Fluorapatite crystal growth from modified seawater solutions

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

Van Cappellen, P.; Berner, R.A.

Seeded precipitation experiments were conducted in a pH/fluoride-stat system to study the crystal growth of fluorapatite (FAP) in carbonate-free NaCl-CaCl{sub 2}-NaF-Na{sub 2}HPO{sub 4} solutions, at seawater calcium concentration, chlorinity, and pH. With increasing supersaturation, the dependence of the growth rate on the relative supersaturation changes from parabolic to exponential. This is interpreted as reflecting a transition in the crystal growth mechanism from growth at dislocation-induced surface steps to surface nucleation-controlled growth. The analysis of the kinetic data leads to a mineral-aqueous solution interfacial tension for FAP of 289 mJ/M{sup 2}. The Arrhenius activation energy of the growth reaction in themore » temperature range 12 to 35C is 47 kJ/mol. The effect of pH on FAP growth was tested for pH values from 7 to 8.5. In this range, growth of FAP is catalyzed by hydrogen ions. The apparent growth rate constant is proportional to (a{sub H{sup +}}){sup m} where m, the rate order with respect to H{sup +}, is a non-integral number which depends on pH. At identical degrees of supersaturation, the growth rate of FAP at pH = 7 is nearly twice that at pH = 8. When corrected for bottom water temperatures, pore water pH, and the retardation of Mg{sup 2+}, the experimental growth rates predict that during burial in modern phosphatic sediments, apatite particles grow to sizes on the order of 0.1-10{mu}m. The relatively slow growth kinetics of FAP are consistent with the observed small particle sizes of marine sedimentary apatite.« less

Technology for subsystems of space-based plant growth facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bula, R. J.; Morrow, R. C.; Tibbitts, T. W.; Corey, R. B.

1990-01-01

Technologies for different subsystems of space-based plant growth facilities are being developed at the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics, a NASA Center for the Commercial Development of Space. The technologies include concepts for water and nutrient delivery, for nutrient composition control, and for irradiation. Effort is being concentrated on these subsystems because available technologies cannot be effectively utilized for space applications.

Controlling Infrastructure Costs: Right-Sizing the Mission Control Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Keith; Sen-Roy, Michael; Heiman, Jennifer

2009-01-01

Johnson Space Center's Mission Control Center is a space vehicle, space program agnostic facility. The current operational design is essentially identical to the original facility architecture that was developed and deployed in the mid-90's. In an effort to streamline the support costs of the mission critical facility, the Mission Operations Division (MOD) of Johnson Space Center (JSC) has sponsored an exploratory project to evaluate and inject current state-of-the-practice Information Technology (IT) tools, processes and technology into legacy operations. The general push in the IT industry has been trending towards a data-centric computer infrastructure for the past several years. Organizations facing challenges with facility operations costs are turning to creative solutions combining hardware consolidation, virtualization and remote access to meet and exceed performance, security, and availability requirements. The Operations Technology Facility (OTF) organization at the Johnson Space Center has been chartered to build and evaluate a parallel Mission Control infrastructure, replacing the existing, thick-client distributed computing model and network architecture with a data center model utilizing virtualization to provide the MCC Infrastructure as a Service. The OTF will design a replacement architecture for the Mission Control Facility, leveraging hardware consolidation through the use of blade servers, increasing utilization rates for compute platforms through virtualization while expanding connectivity options through the deployment of secure remote access. The architecture demonstrates the maturity of the technologies generally available in industry today and the ability to successfully abstract the tightly coupled relationship between thick-client software and legacy hardware into a hardware agnostic "Infrastructure as a Service" capability that can scale to meet future requirements of new space programs and spacecraft. This paper discusses the benefits

Microwave-assisted Facile and Ultrafast Growth of ZnO Nanostructures and Proposition of Alternative Microwave-assisted Methods to Address Growth Stoppage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rana, Abu Ul Hassan Sarwar; Kang, Mingi; Kim, Hyun-Seok

2016-04-01

The time constraint in the growth of ZnO nanostructures when using a hydrothermal method is of paramount importance in contemporary research, where a long fabrication time rots the very essence of the research on ZnO nanostructures. In this study, we present the facile and ultrafast growth of ZnO nanostructures in a domestic microwave oven within a pressurized environment in just a few minutes. This method is preferred for the conventional solution-based method because of the ultrafast supersaturation of zinc salts and the fabrication of high-quality nanostructures. The study of the effect of seed layer density, growth time, and the solution’s molar concentration on the morphology, alignment, density, and aspect ratio of ZnO nanorods (ZNRs) is explored. It is found in a microwave-assisted direct growth method that ~5 mins is the optimum time beyond which homogeneous nucleation supersedes heterogeneous nucleation, which results in the growth stoppage of ZNRs. To deal with this issue, we propound different methods such as microwave-assisted solution-replacement, preheating, and PEI-based growth methods, where growth stoppage is addressed and ZNRs with a high aspect ratio can be grown. Furthermore, high-quality ZnO nanoflowers and ZnO nanowalls are fabricated via ammonium hydroxide treatment in a very short time.

Computer model of hydroponics nutrient solution pH control using ammonium.

PubMed

Pitts, M; Stutte, G

1999-01-01

A computer simulation of a hydroponics-based plant growth chamber using ammonium to control pH was constructed to determine the feasibility of such a system. In nitrate-based recirculating hydroponics systems, the pH will increase as plants release hydroxide ions into the nutrient solution to maintain plant charge balance. Ammonium is an attractive alternative to traditional pH controls in an ALSS, but requires careful monitoring and control to avoid overdosing the plants with ammonium. The primary advantage of using NH4+ for pH control is that it exploits the existing plant nutrient uptake charge balance mechanisms to maintain solution pH. The simulation models growth, nitrogen uptake, and pH of a l-m2 stand of wheat. Simulation results indicated that ammonium-based control of nutrient solution pH is feasible using a proportional integral controller. Use of a 1 mmol/L buffer (Ka = 1.6 x 10(-6)) in the nutrient solution is required.

A Model of Controlled Growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bressan, Alberto; Lewicka, Marta

2018-03-01

We consider a free boundary problem for a system of PDEs, modeling the growth of a biological tissue. A morphogen, controlling volume growth, is produced by specific cells and then diffused and absorbed throughout the domain. The geometric shape of the growing tissue is determined by the instantaneous minimization of an elastic deformation energy, subject to a constraint on the volumetric growth. For an initial domain with C}^{2,α boundary, our main result establishes the local existence and uniqueness of a classical solution, up to a rigid motion.

Construction Cost Growth for New Department of Energy Nuclear Facilities

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

Kubic, Jr., William L.

Cost growth and construction delays are problems that plague many large construction projects including the construction of new Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities. A study was conducted to evaluate cost growth of large DOE construction projects. The purpose of the study was to compile relevant data, consider the possible causes of cost growth, and recommend measures that could be used to avoid extreme cost growth in the future. Both large DOE and non-DOE construction projects were considered in this study. With the exception of Chemical and Metallurgical Research Building Replacement Project (CMRR) and the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facilitymore » (MFFF), cost growth for DOE Nuclear facilities is comparable to the growth experienced in other mega construction projects. The largest increase in estimated cost was found to occur between early cost estimates and establishing the project baseline during detailed design. Once the project baseline was established, cost growth for DOE nuclear facilities was modest compared to non-DOE mega projects.« less

Fluorapatite crystal growth from modified seawater solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Cappellen, Philippe; Berner, Robert A.

Seeded precipitation experiments were conducted in a pH/fluoride-stat system to study the crystal growth of fluorapatite ( FAP ) in carbonate-free NaCl-CaCl 2-NaF-Na 2HPO 4 solutions, at seawater calcium concentration, chlorinity, and pH. With increasing supersaturation, the dependence of the growth rate on the relative supersaturation changes from parabolic to exponential. This is interpreted as reflecting a transition in the crystal growth mechanism from growth at dislocation-induced surface steps to surface nucleation-controlled growth. The analysis of the kinetic data leads to a mineral-aqueous solution interfacial tension for FAP of 289 mJ/m 2. The Arrhenius activation energy of the growth reaction in the temperature range 12 to 35°C is 47 kJ/mol. The inhibition of FAP growth by Mg 2+ ions was investigated over a range of total dissolved Mg of 0 to 60 mM. At dissolved magnesium concentrations typical of marine pore waters (40-60 mM), the rate of FAP growth is 15 to 20 times slower than in the absence of Mg 2+, for the same degree of supersaturation, at 25 °C and pH = 8. The inhibitory effect can be explained by the blocking of growth sites at the surface of FAP crystals by adsorbed Mg 2+ ions. A simple Langmuir adsorption model for the retardation effect of Mg 2+ is supported by the results. The effect of pH on FAP growth was tested for pH values from 7 to 8.5. In this range, growth of FAP is catalyzed by hydrogen ions. The apparent growth rate constant is proportional to ( aH+) m where m, the rate order with respect to H +, is a non-integral number which depends on pH. At identical degrees of supersaturation, the growth rate of FAP at pH = 7 is nearly twice that at pH = 8. When corrected for bottom water temperatures, pore water pH, and the retardation of Mg 2+, the experimental growth rates predict that during burial in modern phosphatic sediments, apatite particles grow to sizes on the order of 0.1-10 μrn. The relatively slow growth kinetics of FAP are

Unsteady-state transfer of impurities during crystal growth of sucrose in sugarcane solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martins, P. M.; Ferreira, A.; Polanco, S.; Rocha, F.; Damas, A. M.; Rein, P.

2009-07-01

In this work, we present growth rate data of sucrose crystals in the presence of impurities that can be used by both sugar technologists and crystal growth scientists. Growth rate curves measured in a pilot-scale evaporative crystallizer suggest a period of slow growth that follows the seeding of crystals into supersaturated technical solutions. The observed trend was enhanced by adding typical sugarcane impurities such as starch, fructose or dextran to the industrial syrups. Maximum growth rates of sucrose resulted at intermediate rather than high supersaturation levels in the presence of the additives. The effects of the additives on the sucrose solubility and sucrose mass transfer in solution were taken into account to explain the observed crystal growth kinetics. A novel mechanism was identified of unsteady-state adsorption of impurities at the crystal surface and their gradual replacement by the crystallizing solute towards the equilibrium occupation of the active sites for growth. Specifically designed crystallization experiments at controlled supersaturation confirmed this mechanism by showing increasing crystal growth rates with time until reaching a steady-state value for a given supersaturation level and impurity content.

Magnetic Control of Solutal Buoyancy Driven Convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramachandran, N.; Leslie, F. W.

2003-01-01

Volumetric forces resulting from local density variations and gravitational acceleration cause buoyancy induced convective motion in melts and solutions. Solutal buoyancy is a result of concentration differences in an otherwise isothermal fluid. If the fluid also exhibits variations in magnetic susceptibility with concentration then convection control by external magnetic fields can be hypothesized. Magnetic control of thermal buoyancy induced convection in ferrofluids (dispersions of ferromagnetic particles in a carrier fluid) and paramagnetic fluids have been demonstrated. Here we show the nature of magnetic control of solutal buoyancy driven convection of a paramagnetic fluid, an aqueous solution of Manganese Chloride hydrate. We predict the critical magnetic field required for balancing gravitational solutal buoyancy driven convection and validate it through a simple experiment. We demonstrate that gravity driven flow can be completely reversed by a magnetic field but the exact cancellation of the flow is not possible. This is because the phenomenon is unstable. The technique can be applied to crystal growth processes in order to reduce convection and to heat exchanger devices for enhancing convection. The method can also be applied to impose a desired g-level in reduced gravity applications.

Water Soluble Vitamins Enhance the Growth of Microorganisms in Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition Solutions.

PubMed

Omotani, Sachiko; Tani, Katsuji; Nagai, Katsuhito; Hatsuda, Yasutoshi; Mukai, Junji; Myotoku, Michiaki

2017-01-01

Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) solutions contain amino acids, glucose, and electrolytes, with or without some water soluble vitamins. Peripheral venous catheters are one of the causes of catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI), which requires infection control. In Japan, PPN solutions have rarely been prepared under aseptic conditions. However, in recent years, the necessity of adding vitamins to infusions has been reported. Therefore, we investigated the effects of water soluble vitamins on growth of microorganisms in PPN solutions. AMINOFLUID ® (AF), BFLUID ® (BF), PARESAFE ® (PS) and PAREPLUS ® (PP) PPN solutions were used. Water soluble vitamins contained in PP were also used. Causative microorganisms of CRBSI were used. Staphylococcus epidermidis decreased after 24 hours or 48 hours in all solutions. On the other hand, Escherichia coli , Serratia marcescens , Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans increased, especially in PP. When each water soluble vitamin was added to BF and PS, growth of S. aureus was greater in solutions that contained nicotinamide than in solutions that contained other vitamins. As for C. albicans , they grew in all test solutions. C. albicans grew especially well in solutions that contained biotin. When commercial amino acids and glucose solutions with electrolytes are administered, in particular those containing multivitamins or water soluble vitamins, efforts to control infection must be taken to prevent proliferation of microorganisms.

A study of crystal growth by solution technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lal, R. B.

1981-01-01

The mechanism of crystal growth by solution technique was studied. A low temperature solution crystal growth setup was developed. Crystals of triglycine sulfate (TGS) were grown using this arrangement. Some additional tasks were performed toward fabrication of experiments for future space flight.

Controlled Homoepitaxial Growth of Hybrid Perovskites.

PubMed

Lei, Yusheng; Chen, Yimu; Gu, Yue; Wang, Chunfeng; Huang, Zhenlong; Qian, Haoliang; Nie, Jiuyuan; Hollett, Geoff; Choi, Woojin; Yu, Yugang; Kim, NamHeon; Wang, Chonghe; Zhang, Tianjiao; Hu, Hongjie; Zhang, Yunxi; Li, Xiaoshi; Li, Yang; Shi, Wanjun; Liu, Zhaowei; Sailor, Michael J; Dong, Lin; Lo, Yu-Hwa; Luo, Jian; Xu, Sheng

2018-05-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have demonstrated tremendous potential for the next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices due to their remarkable carrier dynamics. Current studies are focusing on polycrystals, since controlled growth of device compatible single crystals is extremely challenging. Here, the first chemical epitaxial growth of single crystal CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 with controlled locations, morphologies, and orientations, using combined strategies of advanced microfabrication, homoepitaxy, and low temperature solution method is reported. The growth is found to follow a layer-by-layer model. A light emitting diode array, with each CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 crystal as a single pixel, with enhanced quantum efficiencies than its polycrystalline counterparts is demonstrated. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Growth Method-Dependent and Defect Density-Oriented Structural, Optical, Conductive, and Physical Properties of Solution-Grown ZnO Nanostructures.

PubMed

Rana, Abu Ul Hassan Sarwar; Lee, Ji Young; Shahid, Areej; Kim, Hyun-Seok

2017-09-10

It is time for industry to pay a serious heed to the application and quality-dependent research on the most important solution growth methods for ZnO, namely, aqueous chemical growth (ACG) and microwave-assisted growth (MAG) methods. This study proffers a critical analysis on how the defect density and formation behavior of ZnO nanostructures (ZNSs) are growth method-dependent. Both antithetical and facile methods are exploited to control the ZnO defect density and the growth mechanism. In this context, the growth of ZnO nanorods (ZNRs), nanoflowers, and nanotubes (ZNTs) are considered. The aforementioned growth methods directly stimulate the nanostructure crystal growth and, depending upon the defect density, ZNSs show different trends in structural, optical, etching, and conductive properties. The defect density of MAG ZNRs is the least because of an ample amount of thermal energy catered by high-power microwaves to the atoms to grow on appropriate crystallographic planes, which is not the case in faulty convective ACG ZNSs. Defect-centric etching of ZNRs into ZNTs is also probed and methodological constraints are proposed. ZNS optical properties are different in the visible region, which are quite peculiar, but outstanding for ZNRs. Hall effect measurements illustrate incongruent conductive trends in both samples.

The Crop Growth Research Chamber - A ground-based facility for CELSS research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bubenheim, David L.; Luna, Phil M.; Wagenbach, Kimberly M.; Haslerud, Mark; Straight, Christian L.

1989-01-01

Crop Growth Research Chambers (CGRCs) are being developed as CELSS research facilities for the NASA/Ames Research Center. The history of the CGRC project is reviewed, noting the applications of CGRC research for the development of the Space Station. The CGRCs are designed for CELSS research and development, system control and integration, and flight hardware design and experimentation. The atmospheric and hydroponic environments of the CGRC system are described and the science requirements for CGRC environmental control are listed.

Software solutions manage the definition, operation, maintenance and configuration control of the National Ignition Facility

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

Dobson, D; Churby, A; Krieger, E

2011-07-25

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world's largest laser composed of millions of individual parts brought together to form one massive assembly. Maintaining control of the physical definition, status and configuration of this structure is a monumental undertaking yet critical to the validity of the shot experiment data and the safe operation of the facility. The NIF business application suite of software provides the means to effectively manage the definition, build, operation, maintenance and configuration control of all components of the National Ignition Facility. State of the art Computer Aided Design software applications are used to generate a virtualmore » model and assemblies. Engineering bills of material are controlled through the Enterprise Configuration Management System. This data structure is passed to the Enterprise Resource Planning system to create a manufacturing bill of material. Specific parts are serialized then tracked along their entire lifecycle providing visibility to the location and status of optical, target and diagnostic components that are key to assessing pre-shot machine readiness. Nearly forty thousand items requiring preventive, reactive and calibration maintenance are tracked through the System Maintenance & Reliability Tracking application to ensure proper operation. Radiological tracking applications ensure proper stewardship of radiological and hazardous materials and help provide a safe working environment for NIF personnel.« less

REMOTES: reliable and modular telescope solution for seamless operation and monitoring of various observation facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakubec, M.; Skala, P.; Sedlacek, M.; Nekola, M.; Strobl, J.; Blazek, M.; Hudec, R.

2012-09-01

Astronomers often need to put several pieces of equipment together and have to deploy them at a particular location. This task could prove to be a really tough challenge, especially for distant observing facilities with intricate operating conditions, poor communication infrastructure and unreliable power source. To have this task even more complicated, they also expect secure and reliable operation in both attended and unattended mode, comfortable software with user-friendly interface and full supervision over the observation site at all times. During reconstruction of the D50 robotic telescope facility, we faced many of the issues mentioned above. To get rid of them, we based our solution on a flexible group of hardware modules controlling the equipment of the observation site, connected together by the Ethernet network and orchestrated by our management software. This approach is both affordable and powerful enough to fulfill all of the observation requirements at the same time. We quickly figured out that the outcome of this project could also be useful for other observation facilities, because they are probably facing the same issues we have solved during our project. In this contribution, we will point out the key features and benefits of the solution for observers. We will demonstrate how the solution works at our observing location. We will also discuss typical management and maintenance scenarios and how we have supported them in our solution. Finally, the overall architecture and technical aspects of the solution will be presented and particular design and technology decisions will be clarified.

A flexible architecture for advanced process control solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faron, Kamyar; Iourovitski, Ilia

2005-05-01

Advanced Process Control (APC) is now mainstream practice in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Over the past decade and a half APC has evolved from a "good idea", and "wouldn"t it be great" concept to mandatory manufacturing practice. APC developments have primarily dealt with two major thrusts, algorithms and infrastructure, and often the line between them has been blurred. The algorithms have evolved from very simple single variable solutions to sophisticated and cutting edge adaptive multivariable (input and output) solutions. Spending patterns in recent times have demanded that the economics of a comprehensive APC infrastructure be completely justified for any and all cost conscious manufacturers. There are studies suggesting integration costs as high as 60% of the total APC solution costs. Such cost prohibitive figures clearly diminish the return on APC investments. This has limited the acceptance and development of pure APC infrastructure solutions for many fabs. Modern APC solution architectures must satisfy the wide array of requirements from very manual R&D environments to very advanced and automated "lights out" manufacturing facilities. A majority of commercially available control solutions and most in house developed solutions lack important attributes of scalability, flexibility, and adaptability and hence require significant resources for integration, deployment, and maintenance. Many APC improvement efforts have been abandoned and delayed due to legacy systems and inadequate architectural design. Recent advancements (Service Oriented Architectures) in the software industry have delivered ideal technologies for delivering scalable, flexible, and reliable solutions that can seamlessly integrate into any fabs" existing system and business practices. In this publication we shall evaluate the various attributes of the architectures required by fabs and illustrate the benefits of a Service Oriented Architecture to satisfy these requirements. Blue

75 FR 18572 - Facility Control Numbers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-12

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Facility Control Numbers AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of planned use of Facility Control Numbers. SUMMARY: The IRS has developed and is publishing in this issue of the Federal Register, Facility Control Numbers to...

Aeropropulsion facilities configuration control: Procedures manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lavelle, James J.

1990-01-01

Lewis Research Center senior management directed that the aeropropulsion facilities be put under configuration control. A Configuration Management (CM) program was established by the Facilities Management Branch of the Aeropropulsion Facilities and Experiments Division. Under the CM program, a support service contractor was engaged to staff and implement the program. The Aeronautics Directorate has over 30 facilities at Lewis of various sizes and complexities. Under the program, a Facility Baseline List (FBL) was established for each facility, listing which systems and their documents were to be placed under configuration control. A Change Control System (CCS) was established requiring that any proposed changes to FBL systems or their documents were to be processed as per the CCS. Limited access control of the FBL master drawings was implemented and an audit system established to ensure all facility changes are properly processed. This procedures manual sets forth the policy and responsibilities to ensure all key documents constituting a facilities configuration are kept current, modified as needed, and verified to reflect any proposed change. This is the essence of the CM program.

Development of the Plant Growth Facility for Use in the Shuttle Middeck and Test Units for Ground-Based Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, David K.; Wells, H. William

1996-01-01

The plant growth facility (PGF), currently under development as a Space Shuttle middeck facility for the support of research on higher plants in microgravity, is presented. The PGF provides controlled fluorescent lighting and the active control of temperature, relative humidity and CO2 concentration. These parameters are designed to be centrally controlled by a dedicated microprocessor. The status of the experiment can be displayed for onboard analysis, and will be automatically archived for post-flight analysis. The facility is designed to operate for 15 days and will provide air filtration to remove ethylene and trace organics with replaceable potassium permanganate filters. Similar ground units will be available for pre-flight experimentation.

Effects of Convective Solute and Impurity Transport in Protein Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vekilov, Peter G.; Thomas, Bill R.; Rosenberger, Franz

1998-01-01

High-resolution optical interferometry was used to investigate the effects of forced solution convection on the crystal growth kinetics of the model protein lysozyme. Most experiments were conducted with 99.99% pure protein solutions. To study impurity effects, approx. 1% of lysozyme dimer (covalently bound) was added in some cases. We show that the unsteady kinetics, corresponding to bunching of growth steps, can be characterized by the Fourier components of time traces of the growth rate. Specific Fourier spectra are uniquely determined by the solution conditions (composition, temperature, and flow rate) and the growth layer source activity. We found that the average step velocity and growth rate increase by approx. I0% with increasing flow rate, as a result of the enhanced solute supply to the interface. More importantly, faster convective transport results in lower fluctuation amplitudes. This observation supports our rationale for system-dependent effects of transport on the structural perfection of protein crystals. We also found that solution flow rates greater than 500 microns/s result in stronger fluctuations while the average growth rate is decreased. This can lead to growth cessation at low supersaturations. With the intentionally contaminated solutions, these undesirable phenomena occurred at about half the flow rates required in pure solutions. Thus, we conclude that they are due to enhanced convective supply of impurities that are incorporated into the crystal during growth. Furthermore, we found that the impurity effects are reduced at higher crystal growth rates. Since the exposure time of terraces is inversely proportional to the growth rate, this observation suggests that the increased kinetics instability results from impurity adsorption on the interface. Finally, we provide evidence relating earlier observations of "slow protein crystal growth kinetics" to step bunch formation in response to nonsteady step generation.

A System for Managing Replenishment of a Nutrient Solution Using an Electrical Conductivity Controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, D.; Dogan, N.; Aglan, H.; Mortley, D.; Loretan, P.

1998-01-01

Control of nutrient solution parameters is very important for the growth and development of plants grown hydroponically. Protocols involving different nutrient solution replenishment times (e.g. one-week, two-week, or two-day replenishment) provide manual periodic control of the nutrient solution's electrical conductivity (EC). Since plants take-up nutrients as they grow, manual control has a drawback in that EC is not held constant between replenishments. In an effort to correct this problem the Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space at Tuskegee University has developed a system for managing and controlling levels of EC over a plant's entire growing cycle. A prototype system is being tested on sweetpotato production using the nutrient film technique (NFT), and it is being compared to a system in which sweetpotatoes are grown using NFT with manual control. NASA has played an important role in the development of environmental control systems. They have become a forerunner in growing plants hydroponically with some control systems through the use of networked data acquisition and control using environmental growth chambers. Data acquisition systems which involve the use of real-time, calibration, set points, user panel, and graphical representation programming provide a good method of controlling nutrient solution parameters such as EC and pH [Bledsoe, 19931]. In NASA's Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) at Kennedy Space Center, control is provided by a programmable logic controller (PLC). This is an industrial controller which combines ladder computer logic which has the ability to handle various levels of electrical power. The controller controls temperature, light and other parameters that affect the plant's environment, in the BPC, the Nutrient Delivery System (NIX), a sub-system of the PLC, controls nutrient solution parameters such as EC, pH, and solution levels. When the nutrient EC measurement goes outside a preset range (120

Energy Systems Integration Facility Control Room | Energy Systems

Science.gov Websites

Integration Facility | NREL Energy Systems Integration Facility Control Room Energy Systems Integration Facility Control Room The Energy Systems Integration Facility control room allows system engineers as the monitoring point for the facility's integrated safety and control systems. Photo of employees

The automatic control system and stand-by facilities of the TDMA-40 equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudenko, D. V.; Pankov, G. Kh.; Pauk, A. G.; Tsirlin, V. M.

1980-10-01

When a controlling station in a satellite communications system is out of order, a complex algorithm must be carried out for automatic operation of the stand-by equipment. A processor has been developed to perform this algorithm, as well as operations involving the stand-by facilities of the receiving-transmitting equipment of the station. The design principles and solutions to problems in developing the equipment for the monitoring and controlling systems are described. These systems are based on multistation access using time division multiplexing. Algorithms are presented for the operation of the synchronizing processor and the control processor of the equipment. The automatic control system and stand-by facilities make it possible to reduce the service personnel and to design an unattended station.

Solution Growth and Characterization of Single Crystals on Earth and in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aggarwal, M. D.; Currie, J. R.; Penn, B. G.; Batra, A. K.; Lal, R. B.

2007-01-01

Crystal growth has been of interest to physicists and engineers for a long time because of their unique properties. Single crystals are utilized in such diverse applications as pharmaceuticals, computers, infrared detectors, frequency measurements, piezoelectric devices, a variety of high-technology devices, and sensors. Solution crystal growth is one of the important techniques to grow a variety of crystals when the material decomposes at the melting point and a suitable solvent is available to make a saturated solution at a desired temperature. In this Technical Memorandum (TM) an attempt is made to give the fundamentals of growing crystals from solution including improved designs of various crystallizers. Since the same solution crystal growth technique could not be used in microgravity, the authors proposed a new cooled-sting technique to grow crystals in space. The authors experience from conducting two Space Shuttle solution crystal growth experiments are also detailed in this TM and the complexity of solution growth experiments to grow crystals in space are also discussed. These happen to be some of the early experiments performed in space, and various lessons learned are described. A brief discussion of protein crystal growth that shares basic principles of the solution growth technique is given, along with some flight hardware information for growth in microgravity.

Density-controlled, solution-based growth of ZnO nanorod arrays via layer-by-layer polymer thin films for enhanced field emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weintraub, Benjamin; Chang, Sehoon; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Han, Won Hee; Choi, Young Jin; Bae, Joonho; Kirkham, Melanie; Tsukruk, Vladimir V.; Deng, Yulin

2008-10-01

A simple, scalable, and cost-effective technique for controlling the growth density of ZnO nanorod arrays based on a layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte polymer film is demonstrated. The ZnO nanorods were synthesized using a low temperature (T = 90 °C), solution-based method. The density-control technique utilizes a polymer thin film pre-coated on the substrate to control the mass transport of the reactant to the substrate. The density-controlled arrays were investigated as potential field emission candidates. The field emission results revealed that an emitter density of 7 nanorods µm-2 and a tapered nanorod morphology generated a high field enhancement factor of 5884. This novel technique shows promise for applications in flat panel display technology.

Li2MoO4 crystal growth from solution activated by low-frequency vibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barinova, Olga; Sadovskiy, Andrey; Ermochenkov, Ivan; Kirsanova, Svetlana; Sukhanova, Ekaterina; Kostikov, Vladimir; Belov, Stanislav; Mozhevitina, Elena; Khomyakov, Andrew; Kuchuk, Zhanna; Zharikov, Eugeny; Avetissov, Igor

2017-01-01

The possibility of Li2MoO4 crystal growth from aqueous solutions activated by axial vibrational control (AVC) technique was investigated. It was found out that a low-frequency mechanical activation of the solution led to an increase of Li2MoO4 equilibrium solubility in aqueous solution for 11 rel% in the 25-29 °C temperature range. The changes in solution structure were analyzed in situ by Raman study of the solution. The AVC activation of solution resulted in a re-faceting of growing crystals, a smoothing of a face surface morphology and reduction of water content in the crystal.

Nucleation and growth control in protein crystallization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberger, Franz; Nyce, Thomas A.; Meehan, Edward J.; Sowers, Jennifer W.; Monaco, Lisa A.

1990-01-01

The five topics summarized in this final report are as follows: (1) a technique for the expedient, semi-automated determination of protein solubilities as a function of temperature and application of this technique to proteins other than lysozyme; (2) a small solution cell with adjustable temperature gradients for the growth of proteins at a predetermined location through temperature programming; (3) a microscopy system with image storage and processing capability for high resolution optical studies of temperature controlled protein growth and etching kinetics; (4) growth experiments with lysozyme in thermosyphon flow ; and (5) a mathematical model for the evolution of evaporation/diffusion induced concentration gradients in the hanging drop protein crystallization technique.

Growth of triglycine sulfate (TGS) crystals by solution technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lal, R. B.; Kroes, R. L.; Wilcox, W. R.

1982-01-01

The growth of crystals from solution is greatly influenced by buoyancy driven convection. In a low-g environment, convection is greatly suppressed and diffusion becomes the predominant mechanism for thermal and mass transport. An experiment to grow TGS crystals by solution technique during the orbital Spacelab III mission has been designed. Crystals are grown by a new and unique technique of extracting heat from the crystal through a sting. The cooling at the sting tip is responsible for the desired supersaturation near the growing crystal. Calculations indicate that the cooled sting technique for solution crystal growth is necessary in low-g to maintain a maximum growth rate of 1 mm/day. Results of groundbased work in support of the flight experiment are discussed.

Ice Growth Inhibition in Antifreeze Polypeptide Solution by Short-Time Solution Preheating.

PubMed

Nishi, Naoto; Miyamoto, Takuya; Waku, Tomonori; Tanaka, Naoki; Hagiwara, Yoshimichi

2016-01-01

The objective of this study is to enhance the inhibition of ice growth in the aqueous solution of a polypeptide, which is inspired by winter flounder antifreeze protein. We carried out measurements on unidirectional freezing of the polypeptide solution. The thickness of the solution was 0.02 mm, and the concentration of polypeptide was varied from 0 to 2 mg/mL. We captured successive microscopic images of ice/solution interfaces, and measured the interface velocity from the locations of tips of the pectinate interface in the images. We also simultaneously measured the temperature by using a small thermocouple. The ice/solution interface temperature was defined by the temperature at the tips. It was found that the interface temperature was decreased with an increasing concentration of polypeptide. To try varying the activity of the polypeptide, we preheated the polypeptide solution and cooled it before carrying out the measurements. Preheating for 1-5 hours was found to cause a further decrease in the interface temperature. Furthermore, wider regions of solution and ice with inclined interfaces in the pectinate interface structure were observed, compared with the case where the solution was not preheated. Thus, the ice growth inhibition was enhanced by this preheating. To investigate the reason for this enhancement, we measured the conformation and aggregates of polypeptide in the solution. We also measured the local concentration of polypeptide. It was found that the polypeptide aggregates became larger as a result of preheating, although the polypeptide conformation was unchanged. These large aggregates caused both adsorption to the interface and the wide regions of supercooled solution in the pectinate interface structure.

High nitrogen pressure solution growth of GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bockowski, Michal

2014-10-01

Results of GaN growth from gallium solution under high nitrogen pressure are presented. Basic of the high nitrogen pressure solution (HNPS) growth method is described. A new approach of seeded growth, multi-feed seed (MFS) configuration, is demonstrated. The use of two kinds of seeds: free-standing hydride vapor phase epitaxy GaN (HVPE-GaN) obtained from metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)-GaN/sapphire templates and free-standing HVPE-GaN obtained from the ammonothermally grown GaN crystals, is shown. Depending on the seeds’ structural quality, the differences in the structural properties of pressure grown material are demonstrated and analyzed. The role and influence of impurities, like oxygen and magnesium, on GaN crystals grown from gallium solution in the MFS configuration is presented. The properties of differently doped GaN crystals are discussed. An application of the pressure grown GaN crystals as substrates for electronic and optoelectronic devices is reported.

Key Factors Controlling the Growth of Biological Soil Crusts: Towards a Protocol to Produce Biocrusts in Greenhouse Facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velasco Ayuso, Sergio; María Giraldo Silva, Ana; Nelson, Corey; Barger, Nichole; Antoninka, Anita; Bowker, Matthew; Garcia-Pichel, Ferran

2016-04-01

Biological soil crusts (= biocrusts) are topsoil communities comprise of, but not limited to, cyanobacteria, algae, lichens, and mosses that grow intimately associated with soil particles in drylands. Biocrusts have central ecological roles in these areas as sources of carbon and nutrients, and efficiently retain water and prevent soil erosion, which improves soil structure and promotes soil fertility. However, human activities, such as cattle grazing, hiking or military training, are rapidly striking biocrusts. Although it is well known that the inoculation with cyanobacteria or lichens can enhance the recovery of biocrusts in degraded soils, little is known about the factors that control their growth rates. Using soil and inocula from four different sites located in one cold desert (Utah) and in one hot desert (New Mexico), we performed a fractional factorial experiment involving seven factors (water, light, P, N, calcium carbonate, trace metals and type of inoculum) to screen their effects on the growth of biocrusts. After four months, we measured the concentration of chlorophyll a, and we discovered that water, light and P, N or P+N were the most important factors controlling the growth of biocrusts. In the experimental treatments involving these three factors we measured a similar concentration of chlorophyll a (or even higher) to this found in the field locations. Amplification of the 16S rRNA gene segment using universal bacteria primers revealed a microbial community composition in the biocrusts grown that closely corresponds to initial measurements made on inocula. In summary, based on our success in obtaining biocrust biomass from natural communities in greenhouse facilities, without significantly changing its community composition at the phylum and cyanobacterial level, we are paving the road to propose a protocol to produce a high quality-nursed inoculum aiming to assist restoration of arid and semi-arid ecosystems affected by large-scale disturbances.

Concentration Dependence of Solution Shear Viscosity and Solute Mass Diffusivity in Crystal Growth from Solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Izmailov, Alexander F.; Myerson, Allan S.

1995-01-01

The physical properties of a supersaturated binary solution such as its density rho, shear viscosity eta, and solute mass diffusivity D are dependent on the solute concentration c: rho = rho(c), eta = eta(c), and D = D(c). The diffusion boundary layer equations related to crystal growth from solution are derived for the case of natural convection with a solution density, a shear viscosity, and a solute diffusivity that are all depen- dent on solute concentration. The solution of these equations has demonstrated the following. (1) At the vicinity of the saturation concentration c(sub s) the solution shear viscosity eta depends on rho as eta(sub s) = eta(rho(sub s))varies as square root of rho(c(sub s)). This theoretically derived result has been verified in experiments with several aqueous solutions of inorganic and organic salts. (2) The maximum solute mass transfer towards the growing crystal surface can be achieved for values of c where the ratio of d ln(D(c)/dc) to d ln(eta(c)/dc) is a maximum.

In-line bulk supersaturation measurement by electrical conductometry in KDP crystal growth from aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordui, P. F.; Loiacono, G. M.

1984-07-01

A method is presented for in-line bulk supersaturation measurement in crystal growth from aqueous solution. The method is based on a computer-controlled concentration measurement exploiting an experimentally predetermined cross-correlation between the concentration, electrical conductivity, and temperature of the growth solution. The method was applied to Holden crystallization of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). An extensive conductivity-temperature-concentration data base was generated for this system over a temperature range of 31 to 41°C. The method yielded continous, automated bulk supersaturation output accurate to within ±0.05 g KDP100 g water (±0.15% relative supersaturation).

Validating hydrodynamic growth in National Ignition Facility implosions

DOE PAGES

Peterson, J. L.; Casey, D. T.; Hurricane, O. A.; ...

2015-05-12

We present new hydrodynamic growth experiments at the National Ignition Facility, which extend previous measurements up to Legendre mode 160 and convergence ratio 4, continuing the growth factor dispersion curve comparison of the low foot and high foot pulses reported by Casey et al. [Phys. Rev. E 90, 011102(R) (2014)]. We show that the high foot pulse has lower growth factor and lower growth rate than the low foot pulse. Using novel on-capsule fiducial markers, we observe that mode 160 inverts sign (changes phase) for the high foot pulse, evidence of amplitude oscillations during the Richtmyer-Meshkov phase of a sphericallymore » convergent system. Post-shot simulations are consistent with the experimental measurements for all but the shortest wavelength perturbations, reinforcing the validity of radiation hydrodynamic simulations of ablation front growth in inertial confinement fusion capsules.« less

Coupling plant growth and waste recycling systems in a controlled life support system (CELSS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garland, Jay L.

1992-01-01

The development of bioregenerative systems as part of the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) program depends, in large part, on the ability to recycle inorganic nutrients, contained in waste material, into plant growth systems. One significant waste (resource) stream is inedible plant material. This research compared wheat growth in hydroponic solutions based on inorganic salts (modified Hoagland's) with solutions based on the soluble fraction of inedible wheat biomass (leachate). Recycled nutrients in leachate solutions provided the majority of mineral nutrients for plant growth, although additions of inorganic nutrients to leachate solutions were necessary. Results indicate that plant growth and waste recyling systems can be effectively coupled within CELSS based on equivalent wheat yield in leachate and Hoagland solutions, and the rapid mineralization of waste organic material in the hydroponic systems. Selective enrichment for microbial communities able to mineralize organic material within the leachate was necessary to prevent accumulation of dissolved organic matter in leachate-based solutions. Extensive analysis of microbial abundance, growth, and activity in the hydroponic systems indicated that addition of soluble organic material from plants does not cause excessive microbial growth or 'biofouling', and helped define the microbially-mediated flux of carbon in hydroponic solutions.

Stability of Magnetically-Suppressed Solutal Convection In Protein Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leslie, F. W.; Ramachandran, N.

2005-01-01

The effect of convection during the crystallization of proteins is not very well understood. In a gravitational field, convection is caused by crystal sedimentation and by solutal buoyancy induced flow and these can lead to crystal imperfections. While crystallization in microgravity can approach diffusion limited growth conditions (no convection), terrestrially strong magnetic fields can be used to control fluid flow and sedimentation effects. In this work, a theory is presented on the stability of solutal convection of a magnetized fluid in the presence of a magnetic field. The requirements for stability are developed and compared to experiments performed within the bore of a superconducting magnet. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experiments and show solutal convection can be stabilized if the surrounding fluid has larger magnetic susceptibility and the magnetic field has a specific structure. Discussion on the application of the technique to protein crystallization is also provided.

Phase Shift Interferometer and Growth Set Up to Step Pattern Formation During Growth From Solutions. Influence of the Oscillatory solution Flow on Stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chernov, Alex A.; Booth, N. A.; Vekilov, P. G.; Murray, B. T.; McFadden, G. B.

2000-01-01

We have assembled an experimental setup based on Michelson interferometry with the growing crystal surface as one of the reflective surfaces. The crystallization part of the device allows optical monitoring of a face of a crystal growing at temperature stable within 0.05 C in a flow of solution of controlled direction and speed. The reference arm of the interferometer contains a liquid crystal element that allows controlled shifts of the phase of the interferograms. We employ an image-processing algorithm, which combines five images with a pi/2 phase difference between each pair of images. The images are transferred to a computer by a camera capable of capturing 60 frames per second. The device allows data collection on surface morphology and kinetics during the face layers growth over a relatively large area (approximately 4 sq. mm) in situ and in real time during growth. The estimated depth resolution of the phase shifting interferometry is approximately 50 Angstroms. The data will be analyzed in order to reveal and monitor step bunching during the growth process. The crystal chosen as a model for study in this work is KH2PO4 (KDP). This optically non-linear material is widely used in frequency doubling applications. There have been a number of studies of the kinetics of KDP crystallization that can serve as a benchmark for our investigations. However, so far, systematic quantitative characteristics of step interaction and bunching are missing. We intend to present our first quantitative results on the onset, initial stages and development of instabilities in moving step trains on vicinal crystal surfaces at varying supersaturation, flow rate, and flow direction. Behavior of a vicinal face growing from solution flowing normal to the steps and periodically changing its direction in time was considered theoretically. It was found that this oscillating flow reduces both stabilization and destabilization effects resulted from the unidirectional solution flow directed

Device and method for screening crystallization conditions in solution crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Daniel C. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A device and method for detecting optimum protein crystallization conditions and for growing protein crystals in either 1g or microgravity environments comprising a housing, defining at least one pair of chambers for containing crystallization solutions is presented. The housing further defines an orifice therein for providing fluid communication between the chambers. The orifice is adapted to receive a tube which contains a gelling substance for limiting the rate of diffusive mixing of the crystallization solutions. The solutions are diffusively mixed over a period of time defined by the quantity of gelling substance sufficient to achieve equilibration and to substantially reduce density driven convection disturbances therein. The device further includes endcaps to seal the first and second chambers. One of the endcaps includes a dialysis chamber which contains protein solution in which protein crystals are grown. Once the endcaps are in place, the protein solution is exposed to the crystallization solutions wherein the solubility of the protein solution is reduced at a rate responsive to the rate of diffusive mixing of the crystallization solutions. This allows for a controlled approach to supersaturation and allows for screening of crystal growth conditions at preselected intervals.

Device and Method for Screening Crystallization Conditions in Solution Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Daniel C. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A device and method for detecting optimum protein crystallization conditions and for growing protein crystals in either 1 g or microgravity environments comprising a housing defining at least one pair of chambers for containing crystallization solutions. The housing further defines an orifice therein for providing fluid communication between the chambers. The orifice is adapted to receive a tube which contains a gelling substance for limiting the rate of diffusive mixing of the crystallization solutions. The solutions are diffusively mixed over a period of time defined by the quantity of gelling substance sufficient to achieve equilibration and to substantially reduce density driven convection disturbances therein. The device further includes endcaps to seal the first and second chambers. One of the endcaps includes a dialysis chamber which contains protein solution in which protein crystals are grown. Once the endcaps are in place. the protein solution is exposed to the crystallization solutions wherein the solubility of the protein solution is reduced at a rate responsive to the rate of diffusive mixing of the crystallization solutions. This allows for a controlled approach to supersaturation and allows for screening of crystal growth conditions at preselected intervals.

Implementation of a Water Flow Control System into the ISS'S Planned Fluids & Combustion Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Daryl A.

2003-01-01

The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) will become an ISS facility capable of performing basic combustion and fluids research. The facility consists of two independent payload racks specifically configured to support multiple experiments over the life of the ISS. Both racks will depend upon the ISS's Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) for removing waste heat generated by the avionics and experiments operating within the racks. By using the MTL, constraints are imposed by the ISS vehicle on how the coolant resource is used. On the other hand, the FCF depends upon effective thermal control for maximizing life of the hardware and for supplying proper boundary conditions for the experiments. In the implementation of a design solution, significant factors in the selection of the hardware included ability to measure and control relatively low flow rates, ability to throttle flow within the time constraints of the ISS MTL, conserve energy usage, observe low mass and small volume requirements. An additional factor in the final design solution selection was considering how the system would respond to a loss of power event. This paper describes the method selected to satisfy the FCF design requirements while maintaining the constraints applied by the ISS vehicle.

