changes in interstitial K(+) concentration.

  19. Blood pressure and the contractility of a human leg muscle

    PubMed Central

    Luu, Billy L; Fitzpatrick, Richard C

    2013-01-01

    These studies investigate the relationships between perfusion pressure, force output and pressor responses for the contracting human tibialis anterior muscle. Eight healthy adults were studied. Changing the height of tibialis anterior relative to the heart was used to control local perfusion pressure. Electrically stimulated tetanic force output was highly sensitive to physiological variations in perfusion pressure showing a proportionate change in force output of 6.5% per 10 mmHg. This perfusion-dependent change in contractility begins within seconds and is reversible with a 53 s time constant, demonstrating a steady-state equilibrium between contractility and perfusion pressure. These stimulated contractions did not produce significant cardiovascular responses, indicating that the muscle pressor response does not play a major role in cardiovascular regulation at these workloads. Voluntary contractions at forces that would require constant motor drive if perfusion pressure had remained constant generated a central pressor response when perfusion pressure was lowered. This is consistent with a larger cortical drive being required to compensate for the lost contractility with lower perfusion pressure. The relationship between contractility and perfusion for this large postural muscle was not different from that of a small hand muscle (adductor pollicis) and it responded similarly to passive peripheral and active central changes in arterial pressure, but extended over a wider operating range of pressures. If we consider that, in a goal-oriented motor task, muscle contractility determines central motor output and the central pressor response, these results indicate that muscle would fatigue twice as fast without a pressor response. From its extent, timing and reversibility we propose a testable hypothesis that this change in contractility arises through contraction- and perfusion-dependent changes in interstitial K+ concentration. PMID:24018946

  20. Analysis of driving force and exciting voltage for a bi-material infrared resonator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xia; Zhang, Dacheng

    2018-01-01

    For a designed sensor with bi-material resonator which is used to detect infrared (IR) radiation by means of tracking the change in resonance frequency of the resonator with temperature attributed to the IR radiation from targets, in accordance with electromagnetic theory, the relationship between the electrical driving force exerted on the resonator and the exciting voltage applied across two electrodes of the capacitor in the sensor is presented. According to vibration theory, the dependence of the driving force on the exciting voltage is analyzed. The result of analysis is used to guide the vibration mode and frequency-amplitude response simulations of the resonator. The simulation value is approximately equal to the measured value, which demonstrates that the analysis result is effective and practicable.

  1. Consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association: updated recommendations for driving by patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

    PubMed

    Vijgen, Johan; Botto, Gianluca; Camm, John; Hoijer, Carl-Johan; Jung, Werner; Le Heuzey, Jean-Yves; Lubinski, Andrzej; Norekvål, Tone M; Santomauro, Maurizio; Schalij, Martin; Schmid, Jean-Paul; Vardas, Panos

    2010-03-01

    Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) have an ongoing risk of sudden incapacitation that might cause harm to others while driving a car. Driving restrictions vary across different countries in Europe. The most recent recommendations for driving of ICD patients in Europe were published in 1997 and focused mainly on patients implanted for secondary prevention. In recent years there has been a vast increase in the number of patients with an ICD and in the percentage of patients implanted for primary prevention. The EHRA task force on ICD and driving was formed to reassess the risk of driving for ICD patients based on the literature available. The recommendations are summarized in the following table and are further explained in the document, (Table see text). Driving restrictions are perceived as difficult for patients and their families, and have an immediate consequence for their lifestyle. To increase the adherence to the driving restrictions, adequate discharge of education and follow-up of patients and family are pivotal. The task force members hope this document may serve as an instrument for European and national regulatory authorities to formulate uniform driving regulations. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association: updated recommendations for driving by patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

    PubMed

    Vijgen, Johan; Botto, Gianluca; Camm, John; Hoijer, Carl-Johan; Jung, Werner; Le Heuzey, Jean-Yves; Lubinski, Andrzej; Norekvål, Tone M; Santomauro, Maurizio; Schalij, Martin; Schmid, Jean-Paul; Vardas, Panos

    2009-08-01

    Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) have an ongoing risk of sudden incapacitation that might cause harm to others while driving a car. Driving restrictions vary across different countries in Europe. The most recent recommendations for driving of ICD patients in Europe were published in 1997 and focused mainly on patients implanted for secondary prevention. In recent years there has been a vast increase in the number of patients with an ICD and in the percentage of patients implanted for primary prevention. The EHRA task force on ICD and driving was formed to reassess the risk of driving for ICD patients based on the literature available. The recommendations are summarized in the following table and are further explained in the document. [table: see text] Driving restrictions are perceived as difficult for patients and their families, and have an immediate consequence for their lifestyle. To increase the adherence to the driving restrictions, adequate discharge of education and follow-up of patients and family are pivotal. The task force members hope this document may serve as an instrument for European and national regulatory authorities to formulate uniform driving regulations.

  3. Fracture Mechanics Analysis of an Annular Crack in a Three-concentric-cylinder Composite Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kuguoglu, Latife H.; Binienda, Wieslaw K.; Roberts, Gary D.

    2004-01-01

    A boundary-value problem governing a three-phase concentric-cylinder model was analytically modeled to analyze annular interfacial crack problems with Love s strain functions in order to find the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and strain energy release rates (SERRs) at the tips of an interface crack in a nonhomogeneous medium. The complex form of a singular integral equation (SIE) of the second kind was formulated using Bessel s functions in the Fourier domain, and the SIF and total SERR were calculated using Jacoby polynomials. For the validity of the SIF equations to be established, the SIE of the three-concentric-cylinder model was reduced to the SIE for a two-concentric-cylinder model, and the results were compared with the previous results of Erdogan. A preliminary set of parametric studies was carried out to show the effect of interphase properties on the SERR. The method presented here provides insight about the effect of interphase properties on the crack driving force.

  4. Mechanical Rectification of Oscillatory Motion for High Torque Microactuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    You, Liang; Tabib-Azar, Massood

    2004-03-01

    High-torque and scalable rotational micromotors were designed, microfabricated using a 3 mask LPCVD polysilicon process, and characterized. Oscillatory motions generated by comb-drive actuators were rectified by a rotor with fins. The actuator periodically deforms the fins generating forces with tangential and normal components in the rotor. Tangential forces generate rotation. In comparison to the electrostatic side-drive micromotor (torque pN-m), the measured torques for these micromotors were much larger and reached 4.5 µN-m at 200Vpp applied to the comb-drive at 1 KHz. Both the comb-drive and the finned rotor are second-order resonant structures that, when coupled, result in interesting dynamic that manifests itself as different excitation (forward, reverse, stepping, and chaotic) modes of the rotor.

  5. Efficiency of autonomous soft nanomachines at maximum power.

    PubMed

    Seifert, Udo

    2011-01-14

    We consider nanosized artificial or biological machines working in steady state enforced by imposing nonequilibrium concentrations of solutes or by applying external forces, torques, or electric fields. For unicyclic and strongly coupled multicyclic machines, efficiency at maximum power is not bounded by the linear response value 1/2. For strong driving, it can even approach the thermodynamic limit 1. Quite generally, such machines fall into three different classes characterized, respectively, as "strong and efficient," "strong and inefficient," and "balanced." For weakly coupled multicyclic machines, efficiency at maximum power has lost any universality even in the linear response regime.

  6. Mechanical model for filament buckling and growth by phase ordering.

    PubMed

    Rey, Alejandro D; Abukhdeir, Nasser M

    2008-02-05

    A mechanical model of open filament shape and growth driven by phase ordering is formulated. For a given phase-ordering driving force, the model output is the filament shape evolution and the filament end-point kinematics. The linearized model for the slope of the filament is the Cahn-Hilliard model of spinodal decomposition, where the buckling corresponds to concentration fluctuations. Two modes are predicted: (i) sequential growth and buckling and (ii) simultaneous buckling and growth. The relation among the maximum buckling rate, filament tension, and matrix viscosity is given. These results contribute to ongoing work in smectic A filament buckling.

  7. Micro-scale pollution mechanism of dust diffusion in a blasting driving face based on CFD-DEM coupled model.

    PubMed

    Yu, Haiming; Cheng, Weimin; Xie, Yao; Peng, Huitian

    2018-05-23

    In order to investigate the diffuse pollution mechanisms of high-concentration dusts in the blasting driving face, the airflow-dust coupled model was constructed based on CFD-DEM coupled model; the diffusion rules of the dusts with different diameters at microscopic scale were analyzed in combination with the field measured results. The simulation results demonstrate that single-exhaust ventilation exhibited more favorable dust suppression performance than single-forced ventilation. Under single-exhaust ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm were close to the airflow streamline and these dusts were mainly distributed near the footway walls; by contrast, under single-forced ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dust particles with a diameter range of 20~40 μm were close to the airflow streamlines, and a large number of dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm accumulated in the regions 5 m and 17~25 m away from the head-on section. Moreover, under the single-exhaust ventilation, the relationship between dust diameter D and negative-pressured-induced dust emission ratio P can be expressed as P = - 25.03ln(D) + 110.39, and the dust emission ratio was up to 74.36% for 7-μm dusts, and the path-dependent settling behaviors of the dusts mainly occurred around the head-on section; under single-forced ventilation condition, the z value of the dusts with the diameter over 20 μm decreased and the dusts with a diameter smaller than 7 μm are particularly harmful to human health, but their settling ratios were below 22.36%. Graphical abstract The airflow-dust CFD-DEM coupling model was established. The numerical simulation results were verified. The migration laws of airflow field were obtained in a blasting driving face. The diffusion laws of dusts were obtained after blasting.

  8. Direct determination of the driving forces for taurocholate uptake into rat liver plasma membrane vesicles.

    PubMed

    Duffy, M C; Blitzer, B L; Boyer, J L

    1983-10-01

    To determine directly the driving forces for bile acid entry into the hepatocyte, the uptake of [3H]taurocholic acid into rat liver plasma membrane vesicles was studied. The membrane preparation contained predominantly right-side-out vesicles, and was highly enriched in plasma membrane marker enzymes. The uptake of taurocholate at equilibrium was inversely related to medium osmolarity, indicating transport into an osmotically sensitive space. In the presence of an inwardly directed sodium gradient (NaCl or sodium gluconate), the initial rate of uptake was rapid and taurocholate was transiently accumulated at a concentration twice that at equilibrium (overshoot). Other inwardly directed cation gradients (K+, Li+, choline+) or the presence of sodium in the absence of a gradient (Na+ equilibrated) resulted in a slower initial uptake rate and did not sustain an overshoot. Bile acids inhibited sodium-dependent taurocholate uptake, whereas bromsulphthalein inhibited both sodium-dependent and sodium-independent uptake and D-glucose had no effect on uptake. Uptake was temperature dependent, with maximal overshoots occurring at 25 degrees C. Imposition of a proton gradient across the vesicle (pHo less than pHi) in the absence of a sodium gradient failed to enhance taurocholate uptake, indicating that double ion exchange (Na+-H+, OH- -anion) is unlikely. Creation of a negative intravesicular potential by altering accompanying anions or by valinomycin-induced K+-diffusion potentials did not enhance taurocholate uptake, suggesting an electroneutral transport mechanism. The kinetics of taurocholate uptake demonstrated saturability with a Michaelis constant at 52 microM and maximum velocity of 4.5 nmol X mg-1 X protein X min-1. These studies provide definitive evidence for a sodium gradient-dependent, carrier-mediated, electrically neutral transport mechanism for hepatic taurocholate uptake. These findings are consistent with a model for bile secretion in which the basolateral enzyme Na+,K+-ATPase provides the driving force for "uphill" bile acid transport by establishing a trans-membrane sodium gradient.

  9. Cardinal features of involuntary force variability can arise from the closed-loop control of viscoelastic afferented muscles.

    PubMed

    Nagamori, Akira; Laine, Christopher M; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J

    2018-01-01

    Involuntary force variability below 15 Hz arises from, and is influenced by, many factors including descending neural drive, proprioceptive feedback, and mechanical properties of muscles and tendons. However, their potential interactions that give rise to the well-structured spectrum of involuntary force variability are not well understood due to a lack of experimental techniques. Here, we investigated the generation, modulation, and interactions among different sources of force variability using a physiologically-grounded closed-loop simulation of an afferented muscle model. The closed-loop simulation included a musculotendon model, muscle spindle, Golgi tendon organ (GTO), and a tracking controller which enabled target-guided force tracking. We demonstrate that closed-loop control of an afferented musculotendon suffices to replicate and explain surprisingly many cardinal features of involuntary force variability. Specifically, we present 1) a potential origin of low-frequency force variability associated with co-modulation of motor unit firing rates (i.e.,'common drive'), 2) an in-depth characterization of how proprioceptive feedback pathways suffice to generate 5-12 Hz physiological tremor, and 3) evidence that modulation of those feedback pathways (i.e., presynaptic inhibition of Ia and Ib afferents, and spindle sensitivity via fusimotor drive) influence the full spectrum of force variability. These results highlight the previously underestimated importance of closed-loop neuromechanical interactions in explaining involuntary force variability during voluntary 'isometric' force control. Furthermore, these results provide the basis for a unifying theory that relates spinal circuitry to various manifestations of altered involuntary force variability in fatigue, aging and neurological disease.

  10. The electromigration force in metallic bulk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lodder, A.; Dekker, J. P.

    1998-01-01

    The voltage induced driving force on a migrating atom in a metallic system is discussed in the perspective of the Hellmann-Feynman force concept, local screening concepts and the linear-response approach. Since the force operator is well defined in quantum mechanics it appears to be only confusing to refer to the Hellmann-Feynman theorem in the context of electromigration. Local screening concepts are shown to be mainly of historical value. The physics involved is completely represented in ab initio local density treatments of dilute alloys and the implementation does not require additional precautions about screening, being typical for jellium treatments. The linear-response approach is shown to be a reliable guide in deciding about the two contributions to the driving force, the direct force and the wind force. Results are given for the wind valence for electromigration in a number of FCC and BCC metals, calculated using an ab initio KKR-Green's function description of a dilute alloy.

  11. Self Assembled Particles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Palacci, Jeremie (Inventor); Pine, David J. (Inventor); Chaikin, Paul Michael (Inventor); Sacanna, Stefano (Inventor)

    2017-01-01

    A self-assembling structure using non-equilibrium driving forces leading to 'living crystals' and other maniputable particles with a complex dynamics. The dynamic self-assembly assembly results from a competition between self-propulsion of particles and an attractive interaction between the particles. As a result of non-equilibrium driving forces, the crystals form, grow, collide, anneal, repair themselves and spontaneously self-destruct, thereby enabling reconfiguration and assembly to achieve a desired property.

  12. Transport properties of elastically coupled fractional Brownian motors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lv, Wangyong; Wang, Huiqi; Lin, Lifeng; Wang, Fei; Zhong, Suchuan

    2015-11-01

    Under the background of anomalous diffusion, which is characterized by the sub-linear or super-linear mean-square displacement in time, we proposed the coupled fractional Brownian motors, in which the asymmetrical periodic potential as ratchet is coupled mutually with elastic springs, and the driving source is the external harmonic force and internal thermal fluctuations. The transport mechanism of coupled particles in the overdamped limit is investigated as the function of the temperature of baths, coupling constant and natural length of the spring, the amplitude and frequency of driving force, and the asymmetry of ratchet potential by numerical stimulations. The results indicate that the damping force involving the information of historical velocity leads to the nonlocal memory property and blocks the traditional dissipative motion behaviors, and it even plays a cooperative role of driving force in drift motion of the coupled particles. Thus, we observe various non-monotonic resonance-like behaviors of collective directed transport in the mediums with different diffusion exponents.

  13. Chaotic phase synchronization in bursting-neuron models driven by a weak periodic force

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ando, Hiroyasu; Suetani, Hiromichi; Kurths, Jürgen; Aihara, Kazuyuki

    2012-07-01

    We investigate the entrainment of a neuron model exhibiting a chaotic spiking-bursting behavior in response to a weak periodic force. This model exhibits two types of oscillations with different characteristic time scales, namely, long and short time scales. Several types of phase synchronization are observed, such as 1:1 phase locking between a single spike and one period of the force and 1:l phase locking between the period of slow oscillation underlying bursts and l periods of the force. Moreover, spiking-bursting oscillations with chaotic firing patterns can be synchronized with the periodic force. Such a type of phase synchronization is detected from the position of a set of points on a unit circle, which is determined by the phase of the periodic force at each spiking time. We show that this detection method is effective for a system with multiple time scales. Owing to the existence of both the short and the long time scales, two characteristic phenomena are found around the transition point to chaotic phase synchronization. One phenomenon shows that the average time interval between successive phase slips exhibits a power-law scaling against the driving force strength and that the scaling exponent has an unsmooth dependence on the changes in the driving force strength. The other phenomenon shows that Kuramoto's order parameter before the transition exhibits stepwise behavior as a function of the driving force strength, contrary to the smooth transition in a model with a single time scale.

  14. Driving reconnection in sheared magnetic configurations with forced fluctuations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pongkitiwanichakul, Peera; Makwana, Kirit D.; Ruffolo, David

    2018-02-01

    We investigate reconnection of magnetic field lines in sheared magnetic field configurations due to fluctuations driven by random forcing by means of numerical simulations. The simulations are performed with an incompressible, pseudo-spectral magnetohydrodynamics code in 2D where we take thick, resistively decaying, current-sheet like sheared magnetic configurations which do not reconnect spontaneously. We describe and test the forcing that is introduced in the momentum equation to drive fluctuations. It is found that the forcing does not change the rate of decay; however, it adds and removes energy faster in the presence of the magnetic shear structure compared to when it has decayed away. We observe that such a forcing can induce magnetic reconnection due to field line wandering leading to the formation of magnetic islands and O-points. These reconnecting field lines spread out as the current sheet decays with time. A semi-empirical formula is derived which reasonably explains the formation and spread of O-points. We find that reconnection spreads faster with stronger forcing and longer correlation time of forcing, while the wavenumber of forcing does not have a significant effect. When the field line wandering becomes large enough, the neighboring current sheets with opposite polarity start interacting, and then the magnetic field is rapidly annihilated. This work is useful to understand how forced fluctuations can drive reconnection in large scale current structures in space and astrophysical plasmas that are not susceptible to reconnection.

  15. A regional scale investigation on factors controlling the groundwater chemistry of various aquifers in a rapidly urbanized area: A case study of the Pearl River Delta.

    PubMed

    Huang, Guanxing; Liu, Chunyan; Sun, Jichao; Zhang, Ming; Jing, Jihong; Li, Liangping

    2018-06-01

    A growing population accompanied by urbanization has increased groundwater resource demands in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) area, southern China, and a comprehensive understanding of the groundwater chemistry in the PRD is necessary. The aims of this study were to investigate the groundwater chemistry in various aquifers in the PRD on a regional scale and to discuss the factors that control the groundwater chemistries of different types of aquifers. In addition, the effect of the expansion of construction land on the groundwater chemistry was also taken into consideration in this study. Nearly 400 groundwater samples were collected and fourteen chemical parameters were investigated. The results show that natural factors, such as seawater intrusions, are mainly responsible for the higher concentrations of total dissolved solids, Na + , Mg 2+ , K + , and Cl - , in granular aquifers than those in fissured and karst aquifers. Similarly, higher concentrations of NH 4 + , Fe and Mn in granular aquifers than those in the other two types of aquifers are mainly ascribed to natural reduction. In contrast, human activities, such as the continuous irrigation of river water, upon granular aquifer are mainly responsible for the higher concentrations of Ca 2+ and HCO 3 - in granular aquifers than those in other two types of aquifers. Urbanization and industrialization are the main driving forces for the frequently occurrences of NO 3 and SO 4 water types, respectively. Moreover, the number of water types in the PRD increased to 89 after the decades of urbanization. Factors that control groundwater chemistries in various aquifers were extracted. A four-factor model controlled the groundwater chemistry of granular aquifers, while two three-factor models controlled the groundwater chemistries of fissured and karst aquifers, respectively. The results of this study show that the expansion of construction land is a powerful driving force for the change of groundwater chemistry in the PRD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Experimental Investigation of the Effect of the Driving Voltage of an Electroadhesion Actuator.

    PubMed

    Koh, Keng Huat; Sreekumar, M; Ponnambalam, S G

    2014-06-25

    This paper investigates the effect of driving voltage on the attachment force of an electroadhesion actuator, as the existing literature on the saturation of the adhesive force at a higher electric field is incomplete. A new type of electroadhesion actuator using normally available materials, such as aluminum foil, PVC tape and a silicone rubber sheet used for keyboard protection, has been developed with a simple layered structure that is capable of developing adhesive force consistently. The developed actuator is subjected to the experiment for the evaluation of various test surfaces; aluminum, brick, ceramic, concrete and glass. The driving high voltage is varied in steps to determine the characteristics of the output holding force. Results show a quadratic relation between F (adhesion force) and V (driving voltage) within the 2 kV range. After this range, the F - V responses consistently show a saturation trend at high electric fields. Next, the concept of the leakage current that can occur in the dielectric material and the corona discharge through air has been introduced. Results show that the voltage level, which corresponds to the beginning of the supply current, matches well with the beginning of the force saturation. With the confirmation of this hypothesis, a working model for electroadhesion actuation is proposed. Based on the experimental results, it is proposed that such a kind of actuator can be driven within a range of optimum high voltage to remain electrically efficient. This practice is recommended for the future design, development and characterization of electroadhesion actuators for robotic applications.

  17. Experimental Investigation of the Effect of the Driving Voltage of an Electroadhesion Actuator

    PubMed Central

    Koh, Keng Huat; Sreekumar, M.; Ponnambalam, S. G.

    2014-01-01

    This paper investigates the effect of driving voltage on the attachment force of an electroadhesion actuator, as the existing literature on the saturation of the adhesive force at a higher electric field is incomplete. A new type of electroadhesion actuator using normally available materials, such as aluminum foil, PVC tape and a silicone rubber sheet used for keyboard protection, has been developed with a simple layered structure that is capable of developing adhesive force consistently. The developed actuator is subjected to the experiment for the evaluation of various test surfaces; aluminum, brick, ceramic, concrete and glass. The driving high voltage is varied in steps to determine the characteristics of the output holding force. Results show a quadratic relation between F (adhesion force) and V (driving voltage) within the 2 kV range. After this range, the F-V responses consistently show a saturation trend at high electric fields. Next, the concept of the leakage current that can occur in the dielectric material and the corona discharge through air has been introduced. Results show that the voltage level, which corresponds to the beginning of the supply current, matches well with the beginning of the force saturation. With the confirmation of this hypothesis, a working model for electroadhesion actuation is proposed. Based on the experimental results, it is proposed that such a kind of actuator can be driven within a range of optimum high voltage to remain electrically efficient. This practice is recommended for the future design, development and characterization of electroadhesion actuators for robotic applications. PMID:28788114

  18. [Landscape pattern change and its driving forces in Xixi National Wetland Park since 1993].

    PubMed

    Cheng, Qian; Wu, Xiuju

    2006-09-01

    Under the support of GIS technology and the TM images of Xixi National Wetland Park, this paper studied the past ten years' landscape pattern change and its driving forces of Xixi Wetland. The results showed that the landscape diversity index increased from 1.7854 in 1993 to 1.8438 in 2001 and 2.2096 in 2003, and the landscape fragmentation index increased from 0.0036 in 1993 to 0.0042 in 2001, and 0.0047 in 2003, suggesting that the landscape fragmentation was increased with time. Human activity was the main driving force, while the exploitation of real estate was the main internal factor of the landscape pattern change of Xixi wetland. In addition, social and economic development level had a strong effect on the overall diversity of the landscape.

  19. The mean Evershed flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, W.-R.

    1984-09-01

    The paper gives a theoretical analysis of the overall characteristics of the Evershed flow (one of the main features of sunspots), with particular attention given to its outward flow from the umbra in the photosphere, reaching a maximum somewhere in the penumbra, and decreasing rapidly further out, and its inward flow of a comparable magnitude in chromosphere. Because the inertial force of the flow is small, the relevant dynamic process can be divided into a base state and a perturbation. The base-state solution yields the equilibrium relations between the pressure gradient, the Lorentz force, and gravity, and the flow law. The perturbation describes the force driving the Evershed flow. Since the pressure gradient in the base state is already in equilibrium with the Lorentz force and the gravity, the driving force of the mean Evershed flow is small.

  20. Quantifying the effect of varying GHG's concentration in Regional Climate Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    López-Romero, Jose Maria; Jerez, Sonia; Palacios-Peña, Laura; José Gómez-Navarro, Juan; Jiménez-Guerrero, Pedro; Montavez, Juan Pedro

    2017-04-01

    Regional Climate Models (RCMs) are driven at the boundaries by Global Circulation Models (GCM), and in the particular case of Climate Change projections, such simulations are forced by varying greenhouse gases (GHGs) concentrations. In hindcast simulations driven by reanalysis products, the climate change signal is usually introduced in the assimilation process as well. An interesting question arising in this context is whether GHGs concentrations have to be varied within the RCMs model itself, or rather they should be kept constant. Some groups keep the GHGs concentrations constant under the assumption that information about climate change signal is given throughout the boundaries; sometimes certain radiation parameterization schemes do not permit such changes. Other approaches vary these concentrations arguing that this preserves the physical coherence respect to the driving conditions for the RCM. This work aims to shed light on this topic. For this task, various regional climate simulations with the WRF model for the 1954-2004 period have been carried out for using a Euro-CORDEX compliant domain. A series of simulations with constant and variable GHGs have been performed using both, a GCM (ECHAM6-OM) and a reanalysis product (ERA-20C) data. Results indicate that there exist noticeable differences when introducing varying GHGs concentrations within the RCM domain. The differences in 2-m temperature series between the experiments with varying or constant GHGs concentration strongly depend on the atmospheric conditions, appearing a strong interannual variability. This suggests that short-term experiments are not recommended if the aim is to assess the role of varying GHGs. In addition, and consistently in both GCM and reanalysis-driven experiments, the magnitude of temperature trends, as well as the spatial pattern represented by varying GHGs experiment, are closer to the driving dataset than in experiments keeping constant the GHGs concentration. These results point towards the need for the inclusion of varying GHGs concentration within the RCM itself when dynamically downscaling global datasets, both in GCM and hindcast simulations.

  1. Photoinduced electron transfer in covalent ruthenium-anthraquinone dyads: relative importance of driving-force, solvent polarity, and donor-bridge energy gap.

    PubMed

    Hankache, Jihane; Wenger, Oliver S

    2012-02-28

    Four rigid rod-like molecules comprised of a Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) photosensitizer, a 9,10-anthraquinone electron acceptor, and a molecular bridge connecting the two redox partners were synthesized and investigated by optical spectroscopic and electrochemical means. An attempt was made to assess the relative importance of driving-force, solvent polarity, and bridge variation on the rates of photoinduced electron transfer in these molecules. Expectedly, introduction of tert-butyl substituents in the bipyridine ligands of the ruthenium complex and a change in solvent from dichloromethane to acetonitrile lead to a significant acceleration of charge transfer rates. In dichloromethane, photoinduced electron transfer is not competitive with the inherent excited-state deactivation processes of the photosensitizer. In acetonitrile, an increase in driving-force by 0.2 eV through attachment of tert-butyl substituents to the bpy ancillary ligands causes an increase in electron transfer rates by an order of magnitude. Replacement of a p-xylene bridge by a p-dimethoxybenzene spacer entails an acceleration of charge transfer rates by a factor of 3.5. In the dyads from this study, the relative order of importance of individual influences on electron transfer rates is therefore as follows: solvent polarity ≥ driving-force > donor-bridge energy gap.

  2. Detecting the causality influence of individual meteorological factors on local PM2.5 concentration in the Jing-Jin-Ji region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Ziyue; Cai, Jun; Gao, Bingbo; Xu, Bing; Dai, Shuang; He, Bin; Xie, Xiaoming

    2017-01-01

    Due to complicated interactions in the atmospheric environment, quantifying the influence of individual meteorological factors on local PM2.5 concentration remains challenging. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (short for Jing-Jin-Ji) region is infamous for its serious air pollution. To improve regional air quality, characteristics and meteorological driving forces for PM2.5 concentration should be better understood. This research examined seasonal variations of PM2.5 concentration within the Jing-Jin-Ji region and extracted meteorological factors strongly correlated with local PM2.5 concentration. Following this, a convergent cross mapping (CCM) method was employed to quantify the causality influence of individual meteorological factors on PM2.5 concentration. The results proved that the CCM method was more likely to detect mirage correlations and reveal quantitative influences of individual meteorological factors on PM2.5 concentration. For the Jing-Jin-Ji region, the higher PM2.5 concentration, the stronger influences meteorological factors exert on PM2.5 concentration. Furthermore, this research suggests that individual meteorological factors can influence local PM2.5 concentration indirectly by interacting with other meteorological factors. Due to the significant influence of local meteorology on PM2.5 concentration, more emphasis should be given on employing meteorological means for improving local air quality.

  3. Measurements of the driving forces of bio-motors using the fluctuation theorem

    PubMed Central

    Hayashi, Kumiko; Tanigawara, Mizue; Kishikawa, Jun-ichi

    2012-01-01

    The fluctuation theorem (FT), which is a recent achievement in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, has been suggested to be useful for measuring the driving forces of motor proteins. As an example of this application, we performed single-molecule experiments on F1-ATPase, which is a rotary motor protein, in which we measured its rotary torque by taking advantage of FT. Because fluctuation is inherent nature in biological small systems and because FT is a non-destructive force measurement method using fluctuation, it will be applied to a wide range of biological small systems in future. PMID:27857609

  4. Clogging and transport of driven particles in asymmetric funnel arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reichhardt, C. J. O.; Reichhardt, C.

    2018-06-01

    We numerically examine the flow and clogging of particles driven through asymmetric funnel arrays when the commensurability ratio of the number of particles per plaquette is varied. The particle–particle interactions are modeled with a soft repulsive potential that could represent vortex flow in type-II superconductors or driven charged colloids. The velocity-force curves for driving in the easy flow direction of the funnels exhibit a single depinning threshold; however, for driving in the hard flow direction, we find that there can be both negative mobility where the velocity decreases with increasing driving force as well as a reentrant pinning effect in which the particles flow at low drives but become pinned at intermediate drives. This reentrant pinning is associated with a transition from smooth 1D flow at low drives to a clogged state at higher drives that occurs when the particles cluster in a small number of plaquettes and block the flow. When the drive is further increased, particle rearrangements occur that cause the clog to break apart. We map out the regimes in which the pinned, flowing, and clogged states appear as a function of plaquette filling and drive. The clogged states remain robust at finite temperatures but develop intermittent bursts of flow in which a clog temporarily breaks apart but quickly reforms.

  5. Negative differential mobility and trapping in active matter systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reichhardt, C.; Reichhardt, C. J. O.

    2018-01-01

    Using simulations, we examine the average velocity as a function of applied drift force for active matter particles moving through a random obstacle array. We find that for low drift force, there is an initial flow regime where the mobility increases linearly with drive, while for higher drift forces a regime of negative differential mobility appears in which the velocity decreases with increasing drive due to the trapping of active particles behind obstacles. A fully clogged regime exists at very high drift forces when all the particles are permanently trapped behind obstacles. We find for increasing activity that the overall mobility is nonmonotonic, with an enhancement of the mobility for small levels of activity and a decrease in mobility for large activity levels. We show how these effects evolve as a function of disk and obstacle density, active run length, drift force, and motor force.

  6. Inertial piezoelectric linear motor driven by a single-phase harmonic wave with automatic clamping mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Liangguo; Chu, Yuheng; Hao, Sai; Zhao, Xiaoyong; Dong, Yuge; Wang, Yong

    2018-05-01

    A novel, single-phase, harmonic-driven, inertial piezoelectric linear motor using an automatic clamping mechanism was designed, fabricated, and tested to reduce the sliding friction and simplify the drive mechanism and power supply control of the inertial motor. A piezoelectric bimorph and a flexible hinge were connected in series to form the automatic clamping mechanism. The automatic clamping mechanism was used as the driving and clamping elements. A dynamic simulation by Simulink was performed to prove the feasibility of the motor. The finite element method software COMSOL was used to design the structure of the motor. An experimental setup was built to validate the working principle and evaluate the performance of the motor. The prototype motor outputted a no-load velocity of 3.178 mm/s at a voltage of 220 Vp-p and a maximum traction force of 4.25 N under a preload force of 8 N. The minimum resolution of 1.14 μm was achieved at a driving frequency of 74 Hz, a driving voltage of 50 Vp-p, and a preload force of 0 N.

  7. Water uptake by seminal and adventitious roots in relation to whole-plant water flow in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

    PubMed

    Knipfer, Thorsten; Fricke, Wieland

    2011-01-01

    Prior to an assessment of the role of aquaporins in root water uptake, the main path of water movement in different types of root and driving forces during day and night need to be known. In the present study on hydroponically grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) the two main root types of 14- to 17-d-old plants were analysed for hydraulic conductivity in dependence of the main driving force (hydrostatic, osmotic). Seminal roots contributed 92% and adventitious roots 8% to plant water uptake. The lower contribution of adventitious compared with seminal roots was associated with a smaller surface area and number of roots per plant and a lower axial hydraulic conductance, and occurred despite a less-developed endodermis. The radial hydraulic conductivity of the two types of root was similar and depended little on the prevailing driving force, suggesting that water uptake occurred along a pathway that involved crossing of membrane(s). Exudation experiments showed that osmotic forces were sufficient to support night-time transpiration, yet transpiration experiments and cuticle permeance data questioned the significance of osmotic forces. During the day, 90% of water uptake was driven by a tension of about -0.15 MPa.

  8. Plasmonic nanoparticle chain in a light field: a resonant optical sail.

    PubMed

    Albaladejo, Silvia; Sáenz, Juan José; Marqués, Manuel I

    2011-11-09

    Optical trapping and driving of small objects has become a topic of increasing interest in multidisciplinary sciences. We propose to use a chain made of metallic nanoparticles as a resonant light sail, attached by one end point to a transparent object and propelling it by the use of electromagnetic radiation. Driving forces exerted on the chain are theoretically studied as a function of radiation's wavelength and chain's alignments with respect to the direction of radiation. Interestingly, there is a window in the frequency spectrum in which null-torque equilibrium configuration, with minimum geometric cross section, corresponds to a maximum in the driving force.

  9. Analysis on design and performance of a solar rotary house

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Xuhong; Zhang, Zhaochang; Yang, Fan; Cao, Lilin; Xu, Jing; Yuan, Mingyang

    2017-04-01

    A solar rotary house is designed, composed of rotating main structure, fixed cylinder, rotating drive system, solar photovoltaic system and so on, to achieve 360° rotation. Thus it can change the dark and humid situation of the traditional fixed house shade. Its bearing capacity, driving force and safety are analyzed. Rotary driving force and living energy are provided by solar photovoltaic system on roofs and walls. The Phonenics, Ecotect simulation analysis conclude that the rotating house indoor has better natural ventilation effect, more uniform lighting, better the sunshine time compared with traditional houses, becoming a green, energy-saving, comfortable building model.

  10. Characterizing a sustainability transition: Goals, targets, trends, and driving forces

    PubMed Central

    Parris, Thomas M.; Kates, Robert W.

    2003-01-01

    Sustainable development exhibits broad political appeal but has proven difficult to define in precise terms. Recent scholarship has focused on the nature of a sustainability transition, described by the National Research Council as meeting the needs of a stabilizing future world population while reducing hunger and poverty and maintaining the planet's life-support systems. We identify a small set of goals, quantitative targets, and associated indicators that further characterize a sustainability transition by drawing on the consensus embodied in internationally negotiated agreements and plans of action. To illustrate opportunities for accelerating progress, we then examine current scholarship on the processes that influence attainment of four such goals: reducing hunger, promoting literacy, stabilizing greenhouse-gas concentrations, and maintaining fresh-water availability. We find that such analysis can often reveal “levers of change,” forces that both control the rate of positive change and are subject to policy intervention. PMID:12819346

  11. Perspectives on scaling and multiscaling in passive scalar turbulence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banerjee, Tirthankar; Basu, Abhik

    2018-05-01

    We revisit the well-known problem of multiscaling in substances passively advected by homogeneous and isotropic turbulent flows or passive scalar turbulence. To that end we propose a two-parameter continuum hydrodynamic model for an advected substance concentration θ , parametrized jointly by y and y ¯, that characterize the spatial scaling behavior of the variances of the advecting stochastic velocity and the stochastic additive driving force, respectively. We analyze it within a one-loop dynamic renormalization group method to calculate the multiscaling exponents of the equal-time structure functions of θ . We show how the interplay between the advective velocity and the additive force may lead to simple scaling or multiscaling. In one limit, our results reduce to the well-known results from the Kraichnan model for passive scalar. Our framework of analysis should be of help for analytical approaches for the still intractable problem of fluid turbulence itself.

  12. Radio and white-light observations of coronal transients

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dulk, G. A.

    1980-01-01

    Optical, radio and X-ray evidence of violent mass motions in the corona has existed for some years but only recently have the form, nature, frequency and implication of the transients become obvious. In this paper the observed properties of coronal transients are reviewed, with concentration on the white-light and radio manifestations. The classification according to speeds seems to be meaningful, with the slow transients having thermal emissions at radio wavelengths and the fast ones nonthermal. The possible mechanisms involved in the radio bursts are then discussed and estimates of various forms of energy are reviewed. It appears that the magnetic energy transported from the sun by the transient exceeds that of any other form, and that magnetic forces dominate in the dynamics of the motions. The conversion of magnetic energy into mechanical energy, by expansion of the field, provides a possible driving force for the coronal and interplanetary shock waves.

  13. Propulsion of Active Colloids by Self-Induced Field Gradients.

    PubMed

    Boymelgreen, Alicia; Yossifon, Gilad; Miloh, Touvia

    2016-09-20

    Previously, metallodielectric Janus particles have been shown to travel with their dielectric hemisphere forward under low frequency applied electric fields as a result of asymmetric induced-charge electroosmotic flow. Here, it is demonstrated that at high frequencies, well beyond the charge relaxation time of the electric double layer induced around the particle, rather than the velocity decaying to zero, the Janus particles reverse direction, traveling with their metallic hemisphere forward. It is proposed that such motion is the result of a surface force, arising from localized nonuniform electric field gradients, induced by the dual symmetry-breaking of an asymmetric particle adjacent to a wall, which act on the induced dipole of the particle to drive net motion even in a uniform AC field. Although the field is external, since the driving gradient is induced on the particle level, it may be considered an active colloid. We have thus termed this propulsion mechanism "self-dielectrophoresis", to distinguish from traditional dielectrophoresis where the driving nonuniform field is externally fixed and the particle direction is restricted. It is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the critical frequency at which the particle reverses direction can be characterized by a nondimensional parameter which is a function of electrolyte concentration and particle size.

