Clinical features of subepithelial layer irregularities of cornea.

PubMed

Lee, Yong Woo; Gye, Hyo Jung; Choi, Chul Young

2015-07-01

To illustrate surgical outcomes of subepithelial irregularities that were identified incidentally during laser refractive surgery. The study group consisted of 406 patients who underwent 787 surface ablation refractive surgeries. Ophthalmologic evaluations were performed before each procedure and at 1, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Subepithelial irregularities were evaluated by analyzing still photographs captured from video recordings. Sizes and locations were determined by a calibrated scale located at the major axis of the tracking system's reticle. Subepithelial irregularities were identified in 27 eyes during 787 surface ablation refractive surgeries. Most of the subepithelial irregularities did not show any abnormalities in the wavefront aberrometer. However, one case with diameter greater than 1.00 mm and one case of clustered multiple subepithelial irregularities with moderate size were corresponded significant coma (Z31) and increased higher order aberration (HOA) in the HOA gradient map. Corneal subepithelial irregularities may be related to problems that include significantly increased localized HOA and remaining permanent subepithelial opacity. Subepithelial irregularity should be considered even if the surface of the cornea is intact and there are no specific findings measured by corneal topography.

Properties of the Irregular Satellite System around Uranus Inferred from K2, Herschel, and Spitzer Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farkas-Takács, A.; Kiss, Cs.; Pál, A.; Molnár, L.; Szabó, Gy. M.; Hanyecz, O.; Sárneczky, K.; Szabó, R.; Marton, G.; Mommert, M.; Szakáts, R.; Müller, T.; Kiss, L. L.

2017-09-01

In this paper, we present visible-range light curves of the irregular Uranian satellites Sycorax, Caliban, Prospero, Ferdinand, and Setebos taken with the Kepler Space Telescope over the course of the K2 mission. Thermal emission measurements obtained with the Herschel/PACS and Spitzer/MIPS instruments of Sycorax and Caliban were also analyzed and used to determine size, albedo, and surface characteristics of these bodies. We compare these properties with the rotational and surface characteristics of irregular satellites in other giant planet systems and also with those of main belt and Trojan asteroids and trans-Neptunian objects. Our results indicate that the Uranian irregular satellite system likely went through a more intense collisional evolution than the irregular satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. Surface characteristics of Uranian irregular satellites seem to resemble the Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects more than irregular satellites around other giant planets, suggesting the existence of a compositional discontinuity in the young solar system inside the orbit of Uranus.

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

Farkas-Takács, A.; Kiss, Cs.; Pál, A.

In this paper, we present visible-range light curves of the irregular Uranian satellites Sycorax, Caliban, Prospero, Ferdinand, and Setebos taken with the Kepler Space Telescope over the course of the K2 mission. Thermal emission measurements obtained with the Herschel /PACS and Spitzer /MIPS instruments of Sycorax and Caliban were also analyzed and used to determine size, albedo, and surface characteristics of these bodies. We compare these properties with the rotational and surface characteristics of irregular satellites in other giant planet systems and also with those of main belt and Trojan asteroids and trans-Neptunian objects. Our results indicate that the Uranianmore » irregular satellite system likely went through a more intense collisional evolution than the irregular satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. Surface characteristics of Uranian irregular satellites seem to resemble the Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects more than irregular satellites around other giant planets, suggesting the existence of a compositional discontinuity in the young solar system inside the orbit of Uranus.« less

Effects of corneal irregular astigmatism on visual acuity after conventional and femtosecond laser-assisted Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

PubMed

Tomida, Daisuke; Yamaguchi, Takefumi; Ogawa, Akiko; Hirayama, Yumiko; Shimazaki-Den, Seika; Satake, Yoshiyuki; Shimazaki, Jun

2015-07-01

To compare short-term outcomes of Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using a graft prepared with either a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome. Thirty-eight patients underwent DSAEK with grafts prepared with either a femtosecond laser (f-DSAEK; 21 eyes) or a microkeratome (m-DSAEK; 17 eyes). Visual acuity, endothelial cell density, regular astigmatism and irregular astigmatism were compared between the two groups preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. Fourier analysis was conducted to calculate astigmatism of the anterior and posterior surfaces, and total cornea, using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Visual acuity (logMAR) improved from 1.20 ± 0.60 to 0.43 ± 0.25 after m-DSAEK (P < 0.001) and from 1.20 ± 0.57 to 0.77 ± 0.33 after f-DSAEK (P = 0.0028) at 6 months following DSAEK. Visual acuity after m-DSAEK was significantly better than after f-DSAEK at 1, 3, and 6 months (P < 0.05). AS-OCT corneal images revealed greater irregularities on the posterior surfaces of f-DSAEK grafts compared to m-DSAEK grafts. Irregular astigmatism of the total cornea and the posterior surface was significantly larger after f-DSAEK than after m-DSAEK, although there was no significant difference in irregular astigmatism of the anterior surface at 6 months. Postoperative visual acuity was significantly correlated with the postoperative irregular astigmatism of the total cornea (r = 0.6657 and P < 0.001) and the anterior (r = 0.416, P = 0.016) and posterior surfaces (r = 0.7046, P < 0.001). Visual outcomes after f-DSAEK were poor compared to conventional m-DSAEK due to an increase in irregular astigmatism caused by posterior surface irregularities.

A study of the H I and optical properties of Low Surface Brightness galaxies: spirals, dwarfs, and irregulars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honey, M.; van Driel, W.; Das, M.; Martin, J.-M.

2018-06-01

We present a study of the H I and optical properties of nearby (z ≤ 0.1) Low Surface Brightness galaxies (LSBGs). We started with a literature sample of ˜900 LSBGs and divided them into three morphological classes: spirals, irregulars, and dwarfs. Of these, we could use ˜490 LSBGs to study their H I and stellar masses, colours, and colour-magnitude diagrams, and local environment, compare them with normal, High Surface Brightness (HSB) galaxies and determine the differences between the three morphological classes. We found that LSB and HSB galaxies span a similar range in H I and stellar masses, and have a similar M_{H I}/M⋆-M⋆ relationship. Among the LSBGs, as expected, the spirals have the highest average H I and stellar masses, both of about 109.8 M⊙. The LSGBs' (g - r) integrated colour is nearly constant as function of H I mass for all classes. In the colour-magnitude diagram, the spirals are spread over the red and blue regions whereas the irregulars and dwarfs are confined to the blue region. The spirals also exhibit a steeper slope in the M_{H I}/M⋆-M⋆ plane. Within their local environment, we confirmed that LSBGs are more isolated than HSB galaxies, and LSB spirals more isolated than irregulars and dwarfs. Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical tests on the H I mass, stellar mass, and number of neighbours indicate that the spirals are a statistically different population from the dwarfs and irregulars. This suggests that the spirals may have different formation and H I evolution than the dwarfs and irregulars.

Finite difference elastic wave modeling with an irregular free surface using ADER scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almuhaidib, Abdulaziz M.; Nafi Toksöz, M.

2015-06-01

In numerical modeling of seismic wave propagation in the earth, we encounter two important issues: the free surface and the topography of the surface (i.e. irregularities). In this study, we develop a 2D finite difference solver for the elastic wave equation that combines a 4th- order ADER scheme (Arbitrary high-order accuracy using DERivatives), which is widely used in aeroacoustics, with the characteristic variable method at the free surface boundary. The idea is to treat the free surface boundary explicitly by using ghost values of the solution for points beyond the free surface to impose the physical boundary condition. The method is based on the velocity-stress formulation. The ultimate goal is to develop a numerical solver for the elastic wave equation that is stable, accurate and computationally efficient. The solver treats smooth arbitrary-shaped boundaries as simple plane boundaries. The computational cost added by treating the topography is negligible compared to flat free surface because only a small number of grid points near the boundary need to be computed. In the presence of topography, using 10 grid points per shortest shear-wavelength, the solver yields accurate results. Benchmark numerical tests using several complex models that are solved by our method and other independent accurate methods show an excellent agreement, confirming the validity of the method for modeling elastic waves with an irregular free surface.

The Relation of Ocular Surface Irregularity and Visual Disturbance in Early Stage Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Yukihiro; Kodama, Asako; Goto, Eiki; Kawakita, Tetsuya; Dogru, Murat; Tsubota, Kazuo

2017-01-01

To evaluate the relation between ocular surface irregularity and visual disturbance in early stage Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Fifteen patients with culture-proven AK underwent routine ophthalmic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slitlamp biomicroscope examination, and corneal fluorescein dye staining test, in both the eyes. We also evaluated the corneal sensitivity with Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, tear functions by Schirmer's test, and ocular surface irregularity by corneal topography and compared the results with the contralateral healthy eyes in this study. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA (0.71±0.77) was significantly lower in the eyes with AK (P=0.002). Epithelial disorders were present in all eyes, and radial keratoneuritis in 14 eyes (93.3%). The mean corneal sensitivity (39.3±24.1 mm) was significantly lower in eyes with AK compared with the healthy eyes (P=0.005). The mean Schirmer's test value (22.5±12.0 mm) in eyes with AK was significantly higher compared with the healthy eyes (P=0.01). The ocular surface irregularity indices (the surface regularity index, 2.47±0.42; the surface asymmetry index, 3.24±1.31) were significantly higher in eyes with AK compared with contralateral healthy eyes (P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively). The ocular surface disease in AK is associated with decrease in corneal sensitivity and increase in Schirmer's test value and ocular surface irregularity indices. The visual disturbance in AK may owe not only to corneal haze but also to ocular surface irregularity.

Ionospheric Irregularities at Mars Probed by MARSIS Topside Sounding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harada, Y.; Gurnett, D. A.; Kopf, A. J.; Halekas, J. S.; Ruhunusiri, S.

2018-01-01

The upper ionosphere of Mars contains a variety of perturbations driven by solar wind forcing from above and upward propagating atmospheric waves from below. Here we explore the global distribution and variability of ionospheric irregularities around the exobase at Mars by analyzing topside sounding data from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) instrument on board Mars Express. As irregular structure gives rise to off-vertical echoes with excess propagation time, the diffuseness of ionospheric echo traces can be used as a diagnostic tool for perturbed reflection surfaces. The observed properties of diffuse echoes above unmagnetized regions suggest that ionospheric irregularities with horizontal wavelengths of tens to hundreds of kilometers are particularly enhanced in the winter hemisphere and at high solar zenith angles. Given the known inverse dependence of neutral gravity wave amplitudes on the background atmospheric temperature, the ionospheric irregularities probed by MARSIS are most likely associated with plasma perturbations driven by atmospheric gravity waves. Though extreme events with unusually diffuse echoes are more frequently observed for high solar wind dynamic pressures during some time intervals, the vast majority of the diffuse echo events are unaffected by varying solar wind conditions, implying limited influence of solar wind forcing on the generation of ionospheric irregularities. Combination of remote and in situ measurements of ionospheric irregularities would offer the opportunity for a better understanding of the ionospheric dynamics at Mars.

Magnetic island and plasma rotation under external resonant magnetic perturbation in the T-10 tokamak

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

Eliseev, L. G.; Ivanov, N. V., E-mail: ivanov-nv@nrcki.ru; Kakurin, A. M.

2015-05-15

Experimental comparison of the m = 2, n = 1 mode and plasma rotation velocities at q = 2 magnetic surface in a wide range of the mode amplitudes is presented. Phase velocity of the mode rotation is measured with a set of poloidal magnetic field sensors located at the inner side of the vacuum vessel wall. Plasma rotation velocity at the q = 2 magnetic surface in the direction of the mode phase velocity is measured with the heavy ion beam probe diagnostics. In the presence of a static Resonant Magnetic Perturbation (RMP), the rotation is irregular that appears as cyclical variations of the mode and plasmamore » instantaneous velocities. The period of these variations is equal to the period of the mode oscillations. In the case of high mode amplitude, the rotation irregularity of the mode is consistent with the rotation irregularity of the resonant plasma layer. On the contrary, the observed rise of the mode rotation irregularity in the case of low mode amplitude occurs without an increase of the rotation irregularity of the resonant plasma layer. The experimental results are simulated and analyzed with the TEAR code based on the two-fluid MHD approximation. Calculated irregularities of the mode and plasma rotation depend on the mode amplitude similar to the experimental data. For large islands, the rotation irregularity is attributed to oscillations of the electromagnetic torque applied to the resonant plasma layer. For small islands, the deviation of the mode rotation velocity from the plasma velocity occurs due to the effect of finite plasma resistivity.« less

The spatial distribution of dwarf galaxies in the CfA slice of the universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thuan, Trinh X.; Gott, J. Richard, III; Schneider, Stephen E.

1987-01-01

A complete (with the the exception of one) redshift sample of 58 galaxies in the Nilson catalog classified as dwarf, irregular, or Magellanic irregular is used to investigate the large-scale clustering properties of these low-surface brightness galaxies in the CfA slice of the universe (alpha in the range of 8-17 h, delta in the range of 26.5-32.5 deg). It is found that the low-surface brightness dwarf galaxies also lie on the structures delineated by the high-surface brightness normal galaxies and that they do not fill in the voids. This is inconsistent with a class of biased galaxy formation theories which predict that dwarf galaxies should be present everywhere, including the voids.

Crystal regularity with high-resolution synchrotron X-radiation diffraction imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steiner, Bruce; Dobbyn, Ronald C.

1991-01-01

New, high-resolution sources of X-radiation such as monochromatic synchrotron radiation beams with subarcsec divergence allow observation of regularities in a range of crystals with sufficient clarity for comprehensive analyses, whose results can deepen understanding of the nature of various crystal irregularities, their sources, and their effects on device performance. An account is presented of the results thus achievable with irregularities encountered in lattice orientation and strain, grain and subgrain boundaries, dislocations, domain boundaries, additional phases, and surface scratches. Significant achievements to date encompass the observation of critical anomalies in lead tin telluride, the reconciliation of disparate observations of GaAs, the determination of the performance effects of irregularities in mercuric iodide, and the characterization of the origins of crystal growth in bismuth silicon oxide.

Origin of Surface Irregularities on Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al Beta Titanium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utama, Muhammad Iman; Ammar, Abdul Aziz; Park, Nokeun; Baek, Eung Ryul

2018-03-01

We studied the origin of different characteristics and properties of a Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al beta (β) titanium alloy with surface height irregularities that occurred during machining. The height differences were observed in two different regions, labeled as "soft region" and "hard region." The present study showed a higher Fe and a lower Al content in the hard region, which resulted in higher β-phase stability to resist primary alpha (αp) phase precipitation caused by a failure of the solution treatment process. In contrast, the soft region contained a higher volume fraction of αp phase and a lower volume fraction of the matrix, which consisted of a combination of β and secondary alpha (αs) phase. A high number of αs/β interface in the matrix with a predicted hardness of 520 HV generated an improvement of hardness in the hard region. Therefore, the hard and the soft regions had different abilities to resist wear during machining process, resulting in surface height irregularities.

Management of irregular astigmatism.

PubMed

Goggin, M; Alpins, N; Schmid, L M

2000-08-01

Using a liberal definition of corneal irregularity, modern videokeratoscopy may define approximately 40% of normal corneas with a toric refractive error as possessing primary irregular astigmatism. The causes of secondary forms of irregular astigmatism include corneal surgery, trauma, dystrophies, and infections. Internal refractive surface and media irregularity or noncorneal astigmatism (ocular residual astigmatism) contribute to irregular astigmatism of the entire refractive path of which crystaline lenticular astigmatism is usually the principal contributing component. Treatment options have increased in recent years, particularly, though not exclusively, through the advent of tailored corneal excimer laser ablations. However, discussion continues concerning the systematic approach necessary to enable treatment to achieve an optimal optical surface for the eye. Discussion also continues as to what constitutes the optimal corneal shape. Some refractive procedures may increase higher order aberrations in the attempt to neutralize refractive astigmatism. The way to further refinement of the commonly performed refractive techniques will ultimately lie in the integrated inclusion of a trio of technologies: topographic analysis of the corneal surface, wavefront analysis of ocular refractive aberrations, and vector planning to enable the appropriate balance in emphasis between these two diagnostic modalities. For the uncommon, irregularly roughened corneas, the ablatable polymer techniques show some promise.

Transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy protocol for treating irregular astigmatism based on population epithelial thickness measurements by artemis very high-frequency digital ultrasound.

PubMed

Reinstein, Dan Z; Archer, Timothy J; Dickeson, Zachary I; Gobbe, Marine

2014-06-01

To report the outcomes of transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (TE-PTK) in the treatment of irregular astigmatism and define a standard treatment protocol based on population epithelial thickness measurements. Retrospective analysis of 41 TE-PTK procedures in cases of irregular astigmatism after refractive surgery or with corneal irregularities. The TE-PTK ablations were performed according to preoperative epithelial thickness maps obtained using an Artemis very high-frequency digital ultrasound arc-scanner (ArcScan, Inc., Morrison, CO). Visual and refractive outcomes were analyzed 12 months after the procedure. The efficacy of the stromal surface regularization was evaluated as the change in epithelial thickness range (ie, the difference between minimum and maximum epithelial thickness). A further refractive ablation was performed immediately after TE-PTK in 12 eyes. Corrected distance visual acuity was improved by one or more lines in 58% of eyes, whereas 1 eye lost one line and no eyes lost two lines. Significant stromal surface regularization was achieved with epithelial thickness range reduced on average from 41 to 29 μm. There was an unpredictable refractive shift in the TE-PTK only group with a change of more than 0.50 diopter (D) in 59% of eyes. Refractive accuracy in the TE-PTK with refractive ablation group was reasonably good, although there were two outliers (18%) outside ±1.00 D. A therapeutic window was identified between the highest thinnest epithelium of 51 μm and lowest thickest epithelium of 60 μm. TE-PTK can be a safe and effective method of reducing stromal surface irregularities by taking advantage of the natural masking effect of the epithelium. There can be a significant refractive shift due to lenticular epithelial masking. A standard protocol of targeting an initial TE-PTK ablation for 55 μm will likely achieve breakthrough of the thinnest epithelium without total epithelial removal, allowing the treatment to be continued in a stepwise fashion. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Scleral Lenses in the Management of Corneal Irregularity and Ocular Surface Disease.

PubMed

Shorter, Ellen; Harthan, Jennifer; Nau, Cherie B; Nau, Amy; Barr, Joseph T; Hodge, David O; Schornack, Muriel M

2017-09-29

To describe current practice patterns regarding the use of scleral lens therapy in the management of corneal irregularity and ocular surface disease among eye care providers who fit scleral lenses. The Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice: an Evaluation (SCOPE) study group conducted an electronic survey of eye care providers from January 15 to March 31, 2015. Respondents ranked management options for corneal irregularity in the order in which they would generally consider their use. Respondents also ranked options for the management of ocular surface disease in the order in which they would use each of the treatments. Results for each option were analyzed as percentage first-place ranking; percentage first-, second-, or third-place ranking; and mean rank score. Survey responses were obtained from 723 providers who had fit 5 or more scleral lenses. Of these respondents, 629 ranked options for management of corneal irregularity and 612 ranked options for management of ocular surface disease. Corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses were the first option for management of corneal irregularity for 44% of respondents, and scleral lenses were the first option for 34% of respondents. Lubricant drops were the first therapeutic recommendation for ocular surface disease for 84% of respondents, and scleral lenses were ranked first by 6% of respondents. Scleral lenses rank second only to corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses for management of corneal irregularity. Scleral lenses are generally considered after other medical intervention and before surgery for the management of ocular surface disease.

Stromal haze, myofibroblasts, and surface irregularity after PRK.

PubMed

Netto, Marcelo V; Mohan, Rajiv R; Sinha, Sunilima; Sharma, Ajay; Dupps, William; Wilson, Steven E

2006-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the level of stromal surface irregularity after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and myofibroblast generation along with the development of corneal haze. Variable levels of stromal surface irregularity were generated in rabbit corneas by positioning a fine mesh screen in the path of excimer laser during ablation for a variable percentage of the terminal pulses of the treatment for myopia that does not otherwise generate significant opacity. Ninety-six rabbits were divided into eight groups: [see table in text]. Slit lamp analysis and haze grading were performed in all groups. Rabbits were sacrificed at 4 hr or 4 weeks after surgery and histochemical analysis was performed on corneas for apoptosis (TUNEL assay), myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and integrin alpha4 to delineate the epithelial basement membrane. Slit-lamp grading revealed severe haze formation in corneas in groups IV and VI, with significantly less haze in groups II, III, and VII and insignificant haze compared with the unwounded control in groups I and V. Analysis of SMA staining at 4 weeks after surgery, the approximate peak of haze formation in rabbits, revealed low myofibroblast formation in group I (1.2+/-0.2 cells/400x field) and group V (1.8+/-0.4), with significantly more in groups II (3.5+/-1.8), III (6.8+/-1.6), VII (7.9+/-3.8), IV (12.4+/-4.2) and VI (14.6+/-5.1). The screened groups were significantly different from each other (p < 0.05), with myofibroblast generation increasing with higher surface irregularity in the -4.5 diopter PRK groups. The -9.0 diopter PRK group VI had significantly more myofibroblast generation than the -9.0 diopter PRK with PTK-smoothing group VII (p < 0.01). Areas of basement membrane disruption were demonstrated by staining corneas for integrin alpha4 and were prominent in corneas with grade I or higher haze. SMA-positive myofibroblasts tended to be present sub-adjacent to basement membrane defects. Late apoptosis was detected at 1 month after surgery within clusters of myofibroblasts in the sub-epithelial stroma. In conclusion, these results demonstrated a relationship between the level of corneal haze formation after PRK and the level of stromal surface irregularity. PTK-smoothing with methylcellulose was an effective method to reduce stromal surface irregularity and decreased both haze and associated myofibroblast density. We hypothesize that stromal surface irregularity after PRK for high myopia results in defective basement membrane regeneration and increased epithelium-derived TGFbeta signalling to the stroma that increases myofibroblast generation. Late apoptosis appears to have a role in the disappearance of myofibroblasts and haze over time.

Precision Thickness Variation Mapping Via One-Transducer Ultrasonic High Resolution Profilometry for Sample With Irregular or Rough Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

An apparatus and method for determination of sample thickness and surface depression utilizing ultrasonic pulses is discussed. The sample is held in a predetermined position by a support member having a reference surface. Ultrasonic pulses travel through a medium of known velocity propagation and reflect off the reference surface and a sample surface. Time of flight data of surface echoes are converted to distances between sample surfaces to obtain computer-generated thickness profiles and surface mappings.

A noncoherent model for microwave emissions and backscattering from the sea surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, S. T.; Fung, A. K.

1973-01-01

The two-scale (small irregularities superimposed upon large undulations) scattering theory proposed by Semyonov was extended and used to compute microwave apparent temperature and the backscattering cross section from ocean surfaces. The effect of the small irregularities upon the scattering characteristics of the large undulations is included by modifying the Fresnel reflection coefficients; whereas the effect of the large undulations upon those of the small irregularities is taken into account by averaging over the surface normals of the large undulations. The same set of surface parameters is employed for a given wind speed to predict both the scattering and the emission characteristics at both polarizations.

Electromagnetic properties of material coated surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beard, L.; Berrie, J.; Burkholder, R.; Dominek, A.; Walton, E.; Wang, N.

1989-01-01

The electromagnetic properties of material coated conducting surfaces were investigated. The coating geometries consist of uniform layers over a planar surface, irregularly shaped formations near edges and randomly positioned, electrically small, irregularly shaped formations over a surface. Techniques to measure the scattered field and constitutive parameters from these geometries were studied. The significance of the scattered field from these geometries warrants further study.

High-performance flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates fabricated by depositing Ag nanoislands on the dragonfly wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuhong; Wang, Mingli; Shen, Lin; Sun, Xin; Shi, Guochao; Ma, Wanli; Yan, Xiaoya

2018-04-01

Natural dragonfly wing (DW), as a template, was deposited on noble metal sliver (Ag) nanoislands by magnetron sputtering to fabricate a flexible, low-cost, large-scale and environment-friendly surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate (Ag/DW substrate). Generally, materials with regular surface nanostructures are chosen for the templates, the selection of our new material with irregular surface nanostructures for substrates provides a new idea for the preparation of high-performance SERS-active substrates and many biomimetic materials. The optimum sputtering time of metal Ag was also investigated at which the prepared SERS-active substrates revealed remarkable SERS activities to 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) and crystal violet (CV). Even more surprisingly, the Ag/DW substrate with such an irregular template had reached the enhancement factor (EF) of ∼1.05 × 105 and the detection limit of 10-10 M to 4-ATP. The 3D finite-different time-domain (3D-FDTD) simulation illustrated that the "hot spots" between neighbouring Ag nanoislands at the top of pillars played a most important role in generating electromagnetic (EM) enhancement and strengthening Raman signals.

Corneal Irregular Astigmatism and Curvature Changes After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction: Three-Year Follow-Up.

PubMed

Sideroudi, Haris; Lazaridis, Apostolos; Messerschmidt-Roth, Anke; Labiris, Georgios; Kozobolis, Vassilios; Sekundo, Walter

2018-04-27

To evaluate the long-term changes in anterior and posterior corneal irregular astigmatism and curvatures after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Fifty eyes of 28 patients underwent SMILE for myopic astigmatism. All procedures were performed using the VisuMax® femtosecond laser. A Scheimpflug camera was used for preoperative and 3-year postoperative tomography. Anterior and posterior corneal Fourier parameters (spherical component, regular astigmatism, asymmetry, and irregularity) and curvature data were evaluated and compared within 2 subgroups according to the magnitude of the refractive correction (low myopia group: spherical equivalent (SEQ) ≥ -6 D; high myopia group: (SEQ) < -6 D). Associations between all studied parameters were examined. Three years postoperatively, an increase in anterior corneal curvatures and Fourier parameters was detected and the results were strongly correlated with the preoperative SEQ, lenticule thickness, and volume. At the posterior cornea, the flattest radius, corneal astigmatism, spherical component, regular astigmatism, and irregularity decreased only in the high myopia group. A correlation was found between changes in posterior astigmatism and changes in anterior radii (R = 0.349, P = 0.014), SEQ (R = 0.396, P = 0.0049), and lenticule thickness (R = -0.414, P = 0.0031). Moreover, changes in posterior corneal irregularity correlated with the changes in anterior and posterior radii (R = -0.3, P = 0.034, and R = 0.449, P = 0.0012, respectively), changes in preoperative SEQ (R = 0.284, P = 0.0477), and lenticule thickness (R = -0.311, P = 0.0298). Three years after SMILE, there was a reduction of posterior astigmatism in high refractive corrections. This could result in undercorrection in high refractive treatments. Total irregularities increased despite the compensatory effect of the posterior corneal surface.

Single Layer Surface-Grafted PMMA as a Negative-Tone e-Beam Resist.

PubMed

Yamada, Hirotaka; Aydinoglu, Ferhat; Liu, Yaoze; Dey, Ripon K; Cui, Bo

2017-12-05

One of the important challenges in electron beam lithography is nanofabrication on nonflat or irregular surfaces. Although spin coating is the most popular technique for resist coating, it is not suitable for nonflat, irregular substrates because a uniform film cannot be achieved on those surfaces. Here, it is demonstrated that single layer surface-grafted PMMA can be used as a negative-tone e-beam resist, and it can be applied to nonflat, irregular surfaces as well as flat, conventional surfaces. Although it is well known that heavily exposed PMMA undergoes cross-linking and works as a negative-tone e-beam resist when developed by solvent, solvent does not work as a developer for negative-tone single-layer surface-grafted PMMA. Instead, thermal treatment at 360 °C for 1 min is used to develop PMMA.

Repair of Irregularly Irregular Astigmatism by Transepithelial Phototherapeutic Keratectomy.

PubMed

Guglielmetti, Stefano; Kirton, Amy; Reinstein, Dan Z; Carp, Glenn I; Archer, Timothy J

2017-10-01

To evaluate the outcome of transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in the management of irregularly irregular astigmatism. This was a case series of two patients who underwent transepithelial PTK for irregularly irregular astigmatism. In the first case, the patient complained of diplopia due to corneal scarring caused by a metallic foreign body injury. The topography demonstrated irregularly irregular astigmatism with significant asymmetry in the inferotemporal to superonasal axis. In the second case, the patient complained of blurred vision and ghosting caused by significant central epithelial ingrowth through a buttonhole LASIK flap, which was causing a localized irregularity on topography. Due to the localized nature of the irregularities, a transepithelial PTK treatment was preferred to custom ablation given the degree of epithelial masking present. Transepithelial PTK was performed in both cases using the Schwind Amaris 500E excimer laser (Schwind eye-tech-solutions, Kleinostheim, Germany) and an 8-mm optical zone. The ablation depth was planned to reach the depth of the epithelium using a stepwise protocol, reviewing the pattern of the remaining epithelium and regularity of the stromal surface between each ablation. A marked improvement in the regularity of the topography was achieved in both cases, with only regular astigmatism remaining. Both patients reported a subjective improvement in quality of vision and the corrected distance visual acuity improved by one and two lines, respectively. Transepithelial PTK was effective in treating these cases of localized irregularly irregular astigmatism, achieving both objective and subjective improvement in vision. Compensatory epithelial remodeling over the irregularities enabled the transepithelial PTK approach to target the stromal surface irregularities. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(10):714-719.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

An efficient approach to the analysis of rail surface irregularities accounting for dynamic train-track interaction and inelastic deformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersson, Robin; Torstensson, Peter T.; Kabo, Elena; Larsson, Fredrik

2015-11-01

A two-dimensional computational model for assessment of rolling contact fatigue induced by discrete rail surface irregularities, especially in the context of so-called squats, is presented. Dynamic excitation in a wide frequency range is considered in computationally efficient time-domain simulations of high-frequency dynamic vehicle-track interaction accounting for transient non-Hertzian wheel-rail contact. Results from dynamic simulations are mapped onto a finite element model to resolve the cyclic, elastoplastic stress response in the rail. Ratcheting under multiple wheel passages is quantified. In addition, low cycle fatigue impact is quantified using the Jiang-Sehitoglu fatigue parameter. The functionality of the model is demonstrated by numerical examples.

Present and future status of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement and blue laser imaging technology.

PubMed

Osawa, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Hironori

2014-01-01

The usefulness of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) has been reported for evaluating the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine. Higher contrast is shown between cancer and the surrounding mucosa in the esophagus and stomach and may facilitate the detection of gastric cancers missed by white light imaging alone. The surface patterns of gastric mucosa are clearly visualized in non-malignant areas but are irregular and blurred in malignant areas, leading to clear demarcation. Capsule endoscopy with FICE detects angiodysplasia and erosions of the small intestine. The surface and vascular pattern with FICE is useful for the differential diagnosis of colorectal polyps. However, FICE remains somewhat poor at visualizing mucosal microvasculature on a tumor surface. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is dark in observing whole gastric mucosa and poor at visualizing mucosal microstructure. Blue laser imaging (BLI) has the potential to resolve these limitations. Narrow-band laser light combined with white light shows irregular microvessels on both differentiated and undifferentiated gastric cancer similar to those using NBI. In addition, irregular surface patterns including minute white zones are clearly seen on the uneven surface of differentiated lesions, resulting in exclusion of undifferentiated lesions. Using both distant and close-up views, a high contrast between green intestinal metaplasia and brown gastric cancer may lead to early detection of gastric cancers and determination of a demarcation line. BLI produces high-contrast images in esophageal cancer with clear vision of intrapapillary capillary loops and also predicts the histopathological diagnosis and depth of invasion in colorectal neoplasms. © 2013 The Authors. Digestive Endoscopy © 2013 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.

Positioning of Ionospheric Irregularities and the Earth's Surface Roughness Using an Over-the-Horizon HF Radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uryadov, V. P.; Vertogradov, G. G.; Sklyarevsky, M. S.; Vybornov, F. I.