RETROFITTING CONTROL FACILITIES FOR WET-WEATHER FLOW CONTROL

EPA Science Inventory

Available technologies were evaluated to demonstrate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of retrofitting existing facilities to handle wet-weather flow (WWF). Cost/benefit relationships were compared to construction of new conventional control and treatment facilities. Desktop...

Optimal control of algae growth by controlling CO 2 and nutrition flow using Pontryagin Maximum Principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mardlijah; Jamil, Ahmad; Hanafi, Lukman; Sanjaya, Suharmadi

2017-09-01

There are so many benefit of algae. One of them is using for renewable energy and sustainable in the future. The greater growth of algae will increasing biodiesel production and the increase of algae growth is influenced by glucose, nutrients and photosynthesis process. In this paper, the optimal control problem of the growth of algae is discussed. The objective function is to maximize the concentration of dry algae while the control is the flow of carbon dioxide and the nutrition. The solution is obtained by applying the Pontryagin Maximum Principle. and the result show that the concentration of algae increased more than 15 %.

An Apparatus for Growth of Small Crystals From Solutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitrovic, Mico M.

1995-01-01

Describes an apparatus for crystal growth that was designed to study growth kinetics of small crystals from solutions and to obtain crystals of various substances. Describes the use of the apparatus in laboratory practical experiments in the field of crystal growth physics within the course "Solid State Physics". (JRH)

Evaluating and optimizing horticultural regimes in space plant growth facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berkovich, Y. A.; Chetirkin, P. V.; Wheeler, R. M.; Sager, J. C.

2004-01-01

In designing innovative space plant growth facilities (SPGF) for long duration space flight, various limitations must be addressed including onboard resources: volume, energy consumption, heat transfer and crew labor expenditure. The required accuracy in evaluating on board resources by using the equivalent mass methodology and applying it to the design of such facilities is not precise. This is due to the uncertainty of the structure and not completely understanding the properties of all associated hardware, including the technology in these systems. We present a simple criteria of optimization for horticultural regimes in SPGF: Qmax = max [M x (EBI)2/(V x E x T], where M is the crop harvest in terms of total dry biomass in the plant growth system; EBI is the edible biomass index (harvest index), V is volume occupied by the crop; E is the crop light energy supply during growth; T is the crop growth duration. The criterion reflects directly on the consumption of onboard resources for crop production. c2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of convection on free growth of dendrite crystals from solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hallett, J.; Wedum, E.

1979-01-01

The free growth of dendrites in a uniformly supercooled solution was examined using cine photography with a Schlieren optical system. Crystals were grown in the bulk of the solution from a centrally located capillary tube, nucleated at the interface with a liquid nitrogen cooled wire. Crystals propagated along the tube, the slower growing orientations eliminated, and emerged at the tip, usually growing parallel to the tube direction. For both sodium sulfate decahydrate from its solution and ice from sodium chloride solution, growth rate and fineness of dendrites increased with supercooling. In sodium sulfate, upward convection of the less dense depleted solution occurs; downward convection was observed for the rejected, more concentrated sodium chloride solution. In both cases, there was a spatial and temporal delay in the release of the convective plume from the moving dendrite tip. The role of this convection on the growth characteristics and the production of secondary crystals is examined. A proposed low-g experiment to examine differences in growth rate, crystal texture, and secondary nucleation in a reduced convective regime where molecular diffusion is the dominant transfer process is discussed.

[Effects of special mouth care with an aroma solution on oral status and oral cavity microorganism growth in elderly stroke patients].

PubMed

Lee, Eun-Hye; Park, Hyojung

2015-02-01

This study was conducted to examine the effect of oral care with an aroma solution on oral status and oral cavity microorganism growth in elderly patients with stroke. A non-equivalent control group, with a pretest-posttest design was used in this study. The participants were assigned to the experimental group (n=30) that received oral care with an aroma solution or the control group (n=31) that received 0.9% saline solution. To identify the effect of the experimental treatments, objective/subjective assessments of oral status and oral cavity microorganism growth were performed using the oral assessment guide, oral perception guide, and oral swab culture. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test with the SPSS version 21.0 program. The objective oral status was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (t= -3.64, p<.001). There was no significant difference between the subjective oral status of the experimental group and control groups (t= -1.24, p=.109). Oral microorganism growth was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (t= -7.39, p<.001). These findings indicate that special mouth care using an aroma solution could be an effective oral health nursing intervention for elderly patients with stroke.

Analysis of models for two solution crystal growth problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fehribach, Joseph D.; Rosenberger, Franz

1989-01-01

Two diffusive solution crystal growth models are considered which are characterized by two phases separated by an interface, a lack of convective mixing in either phase, and the presence of diffusion components differing widely in diffusivity. The first model describes precipitant-driven solution crystal growth and the second model describes a hanging drop evaporation problem. It is shown that for certain proteins sharp concentration gradients may develop in the drop during evaporation, while under the same conditions the concentrations of other proteins remain uniform.

Cadmium zinc sulfide by solution growth

DOEpatents

Chen, Wen S.

1992-05-12

A process for depositing thin layers of a II-VI compound cadmium zinc sulfide (CdZnS) by an aqueous solution growth technique with quality suitable for high efficiency photovoltaic or other devices which can benefit from the band edge shift resulting from the inclusion of Zn in the sulfide. A first solution comprising CdCl.sub.2 2.5H.sub.2 O, NH.sub.4 Cl, NH.sub.4 OH and ZnCl.sub.2, and a second solution comprising thiourea ((NH.sub.2).sub.2 CS) are combined and placed in a deposition cell, along with a substrate to form a thin i.e. 10 nm film of CdZnS on the substrate. This process can be sequentially repeated with to achieve deposition of independent multiple layers having different Zn concentrations.

Organic Crystal Growth Facility (OCGF) and Radiation Monitoring Container Device (RMCD) Groups in

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured are activities of the Organic Crystal Growth Facility (OCGF) and Radiation Monitoring Container Device (RMCD) groups in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

Incorporating convection into one-dimensional solute redistribution during crystal growth from the melt I. The steady-state solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yen, C. T.; Tiller, W. A.

1992-03-01

A one-dimensional mathematical analysis is made of the redistribution of solute which occurs during crystal growth from a convected melt. In this analysis, the important contribution from lateral melt convection to one-dimensional solute redistribution analysis is taken into consideration via an annihilation/creation term in the one-dimensional solute transport equation. Calculations of solute redistribution under steady-state conditions have been carried out analytically. It is found that this new solute redistribution model overcomes several weaknesses that occur when applying the Burton, Prim and Slichter solute segregation equation (1953) in real melt growth situations. It is also found that, with this correction, the diffusion coefficients for solute's in liquid silicon are now found to be in the same range as other liquid metal diffusion coefficients.

Resistance of Pseudomonas to Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. I. Growth in Benzalkonium Chloride Solution

PubMed Central

Adair, Frank W.; Geftic, Sam G.; Gelzer, Justus

1969-01-01

Resistant cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a waterborne Pseudomonas sp. (strain Z-R) were able to multiply in nitrogen-free minimal salts solution containing various concentrations of commercially prepared, ammonium acetate-buffered benzalkonium chloride (CBC), a potent antimicrobial agent. As the CBC concentration increased, growth increased until a point was reached at which the extent of growth leveled off or was completely depressed. Minimal salts solutions of pure benzalkonium chloride (PBC) containing no ammonium acetate did not support bacterial growth. When ammonium acetate was added to PBC solutions in the same concentrations found in CBC solutions, growth patterns developed that were comparable to those found with CBC. Likewise, (NH4)2SO4 added to PBC solutions supported growth of both organisms. P. aeruginosa was initially resistant to CBC levels of 0.02% and it was adapted to tolerate levels as high as 0.36%. Strain Z-R was naturally resistant to 0.4% CBC. Since ammonium acetate, carried over by the CBC used in drug formulations and disinfectant solutions, has the potential to support the growth of resistant bacteria and thus make possible the risk of serious infection, it is suggested that regulations allowing the presence of ammonium acetate in CBC solution be reconsidered. PMID:4984761

Controlled Expansion of Supercritical Solution: A Robust Method to Produce Pure Drug Nanoparticles With Narrow Size-Distribution.

PubMed

Pessi, Jenni; Lassila, Ilkka; Meriläinen, Antti; Räikkönen, Heikki; Hæggström, Edward; Yliruusi, Jouko

2016-08-01

We introduce a robust, stable, and reproducible method to produce nanoparticles based on expansion of supercritical solutions using carbon dioxide as a solvent. The method, controlled expansion of supercritical solution (CESS), uses controlled mass transfer, flow, pressure reduction, and particle collection in dry ice. CESS offers control over the crystallization process as the pressure in the system is reduced according to a specific profile. Particle formation takes place before the exit nozzle, and condensation is the main mechanism for postnucleation particle growth. A 2-step gradient pressure reduction is used to prevent Mach disk formation and particle growth by coagulation. Controlled particle growth keeps the production process stable. With CESS, we produced piroxicam nanoparticles, 60 mg/h, featuring narrow size distribution (176 ± 53 nm). Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optical Diagnostics of Solution Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Yongkee; Reddy, B. R.; George, T. G.; Lal, R. B.

1996-01-01

Non-contact optical techniques such as, optical heterodyne, ellipsometry and interferometry, for real time in-situ monitoring of solution crystal growth are demonstrated. Optical heterodyne technique has the capability of measuring the growth rate as small as 1A/sec. In a typical Michelson interferometer set up, the crystal is illuminated by a Zeeman laser with frequency omega(sub 1) and the reference beam with frequency omega(sub 2). As the crystal grows, the phase of the rf signal changes with respect to the reference beam and this phase change is related to the crystal growth rate. This technique is demonstrated with two examples: (1) by measuring the copper tip expansion/shrinkage rate and (2) by measuring the crystal growth rate of L-Arginine Phosphate (LAP). The first test shows that the expansion/shrinkage rate of copper tip was fast in the beginning, and gets slower as the expansion begins to stabilize with time. In crystal growth, the phase change due the crystal growth is measured using a phase meter and a strip chart recorder. Our experimental results indicate a varied growth rate from 69.4 to 92.6A per sec. The ellipsometer is used to study the crystal growth interface. From these measurements and a theoretical modeling of the interface, the various optical parameters can be deduced. Interferometry can also be used to measure the growth rate and concentration gradient in the vicinity of the crystal.

In Situ TEM and AFM Investigation of Morphological Controls during the Growth of Single Crystal BaWO 4

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

Liu, Lili; Zhang, Shuai; Bowden, Mark E.

Barium tungstate (BaWO 4) is a widely investigated inorganic optical material due to its attractive emission properties. Because those properties strongly depend on crystal structure and morphology, numerous approaches to controlling growth have been pursued. However, an understanding of the growth mechanisms that lead to the wide range of morphologies obtained to date is largely lacking, and most attempts to develop that understanding have been based on post-growth analyses. Significantly, such analyses have led to the conclusion that certain BaWO 4 crystal morphologies result from a nonclassical growth process of oriented attachment. In this work, we systematically varied the morphologymore » of BaWO 4 crystals by adjusting the relative concentrations of solute, water, and ethanol. We then explored the growth mechanism leading to the observed range of morphologies through in situ TEM and in situ AFM. We find that even the most complex BaWO 4 morphologies occur through purely classical growth mechanisms largely controlled by the content of solute and ethanol. The latter acts as an impurity to poison growth at low concentrations and low solute levels, but leads to development of growth instabilities and eventual dendritic growth at high alcohol and moderate solute concentrations by driving up the supersaturation. These findings also highlight the necessity of in situ experiments to interpret ex situ observations of crystal growth and decipher the controlling mechanisms.« less

Optimal control of hydroelectric facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guangzhi

This thesis considers a simple yet realistic model of pump-assisted hydroelectric facilities operating in a market with time-varying but deterministic power prices. Both deterministic and stochastic water inflows are considered. The fluid mechanical and engineering details of the facility are described by a model containing several parameters. We present a dynamic programming algorithm for optimizing either the total energy produced or the total cash generated by these plants. The algorithm allows us to give the optimal control strategy as a function of time and to see how this strategy, and the associated plant value, varies with water inflow and electricity price. We investigate various cases. For a single pumped storage facility experiencing deterministic power prices and water inflows, we investigate the varying behaviour for an oversimplified constant turbine- and pump-efficiency model with simple reservoir geometries. We then generalize this simple model to include more realistic turbine efficiencies, situations with more complicated reservoir geometry, and the introduction of dissipative switching costs between various control states. We find many results which reinforce our physical intuition about this complicated system as well as results which initially challenge, though later deepen, this intuition. One major lesson of this work is that the optimal control strategy does not differ much between two differing objectives of maximizing energy production and maximizing its cash value. We then turn our attention to the case of stochastic water inflows. We present a stochastic dynamic programming algorithm which can find an on-average optimal control in the face of this randomness. As the operator of a facility must be more cautious when inflows are random, the randomness destroys facility value. Following this insight we quantify exactly how much a perfect hydrological inflow forecast would be worth to a dam operator. In our final chapter we discuss the

Effect of Solute Diffusion on Dendrite Growth in the Molten Pool of Al-Cu Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Xiaohong; Gu, Cheng; Liu, Yun; Wei, Yanhong

2017-10-01

A cellular automaton (CA)-finite difference model is developed to simulate dendrite growth and solute diffusion during solidification process in the molten pool of Al-Cu alloy. In order to explain the interaction between the dendritic growth and solute distribution, a series of CA simulations with different solute diffusion velocity coefficients are carried out. It is concluded that the solute concentration increases with dendrite growing and solute accumulation in the dendrite tip. Converged value of the dendrite tip growth velocity is about 480 μm/s if the mesh size is refined to 2 μm or less. Growth of the primary dendrite and the secondary dendrite is mainly influenced by solute diffusion at the dendrite tips. And growth of secondary and tertiary dendrites is mainly influenced by solute diffusion at interdendrite.

Stabilizing detached Bridgman melt crystal growth: Model-based nonlinear feedback control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeckel, Andrew; Daoutidis, Prodromos; Derby, Jeffrey J.

2012-12-01

The dynamics and operability limits of a nonlinear-proportional-integral controller designed to stabilize detached vertical Bridgman crystal growth are studied. The manipulated variable is the pressure difference between upper and lower vapor spaces, and the controlled variable is the gap width at the triple-phase line. The controller consists of a model-based nonlinear component coupled with a standard proportional-integral controller. The nonlinear component is based on a capillary model of shape stability. Perturbations to gap width, pressure difference, wetting angle, and growth angle are studied under both shape stable and shape unstable conditions. The nonlinear-PI controller allows a wider operating range of gain than a standard PI controller used alone, is easier to tune, and eliminates solution multiplicity from closed-loop operation.

Controlled ecological life support systems: Development of a plant growth module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Averner, Mel M.; Macelroy, Robert D.; Smernoff, David T.

1987-01-01

An effort was made to begin defining the scientific and technical requirements for the design and construction of a ground-based plant growth facility. In particular, science design criteria for the Plant Growth Module (PGM) of the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) were determined in the following areas: (1) irradiation parameters and associated equipment affecting plant growth; (2) air flow; (3) planting, culture, and harvest techniques; (4) carbon dioxide; (5) temperature and relative humidity; (6) oxygen; (7) construction materials and access; (8) volatile compounds; (9) bacteria, sterilization, and filtration; (10) nutrient application systems; (11) nutrient monitoring; and (12) nutrient pH and conductivity.

Exact analytic solutions for a global equation of plant cell growth.

PubMed

Pietruszka, Mariusz

2010-05-21

A generalization of the Lockhart equation for plant cell expansion in isotropic case is presented. The goal is to account for the temporal variation in the wall mechanical properties--in this case by making the wall extensibility a time dependent parameter. We introduce a time-differential equation describing the plant growth process with some key biophysical aspects considered. The aim of this work was to improve prior modeling efforts by taking into account the dynamic character of the plant cell wall with characteristics reminiscent of damped (aperiodic) motion. The equations selected to encapsulate the time evolution of the wall extensibility offer a new insight into the control of cell wall expansion. We find that the solutions to the time dependent second order differential equation reproduce much of the known experimental data for long- and short-time scales. Additionally, in order to support the biomechanical approach, a new growth equation based on the action of expansin proteins is proposed. Remarkably, both methods independently converge to the same kind, sigmoid-shaped, growth description functional V(t) proportional, exp(-exp(-t)), properly describing the volumetric growth and, consequently, growth rate as its time derivative. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Municipal sludge composting facility emissions -- comparison of wet scrubber and biofiltration control performance

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

Holzman, M.I.; Gammie, L.A.; Gilbert, P.E.

1997-12-31

The Metropolitan District (MDC) Water Pollution Control Plant located in Hartford, Connecticut operates a state-of-the-art composting facility to process municipal sewage sludge. An air emissions test program was performed to determine emission rates of criteria and non-criteria pollutants and to evaluate the performance of two types of emissions/odor control systems (biofiltration and wet scrubbing). The purpose of this report is to further the limited available emissions and control performance data on a municipal sewage sludge composting facility operation. The MDC`s sludge composting facility consists of a Biocell train and a Cure Cell train, each of which can currently receive approximatelymore » 20 wet tons per hour of sludge at 60% of full capacity. The minimum retention time in each train is 10.5 days. Air emissions from the Biocell train are treated by both a biofiltration system and a three-stage wet scrubber system. The biofilter and wet scrubber system operate in parallel, so as to allow direct comparison of performance. Emissions from the Cure Cell train are treated by a single biofiltration system. The wet scrubber system consists of a first stage reducing absorber (ammonia solution), followed by a second stage oxidation absorber (sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid), and a final residual scrubber (sodium hydroxide solution). The two biofiltration systems are identically sized at 10,000 square feet surface area and three feet depth. The emissions testing program was designed to obtain simultaneous inlet and outlet data across each control device. The measured pollutants included organo-sulfides, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, pinenes, terpenes, total reduced sulfur compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.« less

Optical system for the Protein Crystallisation Diagnostics Facility (PCDF) on board the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joannes, Luc; Dupont, Olivier; Dewandel, Jean-Luc; Ligot, Renaud; Algrain, Hervé

2004-06-01

The Protein Crystallisation Diagnostic Facility (PCDF) is a multi-user facility to study the protein crystallisation under the conditions of micro-gravity onboard the International Space Station (ISS) Columbus facility. Large size protein crystals will growth under reduced gravity in thermally controlled reactors. A combination of diagnostic tools like video system, microscope, interferometer, and light scattering device shall help to understand the growth phenomena. Common methods of protein crystallisation shall be performed in PCDF: Dialysis where the protein solution and the salt solution are separated by a semi-permeable membrane. Extended Length Dialysis Batch where the saturation to get crystals is achieved by changing the concentration of the protein in the sample liquid. The overall ESA project is leaded by EADS Space Transportation, Friedrichshafen, Germany. Lambda-X is responsible for the Optical System (OS), with Verhaert Design and Development as sub-contractor for the mechanical design. The OS includes different compact parts: Original illumination systems based on LEDs of difference colours; Quantitative Mach-Zehnder interferometers to measure the concentration distribution around crystals; Imaging assemblies to visualize the protein volume with different field of views. The paper concentrates on the description of each part, and in particular on the imaging assembly which allow switching from one field of view to another by passive elements only.

Tomato growth as affected by root-zone temperature and the addition of gibberellic acid and kinetin to nutrient solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bugbee, B.; White, J. W.; Salisbury, F. B. (Principal Investigator)

1984-01-01

The effect of root-zone temperature on young tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Heinz 1350) was evaluated in controlled environments using a recirculating solution culture system. Growth rates were measured at root-zone temperatures of 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, and 30 degrees C in a near optimum foliar environment. Optimum growth occurred at 25 degrees to 30 degrees during the first 4 weeks of growth and 20 degrees to 25 degrees during the 5th and 6th weeks. Growth was severely restricted at 15 degrees. Four concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) and kinetin were added to the nutrient solution in a separate trial; root-zone temperature was maintained at 15 degrees and 25 degrees. Addition of 15 micromoles GA3 to solutions increased specific leaf area, total leaf area, and dry weight production of plants in both temperature treatments. GA3-induced growth stimulation was greater at 15 degrees than at 25 degrees. GA3 may promote growth by increasing leaf area, enhancing photosynthesis per unit leaf area, or both. Kinetic was not useful in promoting growth at either temperature.

Internet Protocol Display Sharing Solution for Mission Control Center Video System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Michael A.

2009-01-01

With the advent of broadcast television as a constant source of information throughout the NASA manned space flight Mission Control Center (MCC) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC), the current Video Transport System (VTS) characteristics provides the ability to visually enhance real-time applications as a broadcast channel that decision making flight controllers come to rely on, but can be difficult to maintain and costly. The Operations Technology Facility (OTF) of the Mission Operations Facility Division (MOFD) has been tasked to provide insight to new innovative technological solutions for the MCC environment focusing on alternative architectures for a VTS. New technology will be provided to enable sharing of all imagery from one specific computer display, better known as Display Sharing (DS), to other computer displays and display systems such as; large projector systems, flight control rooms, and back supporting rooms throughout the facilities and other offsite centers using IP networks. It has been stated that Internet Protocol (IP) applications are easily readied to substitute for the current visual architecture, but quality and speed may need to be forfeited for reducing cost and maintainability. Although the IP infrastructure can support many technologies, the simple task of sharing ones computer display can be rather clumsy and difficult to configure and manage to the many operators and products. The DS process shall invest in collectively automating the sharing of images while focusing on such characteristics as; managing bandwidth, encrypting security measures, synchronizing disconnections from loss of signal / loss of acquisitions, performance latency, and provide functions like, scalability, multi-sharing, ease of initial integration / sustained configuration, integration with video adjustments packages, collaborative tools, host / recipient controllability, and the utmost paramount priority, an enterprise solution that provides ownership to the whole

Description of concept and first feasibility test results of a life support subsystem of the Botany Facility based on water reclamation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loeser, H. R.

1986-01-01

The Botany Facility allows the growth of higher plants and fungi over a period of 6 months maximum. It is a payload planned for the second flight of the Eureca platform around 1990. Major tasks of the Life Support Subsystem (LSS) of the Botany Facility include the control of the pressure and composition of the atmosphere within the plant/fungi growth chambers, control of the temperature and humidity of the air and the regulation of the soil water content within specified limits. Previous studies have shown that various LSS concepts are feasible ranging from heavy, simple and cheap to light, complex and expensive solutions. A summary of those concepts is given. A new approach to accomplish control of the temperature and humidity of the air within the growth chambers based on water reclamation is discussed. This reclamation is achieved by condensation with a heat pump and capillary transport of the condensate back into the soil of the individual growth chamber. Some analytical estimates are given in order to obtain guidelines for circulation flow rates and to determine the specific power consumption.

The method of A-harmonic approximation and optimal interior partial regularity for nonlinear elliptic systems under the controllable growth condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shuhong; Tan, Zhong

2007-11-01

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear elliptic systems under controllable growth condition. We use a new method introduced by Duzaar and Grotowski, for proving partial regularity for weak solutions, based on a generalization of the technique of harmonic approximation. We extend previous partial regularity results under the natural growth condition to the case of the controllable growth condition, and directly establishing the optimal Hölder exponent for the derivative of a weak solution.

Uniformity of environmental conditions and plant growth in a hydroponic culture system for use in a growth room with aerial CO2 control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vessey, J. K.; York, E. K.; Henry, L. T.; Raper, C. D. Jr; Raper CD, J. r. (Principal Investigator)

1988-01-01

A portable system of hydroponic culture was developed that maintained temperature, pH, and nutrient concentrations of circulating nutrient solutions. The hydroponic system is used within a controlled-environment room (CER) for control of aerial environment. The CER was equipped with an auto-calibrating system for atmospheric CO2 control. The control systems for the hydroponic chambers were able to maintain acidity within +/- 0.2 pH units and the temperature with +/- 0.5 degree C. Mixing time for the 200-liter volume of solution within a hydroponic chamber was less than 12 min. The CO2 control system was able to maintain aerial concentrations within +/- 10 ppm CO2 during the light period. The only gradient found to occur within the hydroponic chambers or CER was a slight gradient in aerial temperature along the length of hydroponic chambers. Growth of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was characterized during a 3-week period of vegetative development by leaf number and area, plant dry weight, total N content of plants, and N depletion from the nutrient solution. The growth characteristics among populations for three hydroponic chambers within the CER were not significantly different, and the percent standard errors of means of the measurements within populations from each chamber were nearly all less than 10%. Thus, the uniformity of plant growth reflected the uniformity of environmental conditions.

Growth and Characteristics of Bulk Single Crystals Grown from Solution on Earth and in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aggarwal, M. D.; Batra, A. K.; Lal, R. B.; Penn, Benjamin G.; Frazier, Donald O.

2011-01-01

The growth of crystals has been of interest to physicists and engineers for a long time because of their unique properties. Single crystals are utilized in such diverse applications as pharmaceuticals, computers, infrared detectors, frequency measurements, piezoelectric devices, a variety of high technology devices and sensors. Solution crystal growth is one of the important techniques to grow a variety of crystals when the material decomposes at the melting point and a suitable solvent is available to make a saturated solution at a desired temperature. In this chapter an attempt is made to give some fundamentals of growing crystals from solution including improved designs of various crystallizers. Since the same solution crystal growth technique could not be used in microgravity, authors had proposed a new cooled sting technique to grow crystals in space. Authors? experiences of conducting two space shuttle experiments relating to solution crystal growth are also detailed in this work. The complexity of these solution growth experiments to grow crystals in space are discussed. These happen to be some of the early experiments performed in space, and various lessons learned are described. A brief discussion of protein crystal growth that also shares basic principles of solution growth technique is given along with some flight hardware information for its growth in microgravity.

A study of crystal growth by solution technique. [triglycine sulfate single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lal, R. B.

1979-01-01

The advantages and mechanisms of crystal growth from solution are discussed as well as the effects of impurity adsorption on the kinetics of crystal growth. Uncertainities regarding crystal growth in a low gravity environment are examined. Single crystals of triglycine sulfate were grown using a low temperature solution technique. Small components were assembled and fabricated for future space flights. A space processing experiment proposal accepted by NASA for the Spacelab-3 mission is included.

Validating Hydrodynamic Growth in National Ignition Facility Implosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, J. Luc

2014-10-01

The hydrodynamic growth of capsule imperfections can threaten the success of inertial confinement fusion implosions. Therefore, it is important to design implosions that are robust to hydrodynamic instabilities. However, the numerical simulation of interacting Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov growth in these implosions is sensitive to modeling uncertainties such as radiation drive and material equations of state, the effects of which are especially apparent at high mode number (small perturbation wavelength) and high convergence ratio (small capsule radius). A series of validation experiments were conducted at the National Ignition Facility to test the ability to model hydrodynamic growth in spherically converging ignition-relevant implosions. These experiments on the Hydro-Growth Radiography platform constituted direct measurements of the growth of pre-imposed imperfections up to Legendre mode 160 and a convergence ratio of greater than four using two different laser drives: a ``low-foot'' drive used during the National Ignition Campaign and a larger adiabat ``high-foot'' drive that is modeled to be relatively more robust to ablation front hydrodynamic growth. We will discuss these experiments and how their results compare to numerical simulations and analytic theories of hydrodynamic growth, as well as their implications for the modeling of future designs. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Growth of Solid Solution Single Crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehoczky, Sandor L.; Szofran, F. R.; Gillies, Donald C.

2001-01-01

The solidification of a solid solution semiconductor, having a wide separation between liquidus and solidus has been extensively studied in ground based, high magnetic field and Spacelab experiments. Two alloys of mercury cadmium telluride have been studied; with 80.0 mole percent of HgTe and 84.8 mole percent of HgTe respectively, the remainder being cadmium telluride. Such alloys are extremely difficult to grow by directional solidification on earth due to high solutal and thermal density differences that give rise to fluid flow and consequent loss of interface shape and composition. Diffusion controlled growth is therefore impossible to achieve in conventional directional solidification. The ground based experiments consisted of growing crystals in several different configurations of heat pipe furnaces, NASA's Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF), and a similar furnace incorporated in a superconducting magnet capable of operating at up to 5T. The first microgravity experiment took place during the flight of STS-62 in March 1994, with the AADSF installed on the second United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-2). The alloy was solidified at 3/4 inch per day over a 9 day period, and for the first time a detailed evaluation was performed correlating composition variations to measured residual acceleration. The second flight experiment took place in the fourth United States Microgravity Payload Mission (USMP-4) in November 1997. Due to contamination of the furnace system, analysis shows that the conditions prevailing during the experiment were quite different from the requirements requested prior to the mission. The results indicate that the sample did accomplish the desired objectives.

Steady-state solution growth of microcrystalline silicon on nanocrystalline seed layers on glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansen, R.; Ehlers, C.; Teubner, Th.; Boeck, T.

2016-09-01

The growth of polycrystalline silicon layers on glass from tin solutions at low temperatures is presented. This approach is based on the steady-state solution growth of Si crystallites on nanocrystalline seed layers, which are prepared in a preceding process step. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy investigations reveal details about the seed layer surfaces, which consist of small hillocks, as well as about Sn inclusions and gaps along the glass substrate after solution growth. The successful growth of continuous microcrystalline Si layers with grain sizes up to several ten micrometers shows the feasibility of the process and makes it interesting for photovoltaics. Project supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) (No. BO 1129/5-1).

Bulk Group-III Nitride Crystal Growth in Supercritical Ammonia-Sodium Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffiths, Steven Herbert

Gallium nitride (GaN) and its alloys with indium nitride (InGaN) and aluminum nitride (AlGaN), collectively referred to as Group-III Nitride semiconductors, have enabled white solid-state lighting (SSL) sources and power electronic devices. While these technologies have already made a lasting, positive impact on society, improvements in design and efficiency are anticipated by shifting from heteroepitaxial growth on foreign substrates (such as sapphire, Si, SiC, etc.) to homoepitaxial growth on native, bulk GaN substrates. Bulk GaN has not supplanted foreign substrate materials due to the extreme conditions required to achieve a stoichiometric GaN melt (temperatures and pressures in excess of 2200°C and 6 GPa, respectively). The only method used to produce bulk GaN on an industrial scale is hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), but the high cost of gaseous precursors and relatively poor crystal quality have limited the adoption of this technology. A solution growth technique known as the ammonothermal method has attracted interest from academia and industry alike for its ability to produce bulk GaN boules of exceedingly high crystal quality. The ammonothermal method employs supercritical ammonia (NH3) solutions to dissolve, transport, and crystallize GaN. However, ammonothermal growth pressures are still relatively high (˜200 MPa), which has thus far prevented the acquisition of fundamental crystal growth knowledge needed to efficiently (i.e. through data-driven approaches) advance the field. This dissertation focused on addressing the gaps in the literature through two studies employing in situ fluid temperature analysis. The first study focused on identifying the solubility of GaN in supercritical NH3-Na solutions. The design and utilization of in situ and ex situ monitoring equipment enabled the first reports of the two-phase nature of supercritical NH3-Na solutions, and of Ga-alloying of Ni-containing autoclave components. The effects of these error sources on

Suppression of vacancy cluster growth in concentrated solid solution alloys

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Shijun; Velisa, Gihan; Xue, Haizhou; ...

2016-12-13

Large vacancy clusters, such as stacking-fault tetrahedra, are detrimental vacancy-type defects in ion-irradiated structural alloys. Suppression of vacancy cluster formation and growth is highly desirable to improve the irradiation tolerance of these materials. In this paper, we demonstrate that vacancy cluster growth can be inhibited in concentrated solid solution alloys by modifying cluster migration pathways and diffusion kinetics. The alloying effects of Fe and Cr on the migration of vacancy clusters in Ni concentrated alloys are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations and ion irradiation experiment. While the diffusion coefficients of small vacancy clusters in Ni-based binary and ternary solid solutionmore » alloys are higher than in pure Ni, they become lower for large clusters. This observation suggests that large clusters can easily migrate and grow to very large sizes in pure Ni. In contrast, cluster growth is suppressed in solid solution alloys owing to the limited mobility of large vacancy clusters. Finally, the differences in cluster sizes and mobilities in Ni and in solid solution alloys are consistent with the results from ion irradiation experiments.« less

Steps in Solution Growth: Revised Gibbs-Thomson Law, Turbulence and Morphological Stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chernov, A. A.; Rashkovich, L. N.; Vekilov, P. G.

2004-01-01

Two groups of new phenomena revealed by AFM and high resolution optical interferometry on crystal faces growing from solutions will be discussed. 1. Spacing between strongly polygonized spiral steps with low less than 10(exp -2) kink density on lysozyme and K- biphtalate do not follow the Burton-cabrera-Frank theory. The critical length of the yet immobile first Short step segment adjacent to a pinning defect (dislocation, stacking fault) is many times longer than that following from the step free energy. The low-kink density steps are typical of many growth conditions and materials, including low temperature gas phase epitaxy and MBE. 2. The step bunching pattern on the approx. 1 cm long { 110) KDP face growing from the turbulent solution flow (Re (triple bonds) 10(exp 4), solution flow rate approx. 1 m/s) suggests that the step bunch height does not increase infinitely as the bunch path on the crystal face rises, as is usually observed on large KDP crystals. The mechanism controlling the maximal bunch width and height is based on the drag of the solution depleted by the step bunch down thc solution stream. It includes splitting, coagulation and interlacing of bunches

An inventory of aeronautical ground research facilities. Volume 4: Engineering flight simulation facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirrello, C. J.; Hardin, R. D.; Capelluro, L. P.; Harrison, W. D.

1971-01-01

The general purpose capabilities of government and industry in the area of real time engineering flight simulation are discussed. The information covers computer equipment, visual systems, crew stations, and motion systems, along with brief statements of facility capabilities. Facility construction and typical operational costs are included where available. The facilities provide for economical and safe solutions to vehicle design, performance, control, and flying qualities problems of manned and unmanned flight systems.

Carbon nanotube growth density control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delzeit, Lance D. (Inventor); Schipper, John F. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Method and system for combined coarse scale control and fine scale control of growth density of a carbon nanotube (CNT) array on a substrate, using a selected electrical field adjacent to a substrate surface for coarse scale density control (by one or more orders of magnitude) and a selected CNT growth temperature range for fine scale density control (by multiplicative factors of less than an order of magnitude) of CNT growth density. Two spaced apart regions on a substrate may have different CNT growth densities and/or may use different feed gases for CNT growth.

An MBE growth facility for real-time in situ synchrotron x-ray topography studies of strained-layer III-V epitaxial materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitehouse, C. R.; Barnett, S. J.; Soley, D. E. J.; Quarrell, J.; Aldridge, S. J.; Cullis, A. G.; Emeny, M. T.; Johnson, A. D.; Clarke, G. F.; Lamb, W.; Tanner, B. K.; Cottrell, S.; Lunn, B.; Hogg, C.; Hagston, W.

1992-01-01

This paper describes a unique combined UHV MBE growth x-ray topography facility designed to allow the first real-time synchrotron radiation x-ray topography study of strained-layer III-V growth processes. This system will enable unambiguous determination of dislocation nucleation and multiplication processes as a function of controlled variations in growth conditions, and also during post-growth thermal processing. The planned experiments have placed very stringent demands upon the engineering design of the system, and design details regarding the growth chamber; sample manipulator, x-ray optics, and real-time imaging systems are described. Results obtained during a feasibility study are also presented.

An MBE growth facility for real-time in situ synchrotron x-ray topography studies of strained-layer III--V epitaxial materials

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

Whitehouse, C.R.; Barnett, S.J.; Soley, D.E.J.

1992-01-01

This paper describes a unique combined UHV MBE growth x-ray topography facility designed to allow the first real-time synchrotron radiation x-ray topography study of strained-layer III--V growth processes. This system will enable unambiguous determination of dislocation nucleation and multiplication processes as a function of controlled variations in growth conditions, and also during post-growth thermal processing. The planned experiments have placed very stringent demands upon the engineering design of the system, and design details regarding the growth chamber; sample manipulator, x-ray optics, and real-time imaging systems are described. Results obtained during a feasibility study are also presented.

Comparing solute and particulate transport in streams using Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shogren, A.; Tank, J. L.; Aubeneau, A. F.; Bolster, D.

2016-12-01

in streams and rivers. These processes co-vary across systems and are thus difficult to isolate. Therefore, to improve our understanding of drivers of fine-scale transport and retention of particles and solutes in streams, we experimentally compared transport and retention dynamics of two different particles (brewers yeast, 7μm; corn pollen, 70μm), a non-reactive solute (RhodamineWT), and a biologically reactive solute, nitrate (NO3-). We conducted experiments in four semi-natural constructed streams at the Notre Dame Linked Ecosystem Experimental Facility (ND-LEEF) in South Bend, Indiana. Each of the four 50 m replicate stream was lined with a unique configuration of substrate: pea gravel (PG, D50 = 0.5cm) and cobble (COB, D50 = 5cm) and structural complexity: alternating 2m sections of PG and COB substrates (ALT) and a random 50/50 mix (MIX). We allowed the experimental streams to naturally colonize with biofilm and periphyton throughout the summer sampling season. For particles, we estimated transport distance (Sp) and deposition velocity (vdep) and for solutes, we estimated uptake lengths (Sw) and uptake velocity (vf) using a short-term pulse addition technique. Sp and vdep were variable for particles, and were most strongly predicted by biofilm colonization on substrata in each stream. Biofilm accumulation also increased uptake of the reactive solute, though in contrast to particles, there were no significant differences in Sw or vf among streams suggesting that substrate type was not the main driver of reactive solute retention. These results emphasize the dynamic relationship between the physical and biological drivers influencing particle and solute retention in streams. Differential uptake of particles and solutes highlights the non stationarity of controlling variables along spatial or temporal continua. Even in highly controlled systems like those at ND-LEEF, physical vs. biological drivers are difficult to isolate.

The prevention of plaque re-growth by toothpastes and solutions containing block copolymers with and without polypeptide.

PubMed

Claydon, N C; Addy, M; Newcombe, R; Moran, J

2005-06-01

Chemicals which have a direct effect at inhibiting or reducing bacterial adherence to tooth surfaces may subsequently inhibit plaque growth and reduce gingival inflammation. This study investigated whether two anti-adherent systems could inhibit plaque re-growth in the mouth when rinsed as a solution or as a toothpaste slurry. A total of 21 subjects took part in a partially blind, seven cell cross-over study which compared the effects on plaque re-growth of a binary system containing block copolymers, a ternary system containing block copolymers and polypeptide, both used as toothpaste slurry rinses, their corresponding solution rinses, a conventional fluoride toothpaste rinse, a positive control chlorhexidine rinse and a negative water control. Following a dental prophylaxis subjects then rinsed with 10 ml of one of the test products for 1 min. twice a day over a 4-day period. Throughout each trial period the subjects were not permitted to use any other forms of oral hygiene. On the fifth day (96 h), the volunteers returned to the clinic, and plaque was assessed by (1) plaque index and (2) plaque area following disclosing with a food dye. The test phase of the trial was repeated for each agent and was followed by a 10-day "washout" period. Essentially neither of the anti-adherent systems inhibited plaque re-growth, whether administered in a toothpaste slurry or solution compared with the controls. If anything, neither of the test pastes were as effective as the marketed commercial paste (p<0.001). As expected plaque recorded following use of the chlorhexidine rinse was significantly less than that seen with any of the other rinses (p<0.001). Using this 4-day plaque re-growth model, the findings of this study failed to show any benefit in using the anti-adherent systems, either in a rinse or toothpaste, with the aim of inhibiting or reducing plaque formation.

Biodesulfurization of vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite concentrates and pH control of bioleaching solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiao-rong; Jiang, Sheng-cai; Liu, Yan-jun; Li, Hui; Wang, Hua-jun

2013-10-01

Vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite concentrates were desulfurized with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ( A. ferrooxidans). The sulfur content of the concentrates was reduced from 0.69wt% to 0.14wt% after bioleaching for 15 d with a 10% pulp density at 30°C. Maintaining a stable pH value during biodesulfurization was critical because of high acid consumption, resulting from a combination of nonoxidative and oxidative dissolution of pyrrhotite in acid solution. It is discovered that the citric acid-disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer of pH 2.0 can control the solution pH value smoothly in the optimal range of 2.0-3.0 for A. ferrooxidans growth. Using the buffer in the volume fraction range of 5.0%-15.0% stimulates A. ferrooxidans growth and improves the biodesulfurization efficiency. Compared with the buffer-free control case, the maximum increase of biodesulfurization rate is 29.7% using a 10.0vol% buffer. Bioleaching provides an alternative process for desulfurization of vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite ores.

Austenite grain growth simulation considering the solute-drag effect and pinning effect

PubMed Central

Fujiyama, Naoto; Nishibata, Toshinobu; Seki, Akira; Hirata, Hiroyuki; Kojima, Kazuhiro; Ogawa, Kazuhiro

2017-01-01

Abstract The pinning effect is useful for restraining austenite grain growth in low alloy steel and improving heat affected zone toughness in welded joints. We propose a new calculation model for predicting austenite grain growth behavior. The model is mainly comprised of two theories: the solute-drag effect and the pinning effect of TiN precipitates. The calculation of the solute-drag effect is based on the hypothesis that the width of each austenite grain boundary is constant and that the element content maintains equilibrium segregation at the austenite grain boundaries. We used Hillert’s law under the assumption that the austenite grain boundary phase is a liquid so that we could estimate the equilibrium solute concentration at the austenite grain boundaries. The equilibrium solute concentration was calculated using the Thermo-Calc software. Pinning effect was estimated by Nishizawa’s equation. The calculated austenite grain growth at 1473–1673 K showed excellent correspondence with the experimental results. PMID:28179962

Austenite grain growth simulation considering the solute-drag effect and pinning effect.

PubMed

Fujiyama, Naoto; Nishibata, Toshinobu; Seki, Akira; Hirata, Hiroyuki; Kojima, Kazuhiro; Ogawa, Kazuhiro

2017-01-01

The pinning effect is useful for restraining austenite grain growth in low alloy steel and improving heat affected zone toughness in welded joints. We propose a new calculation model for predicting austenite grain growth behavior. The model is mainly comprised of two theories: the solute-drag effect and the pinning effect of TiN precipitates. The calculation of the solute-drag effect is based on the hypothesis that the width of each austenite grain boundary is constant and that the element content maintains equilibrium segregation at the austenite grain boundaries. We used Hillert's law under the assumption that the austenite grain boundary phase is a liquid so that we could estimate the equilibrium solute concentration at the austenite grain boundaries. The equilibrium solute concentration was calculated using the Thermo-Calc software. Pinning effect was estimated by Nishizawa's equation. The calculated austenite grain growth at 1473-1673 K showed excellent correspondence with the experimental results.

7 CFR 1726.176 - Communications and control facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Communications and control facilities. 1726.176... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ELECTRIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES General Plant § 1726.176 Communications and control facilities. This section covers the purchase of microwave and power...

Unidirectional growth of benzil crystal from solution by Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy method and its characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajalakshmi, M.; Shyju, T. S.; Indirajith, R.; Gopalakrishnan, R.

2012-02-01

Good quality <1 0 0> benzil single crystal with a diameter 18 mm and length 75 mm was successfully grown from solution by the unidirectional growth method of Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy (SR) for the first time in the literature. The seed crystals have been harvested from conventional solution growth technique and subsequently used for unidirectional growth. The grown crystal was subjected to various characterization studies. The results of UV-vis spectral analysis, photoluminescence, etching and microhardness studies were compared with conventional solution grown crystal to that of SR method grown crystal. The quality of SR method grown benzil crystal is better than conventional solution grown crystal.

Control of interface shape during high melting sesquioxide crystal growth by HEM technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Kaiwei; Zheng, Lili; Zhang, Hui

2018-02-01

During crystal growth in heat exchanger method (HEM) system, the shape of the growth interface changes with the proceeding of the growth process, which limits the crystal size and reduces the quality of the crystal. In this paper, a modified HEM system is proposed to control the interface shape for growth of sesquioxide crystals. Numerical simulation is performed to predict heat transfer, melt flow and interface shape during growth of high melting sesquioxide crystals by the heat exchanger method. The results show that a flat or slightly convex interface shape is beneficial to reduce the solute pileup in front of the melt/crystal interface and decrease the radial temperature gradient inside the crystal during growth of sesquioxide crystals. The interface shape can be controlled by adjusting the gap size d and lower resistance heater power during growth. The growth rate and the melt/crystal interface position can be obtained by two measured temperatures.