  14. Biospheric feedback effects in a synchronously coupled model of human and Earth systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thornton, P. E.; Calvin, K. V.; Jones, A. D.; Di Vittorio, A. V.; Bond-Lamberty, B. P.; Chini, L. P.; Shi, X.; Mao, J.; Collins, W. D.; Edmonds, J.; Hurtt, G. C.

    2017-12-01

    Fossil fuel combustion and land-use change are the two largest contributors to industrial-era increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration. Projections of these are thus fundamental inputs for coupled Earth system models (ESMs) used to estimate the physical and biological consequences of future climate system forcing. While historical datasets are available to inform past and current climate analyses, assessments of future climate change have relied on projections of energy and land use from energy economic models, constrained by assumptions about future policy, land-use patterns, and socio-economic development trajectories. In this work we show that the climatic impacts on land ecosystems drives significant feedbacks in energy, agriculture, land-use, and carbon cycle projections for the 21st century. We find that exposure of human appropriated land ecosystem productivity to biospheric change results in reductions of land area used for crops; increases in managed forest area and carbon stocks; decreases in global crop prices; and reduction in fossil fuel emissions for a low-mid range forcing scenario. Land ecosystem response to increased carbon dioxide concentration, increased anthropogenic nitrogen deposition, and changes in temperature and precipitation all play a role. The feedbacks between climate-induced biospheric change and human system forcings to the climate system demonstrated in this work are handled inconsistently, or excluded altogether, in the one-way asynchronous coupling of energy economic models to ESMs used to date.

  15. Studies on the positive inotropic effect of phenylephrine: a comparison with isoprenaline.

    PubMed

    Ledda, F; Marchetti, P; Mugelli, A

    1975-05-01

    1. The effects of phenylephrine and isoprenaline on the isometric contraction of guinea-pig ventricle were compared over the whole range of their respective dose-response curves. 2. In preparations driven at 2.5 Hz the increase in contractile force induced by either isoprenaline of phenylephrine was linearly correlated to an increase in maximum velocity of force development. The relaxation time was shortened by isoprenaline but not by phenylephrine. 3. The negative inotropic effect induced by delta [N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-N-methyl-amino]-alpha-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)alpha-isopropylvaleronitrile hydrochloride (D(600)) was reversed by isoprenaline, but little influenced by phenylephrine. 4. The study of the interval-force relationship shows that the increase in contractile force induced by phenylephrine (3 X 10(-5) M) was relatively greater at low frequencies of stimulation, and that the maximum effect was reached at the frequency of 1 Hz. 5. The positive inotropic effect of phenylephrine (10-4 M) was significantly higher at a frequency of 1 Hz than at 2.5 Hz; the effect of isoprenaline (3 x 10-8 M) was not significantly different at the two driving frequencies. 6. In preparations driven at 1 Hz the inotropic effect of the lower concentrations of phenylephrine was due to an increase in the time to peak tension without any change of the maximum velocity of force development; however an increase of this parameter became evident only after higher concentrations of the amine (10-5 M or more), associated with a progressive shortening of the time to peak. 7. A correlation between mechanical and electrophysiological effects of phenylephrine is attempted; the suggestion is advanced that the prolongation of the action potential and of the active state duration may be an important factor in the inotropic effect of phenylephrine.

  16. The Stiffness Variation of a Micro-Ring Driven by a Traveling Piecewise-Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yingjie; Yu, Tao; Hu, Yuh-Chung

    2014-01-01

    In the practice of electrostatically actuated micro devices; the electrostatic force is implemented by sequentially actuated piecewise-electrodes which result in a traveling distributed electrostatic force. However; such force was modeled as a traveling concentrated electrostatic force in literatures. This article; for the first time; presents an analytical study on the stiffness variation of microstructures driven by a traveling piecewise electrode. The analytical model is based on the theory of shallow shell and uniform electrical field. The traveling electrode not only applies electrostatic force on the circular-ring but also alters its dynamical characteristics via the negative electrostatic stiffness. It is known that; when a structure is subjected to a traveling constant force; its natural mode will be resonated as the traveling speed approaches certain critical speeds; and each natural mode refers to exactly one critical speed. However; for the case of a traveling electrostatic force; the number of critical speeds is more than that of the natural modes. This is due to the fact that the traveling electrostatic force makes the resonant frequencies of the forward and backward traveling waves of the circular-ring different. Furthermore; the resonance and stability can be independently controlled by the length of the traveling electrode; though the driving voltage and traveling speed of the electrostatic force alter the dynamics and stabilities of microstructures. This paper extends the fundamental insights into the electromechanical behavior of microstructures driven by electrostatic forces as well as the future development of MEMS/NEMS devices with electrostatic actuation and sensing. PMID:25230308

  17. The stiffness variation of a micro-ring driven by a traveling piecewise-electrode.

    PubMed

    Li, Yingjie; Yu, Tao; Hu, Yuh-Chung

    2014-09-16

    In the practice of electrostatically actuated micro devices; the electrostatic force is implemented by sequentially actuated piecewise-electrodes which result in a traveling distributed electrostatic force. However; such force was modeled as a traveling concentrated electrostatic force in literatures. This article; for the first time; presents an analytical study on the stiffness variation of microstructures driven by a traveling piecewise electrode. The analytical model is based on the theory of shallow shell and uniform electrical field. The traveling electrode not only applies electrostatic force on the circular-ring but also alters its dynamical characteristics via the negative electrostatic stiffness. It is known that; when a structure is subjected to a traveling constant force; its natural mode will be resonated as the traveling speed approaches certain critical speeds; and each natural mode refers to exactly one critical speed. However; for the case of a traveling electrostatic force; the number of critical speeds is more than that of the natural modes. This is due to the fact that the traveling electrostatic force makes the resonant frequencies of the forward and backward traveling waves of the circular-ring different. Furthermore; the resonance and stability can be independently controlled by the length of the traveling electrode; though the driving voltage and traveling speed of the electrostatic force alter the dynamics and stabilities of microstructures. This paper extends the fundamental insights into the electromechanical behavior of microstructures driven by electrostatic forces as well as the future development of MEMS/NEMS devices with electrostatic actuation and sensing.

  18. Solid Rocket Testing at AFRL (Briefing Charts)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-21

    Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL /RQRO 8 Draco Drive Edwards AFB, CA 93524-7135 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL /RQR 5 Pollux Drive...19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) 10/21/2016 Briefing Charts 01 October 2016 - 31 October 2016 Solid Rocket Testing at AFRL Robert Antypas Air ...Space Dominance MOJAVE BORONHWY 58 LANCASTER H IG H W A Y 14 RESERVATION BOUNDARY 0 5 10SCALE IN MILES HWY 395 EDWARDS

  19. Switched capacitor charge pump used for low-distortion imaging in atomic force microscope.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Lian Sheng; Feng, Zhi Hua

    2015-01-01

    The switched capacitor charge pump (SCCP) is an effective method of linearizing charges on piezoelectric actuators and therefore constitute a significant approach to nano-positioning. In this work, it was for the first time implemented in an atomic force microscope for low-distortion imaging. Experimental results showed that the image quality was improved evidently under the SCCP drive compared with that under traditional linear voltage drive. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Forces Driving Chaperone Action

    PubMed Central

    Koldewey, Philipp; Stull, Frederick; Horowitz, Scott; Martin, Raoul; Bardwell, James C. A.

    2016-01-01

    SUMMARY It is still unclear what molecular forces drive chaperone-mediated protein folding. Here, we obtain a detailed mechanistic understanding of the forces that dictate the four key steps of chaperone-client interaction: initial binding, complex stabilization, folding, and release. Contrary to the common belief that chaperones recognize unfolding intermediates by their hydrophobic nature, we discover that the model chaperone Spy uses long-range electrostatic interactions to rapidly bind to its unfolded client protein Im7. Short-range hydrophobic interactions follow, which serve to stabilize the complex. Hydrophobic collapse of the client protein then drives its folding. By burying hydrophobic residues in its core, the client’s affinity to Spy decreases, which causes client release. By allowing the client to fold itself, Spy circumvents the need for client-specific folding instructions. This mechanism might help explain how chaperones can facilitate the folding of various unrelated proteins. PMID:27293188

  1. Ball Screw Actuator Including a Stop with an Integral Guide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wingett, Paul T. (Inventor); Perek, John (Inventor); Geck, Kellan (Inventor)

    2015-01-01

    An actuator includes a housing assembly, a ball nut, a ball screw, and a ball screw stop. The ball nut is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive an input torque, and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate and supply a drive force. The ball screw is mounted within the housing assembly and extends through the ball nut. The ball screw has a first end and a second end, and is coupled to receive the drive force from the ball nut. The ball screw is configured, upon receipt of the drive force, to selectively translate between a stow position and a deploy position. The ball screw stop is mounted on the ball screw to translate therewith and is configured to at selectively engage the housing assembly while the ball screw is translating, and engage the ball nut when the ball screw is in the deploy position.

  2. Sector trends and driving forces of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions: focus in industry and buildings

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

    Price, Lynn; Worrell, Ernst; Khrushch, Marta

    Disaggregation of sectoral energy use and greenhouse gas emissions trends reveals striking differences between sectors and regions of the world. Understanding key driving forces in the energy end-use sectors provides insights for development of projections of future greenhouse gas emissions. This report examines global and regional historical trends in energy use and carbon emissions in the industrial, buildings, transport, and agriculture sectors, with a more detailed focus on industry and buildings. Activity and economic drivers as well as trends in energy and carbon intensity are evaluated. The authors show that macro-economic indicators, such as GDP, are insufficient for comprehending trendsmore » and driving forces at the sectoral level. These indicators need to be supplemented with sector-specific information for a more complete understanding of future energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.« less

  3. Ethical Problems in the Practice of Organization Development.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wooten, Kevin C.; White, Louis P.

    1983-01-01

    This article discusses forces that affect the professional ethics of organizational development (OD). Both driving forces and restraining forces have influenced the current status of OD ethics. These forces have operated since the emergence of OD itself, and their fluctuating intensity results in the dynamic nature of the OD profession. (SSH)

  4. Mechano-adaptation of the stem cell nucleus.

    PubMed

    Heo, Su-Jin; Cosgrove, Brian D; Dai, Eric N; Mauck, Robert L

    2018-01-01

    Exogenous mechanical forces are transmitted through the cell and to the nucleus, initiating mechanotransductive signaling cascades with profound effects on cellular function and stem cell fate. A growing body of evidence has shown that the force sensing and force-responsive elements of the nucleus adapt to these mechanotransductive events, tuning their response to future mechanical input. The mechanisms underlying this "mechano-adaptation" are only just beginning to be elucidated, and it remains poorly understood how these components act and adapt in tandem to drive stem cell differentiation. Here, we review the evidence on how the stem cell nucleus responds and adapts to physical forces, and provide a perspective on how this mechano-adaptation may function to drive and enforce stem cell differentiation.

  5. Mechano-adaptation of the stem cell nucleus

    PubMed Central

    Heo, Su-Jin; Cosgrove, Brian D.; Dai, Eric N.; Mauck, Robert L.

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT Exogenous mechanical forces are transmitted through the cell and to the nucleus, initiating mechanotransductive signaling cascades with profound effects on cellular function and stem cell fate. A growing body of evidence has shown that the force sensing and force-responsive elements of the nucleus adapt to these mechanotransductive events, tuning their response to future mechanical input. The mechanisms underlying this “mechano-adaptation” are only just beginning to be elucidated, and it remains poorly understood how these components act and adapt in tandem to drive stem cell differentiation. Here, we review the evidence on how the stem cell nucleus responds and adapts to physical forces, and provide a perspective on how this mechano-adaptation may function to drive and enforce stem cell differentiation. PMID:29099288

  6. Single-Cell Force Spectroscopy of Probiotic Bacteria

    PubMed Central

    Beaussart, Audrey; El-Kirat-Chatel, Sofiane; Herman, Philippe; Alsteens, David; Mahillon, Jacques; Hols, Pascal; Dufrêne, Yves F.

    2013-01-01

    Single-cell force spectroscopy is a powerful atomic force microscopy modality in which a single living cell is attached to the atomic force microscopy cantilever to quantify the forces that drive cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. Although various single-cell force spectroscopy protocols are well established for animal cells, application of the method to individual bacterial cells remains challenging, mainly owing to the lack of appropriate methods for the controlled attachment of single live cells on cantilevers. We present a nondestructive protocol for single-bacterial cell force spectroscopy, which combines the use of colloidal probe cantilevers and of a bioinspired polydopamine wet adhesive. Living cells from the probiotic species Lactobacillus plantarum are picked up with a polydopamine-coated colloidal probe, enabling us to quantify the adhesion forces between single bacteria and biotic (lectin monolayer) or abiotic (hydrophobic monolayer) surfaces. These minimally invasive single-cell experiments provide novel, to our knowledge, insight into the specific and nonspecific forces driving the adhesion of L. plantarum, and represent a generic platform for studying the molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion in probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. PMID:23663831

  7. Direct current force sensing device based on compressive spring, permanent magnet, and coil-wound magnetostrictive/piezoelectric laminate.

    PubMed

    Leung, Chung Ming; Or, Siu Wing; Ho, S L

    2013-12-01

    A force sensing device capable of sensing dc (or static) compressive forces is developed based on a NAS106N stainless steel compressive spring, a sintered NdFeB permanent magnet, and a coil-wound Tb(0.3)Dy(0.7)Fe(1.92)/Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 magnetostrictive∕piezoelectric laminate. The dc compressive force sensing in the device is evaluated theoretically and experimentally and is found to originate from a unique force-induced, position-dependent, current-driven dc magnetoelectric effect. The sensitivity of the device can be increased by increasing the spring constant of the compressive spring, the size of the permanent magnet, and/or the driving current for the coil-wound laminate. Devices of low-force (20 N) and high-force (200 N) types, showing high output voltages of 262 and 128 mV peak, respectively, are demonstrated at a low driving current of 100 mA peak by using different combinations of compressive spring and permanent magnet.

  8. Power-to-load balancing for asymmetric heave wave energy converters with nonideal power take-off

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

    Tom, Nathan M.; Madhi, Farshad; Yeung, Ronald W.

    The aim of this study is to maximize the power-to-load ratio for asymmetric heave wave energy converters. Linear hydrodynamic theory was used to calculate bounds of the expected time-averaged power (TAP) and corresponding surge-restraining force, pitch-restraining torque, and power take-off (PTO) control force with the assumption of sinusoidal displacement. This paper formulates an optimal control problem to handle an objective function with competing terms in an attempt to maximize power capture while minimizing structural and actuator loads in regular and irregular waves. Penalty weights are placed on the surge-restraining force, pitch-restraining torque, and PTO actuation force, thereby allowing the controlmore » focus to concentrate on either power absorption or load mitigation. The penalty weights are used to control peak structural and actuator loads that were found to curb the additional losses in power absorption associated with a nonideal PTO. Thus, in achieving these goals, a per-unit gain in TAP would not lead to a greater per-unit demand in structural strength, hence yielding a favorable benefit-to-cost ratio. Demonstrative results for 'The Berkeley Wedge' in the form of output TAP, reactive TAP needed to drive WEC motion, and the amplitudes of the surge-restraining force, pitch-restraining torque, and PTO control force are shown.« less

  9. Power-to-load balancing for asymmetric heave wave energy converters with nonideal power take-off

    DOE PAGES

    Tom, Nathan M.; Madhi, Farshad; Yeung, Ronald W.

    2017-12-11

    The aim of this study is to maximize the power-to-load ratio for asymmetric heave wave energy converters. Linear hydrodynamic theory was used to calculate bounds of the expected time-averaged power (TAP) and corresponding surge-restraining force, pitch-restraining torque, and power take-off (PTO) control force with the assumption of sinusoidal displacement. This paper formulates an optimal control problem to handle an objective function with competing terms in an attempt to maximize power capture while minimizing structural and actuator loads in regular and irregular waves. Penalty weights are placed on the surge-restraining force, pitch-restraining torque, and PTO actuation force, thereby allowing the controlmore » focus to concentrate on either power absorption or load mitigation. The penalty weights are used to control peak structural and actuator loads that were found to curb the additional losses in power absorption associated with a nonideal PTO. Thus, in achieving these goals, a per-unit gain in TAP would not lead to a greater per-unit demand in structural strength, hence yielding a favorable benefit-to-cost ratio. Demonstrative results for 'The Berkeley Wedge' in the form of output TAP, reactive TAP needed to drive WEC motion, and the amplitudes of the surge-restraining force, pitch-restraining torque, and PTO control force are shown.« less

  10. Land use change and its driving forces toward mutual conversion in Zhangjiakou City, a farming-pastoral ecotone in Northern China.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chao; Xu, Yueqing; Sun, Piling; Huang, An; Zheng, Weiran

    2017-09-14

    Land use/cover change (LUCC), a local environmental issue of global importance, and its driving forces have been crucial issues in geography and environmental research. Previous studies primarily focused on major driving factors in various land use types, with few explorations of differences between driving forces of mutual land use type conversions, especially in fragile eco-environments. In this study, Zhangjiakou City, in a farming-pastoral ecotone in Northern China, was taken as an example to analyze land use change between 1989 and 2015, and explore the driving forces of mutual land use type conversions using canonical correlation analysis. Satellite images and government statistics, including social-economic and natural data, were used as sources. Arable land, forestland, and grassland formed the main land use structure. From 1989 to 2015 forestland, orchard land, and construction land significantly increased, while arable land, grassland, unused land, and water areas decreased. Conversions from grassland to forestland; from arable land to orchard land, forestland and construction land; and from unused land to grassland and forestland were the primary land use changes. Among these, the conversion from grassland to forestland had the highest ranking. Average annual precipitation and per capita net income of rural residents positively affected the conversion of arable land to forestland and unused land to grassland. GDP, total population, and urbanization rate contributed most significantly to converting arable land to construction land; total retail sales of social consumer goods, average annual temperature, and GDP had important positive influences in converting arable land to orchard land.

  11. Self-determined mechanisms in complex networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yang; Yuan, Jian; Shan, Xiuming; Ren, Yong; Ma, Zhengxin

    2008-03-01

    Self-organized networks are pervasive in communication systems such as the Internet, overlay networks, peer-to-peer networks, and cluster-based services. These networks evolve into complex topologies, under specific driving forces, i.e. user demands, technological innovations, design objectives and so on. Our study focuses on the driving forces behind individual evolutions of network components, and their stimulation and domination to the self-organized networks which are defined as self-determined mechanisms in this paper. Understanding forces underlying the evolution of networks should enable informed design decisions and help to avoid unwanted surprises, such as congestion collapse. A case study on the macroscopic evolution of the Internet topology of autonomous systems under a specific driving force is then presented. Using computer simulations, it is found that the power-law degree distribution can originate from a connection preference to larger numbers of users, and that the small-world property can be caused by rapid growth in the number of users. Our results provide a new feasible perspective to understand intrinsic fundamentals in the topological evolution of complex networks.

  12. Vehicle dynamics control of four in-wheel motor drive electric vehicle using gain scheduling based on tyre cornering stiffness estimation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiong, Lu; Yu, Zhuoping; Wang, Yang; Yang, Chen; Meng, Yufeng

    2012-06-01

    This paper focuses on the vehicle dynamic control system for a four in-wheel motor drive electric vehicle, aiming at improving vehicle stability under critical driving conditions. The vehicle dynamics controller is composed of three modules, i.e. motion following control, control allocation and vehicle state estimation. Considering the strong nonlinearity of the tyres under critical driving conditions, the yaw motion of the vehicle is regulated by gain scheduling control based on the linear quadratic regulator theory. The feed-forward and feedback gains of the controller are updated in real-time by online estimation of the tyre cornering stiffness, so as to ensure the control robustness against environmental disturbances as well as parameter uncertainty. The control allocation module allocates the calculated generalised force requirements to each in-wheel motor based on quadratic programming theory while taking the tyre longitudinal/lateral force coupling characteristic into consideration. Simulations under a variety of driving conditions are carried out to verify the control algorithm. Simulation results indicate that the proposed vehicle stability controller can effectively stabilise the vehicle motion under critical driving conditions.

  13. Stochastic and superharmonic stochastic resonances of a confined overdamped harmonic oscillator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Lu; Lai, Li; Peng, Hao; Tu, Zhe; Zhong, Suchuan

    2018-01-01

    The dynamics of many soft condensed matter and biological systems is affected by space limitations, which produce some peculiar effects on the systems' stochastic resonance (SR) behavior. In this study, we propose a model where SR can be observed: a confined overdamped harmonic oscillator that is subjected to a sinusoidal driving force and is under the influence of a multiplicative white noise. The output response of the system is a periodic signal with harmonic frequencies that are odd multiples of the driving frequency. We verify the amplitude resonances at the driving frequencies and superharmonic frequencies that are equal to three, five, and seven times the driving frequency, using a numerical method based on the stochastic Taylor expansion. The synergistic effect of the multiplicative white noise, constant boundaries, and periodic driving force that can induce a SR in the output amplitude at the driving and superharmonic frequencies is found. The SR phenomenon found in this paper is sensitive to the driving amplitude and frequency, inherent potential parameter, and boundary width, thus leading to various resonance conditions. Therefore, the mechanism found could be beneficial for the characterization of these confined systems and could constitute an important tool for controlling their basic properties.

  14. Response characteristic of high-speed on/off valve with double voltage driving circuit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, P. X.; Su, M.; Zhang, D. B.

    2017-07-01

    High-speed on/off valve, an important part of turbocharging system, its quick response has a direct impact on the turbocharger pressure cycle. The methods of improving the response characteristic of high speed on/off valve include increasing the magnetic force of armature and the voltage, decreasing the mass and current of coil. The less coil number of turns, the solenoid force is smaller. The special armature structure and the magnetic material will raise cost. In this paper a new scheme of double voltage driving circuit is investigated, in which the original driving circuit of high-speed on/off valve is replaced by double voltage driving circuit. The detailed theoretical analysis and simulations were carried out on the double voltage driving circuit, it showed that the switching time and delay time of the valve respectively are 3.3ms, 5.3ms, 1.9ms and 1.8ms. When it is driven by the double voltage driving circuit, the switching time and delay time of this valve are reduced, optimizing its response characteristic. By the comparison related factors (such as duty cycle or working frequency) about influences on response characteristic, the superior of double voltage driving circuit has been further confirmed.

  15. In vivo analysis of NH4+ transport and central N-metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under aerobic N-limited conditions.

    PubMed

    Cueto-Rojas, H F; Maleki Seifar, R; Ten Pierick, A; van Helmond, W; Pieterse M, M; Heijnen, J J; Wahl, S A

    2016-09-16

    Ammonium is the most common N-source for yeast fermentations. Although, its transport and assimilation mechanisms are well documented, there have been only few attempts to measure the in vivo intracellular concentration of ammonium and assess its impact on gene expression. Using an isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)-based method we were able to measure the intracellular ammonium concentration in N-limited aerobic chemostat cultivations using three different N-sources (ammonium, urea and glutamate) at the same growth rate (0.05 h -1 ). The experimental results suggest that, at this growth rate, a similar concentration of intracellular ammonium, about 3.6 mmol NH 4 + /L IC , is required to supply the reactions in the central N-metabolism independent of the N-source. Based on the experimental results and different assumptions, the vacuolar and cytosolic ammonium concentrations were estimated. Furthermore, we identified a futile cycle caused by NH 3 leakage to the extracellular space, which can cost up to 30% of the ATP production of the cell under N-limited conditions, and a futile redox cycle between reactions Gdh1 and Gdh2. Finally, using shotgun proteomics with labeled reference-relative protein expression, differences between the various environmental conditions were identified and correlated with previously identified N-compound sensing mechanisms. In our work, we study central N-metabolism using quantitative approaches. First, intracellular ammonium was measured under different N-sources. The results suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells keep a constant NH 4 + concentration (around 3 mmol NH 4 + /L IC ), independent of the applied nitrogen source. We hypothesize that this amount of intracellular ammonium is required to obtain sufficient thermodynamic driving force.Furthermore, our calculations based on thermodynamic analysis of the transport mechanisms of ammonium suggest that ammonium is not equally distributed, indicating a high degree of compartmentalization in the vacuole. Additionally, metabolomic analysis results were used to calculate the thermodynamic driving forces in the central N-metabolism reactions, revealing that the main reactions in the central N-metabolism are far from equilibrium. Using proteomics approaches, we were able to identify major changes, not only in N-metabolism but also C-metabolism and regulation. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  16. In Vivo Analysis of NH4+ Transport and Central Nitrogen Metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during Aerobic Nitrogen-Limited Growth

    PubMed Central

    Maleki Seifar, R.; ten Pierick, A.; van Helmond, W.; Pieterse, M. M.; Heijnen, J. J.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Ammonium is the most common N source for yeast fermentations. Although its transport and assimilation mechanisms are well documented, there have been only a few attempts to measure the in vivo intracellular concentration of ammonium and assess its impact on gene expression. Using an isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)-based method, we were able to measure the intracellular ammonium concentration in N-limited aerobic chemostat cultivations using three different N sources (ammonium, urea, and glutamate) at the same growth rate (0.05 h−1). The experimental results suggest that, at this growth rate, a similar concentration of intracellular (IC) ammonium, about 3.6 mmol NH4+/literIC, is required to supply the reactions in the central N metabolism, independent of the N source. Based on the experimental results and different assumptions, the vacuolar and cytosolic ammonium concentrations were estimated. Furthermore, we identified a futile cycle caused by NH3 leakage into the extracellular space, which can cost up to 30% of the ATP production of the cell under N-limited conditions, and a futile redox cycle between Gdh1 and Gdh2 reactions. Finally, using shotgun proteomics with protein expression determined relative to a labeled reference, differences between the various environmental conditions were identified and correlated with previously identified N compound-sensing mechanisms. IMPORTANCE In our work, we studied central N metabolism using quantitative approaches. First, intracellular ammonium was measured under different N sources. The results suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells maintain a constant NH4+ concentration (around 3 mmol NH4+/literIC), independent of the applied nitrogen source. We hypothesize that this amount of intracellular ammonium is required to obtain sufficient thermodynamic driving force. Furthermore, our calculations based on thermodynamic analysis of the transport mechanisms of ammonium suggest that ammonium is not equally distributed, indicating a high degree of compartmentalization in the vacuole. Additionally, metabolomic analysis results were used to calculate the thermodynamic driving forces in the central N metabolism reactions, revealing that the main reactions in the central N metabolism are far from equilibrium. Using proteomics approaches, we were able to identify major changes, not only in N metabolism, but also in C metabolism and regulation. PMID:27637876

  17. 14. Main entrance to Gwing from Apollo Drive, looking north ...

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

    14. Main entrance to G-wing from Apollo Drive, looking north - Offutt Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command Headquarters & Command Center, Headquarters Building, 901 SAC Boulevard, Bellevue, Sarpy County, NE

  18. Remote Drying in the North Atlantic as a Common Response to Precessional Changes and CO 2 Increase Over Land

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

    Kelly, Patrick; Kravitz, Ben; Lu, Jian

    In this study, we demonstrate that changes of the North Atlantic subtropical high and its regional rainfall pattern during mid-Holocene precessional changes and idealized 4xCO 2 increase can both be understood as a remote response to increased land heating near North Africa. Despite different sources and patterns of radiative forcing (increase in CO 2 concentration versus changes in orbital parameters), we find that the pattern of energy, circulation, and rainfall responses in the Northern Hemisphere summer subtropics are remarkably similar in the two forcing scenarios because both are dominated by the same land-sea heating contrast in response to the forcing.more » An increase in energy input over arid land drives a westward displacement of the coupled North Atlantic subtropical high-monsoon circulation, consistent with increased precipitation in the Afro-Asia region and decreased precipitation in the America-Atlantic region. This study underscores the importance of land heating in dictating remote drying through zonal shifts of the subtropical circulation.« less

  19. Remote Drying in the North Atlantic as a Common Response to Precessional Changes and CO 2 Increase Over Land

    DOE PAGES

    Kelly, Patrick; Kravitz, Ben; Lu, Jian; ...

    2018-04-16

    In this study, we demonstrate that changes of the North Atlantic subtropical high and its regional rainfall pattern during mid-Holocene precessional changes and idealized 4xCO 2 increase can both be understood as a remote response to increased land heating near North Africa. Despite different sources and patterns of radiative forcing (increase in CO 2 concentration versus changes in orbital parameters), we find that the pattern of energy, circulation, and rainfall responses in the Northern Hemisphere summer subtropics are remarkably similar in the two forcing scenarios because both are dominated by the same land-sea heating contrast in response to the forcing.more » An increase in energy input over arid land drives a westward displacement of the coupled North Atlantic subtropical high-monsoon circulation, consistent with increased precipitation in the Afro-Asia region and decreased precipitation in the America-Atlantic region. This study underscores the importance of land heating in dictating remote drying through zonal shifts of the subtropical circulation.« less

  20. The effect of solute concentration on hindered gradient diffusion in polymeric gels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buck, Kristan K. S.; Dungan, Stephanie R.; Phillips, Ronald J.

    1999-10-01

    The effect of solute concentration on hindered diffusion of sphere-like colloidal solutes in stiff polymer hydrogels is examined theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical development, it is shown that the presence of the gel fibres enhances the effect of concentration on the thermodynamic driving force for gradient diffusion, while simultaneously reducing the effect of concentration on the hydrodynamic drag. The result is that gradient diffusion depends more strongly on solute concentration in gels than it does in pure solution, by an amount that depends on the partition coefficient and hydraulic permeability of the gel solute system. Quantitative calculations are made to determine the concentration-dependent diffusivity correct to first order in solute concentration. In order to compare the theoretical predictions with experimental data, rates of diffusion have been measured for nonionic micelles and globular proteins in solution and agarose hydrogels at two gel concentrations. The measurements were performed by using holographic interferometry, through which one monitors changes in refractive index as gradient diffusion takes place within a transparent gel. If the solutes are modelled as spheres with short-range repulsive interactions, then the experimentally measured concentration dependence of the diffusivities of both the protein and micelles is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.

  1. Measuring Risky Driving Behavior Using an mHealth Smartphone App: Development and Evaluation of gForce

    PubMed Central

    Dave, Amisha D; Espey, Benjamin G; Stanley, Sean T; Garmendia, Marcial A; Pursley, Randall; Ehsani, Johnathon P; Simons-Morton, Bruce G; Pohida, Thomas J

    2018-01-01

    Background Naturalistic driving studies, designed to objectively assess driving behavior and outcomes, are conducted by equipping vehicles with dedicated instrumentation (eg, accelerometers, gyroscopes, Global Positioning System, and cameras) that provide continuous recording of acceleration, location, videos, and still images for eventual retrieval and analyses. However, this research is limited by several factors: the cost of equipment installation; management and storage of the large amounts of data collected; and data reduction, coding, and analyses. Modern smartphone technology includes accelerometers built into phones, and the vast, global proliferation of smartphones could provide a possible low-cost alternative for assessing kinematic risky driving. Objective We evaluated an in-house developed iPhone app (gForce) for detecting elevated g-force events by comparing the iPhone linear acceleration measurements with corresponding acceleration measurements obtained with both a custom Android app and the in-vehicle miniDAS data acquisition system (DAS; Virginia Tech Transportation Institute). Methods The iPhone and Android devices were dashboard-mounted in a vehicle equipped with the DAS instrumentation. The experimental protocol consisted of driving maneuvers on a test track, such as cornering, braking, and turning that were performed at different acceleration levels (ie, mild, moderate, or hard). The iPhone gForce app recorded linear acceleration (ie, gravity-corrected). The Android app recorded gravity-corrected and uncorrected acceleration measurements, and the DAS device recorded gravity-uncorrected acceleration measurements. Lateral and longitudinal acceleration measures were compared. Results The correlation coefficients between the iPhone and DAS acceleration measurements were slightly lower compared to the correlation coefficients between the Android and DAS, possibly due to the gravity correction on the iPhone. Averaging the correlation coefficients for all maneuvers, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration measurements between iPhone and DAS were rlng=0.71 and rlat=0.83, respectively, while the corresponding acceleration measurements between Android and DAS were rlng=0.95 and rlat=0.97. The correlation coefficients between lateral accelerations on all three devices were higher than with the corresponding longitudinal accelerations for most maneuvers. Conclusions The gForce iPhone app reliably assessed elevated g-force events compared to the DAS. Collectively, the gForce app and iPhone platform have the potential to serve as feature-rich, inexpensive, scalable, and open-source tool for assessment of kinematic risky driving events, with potential for research and feedback forms of intervention. PMID:29674309

  2. Quantized transport for a skyrmion moving on a two-dimensional periodic substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reichhardt, C.; Ray, D.; Reichhardt, C. J. Olson

    2015-03-01

    We examine the dynamics of a skyrmion moving over a two-dimensional periodic substrate utilizing simulations of a particle-based skyrmion model. We specifically examine the role of the nondissipative Magnus term on the driven motion and the resulting skyrmion velocity-force curves. In the overdamped limit, there is a depinning transition into a sliding state in which the skyrmion moves in the same direction as the external drive. When there is a finite Magnus component in the equation of motion, a skyrmion in the absence of a substrate moves at an angle with respect to the direction of the external driving force. When a periodic substrate is added, the direction of motion or Hall angle of the skyrmion is dependent on the amplitude of the external drive, only approaching the substrate-free limit for higher drives. Due to the underlying symmetry of the substrate the direction of skyrmion motion does not change continuously as a function of drive, but rather forms a series of discrete steps corresponding to integer or rational ratios of the velocity components perpendicular ( ) and parallel ( ) to the external drive direction: / =n /m , where n and m are integers. The skyrmion passes through a series of directional locking phases in which the motion is locked to certain symmetry directions of the substrate for fixed intervals of the drive amplitude. Within a given directionally locked phase, the Hall angle remains constant and the skyrmion moves in an orderly fashion through the sample. Signatures of the transitions into and out of these locked phases take the form of pronounced cusps in the skyrmion velocity versus force curves, as well as regions of negative differential mobility in which the net skyrmion velocity decreases with increasing external driving force. The number of steps in the transport curve increases when the relative strength of the Magnus term is increased. We also observe an overshoot phenomena in the directional locking, where the skyrmion motion can lock to a Hall angle greater than the clean limit value and then jump back to the lower value at higher drives. The skyrmion-substrate interactions can also produce a skyrmion acceleration effect in which, due to the nondissipative dynamics, the skyrmion velocity exceeds the value expected to be produced by the external drive. We find that these effects are robust for different types of periodic substrates. Using a simple model for a skyrmion interacting with a single pinning site, we can capture the behavior of the change in the Hall angle with increasing external drive. When the skyrmion moves through the pinning site, its trajectory exhibits a side step phenomenon since the Magnus term induces a curvature in the skyrmion orbit. As the drive increases, this curvature is reduced and the side step effect is also reduced. Increasing the strength of the Magnus term reduces the range of impact parameters over which the skyrmion can be captured by a pinning site, which is one of the reasons that strong Magnus force effects reduce the pinning in skyrmion systems.

  3. The effect of competition on heart rate during kart driving: A field study.

    PubMed

    Matsumura, Kenta; Yamakoshi, Takehiro; Yamakoshi, Yasuhiro; Rolfe, Peter

    2011-09-09

    Both the act of competing, which can create a kind of mental stress, and participation in motor sports, which induces physical stress from intense g-forces, are known to increase heart rate dramatically. However, little is known about the specific effect of competition on heart rate during motor sports, particularly during four-wheel car driving. The goal of this preliminary study, therefore, was to investigate whether competition increases heart rate under such situations. The participants drove an entry-level formula kart during two competitive races and during solo driving against the clock while heart rate and g-forces were measured. Analyses showed that heart rate values during the races (168.8 beats/min) were significantly higher than those during solo driving (140.9 beats/min) and rest (75.1 beats/min). The results of this preliminary study indicate that competition heightens heart rate during four-wheel car driving. Kart drivers should be concerned about maintaining good health and developing physical strength.

  4. The effect of competition on heart rate during kart driving: A field study

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Both the act of competing, which can create a kind of mental stress, and participation in motor sports, which induces physical stress from intense g-forces, are known to increase heart rate dramatically. However, little is known about the specific effect of competition on heart rate during motor sports, particularly during four-wheel car driving. The goal of this preliminary study, therefore, was to investigate whether competition increases heart rate under such situations. Findings The participants drove an entry-level formula kart during two competitive races and during solo driving against the clock while heart rate and g-forces were measured. Analyses showed that heart rate values during the races (168.8 beats/min) were significantly higher than those during solo driving (140.9 beats/min) and rest (75.1 beats/min). Conclusions The results of this preliminary study indicate that competition heightens heart rate during four-wheel car driving. Kart drivers should be concerned about maintaining good health and developing physical strength. PMID:21906298

  5. Domain Wall Evolution in Phase Transforming Oxides

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-14

    configumtions under driving forces (e.g. changes in temperature and electric fields) in an effort to: 1) understand the underlying linkage between -1...configurations under driving forces (e.g. changes in temperature and electric fields) in an effort to: 1) understand the underlying linkage between...Extensive domain wall motion and deaging resistance in morphotropic 0.55Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3–0.45PbTiO3 polycrystalline ferroelectrics, Applied Physics Letters

  6. Application of Laser Ranging and VLBI Data to a Study of Plate Tectonic Driving Forces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Solomon, S. C.

    1980-01-01

    The conditions under which changes in plate driving or resistive forces associated with plate boundary earthquakes are measurable with laser ranging or very long base interferometry were investigated. Aspects of plate forces that can be characterized by such measurements were identified. Analytic solutions for two dimensional stress diffusion in a viscoelastic plate following earthquake faulting on a finite fault, finite element solutions for three dimensional stress diffusion in a viscoelastic Earth following earthquake faulting, and quantitative constraints from modeling of global intraplate stress on the magnitude of deviatoric stress in the lithosphere are among the topics discussed.

  7. Theoretical analysis of the formation driving force and decreased sensitivity for CL-20 cocrystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Jun-Hong; Shi, Liang-Wei; Zhang, Chao-Yang; Li, Hong-Zhen; Chen, Min-Bo; Chen, Wei-Ming

    2016-07-01

    Methods that analyze the driving force in the formation of the new energetic cocrystal are proposed in this paper. Various intermolecular interactions in the 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo [5.5.0.05,9.03,11]dodecane (CL-20) cocrystals are compared with those in pure CL-20 and coformer crystals by atom in molecule (AIM) and Hirshfeld surface methods under the supramolecular cluster model. The driving force in the formation of the CL-20 cocrystals is analyzed. The main driving force in the formation of the cocrystal CL-20/HMX comes from the O···H interactions, that in the formation of the cocrystal CL-20/TNT from the O···H and C···O interactions, and that in the formation of the cocrystal CL-20/BTF from the N···H and N···O interactions. Other interactions in the CL-20 cocrystals only contribute to their stabilization. At the same time, the reasons for the decreased impact sensitivity of the CL-20 cocrystals are also analyzed. They are the strengthening of the intermolecular interactions, the reducing of the free space, and the changing of the surrounding of CL-20 molecule in the CL-20 cocrystals in comparison with those in the pure CL-20 crystal.