2018-02-01

We realize the possibilities for positioning of ionospheric irregularities and the Earth's surface roughness with the chirp-signal ionosonde-radio direction finder used as an over-the-horizon HF radar of bistatic configuration on the Cyprus — Rostov-on-Don and Australia — Rostov-on-Don paths. It is established that the small-amplitude diffuse signals coming from azimuths of 310°-50° on the Cyprus — Rostov-on-Don path in the evening and at night at frequencies above the maximum observable frequency (MOF) of the forward signal are due to backscattering by small-scale irregularities of the mid-latitude ionospheric F Layer. It is shown that the backward obliquesounding signals recorded on the Cyprus — Rostov-on-Don path are caused by the sideband scattering of radio waves from the Caucasus mountain ranges, the Iranian highlands, and the Balkan mountains. It is found that the anomalous signals observed on the Alice Springs (Australia) — Rostov-on-Don path, which come from azimuths of 10°-25° with delays by 10-16 ms exceeding the delay of the forward signal are due to scattering of radio waves by the high-latitude ionospheric F-layer irregularities localized in the evening sector of the auroral oval at latitudes of 70°-80° N.

Surface Irregularity Factor as a Parameter to Evaluate the Fatigue Damage State of CFRP

PubMed Central

Zuluaga-Ramírez, Pablo; Frövel, Malte; Belenguer, Tomás; Salazar, Félix

2015-01-01

This work presents an optical non-contact technique to evaluate the fatigue damage state of CFRP structures measuring the irregularity factor of the surface. This factor includes information about surface topology and can be measured easily on field, by techniques such as optical perfilometers. The surface irregularity factor has been correlated with stiffness degradation, which is a well-accepted parameter for the evaluation of the fatigue damage state of composite materials. Constant amplitude fatigue loads (CAL) and realistic variable amplitude loads (VAL), representative of real in- flight conditions, have been applied to “dog bone” shaped tensile specimens. It has been shown that the measurement of the surface irregularity parameters can be applied to evaluate the damage state of a structure, and that it is independent of the type of fatigue load that has caused the damage. As a result, this measurement technique is applicable for a wide range of inspections of composite material structures, from pressurized tanks with constant amplitude loads, to variable amplitude loaded aeronautical structures such as wings and empennages, up to automotive and other industrial applications. PMID:28793655

Refraction traveltime tomography based on damped wave equation for irregular topographic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Yunhui; Pyun, Sukjoon

2018-03-01

Land seismic data generally have time-static issues due to irregular topography and weathered layers at shallow depths. Unless the time static is handled appropriately, interpretation of the subsurface structures can be easily distorted. Therefore, static corrections are commonly applied to land seismic data. The near-surface velocity, which is required for static corrections, can be inferred from first-arrival traveltime tomography, which must consider the irregular topography, as the land seismic data are generally obtained in irregular topography. This paper proposes a refraction traveltime tomography technique that is applicable to an irregular topographic model. This technique uses unstructured meshes to express an irregular topography, and traveltimes calculated from the frequency-domain damped wavefields using the finite element method. The diagonal elements of the approximate Hessian matrix were adopted for preconditioning, and the principle of reciprocity was introduced to efficiently calculate the Fréchet derivative. We also included regularization to resolve the ill-posed inverse problem, and used the nonlinear conjugate gradient method to solve the inverse problem. As the damped wavefields were used, there were no issues associated with artificial reflections caused by unstructured meshes. In addition, the shadow zone problem could be circumvented because this method is based on the exact wave equation, which does not require a high-frequency assumption. Furthermore, the proposed method was both robust to an initial velocity model and efficient compared to full wavefield inversions. Through synthetic and field data examples, our method was shown to successfully reconstruct shallow velocity structures. To verify our method, static corrections were roughly applied to the field data using the estimated near-surface velocity. By comparing common shot gathers and stack sections with and without static corrections, we confirmed that the proposed tomography algorithm can be used to correct the statics of land seismic data.

The influence of rail surface irregularities on contact forces and local stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersson, Robin; Torstensson, Peter T.; Kabo, Elena; Larsson, Fredrik

2015-01-01

The effect of initial rail surface irregularities on promoting further surface degradation is investigated. The study concerns rolling contact fatigue formation, in particular in the form of the so-called squats. The impact of surface irregularities in the form of dimples is quantified by peak magnitudes of dynamic contact stresses and contact forces. To this end simulations of two-dimensional (later extended to three-dimensional) vertical dynamic vehicle-track interaction are employed. The most influencing parameters are identified. It is shown that even very shallow dimples might have a large impact on local contact stresses. Peak magnitudes of contact forces and stresses due to the influence of rail dimples are shown to exceed those due to rail corrugation.

Effect of etching and airborne particle abrasion on the microstructure of different dental ceramics.

PubMed

Borges, Gilberto Antonio; Sophr, Ana Maria; de Goes, Mario Fernando; Sobrinho, Lourenço Correr; Chan, Daniel C N

2003-05-01

The ceramic composition and microstructure surface of all-ceramic restorations are important components of an effective bonding substrate. Both hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion produce irregular surfaces necessary for micromechanical bonding. Although surface treatments of feldspathic and leucite porcelains have been studied previously, the high alumina-containing and lithium disilicate ceramics have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the surface topography of 6 different ceramics after treatment with either hydrofluoric acid etching or airborne aluminum oxide particle abrasion. Five copings each of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2 (0.8 mm thick), Cergogold (0.7 mm thick), In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera (0.8 mm thick) were fabricated following the manufacturer's instructions. Each coping was longitudinally sectioned into 4 equal parts by a diamond disk. The resulting sections were then randomly divided into 3 groups depending on subsequent surface treatments: Group 1, specimens without additional surface treatments, as received from the laboratory (control); Group 2, specimens treated by use of airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide; and Group 3, specimens treated with 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (20 seconds for IPS Empress 2; 60 seconds for IPS Empress and Cergogold; and 2 minutes for In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera). Airborne particle abrasion changed the morphologic surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. The surface topography of these ceramics exhibited shallow irregularities not evident in the control group. For Procera, the 50-microm aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion produced a flattened surface. Airborne particle abrasion of In-Ceram Alumina and In-Ceram Zirconia did not change the morphologic characteristics and the same shallows pits found in the control group remained. For IPS Empress 2, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching produced elongated crystals scattered with shallow irregularities. For IPS Empress and Cergogold, the morphologic characteristic was honeycomb-like on the ceramic surface. The surface treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their superficial structure. Hydrofluoric acid etching and airborne particle abrasion with 50-microm aluminum oxide increased the irregularities on the surface of IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Cergogold ceramics. Similar treatment of In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and Procera did not change their morphologic microstructure.

Walking on ballast impacts balance.

PubMed

Wade, Chip; Garner, John C; Redfern, Mark S; Andres, Robert O

2014-01-01

Railroad workers often perform daily work activities on irregular surfaces, specifically on ballast rock. Previous research and injury epidemiology have suggested a relationship between working on irregular surfaces and postural instability. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of walking on ballast for an extended duration on standing balance. A total of 16 healthy adult males walked on a 7.62 m × 4.57 m (25 ft × 15 ft) walking surface of no ballast (NB) or covered with ballast (B) of an average rock size of about 1 inch for 4 h. Balance was evaluated using dynamic posturography with the NeuroCom(®) Equitest System(™) prior to experiencing the NB or B surface and again every 30 min during the 4 h of ballast exposure. Dependent variables were the sway velocity and root-mean-square (RMS) sway components in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in RMS and sway velocity between ballast surface conditions and across exposure times. Overall, the ballast surface condition induced greater sway in all of the dynamic posturography conditions. Walking on irregular surfaces for extended durations has a deleterious effect on balance compared to walking on a surface without ballast. These findings of changes in balance during ballast exposure suggest that working on an irregular surface may impact postural control.

Elastic Reverse Time Migration (RTM) From Surface Topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akram, Naveed; Chen, Xiaofei

2017-04-01

Seismic Migration is a promising data processing technique to construct subsurface images by projecting the recorded seismic data at surface back to their origins. There are numerous Migration methods. Among them, Reverse Time Migration (RTM) is considered a robust and standard imaging technology in present day exploration industry as well as in academic research field because of its superior performance compared to traditional migration methods. Although RTM is extensive computing and time consuming but it can efficiently handle the complex geology, highly dipping reflectors and strong lateral velocity variation all together. RTM takes data recorded at the surface as a boundary condition and propagates the data backwards in time until the imaging condition is met. It can use the same modeling algorithm that we use for forward modeling. The classical seismic exploration theory assumes flat surface which is almost impossible in practice for land data. So irregular surface topography has to be considered in simulation of seismic wave propagation, which is not always a straightforward undertaking. In this study, Curved grid finite difference method (CG-FDM) is adapted to model elastic seismic wave propagation to investigate the effect of surface topography on RTM results and explore its advantages and limitations with synthetic data experiments by using Foothill model with topography as the true model. We focus on elastic wave propagation rather than acoustic wave because earth actually behaves as an elastic body. Our results strongly emphasize on the fact that irregular surface topography must be considered for modeling of seismic wave propagation to get better subsurface images specially in mountainous scenario and suggest practitioners to properly handled the geometry of data acquired on irregular topographic surface in their imaging algorithms.

Elastic Reverse Time Migration (RTM) From Surface Topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naveed, A.; Chen, X.

2016-12-01

Seismic Migration is a promising data processing technique to construct subsurface images by projecting the recorded seismic data at surface back to their origins. There are numerous Migration methods. Among them, Reverse Time Migration (RTM) is considered a robust and standard imaging technology in present day exploration industry as well as in academic research field because of its superior performance compared to traditional migration methods. Although RTM is extensive computing and time consuming but it can efficiently handle the complex geology, highly dipping reflectors and strong lateral velocity variation all together. RTM takes data recorded at the surface as a boundary condition and propagates the data backwards in time until the imaging condition is met. It can use the same modeling algorithm that we use for forward modeling. The classical seismic exploration theory assumes flat surface which is almost impossible in practice for land data. So irregular surface topography has to be considered in simulation of seismic wave propagation, which is not always a straightforward undertaking. In this study, Curved grid finite difference method (CG-FDM) is adapted to model elastic seismic wave propagation to investigate the effect of surface topography on RTM results and explore its advantages and limitations with synthetic data experiments by using Foothill model with topography as the true model. We focus on elastic wave propagation rather than acoustic wave because earth actually behaves as an elastic body. Our results strongly emphasize on the fact that irregular surface topography must be considered for modeling of seismic wave propagation to get better subsurface images specially in mountainous scenario and suggest practitioners to properly handled the geometry of data acquired on irregular topographic surface in their imaging algorithms.

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

Kondo, Sosuke; Parish, Chad M.; Koyanagi, Takaaki

Here, the equilibrium shape of 6H-SiC nanostructures and their surfaces were studied by analyzing nano-void (~10 nm) shapes, which were introduced in monocrystalline 6H-SiC by high-temperature neutron irradiation, using transmission electron microscopy. The nano-voids were determined to be irregular icosahedrons truncated with six {1¯100}, twelve {1¯103}, one smaller top-basal, and one larger bottom-basal planes, which suggests that {1¯100} and {1¯103} are the next stable surface class after the basal planes. The relatively frequent absence of the {1¯100} surface in the nano-voids indicated that the (1¯103¯) surface type is energetically rather stable. These non-basal surfaces were found not to be atomicallymore » flat due to the creation of nanofacets with half unit-cell height in the c-axis. The {1¯100} and {1¯103} surfaces were classified as two and four face types according to their possible nanofacets and surface termination, respectively. We also discuss the surface energy difference between the (1¯103¯) and (1¯103) face types in relation to the energy balance within the equilibrium, but irregular, polyhedron, in which the (1¯103) surface had double the surface energy of the (1¯103¯) surface (~3900 erg/cm 2).« less

Three decades of Martian surface changes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Geissler, P.E.

2005-01-01

The surface of Mars has changed dramatically during the three decades spanned by spacecraft exploration. Comparisons of Mars Global Surveyor images with Viking and Mariner 9 pictures suggest that more than one third of Mars' surface area has brightened or darkened by at least 10%. Such albedo changes could produce significant effects on solar heating and the global circulation of winds across the planet. All of the major changes took place in areas of moderate to high thermal inertia and rock abundance, consistent with burial of rocky surfaces by thin dust layers deposited during dust storms and subsequent exposure of the rocky surfaces by aeolian erosion. Several distinct mechanisms contribute to aeolian erosion on Mars. Prevailing winds dominate erosion at low latitudes, producing diffuse albedo boundaries and elongated wind streaks generally oriented in the direction of southern summer winds. Dust devils darken the mid to high latitudes from 45 to 70 degrees during the summer seasons, forming irregular albedo patterns consisting of dark linear tracks. Dust storms produce regional albedo variations with distinct but irregular margins. Dark sand duties in southern high latitudes appear to be associated with regional darkening that displays diffuse albedo boundaries. No surface changes were observed to repeat regularly on an annual basis, but many of the changes took place in areas that alternate episodically between high- and low-albedo states as thin mantles of dust are deposited and later stripped off. Hence the face of Mars remains recognizable after a century of telescopic observations, in spite of the enormous extent of alteration that has taken place during the era of spacecraft exploration.

Performance analysis of air-water quantum key distribution with an irregular sea surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Hua-bin; Zhou, Yuan-yuan; Zhou, Xue-jun; Wang, Lian

2018-05-01

In the air-water quantum key distribution (QKD), the irregular sea surface has some influence on the photon polarization state. The wind is considered as the main factor causing the irregularity, so the model of irregular sea surface based on the wind speed is adopted. The relationships of the quantum bit error rate with the wind speed and the initial incident angle are simulated. Therefore, the maximum secure transmission depth of QKD is confirmed, and the limitation of the wind speed and the initial incident angle is determined. The simulation results show that when the wind speed and the initial incident angle increase, the performance of QKD will fall down. Under the intercept-resend attack condition, the maximum safe transmission depth of QKD is up to 105 m. To realize safe communications in the safe diving depth of submarines (100 m), the initial incident angle is requested to be not exceeding 26°, and with the initial incident angle increased, the limitation of wind speed is decreased.

Experiments on topographies lacking tidal conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maas, Leo; Paci, Alexandre; Yuan, Bing

2015-11-01

In a stratified sea, internal tides are supposedly generated when the tide passes over irregular topography. It has been shown that for any given frequency in the internal wave band there are an infinite number of exceptions to this rule of thumb. This ``stealth-like'' property of the topography is due to a subtle annihilation of the internal waves generated during the surface tide's passage over the irregular bottom. We here demonstrate this in a lab-experiment. However, for any such topography, subsequently changing the surface tide's frequency does lead to tidal conversion. The upshot of this is that a tidal wave passing over an irregular bottom is for a substantial part trapped to this irregularity, and only partly converted into freely propagating internal tides. Financially supported by the European Community's 7th Framework Programme HYDRALAB IV.

A possible model for evaluating the topographic and mechanical effects of subducted oceanic plate with irregular surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodama, K.

1987-02-01

A simple model is proposed to evaluate the possible mechanical and topographic effects that might be caused when an oceanic plate with irregular surface is subducted beneath a continental plate. The model focuses on the effects of such features as oceanic ridges, seamounts, plateaus and other bathymetric highs. The model approximates a continental plate as a two-dimensional incompressible Newtonian viscous fluid with uniform thickness, and a subducting oceanic plate as a rigid basement slipping beneath the viscous fluid with a constant velocity. In this model, bathymetric highs on the oceanic plate are approximated by topographic irregularities of the rigid basement. Based on the fundamental solutions given by Budd (1970) which were applied originally to the analysis of glacial movements, the shear stress near the basement and surface profile of the overriding medium are calculated, for instance, for a model whose basement profile is represented simply as exp( -ax 2) where a is the geometrical constant representing the degree of regional slope, and x the horizontal distance from the axis of the ridge. Assuming reasonable values for viscosity (10 23 poise), density (3 g/cm 3), thickness of the viscous medium (30 km), elevation of the top of the ridge from the surroundings (1 km), geometrical constant of the ridge shape (10 -2 km -2), and slip velocity (10 cm/a), the resultant surface profile was inferred to be asymmetrical shape with its highest elevation of 1360 m and the lowest of -620 m, while the magnitude of the shear stress near the base showed a symmetrical distribution with the maximum of 12.7 kbar. The results from these calculations do not only allow us to make quantitative estimates of the geological consequences of the subduction of bathymetric highs beneath continental plates but also give possible explanation for some of the uneven seismic activities found around present subduction zones.

Generation of Artificial Ionospheric Irregularities in the Midlatitude Ionosphere Modified by High-Power High-Frequency X-Mode Radio Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frolov, V. L.; Bolotin, I. A.; Komrakov, G. P.; Pershin, A. V.; Vertogradov, G. G.; Vertogradov, V. G.; Vertogradova, E. G.; Kunitsyn, V. E.; Padokhin, A. M.; Kurbatov, G. A.; Akchurin, A. D.; Zykov, E. Yu.

2014-11-01

We consider the properties of the artificial ionospheric irregularities excited in the ionospheric F 2 region modified by high-power high-frequency X-mode radio waves. It is shown that small-scale (decameter) irregularities are not generated in the midlatitude ionosphere. The intensity of irregularities with the scales l ⊥ ≈50 m to 3 km is severalfold weaker compared with the case where the irregularities are excited by high-power O-mode radio waves. The intensity of the larger-scale irregularities is even stronger attenuated. It is found that the generation of large-scale ( l ⊥ ≈5-10 km) artificial ionospheric irregularities is enhanced at the edge of the directivity pattern of a beam of high-power radio waves.

Equilibrium shapes and surface selection of nanostructures in 6H-SiC

DOE PAGES

Kondo, Sosuke; Parish, Chad M.; Koyanagi, Takaaki; ...

2017-04-03

Here, the equilibrium shape of 6H-SiC nanostructures and their surfaces were studied by analyzing nano-void (~10 nm) shapes, which were introduced in monocrystalline 6H-SiC by high-temperature neutron irradiation, using transmission electron microscopy. The nano-voids were determined to be irregular icosahedrons truncated with six {1¯100}, twelve {1¯103}, one smaller top-basal, and one larger bottom-basal planes, which suggests that {1¯100} and {1¯103} are the next stable surface class after the basal planes. The relatively frequent absence of the {1¯100} surface in the nano-voids indicated that the (1¯103¯) surface type is energetically rather stable. These non-basal surfaces were found not to be atomicallymore » flat due to the creation of nanofacets with half unit-cell height in the c-axis. The {1¯100} and {1¯103} surfaces were classified as two and four face types according to their possible nanofacets and surface termination, respectively. We also discuss the surface energy difference between the (1¯103¯) and (1¯103) face types in relation to the energy balance within the equilibrium, but irregular, polyhedron, in which the (1¯103) surface had double the surface energy of the (1¯103¯) surface (~3900 erg/cm 2).« less

Photographer : JPL Range : 862,200 km. ( 500,000 miles ) This photograph shows subspacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

Photographer : JPL Range : 862,200 km. ( 500,000 miles ) This photograph shows subspacecraft longitude of approximately 146 degrees of Jupiter's moon Io. Circular features are seen that may be meteorite impact craters or features of internal origins. Irregular depressions are seen that indicate surface modifications. The bright irregular patches appear to be younger deposits masking the surface detail.

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

Bowman, Adam J.; Scherrer, Joseph R.; Reiserer, Ronald S., E-mail: ron.reiserer@vanderbilt.edu

We present a simple apparatus for improved surface modification of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices. A single treatment chamber for plasma activation and chemical/physical vapor deposition steps minimizes the time-dependent degradation of surface activation that is inherent in multi-chamber techniques. Contamination and deposition irregularities are also minimized by conducting plasma activation and treatment phases in the same vacuum environment. An inductively coupled plasma driver allows for interchangeable treatment chambers. Atomic force microscopy confirms that silane deposition on PDMS gives much better surface quality than standard deposition methods, which yield a higher local roughness and pronounced irregularities in the surface.

Wearable Resistive Pressure Sensor Based on Highly Flexible Carbon Composite Conductors with Irregular Surface Morphology.

PubMed

Kim, Kang-Hyun; Hong, Soon Kyu; Jang, Nam-Su; Ha, Sung-Hun; Lee, Hyung Woo; Kim, Jong-Man

2017-05-24

Wearable pressure sensors are crucial building blocks for potential applications in real-time health monitoring, artificial electronic skins, and human-to-machine interfaces. Here we present a highly sensitive, simple-architectured wearable resistive pressure sensor based on highly compliant yet robust carbon composite conductors made of a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) forest embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix with irregular surface morphology. A roughened surface of the VACNT/PDMS composite conductor is simply formed using a sandblasted silicon master in a low-cost and potentially scalable manner and plays an important role in improving the sensitivity of resistive pressure sensor. After assembling two of the roughened composite conductors, our sensor shows considerable pressure sensitivity of ∼0.3 kPa -1 up to 0.7 kPa as well as stable steady-state responses under various pressures, a wide detectable range of up to 5 kPa before saturation, a relatively fast response time of ∼162 ms, and good reproducibility over 5000 cycles of pressure loading/unloading. The fabricated pressure sensor can be used to detect a wide range of human motions ranging from subtle blood pulses to dynamic joint movements, and it can also be used to map spatial pressure distribution in a multipixel platform (in a 4 × 4 pixel array).

Examination of tear film smoothness on corneae after refractive surgeries using a noninvasive interferometric method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szczesna, Dorota H.; Kulas, Zbigniew; Kasprzak, Henryk T.; Stenevi, Ulf

2009-11-01

A lateral shearing interferometer was used to examine the smoothness of the tear film. The information about the distribution and stability of the precorneal tear film is carried out by the wavefront reflected from the surface of tears and coded in interference fringes. Smooth and regular fringes indicate a smooth tear film surface. On corneae after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or radial keratotomy (RK) surgery, the interference fringes are seldom regular. The fringes are bent on bright lines, which are interpreted as tear film breakups. The high-intensity pattern seems to appear in similar location on the corneal surface after refractive surgery. Our purpose was to extract information about the pattern existing under the interference fringes and calculate its shape reproducibility over time and following eye blinks. A low-pass filter was applied and correlation coefficient was calculated to compare a selected fragment of the template image to each of the following frames in the recorded sequence. High values of the correlation coefficient suggest that irregularities of the corneal epithelium might influence tear film instability and that tear film breakup may be associated with local irregularities of the corneal topography created after the LASIK and RK surgeries.

Method for Ultrasonic Imaging and Device for Performing the Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madaras, Eric I. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A method for ultrasonic imaging of interior structures and flaws in a test specimen with a smooth or irregular contact surfaces, in which an ultrasonic transducer is coupled acoustically to the contact surface via a plurality of ultrasonic wave guides with equal delay times. The wave guides are thin and bendable, so they adapt to variations in the distance between the transducer and different parts of the contact surface by bending more or less. All parts of the irregular contact surface accordingly receive sound waves that are in phase, even when the contact surface is irregular, so a coherent sound wave is infused in the test specimen. The wave guides can be arranged in the form of an ultrasonic brush, with a flat head for coupling to a flat transducer, and free bristles that can be pressed against the test specimen. By bevelling the bristle ends at a suitable angle, shear mode waves can be infused into the test specimen from a longitudinal mode transducer.

Reduction of Surface Errors over a Wide Range of Spatial Frequencies Using a Combination of Electrolytic In-Process Dressing Grinding and Magnetorheological Finishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunimura, Shinsuke; Ohmori, Hitoshi

We present a rapid process for producing flat and smooth surfaces. In this technical note, a fabrication result of a carbon mirror is shown. Electrolytic in-process dressing (ELID) grinding with a metal bonded abrasive wheel, then a metal-resin bonded abrasive wheel, followed by a conductive rubber bonded abrasive wheel, and finally magnetorheological finishing (MRF) were performed as the first, second, third, and final steps, respectively in this process. Flatness over the whole surface was improved by performing the first and second steps. After the third step, peak to valley (PV) and root mean square (rms) values in an area of 0.72 x 0.54 mm2 on the surface were improved. These values were further improved after the final step, and a PV value of 10 nm and an rms value of 1 nm were obtained. Form errors and small surface irregularities such as surface waviness and micro roughness were efficiently reduced by performing ELID grinding using the above three kinds of abrasive wheels because of the high removal rate of ELID grinding, and residual small irregularities were reduced by short time MRF. This process makes it possible to produce flat and smooth surfaces in several hours.

Improving the surface metrology accuracy of optical profilers by using multiple measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xudong; Huang, Qiushi; Shen, Zhengxiang; Wang, Zhanshan

2016-10-01

The performance of high-resolution optical systems is affected by small angle scattering at the mid-spatial-frequency irregularities of the optical surface. Characterizing these irregularities is, therefore, important. However, surface measurements obtained with optical profilers are influenced by additive white noise, as indicated by the heavy-tail effect observable on their power spectral density (PSD). A multiple-measurement method is used to reduce the effects of white noise by averaging individual measurements. The intensity of white noise is determined using a model based on the theoretical PSD of fractal surface measurements with additive white noise. The intensity of white noise decreases as the number of times of multiple measurements increases. Using multiple measurements also increases the highest observed spatial frequency; this increase is derived and calculated. Additionally, the accuracy obtained using multiple measurements is carefully studied, with the analysis of both the residual reference error after calibration, and the random errors appearing in the range of measured spatial frequencies. The resulting insights on the effects of white noise in optical profiler measurements and the methods to mitigate them may prove invaluable to improve the quality of surface metrology with optical profilers.

Research of Surface Roughness Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulaha, N.; Rudzitis, J.; Lungevics, J.; Linins, O.; Krizbergs, J.

2017-04-01

The authors of the paper have investigated surfaces with irregular roughness for the purpose of determination of roughness spacing parameters perpendicularly to machining traces - RSm1 and parallel to them - RSm2, as well as checking the relationship between the surface anisotropy coefficient c and surface aspect ratio Str from the standard LVS EN ISO 25178-2. Surface roughness measurement experiments with 11 surfaces show that measuring equipment values of mean spacing of profile irregularities in the longitudinal direction are not reliable due to the divergence of surface mean plane and roughness profile mean line. After the additional calculations it was stated that parameter Str can be used for determination of parameter RSm2 and roughness anisotropy evaluation for grinded, polished, friction surfaces and other surfaces with similar characteristics.

Irregular Applications: Architectures & Algorithms

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

Feo, John T.; Villa, Oreste; Tumeo, Antonino

Irregular applications are characterized by irregular data structures, control and communication patterns. Novel irregular high performance applications which deal with large data sets and require have recently appeared. Unfortunately, current high performance systems and software infrastructures executes irregular algorithms poorly. Only coordinated efforts by end user, area specialists and computer scientists that consider both the architecture and the software stack may be able to provide solutions to the challenges of modern irregular applications.

Morphological characterization of as-received and in vivo orthodontic stainless steel archwires.

PubMed

Daems, Julie; Celis, Jean-Pierre; Willems, Guy

2009-06-01

This study was undertaken to evaluate the material degradation of clinical bracket-archwire-contacting surfaces after in vivo orthodontic use. Twenty-four stainless steel multiloop edgewise archwires with two different cross sections (0.016 x 0.016 and 0.016 x 0.022 inches) were used for at least 6 months in the mouths of 14 patients. The surfaces of both as-received (cross-section of 0.016 x 0.016, 0.016 x 0.022, and 0.017 x 0.025 inches) and the in vivo wires were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The as-received wires exhibited an inhomogeneous surface with different surface irregularities resulting from the manufacturing process. For the in vivo archwires, an increase in the variety, type, and number of surface irregularities were observed. Crevice corrosion occurred not only at surface irregularities formed during manufacturing and orthodontic handling but also at the bracket-archwire-contacting surfaces and at the archwire surfaces coated with plaque and food remnants. This corrosion may be linked to the formation of a micro-environment at these locations. In addition, a limited number of signs of degradation induced during in vivo testing due to wear and friction were observed.

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography of the cerebral cortex using a 7 degree-of freedom robotic arm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes Perez, Robnier; Jivraj, Jamil; Yang, Victor X. D.

2017-02-01

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides a high-resolution imaging technique with limited depth penetration. The current use of OCT is limited to relatively small areas of tissue for anatomical structure diagnosis or minimally invasive guided surgery. In this study, we propose to image a large area of the surface of the cerebral cortex. This experiment aims to evaluate the potential difficulties encountered when applying OCT imaging to large and irregular surface areas. The current state-of-the-art OCT imaging technology uses scanning systems with at most 3 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) to obtain a 3D image representation of the sample tissue. We propose the use of a 7 DOF industrial robotic arm to increase the scanning capabilities of our OCT. Such system will be capable of acquiring data from large samples of tissue that are too irregular for conventional methods. Advantages and disadvantages of our system are discussed.

Cubic spline anchored grid pattern algorithm for high-resolution detection of subsurface cavities by the IR-CAT method

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

Kassab, A.J.; Pollard, J.E.

An algorithm is presented for the high-resolution detection of irregular-shaped subsurface cavities within irregular-shaped bodies by the IR-CAT method. The theoretical basis of the algorithm is rooted in the solution of an inverse geometric steady-state heat conduction problem. A Cauchy boundary condition is prescribed at the exposed surface, and the inverse geometric heat conduction problem is formulated by specifying the thermal condition at the inner cavities walls, whose unknown geometries are to be detected. The location of the inner cavities is initially estimated, and the domain boundaries are discretized. Linear boundary elements are used in conjunction with cubic splines formore » high resolution of the cavity walls. An anchored grid pattern (AGP) is established to constrain the cubic spline knots that control the inner cavity geometry to evolve along the AGP at each iterative step. A residual is defined measuring the difference between imposed and computed boundary conditions. A Newton-Raphson method with a Broyden update is used to automate the detection of inner cavity walls. During the iterative procedure, the movement of the inner cavity walls is restricted to physically realistic intermediate solutions. Numerical simulation demonstrates the superior resolution of the cubic spline AGP algorithm over the linear spline-based AGP in the detection of an irregular-shaped cavity. Numerical simulation is also used to test the sensitivity of the linear and cubic spline AGP algorithms by simulating bias and random error in measured surface temperature. The proposed AGP algorithm is shown to satisfactorily detect cavities with these simulated data.« less

In vivo dosimetry using Gafchromic films during pelvic intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT)

PubMed Central

Costa, Filipa; Gomes, Dora; Magalhães, Helena; Arrais, Rosário; Moreira, Graciete; Cruz, Maria Fátima; Silva, José Pedro; Santos, Lúcio; Sousa, Olga

2016-01-01

Objective: To characterize in vivo dose distributions during pelvic intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) for rectal cancer and to assess the alterations introduced by irregular irradiation surfaces in the presence of bevelled applicators. Methods: In vivo measurements were performed with Gafchromic films during 32 IOERT procedures. 1 film per procedure was used for the first 20 procedures. The methodology was then optimized for the remaining 12 procedures by using a set of 3 films. Both the average dose and two-dimensional dose distributions for each film were determined. Phantom measurements were performed for comparison. Results: For flat and concave surfaces, the doses measured in vivo agree with expected values. For concave surfaces with step-like irregularities, measured doses tend to be higher than expected doses. Results obtained with three films per procedure show a large variability along the irradiated surface, with important differences from expected profiles. These results are consistent with the presence of surface hotspots, such as those observed in phantoms in the presence of step-like irregularities, as well as fluid build-up. Conclusion: Clinical dose distributions in the IOERT of rectal cancer are often different from the references used for prescription. Further studies are necessary to assess the impact of these differences on treatment outcomes. In vivo measurements are important, but need to be accompanied by accurate imaging of positioning and irradiated surfaces. Advances in knowledge: These results confirm that surface irregularities occur frequently in rectal cancer IOERT and have a measurable effect on the dose distribution. PMID:27188847

Seamless growth of a supramolecular carpet

PubMed Central

Kim, Ju-Hyung; Ribierre, Jean-Charles; Yang, Yu Seok; Adachi, Chihaya; Kawai, Maki; Jung, Jaehoon; Fukushima, Takanori; Kim, Yousoo

2016-01-01

Organic/metal interfaces play crucial roles in the formation of intermolecular networks on metal surfaces and the performance of organic devices. Although their purity and uniformity have profound effects on the operation of organic devices, the formation of organic thin films with high interfacial uniformity on metal surfaces has suffered from the intrinsic limitation of molecular ordering imposed by irregular surface structures. Here we demonstrate a supramolecular carpet with widely uniform interfacial structure and high adaptability on a metal surface via a one-step process. The high uniformity is achieved with well-balanced interfacial interactions and site-specific molecular rearrangements, even on a pre-annealed amorphous gold surface. Co-existing electronic structures show selective availability corresponding to the energy region and the local position of the system. These findings provide not only a deeper insight into organic thin films with high structural integrity, but also a new way to tailor interfacial geometric and electronic structures. PMID:26839053

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

Wang, Yang; Liu, Xiao Wei; Zhang, Hai Feng, E-mail: wy3121685@163.com

In this work, we present a method of fabricating super-hydrophobic surface on aluminum alloy substrate. The etching of aluminum surfaces has been performed using Beck's dislocation etchant for different time to create micrometer-sized irregular steps. An optimised etching time of 50 s is found to be essential before polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, to obtain a highest water contact angle of 165±2° with a lowest contact angle hysteresis as low as 5±2°. The presence of patterned microstructure as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with the low surface energy ultrathin RF-sputtered PTFE films renders the aluminum alloy surfaces highly super-hydrophobic.