Tetragonal Lysozyme Nucleation and Crystal Growth: The Role of the Solution Phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pusey, Marc L.; Forsythe, Elizabeth; Sumida, John; Maxwell, Daniel; Gorti, Sridhar

2002-01-01

Lysozyme, and most particularly the tetragonal form of the protein, has become the default standard protein for use in macromolecule crystal nucleation and growth studies. There is a substantial body of experimental evidence, from this and other laboratories, that strongly suggests this proteins crystal nucleation and growth is by addition of associated species that are preformed by standard reversible concentration-driven self association processes in the bulk solution. The evidence includes high resolution AFM studies of the surface packing and of growth unit size at incorporation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements of intermolecular distances in dilute solution, dialysis kinetics, and modeling of the growth rate data. We have developed a selfassociation model for the proteins crystal nucleation and growth. The model accounts for the obtained crystal symmetry, explains the observed surface structures, and shows the importance of the symmetry obtained by self-association in solution to the process as a whole. Further, it indicates that nucleation and crystal growth are not distinct mechanistically, but identical, with the primary difference being the probability that the particle will continue to grow or dissolve. This model also offers a possible mechanism for fluid flow effects on the growth process and how microgravity may affect it. While a single lysozyme molecule is relatively small (M.W. = 14,400), a structured octamer in the 4(sub 3) helix configuration (the proposed average sized growth unit) would have a M.W. = 115,000 and dimensions of 5.6 x 5.6 x 7.6 nm. Direct AFM measurements of growth unit incorporation indicate that units as wide as 11.2 nm and as long as 11.4 nm commonly attach to the crystal. These measurements were made at approximately saturation conditions, and they reflect the sizes of species that both added or desorbed from the crystal surface. The larger and less isotropic the associated species the more likely that it

26 CFR 1.169-1 - Amortization of pollution control facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Amortization of pollution control facilities. 1....169-1 Amortization of pollution control facilities. (a) Allowance of deduction—(1) In general. Under... amortization of the amortizable basis (as defined in § 1.169-3) of any certified pollution control facility (as...

26 CFR 1.169-1 - Amortization of pollution control facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Amortization of pollution control facilities. 1....169-1 Amortization of pollution control facilities. (a) Allowance of deduction—(1) In general. Under... amortization of the amortizable basis (as defined in § 1.169-3) of any certified pollution control facility (as...

26 CFR 1.169-1 - Amortization of pollution control facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Amortization of pollution control facilities. 1....169-1 Amortization of pollution control facilities. (a) Allowance of deduction—(1) In general. Under... amortization of the amortizable basis (as defined in § 1.169-3) of any certified pollution control facility (as...

26 CFR 1.169-1 - Amortization of pollution control facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Amortization of pollution control facilities. 1....169-1 Amortization of pollution control facilities. (a) Allowance of deduction—(1) In general. Under... amortization of the amortizable basis (as defined in § 1.169-3) of any certified pollution control facility (as...

26 CFR 1.169-1 - Amortization of pollution control facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Amortization of pollution control facilities. 1....169-1 Amortization of pollution control facilities. (a) Allowance of deduction—(1) In general. Under... amortization of the amortizable basis (as defined in § 1.169-3) of any certified pollution control facility (as...

Unidirectional growth of benzil crystal from solution by Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy method and its characterization.

PubMed

Rajalakshmi, M; Shyju, T S; Indirajith, R; Gopalakrishnan, R

2012-02-01

Good quality <100> benzil single crystal with a diameter 18 mm and length 75 mm was successfully grown from solution by the unidirectional growth method of Sankaranarayanan-Ramasamy (SR) for the first time in the literature. The seed crystals have been harvested from conventional solution growth technique and subsequently used for unidirectional growth. The grown crystal was subjected to various characterization studies. The results of UV-vis spectral analysis, photoluminescence, etching and microhardness studies were compared with conventional solution grown crystal to that of SR method grown crystal. The quality of SR method grown benzil crystal is better than conventional solution grown crystal. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of facility-based personalized maternal nutrition counseling in improving child growth and morbidity up to 18 months: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Burkina Faso

PubMed Central

Huybregts, Lieven; Martin-Prevel, Yves; Donnen, Philippe; Lanou, Hermann; Grosemans, Joep; Offoh, Priscilla; Dramaix-Wilmet, Michèle; Sondo, Blaise; Roberfroid, Dominique; Kolsteren, Patrick

2017-01-01

The period from conception to 24 months of age is a crucial window for nutrition interventions. Personalized maternal counseling may improve childbirth outcomes, growth, and health. We assessed the effectiveness of facility-based personalized maternal nutrition counseling (from pregnancy to 18 months after birth) in improving child growth and health in rural Burkina Faso. We conducted a paired cluster randomized controlled trial in a rural district of Burkina Faso with 12 primary health centers (clusters). Healthcare providers in the intervention centers received patient-centered communication and nutrition counseling training. Pregnant women in the third trimester living in the center catchment areas and intending to stay for the next 2 years were prospectively included. We followed 2253 mother-child pairs quarterly until the child was aged 18 months. Women were interviewed about counseling experiences, dietary practices during pregnancy, and their child’s feeding practices and morbidity history. Anthropometric measurements were taken at each visit using standardized methods. The primary outcomes were the cumulative incidence of wasting, and changes in child weight-for-height z-score (WHZ). Secondary outcomes were the women’s prenatal dietary practices, early breastfeeding practices, exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary food, child’s feeding frequency and dietary diversity, children’s mean birth weight, endpoint prevalence of stunting, and cumulative incidence of diarrhea, fever, and acute respiratory infection. All analyses were by intention-to-treat using mixed effects models. The intervention and control arms each included six health centers. Mothers in the intervention arm had a significantly higher exposure to counseling with 11.2% for breastfeeding techniques to 75.7% for counseling on exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers of infants below 6 months of age in the intervention arm were more likely to exclusively breastfeed (54.3% vs

Growth behavior of anodic porous alumina formed in malic acid solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Tatsuya; Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi; Suzuki, Ryosuke O.

2013-11-01

The growth behavior of anodic porous alumina formed on aluminum by anodizing in malic acid solutions was investigated. High-purity aluminum plates were electropolished in CH3COOH/HClO4 solutions and then anodized in 0.5 M malic acid solutions at 293 K and constant cell voltages of 200-350 V. The anodic porous alumina grew on the aluminum substrate at voltages of 200-250 V, and a black, burned oxide film was formed at higher voltages. The nanopores of the anodic oxide were only formed at grain boundaries of the aluminum substrate during the initial stage of anodizing, and then the growth region extended to the entire aluminum surface as the anodizing time increased. The anodic porous alumina with several defects was formed by anodizing in malic acid solution at 250 V, and oxide cells were approximately 300-800 nm in diameter.

Thermo-solutal growth of an anisotropic dendrite with six-fold symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrov, D. V.; Galenko, P. K.

2018-03-01

A stable growth of dendritic crystal with the six-fold crystalline anisotropy is analyzed in a binary nonisothermal mixture. A selection criterion representing a relationship between the dendrite tip velocity and its tip diameter is derived on the basis of morphological stability analysis and solvability theory. A complete set of nonlinear equations, consisting of the selection criterion and undercooling balance condition, which determines implicit dependencies of the dendrite tip velocity and tip diameter as functions of the total undercooling, is formulated. Exact analytical solutions of these nonlinear equations are found in a parametric form. Asymptotic solutions describing the crystal growth at small Péclet numbers are determined. Theoretical predictions are compared with experimental data obtained for ice dendrites growing in binary water-ethylenglycol solutions as well as in pure water.

Estimation of the growth kinetics for the cooling crystallisation of paracetamol and ethanol solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Niall A.; Ó'Ciardhá, Clifford T.; Frawley, Patrick J.

2011-08-01

This work details the estimation of the growth kinetics of paracetamol in ethanol solutions for cooling crystallisation processes, by means of isothermal seeded batch experiments. The growth kinetics of paracetamol crystals were evaluated in isolation, with the growth rate assumed to be size independent. Prior knowledge of the Metastable Zone Width (MSZW) was required, so that supersaturation ratios of 1.7-1.1 could be induced in solution without the occurrence of nucleation. The technique involved the utilisation of two in-situ Process Analytical Techniques (PATs), with a Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM ®) utilised to ensure that negligible nucleation occurred and an Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) probe employed for online monitoring of solute concentration. Initial Particle Size Distributions (PSDs) were used in conjunction with desupersaturation profiles to determine the growth rate as a function of temperature and supersaturation. Furthermore, the effects of seed loading and size on the crystal growth rate were investigated. A numerical model, incorporating the population balance equation and the method of moments, was utilised to describe the crystal growth process. Experimental parameters were compared to the model simulation, with the accuracy of the model validated by means of the final product PSDs and solute concentration.

Growth of 2D Mesoporous Polyaniline with Controlled Pore Structures on Ultrathin MoS2 Nanosheets by Block Copolymer Self-Assembly in Solution.

PubMed

Tian, Hao; Zhu, Shuyan; Xu, Fugui; Mao, Wenting; Wei, Hao; Mai, Yiyong; Feng, Xinliang

2017-12-20

The development of versatile strategies toward two-dimensional (2D) porous nanocomposites with tunable pore structures draws immense scientific attention in view of their attractive physiochemical properties and a wide range of promising applications. This paper describes a self-assembly approach for the directed growth of mesoporous polyaniline (PANi) with tunable pore structures and sizes on ultrathin freestanding MoS 2 nanosheets in solution, which produces 2D mesoporous PANi/MoS 2 nanocomposites. The strategy employs spherical and cylindrical micelles, which are formed by the controlled solution self-assembly of block copolymers, as the soft templates for the construction of well-defined spherical and cylindrical mesopores in the 2D PANi/MoS 2 nanocomposites, respectively. With potential applications as supercapacitor electrode materials, the resultant 2D composites show excellent capacitive performance with a maximum capacitance of 500 F g -1 at a current density of 0.5 A g -1 , good rate performance, as well as outstanding stability for charge-discharge cycling. Moreover, the 2D mesoporous nanocomposites offer an opportunity for the study on the influence of different pore structures on their capacitive performance, which helps to understand the pore structure-property relationship of 2D porous electrode materials and to achieve their electrochemical performance control.

EnergySolution's Clive Disposal Facility Operational Research Model - 13475

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

Nissley, Paul; Berry, Joanne

2013-07-01

EnergySolutions owns and operates a licensed, commercial low-level radioactive waste disposal facility located in Clive, Utah. The Clive site receives low-level radioactive waste from various locations within the United States via bulk truck, containerised truck, enclosed truck, bulk rail-cars, rail boxcars, and rail inter-modals. Waste packages are unloaded, characterized, processed, and disposed of at the Clive site. Examples of low-level radioactive waste arriving at Clive include, but are not limited to, contaminated soil/debris, spent nuclear power plant components, and medical waste. Generators of low-level radioactive waste typically include nuclear power plants, hospitals, national laboratories, and various United States government operatedmore » waste sites. Over the past few years, poor economic conditions have significantly reduced the number of shipments to Clive. With less revenue coming in from processing shipments, Clive needed to keep its expenses down if it was going to maintain past levels of profitability. The Operational Research group of EnergySolutions were asked to develop a simulation model to help identify any improvement opportunities that would increase overall operating efficiency and reduce costs at the Clive Facility. The Clive operations research model simulates the receipt, movement, and processing requirements of shipments arriving at the facility. The model includes shipment schedules, processing times of various waste types, labor requirements, shift schedules, and site equipment availability. The Clive operations research model has been developed using the WITNESS{sup TM} process simulation software, which is developed by the Lanner Group. The major goals of this project were to: - identify processing bottlenecks that could reduce the turnaround time from shipment arrival to disposal; - evaluate the use (or idle time) of labor and equipment; - project future operational requirements under different forecasted scenarios. By

A Rationale for System-Dependent Advantages and Disadvantages of Solution Crystal Growth at Low Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberger, Franz; Vekilov, Peter G.; Lin, Hong; Alexander, J. Iwan D.

1997-01-01

Protein crystallization experiments at reduced gravity have yielded crystals that, depending on the specific material, are either superior or inferior in their structural perfection compared to counterparts grown at normal gravity. A reduction of the crystals' quality due to their growth at low gravity cannot be understood from existing models. Our experimental investigations of the ground-based crystallization of the protein lysozyme have revealed pronounced unsteady growth layer dynamics and associated defect formation under steady external conditions. Through scaling analysis and numerical simulations we show that the observed fluctuations originate from the coupling of bulk transport with non-linear interface kinetics under mixed kinetics-transport control of the growth rate. The amplitude of the fluctuations is smallest when either transport or interfacial kinetics dominate the control of the crystallization process. Thus, depending on the specific system, crystal quality may be improved by either enhancing or suppressing the transport in the solution. These considerations provide, for the first time, a material-dependent rationale for the advantages, as well as the disadvantages, of reduced gravity for (protein) crystallization.

Team processes in airway facilities operations control centers.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-07-01

In October 2000, the Airway Facilities organization plans to transition the National Airspace System (NAS) monitoring responsibilities to three regional Operations Control Centers (OCCs). Teams in these facilities will be different from those that cu...

Endocrinological control of growth.

PubMed

Sizonenko, P C

1978-01-01

Many endocrinological factors control cellular growth of different tissues (cell multiplication and cell volume) and skeletal growth. The role of neuro-transmitters and of hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting factors of growth hormone secretion will be reviewed. The importance of the somatomedins on cartilage growth will be stressed. Thyroid hormones, androgens, and oestrogens have important stimulating actions on skeletal growth and maturation. Conversely, glucocorticoids have an important inhibitory effect on growth. The precise roles of these hormone factors in the regulation of growth hormone secretion, somatomedin production and tissue growth, particularly the cartilage, remain to be completely elucidated.

Use of frit-disc crucibles for routine and exploratory solution growth of single crystalline samples

DOE PAGES

Canfield, Paul C.; Kong, Tai; Kaluarachchi, Udhara S.; ...

2016-01-05

Solution growth of single crystals from high temperature solutions often involves the separation of residual solution from the grown crystals. For many growths of intermetallic compounds, this separation has historically been achieved with the use of plugs of silica wool. Whereas this is generally efficient in a mechanical sense, it leads to a significant contamination of the decanted liquid with silica fibres. In this paper, we present a simple design for frit-disc alumina crucible sets that has made their use in the growth single crystals from high temperature solutions both simple and affordable. An alumina frit-disc allows for the cleanmore » separation of the residual liquid from the solid phase. This allows for the reuse of the decanted liquid, either for further growth of the same phase, or for subsequent growth of other, related phases. In this article, we provide examples of the growth of isotopically substituted TbCd 6 and icosahedral i-RCd quasicrystals, as well as the separation of (i) the closely related Bi 2Rh 3S 2 and Bi 2Rh 3.5S 2 phases and (ii) and PrZn 11 and PrZn 17.« less

Plum Brook Reactor Facility Control Room during Facility Startup

NASA Image and Video Library

1961-02-21

Operators test the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Plum Brook Reactor Facility systems in the months leading up to its actual operation. The “Reactor On” signs are illuminated but the reactor core was not yet ready for chain reactions. Just a couple weeks after this photograph, Plum Brook Station held a media open house to unveil the 60-megawatt test reactor near Sandusky, Ohio. More than 60 members of the print media and radio and television news services met at the site to talk with community leaders and representatives from NASA and Atomic Energy Commission. The Plum Brook reactor went critical for the first time on the evening of June 14, 1961. It was not until April 1963 that the reactor reached its full potential of 60 megawatts. The reactor control room, located on the second floor of the facility, was run by licensed operators. The operators manually operated the shim rods which adjusted the chain reaction in the reactor core. The regulating rods could partially or completely shut down the reactor. The control room also housed remote area monitoring panels and other monitoring equipment that allowed operators to monitor radiation sensors located throughout the facility and to scram the reactor instantly if necessary. The color of the indicator lights corresponded with the elevation of the detectors in the various buildings. The reactor could also shut itself down automatically if the monitors detected any sudden irregularities.

RETROFITTING CONTROL FACILITIES FOR WET-WEATHER FLOW TREATMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Available technologies were evaluated to demonstrate the technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of retrofitting existing facilities to handle wet-weather flow. Cost/benefit relationships were also compared to construction of new conventional control and treatment facilities...

Evaluating and optimizing horticultural regimes in space plant growth facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berkovich, Y.; Chetirkin, R.; Wheeler, R.; Sager, J.

In designing innovative Space Plant Growth Facilities (SPGF) for long duration space f ightl various limitations must be addressed including onboard resources: volume, energy consumption, heat transfer and crew labor expenditure. The required accuracy in evaluating onboard resources by using the equivalent mass methodology and applying it to the design of such facilities is not precise. This is due to the uncertainty of the structure and not completely understanding of the properties of all associated hardware, including the technology in these systems. We present a simple criteria of optimization for horticultural regimes in SPGF: Qmax = max [M · (EBI) 2 / (V · E · T) ], where M is the crop harvest in terms of total dry biomass in the plant growth system; EBI is the edible biomass index (harvest index), V is a volume occupied by the crop; E is the crop light energy supply during growth; T is the crop growth duration. The criterion reflects directly on the consumption of onboard resources for crop production. We analyzed the efficiency of plant crops and the environmental parameters by examining the criteria for 15 salad and 12 wheat crops from the data in the ALS database at Kennedy Space Center. Some following conclusion have been established: 1. The technology involved in growing salad crops on a cylindrical type surface provides a more meaningful Q-criterion; 2. Wheat crops were less efficient than leafy greens (salad crops) when examining resource utilization; 3. By increasing light intensity of the crop the efficiency of the resource utilization could decrease. Using the existing databases and Q-criteria we have found that the criteria can be used in optimizing design and horticultural regimes in the SPGF.

Healthy firms: constraints to growth among private health sector facilities in Ghana and Kenya.

PubMed

Burger, Nicholas E; Kopf, Daniel; Spreng, Connor P; Yoong, Joanne; Sood, Neeraj

2012-01-01

Health outcomes in developing countries continue to lag the developed world, and many countries are not on target to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The private health sector provides much of the care in many developing countries (e.g., approximately 50 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa), but private providers are often poorly integrated into the health system. Efforts to improve health systems performance will need to include the private sector and increase its contributions to national health goals. However, the literature on constraints private health care providers face is limited. We analyze data from a survey of private health facilities in Kenya and Ghana to evaluate growth constraints facing private providers. A significant portion of facilities (Ghana: 62 percent; Kenya: 40 percent) report limited access to finance as the most significant barrier they face; only a small minority of facilities report using formal credit institutions to finance day to day operations (Ghana: 6 percent; Kenya: 11 percent). Other important barriers include corruption, crime, limited demand for goods and services, and poor public infrastructure. Most facilities have paper-based rather than electronic systems for patient records (Ghana: 30 percent; Kenya: 22 percent), accounting (Ghana: 45 percent; Kenya: 27 percent), and inventory control (Ghana: 41 percent; Kenya: 24 percent). A majority of clinics in both countries report undertaking activities to improve provider skills and to monitor the level and quality of care they provide. However, only a minority of pharmacies report undertaking such activities. The results suggest that improved access to finance and improving business processes especially among pharmacies would support improved contributions by private health facilities. These strategies might be complementary if providers are more able to take advantage of increased access to finance when they have the business processes in place for operating a successful business

Healthy Firms: Constraints to Growth among Private Health Sector Facilities in Ghana and Kenya

PubMed Central

Burger, Nicholas E.; Kopf, Daniel; Spreng, Connor P.; Yoong, Joanne; Sood, Neeraj

2012-01-01

Background Health outcomes in developing countries continue to lag the developed world, and many countries are not on target to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The private health sector provides much of the care in many developing countries (e.g., approximately 50 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa), but private providers are often poorly integrated into the health system. Efforts to improve health systems performance will need to include the private sector and increase its contributions to national health goals. However, the literature on constraints private health care providers face is limited. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyze data from a survey of private health facilities in Kenya and Ghana to evaluate growth constraints facing private providers. A significant portion of facilities (Ghana: 62 percent; Kenya: 40 percent) report limited access to finance as the most significant barrier they face; only a small minority of facilities report using formal credit institutions to finance day to day operations (Ghana: 6 percent; Kenya: 11 percent). Other important barriers include corruption, crime, limited demand for goods and services, and poor public infrastructure. Most facilities have paper-based rather than electronic systems for patient records (Ghana: 30 percent; Kenya: 22 percent), accounting (Ghana: 45 percent; Kenya: 27 percent), and inventory control (Ghana: 41 percent; Kenya: 24 percent). A majority of clinics in both countries report undertaking activities to improve provider skills and to monitor the level and quality of care they provide. However, only a minority of pharmacies report undertaking such activities. Conclusions/Significance The results suggest that improved access to finance and improving business processes especially among pharmacies would support improved contributions by private health facilities. These strategies might be complementary if providers are more able to take advantage of increased access to finance when they have

Using Strong Magnetic Fields to Control Solutal Convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramachandran, N.; Leslie, F. W.

2003-01-01

An important component in biotechnology, particularly in the area of protein engineering and rational drug design is the knowledge of the precise three-dimensional molecular structure of proteins. The quality of structural information obtained from X-ray diffraction methods is directly dependent on the degree of perfection of the protein crystals. As a consequence, the growth of high quality macromolecular crystals for diffraction analyses has been the central focus for biochemists, biologists, and bioengineers. Macromolecular crystals are obtained from solutions that contain the crystallizing species in equilibrium with higher aggregates, ions, precipitants, other possible phases of the protein, foreign particles, the walls of the container, and a likely host of other impurities. By changing transport modes in general, i.e., reduction of convection and sedimentation, as is achieved in microgravity , we have been able to dramatically affect the movement and distribution of macromolecules in the fluid, and thus their transport, formation of crystal nuclei, and adsorption to the crystal surface. While a limited number of high quality crystals from space flights have been obtained, as the recent National Research Council (NRC) review of the NASA microgravity crystallization program pointed out, the scientific approach and research in crystallization of proteins has been mainly empirical yielding inconclusive results. We postulate that we can reduce convection in ground-based experiments and we can understand the different aspects of convection control through the use of strong magnetic fields and field gradients. We postulate that limited convection in a magnetic field will provide the environment for the growth of high quality crystals. The approach exploits the variation of fluid magnetic susceptibility with concentration for this purpose and the convective damping is realized by appropriately positioning the crystal growth cell so that the magnetic susceptibility

Evaluation of experimental parameters for growth of homogeneous solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheel, Hans J.; Swendsen, Robert H.

2001-12-01

In this paper, we discuss the experimental conditions required to grow large two-component crystals from homogeneous solid solutions. Building on the work of Burton, Prim, and Slichter and that of Van Erk, we are able to establish that the concentration fluctuations for diffusion-limited growth are rather insensitive to hydrodynamic fluctuations. This enables a crystal grower to take advantage of forced convection to optimize growth rates without aggravating the striation problem.

Crystal Growth Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duval, Walter M. B.; Batur, Celal; Bennett, Robert J.

1997-01-01

We present an innovative design of a vertical transparent multizone furnace which can operate in the temperature range of 25 C to 750 C and deliver thermal gradients of 2 C/cm to 45 C/cm for the commercial applications to crystal growth. The operation of the eight zone furnace is based on a self-tuning temperature control system with a DC power supply for optimal thermal stability. We show that the desired thermal profile over the entire length of the furnace consists of a functional combination of the fundamental thermal profiles for each individual zone obtained by setting the set-point temperature for that zone. The self-tuning system accounts for the zone to zone thermal interactions. The control system operates such that the thermal profile is maintained under thermal load, thus boundary conditions on crystal growth ampoules can be predetermined prior to crystal growth. Temperature profiles for the growth of crystals via directional solidification, vapor transport techniques, and multiple gradient applications are shown to be easily implemented. The unique feature of its transparency and ease of programming thermal profiles make the furnace useful for scientific and commercial applications for the determination of process parameters to optimize crystal growth conditions.

Modeling crystal growth from solution with molecular dynamics simulations: approaches to transition rate constants.

PubMed

Reilly, Anthony M; Briesen, Heiko

2012-01-21

The feasibility of using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique to study crystal growth from solution quantitatively, as well as to obtain transition rate constants, has been studied. The dynamics of an interface between a solution of Lennard-Jones particles and the (100) face of an fcc lattice comprised of solute particles have been studied using MD simulations, showing that MD is, in principle, capable of following growth behavior over large supersaturation and temperature ranges. Using transition state theory, and a nearest-neighbor approximation growth and dissolution rate constants have been extracted from equilibrium MD simulations at a variety of temperatures. The temperature dependence of the rates agrees well with the expected transition state theory behavior. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

Description of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Jeffrey P.; Rallo, Rosemary A.

1987-01-01

A laboratory facility for the study of control laws for large flexible spacecraft is described. The facility fulfills the requirements of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) design challenge for a laboratory experiment, which will allow slew maneuvers and pointing operations. The structural apparatus is described in detail sufficient for modelling purposes. The sensor and actuator types and characteristics are described so that identification and control algorithms may be designed. The control implementation computer and real-time subroutines are also described.

Description of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Jeffrey P.; Rallo, Rosemary A.

1987-01-01

A laboratory facility for the study of control laws for large flexible spacecraft is described. The facility fulfills the requirements of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) design challenge for laboratory experiments, which will allow slew maneuvers and pointing operations. The structural apparatus is described in detail sufficient for modelling purposes. The sensor and actuator types and characteristics are described so that identification and control algorithms may be designed. The control implementation computer and real-time subroutines are also described.

Solution-processed, Self-organized Organic Single Crystal Arrays with Controlled Crystal Orientation

PubMed Central

Kumatani, Akichika; Liu, Chuan; Li, Yun; Darmawan, Peter; Takimiya, Kazuo; Minari, Takeo; Tsukagoshi, Kazuhito

2012-01-01

A facile solution process for the fabrication of organic single crystal semiconductor devices which meets the demand for low-cost and large-area fabrication of high performance electronic devices is demonstrated. In this paper, we develop a bottom-up method which enables direct formation of organic semiconductor single crystals at selected locations with desired orientations. Here oriented growth of one-dimensional organic crystals is achieved by using self-assembly of organic molecules as the driving force to align these crystals in patterned regions. Based upon the self-organized organic single crystals, we fabricate organic field effect transistor arrays which exhibit an average field-effect mobility of 1.1 cm2V−1s−1. This method can be carried out under ambient atmosphere at room temperature, thus particularly promising for production of future plastic electronics. PMID:22563523

Thermal Vacuum Control Systems Options for Test Facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marchetti, John

2008-01-01

This presentation suggests several Thermal Vacuum System (TVAC) control design approach methods for TVAC facilities. Over the past several years many aerospace companies have or are currently upgrading their TVAC testing facilities whether it be by upgrading old equipment or purchasing new. In doing so they are updating vacuum pumping and thermal capabilities of their chambers as well as their control systems. Although control systems are sometimes are considered second to the vacuum or thermal system upgrade process, they should not be taken lightly and must be planned and implemented with the equipment it is to control. Also, emphasis should be placed on how the operators will use the system as well as the requirements of "their" customers. Presented will be various successful methods of TVAC control systems from Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based to personal computer (PC) based control.

21 CFR 110.37 - Sanitary facilities and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... food-packaging materials, or for employee sanitary facilities. (b) Plumbing. Plumbing shall be of... understandable signs directing employees handling unproteced food, unprotected food-packaging materials, of food... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Sanitary facilities and controls. 110.37 Section...

21 CFR 110.37 - Sanitary facilities and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... HUMAN FOOD Buildings and Facilities § 110.37 Sanitary facilities and controls. Each plant shall be... water to required locations throughout the plant. (2) Properly convey sewage and liquid disposable waste from the plant. (3) Avoid constituting a source of contamination to food, water supplies, equipment, or...

21 CFR 110.37 - Sanitary facilities and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... HUMAN FOOD Buildings and Facilities § 110.37 Sanitary facilities and controls. Each plant shall be... water to required locations throughout the plant. (2) Properly convey sewage and liquid disposable waste from the plant. (3) Avoid constituting a source of contamination to food, water supplies, equipment, or...

21 CFR 110.37 - Sanitary facilities and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... HUMAN FOOD Buildings and Facilities § 110.37 Sanitary facilities and controls. Each plant shall be... water to required locations throughout the plant. (2) Properly convey sewage and liquid disposable waste from the plant. (3) Avoid constituting a source of contamination to food, water supplies, equipment, or...

Impurity effects in crystal growth from solutions: Steady states, transients and step bunch motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranganathan, Madhav; Weeks, John D.

2014-05-01

We analyze a recently formulated model in which adsorbed impurities impede the motion of steps in crystals grown from solutions, while moving steps can remove or deactivate adjacent impurities. In this model, the chemical potential change of an atom on incorporation/desorption to/from a step is calculated for different step configurations and used in the dynamical simulation of step motion. The crucial difference between solution growth and vapor growth is related to the dependence of the driving force for growth of the main component on the size of the terrace in front of the step. This model has features resembling experiments in solution growth, which yields a dead zone with essentially no growth at low supersaturation and the motion of large coherent step bunches at larger supersaturation. The transient behavior shows a regime wherein steps bunch together and move coherently as the bunch size increases. The behavior at large line tension is reminiscent of the kink-poisoning mechanism of impurities observed in calcite growth. Our model unifies different impurity models and gives a picture of nonequilibrium dynamics that includes both steady states and time dependent behavior and shows similarities with models of disordered systems and the pinning/depinning transition.

Solidification and crystal growth of solid solution semiconducting alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehoczky, S. L.; Szofran, F. R.

1984-01-01

Problems associated with the solidification and crytal growth of solid-solution semiconducting alloy crystals in a terrestrial environment are described. A detailed description is given of the results for the growth of mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) alloy crystals by directional solidification, because of their considerable technological importance. A series of HgCdTe alloy crystals are grown from pseudobinary melts by a vertical Bridgman method using a wide range of growth rates and thermal conditions. Precision measurements are performed to establish compositional profiles for the crystals. The compositional variations are related to compositional variations in the melts that can result from two-dimensional diffusion or density gradient driven flow effects ahead of the growth interface. These effects are discussed in terms of the alloy phase equilibrium properties, the recent high temperature thermophysical data for the alloys and the highly unusual heat transfer characteristics of the alloy/ampule/furnace system that may readily lead to double diffusive convective flows in a gravitational environment.

Facile solution synthesis of hexagonal Alq3 nanorods and their field emission properties.

PubMed

Hu, Jin-Song; Ji, Heng-Xing; Cao, An-Min; Huang, Zheng-Xi; Zhang, Yang; Wan, Li-Jun; Xia, An-Dong; Yu, Da-Peng; Meng, Xiang-Min; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2007-08-07

A facile self-assembly growth route assisted by surfactant has been developed to synthesize tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminium (Alq(3)) nanorods with regular hexagonal shape and good crystallinity, which exhibit field-emission characteristics with a very low turn-on field of ca. 3.1 V microm(-1) and a high field-enhancement factor of ca. 1300.

The effect of cation:anion ratio in solution on the mechanism of barite growth at constant supersaturation: Role of the desolvation process on the growth kinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kowacz, M.; Putnis, C. V.; Putnis, A.

2007-11-01

The mechanism of barite growth has been investigated in a fluid cell of an Atomic Force Microscope by passing solutions of constant supersaturation ( Ω) but variable ion activity ratio ( r=a/a) over a barite substrate.The observed dependence of step-spreading velocity on solution stoichiometry can be explained by considering non-equivalent attachment frequency factors for the cation and anion. We show that the potential for two-dimensional nucleation changes under a constant thermodynamic driving force due to the kinetics of barium integration into the surface, and that the growth mode changes from preexisting step advancement to island spreading as the cation/anion activity ratio increases. Scanning electron microscopy studies of crystals grown in bulk solutions support our findings that matching the ion ratio in the fluid to that of the crystal lattice does not result in maximum growth and nucleation rates. Significantly more rapid rates correspond to solution stoichiometries where [Ba 2+] is in excess with respect to [ SO42-]. Experiments performed in dilute aqueous solutions of methanol show that even 0.02 molar fraction of organic cosolvent in the growth solution significantly accelerates step growth velocity and nucleation rates (while keeping Ω the same as in the reference solution in water). Our observations suggest that the effect of methanol on barite growth results first of all from reduction of the barrier that prevents the Ba 2+ from reaching the surface and corroborate the hypothesis that desolvation of the cation and of the surface is the rate limiting kinetic process for two-dimensional nucleation and for crystal growth.

Growth of single crystals from solutions using semi-permeable membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varkey, A. J.; Okeke, C. E.

1983-05-01

A technique suitable for growth of single crystals from solutions using semi-preamble membranes is described. Using this technique single crystals of copper sulphate, potassium bromide and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate have been successfully grown. Advantages of this technique over other methods are discussed.

7 CFR 1424.10 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 10 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... § 1424.10 Succession and control of facilities and production. A person who obtains a facility that is... grant such request if it is determined that permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the...

7 CFR 1424.10 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 10 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... § 1424.10 Succession and control of facilities and production. A person who obtains a facility that is... grant such request if it is determined that permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the...

7 CFR 1424.10 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 10 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... § 1424.10 Succession and control of facilities and production. A person who obtains a facility that is... grant such request if it is determined that permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the...

7 CFR 1424.10 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 10 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... § 1424.10 Succession and control of facilities and production. A person who obtains a facility that is... grant such request if it is determined that permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the...

7 CFR 1424.10 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 10 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... § 1424.10 Succession and control of facilities and production. A person who obtains a facility that is... grant such request if it is determined that permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the...

Electrochemical Solution Growth of Magnetic Nitrides

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

Monson, Todd C.; Pearce, Charles

Magnetic nitrides, if manufactured in bulk form, would provide designers of transformers and inductors with a new class of better performing and affordable soft magnetic materials. According to experimental results from thin films and/or theoretical calculations, magnetic nitrides would have magnetic moments well in excess of current state of the art soft magnets. Furthermore, magnetic nitrides would have higher resistivities than current transformer core materials and therefore not require the use of laminates of inactive material to limit eddy current losses. However, almost all of the magnetic nitrides have been elusive except in difficult to reproduce thin films or asmore » inclusions in another material. Now, through its ability to reduce atmospheric nitrogen, the electrochemical solution growth (ESG) technique can bring highly sought after (and previously inaccessible) new magnetic nitrides into existence in bulk form. This method utilizes a molten salt as a solvent to solubilize metal cations and nitrogen ions produced electrochemically and form nitrogen compounds. Unlike other growth methods, the scalable ESG process can sustain high growth rates (~mm/hr) even under reasonable operating conditions (atmospheric pressure and 500 °C). Ultimately, this translates into a high throughput, low cost, manufacturing process. The ESG process has already been used successfully to grow high quality GaN. Below, the experimental results of an exploratory express LDRD project to access the viability of the ESG technique to grow magnetic nitrides will be presented.« less

Effect of Irrigation Time of Antiseptic Solutions on Bone Cell Viability and Growth Factor Release.

PubMed

Sawada, Kosaku; Nakahara, Ken; Haga-Tsujimura, Maiko; Fujioka-Kobayashi, Masako; Iizuka, Tateyuki; Miron, Richard J

2018-03-01

Antiseptic solutions are commonly utilized to treat local infection in the oral and maxillofacial region. However, surrounding vital bone is also exposed to antiseptic agents during irrigation and may have a potential negative impact on bone survival. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effect of rinsing time with various antiseptic solutions on bone cell viability, as well as their subsequent release of growth factors important for bone regeneration. The bone samples collected from porcine mandible were rinsed in the following commonly utilized antiseptic solutions; povidone-iodine (0.5%), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX, 0.2%), hydrogen peroxide (1%), and sodium hypochlorite (0.25%) for 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 minutes and assessed for cell viability and release of growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta 1, bone morphogenetic protein 2, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, and interleukin-1 beta by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found in all the tested groups that the long exposure of any of the tested antiseptic solutions drastically promoted higher cell death. Sodium hypochlorite demonstrated the significantly highest cell death and at all time points. Interestingly, bone cell viability was highest in the CHX group post short-term rinsing of 1, 5, or 10 minutes when compared with the other 4 tested groups. A similar trend was also observed in subsequent growth factor release. The present study demonstrated that of the 4 tested antiseptic solutions, short-term CHX rinsing (ideally within 1 minute) favored bone cell viability and growth factor release. Clinical protocols should be adapted accordingly.

Chemical Control of Plant Growth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agricultural Research Center (USDA), Beltsville, MD.

Seven experiments are presented in this Science Study Aid to help students investigate the control of plant growth with chemicals. Plant growth regulators, weed control, and chemical pruning are the topics studied in the experiments which are based on investigations that have been and are being conducted at the U. S. Agricultural Research Center,…

(NTF) National Transonic Facility Test 213-SFW Flow Control II,

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-11-19

(NTF) National Transonic Facility Test 213-SFW Flow Control II, Fast-MAC Model: The fundamental Aerodynamics Subsonic Transonic-Modular Active Control (Fast-MAC) Model was tested for the 2nd time in the NTF. The objectives were to document the effects of Reynolds numbers on circulation control aerodynamics and to develop and open data set for CFD code validation. Image taken in building 1236, National Transonic Facility

Space manufacturing in an automated crystal growth facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quinn, Alberta W.; Herrmann, Melody C.; Nelson, Pamela J.

1989-01-01

An account is given of a Space Station Freedom-based robotic laboratory system for crystal growth experiments; the robot must interface with both the experimental apparatus and such human input as may be required for control and display. The goal of the system is the simultaneous growth of several hundred protein crystals in microgravity. The robot possesses six degrees-of-freedom, allowing it to efficiently manipulate the cultured crystals as well as their respective growth cells; the crystals produced are expected to be of sufficiently high quality for complete structural determination on the basis of XRD.

33 CFR 154.2103 - Facility requirements for vessel vapor overpressure and vacuum protection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN BULK Marine Vapor Control Systems Transfer Facilities-Vcs Design and Installation... rate, unless there is experimental data for actual vapor growth for turbulent transferring under the... vapor growth. (b) A facility VCS must be designed to prevent the pressure in a vessel's cargo tanks from...

The amino acid's backup bone - storage solutions for proteomics facilities.

PubMed

Meckel, Hagen; Stephan, Christian; Bunse, Christian; Krafzik, Michael; Reher, Christopher; Kohl, Michael; Meyer, Helmut Erich; Eisenacher, Martin

2014-01-01

Proteomics methods, especially high-throughput mass spectrometry analysis have been continually developed and improved over the years. The analysis of complex biological samples produces large volumes of raw data. Data storage and recovery management pose substantial challenges to biomedical or proteomic facilities regarding backup and archiving concepts as well as hardware requirements. In this article we describe differences between the terms backup and archive with regard to manual and automatic approaches. We also introduce different storage concepts and technologies from transportable media to professional solutions such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, network attached storages (NAS) and storage area network (SAN). Moreover, we present a software solution, which we developed for the purpose of long-term preservation of large mass spectrometry raw data files on an object storage device (OSD) archiving system. Finally, advantages, disadvantages, and experiences from routine operations of the presented concepts and technologies are evaluated and discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Computational Proteomics in the Post-Identification Era. Guest Editors: Martin Eisenacher and Christian Stephan. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Analytical solution of Luedeking-Piret equation for a batch fermentation obeying Monod growth kinetics.

PubMed

Garnier, Alain; Gaillet, Bruno

2015-12-01

Not so many fermentation mathematical models allow analytical solutions of batch process dynamics. The most widely used is the combination of the logistic microbial growth kinetics with Luedeking-Piret bioproduct synthesis relation. However, the logistic equation is principally based on formalistic similarities and only fits a limited range of fermentation types. In this article, we have developed an analytical solution for the combination of Monod growth kinetics with Luedeking-Piret relation, which can be identified by linear regression and used to simulate batch fermentation evolution. Two classical examples are used to show the quality of fit and the simplicity of the method proposed. A solution for the combination of Haldane substrate-limited growth model combined with Luedeking-Piret relation is also provided. These models could prove useful for the analysis of fermentation data in industry as well as academia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The deep space network, volume 18. [Deep Space Instrumentation Facility, Ground Communication Facility, and Network Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The objectives, functions, and organization of the Deep Space Network are summarized. The Deep Space Instrumentation Facility, the Ground Communications Facility, and the Network Control System are described.

Modeling effects of solute concentration in Bridgman growth of cadmium zinc telluride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stelian, Carmen; Duffar, Thierry

2016-07-01

Numerical modeling is used to investigate the effect of solute concentration on the melt convection and interface shape in Bridgman growth of Cd1-x Znx Te (CZT). The numerical analysis is compared to experimental growth in cylindrical ampoules having a conical tip performed by Komar et al. (2001) [15]. In these experiments, the solidification process occurs at slow growth rate (V = 2 ṡ10-7 m / s) in a thermal field characterized by a vertical gradient GT = 20 K / cm at the growth interface. The computations performed by accounting the solutal effect show a progressive damping of the melt convection due to the depleted Zn at the growth interface. The computed shape of the crystallization front is in agreement with the experimental measurement showing a convex-concave shape for the growth through the conical part of the ampoule and a concave shape of the interface in the cylindrical region. The distribution of Zn is nearly uniform over the crystal length except for the end part of the ingots. The anomalous zinc segregation observed in some experiments is explained by introducing the hypothesis of incomplete charge mixing during the homogenization time which precedes the growth process. When the crystallization is started in ampoules having a very sharp conical tip, the heavy CdTe is accumulated at the bottom part of the melt, giving rise to anomalous segregation patterns, featuring very low zinc concentration in the ingots during the first stage of the solidification.

Improved Radiative Control of Ribbon Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mchugh, J. P.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Skutch, M. E.

1984-01-01

Shield modifications enhance growth rate while reducing silicon oxide formation. Control of dendritic-web crystal growth requires precise control of web temperature profile. Achieved by using series of thermal radiation shields to control thermal-radiation field in region where melt solidifying onto crystal ribbon being pulled from melt.

Segregation control in vertical Bridgman crystal growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Y.; Kou, S.

1996-11-01

To help the crystal grow at a constant dopant concentration in vertical Bridgman crystal growth, the dopant concentration of the growth melt, i.e. the melt from which the crystal grows, was kept constant. To achieve this, three different methods were used to replenish the growth melt at a controlled rate and suppress dopant diffusion between the growth melt and the replenishing melt. In method one, a replenishing crucible having a long melt passageway was immersed in the growth melt. In method two, a replenishing crucible having an independent feed-rate control mechanism was held above the growth melt. In method three, a submerged diffusion baffle was used to form a long melt passageway between the growth melt and the replenishing melt. NaNO 3 was used as a model material for crystal growth. Single crystals were grown by these three methods with effective segregation control. Method two was applied to InSb and single crystals were also grown with effective segregation control.

Microflora inside closed modules with plant growth facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zyablova, Natalya V.; Berkovich, Yuliy A.; Shanturin, Nikolai; Deshevaya, Elena; Smolyanina, Svetlana O.

Currently, plant growth facility (PGF) is included in the LSS in many scenarios of Martian expedition. A number of investigators assume growing of crops can accelerate microflora re-production in closed ecological system. To estimate experimentally the change of density of microbiological community in the isolated module, Chinese cabbage Brassica hinensis L., cv. Vesnyanka, has been grown in the closed climatic chambers in volume 0.07 m3, 3 m3 and 250 m3 under continuous illumination in the range of values of temperature and relative humidity of air 23 -270 and 30 -60%, respectively. There were no differences in growth and develop-ment of plants grown during 30 days on the test-beds in the laboratory room (control) and in the closed chamber by 0.07 m3 volume (test). The microbiological analysis of root zone has revealed the presence of exclusively saprophytic species -the typical representatives of the soil microbiota. Then the plants were growing during 45 days in the prototype of the conveyor space PGF "Phytocycle LED" placed inside the chamber of 3 m3 volume. Every 3 days 50 -60 cm3 of liquid imitator of air condensate (IAC) from inhabited module had been injected to the chamber to simulate air pollution. The content of colony-forming units of the micromycetes in the air of the chamber, on the inner surfaces of the climate chamber, internal and external surfaces of the PGF and the leaves did not exceed the permissible values. When the PGF has been installed during 14 days inside the inhabited module with volume of 250 m3, the representatives of saprophytic and conditioned-pathogenic species of micromycetes (Trichethe-cium rozeum, Trichoderma sp., Fuzarrium sp., Mucor sp., Penicillium sp.) have been found out exclusively on the open surfaces of artificial soil and water-saturated porous passage. The obtained data shows that PGF inside closed modules can assure microbiological safety when all wet surfaces are isolated from the gas environment.

Hormonal Control of Fetal Growth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooke, Paul S.; Nicoll, Charles S.