  8. [Spatio-temporal change of sand-fixing function and its driving forces in desertification control ecological function area of Hunshandake, China].

    PubMed

    Shen, Lu; Tian, Mei-rong; Gao, Ji-xi; Qian, Jin-ping

    2016-01-01

    Soil erosion is an important ecological and environmental problem in Hunshandake Desert, and the sand-fixing function determines the degree of ecological security in the entire region. In order to clarify the situation of windbreak and sand fixation in Hunshandake area, and to guide the prevention and treatment of desertification on regional scale, based on the meteorological and remote sensing data, this paper quantitatively analyzed the temporal and spatial pattern of windbreak and sand fixation ability between 2000-2010 by the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) model, meanwhile, the driving forces for each county ( or banner) in the functional zone were analyzed with the method of principal component analysis. The results showed that there was a fluctuation of the sand fixing capacity in Hunshandake over time, generally rendering a decline trend. The coniferous forest and grassland had strong windbreak and sand fixation capacity in unit area among the various land categories. In terms of spatial distribution, the windbreak and sand fixation function in western and southeastern region was weak and needed to be strengthened with ecological restoration efforts. Through the study of the social driving forces of each administrative region in the function zone, there were 3 main social driving forces of soil erosion in the administrative functions: the intensity of input-output, the level of economic development and the level of agriculture-husbandry development.

  9. Clogging and transport of driven particles in asymmetric funnel arrays

    DOE PAGES

    Olson Reichhardt, Cynthia J.; Reichhardt, Charles

    2018-05-03

    In this paper, we numerically examine the flow and clogging of particles driven through asymmetric funnel arrays when the commensurability ratio of the number of particles per plaquette is varied. The particle-particle interactions are modeled with a soft repulsive potential that could represent vortex flow in type-II superconductors or driven charged colloids. The velocity-force curves for driving in the easy flow direction of the funnels exhibit a single depinning threshold; however, for driving in the hard flow direction, we find that there can be both negative mobility where the velocity decreases with increasing driving force as well as a reentrantmore » pinning effect in which the particles flow at low drives but become pinned at intermediate drives. This reentrant pinning is associated with a transition from smooth one-dimensional flow at low drives to a clogged state at higher drives that occurs when the particles cluster in a small number of plaquettes and block the flow. When the drive is further increased, particle rearrangements occur that cause the clog to break apart. We map out the regimes in which the pinned, flowing, and clogged states appear as a function of plaquette filling and drive. Finally, the clogged states remain robust at finite temperatures but develop intermittent bursts of flow in which a clog temporarily breaks apart but quickly reforms.« less

  10. Clogging and transport of driven particles in asymmetric funnel arrays

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

    Olson Reichhardt, Cynthia J.; Reichhardt, Charles

    In this paper, we numerically examine the flow and clogging of particles driven through asymmetric funnel arrays when the commensurability ratio of the number of particles per plaquette is varied. The particle-particle interactions are modeled with a soft repulsive potential that could represent vortex flow in type-II superconductors or driven charged colloids. The velocity-force curves for driving in the easy flow direction of the funnels exhibit a single depinning threshold; however, for driving in the hard flow direction, we find that there can be both negative mobility where the velocity decreases with increasing driving force as well as a reentrantmore » pinning effect in which the particles flow at low drives but become pinned at intermediate drives. This reentrant pinning is associated with a transition from smooth one-dimensional flow at low drives to a clogged state at higher drives that occurs when the particles cluster in a small number of plaquettes and block the flow. When the drive is further increased, particle rearrangements occur that cause the clog to break apart. We map out the regimes in which the pinned, flowing, and clogged states appear as a function of plaquette filling and drive. Finally, the clogged states remain robust at finite temperatures but develop intermittent bursts of flow in which a clog temporarily breaks apart but quickly reforms.« less

  11. A square-plate piezoelectric linear motor operating in two orthogonal and isomorphic face-diagonal-bending modes.

    PubMed

    Ci, Penghong; Chen, Zhijiang; Liu, Guoxi; Dong, Shuxiang

    2014-01-01

    We report a piezoelectric linear motor made of a single Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 square-plate, which operates in two orthogonal and isomorphic face-diagonal-bending modes to produce precision linear motion. A 15 × 15 × 2 mm prototype was fabricated, and the motor generated a driving force of up to 1.8 N and a speed of 170 mm/s under an applied voltage of 100 Vpp at the resonance frequency of 136.5 kHz. The motor shows such advantages as large driving force under relatively low driving voltage, simple structure, and stable motion because of its isomorphic face-diagonal-bending mode.

  12. Turbulent behaviour of non-cohesive sediment gravity flows at unexpectedly high flow density

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baker, Megan; Baas, Jaco H.; Malarkey, Jonathan; Kane, Ian

    2016-04-01

    Experimental lock exchange-type turbidity currents laden with non-cohesive silica-flour were found to be highly dynamic at remarkably high suspended sediment concentrations. These experiments were conducted to produce sediment gravity flows of volumetric concentrations ranging from 1% to 52%, to study how changes in suspended sediment concentration affects the head velocities and run-out distances of these flows, in natural seawater. Increasing the volumetric concentration of suspended silica-flour, C, up to C = 46%, within the flows led to a progressive increase in the maximum head velocity. This relationship suggests that suspended sediment concentration intensifies the density difference between the turbulent suspension and the ambient water, which drives the flow, even if almost half of the available space is occupied by sediment particles. However, from C = 46% to C = 52% a rapid reduction in the maximum head velocity was measured. It is inferred that at C = 46%, friction from grain-to-grain interactions begins to attenuate turbulence within the flows. At C > 46%, the frictional stresses become progressively more dominant over the turbulent forces and excess density, thus producing lower maximum head velocities. This grain interaction process started to rapidly reduce the run-out distance of the silica-flour flows at equally high concentrations of C ≥ 47%. All flows with C < 47% reflected off the end of the 5-m long tank, but the head velocities gradually reduced along the tank. Bagnold (1954, 1963) estimated that, for sand flows, grain-to-grain interactions start to become important in modulating turbulence at C > 9%. Yet, the critical flow concentration at which turbulence modulation commenced for these silica-flour laden flows appeared to be much higher. We suggest that Bagnold's 9% criterion cannot be applied to flows that carry fine-grained sediment, because turbulent forces are more important than dispersive forces, and frictional forces start to affect the flows only at concentrations just below the cubic packing density of spheres of C = 52%. These experimental results also imply that natural flows may be able to transport vast volumes of non-cohesive sediment with relative ease, especially considering that the experimental flows moved on a horizontal slope. References Bagnold, R. A. (1954). Experiments on a Gravity-Free Dispersion of Large Solid Spheres in Newtonian Fluid under Shear. Proceedings of the Royal Society series A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 225(1160), 49-63. Bagnold, R. A. (1963). Beach and nearshore processes: Part 1. Mechanics of marine sedimentation. In: Hill, M. N. (Ed.) The Earth Beneath the Sea, vol. 3. Wiley-Interscience, London, 507-533.

  13. 8. Drainage ditch from the corner of Apollo Drive and ...

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

    8. Drainage ditch from the corner of Apollo Drive and SAC Boulevard looking north - Offutt Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command Headquarters & Command Center, Headquarters Building, 901 SAC Boulevard, Bellevue, Sarpy County, NE

  14. 17. View of Mercury Avenue from Apollo Drive, looking north ...

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

    17. View of Mercury Avenue from Apollo Drive, looking north at E-wing - Offutt Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command Headquarters & Command Center, Headquarters Building, 901 SAC Boulevard, Bellevue, Sarpy County, NE

  15. Toward Greater Cooperation? FM 100-5 and AFDD 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-05-22

    complementary with respect to technological superiority, information dominance , and asymmetric force application. Both the Army and the Air Force are...Force have the same understanding of technology superiority, information dominance and asymmetric force application. Differences in emphasis on the...for military operations while the Air Force views technology as the driving factor for military capability. Both services understand that information

  16. Lateral transport of solutes in microfluidic channels using electrochemically generated gradients in redox-active surfactants.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaoyang; Abbott, Nicholas L

    2011-04-15

    We report principles for a continuous flow process that can separate solutes based on a driving force for selective transport that is generated by a lateral concentration gradient of a redox-active surfactant across a microfluidic channel. Microfluidic channels fabricated with gold electrodes lining each vertical wall were used to electrochemically generate concentration gradients of the redox-active surfactant 11-ferrocenylundecyl-trimethylammonium bromide (FTMA) in a direction perpendicular to the flow. The interactions of three solutes (a hydrophobic dye, 1-phenylazo-2-naphthylamine (yellow AB), an amphiphilic molecule, 2-(4,4-difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-pentanoyl)-1-hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (BODIPY C(5)-HPC), and an organic salt, 1-methylpyridinium-3-sulfonate (MPS)) with the lateral gradients in surfactant/micelle concentration were shown to drive the formation of solute-specific concentration gradients. Two distinct physical mechanisms were identified to lead to the solute concentration gradients: solubilization of solutes by micelles and differential adsorption of the solutes onto the walls of the microchannels in the presence of the surfactant concentration gradient. These two mechanisms were used to demonstrate delipidation of a mixture of BODIPY C(5)-HPC (lipid) and MPS and purification of BODIPY C(5)-HPC from a mixture of BODIPY C(5)-HPC and yellow AB. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that lateral concentration gradients of redox-active surfactants formed within microfluidic channels can be used to transport solutes across the microfluidic channels in a solute-dependent manner. The approach employs electrical potentials (<1 V) that are sufficiently small to avoid electrolysis of water, can be performed in solutions having high ionic strength (>0.1M), and offers the basis of continuous processes for the purification or separation of solutes in microscale systems. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  17. Contact position sensor using constant contact force control system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sturdevant, Jay (Inventor)

    1995-01-01

    A force control system (50) and method are provided for controlling a position contact sensor (10) so as to produce a constant controlled contact force therewith. The system (50) includes a contact position sensor (10) which has a contact probe (12) for contacting the surface of a target to be measured and an output signal (V.sub.o) for providing a position indication thereof. An actuator (30) is provided for controllably driving the contact position sensor (10) in response to an actuation control signal (I). A controller (52) receives the position indication signal (V.sub.o) and generates in response thereto the actuation control signal (I) so as to provide a substantially constant selective force (F) exerted by the contact probe (12). The actuation drive signal (I) is generated further in response to substantially linear approximation curves based on predetermined force and position data attained from the sensor (10) and the actuator (30).

  18. Efficient dye regeneration at low driving force achieved in triphenylamine dye LEG4 and TEMPO redox mediator based dye-sensitized solar cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Wenxing; Vlachopoulos, Nick; Hao, Yan; Hagfeldt, Anders; Boschloo, Gerrit

    2015-06-28

    Minimizing the driving force required for the regeneration of oxidized dyes using redox mediators in an electrolyte is essential to further improve the open-circuit voltage and efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Appropriate combinations of redox mediators and dye molecules should be explored to achieve this goal. Herein, we present a triphenylamine dye, LEG4, in combination with a TEMPO-based electrolyte in acetonitrile (E(0) = 0.89 V vs. NHE), reaching an efficiency of up to 5.4% under one sun illumination and 40% performance improvement compared to the previously and widely used indoline dye D149. The origin of this improvement was found to be the increased dye regeneration efficiency of LEG4 using the TEMPO redox mediator, which regenerated more than 80% of the oxidized dye with a driving force of only ∼0.2 eV. Detailed mechanistic studies further revealed that in addition to electron recombination to oxidized dyes, recombination of electrons from the conducting substrate and the mesoporous TiO2 film to the TEMPO(+) redox species in the electrolyte accounts for the reduced short circuit current, compared to the state-of-the-art cobalt tris(bipyridine) electrolyte system. The diffusion length of the TEMPO-electrolyte based DSSCs was determined to be ∼0.5 μm, which is smaller than the ∼2.8 μm found for cobalt-electrolyte based DSSCs. These results show the advantages of using LEG4 as a sensitizer, compared to previously record indoline dyes, in combination with a TEMPO-based electrolyte. The low driving force for efficient dye regeneration presented by these results shows the potential to further improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs by utilizing redox couples and dyes with a minimal need of driving force for high regeneration yields.

  19. Head tilt during driving.

    PubMed

    Zikovitz, D C; Harris, L R

    1999-05-01

    In order to distinguish between the use of visual and gravito-inertial force reference frames, the head tilt of drivers and passengers were measured as they went around corners at various speeds. The visual curvature of the corners were thus dissociated from the magnitude of the centripetal forces (0.30-0.77 g). Drivers' head tilts were highly correlated with the visually-available estimate of the curvature of the road (r2=0.86) but not with the centripetal force (r2<0.1). Passengers' head tilts were inversely correlated with the lateral forces (r2=0.3-0.7) and seem to reflect a passive sway. The strong correlation of the tilt of drivers' heads with a visual aspect of the road ahead, supports the use of a predominantly visual reference frame for the driving task.

  20. Driving morphological changes in magnetic nanoparticle structures through the application of acoustic waves and magnetic fields

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Ann; Miansari, Morteza; Friend, James

    The growing interest in acoustic manipulation of particles in micro to nanofluidics using surface acoustic waves (SAW), together with the many applications of magnetic nanoparticles-whether individual or in arrays-underpins our discovery of how these forces can be used to rapidly, easily, and irreversibly form 1D chains and 2D films. These films and chains are currently difficult to produce yet offer many advantages over individual nanoparticles in suspension. Making use of the scale of the structures formed, 10-9 to 10-5 m, and by taking a balance of the relevant external and interparticle forces, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the phenomena become apparent. For 1D chains, the magnetic field alone is sufficient, though applying an acoustic field drives a topology change from loosely connected chains to loops of 10 -100 particles. Adding the acoustic field drives a transition from these looped structures to dense 2D arrays via interparticle Bjerknes forces. Inter-particle drainage of the surrounding fluid leaves these structures intact after removal of the externally applied forces. Clear morphology transitions are present and depend on the relative amplitude of the incident Brownian, Bjerknes, and magnetic forces. UCSD: Frontiers of Innovation Scholars Program (U-1024).

  1. Water uptake by seminal and adventitious roots in relation to whole-plant water flow in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

    PubMed Central

    Knipfer, Thorsten; Fricke, Wieland

    2011-01-01

    Prior to an assessment of the role of aquaporins in root water uptake, the main path of water movement in different types of root and driving forces during day and night need to be known. In the present study on hydroponically grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) the two main root types of 14- to 17-d-old plants were analysed for hydraulic conductivity in dependence of the main driving force (hydrostatic, osmotic). Seminal roots contributed 92% and adventitious roots 8% to plant water uptake. The lower contribution of adventitious compared with seminal roots was associated with a smaller surface area and number of roots per plant and a lower axial hydraulic conductance, and occurred despite a less-developed endodermis. The radial hydraulic conductivity of the two types of root was similar and depended little on the prevailing driving force, suggesting that water uptake occurred along a pathway that involved crossing of membrane(s). Exudation experiments showed that osmotic forces were sufficient to support night-time transpiration, yet transpiration experiments and cuticle permeance data questioned the significance of osmotic forces. During the day, 90% of water uptake was driven by a tension of about –0.15 MPa. PMID:20974734

  2. Use of drinking water treatment solids for arsenate removal from desalination concentrate.

    PubMed

    Xu, Xuesong; Lin, Lu; Papelis, Charalambos; Myint, Maung; Cath, Tzahi Y; Xu, Pei

    2015-05-01

    Desalination of impaired water can be hindered by the limited options for concentrate disposal. Selective removal of specific contaminants using inexpensive adsorbents is an attractive option to address the challenges of concentrate management. In this study, two types of ferric-based drinking water treatment solids (DWTS) were examined for arsenate removal from reverse osmosis concentrate during continuous-flow once-through column experiments. Arsenate sorption was investigated under different operating conditions including pH, arsenate concentration, hydraulic retention time, loading rate, temperature, and moisture content of the DWTS. Arsenate removal by the DWTS was affected primarily by surface complexation, electrostatic interactions, and arsenate speciation. Results indicated that arsenate sorption was highly dependent on initial pH and initial arsenate concentration. Acidic conditions enhanced arsenate sorption as a result of weaker electrostatic repulsion between predominantly monovalent H2AsO4(-) and negatively charged particles in the DWTS. High initial arsenate concentration increased the driving force for arsenate sorption to the DWTS surface. Tests revealed that the potential risks associated with the use of DWTS include the leaching of organic contaminants and ammonia, which can be alleviated by using wet DWTS or discarding the initially treated effluent that contains high organic concentration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. AST: Activity-Security-Trust driven modeling of time varying networks.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jian; Xu, Jiake; Liu, Yanheng; Deng, Weiwen

    2016-02-18

    Network modeling is a flexible mathematical structure that enables to identify statistical regularities and structural principles hidden in complex systems. The majority of recent driving forces in modeling complex networks are originated from activity, in which an activity potential of a time invariant function is introduced to identify agents' interactions and to construct an activity-driven model. However, the new-emerging network evolutions are already deeply coupled with not only the explicit factors (e.g. activity) but also the implicit considerations (e.g. security and trust), so more intrinsic driving forces behind should be integrated into the modeling of time varying networks. The agents undoubtedly seek to build a time-dependent trade-off among activity, security, and trust in generating a new connection to another. Thus, we reasonably propose the Activity-Security-Trust (AST) driven model through synthetically considering the explicit and implicit driving forces (e.g. activity, security, and trust) underlying the decision process. AST-driven model facilitates to more accurately capture highly dynamical network behaviors and figure out the complex evolution process, allowing a profound understanding of the effects of security and trust in driving network evolution, and improving the biases induced by only involving activity representations in analyzing the dynamical processes.

  4. Pinch-force-magnification mechanism of low degree of freedom EMG prosthetic hand for children.

    PubMed

    Ye, Hesong; Sakoda, Shintaro; Jiang, Yinlai; Morishita, Soichiro; Yokoi, Hiroshi

    2015-01-01

    EMG prosthetic hands are being extensively studied for the disabled who need them not only for cosmesis but also for the functions to help them with basic daily activities. However, most EMG prosthetic hands are developed for adults. Since the early use of prosthetic hands is important for the children to accept and adapt to them, we are developing low degrees of freedom (DoF) prosthetic hand that is suitable for children. Due to the limited size of a child's hand, the servo motor which drives the MP joint are small-sized and low-power. Hence, a pinch-force-magnification mechanism is required to improve the pinch force of the EMG prosthetic hand. In this paper we designed a wire-driven mechanism which can magnify pinch force by increasing the length of the MP joint's moment arm. Pinch force measurement experiment validated that the pinch force of the prosthetic hand with the mechanism is more than twice of that of the hand with direct drive.

  5. Numerical Simulation of Permeation from Deposited Droplets: Model Expansion

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-04-01

    This is primarily due to the low vapor pressures of chemical agent simulants, which minimize the driving forces for diffusion through the gas-phase...was presented at the November 1990 CRDEC Scientific Conference on Chemical Defense Research (4]. Previous work in this area also includes a substantial...most of the overall chemical poten- tial driving force is dissipated in the gas, not the membrane phase). 1.0 l 0.9-0 A 0 0.8 - 0.7 C 0.6,, 0.00 0.25

  6. Aquatic toxicology: fact or fiction?

    PubMed Central

    Macek, K J

    1980-01-01

    A brief history of the development of the field of aquatic toxicology is provided. In order to provide a perspective on the state-of-the-art in aquatic toxicology relative to classical toxicology, the two fields are compared from the standpoint of the type of scientist practicing each field, the respective objectives of each, the forces which drive the activity in each field, and the major advantages and disadvantages accruing to the practitioner of aquatic toxicology as a result of the differences in objectives and driving forces. PMID:6993200

  7. Design optimization of dual-axis driving mechanism for satellite antenna with two planar revolute clearance joints

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, Zheng Feng; Zhao, Ji Jun; Chen, Jun; Zhao, Yang

    2018-03-01

    In the dynamic analysis of satellite antenna dual-axis driving mechanism, it is usually assumed that the joints are ideal or perfect without clearances. However, in reality, clearances in joints are unavoidable due to assemblage, manufacturing errors and wear. When clearance is introduced to the mechanism, it will lead to poor dynamic performances and undesirable vibrations due to impact forces in clearance joint. In this paper, a design optimization method is presented to reduce the undesirable vibrations of satellite antenna considering clearance joints in dual-axis driving mechanism. The contact force model in clearance joint is established using a nonlinear spring-damper model and the friction effect is considered using a modified Coulomb friction model. Firstly, the effects of clearances on dynamic responses of satellite antenna are investigated. Then the optimization method for dynamic design of the dual-axis driving mechanism with clearance is presented. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the maximum absolute vibration peak of antenna acceleration by reducing the impact forces in clearance joint. The main consideration here is to optimize the contact parameters of the joint elements. The contact stiffness coefficient, damping coefficient and the dynamic friction coefficient for clearance joint elements are taken as the optimization variables. A Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) algorithm is used to solve this highly nonlinear optimization problem for dual-axis driving mechanism with clearance joints. The results show that the acceleration peaks of satellite antenna and contact forces in clearance joints are reduced obviously after design optimization, which contributes to a better performance of the satellite antenna. Also, the application and limitation of the proposed optimization method are discussed.

  8. 49 CFR 384.203 - Driving while under the influence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV... a CMV with an alcohol concentration of 0.04, except licensing sanctions including suspension... disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration...

  9. 49 CFR 384.203 - Driving while under the influence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV... a CMV with an alcohol concentration of 0.04, except licensing sanctions including suspension... disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration...

  10. 49 CFR 384.203 - Driving while under the influence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV... a CMV with an alcohol concentration of 0.04, except licensing sanctions including suspension... disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration...

  11. 49 CFR 384.203 - Driving while under the influence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV... a CMV with an alcohol concentration of 0.04, except licensing sanctions including suspension... disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration...

  12. 49 CFR 384.203 - Driving while under the influence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV... a CMV with an alcohol concentration of 0.04, except licensing sanctions including suspension... disqualifications prescribed in § 383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration...

  13. Experimental comparison of forces resisting viral DNA packaging and driving DNA ejection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Keller, Nicholas; Berndsen, Zachary T.; Jardine, Paul J.; Smith, Douglas E.

    2017-05-01

    We compare forces resisting DNA packaging and forces driving DNA ejection in bacteriophage phi29 with theoretical predictions. Ejection of DNA from prohead-motor complexes is triggered by heating complexes after in vitro packaging and force is inferred from the suppression of ejection by applied osmotic pressure. Ejection force from 0 % to 80 % filling is found to be in quantitative agreement with predictions of a continuum mechanics model that assumes a repulsive DNA-DNA interaction potential based on DNA condensation studies and predicts an inverse-spool conformation. Force resisting DNA packaging from ˜80 % to 100 % filling inferred from optical tweezers studies is also consistent with the predictions of this model. The striking agreement with these two different measurements suggests that the overall energetics of DNA packaging is well described by the model. However, since electron microscopy studies of phi29 do not reveal a spool conformation, our findings suggest that the spool model overestimates the role of bending rigidity and underestimates the role of intrastrand repulsion. Below ˜80 % filling the inferred forces resisting packaging are unexpectedly lower than the inferred ejection forces, suggesting that in this filling range the forces are less accurately determined or strongly temperature dependent.

  14. Cross-shaped torsional spring

    DOEpatents

    Williamson, Matthew M.; Pratt, Gill A.

    1999-06-08

    The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section.

  15. Experimental comparison of forces resisting viral DNA packaging and driving DNA ejection.

    PubMed

    Keller, Nicholas; Berndsen, Zachary T; Jardine, Paul J; Smith, Douglas E

    2017-05-01

    We compare forces resisting DNA packaging and forces driving DNA ejection in bacteriophage phi29 with theoretical predictions. Ejection of DNA from prohead-motor complexes is triggered by heating complexes after in vitro packaging and force is inferred from the suppression of ejection by applied osmotic pressure. Ejection force from 0% to 80% filling is found to be in quantitative agreement with predictions of a continuum mechanics model that assumes a repulsive DNA-DNA interaction potential based on DNA condensation studies and predicts an inverse-spool conformation. Force resisting DNA packaging from ∼80% to 100% filling inferred from optical tweezers studies is also consistent with the predictions of this model. The striking agreement with these two different measurements suggests that the overall energetics of DNA packaging is well described by the model. However, since electron microscopy studies of phi29 do not reveal a spool conformation, our findings suggest that the spool model overestimates the role of bending rigidity and underestimates the role of intrastrand repulsion. Below ∼80% filling the inferred forces resisting packaging are unexpectedly lower than the inferred ejection forces, suggesting that in this filling range the forces are less accurately determined or strongly temperature dependent.

  16. 92. FORCED DRAFT FAN & BASE OF BOILER SETTINGS SHOWING ...

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

    92. FORCED DRAFT FAN & BASE OF BOILER SETTINGS SHOWING ASH REMOVAL DOORS. NOTE STOKER LINE SHAFT DRIVE UNDER CEILING. - Lakeview Pumping Station, Clarendon & Montrose Avenues, Chicago, Cook County, IL

  17. 77 FR 67343 - Procurement List; Proposed Additions

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-09

    ... Metropolitan Airport (RMMA), Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) & Base Building, 11001 Control Tower Drive...: Department of the Air Force (5700)/Eielson Air Force Base (FA 5004), Eielson AFB, AK. [[Page 67344

  18. The Air Force Research Laboratory’s In-Space Propulsion Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-02-01

    Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL /RQRS 1 Ara...MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL /RQR 5 Pollux Drive 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT Edwards AFB CA 93524-7048 NUMBER(S) AFRL ...illustrate the rationale behind AFRL’s technology development strategy. INTRODUCTION The Air Force Research Laboratory ( AFRL ) is the technology

  19. NEWS ARTICLES

    Science.gov Websites

    CENTCOM: Search CENTCOM CENTCOM Home ABOUT US COMMAND NARRATIVE LEADERSHIP COMPONENT COMMANDS HISTORY , security forces May 14, 2018 Syrian Democratic Forces fire in self-defense May 11, 2018 Military Strikes against Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria May 04, 2018 Syrian Democratic Forces announce drive to reclaim

  20. Kinesthetic coupling between operator and remote manipulator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bejczy, A. K.; Salisbury, J. K., Jr.

    1980-01-01

    A universal force-reflecting hand controller has been developed which allows the establishment of a kinesthetic coupling between the operator and a remote manipulator. The six-degree-of-freedom controller was designed to generate forces and torques on its three positional and three rotational axes in order to permit the operator to accurately feel the forces encountered by the manipulator and be as transparent to operate as possible. The universal controller has been used in an application involving a six-degree-of-freedom mechanical arm equipped with a six-dimensional force-torque sensor at its base. In this application, the hand controller acts as a position control input device to the arm, while forces and torques sensed at the base of the mechanical hand back drive the hand controller. The positional control relation and the back driving of the controller according to inputs experienced by the force-torque sensor are established through complex mathematical transformations performed by a minicomputer. The hand controller is intended as a development tool for investigating force-reflecting master-slave manipulator control technology.

  1. 15. Threequarter view of Gwing from intersection of Apollo Drive ...

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

    15. Three-quarter view of G-wing from intersection of Apollo Drive and Mercury Avenue, looking northwest - Offutt Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command Headquarters & Command Center, Headquarters Building, 901 SAC Boulevard, Bellevue, Sarpy County, NE

  2. Optimization of spent fuel pool weir gate driving mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Chao; Du, Lin; Tao, Xinlei; Wang, Shijie; Shang, Ertao; Yu, Jianjiang

    2018-04-01

    Spent fuel pool is crucial facility for fuel storage and nuclear safety, and the spent fuel pool weir gate is the key related equipment. In order to achieve a goal of more efficient driving force transfer, loading during the opening/closing process is analyzed and an optimized calculation method for dimensions of driving mechanism is proposed. The result of optimizing example shows that the method can be applied to weir gates' design with similar driving mechanism.

  3. Modeling of crack bridging in a unidirectional metal matrix composite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ghosn, Louis J.; Kantzos, Pete; Telesman, Jack

    1991-01-01

    The effective fatigue crack driving force and crack opening profiles were determined analytically for fatigue tested unidirectional composite specimens exhibiting fiber bridging. The crack closure pressure due to bridging was modeled using two approaches; the fiber pressure model and the shear lag model. For both closure models, the Bueckner weight function method and the finite element method were used to calculate crack opening displacements and the crack driving force. The predicted near crack tip opening profile agreed well with the experimentally measured profiles for single edge notch SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composite specimens. The numerically determined effective crack driving force, Delta K(sup eff), was calculated using both models to correlate the measure crack growth rate in the composite. The calculated Delta K(sup eff) from both models accounted for the crack bridging by showing a good agreement between the measured fatigue crack growth rates of the bridged composite and that of unreinforced, unbridged titanium matrix alloy specimens.

  4. Modeling of crack bridging in a unidirectional metal matrix composite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ghosn, Louis J.; Kantzos, Pete; Telesman, Jack

    1992-01-01

    The effective fatigue crack driving force and crack opening profiles were determined analytically for fatigue tested unidirectional composite specimens exhibiting fiber bridging. The crack closure pressure due to bridging was modeled using two approaches: the fiber pressure model and the shear lag model. For both closure models, the Bueckner weight function method and the finite element method were used to calculate crack opening displacements and the crack driving force. The predicted near crack tip opening profile agreed well with the experimentally measured profiles for single edge notch SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composite specimens. The numerically determined effective crack driving force, Delta K(eff), was calculated using both models to correlate the measure crack growth rate in the composite. The calculated Delta K(eff) from both models accounted for the crack bridging by showing a good agreement between the measured fatigue crack growth rates of the bridged composite and that of unreinforced, unbridged titanium matrix alloy specimens.

  5. Exercise tricycle for paraplegics.

    PubMed

    Gföhler, M; Loicht, M; Lugner, P

    1998-01-01

    The work describes a tricycle that can be used by paraplegics without assistance. Paraplegics can get on and off the tricycle independently, using hydraulic adjustment of the saddle height. The two rear wheels can be swivelled with adjustable hydraulic damping, which avoids the stability problems of a standard tricycle when riding around bends. The principal driving power is assumed to be provided by functional electrical stimulation of the femoral muscles. A hub motor is integrated in the front wheel to increase the radius of action, as additional drive for cycling up gradients and in case muscle force is not sufficient. The desired drive power is adjusted by a throttle grip on the handlebar. The percentage of motor power can also be adjusted. The force applied to the pedal, the absolute angular position of the crank, and the angular velocity of the front wheel are continuously measured by a force measurement pedal and a goniometer. Based on this information, the motor and the functional electrical stimulation of the legs are controlled.

  6. Succinate transport by a ruminal selenomonad and its regulation by carbohydrate availability and osmotic strength.

    PubMed

    Strobel, H J; Russell, J B

    1991-01-01

    Washed cells of strain H18, a newly isolated ruminal selenomonad, decarboxylated succinate 25-fold faster than Selenomonas ruminantium HD4 (130 versus 5 nmol min-1 mg of protein-1, respectively). Batch cultures of strain H18 which were fermenting glucose did not utilize succinate, and glucose-limited continuous cultures were only able to decarboxylate significant amounts of succinate at slow (less than 0.1 h-1) dilution rates. Strain H18 grew more slowly on lactate than glucose (0.2 versus 0.4 h-1, respectively), and more than half of the lactate was initially converted to succinate. Succinate was only utilized after growth on lactate had ceased. Although nonenergized and glucose-energized cells had similar proton motive forces and ATP levels, glucose-energized cells were unable to transport succinate. Transport by nonenergized cells was decreased by small increases in osmotic strength, and it is possible that energy-dependent inhibition of succinate transport was related to changes in cell turgor. Since cells which were deenergized with 2-deoxyglucose or iodoacetate did not transport succinate, it appeared that glycogen metabolism was providing the driving force for succinate uptake. An artificial delta pH drove succinate transport in deenergized cells, but an artificial membrane potential (delta psi) could not serve as a driving force. Because succinate is nearly fully dissociated at pH 7.0 and the transport process was electroneutral, it appeared that succinate was taken up in symport with two protons. An Eadie-Hofstee plot indicated that the rate of uptake was unusually rapid at high substrate concentrations, but the low-velocity, high-affinity component could account for succinate utilization by stationary cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  7. Capacitive Neutralization Dialysis for Direct Energy Generation.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yue; Zhang, Yi; Ou-Yang, Wei; Bastos Sales, Bruno; Sun, Zhuo; Liu, Fei; Zhao, Ran

    2017-08-15

    Capacitive neutralization dialysis energy (CNDE) is proposed as a novel energy-harvesting technique that is able to utilize waste acid and alkaline solutions to produce electrical energy. CNDE is a modification based on neutralization dialysis. It was found that a higher NaCl concentration led to a higher open-circuit potential when the concentrations of acid and alkaline solutions were fixed. Upon closing of the circuit, the membrane potential was used as a driving force to move counter ions into the electrical double layers at the electrode-liquid interface, thereby creating an ionic current. Correspondingly, in the external circuit, electrons flow through an external resistor from one electrode to the other, thereby generating electrical energy directly. The influence of external resistances was studied to achieve greater energy extraction, with the maximum output of 110 mW/m 2 obtained by employing an external resistance of 5 Ω together with the AC-coated electrode.

  8. Energetics analysis of interstitial loops in single-phase concentrated solid-solution alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xin-Xin; Niu, Liang-Liang; Wang, Shaoqing

    2018-04-01

    Systematic energetics analysis on the shape preference, relative stability and radiation-induced segregation of interstitial loops in nickel-containing single-phase concentrated solid-solution alloys have been conducted using atomistic simulations. It is shown that the perfect loops prefer rhombus shape for its low potential energy, while the Frank faulted loops favor ellipse for its low potential energy and the possible large configurational entropy. The decrease of stacking fault energy with increasing compositional complexity provides the energetic driving force for the formation of faulted loops, which, in conjunction with the kinetic factors, explains the experimental observation that the fraction of faulted loops rises with increasing compositional complexity. Notably, the kinetics is primarily responsible for the absence of faulted loops in nickel-cobalt with a very low stacking fault energy. We further demonstrate that the simultaneous nickel enrichment and iron/chromium depletion on interstitial loops can be fully accounted for by their energetics.

  9. Acetone-butanol-ethanol competitive sorption simulation from single, binary, and ternary systems in a fixed-bed of KA-I resin.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jinglan; Zhuang, Wei; Ying, Hanjie; Jiao, Pengfei; Li, Renjie; Wen, Qingshi; Wang, Lili; Zhou, Jingwei; Yang, Pengpeng

    2015-01-01

    Separation of butanol based on sorption methodology from acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation broth has advantages in terms of biocompatibility and stability, as well as economy, and therefore gains much attention. In this work a chromatographic column model based on the solid film linear driving force approach and the competitive Langmuir isotherm equations was used to predict the competitive sorption behaviors of ABE single, binary, and ternary mixture. It was observed that the outlet concentration of weaker retained components exceeded the inlet concentration, which is an evidence of competitive adsorption. Butanol, the strongest retained component, could replace ethanol almost completely and also most of acetone. In the end of this work, the proposed model was validated by comparison of the experimental and predicted ABE ternary breakthrough curves using the real ABE fermentation broth as a feed solution. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

  10. Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Adsorption/Desorption in Packed Sorption Beds Under Ideal and Non-Ideal Flows

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mohamadinejad, H.; Knox, J. C.; Smith, James E.

    1999-01-01

    The importance of the wall effect on packed beds in the adsorption and desorption of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water on molecular sieve 5A of 0.127 cm in radius is examined experimentally and with one-dimensional computer simulations. Experimental results are presented for a 22.5-cm long by 4.5-cm diameter cylindrical column with concentration measurements taken at various radial locations. The set of partial differential equations are solved using finite differences and Newman's method. Comparison of test data with the axial-dispersed, non-isothermal, linear driving force model suggests that a two-dimensional model (submitted to Separation Science and Technology) is required for accurate simulation of the average column breakthrough concentration. Additional comparisons of test data with the model provided information on the interactive effects of carrier gas coadsorption with CO2, as well as CO2-H2O interactions.

  11. Energy dispersive-EXAFS of Pd nucleation at a liquid/liquid interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, S.-Y.; Booth, S. G.; Uehara, A.; Mosselmans, J. F. W.; Cibin, G.; Pham, V.-T.; Nataf, L.; Dryfe, R. A. W.; Schroeder, S. L. M.

    2016-05-01

    Energy dispersive extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EDE) has been applied to Pd nanoparticle nucleation at a liquid/liquid interface under control over the interfacial potential and thereby the driving force for nucleation. Preliminary analysis focusing on Pd K edge-step height determination shows that under supersaturated conditions the concentration of Pd near the interface fluctuate over a period of several hours, likely due to the continuous formation and dissolution of sub-critical nuclei. Open circuit potential measurements conducted ex-situ in a liquid/liquid electrochemical cell support this view, showing that the fluctuations in Pd concentration are also visible as variations in potential across the liquid/liquid interface. By decreasing the interfacial potential through inclusion of a common ion (tetraethylammonium, TEA+) the Pd nanoparticle growth rate could be slowed down, resulting in a smooth nucleation process. Eventually, when the TEA+ ions reached an equilibrium potential, Pd nucleation and particle growth were inhibited.

  12. Reversible structure manipulation by tuning carrier concentration in metastable Cu2S

    PubMed Central

    Tao, Jing; Chen, Jingyi; Li, Jun; Mathurin, Leanne; Zheng, Jin-Cheng; Li, Yan; Lu, Deyu; Cao, Yue; Wu, Lijun; Cava, Robert Joseph; Zhu, Yimei

    2017-01-01

    The optimal functionalities of materials often appear at phase transitions involving simultaneous changes in the electronic structure and the symmetry of the underlying lattice. It is experimentally challenging to disentangle which of the two effects––electronic or structural––is the driving force for the phase transition and to use the mechanism to control material properties. Here we report the concurrent pumping and probing of Cu2S nanoplates using an electron beam to directly manipulate the transition between two phases with distinctly different crystal symmetries and charge-carrier concentrations, and show that the transition is the result of charge generation for one phase and charge depletion for the other. We demonstrate that this manipulation is fully reversible and nonthermal in nature. Our observations reveal a phase-transition pathway in materials, where electron-induced changes in the electronic structure can lead to a macroscopic reconstruction of the crystal structure. PMID:28855335

  13. INCREASED VOLUNTARY DRIVE IS ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN COMMON OSCILLATIONS FROM 13 TO 60 HZ OF INTERFERENCE BUT NOT RECTIFIED ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

    PubMed Central

    NETO, OSMAR P.; BAWEJA, HARSIMRAN S.; CHRISTOU, EVANGELOS A.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare the capability of interference and rectified electromyography (EMG) to detect changes in the beta (13–30-HZ) and Piper (30–60-HZ) bands when voluntary force is increased. Twenty adults exerted a constant force abduction of the index finger at 15% and 50% of maximum. The common oscillations at various frequency bands (0–500 HZ) were estimated from the first dorsal interosseous muscle using cross wavelets of interference and rectified EMG. For the interference EMG signals, normalized power significantly (P < 0.01) increased with force in the beta (9.0 ± 0.9 vs. 15.5 ± 2.1%) and Piper (13.6 ± 0.9 vs. 21 ± 1.7%) bands. For rectified EMG signals, however, the beta and Piper bands remained unchanged (P > 0.4). Although rectified EMG is used in many clinical studies to identify changes in the oscillatory drive to the muscle, our findings suggest that only interference EMG can accurately capture the increase in oscillatory drive from 13 to 60 HZ with voluntary force. PMID:20589885

  14. Nonlinear resonances and antiresonances of a forced sonic vacuum

    DOE PAGES

    Pozharskiy, D.; Zhang, Y.; Williams, M. O.; ...