Additive Mixing and Conformal Coating of Noniridescent Structural Colors with Robust Mechanical Properties Fabricated by Atomization Deposition.

PubMed

Li, Qingsong; Zhang, Yafeng; Shi, Lei; Qiu, Huihui; Zhang, Suming; Qi, Ning; Hu, Jianchen; Yuan, Wei; Zhang, Xiaohua; Zhang, Ke-Qin

2018-04-24

Artificial structural colors based on short-range-ordered amorphous photonic structures (APSs) have attracted great scientific and industrial interest in recent years. However, the previously reported methods of self-assembling colloidal nanoparticles lack fine control of the APS coating and fixation on substrates and poorly realize three-dimensional (3D) conformal coatings for objects with irregular or highly curved surfaces. In this paper, atomization deposition of silica colloidal nanoparticles with poly(vinyl alcohol) as the additive is proposed to solve the above problems. By finely controlling the thicknesses of APS coatings, additive mixing of noniridescent structural colors is easily realized. Based on the intrinsic omnidirectional feature of atomization, a one-step 3D homogeneous conformal coating is also readily realized on various irregular or highly curved surfaces, including papers, resins, metal plates, ceramics, and flexible silk fabrics. The vivid coatings on silk fabrics by atomization deposition possess robust mechanical properties, which are confirmed by rubbing and laundering tests, showing great potential in developing an environmentally friendly coloring technique in the textile industry.

Obtaining source current density related to irregularly structured electromagnetic target field inside human body using hybrid inverse/FDTD method.

PubMed

Han, Jijun; Yang, Deqiang; Sun, Houjun; Xin, Sherman Xuegang

2017-01-01

Inverse method is inherently suitable for calculating the distribution of source current density related with an irregularly structured electromagnetic target field. However, the present form of inverse method cannot calculate complex field-tissue interactions. A novel hybrid inverse/finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method that can calculate the complex field-tissue interactions for the inverse design of source current density related with an irregularly structured electromagnetic target field is proposed. A Huygens' equivalent surface is established as a bridge to combine the inverse and FDTD method. Distribution of the radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field on the Huygens' equivalent surface is obtained using the FDTD method by considering the complex field-tissue interactions within the human body model. The obtained magnetic field distributed on the Huygens' equivalent surface is regarded as the next target. The current density on the designated source surface is derived using the inverse method. The homogeneity of target magnetic field and specific energy absorption rate are calculated to verify the proposed method.

Optimized micromirror arrays for adaptive optics

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

Michalicek, M. Adrian

This paper describes the design, layout, fabrication, and surface characterization of highly optimized surface micromachined micromirror devices. Design considerations and fabrication capabilities are presented. These devices are fabricated in the state-of-the-art, four-level, planarized, ultra-low-stress polysilicon process available at Sandia National Laboratories known as the Sandia Ultra-planar Multi-level MEMS Technology (SUMMiT). This enabling process permits the development of micromirror devices with near-ideal characteristics that have previously been unrealizable in standard three-layer polysilicon processes. The reduced 1 {mu}m minimum feature sizes and 0.1 {mu}m mask resolution make it possible to produce dense wiring patterns and irregularly shaped flexures. Likewise, mirror surfaces canmore » be uniquely distributed and segmented in advanced patterns and often irregular shapes in order to minimize wavefront error across the pupil. The ultra-low-stress polysilicon and planarized upper layer allow designers to make larger and more complex micromirrors of varying shape and surface area within an array while maintaining uniform performance of optical surfaces. Powerful layout functions of the AutoCAD editor simplify the design of advanced micromirror arrays and make it possible to optimize devices according to the capabilities of the fabrication process. Micromirrors fabricated in this process have demonstrated a surface variance across the array from only 2{endash}3 nm to a worst case of roughly 25 nm while boasting active surface areas of 98{percent} or better. Combining the process planarization with a {open_quotes}planarized-by-design{close_quotes} approach will produce micromirror array surfaces that are limited in flatness only by the surface deposition roughness of the structural material. Ultimately, the combination of advanced process and layout capabilities have permitted the fabrication of highly optimized micromirror arrays for adaptive optics. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Automated Approach to Very High-Order Aeroacoustic Computations. Revision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyson, Rodger W.; Goodrich, John W.

2001-01-01

Computational aeroacoustics requires efficient, high-resolution simulation tools. For smooth problems, this is best accomplished with very high-order in space and time methods on small stencils. However, the complexity of highly accurate numerical methods can inhibit their practical application, especially in irregular geometries. This complexity is reduced by using a special form of Hermite divided-difference spatial interpolation on Cartesian grids, and a Cauchy-Kowalewski recursion procedure for time advancement. In addition, a stencil constraint tree reduces the complexity of interpolating grid points that am located near wall boundaries. These procedures are used to develop automatically and to implement very high-order methods (> 15) for solving the linearized Euler equations that can achieve less than one grid point per wavelength resolution away from boundaries by including spatial derivatives of the primitive variables at each grid point. The accuracy of stable surface treatments is currently limited to 11th order for grid aligned boundaries and to 2nd order for irregular boundaries.

An Automated Approach to Very High Order Aeroacoustic Computations in Complex Geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyson, Rodger W.; Goodrich, John W.

2000-01-01

Computational aeroacoustics requires efficient, high-resolution simulation tools. And for smooth problems, this is best accomplished with very high order in space and time methods on small stencils. But the complexity of highly accurate numerical methods can inhibit their practical application, especially in irregular geometries. This complexity is reduced by using a special form of Hermite divided-difference spatial interpolation on Cartesian grids, and a Cauchy-Kowalewslci recursion procedure for time advancement. In addition, a stencil constraint tree reduces the complexity of interpolating grid points that are located near wall boundaries. These procedures are used to automatically develop and implement very high order methods (>15) for solving the linearized Euler equations that can achieve less than one grid point per wavelength resolution away from boundaries by including spatial derivatives of the primitive variables at each grid point. The accuracy of stable surface treatments is currently limited to 11th order for grid aligned boundaries and to 2nd order for irregular boundaries.

Method for hot pressing irregularly shaped refractory articles

DOEpatents

Steinkamp, William E.; Ballard, Ambrose H.

1982-01-01

The present invention is directed to a method for hot pressing irregularly haped refractory articles with these articles of varying thickness being provided with high uniform density and dimensional accuracy. Two partially pressed compacts of the refractory material are placed in a die cavity between displaceable die punches having compact-contacting surfaces of the desired article configuration. A floating, rotatable block is disposed between the compacts. The displacement of the die punches towards one another causes the block to rotate about an axis normal to the direction of movement of the die punches to uniformly distribute the pressure loading upon the compacts for maintaining substantially equal volume displacement of the powder material during the hot pressing operation.

Regular and irregular deswelling of polyacrylate and hyaluronate gels induced by oppositely charged surfactants.

PubMed

Nilsson, Peter; Hansson, Per

2008-09-15

The deswelling kinetics of macroscopic polyacrylate (PA) gels in solutions of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C(12)TAB) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C(16)TAB), with and without added sodium bromide, as well as hyaluronate (HA) gels in solutions of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) are investigated. Additional data are also provided by small-angle X-ray scattering and microgel experiments. The purpose is to study the deswelling behavior of (1) regularly deswelling gels, for which the deswelling is successfully described using a core/shell model earlier employed for microgels, and (2) irregularly deswelling gels, where the gel turns into a balloon-like structure with a dense outer layer surrounding a liquid-filled core. For regularly deswelling gels, the deswelling of PA/C(12)TAB is found to be controlled by diffusion through both stagnant layer and collapsed surface phase, while for PA/C(16)TAB it is found to be controlled mainly by the latter. The difference in deswelling rate between the two is found to correspond to the difference in surfactant diffusion coefficient in the surface phase. Factors found to promote irregular deswelling, described as balloon formation, are rapid surfactant binding, high bromide and surfactant concentration, longer surfactant chain length, and macroscopic gel size. Scattering data indicating a cubic structure for HA/CPC complexes are reported.

Association between disk position and degenerative bone changes of the temporomandibular joints: an imaging study in subjects with TMD.

PubMed

Cortés, Daniel; Sylvester, Daniel Cortés; Exss, Eduardo; Marholz, Carlos; Millas, Rodrigo; Moncada, Gustavo

2011-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and relationship between disk position and degenerative bone changes in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), in subjects with internal derangement (ID). MRI and CT scans of 180 subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) were studied. Different image parameters or characteristics were observed, such as disk position, joint effusion, condyle movement, degenerative bone changes (flattened, cortical erosions and irregularities), osteophytes, subchondral cysts and idiopathic condyle resorption. The present study concluded that there is a significant association between disk displacement without reduction and degenerative bone changes in patients with TMD. The study also found a high probability of degenerative bone changes when disk displacement without reduction is present. No association was found between TMD and condyle range of motion, joint effusion and/or degenerative bone changes. The following were the most frequent morphological changes observed: flattening of the anterior surface of the condyle; followed by erosions and irregularities of the joint surfaces; flattening of the articular surface of the temporal eminence, subchondral cysts, osteophytes; and idiopathic condyle resorption, in decreasing order.

Boundary-layer receptivity due to distributed surface imperfections of a deterministic or random nature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choudhari, Meelan

1992-01-01

Acoustic receptivity of a Blasius boundary layer in the presence of distributed surface irregularities is investigated analytically. It is shown that, out of the entire spatial spectrum of the surface irregularities, only a small band of Fourier components can lead to an efficient conversion of the acoustic input at any given frequency to an unstable eigenmode of the boundary layer flow. The location, and width, of this most receptive band of wavenumbers corresponds to a relative detuning of O(R sub l.b.(exp -3/8)) with respect to the lower-neutral instability wavenumber at the frequency under consideration, R sub l.b. being the Reynolds number based on a typical boundary-layer thickness at the lower branch of the neutral stability curve. Surface imperfections in the form of discrete mode waviness in this range of wavenumbers lead to initial instability amplitudes which are O(R sub l.b.(exp 3/8)) larger than those caused by a single, isolated roughness element. In contrast, irregularities with a continuous spatial spectrum produce much smaller instability amplitudes, even compared to the isolated case, since the increase due to the resonant nature of the response is more than that compensated for by the asymptotically small band-width of the receptivity process. Analytical expressions for the maximum possible instability amplitudes, as well as their expectation for an ensemble of statistically irregular surfaces with random phase distributions, are also presented.

Exploring the Surface Brightness Breaks and Star Formation in Disk Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malko, Bradley Ann; Hunter, Deidre Ann

2018-06-01

Stellar surface brightness profiles of both spirals and dwarf irregular galaxies often show breaks in which the exponential fall-off abruptly changes slope. Most often the profile is down-bending (Type II) in the outer disk, but sometimes it is up-bending (Type III). Stellar disks extend a long ways beyond the profile breaks, but we do not understand what happens physically at the breaks. To explore this we are examining the star formation activity, as traced with FUV emission, interior to the break compared to that exterior to the break in both dwarf irregulars and spiral galaxies. We present the results for the spiral galaxy NGC 2500 and compare it to the LITTLE THINGS dwarf irregular galaxies.

Ultrasonographic findings of shoulder teno-muscular structures in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs.

PubMed

Barella, Gabriele; Lodi, Matteo; Faverzani, Stefano

2017-11-14

B-mode sonographic evaluation of shoulder joint in dogs provides qualitative information concerning mainly tendon and muscles structures. Although the sonographic findings of tenomuscular lesions have been described previously, their frequency in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients has not been reported yet. Aim of the study was to describe and compare qualitative ultrasonographic findings of shoulder joint in clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs and to speculate which lesions might be considered major responsible for lameness. Fifty-two dogs with shoulder lameness and 58 asymptomatic dogs (both with unremarkable radiographic findings) underwent ultrasonographic B-mode examination of the scapulohumeral joint. Lesions detected were recorded and statistically compared between groups. Significant differences between groups were observed for the number of ultrasonographic abnormalities detected and for fluid accumulation, biceps brachii tendon (BT) lesions and bone surface irregularities. Sonography was considered useful for the determination of lesions absence and for the detection of BT lesions, fluid accumulation, muscle lacerations and bone surface irregularities. The odds for symptomatic dogs were greater than for asymptomatic patients to ultrasonographically diagnose BT lesions, fluid accumulation and bone surface irregularities. Ultrasound has proven to be a useful tool in the evaluation of tenomusculoskeletal structures of shoulder in dogs with unremarkable radiographic findings. Our results suggest that ultrasonography is useful in the diagnosis of tendon abnormalities, fluid accumulation, muscle lacerations and bone surface irregularities as potential contributors to shoulder lameness in dogs.

Biaxially mechanical tuning of 2-D reversible and irreversible surface topologies through simultaneous and sequential wrinkling.

PubMed

Yin, Jie; Yagüe, Jose Luis; Boyce, Mary C; Gleason, Karen K

2014-02-26

Controlled buckling is a facile means of structuring surfaces. The resulting ordered wrinkling topologies provide surface properties and features desired for multifunctional applications. Here, we study the biaxially dynamic tuning of two-dimensional wrinkled micropatterns under cyclic mechanical stretching/releasing/restretching simultaneously or sequentially. A biaxially prestretched PDMS substrate is coated with a stiff polymer deposited by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). Applying a mechanical release/restretch cycle in two directions loaded simultaneously or sequentially to the wrinkled system results in a variety of dynamic and tunable wrinkled geometries, the evolution of which is investigated using in situ optical profilometry, numerical simulations, and theoretical modeling. Results show that restretching ordered herringbone micropatterns, created through sequential release of biaxial prestrain, leads to reversible and repeatable surface topography. The initial flat surface and the same wrinkled herringbone pattern are obtained alternatively after cyclic release/restretch processes, owing to the highly ordered structure leaving no avenue for trapping irregular topological regions during cycling as further evidenced by the uniformity of strains distributions and negligible residual strain. Conversely, restretching disordered labyrinth micropatterns created through simultaneous release shows an irreversible surface topology whether after sequential or simultaneous restretching due to creation of irregular surface topologies with regions of highly concentrated strain upon formation of the labyrinth which then lead to residual strains and trapped topologies upon cycling; furthermore, these trapped topologies depend upon the subsequent strain histories as well as the cycle. The disordered labyrinth pattern varies after each cyclic release/restretch process, presenting residual shallow patterns instead of achieving a flat state. The ability to dynamically tune the highly ordered herringbone patterning through mechanical stretching or other actuation makes these wrinkles excellent candidates for tunable multifunctional surfaces properties such as reflectivity, friction, anisotropic liquid flow or boundary layer control.

Effects of setting under air pressure on the number of surface pores and irregularities of dental investment materials.

PubMed

Tourah, Anita; Moshaverinia, Alireza; Chee, Winston W

2014-02-01

Surface roughness and irregularities are important properties of dental investment materials that can affect the fit of a restoration. Whether setting under air pressure affects the surface irregularities of gypsum-bonded and phosphate-bonded investment materials is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of air pressure on the pore size and surface irregularities of investment materials immediately after pouring. Three dental investments, 1 gypsum-bonded investment and 2 phosphate-bonded investments, were investigated. They were vacuum mixed according to the manufacturers' recommendations, then poured into a ringless casting system. The prepared specimens were divided into 2 groups: 1 bench setting and the other placed in a pressure pot at 172 kPa. After 45 minutes of setting, the rings were removed and the investments were cut at a right angle to the long axis with a diamond disk. The surfaces of the investments were steam cleaned, dried with an air spray, and observed with a stereomicroscope. A profilometer was used to evaluate the surface roughness (μm) of the castings. The number of surface pores was counted for 8 specimens from each group and the means and standard deviations were reported. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the data. Specimens that set under atmospheric air pressure had a significantly higher number of pores than specimens that set under increased pressure (P<.05). No statistically significant differences for surface roughness were found (P=.078). Also, no significant difference was observed among the 3 different types of materials tested (P>.05). Specimens set under positive pressure in a pressure chamber presented fewer surface bubbles than specimens set under atmospheric pressure. Positive pressure is effective and, therefore, is recommended for both gypsum-bonded and phosphate-bonded investment materials. Copyright © 2014 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of surface polaritons on mode damping in an irregular hollow dielectric waveguide operating in the middle infrared

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belianko, A. E.; Doilnitsyna, O. A.; Lipatov, N. I.; Pashinin, P. P.; Prokhorov, A. M.

1985-07-01

Consideration is given to the effect of surface polaritons induced by the rough walls of a hallow channel on the mode propagation constants of a dielectric waveguide. The mode propagation characteristics of the waveguide were analyzed within the framework of conventional geometric optics theory, and the results are compared with phenomenological data concerning the wave reflection from a statistically uneven surface. The dielectric permittivity function of the uneven surface had a small imaginary component and a negative real component. It is shown that statistical irregularities associated with the walls of the guiding channel can lead to enhanced damping in the waveguide modes.

Electromagnetic Scattering From a Polygonal Thin Metallic Plate Using Quadrilateral Meshing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, Manohar D.

2003-01-01

The problem of electromagnetic (EM) scattering from irregularly shaped, thin, metallic flat plates in free space is solved using the electric field integral equation (EFIE) approach in conjunction with the method of moments (MoM) with quadrilateral meshing. An irregularly shaped thin plate is discretized into quadrilateral patches and the unknown electric surface current over the plate is expressed in terms of proper basis functions over these patches. The basis functions for the electric surface current density that satisfy the proper boundary conditions on these quadrilateral patches are derived. The unknown surface current density on these quadrilateral patches is determined by setting up and solving the electric field integral equation by the application of the MoM. From the knowledge of the surface current density, the EM scattering from various irregularly shaped plates is determined and compared with the earlier published results. The novelty in the present approach is the use of quadrilateral patches instead of well known and often used triangular patches. The numerical results obtained using the quadrilateral patches compare favorably with measured results.

A method for brain 3D surface reconstruction from MR images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, De-xin

2014-09-01

Due to the encephalic tissues are highly irregular, three-dimensional (3D) modeling of brain always leads to complicated computing. In this paper, we explore an efficient method for brain surface reconstruction from magnetic resonance (MR) images of head, which is helpful to surgery planning and tumor localization. A heuristic algorithm is proposed for surface triangle mesh generation with preserved features, and the diagonal length is regarded as the heuristic information to optimize the shape of triangle. The experimental results show that our approach not only reduces the computational complexity, but also completes 3D visualization with good quality.

Radiation-induced rotation of small celestial bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Misconi, N. Y.; Oliver, John; Mzariegos, Roberto

1992-01-01

The rotation was studied of particles in a simulated space environment via a technique known as Laser Particle Levitation. The combination of both a high vacuum and optical laser levitation to negate the effects of Earth's gravity, simulate the space environment. The rotation mechanism under study is known as the 'Windmill Effect,' which is a spin mechanism that suggests that the interaction of the photon field from a star with the surface irregularities of cosmic dust will cause them to spin due to the imbalance in the directionality of the scattered photons which necessitates a non-zero angular momentum. This conclusion is based on the random nature of the orientation of the sites of surface irregularities. The general object is to study the behavior of particles in orbits around the Earth, both natural and man made, as well as interplanetary and circumstellar particles. To meet this objective, an apparatus was constructed which was designed to allow optical levitation in a vacuum.

Terrain Traversing Device Having a Wheel with Microhooks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parness, Aaron (Inventor); McKenzie, Clifford F. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A terrain traversing device includes an annular rotor element with a plurality of co-planar microspine hooks arranged on the periphery of the annular rotor element. Each microspine hook has an independently flexible suspension configuration that permits the microspine hook to initially engage an irregularity in a terrain surface at a preset initial engagement angle and subsequently engage the irregularity with a continuously varying engagement angle when the annular rotor element is rotated for urging the terrain traversing device to traverse a terrain surface.

Continuous-wave ultrasound reflectometry for surface roughness imaging applications

PubMed Central

Kinnick, R. R.; Greenleaf, J. F.; Fatemi, M.

2009-01-01

Background Measurement of surface roughness irregularities that result from various sources such as manufacturing processes, surface damage, and corrosion, is an important indicator of product quality for many nondestructive testing (NDT) industries. Many techniques exist, however because of their qualitative, time-consuming and direct-contact modes, it is of some importance to work out new experimental methods and efficient tools for quantitative estimation of surface roughness. Objective and Method Here we present continuous-wave ultrasound reflectometry (CWUR) as a novel nondestructive modality for imaging and measuring surface roughness in a non-contact mode. In CWUR, voltage variations due to phase shifts in the reflected ultrasound waves are recorded and processed to form an image of surface roughness. Results An acrylic test block with surface irregularities ranging from 4.22 μm to 19.05 μm as measured by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), is scanned by an ultrasound transducer having a diameter of 45 mm, a focal distance of 70 mm, and a central frequency of 3 MHz. It is shown that CWUR technique gives very good agreement with the results obtained through CMM inasmuch as the maximum average percent error is around 11.5%. Conclusion Images obtained here demonstrate that CWUR may be used as a powerful noncontact and quantitative tool for nondestructive inspection and imaging of surface irregularities at the micron-size level with an average error of less than 11.5%. PMID:18664399

Unusual seismogenic soft-sediment deformation structures in Cambrian epicratonic carbonate deposits, western Colorado, U.S.A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myrow, P.; Chen, J.

2013-12-01

A wide variety of unusual penecontemporaneous deformation structures exist in grainstone and flat-pebble conglomerate beds of the Upper Cambrian strata, western Colorado, including slide scarps, thrusted beds, irregular blocks and internally deformed beds. Slide scarps are characterized by concave-up, sharp surfaces that truncate one or more underlying beds. Thrusted beds record movement of a part of a bed onto itself along a moderate to steeply inclined (generally 25°-40°) ramp. The hanging wall lenses in cases show fault-bend geometries, with either intact or mildly deformed bedding. Irregular bedded to internally deformed blocks isolated on generally flat upper bedding surfaces are similar in composition to the underlying beds. These features represent parts of beds that were detached, moved up onto, and some distances across, the laterally adjacent undisturbed bed surfaces. The blocks moved either at the sediment-water interface or intrastratally at shallow depths within overlying muddy deposits. Finally, internally deformed beds have large blocks, fitted fabrics of highly irregular fragments, and contorted lamination, which represent heterogeneous deformation, such as brecciation and liquefaction. The various deformation structures were most probably triggered by earthquakes, considering the nature of deformation (regional distribution of liquefaction structures, and the brittle segmentation and subsequent transportation of semi-consolidated beds) and the reactivation of Mesoproterozoic, crustal-scale shear zones in the central Rockies during the Late Cambrian. Features produced by initial brittle deformation are unusual relative to most reported seismites, and may represent poorly recognized to unrecognized seismogenic structures in the rock record.

Extended applications of track irregularity probabilistic model and vehicle-slab track coupled model on dynamics of railway systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Lei; Zhai, Wanming; Gao, Jianmin

2017-11-01

Track irregularities are inevitably in a process of stochastic evolution due to the uncertainty and continuity of wheel-rail interactions. For depicting the dynamic behaviours of vehicle-track coupling system caused by track random irregularities thoroughly, it is a necessity to develop a track irregularity probabilistic model to simulate rail surface irregularities with ergodic properties on amplitudes, wavelengths and probabilities, and to build a three-dimensional vehicle-track coupled model by properly considering the wheel-rail nonlinear contact mechanisms. In the present study, the vehicle-track coupled model is programmed by combining finite element method with wheel-rail coupling model firstly. Then, in light of the capability of power spectral density (PSD) in characterising amplitudes and wavelengths of stationary random signals, a track irregularity probabilistic model is presented to reveal and simulate the whole characteristics of track irregularity PSD. Finally, extended applications from three aspects, that is, extreme analysis, reliability analysis and response relationships between dynamic indices, are conducted to the evaluation and application of the proposed models.

Phonetically Irregular Word Pronunciation and Cortical Thickness in the Adult Brain

PubMed Central

Blackmon, Karen; Barr, William B.; Kuzniecky, Ruben; DuBois, Jonathan; Carlson, Chad; Quinn, Brian T.; Blumberg, Mark; Halgren, Eric; Hagler, Donald J.; Mikhly, Mark; Devinsky, Orrin; McDonald, Carrie R.; Dale, Anders M.; Thesen, Thomas

2010-01-01

Accurate pronunciation of phonetically irregular words (exception words) requires prior exposure to unique relationships between orthographic and phonemic features. Whether such word knowledge is accompanied by structural variation in areas associated with orthographic-to-phonemic transformations has not been investigated. We used high resolution MRI to determine whether performance on a visual word-reading test composed of phonetically irregular words, the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR), is associated with regional variations in cortical structure. A sample of 60 right-handed, neurologically intact individuals were administered the WTAR and underwent 3T volumetric MRI. Using quantitative, surface-based image analysis, cortical thickness was estimated at each vertex on the cortical mantle and correlated with WTAR scores while controlling for age. Higher scores on the WTAR were associated with thicker cortex in bilateral anterior superior temporal gyrus, bilateral angular gyrus/posterior superior temporal gyrus, and left hemisphere intraparietal sulcus. Higher scores were also associated with thinner cortex in left hemisphere posterior fusiform gyrus and central sulcus, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, and right hemisphere lingual gyrus and supramarginal gyrus. These results suggest that the ability to correctly pronounce phonetically irregular words is associated with structural variations in cortical areas that are commonly activated in functional neuroimaging studies of word reading, including areas associated with grapheme-to–phonemic conversion. PMID:20302944

The fractography of casting alloys

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

Powell, G.W.

1994-10-01

Several types of casting alloys were fractured using various loading modes (uniaxial tension, bending, impact, and torsion, and cyclic stressing), and the corresponding mechanical properties were determined. The unetched and etched fracture surfaces and the microstructures were examined using conventional techniques. The types of casting alloys that were the subjects f these investigations include gray iron, ductile iron, cast steel, and aluminum-base alloys (A380, A356, and 319). The fractographic studies have yielded these generalizations regarding the topography of the fracture surfaces. In the case of low-ductility alloys such as gray iron and the aluminum-base alloys, the tensile edge of amore » fracture surface produced by a stress system with a strong bending-moment component has a highly irregular contour, whereas the compressive edge of the fracture surface is quite straight and parallel to the bend axis. On the other hand, the periphery of a fracture surface produced by uniaxial tension has a completely irregular contour. The fracture surface produced by cyclic loading of a gray iron does not display any macroscopic evidence (such as a thumb nail) of the loading mode. However, the fracture surface of each of the other casting alloys displays clear, macroscopic evidence of failure induced by fatigue. The aluminum-base alloys fracture completely within the interdendritic region of the microstructure when subjected to monotonic loading by uniaxial tension or bending, whereas a fatigue crack propagates predominantly through the primary crystals of the microstructure.« less

Electrostatic mechanism of nucleosomal array folding revealed by computer simulation

PubMed Central

Sun, Jian; Zhang, Qing; Schlick, Tamar

2005-01-01

Although numerous experiments indicate that the chromatin fiber displays salt-dependent conformations, the associated molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we apply an irregular Discrete Surface Charge Optimization (DiSCO) model of the nucleosome with all histone tails incorporated to describe by Monte Carlo simulations salt-dependent rearrangements of a nucleosomal array with 12 nucleosomes. The ensemble of nucleosomal array conformations display salt-dependent condensation in good agreement with hydrodynamic measurements and suggest that the array adopts highly irregular 3D zig-zag conformations at high (physiological) salt concentrations and transitions into the extended “beads-on-a-string” conformation at low salt. Energy analyses indicate that the repulsion among linker DNA leads to this extended form, whereas internucleosome attraction drives the folding at high salt. The balance between these two contributions determines the salt-dependent condensation. Importantly, the internucleosome and linker DNA–nucleosome attractions require histone tails; we find that the H3 tails, in particular, are crucial for stabilizing the moderately folded fiber at physiological monovalent salt. PMID:15919827

Electrostatic mechanism of nucleosomal array folding revealed by computer simulation.

PubMed

Sun, Jian; Zhang, Qing; Schlick, Tamar

2005-06-07

Although numerous experiments indicate that the chromatin fiber displays salt-dependent conformations, the associated molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we apply an irregular Discrete Surface Charge Optimization (DiSCO) model of the nucleosome with all histone tails incorporated to describe by Monte Carlo simulations salt-dependent rearrangements of a nucleosomal array with 12 nucleosomes. The ensemble of nucleosomal array conformations display salt-dependent condensation in good agreement with hydrodynamic measurements and suggest that the array adopts highly irregular 3D zig-zag conformations at high (physiological) salt concentrations and transitions into the extended "beads-on-a-string" conformation at low salt. Energy analyses indicate that the repulsion among linker DNA leads to this extended form, whereas internucleosome attraction drives the folding at high salt. The balance between these two contributions determines the salt-dependent condensation. Importantly, the internucleosome and linker DNA-nucleosome attractions require histone tails; we find that the H3 tails, in particular, are crucial for stabilizing the moderately folded fiber at physiological monovalent salt.

A comparison of 3 wound measurement techniques: effects of pressure ulcer size and shape.

PubMed

Bilgin, Mehtap; Güneş, Ulkü Yapucu

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the levels of agreement among 3 techniques used in wound measurement comparing more spherical versus irregularly shaped wounds. The design of this study is evaluative research. Sixty-five consecutive patients with 80 pressure ulcers of various sizes referred from a university hospital in Izmir, Turkey, were evaluated. The 80 pressure ulcers identified on the 65 participants were divided into 2 groups based on pressure ulcer shape and wound surface area. Twenty-four of the 80 ulcers (30%) were characterized as irregularly shaped and greater than 10 cm. Fifty-six were regularly shaped (approximating a circle) and less than 10 cm. Pressure ulcer areas were measured using 3 techniques: measurement with a ruler (wound area was calculated by measuring and multiplying the greatest length by the greatest width perpendicular to the greatest length), wound tracing using graduated acetate paper, and digital planimetry. The level of agreement among the techniques was explored using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Strong agreement was observed among the techniques when assessing small, more regularly shaped wounds (ICC = 0.95). Modest agreement was achieved when measuring larger, irregularly shaped wounds (ICC = 0.70). Each of these techniques is adequate for measuring surface areas of smaller wounds with an approximately circular shape. Measurement of pressure ulcer area via the ruler method tended to overestimate surface area in larger and more irregularly shaped wounds when compared to acetate and digital planimetry. We recommend digital planimetry or acetate tracing for measurement of larger and more irregularly shaped pressure ulcers in the clinical setting.