1983-01-01

Summarizes recent research on hormonal control of fetal growth, presenting data obtained using a new method for studying the area. Effects of endocrine ablations and congenital deficiencies, studies of hormone/receptor levels, in-vitro techniques, hormones implicated in promoting fetal growth, problems with existing methodologies, and growth of…

Scalable solution-phase epitaxial growth of symmetry-mismatched heterostructures on two-dimensional crystal soft template.

PubMed

Lin, Zhaoyang; Yin, Anxiang; Mao, Jun; Xia, Yi; Kempf, Nicholas; He, Qiyuan; Wang, Yiliu; Chen, Chih-Yen; Zhang, Yanliang; Ozolins, Vidvuds; Ren, Zhifeng; Huang, Yu; Duan, Xiangfeng

2016-10-01

Epitaxial heterostructures with precisely controlled composition and electronic modulation are of central importance for electronics, optoelectronics, thermoelectrics, and catalysis. In general, epitaxial material growth requires identical or nearly identical crystal structures with small misfit in lattice symmetry and parameters and is typically achieved by vapor-phase depositions in vacuum. We report a scalable solution-phase growth of symmetry-mismatched PbSe/Bi 2 Se 3 epitaxial heterostructures by using two-dimensional (2D) Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates as soft templates. The dangling bond-free surface of 2D Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates guides the growth of PbSe crystal without requiring a one-to-one match in the atomic structure, which exerts minimal restriction on the epitaxial layer. With a layered structure and weak van der Waals interlayer interaction, the interface layer in the 2D Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates can deform to accommodate incoming layer, thus functioning as a soft template for symmetry-mismatched epitaxial growth of cubic PbSe crystal on rhombohedral Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates. We show that a solution chemistry approach can be readily used for the synthesis of gram-scale PbSe/Bi 2 Se 3 epitaxial heterostructures, in which the square PbSe (001) layer forms on the trigonal/hexagonal (0001) plane of Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates. We further show that the resulted PbSe/Bi 2 Se 3 heterostructures can be readily processed into bulk pellet with considerably suppressed thermal conductivity (0.30 W/m·K at room temperature) while retaining respectable electrical conductivity, together delivering a thermoelectric figure of merit ZT three times higher than that of the pristine Bi 2 Se 3 nanoplates at 575 K. Our study demonstrates a unique epitaxy mode enabled by the 2D nanocrystal soft template via an affordable and scalable solution chemistry approach. It opens up new opportunities for the creation of diverse epitaxial heterostructures with highly disparate structures and functions.

Scalable solution-phase epitaxial growth of symmetry-mismatched heterostructures on two-dimensional crystal soft template

PubMed Central

Lin, Zhaoyang; Yin, Anxiang; Mao, Jun; Xia, Yi; Kempf, Nicholas; He, Qiyuan; Wang, Yiliu; Chen, Chih-Yen; Zhang, Yanliang; Ozolins, Vidvuds; Ren, Zhifeng; Huang, Yu; Duan, Xiangfeng

2016-01-01

Epitaxial heterostructures with precisely controlled composition and electronic modulation are of central importance for electronics, optoelectronics, thermoelectrics, and catalysis. In general, epitaxial material growth requires identical or nearly identical crystal structures with small misfit in lattice symmetry and parameters and is typically achieved by vapor-phase depositions in vacuum. We report a scalable solution-phase growth of symmetry-mismatched PbSe/Bi2Se3 epitaxial heterostructures by using two-dimensional (2D) Bi2Se3 nanoplates as soft templates. The dangling bond–free surface of 2D Bi2Se3 nanoplates guides the growth of PbSe crystal without requiring a one-to-one match in the atomic structure, which exerts minimal restriction on the epitaxial layer. With a layered structure and weak van der Waals interlayer interaction, the interface layer in the 2D Bi2Se3 nanoplates can deform to accommodate incoming layer, thus functioning as a soft template for symmetry-mismatched epitaxial growth of cubic PbSe crystal on rhombohedral Bi2Se3 nanoplates. We show that a solution chemistry approach can be readily used for the synthesis of gram-scale PbSe/Bi2Se3 epitaxial heterostructures, in which the square PbSe (001) layer forms on the trigonal/hexagonal (0001) plane of Bi2Se3 nanoplates. We further show that the resulted PbSe/Bi2Se3 heterostructures can be readily processed into bulk pellet with considerably suppressed thermal conductivity (0.30 W/m·K at room temperature) while retaining respectable electrical conductivity, together delivering a thermoelectric figure of merit ZT three times higher than that of the pristine Bi2Se3 nanoplates at 575 K. Our study demonstrates a unique epitaxy mode enabled by the 2D nanocrystal soft template via an affordable and scalable solution chemistry approach. It opens up new opportunities for the creation of diverse epitaxial heterostructures with highly disparate structures and functions. PMID:27730211

Single-crystalline twinned ZnO nanoleaf structure via a facile hydrothermal process.

PubMed

Qiu, Jijun; Lil, Xiaomin; Gao, Xiangdong; Gan, Xiaoyan; He, Weizhen; Kim, Hyung-Kook; Hwang, Yoon-Hwae

2011-03-01

A single-crystalline twinned ZnO nanostructure with a 2-dimensional leaf-like morphology (nanoleaves) was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal strategy. The ZnO nanoleaves had 2-fold symmetric branches, which were identified by the existence of an inversion domain boundary (IDB) along the [2110] growth direction of the ribbon-like stems with both side surfaces of the stems terminated with a chemically active Zn-(0001) plane. A proposed growth mechanism suggested that the formation of IDB and the leaf-like shape are related to the dissolution of seed particles on the substrate surfaces and an OH- shielding effect in solution, respectively. Optical measurements revealed visible emission, suggesting the possession of defects in the as-grown and annealed ZnO nanoleaves. In addition, various ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by simply controlling the fabrication conditions.

Control and measurement of the phase behavior of aqueous solutions using microfluidics

PubMed Central

Shim, Jung-uk; Cristobal, Galder; Link, Darren R.; Thorsen, Todd; Jia, Yanwei; Piattelli, Katie; Fraden, Seth

2008-01-01

A microfluidic device denoted the Phase Chip has been designed to measure and manipulate the phase diagram of multi-component fluid mixtures. The Phase Chip exploits the permeation of water through poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) in order to controllably vary the concentration of solutes in aqueous nanoliter volume microdrops stored in wells. The permeation of water in the Phase Chip is modeled using the diffusion equation and good agreement between experiment and theory is obtained. The Phase Chip operates by first creating drops of the water/solute mixture whose composition varies sequentially. Next, drops are transported down channels and guided into storage wells using surface tension forces. Finally, the solute concentration of each stored drop is simultaneously varied and measured. Two applications of the Phase Chip are presented. First, the phase diagram of a polymer/salt mixture is measured on-chip and validated off-chip and second, protein crystallization rates are enhanced through the manipulation of the kinetics of nucleation and growth. PMID:17580868

Cryogenic Controls for Fermilab's Srf Cavities and Test Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norris, B.; Bossert, R.; Klebaner, A.; Lackey, S.; Martinez, A.; Pei, L.; Soyars, W.; Sirotenko, V.

2008-03-01

A new superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities test facility is now operational at Fermilab's Meson Detector Building (MDB). The Cryogenic Test Facility (CTF), located in a separate building 500 m away, supplies the facility with cryogens. The design incorporates ambient temperature pumping for superfluid helium production, as well as three 0.6 kW at 4.5 K refrigerators, five screw compressors, a helium purifier, helium and nitrogen inventory, cryogenic distribution system, and a variety of test cryostats. To control and monitor the vastly distributed cryogenic system, a flexible scheme has been developed. Both commercial and experimental physics tools are used. APACS+™, a process automation control system from Siemens-Moore, is at the heart of the design. APACS+™ allows engineers to configure an ever evolving test facility while maintaining control over the plant and distribution system. APACS+™ nodes at CTF and MDB are coupled by a fiber optic network. DirectLogic205 PLCs by KOYO® are used as the field level interface to most I/O. The top layer of this system uses EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) as a SCADA/HMI. Utilities for graphical display, control loop setting, real time/historical plotting and alarming have been implemented by using the world-wide library of applications for EPICS. OPC client/server technology is used to bridge across each different platform. This paper presents this design and its successful implementation.

Control Room at the NACA’s Rocket Engine Test Facility

NASA Image and Video Library

1957-05-21

Test engineers monitor an engine firing from the control room of the Rocket Engine Test Facility at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory. The Rocket Engine Test Facility, built in the early 1950s, had a rocket stand designed to evaluate high-energy propellants and rocket engine designs. The facility was used to study numerous different types of rocket engines including the Pratt and Whitney RL-10 engine for the Centaur rocket and Rocketdyne’s F-1 and J-2 engines for the Saturn rockets. The Rocket Engine Test Facility was built in a ravine at the far end of the laboratory because of its use of the dangerous propellants such as liquid hydrogen and liquid fluorine. The control room was located in a building 1,600 feet north of the test stand to protect the engineers running the tests. The main control and instrument consoles were centrally located in the control room and surrounded by boards controlling and monitoring the major valves, pumps, motors, and actuators. A camera system at the test stand allowed the operators to view the tests, but the researchers were reliant on data recording equipment, sensors, and other devices to provide test data. The facility’s control room was upgraded several times over the years. Programmable logic controllers replaced the electro-mechanical control devices. The new controllers were programed to operate the valves and actuators controlling the fuel, oxidant, and ignition sequence according to a predetermined time schedule.

Subdiffusion kinetics of nanoprecipitate growth and destruction in solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sibatov, R. T.; Svetukhin, V. V.

2015-06-01

Based on fractional differential generalizations of the Ham and Aaron-Kotler precipitation models, we study the kinetics of subdiffusion-limited growth and dissolution of new-phase precipitates. We obtain the time dependence of the number of impurities and dimensions of new-phase precipitates. The solutions agree with the Monte Carlo simulation results.

The 4MOST facility control software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pramskiy, Alexander; Mandel, Holger; Rothmaier, Florian; Stilz, Ingo; Winkler, Roland; Hahn, Thomas

2016-07-01

The 4-m Multi-Object Spectrographic Telescope (4MOST) is one high-resolution (R 18000) and two lowresolution (R fi 5000) spectrographs covering the wavelength range between 390 and 950 nm. The spectrographs will be installed on ESO VISTA telescope and will be fed by approximately 2400 fibres. The instrument is capable to simultaneously obtain spectra of about 2400 objects distributed over an hexagonal field-of-view of four square degrees. This paper aims at giving an overview of the control software design, which is based on the standard ESO VLT software architecture and customised to fit the needs of the 4MOST instrument. In particular, the facility control software is intended to arrange the precise positioning of the fibres, to schedule and observe many surveys in parallel, and to combine the output from the three spectrographs. Moreover, 4MOST's software will include user-friendly graphical user interfaces that enable users to interact with the facility control system and to monitor all data-taking and calibration tasks of the instrument. A secondary guiding system will be implemented to correct for any fibre exure and thus to improve 4MOST's guiding performance. The large amount of fibres requires the custom design of data exchange to avoid performance issues. The observation sequences are designed to use spectrographs in parallel with synchronous points for data exchange between subsystems. In order to control hardware devices, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) components will be used, the new standard for future instruments at ESO.

Effects of solution degassing on solubility, crystal growth and dissolution-Case study: Salicylic acid in methanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, J.; Ulrich, J.

2017-02-01

The influence of dissolved gases on the crystallization parameter solubility, MZW, growth and dissolution rates was investigated experimentally using degassed and non-degassed (air-saturated) solutions. The results of this study show that degassing has no effect on the solubility curve of the used model substance salicylic acid (SA) in methanol (MeOH). This reveals in the assumption that a thermodynamic effect of dissolved gases can be excluded. Growth rates were measured by means of a desupersaturation method and the results indicate that the growth rates of SA are not affected by degassing. The results of the dissolution rate measurements reveal a distinct decrease in dissolution rates for non-degassed solutions compared to degassed solutions, especially, at low temperature (10 °C). To explain this phenomenon the gas solubility, represented by oxygen, in MeOH in dependence on the SA concentration was estimated by means of Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) [1]. It was found that the oxygen solubility decreases with increasing SA content which explains the inhibition of crystal dissolution in non-degassed solution compared to degassed solution. Moreover, this kind of 'drowing-out' mechanism would not appear in growth rate measurements, where indeed no effect of degassing could be observed.

Providing security for automated process control systems at hydropower engineering facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasiliev, Y. S.; Zegzhda, P. D.; Zegzhda, D. P.

2016-12-01

This article suggests the concept of a cyberphysical system to manage computer security of automated process control systems at hydropower engineering facilities. According to the authors, this system consists of a set of information processing tools and computer-controlled physical devices. Examples of cyber attacks on power engineering facilities are provided, and a strategy of improving cybersecurity of hydropower engineering systems is suggested. The architecture of the multilevel protection of the automated process control system (APCS) of power engineering facilities is given, including security systems, control systems, access control, encryption, secure virtual private network of subsystems for monitoring and analysis of security events. The distinctive aspect of the approach is consideration of interrelations and cyber threats, arising when SCADA is integrated with the unified enterprise information system.

A facile way to control phase of tin selenide flakes by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhigang; Pang, Fei

2018-06-01

Although two-dimensional (2D) tin selenides are attracting intense attentions, studies on its phase transition are still relatively few. Here we report a facile way to control the phase growth of tin selenide flakes on mica and SiO2/Si by only adjusting nominal Sn:Se ratio, which refers to the amount of loaded SnO2 and Se precursors. High normal Sn:Se ratio induced SnSe flakes, conversely SnSe2 flakes formed. It could be used as a practical guide to selectively synthesize pure phase of single crystalline 2D layered chalcogenide materials similar to tin selenides.

Modeling of Macroscopic/Microscopic Transport and Growth Phenomena in Zeolite Crystal Solutions Under Microgravity Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatsonis, Nikos A.; Alexandrou, Andreas; Shi, Hui; Ongewe, Bernard; Sacco, Albert, Jr.

1999-01-01

Crystals grown from liquid solutions have important industrial applications. Zeolites, for instance, a class of crystalline aluminosilicate materials, form the backbone of the chemical process industry worldwide, as they are used as adsorbents and catalysts. Many of the phenomena associated with crystal growth processes are not well understood due to complex microscopic and macroscopic interactions. Microgravity could help elucidate these phenomena and allow the control of defect locations, concentration, as well as size of crystals. Microgravity in an orbiting spacecraft could help isolate the possible effects of natural convection (which affects defect formation) and minimize sedimentation. In addition, crystals will stay essentially suspended in the nutrient pool under a diffusion-limited growth condition. This is expected to promote larger crystals by allowing a longer residence time in a high-concentration nutrient field. Among other factors, the crystal size distribution depends on the nucleation rate and crystallization. These two are also related to the "gel" polymerization/depolymerization rate. Macroscopic bulk mass and flow transport and especially gravity, force the crystals down to the bottom of the reactor, thus forming a sedimentation layer. In this layer, the growth rate of the crystals slows down as crystals compete for a limited amount of nutrients. The macroscopic transport phenomena under certain conditions can, however, enhance the nutrient supply and therefore, accelerate crystal growth. Several zeolite experiments have been performed in space with mixed results. The results from our laboratory have indicated an enhancement in size of 30 to 70 percent compared to the best ground based controls, and a reduction of lattice defects in many of the space grown crystals. Such experiments are difficult to interpret, and cannot be easily used to derive empirical or other laws since many physical parameters are simultaneously involved in the process

Controlling of ZnO nanostructures by solute concentration and its effect on growth, structural and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Yogendra; Rana, Amit Kumar; Bhojane, Prateek; Pusty, Manojit; Bagwe, Vivas; Sen, Somaditya; Shirage, Parasharam M.

2015-10-01

ZnO nanostructured films were prepared by a chemical bath deposition method on glass substrates without any assistance of either microwave or high pressure autoclaves. The effect of solute concentration on the pure wurtzite ZnO nanostructure morphologies is studied. The control of the solute concentration helps to control the nanostructure to form nano-needles, and -rods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed highly c-axis oriented thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms the modification of the nanostructure dependent on the concentration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show the single crystalline electron diffraction pattern, indicating high quality nano-material. UV-vis results show the variation in the band gap from 3.20 eV to 3.14 eV with increasing concentration as the nanostructures change from needle- to rod-like. Photoluminescence (PL) data indicate the existence of defects in the nanomaterials emitting light in the yellow-green region, with broad UV and visible spectra. A sharp and strong peak is observed at ˜438 cm-1 by Raman spectroscopy, assigned to the {{{{E}}}2}{{high}} optical mode of ZnO, the characteristic peak for the highly-crystalline wurtzite hexagonal phase. The solute concentration significantly affects the formation of defect states in the nanostructured films, and as a result, it alters the structural and optical properties. Current-voltage characteristics alter with the measurement environment, indicating potential sensor applications.

Hydrogen Production in Radioactive Solutions in the Defense Waste Processing Facility

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

CRAWFORD, CHARLES L.

2004-05-26

In the radioactive slurries and solutions to be processed in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), hydrogen will be produced continuously by radiolysis. This production results from alpha, beta, and gamma rays from decay of radionuclides in the slurries and solutions interacting with the water. More than 1000 research reports have published data concerning this radiolytic production. The results of these studies have been reviewed in a comprehensive monograph. Information about radiolytic hydrogen production from the different process tanks is necessary to determine air purge rates necessary to prevent flammable mixtures from accumulating in the vapor spaces above these tanks.more » Radiolytic hydrogen production rates are usually presented in terms of G values or molecules of hydrogen produced per 100ev of radioactive decay energy absorbed by the slurry or solution. With the G value for hydrogen production, G(H2), for a particular slurry and the concentrations of radioactive species in that slurry, the rate of H2 production for that slurry can be calculated. An earlier investigation estimated that the maximum rate that hydrogen could be produced from the sludge slurry stream to the DWPF is with a G value of 0.45 molecules per 100ev of radioactive decay energy sorbed by the slurry.« less

Solvent effects and polymorphic transformation of organic nonlinear optical crystal L-pyroglutamic acid in solution growth processes . I. Solvent effects and growth morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. S.; Aggarwal, M. D.; Choi, J.; Gebre, T.; Shields, Angela D.; Penn, Benjamin G.; Frazier, Donald O.

1999-03-01

Single crystals of a new promising nonlinear optical material for the tunable UV harmonic generation, L-pyroglutamic acid 60×20×20 mm 3 in size were obtained from aqueous solution by using the temperature-lowering method. Solubility of L-pyroglutamic acid in different solvents was measured. The single crystals showed different morphological characteristics and growth rate in different solvents with different crystallographic orientations. Methanol or ethanol solutions yielded needle-like crystals. In mixed solution such as methanol/H 2O or ethanol/ H 2O plate-like crystals with a thickness in the direction [0 1 0] were observed. The water as a good solvent, however, produced long prism-like crystals. The two polymorphs of L-pyroglutamic acid (α and β phases) were found for the first time. The growth shapes of α-phase is mainly a prism and β phases is a rhombic plate.The growth rate of α and β phases is mainly a function of the supersaturation of the L-pyroglutamic acid in solution.

Pressure Control System Design for a Closed Crop Growth Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsai, K.; Blackwell, C.; Harper, Lynn D. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

The Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) is an area of active research at NASA. CELSS is a plant-based bioregenerative life support system for long term manned space flights where resupply is costly or impractical. The plants in a CELSS will function to convert the carbon dioxide (exhaled by the crew) into oxygen, purify non-potable water into potable quality water, and provide food for the crew. Prior to implementing a CELSS life support system, one must have knowledge on growing plants in a closed chamber under low gravity. This information will come from research to be conducted on the CELSS Test Facility that will operate on the Space Station Freedom. Currently a ground-based CELSS Test Facility is being built at NASA Ames Research Center. It is called the EDU (Engineering Development Unit). This system will allow researchers to identify issues that may cause difficulties in the development of the CELSS Test Facility and aid in the development of new needed technologies. The EDU consists of a 1 m2 crop growth chamber that is surrounded by a containment enclosure. The containment enclosure isolates the system so there is very little mass and thermal exchange with the ambient. The leakage rate is on the order of 1 % of the enclosure's volume per day (with 0.2S psi pressure difference). The thermal leakage is less than 0.5% of the electrical power supplied to the system per degree Celsius difference from the surrounding. The pressure in the containment enclosure is regulated at 62.5 Pa below the ambient by an active controller. The goal is to maintain this set point for a variety of conditions, such as a range of operating temperatures, heat load variations that occur when the lights are turned on and off, and fluctuations in ambient pressure. In addition certain transition tracking performance is required. This paper illustrates the application of some advanced systems control methods to the task of synthesizing the EDU's pressure control system.

Ice growth from supercooled aqueous solutions of benzene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene.

PubMed

Liyana-Arachchi, Thilanga P; Valsaraj, Kalliat T; Hung, Francisco R

2012-08-23

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) were performed to investigate the growth of ice from supercooled aqueous solutions of benzene, naphthalene, or phenanthrene. The main objective of this study is to explore the fate of those aromatic molecules after freezing of the supercooled aqueous solutions, i.e., if these molecules become trapped inside the ice lattice or if they are displaced to the QLL or to the interface with air. Ice growth from supercooled aqueous solutions of benzene, naphthalene, or phenanthrene result in the formation of quasi-liquid layers (QLLs) at the air/ice interface that are thicker than those observed when pure supercooled water freezes. Naphthalene and phenanthrene molecules in the supercooled aqueous solutions are displaced to the air/ice interface during the freezing process at both 270 and 260 K; no incorporation of these aromatics into the ice lattice is observed throughout the freezing process. Similar trends were observed during freezing of supercooled aqueous solutions of benzene at 270 K. In contrast, a fraction of the benzene molecules become trapped inside the ice lattice during the freezing process at 260 K, with the rest of the benzene molecules being displaced to the air/ice interface. These results suggest that the size of the aromatic molecule in the supercooled aqueous solution is an important parameter in determining whether these molecules become trapped inside the ice crystals. Finally, we also report potential of mean force (PMF) calculations aimed at studying the adsorption of gas-phase benzene and phenanthrene on atmospheric air/ice interfaces. Our PMF calculations indicate the presence of deep free energy minima for both benzene and phenanthrene at the air/ice interface, with these molecules adopting a flat orientation at the air/ice interface.

Facile consecutive solvothermal growth of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS core/shell quantum dots using a safer phosphorus source.

PubMed

Byun, Ho-June; Song, Woo-Seuk; Yang, Heesun

2011-06-10

The work presents a facile, stepwise synthetic approach for the production of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) by using a safer phosphorus (P) precursor. First, InP quantum dots (QDs) were solvothermally prepared at 180 °C for 24 h by using a P source of P(N(CH(3))(2))(3). The as-grown InP QDs were consecutively placed in another solvothermal condition for ZnS shell overcoating. In contrast to the almost non-fluorescent InP QDs, due to their highly defective surface states, the ZnS-coated InP QDs were highly fluorescent as a result of effective surface passivation. After the shell growth, the resulting InP/ZnS core/shell QDs were subjected to a size-sorting processing, by which red- to green-emitting QDs with quantum yields (QYs) of 24-60% were produced. Solvothermal shell growth parameters such as the reaction time and Zn/In solution concentration ratio were varied and optimized toward the highest QYs of core/shell QDs.

Facile consecutive solvothermal growth of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS core/shell quantum dots using a safer phosphorus source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byun, Ho-June; Song, Woo-Seuk; Yang, Heesun

2011-06-01

The work presents a facile, stepwise synthetic approach for the production of highly fluorescent InP/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) by using a safer phosphorus (P) precursor. First, InP quantum dots (QDs) were solvothermally prepared at 180 °C for 24 h by using a P source of P(N(CH3)2)3. The as-grown InP QDs were consecutively placed in another solvothermal condition for ZnS shell overcoating. In contrast to the almost non-fluorescent InP QDs, due to their highly defective surface states, the ZnS-coated InP QDs were highly fluorescent as a result of effective surface passivation. After the shell growth, the resulting InP/ZnS core/shell QDs were subjected to a size-sorting processing, by which red- to green-emitting QDs with quantum yields (QYs) of 24-60% were produced. Solvothermal shell growth parameters such as the reaction time and Zn/In solution concentration ratio were varied and optimized toward the highest QYs of core/shell QDs.

Nucleation and Growth of Insulin Fibrils in Bulk Solution and at Hydrophobic Polystyrene Surfaces

PubMed Central

Smith, M. I.; Sharp, J. S.; Roberts, C. J.

2007-01-01

A technique was developed for studying the nucleation and growth of fibrillar protein aggregates. Fourier transform infrared and attenuated total reflection spectroscopy were used to measure changes in the intermolecular β-sheet content of bovine pancreatic insulin in bulk solution and on model polystyrene (PS) surfaces at pH 1. The kinetics of β-sheet formation were shown to evolve in two stages. Combined Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and thioflavin-T fluorescence measurements confirmed that the first stage in the kinetics was related to the formation of nonfibrillar aggregates that have a radius of 13 ± 1 nm. The second stage was found to be associated with the growth of insulin fibrils. The β-sheet kinetics in this second stage were used to determine the nucleation and growth rates of fibrils over a range of temperatures between 60°C and 80°C. The nucleation and growth rates were shown to display Arrhenius kinetics, and the associated energy barriers were extracted for fibrils formed in bulk solution and at PS surfaces. These experiments showed that fibrils are nucleated more quickly in the presence of hydrophobic PS surfaces but that the corresponding fibril growth rates decrease. These observations are interpreted in terms of the differences in the attempt frequencies and energy barriers associated with the nucleation and growth of fibrils. They are also discussed in the context of differences in protein concentration, mobility, and conformational and colloidal stability that exist between insulin molecules in bulk solution and those that are localized at hydrophobic PS interfaces. PMID:17496011

Control System Upgrade for a Mass Property Measurement Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambers, William; Hinkle, R. Kenneth (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Mass Property Measurement Facility (MPMF) at the Goddard Space Flight Center has undergone modifications to ensure the safety of Flight Payloads and the measurement facility. The MPMF has been technically updated to improve reliability and increase the accuracy of the measurements. Modifications include the replacement of outdated electronics with a computer based software control system, the addition of a secondary gas supply in case of a catastrophic failure to the gas supply and a motor controlled emergency stopping feature instead of a hard stop.

7 CFR 4288.25 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... Repowering Assistance Payments to Eligible Biorefineries § 4288.25 Succession and control of facilities and... that, the party is eligible, and permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the program. If...

7 CFR 4288.25 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... Repowering Assistance Payments to Eligible Biorefineries § 4288.25 Succession and control of facilities and... that, the party is eligible, and permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the program. If...

7 CFR 4288.25 - Succession and control of facilities and production.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 15 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Succession and control of facilities and production... Repowering Assistance Payments to Eligible Biorefineries § 4288.25 Succession and control of facilities and... that, the party is eligible, and permitting such succession would serve the purposes of the program. If...

A solution to water vapor in the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gloss, Blair B.; Bruce, Robert A.

1989-01-01

As cryogenic wind tunnels are utilized, problems associated with the low temperature environment are being discovered and solved. Recently, water vapor contamination was discovered in the National Transonic Facility, and the source was shown to be the internal insulation which is a closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam. After an extensive study of the absorptivity characteristics of the NTF thermal insulation, the most practical solution to the problem was shown to be the maintaining of a dry environment in the circuit at all times. Utilizing a high aspect ratio transport model, it was shown that the moisture contamination effects on the supercritical wing pressure distributions were within the accuracy of setting test conditions and as such were considered negligible for this model.

Optimal control solutions to sodic soil reclamation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mau, Yair; Porporato, Amilcare

2016-05-01

We study the reclamation process of a sodic soil by irrigation with water amended with calcium cations. In order to explore the entire range of time-dependent strategies, this task is framed as an optimal control problem, where the amendment rate is the control and the total rehabilitation time is the quantity to be minimized. We use a minimalist model of vertically averaged soil salinity and sodicity, in which the main feedback controlling the dynamics is the nonlinear coupling of soil water and exchange complex, given by the Gapon equation. We show that the optimal solution is a bang-bang control strategy, where the amendment rate is discontinuously switched along the process from a maximum value to zero. The solution enables a reduction in remediation time of about 50%, compared with the continuous use of good-quality irrigation water. Because of its general structure, the bang-bang solution is also shown to work for the reclamation of other soil conditions, such as saline-sodic soils. The novelty in our modeling approach is the capability of searching the entire "strategy space" for optimal time-dependent protocols. The optimal solutions found for the minimalist model can be then fine-tuned by experiments and numerical simulations, applicable to realistic conditions that include spatial variability and heterogeneities.

BIOPACK: the ground controlled late access biological research facility.

PubMed

van Loon, Jack J W A

2004-03-01

Future Space Shuttle flights shall be characterized by activities necessary to further build the International Space Station, ISS. During these missions limited resources are available to conduct biological experiments in space. The Shuttles' Middeck is a very suitable place to conduct science during the ISS assembly missions or dedicated science missions. The BIOPACK, which flew its first mission during the STS-107, provides a versatile Middeck Locker based research tool for gravitational biology studies. The core facility occupies the space of only two Middeck Lockers. Experiment temperatures are controlled for bacteria, plant, invertebrate and mammalian cultures. Gravity levels and profiles can be set ranging from 0 to 2.0 x g on three independent centrifuges. This provides the experimenter with a 1.0 x g on-board reference and intermediate hypogravity and hypergravity data points to investigate e.g. threshold levels in biological responses. Temperature sensitive items can be stored in the facilities' -10 degrees C and +4 degrees C stowage areas. During STS-107 the facility also included a small glovebox (GBX) and passive temperature controlled units (PTCU). The GBX provides the experimenter with two extra levels of containment for safe sample handling. This biological research facility is a late access (L-10 hrs) laboratory, which, when reaching orbit, could automatically be starting up reducing important experiment lag-time and valuable crew time. The system is completely telecommanded when needed. During flight system parameters like temperatures, centrifuge speeds, experiment commanding or sensor readouts can be monitored and changed when needed. Although ISS provides a wide range of research facilities there is still need for an STS-based late access facility such as the BIOPACK providing experimenters with a very versatile research cabinet for biological experiments under microgravity and in-flight control conditions.

40 CFR 792.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... § 792.47 Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test, control, and...

40 CFR 792.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... § 792.47 Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test, control, and...

40 CFR 792.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 33 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... § 792.47 Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test, control, and...

40 CFR 792.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 33 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... § 792.47 Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test, control, and...

Finite element solution of optimal control problems with state-control inequality constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bless, Robert R.; Hodges, Dewey H.

1992-01-01

It is demonstrated that the weak Hamiltonian finite-element formulation is amenable to the solution of optimal control problems with inequality constraints which are functions of both state and control variables. Difficult problems can be treated on account of the ease with which algebraic equations can be generated before having to specify the problem. These equations yield very accurate solutions. Owing to the sparse structure of the resulting Jacobian, computer solutions can be obtained quickly when the sparsity is exploited.

NREL and CSIRO Validating Advanced Microgrid Control Solution | Energy

Science.gov Websites

Organisation NREL and CSIRO Validating Advanced Microgrid Control Solution Australia's Commonwealth Scientific microgrid control solution. This technology helps hybrid microgrids to automatically recognize when solar

Facile and Rapid Growth of Nanostructured Ln-BTC Metal-Organic Framework Films by Electrophoretic Deposition for Explosives sensing in Gas and Cr 3+ Detection in Solution.

PubMed

Feng, Ji-Fei; Yang, Xue; Gao, Shui-Ying; Shi, Jianlin; Cao, Rong

2017-12-19

Until now, it has been a challenge to prepare lanthanide metal-organic framework films on traditional substrates, like zinc plate, indium oxide (ITO), and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glasses in a rapid and facile method. In this paper, continuous and dense Ln-BTC MOFs films on unmodified low-cost substrates have been rapidly and easily fabricated though the newly developed electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method in 5 min. Moreover, the as-prepared luminescent films were successfully used for the detection of nitrobenzene (NB), trinitrotoluene (TNT) in gas phases, as well as NB, Cr 3+ ions for detection in solution.

Facile growth of a single-crystal pattern: a case study of HKUST-1.

PubMed

Li, Shaozhou; Lu, Guang; Huang, Xiao; Li, Hai; Sun, Yinghui; Zhang, Hua; Chen, Xiaodong; Huo, Fengwei

2012-12-18

In order to fabricate metal-organic framework (MOF) based devices, it is desirable to precisely position high-quality and mono-sized MOF crystals on supports. In this work, we demonstrate a facile solution procedure for the fabrication of oriented and monodispersed single-crystal MOF pattern. We expect that such capability will expand the scope of applications of MOFs to advanced fields.

Research Summary Multipollutant Control Research Facility (MPCRF)

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Multipollutant Control Research Facility (MPCRF) is located at their Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, campus. The MPCRF combustor is a pulverized coal-, natural gas-, and biomass-fired furnace with a maximum firing rate of 4...

Facilities | Integrated Energy Solutions | NREL

Science.gov Websites

strategies needed to optimize our entire energy system. A photo of the high-performance computer at NREL . High-Performance Computing Data Center High-performance computing facilities at NREL provide high-speed

Biophysical basis of growth promotion in primary leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris L. by hormones versus light: solute accumulation and the growth potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brock, T. G.; Cleland, R. E.

1990-01-01

Rapid cell enlargement in primary leaves of bean is induced by bright white light (WL), gibberellic acid (GA3) or the cytokinin N6-benzyladenine (BA). In previous studies it has been show that all three agents cause an increase in wall extensibility, although by different mechanisms. Here we examine the effects of the three growth promoters on the osmotic potential difference (delta Psi), the accumulation of solutes (delta TSC), the wall yield threshold (Y) and the growth potential (delta Psi -Y). With GA3 and BA, but not WL, there was a rapid decline in delta Psi as measured by the osmotic concentration of expressed sap. Unlike WL, neither GA3 nor BA promoted the accumulation of osmotic solutes. The decline in delta Psi, however, was apparently counteracted by a decline in Y since the growth potential, as measured by the external-osmoticum method, remained unchanged. It is concluded that WL, GA3 and BA all promote cell enlargement of bean leaves by increasing one cellular growth parameter, wall extensibility. Only WL, however, promotes osmotic adjustment during growth.

Synergistic Growth of Giant Wormlike Micelles in Ternary Mixed Surfactant Solutions: Effect of Octanoic Acid.

PubMed

Georgieva, Gergana S; Anachkov, Svetoslav E; Lieberwirth, Ingo; Koynov, Kaloian; Kralchevsky, Peter A

2016-12-06

The synergistic growth of giant wormlike micelles in ternary mixed solutions composed of an anionic surfactant (sodium laurylethersulfate, SLES), a zwitterionic surfactant (cocamidopropyl betaine, CAPB), and octanoic acid (HC8) is studied. Rheological data and their analysis in terms of Cole-Cole plots and micellar characteristic times are presented, and the micellar structures behind the observed rheological behavior are revealed by cryo-TEM micrographs. The surfactant composition is fixed near the maximal micelle size of the binary SLES + CAPB system, whereas the concentration of HC8 is varied. At a given HC8 concentration, the viscosity of the ternary micellar solutions exhibits a very high and sharp peak. Polarized-light optical microscopy indicates that all investigated solutions are isotropic rather than liquid-crystalline. The cryo-TEM imaging shows complex phase behavior: wormlike micelles to the left of the peak, giant entangled wormlike micelles at the peak, and long wormlike micelles coexisting with multiconnected micellar aggregates to the right of the peak. The formation of multiconnected micelles leads to a drop in viscosity at the higher concentrations. The results contribute to a better understanding of the structure-rheology relations in micellar surfactant solutions and could be useful for controlling the properties of formulations in personal-care and house-hold detergency.

21 CFR 178.1005 - Hydrogen peroxide solution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Hydrogen peroxide solution. 178.1005 Section 178... SANITIZERS Substances Utilized To Control the Growth of Microorganisms § 178.1005 Hydrogen peroxide solution. Hydrogen peroxide solution identified in this section may be safely used to sterilize polymeric food...

21 CFR 178.1005 - Hydrogen peroxide solution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Hydrogen peroxide solution. 178.1005 Section 178... SANITIZERS Substances Utilized To Control the Growth of Microorganisms § 178.1005 Hydrogen peroxide solution. Hydrogen peroxide solution identified in this section may be safely used to sterilize polymeric food...

21 CFR 178.1005 - Hydrogen peroxide solution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Hydrogen peroxide solution. 178.1005 Section 178... SANITIZERS Substances Utilized To Control the Growth of Microorganisms § 178.1005 Hydrogen peroxide solution. Hydrogen peroxide solution identified in this section may be safely used to sterilize polymeric food...

21 CFR 178.1005 - Hydrogen peroxide solution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2010-04-01 2009-04-01 true Hydrogen peroxide solution. 178.1005 Section 178... SANITIZERS Substances Utilized To Control the Growth of Microorganisms § 178.1005 Hydrogen peroxide solution. Hydrogen peroxide solution identified in this section may be safely used to sterilize polymeric food...

Corrosion fatigue crack growth behavior of titanium alloys in aqueous solutions

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

Shipilov, S.A.

1998-01-01

The corrosion fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior, the effect of applied potential on corrosion FCG rates, and the fracture surfaces of VT20 (near-{alpha}) and TS6 (near-{beta}) titanium alloys were studied. Environments were aqueous solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), ferric chloride (FeCl{sub 3}), and chromic acid (H{sub 2}CrO{sub 4}) with and without NaCl. Depending upon solution composition, corrosion FCG rates were found to be higher or lower than those in air. Cathodic polarization retarded the corrosion FCG, while anodic polarization accelerated insignificantly or almost did not influence it in most of the solutions investigated. However,more » cathodic polarization accelerated corrosion FCG in 0.6 M FeCl{sub 3} and 0.5 M to 2 M H{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} + 0.01 M to 0.1 M NaCl solutions by a dozen times when the maximum stress intensity (K{sub max}) exceeded certain critical values. When K{sub max} was lower than the critical values, the same cathodic polarization (with all other /conditions being equal) retarded corrosion FCG. Results suggested the accelerated crack growth at cathodic potentials resulted from hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC). Therefore, critical values of K{sub max}, as well as the stress intensity range ({Delta}K) were regarded as corresponding to the beginning of corrosion FCG according to a HIC mechanism and designated as K{sub HIC} and {Delta}K{sub HIC}.« less

40 CFR 792.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances. 792.47 Section 792.47 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (CONTINUED) GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Facilities...

The influence of irrigating solutions on the accuracy of the electronic apex locator facility in the Tri Auto ZX handpiece.

PubMed

Erdemir, A; Eldeniz, A U; Ari, H; Belli, S; Esener, T

2007-05-01

To determine the influence of various irrigating solutions on the accuracy of the electronic apex locator facility in the Tri Auto ZX handpiece. One hundred and forty teeth with single canals and mature apices, scheduled for extraction for either periodontal or prosthetic reasons in 76 patients were used. Following informed written consent local anaesthesia was administered, access cavities were prepared and pulp tissue removed. The teeth were then randomly divided into seven groups according to the irrigating solutions used. The root canal length measurements were completed using the Tri Auto ZX handpiece with automatic reverse function in the presence of one or other of the following solutions: 0.9% saline, 2.5% NaOCl, 3% H(2)O(2), 0.2% chlorhexidine, 17% EDTA, Ultracaine D-S or in the absence of an irrigating solution (control). Files were immobilized in the access cavity with composite resin. After extraction, the apical regions of the teeth were exposed and the file tips examined under a stereomicroscope. Distances between the file tips and the apical constriction were measured (mm) and analysed using a one-way anova and post hoc Tukey test. Mean distances from the apical constriction to the file tip were longer in the 0.9% saline group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference on file tip position between the other solutions. Tri Auto ZX gave reliable results with all irrigating solutions apart from in the presence of 0.9% saline.

On-Orbit and Ground Performance of the PGBA Plant Growth Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoehn, A.; Chamberlain, D. J.; Forsyth, S. W.; Hanna, D. S.; Scovazzo, P.; Stodieck, L. S.; Heyenga, G.; Kliss, Mark

1997-01-01

PGBA, a plant growth facility developed for commercial space biotechnology research, successfully grew a total of 30 plants (6 species) for 10 days on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-77) and is scheduled for reflight on board MSL-1 (STS-83) for a 16 day flight. The PGBA life support systems provide atmospheric, thermal, and humidity control as well as lighting and nutrient supply in a 23.6 liter chamber. Atmosphere treatment includes ethylene and other hydrocarbon removal, CO2 replenishment, and O2 control. The normally closed system uses controlled CO2 replenishment from the crew cabin as required by the plants. Temperature is controlled (1 C) at user-specified setpoints between 20-32 C, using water-filled coolant loops, solid state Peltier thermoelectric devices, and liquid heat exchangers. The thermoelectric cooling systems were optimized for low power consumption and high cooling efficiencies. Relative humidity is maintained between 60-100% using a cooled porous metal plate to remove water vapor from the air stream without cooling the bulk air below the dew point. The lighting system utilizes three compact fluorescent bi-axial lights with variable lighting control and light intensity (PAR) between 220 and 330 micromol/sq m/s at a distance of 20 cm in spaceflight configuration (on orbit power limited to 230 Watt for entire payload). A ground, up to 550 micromol/sq m/s light intensity can be achieved with 330 Watt payload power consumption. Plant water and nutrient support is sustained via the 'Nutrient Pack' system including the passive or active 'Water Replenishable Nutrient Pack.' The root matrix material (soil or Agar) and nutrient formulation of each pack is prepared according to plant species and experimental requirements. These systems were designed by NASA Ames personnel. Data acquisition and control systems provide 32 channels of environmental data as well as digitized or analog video signals for downlink.

Microscopic study of crystal growth in cryopreservation agent solutions and water.

PubMed

Tao, Le-Ren; Hua, Tse-Chao

2002-10-01

Ice formation inside or outside cells during cryopreservation is evidently the main factor of cryoinjury to cells. In the study described here a high voltage DC electric field and a cryomicroscopic stage were used to test DMSO and NaCl solutions under electric field strengths ranging from 83 kV/m to 320 kV/m. Dendritic ice crystals became asymmetric when the electric field was activated. This change in the ice crystal shape was more pronounced in the ionic NaCl solution. In addition, ice growth of distilled water without an electric field was tested under different cooling rates.

CHALLENGES IN SETTING UP QUALITY CONTROL IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY FACILITIES IN NIGERIA.

PubMed

Inyang, S O; Egbe, N O; Ekpo, E

2015-01-01

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) was established to regulate and control the use of radioactive and radiation emitting sources in Nigeria. Quality control (QC) on diagnostic radiology equipment form part of the fundamental requirements for the authorization of diagnostic radiology facilities in the Country. Some quality control tests (output, exposure linearity and reproducibility) were measured on the x-ray machines in the facilities that took part in the study. Questionnaire was developed to evaluate the frequencies at which QC tests were conducted in the facilities and the challenges in setting up QC. Results show great variation in the values of the QC parameters measured. Inadequate cooperation by facilities management, lack of QC equipment and insufficient staff form the major challenges in setting up QC in the facilities under study. The responses on the frequencies at which QC tests should be conducted did not correspond to the recommended standards; indicating that personnel were not familiar with QC implementation and may require further training on QC.

Growth of III-V films by control of MBE growth front stoichiometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grunthaner, Frank J. (Inventor); Liu, John K. (Inventor); Hancock, Bruce R. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

For the growth of strain-layer materials and high quality single and multiple quantum wells, the instantaneous control of growth front stoichiometry is critical. The process of the invention adjusts the offset or phase of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) control shutters to program the instantaneous arrival or flux rate of In and As4 reactants to grow InAs. The interrupted growth of first In, then As4, is also a key feature.

A control system of a mini survey facility for photometric monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsutsui, Hironori; Yanagisawa, Kenshi; Izumiura, Hideyuki; Shimizu, Yasuhiro; Hanaue, Takumi; Ita, Yoshifusa; Ichikawa, Takashi; Komiyama, Takahiro

2016-08-01

We have built a control system for a mini survey facility dedicated to photometric monitoring of nearby bright (K<5) stars in the near-infrared region. The facility comprises a 4-m-diameter rotating dome and a small (30-mm aperture) wide-field (5 × 5 sq. deg. field of view) infrared (1.0-2.5 microns) camera on an equatorial fork mount, as well as power sources and other associated equipment. All the components other than the camera are controlled by microcomputerbased I/O boards that were developed in-house and are in many of the open-use instruments in our observatory. We present the specifications and configuration of the facility hardware, as well as the structure of its control software.

Block-copolymer-controlled growth of CaCO3 microrings.