    2015-12-23

    We consider a harmonically driven acoustic medium in the form of a (finite length) highly nonlinear granular crystal with an amplitude- and frequency-dependent boundary drive. Despite the absence of a linear spectrum in the system, we identify resonant periodic propagation whereby the crystal responds at integer multiples of the drive period and observe that this can lead to local maxima of transmitted force at its fixed boundary. In addition, we identify and discuss minima of the transmitted force (“antiresonances”) between these resonances. Representative one-parameter complex bifurcation diagrams involve period doublings and Neimark-Sacker bifurcations as well as multiple isolas (e.g., ofmore » period-3, -4, or -5 solutions entrained by the forcing). We combine them in a more detailed, two-parameter bifurcation diagram describing the stability of such responses to both frequency and amplitude variations of the drive. This picture supports a notion of a (purely) “nonlinear spectrum” in a system which allows no sound wave propagation (due to zero sound speed: the so-called sonic vacuum). As a result, we rationalize this behavior in terms of purely nonlinear building blocks: apparent traveling and standing nonlinear waves.« less

  15. Is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics Conditioned? Separating Heat and Cold by a Magnetic Body Force and the Principle for a Non-Carnot Engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luo, Weili

    2017-11-01

    A new type of heat engine has been proposed in 2005 that defies fundamental thermodynamic law: A specifically designed magnetic body force can reverse heat flow from high temperature to low temperature. This mechanism can drive heat to higher temperature, rendering the possibility to re-use the ``waste heat''. As the result, the efficiency is much higher than that of the Carnot Engine. In a recent paper a realization of this proposed mechanism is reported: by using a specific configuration of temperature and magnetic field gradients, we observed that magnetic body force suppresses the gravito-thermal convective heat when the gradients of temperature and field are anti-parallel to each other. This driving force stops the heat flow of approaching to thermal equilibrium in the system, causing the temperature difference across the sample to increase with applied fields. In this work, I will discuss the driving mechanism for this phenomenon and its application in the proposed engine. This remarkable result suggests that the 2nd law of thermodynamics maybe conditioned and needs to be re-examined.

  16. Experimental study of transient paths to the extinction in sonoluminescence.

    PubMed

    Urteaga, Raúl; Dellavale, Damián; Puente, Gabriela F; Bonetto, Fabián J

    2008-09-01

    An experimental study of the extinction threshold of single bubble sonoluminescence in an air-water system is presented. Different runs from 5% to 100% of air concentrations were performed at room pressure and temperature. The intensity of sonoluminescence (SL) and time of collapse (t(c)) with respect to the driving were measured while the acoustic pressure was linearly increased from the onset of SL until the bubble extinction. The experimental data were compared with theoretical predictions for shape and position instability thresholds. It was found that the extinction of the bubble is determined by different mechanisms depending on the air concentration. For concentrations greater than approximately 30%-40% with respect to the saturation, the parametric instability limits the maximum value of R(0) that can be reached. On the other hand, for lower concentrations, the extinction appears as a limitation in the time of collapse. Two different mechanisms emerge in this range, i.e., the Bjerknes force and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. The bubble acoustic emission produces backreaction on the bubble itself. This effect occurs in both mechanisms and is essential for the correct prediction of the extinction threshold in the case of low air dissolved concentration.

  17. RCP4.5: A Pathway for Stabilization of Radiative Forcing by 2100

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

    Thomson, Allison M.; Calvin, Katherine V.; Smith, Steven J.

    2011-07-29

    Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 is a scenario that stabilizes radiative forcing at 4.5 W m{sup -2} in the year 2100 without ever exceeding that value. Simulated with the Global Change Assessment Model (GCAM), RCP4.5 includes long-term, global emissions of greenhouse gases, short-lived species, and land-use-land-cover in a global economic framework. RCP4.5 was updated from earlier GCAM scenarios to incorporate historical emissions and land cover information common to the RCP process and follows a cost-minimizing pathway to reach the target radiative forcing. The imperative to limit emissions in order to reach this target drives changes in the energy system, includingmore » shifts to electricity, to lower emissions energy technologies and to the deployment of carbon capture and geologic storage technology. In addition, the RCP4.5 emissions price also applies to land use emissions; as a result, forest lands expand from their present day extent. The simulated future emissions and land use were downscaled from the regional simulation to a grid to facilitate transfer to climate models. While there are many alternative pathways to achieve a radiative forcing level of 4.5 W m{sup -2}, the application of the RCP4.5 provides a common platform for climate models to explore the climate system response to stabilizing the anthropogenic components of radiative forcing.« less

  18. Physical driving force of actomyosin motility based on the hydration effect.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Makoto; Mogami, George; Ohsugi, Hideyuki; Watanabe, Takahiro; Matubayasi, Nobuyuki

    2017-12-01

    We propose a driving force hypothesis based on previous thermodynamics, kinetics and structural data as well as additional experiments and calculations presented here on water-related phenomena in the actomyosin systems. Although Szent-Györgyi pointed out the importance of water in muscle contraction in 1951, few studies have focused on the water science of muscle because of the difficulty of analyzing hydration properties of the muscle proteins, actin, and myosin. The thermodynamics and energetics of muscle contraction are linked to the water-mediated regulation of protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions along with structural changes in protein molecules. In this study, we assume the following two points: (1) the periodic electric field distribution along an actin filament (F-actin) is unidirectionally modified upon binding of myosin subfragment 1 (M or myosin S1) with ADP and inorganic phosphate Pi (M.ADP.Pi complex) and (2) the solvation free energy of myosin S1 depends on the external electric field strength and the solvation free energy of myosin S1 in close proximity to F-actin can become the potential force to drive myosin S1 along F-actin. The first assumption is supported by integration of experimental reports. The second assumption is supported by model calculations utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to determine solvation free energies of a small organic molecule and two small proteins. MD simulations utilize the energy representation method (ER) and the roughly proportional relationship between the solvation free energy and the solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) of the protein. The estimated driving force acting on myosin S1 is as high as several piconewtons (pN), which is consistent with the experimentally observed force. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Warming slowdown over the Tibetan plateau in recent decades

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yaojie; Zhang, Yangjian; Zhu, Juntao; Huang, Ke; Zu, Jiaxing; Chen, Ning; Cong, Nan; Stegehuis, Annemiek Irene

    2018-03-01

    As the recent global warming hiatus and the warming on high elevations are attracting worldwide attention, this study examined the robustness of the warming slowdown over the Tibetan plateau (TP) and its related driving forces. By integrating multiple-source data from 1982 to 2015 and using trend analysis, we found that the mean temperature (T mean), maximum temperature (T max) and minimum temperature (T min) showed a slowdown of the warming trend around 1998, during the period of the global warming hiatus. This was found over both the growing season (GS) and non-growing season (NGS) and suggested a robust warming hiatus over the TP. Due to the differences in trends of T max and T min, the trend of diurnal temperature range (DTR) also shifted after 1998, especially during the GS temperature. The warming rate was spatially heterogeneous. The northern TP (NTP) experienced more warming than the southern TP (STP) in all seasons from 1982 to 1998, while the pattern was reversed in the period from 1998 to 2015. Water vapour was found to be the main driving force for the trend in T mean and T min by influencing downward long wave radiation. Sunshine duration was the main driving force behind the trend in T max and DTR through a change in downward shortwave radiation that altered the energy source of daytime temperature. Water vapour was the major driving force for temperature change over the NTP, while over the STP, sunshine duration dominated the temperature trend.

  20. Study of scratch drive actuator force characteristics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Lijie; Brown, J. Gordon; Uttamchandani, Deepak

    2002-11-01

    Microactuators are one of the key components in MEMS technology, and various designs have been realized through different fabrication processes. One type of microactuator commonly used is the scratch drive actuator (SDA) that is frequently fabricated by surface micromachining processes. An experimental investigation has been conducted on the force characteristics of SDAs fabricated using the JDSU Microsystems MUMPs process. One-, two-, three- and four-plate SDAs connected to box-springs have been designed and fabricated for these experiments using MUMPs run 44. The spring constant for the box-springs has been calculated by FEM using ANSYS software. The product of the spring constant and spring extension is used to measure the forces produced by these SDAs. It is estimated that the forces produced exceed 250 μN from a one-plate SDA and 850 μN from a four-plate SDA.

  1. 75 FR 34439 - Defense Science Board Task Force on Nuclear Treaty Monitoring and Verification

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-17

    ... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Defense Science Board Task Force on Nuclear Treaty... meetings. SUMMARY: The Defense Science Board Task Force on Nuclear Treaty Monitoring and Verification will... Applications International Corporation, 4001 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA. FOR FURTHER...

  2. Measuring Risky Driving Behavior Using an mHealth Smartphone App: Development and Evaluation of gForce.

    PubMed

    Freidlin, Raisa Z; Dave, Amisha D; Espey, Benjamin G; Stanley, Sean T; Garmendia, Marcial A; Pursley, Randall; Ehsani, Johnathon P; Simons-Morton, Bruce G; Pohida, Thomas J

    2018-04-19

    Naturalistic driving studies, designed to objectively assess driving behavior and outcomes, are conducted by equipping vehicles with dedicated instrumentation (eg, accelerometers, gyroscopes, Global Positioning System, and cameras) that provide continuous recording of acceleration, location, videos, and still images for eventual retrieval and analyses. However, this research is limited by several factors: the cost of equipment installation; management and storage of the large amounts of data collected; and data reduction, coding, and analyses. Modern smartphone technology includes accelerometers built into phones, and the vast, global proliferation of smartphones could provide a possible low-cost alternative for assessing kinematic risky driving. We evaluated an in-house developed iPhone app (gForce) for detecting elevated g-force events by comparing the iPhone linear acceleration measurements with corresponding acceleration measurements obtained with both a custom Android app and the in-vehicle miniDAS data acquisition system (DAS; Virginia Tech Transportation Institute). The iPhone and Android devices were dashboard-mounted in a vehicle equipped with the DAS instrumentation. The experimental protocol consisted of driving maneuvers on a test track, such as cornering, braking, and turning that were performed at different acceleration levels (ie, mild, moderate, or hard). The iPhone gForce app recorded linear acceleration (ie, gravity-corrected). The Android app recorded gravity-corrected and uncorrected acceleration measurements, and the DAS device recorded gravity-uncorrected acceleration measurements. Lateral and longitudinal acceleration measures were compared. The correlation coefficients between the iPhone and DAS acceleration measurements were slightly lower compared to the correlation coefficients between the Android and DAS, possibly due to the gravity correction on the iPhone. Averaging the correlation coefficients for all maneuvers, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration measurements between iPhone and DAS were r lng =0.71 and r lat =0.83, respectively, while the corresponding acceleration measurements between Android and DAS were r lng =0.95 and r lat =0.97. The correlation coefficients between lateral accelerations on all three devices were higher than with the corresponding longitudinal accelerations for most maneuvers. The gForce iPhone app reliably assessed elevated g-force events compared to the DAS. Collectively, the gForce app and iPhone platform have the potential to serve as feature-rich, inexpensive, scalable, and open-source tool for assessment of kinematic risky driving events, with potential for research and feedback forms of intervention. ©Raisa Z Freidlin, Amisha D Dave, Benjamin G Espey, Sean T Stanley, Marcial A Garmendia, Randall Pursley, Johnathon P Ehsani, Bruce G Simons-Morton, Thomas J Pohida. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 19.04.2018.

  3. Development of a bi-directional standing wave linear piezoelectric actuator with four driving feet.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yingxiang; Shi, Shengjun; Li, Chunhong; Chen, Weishan; Wang, Liang; Liu, Junkao

    2018-03-01

    A bi-directional standing wave linear piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator with four driving feet is proposed in this work. Two sandwich type transducers operated in longitudinal-bending hybrid modes are set parallelly. The working mode of the transducer is not simple hybrid vibrations of a longitudinal one and a bending one, but a special coupling vibration mode contained both longitudinal and bending components. Two transducers with the same structure and unsymmetrical boundary conditions are set parallelly to accomplish the bi-directional driving: the first transducer can push the runner forward, while the other one produces the backward driving. In the experiments, two voltages with different amplitudes are applied on the two transducers, respectively: the one with higher voltage serves as the actuator, whereas the other one applied with lower voltage is used to reduce the frictional force. The prototype achieves maximum no-load speed and thrust force of 244 mm/s and 9.8 N. This work gives a new idea for the construction of standing wave piezoelectric ultrasonic actuator with bi-directional driving ability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Electromagnetic brake/clutch device

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vranish, John M. (Inventor)

    1994-01-01

    An electromagnetic brake/clutch device includes a drive shaft supported by at least one bearing for transmitting torque, a housing, affixed to prevent its rotation, surrounding the drive shaft, and an electromagnetically activated device within the housing to selectively prevent and allow rotation of the drive shaft. The electromagnetically activated device includes a plurality of cammed rollers to prevent counter-clockwise rotation of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a circumferential disk and the housing includes a reaction ring for engagement with the plurality of cammed rollers. The plurality of cammed rollers are released from engagement with the circumferential disk and the reaction ring by a plurality of tripping mechanisms within the housing. The tripping action uses the locking force to act as a release force merely by changing the boundary conditions of the roller interface angles. The tripping mechanisms include trippers for disengaging the plurality of cammed rollers and an anvil shaped portion for providing lateral movement of the trippers. The plurality of cammed rollers is preloaded to engagement with the circumferential disk and reaction ring by a spring, and is located with respect to an adjacent tripping mechanism with another spring.

  5. Elastic actuator for precise force control

    DOEpatents

    Pratt, G.A.; Williamson, M.M.

    1997-07-22

    The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section. 30 figs.

  6. Elastic actuator for precise force control

    DOEpatents

    Pratt, Gill A.; Williamson, Matthew M.

    1997-07-22

    The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section.

  7. Force control compensation method with variable load stiffness and damping of the hydraulic drive unit force control system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kong, Xiangdong; Ba, Kaixian; Yu, Bin; Cao, Yuan; Zhu, Qixin; Zhao, Hualong

    2016-05-01

    Each joint of hydraulic drive quadruped robot is driven by the hydraulic drive unit (HDU), and the contacting between the robot foot end and the ground is complex and variable, which increases the difficulty of force control inevitably. In the recent years, although many scholars researched some control methods such as disturbance rejection control, parameter self-adaptive control, impedance control and so on, to improve the force control performance of HDU, the robustness of the force control still needs improving. Therefore, how to simulate the complex and variable load characteristics of the environment structure and how to ensure HDU having excellent force control performance with the complex and variable load characteristics are key issues to be solved in this paper. The force control system mathematic model of HDU is established by the mechanism modeling method, and the theoretical models of a novel force control compensation method and a load characteristics simulation method under different environment structures are derived, considering the dynamic characteristics of the load stiffness and the load damping under different environment structures. Then, simulation effects of the variable load stiffness and load damping under the step and sinusoidal load force are analyzed experimentally on the HDU force control performance test platform, which provides the foundation for the force control compensation experiment research. In addition, the optimized PID control parameters are designed to make the HDU have better force control performance with suitable load stiffness and load damping, under which the force control compensation method is introduced, and the robustness of the force control system with several constant load characteristics and the variable load characteristics respectively are comparatively analyzed by experiment. The research results indicate that if the load characteristics are known, the force control compensation method presented in this paper has positive compensation effects on the load characteristics variation, i.e., this method decreases the effects of the load characteristics variation on the force control performance and enhances the force control system robustness with the constant PID parameters, thereby, the online PID parameters tuning control method which is complex needs not be adopted. All the above research provides theoretical and experimental foundation for the force control method of the quadruped robot joints with high robustness.

  8. Habitat fragmentation caused by contaminants: Atrazine as a chemical barrier isolating fish populations.

    PubMed

    Araújo, Cristiano V M; Silva, Daniel C V R; Gomes, Luiz E T; Acayaba, Raphael D; Montagner, Cassiana C; Moreira-Santos, Matilde; Ribeiro, Rui; Pompêo, Marcelo L M

    2018-02-01

    Information on how atrazine can affect the spatial distribution of organisms is non-existent. As this effect has been observed for some other contaminants, we hypothesized that atrazine-containing leachates/discharges could trigger spatial avoidance by the fish Poecilia reticulata and form a chemical barrier isolating upstream and downstream populations. Firstly, guppies were exposed to an atrazine gradient in a non-forced exposure system, in which organisms moved freely among the concentrations, to assess their ability to avoid atrazine. Secondly, a chemical barrier formed by atrazine, separating two clean habitats (extremities of the non-forced system), was simulated to assess whether the presence of the contaminant could prevent guppies from migrating to the other side of the system. Fish were able to avoid atrazine contamination at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.02 μg L -1 ), below those described to cause sub-lethal effects. The AC 50 (atrazine concentration causing avoidance to 50% of the population) was 0.065 μg L -1 . The chemical barrier formed by atrazine at 150 μg L -1 (concentration that should produce an avoidance around 82%) caused a reduction in the migratory potential of the fish by 47%; while the chemical barrier at 1058 μg L -1 (concentration that produces torpidity) caused a reduction in the migratory potential of the fish by 91%. Contamination by atrazine, besides driving the spatial distribution of fish populations, has potential to act as a chemical barrier by isolating fish populations. This study includes a novel approach to be integrated in environmental risk assessment schemes to assess high-tier contamination effects such as habitat fragmentation and population displacement and isolation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Understanding the drivers of Amazonian evapotranspiration (ET) change in response to increased CO2.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Halladay, Kate; Good, Peter

    2016-04-01

    Earth system models allow us to examine the complex interactions and feedbacks between land surface, vegetation and atmosphere. A more thorough understanding of these interactions is essential in reducing uncertainty surrounding the potential impacts of climate and environmental change on the hydrological cycle and the future state and extent of the Amazon rainforest. With HadGEM2-ES simulations from CMIP5 in which CO2 is increased at 1% per year starting from pre-industrial concentrations and reaching 4 times that after 140 years, we separate the various drivers and processes controlling ET in western Amazonia. The design of these simulations allows for radiative and physiological forcings to be examined separately and in combination, and the degree to which the combination of forcings is additive or non-linear. We consider ET as a product of the moisture gradient between the surface and the boundary layer and a conductance term, which includes terms limiting the evaporation from stomata and from the canopy. We find that aside from the direct effects of radiative and physiological forcing, there are a number of other processes occurring: 1) reductions in ET alter the surface energy budget leading to increases in moisture gradient which drive increases in ET, 2) additional reductions in stomatal conductance when surface temperatures exceed optimum temperature for photosynthesis, leading to greater decreases in ET between 2 and 4 times pre-industrial CO2, 3) negative correlation between moisture gradient and conductance terms leads to additional decreases in ET, 4) decreases in canopy water content increases the importance of stomatal conductance which also drives decreases in ET. A combination of these processes leads to non-linear decreases in ET between 2 and 4 times pre-industrial CO2 when both radiative and physiological forcings are operating. These results indicate a major role physiological forcing in the hydrological cycle of Amazonia, highlight the potential for differences in offline and models in terms of the hydrological cycle and land surface feedbacks, and the need to reduce uncertainty in the modelling the response of stomatal conductance to high temperatures.

  10. Physical principles of intracellular organization via active and passive phase transitions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berry, Joel; Brangwynne, Clifford P.; Haataja, Mikko

    2018-04-01

    Exciting recent developments suggest that phase transitions represent an important and ubiquitous mechanism underlying intracellular organization. We describe key experimental findings in this area of study, as well as the application of classical theoretical approaches for quantitatively understanding these data. We also discuss the way in which equilibrium thermodynamic driving forces may interface with the fundamentally out-of-equilibrium nature of living cells. In particular, time and/or space-dependent concentration profiles may modulate the phase behavior of biomolecules in living cells. We suggest future directions for both theoretical and experimental work that will shed light on the way in which biological activity modulates the assembly, properties, and function of viscoelastic states of living matter.

  11. Mechanism and active variety of allelochemicals

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Peng, S.-L.; Wen, J.; Guo, Q.-F.

    2004-01-01

    This article summarizes allelochemicals' active variety, its potential causes and function mechanisms. Allelochemicals' activity varies with temperature, photoperiod, water and soils during natural processes, with its initial concentration, compound structure and mixed degree during functional processes, with plant accessions, tissues and maturity within-species, and with research techniques and operation processes. The prospective developmental aspects of allelopathy studies in the future are discussed. Future research should focus on: (1) to identify and purify allelochemicals more effectively, especially for agriculture, (2) the functions of allelopathy at the molecular structure level, (3) using allelopathy to explain plant species interactions, (4) allelopathy as a driving force of succession, and (5) the significance of allelopathy in the evolutionary processes.

  12. Self-assembly of cinnamic acid-capped gold nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Li; Wei, Gang; Sun, Lanlan; Liu, Zhiguo; Song, Yonghai; Yang, Tao; Sun, Yujing; Guo, Cunlan; Li, Zhuang

    2006-06-01

    In this work, a new capping agent, cinnamic acid (CA) was used to synthesize Au nanoparticles (NPs) under ambient conditions. The size of the NPs can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of reductant (in our experiment sodium borohydride was used) or CA. The CA-stabilized Au NPs can self-assemble into 'nanowire-like' or 'pearl-necklace-like' nanostructures by adjusting the molar ratio of CA to HAuCl4 or by tuning the pH value of the Au colloidal solution. The process of Au NPs self-assembly was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that the induced dipole-dipole interaction is the driving force of Au NP linear assemblies.

  13. Dynamic pathways for viral capsid assembly

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

    Hagan, Michael F.; Chandler, David

    2006-02-09

    We develop a class of models with which we simulate the assembly of particles into T1 capsid-like objects using Newtonian dynamics. By simulating assembly for many different values of system parameters, we vary the forces that drive assembly. For some ranges of parameters, assembly is facile, while for others, assembly is dynamically frustrated by kinetic traps corresponding to malformed or incompletely formed capsids. Our simulations sample many independent trajectories at various capsomer concentrations, allowing for statistically meaningful conclusions. Depending on subunit (i.e., capsomer) geometries, successful assembly proceeds by several mechanisms involving binding of intermediates of various sizes. We discuss themore » relationship between these mechanisms and experimental evaluations of capsid assembly processes.« less

  14. Physical principles of intracellular organization via active and passive phase transitions.

    PubMed

    Berry, Joel; Brangwynne, Clifford P; Haataja, Mikko

    2018-04-01

    Exciting recent developments suggest that phase transitions represent an important and ubiquitous mechanism underlying intracellular organization. We describe key experimental findings in this area of study, as well as the application of classical theoretical approaches for quantitatively understanding these data. We also discuss the way in which equilibrium thermodynamic driving forces may interface with the fundamentally out-of-equilibrium nature of living cells. In particular, time and/or space-dependent concentration profiles may modulate the phase behavior of biomolecules in living cells. We suggest future directions for both theoretical and experimental work that will shed light on the way in which biological activity modulates the assembly, properties, and function of viscoelastic states of living matter.

  15. On the origins of the universal dynamics of endogenous granules in mammalian cells.

    PubMed

    Vanapalli, Siva A; Li, Yixuan; Mugele, Frieder; Duits, Michel H G

    2009-12-01

    Endogenous granules (EGs) that consist of lipid droplets and mitochondria have been commonly used to assess intracellular mechanical properties via multiple particle tracking microrheology (MPTM). Despite their widespread use, the nature of interaction of EGs with the cytoskeletal network and the type of forces driving their dynamics--both of which are crucial for the interpretation of the results from MPTM technique--are yet to be resolved. In this report, we study the dynamics of endogenous granules in mammalian cells using particle tracking methods. We find that the ensemble dynamics of EGs is diffusive in three types of mammalian cells (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts), thereby suggesting an apparent universality in their dynamical behavior. Moreover, in a given cell, the amplitude of the mean-squared displacement for EGs is an order of magnitude larger than that of injected particles. This observation along with results from ATP depletion and temperature intervention studies suggests that cytoskeletal active forces drive the dynamics of EGs. To elucidate the dynamical origin of the diffusive-like nonthermal motion, we consider three active force generation mechanisms--molecular motor transport, actomyosin contractility and microtubule polymerization forces. We test these mechanisms using pharmacological interventions. Experimental evidence and model calculations suggest that EGs are intimately linked to microtubules and that microtubule polymerization forces drive their dynamics. Thus, endogenous granules could serve as non-invasive probes for microtubule network dynamics in mammalian cells.

  16. 6. Interior, rear offices: operations assistant office looking north toward ...

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

    6. Interior, rear offices: operations assistant office looking north toward security operations officer's office. - Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rushmore Air Force Station, Security Central Control Building, Quesada Drive, Blackhawk, Meade County, SD

  17. --No Title--

    Science.gov Websites

    when his car went into a ravine due to high waters. 8/8/2013 MO Jane McDonald 69 F Road Driving Brush Road Driving Appears victim tried to drive through high water on a road, but stalled. Got out to try the flooded area of a street when his car was swept away by the forceful current off of the road and

  18. Color constrasts in advertising: facade colors of food and drink consumption venues

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hutchings, John

    2002-06-01

    The building facade has a visually defined impact and there are numerous forces driving the choice of colors used. Commercial premises such as pubs, restaurants and bars are normally but not always clearly marked as such. Although we human beings can have the option of free choice in the colors we use around the home there are numerous positive driving forces dictating those we use in business life. Many of these factors have been identified. They depend on the type of population these venues serve, their geography and their traditions.

  19. The effect of oblateness and gravity darkening on the radiation driving in winds from rapidly rotating B stars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cranmer, Steven R.; Owocki, Stanley P.

    1995-01-01

    We calculate the radiative driving force for winds around rapidly rotating oblate B stars, and we estimate the impact these forces should have on the production of a wind compressed disk. The effects of limb darkening, gravity darkening, oblateness, and an arbitrary wind velocity field are included in the computation of vector 'oblate finite disk' (OFD) factors, which depend on both radius and colatitude in the wind. The impact of limb darkening alone, with or without rotation, can increase the mass loss by as much as 10% over values computed using the standard uniformly bright spherical finite disk factor. For rapidly rotating stars, limb darkening makes 'sub-stellar' gravity darkening the dominant effect in the radial and latitudinal OFD factors, and lessens the impact of gravity darkening at other visible latitudes (nearer to the oblate limb). Thus, the radial radiative driving is generally stronger over the poles and weaker over the equator, following the gravity darkening at these latitudes. The nonradial radiative driving is considerably smaller in magnitude than the radial component, but is directed both away from the equatorial plane and in a retrograde azimuthal direction, acting to decrease the effective stellar rotation velocity. These forces thus weaken the equatorward wind compression compared to wind models computed with nonrotating finite disk factors.

  20. Effects of work zone configurations and traffic density on performance variables and subjective workload.

    PubMed

    Shakouri, Mahmoud; Ikuma, Laura H; Aghazadeh, Fereydoun; Punniaraj, Karthy; Ishak, Sherif

    2014-10-01

    This paper investigates the effect of changing work zone configurations and traffic density on performance variables and subjective workload. Data regarding travel time, average speed, maximum percent braking force and location of lane changes were collected by using a full size driving simulator. The NASA-TLX was used to measure self-reported workload ratings during the driving task. Conventional lane merge (CLM) and joint lane merge (JLM) were modeled in a driving simulator, and thirty participants (seven female and 23 male), navigated through the two configurations with two levels of traffic density. The mean maximum braking forces was 34% lower in the JLM configuration, and drivers going through the JLM configuration remained in the closed lane longer. However, no significant differences in speed were found between the two merge configurations. The analysis of self-reported workload ratings show that participants reported 15.3% lower total workload when driving through the JLM. In conclusion, the implemented changes in the JLM make it a more favorable merge configuration in both high and low traffic densities in terms of optimizing traffic flow by increasing the time and distance cars use both lanes, and in terms of improving safety due to lower braking forces and lower reported workload. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. AST: Activity-Security-Trust driven modeling of time varying networks

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jian; Xu, Jiake; Liu, Yanheng; Deng, Weiwen

    2016-01-01

    Network modeling is a flexible mathematical structure that enables to identify statistical regularities and structural principles hidden in complex systems. The majority of recent driving forces in modeling complex networks are originated from activity, in which an activity potential of a time invariant function is introduced to identify agents’ interactions and to construct an activity-driven model. However, the new-emerging network evolutions are already deeply coupled with not only the explicit factors (e.g. activity) but also the implicit considerations (e.g. security and trust), so more intrinsic driving forces behind should be integrated into the modeling of time varying networks. The agents undoubtedly seek to build a time-dependent trade-off among activity, security, and trust in generating a new connection to another. Thus, we reasonably propose the Activity-Security-Trust (AST) driven model through synthetically considering the explicit and implicit driving forces (e.g. activity, security, and trust) underlying the decision process. AST-driven model facilitates to more accurately capture highly dynamical network behaviors and figure out the complex evolution process, allowing a profound understanding of the effects of security and trust in driving network evolution, and improving the biases induced by only involving activity representations in analyzing the dynamical processes. PMID:26888717

  2. Drivers who self-estimate lower blood alcohol concentrations are riskier drivers after drinking.

    PubMed

    Laude, Jennifer R; Fillmore, Mark T

    2016-04-01

    Alcohol increases the tendency for risky driving in some individuals but not others. Little is known about the factors underlying this individual difference. Studies find that those who underestimate their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) following a dose of alcohol tend to be more impulsive and report greater willingness to drive after drinking than those who estimate their BACs to be greater than their actual BAC. BAC underestimation could contribute to risky driving behavior following alcohol as such drivers might perceive little impairment in their driving ability and thus no need for caution. This study was designed to test the relationship between drivers' BAC estimations following a dose of alcohol or a placebo and the degree of risky driving they displayed during a simulated driving test. Forty adult drivers performed a simulated driving test and estimated their blood alcohol concentration after receiving a dose of alcohol (0.65 g/kg for men and 0.56 g/kg for women) or a placebo. Alcohol increased risk-taking and impaired driving skill. Those who estimated their BAC to be lower were the riskiest drivers following both alcohol and placebo. The tendency to estimate lower BACs could support a series of high-risk decisions, regardless of one's actual BAC. This could include the decision to drive after drinking.

  3. Emergence of Huge Negative Spin-Transfer Torque in Atomically Thin Co layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Je, Soong-Geun; Yoo, Sang-Cheol; Kim, Joo-Sung; Park, Yong-Keun; Park, Min-Ho; Moon, Joon; Min, Byoung-Chul; Choe, Sug-Bong

    2017-04-01

    Current-induced domain wall motion has drawn great attention in recent decades as the key operational principle of emerging magnetic memory devices. As the major driving force of the motion, the spin-orbit torque on chiral domain walls has been proposed and is currently extensively studied. However, we demonstrate here that there exists another driving force, which is larger than the spin-orbit torque in atomically thin Co films. Moreover, the direction of the present force is found to be the opposite of the prediction of the standard spin-transfer torque, resulting in the domain wall motion along the current direction. The symmetry of the force and its peculiar dependence on the domain wall structure suggest that the present force is, most likely, attributed to considerable enhancement of a negative nonadiabatic spin-transfer torque in ultranarrow domain walls. Careful measurements of the giant magnetoresistance manifest a negative spin polarization in the atomically thin Co films which might be responsible for the negative spin-transfer torque.

  4. The interplay of stiffness and force anisotropies drives embryo elongation

    PubMed Central

    Vuong-Brender, Thanh Thi Kim; Ben Amar, Martine; Pontabry, Julien; Labouesse, Michel

    2017-01-01

    The morphogenesis of tissues, like the deformation of an object, results from the interplay between their material properties and the mechanical forces exerted on them. The importance of mechanical forces in influencing cell behaviour is widely recognized, whereas the importance of tissue material properties, in particular stiffness, has received much less attention. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we examine how both aspects contribute to embryonic elongation. Measuring the opening shape of the epidermal actin cortex after laser nano-ablation, we assess the spatiotemporal changes of actomyosin-dependent force and stiffness along the antero-posterior and dorso-ventral axis. Experimental data and analytical modelling show that myosin-II-dependent force anisotropy within the lateral epidermis, and stiffness anisotropy within the fiber-reinforced dorso-ventral epidermis are critical in driving embryonic elongation. Together, our results establish a quantitative link between cortical tension, material properties and morphogenesis of an entire embryo. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.23866.001 PMID:28181905

  5. Three-component borehole wall-locking seismic detector

    DOEpatents

    Owen, Thomas E.

    1994-01-01

    A seismic detector for boreholes is described that has an accelerometer sensor block for sensing vibrations in geologic formations of the earth. The density of the seismic detector is approximately matched to the density of the formations in which the detector is utilized. A simple compass is used to orient the seismic detector. A large surface area shoe having a radius approximately equal to the radius of the borehole in which the seismic detector is located may be pushed against the side of the borehole by actuating cylinders contained in the seismic detector. Hydraulic drive of the cylinders is provided external to the detector. By using the large surface area wall-locking shoe, force holding the seismic detector in place is distributed over a larger area of the borehole wall thereby eliminating concentrated stresses. Borehole wall-locking forces up to ten times the weight of the seismic detector can be applied thereby ensuring maximum detection frequency response up to 2,000 hertz using accelerometer sensors in a triaxial array within the seismic detector.

  6. The Effect on Teenage Risky Driving of Feedback From a Safety Monitoring System: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    PubMed Central

    Bingham, C. Raymond; Ouimet, Marie Claude; Pradhan, Anuj; Chen, Rusan; Barretto, Andrea; Shope, Jean

    2012-01-01

    Purpose Teenage risky driving may be due to teenagers not knowing what is risky, preferring risk, or the lack of consequences. Elevated gravitational-force (g-force) events, caused mainly by hard braking and sharp turns, provide a valid measure of risky driving and are the target of interventions using in-vehicle data recording and feedback devices. The effect of two forms of feedback about risky driving events to teenagers only or to teenagers and their parents was tested in a randomized controlled trial. Methods Ninety parent-teen dyads were randomized to one of two groups: (1) immediate feedback to teens (Lights Only); or (2) immediate feedback to teens plus family access to event videos and ranking of the teen relative to other teenage drivers (Lights Plus). Participants’ vehicles were instrumented with data recording devices and events exceeding 0.5 g were assessed for two weeks of baseline and 13 weeks of feedback. Results Growth analysis with random slopes yielded a significant decrease in event rates for the Lights Plus group (slope = −.11, p < 0.01), but no change for the Lights Only group (slope = 0.05, p = 0.67) across the 15 weeks. A large effect size of 1.67 favored the Lights Plus group. Conclusions Provision of feedback with possible consequences associated with parents being informed reduced risky driving, while immediate feedback only to teenagers did not. Implications and Contribution Reducing elevated g-force events due to hard stops and sharp turns could reduce crash rates among novice teenage drivers. Using materials from the DriveCam For Families Program we found that feedback to both teens and parents significantly reduced rates, while feedback only to teens did not. PMID:23375825

  7. Glassy phases and driven response of the phase-field-crystal model with random pinning.

    PubMed

    Granato, E; Ramos, J A P; Achim, C V; Lehikoinen, J; Ying, S C; Ala-Nissila, T; Elder, K R

    2011-09-01

    We study the structural correlations and the nonlinear response to a driving force of a two-dimensional phase-field-crystal model with random pinning. The model provides an effective continuous description of lattice systems in the presence of disordered external pinning centers, allowing for both elastic and plastic deformations. We find that the phase-field crystal with disorder assumes an amorphous glassy ground state, with only short-ranged positional and orientational correlations, even in the limit of weak disorder. Under increasing driving force, the pinned amorphous-glass phase evolves into a moving plastic-flow phase and then, finally, a moving smectic phase. The transverse response of the moving smectic phase shows a vanishing transverse critical force for increasing system sizes.

  8. Intro & Basic R&D Overview for NRC RAP Administrator

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-07-13

    Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL /RZS 5 Pollux Drive Edwards AFB CA...NUMBER (include area code) N/A Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std. 239.18 1 Air Force Research Laboratory Edwards Air Force ...BOUNDARY 0 5 10 SCALE IN MILES HWY 395 ROSAMOND BLVD. MERCURY BLVD. R O C K ET S IT E R O A D EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE Air Force Research

  9. Additive-induced aggregate changes of two structurally similar dyes in aqueous solutions: A comparative photophysical study.

    PubMed

    Ghanadzadeh Gilani, A; Poormohammadi-Ahandani, Z; Kian, R

    2018-01-15

    Absorption and emission spectral characteristics of the two structurally similar phenothiazine dyes, azure B and toluidine blue, in aqueous solutions of the two sets of molecular additives (ureas and monosaccharides) were studied as a function of the dye and additive concentrations. The absorption spectra of the dyes were also studied in pure tetramethylurea with an aprotic nature. The spectral data were analyzed using DECOM Program. The dimer structure of the interacting molecules in these dyes was discussed using the exciton model. The urea class of additives was found to act as water structure-breakers over the range of studied concentration. The carbohydrate additives were found to act as water structure-breakers at low concentrations. However, the water structure breaking process may be disfavored by the additive-additive interactions at higher concentrations. It can be concluded that at low additive concentrations, the main driving force for breaking the dye association is water-additive interaction, which disrupts the water hydrogen bonds induced by the additives. However, at the high additive concentrations, the different phenomena including additive-additive and additive-dye interactions can change the structure, strength, and aggregative properties of the dyes. Finally, the urea in water induces noticeably fluorescence quenching in emission spectra of both the dyes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Additive-induced aggregate changes of two structurally similar dyes in aqueous solutions: A comparative photophysical study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghanadzadeh Gilani, A.; Poormohammadi-Ahandani, Z.; Kian, R.

    2018-01-01

    Absorption and emission spectral characteristics of the two structurally similar phenothiazine dyes, azure B and toluidine blue, in aqueous solutions of the two sets of molecular additives (ureas and monosaccharides) were studied as a function of the dye and additive concentrations. The absorption spectra of the dyes were also studied in pure tetramethylurea with an aprotic nature. The spectral data were analyzed using DECOM Program. The dimer structure of the interacting molecules in these dyes was discussed using the exciton model. The urea class of additives was found to act as water structure-breakers over the range of studied concentration. The carbohydrate additives were found to act as water structure-breakers at low concentrations. However, the water structure breaking process may be disfavored by the additive-additive interactions at higher concentrations. It can be concluded that at low additive concentrations, the main driving force for breaking the dye association is water-additive interaction, which disrupts the water hydrogen bonds induced by the additives. However, at the high additive concentrations, the different phenomena including additive-additive and additive-dye interactions can change the structure, strength, and aggregative properties of the dyes. Finally, the urea in water induces noticeably fluorescence quenching in emission spectra of both the dyes.