Stable aqueous based Cu nanoparticle ink for printing well-defined highly conductive features on a plastic substrate.

PubMed

Jeong, Sunho; Song, Hae Chun; Lee, Won Woo; Lee, Sun Sook; Choi, Youngmin; Son, Wonil; Kim, Eui Duk; Paik, Choon Hoon; Oh, Seok Heon; Ryu, Beyong-Hwan

2011-03-15

With the aim of inkjet printing highly conductive and well-defined Cu features on plastic substrates, aqueous based Cu ink is prepared for the first time using water-soluble Cu nanoparticles with a very thin surface oxide layer. Owing to the specific properties, high surface tension and low boiling point, of water, the aqueous based Cu ink endows a variety of advantages over conventional Cu inks based on organic solvents in printing narrow conductive patterns without irregular morphologies. It is demonstrated how the design of aqueous based ink affects the basic properties of printed conductive features such as surface morphology, microstructure, conductivity, and line width. The long-term stability of aqueous based Cu ink against oxidation is analyzed through an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) based investigation on the evolution of the surface oxide layer in the aqueous based ink.

A Caulobacter MreB mutant with irregular cell shape exhibits compensatory widening to maintain a preferred surface area to volume ratio

PubMed Central

Harris, Leigh K.; Dye, Natalie A.; Theriot, Julie A.

2014-01-01

Summary Rod-shaped bacteria typically elongate at a uniform width. To investigate the genetic and physiological determinants involved in this process, we studied a mutation in the morphogenetic protein MreB in Caulobacter crescentus that gives rise to cells with a variable-width phenotype, where cells have regions that are both thinner and wider than wild-type. During growth, individual cells develop a balance of wide and thin regions, and mutant MreB dynamically localizes to poles and thin regions. Surprisingly, the surface area to volume ratio of these irregularly-shaped cells is, on average, very similar to wild-type. We propose that, while mutant MreB localizes to thin regions and promotes rod-like growth there, wide regions develop as a compensatory mechanism, allowing cells to maintain a wild-type-like surface area to volume ratio. To support this model, we have shown that cell widening is abrogated in growth conditions that promote higher surface area to volume ratios, and we have observed individual cells with high ratios return to wild-type levels over several hours by developing wide regions, suggesting that compensation can take place at the level of individual cells. PMID:25266768

Contact lens management of irregular corneas after traumatic aphakia: A pediatric case series.

PubMed

Aung, Yin-Yin; McLeod, Andrew

2015-10-01

Pediatric patients account for 35% of all cases that present after ocular trauma and 20.9% of those result in a ruptured globe. When repairing the globe, the removal of the natural lens results in a significant change in refractive error and loss of accommodation. In addition, the eye can have scarring, irregular astigmatism, and changes to the ocular surface. Treatment and vision rehabilitation should be aggressive and done quickly to prevent amblyopia. Advanced lens designs are often needed to treat both the irregular ocular surface and the aphakia. Treatment options are often confounded with the usual issues of contact lens compliance, intolerance, and complications. This case series follows three aphakic pediatric patients through the contact lens fitting process after sustaining a ruptured globe that left them aphakic with residual irregular astigmatism and corneal scarring. Patient 1 is a 3-year-old Hispanic male fit with a bitoric gas permeable contact lens with irregular astigmatism and an elevated central corneal scarring. Patient 2 is a 12-year-old Caucasian male with minimal residual astigmatism fit in a multifocal soft contact lens. Patient 3 is an 8-year-old African American male fit with a hybrid contact lens that was needed to vault the irregular astigmatism and central corneal scarring. Treating patients with irregular corneas or aphakia can be challenging in their own right, but in combination are some of the most advanced specialty contact lens fittings. This case series followed three pediatric patients through the fitting process and demonstrated the options and challenges when fitting this unique patient population. Copyright © 2015 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Chebyshev polynomial interpolation to improve the computational efficiency of gravity models near an irregularly-shaped asteroid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Shou-Cun; Ji, Jiang-Hui

2017-12-01

In asteroid rendezvous missions, the dynamical environment near an asteroid’s surface should be made clear prior to launch of the mission. However, most asteroids have irregular shapes, which lower the efficiency of calculating their gravitational field by adopting the traditional polyhedral method. In this work, we propose a method to partition the space near an asteroid adaptively along three spherical coordinates and use Chebyshev polynomial interpolation to represent the gravitational acceleration in each cell. Moreover, we compare four different interpolation schemes to obtain the best precision with identical initial parameters. An error-adaptive octree division is combined to improve the interpolation precision near the surface. As an example, we take the typical irregularly-shaped near-Earth asteroid 4179 Toutatis to demonstrate the advantage of this method; as a result, we show that the efficiency can be increased by hundreds to thousands of times with our method. Our results indicate that this method can be applicable to other irregularly-shaped asteroids and can greatly improve the evaluation efficiency.

Sound propagation over uneven ground and irregular topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berthelot, Yves H.; Pierce, Allan D.; Kearns, James A.; Zhou, Ji-Xun

1988-01-01

Theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques were developed for predicting the effects of irregular topography on long range sound propagation in the atmosphere. Irregular topography is understood to imply a ground surface that: (1) is not idealizable as being perfectly flat, or (2) that is not idealizable as having a constant specific acoustic impedance. The focus is on circumstances where the propagation is similar to what might be expected for noise from low altitude air vehicles flying over suburban or rural terrain, such that rays from the source arrive at angles close to grazing incidence.

Sound propagation over uneven ground and irregular topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kearns, J. A.; Pierce, A. D.; Main, G. L.

1986-01-01

Theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques for predicting the effects of irregular topography on long range sound propagation in the atmosphere was developed. Irregular topography here is understood to imply a ground surface that is not idealized as being perfectly flat or that is not idealized as having a constant specific acoustic impedance. The interest focuses on circumstances where the propagation is similar to what might be expected for noise from low altitude air vehicles flying over suburban or rural terrain, such that rays from the source arrive at angles close to grazing incidence.

A Periglacial Analog for Landforms in Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oehler, Dorothy Z.

2013-01-01

Several features in a high thermal inertia (TI) unit at Gale crater can be interpreted within a periglacial framework. These features include polygonally fractured terrain (cf. ice-wedge polygons), circumferential patterns of polygonal fractures (cf. relict pingos with ice-wedge polygons on their surfaces), irregularly-shaped and clustered depressions (cf. remnants of collapsed pingos and ephemeral lakes), and a general hummocky topography (cf. thermokarst). This interpretation would imply a major history of water and ice in Gale crater, involving permafrost, freeze-thaw cycles, and perhaps ponded surface water.

Dynamics of the High-latitude Ionospheric Irregularities During the 2015 St. Patrick's Day Storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherniak, I.; Zakharenkova, I.; Redmon, R. J.; Andrzej, K.

2015-12-01

We presents results on the study of the high-latitude ionospheric irregularities observed in worldwide GPS data during the St. Patrick's Day geomagnetic storm (March 17, 2015). Multi-site GPS observations from more than 2500 ground-based GPS stations were used to analyze the dynamics of the ionospheric irregularities in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The most intense ionospheric irregularities lasted for more than 24 hours starting at 07 UT of March 17. This period correlates well with an increase of the auroral Hemispheric Power index. We find hemispheric asymmetries in the intensity and spatial structure of the ionospheric irregularities. Over North America the ionospheric irregularities zone expanded equatorward below ~45°N geographic latitude. Additionally, the strong mid and high latitude GPS phase irregularities in the auroral oval were found to be related to the formation of storm enhanced density, polar tongues of ionization and deepening of the main ionospheric trough through upper atmosphere ionization by energetic particle precipitations. Significant increases in the intensity of the irregularities within the polar cap region of both hemispheres were associated with the formation and evolution of the SED/TOI structures and polar patches.

Effect of Macrogeometry on the Surface Topography of Dental Implants.

PubMed

Naves, Marina Melo; Menezes, Helder Henrique Machado; Magalhães, Denildo; Ferreira, Jessica Afonso; Ribeiro, Sara Ferreira; de Mello, José Daniel Biasoli; Costa, Henara Lillian

2015-01-01

Because the microtopography of titanium implants influences the biomaterial-tissue interaction, surface microtexturing treatments are frequently used for dental implants. However, surface treatment alone may not determine the final microtopography of a dental implant, which can also be influenced by the implant macrogeometry. This work analyzed the effects on surface roughness parameters of the same treatment applied by the same manufacturer to implants with differing macro-designs. Three groups of titanium implants with different macro-designs were investigated using laser interferometry and scanning electron microscopy. Relevant surface roughness parameters were calculated for different regions of each implant. Two flat disks (treated and untreated) were also investigated for comparison. The tops of the threads and the nonthreaded regions of all implants had very similar roughness parameters, independent of the geometry of the implant, which were also very similar to those of flat disks treated with the same process. In contrast, the flanks and valleys of the threads presented larger irregularities (Sa) with higher slopes (Sdq) and larger developed surface areas (Sdr) on all implants, particularly for implants with threads with smaller heights. The flanks and valleys displayed stronger textures (Str), particularly on the implants with threads with larger internal angles. Parameters associated with the height of the irregularities (Sa), the slope of the asperities (Sdq), the presence of a surface texture (Str), and the developed surface area of the irregularities (Sdr) were significantly affected by the macrogeometry of the implants. Flat disks subjected to the same surface treatment as dental implants reproduced only the surface topography of the flat regions of the implants.

Shape evolution of a melting nonspherical particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kintea, Daniel M.; Hauk, Tobias; Roisman, Ilia V.; Tropea, Cameron

2015-09-01

In this study melting of irregular ice crystals was observed in an acoustic levitator. The evolution of the particle shape is captured using a high-speed video system. Several typical phenomena have been discovered: change of the particle shape, appearance of a capillary flow of the melted liquid on the particle surface leading to liquid collection at the particle midsection (where the interface curvature is smallest), and appearance of sharp cusps at the particle tips. No such phenomena can be observed during melting of spherical particles. An approximate theoretical model is developed which accounts for the main physical phenomena associated with melting of an irregular particle. The agreement between the theoretical predictions for the melting time, for the evolution of the particle shape, and the corresponding experimental data is rather good.

Influence of long-wavelength track irregularities on the motion of a high-speed train

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, C. F.; Hsu, W. L.

2018-01-01

Vertical track irregularities over viaducts in high-speed rail systems could be possibly caused by concrete creep if pre-stressed concrete bridges are used. For bridge spans that are almost uniformly distributed, track irregularity exhibits a near-regular wave profile that excites car bodies as a high-speed train moves over the bridge system. A long-wavelength irregularity induces low-frequency excitation that may be close to the natural frequencies of the train suspension system, thereby causing significant vibration of the car body. This paper investigates the relationship between the levels of car vibration, bridge vibration, track irregularity, and the train speed. First, this study investigates the vibration levels of a high-speed train and bridge system using 3D finite-element (FE) transient dynamic analysis, before and after adjustment of vertical track irregularities by means of installing shimming plates under rail pads. The analysis models are validated by in situ measurements and on-board measurement. Parametric studies of car body vibration and bridge vibration under three different levels of track irregularity at five train speeds and over two bridge span lengths are conducted using the FE model. Finally, a discontinuous shimming pattern is proposed to avoid vehicle suspension resonance.

An Impact Ejecta Behavior Model for Small, Irregular Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, J. E.; Melosh, H. J.; Greenberg, R.

2003-01-01

In recent years, spacecraft observations of asteroids 951 Gaspra, 243 Ida, 253 Mathilde, and 433 Eros have shown the overriding dominance of impact processes with regard to the structure and surface morphology of these small, irregular bodies. In particular, impact ejecta play an important role in regolith formation, ranging from small particles to large blocks, as well as surface feature modification and obscuration. To investigate these processes, a numerical model has been developed based upon the impact ejecta scaling laws provided by Housen, Schmidt, and Holsapple, and modified to more properly simulate the late-stage ejection velocities and ejecta plume shape changes (ejection angle variations) shown in impact cratering experiments. A target strength parameter has also been added to allow the simulation of strength-dominated cratering events in addition to the more familiar gravity-dominated cratering events. The result is a dynamical simulation which models -- via tracer particles -- the ejecta plume behavior, ejecta blanket placement, and impact crater area resulting from a specified impact on an irregularly shaped target body, which is modeled in 3-dimensional polygon fashion. This target body can be placed in a simple rotation state about one of its principal axes, with the impact site and projectile/target parameters selected by the user. The gravitational force from the irregular target body (on each tracer particle) is determined using the polygonized surface (polyhedron) gravity technique developed by Werner.

A Simple Device for Lens-to-Sample Distance Adjustment in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).

PubMed

Cortez, Juliana; Farias Filho, Benedito B; Fontes, Laiane M; Pasquini, Celio; Raimundo, Ivo M; Pimentel, Maria Fernanda; de Souza Lins Borba, Flávia

2017-04-01

A simple device based on two commercial laser pointers is described to assist in the analysis of samples that present uneven surfaces and/or irregular shapes using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The device allows for easy positioning of the sample surface at a reproducible distance from the focusing lens that conveys the laser pulse to generate the micro-plasma in a LIBS system, with reproducibility better than ±0.2 mm. In this way, fluctuations in the fluence (J cm -2 ) are minimized and the LIBS analytical signals can be obtained with a better precision even when samples with irregular surfaces are probed.

Implementation of perfectly matched layers in an arbitrary geometrical boundary for elastic wave modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Hongwei; Zhang, Jianfeng

2008-09-01

The perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition is incorporated into an irregular-grid elastic-wave modelling scheme, thus resulting in an irregular-grid PML method. We develop the irregular-grid PML method using the local coordinate system based PML splitting equations and integral formulation of the PML equations. The irregular-grid PML method is implemented under a discretization of triangular grid cells, which has the ability to absorb incident waves in arbitrary directions. This allows the PML absorbing layer to be imposed along arbitrary geometrical boundaries. As a result, the computational domain can be constructed with smaller nodes, for instance, to represent the 2-D half-space by a semi-circle rather than a rectangle. By using a smooth artificial boundary, the irregular-grid PML method can also avoid the special treatments to the corners, which lead to complex computer implementations in the conventional PML method. We implement the irregular-grid PML method in both 2-D elastic isotropic and anisotropic media. The numerical simulations of a VTI lamb's problem, wave propagation in an isotropic elastic medium with curved surface and in a TTI medium demonstrate the good behaviour of the irregular-grid PML method.

Effects of an irregular bedtime schedule on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue among university students in Taiwan.

PubMed

Kang, Jiunn-Horng; Chen, Shih-Ching

2009-07-19

An irregular bedtime schedule is a prevalent problem in young adults, and could be a factor detrimentally affecting sleep quality. The goal of the present study was to explore the association between an irregular bedtime schedule and sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue among undergraduate students in Taiwan. A total of 160 students underwent a semi-structured interview and completed a survey comprising 4 parts: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and a rating of irregular bedtime frequency. Participants were grouped into 3 groups in terms of irregular bedtime frequency: low, intermediate, or high according to their 2-week sleep log. To screen for psychological disorders or distress that may have affected responses on the sleep assessment measures, the Chinese health questionnaire-12 (CHQ-12) was also administered. We found an increase in bedtime schedule irregularity to be significantly associated with a decrease in average sleep time per day (Spearman r = -0.22, p = 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that irregular bedtime frequency and average sleep time per day were correlated with PSQI scores, but not with ESS or FSS scores. A significant positive correlation between irregular bedtime frequency and PSQI scores was evident in the intermediate (partial r = 0.18, p = 0.02) and high (partial r = 0.15, p = 0.05) frequency groups as compared to low frequency group. The results of our study suggest a high prevalence of both an irregular bedtime schedule and insufficient sleep among university students in Taiwan. Students with an irregular bedtime schedule may experience poor sleep quality. We suggest further research that explores the mechanisms involved in an irregular bedtime schedule and the effectiveness of interventions for improving this condition.

Really Large Scale Computer Graphic Projection Using Lasers and Laser Substitutes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rother, Paul

1989-07-01

This paper reflects on past laser projects to display vector scanned computer graphic images onto very large and irregular surfaces. Since the availability of microprocessors and high powered visible lasers, very large scale computer graphics projection have become a reality. Due to the independence from a focusing lens, lasers easily project onto distant and irregular surfaces and have been used for amusement parks, theatrical performances, concert performances, industrial trade shows and dance clubs. Lasers have been used to project onto mountains, buildings, 360° globes, clouds of smoke and water. These methods have proven successful in installations at: Epcot Theme Park in Florida; Stone Mountain Park in Georgia; 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles; hundreds of Corporate trade shows and thousands of musical performances. Using new ColorRayTM technology, the use of costly and fragile lasers is no longer necessary. Utilizing fiber optic technology, the functionality of lasers can be duplicated for new and exciting projection possibilities. The use of ColorRayTM technology has enjoyed worldwide recognition in conjunction with Pink Floyd and George Michaels' world wide tours.

Sound propagation over uneven ground and irregular topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berthelot, Yves H.; Pierce, Allan D.; Main, Geoffrey L.; Zhou, Ji-Xun; Kearns, James A.

1988-01-01

The goal of this research is to develop theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques for predicting the effects of irregular topography on long range sound propagation in the atmosphere. Irregular topography is understood to imply a ground surface that is not idealizable as being perfectly flat or that is no idealizable as having a constant specific acoustic impedance. The focus is on circumstances where the propagation is similar to what might be expected for noise from low-altitude air vehicles flying over suburban or rural terrain, such that rays from the source arrive at angles close to grazing incidence.

Sound propagation over uneven ground and irregular topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierce, A. D.; Main, G. L.; Kearns, J. A.; Benator, D. R.; Parish, J. R., Jr.

1986-01-01

The development of theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques for predicting the effects of irregular topography on long range sound propagation in the atmosphere is discussed. Irregular topography here is understood to imply a ground surface that (1) is not idealizable as being perfectly flat or (2) that is not idealizable as having a constant specific acoustic impedance. The study focuses on circumstances where the propagation is similar to what might be expected for noise from low-altitude air vehicles flying over suburban or rural terrain, such that rays from the source arrive at angles close to grazing incidence.

Exploring Properties of HI Clouds in Dwarf Irregular Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, Clara; Hunter, Deidre Ann

2018-01-01

Dwarf Irregular galaxies form stars and maintain exponential stellar disks at extremely low gas densities. One proposed method of maintaining such regular outer disks is scattering stars off of HI clouds. In order to understand the processes present in dwarf irregular stellar disks, we present a survey of atomic hydrogen clouds in and around a subset of representative galaxies from the LITTLE THINGS survey. We apply a cloud identification program to the 21 cm HI line emission cubes and extract masses, radii, surface densities, and distances from the center of the galaxy in the plane of the galaxy of each cloud. Our data show a wide range of clouds characterized by low surface densities but varied in mass and size. The number of clouds found and the mass of the most massive cloud show no correlation to integrated star forming rates or luminosity in these galaxies. However, they will be used as input for models of stars scattering off of HI clouds to better understand the regular stellar disks in dwarf Irregular galaxies.We acknowledge support from the National Science Foundation grant AST-1461200 to Northern Arizona University for Research Experiences for Undergraduates summer internships.

Light scattering techniques for the characterization of optical components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauptvogel, M.; Schröder, S.; Herffurth, T.; Trost, M.; von Finck, A.; Duparré, A.; Weigel, T.

2017-11-01

The rapid developments in optical technologies generate increasingly higher and sometimes completely new demands on the quality of materials, surfaces, components, and systems. Examples for such driving applications are the steadily shrinking feature sizes in semiconductor lithography, nanostructured functional surfaces for consumer optics, and advanced optical systems for astronomy and space applications. The reduction of surface defects as well as the minimization of roughness and other scatter-relevant irregularities are essential factors in all these areas of application. Quality-monitoring for analysing and improving those properties must ensure that even minimal defects and roughness values can be detected reliably. Light scattering methods have a high potential for a non-contact, rapid, efficient, and sensitive determination of roughness, surface structures, and defects.

High Temperatures Health Monitoring of the Condensed Water Height in Steam Pipe Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lih, Shyh-Shiuh; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Lee, Hyeong Jae; Badescu, Mircea; Bao, Xiaoqi; Sherrit, Stewart; Takano, Nobuyuki; Ostlund, Patrick; Blosiu, Julian

2013-01-01

Ultrasonic probes were designed, fabricated and tested for high temperature health monitoring system. The goal of this work was to develop the health monitoring system that can determine the height level of the condensed water through the pipe wall at high temperature up to 250 deg while accounting for the effects of surface perturbation. Among different ultrasonic probe designs, 2.25 MHz probes with air backed configuration provide satisfactory results in terms of sensitivity, receiving reflections from the target through the pipe wall. A series of tests were performed using the air-backed probes under irregular conditions, such as surface perturbation and surface disturbance at elevated temperature, to qualify the developed ultrasonic system. The results demonstrate that the fabricated air-backed probes combined with advanced signal processing techniques offer the capability of health monitoring of steam pipe under various operating conditions.

Application of Pre-heating to Improve the Consistency and Quality in AA5052 Resistance Spot Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Zhen; Ao, Sansan; Chao, Yuh Jin; Cui, Xuetuan; Li, Yang; Lin, Ye

2015-10-01

Making consistent resistance spot welds of aluminum alloy with good quality and at high volume has several obstacles in automotive industry. One of the difficult issues arises from the presence of a tough non-conducting oxide film on the aluminum sheet surface. The oxide film develops over time and often is non-uniform across the surface of the aluminum alloy sheet, which makes the contact resistance characteristics irregular at the faying interface during welding. The consistency in quality of the final spot welds is therefore problematic to control. To suppress the effect of the irregular oxide film on the spot weld quality, application of a pre-heating treatment in the welding schedule for aluminum alloy 5052 is investigated in this present work. The current level of the pre-heating required to reduce the scatter of the contact resistance at the W/W (workpiece-to-workpiece) faying interface is quantified experimentally. The results indicate that the contact resistance at the W/W faying interface with a pre-heating treatment becomes much consistent and can be reduced by two orders of magnitude. Having the uncertain variation of the contact resistance at the W/W faying surface virtually reduced or removed, the quality of the spot welds in terms of the peak load and nugget diameter is examined and shows a great improvement. The proposed method may provide a robust method for high-volume spot welding of aluminum alloy sheets in auto industry.

A robust, finite element model for hydrostatic surface water flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walters, R.A.; Casulli, V.

1998-01-01

A finite element scheme is introduced for the 2-dimensional shallow water equations using semi-implicit methods in time. A semi-Lagrangian method is used to approximate the effects of advection. A wave equation is formed at the discrete level such that the equations decouple into an equation for surface elevation and a momentum equation for the horizontal velocity. The convergence rates and relative computational efficiency are examined with the use of three test cases representing various degrees of difficulty. A test with a polar-quadrant grid investigates the response to local grid-scale forcing and the presence of spurious modes, a channel test case establishes convergence rates, and a field-scale test case examines problems with highly irregular grids.A finite element scheme is introduced for the 2-dimensional shallow water equations using semi-implicit methods in time. A semi-Lagrangian method is used to approximate the effects of advection. A wave equation is formed at the discrete level such that the equations decouple into an equation for surface elevation and a momentum equation for the horizontal velocity. The convergence rates and relative computational efficiency are examined with the use of three test cases representing various degrees of difficulty. A test with a polar-quadrant grid investigates the response to local grid-scale forcing and the presence of spurious modes, a channel test case establishes convergence rates, and a field-scale test case examines problems with highly irregular grids.

Reconstruction of 3d Models from Point Clouds with Hybrid Representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, P.; Dong, Z.; Yuan, P.; Liang, F.; Yang, B.

2018-05-01

The three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of urban buildings from point clouds has long been an active topic in applications related to human activities. However, due to the structures significantly differ in terms of complexity, the task of 3D reconstruction remains a challenging issue especially for the freeform surfaces. In this paper, we present a new reconstruction algorithm which allows the 3D-models of building as a combination of regular structures and irregular surfaces, where the regular structures are parameterized plane primitives and the irregular surfaces are expressed as meshes. The extraction of irregular surfaces starts with an over-segmented method for the unstructured point data, a region growing approach based the adjacent graph of super-voxels is then applied to collapse these super-voxels, and the freeform surfaces can be clustered from the voxels filtered by a thickness threshold. To achieve these regular planar primitives, the remaining voxels with a larger flatness will be further divided into multiscale super-voxels as basic units, and the final segmented planes are enriched and refined in a mutually reinforcing manner under the framework of a global energy optimization. We have implemented the proposed algorithms and mainly tested on two point clouds that differ in point density and urban characteristic, and experimental results on complex building structures illustrated the efficacy of the proposed framework.

Do Irregularly Shaped School Attendance Zones Contribute to Racial Segregation or Integration?

PubMed Central

Saporito, Salvatore; Van Riper, David

2017-01-01

This research investigates if and how much the shapes of school attendance zones contribute to racial segregation in schools. We find that the typical school attendance zone is relatively compact and resembles a square-like shape. Compact zones typically draw children from local residential areas, and since local areas are often racially homogeneous, this suggests that high levels of racial segregation in the largest school districts are largely structured by existing residential segregation. Still, this study finds that the United States contains some attendance zones with highly irregular shapes—some of which are as irregular as the most irregular Congressional District. Although relatively rare, attendance zones that are highly irregular in shape almost always contain racially diverse student populations. This racial diversity contributes to racial integration within school districts. These findings contradict recent theoretical and empirical scholarship arguing that irregularly shaped zones contribute to racial segregation in schools. Our findings suggest that most racial segregation in school attendance zones is driven by large-scale segregation across residential areas rather than a widespread practice among school districts to exacerbate racial segregation by delineating irregularly shaped attendance zones. PMID:28804732

Observations and theory of the AMPTE magnetotail barium releases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernhardt, P. A.; Roussel-Dupre, R. A.; Pongratz, M. B.; Haerendel, G.; Valenzuela, A.

1987-01-01

The barium releases in the magnetotail during the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) operation were monitored by ground-based imagers and by instruments on the Ion Release Module. After each release, the data show the formation of a structured diamagnetic cavity. The cavity grows until the dynamic pressure of the expanding ions balances the magnetic pressure on its surface. The magnetic field inside the cavity is zero. The barium ions collect on the surface of the cavity, producing a shell. Plasma irregularities form along magnetic field lines draped over the surface of the cavity. The scale size of the irregularities is nearly equal to the thickness of the shell. The evolution and structuring of the diamagnetic cavity are modeled using magnetohydrodynamics theory.

Superlative TINs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamberlin, R.

2002-01-01

TIN is short for 'triangulated irregular network,' which is a piecewise planar model of a surface. If properly constructed, a TIN can be more than 30 times as efficient as a regular triangulation. In our project (a ground combat simulation to support U.S. Army training exercises), the TIN is used to represent the Earth's surface and is used primarily to determine whether line of sight is blocked by terrain. High efficiency requires accurate identification of ridgelines with as few triangles as possible. The work currently in progress is the implementation of a TINning process that we hope will produce superlative TINs. This presentation describes that process.

Theoretical Analysis of Spacing Parameters of Anisotropic 3D Surface Roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudzitis, J.; Bulaha, N.; Lungevics, J.; Linins, O.; Berzins, K.

2017-04-01

The authors of the research have analysed spacing parameters of anisotropic 3D surface roughness crosswise to machining (friction) traces RSm1 and lengthwise to machining (friction) traces RSm2. The main issue arises from the RSm2 values being limited by values of sampling length l in the measuring devices; however, on many occasions RSm2 values can exceed l values. Therefore, the mean spacing values of profile irregularities in the longitudinal direction in many cases are not reliable and they should be determined by another method. Theoretically, it is proved that anisotropic surface roughness anisotropy coefficient c=RSm1/RSm2 equals texture aspect ratio Str, which is determined by surface texture standard EN ISO 25178-2. This allows using parameter Str to determine mean spacing of profile irregularities and estimate roughness anisotropy.

Elemental mapping of large samples by external ion beam analysis with sub-millimeter resolution and its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, T. F.; Rodrigues, C. L.; Added, N.; Rizzutto, M. A.; Tabacniks, M. H.; Mangiarotti, A.; Curado, J. F.; Aguirre, F. R.; Aguero, N. F.; Allegro, P. R. P.; Campos, P. H. O. V.; Restrepo, J. M.; Trindade, G. F.; Antonio, M. R.; Assis, R. F.; Leite, A. R.

2018-05-01

The elemental mapping of large areas using ion beam techniques is a desired capability for several scientific communities, involved on topics ranging from geoscience to cultural heritage. Usually, the constraints for large-area mapping are not met in setups employing micro- and nano-probes implemented all over the world. A novel setup for mapping large sized samples in an external beam was recently built at the University of São Paulo employing a broad MeV-proton probe with sub-millimeter dimension, coupled to a high-precision large range XYZ robotic stage (60 cm range in all axis and precision of 5 μ m ensured by optical sensors). An important issue on large area mapping is how to deal with the irregularities of the sample's surface, that may introduce artifacts in the images due to the variation of the measuring conditions. In our setup, we implemented an automatic system based on machine vision to correct the position of the sample to compensate for its surface irregularities. As an additional benefit, a 3D digital reconstruction of the scanned surface can also be obtained. Using this new and unique setup, we have produced large-area elemental maps of ceramics, stones, fossils, and other sort of samples.

Periodic Orbit Families in the Gravitational Field of Irregular-shaped Bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yu; Baoyin, Hexi

2016-11-01

The discovery of binary and triple asteroids in addition to the execution of space missions to minor celestial bodies in the past several years have focused increasing attention on periodic orbits around irregular-shaped celestial bodies. In the present work, we adopt a polyhedron shape model for providing an accurate representation of irregular-shaped bodies and employ the model to calculate their corresponding gravitational and effective potentials. We also investigate the characteristics of periodic orbit families and the continuation of periodic orbits. We prove a fact, which provides a conserved quantity that permits restricting the number of periodic orbits in a fixed energy curved surface about an irregular-shaped body. The collisions of Floquet multipliers are maintained during the continuation of periodic orbits around the comet 1P/Halley. Multiple bifurcations in the periodic orbit families about irregular-shaped bodies are also discussed. Three bifurcations in the periodic orbit family have been found around the asteroid 216 Kleopatra, which include two real saddle bifurcations and one period-doubling bifurcation.

Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Jet for Skin Disinfection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creyghton, Yves; Meijer, Rogier; Verweij, Paul; van der Zanden, Frank; Leenders, Paul

A consortium consisting of the research institute TNO, the medical ­university and hospital St Radboud and two industrial enterprises is working on a non-thermal plasma treatment method for hand disinfection. The group is seeking for cooperation, in particular in the field of validation methods and potential ­standardization for plasma based disinfection procedures. The present paper describes technical progress in plasma source development together with initial microbiological data. Particular properties of the sheet shaped plasma volume are the possibility of treating large irregular surfaces in a short period of time, effective plasma produced species transfer to the surface together with high controllability of the nature of plasma species by means of temperature conditioning.

Enhanced lithium storage performance of hierarchical CuO nanomaterials with surface fractal characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ang; He, Renyue; Bian, Zhuo; Song, Huaihe; Chen, Xiaohong; Zhou, Jisheng

2018-06-01

Self-assembled hierarchical CuO nanostructures with fractal structures were prepared by a mild method and exhibited excellent lithium storage properties, certain of which even demonstrated a high reversible capacity of 827 mAh g-1 at a rate of 0.1 C. An interesting phenomenon was observed that the electrochemical performance varies along with the structure complexity, and the products with higher surface factal dimensions exhibited larger capability and better cyclability. Structural and electrochemical analysis methods were used to explore the lithiation kinetics of the samples and the reasons for the outstanding electrochemical performances related to the complexities of hierarchical nanostructures and the irregularities of surface and mass distribution.