PubMed

Gao, Yun-Xiang; Yu, Shu-Hong; Cong, Huaiping; Jiang, Jun; Xu, An-Wu; Dong, W F; Cölfen, Helmut

2006-04-06

A novel way for directed solution growth of hollow superstructures of CaCO3 has been successfully developed on the basis of controlled self-assembly and polymer concentration gradients using a double-hydrophilic block copolymer with a hydrophobic modification as a directing agent. A formation mechanism of such rings is proposed on the basis of the formation of CaCO3 nanoparticles in unstructured block copolymer assemblies with subsequent aggregation of these primary nanoparticles. This leads to the formation of a polymer concentration gradient from the inside to the outside of the particle. As the polymer contains multiple chelating units, this leads to a selective dissolution of the center of the particle.

Controlling the metal to semiconductor transition of MoS 2 and WS 2 in solution

DOE PAGES

Chou, Stanley Shihyao; Yi-Kai Huang; Kim, Jaemyung; ...

2015-01-22

Lithiation-exfoliation produces single to few-layered MoS 2 and WS 2 sheets dispersible in water. However, the process transforms them from the pristine semiconducting 2H phase to a distorted metallic phase. Recovery of the semiconducting properties typically involves heating of the chemically exfoliated sheets at elevated temperatures. Therefore, it has been largely limited to sheets deposited on solid substrates. We report the dispersion of chemically exfoliated MoS 2 sheets in high boiling point organic solvents enabled by surface functionalization and the controllable recovery of their semiconducting properties directly in solution. Ultimately, this process connects the scalability of chemical exfoliation with themore » simplicity of solution processing, enabling a facile method for tuning the metal to semiconductor transitions of MoS 2 and WS 2 within a liquid medium.« less

Controlling Molecular Ordering in Solution-State Conjugated Polymers

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

Zhu, Jiahua; Han, Youngkyu; Kumar, Rajeev

Rationally encoding molecular interactions that can control the assembly structure and functional expression in solution of conjugated polymers holds great potential for enabling optimal organic optoelectronic and sensory materials. In this work, we show that thermally-controlled and surfactant-guided assembly of water-soluble conjugated polymers in aqueous solution is a simple and effective strategy to generate optoelectronic materials with desired molecular ordering. We have studied a conjugated polymer consisting of a hydrophobic thiophene backbone and hydrophilic, thermo-responsive ethylene oxide side groups, which shows a step-wise, multi-dimensional assembly in water. By incorporating the polymer into phase-segregated domains of an amphiphilic surfactant in solution,more » we demonstrate that both chain conformation and degree of molecular ordering of the conjugated polymer can be tuned in hexagonal, micellar and lamellar phases of the surfactant solution. The controlled molecular ordering in conjugated polymer assembly is demonstrated as a key factor determining the electronic interaction and optical function.« less

Controlling Molecular Ordering in Solution-State Conjugated Polymers

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Jiahua; Han, Youngkyu; Kumar, Rajeev; ...

2015-07-17

Rationally encoding molecular interactions that can control the assembly structure and functional expression in solution of conjugated polymers holds great potential for enabling optimal organic optoelectronic and sensory materials. In this work, we show that thermally-controlled and surfactant-guided assembly of water-soluble conjugated polymers in aqueous solution is a simple and effective strategy to generate optoelectronic materials with desired molecular ordering. We have studied a conjugated polymer consisting of a hydrophobic thiophene backbone and hydrophilic, thermo-responsive ethylene oxide side groups, which shows a step-wise, multi-dimensional assembly in water. By incorporating the polymer into phase-segregated domains of an amphiphilic surfactant in solution,more » we demonstrate that both chain conformation and degree of molecular ordering of the conjugated polymer can be tuned in hexagonal, micellar and lamellar phases of the surfactant solution. The controlled molecular ordering in conjugated polymer assembly is demonstrated as a key factor determining the electronic interaction and optical function.« less

Infection prevention and control in the design of healthcare facilities.

PubMed

Farrow, Tye S; Black, Stephen M

2009-01-01

The lead paper, "Healthcare-Associated Infections as Patient Safety Indicators," written by Gardam, Lemieux, Reason, van Dijk and Goel, puts forward the design of healthcare facilities as one of many strategies to improve patient safety with respect to healthcare-associated infections. This commentary explores some of the issues in balancing infection prevention and control priorities with other needs and values brought to the design process. This balance is challenged not only by a lack of supporting evidence but also by the superficial nature in which infection prevention and control are often discussed within a design context. For the physical environment to support any patient safety initiative, the design of the processes must be developed in conjunction with that of the physical environment so that compliance can be natural and convenient. Finally, consideration is given to the value of documenting decision-making related to infection prevention and control in facility design and ongoing assessments of existing facilities.

Refractive index and solubility control of para-cymene solutions for index-matched fluid-structure interaction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fort, Charles; Fu, Christopher D.; Weichselbaum, Noah A.; Bardet, Philippe M.

2015-12-01

To deploy optical diagnostics such as particle image velocimetry or planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) in complex geometries, it is beneficial to use index-matched facilities. A binary mixture of para-cymene and cinnamaldehyde provides a viable option for matching the refractive index of acrylic, a common material for scaled models and test sections. This fluid is particularly appropriate for large-scale facilities and when a low-density and low-viscosity fluid is sought, such as in fluid-structure interaction studies. This binary solution has relatively low kinematic viscosity and density; its use enables the experimentalist to select operating temperature and to increase fluorescence signal in PLIF experiments. Measurements of spectral and temperature dependence of refractive index, density, and kinematic viscosity are reported. The effect of the binary mixture on solubility control of Rhodamine 6G is also characterized.

High Quality, Low Cost Bulk Gallium Nitride Substrates Grown by the Electrochemical Solution Growth Method

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

Seacrist, Michael

The objective of this project was to develop the Electrochemical Solution Growth (ESG) method conceived / patented at Sandia National Laboratory into a commercially viable bulk gallium nitride (GaN) growth process that can be scaled to low cost, high quality, and large area GaN wafer substrate manufacturing. The goal was to advance the ESG growth technology by demonstrating rotating seed growth at the lab scale and then transitioning process to prototype commercial system, while validating the GaN material and electronic / optical device quality. The desired outcome of the project is a prototype commercial process for US-based manufacturing of highmore » quality, large area, and lower cost GaN substrates that can drive widespread deployment of energy efficient GaN-based power electronic and optical devices. In year 1 of the project (Sept 2012 – Dec 2013) the overall objective was to demonstrate crystalline GaN growth > 100um on a GaN seed crystal. The development plan included tasks to demonstrate and implement a method for purifying reagent grade salts, develop the reactor 1 process for rotating seed Electrochemical Solution Growth (ESG) of GaN, grow and characterize ESG GaN films, develop a fluid flow and reaction chemistry model for GaN film growth, and design / build an improved growth reactor capable of scaling to 50mm seed diameter. The first year’s project objectives were met in some task areas including salt purification, film characterization, modeling, and reactor 2 design / fabrication. However, the key project objective of the growth of a crystalline GaN film on the seed template was not achieved. Amorphous film growth on the order of a few tenths of a micron has been detected with a film composition including Ga and N, plus several other impurities originating from the process solution and hardware. The presence of these impurities, particularly the oxygen, has inhibited the demonstration of crystalline GaN film growth on the seed template

Height growth of solutions and a discrete Painlevé equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Ghassani, A.; Halburd, R. G.

2015-07-01

Consider the discrete equation where the right side is of degree two in yn and where the coefficients an, bn and cn are rational functions of n with rational coefficients. Suppose that there is a solution such that for all sufficiently large n, y_n\\in{Q} and the height of yn dominates the height of the coefficient functions an, bn and cn. We show that if the logarithmic height of yn grows no faster than a power of n then either the equation is a well known discrete Painlevé equation dPII or its autonomous version or yn is also an admissible solution of a discrete Riccati equation. This provides further evidence that slow height growth is a good detector of integrability.

Inhibition of heparin precipitation, bacterial growth, and fungal growth with a combined isopropanol-ethanol locking solution for vascular access devices.

PubMed

Restrepo, Daniel; Laconi, Nicholas S; Alcantar, Norma A; West, Leigh A; Buttice, Audrey L; Patel, Saumil; Kayton, Mark L

2015-03-01

Clinical reports of ethanol-lock use for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections have been marked by the occurrence of serious catheter occlusions, particularly among children with mediports. We hypothesized that precipitate forms when ethanol mixes with heparin at the concentrations relevant for vascular access devices, but that the use of a combination of two alcohols, ethanol and isopropanol, would diminish heparin-related precipitation, while retaining anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects. Heparin (0-100units/mL) was incubated in ethanol-water solutions (30%-70% vol/vol) or in an aqueous solution containing equal parts (35% and 35% vol/vol) of isopropanol and ethanol. Precipitation at temperatures from 4 to 40°C was measured in nephelometric turbidity units using a benchtop turbidimeter. Growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans colonies were measured following exposure to solutions of ethanol or isopropanol-ethanol. Groupwise comparisons were performed using analysis of variance with Bonferroni-corrected, post-hoc T-testing. Seventy percent ethanol and heparin exhibit dose-dependent precipitation that is pronounced and significant at the concentrations typically used in mediports (p<0.05). Precipitate is significantly reduced by use of a combined 35% isopropanol-35% ethanol solution rather than 70% ethanol (p<0.05), while maintaining the solution's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. On the other hand, although ethanol solutions under 70% form less precipitate with heparin, such concentrations are also less effective at bacterial colony inhibition than solutions of either 70% ethanol or 35% isopropanol-35% ethanol (p<0.05). A combined 35% isopropanol-35% ethanol locking solution inhibits bacterial and fungal growth similarly to 70% ethanol, but results in less precipitate than 70% ethanol when exposed to heparin. Further study of a combined isopropanol-ethanol locking solution for the prevention of

40 CFR 160.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances. 160.47 Section 160.47 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) PESTICIDE PROGRAMS GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Facilities § 160.47 Facilities...

Value function in economic growth model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagno, Alexander; Tarasyev, Alexandr A.; Tarasyev, Alexander M.

2017-11-01

Properties of the value function are examined in an infinite horizon optimal control problem with an unlimited integrand index appearing in the quality functional with a discount factor. Optimal control problems of such type describe solutions in models of economic growth. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived to ensure that the value function satisfies the infinitesimal stability properties. It is proved that value function coincides with the minimax solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Description of the growth asymptotic behavior for the value function is provided for the logarithmic, power and exponential quality functionals and an example is given to illustrate construction of the value function in economic growth models.

E-learning education solutions for caregivers in long-term care (LTC) facilities: new possibilities.

PubMed

MacDonald, C J; Walton, R

2007-11-01

Online learning (referred to as e-learning throughout this article) has proved to be a useful tool for delivering accessible and convenient education to busy clinical healthcare workers. The ABS Management Company specifically designed a program to provide nurses and caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve the quality of care and the quality of life for the geriatric population in long-term care (LTC) facilities. The purpose of the "Online Solutions: Quality Education for Quality Care in Long-Term Care" program is to use new educational pedagogies and innovative ways to conceptualise and deliver healthcare education to meet the complex issues and concerns of caregivers in LTC facilities. During the one-year period that data were collected for this study, 881 caregivers completed the eight (one-hour) modules in the program. Of these, 753 (85%) completed the optional assessment (both the pre and post tests) for one or more of the eight modules. Therefore, of the 881 employees who reviewed all eight modules (881x8 = 7048 modules), 1046 modules (15%) had both pre-post test data upon which to build the analysis. Information from the evaluation revealed learner improvement in pre-post test scores in excess of 10%, suggesting an increase in new and relevant skills and knowledge related to abuse and neglect, elopement, infection control, nutrition and hydration, pressure ulcers, provision of basic care and restraints. Moreover, the data indicated a reduction in the use of restraints and occurrence of pressure ulcers, suggesting that learners applied new knowledge and skills in the workplace. Finally, staff turnover rates decreased more than 20% suggesting greater job satisfaction after participating in the program. The research findings point to an urgent and unmet need to provide more accessible just-in-time, just-for-you education programs for caregivers in LTC facilities to ensure quality and efficient services to residents and their families.

Treatment of CELSS and PCELSS waste to produce nutrients for plant growth. [Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems and Partially Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Modell, M.; Meissner, H.; Karel, M.; Carden, J.; Lewis, S.

1981-01-01

The research program entitled 'Development of a Prototype Experiment for Treating CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) and PCELSS (Partially Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) Wastes to Produce Nutrients for Plant Growth' consists of two phases: (1) the development of the neccessary facilities, chemical methodologies and models for meaningful experimentation, and (2) the application of what methods and devices are developed to the interfacing of waste oxidation with plant growth. Homogeneous samples of freeze-dried human feces and urine have been prepared to ensure comparability of test results between CELSS waste treatment research groups. A model of PCELSS food processing wastes has been developed, and an automated gas chromatographic system to analyze oxidizer effluents was designed and brought to operational status. Attention is given the component configuration of the wet oxidation system used by the studies.

ARADISH - Development of a Standardized Plant Growth Chamber for Experiments in Gravitational Biology Using Ground Based Facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schüler, Oliver; Krause, Lars; Görög, Mark; Hauslage, Jens; Kesseler, Leona; Böhmer, Maik; Hemmersbach, Ruth

2016-06-01

Plant development strongly relies on environmental conditions. Growth of plants in Biological Life Support Systems (BLSS), which are a necessity to allow human survival during long-term space exploration missions, poses a particular problem for plant growth, as in addition to the traditional environmental factors, microgravity (or reduced gravity such as on Moon or Mars) and limited gas exchange hamper plant growth. Studying the effects of reduced gravity on plants requires real or simulated microgravity experiments under highly standardized conditions, in order to avoid the influence of other environmental factors. Analysis of a large number of biological replicates, which is necessary for the detection of subtle phenotypical differences, can so far only be achieved in Ground Based Facilities (GBF). Besides different experimental conditions, the usage of a variety of different plant growth chambers was a major factor that led to a lack of reproducibility and comparability in previous studies. We have developed a flexible and customizable plant growth chamber, called ARAbidopsis DISH (ARADISH), which allows plant growth from seed to seedling, being realized in a hydroponic system or on Agar. By developing a special holder, the ARADISH can be used for experiments with Arabidopsis thaliana or a plant with a similar habitus on common GBF hardware, including 2D clinostats and Random Positioning Machines (RPM). The ARADISH growth chamber has a controlled illumination system of red and blue light emitting diodes (LED), which allows the user to apply defined light conditions. As a proof of concept we tested a prototype in a proteomic experiment in which plants were exposed to simulated microgravity or a 90° stimulus. We optimized the design and performed viability tests after several days of growth in the hardware that underline the utility of ARADISH in microgravity research.

Growth of plants in solution culture containing low levels of chromium. [Tomato, lettuce, duckweed

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

Huffman, E.W.D. Jr.; Allaway, W.H.

1973-01-01

Chromium was not required for normal growth of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. subsp. longifolia), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), or bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in solution culture containing 3.8 X 10/sup -4/ ..mu..M Cr. Plants grown on this purified nutrient solution contained an average of 22 ng Cr/g dry weight. Duckweed (Lemna sp.) grew and reproduced normally on a dilute nutrient solution containing 3.8 X 20/sup -5/ ..mu..M Cr.

RETROFITTING CONTROL FACILITIES FOR WET WEATHER FLOW TREATMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Available technologies were evaluated to demonstrate the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of retrofitting existing facilities to handle wet-weather flow. Cost/benefit relationships were also compared to construction of new conventional control and treatment facilitie...

Struvite crystal growth inhibition by trisodium citrate and the formation of chemical complexes in growth solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prywer, Jolanta; Mielniczek-Brzóska, Ewa; Olszynski, Marcin

2015-05-01

Effect of trisodium citrate on the crystallization of struvite was studied. To evaluate such an effect an experiment of struvite growth from artificial urine was performed. The investigations are related to infectious urinary stones formation. The crystallization process was induced by the addition of aqueous ammonia solution to mimic the bacterial activity. The spectrophotometric results demonstrate that trisodium citrate increases induction time with respect to struvite formation and decreases the growth efficiency of struvite. The inhibitory effect of trisodium citrate on the nucleation and growth of struvite is explained in base of chemical speciation analysis. Such an analysis demonstrates that the inhibitory effect is related with the fact that trisodium citrate binds NH4 + and Mg2+ ions in the range of pH from 7 to 9.5 characteristic for struvite precipitation. The most important is the MgCit- complex whose concentration strongly depends on an increase in pH rather than on an increase in citrate concentrations.

Reprint of: Effects of solution degassing on solubility, crystal growth and dissolution-Case study: Salicylic acid in methanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, J.; Ulrich, J.

2017-07-01

The influence of dissolved gases on the crystallization parameter solubility, MZW, growth and dissolution rates was investigated experimentally using degassed and non-degassed (air-saturated) solutions. The results of this study show that degassing has no effect on the solubility curve of the used model substance salicylic acid (SA) in methanol (MeOH). This reveals in the assumption that a thermodynamic effect of dissolved gases can be excluded. Growth rates were measured by means of a desupersaturation method and the results indicate that the growth rates of SA are not affected by degassing. The results of the dissolution rate measurements reveal a distinct decrease in dissolution rates for non-degassed solutions compared to degassed solutions, especially, at low temperature (10 °C). To explain this phenomenon the gas solubility, represented by oxygen, in MeOH in dependence on the SA concentration was estimated by means of Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) [1]. It was found that the oxygen solubility decreases with increasing SA content which explains the inhibition of crystal dissolution in non-degassed solution compared to degassed solution. Moreover, this kind of 'drowing-out' mechanism would not appear in growth rate measurements, where indeed no effect of degassing could be observed.

Effects of urban growth controls on intercity commuting.

PubMed

Ogura, Laudo M

2010-01-01

This paper presents an empirical study of the effects of urban growth controls on the intercity commuting of workers. Growth controls (land use regulations that attempt to restrict population growth and urban sprawl) have increased housing prices and diverted population growth to uncontrolled cities. It has been suggested that resulting changes in local labour supply might stimulate intercity commuting from uncontrolled to controlled cities. To test this hypothesis, a gravity model of commuting flows between places in California is estimated using alternative econometric methods (OLS, Heckman selection and count-data). The possibility of spatial dependence in commuting flows is also taken into consideration. Results suggest larger commuting flows to destination places that restrict residential growth.

Instability growth seeded by oxygen in CH shells on the National Ignition Facility

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

Haan, S. W., E-mail: haan1@llnl.gov; Johnson, M. A.; Stadermann, M.

Fusion targets imploded on the National Ignition Facility are subject to hydrodynamic instabilities. These have generally been assumed to be seeded primarily by surface roughness, as existing work had suggested that internal inhomogeneity was small enough not to contribute significantly. New simulations presented here examine this in more detail, and consider modulations in internal oxygen content in CH plastic ablators. The oxygen is configured in a way motivated by measurement of oxygen in the shells. We find that plausible oxygen nonuniformity, motivated by target characterization experiments, seeds instability growth that is 3–5× bigger than expected from surface roughness. Pertinent existingmore » capsule characterization is discussed, which suggests the presence of internal modulations that could be oxygen at levels large enough to be the dominant seed for hydrodynamic instability growth. Oxygen-seeded growth is smaller for implosions driven by high-foot pulse shapes, consistent with the performance improvement seen with these pulse shapes. Growth is somewhat smaller for planned future pulse shapes that were optimized to minimize growth of surface ripples. A possible modified specification for oxygen modulations is discussed, which is about 1/5 of the current requirement.« less

Kinetics of solution crystal growth of strengite, FePO4,2H2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lundager Madsen, Hans E.; Koch, Christian Bender

2018-01-01

The iron(III) phosphate strengite, FePO4,2H2O, has been precipitated at 25 °C by mixing solutions of iron alum and ammonium phosphate. The rate of crystallization has been determined by pH recording. Three stages of crystal growth kinetics could be distinguished: (1) mononuclear growth, (2) polynuclear growth and, in a few cases, (3) spiral growth (BCF mechanism). From the first two, the value of edge free energy λ = 87 ± 1 pJ/m was found. The identity of the precipitate was verified by SEM, XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy.

Characterization of Methane Hydrate Growth from Aqueous Solution by Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, I.; Lu, W.; Yuan, S.; Li, J.; Burruss, R. C.

2009-12-01

We observed the growth of methane hydrate from aqueous solution in fused silica capillaries near room temperature (RT) in two different experiments. In the first, we sealed methane together with ~2 wt% Na2SO4 solution in a fused silica capillary (0.3x0.3 mm cross-section with 0.05x0.05 mm cavity, and ~6 cm long), using the method of Chou et al. (2008, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 72, 2517). The hydrate, liquid, and vapor coexist at ~23 °C and ~36.5 MPa. The behavior of two methane bubbles, one of which was enclosed by a hydrate crystal and the other near a small hydrate crystal, was monitored. These two bubbles are the only methane sources near the hydrate crystals. The system was slowly cooled to RT (~21 °C), and images were recorded continuously for a period of ~1.5 hours, together with temperature and time information. The images show the exposed bubble decreased in size, while both of the hydrate crystals increased in size, which was caused by the transfer of methane in solution. According to our previous report (Fig. 8 of Lu et al., 2008, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 72, 412), the concentrations of methane in the solution near the exposed bubble are higher than those near the hydrate crystals. Most of the dissolved methane, transferred down the concentration gradient, was consumed and encaged in the nearby crystal, with only a small fraction of methane being consumed by the more distant crystal. Eventually, the exposed vapor bubble was totally consumed, but the bubble shielded by the hydrate crystal remained. This shows hydrate can grow from dissolved methane in the solution far away from free gas. In the 2nd experiment, we sealed methane, together with pure H2O and glass beads (0.04 to 0.07 mm in dia.), in a fused silica capillary (0.3 mm OD, 0.1 mm ID, and ~6 cm long) using the method cited above. We separated the vapor phase from the solution and glass beads by centrifuging the sealed capsule, then imposed a T gradient to the sample by cooling the solution end

A free-piston Stirling engine/linear alternator controls and load interaction test facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rauch, Jeffrey S.; Kankam, M. David; Santiago, Walter; Madi, Frank J.

1992-01-01

A test facility at LeRC was assembled for evaluating free-piston Stirling engine/linear alternator control options, and interaction with various electrical loads. This facility is based on a 'SPIKE' engine/alternator. The engine/alternator, a multi-purpose load system, a digital computer based load and facility control, and a data acquisition system with both steady-periodic and transient capability are described. Preliminary steady-periodic results are included for several operating modes of a digital AC parasitic load control. Preliminary results on the transient response to switching a resistive AC user load are discussed.

Advanced nutrient root feeding system for conveyer-type cylindrical plant growth facilities developed for microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berkovich, Yuliy A.; Smolyanina, Svetlana O.; Krivobok, Anna; Krivobok, Nikolay

A new brand of cylindrical conveyer-type space plant growth facilities (PGF) has been created to improve of cosmonauts’ diet in the microgravity conditions. Up to date several ground prototypes of the space PGF have been made and tested: “Phytocycle”, “Vitacycle”, “Phytocycle-LED”, “Phytoconveyer”; now the space PGF “Vitacycle-T” for the Russian segment of the ISS is under developing. In the PGFs the ion-exchange salt-saturated fibrous artificial soil (AS) is used as a root medium. We have proposed the system for enrichment of irrigation water by nutrients to decrease of the AS store required for PGF working during the long space mission. The system includes root modules filled in fibrous ion-exchange AS, the enrichment column with crumble salt-saturation ion-exchange resin and the cassette with slow releasing fertilizer (SRF). Both substrates (ion-exchange resin and SRF) are necessary because of the SRF contains mostly N, P and K but another three essential elements S, Ca, Mg are provided by the ion-exchange resin. In the system water goes throw the enrichment column with ion-exchange resin fertilizing by the nutrients and comes into the mixer cell fertilize equipped with the electrical conductivity sensor. When the signal of the conductivity sensor is coming to the controller it turns on the pump directed the water flow throw the cassette with SRF until the electric conductivity of the solution in the mixer cell will reach the setpoint. The nutrient root feeding system was tested during 88 days when Chinese cabbage grew in PGF “Phytocycle-LED”. The crop has been continuously illuminated by red and blue LEDs in the PPF ratio 7 to 1; an integral PPF level has been (240 ± 10) µmol/(m2×s). There was no renewal of the used fibrous AS during the experiment. The PGF total electric power consumption was of 0,45 kW. The average fresh biomass productivity of the PGF during steady state working mode was equal 135×g/day per m2 of the illuminated

Phototropic growth control of nanoscale pattern formation in photoelectrodeposited Se–Te films

PubMed Central

Sadtler, Bryce; Burgos, Stanley P.; Batara, Nicolas A.; Beardslee, Joseph A.; Atwater, Harry A.; Lewis, Nathan S.

2013-01-01

Photoresponsive materials that adapt their morphologies, growth directions, and growth rates dynamically in response to the local incident electromagnetic field would provide a remarkable route to the synthesis of complex 3D mesostructures via feedback between illumination and the structure that develops under optical excitation. We report the spontaneous development of ordered, nanoscale lamellar patterns in electrodeposited selenium–tellurium (Se–Te) alloy films grown under noncoherent, uniform illumination on unpatterned substrates in an isotropic electrolyte solution. These inorganic nanostructures exhibited phototropic growth in which lamellar stripes grew toward the incident light source, adopted an orientation parallel to the light polarization direction with a period controlled by the illumination wavelength, and showed an increased growth rate with increasing light intensity. Furthermore, the patterns responded dynamically to changes during growth in the polarization, wavelength, and angle of the incident light, enabling the template-free and pattern-free synthesis, on a variety of substrates, of woodpile, spiral, branched, or zigzag structures, along with dynamically directed growth toward a noncoherent, uniform intensity light source. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations in combination with Monte Carlo growth simulations were used to model light–matter interactions in the Se–Te films and produced a model for the morphological evolution of the lamellar structures under phototropic growth conditions. The experiments and simulations are consistent with a phototropic growth mechanism in which the optical near-field intensity profile selects and reinforces the dominant morphological mode in the emergent nanoscale patterns. PMID:24218617

Phototropic growth control of nanoscale pattern formation in photoelectrodeposited Se-Te films.

PubMed

Sadtler, Bryce; Burgos, Stanley P; Batara, Nicolas A; Beardslee, Joseph A; Atwater, Harry A; Lewis, Nathan S

2013-12-03

Photoresponsive materials that adapt their morphologies, growth directions, and growth rates dynamically in response to the local incident electromagnetic field would provide a remarkable route to the synthesis of complex 3D mesostructures via feedback between illumination and the structure that develops under optical excitation. We report the spontaneous development of ordered, nanoscale lamellar patterns in electrodeposited selenium-tellurium (Se-Te) alloy films grown under noncoherent, uniform illumination on unpatterned substrates in an isotropic electrolyte solution. These inorganic nanostructures exhibited phototropic growth in which lamellar stripes grew toward the incident light source, adopted an orientation parallel to the light polarization direction with a period controlled by the illumination wavelength, and showed an increased growth rate with increasing light intensity. Furthermore, the patterns responded dynamically to changes during growth in the polarization, wavelength, and angle of the incident light, enabling the template-free and pattern-free synthesis, on a variety of substrates, of woodpile, spiral, branched, or zigzag structures, along with dynamically directed growth toward a noncoherent, uniform intensity light source. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations in combination with Monte Carlo growth simulations were used to model light-matter interactions in the Se-Te films and produced a model for the morphological evolution of the lamellar structures under phototropic growth conditions. The experiments and simulations are consistent with a phototropic growth mechanism in which the optical near-field intensity profile selects and reinforces the dominant morphological mode in the emergent nanoscale patterns.

Adding Biotin to Parenteral Nutrition Solutions Without Lipid Accelerates the Growth of Candida albicans.

PubMed

Kuwahara, Takashi; Kaneda, Shinya; Shimono, Kazuyuki

2016-01-01

We have previously demonstrated that Candida albicans requires multivitamins (MVs) or lipid to increase rapidly in parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions. In this study, in detail, the effects of vitamins on the growth of C. albicans in PN solutions without lipid were investigated. In the 1st experiment, a commercial PN solution without lipid was supplemented with water-soluble vitamins (SVs: vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and C, folic acid, nicotinamide, biotin and panthenol), water-insoluble vitamins (IVs: vitamins A, D, E and K) or both (MVs). In the 2nd experiment, the test solutions were prepared by supplementing the PN solution with one of each or all of the SVs. In the 3rd experiment, another commercial peripheral PN (PPN) solution without lipid was supplemented with SVs, nicotinic acid, biotin or both nicotinic acid and biotin. In each of the experiments, a specified number of C. albicans organisms was added to each test solution, and all of the test solutions were allowed to stand at room temperature (23-26ºC). The number of C. albicans was counted at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the addition of the organism. In the 1st experiment, the C. albicans increased rapidly in the PN solution supplemented with the SVs, but increased slowly without the SVs, regardless of the addition of the IVs. In the 2nd experiment, the C. albicans increased rapidly in the PN solution supplemented with the SVs or biotin, but increased slowly with each of the other water-soluble vitamins. In the 3rd experiment, the C. albicans increased rapidly in the PPN solution supplemented with the SVs or biotin, but increased slowly with the addition of nicotinic acid. These results suggested that adding MVs or SVs to PN solutions without lipid promotes the growth of C. albicans, and that this effect is mostly attributable to biotin.

Simulation model for plant growth in controlled environment systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raper, C. D., Jr.; Wann, M.

1986-01-01

The role of the mathematical model is to relate the individual processes to environmental conditions and the behavior of the whole plant. Using the controlled-environment facilities of the phytotron at North Carolina State University for experimentation at the whole-plant level and methods for handling complex models, researchers developed a plant growth model to describe the relationships between hierarchial levels of the crop production system. The fundamental processes that are considered are: (1) interception of photosynthetically active radiation by leaves, (2) absorption of photosynthetically active radiation, (3) photosynthetic transformation of absorbed radiation into chemical energy of carbon bonding in solube carbohydrates in the leaves, (4) translocation between carbohydrate pools in leaves, stems, and roots, (5) flow of energy from carbohydrate pools for respiration, (6) flow from carbohydrate pools for growth, and (7) aging of tissues. These processes are described at the level of organ structure and of elementary function processes. The driving variables of incident photosynthetically active radiation and ambient temperature as inputs pertain to characterization at the whole-plant level. The output of the model is accumulated dry matter partitioned among leaves, stems, and roots; thus, the elementary processes clearly operate under the constraints of the plant structure which is itself the output of the model.

On the growth of solutions of a class of higher order linear differential equations with coefficients having the same order

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Jin; Yi, Cai-Feng

2008-04-01

In this paper, the authors investigate the growth of solutions of a class of higher order linear differential equationsf(k)+Ak-1f(k-1)+...+A0f=0 when most coefficients in the above equations have the same order with each other, and obtain some results which improve previous results due to K.H. Kwon [K.H. Kwon, Nonexistence of finite order solutions of certain second order linear differential equations, Kodai Math. J. 19 (1996) 378-387] and ZE-X. Chen [Z.-X. Chen, The growth of solutions of the differential equation f''+e-zf'+Q(z)f=0, Sci. China Ser. A 31 (2001) 775-784 (in Chinese); ZE-X. Chen, On the hyper order of solutions of higher order differential equations, Chinese Ann. Math. Ser. B 24 (2003) 501-508 (in Chinese); Z.-X. Chen, On the growth of solutions of a class of higher order differential equations, Acta Math. Sci. Ser. B 24 (2004) 52-60 (in Chinese); Z.-X. Chen, C.-C. Yang, Quantitative estimations on the zeros and growth of entire solutions of linear differential equations, Complex Var. 42 (2000) 119-133].

The growth rates of KDP crystals in solutions with potassium permanganate additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egorova, A. E.; Vorontsov, D. A.; Nezhdanov, A. V.; Noskova, A. N.; Portnov, V. N.

2017-01-01

We have found that growth of the {101} faces of a KDP (KH2PO4) crystal is suppressed, and the growth rate of the {100} faces passes through the maximum with increasing addition of KMnO4 to a solution with pH=4.7. We have concluded that the [MnH2PO4]2+ complex and MnO2 particles affect the growth kinetics. The X-ray and electronic paramagnetic resonance data show that manganese is incorporated into the crystal in the form of Mn3+ and Mn4+. The local excess of a positive charge in the area with incorporated [MnH2PO4]2+ complex can be compensated by the shift of the hydrogen atoms in the KDP structure.

On a Nonlinear Model for Tumor Growth: Global in Time Weak Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donatelli, Donatella; Trivisa, Konstantina

2014-07-01

We investigate the dynamics of a class of tumor growth models known as mixed models. The key characteristic of these type of tumor growth models is that the different populations of cells are continuously present everywhere in the tumor at all times. In this work we focus on the evolution of tumor growth in the presence of proliferating, quiescent and dead cells as well as a nutrient. The system is given by a multi-phase flow model and the tumor is described as a growing continuum Ω with boundary ∂Ω both of which evolve in time. Global-in-time weak solutions are obtained using an approach based on penalization of the boundary behavior, diffusion and viscosity in the weak formulation.

Controlling condensation and frost growth with chemical micropatterns

DOE PAGES

Boreyko, Jonathan B.; Hansen, Ryan R.; Murphy, Kevin R.; ...

2016-01-22

Frost growth on chilled hydrophobic surfaces is an inter-droplet phenomenon, where frozen droplets harvest water from supercooled liquid droplets to grow ice bridges that propagate across the surface in a chain reaction. To date, no surface has been able to passively prevent the in-plane growth of frost across the population of supercooled condensate. Here, we demonstrate that when the nucleation sites for supercooled condensate are properly controlled with chemical micropatterns, the speed of frost growth can be slowed and even halted entirely. This stoppage of frost growth is attributed to the large interdroplet separation between condensate upon the onset ofmore » freezing, which was controlled by the pitch of the chemical patterns and by deliberately triggering an early freezing event. Lastly, these findings reveal that frost growth can be passively suppressed by designing surfaces to spatially control nucleation sites and/or temporally control the onset of freezing events.« less

Facile solution-processed aqueous MoOx for feasible application in organic light-emitting diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Qinghong; Qu, Disui; Zhang, Yan; Li, Wanshu; Xiong, Jian; Cai, Ping; Xue, Xiaogang; Liu, Liming; Wang, Honghang; Zhang, Xiaowen

2018-05-01

Solution-processed techniques attract increasing attentions in organic electronics for their low-cost and scalable manufacturing. We demonstrate the favorite hole injection material of solution-processed aqueous MoOx (s-MoOx) with facile fabrication process and cast successful application to constructing efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis show that s-MoOx behaves superior film morphology and non-stoichiometry with slight oxygen deficiency. With tris(8-hydroxy-quinolinato)aluminium as emitting layer, s-MoOx based OLED shows maximum luminous efficiency of 7.9 cd/A and power efficiency of 5.9 lm/W, which have been enhanced by 43.6% and 73.5%, respectively, in comparison with the counterpart using conventional vacuum thermal evaporation MoOx. Current-voltage, impedance-voltage, phase-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics of hole-only devices indicate that s-MoOx with two processes of "spin-coating/annealing" shows mostly enhanced hole injection capacity and thus promoting device performance. Our experiments provide an alternative approach for constructing efficient OLED with solution process.

Solution structure and biophysical characterization of the multifaceted signalling effector protein growth arrest specific-1.

PubMed

Rosti, Katja; Goldman, Adrian; Kajander, Tommi

2015-02-28

The protein growth arrest specific-1 (GAS1) was discovered based on its ability to stop the cell cycle. During development it is involved in embryonic patterning, inhibits cell proliferation and mediates cell death, and has therefore been considered as a tumor suppressor. GAS1 is known to signal through two different cell membrane receptors: Rearranged during transformation (RET), and the sonic hedgehog receptor Patched-1. Sonic Hedgehog signalling is important in stem cell renewal and RET mediated signalling in neuronal survival. Disorders in both sonic hedgehog and RET signalling are connected to cancer progression. The neuroprotective effect of RET is controlled by glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alphas (GFRαs). Human Growth arrest specific-1 is a distant homolog of the GFRαs. We have produced and purified recombinant human GAS1 protein, and confirmed that GAS1 is a monomer in solution by static light scattering and small angle X-ray scattering analysis. The low resolution solution structure reveals that GAS1 is more elongated and flexible than the GFRαs, and the homology modelling of the individual domains show that they differ from GFRαs by lacking the amino acids for neurotrophic factor binding. In addition, GAS1 has an extended loop in the N-terminal domain that is conserved in vertebrates after the divergence of fishes and amphibians. We conclude that GAS1 most likely differs from GFRαs functionally, based on comparative structural analysis, while it is able to bind the extracellular part of RET in a neurotrophic factor independent manner, although with low affinity in solution. Our structural characterization indicates that GAS1 differs from GFRα's significantly also in its conformation, which probably reflects the functional differences between GAS1 and the GFRαs.

Conflict resolution styles: a comparison of assisted living and nursing home facilities.

PubMed

Small, Jeff A; Montoro-Rodriguez, Julian

2006-01-01

In this exploratory study, the authors investigated how interpersonal conflict is resolved in assisted living and nursing home facilities. In particular, the authors examined whether conflict resolution styles differed between type of facility and between residents and staff in each type of facility. Four focus groups were conducted--two with residents and two with staff from each type of facility. The focus groups centered on discussing the occurrence of conflict and how each participant handled it. Discourse analysis was employed to identify participants' use of three styles of conflict resolution: controlling, solution-oriented, and non-confrontational. The results indicate that staff in each care context showed a preference for the solution-oriented approach. Residents in each setting reported equal use of the non-confrontational and solution-oriented styles. The findings suggest that preferred conflict resolution styles may vary more as a function of the role of each communicator than the context of the care setting.

Infection control challenges in deployed US military treatment facilities.

PubMed

Hospenthal, Duane R; Crouch, Helen K

2009-04-01

Personnel sustaining combat-related injuries in current overseas conflicts continue to have their care complicated by infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, including Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. Although presumed to be due to multiple factors both within and outside of the combat theater, concern has been raised about the difficulties in establishing and maintaining standard infection control (IC) practices in deployed medical treatment facilities and in the evacuation of the injured back to the United States. Level III facilities (hospitals capable of holding patients >72 hours) in Iraq and Afghanistan and the evacuation system from Iraq to the continental US were reviewed by an expert IC-infectious disease team. All reviewed facilities had established IC programs, but these were staffed by personnel with limited IC experience, often without perceived adequate time dedicated to perform their duties, and without uniform levels of command emphasis or support. Proper hand hygiene between patients was not always ideal. Isolation and cohorting of patients to decrease multidrug-resistant organism colonization and infection varied among facilities. Review of standard operating procedures found variability among institutions and in quality of these documents. Application of US national and theater-specific guidelines and of antimicrobial control measures also varied among facilities. Effective IC practices are often difficult to maintain in modern US hospitals. In the deployed setting, with ever-changing personnel in a less than optimal practice environment, IC is even more challenging. Standardization of practice with emphasis on the basics of IC practice (e.g., hand hygiene and isolation procedures) needs to be emplaced and maintained in the deployed setting.

Face-by-face growth of sucrose crystals from aqueous solutions in the presence of raffinose—II: Growth morphology and segregation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sgualdino, G.; Aquilano, D.; Pastero, L.; Vaccari, G.

2007-10-01

Raffinose segregation into sucrose crystals is experimentally determined along with the modifications of the quantitative sucrose growth morphology, which are in turn related to the different growth conditions. ( Craff, σ) morphodromes nicely represent the conflict between the supersaturation and the raffinose concentration in the solution on the growth morphology, while the overall segregation rate is nearly proportional to the linear overall crystal growth rate. Chernov and Burton-Prim-Slichter models, checked to fit our keff and ln(keff-1-1) coefficients as a function of the supersaturation and of the mean linear overall growth rate, do not allow to know whether the segregation occurs either by a process dominated by surface integration, or by additive transfer dominated by volume diffusion within the boundary layer. The distribution of segregated raffinose strictly depends on the { h k l} growth sectors and doped crystals contain deformed lattice zones, as it comes out from X-ray powder diagrams.

Exponential growth and Gaussian—like fluctuations of solutions of stochastic differential equations with maximum functionals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Appleby, J. A. D.; Wu, H.

2008-11-01

In this paper we consider functional differential equations subjected to either instantaneous state-dependent noise, or to a white noise perturbation. The drift of the equations depend linearly on the current value and on the maximum of the solution. The functional term always provides positive feedback, while the instantaneous term can be mean-reverting or can exhibit positive feedback. We show in the white noise case that if the instantaneous term is mean reverting and dominates the history term, then solutions are recurrent, and upper bounds on the a.s. growth rate of the partial maxima of the solution can be found. When the instantaneous term is weaker, or is of positive feedback type, we determine necessary and sufficient conditions on the diffusion coefficient which ensure the exact exponential growth of solutions. An application of these results to an inefficient financial market populated by reference traders and speculators is given, in which the difference between the current instantaneous returns and maximum of the returns over the last few time units is used to determine trading strategies.

A rapid, efficient, and facile solution for dental hypersensitivity: The tannin–iron complex

PubMed Central

Oh, Dongyeop X.; Prajatelistia, Ekavianty; Ju, Sung-Won; Jeong Kim, Hyo; Baek, Soo-Jin; Joon Cha, Hyung; Ho Jun, Sang; Ahn, Jin-Soo; Soo Hwang, Dong

2015-01-01

Dental hypersensitivity due to exposure of dentinal tubules under the enamel layer to saliva is a very popular and highly elusive technology priority in dentistry. Blocking water flow within exposed dentinal tubules is a key principle for curing dental hypersensitivity. Some salts used in “at home” solutions remineralize the tubules inside by concentrating saliva ingredients. An “in-office” option of applying dense resin sealants on the tubule entrance has only localized effects on well-defined sore spots. We report a self-assembled film that was formed by facile, rapid (4 min), and efficient (approximately 0.5 g/L concentration) dip-coating of teeth in an aqueous solution containing a tannic acid–iron(III) complex. It quickly and effectively occluded the dentinal tubules of human teeth. It withstood intense tooth brushing and induced hydroxyapatite remineralisation within the dentinal tubules. This strategy holds great promise for future applications as an effective and user-friendly desensitizer for managing dental hypersensitivity. PMID:26039461

A rapid, efficient, and facile solution for dental hypersensitivity: The tannin-iron complex.

PubMed

Oh, Dongyeop X; Prajatelistia, Ekavianty; Ju, Sung-Won; Jeong Kim, Hyo; Baek, Soo-Jin; Joon Cha, Hyung; Ho Jun, Sang; Ahn, Jin-Soo; Soo Hwang, Dong

2015-06-03

Dental hypersensitivity due to exposure of dentinal tubules under the enamel layer to saliva is a very popular and highly elusive technology priority in dentistry. Blocking water flow within exposed dentinal tubules is a key principle for curing dental hypersensitivity. Some salts used in "at home" solutions remineralize the tubules inside by concentrating saliva ingredients. An "in-office" option of applying dense resin sealants on the tubule entrance has only localized effects on well-defined sore spots. We report a self-assembled film that was formed by facile, rapid (4 min), and efficient (approximately 0.5 g/L concentration) dip-coating of teeth in an aqueous solution containing a tannic acid-iron(III) complex. It quickly and effectively occluded the dentinal tubules of human teeth. It withstood intense tooth brushing and induced hydroxyapatite remineralisation within the dentinal tubules. This strategy holds great promise for future applications as an effective and user-friendly desensitizer for managing dental hypersensitivity.

Controlling Thermal Gradients During Silicon Web Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Mchugh, J. P.; Skutch, M. E.; Piotrowski, P. A.

1983-01-01

Strategically placed slot helps to control critical thermal gradients in crucible for silicon web growth. Slot thermally isolates feed region of crucible from growth region; region where pellets are added stays hot. Heat absorbed by pellets during melting causes thermal unbalance than upsets growth conditions.

Chemical growth of ZnO nanorod arrays on textured nanoparticle nanoribbons and its second-harmonic generation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Zhou; Wang, Xian; Liu, Jian; Yan, Shanshan; Ding, Yanyan; Wang, Zhengzhou; Hu, Yuan

2006-07-01

On the basis of the highly oriented ZnO nanoparticle nanoribbons as the growth seed layer (GSL) and solution growth technique, we have synthesized vertical ZnO nanorod arrays with high density over a large area and multi-teeth brush nanostructure, respectively, according to the density degree of the arrangement of nanoparticle nanoribbons GSL on the glass substrate. This controllable and convenient technique opens the possibility of creating nanostructured film for industrial fabrication and may represent a facile way to get similar structures of other compounds by using highly oriented GSL to promote the vertical arrays growth. The growth mechanism of the formation of the ordered nanorod arrays is also discussed. The second-order nonlinear optical coefficient d31 of the vertical ZnO nanorod arrays measured by the Maker fringes technique is 11.3 times as large as that of d36 KH 2PO 4 (KDP).