  11. Cross-shaped torsional spring

    DOEpatents

    Williamson, M.M.; Pratt, G.A.

    1999-06-08

    The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section. 30 figs.

  12. Directed motion of spheres induced by unbiased driving forces in viscous fluids beyond the Stokes' law regime

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Casado-Pascual, Jesús

    2018-03-01

    The emergence of directed motion is investigated in a system consisting of a sphere immersed in a viscous fluid and subjected to time-periodic forces of zero average. The directed motion arises from the combined action of a nonlinear drag force and the applied driving forces, in the absence of any periodic substrate potential. Necessary conditions for the existence of such directed motion are obtained and an analytical expression for the average terminal velocity is derived within the adiabatic approximation. Special attention is paid to the case of two mutually perpendicular forces with sinusoidal time dependence, one with twice the period of the other. It is shown that, although neither of these two forces induces directed motion when acting separately, when added together, the resultant force generates directed motion along the direction of the force with the shortest period. The dependence of the average terminal velocity on the system parameters is analyzed numerically and compared with that obtained using the adiabatic approximation. Among other results, it is found that, for appropriate parameter values, the direction of the average terminal velocity can be reversed by varying the forcing strength. Furthermore, certain aspects of the observed phenomenology are explained by means of symmetry arguments.

  13. Cannabis effects on driving lateral control with and without alcohol.

    PubMed

    Hartman, Rebecca L; Brown, Timothy L; Milavetz, Gary; Spurgin, Andrew; Pierce, Russell S; Gorelick, David A; Gaffney, Gary; Huestis, Marilyn A

    2015-09-01

    Effects of cannabis, the most commonly encountered non-alcohol drug in driving under the influence cases, are heavily debated. We aim to determine how blood Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations relate to driving impairment, with and without alcohol. Current occasional (≥1×/last 3 months, ≤3days/week) cannabis smokers drank placebo or low-dose alcohol, and inhaled 500mg placebo, low (2.9%)-THC, or high (6.7%)-THC vaporized cannabis over 10min ad libitum in separate sessions (within-subject design, 6 conditions). Participants drove (National Advanced Driving Simulator, University of Iowa) simulated drives (∼0.8h duration). Blood, oral fluid (OF), and breath alcohol samples were collected before (0.17h, 0.42h) and after (1.4h, 2.3h) driving that occurred 0.5-1.3h after inhalation. We evaluated standard deviations of lateral position (lane weave, SDLP) and steering angle, lane departures/min, and maximum lateral acceleration. In N=18 completers (13 men, ages 21-37years), cannabis and alcohol increased SDLP. Blood THC concentrations of 8.2 and 13.1μg/L during driving increased SDLP similar to 0.05 and 0.08g/210L breath alcohol concentrations, the most common legal alcohol limits. Cannabis-alcohol SDLP effects were additive rather than synergistic, with 5μg/L THC+0.05g/210L alcohol showing similar SDLP to 0.08g/210L alcohol alone. Only alcohol increased lateral acceleration and the less-sensitive lane departures/min parameters. OF effectively documented cannabis exposure, although with greater THC concentration variability than paired blood samples. SDLP was a sensitive cannabis-related lateral control impairment measure. During drive blood THC ≥8.2μg/L increased SDLP similar to notably-impairing alcohol concentrations. Despite OF's screening value, OF variability poses challenges in concentration-based effects interpretation. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  14. Movement of Cations through Cuticles of Citrus aurantium and Acer saccharum1

    PubMed Central

    Tyree, Melvin T.; Tabor, Christopher A.; Wescott, Charles R.

    1990-01-01

    We examined some biophysical mechanisms of ion migration across leaf cuticles enzymatically isolated from Acer saccharum L. and Citrus aurantium L. leaves. Diffusion potential measurements were used to calculate the permeabilities of Cl-, Li+, Na+, and Cs+ ions all as a ratio with respect to the permeability of K+ in cuticles. In 2 millimolar ionic strength solutions the permeability sequence from high to low was K = Cs > Na > Li » Cl. When the outer and inner surfaces of cuticles were bathed in artificial precipitation and artificial apoplast, respectively, diffusion potentials ranging from −52 to −91 millivolts were measured (inside negative). The Goldman equation predicted that the measured potentials were enough to increase the driving force on the accumulation of heavy metals by a factor of 4 to 7. Other ions migrate with forces 3 to 10 times less than predicted by the Goldman equation for concentration differences alone. Our analysis showed that Ca2+, and perhaps Mg2+, might even be accumulated against concentration gradients under some circumstances. Their uptake was apparently driven by the diffusion potentials created by the outward migration of monovalent salts. We feel that future models predicting leaching of nutrients from trees during acid rain events must be modified to account for the probable influence of diffusion potentials on ion migration. PMID:16667677

  15. SCM-Forcing Data

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

    Xie, Shaocheng; Tang, Shuaiqi; Zhang, Yunyan

    2016-07-01

    Single-Column Model (SCM) Forcing Data are derived from the ARM facility observational data using the constrained variational analysis approach (Zhang and Lin 1997 and Zhang et al., 2001). The resulting products include both the large-scale forcing terms and the evaluation fields, which can be used for driving the SCMs and Cloud Resolving Models (CRMs) and validating model simulations.

  16. Method and apparatus for determining material structural integrity

    DOEpatents

    Pechersky, M.J.

    1994-01-01

    Disclosed are a nondestructive method and apparatus for determining the structural integrity of materials by combining laser vibrometry with damping analysis to determine the damping loss factor. The method comprises the steps of vibrating the area being tested over a known frequency range and measuring vibrational force and velocity vs time over the known frequency range. Vibrational velocity is preferably measured by a laser vibrometer. Measurement of the vibrational force depends on the vibration method: if an electromagnetic coil is used to vibrate a magnet secured to the area being tested, then the vibrational force is determined by the coil current. If a reciprocating transducer is used, the vibrational force is determined by a force gauge in the transducer. Using vibrational analysis, a plot of the drive point mobility of the material over the preselected frequency range is generated from the vibrational force and velocity data. Damping loss factor is derived from a plot of the drive point mobility over the preselected frequency range using the resonance dwell method and compared with a reference damping loss factor for structural integrity evaluation.

  17. Entropic Approach to Brownian Movement.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Neumann, Richard M.

    1980-01-01

    A diffusional driving force, called the radial force, which is responsible for the increase with time of the scalar separation between a fixed point and a particle undergoing three-dimensional Brownian motion, is derived using Boltzmann's equation. (Author/HM)

  18. Mechanisms driving variability in the ocean forcing of Pine Island Glacier

    PubMed Central

    Webber, Benjamin G. M.; Heywood, Karen J.; Stevens, David P.; Dutrieux, Pierre; Abrahamsen, E. Povl; Jenkins, Adrian; Jacobs, Stanley S.; Ha, Ho Kyung; Lee, Sang Hoon; Kim, Tae Wan

    2017-01-01

    Pine Island Glacier (PIG) terminates in a rapidly melting ice shelf, and ocean circulation and temperature are implicated in the retreat and growing contribution to sea level rise of PIG and nearby glaciers. However, the variability of the ocean forcing of PIG has been poorly constrained due to a lack of multi-year observations. Here we show, using a unique record close to the Pine Island Ice Shelf (PIIS), that there is considerable oceanic variability at seasonal and interannual timescales, including a pronounced cold period from October 2011 to May 2013. This variability can be largely explained by two processes: cumulative ocean surface heat fluxes and sea ice formation close to PIIS; and interannual reversals in ocean currents and associated heat transport within Pine Island Bay, driven by a combination of local and remote forcing. Local atmospheric forcing therefore plays an important role in driving oceanic variability close to PIIS. PMID:28211473

  19. Analytical investigation of the faster-is-slower effect with a simplified phenomenological model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suzuno, K.; Tomoeda, A.; Ueyama, D.

    2013-11-01

    We investigate the mechanism of the phenomenon called the “faster-is-slower”effect in pedestrian flow studies analytically with a simplified phenomenological model. It is well known that the flow rate is maximized at a certain strength of the driving force in simulations using the social force model when we consider the discharge of self-driven particles through a bottleneck. In this study, we propose a phenomenological and analytical model based on a mechanics-based modeling to reveal the mechanism of the phenomenon. We show that our reduced system, with only a few degrees of freedom, still has similar properties to the original many-particle system and that the effect comes from the competition between the driving force and the nonlinear friction from the model. Moreover, we predict the parameter dependences on the effect from our model qualitatively, and they are confirmed numerically by using the social force model.

  20. Novel Straight Road Driving Control of Power Assisted Wheelchair Based on Disturbance Estimation of Right and Left Wheels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seki, Hirokazu; Sugimoto, Takeaki; Tadakuma, Susumu

    This paper describes a novel straight road driving control scheme of power assisted wheelchair. Power assisted wheelchair which assists the driving force by electric motors is expected to be widely used as a mobility support system for elderly people and disabled people. The straight driving can be prevented by the road conditions such as branches, grass and carpets because the right and left wheels drive independently. This paper proposes a straight road driving control system based on the disturbance torque estimation. The proposed system estimates the difference of the driving torque by disturbance torque observer and compensates to one side of the wheels. Some practical driving experiments on various road conditions show the effectiveness of the proposed control system.

  1. Alcohol control in Virginia : planning documents for use by agencies of the Commonwealth.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1982-01-01

    The Governor's Task Force to Combat Drunk Driving was created to confront the problem of drunken driving in Virginia, and to ascertain Virginia's current efforts to address this problem so that these efforts could be assessed and appropriate changes ...

  2. Does the S.D.E.P. increase performance?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Syltebo, Andy

    2003-05-01

    Through the guidance of the program, "Physical Systems," at The Evergreen State College in Olympia Washington, Andy Syltebo will be investigating how the Surface Drive Enhancement Project will affect the performance of a planing hull powered by surface drive propulsion. A radio controlled model boat of the forementioned design is the prototype vehicle used for experimentation and analysis. The idea of this project revolves around harnessing the energy in the water of a rooster tail ejected from the wake of a surface drive propeller of a boat with a planing hull design. The Surface Drive Enhancement Project (S.D.E.P. for short) is an angled set of adjustable platforms placed in the path of the rooster tail. Theoretically, it experiences the normal force of the water on its surface which, through conservation of momentum, distributes a force on the boat, with which the S.D.E.P. is attached, in both the upwards and forwards directions. This design will be tested and documented to see if it increases forward velocity without sacrificing handling characteristics.

  3. Design and analysis of a new high frequency double-servo direct drive rotary valve

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Muzhi; Zhao, Shengdun; Li, Jingxiang

    2016-12-01

    Researchers have investigated direct drive valve for many years to solve problems, such as fluid force imbalance and switching frequency. The structure of the rotary valve has received considerable research interest because of its favorable dynamic properties and simple structure. This paper studied the high frequency doubleservo direct drive rotary valve (DDRV), and proposed a novel structure and drive method satisfying high reversing frequency and adequate quantity of flow. Servo motors are integrated into the valve by the innovative structure, which is designed to equilibrate the unbalanced radial fluid force with the symmetric distributed oil ports. Aside from the fast reversing function of the valve, the DDRV presented high performance in linearity of the flow quantity and valve opening as a result of the fan-shaped flow ports. In addition, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method based on Fluent was conducted to verify the flux regulation effect of the height change of the adjustable boss.

  4. Soliton motion in a parametrically ac-driven damped Toda lattice

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

    Rasmussen, K.O.; Malomed, B.A.; Bishop, A.R.

    We demonstrate that a staggered parametric ac driving term can support stable progressive motion of a soliton in a Toda lattice with friction, while an unstaggered driving force cannot. A physical context of the model is that of a chain of anharmonically coupled particles adsorbed on a solid surface of a finite size. The ac driving force is generated by a standing acoustic wave excited on the surface. Simulations demonstrate that the state left behind the moving soliton, with the particles shifted from their equilibrium positions, gradually relaxes back to the equilibrium state that existed before the passage of themore » soliton. The perturbation theory predicts that the ac-driven soliton exists if the amplitude of the drive exceeds a certain threshold. The analytical prediction for the threshold is in reasonable agreement with that found numerically. Collisions between two counterpropagating solitons is also simulated, demonstrating that the collisions are, effectively, fully elastic. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}« less

  5. Remote sensing monitoring and driving force analysis to forest and greenbelt in Zhuhai

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuliang Qiao, Pro.

    As an important city in the southern part of Chu Chiang Delta, Zhuhai is one of the four special economic zones which are opening up to the outside at the earliest in China. With pure and fresh air and trees shading the street, Zhuhai is a famous beach port city which is near the mountain and by the sea. On the basis of Garden City, the government of Zhuhai decides to build National Forest City in 2011, which firstly should understand the situation of greenbelt in Zhuhai in short term. Traditional methods of greenbelt investigation adopt the combination of field surveying and statistics, whose efficiency is low and results are not much objective because of artificial influence. With the adventure of the information technology such as remote sensing to earth observation, especially the launch of many remote sensing satellites with high resolution for the past few years, kinds of urban greenbelt information extraction can be carried out by using remote sensing technology; and dynamic monitoring to spatial pattern evolvement of forest and greenbelt in Zhuhai can be achieved by the combination of remote sensing and GIS technology. Taking Landsat5 TM data in 1995, Landsat7 ETM+ data in 2002, CCD and HR data of CBERS-02B in 2009 as main information source, this research firstly makes remote sensing monitoring to dynamic change of forest and greenbelt in Zhuhai by using the combination of vegetation coverage index and three different information extraction methods, then does a driving force analysis to the dynamic change results in 3 months. The results show: the forest area in Zhuhai shows decreasing tendency from 1995 to 2002, increasing tendency from 2002 to 2009; overall, the forest area show a small diminution tendency from 1995 to 2009. Through the comparison to natural and artificial driving force, the artificial driving force is the leading factor to the change of forest and greenbelt in Zhuhai. The research results provide a timely and reliable scientific basis for the Zhuhai Government in building National Forest City. Keywords: forest and greenbelt; remote sensing; dynamic monitoring; driving force; vegetation coverage

  6. Hydraulic Limits on Maximum Plant Transpiration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manzoni, S.; Vico, G.; Katul, G. G.; Palmroth, S.; Jackson, R. B.; Porporato, A. M.

    2011-12-01

    Photosynthesis occurs at the expense of water losses through transpiration. As a consequence of this basic carbon-water interaction at the leaf level, plant growth and ecosystem carbon exchanges are tightly coupled to transpiration. In this contribution, the hydraulic constraints that limit transpiration rates under well-watered conditions are examined across plant functional types and climates. The potential water flow through plants is proportional to both xylem hydraulic conductivity (which depends on plant carbon economy) and the difference in water potential between the soil and the atmosphere (the driving force that pulls water from the soil). Differently from previous works, we study how this potential flux changes with the amplitude of the driving force (i.e., we focus on xylem properties and not on stomatal regulation). Xylem hydraulic conductivity decreases as the driving force increases due to cavitation of the tissues. As a result of this negative feedback, more negative leaf (and xylem) water potentials would provide a stronger driving force for water transport, while at the same time limiting xylem hydraulic conductivity due to cavitation. Here, the leaf water potential value that allows an optimum balance between driving force and xylem conductivity is quantified, thus defining the maximum transpiration rate that can be sustained by the soil-to-leaf hydraulic system. To apply the proposed framework at the global scale, a novel database of xylem conductivity and cavitation vulnerability across plant types and biomes is developed. Conductivity and water potential at 50% cavitation are shown to be complementary (in particular between angiosperms and conifers), suggesting a tradeoff between transport efficiency and hydraulic safety. Plants from warmer and drier biomes tend to achieve larger maximum transpiration than plants growing in environments with lower atmospheric water demand. The predicted maximum transpiration and the corresponding leaf water potential compare well with measured peak transpiration and minimum water potentials across plant types and biomes, suggesting that plant water transport system and stomatal regulation co-evolved to meet peak atmospheric demands, thus sustaining carbon uptake while avoiding tissue damage even in such harsh conditions.

  7. Thermodynamics of various F420 coenzyme models as sources of electrons, hydride ions, hydrogen atoms and protons in acetonitrile.

    PubMed

    Xia, Ke; Shen, Guang-Bin; Zhu, Xiao-Qing

    2015-06-14

    32 F420 coenzyme models with alkylation of the three different N atoms (N1, N3 and N10) in the core structure (XFH(-)) were designed and synthesized and the thermodynamic driving forces (defined in terms of the molar enthalpy changes or the standard redox potentials in this work) of the 32 XFH(-) releasing hydride ions, hydrogen atoms and electrons, the thermodynamic driving forces of the 32 XFH˙ releasing protons and hydrogen atoms and the thermodynamic driving forces of XF(-)˙ releasing electrons in acetonitrile were determined using titration calorimetry and electrochemical methods. The effects of the methyl group at N1, N3 and N10 and a negative charge on N1 and N10 atoms on the six thermodynamic driving forces of the F420 coenzyme models and their related reaction intermediates were examined; the results show that seating arrangements of the methyl group and the negative charge have remarkably different effects on the thermodynamic properties of the F420 coenzyme models and their related reaction intermediates. The effects of the substituents at C7 and C8 on the six thermodynamic driving forces of the F420 coenzyme models and their related reaction intermediates were also examined; the results show that the substituents at C7 and C8 have good Hammett linear free energy relationships with the six thermodynamic parameters. Meanwhile, a reasonable determination of possible reactions between members of the F420 family and NADH family in vivo was given according to a thermodynamic analysis platform constructed using the elementary step thermodynamic parameter of F420 coenzyme model 2FH(-) and NADH model MNAH releasing hydride ions in acetonitrile. The information disclosed in this work can not only fill a gap in the chemical thermodynamics of F420 coenzyme models as a class of very important organic sources of electrons, hydride ions, hydrogen atoms and protons, but also strongly promote the fast development of the chemistry and applications of F420 coenzyme.

  8. Vortex dynamics in type-II superconductors under strong pinning conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thomann, A. U.; Geshkenbein, V. B.; Blatter, G.

    2017-10-01

    We study effects of pinning on the dynamics of a vortex lattice in a type-II superconductor in the strong-pinning situation and determine the force-velocity (or current-voltage) characteristic combining analytical and numerical methods. Our analysis deals with a small density np of defects that act with a large force fp on the vortices, thereby inducing bistable configurations that are a characteristic feature of strong pinning theory. We determine the velocity-dependent average pinning-force density 〈Fp(v ) 〉 and find that it changes on the velocity scale vp˜fp/η a03 , where η is the viscosity of vortex motion and a0 the distance between vortices. In the small pin-density limit, this velocity is much larger than the typical flow velocity vc˜Fc/η of the free vortex system at drives near the critical force density Fc=〈Fp(v =0 ) 〉 ∝npfp . As a result, we find a generic excess-force characteristic, a nearly linear force-velocity characteristic shifted by the critical force density Fc; the linear flux-flow regime is approached only at large drives. Our analysis provides a derivation of Coulomb's law of dry friction for the case of strong vortex pinning.

  9. Blood alcohol concentration testing and reporting by the states : traffic tech.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-08-01

    Accurate and complete data on blood alcohol concentration : (BAC) levels for drivers in fatal crashes are critical in monitoring : alcohol-impaired-driving rates across the country, developing : alcohol-impaired-driving programs, and evaluating : the...

  10. Design and modeling of magnetically driven electric-field sensor for non-contact DC voltage measurement in electric power systems.

    PubMed

    Wang, Decai; Li, Ping; Wen, Yumei

    2016-10-01

    In this paper, the design and modeling of a magnetically driven electric-field sensor for non-contact DC voltage measurement are presented. The magnetic drive structure of the sensor is composed of a small solenoid and a cantilever beam with a cylindrical magnet mounted on it. The interaction of the magnet and the solenoid provides the magnetic driving force for the sensor. Employing magnetic drive structure brings the benefits of low driving voltage and large vibrating displacement, which consequently results in less interference from the drive signal. In the theoretical analyses, the capacitance calculation model between the wire and the sensing electrode is built. The expression of the magnetic driving force is derived by the method of linear fitting. The dynamical model of the magnetic-driven cantilever beam actuator is built by using Euler-Bernoulli theory and distributed parameter method. Taking advantage of the theoretical model, the output voltage of proposed sensor can be predicted. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical results. The proposed sensor shows a favorable linear response characteristic. The proposed sensor has a measuring sensitivity of 9.87 μV/(V/m) at an excitation current of 37.5 mA. The electric field intensity resolution can reach 10.13 V/m.

  11. Electrical field-induced extraction and separation techniques: promising trends in analytical chemistry--a review.

    PubMed

    Yamini, Yadollah; Seidi, Shahram; Rezazadeh, Maryam

    2014-03-03

    Sample preparation is an important issue in analytical chemistry, and is often a bottleneck in chemical analysis. So, the major incentive for the recent research has been to attain faster, simpler, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly sample preparation methods. The use of auxiliary energies, such as heat, ultrasound, and microwave, is one of the strategies that have been employed in sample preparation to reach the above purposes. Application of electrical driving force is the current state-of-the-art, which presents new possibilities for simplifying and shortening the sample preparation process as well as enhancing its selectivity. The electrical driving force has scarcely been utilized in comparison with other auxiliary energies. In this review, the different roles of electrical driving force (as a powerful auxiliary energy) in various extraction techniques, including liquid-, solid-, and membrane-based methods, have been taken into consideration. Also, the references have been made available, relevant to the developments in separation techniques and Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) systems. All aspects of electrical driving force in extraction and separation methods are too specific to be treated in this contribution. However, the main aim of this review is to provide a brief knowledge about the different fields of analytical chemistry, with an emphasis on the latest efforts put into the electrically assisted membrane-based sample preparation systems. The advantages and disadvantages of these approaches as well as the new achievements in these areas have been discussed, which might be helpful for further progress in the future. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Stride length: the impact on propulsion and bracing ground reaction force in overhand throwing.

    PubMed

    Ramsey, Dan K; Crotin, Ryan L

    2018-03-26

    Propulsion and bracing ground reaction force (GRF) in overhand throwing are integral in propagating joint reaction kinetics and ball velocity, yet how stride length effects drive (hind) and stride (lead) leg GRF profiles remain unknown. Using a randomised crossover design, 19 pitchers (15 collegiate and 4 high school) were assigned to throw 2 simulated 80-pitch games at ±25% of their desired stride length. An integrated motion capture system with two force plates and radar gun tracked each throw. Vertical and anterior-posterior GRF was normalised then impulse was derived. Paired t-tests identified whether differences between conditions were significant. Late in single leg support, peak propulsion GRF was statistically greater for the drive leg with increased stride. Stride leg peak vertical GRF in braking occurred before acceleration with longer strides, but near ball release with shorter strides. Greater posterior shear GRF involving both legs demonstrated increased braking with longer strides. Conversely, decreased drive leg propulsion reduced both legs' braking effects with shorter strides. Results suggest an interconnection between normalised stride length and GRF application in propulsion and bracing. This work has shown stride length to be an important kinematic factor affecting the magnitude and timing of external forces acting upon the body.

  13. Regulation of transmural transport of amino acid/metal conjugates by dietary calcium in crustacean digestive tract.

    PubMed

    Abdel-Malak, Rania; Ahearn, Gregory A

    2014-03-01

    Effects of luminal Ca(2+) and Mn(2+) on transmural mucosal to serosal (MS) transport of (3) H-L-leucine were characterized in the isolated and perfused intestine of the American lobster, Homarus americanus. (3) H-L-leucine MS transport in the presence of 20 µM Mn(2+) was a sigmoidal function of luminal amino acid concentration, following the Hill equation for multisite cooperative, carrier-mediated, transport. Luminal Ca(2+) was a non-competitive inhibitor of Mn(2+) -stimulated (3) H-L-leucine MS flux. Amino acid transport was hyperbolically stimulated by luminal Ca(2+) or Mn(2+). During 20 µM Mn(2+) -stimulation of (3) H-L-leucine MS flux, addition of 25 mM Ca(2+) strongly reduced amino acid transport Jmax , without affecting amino acid binding properties. Hyperbolic luminal Mn(2+) stimulation of 20 µM (3) H-L-leucine MS flux was also strongly inhibited by 25 mM luminal Ca(2+) , significantly reducing 20 µM (3) H-L-leucine Jmax . Increasing the luminal concentration of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, significantly increased MS transport of 20 µM (3) H-L-leucine in the presence of 100 nM Mn(2+) by reducing diffusional Ca(2+) uptake into intestinal epithelial cells through verapamil-sensitive channels. A model is proposed supporting the concept of molecular mimicry, whereby (3) H-L-leucine enters lobster intestinal epithelial cells by one or more amino acid-specific transporters and by a dipeptide-like transporter that is capable of binding and transporting peptide molecular mimics (bis-complexes) between Ca(2+) or Mn(2+) and (3) H-L-leucine using the membrane potential as a major driving force for the transport event. According to the model, Ca(2+) entry through apical Ca(2+) channels regulates the magnitude of the membrane potential and therefore the size of the driving force for bis-complex uptake. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Modeling Degradation Product Partitioning in Chlorinated-DNAPL Source Zones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boroumand, A.; Ramsburg, A.; Christ, J.; Abriola, L.

    2009-12-01

    Metabolic reductive dechlorination degrades aqueous phase contaminant concentrations, increasing the driving force for DNAPL dissolution. Results from laboratory and field investigations suggest that accumulation of cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) may occur within DNAPL source zones. The lack of (or slow) degradation of cis-DCE and VC within bioactive DNAPL source zones may result in these dechlorination products becoming distributed among the solid, aqueous, and organic phases. Partitioning of cis-DCE and VC into the organic phase may reduce aqueous phase concentrations of these contaminants and result in the enrichment of these dechlorination products within the non-aqueous phase. Enrichment of degradation products within DNAPL may reduce some of the advantages associated with the application of bioremediation in DNAPL source zones. Thus, it is important to quantify how partitioning (between the aqueous and organic phases) influences the transport of cis-DCE and VC within bioactive DNAPL source zones. In this work, abiotic two-phase (PCE-water) one-dimensional column experiments are modeled using analytical and numerical methods to examine the rate of partitioning and the capacity of PCE-DNAPL to reversibly sequester cis-DCE. These models consider aqueous-phase, nonaqueous phase, and aqueous plus nonaqueous phase mass transfer resistance using linear driving force and spherical diffusion expressions. Model parameters are examined and compared for different experimental conditions to evaluate the mechanisms controlling partitioning. Biot number, a dimensionless number which is an index of the ratio of the aqueous phase mass transfer rate in boundary layer to the mass transfer rate within the NAPL, is used to characterize conditions in which either or both processes are controlling. Results show that application of a single aqueous resistance is capable to capture breakthrough curves when DNAPL is distributed in porous media as low-saturation ganglia, while diffusion within the DNAPL should be considered for larger NAPL pools. These results offer important insights to the monitoring and interpretation of bioremediation strategies employed within DNAPL source zones.

  15. The force dependence of isometric and concentric potentiation in mouse muscle with and without skeletal myosin light chain kinase.

    PubMed

    Gittings, William; Aggarwal, Harish; Stull, James T; Vandenboom, Rene

    2015-01-01

    The isometric potentiation associated with myosin phosphorylation is force dependent. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a pre-existing period of isometric force on the concentric force potentiation displayed by mouse muscles with and without the ability to phosphorylate myosin. We tested isometric (ISO) and concentric (CON) potentiation, as well as concentric potentiation after isometric force (ISO-CON), in muscles from wild-type (WT) and skeletal myosin light chain kinase-deficient (skMLCK(-/-)) mice. A conditioning stimulus increased (i.e., potentiated) mean concentric force in the ISO-CON and CON conditions to 1.31 ± 0.02 and 1.35 ± 0.02 (WT) and to 1.19 ± 0.02 and 1.21 ± 0.01 (skMLCK(-/-)) of prestimulus levels, respectively (data n = 6-8, p < 0.05). No potentiation of mean isometric force was observed in either genotype. The potentiation of mean concentric force was inversely related to relative tetanic force level (P/Po) in both genotypes. Moreover, concentric potentiation varied greatly within each contraction type and was negatively correlated with unpotentiated force in both genotypes. Thus, although no effect of pre-existing force was observed, strong and inverse relationships between concentric force potentiation and unpotentiated concentric force may suggest an influence of attached and force-generating crossbridges on potentiation magnitude in both WT and skMLCK(-/-) muscles.

  16. Exciplexes versus Loose Ion Pairs: How Does the Driving Force Impact the Initial Product Ratio of Photoinduced Charge Separation Reactions?

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Many donor–acceptor systems can undergo a photoinduced charge separation reaction, yielding loose ion pairs (LIPs). LIPs can be formed either directly via (distant) electron transfer (ET) or indirectly via the dissociation of an initially formed exciplex or tight ion pair. Establishing the prevalence of one of the reaction pathways is challenging because differentiating initially formed exciplexes from LIPs is difficult due to similar spectroscopic footprints. Hence, no comprehensive reaction model has been established for moderately polar solvents. Here, we employ an approach based on the time-resolved magnetic field effect (MFE) of the delayed exciplex luminescence to distinguish the two reaction channels. We focus on the effects of the driving force of ET and the solvent permittivity. We show that, surprisingly, the exciplex channel is significant even for an exergonic ET system with a free energy of ET of −0.58 eV and for the most polar solutions studied (butyronitrile). Our findings demonstrate that exciplexes play a crucial role even in polar solvents and at moderate driving forces, contrary to what is usually assumed. PMID:25243054

  17. Relative importance of driving force and electrostatic interactions in the reduction of multihaem cytochromes by small molecules.

    PubMed

    Quintas, Pedro O; Cepeda, Andreia P; Borges, Nuno; Catarino, Teresa; Turner, David L

    2013-06-01

    Multihaem cytochromes are essential to the energetics of organisms capable of bioremediation and energy production. The haems in several of these cytochromes have been discriminated thermodynamically and their individual rates of reduction by small electron donors were characterized. The kinetic characterization of individual haems used the Marcus theory of electron transfer and assumed that the rates of reduction of each haem by sodium dithionite depend only on the driving force, while electrostatic interactions were neglected. To determine the relative importance of these factors in controlling the rates, we studied the effect of ionic strength on the redox potential and the rate of reduction by dithionite of native Methylophilus methylotrophus cytochrome c″ and three mutants at different pH values. We found that the main factor determining the rate is the driving force and that Marcus theory describes this satisfactorily. This validates the method of the simultaneous fitting of kinetic and thermodynamic data in multihaem cytochromes and opens the way for further investigation into the mechanisms of these proteins. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. A future without health? Health dimension in global scenario studies.

    PubMed Central

    Martens, Pim; Huynen, Maud

    2003-01-01

    This paper reviews the health dimension and sociocultural, economic, and ecological determinants of health in existing global scenario studies. Not even half of the 31 scenarios reviewed gave a good description of future health developments and the different scenario studies did not handle health in a consistent way. Most of the global driving forces of health are addressed adequately in the selected scenarios, however, and it therefore would have been possible to describe the future developments in health as an outcome of these multiple driving forces. To provide examples on how future health can be incorporated in existing scenarios, we linked the sociocultural, economic, and environmental developments described in three sets of scenarios (special report on emission scenarios (SRES), global environmental outlook-3 (GEO3), and world water scenarios (WWS)) to three potential, but imaginary, health futures ("age of emerging infectious diseases", "age of medical technology", and "age of sustained health"). This paper provides useful insights into how to deal with future health in scenarios and shows that a comprehensive picture of future health evolves when all important driving forces and pressures are taken into account. PMID:14997242

  19. Do Young Drivers Become Safer After Being Involved in a Collision?

    PubMed Central

    O’Brien, Fearghal; Bible, Joe; Liu, Danping; Simons-Morton, Bruce G.

    2017-01-01

    As drivers age, their risk of being involved in a car collision decreases. The present study investigated if this trend is due, in part, to some risky drivers having a collision early in their driving lives and subsequently reducing their risky driving after that negative experience. Accelerometers and video cameras were installed in the vehicles of 16- to 17-year-old drivers (N = 254), allowing coders to measure the number of g-force events (i.e., events in which a threshold acceleration level was exceeded) per 1,000 miles and the number of collisions. Among the 41 participants who experienced a severe collision, the rate of g-force events dropped significantly in the 1st month after the collision, remained unchanged for the 2nd month, and increased significantly in the 3rd month. There were no changes in the rate of g-force events at comparable time points for the drivers not involved in a collision. Being involved in a collision led to a decrease in risky driving, but this may have been a temporary effect. PMID:28406372

  20. Electrophysiology of sodium-coupled transport in proximal renal tubules.

    PubMed

    Lang, F; Messner, G; Rehwald, W

    1986-06-01

    Effects of sodium-coupled transport on intracellular electrolytes and electrical properties of proximal renal tubule cells are described in this review. Simultaneous with addition of substrate for sodium-coupled transport to luminal perfusates, both cell membranes depolarize. The luminal cell membrane depolarizes due to opening of sodium-cotransport pathways. The depolarization of the peritubular cell membrane during sodium-coupled transport is primarily due to a circular current reentering the lumen via the paracellular pathway. The depolarization leads to a transient decrease of basolateral potassium conductance that in turn amplifies the depolarization. However, within 5-10 min of continued exposure to substrate, potassium conductance increases again, and peritubular cell membrane repolarizes. During depolarization the driving force of peritubular bicarbonate exit is reduced. As a result net alkalinization of the cell prevails despite an increase of intracellular sodium activity, which reduces the driving force for the sodium-hydrogen ion exchanger and would thus have been expected to acidify the cell. No evidence is obtained for regulatory inhibition of sodium-coupled transport by intracellular sodium or calcium. Rather, luminal cotransport is altered by the change of driving forces.

  1. Spontaneous Ion Depletion and Accumulation Phenomena Induced by Imbibition through Permselective Medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Hyomin; Jung, Yeonsu; Park, Sungmin; Kim, Ho-Young; Kim, Sung Jae

    2016-11-01

    Generally, an ion depletion region near a permselective medium is induced by predominant ion flux through the medium. External electric field or hydraulic pressure has been reported as the driving forces. Among these driving forces, an imbibition through the nanoporous medium was chosen as the mechanism to spontaneously generate the ion depletion region. The water-absorbing process leads to the predominant ion flux so that the spontaneous formation of the ion depletion zone is expected even if there are no additional driving forces except for the inherent capillary action. In this presentation, we derived the analytical solutions using perturbation method and asymptotic analysis for the spontaneous phenomenon. Using the analysis, we found that there is also spontaneous accumulation regime depending on the mobility of dissolved electrolytic species. Therefore, the rigorous analysis of the spontaneous ion depletion and accumulation phenomena would provide a key perspective for the control of ion transportation in nanofluidic system such as desalinator, preconcentrator, and energy harvesting device, etc. Samsung Research Funding Center of Samsung Electronics (SRFC-MA1301-02) and BK21 plus program of Creative Research Engineer Development IT, Seoul National University.

  2. Cannabis use: a perspective in relation to the proposed UK drug-driving legislation.

    PubMed

    Wolff, Kim; Johnston, Atholl

    2014-01-01

    With regard to THC (Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive constituent identified in the plant Cannabis sativa L, several facts are indisputable. Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug in the UK among those who reported driving under the influence of illegal drugs in the previous 12 months. There is a significant dose-related decrement in driving performance following cannabis use; raised blood THC concentrations are significantly associated with increased traffic crash and death risk. When cannabis and alcohol are detected together, there is a greater risk to road safety than when either drug is used alone. Patterns of use are important when interpreting blood concentration data: Smoking infrequently a single cannabis cigarette leads to peak plasma THC concentrations (21-267 µg/L) causing acute intoxication. In habitual, daily users, plasma THC concentrations range from 1.0 to 11.0 µg/L and are maintained by sequestration of the drug from the tissues. These facts undoubtedly make setting thresholds for drug-driving legislation difficult but there is clearly a case for cannabis. Determining minimum blood THC concentrations at which a driver becomes sufficiently impaired to be unable to safely drive a vehicle is of particular concern given the increasing medicinal use of the drug. Internationally legislation for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is based on either a proof of impairment or a per se approach. For the latter this can be either zero-tolerance or based on concentration limits such as those used for alcohol. The different approaches are considered against current scientific evidence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  3. Pressure effects on magnetic ground states in cobalt doped multiferroic Mn 1-xCo xWO 4

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Jinchen; Ye, Feng; Chi, Songxue; ...

    2016-04-28

    Using x-ray and high pressure neutron diffraction, we studied the pressure effect on structural and magnetic properties of multiferroic Mn 1-xCo xWO 4 single crystals (x = 0, 0.05, 0.135 and 0.17), and compared it with the effects of doping. Both Co doping and pressure stretch the Mn-Mn chain along the c direction. At high doping level (x = 0.135 and 0.17), pressure and Co doping drive the system in a very similar way and induce a spin-flop transition for the x = 0.135 compound. In contrast, magnetic ground states at lower doping level (x = 0 and 0.05) aremore » robust against pressure but experience a pronounced change upon Co substitution. As Co introduces both chemical pressure and magnetic anisotropy into the frustrated magnetic system, our results suggest the magnetic anisotropy is the main driving force for the Co induced phase transitions at low doping level, and chemical pressure plays a more significant role at higher Co concentrations.« less

  4. Proposed low-temperature solar engine

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peoples, J. A.; Kearns, G. B.

    1976-01-01

    Engine, proposed for conversion of Sun's heat to motion without need for heat pumps and associated equipment, uses expansion and contraction of aluminum rod to drive tow out-of-phase windlasses. Linear displacement of 0.076 cm in rod will exert sufficient force to drive pumps, generators, and compressors.

  5. Control rod drive for reactor shutdown

    DOEpatents

    McKeehan, Ernest R.; Shawver, Bruce M.; Schiro, Donald J.; Taft, William E.

    1976-01-20

    A means for rapidly shutting down or scramming a nuclear reactor, such as a liquid metal-cooled fast breeder reactor, and serves as a backup to the primary shutdown system. The control rod drive consists basically of an in-core assembly, a drive shaft and seal assembly, and a control drive mechanism. The control rod is driven into the core region of the reactor by gravity and hydraulic pressure forces supplied by the reactor coolant, thus assuring that common mode failures will not interfere with or prohibit scramming the reactor when necessary.

  6. Prevalence of driving with blood drug concentrations above proposed new legal limits in Norway: estimations based on drug concentrations in oral fluid.