First images of asteroid 243 Ida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Belton, M.J.S.; Chapman, C.R.; Veverka, J.; Klaasen, K.P.; Harch, A.; Greeley, R.; Greenberg, R.; Head, J. W.; McEwen, A.; Morrison, D.; Thomas, P.C.; Davies, M.E.; Carr, M.H.; Neukum, G.; Fanale, F.P.; Davis, D.R.; Anger, C.; Gierasch, P.J.; Ingersoll, A.P.; Pilcher, C.B.

1994-01-01

The first images of the asteroid 243 Ida from Galileo show an irregular object measuring 56 kilometers by 24 kilometers by 21 kilometers. Its surface is rich in geologic features, including systems of grooves, blocks, chutes, albedo features, crater chains, and a full range of crater morphologies. The largest blocks may be distributed nonuniformly across the surface; lineaments and dark-floored craters also have preferential locations. Ida is interpreted to have a substantial regolith. The high crater density and size-frequency distribution (-3 differential power-law index) indicate a surface in equilibrium with saturated cratering. A minimum model crater age for Ida - and therefore for the Koronis family to which Ida belongs - is estimated at 1 billion years, older than expected.

Microscopic droplet formation and energy transport analysis of condensation on scalable superhydrophobic nanostructured copper oxide surfaces.

PubMed

Li, GuanQiu; Alhosani, Mohamed H; Yuan, ShaoJun; Liu, HaoRan; Ghaferi, Amal Al; Zhang, TieJun

2014-12-09

Utilization of nanotechnologies in condensation has been recognized as one opportunity to improve the efficiency of large-scale thermal power and desalination systems. High-performance and stable dropwise condensation in widely-used copper heat exchangers is appealing for energy and water industries. In this work, a scalable and low-cost nanofabrication approach was developed to fabricate superhydrophobic copper oxide (CuO) nanoneedle surfaces to promote dropwise condensation and even jumping-droplet condensation. By conducting systematic surface characterization and in situ environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) condensation experiments, we were able to probe the microscopic formation physics of droplets on irregular nanostructured surfaces. At the early stages of condensation process, the interfacial surface tensions at the edge of CuO nanoneedles were found to influence both the local energy barriers for microdroplet growth and the advancing contact angles when droplets undergo depinning. Local surface roughness also has a significant impact on the volume of the condensate within the nanostructures and overall heat transfer from the vapor to substrate. Both our theoretical analysis and in situ ESEM experiments have revealed that the liquid condensate within the nanostructures determines the amount of the work of adhesion and kinetic energy associated with droplet coalescence and jumping. Local and global droplet growth models were also proposed to predict how the microdroplet morphology within nanostructures affects the heat transfer performance of early-stage condensation. Our quantitative analysis of microdroplet formation and growth within irregular nanostructures provides the insight to guide the anodization-based nanofabrication for enhancing dropwise and jumping-droplet condensation performance.

Rough-surface model for surface temperature calculations on Vesta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, E.; Sykes, M.

2014-07-01

We model observations by the Dawn Visual and Infrared spectrometer (VIR) [1] to reproduce the observed surface temperature of Vesta. The VIR instrument has collected over 3,700 spectral cubes of Vesta out to 5.1 microns. The observed surface temperature is derived by matching the irradiance near 5 microns with a grey body, the Planck function after removing a reflected-light component per previous procedures [2--5] with similar results. We noted that the observed surface temperatures are significantly hotter than what simple theoretical models would predict [2]. To better understand this, we used a high-resolution topographic model of Vesta [6] that provided exact phase, incidence, and emission angles for every VIR pixel. We assume an emissivity of 0.9, Bond albedo of between 0.16 and 0.22 [5], and a variety of thermal inertia values for a low-contrast, highly degraded, homogenous crater. We have created a ''rough-surface'' thermal model that takes into account how irregular grains create sub-pixel variations in the thermal spectrum and describe the effect it has on the observed surface temperatures of Vesta. We have applied this method to the VIR observations of Vesta, which produced a high level of agreement with the observed surface temperatures.

Voronoi-Tessellated Graphite Produced by Low-Temperature Catalytic Graphitization from Renewable Resources.

PubMed

Zhao, Leyi; Zhao, Xiuyun; Burke, Luke T; Bennett, J Craig; Dunlap, Richard A; Obrovac, Mark N

2017-09-11

A highly crystalline graphite powder was prepared from the low temperature (800-1000 °C) graphitization of renewable hard carbon precursors using a magnesium catalyst. The resulting graphite particles are composed of Voronoi-tessellated regions comprising irregular sheets; each Voronoi-tessellated region having a small "seed" particle located near their centroid on the surface. This suggests nucleated outward growth of graphitic carbon, which has not been previously observed. Each seed particle consists of a spheroidal graphite shell on the inside of which hexagonal graphite platelets are perpendicularly affixed. This results in a unique high surface area graphite with a high degree of graphitization that is made with renewable feedstocks at temperatures far below that conventionally used for artificial graphites. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cartography of irregularly shaped satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batson, R. M.; Edwards, Kathleen

1987-01-01

Irregularly shaped satellites, such as Phobos and Amalthea, do not lend themselves to mapping by conventional methods because mathematical projections of their surfaces fail to convey an accurate visual impression of the landforms, and because large and irregular scale changes make their features difficult to measure on maps. A digital mapping technique has therefore been developed by which maps are compiled from digital topographic and spacecraft image files. The digital file is geometrically transformed as desired for human viewing, either on video screens or on hard copy. Digital files of this kind consist of digital images superimposed on another digital file representing the three-dimensional form of a body.

Biomimetic nanocoatings with exceptional mechanical, barrier, and flame-retardant properties from large-scale one-step coassembly

PubMed Central

Ding, Fuchuan; Liu, Jingjing; Zeng, Songshan; Xia, Yan; Wells, Kacie M.; Nieh, Mu-Ping; Sun, Luyi

2017-01-01

Large-scale biomimetic organic/inorganic hybrid nanocoatings with a nacre-like microstructure were prepared via a facile coassembly process. Different from conventional polymer nanocomposites, these nanocoatings contain a high concentration of nanosheets, which can be well aligned along the substrate surface. Moreover, the nanosheets and polymer matrix can be chemically co–cross-linked. As a result, the nanocoatings exhibit exceptional mechanical properties (high stiffness and strength), barrier properties (to both oxygen and water vapor), and flame retardancy, but they are also highly transparent (maintaining more than 85% of their original transmittance to visible light). The nanocoatings can be applied to various substrates and regular or irregular surfaces (for example, films and foams). Because of their excellent performance and high versatility, these nanocoatings are expected to find widespread application. PMID:28776038

[Effect of irregular bedrock topography on the soil profile pattern of water content in a Karst hillslope.

PubMed

Jia, Jin Tian; Fu, Zhi Yong; Chen, Hong Song; Wang, Ke Lin; Zhou, Wei Jun

2016-06-01

Based on three manually excavated trenches (projection length of 21 m, width of 1 m) along a typical Karst hillslope, the changing trends for soil-bedrock structure, average water content of soil profile and soil-bedrock interface water content along each individual trench were studied. The effect of irregular bedrock topography on soil moisture distribution was discussed. The results showed that the surface topography was inconsistent with the bedrock topography in the Karst hill-slopes. The bedrock topography was highly irregular with a maximum variation coefficient of 82%. The distribution pattern of soil profile of moisture was significantly affected by the underlying undulant bedrock. The soil water content was related to slope position when the fluctuation was gentle, and displayed a linear increase from upslope to downslope. When the bedrock fluctuation increased, the downslope linear increasing trend for soil water content became unapparent, and the spatial continuity of soil moisture was weakened. The soil moisture was converged in rock dents and cracks. The average water content of soil profile was significantly positively correlated with the soil-bedrock interface water content, while the latter responded more sensitively to the bedrock fluctuation.

Comparison of the ballistic contractile responses generated during microstimulation of single human motor axons with brief irregular and regular stimuli.

PubMed

Leitch, Michael; Macefield, Vaughan G

2017-08-01

Ballistic contractions are induced by brief, high-frequency (60-100 Hz) trains of action potentials in motor axons. During ramp voluntary contractions, human motoneurons exhibit significant discharge variability of ∼20% and have been shown to be advantageous to the neuromuscular system. We hypothesized that ballistic contractions incorporating discharge variability would generate greater isometric forces than regular trains with zero variability. High-impedance tungsten microelectrodes were inserted into human fibular nerve, and single motor axons were stimulated with both irregular and constant-frequency stimuli at mean frequencies ranging from 57.8 to 68.9 Hz. Irregular trains generated significantly greater isometric peak forces than regular trains over identical mean frequencies. The high forces generated by ballistic contractions are not based solely on high frequencies, but rather a combination of high firing rates and discharge irregularity. It appears that irregular ballistic trains take advantage of the "catchlike property" of muscle, allowing augmentation of force. Muscle Nerve 56: 292-297, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Terrain Traversing Device Having a Wheel with Microhooks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiltsie, Nicholas (Inventor); Carpenter, Kalind C. (Inventor); Parness, Aaron (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A terrain traversing device is described. The device includes an annular rotor element with a plurality of co-planar microspine hooks arranged on the periphery of the annular rotor element. Each microspine hook has an independently flexible suspension configuration that permits the microspine hook to initially engage an irregularity in a terrain surface at a preset initial engagement angle and subsequently engage the irregularity with a continuously varying engagement angle when the annular rotor element is rotated for urging the terrain traversing device to traverse a terrain surface. Improvements related to the design, fabrication and use of the microspine hooks in the device are also described.

Scattering matrices of Lamb waves at irregular surface and void defects.

PubMed

Feng, Feilong; Shen, Jianzhong; Lin, Shuyu

2012-08-01

Time-harmonic solution of Lamb wave scattering in a plane-strain waveguide with irregular thickness is investigated based on stair-step discretization and stepwise mode matching. The transfer relations of the transmission matrices and reflection matrices are derived in both directions of the waveguide. With these, an explicit expression of the scattering matrix is derived. When the scattering region of an inner irregular defect is geometrically divided into several parts composed of sub-waveguides with variable thicknesses and void regions with vertical free edges corresponding to the plate surfaces, the scattering matrix of the whole region could then be derived by modal matching along the artificial boundaries, as explicit functions of all the scattering matrices of the sub-waveguides and reflection matrices of the free edges. The effectiveness of the formulation is examined by numerical examples; the calculated scattering coefficients are in good accordance with those obtained from numerical simulation models. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anomalous sea surface structures as an object of statistical topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klyatskin, V. I.; Koshel, K. V.

2015-06-01

By exploiting ideas of statistical topography, we analyze the stochastic boundary problem of emergence of anomalous high structures on the sea surface. The kinematic boundary condition on the sea surface is assumed to be a closed stochastic quasilinear equation. Applying the stochastic Liouville equation, and presuming the stochastic nature of a given hydrodynamic velocity field within the diffusion approximation, we derive an equation for a spatially single-point, simultaneous joint probability density of the surface elevation field and its gradient. An important feature of the model is that it accounts for stochastic bottom irregularities as one, but not a single, perturbation. Hence, we address the assumption of the infinitely deep ocean to obtain statistic features of the surface elevation field and the squared elevation gradient field. According to the calculations, we show that clustering in the absolute surface elevation gradient field happens with the unit probability. It results in the emergence of rare events such as anomalous high structures and deep gaps on the sea surface almost in every realization of a stochastic velocity field.

Compositions of Spherules and Rock Surfaces at Meridiani

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittlefehldt, David W.; Jolliff, B. L.; Clark, B. C.; Gellert, R.

2007-01-01

The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometers (APXS) on the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) have proven extremely valuable for analyzing rocks and soils on the surface of Mars. The precision of their compositional measurements has been shown to be phenomenal through analyses of the compositionally very uniform Meridiani soils. Through combined use of the rock abrasion tool (RAT) and the analytical instruments on the in-situ deployment device (IDD), analyses of the interiors of fine-grained and texturally uniform rocks with surfaces ground flat have been made under conditions that are nearly ideal for this mode of analysis. The APXS has also been used frequently to analyze materials whose characteristics, surface morphologies, and sample-detector geometries are less than ideal, but the analyses of which are nonetheless very useful for understanding the makeup of the target materials. Such targets include undisturbed rocks with irregular and sometimes coated surfaces and mixed targets such as soils that include fine-grained components as well as coarse grains and pieces of rocks. Such target materials include the well known hematite-rich concretions, referred to as blueberries because of their multispectral color, size, and mode of occurrence. In addition to non-ideal target geometry, such mixed materials also present a heterogeneous target in terms of density. These irregularities violate the assumptions commonly associated with analyses done in the laboratory to achieve the highest possible accuracy. Here we acknowledge the irregularities and we examine the inferences drawn from specific chemical trends obtained on imperfect targets in light of one of the potential pitfalls of natural materials on the surface of Mars, namely thin dust coatings.

Microstructure characterization of advanced protective Cr/CrN+a-C:H/a-C:H:Cr multilayer coatings on carbon fibre composite (CFC).

PubMed

Major, L; Janusz, M; Lackner, J M; Kot, M; Major, B

2016-06-01

Studies of advanced protective chromium-based coatings on the carbon fibre composite (CFC) were performed. Multidisciplinary examinations were carried out comprising: microstructure transmission electron microscopy (TEM, HREM) studies, micromechanical analysis and wear resistance. Coatings were prepared using a magnetron sputtering technique with application of high-purity chromium and carbon (graphite) targets deposited on the CFC substrate. Selection of the CFC for surface modification in respect to irregularities on the surface making the CFC surface more smooth was performed. Deposited coatings consisted of two parts. The inner part was responsible for the residual stress compensation and cracking initiation as well as resistance at elevated temperatures occurring namely during surgical tools sterilization process. The outer part was responsible for wear resistance properties and biocompatibility. Experimental studies revealed that irregularities on the substrate surface had a negative influence on the crystallites growth direction. Chromium implanted into the a-C:H structure reacted with carbon forming the cubic nanocrystal chromium carbides of the Cr23 C6 type. The cracking was initiated at the coating/substrate interface and the energy of brittle cracking was reduced because of the plastic deformation at each Cr interlayer interface. The wear mechanism and cracking process was described in micro- and nanoscale by means of transmission electron microscope studies. Examined materials of coated CFC type would find applications in advanced surgical tools. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Digital terrain modeling and industrial surface metrology: Converging realms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pike, R.J.

2001-01-01

Digital terrain modeling has a micro-and nanoscale counterpart in surface metrology, the numerical characterization of industrial surfaces. Instrumentation in semiconductor manufacturing and other high-technology fields can now contour surface irregularities down to the atomic scale. Surface metrology has been revolutionized by its ability to manipulate square-grid height matrices that are analogous to the digital elevation models (DEMs) used in physical geography. Because the shaping of industrial surfaces is a spatial process, the same concepts of analytical cartography that represent ground-surface form in geography evolved independently in metrology: The surface topography of manufactured components, exemplified here by automobile-engine cylinders, is routinely modeled by variogram analysis, relief shading, and most other techniques of parameterization and visualization familiar to geography. This article introduces industrial surface-metrology, examines the field in the context of terrain modeling and geomorphology and notes their similarities and differences, and raises theoretical issues to be addressed in progressing toward a unified practice of surface morphometry.

Geckoprinting: assembly of microelectronic devices on unconventional surfaces by transfer printing with isolated gecko setal arrays

PubMed Central

Jeong, Jaeyoung; Kim, Juho; Song, Kwangsun; Autumn, Kellar; Lee, Jongho

2014-01-01

Developing electronics in unconventional forms provides opportunities to expand the use of electronics in diverse applications including bio-integrated or implanted electronics. One of the key challenges lies in integrating semiconductor microdevices onto unconventional substrates without glue, high pressure or temperature that may cause damage to microdevices, substrates or interfaces. This paper describes a solution based on natural gecko setal arrays that switch adhesion mechanically on and off, enabling pick and place manipulation of thin microscale semiconductor materials onto diverse surfaces including plants and insects whose surfaces are usually rough and irregular. A demonstration of functional ‘geckoprinted’ microelectronic devices provides a proof of concept of our results in practical applications. PMID:25056216

PERIODIC ORBIT FAMILIES IN THE GRAVITATIONAL FIELD OF IRREGULAR-SHAPED BODIES

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

Jiang, Yu; Baoyin, Hexi, E-mail: jiangyu_xian_china@163.com

The discovery of binary and triple asteroids in addition to the execution of space missions to minor celestial bodies in the past several years have focused increasing attention on periodic orbits around irregular-shaped celestial bodies. In the present work, we adopt a polyhedron shape model for providing an accurate representation of irregular-shaped bodies and employ the model to calculate their corresponding gravitational and effective potentials. We also investigate the characteristics of periodic orbit families and the continuation of periodic orbits. We prove a fact, which provides a conserved quantity that permits restricting the number of periodic orbits in a fixedmore » energy curved surface about an irregular-shaped body. The collisions of Floquet multipliers are maintained during the continuation of periodic orbits around the comet 1P/Halley. Multiple bifurcations in the periodic orbit families about irregular-shaped bodies are also discussed. Three bifurcations in the periodic orbit family have been found around the asteroid 216 Kleopatra, which include two real saddle bifurcations and one period-doubling bifurcation.« less

Studies on Decomposition and Combustion Mechanism of Solid Fuel Rich Propellants

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-30

thrust to cruise at supersonic speed. This was followed by the test of large diameter ramjet called burner test vehicle (BTV). Advanced low volume...propellant surface. Vernekar et al (43) found that in pressed AP-Al pellets , maximum burn rate is obtained at intermediate metal content. Jain et al...conjunction with high pressure window strand burner . They found that the propellant combustion was irregular and regression rate varied from 0.3 to 3

Intermediate-scale plasma irregularities in the polar ionosphere inferred from GPS radio occultation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shume, E. B.; Komjathy, A.; Langley, R. B.; Verkhoglyadova, O.; Butala, M. D.; Mannucci, A. J.

2015-02-01

We report intermediate-scale plasma irregularities in the polar ionosphere inferred from high-resolution radio occultation (RO) measurements using GPS (Global Positioning System) to CASSIOPE (CAScade Smallsat and IOnospheric Polar Explorer) satellite radio links. The high inclination of CASSIOPE and the high rate of signal reception by the GPS Attitude, Positioning, and Profiling RO receiver on CASSIOPE enable a high-resolution investigation of the dynamics of the polar ionosphere with unprecedented detail. Intermediate-scale, scintillation-producing irregularities, which correspond to 1 to 40 km scales, were inferred by applying multiscale spectral analysis on the RO phase measurements. Using our multiscale spectral analysis approach and satellite data (Polar Operational Environmental Satellites and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program), we discovered that the irregularity scales and phase scintillations have distinct features in the auroral oval and polar cap. We found that large length scales and more intense phase scintillations are prevalent in the auroral oval compared to the polar cap implying that the irregularity scales and phase scintillation characteristics are a function of the solar wind and magnetospheric forcings.

Estimating network parameters from combined dynamics of firing rate and irregularity of single neurons.

PubMed

Hamaguchi, Kosuke; Riehle, Alexa; Brunel, Nicolas

2011-01-01

High firing irregularity is a hallmark of cortical neurons in vivo, and modeling studies suggest a balance of excitation and inhibition is necessary to explain this high irregularity. Such a balance must be generated, at least partly, from local interconnected networks of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, but the details of the local network structure are largely unknown. The dynamics of the neural activity depends on the local network structure; this in turn suggests the possibility of estimating network structure from the dynamics of the firing statistics. Here we report a new method to estimate properties of the local cortical network from the instantaneous firing rate and irregularity (CV(2)) under the assumption that recorded neurons are a part of a randomly connected sparse network. The firing irregularity, measured in monkey motor cortex, exhibits two features; many neurons show relatively stable firing irregularity in time and across different task conditions; the time-averaged CV(2) is widely distributed from quasi-regular to irregular (CV(2) = 0.3-1.0). For each recorded neuron, we estimate the three parameters of a local network [balance of local excitation-inhibition, number of recurrent connections per neuron, and excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) size] that best describe the dynamics of the measured firing rates and irregularities. Our analysis shows that optimal parameter sets form a two-dimensional manifold in the three-dimensional parameter space that is confined for most of the neurons to the inhibition-dominated region. High irregularity neurons tend to be more strongly connected to the local network, either in terms of larger EPSP and inhibitory PSP size or larger number of recurrent connections, compared with the low irregularity neurons, for a given excitatory/inhibitory balance. Incorporating either synaptic short-term depression or conductance-based synapses leads many low CV(2) neurons to move to the excitation-dominated region as well as to an increase of EPSP size.

Shape and size distribution of chaos areas on Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikell, T.; Cox, R.

2008-12-01

Chaos terrain is ubiquitous on Europa's surface, but not randomly distributed. The global distribution of chaos areas shows a significant concentration between 30° N and S latitude, decreasing dramatically at higher latitudes. The low-latitude clustering is not an artifact of recognizability, as there is a greater proportion of images with high solar incidence angle (low light) at higher latitudes. Clustering is especially marked in context of the few but vast regional chaos tracts (>15,000 km2) that occupy a substantial proportion of the equatorial region: i.e. the low latitudes have not only greater numbers but much greater areal chaos coverage. Apex-antapex asymmetry is difficult to evaluate because the Galileo longitudinal coverage is so poor; but comparison of the image swaths that follow great circles across the leading and trailing hemispheres respectively shows greater numbers of chaos areas on the leading side. In spite of the equatorial location of a few vast chaos tracts, there is no apparent relationship between chaos area size and latitude. Chaos area outlines vary from smoothly circular to extremely jagged: the irregularity index ranges from 2- 270% (based on the ratio between measured chaos area perimeter and the circumference of a circle of equal area). There is a range of shapes in all size brackets, but smaller chaos areas on average have simpler, more equidimensional shapes, and edge complexity increases for larger chaos areas. Chaos areas of ~10 km equivalent circle diameter (ECD) have outlines that are 4-90% irregular, ones ~50 km ECD are 15-180% and those >100 km ECD are 35-270% irregular. In general, chaos areas with higher irregularity indices also have a higher raft:matrix ratio. These results, while preliminary, are consistent with experimental evidence suggesting an impact origin for some chaos terrain on Europa. In particular, the relationship between shape and size parallels the results of impact experiments into ice over water, in which lower-energy impacts produce small, circular bullet-holes with few or no rafts; and higher-energy impacts generate wide-field fragmentation of the ice, producing large and highly irregular openings with abundant floating crustal blocks.

Constructing irregular surfaces to enclose macromolecular complexes for mesoscale modeling using the discrete surface charge optimization (DISCO) algorithm.

PubMed

Zhang, Qing; Beard, Daniel A; Schlick, Tamar

2003-12-01

Salt-mediated electrostatics interactions play an essential role in biomolecular structures and dynamics. Because macromolecular systems modeled at atomic resolution contain thousands of solute atoms, the electrostatic computations constitute an expensive part of the force and energy calculations. Implicit solvent models are one way to simplify the model and associated calculations, but they are generally used in combination with standard atomic models for the solute. To approximate electrostatics interactions in models on the polymer level (e.g., supercoiled DNA) that are simulated over long times (e.g., milliseconds) using Brownian dynamics, Beard and Schlick have developed the DiSCO (Discrete Surface Charge Optimization) algorithm. DiSCO represents a macromolecular complex by a few hundred discrete charges on a surface enclosing the system modeled by the Debye-Hückel (screened Coulombic) approximation to the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, and treats the salt solution as continuum solvation. DiSCO can represent the nucleosome core particle (>12,000 atoms), for example, by 353 discrete surface charges distributed on the surfaces of a large disk for the nucleosome core particle and a slender cylinder for the histone tail; the charges are optimized with respect to the Poisson-Boltzmann solution for the electric field, yielding a approximately 5.5% residual. Because regular surfaces enclosing macromolecules are not sufficiently general and may be suboptimal for certain systems, we develop a general method to construct irregular models tailored to the geometry of macromolecules. We also compare charge optimization based on both the electric field and electrostatic potential refinement. Results indicate that irregular surfaces can lead to a more accurate approximation (lower residuals), and the refinement in terms of the electric field is more robust. We also show that surface smoothing for irregular models is important, that the charge optimization (by the TNPACK minimizer) is efficient and does not depend on the initial assigned values, and that the residual is acceptable when the distance to the model surface is close to, or larger than, the Debye length. We illustrate applications of DiSCO's model-building procedure to chromatin folding and supercoiled DNA bound to Hin and Fis proteins. DiSCO is generally applicable to other interesting macromolecular systems for which mesoscale models are appropriate, to yield a resolution between the all-atom representative and the polymer level. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 2063-2074, 2003

Radiation induced rotation of interplanetary dust particles - A feasibility study for a space experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratcliff, K. F.; Misconi, N. Y.; Paddack, S. J.

1980-01-01

Irregular interplanetary dust particles may acquire a considerable spin rate due to two non-statistical dynamical mechanisms induced by solar radiation. These arise from variations in surface albedo discussed by Radzievskii (1954) and from irregularities in surface geometry discussed by Paddack (1969). An experiment is reported which will lead to an evaluation in space of the effectiveness of these two spin mechanisms. The technique of optical levitation in an argon laser beam provides a stable trap for particles 10-60 microns in diameter. The objective is to design an optical trap for dielectric particles in vacuum to study these rotation mechanisms in the gravity-free environment of a Spacelab experiment.

Simulation of dynamic vehicle-track interaction on small radius curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torstensson, Peter T.; Nielsen, Jens C. O.

2011-11-01

A time-domain method for the simulation of general three-dimensional dynamic interaction between a vehicle and a curved railway track, accounting for a prescribed relative wheel-rail displacement excitation in a wide frequency range (up to several hundred Hz), is presented. The simulation model is able to capture the low-frequency vehicle dynamics simultaneously due to curving and the high-frequency track dynamics due to the excitation by, for example, the short-pitch corrugation on the low rail. The adopted multibody dynamics formulation considers inertia forces, such as centrifugal and Coriolis forces, as well as the structural flexibility of vehicle and track components. To represent a wheel/rail surface irregularity, isoparametric two-dimensional elements able to describe generally curved surface shapes are used. The computational effort is reduced by including only one bogie in the vehicle model. The influence of the low-frequency vehicle dynamics of the remaining parts of the vehicle is considered by pre-calculated look-up tables of forces and moments acting in the secondary suspension. For a track model taken as rigid, good agreement is observed between the results calculated with the presented model and a commercial software. The features of the model are demonstrated by a number of numerical examples. The influence of the structural flexibility of the wheelset and track on wheel-rail contact forces is investigated. For a discrete rail irregularity excitation, it is shown that the longitudinal creep force is significantly influenced by the wheelset eigenmodes. The introduction of a velocity-dependent friction law is found to induce an oscillation in the tangential contact force on the low rail with a frequency corresponding to the first anti-symmetric torsional mode of the wheelset. Further, under the application of driving moments on the two wheelsets and excitation by a discrete irregularity on the high rail, the frequency content of the tangential contact forces on the low rail is significantly influenced by the P2 resonance as well as by several wheelset eigenmodes.

Agglomerates, smoke oxide particles, and carbon inclusions in condensed combustion products of an aluminized GAP-based propellant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ao, Wen; Liu, Peijin; Yang, Wenjing

2016-12-01

In solid propellants, aluminum is widely used to improve the performance, however the condensed combustion products especially the large agglomerates generated from aluminum combustion significantly affect the combustion and internal flow inside the solid rocket motor. To clarify the properties of the condensed combustion products of aluminized propellants, a constant-pressure quench vessel was adopted to collect the combustion products. The morphology and chemical compositions of the collected products, were then studied by using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive (SEM-EDS) method. Various structures have been observed in the condensed combustion products. Apart from the typical agglomerates or smoke oxide particles observed before, new structures including the smoke oxide clusters, irregular agglomerates and carbon-inclusions are discovered and investigated. Smoke oxide particles have the highest amount in the products. The highly dispersed oxide particle is spherical with very smooth surface and is on the order of 1-2 μm, but due to the high temperature and long residence time, these small particles will aggregate into smoke oxide clusters which are much larger than the initial particles. Three types of spherical agglomerates have been found. As the ambient gas temperature is much higher than the boiling point of Al2O3, the condensation layer inside which the aluminum drop is burning would evaporate quickly, which result in the fact that few "hollow agglomerates" has been found compared to "cap agglomerates" and "solid agglomerates". Irregular agglomerates usually larger than spherical agglomerates. The formation of irregular agglomerates likely happens by three stages: deformation of spherical aluminum drops; combination of particles with various shape; finally production of irregular agglomerates. EDS results show the ratio of O to Al on the surface of agglomerates is lower in comparison to smoke oxide particles. C and O account for most element compositions for all the carbon inclusions. The rough, spherical, strip shape and flake shape carbon-inclusions are believed to be derived from the degradation products of the binder or oxidizer, while the fiber silk is possibly the combustion product of fiber inside the heat insulation layer of the propellants. Images of products at different pressures reveal high pressure reduces the degree of agglomeration. The chemical compositions, size range and content of all the observed structures are given in this paper. Results of our study are expected to provide better insight in the working process of solid rocket motor.

The Effect of Surface Irregularities on Wing Drag. 3; Roughness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hood, Manley J.

1938-01-01

Tests have been made in the N.A.C.A. 8-foot high-speed wind tunnel of the drag caused by roughness on the surface of an airfoil of N.A.C.A. 23012 section and 5-foot chord. The tests were made at speeds from 80 t o 500 miles per hour at lift coefficients from 0 to 0.30. For conditions corresponding to high-speed flight, the increase in the drag was 30 percent of the profile drag of the smooth airfoil for the roughness produced by spray painting and 63 percent for the roughness produced. by 0.0037-inch carborundum grains. About one-half the drag increase was caused by the roughness on the forward one-fourth of the airfoil. Sandpapering the painted surface with No. 400 sandpaper made it sufficiently smooth that the drag was no greater than when the surface was polished. In the lower part of the range investigated the drag due to roughness increased rapidly with Reynolds Number.

Walking stability and sensorimotor function in older people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

PubMed

Menz, Hylton B; Lord, Stephen R; St George, Rebecca; Fitzpatrick, Richard C

2004-02-01

To evaluate, in older people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and in age-matched controls, acceleration patterns of the head and pelvis when walking to determine the effect of lower-limb sensory loss on walking stability. Case-control study. Falls and balance laboratory in Australia. Thirty persons with diabetes mellitus (age range, 55-91 y) and 30 age-matched controls. Acceleration patterns of the head and pelvis were measured while participants walked on a level surface and an irregular walkway. Participants also underwent tests of vision, sensation, strength, reaction time, and balance. Temporospatial gait parameters and variables derived from acceleration signals. Participants with DPN had reduced walking speed, cadence, and step length, and less rhythmic acceleration patterns at the head and pelvis compared with controls. These differences were particularly evident when participants walked on the irregular surface. Participants with DPN also had impaired peripheral sensation, reaction time, and balance. Older people with DPN have an impaired ability to stabilize their body when walking on irregular surfaces, even if they adopt a more conservative gait pattern. These results provide further insights into the role of peripheral sensory input in the control of gait stability, and suggest possible mechanisms underlying the increased risk of falling in older people with diabetic neuropathy.

Burnishing of rotatory parts to improve surface quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celaya, A.; López de Lacalle, L. N.; Albizuri, J.; Alberdi, R.

2009-11-01

In this paper, the use of rolling burnishing process to improve the final quality of railway and automotive workpieces is studied. The results are focused on the improvement of the manufacturing processes of rotary workpieces used in railway and automotion industry, attending to generic target of achieving `maximum surface quality with minimal process time'. Burnishing is a finishing operation in which plastic deformation of surface irregularities occurs by applying pressure through a very hard element, a roller or a ceramic ball. This process gives additional advantages to the workpiece such as good surface roughness, increased hardness and high compressive residual stresses. The effect of the initial turning conditions on the final burnishing operation has also been studied. The results show that feeds used in the initial rough turning have little influence in the surface finish of the burnished workpieces. So, the process times of the combined turning and burnishing processes can be reduced, optimizing the shaft's machining process.