Solution growth of single crystal methylammonium lead halide perovskite nanostructures for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.

PubMed

Fu, Yongping; Meng, Fei; Rowley, Matthew B; Thompson, Blaise J; Shearer, Melinda J; Ma, Dewei; Hamers, Robert J; Wright, John C; Jin, Song

2015-05-06

Understanding crystal growth and improving material quality is important for improving semiconductors for electronic, optoelectronic, and photovoltaic applications. Amidst the surging interest in solar cells based on hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites and the exciting progress in device performance, improved understanding and better control of the crystal growth of these perovskites could further boost their optoelectronic and photovoltaic performance. Here, we report new insights on the crystal growth of the perovskite materials, especially crystalline nanostructures. Specifically, single crystal nanowires, nanorods, and nanoplates of methylammonium lead halide perovskites (CH3NH3PbI3 and CH3NH3PbBr3) are successfully grown via a dissolution-recrystallization pathway in a solution synthesis from lead iodide (or lead acetate) films coated on substrates. These single crystal nanostructures display strong room-temperature photoluminescence and long carrier lifetime. We also report that a solid-liquid interfacial conversion reaction can create a highly crystalline, nanostructured MAPbI3 film with micrometer grain size and high surface coverage that enables photovoltaic devices with a power conversion efficiency of 10.6%. These results suggest that single-crystal perovskite nanostructures provide improved photophysical properties that are important for fundamental studies and future applications in nanoscale optoelectronic and photonic devices.

40 CFR 792.83 - Reagents and solutions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Reagents and solutions. 792.83 Section 792.83 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (CONTINUED) GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE STANDARDS Testing Facilities Operation § 792.83 Reagents and...

A survey of experiments and experimental facilities for active control of flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sparks, Dean W., Jr.; Horner, Garnett C.; Juang, Jer-Nan; Klose, Gerhard

1989-01-01

A brief survey of large space structure control related experiments and facilities was presented. This survey covered experiments performed before and up to 1982, and those of the present period (1982-...). Finally, the future planned experiments and facilities in support of the control-structure interaction (CSI) program were reported. It was stated that new, improved ground test facilities are needed to verify the new CSI design techniques that will allow future space structures to perform planned NASA missions.

Aerosol hygroscopic growth parameterization based on a solute specific coefficient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metzger, S.; Steil, B.; Xu, L.; Penner, J. E.; Lelieveld, J.

2011-09-01

Water is a main component of atmospheric aerosols and its amount depends on the particle chemical composition. We introduce a new parameterization for the aerosol hygroscopic growth factor (HGF), based on an empirical relation between water activity (aw) and solute molality (μs) through a single solute specific coefficient νi. Three main advantages are: (1) wide applicability, (2) simplicity and (3) analytical nature. (1) Our approach considers the Kelvin effect and covers ideal solutions at large relative humidity (RH), including CCN activation, as well as concentrated solutions with high ionic strength at low RH such as the relative humidity of deliquescence (RHD). (2) A single νi coefficient suffices to parameterize the HGF for a wide range of particle sizes, from nanometer nucleation mode to micrometer coarse mode particles. (3) In contrast to previous methods, our analytical aw parameterization depends not only on a linear correction factor for the solute molality, instead νi also appears in the exponent in form x · ax. According to our findings, νi can be assumed constant for the entire aw range (0-1). Thus, the νi based method is computationally efficient. In this work we focus on single solute solutions, where νi is pre-determined with the bisection method from our analytical equations using RHD measurements and the saturation molality μssat. The computed aerosol HGF and supersaturation (Köhler-theory) compare well with the results of the thermodynamic reference model E-AIM for the key compounds NaCl and (NH4)2SO4 relevant for CCN modeling and calibration studies. The equations introduced here provide the basis of our revised gas-liquid-solid partitioning model, i.e. version 4 of the EQuilibrium Simplified Aerosol Model (EQSAM4), described in a companion paper.

Method for crystal growth control

DOEpatents

Yates, Douglas A.; Hatch, Arthur E.; Goldsmith, Jeff M.

1981-01-01

The growth of a crystalline body of a selected material is controlled so that the body has a selected cross-sectional shape. The apparatus is of the type which includes the structure normally employed in known capillary die devices as well as means for observing at least the portion of the surfaces of the growing crystalline body and the meniscus (of melt material from which the body is being pulled) including the solid/liquid/vapor junction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the meniscus surface formed at the junction when the growth of the crystalline body is under steady state conditions. The cross-sectional size of the growing crystalline body can be controlled by determining which points exhibit a sharp change in the amount of reflected radiation of a preselected wavelength and controlling the speed at which the body is being pulled or the temperature of the growth pool of melt so as to maintain those points exhibiting a sharp change at a preselected spatial position relative to a predetermined reference position. The improvement comprises reference object means positioned near the solid/liquid/vapor junction and capable of being observed by the means for observing so as to define said reference position so that the problems associated with convection current jitter are overcome.

A survey of experiments and experimental facilities for control of flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sparks, Dean W., Jr.; Juang, Jer-Nan; Klose, Gerhard J.

1989-01-01

This paper presents a survey of U.S. ground experiments and facilities dedicated to the study of active control of flexible structures. The facilities will be briefly described in terms of capability, configuration, size and instrumentation. Topics on the experiments include vibration suppression, slewing and system identification. Future research directions, particularly of the NASA Langley Research Center's Controls/Structures Interaction (CSI) ground test program, will be discussed.

Numerical simulation and growth of Li2Zn2(MoO4)3 single crystals by the top seeded solution growth technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukharev, V.; Sukhanova, E.; Mozhevitina, E.; Sadovsky, A.; Avetissov, I.

2017-06-01

Li2O - ZnO - MoO3 pseudo ternary system was used for the growth of Li2Zn2(MoO4)3 crystals by the top seeded solution growth technique in which MoO3 was used as a solvent. Properties of the melts (density, viscosity) have been experimentally measured at different temperatures and compositions of Li2O - ZnO - MoO3 pseudo ternary system. Heat mass transfer in the crystal growth setup was numerically simulated. Using the simulation results a real growth setup was made, Li2Zn2(MoO4)3 crystals were grown and their properties were studied.

Controlled Growth of Ultrathin Film of Organic Semiconductors by Balancing the Competitive Processes in Dip-Coating for Organic Transistors.

PubMed

Wu, Kunjie; Li, Hongwei; Li, Liqiang; Zhang, Suna; Chen, Xiaosong; Xu, Zeyang; Zhang, Xi; Hu, Wenping; Chi, Lifeng; Gao, Xike; Meng, Yancheng

2016-06-28

Ultrathin film with thickness below 15 nm of organic semiconductors provides excellent platform for some fundamental research and practical applications in the field of organic electronics. However, it is quite challenging to develop a general principle for the growth of uniform and continuous ultrathin film over large area. Dip-coating is a useful technique to prepare diverse structures of organic semiconductors, but the assembly of organic semiconductors in dip-coating is quite complicated, and there are no reports about the core rules for the growth of ultrathin film via dip-coating until now. In this work, we develop a general strategy for the growth of ultrathin film of organic semiconductor via dip-coating, which provides a relatively facile model to analyze the growth behavior. The balance between the three direct factors (nucleation rate, assembly rate, and recession rate) is the key to determine the growth of ultrathin film. Under the direction of this rule, ultrathin films of four organic semiconductors are obtained. The field-effect transistors constructed on the ultrathin film show good field-effect property. This work provides a general principle and systematic guideline to prepare ultrathin film of organic semiconductors via dip-coating, which would be highly meaningful for organic electronics as well as for the assembly of other materials via solution processes.

Reliable Facility Location Problem with Facility Protection

PubMed Central

Tang, Luohao; Zhu, Cheng; Lin, Zaili; Shi, Jianmai; Zhang, Weiming

2016-01-01

This paper studies a reliable facility location problem with facility protection that aims to hedge against random facility disruptions by both strategically protecting some facilities and using backup facilities for the demands. An Integer Programming model is proposed for this problem, in which the failure probabilities of facilities are site-specific. A solution approach combining Lagrangian Relaxation and local search is proposed and is demonstrated to be both effective and efficient based on computational experiments on random numerical examples with 49, 88, 150 and 263 nodes in the network. A real case study for a 100-city network in Hunan province, China, is presented, based on which the properties of the model are discussed and some managerial insights are analyzed. PMID:27583542

Gravity Plant Physiology Facility (GPPF) Team in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Gravity Plant Physiology Facility (GPPF) team in the SL POCC during the IML-1 mission.

Critical Point Facility (CPE) Group in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Critical Point Facility (CPE) group in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

An assessment of calcite crystal growth mechanisms based on crystal size distributions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kile, D.E.; Eberl, D.D.; Hoch, A.R.; Reddy, M.M.

2000-01-01

Calcite crystal growth experiments were undertaken to test a recently proposed model that relates crystal growth mechanisms to the shapes of crystal size distributions (CSDs). According to this approach, CSDs for minerals have three basic shapes: (1) asymptotic, which is related to a crystal growth mechanism having constant-rate nucleation accompanied by surface-controlled growth; (2) lognormal, which results from decaying-rate nucleation accompanied by surface-controlled growth; and (3) a theoretical, universal, steady-state curve attributed to Ostwald ripening. In addition, there is a fourth crystal growth mechanism that does not have a specific CSD shape, but which preserves the relative shapes of previously formed CSDs. This mechanism is attributed to supply-controlled growth. All three shapes were produced experimentally in the calcite growth experiments by modifying nucleation conditions and solution concentrations. The asymptotic CSD formed when additional reactants were added stepwise to the surface of solutions that were supersaturated with respect to calcite (initial Ω = 20, where Ω = 1 represents saturation), thereby leading to the continuous nucleation and growth of calcite crystals. Lognormal CSDs resulted when reactants were added continuously below the solution surface, via a submerged tube, to similarly supersaturated solutions (initial Ω = 22 to 41), thereby leading to a single nucleation event followed by surface-controlled growth. The Ostwald CSD resulted when concentrated reactants were rapidly mixed, leading initially to high levels of supersaturation (Ω >100), and to the formation and subsequent dissolution of very small nuclei, thereby yielding CSDs having small crystal size variances. The three CSD shapes likely were produced early in the crystallization process, in the nanometer crystal size range, and preserved during subsequent growth. Preservation of the relative shapes of the CSDs indicates that a supply-controlled growth mechanism

Facile room-temperature solution-phase synthesis of a spherical covalent organic framework for high-resolution chromatographic separation.

PubMed

Yang, Cheng-Xiong; Liu, Chang; Cao, Yi-Meng; Yan, Xiu-Ping

2015-08-07

A simple and facile room-temperature solution-phase synthesis was developed to fabricate a spherical covalent organic framework with large surface area, good solvent stability and high thermostability for high-resolution chromatographic separation of diverse important industrial analytes including alkanes, cyclohexane and benzene, α-pinene and β-pinene, and alcohols with high column efficiency and good precision.

National Ignition Facility Control and Information System Operational Tools

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

Marshall, C D; Beeler, R G; Bowers, G A

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) in Livermore, California, is the world's highest-energy laser fusion system and one of the premier large scale scientific projects in the United States. The system is designed to setup and fire a laser shot to a fusion ignition or high energy density target at rates up to a shot every 4 hours. NIF has 192 laser beams delivering up to 1.8 MJ of energy to a {approx}2 mm target that is planned to produce >100 billion atm of pressure and temperatures of >100 million degrees centigrade. NIF is housed in a ten-story building footprint themore » size of three football fields as shown in Fig. 1. Commissioning was recently completed and NIF will be formally dedicated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on May 29, 2009. The control system has 60,000 hardware controls points and employs 2 million lines of control system code. The control room has highly automated equipment setup prior to firing laser system shots. This automation has a data driven implementation that is conducive to dynamic modification and optimization depending on the shot goals defined by the end user experimenters. NIF has extensive facility machine history and infrastructure maintenance workflow tools both under development and deployed. An extensive operational tools suite has been developed to support facility operations including experimental shot setup, machine readiness, machine health and safety, and machine history. The following paragraphs discuss the current state and future upgrades to these four categories of operational tools.« less

Electrochemical control of pH in a hydroponic nutrient solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartzkopf, S. H.

1986-01-01

The electrochemical pH control system described was found to provide a feasible alternative method of controlling nutrient solution pH for CELSS applications. The plants grown in nutrient solution in which the pH was controlled electrochemically showed no adverse effects. Further research into the design of a larger capacity electrode bridge for better control is indicated by the results of this experiment, and is currently under way.

ALTERNATE VOC CONTROL TECHNIQUE OPTIONS FOR SMALL ROTOGRAVURE AND FLEXOGRAPHY FACILITIES

EPA Science Inventory

The report identifies Available Control Techniques (ACTs) for states to use as a referenec when implementing Reasonable Available Control Technilogy (RACT) for graphic arts facilities that are covered by the Control Technologies Guidelines (CTGs), but emit less than 91 tonnes of ...

Controls of Fluid Chemistry on Fracture Growth

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

Bruton, C; Knauss, K; Viani, B

2007-02-26

During this two year project (the original proposal requested 3 years funding) we developed and tested a new design for a mini-bending jig for the hydrothermal atomic force microscope (HAFM) and a modified design for the HAFM itself. These new capabilities now permit study of the connection between stress and mineral dissolution and growth, as well as sub-critical crack growth (SCG). We demonstrated the successful design by imaging SCG of glass in situ, in real time in the HAFM, as a function of changing solution pH. We generated a movie of the SCG process. We successfully accomplished our project objectivesmore » through year 2.« less

Interactive effects of soil acidity and fluoride on soil solution aluminium chemistry and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) root growth.

PubMed

Manoharan, V; Loganathan, P; Tillman, R W; Parfitt, R L

2007-02-01

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine if concentrations of fluoride (F), which would be added to acid soils via P fertilisers, were detrimental to barley root growth. Increasing rates of F additions to soil significantly increased the soil solution concentrations of aluminium (Al) and F irrespective of the initial adjusted soil pH, which ranged from 4.25 to 5.48. High rates of F addition severely restricted root growth; the effect was more pronounced in the strongly acidic soil. Speciation calculations demonstrated that increasing rates of F additions substantially increased the concentrations of Al-F complexes in the soil. Stepwise regression analysis showed that it was the combination of the activities of AlF2(1+) and AlF(2+) complexes that primarily controlled barley root growth. The results suggested that continuous input of F to soils, and increased soil acidification, may become an F risk issue in the future.

Optics clustered to output unique solutions: A multi-laser facility for combined single molecule and ensemble microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, David T.; Botchway, Stanley W.; Coles, Benjamin C.; Needham, Sarah R.; Roberts, Selene K.; Rolfe, Daniel J.; Tynan, Christopher J.; Ward, Andrew D.; Webb, Stephen E. D.; Yadav, Rahul; Zanetti-Domingues, Laura; Martin-Fernandez, Marisa L.

2011-09-01

Optics clustered to output unique solutions (OCTOPUS) is a microscopy platform that combines single molecule and ensemble imaging methodologies. A novel aspect of OCTOPUS is its laser excitation system, which consists of a central core of interlocked continuous wave and pulsed laser sources, launched into optical fibres and linked via laser combiners. Fibres are plugged into wall-mounted patch panels that reach microscopy end-stations in adjacent rooms. This allows multiple tailor-made combinations of laser colours and time characteristics to be shared by different end-stations minimising the need for laser duplications. This setup brings significant benefits in terms of cost effectiveness, ease of operation, and user safety. The modular nature of OCTOPUS also facilitates the addition of new techniques as required, allowing the use of existing lasers in new microscopes while retaining the ability to run the established parts of the facility. To date, techniques interlinked are multi-photon/multicolour confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging for several modalities of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and time-resolved anisotropy, total internal reflection fluorescence, single molecule imaging of single pair FRET, single molecule fluorescence polarisation, particle tracking, and optical tweezers. Here, we use a well-studied system, the epidermal growth factor receptor network, to illustrate how OCTOPUS can aid in the investigation of complex biological phenomena.

Plant Growth and Development in the ASTROCULTURE(trademark) Space-Based Growth Unit-Ground Based Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bula, R. J.

1997-01-01

The ASTROCULTURE(trademark) plant growth unit flown as part on the STS-63 mission in February 1995, represented the first time plants were flown in microgravity in a enclosed controlled environment plant growth facility. In addition to control of the major environmental parameters, nutrients were provided to the plants with the ZEOPONICS system developed by NASA Johnson Space Center scientists. Two plant species were included in this space experiment, dwarf wheat (Triticum aestivum) and a unique mustard called "Wisconsin Fast Plants" (Brassica rapa). Extensive post-flight analyses have been performed on the plant material and it has been concluded that plant growth and development was normal during the period the plants were in the microgravity environment of space. However, adequate plant growth and development control data were not available for direct comparisons of plant responses to the microgravity environment with those of plants grown at 1 g. Such data would allow for a more complete interpretation of the extent that microgravity affects plant growth and development.

Control of fluid flow during Bridgman crystal growth using low-frequency vibrational stirring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zawilski, Kevin Thomas

The goal of this research program was to develop an in depth understanding of a promising new method for stirring crystal growth melts called coupled vibrational stirring (CVS). CVS is a mixing technique that can be used in sealed systems and produces rapid mixing through vortex flows. Under normal operating conditions, CVS uses low-frequency vibrations to move the growth crucible along a circular path, producing a surface wave and convection in the melt. This research focused on the application of CVS to the vertical Bridgman technique. CVS generated flows were directly studied using a physical modeling system containing water/glycerin solutions. Sodium nitrate was chosen as a model growth system because the growth process could be directly observed using a transparent furnace. Lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMNT) was chosen as the third system because of its potential application for high performance solid state transducers and actuators. In this study, the critical parameters for controlling CVS flows in cylindrical Bridgman systems were established. One of the most important results obtained was the dependence of an axial velocity gradient on the vibrational frequency. By changing the frequency, the intensity of fluid flow at a given depth can be easily manipulated. The intensity of CVS flows near the crystal-melt interface was found to be important. When flow intensity near the interface increased during growth, large growth rate fluctuations and significant changes in interface shape were observed. To eliminate such fluctuations, a constant flow rate near the crystal-melt interface was maintained by decreasing the vibrational frequency. A continuous frequency ramp was found to be essential to grow crystals of good quality under strong CVS flows. CVS generated flows were also useful in controlling the shape of the growth interface. In the sodium nitrate system without stirring, high growth rates produced a very concave interface. By adjusting the flow

Direct observation of crystal growth from solution using optical investigation of a growing crystal face

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lal, Ravindra

1994-01-01

The first technical report for the period 1 Jan. 1993 till 31 Dec. 1993 for the research entitled, 'Direct observation of crystal growth from solution using Optical Investigation of a growing crystal Face' is presented. The work on the project did not start till 1 June 1993 due to the non-availability of the required personnel. The progress of the work during the period 1 June 1993 till the end of 1993 is described. Significant progress was made for testing various optical diagnostic techniques for monitoring crystal solution. Some of the techniques that are being tested are: heterodyne detection technique, in which changes in phase are measured as a interferometric function of time/crystal growth; a conventional technique, in which a fringe brightness is measured as a function of crystal growth/time; and a Mach-Zehnder interferometric technique in which a fringe brightness is measured as a function of time to obtain information on concentration changes. During the second year it will be decided to incorporate the best interferometric technique along with the ellipsometric technique, to obtain real time in-situ growth rate measurements. A laboratory mock-up of the first two techniques were made and tested.

Solutions for a Kirchhoff equation with critical Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg growth and discontinuous nonlinearity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

dos Santos, Gelson G.; Figueiredo, Giovany M.

2018-06-01

In this paper, we study the existence of nonegative solutions to a class of nonlinear boundary value problems of the Kirchhoff type. We prove existence results when the problem has discontinuous nonlinearity and critical Caffarelli-Kohn-Nirenberg growth.

Genetic dissection of cardiac growth control pathways

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacLellan, W. R.; Schneider, M. D.

2000-01-01

Cardiac muscle cells exhibit two related but distinct modes of growth that are highly regulated during development and disease. Cardiac myocytes rapidly proliferate during fetal life but exit the cell cycle irreversibly soon after birth, following which the predominant form of growth shifts from hyperplastic to hypertrophic. Much research has focused on identifying the candidate mitogens, hypertrophic agonists, and signaling pathways that mediate these processes in isolated cells. What drives the proliferative growth of embryonic myocardium in vivo and the mechanisms by which adult cardiac myocytes hypertrophy in vivo are less clear. Efforts to answer these questions have benefited from rapid progress made in techniques to manipulate the murine genome. Complementary technologies for gain- and loss-of-function now permit a mutational analysis of these growth control pathways in vivo in the intact heart. These studies have confirmed the importance of suspected pathways, have implicated unexpected pathways as well, and have led to new paradigms for the control of cardiac growth.

Facile preparation of mussel-inspired polyurethane hydrogel and its rapid curing behavior.

PubMed

Sun, Peiyu; Wang, Jing; Yao, Xiong; Peng, Ying; Tu, Xiaoxiong; Du, Pengfei; Zheng, Zhen; Wang, Xinling

2014-08-13

A facile method was found to incorporate a mussel-inspired adhesive moiety into synthetic polymers, and mussel mimetic polyurethanes were developed as adhesive hydrogels. In these polymers, a urethane backbone was substituted for the polyamide chain of mussel adhesive proteins, and dopamine was appended to mimic the adhesive moiety of adhesive proteins. A series of mussel mimetic polyurethanes were created through a step-growth polymerization based on hexamethylene diisocyanate as a hard segment, PEG having different molecular weights as a soft segment, and lysine-dopamine as a chain extender. Upon a treatment with Fe(3+), the aqueous mussel mimetic polyurethane solutions can be triggered by pH adjustment to form adhesive hydrogels instantaneously; these materials can be used as injectable adhesive hydrogels. Upon a treatment with NaIO4, the mussel mimetic polyurethane solutions can be cured in a controllable period of time. The successful combination of the unique mussel-inspired adhesive moiety with a tunable polyurethane structure can result in a new kind of mussel-inspired adhesive polymers.

Hopper Growth of Salt Crystals.

PubMed

Desarnaud, Julie; Derluyn, Hannelore; Carmeliet, Jan; Bonn, Daniel; Shahidzadeh, Noushine

2018-06-07

The growth of hopper crystals is observed for many substances, but the mechanism of their formation remains ill understood. Here we investigate their growth by performing evaporation experiments on small volumes of salt solutions. We show that sodium chloride crystals that grow very fast from a highly supersaturated solution form a peculiar form of hopper crystal consisting of a series of connected miniature versions of the original cubic crystal. The transition between cubic and such hopper growth happens at a well-defined supersaturation where the growth rate of the cubic crystal reaches a maximum (∼6.5 ± 1.8 μm/s). Above this threshold, the growth rate varies as the third power of supersaturation, showing that a new mechanism, controlled by the maximum speed of surface integration of new molecules, induces the hopper growth of cubic crystals in cascade.

Hydrolysis and photolysis of diacylhydrazines-type insect growth regulator JS-118 in aqueous solutions under abiotic conditions.

PubMed

Hu, J-Y; Liu, C; Zhang, Y-C; Zheng, Z-X

2009-05-01

JS-118 is a diacylhydrazines-type insect growth regulator which is now used extensively in China. The hydrolysis and photolysis of the pesticide JS-118 in aqueous solutions have been assessed under natural and controlled conditions in this project. Hydrolysis experimental results show that JS-118 is quite stable in aqueous solutions in dark, with no significant variations be observed in degradation under various conditions. Abiotic hydrolysis is relatively unimportant compared to photolysis. The rate of photodecomposition of JS-118 in aqueous solutions follows first-order kinetics both in UV radiation and natural sunlight. The degradation rates are faster under UV light than sunlight, with the half-lives (t (1/2) = ln2/k) of 6.00-10.85 min and 6.63-10.16 day, respectively. Under UV light, two major photoproducts are detected, and tentatively identified according to HPLC-MS spectral information as N-t-butyl-N-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl) and 3,7-dimethyl-benzoatedihydrofuran. The corresponding photolysis pathways of JS-118 are also proposed. The results obtained indicate that direct photoreaction is an important dissipation pathway of JS-118 in natural water systems.

Competitive Facility Location with Random Demands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uno, Takeshi; Katagiri, Hideki; Kato, Kosuke

2009-10-01

This paper proposes a new location problem of competitive facilities, e.g. shops and stores, with uncertain demands in the plane. By representing the demands for facilities as random variables, the location problem is formulated to a stochastic programming problem, and for finding its solution, three deterministic programming problems: expectation maximizing problem, probability maximizing problem, and satisfying level maximizing problem are considered. After showing that one of their optimal solutions can be found by solving 0-1 programming problems, their solution method is proposed by improving the tabu search algorithm with strategic vibration. Efficiency of the solution method is shown by applying to numerical examples of the facility location problems.

Integrated Facilities and Infrastructure Plan.

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

Reisz Westlund, Jennifer Jill

Our facilities and infrastructure are a key element of our capability-based science and engineering foundation. The focus of the Integrated Facilities and Infrastructure Plan is the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to sustain the capabilities necessary to meet national research, design, and fabrication needs for Sandia National Laboratories’ (Sandia’s) comprehensive national security missions both now and into the future. A number of Sandia’s facilities have reached the end of their useful lives and many others are not suitable for today’s mission needs. Due to the continued aging and surge in utilization of Sandia’s facilities, deferred maintenance has continuedmore » to increase. As part of our planning focus, Sandia is committed to halting the growth of deferred maintenance across its sites through demolition, replacement, and dedicated funding to reduce the backlog of maintenance needs. Sandia will become more agile in adapting existing space and changing how space is utilized in response to the changing requirements. This Integrated Facilities & Infrastructure (F&I) Plan supports the Sandia Strategic Plan’s strategic objectives, specifically Strategic Objective 2: Strengthen our Laboratories’ foundation to maximize mission impact, and Strategic Objective 3: Advance an exceptional work environment that enables and inspires our people in service to our nation. The Integrated F&I Plan is developed through a planning process model to understand the F&I needs, analyze solution options, plan the actions and funding, and then execute projects.« less

Control and Information Systems for the National Ignition Facility

DOE PAGES

Brunton, Gordon; Casey, Allan; Christensen, Marvin; ...

2017-03-23

Orchestration of every National Ignition Facility (NIF) shot cycle is managed by the Integrated Computer Control System (ICCS), which uses a scalable software architecture running code on more than 1950 front-end processors, embedded controllers, and supervisory servers. The ICCS operates laser and industrial control hardware containing 66 000 control and monitor points to ensure that all of NIF’s laser beams arrive at the target within 30 ps of each other and are aligned to a pointing accuracy of less than 50 μm root-mean-square, while ensuring that a host of diagnostic instruments record data in a few billionths of a second.more » NIF’s automated control subsystems are built from a common object-oriented software framework that distributes the software across the computer network and achieves interoperation between different software languages and target architectures. A large suite of business and scientific software tools supports experimental planning, experimental setup, facility configuration, and post-shot analysis. Standard business services using open-source software, commercial workflow tools, and database and messaging technologies have been developed. An information technology infrastructure consisting of servers, network devices, and storage provides the foundation for these systems. Thus, this work is an overview of the control and information systems used to support a wide variety of experiments during the National Ignition Campaign.« less

Control and Information Systems for the National Ignition Facility

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

Brunton, Gordon; Casey, Allan; Christensen, Marvin

Orchestration of every National Ignition Facility (NIF) shot cycle is managed by the Integrated Computer Control System (ICCS), which uses a scalable software architecture running code on more than 1950 front-end processors, embedded controllers, and supervisory servers. The ICCS operates laser and industrial control hardware containing 66 000 control and monitor points to ensure that all of NIF’s laser beams arrive at the target within 30 ps of each other and are aligned to a pointing accuracy of less than 50 μm root-mean-square, while ensuring that a host of diagnostic instruments record data in a few billionths of a second.more » NIF’s automated control subsystems are built from a common object-oriented software framework that distributes the software across the computer network and achieves interoperation between different software languages and target architectures. A large suite of business and scientific software tools supports experimental planning, experimental setup, facility configuration, and post-shot analysis. Standard business services using open-source software, commercial workflow tools, and database and messaging technologies have been developed. An information technology infrastructure consisting of servers, network devices, and storage provides the foundation for these systems. Thus, this work is an overview of the control and information systems used to support a wide variety of experiments during the National Ignition Campaign.« less

Large-area sheet task advanced dendritic web growth development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, C. S.; Seidensticker, R. G.; Mchugh, J. P.; Hopkins, R. H.; Meier, D. L.; Schruben, J.

1982-01-01

Thermal models were developed that accurately predict the thermally generated stresses in the web crystal which, if too high, cause the crystal to degenerate. The application of the modeling results to the design of low-stress experimental growth configurations will allow the growth of wider web crystals at higher growth velocities. A new experimental web growth machine was constructed. This facility includes all the features necessary for carrying out growth experiments under steady thermal conditions. Programmed growth initiation was developed to give reproducible crystal starts. Width control permits the growth of long ribbons at constant width. Melt level is controlled to 0.1 mm or better. Thus, the capability exists to grow long web crystals of constant width and thickness with little operator intervention, and web growth experiments can now be performed with growth variables controlled to a degree not previously possible.

Control of Listeria species food safety at a poultry food production facility.

PubMed

Fox, Edward M; Wall, Patrick G; Fanning, Séamus

2015-10-01

Surveillance and control of food-borne human pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, is a critical aspect of modern food safety programs at food production facilities. This study evaluated contamination patterns of Listeria species at a poultry food production facility, and evaluated the efficacy of procedures to control the contamination and transfer of the bacteria throughout the plant. The presence of Listeria species was studied along the production chain, including raw ingredients, food-contact, non-food-contact surfaces, and finished product. All isolates were sub-typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify possible entry points for Listeria species into the production chain, as well as identifying possible transfer routes through the facility. The efficacy of selected in-house sanitizers against a sub-set of the isolates was evaluated. Of the 77 different PFGE-types identified, 10 were found among two or more of the five categories/areas (ingredients, food preparation, cooking and packing, bulk packing, and product), indicating potential transfer routes at the facility. One of the six sanitizers used was identified as unsuitable for control of Listeria species. Combining PFGE data, together with information on isolate location and timeframe, facilitated identification of a persistent Listeria species contamination that had colonized the facility, along with others that were transient. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The controlled growth of GaN nanowires.

PubMed

Hersee, Stephen D; Sun, Xinyu; Wang, Xin

2006-08-01

This paper reports a scalable process for the growth of high-quality GaN nanowires and uniform nanowire arrays in which the position and diameter of each nanowire is precisely controlled. The approach is based on conventional metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using regular precursors and requires no additional metal catalyst. The location, orientation, and diameter of each GaN nanowire are controlled using a thin, selective growth mask that is patterned by interferometric lithography. It was found that use of a pulsed MOCVD process allowed the nanowire diameter to remain constant after the nanowires had emerged from the selective growth mask. Vertical GaN nanowire growth rates in excess of 2 mum/h were measured, while remarkably the diameter of each nanowire remained constant over the entire (micrometer) length of the nanowires. The paper reports transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence data.

Advanced control concepts. [trim solution for space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutton, M. F.; Friedland, B.

1973-01-01

The selection of a trim solution that provides the space shuttle with the highest level of performance and dynamic control in the presense of wind disturbances and bias torques due to misalignment of rocket engines is described. It was determined that engine gimballing is insufficient to provide control to trim the vehicle for headwind and sidewind disturbances, and that it is necessary to use aerodynamic surfaces in conjunction with engine gimballing to achieve trim. The algebraic equations for computing the trim solution were derived from the differential equations describing the motion of the vehicle by substituting the desired trim conditions. The general problem of showing how the trim equations are derived from the equations of motion and the mathematical forms of the performance criterion is discussed in detail, along with the general equations for studying the dynamic response of the trim solution.

Exact solutions of kinetic equations in an autocatalytic growth model.

PubMed

Jędrak, Jakub

2013-02-01

Kinetic equations are introduced for the transition-metal nanocluster nucleation and growth mechanism, as proposed by Watzky and Finke [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119, 10382 (1997)]. Equations of this type take the form of Smoluchowski coagulation equations supplemented with the terms responsible for the chemical reactions. In the absence of coagulation, we find complete analytical solutions of the model equations for the autocatalytic rate constant both proportional to the cluster mass, and the mass-independent one. In the former case, ξ(k)=s(k)(ξ(1))[proportionality]ξ(1)(k)/k was obtained, while in the latter, the functional form of s(k)(ξ(1)) is more complicated. In both cases, ξ(1)(t)=h(μ)(M(μ)(t)) is a function of the moments of the mass distribution. Both functions, s(k)(ξ(1)) and h(μ)(M(μ)), depend on the assumed mechanism of autocatalytic growth and monomer production, and not on other chemical reactions present in a system.

On the scaling analysis of the solute boundary layer in idealized growth configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garandet, J. P.; Duffar, T.; Favier, J. J.

1990-11-01

A scaling procedure is applied to the equation governing chemical transport in idealized Czochralski and horizontal Bridgman growth experiments. Our purpose is to get a fair estimate of the solute boundary layer in front of the solidification interface. The results are very good in the Czochralski type configuration, the maximum error with respect to the semi-analytical solution of Burton, Prim and Schlichter being of the order of 20%. In the Bridgman type configuration, our predictions compare well with the values of the numerical simulations; however, more data would be needed for a definite conclusion to be drawn.

Temperature dependence of protein solubility-determination, application to crystallization, and growth kinetics studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberger, Franz

1993-01-01

A scintillation method was developed for determinations of the temperature dependence of the solubility, and of nucleation induction times of proteins, in 50-100 mu(l) volumes of solution. Solubility data for lysozyme and horse serum albumin were obtained for various combinations of pH and precipitant concentrations. These data and the nucleation induction information were used for dynamic crystallization control, that is, for the controlled separation of nucleation and growth stages. Individual lysozyme and horse serum albumin crystals were grown in 15-20 mu(l) solution volumes contained in x-ray capillaries. The morphology and kinetics of the growth and dissolution of lysozyme in aqueous solutions with 2.5 percent NaCl and at pH = 4.5 was studied in situ with a depth resolution of 300 A (4 unit cells) by high resolution optical microscopy and digital image processing. The bulk super- or under saturation, sigma, of the solution inside a closed growth cell was controlled by temperature. The growth habit was bound by (110) and (101) faces that grew through layer spreading, although with different growth rate dependencies on supersaturation/temperature. At sigma less than 10 (obtained at higher temperatures) growth was purely kinetic ally controlled, with impurity effects (macrostep formation and kinetic hindrance) becoming significant for sigma less than 2. At sigma greater than 10 (lower temperatures), anisotropies in the interfacial kinetics were more pronounced, with interfacial kinetics and bulk transport becoming equally important to the growth morphology. Growth rates were growth history dependent. The formation of striations (layers of irregularly incorporated solution) was unambiguously correlated with growth temperature variations. Etching exposed dislocations and various high-index faces whose growth morphologies were studied during return to the steady state growth form. Growth steps were observed to originate from two-dimensional nuclei or from outcrops

Stability of piritramide in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) solutions.

PubMed

Remane, D; Scriba, G; Meissner, W; Hartmann, M

2009-06-01

For patient controlled analgesia, syringes with solutions of 1.5 mg/ml piritramide in 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride are used. The physical and chemical stability for dilutions of the commercially available preparation of piritramide is limited up to 72 hours by the manufacturer. Since application duration for patient-controlled analgesia can exceed that limited time, stability was investigated by HPLC. Our results show that these solutions are chemically stable over a time period of 60 days.

Conditioning sulfidic mine waste for growth of Agrostis capillaris--impact on solution chemistry.

PubMed

Sjöberg, Viktor; Karlsson, Stefan; Grandin, Anna; Allard, Bert

2014-01-01

Contamination of the environment due to mining and mineral processing is an urgent problem worldwide. It is often desirable to establish a grass cover on old mine waste since it significantly decreases the production of leachates. To obtain sustainable growth, it is often necessary to improve several properties of the waste such as water-holding capacity, nutrient status, and toxicity. This can be done by addition of organic materials such as wood residues, e.g., compost. In this study, we focus on the solution chemistry of the leachates when a substrate containing historic sulfidic mine waste mixed with 30 % (volume) bark compost is overgrown by Agrostis capillaris. The pot experiments also included other growth-promoting additives (alkaline material, mycorrhiza, and metabolizable carbon) to examine whether a more sustainable growth could be obtained. Significant changes in the plant growth and in the leachates composition were observed during 8 weeks of growth. It was concluded that in this time span, the growth of A. capillaris did not affect the composition of the leachates from the pots. Instead, the composition of the leachates was determined by interactions between the bark compost and the mine waste. Best growth of A. capillaris was obtained when alkaline material and mycorrhiza or metabolizable carbon was added to the substrate.

Prototyping Control and Data Acquisition for the ITER Neutral Beam Test Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luchetta, Adriano; Manduchi, Gabriele; Taliercio, Cesare; Soppelsa, Anton; Paolucci, Francesco; Sartori, Filippo; Barbato, Paolo; Breda, Mauro; Capobianco, Roberto; Molon, Federico; Moressa, Modesto; Polato, Sandro; Simionato, Paola; Zampiva, Enrico

2013-10-01

The ITER Neutral Beam Test Facility will be the project's R&D facility for heating neutral beam injectors (HNB) for fusion research operating with H/D negative ions. Its mission is to develop technology to build the HNB prototype injector meeting the stringent HNB requirements (16.5 MW injection power, -1 MeV acceleration energy, 40 A ion current and one hour continuous operation). Two test-beds will be built in sequence in the facility: first SPIDER, the ion source test-bed, to optimize the negative ion source performance, second MITICA, the actual prototype injector, to optimize ion beam acceleration and neutralization. The SPIDER control and data acquisition system is under design. To validate the main architectural choices, a system prototype has been assembled and performance tests have been executed to assess the prototype's capability to meet the control and data acquisition system requirements. The prototype is based on open-source software frameworks running under Linux. EPICS is the slow control engine, MDSplus is the data handler and MARTe is the fast control manager. The prototype addresses low and high-frequency data acquisition, 10 kS/s and 10 MS/s respectively, camera image acquisition, data archiving, data streaming, data retrieval and visualization, real time fast control with 100 μs control cycle and supervisory control.

Influence of Polymers on the Crystal Growth Rate of Felodipine: Correlating Adsorbed Polymer Surface Coverage to Solution Crystal Growth Inhibition.

PubMed

Schram, Caitlin J; Taylor, Lynne S; Beaudoin, Stephen P

2015-10-20

The bioavailability of orally administered drugs that exhibit poor aqueous solubility can be enhanced with the use of supersaturating dosage forms. Stabilization of these forms by preventing or inhibiting crystallization in solution is an important area of study. Polymers can be used to stabilize supersaturated systems; however, the properties that impact their effectiveness as crystal growth rate inhibitors are not yet fully understood. In this study, the impact of various polymers on the crystal growth rate of felodipine and the conformation of these polymers adsorbed to crystalline felodipine was investigated in order to gain a mechanistic understanding of crystal growth inhibition. It was determined that polymer hydrophobicity impacted polymer adsorption as well as adsorbed polymer conformation. Polymer conformation impacts its surface coverage, which was shown to directly correlate to the polymer's effectiveness as a growth rate inhibitor. By modeling this correlation, it is possible to predict polymer effectiveness given the surface coverage of the polymer.

21 CFR 58.47 - Facilities for handling test and control articles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Facilities for handling test and control articles... for handling test and control articles. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test and control articles. (2) Mixing of the...

21 CFR 58.47 - Facilities for handling test and control articles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Facilities for handling test and control articles... for handling test and control articles. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test and control articles. (2) Mixing of the...

21 CFR 58.47 - Facilities for handling test and control articles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Facilities for handling test and control articles... for handling test and control articles. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test and control articles. (2) Mixing of the...

21 CFR 58.47 - Facilities for handling test and control articles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Facilities for handling test and control articles... for handling test and control articles. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there shall be separate areas for: (1) Receipt and storage of the test and control articles. (2) Mixing of the...

Direct Growth of Feather-Like ZnO Structures by a Facile Solution Technique for Photo-Detecting Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yurong; Liu, Xingbing; Cai, Fangmin; Liu, Hairui

2017-08-01

The feather-like hierarchical zinc oxide (ZnO) was synthesized via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction without any seed layer or metal catalyst. A possible growth mechanism is proposed to explain the forming process of ZnO feather-like structures. Meanwhile, the photo-electronic performances of the feather-like ZnO have been investigated with the UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, I-V and I-tmeasurements. The results indicate that feather-like ZnO hierarchical structures have good anti-reflection and excellent photo-sensitivity. All results suggest that the direct growth processing of novel feather-like ZnO is envisaged to have promising application in the field of photo-detector devices.

Simulation of radial solute segregation in vertical Bridgman growth of pyridine-doped benzene, a surrogate for binary organic nonlinear optical materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hanjie; Pearlstein, Arne J.

2000-09-01

We present steady axisymmetric computations of solute distributions and radial segregation for vertical Bridgman growth of pyridine-doped benzene, a binary aromatic system with anisotropic solid-phase thermal conductivity, that serves as a model of solute transport in crystal growth of organic nonlinear optical materials. The radial variation of solid-phase mass fraction ( Cs) of pyridine, which is rejected at the growing interface, depends strongly on growth conditions. High growth velocities tend to increase Cs near the centerline, the ampoule wall, or both, and low growth velocities give more nearly uniform radial distributions. The maximum ampoule-wall temperature gradient also affects radial segregation, with convex-to-the-liquid interfaces at small temperature gradients being associated with radially monotonic Cs distributions, and ridged interfaces at higher gradients being associated with nonmonotonic distributions having maxima at the centerline and ampoule wall. Nonuniformity is strongly determined by both interface shape and the nature of the flow near the interface. Solute is transported down to the interface by a large toroidal vortex, and swept radially inward to the centerline by a second, flattened toroidal cell. When the interface is depressed at its junction with the ampoule wall, rejected solute accumulates in the overlying liquid, where convection is relatively weak, resulting in local solute enrichment of the solid. Computations at normal and zero gravity show that for two very similar interface shapes, a maximum in the radial solid-phase solute distribution at the ampoule wall is associated with the interface shape, while the maximum on the centerline is associated with sweeping of solute to the centerline by a vortical flow on the interface. We also show that radial solute segregation depends significantly on whether account is taken of the anisotropy of the solid-phase thermal conductivity. Finally, the computations provide guidance as to

The design and implementation of the Technical Facilities Controller (TFC) for the Goldstone deep space communications complex

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Killian, D. A.; Menninger, F. J.; Gorman, T.; Glenn, P.

1988-01-01

The Technical Facilities Controller is a microprocessor-based energy management system that is to be implemented in the Deep Space Network facilities. This system is used in conjunction with facilities equipment at each of the complexes in the operation and maintenance of air-conditioning equipment, power generation equipment, power distribution equipment, and other primary facilities equipment. The implementation of the Technical Facilities Controller was completed at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex and is now operational. The installation completed at the Goldstone Complex is described and the utilization of the Technical Facilities Controller is evaluated. The findings will be used in the decision to implement a similar system at the overseas complexes at Canberra, Australia, and Madrid, Spain.

Czochralski growth of NaNO3-LiNO3 solid solution single crystals using axial vibrational control technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avetissov, Igor; Sadovskiy, Andrei; Belov, Stanislav; Kong Khan, Chan; Mozhevitina, Elena; Sukhanova, Ekaterina; Zharikov, Eugeniy

2014-09-01

T-x diagram of LiNO3-NaNO3 quasi-binary system has been improved using an original technique based on Raman measurements of condense phase. (LiNO3)x(NaNO3)1-x solid solution single crystal has been grown at different regimes of axial vibrational control (AVC) technique. Significant difference in segregation coefficient behavior between AVC-CZ and conventional CZ grown crystals has appeared: with AVC intensity increase the segregation coefficient (SC) raises for light molecular weight elements, SC reduces for medium molecular weight elements, and SC remains practically unchangeable for heavy molecular weight elements. Effect of vibrational intensity on vibron and optical characteristics, microhardness of AVC-CZ (LiNO3)x(NaNO3)1-x solid solution single crystals has been studied. For the AVC-CZ crystals has been observed increases in microhardness as well as in optical transmission up to 10 rel% compare to conventional CZ grown crystals.