    PubMed

    Gjerde, Hallvard; Normann, Per T; Christophersen, Asbjørg S; Mørland, Jørg

    2011-07-15

    To estimate the prevalence of driving with blood drug concentrations above the recently proposed Norwegian legal limits for drugged driving in random traffic. The results from a roadside survey of 10,816 drivers was used as basis for the estimation, and the most prevalent drugs were included. Three approaches were used to estimate the prevalence of drug concentrations above the proposed legal limits in blood based on drug concentrations in oral fluid: comparison with drug concentrations observed in oral fluid and blood in pharmacokinetic studies, estimating the prevalence of drug concentrations in blood by calculating the prevalence of drug concentrations in oral fluid that were larger than the limit in blood multiplied with mean oral fluid/blood ratios, and a mathematical simulation mimicking the relationship between drug concentration distributions in blood and oral fluid for populations of drug users. In total, alcohol or drugs were detected in 5.7% of the samples of oral fluid from drivers in normal traffic; 3.8% (n=410) were positive for the drugs that we included in the assessment. The estimation of drug concentrations in blood suggested that about 1.5% had concentrations above the proposed legal limits in blood for the studied drugs, which is about 40% of those who were positive for the drugs in oral fluid. The estimated prevalence of driving with concentrations of psychoactive drugs in blood above the proposed legal limits was for illegal drugs 0.4% and for medicinal drugs 1.1%. These may be regarded as minimum estimates as some drugs were not included in the assessment. These prevalences are higher than the prevalence of driving with blood alcohol concentrations above the legal limit of 0.2g/kg in Norway. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. In vitro evidence of a tissue factor-independent mode of action of recombinant factor VIIa in hemophilia.

    PubMed

    Augustsson, Cecilia; Persson, Egon

    2014-11-13

    Successful competition of activated factor VII (FVIIa) with zymogen factor VII (FVII) for tissue factor (TF) and loading of the platelet surface with FVIIa are plausible driving forces behind the pharmacological effect of recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) in hemophilia patients. Thrombin generation measurements in platelet-rich hemophilia A plasma revealed competition for TF, which potentially could reduce the effective (r)FVIIa:TF complex concentration and thereby attenuate factor Xa production. However, (auto)activation of FVII apparently counteracted the negative effect of zymogen binding; a small impact was observed at endogenous concentrations of FVII and FVIIa but was virtually absent at pharmacological amounts of rFVIIa. Moreover, corrections of the propagation phase in hemophilia A required rFVIIa concentrations above the range where a physiological level of FVII was capable to downregulate thrombin generation. These data strongly suggest that rFVIIa acts independently of TF in hemophilia therapy and that FVII displacement by rFVIIa is a negligible mechanistic component. © 2014 by The American Society of Hematology.

  8. An Optimization of the Maintenance Assets Distribution Network in the Argentine Air Force

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-03-26

    Air Force (2010). Manual de Conduccion Logistica . Buenos Aires: HQ Argentine Air Force. Argentine Air Force (2012). El vuelo del condor: 1912-2012...recommendation was made to consider organic or private transportation and reduce transportation time in order to improve responsiveness and drive down...determine overall transportation demand and capacity required for a defined level of service, and to evaluate the tradeoffs between costs and service

  9. Drivers who self-estimate lower blood alcohol concentrations are riskier drivers after drinking

    PubMed Central

    Laude, Jennifer R.; Fillmore, Mark T.

    2016-01-01

    Rationale Alcohol increases the tendency for risky driving in some individuals, but not others. Little is known about the factors underlying this individual difference. Studies find that those who underestimate their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) following a dose of alcohol tend to be more impulsive and report greater willingness to drive after drinking than those who estimate their BACs to be greater than their actual BAC. BAC underestimation could contribute to risky driving behavior following alcohol as such drivers might perceive little impairment in their driving ability and thus no need for caution. Objectives This study was designed to test the relationship between drivers’ BAC estimations following a dose of alcohol or a placebo and the degree of risky driving they displayed during a simulated driving test. Methods Forty adult drivers performed a simulated driving test and estimated their blood alcohol concentration after receiving a dose of alcohol (0.65 g/kg for men; 0.56 g/kg for women) or a placebo. . Results Alcohol increased risk taking and impaired driving skill. Those who estimated their BAC to be lower were the riskiest drivers following both alcohol and placebo. Conclusions The tendency to estimate lower BACs could support a series of high-risk decisions, regardless of one’s actual BAC. This could include the decision to drive after drinking. PMID:26861796

  10. The effects of moderate alcohol concentrations on driving and cognitive performance during ascending and descending blood alcohol concentrations.

    PubMed

    Starkey, Nicola J; Charlton, Samuel G

    2014-07-01

    Alcohol has an adverse effect on driving performance; however, the effects of moderate doses on different aspects of the driving task are inconsistent and differ across the intoxication curve. This research aimed to investigate driving and cognitive performance asymmetries (acute tolerance and acute protracted error) accompanying the onset and recovery from moderate alcohol consumption. Sixty-one participants received a placebo, medium (target blood alcohol concentration [BAC] 0.05 mg/ml) or high (target BAC 0.08 mg/ml) dose of alcohol. Participants completed a simulated drive, cognitive tests and subjective rating scales five times over a 3.5 h period. When ascending and descending BACs (0.05 and 0.09 mg/ml) were compared participants' self-ratings of intoxication and willingness to drive showed acute tolerance. Acute protracted errors were observed for response speed, maze learning errors, time exceeding the speed limit and exaggerated steering responses to hazards. Participants' estimates of their level of intoxication were poorly related to their actual BAC levels (and hence degree of impairment), and various aspects of driving and cognitive performance worsened during descending BACs. This indicates that drivers are not good at judging their fitness to drive after drinking only moderate amounts of alcohol and suggests an important focus for public education regarding alcohol and driving. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  11. Adaptive evolution of Escherichia coli to Ciprofloxacin in controlled stress environments: emergence of tolerance in spatial and temporal gradients

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, J.; Sanford, R. A.; Dong, Y.; Shechtman, L. A.; Zhou, L.; Alcalde, R.; Werth, C. J.; Fouke, B. W.

    2016-12-01

    Microorganisms in nature have evolved in response to a variety of environmental stresses, including gradients of temperature, pH, substrate availability and aqueous chemistry. While environmental stresses are considered to be the driving forces of adaptive evolution, the impact and extent of any specific stress needed to drive such changes has not been well characterized. In this study, the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin was used as a stressor and systematically applied to E. coli st. 307 cells via a spatial gradient in a microfluidic pore network and a temporal gradient in batch cultures. The microfluidic device facilitated in vitro real-time tracking of bacterial abundances and dynamic spatial distributions in response to the gradients of both the antibiotic and nutrients. Cells collected from the microfluidic device showed growth on plates containing up to 10-times the original minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). In batch systems, Ciprofloxacin was used to evaluate adaptive responses via temporal gradients, in which the stressor concentration was incrementally increased over time with each transfer of the culture after 24 hours of growth. Responses of E. coli 307 to these stress patterns were measured by quantifying changes in the MIC for Ciprofloxacin. Over a period of 18 days of step-wise concentration increments, bacterial cells were observed to acquire tolerance gradually and eventually adapt to a 28-fold increase in the original MIC. Samples at different stages within the temporal Ciprofloxacin gradient treatment show different extents of resistance. All samples exhibited resistance exceeding the highest exposure stress concentration. In combination with the spatial and temporal gradient systems, this work provides the first comprehensive measure of the dynamic resistance of E. coli in response to Ciprofloxacin concentration gradients. These will provide invaluable insights to understand the effects of antibiotic stresses on bacterial adaptive evolution in medical settings and shed light on understanding the mechanics of microbial evolution.

  12. A low-loss, single-pole, four-throw RF MEMS switch driven by a double stop comb drive

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, S.; Kim, H. C.; Chun, K.

    2009-03-01

    Our goal was to develop a single-pole four-throw (SP4T) radio frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS) switch for band selection in a multi-band, multi-mode, front-end module of a wireless transceiver system. The SP4T RF MEMS switch was based on an arrangement of four single-pole single-throw (SPST) RF MEMS switches. The SP4T RF MEMS switch was driven by a double stop (DS) comb drive, with a lateral resistive contact, and composed of single crystalline silicon (SCS) on glass. A large contact force at a low-drive voltage was achieved by electrostatic actuation of the DS comb drive. Good RF characteristics were achieved by the large contact force and the lateral resistive Au-to-Au contact. Mechanical reliability was achieved by using SCS which has no residual stress as a structure material. The developed SP4T RF MEMS switch has a drive voltage of 15 V, an insertion loss below 0.31 dB at 6 GHz after more than one million cycles under a 10 mW signal, a return loss above 20 dB and an isolation value above 36 dB.

  13. A mechanism for the dynamo terms to sustain closed-flux current, including helicity balance, by driving current which crosses the magnetic field

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

    Jarboe, T. R.; Nelson, B. A.; Sutherland, D. A.

    2015-07-15

    An analysis of imposed dynamo current drive (IDCD) [T.R. Jarboe et al., Nucl. Fusion 52 083017 (2012)] reveals: (a) current drive on closed flux surfaces seems possible without relaxation, reconnection, or other flux-surface-breaking large events; (b) the scale size of the key physics may be smaller than is often computationally resolved; (c) helicity can be sustained across closed flux; and (d) IDCD current drive is parallel to the current which crosses the magnetic field to produce the current driving force. In addition to agreeing with spheromak data, IDCD agrees with selected tokamak data.

  14. Simulation of parameters of hydraulic drive with volumetric type controller

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mulyukin, V. L.; Boldyrev, A. V.; Karelin, D. L.; Belousov, A. M.

    2017-09-01

    The article presents a mathematical model of volumetric type hydraulic drive controller that allows to calculate the parameters of forward and reverse motion. According to the results of simulation static characteristics of rod’s speed and the force of the hydraulic cylinder rod were built and the influence of the angle of swash plate of the controller at the characteristics profile is shown. The results analysis showed that the proposed controller allows steplessly adjust the speed□ц of hydraulic cylinder’s rod motion and the force developed on the rod without the use of flow throttling.

  15. Electrochemical reduction of carbon fluorine bond in 4-fluorobenzonitrile Mechanistic analysis employing Marcus Hush quadratic activation-driving force relation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muthukrishnan, A.; Sangaranarayanan, M. V.

    2007-10-01

    The reduction of carbon-fluorine bond in 4-fluorobenzonitrile in acetonitrile as the solvent, is analyzed using convolution potential sweep voltammetry and the dependence of the transfer coefficient on potential is investigated within the framework of Marcus-Hush quadratic activation-driving force theory. The validity of stepwise mechanism is inferred from solvent reorganization energy estimates as well as bond length calculations using B3LYP/6-31g(d) method. A novel method of estimating the standard reduction potential of the 4-fluorobenzonitrile in acetonitrile is proposed.

  16. Analysis, design, and testing of a low cost, direct force command linear proof mass actuator for structural control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Slater, G. L.; Shelley, Stuart; Jacobson, Mark

    1993-01-01

    In this paper, the design, analysis, and test of a low cost, linear proof mass actuator for vibration control is presented. The actuator is based on a linear induction coil from a large computer disk drive. Such disk drives are readily available and provide the linear actuator, current feedback amplifier, and power supply for a highly effective, yet inexpensive, experimental laboratory actuator. The device is implemented as a force command input system, and the performance is virtually the same as other, more sophisticated, linear proof mass systems.

  17. Dynamic model of the force driving kinesin to move along microtubule-Simulation with a model system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chou, Y. C.; Hsiao, Yi-Feng; To, Kiwing

    2015-09-01

    A dynamic model for the motility of kinesin, including stochastic-force generation and step formation is proposed. The force driving the motion of kinesin motor is generated by the impulse from the collision between the randomly moving long-chain stalk and the ratchet-shaped outer surface of microtubule. Most of the dynamical and statistical features of the motility of kinesin are reproduced in a simulation system, with (a) ratchet structures similar to the outer surface of microtubule, (b) a bead chain connected to two heads, similarly to the stalk of the real kinesin motor, and (c) the interaction between the heads of the simulated kinesin and microtubule. We also propose an experiment to discriminate between the conventional hand-over-hand model and the dynamic model.

  18. Micro-Macro Coupling in Plasma Self-Organization Processes during Island Coalescence

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

    Wan Weigang; Lapenta, Giovanni; Centrum voor Plasma-Astrofysica, Departement Wiskunde, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200B, 3001 Leuven

    The collisionless island coalescence process is studied with particle-in-cell simulations, as an internal-driven magnetic self-organization scenario. The macroscopic relaxation time, corresponding to the total time required for the coalescence to complete, is found to depend crucially on the scale of the system. For small-scale systems, where the macroscopic scales and the dissipation scales are more tightly coupled, the relaxation time is independent of the strength of the internal driving force: the small-scale processes of magnetic reconnection adjust to the amount of the initial magnetic flux to be reconnected, indicating that at the microscopic scales reconnection is enslaved by the macroscopicmore » drive. However, for large-scale systems, where the micro-macro scale separation is larger, the relaxation time becomes dependent on the driving force.« less

  19. Fluid flow through a high cell density fluidized-bed during centrifugal bioreactor culture.

    PubMed

    Detzel, Christopher J; Van Wie, Bernard J; Ivory, Cornelius F

    2010-01-01

    An increasing demand for products such as tissues, proteins, and antibodies from mammalian cell suspension cultures is driving interest in increasing production through high-cell density bioreactors. The centrifugal bioreactor (CCBR) retains cells by balancing settling forces with surface drag forces due to medium throughput and is capable of maintaining cell densities above 10(8) cells/mL. This article builds on a previous study where the fluid mechanics of an empty CCBR were investigated showing fluid flow is nonuniform and dominated by Coriolis forces, raising concerns about nutrient and cell distribution. In this article, we demonstrate that the previously reported Coriolis forces are still present in the CCBR, but masked by the presence of cells. Experimental dye injection observations during culture of 15 microm hybridoma cells show a continual uniform darkening of the cell bed, indicating the region of the reactor containing cells is well mixed. Simulation results also indicate the cell bed is well mixed during culture of mammalian cells ranging in size from 10 to 20 microm. However, simulations also allow for a slight concentration gradient to be identified and attributed to Coriolis forces. Experimental results show cell density increases from 0.16 to 0.26 when centrifugal force is doubled by increasing RPM from 650 to 920 at a constant inlet velocity of 6.5 cm/s; an effect also observed in the simulation. Results presented in this article indicate cells maintained in the CCBR behave as a high-density fluidized bed of cells providing a homogeneous environment to ensure optimal growth conditions. (c) 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers

  20. Fluid Flow through a High Cell Density Fluidized-Bed during Centrifugal Bioreactor Culture

    PubMed Central

    Detzel, Christopher J.; Van Wie, Bernard J.; Ivory, Cornelius F.

    2010-01-01

    An increasing demand for products such as tissues, proteins, and antibodies from mammalian cell suspension cultures is driving interest in increasing production through high-cell density bioreactors. The centrifugal bioreactor (CCBR) retains cells by balancing settling forces with surface drag forces due to medium throughput and is capable of maintaining cell densities above 108 cells/mL. This article builds on a previous study where the fluid mechanics of an empty CCBR were investigated showing fluid flow is nonuniform and dominated by Coriolis forces, raising concerns about nutrient and cell distribution. In this article, we demonstrate that the previously reported Coriolis forces are still present in the CCBR, but masked by the presence of cells. Experimental dye injection observations during culture of 15 μm hybridoma cells show a continual uniform darkening of the cell bed, indicating the region of the reactor containing cells is well mixed. Simulation results also indicate the cell bed is well mixed during culture of mammalian cells ranging in size from 10 to 20 μm. However, simulations also allow for a slight concentration gradient to be identified and attributed to Coriolis forces. Experimental results show cell density increases from 0.16 to 0.26 when centrifugal force is doubled by increasing RPM from 650 to 920 at a constant inlet velocity of 6.5 cm/s; an effect also observed in the simulation. Results presented in this article indicate cells maintained in the CCBR behave as a high-density fluidized bed of cells providing a homogeneous environment to ensure optimal growth conditions. PMID:20205172

  1. Drive Control of an Electric Vehicle by a Non-linear Controller

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mubin, Marizan; Ouchi, Shigeto; Anabuki, Masatoshi; Hirata, Hiroshi

    The driving force of automobiles is transmitted by the frictional force between the tires and the road surface. This frictional force is a function of the weight of the car-body and the friction coefficient μ between the tires and the road surface. The friction coefficient μ is also a function of the following parameters: the slip ratio λ determined by the car-body speed and the wheel speed, and the condition of the road surface. Slippage of automobiles which causes much damage often occurs during accelerating and braking. In this paper, we propose a new drive control system which has an effect on acceleration and braking. In the drive control system, a non-linear controller designed by using a Lyapunov function is used. This non-linear controller has two functions: first one is μ control which moves the car-body, another one is λ control. The controller is designed in order that μ and λ work at noslip and with slip respectively. As another controller, a disturbance observer is used for estimating the car-body speed which is difficult to be measured. Then, this lead to the proof of the stability condition of the combined system which consists of two controllers: the non-linear controller and the disturbance observer. Finally, the effectiveness of this control system is proved by a very satisfactory simulation and experimental results for two cases.

  2. MRCK-1 drives apical constriction in C. elegans by linking developmental patterning to force generation

    PubMed Central

    Marston, Daniel J.; Higgins, Christopher D.; Peters, Kimberly A.; Cupp, Timothy D.; Dickinson, Daniel J.; Pani, Ariel M.; Moore, Regan P.; Cox, Amanda H.; Kiehart, Daniel P.; Goldstein, Bob

    2016-01-01

    Summary Apical constriction is a change in cell shape that drives key morphogenetic events including gastrulation and neural tube formation. Apical force-producing actomyosin networks drive apical constriction by contracting while connected to cell-cell junctions. The mechanisms by which developmental patterning regulates these actomyosin networks and associated junctions with spatial precision are not fully understood. Here, we identify a myosin light chain kinase MRCK-1 as a key regulator of C. elegans gastrulation that integrates spatial and developmental patterning information. We show that MRCK-1 is required for activation of contractile actomyosin dynamics and elevated cortical tension in the apical cell cortex of endodermal precursor cells. MRCK-1 is apically localized by active Cdc42 at the external, cell-cell contact-free surfaces of apically constricting cells, downstream of cell fate determination mechanisms. We establish that the junctional components α-catenin, β-catenin, and cadherin become highly enriched at the apical junctions of apically-constricting cells, and that MRCK-1 and myosin activity are required in vivo for this enrichment. Taken together, our results define mechanisms that position a myosin activator to a specific cell surface where it both locally increases cortical tension and locally enriches junctional components to facilitate apical constriction. These results reveal crucial links that can tie spatial information to local force generation to drive morphogenesis. PMID:27451898

  3. Contradictory Evidence on Wave Forcing of Tropical Upwelling in the Brewer-Dobson Circulation - A Suggested Resolution

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zhou, Tiehan; Geller, Marvin A.; Lin, Wuyin

    2011-01-01

    ERA-40 data are analyzed to demonstrate that wave forcing at lower latitudes plays a crucial role in driving the tropical upwelling portion of the Brewer-Dobson circulation. It is shown that subtropical wave forcing is correlated with tropical upwelling on both intraseasonal and interannual time scales when transient waves are taken into account, and that tropical wave forcing exerts its influence on tropical upwelling via its body force on the zonal mean flow.

  4. Mechanism of the Antimicrobial Action of Pyrithione: Effects on Membrane Transport, ATP Levels, and Protein Synthesis

    PubMed Central

    Chandler, Carol J.; Segel, Irwin H.

    1978-01-01

    Pyrithione is a general inhibitor of membrane transport processes in fungi. A brief preincubation of Penicillium mycelia with pyrithione resulted in a marked decrease in the activities of a variety of independently regulated transport systems, including those for inorganic sulfate, inorganic phosphate, methylamine (actually, the NH4+ permease), choline-O-sulfate, glucose, l-methionine (a specific system), and several hydrophobic l-α-amino acids (the general amino acid permease). The degree of inhibition at any fixed pyrithione concentration and exposure time increased as the pH of the incubation medium was decreased. This result strongly suggests that the active species is the un-ionized molecule and that pyrithione acts by collapsing a transmembrane ΔpH driving force. The degree of transport inhibition caused by a given concentration of pyrithione increased with increasing time of exposure to the inhibitor. However, exposure time and pyrithione concentration were not reciprocally related. At “low” pyrithione concentrations, transport inhibition plateaued at some finite value. This observation suggests that the fungi can detoxify low levels of the inhibitor. The concentration of pyrithione required for a given degree of growth inhibition increased as the experimental mycelial density increased. This phenomenon was consistent with the suggestion that the fungi are capable of inactivating pyrithione. PMID:28693

  5. Role of glycogenolysis in stimulation of ATP release from cultured mouse astrocytes by transmitters and high K+ concentrations.

    PubMed

    Xu, Junnan; Song, Dan; Bai, Qiufang; Zhou, Lijun; Cai, Liping; Hertz, Leif; Peng, Liang

    2014-01-13

    This study investigates the role of glycogenolysis in stimulated release of ATP as a transmitter from astrocytes. Within the last 20 years our understanding of brain glycogenolysis has changed from it being a relatively uninteresting process to being a driving force for essential brain functions like production of transmitter glutamate and homoeostasis of potassium ions (K+) after their release from excited neurons. Simultaneously, the importance of astrocytic handling of adenosine, its phosphorylation to ATP and release of some astrocytic ATP, located in vesicles, as an important transmitter has also become to be realized. Among the procedures stimulating Ca2+-dependent release of vesicular ATP are exposure to such transmitters as glutamate and adenosine, which raise intra-astrocytic Ca2+ concentration, or increase of extracellular K+ to a depolarizing level that opens astrocytic L-channels for Ca2+ and thereby also increase intra-astrocytic Ca2+ concentration, a prerequisite for glycogenolysis. The present study has confirmed and quantitated stimulated ATP release from well differentiated astrocyte cultures by glutamate, adenosine or elevated extracellular K+ concentrations, measured by a luciferin/luciferase reaction. It has also shown that this release is virtually abolished by an inhibitor of glycogenolysis as well as by inhibitors of transmitter-mediated signaling or of L-channel opening by elevated K+ concentrations.

  6. Finite Volume Scheme for Double Convection-Diffusion Exchange of Solutes in Bicarbonate High-Flux Hollow-Fiber Dialyzer Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Annan, Kodwo

    2012-01-01

    The efficiency of a high-flux dialyzer in terms of buffering and toxic solute removal largely depends on the ability to use convection-diffusion mechanism inside the membrane. A two-dimensional transient convection-diffusion model coupled with acid-base correction term was developed. A finite volume technique was used to discretize the model and to numerically simulate it using MATLAB software tool. We observed that small solute concentration gradients peaked and were large enough to activate solute diffusion process in the membrane. While CO2 concentration gradients diminished from their maxima and shifted toward the end of the membrane, HCO3 − concentration gradients peaked at the same position. Also, CO2 concentration decreased rapidly within the first 47 minutes while optimal HCO3 − concentration was achieved within 30 minutes of the therapy. Abnormally high diffusion fluxes were observed near the blood-membrane interface that increased diffusion driving force and enhanced the overall diffusive process. While convective flux dominated total flux during the dialysis session, there was a continuous interference between convection and diffusion fluxes that call for the need to seek minimal interference between these two mechanisms. This is critical for the effective design and operation of high-flux dialyzers. PMID:23197994

  7. Trehalose facilitates DNA melting: a single-molecule optical tweezers study.

    PubMed

    Bezrukavnikov, Sergey; Mashaghi, Alireza; van Wijk, Roeland J; Gu, Chan; Yang, Li Jiang; Gao, Yi Qin; Tans, Sander J

    2014-10-07

    Using optical tweezers, here we show that the overstretching transition force of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is lowered significantly by the addition of the disaccharide trehalose as well as certain polyol osmolytes. This effect is found to depend linearly on the logarithm of the trehalose concentration. We propose an entropic driving mechanism for the experimentally observed destabilization of dsDNA that is rooted in the higher affinity of the DNA bases for trehalose than for water, which promotes base exposure and DNA melting. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the direct interaction of trehalose with nucleobases. Experiments with other osmolytes confirm that the extent of dsDNA destabilization is governed by the ratio between polar and apolar fractions of an osmolyte.

  8. Fire safety practices in the Shuttle and the Space Station Freedom

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Friedman, Robert

    1993-01-01

    The Shuttle reinforces its policy of fire-preventive measures with onboard smoke detectors and Halon 1301 fire extinguishers. The forthcoming Space Station Freedom will have expanded fire protection with photoelectric smoke detectors, radiation flame detectors, and both fixed and portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Many design and operational issues remain to be resolved for Freedom. In particular, the fire-suppression designs must consider the problems of gas leakage in toxic concentrations, alternative systems for single-failure redundancy, and commonality with the corresponding systems of the Freedom international partners. While physical and engineering requirements remain the primary driving forces for spacecraft fire-safety technology, there are, nevertheless, needs and opportunities for the application of microgravity combustion knowledge to improve and optimize the fire-protective systems.

  9. The dynamics of plate tectonics and mantle flow: from local to global scales.

    PubMed

    Stadler, Georg; Gurnis, Michael; Burstedde, Carsten; Wilcox, Lucas C; Alisic, Laura; Ghattas, Omar

    2010-08-27

    Plate tectonics is regulated by driving and resisting forces concentrated at plate boundaries, but observationally constrained high-resolution models of global mantle flow remain a computational challenge. We capitalized on advances in adaptive mesh refinement algorithms on parallel computers to simulate global mantle flow by incorporating plate motions, with individual plate margins resolved down to a scale of 1 kilometer. Back-arc extension and slab rollback are emergent consequences of slab descent in the upper mantle. Cold thermal anomalies within the lower mantle couple into oceanic plates through narrow high-viscosity slabs, altering the velocity of oceanic plates. Viscous dissipation within the bending lithosphere at trenches amounts to approximately 5 to 20% of the total dissipation through the entire lithosphere and mantle.

  10. Microfabricated valveless devices for thermal bioreactions based on diffusion-limited evaporation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fang; Yang, Ming; Burns, Mark A

    2008-01-01

    Microfluidic devices that reduce evaporative loss during thermal bioreactions such as PCR without microvalves have been developed by relying on the principle of diffusion-limited evaporation. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the sample evaporative loss can be reduced by more than 20 times using long narrow diffusion channels on both sides of the reaction region. In order to further suppress the evaporation, the driving force for liquid evaporation is reduced by two additional techniques: decreasing the interfacial temperature using thermal isolation and reducing the vapor concentration gradient by replenishing water vapor in the diffusion channels. Both thermal isolation and vapor replenishment techniques can limit the sample evaporative loss to approximately 1% of the reaction content.

  11. Air Force Health Study. An Epidemiologic Investigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides. Volume 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-03-01

    found to be significantly associated with coordination and a central nervous system index, but cranial nerve function and peripheral nerve status...AD-A237 516 Air Force Health Study A An Epidemiologic In vestigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides SAIC...Smeda SCIENCE APPLICATIONS EPIDEMIOLOGY RESEARCH DIVISION INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION ARMSTRONG LABORATORY 8400 Westpark Drive HUMAN SYSTEMS DIVISION

  12. An Army Force Structure for the Future

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-03-31

    realization: deterring aggression; ensuring access to foreign markets , energy, mineral resources, the oceans, and space; maintaining stable regional...establish the optimum organisational mix for independent and highly flexible operational-level activity." 7 Two factors are driving this structural change...armored forces; and optimizing the force mix of the three. However, before describing the specific changes needed to shape the future Army, a delineation

  13. Thermophoretic transport of water nanodroplets confined in carbon nanotubes: The role of friction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oyarzua, Elton; Walther, Jens H.; Zambrano, Harvey A.

    2017-11-01

    The development of efficient nanofluidic devices requires driving mechanisms that provide controlled transport of fluids through nanoconduits. Temperature gradients have been proposed as a mechanism to drive particles, fullerenes and nanodroplets inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are conducted to study thermophoresis of water nanodroplets inside CNTs. To gain insight into the interplay between the thermophoretic force acting on the droplet and the retarding liquid-solid friction, sets of constrained and unconstrained MD simulations are conducted. The results indicate that the thermophoretic motion of a nanodroplet displays two kinetic regimes: an initial regime characterized by a decreasing acceleration and afterwards a terminal regime with constant velocity. During the initial regime, the magnitude of the friction force increases linearly with the droplet velocity whereas the thermophoretic force has a constant magnitude defined by the magnitude of the thermal gradient and the droplet size. Subsequently, in the terminal regime, the droplet moves at constant velocity due to a dynamic balance between the thermophoretic force and the retarding friction force. We acknowledge partial support from CONICYT (Chile) under scholarship No. 21140427.

  14. Development of a shear force measurement dummy for seat comfort.

    PubMed

    Kim, Seong Guk; Ko, Chang-Yong; Kim, Dong Hyun; Song, Ye Eun; Kang, Tae Uk; Ahn, Sungwoo; Lim, Dohyung; Kim, Han Sung

    2017-01-01

    Seat comfort is one of the main factors that consumers consider when purchasing a car. In this study, we develop a dummy with a shear-force sensor to evaluate seat comfort. The sensor has dimensions of 25 mm × 25 mm × 26 mm and is made of S45C. Electroless nickel plating is employed to coat its surface in order to prevent corrosion and oxidation. The proposed sensor is validated using a qualified load cell and shows high accuracy and precision (measurement range: -30-30 N; sensitivity: 0.1 N; linear relationship: R = 0.999; transverse sensitivity: <1%). The dummy is manufactured in compliance with the SAE standards (SAE J826) and incorporates shear sensors into its design. We measure the shear force under four driving conditions and at five different speeds using a sedan; results showed that the shear force increases with speed under all driving conditions. In the case of acceleration and deceleration, shear force significantly changes in the lower body of the dummy. During right and left turns, it significantly changes in the upper body of the dummy.

  15. Hand-handle interface force and torque measurement system for pneumatic assembly tool operations: suggested enhancement to ISO 6544.

    PubMed

    Lin, Jia-Hua; McGorry, Raymond W; Chang, Chien-Chi

    2007-05-01

    A hand-handle interface force and torque measurement system is introduced to fill the void acknowledged in the international standard ISO 6544, which governs pneumatic, assembly tool reaction torque and force measurement. This system consists of an instrumented handle with a sensor capable of measuring grip force and reaction hand moment when threaded, fastener-driving tools are used by operators. The handle is rigidly affixed to the tool in parallel to the original tool handle allowing normal fastener-driving operations with minimal interference. Demonstration of this proposed system was made with tools of three different shapes: pistol grip, right angle, and in-line. During tool torque buildup, the proposed system measured operators exerting greater grip force on the soft joint than on the hard joint. The system also demonstrated that the soft joint demanded greater hand moment impulse than the hard joint. The results demonstrate that the measurement system can provide supplemental data useful in exposure assessment with power hand tools as proposed in ISO 6544.

  16. Micromechanical analysis of volumetric growth in the context of open systems thermodynamics and configurational mechanics. Application to tumor growth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ganghoffer, J. F.; Boubaker, M. B.

    2017-03-01

    We adopt in this paper the physically and micromechanically motivated point of view that growth (resp. resorption) occurs as the expansion (resp. contraction) of initially small tissue elements distributed within a host surrounding matrix, due to the interfacial motion of their boundary. The interface motion is controlled by the availability of nutrients and mechanical driving forces resulting from the internal stresses that built in during the growth. A general extremum principle of the zero potential for open systems witnessing a change of their mass due to the diffusion of nutrients is constructed, considering the framework of open systems thermodynamics. We postulate that the shape of the tissue element evolves in such a way as to minimize the zero potential among all possible admissible shapes of the growing tissue elements. The resulting driving force for the motion of the interface sets a surface growth models at the scale of the growing tissue elements, and is conjugated to a driving force identified as the interfacial jump of the normal component of an energy momentum tensor, in line with Hadamard's structure theorem. The balance laws associated with volumetric growth at the mesoscopic level result as the averaging of surface growth mechanisms occurring at the microscopic scale of the growing tissue elements. The average kinematics has been formulated in terms of the effective growth velocity gradient and elastic rate of deformation tensor, both functions of time. This formalism is exemplified by the simulation of the avascular growth of multicell spheroids in the presence of diffusion of nutrients, showing the respective influence of mechanical and chemical driving forces in relation to generation of internal stresses.

  17. Design and analysis of the Gemini chain system in dual clutch transmission of automobile

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Yabing; Guo, Haitao; Fu, Zhenming; Wan, Nen; Li, Lei; Wang, Yang

    2015-01-01

    Chain drive system is widely used in the conditions of high-speed, overload, variable speed and load. Many studies are focused on the meshing theory and wear characteristics of chain drive system, but system design, analysis, and noise characteristics of the chain drive system are weak. System design and noise characteristic are studied for a new type Gemini chain of dual-clutch automatic transmission. Based on the meshing theory of silent chain, the design parameters of the Gemini chain system are calculated and the mathematical models and dynamic analysis models of the Gemini chain system are established. Dynamic characteristics of the Gemini chain system is simulated and the contact force of plate and pin, plate and sprockets, the chain tension forces, the transmission error and the stress of plates and pins are analyzed. According to the simulation results of the Gemini chain system, the noise experiment about system is carried out. The noise values are tested at different speed and load and spectral characteristics are analyzed. The results of simulation and experimental show that the contact forces of plate and pin, plate and sprockets are smaller than the allowable stress values, the chain tension force is less than ultimate tension and transmission error is limited in 1.2%. The noise values can meet the requirements of industrial design, and it is proved that the design and analysis method of the Gemini chain system is scientific and feasible. The design and test system is built from analysis to test of Gemini chain system. This research presented will provide a corresponding theoretical guidance for the design and dynamic characteristics and noise characteristics of chain drive system.

  18. Driving force analysis of proton tunnelling across a reactivity series for an enzyme-substrate complex.

    PubMed

    Hothi, Parvinder; Hay, Sam; Roujeinikova, Anna; Sutcliffe, Michael J; Lee, Michael; Leys, David; Cullis, Paul M; Scrutton, Nigel S

    2008-11-24

    Quantitative structure-activity relationships are widely used to probe C-H bond breakage by quinoprotein enzymes. However, we showed recently that p-substituted benzylamines are poor reactivity probes for the quinoprotein aromatic amine dehydrogenase (AADH) because of a requirement for structural change in the enzyme-substrate complex prior to C-H bond breakage. This rearrangement is partially rate limiting, which leads to deflated kinetic isotope effects for p-substituted benzylamines. Here we report reactivity (driving force) studies of AADH with p-substituted phenylethylamines for which the kinetic isotope effect (approximately 16) accompanying C-H/C-(2)H bond breakage is elevated above the semi-classical limit. We show bond breakage occurs by quantum tunnelling and that within the context of the environmentally coupled framework for H-tunnelling the presence of the p-substituent places greater demand on the apparent need for fast promoting motions. The crystal structure of AADH soaked with phenylethylamine or methoxyphenylethylamine indicates that the structural change identified with p-substituted benzylamines should not limit the reaction with p-substituted phenylethylamines. This is consistent with the elevated kinetic isotope effects measured with p-substituted phenylethylamines. We find a good correlation in the rate constant for proton transfer with bond dissociation energy for the reactive C-H bond, consistent with a rate that is limited by a Marcus-like tunnelling mechanism. As the driving force becomes larger, the rate of proton transfer increases while the Marcus activation energy becomes smaller. This is the first experimental report of the driving force perturbation of H-tunnelling in enzymes using a series of related substrates. Our study provides further support for proton tunnelling in AADH.

  19. CONTROL ROD DRIVE

    DOEpatents

    Chapellier, R.A.

    1960-05-24

    BS>A drive mechanism was invented for the control rod of a nuclear reactor. Power is provided by an electric motor and an outside source of fluid pressure is utilized in conjunction with the fluid pressure within the reactor to balance the loadings on the motor. The force exerted on the drive mechanism in the direction of scramming the rod is derived from the reactor fluid pressure so that failure of the outside pressure source will cause prompt scramming of the rod.

  20. Hydrodynamic Forces on Composite Structures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-06-01

    and placed under a vacuum of 10 mmHg overnight. The vacuum set up over the composite sample is shown in Figure 13, the hose in upper left leads to...pulley system, one of which drives the carriage via a braided steel cable. Although the pulley connection between the motor and the drive axle may...slip this system contains a tensioner device. More likely, the braided steel cable is slipping against the drive pulley which has a quarter-inch

  1. Modeling Interactions Between Flexible Flapping Wing Spars, Mechanisms, and Drive Motors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    of dynamical equations is presented that allow micro air vehicle (MAV) or- nithopter designers to match drive motors to loads produced by flexible...aeroelastic systems is presented. One potential use for such a model is to serve as the basis for a vehicle design tool that matches drive motors to loads...friction. ∗Senior Aerospace Engineer, Control Design and Analysis Branch, 2210 Eighth Street, Ste. 21, Air Force Research Labora- tory, WPAFB, OH 45433

  2. Transfer system

    DOEpatents

    Kurosawa, Kanji; Koga, Bunichiro; Ito, Hideki; Kiriyama, Shigeru; Higuchi, Shizuo

    2003-05-20

    A transport system includes a traveling rail (1) which constitutes a transport route and a transport body (3) which is capable of traveling on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. Flexible drive tubes (5) are arranged on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. The transport body includes a traveling wheel (4) which is capable of rolling on the traveling rail and drive wheels (2) which are capable of rolling on the drive tubes upon receiving the rotational drive power generated by pressure of a pressure medium supplied to the drive tubes while depressing the drive tubes. The traveling rail includes a plurality of transport sections and the transport body is capable of receiving a rotational drive force from the drive tubes at every transport sections. If necessary, a transport route changeover switch which changes over the transport route can be provided between the transport sections.

  3. Fuzzy Inference Based Obstacle Avoidance Control of Electric Powered Wheelchair Considering Driving Risk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kiso, Atsushi; Murakami, Hiroki; Seki, Hirokazu

    This paper describes a novel obstacle avoidance control scheme of electric powered wheelchairs for realizing the safe driving in various environments. The “electric powered wheelchair” which generates the driving force by electric motors is expected to be widely used as a mobility support system for elderly people and disabled people; however, the driving performance must be further improved because the number of driving accidents caused by elderly operator's narrow sight and joystick operation errors is increasing. This paper proposes a novel obstacle avoidance control scheme based on fuzzy algorithm to prevent driving accidents. The proposed control system determines the driving direction by fuzzy algorithm based on the information of the joystick operation and distance to obstacles measured by ultrasonic sensors. Fuzzy rules to determine the driving direction are designed surely to avoid passers-by and walls considering the human's intent and driving environments. Some driving experiments on the practical situations show the effectiveness of the proposed control system.

  4. Differences in net primary production and biogeochemistry between contrasting floodplain forests

    Treesearch

    Erik B. Schilling; B. Graeme Lockaby

    2000-01-01

    A firm understanding of the driving forces controlling variation among wetland forests continues to elude scientists and land managers—specifically the biogeochemical processes controlling vegetation production. Within contrasting wetland forests, insight into the biogeochemical processes driving productivity levels may befound by examining the degree to which nitrogen...