Dielectric dispersion of porous media as a fractal phenomenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thevanayagam, S.

1997-09-01

It is postulated that porous media is made up of fractal solid skeleton structure and fractal pore surface. The model thus developed satisfies measured anomalous dielectric behavior of three distinctly different porous media: kaolin, montmorillonite, and shaly sand rock. It is shown that the underlying mechanism behind dielectric dispersion in the kHz range to high MHz range is indeed Maxwell-Wagner mechanism but modified to take into account the multiphase nature of the porous media as opposed to the traditional two-phase Maxwell-Wagner charge accumulation effect. The conductivity of the surface water associated with the solid surface and charge accumulation across the surface irregularities, asperity, and bridging between particles at the micro-scale-level pores are shown to contribute to this modified Maxwell-Wagner mechanism. The latter is dominant at low frequencies. The surface water thickness is calculated to be about 2-6 nm for a variety of porous media.

Synthesis and enhanced humidity detection response of nanoscale Au-particle-decorated ZnS spheres

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We successfully prepared Au-nanoparticle-decorated ZnS (ZnS-Au) spheres by sputtering Au ultrathin films on surfaces of hydrothermally synthesized ZnS spheres and subsequently postannealed the samples in a high-vacuum atmosphere. The Au nanoparticles were distributed on ZnS surfaces without substantial aggregation. The Au nanoparticle diameter range was 5 to 10 nm. Structural information showed that the surface of the annealed ZnS-Au spheres became more irregular and rough. A humidity sensor constructed using the Au-nanoparticle-decorated ZnS spheres demonstrated a substantially improved response to the cyclic change in humidity from 11% relative humidity (RH) to 33% to 95% RH at room temperature. The improved response was associated with the enhanced efficiency of water molecule adsorption onto the surfaces of the ZnS because of the surface modification of the ZnS spheres through noble-metal nanoparticle decoration. PMID:25520595

A General 3-D Methodology for Quasi-Static Simulation of Drainage and Imbibition: Application to Highly Porous Fibrous Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riasi, S.; Huang, G.; Montemagno, C.; Yeghiazarian, L.

2013-12-01

Micro-scale modeling of multiphase flow in porous media is critical to characterize porous materials. Several modeling techniques have been implemented to date, but none can be used as a general strategy for all porous media applications due to challenges presented by non-smooth high-curvature solid surfaces, and by a wide range of pore sizes and porosities. Finite approaches like the finite volume method require a high quality, problem-dependent mesh, while particle-based approaches like the lattice Boltzmann require too many particles to achieve a stable meaningful solution. Both come at a large computational cost. Other methods such as pore network modeling (PNM) have been developed to accelerate the solution process by simplifying the solution domain, but so far a unique and straightforward methodology to implement PNM is lacking. We have developed a general, stable and fast methodology to model multi-phase fluid flow in porous materials, irrespective of their porosity and solid phase topology. We have applied this methodology to highly porous fibrous materials in which void spaces are not distinctly separated, and where simplifying the geometry into a network of pore bodies and throats, as in PNM, does not result in a topology-consistent network. To this end, we have reduced the complexity of the 3-D void space geometry by working with its medial surface. We have used a non-iterative fast medial surface finder algorithm to determine a voxel-wide medial surface of the void space, and then solved the quasi-static drainage and imbibition on the resulting domain. The medial surface accurately represents the topology of the porous structure including corners, irregular cross sections, etc. This methodology is capable of capturing corner menisci and the snap-off mechanism numerically. It also allows for calculation of pore size distribution, permeability and capillary pressure-saturation-specific interfacial area surface of the porous structure. To show the capability of this method to numerically estimate the capillary pressure in irregular cross sections, we compared our results with analytical solutions available for capillary tubes with non-circular cross sections. We also validated this approach by implementing it on well-known benchmark problems such as a bundle of cylinders and packed spheres.

Effects of various etching protocols on the flexural properties and surface topography of fiber-reinforced composite dental posts.

PubMed

Aksornmuang, Juthatip; Chuenarrom, Chanya; Chittithaworn, Natjira

2017-09-26

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexural properties and surface topography of fiber posts surface-treated with various etching protocols. Seventy each of three types of fiber posts: RelyX Fiber Post, Tenax Fiber Trans, and D.T. Light-Post Illusion X-Ro, were randomly divided into 7 groups: no surface treatment, surface treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF) 4.5% for 60 s, HF 4.5% for 120 s, HF 9.6% for 15 s, HF 9.6% for 60 s, HF 9.6% for 120 s, and treated with H 2 O 2 24% for 10 min. The specimens were then subjected to a three-point bending test. Surface topographies of the posts were observed using a SEM. The results indicate that fiber post surface pretreatments had no adverse effects on the flexural properties. However, the fiber posts treated with high HF concentrations or long etching times seemed to have more surface irregularities.

Intermediate scale plasma density irregularities in the polar ionosphere inferred from radio occultation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shume, E. B.; Komjathy, A.; Langley, R. B.; Verkhoglyadova, O. P.; Butala, M.; Mannucci, A. J.

2014-12-01

In this research, we report intermediate scale plasma density irregularities in the high-latitude ionosphere inferred from high-resolution radio occultation (RO) measurements in the CASSIOPE (CAScade Smallsat and IOnospheric Polar Explorer) - GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites radio link. The high inclination of the CASSIOPE satellite and high rate of signal receptionby the occultation antenna of the GPS Attitude, Positioning and Profiling (GAP) instrument on the Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe platform on CASSIOPE enable a high temporal and spatial resolution investigation of the dynamics of the polar ionosphere, magnetosphere-ionospherecoupling, solar wind effects, etc. with unprecedented details compared to that possible in the past. We have carried out high spatial resolution analysis in altitude and geomagnetic latitude of scintillation-producing plasma density irregularities in the polar ionosphere. Intermediate scale, scintillation-producing plasma density irregularities, which corresponds to 2 to 40 km spatial scales were inferred by applying multi-scale spectral analysis on the RO phase delay measurements. Using our multi-scale spectral analysis approach and Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) observations, we infer that the irregularity scales and phase scintillations have distinct features in the auroral oval and polar cap regions. In specific terms, we found that large length scales and and more intense phase scintillations are prevalent in the auroral oval compared to the polar cap region. Hence, the irregularity scales and phase scintillation characteristics are a function of the solar wind and the magnetospheric forcing. Multi-scale analysis may become a powerful diagnostic tool for characterizing how the ionosphere is dynamically driven by these factors.

Irregularity of the posterior corneal surface during applanation using a curved femtosecond laser interface and microkeratome cutting head.

PubMed

Vetter, Jan M; Holtz, Carsten; Vossmerbaeumer, Urs; Pfeiffer, Norbert

2012-03-01

To evaluate the irregularity of the posterior corneal surface and intrastromal dissection during the preparation of donor tissue for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using a curved interface femtosecond laser and microkeratome. Sixteen human donor corneas unsuitable for transplantation were divided into two groups: a femtosecond (FS) laser group (n=7) using the VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and a microkeratome group (n=9) using the Amadeus II microkeratome (Ziemer Ophthalmic Group). The corneas were fixed on artificial anterior chambers. Horizontal cross-sections were obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography prior to applanation, during applanation, as well as during and after intrastromal dissection at 450-μm corneal depth. The posterior surface and the dissection line were evaluated for irregularity by fitting a second-order polynomial curve using regression analysis and obtaining the root-mean-square error (RMSE). Groups were compared using analysis of variance. The RMSE of the posterior surface prior to applanation was 9.7 ± 3.1 μm in the FS laser group and 10.2 ± 2.3 μm in the microkeratome group. The RMSE increased to 50.7 ± 9.4 μm and 20.9 ± 6.1 μm during applanation and decreased again to 10.6 ± 1.4 μm and 8.1 ± 1.8 μm after applanation in the FS laser and microkeratome groups, respectively. The RMSE of the intrastromal cut was 19.5 ± 5.7 μm in the FS laser group and 7.7 ± 3.0 μm in the microkeratome group (P<.001). Our results show significantly greater irregularity with the curved interface femtosecond laser-assisted cleavage compared to microkeratome-assisted corneal dissection, possibly due to applanation-derived deformation of the posterior cornea. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Light beam shaping and homogenization (LSBH) by irregular microlens structure for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semchishen, Vladimir A.; Mrochen, Michael; Seminogov, Vladimir N.; Panchenko, Vladislav Y.; Seiler, Theo

1998-04-01

Purpose: The increasing interest in a homogeneous Gaussian light beam profile for applications in ophthalmology e.g. photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) requests simple optical systems with low energy losses. Therefore, we developed the Light Shaping Beam Homogenizer (LSBH) working from UV up to mid-IR. Method: The irregular microlenses structure on a quartz surface was fabricated by using photolithography, chemical etching and chemical polishing processes. This created a three dimensional structure on the quartz substrate characterized in case of a Gaussian beam by random law distribution of individual irregularities tilts. The LSBH was realized for the 193 nm and the 2.94 micrometer wavelengths. Simulation results obtained by 3-D analysis for an arbitrary incident light beam were compared to experimental results. Results: The correlation to a numerical Gaussian fit is better than 94% with high uniformity for an incident beam with an intensity modulation of nearly 100%. In the far field the cross section of the beam shows always rotation symmetry. Transmittance and damage threshold of the LSBH are only dependent on the substrate characteristics. Conclusions: considering our experimental and simulation results it is possible to control the angular distribution of the beam intensity after LSBH with higher efficiency compared to diffraction or holographic optical elements.

Propagating waves can explain irregular neural dynamics.

PubMed

Keane, Adam; Gong, Pulin

2015-01-28

Cortical neurons in vivo fire quite irregularly. Previous studies about the origin of such irregular neural dynamics have given rise to two major models: a balanced excitation and inhibition model, and a model of highly synchronized synaptic inputs. To elucidate the network mechanisms underlying synchronized synaptic inputs and account for irregular neural dynamics, we investigate a spatially extended, conductance-based spiking neural network model. We show that propagating wave patterns with complex dynamics emerge from the network model. These waves sweep past neurons, to which they provide highly synchronized synaptic inputs. On the other hand, these patterns only emerge from the network with balanced excitation and inhibition; our model therefore reconciles the two major models of irregular neural dynamics. We further demonstrate that the collective dynamics of propagating wave patterns provides a mechanistic explanation for a range of irregular neural dynamics, including the variability of spike timing, slow firing rate fluctuations, and correlated membrane potential fluctuations. In addition, in our model, the distributions of synaptic conductance and membrane potential are non-Gaussian, consistent with recent experimental data obtained using whole-cell recordings. Our work therefore relates the propagating waves that have been widely observed in the brain to irregular neural dynamics. These results demonstrate that neural firing activity, although appearing highly disordered at the single-neuron level, can form dynamical coherent structures, such as propagating waves at the population level. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/351591-15$15.00/0.

New advantages of the combined GPS and GLONASS observations for high-latitude ionospheric irregularities monitoring: case study of June 2015 geomagnetic storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherniak, Iurii; Zakharenkova, Irina

2017-05-01

Monitoring, tracking and nowcasting of the ionospheric plasma density disturbances using dual-frequency measurements of the Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are effectively carried out during several decades. Recent rapid growth and modernization of the ground-based segment gives an opportunity to establish a great database consisting of more than 6000 stations worldwide which provide GPS signals measurements with an open access. Apart of the GPS signals, at least two-third of these stations receive simultaneously signals transmitted by another Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)—the Russian system GLONASS. Today, GLONASS signal measurements are mainly used in navigation and geodesy only and very rarely for ionosphere research. We present the first results demonstrating advantages of using several independent but compatible GNSS systems like GPS and GLONASS for improvement of the permanent monitoring of the high-latitude ionospheric irregularities. For the first time, the high-resolution two-dimensional maps of ROTI perturbation were made using not only GPS but also GLONASS measurements. We extend the use of the ROTI maps for analyzing ionospheric irregularities distribution. We demonstrate that the meridional slices of the ROTI maps can be effectively used to study the occurrence and temporal evolution of the ionospheric irregularities. The meridional slices of the geographical sectors with a high density of the GPS and GLONASS measurements can represent spatio-temporal dynamics of the intense ionospheric plasma density irregularities with very high resolution, and they can be effectively used for detailed study of the space weather drivers on the processes of the ionospheric irregularities generation, development and their lifetimes. Using a representative database of 5800 ground-based GNSS stations located worldwide, we have investigated the occurrence of the high-latitude ionospheric plasma density irregularities during the geomagnetic storm of June 22-23, 2015.[Figure not available: see fulltext.

Quality of life and handling experience with the PROSE device: an Indian scenario.

PubMed

Bhattacharya, Pradipta; Mahadevan, Rajeswari

2017-11-01

PROSE (prosthetic replacement of ocular surface ecosystem) device is a custom-designed, corneal vaulting scleral contact lens, which is used in the treatment of irregular corneal conditions to improve vision and comfort. The present study aimed at assessing the success of the PROSE device in an Indian scenario in terms of change in quality of life and to understand the handling issues related to the device use. Thirty-two subjects with various irregular corneal conditions meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Subjects were followed for three months after dispensing the PROSE device. Subjects' demographic details, high and low contrast visual acuity with habitual correction and PROSE device, Visual Function Questionnaire scores (NEI VFQ-25) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores pre- and post-PROSE treatment were collected and compared. An indigenously developed questionnaire was also administered during the follow-up visit for assessing the handling-related issues faced by the subjects while using the device. Forty eyes of 32 subjects were included in the study, of whom 30 reported for follow-up. The median NEI VFQ-25 score improved from 47.33 points to 77.27 points over a period of three months, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in median OSDI score from 51.14 points to 13.63 points post-PROSE treatment (p < 0.05). Subjects reported no or very minimal handling-related difficulties associated with the use of the PROSE device. The PROSE treatment can be an effective mode of managing patients with irregular corneal conditions and significantly improved the vision-related quality of life of patients suffering from these conditions. The handling of the device is easy and can be mastered with adequate training. © 2017 Optometry Australia.

Solo dwarfs I: survey introduction and first results for the Sagittarius dwarf irregular galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higgs, C. R.; McConnachie, A. W.; Irwin, M.; Bate, N. F.; Lewis, G. F.; Walker, M. G.; Côté, P.; Venn, K.; Battaglia, G.

2016-05-01

We introduce the Solitary Local dwarfs survey (Solo), a wide-field photometric study targeting every isolated dwarf galaxy within 3 Mpc of the Milky Way. Solo is based on (u)gi multiband imaging from Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope/MegaCam for northern targets, and Magellan/Megacam for southern targets. All galaxies fainter than MV ≃ -18 situated beyond the nominal virial radius of the Milky Way and M31 (≳300 kpc) are included in this volume-limited sample, for a total of 42 targets. In addition to reviewing the survey goals and strategy, we present results for the Sagittarius dwarf irregular galaxy (Sag DIG), one of the most isolated, low-mass galaxies, located at the edge of the Local Group. We analyse its resolved stellar populations and their spatial distributions. We provide updated estimates of its central surface brightness and integrated luminosity, and trace its surface brightness profile to a level fainter than 30 mag arcsec-2. Sag DIG is well described by a highly elliptical (disc-like) system following a single component Sérsic model. However, a low-level distortion is present at the outer edges of the galaxy that, were Sag DIG not so isolated, would likely be attributed to some kind of previous tidal interaction. Further, we find evidence of an extremely low level, extended distribution of stars beyond ˜5 arcmin (>1.5 kpc) that suggests Sag DIG may be embedded in a very low-density stellar halo. We compare the stellar and H I structures of Sag DIG, and discuss results for this galaxy in relation to other isolated, dwarf irregular galaxies in the Local Group.

Lunar surface exploration using mobile robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishida, Shin-Ichiro; Wakabayashi, Sachiko

2012-06-01

A lunar exploration architecture study is being carried out by space agencies. JAXA is carrying out research and development of a mobile robot (rover) to be deployed on the lunar surface for exploration and outpost construction. The main target areas for outpost construction and lunar exploration are mountainous zones. The moon's surface is covered by regolith. Achieving a steady traversal of such irregular terrain constitutes the major technical problem for rovers. A newly developed lightweight crawler mechanism can effectively traverse such irregular terrain because of its low contact force with the ground. This fact was determined on the basis of the mass and expected payload of the rover. This paper describes a plan for Japanese lunar surface exploration using mobile robots, and presents the results of testing and analysis needed in their development. This paper also gives an overview of the lunar exploration robot to be deployed in the SELENE follow-on mission, and the composition of its mobility, navigation, and control systems.

Radiofrequency-sputtered coatings for lubrication system components and other complex surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1972-01-01

Irregularly shaped surfaces, such as lubrication system components (ball bearings, seals, gears, etc.), can be coated on all surfaces, including irregular shapes, when radiofrequency sputtering is used. When the specimen is properly located with respect to the sputtering target, the sputtered material covers the entire surface of the object irrespective of its geometrical configuration. An adherent, dense film is formed. The film thickness varies from 20 to 50 percent on, for example, a hearing cage or race depending on its geometry. When sputtered solid film lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide are used, a film thickness only of the order of 10 to the minus 7th power m (thousands of angstroms) is required at the contacting areas. It is only essential to determine the required film thickness at the critical areas in need of lubrication. The sections outside the areas to be lubricated fall within the thickness deviation range of 20 to 50 percent, which still constitutes a negligible change respect to tolerance requirements.

High-Q whispering-gallery mode sensor in liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadeau, Jay L.; Ilchenko, Vladimir S.; Kossakovski, Dmitri; Bearman, Gregory H.; Maleki, Lute

2002-06-01

Optical sensing of biomolecules on microfabricated glass surfaces requires surface coatings that minimize nonspecific binding while preserving the optical properties of the sensor. Microspheres with whispering-gallery (WG) modes can achieve quality factor (Q) levels many orders of magnitude greater than those of other WG-based microsensors: greater than 1010 in air, and greater than 109 in a variety of solvents, including methanol, H2O and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The presence of dyes that absorb in the wavelength of the WG excitation in the evanescent zone can cause this Q value to drop by almost 3 orders of magnitude. Silanization of the surface with mercapto-terminal silanes is compatible with high Q (>109), but chemical cross-linking of streptavidin reduces the Q to 105-106 due to build-up of a thick, irregular layer of protein. However, linkage of biotin to the silane terminus preserves the Q at a ~2x107 and yields a reactive surface sensitive to avidin-containing ligands in a concentration-dependent manner. Improvements in the reliability of the surface chemistry show promise for construction of an ultrasensitive biosensor.

Post-midnight equatorial irregularity distributions and vertical drift velocity variations during solstices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, S.-Y.; Liu, C. H.; Chao, C.-K.

2018-04-01

Longitudinal distributions of post-midnight equatorial ionospheric irregularity occurrences observed by ROCSAT-1 (1st satellite of the Republic of China) during moderate to high solar activity years in two solstices are studied with respect to the vertical drift velocity and density variations. The post-midnight irregularity distributions are found to be similar to the well-documented pre-midnight ones, but are different from some published distributions taken during solar minimum years. Even though the post-midnight ionosphere is sinking in general, longitudes of frequent positive vertical drift and high density seems to coincide with the longitudes of high irregularity occurrences. Large scatters found in the vertical drift velocity and density around the dip equator in different ROCSAT-1 orbits indicate the existence of large and frequent variations in the vertical drift velocity and density that seem to be able to provide sufficient perturbations for the Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instability to cause the irregularity occurrences. The need of seeding agents such as gravity waves from atmospheric convective clouds to initiate the Rayleigh-Taylor instability may not be necessary.

Output-increasing, protective cover for a solar cell

DOEpatents

Hammerbacher, Milfred D.

1995-11-21

A flexible cover (14) for a flexible solar cell (12) protects the cell from the ambient and increases the cell's efficiency. The cell(12)includes silicon spheres (16) held in a flexible aluminum sheet matrix (20,22). The cover (14) is a flexible, protective layer (60) of light-transparent material having a relatively flat upper, free surface (64) and an irregular opposed surface (66). The irregular surface (66) includes first portions (68) which conform to the polar regions (31R) of the spheres (16) and second convex (72) or concave (90) portions (72 or 90) which define spaces (78) in conjunction with the reflective surface (20T) of one aluminum sheet (20). Without the cover (14) light (50) falling on the surface (20T) between the spheres (16) is wasted, that is, it does not fall on a sphere (16). The surfaces of the second portions are non-parallel to the direction of the otherwise wasted light (50), which fact, together with a selected relationship between the refractive indices of the cover and the spaces, result in sufficient diffraction of the otherwise wasted light (50) so that about 25% of it is reflected from the surface (20T) onto a sphere (16).

High latitude artificial periodic irregularity observations with the upgraded EISCAT heating facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vierinen, Juha; Kero, Antti; Rietveld, Michael T.

2013-12-01

We present a recently developed ionospheric modification experiment that produces artificial periodic irregularities in the ionosphere and uses them to make observations of the spatiotemporal behaviour of the irregularities. In addition, the method can be used to measure Faraday rotation and vertical velocities. We also introduce a novel experiment that allows monitoring the formation of the irregularities during heating, in addition to observing their decay after heating. The first measurements indicate, contrary to existing theory, that the amplitude of the radar echoes from the periodic irregularities grows faster than they decay. We focus on the API effects in the D- and E-region of the ionosphere.

Multiscale analysis of replication technique efficiency for 3D roughness characterization of manufactured surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolivet, S.; Mezghani, S.; El Mansori, M.

2016-09-01

The replication of topography has been generally restricted to optimizing material processing technologies in terms of statistical and single-scale features such as roughness. By contrast, manufactured surface topography is highly complex, irregular, and multiscale. In this work, we have demonstrated the use of multiscale analysis on replicates of surface finish to assess the precise control of the finished replica. Five commercial resins used for surface replication were compared. The topography of five standard surfaces representative of common finishing processes were acquired both directly and by a replication technique. Then, they were characterized using the ISO 25178 standard and multiscale decomposition based on a continuous wavelet transform, to compare the roughness transfer quality at different scales. Additionally, atomic force microscope force modulation mode was used in order to compare the resins’ stiffness properties. The results showed that less stiff resins are able to replicate the surface finish along a larger wavelength band. The method was then tested for non-destructive quality control of automotive gear tooth surfaces.

Atomic force microscope characterization of self-assembly behaviors of cyclo[8] pyrrole on solid substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Hai; Zhao, Siqi; Xiong, Xiang; Jiang, Jinzhi; Xu, Wei; Zhu, Daoben; Zhang, Yi; Liang, Wenjie; Cai, Jianfeng

2017-04-01

Cyclo [8] pyrrole (CP) is a porphyrin analogue containing eight α-conjugated pyrrole units which are arranged in a nearly coplanar conformation. The π-π interactions between CP molecules lead to regular aggregations through a solution casting process. Using tapping mode atomic force microscope (AFM), we investigated the morphology of self-assembled aggregates formed by deposition of different CP solutions on different substrates. We found that in the n-butanol solution, nanofibrous structures could be formed on the silicon or mica surface. Interestingly, on the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface, or silicon and mica surface with a toluene solution, only irregular spherical structures were identified. The difference in the nanomorphology may be attributed to distinct interactions between molecule-molecule, molecule-solvent and molecule-substrate.

Method and apparatus for detecting irregularities on or in the wall of a vessel

DOEpatents

Bowling, Michael Keith

2000-09-12

A method of detecting irregularities on or in the wall of a vessel by detecting localized spatial temperature differentials on the wall surface, comprising scanning the vessel surface with a thermal imaging camera and recording the position of the or each region for which the thermal image from the camera is indicative of such a temperature differential across the region. The spatial temperature differential may be formed by bacterial growth on the vessel surface; alternatively, it may be the result of defects in the vessel wall such as thin regions or pin holes or cracks. The detection of leaks through the vessel wall may be enhanced by applying a pressure differential or a temperature differential across the vessel wall; the testing for leaks may be performed with the vessel full or empty, and from the inside or the outside.

Characteristics and climatology of mid-latitude F-region ionospheric irregularities observed by COSMIC radio occultation measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, C.; Pedatella, N. M.

2017-12-01

Small-medium scale ( 1-50 km) ionospheric plasma irregularities are a ubiquitous feature of the earth's F region ionosphere. COSMIC radio occultation measurements provide a valuable opportunity to improve upon the incomplete global observational picture of irregularity occurrence and characteristics. A climatological database of ionospheric irregularities and their characteristics (e.g. magnitude, scale size, gradient, and associated scintillation) has been developed through detection of total electron content (TEC) perturbations by COSMIC precise orbit determination (POD) antennas and associated receivers. Vertical scale sizes ranging from 1 to 50 km were resolved from 1 Hz TEC measurements stored in podTec files. Amplitude scintillation index (S4) of ScnLv1 files was used as a proxy for the occurrence of smaller scale (<1 km) scintillation producing structures. Four years of processed data (2007-2008 and 2012-2013) has revealed interesting climatological features of irregularity occurrence and characteristics. The presentation will focus on the results at mid-latitudes. One interesting mid-latitude feature is a high occurrence of irregularities in regions corresponding to the solar terminator. Perturbations larger than 0.1 TEC units (TECU) were observed 50%-80% of the time in terminator regions, with higher occurrence and more intense perturbations around sunset and during years of high solar activity. Altitude of peak occurrence of terminator irregularities was about 150 km, with a sharp upper-altitude cut-off of 250 km. The occurrence and characteristics of these irregularities are modified according to proximity to solar terminator location. A possible link to thermospheric neutral density perturbations also associated with the solar terminator will be discussed. The climatology of non-terminator mid-latitude irregularities is consistent with previous observations of mid-latitude field-aligned irregularities (FAIs), including a local-time dependent altitude and a peak occurrence in the summer hemisphere. The characteristics of these non-terminator irregularities will also be discussed.

Fractal morphometry of cell complexity.

PubMed

Losa, Gabriele A

2002-01-01

Irregularity and self-similarity under scale changes are the main attributes of the morphological complexity of both normal and abnormal cells and tissues. In other words, the shape of a self-similar object does not change when the scale of measurement changes, because each part of it looks similar to the original object. However, the size and geometrical parameters of an irregular object do differ when it is examined at increasing resolution, which reveals more details. Significant progress has been made over the past three decades in understanding how irregular shapes and structures in the physical and biological sciences can be analysed. Dominant influences have been the discovery of a new practical geometry of Nature, now known as fractal geometry, and the continuous improvements in computation capabilities. Unlike conventional Euclidean geometry, which was developed to describe regular and ideal geometrical shapes which are practically unknown in nature, fractal geometry can be used to measure the fractal dimension, contour length, surface area and other dimension parameters of almost all irregular and complex biological tissues. We have used selected examples to illustrate the application of the fractal principle to measuring irregular and complex membrane ultrastructures of cells at specific functional and pathological stage.

Complex Source and Radiation Behaviors of Small Elements of Linear and Matrix Flexible Ultrasonic Phased-Array Transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amory, V.; Lhémery, A.

2008-02-01

Inspection of irregular components is problematical: maladjustment of transducer shoes to surfaces causes aberrations. Flexible phased-arrays (FPAs) designed at CEA LIST to maximize contact are driven by adapted delay laws to compensate for irregularities. Optimizing FPA requires simulation tools. The behavior of one element computed by FEM is observed at the surface and its radiation experimentally validated. Efforts for one element prevent from simulating a FPA by FEM. A model is proposed where each element behaves as nonuniform source of stresses. Exact and asymptotic formulas for Lamb problem are used as convolution kernels for longitudinal, transverse and head waves; the latter is of primary importance for angle-T-beam inspections.

Path Loss Prediction Over the Lunar Surface Utilizing a Modified Longley-Rice Irregular Terrain Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foore, Larry; Ida, Nathan

2007-01-01

This study introduces the use of a modified Longley-Rice irregular terrain model and digital elevation data representative of an analogue lunar site for the prediction of RF path loss over the lunar surface. The results are validated by theoretical models and past Apollo studies. The model is used to approximate the path loss deviation from theoretical attenuation over a reflecting sphere. Analysis of the simulation results provides statistics on the fade depths for frequencies of interest, and correspondingly a method for determining the maximum range of communications for various coverage confidence intervals. Communication system engineers and mission planners are provided a link margin and path loss policy for communication frequencies of interest.

Effects of Mesh Irregularities on Accuracy of Finite-Volume Discretization Schemes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diskin, Boris; Thomas, James L.

2012-01-01

The effects of mesh irregularities on accuracy of unstructured node-centered finite-volume discretizations are considered. The focus is on an edge-based approach that uses unweighted least-squares gradient reconstruction with a quadratic fit. For inviscid fluxes, the discretization is nominally third order accurate on general triangular meshes. For viscous fluxes, the scheme is an average-least-squares formulation that is nominally second order accurate and contrasted with a common Green-Gauss discretization scheme. Gradient errors, truncation errors, and discretization errors are separately studied according to a previously introduced comprehensive methodology. The methodology considers three classes of grids: isotropic grids in a rectangular geometry, anisotropic grids typical of adapted grids, and anisotropic grids over a curved surface typical of advancing layer grids. The meshes within the classes range from regular to extremely irregular including meshes with random perturbation of nodes. Recommendations are made concerning the discretization schemes that are expected to be least sensitive to mesh irregularities in applications to turbulent flows in complex geometries.

Possibility of using NURBS for surface plotting by survey data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pravdina, E. A.; Lepikhina, O. J.

2018-05-01

Different methods of surface plotting were discussed in this article. Constructing the surface with the help of the Delaunay triangulation algorithm is described. The TIN-surfaces (triangles irregular net) method is used in the entire CAD software. This type of surfaces is plotting by results of laser scanning and stadia surveying. Possibility of using spline surfaces (NURBS) for surface plotting is studied. For a defined number of points by Mathcad software, the curvilinear function that described two-dimensional spline surfaces was calculated and plotted.

Orbital and Collisional Evolution of the Irregular Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesvorný, David; Alvarellos, Jose L. A.; Dones, Luke; Levison, Harold F.

2003-07-01

The irregular moons of the Jovian planets are a puzzling part of the solar system inventory. Unlike regular satellites, the irregular moons revolve around planets at large distances in tilted and eccentric orbits. Their origin, which is intimately linked with the origin of the planets themselves, is yet to be explained. Here we report a study of the orbital and collisional evolution of the irregular satellites from times after their formation to the present epoch. The purpose of this study is to find out the features of the observed irregular moons that can be attributed to this evolution and separate them from signatures of the formation process. We numerically integrated ~60,000 test satellite orbits to map orbital locations that are stable on long time intervals. We found that the orbits highly inclined to the ecliptic are unstable due to the effect of the Kozai resonance, which radially stretches them so that satellites either escape from the Hill sphere, collide with massive inner moons, or impact the parent planet. We also found that prograde satellite orbits with large semimajor axes are unstable due to the effect of the evection resonance, which locks the orbit's apocenter to the apparent motion of the Sun around the parent planet. In such a resonance, the effect of solar tides on a resonant moon accumulates at each apocenter passage of the moon, which causes a radially outward drift of its orbital apocenter; once close to the Hill sphere, the moon escapes. By contrast, retrograde moons with large orbital semimajor axes are long-lived. We have developed an analytic model of the distant satellite orbits and used it to explain the results of our numerical experiments. In particular, we analytically studied the effect of the Kozai resonance. We numerically integrated the orbits of the 50 irregular moons (known by 2002 August 16) for 108 yr. All orbits were stable on this time interval and did not show any macroscopic variations that would indicate instabilities operating on longer time spans. The average orbits calculated from this experiment were then used to probe the collisional evolution of the irregular satellite systems. We found that (1) the large irregular moons must have collisionally eliminated many small irregular moons, thus shaping their population to the currently observed structures; (2) some dynamical families of satellites could have been formed by catastrophic collisions among the irregular moons; and (3) Phoebe's surface must have been heavily cratered by impacts from an extinct population of Saturnian irregular moons, much larger than the present one. We therefore suggest that the Cassini imaging of Phoebe in 2004 can be used to determine the primordial population of small irregular moons of Saturn. In such a case, we will also better understand the overall efficiency of the formation process of the irregular satellites and the physical conditions that existed during planetary formation. We discovered two dynamical families of tightly clustered orbits within the Jovian retrograde group. We believe that these two clusters may be the remnants of two collisionally disrupted bodies. We found that the entire Jovian retrograde group and the Saturnian inclination groups were not produced by single breakups, because the ejection velocities derived from the orbital structures of these groups greatly exceed values calculated by modern numerical models of collisional breakups. Taken together, the evidence presented here suggests that many properties of the irregular moons previously assigned to their formation process may have resulted from their later dynamical and collisional evolution. Finally, we have found that several irregular moons, namely, Pasiphae, Sinope, S/2001 J10, S/2000 S5, S/2000 S6, and S/2000 S3, have orbits characterized by secular resonances. The orbits of some of these moons apparently evolved by some slow dissipative process in the past and became captured in tiny resonant volumes.