Controlling condensation and frost growth with chemical micropatterns.

PubMed

Boreyko, Jonathan B; Hansen, Ryan R; Murphy, Kevin R; Nath, Saurabh; Retterer, Scott T; Collier, C Patrick

2016-01-22

In-plane frost growth on chilled hydrophobic surfaces is an inter-droplet phenomenon, where frozen droplets harvest water from neighboring supercooled liquid droplets to grow ice bridges that propagate across the surface in a chain reaction. To date, no surface has been able to passively prevent the in-plane growth of ice bridges across the population of supercooled condensate. Here, we demonstrate that when the separation between adjacent nucleation sites for supercooled condensate is properly controlled with chemical micropatterns prior to freezing, inter-droplet ice bridging can be slowed and even halted entirely. Since the edge-to-edge separation between adjacent supercooled droplets decreases with growth time, deliberately triggering an early freezing event to minimize the size of nascent condensation was also necessary. These findings reveal that inter-droplet frost growth can be passively suppressed by designing surfaces to spatially control nucleation sites and by temporally controlling the onset of freezing events.

Controlling condensation and frost growth with chemical micropatterns

PubMed Central

Boreyko, Jonathan B.; Hansen, Ryan R.; Murphy, Kevin R.; Nath, Saurabh; Retterer, Scott T.; Collier, C. Patrick

2016-01-01

In-plane frost growth on chilled hydrophobic surfaces is an inter-droplet phenomenon, where frozen droplets harvest water from neighboring supercooled liquid droplets to grow ice bridges that propagate across the surface in a chain reaction. To date, no surface has been able to passively prevent the in-plane growth of ice bridges across the population of supercooled condensate. Here, we demonstrate that when the separation between adjacent nucleation sites for supercooled condensate is properly controlled with chemical micropatterns prior to freezing, inter-droplet ice bridging can be slowed and even halted entirely. Since the edge-to-edge separation between adjacent supercooled droplets decreases with growth time, deliberately triggering an early freezing event to minimize the size of nascent condensation was also necessary. These findings reveal that inter-droplet frost growth can be passively suppressed by designing surfaces to spatially control nucleation sites and by temporally controlling the onset of freezing events. PMID:26796663

Controlled Growth of Polypyrrole on Microelectrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kannan, Bhuvaneswari; Williams, David E.; Travas-Sejdic, Jandranka

2009-07-01

Electrochemical growth of a conducting polymer generally leads to a microstructure which is an irregular assembly of irregular spheres, generally taken to be indicative of a diffusion-limited aggregation in which oligomers generated at or near the electrode aggregate into particles that in turn aggregate onto the electrode. We have explored the possibilities for controlling this growth mode by using short current pulses to form the polymer. We illustrate the alteration in growth morphology achievable by the use of different pulse sequences. In particular, we show the possibility to grow isolated dendrites (`nanowires') of conducting polymer on an electrode surface.

Convection effects in protein crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Glyn O.

1988-01-01

Protein crystals for X-ray diffraction study are usually grown resting on the bottom of a hanging drop of a saturated protein solution, with slow evaporation to the air in a small enclosed cell. The evaporation rate is controlled by hanging the drop above a reservoir of water, with its saturation vapor pressure decreased by a low concentration of a passive solute. The drop has a lower solute concentration, and its volume shrinks by evaporation until the molecular concentrations match. Protein crystals can also be grown from a seed crystal suspended or supported in the interior of a supersaturated solution. The main analysis of this report concerns this case because it is less complicated than hanging-drop growth. Convection effects have been suggested as the reason for the apparent cessation of growth at a certain rather small crystal size. It seeems that as the crystal grows, the number of dislocations increases to a point where further growth is hindered. Growth in the microgravity environment of an orbiting space vehicle has been proposed as a method for obtaining larger crystals. Experimental observations of convection effects during the growth of protein crystals have been reported.

Let it grow-the open market solution to marijuana control.

PubMed

Gettman, Jon; Kennedy, Michael

2014-11-18

This commentary evaluates regulatory frameworks for the legalized production, sale, and use of marijuana. Specifically, we argue that the primary goal of legalization should be the elimination of the illicit trade in marijuana and that maximizing market participation through open markets and personal cultivation is the best approach to achieving this goal. This argument is based on the assertion that regulatory models based on a tightly controlled government market will fail because they replicate the fatal flaws of the prohibition model. This commentary argues that an examination of the reasons for prohibition's failure-to wit, the inability of government to control the production of marijuana-completely undercuts the basic premise of a tightly controlled market, which depends on the ability of the government to control production. The public interest would be better served by an effective regulatory framework which recognizes and takes advantage of competitive market forces. This analysis argues that reducing teenage access to marijuana requires the elimination of an overcapitalized illicit market. Further, it asserts that this goal and maximization of tax revenue from a legal marijuana market are mutually exclusive objectives.

How to implement security controls for an information security program at CBRN facilities

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

Lenaeus, Joseph D.; O'Neil, Lori Ross; Leitch, Rosalyn M.

This document was prepared by PNNL within the framework of Project 19 of the European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative entitled, ''Development of procedures and guidelines to create and improve secure information management systems and data exchange mechanisms for CBRN materials under regulatory control.'' It provides management and workers at CBRN facilities, parent organization managers responsible for those facilities, and regulatory agencies (governmental and nongovernmental) with guidance on the best practices for protecting information security. The security mitigation approaches presented in this document were chosen because they present generally accepted guidance in anmore » easy-to-understand manner, making it easier for facility personnel to grasp key concepts and envision how security controls could be implemented by the facility. This guidance is presented from a risk management perspective.« less

Economic growth and carbon emission control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenyu

The question about whether environmental improvement is compatible with continued economic growth remains unclear and requires further study in a specific context. This study intends to provide insight on the potential for carbon emissions control in the absence of international agreement, and connect the empirical analysis with theoretical framework. The Chinese electricity generation sector is used as a case study to demonstrate the problem. Both social planner and private problems are examined to derive the conditions that define the optimal level of production and pollution. The private problem will be demonstrated under the emission regulation using an emission tax, an input tax and an abatement subsidy respectively. The social optimal emission flow is imposed into the private problem. To provide tractable analytical results, a Cobb-Douglas type production function is used to describe the joint production process of the desired output and undesired output (i.e., electricity and emissions). A modified Hamiltonian approach is employed to solve the system and the steady state solutions are examined for policy implications. The theoretical analysis suggests that the ratio of emissions to desired output (refer to 'emission factor'), is a function of productive capital and other parameters. The finding of non-constant emission factor shows that reducing emissions without further cutting back the production of desired outputs is feasible under some circumstances. Rather than an ad hoc specification, the optimal conditions derived from our theoretical framework are used to examine the relationship between desired output and emission level. Data comes from the China Statistical Yearbook and China Electric Power Yearbook and provincial information of electricity generation for the year of 1993-2003 are used to estimate the Cobb-Douglas type joint production by the full information maximum likelihood (FIML) method. The empirical analysis shed light on the optimal

Student Control as a Planning and Design Factor in Educational Facilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lilley, H. Edward

Appropriate school facility design promotes a balance between student freedom and control. This report evaluates research on architectural approaches affecting student control and offers design recommendations. Since 1960, school discipline and vandalism problems have exploded. Senator Birch Bayh's committee reported that certain crimes are…

10 day flight performance of the plant generic bioprocessing apparatus (PGBA) plant growth facility aboard STS-77

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoehn, Alex; Chamberlain, Dale J.; Forsyth, Sasha W.; Hanna, David S.; Scovazzo, Paul; Horner, Michael B.; Stodieck, Louis S.; Todd, Paul; Heyenga, A. Gerard; Kliss, Mark H.; Bula, Raymond; Yetka, Robert

1997-01-01

PGBA, a plant growth facility developed for space flight biotechnology research, successfully grew a total of 30 plants in a closed, multi-crop chamber for 10 days aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor (STS-77). Artemisia annua, Catharanthus roseus, Pinus taeda, Spinacia oleracea and Trifolium repens were the five species studied during this mission. The primary mission objectives were to study the effects of microgravity for commercial and pharmaceutical production purposes. PGBA is a payload that represents a consortium of interests including BioServe Space Technologies (payload sponsor), NASA Ames Research Center (Controlled Ecological Life Support System, CELSS, Flight Program), Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WCSAR), and industrial affiliates (spaceflight effects on plants and formation of plant products such as pharmaceuticals). Although BioServe is responsible for the flight hardware development and integration of PGBA, NASA Ames, WSCAR and industrial affiliates provide significant hardware subsystems and technical biological expertise support.

The effects of nutrient solution sterilization on the growth and yield of hydroponically grown lettuce

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartzkopf, S. H.; Dudzinski, D.; Minners, R. S.

1987-01-01

Two methods of removing bacteria from hydroponic nutrient solution [ultraviolet (UV) radiation and submicronic filter] were evaluated for efficiency and for their effects on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production. Both methods were effective in removing bacteria; but, at high intensity, the ultraviolet sterilizer significantly inhibited the production of plants grown in the treated solution. Bacterial removal by lower intensity UV or a submicronic filter seemed to promote plant growth slightly, but showed no consistent, statistically significant effect.

Design and control of rotating soil-like substrate plant-growing facility based on plant water requirement and computational fluid dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Dawei; Li, Leyuan; Liu, Hui; Zhang, Houkai; Fu, Yuming; Sun, Yi; Li, Liang

It is necessary to process inedible plant biomass into soil-like substrate (SLS) by bio-compost to realize biological resource sustainable utilization. Although similar to natural soil in structure and function, SLS often has uneven water distribution adversely affecting the plant growth due to unsatisfactory porosity, permeability and gravity distribution. In this article, SLS plant-growing facility (SLS-PGF) were therefore rotated properly for cultivating lettuce, and the Brinkman equations coupled with laminar flow equations were taken as governing equations, and boundary conditions were specified by actual operating characteristics of rotating SLS-PGF. Optimal open-control law of the angular and inflow velocity was determined by lettuce water requirement and CFD simulations. The experimental result clearly showed that water content was more uniformly distributed in SLS under the action of centrifugal and Coriolis force, rotating SLS-PGF with the optimal open-control law could meet lettuce water requirement at every growth stage and achieve precise irrigation.

40 CFR 160.45 - Test system supply facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... aquatic plants. (2) Facilities for plant growth, including, but not limited to greenhouses, growth chambers, light banks, and fields. (c) When appropriate, facilities for aquatic animal tests shall be... preserved by appropriate means. (b) When appropriate, plant supply facilities shall be provided. As...

Modeling, simulation and control for a cryogenic fluid management facility, preliminary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, Max A.; Vanbuskirk, P. D.

1986-01-01

The synthesis of a control system for a cryogenic fluid management facility was studied. The severe demand for reliability as well as instrumentation and control unique to the Space Station environment are prime considerations. Realizing that the effective control system depends heavily on quantitative description of the facility dynamics, a methodology for process identification and parameter estimation is postulated. A block diagram of the associated control system is also produced. Finally, an on-line adaptive control strategy is developed utilizing optimization of the velocity form control parameters (proportional gains, integration and derivative time constants) in appropriate difference equations for direct digital control. Of special concern are the communications, software and hardware supporting interaction between the ground and orbital systems. It is visualized that specialist in the OSI/ISO utilizing the Ada programming language will influence further development, testing and validation of the simplistic models presented here for adaptation to the actual flight environment.

Shoreline Erosion and Proposed Control at Experimental Facility 15-Spesutie Island

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

Island, it is made up of various facilities and ranges designed for weapons testing as well as automotive testing . These ranges belong to the...ARL-SR-0383 ● SEP 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Shoreline Erosion and Proposed Control at Experimental Facility 15–Spesutie...in this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. Citation

From Peptides to Proteins: Systematic Control of Net Molecular Charge and Hydrophilicity on the Kinetics of Calcite Growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elhadj, S.; de Yoreo, J. J.; Hoyer, J. J.; Dove, P. M.

2006-12-01

The compartment-specific compositions of biologic molecules isolated from biominerals suggest that control of mineral growth may be linked to biochemical features. Here we define a systematic relationship between the ability of biomolecules in solution to promote the growth of calcite (CaCO3) and their net negative molecular charge and hydrophilicity. The degree of enhancement is dependent on peptide composition, but not on peptide sequence. Data analysis shows that this rate enhancement arises from an increase in the kinetic coefficient. We interpret the mechanism of growth enhancement to be a catalytic process whereby biomolecules reduce the magnitude of the diffusive barrier, Ek, by perturbations that displace water molecules- a water shell destruction mechanism. The result is a decrease in the repulsive barrier for attachment of solutes to the solid phase. This previously unrecognized relationship also rationalizes recently reported data showing acceleration of calcite growth rates over rates measured in the pure system by nanomolar levels of abalone nacre proteins. These findings show that the growth-modifying properties of small model peptides may be scaled up to analyze mineralization processes that are mediated by more complex proteins. We suggest that enhancement of calcite growth may now be estimated a priori from the composition of peptide sequences and the calculated values of hydrophilicity and net molecular charge without need for detailed tests for each biomolecule. This insight may contribute to an improved understanding of mineralization in diverse systems of biomineralization.

Predictors of Longitudinal Growth in Inhibitory Control in Early Childhood

PubMed Central

Moilanen, Kristin L.; Shaw, Daniel S.; Dishion, Thomas J.; Gardner, Frances; Wilson, Melvin

2009-01-01

In the current study, we examined latent growth in 731 young children’s inhibitory control from ages 2 to 4, and whether demographic characteristics or parenting behaviors were related to initial levels and growth in inhibitory control. As part of an ongoing longitudinal evaluation of the Family Check-Up (FCU), children’s inhibitory control was assessed yearly at ages 2, 3, and 4. Inhibitory control was initially low and increased linearly to age 4. High levels of harsh parenting and male gender were associated with low initial status in inhibitory control. High levels of supportive parenting were associated with faster growth. Extreme family poverty and African American ethnicity were also associated with slower growth. The results highlight parenting as a target for early interventions in contexts of high socioeconomic risk. PMID:20376201

Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Test Facility at MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for designing and building the life support systems that will provide the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) a comfortable environment in which to live and work. Scientists and engineers at the MSFC are working together to provide the ISS with systems that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. These compact and powerful systems are collectively called the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, or simply, ECLSS. In this photograph, the life test area on the left of the MSFC ECLSS test facility is where various subsystems and components are tested to determine how long they can operate without failing and to identify components needing improvement. Equipment tested here includes the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA), the Urine Processing Assembly (UPA), the mass spectrometer filament assemblies and sample pumps for the Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA). The Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) simulator facility (in the module in the right) duplicates the function and operation of the ITCS in the ISS U.S. Laboratory Module, Destiny. This facility provides support for Destiny, including troubleshooting problems related to the ITCS.

78 FR 67223 - Proposed Guidance for Fuel Cycle Facility; Material Control and Accounting Plans and Completing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-08

..., 72, et al. Proposed Guidance for Fuel Cycle Facility; Material Control and Accounting Plans and Completing NRC Form 327 and Amendments to Material Control and Accounting Regulations; Proposed Rules #0;#0... Guidance for Fuel Cycle Facility; Material Control and Accounting Plans and Completing NRC Form 327 AGENCY...

Transmission electron microscopy study of crystal growth, solid solution, and defect formation: Hollandite and synthetic tremolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozhilov, Krassimir Nikolov

Transmission electron microscopy was applied to study the crystal growth, origin of microstructures, and composition of hollandite and synthetic tremolite. The nonequilibrium shape of hollandite crystals, with reentrant angles between prismatic faces, is interpreted to be due to a multistage growth process and the development of lamellar defects that affect the growth rates of the F-faces. The process of crystal growth can be divided into three phases: (1) development of a core of intergrown romanechite and hollandite structures, (2) topotactic transformation of romanechite to hollandite and development of a lamellar microstructure, and (3) extensive overgrowth of hollandite with a high density of chain multiplicity faults, which alters the shapes of the crystals. The products from time-series of hydrothermal tremolite synthesis experiments from an oxide mixture and by recrystallization from diopside, enstatite, quartz, and water have been characterized. The crystallization starts with rapid, metastable formation of pyroxene and Mg-enriched amphibole. Chain multiplicity faults are low in density. The observed Mg enrichment is due primarily to solid solution involving the magnesio-cummingtonite component, which reaches up to 24 mol% in the initial, metastable growth stage. In products from the final stages of the experiments, the magnesio-cummingtonite component in tremolite varies between 7 and 13 mol%. Formation of monoclinic primitive tremolite is also observed. Experimental recrystallization of pyroxenes to amphibole takes place by a complex, multistage mechanism. The product amphibole crystals have low chain-multiplicity fault densities, which in general are not strongly correlated with variations in the Ca/Mg ratio. The yield of tremolitic amphibole is limited by the sluggishness of diopside hydration and dissolution and the formation of persistent, metastable solid solutions rich in the magnesio-cummingtonite component. Distance Least Squares refinements and

Insulin Particle Formation in Supersaturated Aqueous Solutions of Poly(Ethylene Glycol)

PubMed Central

Bromberg, Lev; Rashba-Step, Julia; Scott, Terrence

2005-01-01

Protein microspheres are of particular utility in the field of drug delivery. A novel, completely aqueous, process of microsphere fabrication has been devised based on controlled phase separation of protein from water-soluble polymers such as polyethylene glycols. The fabrication process results in the formation of spherical microparticles with narrow particle size distributions. Cooling of preheated human insulin-poly(ethylene glycol)-water solutions results in the facile formation of insulin particles. To map out the supersaturation conditions conducive to particle nucleation and growth, we determined the temperature- and concentration-dependent boundaries of an equilibrium liquid-solid phase separation. The kinetics of formation of microspheres were followed by dynamic and continuous-angle static light scattering techniques. The presence of PEG at a pH that was close to the protein's isoelectric point resulted in rapid nucleation and growth. The time elapsed from the moment of creation of a supersaturated solution and the detection of a solid phase in the system (the induction period, tind) ranged from tens to several hundreds of seconds. The dependence of tind on supersaturation could be described within the framework of classical nucleation theory, with the time needed for the formation of a critical nucleus (size <10 nm) being much longer than the time of the onset of particle growth. The growth was limited by cluster diffusion kinetics. The interfacial energies of the insulin particles were determined to be 3.2–3.4 and 2.2 mJ/m2 at equilibrium temperatures of 25 and 37°C, respectively. The insulin particles formed as a result of the process were monodisperse and uniformly spherical, in clear distinction to previously reported processes of microcrystalline insulin particle formation. PMID:16254391

Photoperiodic growth control in perennial trees.

PubMed

Azeez, Abdul; Sane, Aniruddha P

2015-01-01

Plants have to cope with changing seasons and adverse environmental conditions. Being sessile, plants have developed elaborate mechanisms for their survival that allow them to sense and adapt to the environment and reproduce successfully. A major adaptive trait for the survival of trees of temperate and boreal forests is the induction of growth cessation in anticipation of winters. In the last few years enormous progress has been made to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SDs induced growth cessation in model perennial tree hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × P. tremuloides). In this review we discuss the molecular mechanism underlying photoperiodic control of growth cessation and adaptive responses.

Photocurrent enhancement of n-type Cu2O electrodes achieved by controlling dendritic branching growth.

PubMed

McShane, Colleen M; Choi, Kyoung-Shin

2009-02-25

Cu(2)O electrodes composed of dendritic crystals were produced electrochemically using a slightly acidic medium (pH 4.9) containing acetate buffer. The buffer played a key role for stabilizing dendritic branching growth as a pH drop during the synthesis prevents formation of morphologically unstable branches and promotes faceted growth. Dendritic branching growth enabled facile coverage of the substrate with Cu(2)O while avoiding growth of a thicker Cu(2)O layer and increasing surface areas. The resulting electrodes showed n-type behavior by generating anodic photocurrent without applying an external bias (zero-bias photocurrent under short-circuit condition) in an Ar-purged 0.02 M K(2)SO(4) solution. The zero-bias photocurrent of crystalline dendritic electrodes was significantly higher than that of the electrodes containing micrometer-size faceted crystals deposited without buffer. In order to enhance photocurrent further a strategy of improving charge-transport properties by increasing dendritic crystal domain size was investigated. Systematic changes in nucleation density and size of the dendritic Cu(2)O crystals were achieved by altering the deposition potential, Cu(2+) concentration, and acetate concentration. Increasing dendritic crystal size consistently resulted in the improvement of photocurrent regardless of the method used to regulate crystal size. The electrode composed of dendritic crystals with the lateral dimension of ca. 12000 microm(2) showed more than 20 times higher zero-bias photocurrent than that composed of dendritic crystals with the lateral dimension of ca. 100 microm(2). The n-type nature of the Cu(2)O electrodes prepared by this study were confirmed by linear sweep voltammetry with chopped light and capacitance measurements (i.e., Mott-Schottky plots). The flatband potential in a 0.2 M K(2)SO(4) solution (pH 6) was estimated to be -0.78 vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The IPCE measured without applying an external bias was approximately 1

A Facile All-Solution-Processed Surface with High Water Contact Angle and High Water Adhesive Force.

PubMed

Chen, Mei; Hu, Wei; Liang, Xiao; Zou, Cheng; Li, Fasheng; Zhang, Lanying; Chen, Feiwu; Yang, Huai

2017-07-12

A series of sticky superhydrophobicity surfaces with high water contact angle and high water adhesive force is facilely prepared via an all-solution-processed method based on polymerization-induced phase separation between liquid crystals (LCs) and epoxy resin, which produces layers of epoxy microspheres (EMSs) with nanofolds on the surface of a substrate. The morphologies and size distributions of EMSs are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Results reveal that the obtained EMS coated-surface exhibits high apparent contact angle of 152.0° and high water adhesive force up to 117.6 μN. By varying the composition of the sample or preparing conditions, the sizes of the produced EMSs can be artificially regulated and, thus, control the wetting properties and water adhesive behaviors. Also, the sticky superhydrophobic surface exhibits excellent chemical stability, as well as long-term durability. Water droplet transportation experiments further prove that the as-made surface can be effectively used as a mechanical hand for water transportation applications. Based on this, it is believed that the simple method proposed in this paper will pave a new way for producing a sticky superhydrophobic surface and obtain a wide range of use.

Effects of goat manure liquid fertilizer combined with AB-MIX on foliage vegetables growth in hydroponic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sunaryo, Y.; Purnomo, D.; Darini, M. T.; Cahyani, V. R.

2018-03-01

Hydroponic as one of the protected cultivation practices is very important to be developed in Indonesia due to not only the reduction of arable agricultural lands in lines with increasing of residential demand and other public facilities but also due to the negative influences of climate change as well global warming to plant growth. The effects of liquid fertilizer made from goat manure (LFGM) in combination with AB-Mix on three kinds of foliage vegetable growth was examined in hydroponics. The research was conducted by 3 x 4 factorial experiment and arranged in Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. The first factor was foliage vegetable consisting of 3 levels: Mustard Green, Lettuce, and Red Spinach. The second factor was the mixture composition of nutrient solution consisting of 4 levels: LFGM + AB-Mix (v/v: 1:1), LFGM + AB-Mix (v/v: 1:3), LFGM + AB-Mix (v/v: 3:1), and A/B mix as control. Results indicated that the application of LFGM + AB-Mix (v/v: 1:3) resulted in similar plant growth as control (AB-Mix application), and also resulted in the highest chlorophyll content of Mustard green.

Stabilizing detached Bridgman melt crystal growth: Proportional-integral feedback control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeckel, Andrew; Daoutidis, Prodromos; Derby, Jeffrey J.

2012-10-01

The dynamics, operability limits, and tuning of a proportional-integral feedback controller to stabilize detached vertical Bridgman crystal growth are analyzed using a capillary model of shape stability. The manipulated variable is the pressure difference between upper and lower vapor spaces, and the controlled variable is the gap width at the triple-phase line. Open and closed loop dynamics of step changes in these state variables are analyzed under both shape stable and shape unstable growth conditions. Effects of step changes in static contact angle and growth angle are also studied. Proportional and proportional-integral control can stabilize unstable growth, but only within tight operability limits imposed by the narrow range of allowed meniscus shapes. These limits are used to establish safe operating ranges of controller gain. Strong nonlinearity of the capillary model restricts the range of perturbations that can be stabilized, and under some circumstances, stabilizes a spurious operating state far from the set point. Stabilizing detachment at low growth angle proves difficult and becomes impossible at zero growth angle.

The 3-5 semiconductor solid solution single crystal growth. [low gravity float zone growth experiments using gallium indium antimonides and cadmium tellurides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gertner, E. R.

1980-01-01

Techniques used for liquid and vapor phase epitaxy of gallium indium arsenide are described and the difficulties encountered are examined. Results show that the growth of bulk III-V solid solution single crystals in a low gravity environment will not have a major technological impact. The float zone technique in a low gravity environment is demonstrated using cadmium telluride. It is shown that this approach can result in the synthesis of a class of semiconductors that can not be grown in normal gravity because of growth problems rooted in the nature of their phase diagrams.

Growth Control: Some Questions for Urban Decisionmakers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levine, Robert A.

This report is intended to provide urban decisionmakers--mayors, city managers, planning directors, key staff and line officials, city councilmen--and citizen groups with a guide to some of the issues that surround the effort to bring urban growth under control. The report attempts to be neutral in regard to whether urban growth should be…

Natural Killer Cells Control Tumor Growth by Sensing a Growth Factor.

PubMed

Barrow, Alexander D; Edeling, Melissa A; Trifonov, Vladimir; Luo, Jingqin; Goyal, Piyush; Bohl, Benjamin; Bando, Jennifer K; Kim, Albert H; Walker, John; Andahazy, Mary; Bugatti, Mattia; Melocchi, Laura; Vermi, William; Fremont, Daved H; Cox, Sarah; Cella, Marina; Schmedt, Christian; Colonna, Marco

2018-01-25

Many tumors produce platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-DD, which promotes cellular proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stromal reaction, and angiogenesis through autocrine and paracrine PDGFRβ signaling. By screening a secretome library, we found that the human immunoreceptor NKp44, encoded by NCR2 and expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and innate lymphoid cells, recognizes PDGF-DD. PDGF-DD engagement of NKp44 triggered NK cell secretion of interferon gamma (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) that induced tumor cell growth arrest. A distinctive transcriptional signature of PDGF-DD-induced cytokines and the downregulation of tumor cell-cycle genes correlated with NCR2 expression and greater survival in glioblastoma. NKp44 expression in mouse NK cells controlled the dissemination of tumors expressing PDGF-DD more effectively than control mice, an effect enhanced by blockade of the inhibitory receptor CD96 or CpG-oligonucleotide treatment. Thus, while cancer cell production of PDGF-DD supports tumor growth and stromal reaction, it concomitantly activates innate immune responses to tumor expansion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Large-current-controllable carbon nanotube field-effect transistor in electrolyte solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myodo, Miho; Inaba, Masafumi; Ohara, Kazuyoshi; Kato, Ryogo; Kobayashi, Mikinori; Hirano, Yu; Suzuki, Kazuma; Kawarada, Hiroshi

2015-05-01

Large-current-controllable carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) were fabricated with mm-long CNT sheets. The sheets, synthesized by remote-plasma-enhanced CVD, contained both single- and double-walled CNTs. Titanium was deposited on the sheet as source and drain electrodes, and an electrolyte solution was used as a gate electrode (solution gate) to apply a gate voltage to the CNTs through electric double layers formed around the CNTs. The drain current came to be well modulated as electrolyte solution penetrated into the sheets, and one of the solution gate CNT-FETs was able to control a large current of over 2.5 A. In addition, we determined the transconductance parameter per tube and compared it with values for other CNT-FETs. The potential of CNT sheets for applications requiring the control of large current is exhibited in this study.

40 CFR 160.45 - Test system supply facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... aquatic plants. (2) Facilities for plant growth, including, but not limited to greenhouses, growth... preserved by appropriate means. (b) When appropriate, plant supply facilities shall be provided. As...

40 CFR 160.45 - Test system supply facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... aquatic plants. (2) Facilities for plant growth, including, but not limited to greenhouses, growth... preserved by appropriate means. (b) When appropriate, plant supply facilities shall be provided. As...

40 CFR 160.45 - Test system supply facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... aquatic plants. (2) Facilities for plant growth, including, but not limited to greenhouses, growth... preserved by appropriate means. (b) When appropriate, plant supply facilities shall be provided. As...

76 FR 81986 - Honeywell International, Inc., Automation and Control Solutions Division, Including On-Site...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-29

..., Inc., Automation and Control Solutions Division, Including On-Site Leased Workers From Manpower... International, Inc., Automation and Control Solutions Division, Rock Island, Illinois. The notice was published...., Automation and Control Solutions Division. The Department has determined that these workers were sufficiently...

Strengthening TB infection control in specialized health facilities in Romania--using a participatory approach.

PubMed

Turusbekova, N; Popa, C; Dragos, M; van der Werf, M J; Dinca, I

2016-02-01

In 2012, the tuberculosis (TB) notification rate among Romanian TB facility doctors and nurses was 7.2 times higher than in the general population. This indicates that transmission is ongoing inside TB facilities and that TB infection control measures are insufficient. To help prevent nosocomial TB transmission a project was implemented that aimed at providing nationwide tailor-made technical assistance in TB infection control (TB-IC) in TB treatment facilities, including the development of TB infection control plans. The objective of the present article is to describe the implementation of the project and to discuss successes and challenges. The project was an implementation study using two methods of evaluation: (1) a cross sectional questionnaire study; and (2) collection of information, during the training, on challenges related to infection control and to the project implementation. The project team developed a TB facility infection control (TB-IC) plan template, together with the Romanian experts. The template was discussed and agreed upon with the experts at a meeting and thereafter distributed by email to all TB facilities. Afterwards, a training of trainers (TOT) seminar was organized which included the provision of information about different training methods, as well as information about TB-IC. The TOT was followed by training for key TB-IC providers. Information about use of the TB-IC template was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire sent to all participants of the expert meeting and the training (42 people). Additionally, non-systematized discussions were held on broader challenges in TB-IC implementation during the training. Within the project 42 key TB-IC service providers were trained in TB-IC, including 9 who were trained at a TOT seminar. The trainees were specialists working at the national level, such as country TB coordinators, or at the TB facility level: TB doctors, epidemiologists, laboratory specialists and maintenance

21 CFR 58.47 - Facilities for handling test and control articles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Facilities for handling test and control articles. 58.47 Section 58.47 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... for handling test and control articles. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or mixups, there...

Kinetically driven self-assembly of a binary solute mixture with controlled phase separation via electro-hydrodynamic flow of corona discharge.

PubMed

Jung, Hee Joon; Huh, June; Park, Cheolmin

2012-10-21

This feature article describes a new and facile process to fabricate a variety of thin films of non-volatile binary solute mixtures suitable for high performance organic electronic devices via electro-hydrodynamic flow of conventional corona discharge. Both Corona Discharge Coating (CDC) and a modified version of CDC, Scanning Corona Discharge Coating (SCDC), are based on utilizing directional electric flow, known as corona wind, of the charged uni-polar particles generated by corona discharge between a metallic needle and a bottom plate under a high electric field (5-10 kV cm(-1)). The electric flow rapidly spreads out the binary mixture solution on the bottom plate and subsequently forms a smooth and flat thin film in a large area within a few seconds. In the case of SCDC, the static movement of the bottom electrode on which a binary mixture solution is placed provides further control of thin film formation, giving rise to a film highly uniform over a large area. Interesting phase separation behaviors were observed including nanometer scale phase separation of a polymer-polymer binary mixture and vertical phase separation of a polymer-organic semiconductor mixture. Core-shell type phase separation of either polymer-polymer or polymer-colloidal nanoparticle binary mixtures was also developed with a periodically patterned microstructure when the relative location of the corona wind was controlled to a binary solution droplet on a substrate. We also demonstrate potential applications of thin functional films with controlled microstructures by corona coating to various organic electronic devices such as electroluminescent diodes, field effect transistors and non-volatile polymer memories.

Kinetically driven self-assembly of a binary solute mixture with controlled phase separation via electro-hydrodynamic flow of corona discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Hee Joon; Huh, June; Park, Cheolmin

2012-09-01

This feature article describes a new and facile process to fabricate a variety of thin films of non-volatile binary solute mixtures suitable for high performance organic electronic devices via electro-hydrodynamic flow of conventional corona discharge. Both Corona Discharge Coating (CDC) and a modified version of CDC, Scanning Corona Discharge Coating (SCDC), are based on utilizing directional electric flow, known as corona wind, of the charged uni-polar particles generated by corona discharge between a metallic needle and a bottom plate under a high electric field (5-10 kV cm-1). The electric flow rapidly spreads out the binary mixture solution on the bottom plate and subsequently forms a smooth and flat thin film in a large area within a few seconds. In the case of SCDC, the static movement of the bottom electrode on which a binary mixture solution is placed provides further control of thin film formation, giving rise to a film highly uniform over a large area. Interesting phase separation behaviors were observed including nanometer scale phase separation of a polymer-polymer binary mixture and vertical phase separation of a polymer-organic semiconductor mixture. Core-shell type phase separation of either polymer-polymer or polymer-colloidal nanoparticle binary mixtures was also developed with a periodically patterned microstructure when the relative location of the corona wind was controlled to a binary solution droplet on a substrate. We also demonstrate potential applications of thin functional films with controlled microstructures by corona coating to various organic electronic devices such as electroluminescent diodes, field effect transistors and non-volatile polymer memories.

Laser activation of a nutrient medium and antibiotic solutions and its estimation by of bacteria growth dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malov, Alexander N.; Neupokoeva, Anna V.; Kokorina, Lubov A.; Simonova, Elena V.

2016-11-01

A laser photomodifacation of nutrient mediums and antibiotics results at the microbiological supervision of bacteria colonies growth are discussed. It is experimentally shown, that on the irradiated media there is a delay of bacterial colonies growth number. Influence of laser radiation on activity of an antibiotic also is experimentally studied. It is revealed, that laser photomodifacation increases antimicrobic activity of a preparation. The mechanism of biological solutions activation is connected with the phenomenon laser nanoclusterization. Parameters of bacteria growth bacteria growth dynamics allow to numerically estimate degree of laser activation of nutrient mediums and pharmaceutical preparations.

Closed Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macelroy, Robert D.

1992-01-01

The CELSS Test Facility (CTF) is being developed for installation on Space Station Freedom (SSF) in August 1999. It is designed to conduct experiments that will determine the effects of microgravity on the productivity of higher (crop) plants. The CTF will occupy two standard SSF racks and will accommodate approximately one square meter of growing area and a canopy height of 80 cm. The growth volume will be isolated from the external environment, allowing stringent control of environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and light levels will all be closely controlled to prescribed set points and monitored. This level of environmental control is needed to prevent stress and allow accurate assessment of microgravity effect (10-3 to 10-6 x g). Photosynthetic rates and respiration rates, calculated through continuous recording of gas concentrations, transpiration, and total and edible biomass produced will be measured. Toxic byproducts will be monitored and scrubbed. Transpiration water will be collected within the chamber and recycled into the nutrient solution. A wide variety of crop plants, e.g., wheat, soy beans, lettuce, potatoes, can be accommodated and various nutrient delivery systems and light delivery systems will be available. In the course of its development, the CTF will exploit fully, and contribute importantly, to the state-of-art in closed system technology and plant physiology.

Standardized Solution for Management Controller for MTCA.4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makowski, D.; Fenner, M.; Ludwig, F.; Mavrič, U.; Mielczarek, A.; Napieralski, A.; Perek, P.; Schlarb, H.

2015-06-01

The Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (MTCA) standard is a modern platform that is gaining popularity in the area of High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. The standard provides extensive management, monitoring and diagnostics functionalities. The hardware control and monitoring is based on the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI), that was initially developed for supervision of complex computers operation. The original IPMI specification was extended to support functions required by the MTCA specification. The Module Management Controller (MMC) is required on each Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) installed in MTCA chassis. The Rear Transition Modules (RTMs) have to be equipped with RTM Management Controllers (RMCs) which is required by the MTCA.4 subsidiary specification. The commercially available implementations of MMC and RMC are expensive and do not provide the complete functionality that is required by specific HEP applications. Therefore, many research centers and commercial companies work on their own implementation of AMC and RTM controllers. The available implementations suffer because of lack of common approach and interoperability problems. Since both Lodz University of Technology (TUL) and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) have long-term experience in developing ATCA and MTCA hardware, the authors decided to develop a unified solution of management controller fully compliant with AMC and MTCA.4 standards. The MMC v1.00 solution is dedicated for management of AMC and RTM modules. The MMC v1.00 is based on Atmel ATxmega MCUs and can be fully customized by the user or used as a drop-in-module without any modifications. The paper discusses the functionality of the MMC v1.00 solution. The implementation was verified with developed evaluation kits for AMC and RTM cards.

Evaluating Growth of Zeolites on Fly Ash in Hydro-Thermally Heated Low Alkaline Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jha, Bhagwanjee; Singh, D. N.

2017-12-01

Fly ash has been well established materials for synthesis of zeolites, under hydrothermally heated aqueous NaOH solution. Efficacy of such technique is reported to be improved when high molarity of NaOH is used. Consequently, highly alkaline waste solution, as by-product, is generally disposed of in the surrounding, which may contaminate the environment. In this context, less alkaline NaOH solution may become a safer option, which has not been tried in the past as per the literature. With this in view, the present study demonstrates effectiveness of the 0.5 M NaOH solution and critically monitors transition on the fly ash after hydrothermal treatment. As an enhancement over previous researchers, such activation of the fly ash finally results in remarkable morphological and mineralogical growth on the bulk material (the residue), which comprises of new nano-sized crystals (the zeolites Na-P1 and natrolite), after 24 h of activation of the fly ash.

On the formation, growth, and shapes of solution pipes - insights from numerical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szymczak, Piotr; Tredak, Hanna; Upadhyay, Virat; Kondratiuk, Paweł; Ladd, Anthony J. C.

2015-04-01

Cylindrical, vertical structures called solution pipes are a characteristic feature of epikarst, encountered in different parts of the world, both in relatively cold areas such as England and Poland (where their formation is linked to glacial processes) [1] and in coastal areas in tropical or subtropical climate (Bermuda, Australia, South Africa, Caribbean, Mediterranean) [2,3]. They are invariably associated with weakly cemented, porous limestones and relatively high groundwater fluxes. Many of them develop under the colluvial sandy cover and contain the fill of clayey silt. Although it is widely accepted that they are solutional in origin, the exact mechanism by which the flow becomes focused is still under debate. The hypotheses include the concentration of acidified water around stems and roots of plants, or the presence of pre-existing fractures or steeply dipping bedding planes, which would determine the points of entry for the focused groundwater flows. However, there are field sites where neither of this mechanisms was apparently at play and yet the pipes are formed in large quantities [1]. In this communication we show that the systems of solution pipes can develop spontaneously in nearly uniform matrix due to the reactive-infiltration instability: a homogeneous porous matrix is unstable with respect to small variations in local permeability; regions of high permeability dissolve faster because of enhanced transport of reactants, which leads to increased rippling of the front. This leads to the formation of a system of solution pipes which then advance into the matrix. We study this process numerically, by a combination of 2d- and 3d-simulations, solving the coupled flow and transport equations at the Darcy scale. The relative simplicity of this system (pipes developing in a uniform porous matrix, without any pre-existing structure) makes it very attractive from the modeling standpoint. We quantify the factors which control the pipe diameters and the

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.

Maximum Rate of Growth of Enstrophy in Solutions of the Fractional Burgers Equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Dongfang; Protas, Bartosz

2018-02-01

This investigation is a part of a research program aiming to characterize the extreme behavior possible in hydrodynamic models by analyzing the maximum growth of certain fundamental quantities. We consider here the rate of growth of the classical and fractional enstrophy in the fractional Burgers equation in the subcritical and supercritical regimes. Since solutions to this equation exhibit, respectively, globally well-posed behavior and finite-time blowup in these two regimes, this makes it a useful model to study the maximum instantaneous growth of enstrophy possible in these two distinct situations. First, we obtain estimates on the rates of growth and then show that these estimates are sharp up to numerical prefactors. This is done by numerically solving suitably defined constrained maximization problems and then demonstrating that for different values of the fractional dissipation exponent the obtained maximizers saturate the upper bounds in the estimates as the enstrophy increases. We conclude that the power-law dependence of the enstrophy rate of growth on the fractional dissipation exponent has the same global form in the subcritical, critical and parts of the supercritical regime. This indicates that the maximum enstrophy rate of growth changes smoothly as global well-posedness is lost when the fractional dissipation exponent attains supercritical values. In addition, nontrivial behavior is revealed for the maximum rate of growth of the fractional enstrophy obtained for small values of the fractional dissipation exponents. We also characterize the structure of the maximizers in different cases.

Controlled nerve growth factor release from multi-ply alginate/chitosan-based nerve conduits.

PubMed

Pfister, Lukas A; Alther, Eva; Papaloïzos, Michaël; Merkle, Hans P; Gander, Bruno

2008-06-01

The delivery kinetics of growth factors has been suggested to play an important role in the regeneration of peripheral nerves following axotomy. In this context, we designed a nerve conduit (NC) with adjustable release kinetics of nerve growth factor (NGF). A multi-ply system was designed where NC consisting of a polyelectrolyte alginate/chitosan complex was coated with layers of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) to control the release of embedded NGF. Prior to assessing the in vitro NGF release from NC, various release test media, with and without stabilizers for NGF, were evaluated to ensure adequate quantification of NGF by ELISA. Citrate (pH 5.0) and acetate (pH 5.5) buffered saline solutions containing 0.05% Tween 20 yielded the most reliable results for ELISA active NGF. The in vitro release experiments revealed that the best results in terms of reproducibility and release control were achieved when the NGF was embedded between two PLGA layers and the ends of the NC tightly sealed by the PLGA coatings. The release kinetics could be efficiently adjusted by accommodating NGF at different radial locations within the NC. A sustained release of bioactive NGF in the low nanogram per day range was obtained for at least 15days. In conclusion, the developed multi-ply NGF loaded NC is considered a suitable candidate for future implantation studies to gain insight into the relationship between local growth factor availability and nerve regeneration.

Modeling the atomistic growth behavior of gold nanoparticles in solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, C. Heath; Lei, Yu; Bao, Yuping

2016-04-01

The properties of gold nanoparticles strongly depend on their three-dimensional atomic structure, leading to an increased emphasis on controlling and predicting nanoparticle structural evolution during the synthesis process. In order to provide this atomistic-level insight and establish a link to the experimentally-observed growth behavior, a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation (KMC) approach is developed for capturing Au nanoparticle growth characteristics. The advantage of this approach is that, compared to traditional molecular dynamics simulations, the atomistic nanoparticle structural evolution can be tracked on time scales that approach the actual experiments. This has enabled several different comparisons against experimental benchmarks, and it has helped transition the KMC simulations from a hypothetical toy model into a more experimentally-relevant test-bed. The model is initially parameterized by performing a series of automated comparisons of Au nanoparticle growth curves versus the experimental observations, and then the refined model allows for detailed structural analysis of the nanoparticle growth behavior. Although the Au nanoparticles are roughly spherical, the maximum/minimum dimensions deviate from the average by approximately 12.5%, which is consistent with the corresponding experiments. Also, a surface texture analysis highlights the changes in the surface structure as a function of time. While the nanoparticles show similar surface structures throughout the growth process, there can be some significant differences during the initial growth at different synthesis conditions.

Power Up with Methane Gas: Struthers Water Pollution Control Facility

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The city of Struthers received $5.4 million in ARRA funding from the Ohio’s CWSRF for a project that uses methane gas produced at the Struthers Water Pollution Control Facility to power unit treatment processes and offset the facility’s energy footprint.

Autoimmune control of lesion growth in CNS with minimal damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathankumar, R.; Mohan, T. R. Krishna

2013-07-01

Lesions in central nervous system (CNS) and their growth leads to debilitating diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's etc. We developed a model earlier [1, 2] which shows how the lesion growth can be arrested through a beneficial auto-immune mechanism. We compared some of the dynamical patterns in the model with different facets of MS. The success of the approach depends on a set of control parameters and their phase space was shown to have a smooth manifold separating the uncontrolled lesion growth region from the controlled. Here we show that an optimal set of parameter values exist in the model which minimizes system damage while, at once, achieving control of lesion growth.