  5. Making Curiosity Accessible: Lynne Cutler--Oakland Public Library

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Library Journal, 2004

    2004-01-01

    Lynne Cutler's driving force is the intense curiosity that led her to audit 24 additional courses while studying librarianship. It is what drives her to make Oakland Public Library's services available to those with disabilities, so that everyone can have "access to all the things in life I treasure, like books, words, music, art,…

  6. 16 CFR 1211.7 - Inherent entrapment protection requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... installation and at various heights under the edge of the door and located in line with the driving point of... installation, the bottom edge of the door under the driving force of the operator is to be against the floor... that represents the most severe operating condition. Any accessories having an effect on the intended...

  7. Ratchet Effects, Negative Mobility, and Phase Locking for Skyrmions on Periodic Substrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reichhardt, Charles; Ray, Dipanjan; Olson Reichhardt, Cynthia

    We examine the dynamics of skyrmions interacting with 1D and 2D periodic substrates in the presence of dc and ac drives. We find that the Magnus term strongly affects the skyrmion dynamics and that new kinds of phenomena can occur which are absent for overdamped ac and dc driven particles interacting with similar substrates. We show that it is possible to realize a Magnus induced ratchet for skyrmions interacting with an asymmetric potential, where the application of an ac drive can produce quantized dc motion of the skyrmions even when the ac force is perpendicular to the substrate asymmetry direction. For symmetric substrates it is also possible to achieve a negative mobility effect where the net skyrmion motion runs counter to an applied dc drive. Here, as a function of increasing dc drive, the velocity-force curves show a series of locking phases that have different features from the classic Shapiro steps found in overdamped systems. In the phase locking and ratcheting states, the skyrmions undergo intricate 2D orbits induced by the Magnus term.

  8. Separation system

    DOEpatents

    Rubin, Leslie S.

    1986-01-01

    A separation system for dewatering radioactive waste materials includes a disposal container, drive structure for receiving the container, and means for releasably attaching the container to the drive structure. Separation structure disposed in the container adjacent the inner surface of the side wall structure retains solids while allowing passage of liquids. Inlet port structure in the container top wall is normally closed by first valve structure that is centrifugally actuated to open the inlet port and discharge port structure at the container periphery receives liquid that passes through the separation structure and is normally closed by second valve structure that is centrifugally actuated to open the discharge ports. The container also includes coupling structure for releasable engagement with the centrifugal drive structure. Centrifugal force produced when the container is driven in rotation by the drive structure opens the valve structures, and radioactive waste material introduced into the container through the open inlet port is dewatered, and the waste is compacted. The ports are automatically closed by the valves when the container drum is not subjected to centrifugal force such that containment effectiveness is enhanced and exposure of personnel to radioactive materials is minimized.

  9. The Strategic Development of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-06-12

    and ecommerce . In combination, these driving forces of change led to an explosion in world trade, an exponential increase in business...the troops into rural communities and assisted villagers in community structural improvements and socialized with them. This was designed to win

  10. The role of biotic forces in driving macroevolution: beyond the Red Queen

    PubMed Central

    Voje, Kjetil L.; Holen, Øistein H.; Liow, Lee Hsiang; Stenseth, Nils Chr.

    2015-01-01

    A multitude of hypotheses claim that abiotic factors are the main drivers of macroevolutionary change. By contrast, Van Valen's Red Queen hypothesis is often put forward as the sole representative of the view that biotic forcing is the main evolutionary driver. This imbalance of hypotheses does not reflect our current knowledge: theoretical work demonstrates the plausibility of biotically driven long-term evolution, whereas empirical work suggests a central role for biotic forcing in macroevolution. We call for a more pluralistic view of how biotic forces may drive long-term evolution that is compatible with both phenotypic stasis in the fossil record and with non-constant extinction rates. Promising avenues of research include contrasting predictions from relevant theories within ecology and macroevolution, as well as embracing both abiotic and biotic proxies while modelling long-term evolutionary data. By fitting models describing hypotheses of biotically driven macroevolution to data, we could dissect their predictions and transcend beyond pattern description, possibly narrowing the divide between our current understanding of micro- and macroevolution. PMID:25948685

  11. Shortcuts to Adiabaticity in Transport of a Single Trapped Ion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    An, Shuoming; Lv, Dingshun; Campo, Adolfo Del; Kim, Kihwan

    2015-05-01

    We report an experimental study on shortcuts to adiabaticity in the transport of a single 171Yb+ ion trapped in a harmonic potential. In these driving schemes, the application of a force induces a nonadiabatic dynamics in which excitations are tailored so as to preserve the ion motional state in the ground state upon completion of the process. We experimentally apply the laser induced force and realize three different protocols: (1) a transitionless driving with a counterdiabatic term out of phase with the displacement force, (2) a classical protocol assisted by counterdiabatic fields in phase with the main force, (3) and an engineered transport protocol based on the Fourier transform of the trap acceleration. We experimentally compare and discuss the robustness of these protocols under given experimental limitations such as trap frequency drifts. This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China under Grants No. 2011CBA00300 (No. 2011CBA00301), the National Natural Science Foundation of China 11374178, and the University of Massachusetts Boston (No. P20150000029279).

  12. Subharmonic Oscillations and Chaos in Dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cantrell, John H.; Cantrell, Sean A.

    2015-01-01

    The increasing use of dynamic atomic force microscopy (d-AFM) for nanoscale materials characterization calls for a deeper understanding of the cantilever dynamics influencing scan stability, predictability, and image quality. Model development is critical to such understanding. Renormalization of the equations governing d- AFM provides a simple interpretation of cantilever dynamics as a single spring and mass system with frequency dependent cantilever stiffness and damping parameters. The renormalized model is sufficiently robust to predict the experimentally observed splitting of the free-space cantilever resonance into multiple resonances upon cantilever-sample contact. Central to the model is the representation of the cantilever sample interaction force as a polynomial expansion with coefficients F(sub ij) (i,j = 0, 1, 2) that account for the effective interaction stiffness parameter, the cantilever-to-sample energy transfer, and the amplitude of cantilever oscillation. Application of the Melnikov method to the model equation is shown to predict a homoclinic bifurcation of the Smale horseshoe type leading to a cascade of period doublings with increasing drive displacement amplitude culminating in chaos and loss of image quality. The threshold value of the drive displacement amplitude necessary to initiate subharmonic generation depends on the acoustic drive frequency, the effective damping coefficient, and the nonlinearity of the cantilever-sample interaction force. For parameter values leading to displacement amplitudes below threshold for homoclinic bifurcation other bifurcation scenarios can occur, some of which lead to chaos.

  13. What drives innovation in renewable energy technology? Evidence based on patent counts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McCormick, Jesse

    America's future economic growth and international competitiveness depend on our capacity to innovate, particularly in emerging global markets. This paper analyzes the forces that drive innovation in one such market, renewable energy technologies, utilizing the theory of induced technological innovation. Specifically, this paper operationalizes the determinants of innovation to consist of: 1) private market forces, 2) public policy that influences price and market size, and 3) public policy that catalyzes R&D investment. Analysis is conducted using a negative binomial regression to determine which of the three foundational determinants has the greatest impact on renewable energy innovation. In so doing this paper builds off of work conducted by Johnstone et al. (2010). Innovation is measured using European Patent Office data on a panel of 24 countries spanning the period from 1978-2005. The implications of this study are straightforward; policies, not market forces, are responsible for driving innovation in renewable energy technologies. Market-oriented policies are effective for mature technologies, particularly hydro, and to a lesser extent wind and solar power. R&D-oriented policy is effective for a broader technology set. In short, the United States needs a comprehensive policy environment to support renewable energy innovation; market forces alone will not provide the pace and breadth of innovations needed. That environment can and should be strategically targeted, however, to effectively allocate scare resources.

  14. Observation and simulation of an optically driven micromotor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Metzger, N. K.; Mazilu, M.; Kelemen, L.; Ormos, P.; Dholakia, K.

    2011-04-01

    In the realm of low Reynolds number flow there is a need to find methods to pump, move and mix minute amounts of analyte. Interestingly, micro-devices performing such actuation can be initiated by means of the light-matter interaction. Light induced forces and torques are exerted on such micro-objects, which are then driven by the optical gradient or scattering force. Here, different driving geometries can be realized to harness the light induced force. For example, the scattering force enables micro-gears to be operated in a tangential setup where the micromotor rotors are in line with an optical waveguide. The operational geometry we investigate has the advantage that it reduces the complexity of the driving of such a device in a microfluidic environment by delivering the actuating light by means of a waveguide or fiber optic. In this paper we explore the case of a micromotor being driven by a fiber optically delivered light beam. We experimentally investigate how the driving light interacts with and diffracts from the motor, utilizing two-photon imaging. The micromotor rotation rate dependence on the light field parameters is explored. Additionally, a theoretical model based on the paraxial approximation is used to simulate the torque and predict the rotation rate of such a device and compare it with experiment. The results presented show that our model can be used to optimize the micromotor performance and some example motor designs are evaluated.

  15. Theoretical approach to oxygen atom degradation of silver

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fromhold, Albert T., Jr.; Noh, Seung; Beshears, Ronald; Whitaker, Ann F.; Little, Sally A.

    1987-01-01

    Based on available Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and ellipsometry data obtained on silver specimens subjected to atomic oxygen attack in low Earth orbit STS flight 41-G, a theory was developed to model the oxygen atom degradation of silver. The diffusion of atomic oxygen in a microscopically nonuniform medium is an essential constituent of the theory. The driving force for diffusion is the macroscopic electrochemical potential gradient developed between the specimen surface exposed to the ambient and the bulk of the silver specimen. The longitudinal electric effect developed parallel to the gradient is modified by space charge of the diffusing charged species. Lateral electric fields and concentration differences also exist due to the nonuniform nature of the medium. The lateral concentration differences are found to be more important than the lateral electric fields in modifying the diffusion rate. The model was evaluated numerically. Qualitative agreement exists between the kinetics predicted by the theory and kinetic data taken in ground-based experiments utilizing a plasma asher.

  16. Assessment and source identification of pollution risk for touristic ports: Heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of 4 marinas of the Apulia region (Italy).

    PubMed

    Mali, Matilda; Dell'Anna, Maria Michela; Mastrorilli, Piero; Damiani, Leonardo; Piccinni, Alberto Ferruccio

    2017-01-30

    The Apulia region in Italy has the longest Adriatic coastline; thus, maritime tourism is the driving force for its economic development. Pollution risk for four representative touristic ports of the region was assessed by determining the concentrations of 10 metals, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) congeners, and the main nutrients. The cumulative mean Effects Range-Median quotient (mERMq) was used to assess the hazard degree, while the distribution patterns and content ratios of different PAH sediment concentrations were investigated to identify the pollution sources. Principal component analyses indicated an anomalous pollution trend for one of the small touristic ports assessed; this trend emerged from contamination by heavy metals and PAHs to a larger extent than expected, considering the main activity in this port, especially in its inner basin. The reason of this anomaly is thought to be the hydrodynamic and/or other stress factors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Negative Photoconductance in Heavily Doped Si Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors.

    PubMed

    Baek, Eunhye; Rim, Taiuk; Schütt, Julian; Baek, Chang-Ki; Kim, Kihyun; Baraban, Larysa; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio

    2017-11-08

    We report the first observation of negative photoconductance (NPC) in n- and p-doped Si nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs) and demonstrate the strong influence of doping concentrations on the nonconventional optical switching of the devices. Furthermore, we show that the NPC of Si nanowire FETs is dependent on the wavelength of visible light due to the phonon-assisted excitation to multiple conduction bands with different band gap energies that would be a distinct optoelectronic property of indirect band gap semiconductor. We attribute the main driving force of NPC in Si nanowire FETs to the photogenerated hot electrons trapping by dopants ions and interfacial states. Finally, comparing back- and top-gate modulation, we derive the mechanisms of the transition between negative and positive photoconductance regimes in nanowire devices. The transition is decided by the competition between the light-induced interfacial trapping and the recombination of mobile carriers, which is dependent on the light intensity and the doping concentration.

  18. Localized CO2 corrosion of carbon steel with different microstructures in brine solutions with an imidazoline-based inhibitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Huan-huan; Pang, Xiaolu; Gao, Kewei

    2018-06-01

    CO2 corrosion behavior of carbon steel with different microstructures (H steel: coarse laminar pearlite; T steel: globular and shot rod shaped pearlite) was analyzed in 3 wt.% NaCl solution at 60 °C with imidazoline-based inhibitor by electrochemical and weight loss methods. Electrochemical measurements showed that, compared to H steel, the inhibitor film adsorbed on T steel had a higher pitting corrosion resistance and the inhibition efficiency for T steel was larger at each concentration of inhibitor. Weight loss results exhibited that both steels suffered general corrosion in absence of inhibitor; however, localized corrosion was observed on the samples with insufficient concentration of inhibitor. H steel suffered more severe localized corrosion than T steel, it was related to that H steel had a higher density of dislocations in the pearlite area and the larger driving force for galvanic corrosion. The localized corrosion on H steel mainly distributed on the laminar pearlite area.

  19. Control rod drive

    DOEpatents

    Hawke, Basil C.

    1986-01-01

    A control rod drive uses gravitational forces to insert one or more control rods upwardly into a reactor core from beneath the reactor core under emergency conditions. The preferred control rod drive includes a vertically movable weight and a mechanism operatively associating the weight with the control rod so that downward movement of the weight is translated into upward movement of the control rod. The preferred control rod drive further includes an electric motor for driving the control rods under normal conditions, an electrically actuated clutch which automatically disengages the motor during a power failure and a decelerator for bringing the control rod to a controlled stop when it is inserted under emergency conditions into a reactor core.

  20. Control rod for a nuclear reactor

    DOEpatents

    Roman, Walter G.; Sutton, Jr., Harry G.

    1979-01-01

    A control rod assembly for a nuclear reactor is disclosed having a remotely disengageable coupling between the control rod and the control rod drive shaft. The coupling is actuated by first lowering then raising the drive shaft. The described motion causes axial repositioning of a pin in a grooved rotatable cylinder, each being attached to different parts of the drive shaft which are axially movable relative to each other. In one embodiment, the relative axial motion of the parts of the drive shaft is used either to couple or to uncouple the connection by forcing resilient members attached to the drive shaft into or out of shouldered engagement, respectively, with an indentation formed in the control rod.

  1. Equipment Location Plan, partial basement plan. (Includes identification of each ...

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

    Equipment Location Plan, partial basement plan. (Includes identification of each separate CPU, tape drive, hard drive, printer, keyboard, etc., within the data processing center in the southeast part of the basement.) March Air Force Base, Riverside, California, Combat Operations Center, 465-L DPC. By International Electric Corporation, Paramus, New Jersey (3/5/62); for Moffatt and Nichol, Engineers, 122 West Fifth Street, Long Beach, California; for the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Office of the District Engineer, Los Angeles, California. Drawing no. AW-60-02-03, sheet no. 100, approved March, 1962; specifications no. OCI-62-66; D.O. series AW 1596/100, Rev. "A"; file drawer 1290. Last revised 3 October 1966. Scale one-quarter inch to one foot. 28.75x40.5 inches. ink on linen - March Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command, Combat Operations Center, 5220 Riverside Drive, Moreno Valley, Riverside County, CA

  2. Equipment Location Plan, partial first floor plan. (Includes identification of ...

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

    Equipment Location Plan, partial first floor plan. (Includes identification of each separate CPU, tape drive, hard drive, printer, keyboard, etc., within the data processing center in the southwest part of the first floor.) March Air Force Base, Riverside, California, Combat Operations Center, 465-L EDTCC/EDLCC. By International Electric Corporation, Paramus, New Jersey (3/5/62); for Moffatt and Nichol, Engineers, 122 West Fifth Street, Long Beach, California; for the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Office of the District Engineer, Los Angeles, California. Drawing no. AW-60-02-03, sheet no. 85, approved March, 1962; specifications no. OCI-62-66; D.O. series AW 1596/85, Rev. "A"; file drawer 1290. Last revised 3 October 1966. Scale one-quarter inch to one foot. 28.75x40.5 inches. ink on linen - March Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command, Combat Operations Center, 5220 Riverside Drive, Moreno Valley, Riverside County, CA

  3. Non-Equlibrium Driven Dynamics of Continuous Attractors in Place Cell Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhong, Weishun; Kim, Hyun Jin; Schwab, David; Murugan, Arvind

    Attractors have found much use in neuroscience as a means of information processing and decision making. Examples include associative memory with point and continuous attractors, spatial navigation and planning using place cell networks, dynamic pattern recognition among others. The functional use of such attractors requires the action of spatially and temporally varying external driving signals and yet, most theoretical work on attractors has been in the limit of small or no drive. We take steps towards understanding the non-equilibrium driven dynamics of continuous attractors in place cell networks. We establish an `equivalence principle' that relates fluctuations under a time-dependent external force to equilibrium fluctuations in a `co-moving' frame with only static forces, much like in Newtonian physics. Consequently, we analytically derive a network's capacity to encode multiple attractors as a function of the driving signal size and rate of change.

  4. A two-layer linear piezoelectric micromotor.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiaotian; Ci, Penghong; Liu, Guoxi; Dong, Shuxiang

    2015-03-01

    A first bending (B1) mode two-layer piezoelectric ultrasonic linear micromotor has been developed for microoptics driving applications. The piezo-vibrator of the micromotor was composed of two small Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT-5) plates, with overall dimensions and mass of only 2.0 × 2.0 × 5.0 mm(3) and 0.2 g, respectively. The proposed micromotor could operate either in single-phase voltage (standing wave) mode or two-phase voltage (traveling wave) mode to drive a slider via friction force to provide bidirectional linear motion. A large thrust of up to 0.30 N, which corresponds to a high unit volume direct driving force of 15 mN/mm(3), and a linear movement velocity of up to 230 mm/s were obtained under an applied voltage of 80 Vpp at the B1 mode resonance frequency of 174 kHz.

  5. New level of vehicle comfort and vehicle stability via utilisation of the suspensions anti-dive and anti-squat geometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lindvai-Soos, Daniel; Horn, Martin

    2018-07-01

    In this article a novel vehicle dynamics control concept is designed for a vehicle equipped with wheel individual electric traction machines, electronically controlled brakes and semi-active suspensions. The suspension's cross-couplings between traction forces and vertical forces via anti-dive and anti-squat geometry is utilised in the control concept to improve driving comfort and driving stability. The control concept is divided into one main and two cascaded branches. The main controller consists of a multivariable vehicle dynamics controller and a control allocation scheme to improve the vehicle's driving comfort. The cascaded feedback loops maintain the vehicle's stability according to wheel slip and vehicle sideslip. The performance of the combined vehicle dynamics controller is compared to a standard approach in simulation. It can be stated that the controller piloting semi-active suspensions together with brake and traction devices enables a superior performance regarding comfort and stability.

  6. The Triggering of Large-Scale Waves by CME Initiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Forbes, Terry

    Studies of the large-scale waves generated at the onset of a coronal mass ejection (CME) can provide important information about the processes in the corona that trigger and drive CMEs. The size of the region where the waves originate can indicate the location of the magnetic forces that drive the CME outward, and the rate at which compressive waves steepen into shocks can provide a measure of how the driving forces develop in time. However, in practice it is difficult to separate the effects of wave formation from wave propagation. The problem is particularly acute for the corona because of the multiplicity of wave modes (e.g. slow versus fast MHD waves) and the highly nonuniform structure of the solar atmosphere. At the present time large-scale numerical simulations provide the best hope for deconvolving wave propagation and formation effects from one another.

  7. A square-plate ultrasonic linear motor operating in two orthogonal first bending modes.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zhijiang; Li, Xiaotian; Chen, Jianguo; Dong, Shuxiang

    2013-01-01

    A novel square-plate piezoelectric ultrasonic linear motor operated in two orthogonal first bending vibration modes (B₁) is proposed. The piezoelectric vibrator of the linear motor is simply made of a single PZT ceramic plate (sizes: 15 x 15 x 2 mm) and poled in its thickness direction. The top surface electrode of the square ceramic plate was divided into four active areas along its two diagonal lines for exciting two orthogonal B₁ modes. The achieved driving force and speed from the linear motor are 1.8 N and 230 mm/s, respectively, under one pair orthogonal voltage drive of 150 V(p-p) at the resonance frequency of 92 kHz. The proposed linear motor has advantages over conventional ultrasonic linear motors, such as relatively larger driving force, very simple working mode and structure, and low fabrication cost.

  8. Donor impurity incorporation during layer growth of Zn II-VI semiconductors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barlow, D. A.

    2017-12-01

    The maximum halogen donor concentration in Zn II-VI semiconductors during layer growth is studied using a standard model from statistical mechanics. Here the driving force for incorporation is an increase in entropy upon mixing of the donor impurity into the available anion lattice sites in the host binary. A formation energy opposes this increase and thus equilibrium is attained at some maximum concentration. Considering the halogen donor impurities within the Zn II-VI binary semiconductors ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe and ZnTe, a heat of reaction obtained from reported diatomic bond strengths is shown to be directly proportional to the log of maximum donor concentration. The formation energy can then be estimated and an expression for maximum donor concentration derived. Values for the maximum donor concentration with each of the halogen impurities, within the Zn II-VI compounds, are computed. This model predicts that the halogens will serve as electron donors in these compounds in order of increasing effectiveness as: F, Br, I, Cl. Finally, this result is taken to be equivalent to an alternative model where donor concentration depends upon impurity diffusion and the conduction band energy shift due to a depletion region at the growing crystal's surface. From this, we are able to estimate the diffusion activation energy for each of the impurities mentioned above. Comparisons are made with reported values and relevant conclusions presented.

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

    Tang, Shuaiqi; Zhang, Minghua; Xie, Shaocheng

    Large-scale forcing data, such as vertical velocity and advective tendencies, are required to drive single-column models (SCMs), cloud-resolving models, and large-eddy simulations. Previous studies suggest that some errors of these model simulations could be attributed to the lack of spatial variability in the specified domain-mean large-scale forcing. This study investigates the spatial variability of the forcing and explores its impact on SCM simulated precipitation and clouds. A gridded large-scale forcing data during the March 2000 Cloud Intensive Operational Period at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program's Southern Great Plains site is used for analysis and to drive the single-column version ofmore » the Community Atmospheric Model Version 5 (SCAM5). When the gridded forcing data show large spatial variability, such as during a frontal passage, SCAM5 with the domain-mean forcing is not able to capture the convective systems that are partly located in the domain or that only occupy part of the domain. This problem has been largely reduced by using the gridded forcing data, which allows running SCAM5 in each subcolumn and then averaging the results within the domain. This is because the subcolumns have a better chance to capture the timing of the frontal propagation and the small-scale systems. As a result, other potential uses of the gridded forcing data, such as understanding and testing scale-aware parameterizations, are also discussed.« less

  10. Molecular dynamics study of polysaccharides in binary solvent mixtures of an ionic liquid and water.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hanbin; Sale, Kenneth L; Simmons, Blake A; Singh, Seema

    2011-09-01

    Some ionic liquids (ILs) have great promise as effective solvents for biomass pretreatment, and there are several that have been reported that can dissolve large amounts of cellulose. The solubilized cellulose can then be recovered by addition of antisolvents, such as water or ethanol, and this regeneration process plays an important role in the subsequent enzymatic saccharification reactions and in the recovery of the ionic liquid. To date, little is known about the fundamental intermolecular interactions that drive the dissolution and subsequent regeneration of cellulose in complex mixtures of ionic liquids, water, and cellulose. To investigate these interactions, in this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to study binary and ternary mixtures of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]) with water and a cellulose oligomer. Simulations of a cellulose oligomer dissolved in three concentrations of binary mixtures of [C2mim][OAc] and water were used to represent the ternary system in the dissolution phase (high [C2mim][OAc] concentration) and present during the initial phase of the regeneration step (intermediate and low [C2mim][OAc] concentrations). The MD analysis of the structure and dynamics that exist in these binary and ternary mixtures provides information on the key intermolecular interactions between cellulose and [C2mim][OAc] that lead to dissolution of cellulose and the key intermolecular interactions in the intermediate states of cellulose precipitation as a function of water content in the cellulose/IL/water system. The analysis of this intermediate state provides new insight into the molecular driving forces present in this ternary system. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  11. Processes driving sea ice variability in the Bering Sea in an eddying ocean/sea ice model: Mean seasonal cycle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Linghan; McClean, Julie L.; Miller, Arthur J.; Eisenman, Ian; Hendershott, Myrl C.; Papadopoulos, Caroline A.

    2014-12-01

    The seasonal cycle of sea ice variability in the Bering Sea, together with the thermodynamic and dynamic processes that control it, are examined in a fine resolution (1/10°) global coupled ocean/sea-ice model configured in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) framework. The ocean/sea-ice model consists of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Parallel Ocean Program (POP) and the Los Alamos Sea Ice Model (CICE). The model was forced with time-varying reanalysis atmospheric forcing for the time period 1970-1989. This study focuses on the time period 1980-1989. The simulated seasonal-mean fields of sea ice concentration strongly resemble satellite-derived observations, as quantified by root-mean-square errors and pattern correlation coefficients. The sea ice energy budget reveals that the seasonal thermodynamic ice volume changes are dominated by the surface energy flux between the atmosphere and the ice in the northern region and by heat flux from the ocean to the ice along the southern ice edge, especially on the western side. The sea ice force balance analysis shows that sea ice motion is largely associated with wind stress. The force due to divergence of the internal ice stress tensor is large near the land boundaries in the north, and it is small in the central and southern ice-covered region. During winter, which dominates the annual mean, it is found that the simulated sea ice was mainly formed in the northern Bering Sea, with the maximum ice growth rate occurring along the coast due to cold air from northerly winds and ice motion away from the coast. South of St Lawrence Island, winds drive the model sea ice southwestward from the north to the southwestern part of the ice-covered region. Along the ice edge in the western Bering Sea, model sea ice is melted by warm ocean water, which is carried by the simulated Bering Slope Current flowing to the northwest, resulting in the S-shaped asymmetric ice edge. In spring and fall, similar thermodynamic and dynamic patterns occur in the model, but with typically smaller magnitudes and with season-specific geographical and directional differences.

  12. "Fan-Tip-Drive" High-Power-Density, Permanent Magnet Electric Motor and Test Rig Designed for a Nonpolluting Aircraft Propulsion Program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brown, Gerald V.; Kascak, Albert F.

    2004-01-01

    A scaled blade-tip-drive test rig was designed at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The rig is a scaled version of a direct-current brushless motor that would be located in the shroud of a thrust fan. This geometry is very attractive since the allowable speed of the armature is approximately the speed of the blade tips (Mach 1 or 1100 ft/s). The magnetic pressure generated in the motor acts over a large area and, thus, produces a large force or torque. This large force multiplied by the large velocity results in a high-power-density motor.

  13. A general method for the layout of ailerons and elevators of gliders and motorplanes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hiller, M. H.

    1979-01-01

    A method is described which allows the layout of the spatial driving mechanism of the aileron for a glider or a motorplane to be performed in a systematic manner. In particular, a prescribed input-output behavior of the mechanism can be realized by variation of individual parameters of the spatial four-bar mechanisms which constitute the entire driving mechanism. By means of a sensitivity analysis, a systematic choice of parameters is possible. At the same time the forces acting in the mechanism can be limited by imposing maximum values of the forces as secondary conditions during the variation process.

  14. Model-based auralizations of violin sound trends accompanying plate-bridge tuning or holding.

    PubMed

    Bissinger, George; Mores, Robert

    2015-04-01

    To expose systematic trends in violin sound accompanying "tuning" only the plates or only the bridge, the first structural acoustics-based model auralizations of violin sound were created by passing a bowed-string driving force measured at the bridge of a solid body violin through the dynamic filter (DF) model radiativity profile "filter" RDF(f) (frequency-dependent pressure per unit driving force, free-free suspension, anechoic chamber). DF model auralizations for the more realistic case of a violin held/played in a reverberant auditorium reveal that holding the violin greatly diminishes its low frequency response, an effect only weakly compensated for by auditorium reverberation.

  15. Effect of ionization on the oxidation kinetics of aluminum nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Yao-Ting; He, Min; Cheng, Guang-xu; Zhang, Zaoxiao; Xuan, Fu-Zhen; Wang, Zhengdong

    2018-03-01

    Molecular dynamics simulation (MD) of the observed stepwise oxidation of core-shell structured Al/Al2O3 nanoparticles is presented. Different from the metal ion hopping process in the Cabrera-Mott model, which is assumed to occur only at a certain distance from the oxide layer, the MD simulation shows that Al atoms jump over various interfacial gaps directly under the thermal driving force. The energy barrier for Al ionization is found to be increased along with the enlargement of interfacial gap. A mechanism of competition between thermal driving force and ionization potential barrier is proposed in the interpretation of stepwise oxidation behavior.

  16. Study on loading and unloading performance of new energy vehicle battery sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Bin; Ren, Kai; Liu, Ying

    2017-04-01

    This paper first introduces the 18650 battery, describes the importance of the battery temperature sensor, uses Ansys Workbench finite element simulation software and the mean of the combination of displacement constraint and reaction force, studies the force and the size of the change of new energy vehicle battery temperature sensor in the loading, translation and unloading of the three cases, then make the test to verify its accuracy. At last, the test results are compared with the usual maximum acceleration of the vehicle in driving which verified the sensor of the car will not fall off in the car driving process and work normally.

  17. Hysteresis Bearingless Slice Motors with Homopolar Flux-biasing.

    PubMed

    Noh, Minkyun; Gruber, Wolfgang; Trumper, David L

    2017-10-01

    We present a new concept of bearingless slice motor that levitates and rotates a ring-shaped solid rotor. The rotor is made of a semi-hard magnetic material exhibiting magnetic hysteresis, such as D2 steel. The rotor is radially biased with a homopolar permanent-magnetic flux, on which the stator can superimpose 2-pole flux to generate suspension forces. By regulating the suspension forces based on position feedback, the two radial rotor degrees of freedom are actively stabilized. The two tilting degrees of freedom and the axial translation are passively stable due to the reluctance forces from the bias flux. In addition, the stator can generate a torque by superimposing 6- pole rotating flux, which drags the rotor via hysteresis coupling. This 6-pole flux does not generate radial forces in conjunction with the homopolar flux or 2-pole flux, and therefore the suspension force generation is in principle decoupled from the driving torque generation. We have developed a prototype system as a proof of concept. The stator has twelve teeth, each of which has a single phase winding that is individually driven by a linear transconductance power amplifier. The system has four reflective-type optical sensors to differentially measure the two radial degrees of freedom of the rotor. The suspension control loop is implemented such that the phase margin is 25 degrees at the cross-over frequency of 110 Hz. The prototype system can levitate the rotor and drive it up to about 1730 rpm. The maximum driving torque is about 2.7 mNm.

  18. The Study of Driving Forces of Land Use Transformation in the Pearl River Delta during 1990 to 2010※

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Kun; Wang, Xiuming; Zhao, Peng; Liu, Xucheng; Zhang, Yuhuan

    2018-05-01

    Based on the land use data of the study area in 1990, 2000 and 2010, the paper tries to analyse the characteristic of land use and cover change (LUCC) in Pearl River Delta and its driving forces as well as the differences of driving forces among Shenzhen, Dongguan and Foshan by adopting the approaches of land use dynamic degree, the land use transition matrix and case studies. The results show that a large amount of farmland and forests have been converted to construction land in the study area, and the synthesize land use dynamic degrees of the study area are 2.3% and 6.2% during 1990-2000 and 2000-2010, respectively. The results also indicate that Zhuhai and Shenzhen have the highest land use dynamic degree among the nine cities of Pearl River Delta during 1990-2000, and Dongguan has the highest land use dynamic degree during 2000-2010. It can be inferred that the transitions from farmland and forest to construction land have been propelled by the local economic development and population growth, and the land use changes in forest and grassland have been driven by natural factors such as slope and elevation.

  19. Survey of the present state of the art of piezoelectric linear motors

    PubMed

    Hemsel; Wallaschek

    2000-03-01

    Piezoelectric ultrasonic motors have been investigated for several years and have already found their first practical applications. Their key feature is that they are able to produce a high thrust force related to their volume. Beside rotary drives like the travelling wave motor, linear drives have also been developed, but only a few are presently commercially available. In the present paper, we first describe the state of the art of linear piezoelectric motors. The motors are characterized with respect to their no-load velocity, maximum thrust force, efficiency and other technical properties. In the second part, we present a new motor, which is judged to be capable of surpassing the characteristics of other piezoelectric motors because of its unique design which allows the piezoelectric drive elements to be pre-stressed in the direction of their polarization. The piezoelectric elements convert energy using the longitudinal d33 effect which allows an improved reliability, large vibration amplitudes and excellent piezoelectric coupling. Energy loss by vibration damping is minimized, and the efficiency can be improved significantly. Experimental results show that the motor characteristics can be optimized for a particular task by choosing the appropriate operating parameters such as exciting voltage, exciting frequency and normal force.

  20. Thermal barrier coating life prediction model development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Demasi, J. T.

    1986-01-01

    A methodology is established to predict thermal barrier coating life in a environment similar to that experienced by gas turbine airfoils. Experiments were conducted to determine failure modes of the thermal barrier coating. Analytical studies were employed to derive a life prediction model. A review of experimental and flight service components as well as laboratory post evaluations indicates that the predominant mode of TBC failure involves thermomechanical spallation of the ceramic coating layer. This ceramic spallation involves the formation of a dominant crack in the ceramic coating parallel to and closely adjacent to the topologically complex metal ceramic interface. This mechanical failure mode clearly is influenced by thermal exposure effects as shown in experiments conducted to study thermal pre-exposure and thermal cycle-rate effects. The preliminary life prediction model developed focuses on the two major damage modes identified in the critical experiments tasks. The first of these involves a mechanical driving force, resulting from cyclic strains and stresses caused by thermally induced and externally imposed mechanical loads. The second is an environmental driving force based on experimental results, and is believed to be related to bond coat oxidation. It is also believed that the growth of this oxide scale influences the intensity of the mechanical driving force.

  1. Kinetochore motors drive congression of peripheral polar chromosomes by overcoming random arm-ejection forces.

    PubMed

    Barisic, Marin; Aguiar, Paulo; Geley, Stephan; Maiato, Helder

    2014-12-01

    Accurate chromosome segregation during cell division in metazoans relies on proper chromosome congression at the equator. Chromosome congression is achieved after bi-orientation to both spindle poles shortly after nuclear envelope breakdown, or by the coordinated action of motor proteins that slide misaligned chromosomes along pre-existing spindle microtubules. These proteins include the minus-end-directed kinetochore motor dynein, and the plus-end-directed motors CENP-E at kinetochores and chromokinesins on chromosome arms. However, how these opposite and spatially distinct activities are coordinated to drive chromosome congression remains unknown. Here we used RNAi, chemical inhibition, kinetochore tracking and laser microsurgery to uncover the functional hierarchy between kinetochore and arm-associated motors, exclusively required for congression of peripheral polar chromosomes in human cells. We show that dynein poleward force counteracts chromokinesins to prevent stabilization of immature/incorrect end-on kinetochore-microtubule attachments and random ejection of polar chromosomes. At the poles, CENP-E becomes dominant over dynein and chromokinesins to bias chromosome ejection towards the equator. Thus, dynein and CENP-E at kinetochores drive congression of peripheral polar chromosomes by preventing arm-ejection forces mediated by chromokinesins from working in the wrong direction.

  2. Spatiotemporal variability of urban growth factors: A global and local perspective on the megacity of Mumbai

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shafizadeh-Moghadam, Hossein; Helbich, Marco

    2015-03-01

    The rapid growth of megacities requires special attention among urban planners worldwide, and particularly in Mumbai, India, where growth is very pronounced. To cope with the planning challenges this will bring, developing a retrospective understanding of urban land-use dynamics and the underlying driving-forces behind urban growth is a key prerequisite. This research uses regression-based land-use change models - and in particular non-spatial logistic regression models (LR) and auto-logistic regression models (ALR) - for the Mumbai region over the period 1973-2010, in order to determine the drivers behind spatiotemporal urban expansion. Both global models are complemented by a local, spatial model, the so-called geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) model, one that explicitly permits variations in driving-forces across space. The study comes to two main conclusions. First, both global models suggest similar driving-forces behind urban growth over time, revealing that LRs and ALRs result in estimated coefficients with comparable magnitudes. Second, all the local coefficients show distinctive temporal and spatial variations. It is therefore concluded that GWLR aids our understanding of urban growth processes, and so can assist context-related planning and policymaking activities when seeking to secure a sustainable urban future.

  3. Driving forces behind the Chinese public's demand for improved environmental safety.

    PubMed

    Wen, Ting; Wang, Jigan; Ma, Zongwei; Bi, Jun

    2017-12-15

    Over the past decades, the public demand for improved environmental safety keeps increasing in China. This study aims to assess the driving forces behind the increasing public demand for improved environmental safety using a provincial and multi-year (1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2014) panel data and the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model. The potential driving forces investigated included population size, income levels, degrees of urbanization, and educational levels. Results show that population size and educational level are positively (P<0.01) associated with public demand for improved environmental safety. No significant impact on demand was found due to the degree of urbanization. For the impact due to income level, an inverted U-shaped curve effect with the turning point of ~140,000 CNY GDP per capita is indicated. Since per capita GDP of 2015 in China was approximately 50,000 CNY and far from the turning point, the public demand for improved environmental safety will continue rising in the near future. To meet the increasing public demand for improved environmental safety, proactive and risk prevention based environmental management systems coupled with effective environmental risk communication should be established. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Templated electrokinetic directed chemical assembly for the fabrication of close-packed plasmonic metamolecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thrift, W. J.; Darvishzadeh-Varcheie, M.; Capolino, F.; Ragan, R.

    2017-08-01

    Colloidal self-assembly combined with templated surfaces holds the promise of fabricating large area devices in a low cost facile manner. This directed assembly approach improves the complexity of assemblies that can be achieved with self-assembly while maintaining advantages of molecular scale control. In this work, electrokinetic driving forces, i.e., electrohydrodynamic flow, are paired with chemical crosslinking between colloidal particles to form close-packed plasmonic metamolecules. This method addresses challenges of obtaining uniformity in nanostructure geometry and nanometer scale gap spacings in structures. Electrohydrodynamic flows yield robust driving forces between the template and nanoparticles as well as between nanoparticles on the surface promoting the assembly of close-packed metamolecules. Here, electron beam lithography defined Au pillars are used as seed structures that generate electrohydrodynamic flows. Chemical crosslinking between Au surfaces enables molecular control over gap spacings between nanoparticles and Au pillars. An as-fabricated structure is analyzed via full wave electromagnetic simulations and shown to produce large magnetic field enhancements on the order of 3.5 at optical frequencies. This novel method for directed self-assembly demonstrates the synergy between colloidal driving forces and chemical crosslinking for the fabrication of plasmonic metamolecules with unique electromagnetic properties.