The Effect of Surface Irregularities on Wing Drag. II - Lap Joints. 2; Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hood, Manley J.

1938-01-01

Tests have been made in the NACA 8-foot high-speed wind tunnel of the drag caused by four types of lap joint. The tests were made on an airfoil of NACA 23012 section and 5-foot chord and covered in a range of speeds from 80 to 500 miles per hour and lift coefficients from 0 to 0.30. The increases in profile drag caused by representative arrangements of laps varied from 4 to 9%. When there were protruding rivet heads on the surface, the addition of laps increased the drag only slightly. Laps on the forward part of a wing increased the drag considerably more than those farther back.

Primary acoustic signal structure during free falling drop collision with a water surface

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

Chashechkin, Yu. D., E-mail: chakin@ipmnet.ru; Prokhorov, V. E., E-mail: prohorov@ipmnet.ru

2016-04-15

Consistent optical and acoustic techniques have been used to study the structure of hydrodynamic disturbances and acoustic signals generated as a free falling drop penetrates water. The relationship between the structures of hydrodynamic and acoustic perturbations arising as a result of a falling drop contacting with the water surface and subsequent immersion into water is traced. The primary acoustic signal is characterized, in addition to stably reproduced features (steep leading edge followed by long decay with local pressure maxima), by irregular high-frequency packets, which are studied for the first time. Reproducible experimental data are used to recognize constant and variablemore » components of the primary acoustic signal.« less

Geostatistical regularization operators for geophysical inverse problems on irregular meshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordi, C.; Doetsch, J.; Günther, T.; Schmelzbach, C.; Robertsson, J. OA

2018-05-01

Irregular meshes allow to include complicated subsurface structures into geophysical modelling and inverse problems. The non-uniqueness of these inverse problems requires appropriate regularization that can incorporate a priori information. However, defining regularization operators for irregular discretizations is not trivial. Different schemes for calculating smoothness operators on irregular meshes have been proposed. In contrast to classical regularization constraints that are only defined using the nearest neighbours of a cell, geostatistical operators include a larger neighbourhood around a particular cell. A correlation model defines the extent of the neighbourhood and allows to incorporate information about geological structures. We propose an approach to calculate geostatistical operators for inverse problems on irregular meshes by eigendecomposition of a covariance matrix that contains the a priori geological information. Using our approach, the calculation of the operator matrix becomes tractable for 3-D inverse problems on irregular meshes. We tested the performance of the geostatistical regularization operators and compared them against the results of anisotropic smoothing in inversions of 2-D surface synthetic electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data as well as in the inversion of a realistic 3-D cross-well synthetic ERT scenario. The inversions of 2-D ERT and seismic traveltime field data with geostatistical regularization provide results that are in good accordance with the expected geology and thus facilitate their interpretation. In particular, for layered structures the geostatistical regularization provides geologically more plausible results compared to the anisotropic smoothness constraints.

Remotely-sensed sea surface temperatuares (SST) of Northeaster Pacific Coastal Zones

EPA Science Inventory

Sea surface temperature (SST) is an important indicator of long-term trends and geographical temperature patterns; however there have been relatively few long-term records of SST in near-coastal habitats. In situ SST measurements are irregular in both space and time. Therefore, w...

14 CFR 151.77 - Runway paving: General rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... project include pavement construction and reconstruction, and include runway grooving to improve skid... course to correct major irregularities in the pavement. Runway resealing or refilling joints as an... Specification P-609) on a pavement the current surface of which consists of that kind of a bituminous surface...

14 CFR 151.77 - Runway paving: General rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... project include pavement construction and reconstruction, and include runway grooving to improve skid... course to correct major irregularities in the pavement. Runway resealing or refilling joints as an... Specification P-609) on a pavement the current surface of which consists of that kind of a bituminous surface...

14 CFR 151.77 - Runway paving: General rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... project include pavement construction and reconstruction, and include runway grooving to improve skid... course to correct major irregularities in the pavement. Runway resealing or refilling joints as an... Specification P-609) on a pavement the current surface of which consists of that kind of a bituminous surface...

14 CFR 151.77 - Runway paving: General rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... project include pavement construction and reconstruction, and include runway grooving to improve skid... course to correct major irregularities in the pavement. Runway resealing or refilling joints as an... Specification P-609) on a pavement the current surface of which consists of that kind of a bituminous surface...

14 CFR 151.77 - Runway paving: General rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... project include pavement construction and reconstruction, and include runway grooving to improve skid... course to correct major irregularities in the pavement. Runway resealing or refilling joints as an... Specification P-609) on a pavement the current surface of which consists of that kind of a bituminous surface...

Topside ionospheric irregularities as seen from multisatellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharenkova, Irina; Astafyeva, Elvira

2015-01-01

use in situ data from CHAMP and DMSP satellites, along with data of GPS receiver onboard CHAMP satellite and ground-based GPS receivers to study the occurrence and global distribution of ionospheric irregularities during the main phase of the geomagnetic storm of 29-31 August 2004 (minimum Dst excursion of -128 nT). Using the CHAMP GPS measurements, we created maps of GPS phase fluctuation activity and found two specific zones of the most intense irregularities: (1) the region of the auroral oval at high latitudes of both hemispheres and (2) the low latitudes/equatorial region between Africa and South America. At high latitudes, the topside ionospheric irregularities appeared to be more intensive in the southern hemisphere, which is, most likely, due to seasonal variations in the interhemispheric field-aligned currents system. An analysis of multi-instrumental observations reveals reinforcement of the equatorial ionization anomaly after sunset in Atlantic sector on 30 August and formation of the significant plasma depletions and irregularities over a large longitudinal range. Equatorial irregularities were also found in the morning sector at the recovery phase of the storm. In addition to low Earth orbit (LEO) GPS measurements, we analyze the LEO in situ measurements, and we show that these two techniques cannot be interchangeable in all cases because of the altitudinal extent of plasma irregularities. Overall, we demonstrate that the LEO GPS technique can serve a useful tool for detection of the topside ionospheric irregularities during space weather events and may essentially contribute to other methods based on various instruments.

Space-based detection of wetlands' surface water level changes from L-band SAR interferometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wdowinski, S.; Kim, S.-W.; Amelung, F.; Dixon, T.H.; Miralles-Wilhelm, F.; Sonenshein, R.

2008-01-01

Interferometric processing of JERS-1 L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data acquired over south Florida during 1993-1996 reveals detectable surface changes in the Everglades wetlands. Although our study is limited to south Florida it has implication for other large-scale wetlands, because south Florida wetlands have diverse vegetation types and both managed and natural flow environments. Our analysis reveals that interferometric coherence level is sensitive to wetland vegetation type and to the interferogram time span. Interferograms with time spans less than six months maintain phase observations for all wetland types, allowing characterization of water level changes in different wetland environments. The most noticeable changes occur between the managed and the natural flow wetlands. In the managed wetlands, fringes are organized, follow patterns related to some of the managed water control structures and have high fringe-rate. In the natural flow areas, fringes are irregular and have a low fringe-rate. The high fringe rate in managed areas reflects dynamic water topography caused by high flow rate due to gate operation. Although this organized fringe pattern is not characteristic of most large-scale wetlands, the high level of water level change enables accurate estimation of the wetland InSAR technique, which lies in the range of 5-10??cm. The irregular and low rate fringe pattern in the natural flow area reflects uninterrupted flow that diffuses water efficiently and evenly. Most of the interferograms in the natural flow area show an elongated fringe located along the transitional zone between salt- and fresh-water wetlands, reflecting water level changes due to ocean tides. ?? 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis and characterization of high-resolution and high-aspect-ratio imaging fiber bundles.

PubMed

Motamedi, Nojan; Karbasi, Salman; Ford, Joseph E; Lomakin, Vitaliy

2015-11-10

High-contrast imaging fiber bundles (FBs) are characterized and modeled for wide-angle and high-resolution imaging applications. Scanning electron microscope images of FB cross sections are taken to measure physical parameters and verify the variations of irregular fibers due to the fabrication process. Modal analysis tools are developed that include irregularities in the fiber core shapes and provide results in agreement with experimental measurements. The modeling demonstrates that the irregular fibers significantly outperform a perfectly regular "ideal" array. Using this method, FBs are designed that can provide high contrast with core pitches of only a few wavelengths of the guided light. Structural modifications of the commercially available FB can reduce the core pitch by 60% for higher resolution image relay.

All-trans retinoic acid results in irregular repair of septa and fails to inhibit proinflammatory macrophages.

PubMed

Seifart, C; Muyal, J P; Plagens, A; Yildirim, A Ö; Kohse, K; Grau, V; Sandu, S; Reinke, C; Tschernig, T; Vogelmeier, C; Fehrenbach, H

2011-08-01

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is controversially discussed in emphysema therapy. We re-evaluated ATRA in the elastase model and hypothesised that beneficial effects should be reflected by increased alveolar surface area, elastin expression and downregulation of inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Emphysema was induced by porcine pancreatic elastase versus saline in Sprague-Dawley rats. On days 26-37, rats received daily intraperitoneal injections with ATRA (500 μg · kg(-1) body weight) versus olive oil. Lungs were removed at day 38. Rat alveolar epithelial L2 cells were incubated with/without elastase followed by ATRA- or vehicle-treatment, respectively. ATRA only partially ameliorated structural defects. Alveolar walls exhibited irregular architecture: increased arithmetic mean thickness, reduction in surface coverage by alveolar epithelial cells type II. ATRA only partially restored reduced soluble elastin. It tended to increase the ratio of ED1(+):ED2(+) macrophages. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells exhibited a proinflammatory state and high expression of interleukin-1β, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, tumour necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κB, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in emphysema, with ATRA exerting only few effects. MMP-7 was highly induced by ATRA in healthy but not in emphysematous lungs. ATRA reduced both MMP-2 and TIMP-1 activity in BAL fluid of emphysematous lungs. ATRA-therapy may bear the risk of unwanted side-effects on alveolar septal architecture in emphysematous lungs.

Ice recrystallization inhibition in ice cream by propylene glycol monostearate.

PubMed

Aleong, J M; Frochot, S; Goff, H D

2008-11-01

The effectiveness of propylene glycol monostearate (PGMS) to inhibit ice recrystallization was evaluated in ice cream and frozen sucrose solutions. PGMS (0.3%) dramatically reduced ice crystal sizes in ice cream and in sucrose solutions frozen in a scraped-surface freezer before and after heat shock, but had no effect in quiescently frozen solutions. PGMS showed limited emulsifier properties by promoting smaller fat globule size distributions and enhanced partial coalescence in the mix and ice cream, respectively, but at a much lower level compared to conventional ice cream emulsifier. Low temperature scanning electron microscopy revealed highly irregular crystal morphology in both ice cream and sucrose solutions frozen in a scraped-surface freezer. There was strong evidence to suggest that PGMS directly interacts with ice crystals and interferes with normal surface propagation. Shear during freezing may be required for its distribution around the ice and sufficient surface coverage.

A depth-of-field limited particle image velocimetry technique applied to oscillatory boundary layer flow over a porous bed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lara, J. L.; Cowen, E. A.; Sou, I. M.

2002-06-01

Boundary layer flows are ubiquitous in the environment, but their study is often complicated by their thinness, geometric irregularity and boundary porosity. In this paper, we present an approach to making laboratory-based particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements in these complex flow environments. Clear polycarbonate spheres were used to model a porous and rough bed. The strong curvature of the spheres results in a diffuse volume illuminated region instead of the more traditional finite and thin light sheet illuminated region, resulting in the imaging of both in-focus and significantly out-of-focus particles. Results of a traditional cross-correlation-based PIV-type analysis of these images demonstrate that the mean and turbulent features of an oscillatory boundary layer driven by a free-surface wave over an irregular-shaped porous bed can be robustly measured. Measurements of the mean flow, turbulent intensities, viscous and turbulent stresses are presented and discussed. Velocity spectra have been calculated showing an inertial subrange confirming that the PIV analysis is sufficiently robust to extract turbulence. The presented technique is particularly well suited for the study of highly dynamic free-surface flows that prevent the delivery of the light sheet from above the bed, such as swash flows.

The erosive potential of soft drinks on enamel surface substrate: an in vitro scanning electron microscopy investigation.

PubMed

Owens, Barry M; Kitchens, Michael

2007-11-01

Using scanning electron and light microscopy, this study qualitatively evaluated the erosive potential of carbonated cola beverages as well as sports and high-energy drinks on enamel surface substrate. Beverages used in this study included: Coca Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Gatorade sports drink, Red Bull high-energy drink, and tap water (control). Extracted human permanent molars free of hypocalcification and/or caries were used in this study. The coronal portion of each tooth was removed and sectioned longitudinally from the buccal to the lingual surface. The crown sections were embedded in acrylic resin, leaving the enamel surfaces exposed. Following finishing and polishing of all surfaces, one side was covered with red nail varnish while the remaining side was exposed to individual beverage immersion for 14 days, 24 hours per day, at 37 degrees C. The specimens were evaluated for enamel surface changes using scanning electron and light microscopy. Enamel specimens exhibited visual surface changes following immersion in the test beverages with Red Bull and Gatorade revealing the most striking surface morphological changes. Specimens subjected to Coca Cola Classic and Diet Coke immersion also displayed irregular post-treatment surface morphology. As verified by microscopic evaluation, all test beverages displayed enamel dissolution in the following order: Red Bull>Gatorade>Coca-Cola Classic>Diet Coke.

A Critical Comparison of Some Methods for Interpolation of Scattered Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-01

because faster evaluation of the local interpolants is possible. KAll things considered, the method of choice here seems to be the Modified Quadratic...topography and other irregular surfaces," J. of Geophysical Research 76 ( 1971 ) 1905-1915I’ [23) HARDY, Rolland L. - "Analytical topographic surfaces by

Morphology of single inhalable particle in the air polluted city of Shijiazhuang, China.

PubMed

Wang, Zanhong; Zhang, Lingzhi; Zhang, Yuliang; Zhao, Zhou; Zhang, Sumin

2008-01-01

In the typical air polluted city of Shijiazhuang, single inhalable particle samples in non-heating period, heating period, dust storm days, and snowy days were collected and detected by SEM/EDS (scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry). The particle morphology was characterized by the 6 shape clusters, which are: irregular square, agglomerate, sphere, floccule, column or stick, and unknown, by quantitative order. The irregular square particles are common in all kinds of samples; sphere particles are more, and column or stick are less in winter samples; in the wet deposit samples, agglomerate and floccule particles are not found. The surface of most particles is coarse with fractal edge, which can provide suitable chemical reaction bed in the polluted atmospheric environment. New formed calcium crystal is found to demonstrate the existence of neutralized reaction, explaining the reason for the high SO2 emission and low acid rain frequency in Shijiazhuang. The three sorts of surface patterns of spheres are smooth, semi-smooth, and coarse, corresponding to the element of Si-dominant, Si-Al-dominant, and Fe-dominant. The soot particle is present as floccule with average size around 10 microm, considerably larger than the former reported results, but wrapped or captured with other fine particles to make its appearance unique and enhance its toxicity potentially. The new formed calcium crystal, the 3 sorts of sphere surface patterns, and the unique soot appearance represent the single inhalable particle's morphology characteristics in Shijiazhuang City.

High-speed scanning: an improved algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nachimuthu, A.; Hoang, Khoi

1995-10-01

In using machine vision for assessing an object's surface quality, many images are required to be processed in order to separate the good areas from the defective ones. Examples can be found in the leather hide grading process; in the inspection of garments/canvas on the production line; in the nesting of irregular shapes into a given surface... . The most common method of subtracting the total area from the sum of defective areas does not give an acceptable indication of how much of the `good' area can be used, particularly if the findings are to be used for the nesting of irregular shapes. This paper presents an image scanning technique which enables the estimation of useable areas within an inspected surface in terms of the user's definition, not the supplier's claims. That is, how much useable area the user can use, not the total good area as the supplier estimated. An important application of the developed technique is in the leather industry where the tanner (the supplier) and the footwear manufacturer (the user) are constantly locked in argument due to disputed quality standards of finished leather hide, which disrupts production schedules and wasted costs in re-grading, re- sorting... . The developed basic algorithm for area scanning of a digital image will be presented. The implementation of an improved scanning algorithm will be discussed in detail. The improved features include Boolean OR operations and many other innovative functions which aim at optimizing the scanning process in terms of computing time and the accurate estimation of useable areas.

A Probabilistic Model for Sediment Entrainment: the Role of Bed Irregularity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thanos Papanicolaou, A. N.

2017-04-01

A generalized probabilistic model is developed in this study to predict sediment entrainment under the incipient motion, rolling, and pickup modes. A novelty of the proposed model is that it incorporates in its formulation the probability density function of the bed shear stress, instead of the near-bed velocity fluctuations, to account for the effects of both flow turbulence and bed surface irregularity on sediment entrainment. The proposed model incorporates in its formulation the collective effects of three parameters describing bed surface irregularity, namely the relative roughness, the volumetric fraction and relative position of sediment particles within the active layer. Another key feature of the model is that it provides a criterion for estimating the lift and drag coefficients jointly based on the recognition that lift and drag forces acting on sediment particles are interdependent and vary with particle protrusion and packing density. The model was validated using laboratory data of both fine and coarse sediment and was compared with previously published models. The study results show that for the fine sediment data, where the sediment particles have more uniform gradation and relative roughness is not a factor, all the examined models perform adequately. The proposed model was particularly suited for the coarse sediment data, where the increased bed irregularity was captured by the new parameters introduced in the model formulations. As a result, the proposed model yielded smaller prediction errors and physically acceptable values for the lift coefficient compared to the other models in case of the coarse sediment data.

Rupture preparation process controlled by surface roughness on meter-scale laboratory fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Futoshi; Fukuyama, Eiichi; Xu, Shiqing; Mizoguchi, Kazuo; Kawakata, Hironori; Takizawa, Shigeru

2018-05-01

We investigate the effect of fault surface roughness on rupture preparation characteristics using meter-scale metagabbro specimens. We repeatedly conducted the experiments with the same pair of rock specimens to make the fault surface rough. We obtained three experimental results under the same experimental conditions (6.7 MPa of normal stress and 0.01 mm/s of loading rate) but at different roughness conditions (smooth, moderately roughened, and heavily roughened). During each experiment, we observed many stick-slip events preceded by precursory slow slip. We investigated when and where slow slip initiated by using the strain gauge data processed by the Kalman filter algorithm. The observed rupture preparation processes on the smooth fault (i.e. the first experiment among the three) showed high repeatability of the spatiotemporal distributions of slow slip initiation. Local stress measurements revealed that slow slip initiated around the region where the ratio of shear to normal stress (τ/σ) was the highest as expected from finite element method (FEM) modeling. However, the exact location of slow slip initiation was where τ/σ became locally minimum, probably due to the frictional heterogeneity. In the experiment on the moderately roughened fault, some irregular events were observed, though the basic characteristics of other regular events were similar to those on the smooth fault. Local stress data revealed that the spatiotemporal characteristics of slow slip initiation and the resulting τ/σ drop for irregular events were different from those for regular ones even under similar stress conditions. On the heavily roughened fault, the location of slow slip initiation was not consistent with τ/σ anymore because of the highly heterogeneous static friction on the fault, which also decreased the repeatability of spatiotemporal distributions of slow slip initiation. These results suggest that fault surface roughness strongly controls the rupture preparation process, and generally increases its complexity with the degree of roughness.

Spongy Surface

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-06-02

NASA Cassini imaging scientists processed this view of Saturn moon Hyperion, taken during a close flyby on May 31, 2015. This flyby marks the mission final close approach to Saturn largest irregularly shaped moon.

Microporous nano-MgO/diatomite ceramic membrane with high positive surface charge for tetracycline removal.

PubMed

Meng, Xian; Liu, Zhimeng; Deng, Cheng; Zhu, Mengfu; Wang, Deyin; Li, Kui; Deng, Yu; Jiang, Mingming

2016-12-15

A novel microporous nano-MgO/diatomite ceramic membrane with high positive surface charge was prepared, including synthesis of precursor colloid, dip-coating and thermal decomposition. Combined SEM, EDS, XRD and XPS studies show the nano-MgO is irregularly distributed on the membrane surface or pore walls and forms a positively charged nano coating. And the nano-MgO coating is firmly attached to the diatomite membrane via SiO chemical bond. Thus the nano-MgO/diatomite membrane behaves strong electropositivity with the isoelectric point of 10.8. Preliminary filtration tests indicate that the as-prepared nano-MgO/diatomite membrane could remove approximately 99.7% of tetracycline in water through electrostatic adsorption effect. The desirable electrostatic property enables the nano-MgO/diatomite membrane to be a candidate for removal of organic pollutants from water. And it is convinced that there will be a great application prospect of charged ceramic membrane in water treatment field. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Track dynamic behavior at rail welds at high speed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Guangwen; Xiao, Xinbiao; Guo, Jun; Wen, Zefeng; Jin, Xuesong

2010-06-01

As a vehicle passing through a track with different weld irregularities, the dynamic performance of track components is investigated in detail by using a coupled vehicle-track model. In the model, the vehicle is modeled as a multi-body system with 35 degrees of freedom, and a Timoshenko beam is used to model the rails which are discretely supported by sleepers. In the track model, the sleepers are modeled as rigid bodies accounting for their vertical, lateral and rolling motions and assumed to move backward at a constant speed to simulate the vehicle running along the track at the same speed. In the study of the coupled vehicle and track dynamics, the Hertizian contact theory and the theory proposed by Shen-Hedrick-Elkins are, respectively, used to calculate normal and creep forces between the wheel and the rails. In the calculation of the normal forces, the coefficient of the normal contact stiffness is determined by transient contact condition of the wheel and rail surface. In the calculation of the creepages, the lateral, roll-over motions of the rail and the fact that the relative velocity between the wheel and rail in their common normal direction is equal to zero are simultaneously taken into account. The motion equations of the vehicle and track are solved by means of an explicit integration method, in which the rail weld irregularities are modeled as local track vertical deviations described by some ideal cosine functions. The effects of the train speed, the axle load, the wavelength and depth of the irregularities, and the weld center position in a sleeper span on the wheel-rail impact loading are analyzed. The numerical results obtained are greatly useful in the tolerance design of welded rail profile irregularity caused by hand-grinding after rail welding and track maintenances.

LITTLE THINGS

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

Hunter, Deidre A.; Herrmann, Kimberly A.; Johnson, Megan

We present LITTLE THINGS (Local Irregulars That Trace Luminosity Extremes, The H I Nearby Galaxy Survey), which is aimed at determining what drives star formation in dwarf galaxies. This is a multi-wavelength survey of 37 dwarf irregular and 4 blue compact dwarf galaxies that is centered around H I-line data obtained with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) Very Large Array (VLA). The H I-line data are characterized by high sensitivity ({<=}1.1 mJy beam{sup -1} per channel), high spectral resolution ({<=}2.6 km s{sup -1}), and high angular resolution ({approx}6''). The LITTLE THINGS sample contains dwarf galaxies that are relatively nearbymore » ({<=}10.3 Mpc; 6'' is {<=}300 pc), that were known to contain atomic hydrogen, the fuel for star formation, and that cover a large range in dwarf galactic properties. We describe our VLA data acquisition, calibration, and mapping procedures, as well as H I map characteristics, and show channel maps, moment maps, velocity-flux profiles, and surface gas density profiles. In addition to the H I data we have GALEX UV and ground-based UBV and H{alpha} images for most of the galaxies, and JHK images for some. Spitzer mid-IR images are available for many of the galaxies as well. These data sets are available online.« less

Secondary instabilities modulate cortical complexity in the mammalian brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budday, Silvia; Steinmann, Paul; Kuhl, Ellen

2015-10-01

Disclosing the origin of convolutions in the mammalian brain remains a scientific challenge. Primary folds form before we are born: they are static, well defined and highly preserved across individuals. Secondary folds occur and disappear throughout our entire lifetime: they are dynamic, irregular and highly variable among individuals. While extensive research has improved our understanding of primary folding in the mammalian brain, secondary folding remains understudied and poorly understood. Here, we show that secondary instabilities can explain the increasing complexity of our brain surface as we age. Using the nonlinear field theories of mechanics supplemented by the theory of finite growth, we explore the critical conditions for secondary instabilities. We show that with continuing growth, our brain surface continues to bifurcate into increasingly complex morphologies. Our results suggest that even small geometric variations can have a significant impact on surface morphogenesis. Secondary bifurcations, and with them morphological changes during childhood and adolescence, are closely associated with the formation and loss of neuronal connections. Understanding the correlation between neuronal connectivity, cortical thickness, surface morphology and ultimately behaviour, could have important implications on the diagnostics, classification and treatment of neurological disorders.

Accurate and efficient seismic data interpolation in the principal frequency wavenumber domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Benfeng; Lu, Wenkai

2017-12-01

Seismic data irregularity caused by economic limitations, acquisition environmental constraints or bad trace elimination, can decrease the performance of the below multi-channel algorithms, such as surface-related multiple elimination (SRME), though some can overcome the irregularity defects. Therefore, accurate interpolation to provide the necessary complete data is a pre-requisite, but its wide applications are constrained because of its large computational burden for huge data volume, especially in 3D explorations. For accurate and efficient interpolation, the curvelet transform- (CT) based projection onto convex sets (POCS) method in the principal frequency wavenumber (PFK) domain is introduced. The complex-valued PF components can characterize their original signal with a high accuracy, but are at least half the size, which can help provide a reasonable efficiency improvement. The irregularity of the observed data is transformed into incoherent noise in the PFK domain, and curvelet coefficients may be sparser when CT is performed on the PFK domain data, enhancing the interpolation accuracy. The performance of the POCS-based algorithms using complex-valued CT in the time space (TX), principal frequency space, and PFK domains are compared. Numerical examples on synthetic and field data demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method. With less computational burden, the proposed method can achieve a better interpolation result, and it can be easily extended into higher dimensions.

Literature review and experimental results for a cylinder with perforations and protrusions at high Reynolds numbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, G. S.; Horvath, T. J.; Stainback, P. C.; Beasley, W. D.; Mcghee, R. J.

1987-01-01

The NASA Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel has been used to conduct an experimental study of the flow around a series of circular cylinders; the models used consisted of a baseline, smooth cylinder together with a cylinder that could be reconfigured with six different arrangements of two types of surface irregularity. Mean lift and drag forces were measured on all seven model configurations, and correlations were made between unsteady pressure in the wake region and fluctuating lift forces, in order to identify coherent structures.

Chaotic terrain of Mars - A tectonic interpretation from Mariner 6 imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, R. C.; Harp, E. L.; Picard, M. D.; Ward, S. H.

1973-01-01

Sharp et al. (1971) define chaotic terrain as an irregular jumble of topographic forms covering a certain area within Pyrrhae Regio and adjacent regions centered at about 10 deg S., 35 deg W. This area is covered by Mariner 6 television imagery. An analysis of fracture patterns in the Martian surface from high-resolution Mariner 6 imagery suggests that the lineaments observed in both the chaotic terrain and the cratered plateau areas in Pyrrhae Regio are tectonic fractures resulting from stresses within the Martian crust.

On the influence of wall roughness in particle-laden flows

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

Milici, Barbara; De Marchis, Mauro

2015-03-10

The distribution of inertial particles in turbulent flows is highly nonuniform and is governed by the local dynamics of the turbulent structures of the underlying carrier flow field. In wall-bounded flows, wall roughness strongly affects the turbulent flow field, nevertheless its effects on the particle transport in two-phase turbulent flows has been still poorly investigated. The issue is discussed here by addressing direct numerical simulations of a dilute dispersion of heavy particles in a turbulent channel flow, bounded by irregular two-dimensional rough surfaces, in the one-way coupling regime.

Geomorphological Evidence for Pervasive Ground Ice on Ceres from Dawn Observations of Craters and Flows.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, B. E.; Chilton, H.; Hughson, K.; Scully, J. E. C.; Russell, C. T.; Sizemore, H. G.; Nathues, A.; Platz, T.; Bland, M. T.; Schenk, P.; Hiesinger, H.; Jaumann, R.; Byrne, S.; Schorghofer, N.; Ammannito, E.; Marchi, S.; O'Brien, D. P.; Sykes, M. V.; Le Corre, L.; Capria, M. T.; Reddy, V.; Raymond, C. A.; Mest, S. C.; Feldman, W. C.

2015-12-01

Five decades of observations of Ceres' albedo, surface composition, shape and density suggest that Ceres is comprised of both silicates and tens of percent of ice. Historical suggestions of surficial hydrated silicates and evidence for water emission, coupled with its bulk density of ~2100 kg/m3 and Dawn observations of young craters containing high albedo spots support this conclusion. We report geomorphological evidence from survey data demonstrating that evaporative and fluid-flow processes within silicate-ice mixtures are prevalent on Ceres, and indicate that its surface materials contain significant water ice. Here we highlight three classes of features that possess strong evidence for ground ice. First, ubiquitous scalloped and "breached" craters are characterized by mass wasting and by the recession of crater walls in asymmetric patterns; these appear analogous to scalloped terrain on Mars and protalus lobes formed by mass wasting in terrestrial glaciated regions. The degradation of crater walls appears to be responsible for the nearly complete removal of some craters, particularly at low latitudes. Second, several high latitude, high elevation craters feature lobed flows that emanate from cirque-shaped head walls and bear strikingly similar morphology to terrestrial rock glaciers. These similarities include lobate toes and indications of furrows and ridges consistent with ice-cored or ice-cemented material. Other lobed flows persist at the base of crater walls and mass wasting features. Many flow features evidently terminate at ramparts. Third, there are frequent irregular domes, peaks and mounds within crater floors that depart from traditional crater central peaks or peak complexes. In some cases the irregular domes show evidence for high albedo or activity, and thus given other evidence for ice, these could be due to local melt and extrusion via hydrologic gradients, forming domes similar to pingos. The global distribution of these classes of features, combined with latitudinal variation in their abundance and/or appearance, suggests that ground ice is a key controller of geology on Ceres, and that ice content within the surface and subsurface is spatially varied and/or activated by energetic events. Dawn high altitude mapping orbit (HAMO) data will provide better views.

Chemically stable and mechanically durable superamphiphobic aluminum surface with a micro/nanoscale binary structure.