Regional Control of Tumor Growth

PubMed Central

Zaslavsky, Alexander; Chen, Catherine; Grillo, Jenny; Baek, Kwan-Hyuck; Holmgren, Lars; Yoon, Sam S.; Folkman, Judah; Ryeom, Sandra

2010-01-01

Tumors implanted near the scapulae have been shown to grow four-times faster than the same tumors implanted at the iliac crest. While there were marked differences in the vascularization of tumors from these two different sites, the mechanism controlling regional angiogenesis was not identified. Here we demonstrate site-specific growth of intraperitoneal tumor implants in the mouse abdomen. Our data indicate that the angiogenic response of the host differs significantly between the upper and lower sites in the mouse abdomen and reveals that the expansion of tumor mass is restricted at sites with low angiogenic responses such as the bowel mesentery in the lower abdomen. We show that in this model, this suppression of angiogenesis is due to an expression gradient of thrombospondin-1, a potent endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor. Mice with a targeted deletion of thrombospondin-1 no longer demonstrate regional restriction of tumor growth. The physiological relevance of these findings may be seen in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, whereby tumors spread within the peritoneal cavity and show differential growth in the upper and lower abdomen. We hypothesize that the difference in tumor growth in these patients may be due to a gradient of thrombospondin-1 expression in stroma. Finally, our studies suggest that upregulation of thrombospondin-1 in tumor cells is one method to suppress the growth of tumors in the upper abdomen. PMID:20736295

How Maryland increased infection prevention and control activity in long-term care facilities, 2003-2008.

PubMed

Roup, Brenda J; Scaletta, Joseph M

2011-05-01

In January 2003, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) assessed the state of infection prevention and control (IPC) resources and practices in all long-term care facilities (LTC) in the state. Only 8.1% of facilities that responded employed a trained IPC professional (IP) who managed the facility IPC program. Between 2003 and 2008, the DHMH partnered with long-term care industry trade associations and spearheaded regulatory, educational, and financial initiatives to improve this situation. In January 2008, all LTC facilities in the state were resurveyed to determine the impact of these initiatives on IPC activities. The 2008 survey indicated that 44% of LTC facilities used a trained IP who managed the IPC program, a 5-fold increase from 2003. Unpublished DHMH outbreak data indicated that LTC facilities with a trained IP recognized and reported outbreaks to the local health department 2 days sooner than facilities without a trained IP, resulting in fewer cases of disease. Multiple initiatives with concerned stakeholders and LTC partners over the course of 5 years resulted in increased numbers of LTC facilities with trained IPs who recognized and responded to outbreaks sooner than facilities without trained IPs. Copyright © 2011 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Space astrophysics with large structures - CASES and P/OF. [Controls, Astrophysics, and Structures Experiment in Space and Pinhole/Occulter Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudson, Hugh S.; Davis, J. M.

1990-01-01

Space instruments for remote sensing, of the types used for astrophysics and solar-terrestrial physics among many disciplines, will grow to larger physical sizes in the future. The zero-g space environment does not inherently restrict such growth, because relatively lightweight structures can be used. Active servo control of the structures can greatly increase their size for a given mass. The Pinhole/Occulter Facility, a candidate Space Station attached payload, offers an example: it will achieve 0.2 arc s resolution by use of a 50-m baseline for coded-aperture telescopes for hard X-ray and gamma-ray imagers.

Growth control of the eukaryote cell: a systems biology study in yeast.

PubMed

Castrillo, Juan I; Zeef, Leo A; Hoyle, David C; Zhang, Nianshu; Hayes, Andrew; Gardner, David Cj; Cornell, Michael J; Petty, June; Hakes, Luke; Wardleworth, Leanne; Rash, Bharat; Brown, Marie; Dunn, Warwick B; Broadhurst, David; O'Donoghue, Kerry; Hester, Svenja S; Dunkley, Tom Pj; Hart, Sarah R; Swainston, Neil; Li, Peter; Gaskell, Simon J; Paton, Norman W; Lilley, Kathryn S; Kell, Douglas B; Oliver, Stephen G

2007-01-01

Cell growth underlies many key cellular and developmental processes, yet a limited number of studies have been carried out on cell-growth regulation. Comprehensive studies at the transcriptional, proteomic and metabolic levels under defined controlled conditions are currently lacking. Metabolic control analysis is being exploited in a systems biology study of the eukaryotic cell. Using chemostat culture, we have measured the impact of changes in flux (growth rate) on the transcriptome, proteome, endometabolome and exometabolome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Each functional genomic level shows clear growth-rate-associated trends and discriminates between carbon-sufficient and carbon-limited conditions. Genes consistently and significantly upregulated with increasing growth rate are frequently essential and encode evolutionarily conserved proteins of known function that participate in many protein-protein interactions. In contrast, more unknown, and fewer essential, genes are downregulated with increasing growth rate; their protein products rarely interact with one another. A large proportion of yeast genes under positive growth-rate control share orthologs with other eukaryotes, including humans. Significantly, transcription of genes encoding components of the TOR complex (a major controller of eukaryotic cell growth) is not subject to growth-rate regulation. Moreover, integrative studies reveal the extent and importance of post-transcriptional control, patterns of control of metabolic fluxes at the level of enzyme synthesis, and the relevance of specific enzymatic reactions in the control of metabolic fluxes during cell growth. This work constitutes a first comprehensive systems biology study on growth-rate control in the eukaryotic cell. The results have direct implications for advanced studies on cell growth, in vivo regulation of metabolic fluxes for comprehensive metabolic engineering, and for the design of genome-scale systems biology models of the

Growth control of the eukaryote cell: a systems biology study in yeast

PubMed Central

Castrillo, Juan I; Zeef, Leo A; Hoyle, David C; Zhang, Nianshu; Hayes, Andrew; Gardner, David CJ; Cornell, Michael J; Petty, June; Hakes, Luke; Wardleworth, Leanne; Rash, Bharat; Brown, Marie; Dunn, Warwick B; Broadhurst, David; O'Donoghue, Kerry; Hester, Svenja S; Dunkley, Tom PJ; Hart, Sarah R; Swainston, Neil; Li, Peter; Gaskell, Simon J; Paton, Norman W; Lilley, Kathryn S; Kell, Douglas B; Oliver, Stephen G

2007-01-01

Background Cell growth underlies many key cellular and developmental processes, yet a limited number of studies have been carried out on cell-growth regulation. Comprehensive studies at the transcriptional, proteomic and metabolic levels under defined controlled conditions are currently lacking. Results Metabolic control analysis is being exploited in a systems biology study of the eukaryotic cell. Using chemostat culture, we have measured the impact of changes in flux (growth rate) on the transcriptome, proteome, endometabolome and exometabolome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Each functional genomic level shows clear growth-rate-associated trends and discriminates between carbon-sufficient and carbon-limited conditions. Genes consistently and significantly upregulated with increasing growth rate are frequently essential and encode evolutionarily conserved proteins of known function that participate in many protein-protein interactions. In contrast, more unknown, and fewer essential, genes are downregulated with increasing growth rate; their protein products rarely interact with one another. A large proportion of yeast genes under positive growth-rate control share orthologs with other eukaryotes, including humans. Significantly, transcription of genes encoding components of the TOR complex (a major controller of eukaryotic cell growth) is not subject to growth-rate regulation. Moreover, integrative studies reveal the extent and importance of post-transcriptional control, patterns of control of metabolic fluxes at the level of enzyme synthesis, and the relevance of specific enzymatic reactions in the control of metabolic fluxes during cell growth. Conclusion This work constitutes a first comprehensive systems biology study on growth-rate control in the eukaryotic cell. The results have direct implications for advanced studies on cell growth, in vivo regulation of metabolic fluxes for comprehensive metabolic engineering, and for the design of genome

Controlling changes - lessons learned from waste management facilities

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

Johnson, B.M.; Koplow, A.S.; Stoll, F.E.

This paper discusses lessons learned about change control at the Waste Reduction Operations Complex (WROC) and Waste Experimental Reduction Facility (WERF) of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). WROC and WERF have developed and implemented change control and an as-built drawing process and have identified structures, systems, and components (SSCS) for configuration management. The operations have also formed an Independent Review Committee to minimize costs and resources associated with changing documents. WROC and WERF perform waste management activities at the INEL. WROC activities include storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous and mixed waste. WERF provides volume reduction of solid low-levelmore » waste through compaction, incineration, and sizing operations. WROC and WERF`s efforts aim to improve change control processes that have worked inefficiently in the past.« less

Disease and disaster: Optimal deployment of epidemic control facilities in a spatially heterogeneous population with changing behaviour.

PubMed

Gaythorpe, Katy; Adams, Ben

2016-05-21

Epidemics of water-borne infections often follow natural disasters and extreme weather events that disrupt water management processes. The impact of such epidemics may be reduced by deployment of transmission control facilities such as clinics or decontamination plants. Here we use a relatively simple mathematical model to examine how demographic and environmental heterogeneities, population behaviour, and behavioural change in response to the provision of facilities, combine to determine the optimal configurations of limited numbers of facilities to reduce epidemic size, and endemic prevalence. We show that, if the presence of control facilities does not affect behaviour, a good general rule for responsive deployment to minimise epidemic size is to place them in exactly the locations where they will directly benefit the most people. However, if infected people change their behaviour to seek out treatment then the deployment of facilities offering treatment can lead to complex effects that are difficult to foresee. So careful mathematical analysis is the only way to get a handle on the optimal deployment. Behavioural changes in response to control facilities can also lead to critical facility numbers at which there is a radical change in the optimal configuration. So sequential improvement of a control strategy by adding facilities to an existing optimal configuration does not always produce another optimal configuration. We also show that the pre-emptive deployment of control facilities has conflicting effects. The configurations that minimise endemic prevalence are very different to those that minimise epidemic size. So cost-benefit analysis of strategies to manage endemic prevalence must factor in the frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facet-Dependent Oxidative Goethite Growth As a Function of Aqueous Solution Conditions.

PubMed

Strehlau, Jennifer H; Stemig, Melissa S; Penn, R Lee; Arnold, William A

2016-10-04

Nitroaromatic compounds are groundwater pollutants that can be degraded through reactions with Fe(II) adsorbed on iron oxide nanoparticles, although little is known about the evolving reactivity of the minerals with continuous pollutant exposure. In this work, Fe(II)/goethite reactivity toward 4-chloronitrobenzene (4-ClNB) as a function of pH, organic matter presence, and reactant concentrations was explored using sequential-spike batch reactors. Reaction rate constants were smaller with lower pH, introduction of organic matter, and diluted reactant concentrations as compared to a reference condition. Reaction rate constants did not change with the number of 4-ClNB spikes for all reaction conditions. Under all conditions, oxidative goethite growth was demonstrated through X-ray diffraction, magnetic characterization, and transmission electron microscopy. Nonparametric statistics were applied to compare histograms of lengths and widths of goethite nanoparticles as a function of varied solution conditions. The conditions that slowed the reaction also resulted in statistically shorter and wider particles than for the faster reactions. Additionally, added organic matter interfered with particle growth on the favorable {021} faces to a greater extent, with statistically reduced rate of growth on the tip facets and increased rate of growth on the side facets. These data demonstrate that oxidative growth of goethite in aqueous systems is dependent on major groundwater variables, such as pH and the presence of organic matter, which could lead to the evolving reactivity of goethite particles in natural environments.

Advanced nutrient root-feeding system for conveyor-type cylindrical plant growth facilities for microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berkovich, Yu. A.; Krivobok, N. M.; Krivobok, A. S.; Smolyanina, S. O.

2016-02-01

A compact and reliable automatic method for plant nutrition supply is needed to monitor and control space-based plant production systems. The authors of this study have designed a nutrient root-feeding system that minimizes and regulates nutrient and water supply without loss of crop yields in a space greenhouse. The system involves an ion-exchange fibrous artificial soil (AS) BIONA-V3TM as the root-inhabited medium; a pack with slow-release fertilizer as the main source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; and a cartridge with granular mineral-rich ionite (GMRI) as a source of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and iron. A controller equipped with an electrical conductivity meter controls the solution flow and concentration of the solution in the mixing tank at specified values. Experiments showed that the fibrous AS-stabilized pH of the substrate solution within the range of 6.0-6.6 is favorable to the majority of crops. The experimental data confirmed that this technique allowed solution preparation for crops in space greenhouses by means of pumping water through the cartridge and minimization of the AS stock onboard the space vehicle.

UV absorption control of thin film growth

DOEpatents

Biefeld, Robert M.; Hebner, Gregory A.; Killeen, Kevin P.; Zuhoski, Steven P.

1991-01-01

A system for monitoring and controlling the rate of growth of thin films in an atmosphere of reactant gases measures the UV absorbance of the atmosphere and calculates the partial pressure of the gases. The flow of reactant gases is controlled in response to the partial pressure.

Approximated analytical solution to an Ebola optimal control problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hincapié-Palacio, Doracelly; Ospina, Juan; Torres, Delfim F. M.

2016-11-01

An analytical expression for the optimal control of an Ebola problem is obtained. The analytical solution is found as a first-order approximation to the Pontryagin Maximum Principle via the Euler-Lagrange equation. An implementation of the method is given using the computer algebra system Maple. Our analytical solutions confirm the results recently reported in the literature using numerical methods.

A Novel and Facile Route to Synthesize Atomic-Layered MoS2 Film for Large-Area Electronics.

PubMed

Boandoh, Stephen; Choi, Soo Ho; Park, Ji-Hoon; Park, So Young; Bang, Seungho; Jeong, Mun Seok; Lee, Joo Song; Kim, Hyeong Jin; Yang, Woochul; Choi, Jae-Young; Kim, Soo Min; Kim, Ki Kang

2017-10-01

High-quality and large-area molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) thin film is highly desirable for applications in large-area electronics. However, there remains a challenge in attaining MoS 2 film of reasonable crystallinity due to the absence of appropriate choice and control of precursors, as well as choice of suitable growth substrates. Herein, a novel and facile route is reported for synthesizing few-layered MoS 2 film with new precursors via chemical vapor deposition. Prior to growth, an aqueous solution of sodium molybdate as the molybdenum precursor is spun onto the growth substrate and dimethyl disulfide as the liquid sulfur precursor is supplied with a bubbling system during growth. To supplement the limiting effect of Mo (sodium molybdate), a supplementary Mo is supplied by dissolving molybdenum hexacarbonyl (Mo(CO) 6 ) in the liquid sulfur precursor delivered by the bubbler. By precisely controlling the amounts of precursors and hydrogen flow, full coverage of MoS 2 film is readily achievable in 20 min. Large-area MoS 2 field effect transistors (FETs) fabricated with a conventional photolithography have a carrier mobility as high as 18.9 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , which is the highest reported for bottom-gated MoS 2 -FETs fabricated via photolithography with an on/off ratio of ≈10 5 at room temperature. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Facile Five-Step Heteroepitaxial Growth of GaAs Nanowires on Silicon Substrates and the Twin Formation Mechanism.

PubMed

Yao, Maoqing; Sheng, Chunyang; Ge, Mingyuan; Chi, Chun-Yung; Cong, Sen; Nakano, Aiichiro; Dapkus, P Daniel; Zhou, Chongwu

2016-02-23

Monolithic integration of III-V semiconductors with Si has been pursued for some time in the semiconductor industry. However, the mismatch of lattice constants and thermal expansion coefficients represents a large technological challenge for the heteroepitaxial growth. Nanowires, due to their small lateral dimension, can relieve strain and mitigate dislocation formation to allow single-crystal III-V materials to be grown on Si. Here, we report a facile five-step heteroepitaxial growth of GaAs nanowires on Si using selective area growth (SAG) in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, and we further report an in-depth study on the twin formation mechanism. Rotational twin defects were observed in the nanowire structures and showed strong dependence on the growth condition and nanowire size. We adopt a model of faceted growth to demonstrate the formation of twins during growth, which is well supported by both a transmission electron microscopy study and simulation based on nucleation energetics. Our study has led to twin-free segments in the length up to 80 nm, a significant improvement compared to previous work using SAG. The achievements may open up opportunities for future functional III-V-on-Si heterostructure devices.

Intrinsic stress response of low and high mobility solute additions to Cu thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaub, Tyler; Anthony, Ryan; Thompson, Gregory B.

2017-12-01

Thin film stress is frequently controlled through adjustments applied to the processing parameters used during film deposition. In this work, we explore how the use of solutes with different intrinsic growth properties influences the residual growth stress development for a common solvent Cu film. The findings demonstrated that the addition of a high atomic mobility solute, Ag, or a low atomic mobility solute, V, results in both alloy films undergoing grain refinement that scaled with increases in the solute content. This grain refinement was associated with solute segregation and was more pronounced in the Cu(Ag) system. The grain size reduction was also associated with an increase in the tensile stresses observed in both alloy sets. These findings indicate that solutes can be used to control the grain size under the same deposition conditions, as well as alter the stress evolution of a growing thin film.

Development, application, and validation of a survey for infectious disease control practices at equine boarding facilities.

PubMed

Kirby, Alanna T; Traub-Dargatz, Josie L; Hill, Ashley E; Kogan, Lori R; Morley, Paul S; Heird, James C

2010-11-15

To develop a questionnaire for self-assessment of biosecurity practices at equine boarding facilities and to evaluate infectious disease control practices in these facilities in Colorado. Cross-sectional study. 64 equine boarding facilities in Colorado. Survey questions were rated according to importance for prevention and containment of equine infectious diseases. Point values (range, 0 to 20) were assigned for possible responses, with greater values given for optimal infection control methods. Questionnaires were mailed to equine boarding facilities in Colorado advertised on the World Wide Web. Survey responses were compared with assessments made by a member of the research team during visits to 30 randomly selected facilities. Agreement among results was analyzed via a kappa test and rated as poor, fair, moderate, substantial, or nearly perfect. Survey responses were received for 64 of 163 (39%) equine boarding facilities. Scores ranged from 106 to 402 points (maximum possible score, 418). Most facilities received better scores for movement and housing of equids than for other sections of the survey. Respondents at 24 of 48 (50%) facilities that routinely received new equids reported isolation of new arrivals. Agreement between self-assessment by survey respondents and evaluation by a member of the research team was determined to be fair to substantial. Most equine boarding facilities have opportunities to improve measures for prevention or containment of contagious diseases (eg, isolation of newly arrived equids and use of written health management protocols). Most self-assessments of infection control practices were accurate.

Ultrasmooth Quantum Dot Micropatterns by a Facile Controllable Liquid-Transfer Approach: Low-Cost Fabrication of High-Performance QLED.

PubMed

Zhang, Min; Hu, Binbin; Meng, Lili; Bian, Ruixin; Wang, Siyuan; Wang, Yunjun; Liu, Huan; Jiang, Lei

2018-06-26

Fabrication of a high quality quantum dot (QD) film is essentially important for a high-performance QD light emitting diode display (QLED) device. It is normally a high-cost and multiple-step solution-transfer process where large amounts of QDs were needed but with only limited usefulness. Thus, developing a simple, efficient, and low-cost approach to fabricate high-quality micropatterned QD film is urgently needed. Here, we proposed that the Chinese brush enables the controllable transfer of a QD solution directly onto a homogeneous and ultrasmooth micropatterned film in one step. It is proposed that the dynamic balance of QDs was enabled during the entire solution transfer process under the cooperative effect of Marangoni flow aroused by the asymmetric solvent evaporation and the Laplace pressure different by conical fibers. By this approach, QD nanoparticles were homogeneously transferred onto the desired area on the substrate. The as-prepared QLED devices show rather high performances with the current efficiencies of 72.38, 26.03, and 4.26 cd/A and external quantum efficiencies of 17.40, 18.96, and 6.20% for the green, red, and blue QLED devices, respectively. We envision that the result offers a low-cost, facile, and practically applicable solution-processing approach that works even in air for fabricating high-performance QLED devices.

76 FR 20588 - FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: Focus on Preventive Controls for Facilities; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-13

.... FDA-2011-N-0251] FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: Focus on Preventive Controls for Facilities... comment. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a public meeting entitled ``FDA... controls for facilities provisions of the recently enacted FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). FDA is...

Dynamics of gas bubble growth in a supersaturated solution with Sievert's solubility law.

PubMed

Gor, G Yu; Kuchma, A E

2009-07-21

This paper presents a theoretical description of diffusion growth of a gas bubble after its nucleation in supersaturated liquid solution. We study systems where gas molecules completely dissociate in the solvent into two parts, thus making Sievert's solubility law valid. We show that the difference between Henry's and Sievert's laws for chemical equilibrium conditions causes the difference in bubble growth dynamics. Assuming that diffusion flux is steady we obtain a differential equation on bubble radius. Bubble dynamics equation is solved analytically for the case of homogeneous nucleation of a bubble, which takes place at a significant pressure drop. We also obtain conditions of diffusion flux steadiness. The fulfillment of these conditions is studied for the case of nucleation of water vapor bubbles in magmatic melts.

A comparison of solute-transport solution techniques based on inverse modelling results

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mehl, S.; Hill, M.C.

2000-01-01

Five common numerical techniques (finite difference, predictor-corrector, total-variation-diminishing, method-of-characteristics, and modified-method-of-characteristics) were tested using simulations of a controlled conservative tracer-test experiment through a heterogeneous, two-dimensional sand tank. The experimental facility was constructed using randomly distributed homogeneous blocks of five sand types. This experimental model provides an outstanding opportunity to compare the solution techniques because of the heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity distribution of known structure, and the availability of detailed measurements with which to compare simulated concentrations. The present work uses this opportunity to investigate how three common types of results-simulated breakthrough curves, sensitivity analysis, and calibrated parameter values-change in this heterogeneous situation, given the different methods of simulating solute transport. The results show that simulated peak concentrations, even at very fine grid spacings, varied because of different amounts of numerical dispersion. Sensitivity analysis results were robust in that they were independent of the solution technique. They revealed extreme correlation between hydraulic conductivity and porosity, and that the breakthrough curve data did not provide enough information about the dispersivities to estimate individual values for the five sands. However, estimated hydraulic conductivity values are significantly influenced by both the large possible variations in model dispersion and the amount of numerical dispersion present in the solution technique.Five common numerical techniques (finite difference, predictor-corrector, total-variation-diminishing, method-of-characteristics, and modified-method-of-characteristics) were tested using simulations of a controlled conservative tracer-test experiment through a heterogeneous, two-dimensional sand tank. The experimental facility was constructed using randomly

Chelant Enhanced Solution Processing for Wafer Scale Synthesis of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Thin Films.

PubMed

Ionescu, Robert; Campbell, Brennan; Wu, Ryan; Aytan, Ece; Patalano, Andrew; Ruiz, Isaac; Howell, Stephen W; McDonald, Anthony E; Beechem, Thomas E; Mkhoyan, K Andre; Ozkan, Mihrimah; Ozkan, Cengiz S

2017-07-25

It is of paramount importance to improve the control over large area growth of high quality molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) and other types of 2D dichalcogenides. Such atomically thin materials have great potential for use in electronics, and are thought to make possible the first real applications of spintronics. Here in, a facile and reproducible method of producing wafer scale atomically thin MoS 2 layers has been developed using the incorporation of a chelating agent in a common organic solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Previously, solution processing of a MoS 2 precursor, ammonium tetrathiomolybdate ((NH 4 ) 2 MoS 4 ), and subsequent thermolysis was used to produce large area MoS 2 layers. Our work here shows that the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in DMSO exerts superior control over wafer coverage and film thickness, and the results demonstrate that the chelating action and dispersing effect of EDTA is critical in growing uniform films. Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM) indicate the formation of homogenous few layer MoS 2 films at the wafer scale, resulting from the novel chelant-in-solution method.

Alternate Spray-coating for the Direct Fabrication of Hydroxyapatite Films without Crystal Growth Step in Solution.

PubMed

Watanabe, Satoshi; Kashiwagi, Rei; Matsumoto, Mutsuyoshi

2017-03-01

We discuss an alternate spray-coating technique for the direct fabrication of hydroxyapatite films using metal masks, suction-type spray nozzles and two calcification solutions of calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid aqueous solutions. Hydroxyapatite films were formed only on the hydrophobic surface of the substrates. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that the spray-coated films consisted of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The Ca/P ratio was estimated to be about 1.26. X-ray diffraction patterns of the spray-coated films almost coincided with those of the hydroxyapatite powders, showing that the spray-coated films consisted of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Dot arrays of hydroxyapatite films at a diameter of 100 μm were formed by tuning the concentrations of calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid aqueous solutions. This technique allows for the direct fabrication of the hydroxyapatite films without crystal growth process in hydroxyapatite precursors, the scaffolds of crystal growth such as biocompatibility SiO 2 -CaO glasses, or electrophoresis processes. By using this technique, large-area ceramic films with biocompatibility will be micropatterned with minimized material consumption, short fabrication time, and reduced equipment investments.

40 CFR 160.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the test systems and shall be adequate to preserve the identity, strength, purity, and stability of... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or...

40 CFR 160.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the test systems and shall be adequate to preserve the identity, strength, purity, and stability of... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or...

40 CFR 160.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the test systems and shall be adequate to preserve the identity, strength, purity, and stability of... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or...

40 CFR 160.47 - Facilities for handling test, control, and reference substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the test systems and shall be adequate to preserve the identity, strength, purity, and stability of... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Facilities for handling test, control... for handling test, control, and reference substances. (a) As necessary to prevent contamination or...

Operators in the Plum Brook Reactor Facility Control Room

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-03-21

Donald Rhodes, left, and Clyde Greer, right, monitor the operation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Plum Brook Reactor Facility from the control room. The 60-megawatt test reactor, NASA’s only reactor, was the eighth largest test reactor in the world. The facility was built by the Lewis Research Center in the late 1950s to study the effects of radiation on different materials that could be used to construct nuclear propulsion systems for aircraft or rockets. The reactor went critical for the first time in 1961. For the next two years, two operators were on duty 24 hours per day working on the fission process until the reactor reached its full-power level in 1963. Reactor Operators were responsible for monitoring and controlling the reactor systems. Once the reactor was running under normal operating conditions, the work was relatively uneventful. Normally the reactor was kept at a designated power level within certain limits. Occasionally the operators had to increase the power for a certain test. The shift supervisor and several different people would get together and discuss the change before boosting the power. All operators were required to maintain a Reactor Operator License from the Atomic Energy Commission. The license included six months of training, an eight-hour written exam, a four-hour walkaround, and testing on the reactor controls.

Facility-level variation in diabetes and blood pressure control in patients with diabetes: Findings from the Veterans Affairs national database.

PubMed

Rehman, Hasan; Akeroyd, Julia M; Ramsey, David; Ahmed, Sarah T; Merchant, Anwar T; Navaneethan, Sankar D; Petersen, Laura A; Virani, Salim S

2017-11-01

Intensive glycemic and blood pressure (BP) control in diabetic patients is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. We hypothesized that there is suboptimal glycemic and BP control with significant facility-level variation in patients with diabetes. We identified patients with diabetes receiving care in 130 facilities in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. We assessed facility-level rates of glycemic (hemoglobin [Hb]A1c <7%), BP (BP <140/90 mmHg), and combined glycemic and BP control (HbA1c <7% and BP <140/90 mmHg), and their facility-level variation in using median rate ratios (MRR). Among 1 103 302 patients with diabetes, 50.2% participants had an HbA1c <7%, 77.5% had a BP <140/90 mmHg, and 39.8% had both, HbA1c <7% and BP <140/90 mmHg. Median facility-level rates were 50.3% (interquartile range [IQR], 47.9%-52.4%) for glycemic control, 78.4% (IQR, 75.2%-80.0%) for BP control, and 39.9% (IQR, 38.14%-42.34%) for combined glycemic and BP control. Unadjusted MRR for glycemic control was 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-1.70) which decreased to 1.16 (95% CI: 1.14-1.19) after adjusting for patient and facility-level variables, indicating a 16% variation in glycemic control between 2 identical patients receiving care at 2 random facilities. Unadjusted MRR for BP control was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.41-1.56), which decreased to 1.25 (95% CI: 1.21-1.28), whereas unadjusted MRR for combined glycemic and BP control was 1.59 (95% CI: 1.50-1.68), which decreased to 1.15 (95% CI: 1.13-1.17) after adjustment. Facility-level rates for BP control and glycemic control remain low with significant facility-level variation. Much of this is explained by patient and facility-level variables although 16%, 25%, and 15% variation in glycemic, BP, and combined glycemic and BP control remains unexplained. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Diagnosing and controlling mix in National Ignition Facility implosion experiments a)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammel, B. A.; Scott, H. A.; Regan, S. P.; Cerjan, C.; Clark, D. S.; Edwards, M. J.; Epstein, R.; Glenzer, S. H.; Haan, S. W.; Izumi, N.; Koch, J. A.; Kyrala, G. A.; Landen, O. L.; Langer, S. H.; Peterson, K.; Smalyuk, V. A.; Suter, L. J.; Wilson, D. C.

2011-05-01

High mode number instability growth of "isolated defects" on the surfaces of National Ignition Facility [Moses et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 041006 (2009)] capsules can be large enough for the perturbation to penetrate the imploding shell, and produce a jet of ablator material that enters the hot-spot. Since internal regions of the CH ablator are doped with Ge, mixing of this material into the hot-spot results in a clear signature of Ge K-shell emission. Evidence of jets entering the hot-spot has been recorded in x-ray images and spectra, consistent with simulation predictions [Hammel et al., High Energy Density Phys. 6, 171 (2010)]. Ignition targets have been designed to minimize instability growth, and capsule fabrication improvements are underway to reduce "isolated defects." An experimental strategy has been developed where the final requirements for ignition targets can be adjusted through direct measurements of mix and experimental tuning.

Sliding Mode Thermal Control System for Space Station Furnace Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson Mark E.; Shtessel, Yuri B.

1998-01-01

The decoupled control of the nonlinear, multiinput-multioutput, and highly coupled space station furnace facility (SSFF) thermal control system is addressed. Sliding mode control theory, a subset of variable-structure control theory, is employed to increase the performance, robustness, and reliability of the SSFF's currently designed control system. This paper presents the nonlinear thermal control system description and develops the sliding mode controllers that cause the interconnected subsystems to operate in their local sliding modes, resulting in control system invariance to plant uncertainties and external and interaction disturbances. The desired decoupled flow-rate tracking is achieved by optimization of the local linear sliding mode equations. The controllers are implemented digitally and extensive simulation results are presented to show the flow-rate tracking robustness and invariance to plant uncertainties, nonlinearities, external disturbances, and variations of the system pressure supplied to the controlled subsystems.

Compliance with infection prevention and control in oral health-care facilities: a global perspective.

PubMed

Oosthuysen, Jeanné; Potgieter, Elsa; Fossey, Annabel

2014-12-01

Many publications are available on the topic of compliance with infection prevention and control in oral health-care facilities all over the world. The approaches of developing and developed countries show wide variation, but the principles of infection prevention and control are the same globally. This study is a systematic review and global perspective of the available literature on infection prevention and control in oral health-care facilities. Nine focus areas on compliance with infection-control measures were investigated: knowledge of infectious occupational hazards; personal hygiene and care of hands; correct application of personal protective equipment; use of environmental barriers and disposable items; sterilisation (recirculation) of instruments and handpieces; disinfection (surfaces) and housekeeping; management of waste disposal; quality control of dental unit waterlines, biofilms and water; and some special considerations. Various international studies from developed countries have reported highly scientific evidence-based information. In developed countries, the resources for infection prevention and control are freely available, which is not the case in developing countries. The studies in developing countries also indicate serious shortcomings with regard to infection prevention and control knowledge and education in oral health-care facilities. This review highlights the fact that availability of resources will always be a challenge, but more so in developing countries. This presents unique challenges and the opportunity for innovative thinking to promote infection prevention and control. © 2014 FDI World Dental Federation.

Advanced nutrient root-feeding system for conveyor-type cylindrical plant growth facilities for microgravity.

PubMed

Berkovich, Yu A; Krivobok, N M; Krivobok, A S; Smolyanina, S O

2016-02-01

A compact and reliable automatic method for plant nutrition supply is needed to monitor and control space-based plant production systems. The authors of this study have designed a nutrient root-feeding system that minimizes and regulates nutrient and water supply without loss of crop yields in a space greenhouse. The system involves an ion-exchange fibrous artificial soil (AS) BIONA-V3(TM) as the root-inhabited medium; a pack with slow-release fertilizer as the main source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; and a cartridge with granular mineral-rich ionite (GMRI) as a source of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and iron. A controller equipped with an electrical conductivity meter controls the solution flow and concentration of the solution in the mixing tank at specified values. Experiments showed that the fibrous AS-stabilized pH of the substrate solution within the range of 6.0-6.6 is favorable to the majority of crops. The experimental data confirmed that this technique allowed solution preparation for crops in space greenhouses by means of pumping water through the cartridge and minimization of the AS stock onboard the space vehicle. Copyright © 2015 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Controllable Growth of Large-Size Crystalline MoS2 and Resist-Free Transfer Assisted with a Cu Thin Film.

PubMed

Lin, Ziyuan; Zhao, Yuda; Zhou, Changjian; Zhong, Ren; Wang, Xinsheng; Tsang, Yuen Hong; Chai, Yang

2015-12-21

Two-dimensional MoS2 is a promising material for future nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. It has remained a great challenge to grow large-size crystalline and high surface coverage monolayer MoS2. In this work, we investigate the controllable growth of monolayer MoS2 evolving from triangular flakes to continuous thin films by optimizing the concentration of gaseous MoS2, which has been shown a both thermodynamic and kinetic growth factor. A single-crystal monolayer MoS2 larger than 300 μm was successfully grown by suppressing the nuclei density and supplying sufficient source. Furthermore, we present a facile process of transferring the centimeter scale MoS2 assisted with a copper thin film. Our results show the absence of observable residues or wrinkles after we transfer MoS2 from the growth substrates onto flat substrates using this technique, which can be further extended to transfer other two-dimensional layered materials.

Controllable Growth of Large-Size Crystalline MoS2 and Resist-Free Transfer Assisted with a Cu Thin Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Ziyuan; Zhao, Yuda; Zhou, Changjian; Zhong, Ren; Wang, Xinsheng; Tsang, Yuen Hong; Chai, Yang

2015-12-01

Two-dimensional MoS2 is a promising material for future nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. It has remained a great challenge to grow large-size crystalline and high surface coverage monolayer MoS2. In this work, we investigate the controllable growth of monolayer MoS2 evolving from triangular flakes to continuous thin films by optimizing the concentration of gaseous MoS2, which has been shown a both thermodynamic and kinetic growth factor. A single-crystal monolayer MoS2 larger than 300 μm was successfully grown by suppressing the nuclei density and supplying sufficient source. Furthermore, we present a facile process of transferring the centimeter scale MoS2 assisted with a copper thin film. Our results show the absence of observable residues or wrinkles after we transfer MoS2 from the growth substrates onto flat substrates using this technique, which can be further extended to transfer other two-dimensional layered materials.

Gas-Grain Simulation Facility (GGSF). Volume 1: Stage 1 facility definition studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gat, Nahum

1993-01-01

The Gas-Grain Simulation Facility (GGSF) is a facility-type payload to be included in the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The GGSF is a multidisciplinary facility that will accommodate several classes of experiments, including exobiology, planetary science, atmospheric science, and astrophysics. The physical mechanisms envisioned to be investigated include crystal growth, aggregation, nucleation, coagulation, condensation, collisions, fractal growth, cycles of freezing and evaporation, scavenging, longevity of bacteria, and more. TRW performed a Phase A study that included analyses of the science and technical (S&T) requirements, the development of facility functional requirements, and a conceptual design of the facility. The work that was performed under Stage 1 of the Phase A study and the results to date are summarized. In this stage, facility definition studies were conducted in sufficient detail to establish the technical feasibility of the candidate strawman experiments. The studies identified technical difficulties, identified required facility subsystems, surveyed existing technology studies and established preliminary facility weight, volume, power consumption, data systems, interface definition, and crew time requirements. The results of this study served as the basis for Stage 2 of the Phase A study in which a conceptual design and a reference design were performed. The results also served as a basis for a related study for a Gas-Grain Simulation Experiment Module (GGSEM), which is an apparatus intended to perform a subset of the GGSF experiments on board a low-Earth-orbiting platform.

Temperature and melt solid interface control during crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batur, Celal

1990-01-01

Findings on the adaptive control of a transparent Bridgman crystal growth furnace are summarized. The task of the process controller is to establish a user specified axial temperature profile by controlling the temperatures in eight heating zones. The furnace controller is built around a computer. Adaptive PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) and Pole Placement control algorithms are applied. The need for adaptive controller stems from the fact that the zone dynamics changes with respect to time. The controller was tested extensively on the Lead Bromide crystal growth. Several different temperature profiles and ampoule's translational rates are tried. The feasibility of solid liquid interface quantification by image processing was determined. The interface is observed by a color video camera and the image data file is processed to determine if the interface is flat, convex or concave.

GSK3 controls axon growth via CLASP-mediated regulation of growth cone microtubules

PubMed Central

Hur, Eun-Mi; Saijilafu; Lee, Byoung Dae; Kim, Seong-Jin; Xu, Wen-Lin; Zhou, Feng-Quan

2011-01-01

Suppression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) activity in neurons yields pleiotropic outcomes, causing both axon growth promotion and inhibition. Previous studies have suggested that specific GSK3 substrates, such as adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), support axon growth by regulating the stability of axonal microtubules (MTs), but the substrate(s) and mechanisms conveying axon growth inhibition remain elusive. Here we show that CLIP (cytoplasmic linker protein)-associated protein (CLASP), originally identified as a MT plus end-binding protein, displays both plus end-binding and lattice-binding activities in nerve growth cones, and reveal that the two MT-binding activities regulate axon growth in an opposing manner: The lattice-binding activity mediates axon growth inhibition induced by suppression of GSK3 activity via preventing MT protrusion into the growth cone periphery, whereas the plus end-binding property supports axon extension via stabilizing the growing ends of axonal MTs. We propose a model in which CLASP transduces GSK3 activity levels to differentially control axon growth by coordinating the stability and configuration of growth cone MTs. PMID:21937714

Follow up on the crystal growth experiments of the LDEF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nielsen, K. F.; Lind, M. D.

1993-01-01

The results of the 4 solution growth experiments on the LDEF have been published elsewhere. Both the crystals of CaCO3, which were large and well shaped, and the much smaller TTF-TCNQ crystals showed unusual morphological behavior. The follow up on these experiments was begun in 1981, when ESA initiated a 'Concept Definition Study' on a large, 150 kg, Solution Growth Facility (SGF) to be included in the payload of EURECA-1, the European Retrievable Carrier. This carrier was a continuation of the European Spacelab and at that time planned for launch in 1987. The long delay of the LDEF retrieval and of subsequent missions brought about reflections both on the concept of crystal growth in space and on the choice of crystallization materials that had been made for the LDEF. Already before the LDEF retrieval, research on TTF-TCNQ had been stopped, and a planned growth experiment with TTF-TCNQ on the SGF/EURECA had been cancelled. The target of the SGF investigation is now more fundamental in nature. None of the crystals to be grown here are, like TTF-TCNQ, in particular demand by science or industry, and the crystals only serve the purpose of model crystals. The real purpose of the investigation is to study the growth behavior. One of the experiments, the Soret Coefficient Measurement experiment is not growing crystals at all, but has it as its sole purpose to obtain accurate information on thermal diffusion, a process of importance in crystal growth from solution.

Operation and Maintenance of Water Pollution Control Facilities: A WPCF White Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, William R.; And Others

1979-01-01

Presented are the recommendations of the Water Pollution Control Federation for operation and maintenance consideration during the planning design, construction, and operation of wastewater treatment facilities. (CS)

Convective flow effects on protein crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberger, Franz; Monaco, Lisa A.

1993-01-01

The experimental setup for the in-situ high resolution optical monitoring of protein crystal growth/dissolution morphologies was substantially improved. By augmenting the observation system with a temperature-controlled enclosure, laser illumination for the interferometric microscope, and software for pixel by pixel light intensity recording, a height resolution of about two unit cells for lysozyme can now be obtained. The repartitioning of Na(+) and Cl(-) ions between lysozyme solutions and crystals was studied. Quite unexpectedly, it was found that the longer crystals were in contact with their solution, the lower was their ion content. The development of a model for diffusive-convective transport and resulting distribution of the growth rate on facets was completed. Results obtained for a realistic growth cell geometry show interesting differences between 'growth runs' at 1g and 0g. The kinematic viscosity of lysozyme solutions of various supersaturations and salt concentrations was monitored over time. In contrast to the preliminary finding of other authors, no changes in viscosity were found over four days. The experimental setup for light scattering investigations of aggregation and nucleation in protein solutions was completed, and a computer program for the evaluation of multi-angle light scattering data was acquired.

Growth Kinetics and Morphology of Barite Crystals Derived from Face-Specific Growth Rates

DOE PAGES

Godinho, Jose R. A.; Stack, Andrew G.

2015-03-30

Here we investigate the growth kinetics and morphology of barite (BaSO 4) crystals by measuring the growth rates of the (001), (210), (010), and (100) surfaces using vertical scanning interferometry. Solutions with saturation indices 1.1, 2.1, and 3.0 without additional electrolyte, in 0.7 M NaCl, or in 1.3 mM SrCl2 are investigated. Face-specific growth rates are inhibited in the SrCl 2 solution relative to a solution without electrolyte, except for (100). Contrarily, growth of all faces is promoted in the NaCl solution. The variation of face-specific rates is solution-specific, which leads to a. change of the crystal morphology and overallmore » growth rate of crystals. The measured face-specific growth rates are used to model the growth of single crystals. Modeled crystals have a morphology and size similar to those grown from solution. Based on the model the time dependence of surface area and growth rates is analyzed. Growth rates change with time due to surface area normalization for small crystals and large growth intervals. By extrapolating rates to crystals with large surfaces areas, time-independent growth rates are 0.783, 2.96, and 0.513 mmol∙m -2∙h -1, for saturation index 2.1 solutions without additional electrolyte, NaCl, and SrCl 2, respectively.« less

Growth Kinetics and Morphology of Barite Crystals Derived from Face-Specific Growth Rates

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

Godinho, Jose R. A.; Stack, Andrew G.

Here we investigate the growth kinetics and morphology of barite (BaSO 4) crystals by measuring the growth rates of the (001), (210), (010), and (100) surfaces using vertical scanning interferometry. Solutions with saturation indices 1.1, 2.1, and 3.0 without additional electrolyte, in 0.7 M NaCl, or in 1.3 mM SrCl2 are investigated. Face-specific growth rates are inhibited in the SrCl 2 solution relative to a solution without electrolyte, except for (100). Contrarily, growth of all faces is promoted in the NaCl solution. The variation of face-specific rates is solution-specific, which leads to a. change of the crystal morphology and overallmore » growth rate of crystals. The measured face-specific growth rates are used to model the growth of single crystals. Modeled crystals have a morphology and size similar to those grown from solution. Based on the model the time dependence of surface area and growth rates is analyzed. Growth rates change with time due to surface area normalization for small crystals and large growth intervals. By extrapolating rates to crystals with large surfaces areas, time-independent growth rates are 0.783, 2.96, and 0.513 mmol∙m -2∙h -1, for saturation index 2.1 solutions without additional electrolyte, NaCl, and SrCl 2, respectively.« less

Meniscus Imaging for Crystal-Growth Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sachs, E. M.

1983-01-01

Silicon crystal growth monitored by new video system reduces operator stress and improves conditions for observation and control of growing process. System optics produce greater magnification vertically than horizontally, so entire meniscus and melt is viewed with high resolution in both width and height dimensions.

Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility (APCF)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

This section of the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) publication contains articles entitled: (1) Crystallization of EGFR-EGF; (2) Crystallization of Apocrustacyanin C1; (3) Crystallization and X-ray Analysis of 5S rRNA and the 5S rRNA Domain A; (4) Growth of Lysozyme Crystals at Low Nucleation Density; (5) Comparative Analysis of Aspartyl tRNA-synthetase and Thaumatin Crystals Grown on Earth and In Microgravity; (6) Lysosome Crystal Growth in the Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility Monitored via Mach-Zehnder Interferometry and CCD Video; (7) Analysis of Thaumatin Crystals Grown on Earth and in Microgravity; (8) Crystallization of the Nucleosome Core Particle; (9) Crystallization of Photosystem I; (10) Mechanism of Membrane Protein Crystal Growth: Bacteriorhodopsin-mixed Micelle Packing at the Consolution Boundary, Stabilized in Microgravity; (11) Crystallization in a Microgravity Environment of CcdB, a Protein Involved in the Control of Cell Death; and (12) Crystallization of Sulfolobus Solfataricus