  5. Modelling landscape change in paddy fields using logistic regression and GIS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Franjaya, E. E.; Syartinilia; Setiawan, Y.

    2018-05-01

    Paddy field in karawang district, as an important agricultural land in west java, has been decreased since 1994. From previous study, paddy fields dominantly turned into built area. The changes were almost occured in the middle area of the district where roadways, industries, settlements, and commercial buildings were existed. These were estimated as driving forces. But, we still need to prove it. This study aimed to construct the paddy field probability change model, subsequently the driving forces will be obtained. GIS combined with logistic regression using environmental variables were used as main method in this study. Ten environmental variables were elevation 0–500 m, elevation>500 m, slope<8%, slope>8%, CBD, build up area, river, irrigation, toll and national roadway, and collector and local roadway. The result indicated that four variables were significantly played as driving forces (slope>8%, CBD area, build up area, and collector and local roadway). Paddy field has high, medium, and low probability to change which covered about 27.8%, 7.8%, and 64.4% area in Karawang respectively. Based on landscape ecology, the recommendation that suitable with landscape change is adaptive management.

  6. Measuring Scaling Effects in Small Two-Stroke Internal Combustion Engines

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-06-20

    Figure 17. The engines ingest air /fuel mixture through a dual mixing screw carburetor to the crankcase. Crankcase compression drives the scavenging...Alex K. Rowton, Captain, USAF AFIT-ENY-T-14-J-36 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AIR UNIVERSITY AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Wright...Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED. The views expressed

  7. Improved Pyrolysis Micro reactor Design via Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-05-23

    Dynamics Simulations Ghanshyam L. Vaghjiani Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL/RQRS 1 Ara Drive Edwards AFB, CA 93524-7013 Air Force...Aerospace Systems Directorate Air Force Research Laboratory AFRL/RQRS 1 Ara Road Edwards AFB, CA 93524 *Email: ghanshyam.vaghjiani@us.af.mil IMPROVED...PYROLYSIS MICRO-REACTOR DESIGN VIA COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS Ghanshyam L. Vaghjiani* DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release

  8. On the Dynamics of Rocking Motion of the Hard-Disk Drive Spindle Motor System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Joseph

    Excessive rocking motion of the spindle motor system can cause track misregistration resulting in poor throughput or even drive failure. The chance of excessive disk stack rocking increases as a result of decreasing torsional stiffness of spindle motor bearing system due to the market demand for low profile hard drives. As the track density increases and the vibration specification becomes increasingly stringent, rocking motion of a spindle motor system deserves even more attention and has become a primary challenge for a spindle motor system designer. Lack of understanding of the rocking phenomenon combined with misleading paradox has presented a great difficulty in the effort of avoiding the rocking motion in the hard-disk drive industry. This paper aims to provide fundamental understanding of the rocking phenomenon of a rotating spindle motor system, to clarify the paradox in disk-drive industry and to provide a design guide to an optimized spindle system. This paper, theoretically and experimentally, covers a few important areas of industrial interest including the prediction of rocking natural frequencies and mode shape of a rotating spindle, free vibration, and frequency response under common forcing functions such as rotating and fixed-plane forcing functions. The theory presented here meets with agreeable experimental observation.

  9. Characterization testing of Lockheed Martin high-power micro pulse tube cryocooler

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McKinley, I. M.; Hummel, C. D.; Johnson, D. L.; Rodriguez, J. I.

    2017-12-01

    This paper describes the thermal vacuum, microphonics, magnetics, and radiation testing and results of a Lockheed Martin high-power micro pulse tube cryocooler. The thermal performance of the microcooler was measured in vacuum for heat reject temperatures between 185 and 300 K. The cooler was driven with a Chroma 61602 AC power source for input powers ranging from 10 to 60 W and drive frequency between 115 and 140 Hz during thermal performance testing. The optimal drive frequency was dependent on both input power and heat reject temperature. In addition, the microphonics of the cooler were measured with the cooler driven by Iris Technologies LCCE-2 and HP-LCCE drive electronics for input powers ranging from 10 to 60 W and drive frequency between 135 and 145 Hz. The exported forces were strongly dependent on input power while only weakly dependent on the drive frequency. Moreover, the exported force in the compressor axis was minimized by closed loop control with the HP-LCCE. The cooler also survived a 500 krad radiation dose while being continuously operated with 30 W of input power at 220 K heat rejection temperature in vacuum. Finally, the DC and AC magnetic fields around the cooler were measured at various locations.

  10. Cardinal features of involuntary force variability can arise from the closed-loop control of viscoelastic afferented muscles

    PubMed Central

    Laine, Christopher M.; Valero-Cuevas, Francisco J.

    2018-01-01

    Involuntary force variability below 15 Hz arises from, and is influenced by, many factors including descending neural drive, proprioceptive feedback, and mechanical properties of muscles and tendons. However, their potential interactions that give rise to the well-structured spectrum of involuntary force variability are not well understood due to a lack of experimental techniques. Here, we investigated the generation, modulation, and interactions among different sources of force variability using a physiologically-grounded closed-loop simulation of an afferented muscle model. The closed-loop simulation included a musculotendon model, muscle spindle, Golgi tendon organ (GTO), and a tracking controller which enabled target-guided force tracking. We demonstrate that closed-loop control of an afferented musculotendon suffices to replicate and explain surprisingly many cardinal features of involuntary force variability. Specifically, we present 1) a potential origin of low-frequency force variability associated with co-modulation of motor unit firing rates (i.e.,‘common drive’), 2) an in-depth characterization of how proprioceptive feedback pathways suffice to generate 5-12 Hz physiological tremor, and 3) evidence that modulation of those feedback pathways (i.e., presynaptic inhibition of Ia and Ib afferents, and spindle sensitivity via fusimotor drive) influence the full spectrum of force variability. These results highlight the previously underestimated importance of closed-loop neuromechanical interactions in explaining involuntary force variability during voluntary ‘isometric’ force control. Furthermore, these results provide the basis for a unifying theory that relates spinal circuitry to various manifestations of altered involuntary force variability in fatigue, aging and neurological disease. PMID:29309405

  11. Adsorption properties of BSA and DsRed proteins deposited on thin SiO2 layers: optically non-absorbing versus absorbing proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scarangella, A.; Soumbo, M.; Villeneuve-Faure, C.; Mlayah, A.; Bonafos, C.; Monje, M.-C.; Roques, C.; Makasheva, K.

    2018-03-01

    Protein adsorption on solid surfaces is of interest for many industrial and biomedical applications, where it represents the conditioning step for micro-organism adhesion and biofilm formation. To understand the driving forces of such an interaction we focus in this paper on the investigation of the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) (optically non-absorbing, model protein) and DsRed (optically absorbing, naturally fluorescent protein) on silica surfaces. Specifically, we propose synthesis of thin protein layers by means of dip coating of the dielectric surface in protein solutions with different concentrations (0.01-5.0 g l-1). We employed spectroscopic ellipsometry as the most suitable and non-destructive technique for evaluation of the protein layers’ thickness and optical properties (refractive index and extinction coefficient) after dehydration, using two different optical models, Cauchy for BSA and Lorentz for DsRed. We demonstrate that the thickness, the optical properties and the wettability of the thin protein layers can be finely controlled by proper tuning of the protein concentration in the solution. These results are correlated with the thin layer morphology, investigated by AFM, FTIR and PL analyses. It is shown that the proteins do not undergo denaturation after dehydration on the silica surface. The proteins arrange themselves in a lace-like network for BSA and in a rod-like structure for DsRed to form mono- and multi-layers, due to different mechanisms driving the organization stage.

  12. Aerosol Forcing of Climate Change and Anomalous Atmospheric Absorption

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hansen, James E.

    2000-01-01

    The forcings that drive long-term climate change are not known with an accuracy sufficient to define future climate change, Anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs), which are well-measured, cause a strong positive (warming) forcing. But other, poorly measured, anthropogenic forcings, especially changes of atmospheric aerosols, clouds, and land-use patterns, cause a negative forcing that tends to offset greenhouse warming. We will focus on the role of aerosols as a climate forcing mechanism and the contribution that aerosols might make to the so-called "anomalous" atmospheric absorption that has been inferred from some atmospheric measurements.

  13. Aerosol Forcing of Climate Change and "Anomalous" Atmospheric Absorption

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hansen, James E.

    1999-01-01

    The forcings that drive long-term climate change are not known with an accuracy sufficient to define future climate change. Anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs), which are well-measured, cause a strong positive (warming) forcing. But other, poorly measured, anthropogenic forcings, especially changes of atmospheric aerosols, clouds, and land-use patterns, cause a negative forcing that tends to offset greenhouse warming. We will focus on the role of aerosols as a climate forcing mechanism and the contribution that aerosols might make to the so- called "anomalous" atmospheric absorption that has been inferred from some atmospheric measurements.

  14. Relaxation Process of Photoexcited meso-Naphthylporphyrins while Interacting with DNA and Singlet Oxygen Generation.

    PubMed

    Hirakawa, Kazutaka; Taguchi, Makoto; Okazaki, Shigetoshi

    2015-10-15

    Electron donor-connecting cationic porphyrins meso-(1-naphthyl)-tris(N-methyl-p-pyridinio)porphyrin (1-NapTMPyP) and meso-(2-naphthyl)-tris(N-methyl-p-pyridinio)porphyrin (2-NapTMPyP) were designed and synthesized. DFT calculations speculate that the photoexcited states of 1- and 2-NapTMPyPs can be deactivated via intramolecular electron transfer from the naphthyl moiety to the porphyrin moiety. However, the quenching effect through the intramolecular electron transfer is insufficient, possibly due to the orthogonal position of the electron donor and the porphyrin ring and the relatively small driving force: Gibbs energies are 0.11 and 0.07 eV for 1- and 2-NapTMPyPs, respectively. It was speculated that more than 0.3 eV of the driving force is required to realize effective electron transfer in similar electron-donor connecting porphyrin systems. These porphyrins aggregated around the DNA strand, accelerating the deactivation of their excited singlet state and decreasing their photosensitized singlet oxygen-generating activities. In the presence of a sufficiently large concentration of DNA, these porphyrins can bind to a DNA strand stably, leading to an increased fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime. Singlet oxygen generation was also suppressed by the aggregation of porphyrins around DNA. Although the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation was recovered in the presence of sufficient DNA, the singlet oxygen generated by DNA-binding porphyrins was significantly smaller than that without DNA. These results suggest that DNA-binding drugs limit the generation of photosensitized singlet oxygen by quenching the DNA strand.

  15. Current Status of the Quality of 4H-SiC Substrates and Epilayers for Power Device Applications

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

    Dudley, M.; Wang, H.; Guo, Jianqiu

    ABSTRACT Interfacial dislocations (IDs) and half-loop arrays (HLAs) present in the epilayers of 4H-SiC crystal are known to have a deleterious effect on device performance. Synchrotron X-ray Topography studies carried out on n-type 4H-SiC offcut wafers before and after epitaxial growth show that in many cases BPD segments in the substrate are responsible for creating IDs and HLAs during CVD growth. This paper reviews the behaviors of BPDs in the substrate during the epitaxial growth in different cases: (1) screw-oriented BPD segments intersecting the surface replicate directly through the interface during the epitaxial growth and take part in stress relaxationmore » process by creating IDs and HLAs (Matthews-Blakeslee model [1] ); (2) non-screw oriented BPD half loop intersecting the surface glides towards and replicates through the interface, while the intersection points convert to threading edge dislocations (TEDs) and pin the half loop, leaving straight screw segments in the epilayer and then create IDs and HLAs; (3) edge oriented short BPD segments well below the surface get dragged towards the interface during epitaxial growth, leaving two long screw segments in their wake, some of which replicate through the interface and create IDs and HLAs. The driving force for the BPDs to glide toward the interface is thermal stress and driving force for the relaxation process to occur is the lattice parameter difference at growth temperature which results from the doping concentration difference between the substrate and epilayer.« less

  16. Biospheric feedback effects in a synchronously coupled model of human and Earth systems

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

    Thornton, Peter E.; Calvin, Katherine; Jones, Andrew D.

    Fossil fuel combustion and land-use change are the two largest contributors to industrial-era increases in atmospheric CO 2 concentration. Projections of these are thus fundamental inputs for coupled Earth system models (ESMs) used to estimate the physical and biological consequences of future climate system forcing. While historical datasets are available to inform past and current climate analyses, assessments of future climate change have relied on projections of energy and land use from energy economic models, constrained by assumptions about future policy, land-use patterns, and socio-economic development trajectories. We show that the climatic impacts on land ecosystems drives significant feedbacks inmore » energy, agriculture, land-use, and carbon cycle projections for the 21st century. We also find that exposure of human appropriated land ecosystem productivity to biospheric change results in reductions of land area used for crops; increases in managed forest area and carbon stocks; decreases in global crop prices; and reduction in fossil fuel emissions for a low-mid range forcing scenario. Furthermore, the feedbacks between climate-induced biospheric change and human system forcings to the climate system demonstrated here are handled inconsistently, or excluded altogether, in the one-way asynchronous coupling of energy economic models to ESMs used to date.« less

  17. Biospheric feedback effects in a synchronously coupled model of human and Earth systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thornton, Peter E.; Calvin, Katherine; Jones, Andrew D.; di Vittorio, Alan V.; Bond-Lamberty, Ben; Chini, Louise; Shi, Xiaoying; Mao, Jiafu; Collins, William D.; Edmonds, Jae; Thomson, Allison; Truesdale, John; Craig, Anthony; Branstetter, Marcia L.; Hurtt, George

    2017-07-01

    Fossil fuel combustion and land-use change are the two largest contributors to industrial-era increases in atmospheric CO 2 concentration. Projections of these are thus fundamental inputs for coupled Earth system models (ESMs) used to estimate the physical and biological consequences of future climate system forcing. While historical data sets are available to inform past and current climate analyses, assessments of future climate change have relied on projections of energy and land use from energy-economic models, constrained by assumptions about future policy, land-use patterns and socio-economic development trajectories. Here we show that the climatic impacts on land ecosystems drive significant feedbacks in energy, agriculture, land use and carbon cycle projections for the twenty-first century. We find that exposure of human-appropriated land ecosystem productivity to biospheric change results in reductions of land area used for crops; increases in managed forest area and carbon stocks; decreases in global crop prices; and reduction in fossil fuel emissions for a low-mid-range forcing scenario. The feedbacks between climate-induced biospheric change and human system forcings to the climate system--demonstrated here--are handled inconsistently, or excluded altogether, in the one-way asynchronous coupling of energy-economic models to ESMs used to date.

  18. Roles of urea and TMAO on the interaction between extended non-polar peptides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Su, Zhaoqian; Dias, Cristiano

    Urea and trimethylamine n-oxide (TMAO) are small molecules known to destabilize and stabilize, respectively, the structure of proteins when added to aqueous solution. To unravel the molecular mechanisms of these cosolvents on protein structure we perform explicit all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of extended poly-alanine and polyleucine dimers. We use an umbrella sampling protocol to compute the potential of mean force (PMF) of dimers at different concentrations of urea and TMAO. We find that the large non-polar side chain of leucine is affected by urea whereas backbone atoms and alanine's side chain are not. Urea is found to occupy positions between leucine's side chains that are not accessible to water. This accounts for extra Lennard-Jones bonds between urea and side chains that favors the unfolded state. These bonds compete with urea-solvent interactions that favor the folded state. The sum of these two energetic terms provide the enthalpic driving force for unfolding. We show here that this enthalpy correlate with the potential of mean force of poly-leucine dimers. Moreover, the framework developed here is general and may be used to provide insights into effects of other small molecules on protein interactions. The effect of the TMAO will be in the presentation. Department of Physics, University Heights, Newark, New Jersey, 07102-1982.

  19. Biospheric feedback effects in a synchronously coupled model of human and Earth systems

    DOE PAGES

    Thornton, Peter E.; Calvin, Katherine; Jones, Andrew D.; ...

    2017-06-12

    Fossil fuel combustion and land-use change are the two largest contributors to industrial-era increases in atmospheric CO 2 concentration. Projections of these are thus fundamental inputs for coupled Earth system models (ESMs) used to estimate the physical and biological consequences of future climate system forcing. While historical datasets are available to inform past and current climate analyses, assessments of future climate change have relied on projections of energy and land use from energy economic models, constrained by assumptions about future policy, land-use patterns, and socio-economic development trajectories. We show that the climatic impacts on land ecosystems drives significant feedbacks inmore » energy, agriculture, land-use, and carbon cycle projections for the 21st century. We also find that exposure of human appropriated land ecosystem productivity to biospheric change results in reductions of land area used for crops; increases in managed forest area and carbon stocks; decreases in global crop prices; and reduction in fossil fuel emissions for a low-mid range forcing scenario. Furthermore, the feedbacks between climate-induced biospheric change and human system forcings to the climate system demonstrated here are handled inconsistently, or excluded altogether, in the one-way asynchronous coupling of energy economic models to ESMs used to date.« less

  20. Cell proliferation within small intestinal crypts is the principal driving force for cell migration on villi

    PubMed Central

    Parker, Aimee; Maclaren, Oliver J.; Fletcher, Alexander G.; Muraro, Daniele; Kreuzaler, Peter A.; Byrne, Helen M.; Maini, Philip K.; Watson, Alastair J. M.; Pin, Carmen

    2017-01-01

    The functional integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier relies on tight coordination of cell proliferation and migration, with failure to regulate these processes resulting in disease. It is not known whether cell proliferation is sufficient to drive epithelial cell migration during homoeostatic turnover of the epithelium. Nor is it known precisely how villus cell migration is affected when proliferation is perturbed. Some reports suggest that proliferation and migration may not be related while other studies support a direct relationship. We used established cell-tracking methods based on thymine analog cell labeling and developed tailored mathematical models to quantify cell proliferation and migration under normal conditions and when proliferation is reduced and when it is temporarily halted. We found that epithelial cell migration velocities along the villi are coupled to cell proliferation rates within the crypts in all conditions. Furthermore, halting and resuming proliferation results in the synchronized response of cell migration on the villi. We conclude that cell proliferation within the crypt is the primary force that drives cell migration along the villus. This methodology can be applied to interrogate intestinal epithelial dynamics and characterize situations in which processes involved in cell turnover become uncoupled, including pharmacological treatments and disease models.—Parker, A., Maclaren, O. J., Fletcher, A. G., Muraro, D., Kreuzaler, P. A., Byrne, H. M., Maini, P. K., Watson, A. J. M., Pin, C. Cell proliferation within small intestinal crypts is the principal driving force for cell migration on villi. PMID:27811059

  1. Pathway Thermodynamics Highlights Kinetic Obstacles in Central Metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Flamholz, Avi; Reznik, Ed; Liebermeister, Wolfram; Milo, Ron

    2014-01-01

    In metabolism research, thermodynamics is usually used to determine the directionality of a reaction or the feasibility of a pathway. However, the relationship between thermodynamic potentials and fluxes is not limited to questions of directionality: thermodynamics also affects the kinetics of reactions through the flux-force relationship, which states that the logarithm of the ratio between the forward and reverse fluxes is directly proportional to the change in Gibbs energy due to a reaction (ΔrG′). Accordingly, if an enzyme catalyzes a reaction with a ΔrG′ of -5.7 kJ/mol then the forward flux will be roughly ten times the reverse flux. As ΔrG′ approaches equilibrium (ΔrG′ = 0 kJ/mol), exponentially more enzyme counterproductively catalyzes the reverse reaction, reducing the net rate at which the reaction proceeds. Thus, the enzyme level required to achieve a given flux increases dramatically near equilibrium. Here, we develop a framework for quantifying the degree to which pathways suffer these thermodynamic limitations on flux. For each pathway, we calculate a single thermodynamically-derived metric (the Max-min Driving Force, MDF), which enables objective ranking of pathways by the degree to which their flux is constrained by low thermodynamic driving force. Our framework accounts for the effect of pH, ionic strength and metabolite concentration ranges and allows us to quantify how alterations to the pathway structure affect the pathway's thermodynamics. Applying this methodology to pathways of central metabolism sheds light on some of their features, including metabolic bypasses (e.g., fermentation pathways bypassing substrate-level phosphorylation), substrate channeling (e.g., of oxaloacetate from malate dehydrogenase to citrate synthase), and use of alternative cofactors (e.g., quinone as an electron acceptor instead of NAD). The methods presented here place another arrow in metabolic engineers' quiver, providing a simple means of evaluating the thermodynamic and kinetic quality of different pathway chemistries that produce the same molecules. PMID:24586134

  2. The mechanism of uncoupling by picrate in Escherichia coli K-12 membrane systems.

    PubMed

    Michels, M; Bakker, E P

    1981-06-01

    The mechanism of action of the uncoupler picrate on intact cells and everted membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli K-12 was investigated. Like in mitochondria [Hanstein, W. G. and Hatefi, Y. (1974) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 71, 288-292], it was observed that picrate uncoupled energy-linked functions only in everted, but not in intact membrane systems. In the vesicles picrate also decreased the magnitude of the transmembrane proton-motive force at concentrations similar to those at which it caused uncoupling. Experiments with 14C-labelled picrate showed that this compound bound both to deenergized intact cells and everted vesicles. However, upon energization of the membrane, picrate was extruded from the intact cell and taken up to a larger extent by the vesicles. These energy-dependent changes in picrate uptake correlated with the magnitude of the transmembrane electrical potential, delta psi. It is therefore proposed that picrate is a permeant uncoupler, that delta psi is the driving force for picrate movement across biological membranes, and that the uncoupling activity of picrate in everted membrane systems is due to its protonophoric action.

  3. Competing in an International Era: Preparing the Workforce for the Global Economy. In Depth.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harmon, Robert, Ed.

    2000-01-01

    During the past decade, countries in Asia, Latin America, and Central Europe have been experiencing a number of converging factors that drive economic growth, propelling them toward greater economic competitiveness with the economies of the United States (U.S.), Japan, and Western Europe. A major driving force behind this global economic growth is…

  4. Inductrack configuration

    DOEpatents

    Post, Richard Freeman [Walnut Creek, CA

    2006-08-29

    A simple permanent-magnet-excited maglev geometry provides levitation forces and is stable against vertical displacements from equilibrium but is unstable against horizontal displacements. An Inductrack system is then used in conjunction with this system to effect stabilization against horizontal displacements and to provide centering forces to overcome centrifugal forces when the vehicle is traversing curved sections of a track or when any other transient horizontal force is present. In some proposed embodiments, the Inductrack track elements are also employed as the stator of a linear induction-motor drive and braking system.

  5. Inductrack configuration

    DOEpatents

    Post, Richard Freeman

    2003-10-07

    A simple permanent-magnet-excited maglev geometry provides levitation forces and is stable against vertical displacements from equilibrium but is unstable against horizontal displacements. An Inductrack system is then used in conjunction with this system to effect stabilization against horizontal displacements and to provide centering forces to overcome centrifugal forces when the vehicle is traversing curved sections of a track or when any other transient horizontal force is present. In some proposed embodiments, the Inductrack track elements are also employed as the stator of a linear induction-motor drive and braking system.

  6. A Service in Transition: Forging an Integrated Institutional Identity for the United States Air Force

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-06-01

    Jr (Bomber) o Seventh Air Force, LTG Jeffrey A. Remington (Fighter) o Eleventh Air Force, LTG Dana T. Atkins (Fighter) o Thirteenth Air Force, LTG...Acculturation.‖ In Handbook of Socialization: Theory and Research, edited by Joan E. Grusec, and Paul D. Hastings, 543-560. New York, NY: Guilford...Philip. ―Determinism and Indeterminacy in the History of Technology.‖ In Does Technology Drive History?, edited by Merritt Roe Smith, and Leo Marx

  7. Developing a Global Mindset: Integrating Demographics, Sustainability, Technology, and Globalization

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aggarwal, Raj

    2011-01-01

    Business schools face a number of challenges in responding to the business influences of demographics, sustainability, and technology--all three of which are also the fundamental driving forces for globalization. Demographic forces are creating global imbalances in worker populations and in government finances; the world economy faces…

  8. Photocopy of drawing (original drawing of Signal & Ordnance Warehouse ...

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

    Photocopy of drawing (original drawing of Signal & Ordnance Warehouse in possession of MacDill Air Force Base, Civil Engineering, Tampa, Florida; 1940 architectural drawings by Construction Division, Office of the Quartermaster General)TRUSS DETAILS - MacDill Air Force Base, Signal & Ordnance Warehouse, 7620 Hanger Loop Drive, Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL

  9. Photocopy of drawing (original drawing of Photographic Laboratory Building in ...

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

    Photocopy of drawing (original drawing of Photographic Laboratory Building in possession of MacDill Air Force Base, Civil Engineering, Tampa, Florida; 1939 architectural drawings by Construction Division, Office of the Quartermaster General) PLANS - MacDill Air Force Base, Photographic Laboratory, 7718 Hanger Loop Drive, Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL

  10. Novel Straight and Circular Road Driving Control of Electric Power Assisted Wheelchair Based on Fuzzy Algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seki, Hirokazu; Tadakuma, Susumu

    This paper describes a novel straight and circular road driving control scheme for electric power assisted wheelchairs. “Electric power assisted wheelchair” which assists the driving force by electric motors is expected to be widely used as a mobility support system for elderly people and disabled people, however, the performance of the straight and circular road driving must be further improved because the two wheels drive independently. This paper proposes a novel driving control scheme based on fuzzy algorithm to realize the stable and reliable driving on straight and circular roads. The suitable assisted torque of the right and left wheels is determined by fuzzy algorithm based on the posture angular velocity of the wheelchair and the human input torque proportion of the right and left wheels. Some experiments on the practical roads show the effectiveness of the proposed control system.

  11. Nitrate-driven urban haze pollution during summertime over the North China Plain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Haiyan; Zhang, Qiang; Zheng, Bo; Chen, Chunrong; Wu, Nana; Guo, Hongyu; Zhang, Yuxuan; Zheng, Yixuan; Li, Xin; He, Kebin

    2018-04-01

    Compared to the severe winter haze episodes in the North China Plain (NCP), haze pollution during summertime has drawn little public attention. In this study, we present the highly time-resolved chemical composition of submicron particles (PM1) measured in Beijing and Xinxiang in the NCP region during summertime to evaluate the driving factors of aerosol pollution. During the campaign periods (30 June to 27 July 2015, for Beijing and 8 to 25 June 2017, for Xinxiang), the average PM1 concentrations were 35.0 and 64.2 µg m-3 in Beijing and Xinxiang. Pollution episodes characterized with largely enhanced nitrate concentrations were observed at both sites. In contrast to the slightly decreased mass fractions of sulfate, semivolatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SV-OOA), and low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LV-OOA) in PM1, nitrate displayed a significantly enhanced contribution with the aggravation of aerosol pollution, highlighting the importance of nitrate formation as the driving force of haze evolution in summer. Rapid nitrate production mainly occurred after midnight, with a higher formation rate than that of sulfate, SV-OOA, or LV-OOA. Based on observation measurements and thermodynamic modeling, high ammonia emissions in the NCP region favored the high nitrate production in summer. Nighttime nitrate formation through heterogeneous hydrolysis of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) enhanced with the development of haze pollution. In addition, air masses from surrounding polluted areas during haze episodes led to more nitrate production. Finally, atmospheric particulate nitrate data acquired by mass spectrometric techniques from various field campaigns in Asia, Europe, and North America uncovered a higher concentration and higher fraction of nitrate present in China. Although measurements in Beijing during different years demonstrate a decline in the nitrate concentration in recent years, the nitrate contribution in PM1 still remains high. To effectively alleviate particulate matter pollution in summer, our results suggest an urgent need to initiate ammonia emission control measures and further reduce nitrogen oxide emissions over the NCP region.

  12. Driving forces of individual BVOC emissions from a spruce tree in Central Germany; results from a dynamic enclosure study.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bourtsoukidis, S.; Dittmann, A.; Jacobi, S.; Bonn, B.

    2012-04-01

    We have conducted seasonal ambient and emission measurements of a series of biogenic VOCs such as monoterpenes (MT), sesquiterpenes (SQT), isoprene, methanol, methyl chavicol and acetaldehyde. Therefore a plant enclosure technique was applied in order to investigate a Central European spruce forest and its emissions responses to meteorological and environmental parameters. A healthy ≈15m tall Norway spruce tree was selected and a vegetation enclosure technique was applied from April to November 2011. VOCs are measured by PTR-MS, while samples have also been analyzed with GC-MS (Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry) techniques for intercomparison and identification of individual VOCs. E/N ratio was adjusted at 117Td[2] and the primary ion signal (H3O+) was continuously above 4×10^7cps, implying a high sensitivity to our measurements. Temperature, relative humidity, ozone, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and CO2 concentrations were continuously measured inside the plant cuvette. Meteorological and environmental parameters (radiation, atmospheric pressure, wind velocity, wind direction, temperature, O3, relative humidity, soil moisture, precipitation, global radiation, H2O, NO, NO2) were measured by HLUG (Hessian Agency for Environment and Geology) and DWD (German Weather Service), 50 meters away from the measuring site. In a peculiar season, which was characterized by a warm spring (temperature anomaly >40C), a wet summer (precipitation anomaly 126-150%) and an extremely dry autumn (precipitation anomaly <50%), VOC emissions were analyzed and studied in order to discern different driving forces for the individual compounds. The suggested[3] empirical beta factor for MT found to be in a reasonable range but the temperature dependency was almost double for daytime compared to nighttime measurements, suggesting that light is also influencing MT emissions. On the contrary, SQT emissions showed similar temperature dependency for both day and night measurements. The beta factor showed a different behavior during the seasons for different compounds implying different driving forces and storage inside the tree. Especially for SQT, there are indications that a storage pool that is getting empty while moving towards winter. Interestingly, it has been found that SQT emissions are not only correlated with ambient temperature but also with high ambient ozone levels. In a wide range of meteorological conditions and ozone concentrations, we found different emission behavior when ozone values are exceeding a critical threshold. [1] Goldstein, A. H. and Galbally, I. E.: Known and unexplored organic constituents in the earth's atmosphere, Environ. Sci. Technol., 41, 1514-1521, 2007. [2] Kim, S., Karl, T., Helmig, D., Daly, R., Rassmusen, R. and Guether, A. : Measurement of atmospheric sesquiterpenes by proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), Atmos. Meas. Tech., 2, 99-112, 2009. [3] Guenther, A.B., Zimmerman, P.R., Harley, P.C., Monson, R.K., Fall, R., 1993. Isoprene and monoterpene emission rate variability: model evaluations and sensitivity analyses, Journal of Geophysical Research., 98, 12609-12617, 1993.

  13. Associations between motor unit action potential parameters and surface EMG features.

    PubMed

    Del Vecchio, Alessandro; Negro, Francesco; Felici, Francesco; Farina, Dario

    2017-10-01

    The surface interference EMG signal provides some information on the neural drive to muscles. However, the association between neural drive to muscle and muscle activation has long been debated with controversial indications due to the unavailability of motor unit population data. In this study, we clarify the potential and limitations of interference EMG analysis to infer motor unit recruitment strategies with an experimental investigation of several concurrently active motor units and of the associated features of the surface EMG. For this purpose, we recorded high-density surface EMG signals during linearly increasing force contractions of the tibialis anterior muscle, up to 70% of maximal force. The recruitment threshold (RT), conduction velocity (MUCV), median frequency (MDF MU ), and amplitude (RMS MU ) of action potentials of 587 motor units from 13 individuals were assessed and associated with features of the interference EMG. MUCV was positively associated with RT ( R 2 = 0.64 ± 0.14), whereas MDF MU and RMS MU showed a weaker relation with RT ( R 2 = 0.11 ± 0.11 and 0.39 ± 0.24, respectively). Moreover, the changes in average conduction velocity estimated from the interference EMG predicted well the changes in MUCV ( R 2 = 0.71), with a strong association to ankle dorsiflexion force ( R 2 = 0.81 ± 0.12). Conversely, both the average EMG MDF and RMS were poorly associated with motor unit recruitment. These results clarify the limitations of EMG spectral and amplitude analysis in inferring the neural strategies of muscle control and indicate that, conversely, the average conduction velocity could provide relevant information on these strategies. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The surface EMG provides information on the neural drive to muscles. However, the associations between EMG features and neural drive have been long debated due to unavailability of motor unit population data. Here, by using novel highly accurate decomposition of the EMG, we related motor unit population behavior to a wide range of voluntary forces. The results fully clarify the potential and limitation of the surface EMG to provide estimates of the neural drive to muscles. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  14. Torque sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fgeppert, E.

    1984-09-01

    Mechanical means for sensing turning torque generated by the load forces in a rotary drive system is described. The sensing means is designed to operate with minimal effect on normal operation of the drive system. The invention can be employed in various drive systems, e.g., automotive engine-transmission power plants, electric motor-operated tools, and metal cutting machines. In such drive systems, the torque-sensing feature may be useful for actuation of various control devices, such as electric switches, mechanical clutches, brake actuators, fluid control valves, or audible alarms. The torque-sensing function can be used for safety overload relief, motor de-energization, engine fuel control transmission clutch actuation, remote alarm signal, tool breakage signal, etc.

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

    Buddemeier, R.W.; Oberdorfer, J.A.

    A wide variety of forces can produce head gradients that drive the flow and advective mixing of internal coral reef pore waters. Oscillatory gradients that produce mixing result from wave and tide action. Sustained gradients result from wave and tide-induced setup and ponding, from currents impinging on the reef structure, from groundwater heads, and from density differenced (temperature or salinity gradients). These gradients and the permeabilities and porosities of reef sediments are such that most macropore environments are dominated by advection rather than diffusion. The various driving forces must be analyzed to determine the individual and combined magnitudes of theirmore » effects on a specific reef pore-water system. Pore-water movement controls sediment diagenesis, the exchange of nutrients between sediments and benthos, and coastal/island groundwater resources. Because of the complexity of forcing functions, their interactions with specific local reef environments, experimental studies require careful incorporation of these considerations into their design and interpretation. 8 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less

  16. Static and dynamic deflection studies of the SRM aft case-nozzle joint

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Christian, David C.; Kos, Lawrence D.; Torres, Isaias

    1989-01-01

    The redesign of the joints on the solid rocket motor (SRM) has prompted the need for analyzing the behavior of the joints using several different types of analyses. The types of analyses performed include modal analysis, static analysis, transient response analysis, and base driving response analysis. The forces used in these analyses to drive the mathematical model include SRM internal chamber pressure, nozzle blowout and side forces, shuttle vehicle lift-off dynamics, SRM pressure transient rise curve, gimbal forces and moments, actuator gimbal loads, and vertical and radial bolt preloads. The math model represented the SRM from the aft base tangent point (1,823.95 in) all the way back to the nozzle, where a simplified, tuned nozzle model was attached. The new design used the radial bolts as an additional feature to reduce the gap opening at the aft dome/nozzle fixed housing interface.

  17. Emergence of an apical epithelial cell surface in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Sedzinski, Jakub; Hannezo, Edouard; Tu, Fan; Biro, Maté; Wallingford, John B.

    2016-01-01

    Epithelial sheets are crucial components of all metazoan animals, enclosing organs and protecting the animal from its environment. Epithelial homeostasis poses unique challenges, as addition of new cells and loss of old cells must be achieved without disrupting the fluid-tight barrier and apicobasal polarity of the epithelium. Several studies have identified cell biological mechanisms underlying extrusion of cells from epithelia, but far less is known of the converse mechanism by which new cells are added. Here, we combine molecular, pharmacological and laser-dissection experiments with theoretical modelling to characterize forces driving emergence of an apical surface as single nascent cells are added to a vertebrate epithelium in vivo. We find that this process involves the interplay between cell-autonomous actin-generated pushing forces in the emerging cell and mechanical properties of neighboring cells. Our findings define the forces driving this cell behavior, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of epithelial homeostasis. PMID:26766441

  18. Magneto-capillary dynamics of amphiphilic Janus particles at curved liquid interfaces.

    PubMed

    Fei, Wenjie; Driscoll, Michelle M; Chaikin, Paul M; Bishop, Kyle J M

    2018-05-11

    A homogeneous magnetic field can exert no net force on a colloidal particle. However, by coupling the particle's orientation to its position on a curved interface, even static homogeneous fields can be used to drive rapid particle motions. Here, we demonstrate this effect using magnetic Janus particles with amphiphilic surface chemistry adsorbed at the spherical interface of a water drop in decane. Application of a static homogeneous field drives particle motion to the drop equator where the particle's magnetic moment can align parallel to the field. As explained quantitatively by a simple model, the effective magnetic force on the particle scales linearly with the curvature of the interface. For particles adsorbed on small droplets such as those found in emulsions, these magneto-capillary forces can far exceed those due to magnetic field gradients in both magnitude and range. This mechanism may be useful in creating highly responsive emulsions and foams stabilized by magnetic particles.

  19. Method and apparatus for determining material structural integrity

    DOEpatents

    Pechersky, Martin

    1996-01-01

    A non-destructive method and apparatus for determining the structural integrity of materials by combining laser vibrometry with damping analysis techniques to determine the damping loss factor of a material. The method comprises the steps of vibrating the area being tested over a known frequency range and measuring vibrational force and velocity as a function of time over the known frequency range. Vibrational velocity is preferably measured by a laser vibrometer. Measurement of the vibrational force depends on the vibration method. If an electromagnetic coil is used to vibrate a magnet secured to the area being tested, then the vibrational force is determined by the amount of coil current used in vibrating the magnet. If a reciprocating transducer is used to vibrate a magnet secured to the area being tested, then the vibrational force is determined by a force gauge in the reciprocating transducer. Using known vibrational analysis methods, a plot of the drive point mobility of the material over the preselected frequency range is generated from the vibrational force and velocity measurements. The damping loss factor is derived from a plot of the drive point mobility over the preselected frequency range using the resonance dwell method and compared with a reference damping loss factor for structural integrity evaluation.

  20. Coupling of conservative and dissipative forces in frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sader, John E.; Jarvis, Suzanne P.

    2006-11-01

    Frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) utilizes the principle of self-excitation to ensure the cantilever probe vibrates at its resonant frequency, regardless of the tip-sample interaction. Practically, this is achieved by fixing the phase difference between tip deflection and driving force at precisely 90° . This, in turn, decouples the frequency shift and excitation amplitude signals, enabling quantitative interpretation in terms of conservative and dissipative tip-sample interaction forces. In this article, we theoretically investigate the effect of phase detuning in the self-excitation mechanism on the coupling between conservative and dissipative forces in FM-AFM. We find that this coupling depends only on the relative difference in the drive and resonant frequencies far from the surface, and is thus very weakly dependent on the actual phase error particularly for high quality factors. This establishes that FM-AFM is highly robust with respect to phase detuning, and enables quantitative interpretation of the measured frequency shift and excitation amplitude, even while operating away from the resonant frequency with the use of appropriate replacements in the existing formalism. We also examine the calibration of phase shifts in FM-AFM measurements and demonstrate that the commonly used approach of minimizing the excitation amplitude can lead to significant phase detuning, particularly in liquid environments.

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