PubMed

Peng, Shan; Yang, Xiaojun; Tian, Dong; Deng, Wenli

2014-09-10

We developed a simple fabrication method to prepare a superamphiphobic aluminum surface. On the basis of a low-energy surface and the combination of micro- and nanoscale roughness, the resultant surface became super-repellent toward a wide range of liquids with surface tensions of 25.3-72.1 mN m(-1). The applied approach involved (1) the formation of an irregular microplateau structure on an aluminum surface, (2) the fabrication of a nanoplatelet structure, and (3) fluorination treatment. The chemical stability and mechanical durability of the superamphiphobic surface were evaluated in detail. The results demonstrated that the surface presented an excellent chemical stability toward cool corrosive liquids (HCl/NaOH solutions, 25 °C) and 98% concentrated sulfuric acid, hot liquids (water, HCl/NaOH solutions, 30-100 °C), solvent immersion, high temperature, and a long-term period. More importantly, the surface also exhibited robust mechanical durability and could withstand multiple-fold, finger-touch, intensive scratching by a sharp blade, ultrasonication treatment, boiling treatment in water and coffee, repeated peeling by adhesive tape, and even multiple abrasion tests under 500 g of force without losing superamphiphobicity. The as-prepared superamphiphobic surface was also demonstrated to have excellent corrosion resistance. This work provides a simple, cost-effective, and highly efficient method to fabricate a chemically stable and mechanically robust superamphiphobic aluminum surface, which can find important outdoor applications.

Factors associated with irregular breakfast consumption among high school students in a Japanese community.

PubMed

Oba, Shino; Oogushi, Kazuhiro; Ogata, Hiromitsu; Nakai, Hiromitsu

2016-01-01

This study evaluated the associations between the characteristics of high school students and irregular breakfast consumption and explored the association with knowledge regarding diet and dietary education in a community in Japan. A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in 2007 among all the high school students in the second grade in Imari, Saga. Data for 318 male and 292 female students were analyzed. Irregular breakfast consumption was defined as consuming breakfast three times or less in a week. The associations between the characteristics of students and irregular breakfast consumption were assessed using logistic regression with adjustments for sex and school. Among male students, a strong association between the consumption of juice or pop and irregular breakfast consumption was observed (OR comparing ">=2 servings" vs "rarely"=8.97, 95% CI=2.99-26.9). The associations with wake times and bed times were strong among male students, and the association with regular bowel movements was strong among female students. Students who had knowledge of regional agricultural and livestock products were more likely to consume breakfast regularly, and this association was significant among female students (OR=2.89, 95% CI=1.23-6.82). Significant associations were also observed with the consumption of snacks, and traditional greeting before meals. Several characteristics, including specific knowledge, were associated with the irregular consumption of breakfast. The results are of interest to policy makers, nutrition specialists, and educators working to enhance regular breakfast consumption among students.

Pulsed TEA CO2 Laser Irradiation of Titanium in Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciganovic, J.; Matavulj, P.; Trtica, M.; Stasic, J.; Savovic, J.; Zivkovic, S.; Momcilovic, M.

2017-12-01

Surface changes created by interaction of transversely excited atmospheric carbon dioxide (TEA CO2) laser with titanium target/implant in nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas were studied. TEA CO2 laser operated at 10.6 μm, pulse length of 100 ns and fluence of ˜17 J/cm2 which was sufficient for inducing surface modifications. Induced changes depend on the gas used. In both gases the grain structure was produced (central irradiated zone) but its forms were diverse, (N2: irregular shape; CO2: hill-like forms). Hydrodynamic features at peripheral zone, like resolidified droplets, were recorded only in CO2 gas. Elemental analysis of the titanium target surface indicated that under a nitrogen atmosphere surface nitridation occurred. In addition, irradiation in both gases was followed by appearance of plasma in front of the target. The existence of plasma indicates relatively high temperatures created above the target surface offering a sterilizing effect.

Effect of Particle Morphology on the Reactivity of Explosively Dispersed Titanium Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frost, David L.; Cairns, Malcolm; Goroshin, Samuel; Zhang, Fan

2009-12-01

The effect of particle morphology on the reaction of titanium (Ti) particles explosively dispersed during the detonation of either cylindrical or spherical charges has been investigated experimentally. The explosive charges consisted of packed beds of Ti particles saturated with nitromethane. The reaction behaviour of irregularly-shaped Ti particles in three size ranges is compared with tests with spherical Ti particles. The particle reaction is strongly dependent on particle morphology, e.g., 95 μm spherical Ti particles failed to ignite (in cylinders up to 49 mm in dia), whereas similarly sized irregular Ti particles readily ignited. For irregular particles, the uniformity of ignition on the particle cloud surface was almost independent of particle size, but depended on charge diameter. As the charge diameter was reduced, ignition in the conically expanding particle cloud occurred only at isolated spots or bands. For spherical charges, whereas large irregular Ti particles ignited promptly and uniformly throughout the particle cloud, the smallest particles dispersed nonuniformly and ignition occurred at isolated locations after a delay. Hence the charge geometry, as well as particle morphology, influences the reaction behaviour of the particles.

The Effects of Surface Waviness and of Rib Stitching on Wing Drag

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hood, Manley J

1939-01-01

Surface waviness and rib stitching have been investigated as part of a series of tests to determine the effects on wing drag of common surface irregularities. The tests were made in the N.A.C.A. 8-foot high-speed wind tunnel at Reynolds Numbers up to 17,000,000. The results of the tests showed that the waviness common to airplane wings will cause no serious increase in drag unless the waviness exists on the forward part of the wing, where it may cause premature transition or premature compressibility effects. Waves 3 inches wide and 0.048 inch high, for example, increased the drag 1 percent when they covered the rear 67 percent of both surfaces and 10 percent when they covered the rear 92 percent. A single wave 3 inches wide and only 0.020 inch high at the 10.5-percent-chord point on the upper surface caused transition to occur on the wave and increased the drag 6 percent. Rib stitching increased the drag 7 percent when the rib spacing was 6 inches; the drag increment was proportional to the number of ribs for wider spacings. About one-third of the increase was due to premature transition at the forward ends of the stitching.

Direct evidence of double-slope power spectra in the high-latitude ionospheric plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spicher, A.; Miloch, W. J.; Moen, J. I.

2014-03-01

We report direct observations of the double-slope power spectra for plasma irregularities in the F layer of the polar ionosphere. The investigation of cusp irregularities ICI-2 sounding rocket, which was launched into the polar cusp ionosphere, intersected enhanced plasma density regions with decameter-scale irregularities. Density measurements at unprecedented high resolution with multi-Needle Langmuir Probes allowed for a detailed study of the plasma irregularities down to kinetic scales. Spectral analysis reveals double-slope power spectra for regions of enhanced fluctuations associated mainly with density gradients, with the steepening of the spectra occurring close to the oxygen gyrofrequency. These findings are further supported with the first results from the ICI-3 rocket, which flew through regions with strong precipitation and velocity shears. Previously, double-slope spectra have been observed in the equatorial ionosphere. The present work gives a direct evidence that the double-slope power spectra can be common in the high-latitude ionosphere.

Effects of gamma radiation on hard dental tissues of albino rats using scanning electron microscope - Part 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Faramawy, Nabil; Ameen, Reham; El-Haddad, Khaled; Maghraby, Ahmed; El-Zainy, Medhat

2011-12-01

In the present study, 40 adult male albino rats were used to study the effect of gamma radiation on the hard dental tissues (enamel surface, dentinal tubules and the cementum surface). The rats were irradiated at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Gy gamma doses. The effects of irradiated hard dental tissues samples were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. For doses up to 0.5 Gy, there was no evidence of the existence of cracks on the enamel surface. With 1 Gy irradiation dose, cracks were clearly observed with localized erosive areas. At 2 Gy irradiation dose, the enamel showed morphological alterations as disturbed prismatic and interprismatic areas. An increase in dentinal tubules diameter and a contemporary inter-tubular dentine volume decrease were observed with higher irradiation dose. Concerning cementum, low doses,<0.5 Gy, showed surface irregularities and with increase in the irradiation dose to≥1 Gy, noticeable surface irregularities and erosive areas with decrease in Sharpey's fiber sites were observed. These observations could shed light on the hazardous effects of irradiation fields to the functioning of the human teeth.

Plasma density irregularities and Total Electron Content gradients over Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharenkova, I.; Kotulak, K.; Cherniak, I.; Krankowski, A.; Froń, A.

2017-12-01

Perturbations of the ionospheric plasma density are crucial from the scientific and application points of view, as they can severe affect radio signals used in the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and low frequency radio astronomy. For several decades the ionospheric irregularities have been extensively studied by different techniques, including ground-based GNSS observations. Spatial distribution of ionospheric disturbances can be specified by horizontal gradients of the ionospheric density (total electron content, TEC). Another, widely used tool in irregularities monitoring is the rate of TEC index (ROTI). Recently, the Northern Hemisphere ROTI product has been implemented to the International GNSS Service (IGS) and available for community. In this study, we present climatology of the spatial TEC gradients occurred over European region at high to middle latitudes. We developed the TEC gradient maps based on the high-resolution (0.5 degree in latitude and longitude) regional TEC maps covering Europe. The obtained climatological characteristics of the spatial TEC gradients are superimposed and analyzed with the global and regional ROTI product in order to reveal development of highly intense plasma irregularities occurred at high and middle latitudes. During geomagnetic storm the complex of physical processes at auroal zone leads to development of intnse ionospheric irregularities and travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs). We presents results of the geomagnetic storm analysis including the 2013 and 2015 St. Patrick's Day geomagnetic storms.

Effects of Cavities and Protuberances on Transition over Hypersonic Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Chau-Lyan; Choudhari, Meelan M.; Li, Fei; Venkatachari, Balaji

2011-01-01

Surface protuberances and cavities on a hypersonic vehicle are known to cause several aerodynamic or aerothermodynamic issues. Most important of all, premature transition due to these surface irregularities can lead to a significant rise in surface heating. To help understand laminar-turbulent transition induced by protuberances or cavities on a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) surface, high-fidelity numerical simulations are carried out for both types of trips on a CEV wind tunnel model. Due to the large bluntness, these surface irregularities reside in an accelerating subsonic boundary layer. For the Mach 6 wind tunnel conditions with a roughness Reynolds number Re(sub kk) of 800, it was found that a protuberance with a height to boundary layer thickness ratio of 0.73 leads to strong wake instability and spontaneous vortex shedding, while a cavity with identical geometry only causes a rather weak flow unsteadiness. The same cavity with a larger Reynolds number also leads to similar spontaneous vortex shedding and wake instability. The wake development and the formation of hairpin vortices for both protuberance and cavity were found to be qualitatively similar to that observed for an isolated hemisphere submerged in a subsonic, low speed flat-plate boundary layer. However, the shed vortices and their accompanying instability waves were found to be slightly stabilized downstream by the accelerating boundary layer along the CEV surface. Despite this stabilizing influence, it was found that the wake instability spreads substantially in both wall-normal and azimuthal directions as the flow is evolving towards a transitional state. Similarities and differences between the wake instability behind a protuberance and a cavity are investigated. Computations for the Mach 6 boundary layer over a slender cylindrical roughness element with a height to the boundary layer thickness of about 1.1 also shows spontaneous vortex shedding and strong wake instability. Comparisons of detailed flow structures associated with protuberances at subsonic and supersonic edge Mach numbers indicate distinctively different instability mechanisms.

Recent modelling advances for ultrasonic TOFD inspections

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

Darmon, Michel; Ferrand, Adrien; Dorval, Vincent

The ultrasonic TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction) Technique is commonly used to detect and characterize disoriented cracks using their edge diffraction echoes. An overview of the models integrated in the CIVA software platform and devoted to TOFD simulation is presented. CIVA allows to predict diffraction echoes from complex 3D flaws using a PTD (Physical Theory of Diffraction) based model. Other dedicated developments have been added to simulate lateral waves in 3D on planar entry surfaces and in 2D on irregular surfaces by a ray approach. Calibration echoes from Side Drilled Holes (SDHs), specimen echoes and shadowing effects from flaws canmore » also been modelled. Some examples of theoretical validation of the models are presented. In addition, experimental validations have been performed both on planar blocks containing calibration holes and various notches and also on a specimen with an irregular entry surface and allow to draw conclusions on the validity of all the developed models.« less

Evaluation of the Effects of Conjunctivochalasis Excision on Tear Stability and Contrast Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Qiu, Weiqiang; Zhang, Mingzhou; Xu, Ting; Liu, Ziyuan; Lv, Huibin; Wang, Wei; Li, Xuemin

2016-01-01

Conjunctivochalasis (CCh) disrupts tear flow and damages tear film stability. This study sought to evaluate the tear stability and contrast sensitivity of patients with CCh on whom CCh excision was performed. The study included 39 eyes from 39 patients; all patients had eyes with grade 2 or 3 CCh, underwent CCh excision, and were evaluated before and three months after the surgery. The evaluated variables included the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), the tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, corneal surface irregularity, Schirmer’s I test, the tear meniscus area (TMA), and contrast sensitivity. A follow-up of three months was achieved in 36 eyes for 36 patients. All parameters improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.05), except Schirmer’s I test, thus suggesting that CCh excision is an effective method for reconstructing the lower tear meniscus and improving both tear film stability and corneal surface irregularity. The results further demonstrated a simultaneous increase in contrast sensitivity after surgery. PMID:27892479

Continuous fabrication of nanostructure arrays for flexible surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chengpeng; Yi, Peiyun; Peng, Linfa; Lai, Xinmin; Chen, Jie; Huang, Meizhen; Ni, Jun

2017-01-01

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been a powerful tool for applications including single molecule detection, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, medical diagnostics and bio-sensing. Especially, flexible SERS substrates are highly desirable for daily-life applications, such as real-time and in situ Raman detection of chemical and biological targets, which can be used onto irregular surfaces. However, it is still a major challenge to fabricate the flexible SERS substrate on large-area substrates using a facile and cost-effective technique. The roll-to-roll ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography (R2R UV-NIL) technique provides a solution for the continuous fabrication of flexible SERS substrate due to its high-speed, large-area, high-resolution and high-throughput. In this paper, we presented a facile and cost-effective method to fabricate flexible SERS substrate including the fabrication of polymer nanostructure arrays and the metallization of the polymer nanostructure arrays. The polymer nanostructure arrays were obtained by using R2R UV-NIL technique and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) mold. The functional SERS substrates were then obtained with Au sputtering on the surface of the polymer nanostructure arrays. The obtained SERS substrates exhibit excellent SERS and flexibility performance. This research can provide a beneficial direction for the continuous production of the flexible SERS substrates. PMID:28051175

SuperDARN HF Scattering and Propagation in the Presence of Polar Patches Imaged Using RISR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillies, R. G.; Perry, G. W.; Varney, R. H.; Gillies, D. M.; Donovan, E.

2017-12-01

The global array of High Frequency (HF) Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars continuously monitors ionospheric convection in the middle-to-high latitude region. The radars measure coherent backscatter from decameter scale field-aligned irregularities. One of the main generation mechanisms for these field-aligned irregularities is the gradient drift instability (GDI). The edges of ionospheric density structures, such as polar cap patches, provide ideal locations for GDI growth. The geometry required for GDI growth results in irregularities forming on the trailing edge of polar patches. However, irregularities generated by the non-linear evolution of the GDI can become prevalent throughout the patch within minutes. Modelling the irregularity growth and measurements of backscatter within patches have both confirmed this. One aspect that has often been overlooked in studies of coherent backscatter within patches is the effect of HF propagation on echo location. This study examines HF echo locations in the vicinity of patches that were imaged using the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars (RISR). The effect of both vertical and lateral refraction of the HF wave on echo location is examined.

Color Survey of the Irregular Planetary Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graykowski, Ariel; Jewitt, David

2017-10-01

Irregular planetary satellites are characterized by their large orbital distance from their planet, their high eccentricity and their high inclination, all indicating that they were captured. However, the mechanism of capture and the source region of the satellites remain subjects of conjecture. This work presents the optical magnitudes and colors from a photometric survey of 42 irregular satellites with data obtained from the LRIS instrument on the 10-meter telescope at the Keck Observatory in Hawaii. Color is used as a proxy for composition. We compare the satellite populations of different planets and compare the satellites as a whole with other solar system small-body populations. For instance, if irregular satellites were captured from the Kuiper Belt, as is commonly proposed, then some might contain the ultrared material that is common in the trans-Neptunian and Centaur populations. Overall our data show that the irregular satellites lack ultrared matter. They are color-wise more similar to the comets, giant planet Trojans and other bodies of the middle solar system. Implications of our observations, and comparisons with previous color work, will be discussed.

Etching of Cr tips for scanning tunneling microscopy of cleavable oxides

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

Huang, Dennis; Liu, Stephen; Zeljkovic, Ilija

Here, we report a detailed three-step roadmap for the fabrication and characterization of bulk Cr tips for spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. Our strategy uniquely circumvents the need for ultra-high vacuum preparation of clean surfaces or films. First, we demonstrate the role of ex situ electrochemical etch parameters on Cr tip apex geometry, using scanning electron micrographs of over 70 etched tips. Second, we describe the suitability of the in situ cleaved surface of the layered antiferromagnet La 1.4Sr 1.6Mn 2O 7 to evaluate the spin characteristics of the Cr tip, replacing the ultra-high vacuum-prepared test samples that have been usedmore » in prior studies. Third, we outline a statistical algorithm that can effectively delineate closely spaced or irregular cleaved step edges, to maximize the accuracy of step height and spin-polarization measurements.« less

A high resolution study of the glycocalyx of rat uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy with the field emission gun scanning electron microscope.

PubMed Central

Jones, B J; Murphy, C R

1994-01-01

The field emission gun scanning electron microscope has been used to investigate morphological changes at the macromolecular level in the glycocalyx of rat uterine luminal epithelial cells during early pregnancy. This very high resolution microscope has allowed visualisation at a level previously unobtainable and has enabled us to establish that dramatic alterations occur in this glycocalyx at the time of blastocyst attachment. On d 1 of pregnancy a prominent, filamentous glycocalyx radiates from the microvilli. However, by d 6 of pregnancy when the microvilli have been replaced by irregular cell surface protrusions, the glycocalyceal filaments are completely lost and the plasma membrane appears smooth and covered with a felt-like coating. These morphological observations suggest a major reorganisation in surface carbohydrates during early pregnancy and extend histochemical observations on the uterine epithelial glycocalyx. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Figs. 3 and 4 PMID:7961152

Etching of Cr tips for scanning tunneling microscopy of cleavable oxides

DOE PAGES

Huang, Dennis; Liu, Stephen; Zeljkovic, Ilija; ...

2017-02-21

Here, we report a detailed three-step roadmap for the fabrication and characterization of bulk Cr tips for spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. Our strategy uniquely circumvents the need for ultra-high vacuum preparation of clean surfaces or films. First, we demonstrate the role of ex situ electrochemical etch parameters on Cr tip apex geometry, using scanning electron micrographs of over 70 etched tips. Second, we describe the suitability of the in situ cleaved surface of the layered antiferromagnet La 1.4Sr 1.6Mn 2O 7 to evaluate the spin characteristics of the Cr tip, replacing the ultra-high vacuum-prepared test samples that have been usedmore » in prior studies. Third, we outline a statistical algorithm that can effectively delineate closely spaced or irregular cleaved step edges, to maximize the accuracy of step height and spin-polarization measurements.« less

Artificial periodic irregularities in the high-latitude ionosphere excited by the HAARP facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakhmetieva, N. V.; Grach, S. M.; Sergeev, E. N.; Shindin, A. V.; Milikh, G. M.; Siefring, C. L.; Bernhardt, P. A.; McCarrick, M.

2016-07-01

We present results of the new observations of artificial periodic irregularities (APIs) in the ionosphere using the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) heating facility carried out in late May and early June 2014.The objective of this work is to detect API using high-latitude facility and analyze possible differences of the temporal and spatial variations of the API echoes in the high (HAARP) and middle (Sura) latitudes. Irregularities were created by the powerful wave of X mode and were sounded using the short probing pulses signals of X mode. API echoes were observed in the D, E, and F regions of the ionosphere. Amplitudes and characteristic times of the API echoes were measured. The API growth and decay times at HAARP (high latitudes) observed were similar to those at the Sura heating facility (midlatitudes).

Surface Relief of Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Manuel F.; Almeida, Jose B.

1989-02-01

We will describe in this communication a noncont act method of measuring surface profile, it does not require any surface preparation, and it can be used with a very large range of surfaces from highly reflecting to non reflecting ones and as complex as textile surfaces. This method is reasonably immune to dispersion and diffraction, which usually make very difficult the application of non contact profilometry methods to a wide range of materials and situations, namely on quality control systems in industrial production lines. The method is based on the horizontal shift of the bright spot on a horizontal surface when this is illuminated with an oblique beam and moved vertically. in order to make the profilometry the sample is swept by an oblique light beam and the bright spot position is compared with a reference position. The bright spot must be as small as possible, particularly in very irregular surfaces; so the light beam diameter must be as small as possible and the incidence angle must not be too small. The sensivity of a system based on this method will be given, mostly, by the reception optical system.

Form drag in rivers due to small-scale natural topographic features: 2. Irregular sequences

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kean, J.W.; Smith, J.D.

2006-01-01

The size, shape, and spacing of small-scale topographic features found on the boundaries of natural streams, rivers, and floodplains can be quite variable. Consequently, a procedure for determining the form drag on irregular sequences of different-sized topographic features is essential for calculating near-boundary flows and sediment transport. A method for carrying out such calculations is developed in this paper. This method builds on the work of Kean and Smith (2006), which describes the flow field for the simpler case of a regular sequence of identical topographic features. Both approaches model topographic features as two-dimensional elements with Gaussian-shaped cross sections defined in terms of three parameters. Field measurements of bank topography are used to show that (1) the magnitude of these shape parameters can vary greatly between adjacent topographic features and (2) the variability of these shape parameters follows a lognormal distribution. Simulations using an irregular set of topographic roughness elements show that the drag on an individual element is primarily controlled by the size and shape of the feature immediately upstream and that the spatial average of the boundary shear stress over a large set of randomly ordered elements is relatively insensitive to the sequence of the elements. In addition, a method to transform the topography of irregular surfaces into an equivalently rough surface of regularly spaced, identical topographic elements also is given. The methods described in this paper can be used to improve predictions of flow resistance in rivers as well as quantify bank roughness.

Using Fractal And Morphological Criteria For Automatic Classification Of Lung Diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vehel, Jacques Levy

1989-11-01

Medical Images are difficult to analyze by means of classical image processing tools because they are very complex and irregular. Such shapes are obtained for instance in Nuclear Medecine with the spatial distribution of activity for organs such as lungs, liver, and heart. We have tried to apply two different theories to these signals: - Fractal Geometry deals with the analysis of complex irregular shapes which cannot well be described by the classical Euclidean geometry. - Integral Geometry treats sets globally and allows to introduce robust measures. We have computed three parameters on three kinds of Lung's SPECT images: normal, pulmonary embolism and chronic desease: - The commonly used fractal dimension (FD), that gives a measurement of the irregularity of the 3D shape. - The generalized lacunarity dimension (GLD), defined as the variance of the ratio of the local activity by the mean activity, which is only sensitive to the distribution and the size of gaps in the surface. - The Favard length that gives an approximation of the surface of a 3-D shape. The results show that each slice of the lung, considered as a 3D surface, is fractal and that the fractal dimension is the same for each slice and for the three kind of lungs; as for the lacunarity and Favard length, they are clearly different for normal lungs, pulmonary embolisms and chronic diseases. These results indicate that automatic classification of Lung's SPECT can be achieved, and that a quantitative measurement of the evolution of the disease could be made.

Excitation of ground vibration due to the passage of trains over a track with trackbed irregularities and a varying support stiffness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auersch, Lutz

2015-01-01

Train-induced ground vibration can be excited by wheel and track irregularities and by two kinds of irregularities of the soil, by geometric irregularities or by the spatially varying soil stiffness. For both types of irregularities, the effective track irregularity on top of the track is calculated in wavenumber domain and with wavenumber integrals. For a general multi-beam track model, the wavenumber integrals are solved numerically. The irregularities of the soil are filtered by the track when transferred from the bottom to the top of the track. The high-wavenumber irregularities are strongly reduced due to the bending stiffness of the track and the compliance of the support. In addition, soft track elements reduce directly the stiffness variation of the support. Therefore, the mitigation effect of elastic track elements for these excitation components seems to be important. For under-sleeper pads and slab tracks, calculation and measurements are presented including additional excitation components and the dynamic vehicle-track interaction, and the relevance of the excitation mechanisms is discussed based on the dynamic forces which are acting on the ground. Due to the restricted amplitudes, the parametric excitation by the stiffness variation seems to be less important than the geometric irregularities. The calculations yield the correct trends of the measurements and many details of the measured ballast, slab, and under-sleeper-pad tracks.

On the definition of albedo and application to irregular particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanner, M. S.; Giese, R. H.; Weiss, K.; Zerull, R.

1981-01-01

The various definitions of albedo used in planetary astronomy are reviewed. In particular, the Bond albedo, which refers only to the reflected and refracted components, is not applicable to small particles or highly irregular particles, where diffraction is not restricted to a well-defined lobe at small scattering angles. Measured scattering functions for irregular particles are presented in a normalized form and are applied to the case of zodiacal light.

A Review of Ionospheric Scintillation Models.

PubMed

Priyadarshi, S

This is a general review of the existing climatological models of ionospheric radio scintillation for high and equatorial latitudes. Trans-ionospheric communication of radio waves from transmitter to user is affected by the ionosphere which is highly variable and dynamic in both time and space. Scintillation is the term given to irregular amplitude and phase fluctuations of the received signals and related to the electron density irregularities in the ionosphere. Key sources of ionospheric irregularities are plasma instabilities; every irregularities model is based on the theory of radio wave propagation in random media. It is important to understand scintillation phenomena and the approach of different theories. Therefore, we have briefly discussed the theories that are used to interpret ionospheric scintillation data. The global morphology of ionospheric scintillation is also discussed briefly. The most important (in our opinion) analytical and physical models of scintillation are reviewed here.

FUTURE PORGRAMS - ART CONCEPTS

NASA Image and Video Library

1986-01-10

S86-25375 (1986) --- (Artist's concept of possible exploration programs.) On Phobos, the innermost moon of Mars and likely location for extraterrestrial resources, a mobile propellant-production plant lumbers across the irregular surface. Using a nuclear reactor the large tower melts into the surface, generating steam which is converted into liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Artwork by Pat Rawlings, of Eagle Engineering, Incorporated.

Effects of hydraulic roughness on surface textures of gravel-bed rivers

Treesearch

John M. Buffington; David R. Montgomery

1999-01-01

Field studies of forest gravel-bed rivers in northwestern Washington and southeastern Alaska demonstrate that bed-surface grain size is responsive to hydraulic roughness caused by bank irregularities, bars, and wood debris. We evaluate textural response by comparing reach-average median grain size (D50) to that predicted from the total bank-full boundary shear stress (...

Tree branch-shaped cupric oxide for highly effective photoelectrochemical water reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Youn Jeong; Jang, Ji-Wook; Choi, Sun Hee; Kim, Jae Young; Kim, Ju Hun; Youn, Duck Hyun; Kim, Won Yong; Han, Suenghoon; Sung Lee, Jae

2015-04-01

Highly efficient tree branch-shaped CuO photocathodes are fabricated using the hybrid microwave annealing process with a silicon susceptor within 10 minutes. The unique hierarchical, one-dimensional structure provides more facile charge transport, larger surface areas, and increased crystallinity and crystal ordering with less defects compared to irregular-shaped CuO prepared by conventional thermal annealing. As a result, the photocathode fabricated with the tree branch-shaped CuO produces an unprecedently high photocurrent density of -4.4 mA cm-2 at 0 VRHE under AM 1.5 G simulated sunlight compared to -1.44 mA cm-2 observed for a photocathode fabricated by thermal annealing. It is also confirmed that stoichiometric hydrogen and oxygen are produced from photoelectrochemical water splitting on the tree branch-shaped CuO photocathode and a platinum anode.Highly efficient tree branch-shaped CuO photocathodes are fabricated using the hybrid microwave annealing process with a silicon susceptor within 10 minutes. The unique hierarchical, one-dimensional structure provides more facile charge transport, larger surface areas, and increased crystallinity and crystal ordering with less defects compared to irregular-shaped CuO prepared by conventional thermal annealing. As a result, the photocathode fabricated with the tree branch-shaped CuO produces an unprecedently high photocurrent density of -4.4 mA cm-2 at 0 VRHE under AM 1.5 G simulated sunlight compared to -1.44 mA cm-2 observed for a photocathode fabricated by thermal annealing. It is also confirmed that stoichiometric hydrogen and oxygen are produced from photoelectrochemical water splitting on the tree branch-shaped CuO photocathode and a platinum anode. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The detailed schematic diagram for the HMA process, XRD results, the temperature profile during HMA, derivative XANES results, TEM images, J-V curves, lists of previously reported copper oxide photocathode, and parameters extracted from EIS. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00208g

On Features of the Generation of Artificial Ionospheric Irregularities with Transverse Scales of 50-200 m

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolotin, I. A.; Frolov, V. L.; Akchurin, A. D.; Zykov, E. Yu.

2017-05-01

We consider the features of generation of artificial ionospheric irregularities with transverse (to the geomagnetic field) scales l⊥ ≈ 50-200 m in the ionosphere modified by high-power HF radio waves. It was found that there are at least two mechanisms for generation of these irregularities in the ionospheric F region. The first mechanism is related to the resonant interaction between radio waves and the ionospheric plasma, while the second one takes place even in the absence of the resonant interaction. Different polarization of the high-power radiation was used to separate the mechanisms in the measurements.

Validation of 3D documentation of palatal soft tissue shape, color, and irregularity with intraoral scanning.

PubMed

Deferm, Julie T; Schreurs, Ruud; Baan, Frank; Bruggink, Robin; Merkx, Matthijs A W; Xi, Tong; Bergé, Stefaan J; Maal, Thomas J J

2018-04-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of 3D intraoral scanning for documentation of palatal soft tissue by evaluating the accuracy of shape, color, and curvature. Intraoral scans of ten participants' upper dentition and palate were acquired with the TRIOS® 3D intraoral scanner by two observers. Conventional impressions were taken and digitized as a gold standard. The resulting surface models were aligned using an Iterative Closest Point approach. The absolute distance measurements between the intraoral models and the digitized impression were used to quantify the trueness and precision of intraoral scanning. The mean color of the palatal soft tissue was extracted in HSV (hue, saturation, value) format to establish the color precision. Finally, the mean curvature of the surface models was calculated and used for surface irregularity. Mean average distance error between the conventional impression models and the intraoral models was 0.02 ± 0.07 mm (p = 0.30). Mean interobserver color difference was - 0.08 ± 1.49° (p = 0.864), 0.28 ± 0.78% (p = 0.286), and 0.30 ± 1.14% (p = 0.426) for respectively hue, saturation, and value. The interobserver differences for overall and maximum surface irregularity were 0.01 ± 0.03 and 0.00 ± 0.05 mm. This study supports the hypothesis that the intraoral scan can perform a 3D documentation of palatal soft tissue in terms of shape, color, and curvature. An intraoral scanner can be an objective tool, adjunctive to the clinical examination of the palatal tissue.

A stable high-order perturbation of surfaces method for numerical simulation of diffraction problems in triply layered media

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

Hong, Youngjoon, E-mail: hongy@uic.edu; Nicholls, David P., E-mail: davidn@uic.edu

The accurate numerical simulation of linear waves interacting with periodic layered media is a crucial capability in engineering applications. In this contribution we study the stable and high-order accurate numerical simulation of the interaction of linear, time-harmonic waves with a periodic, triply layered medium with irregular interfaces. In contrast with volumetric approaches, High-Order Perturbation of Surfaces (HOPS) algorithms are inexpensive interfacial methods which rapidly and recursively estimate scattering returns by perturbation of the interface shape. In comparison with Boundary Integral/Element Methods, the stable HOPS algorithm we describe here does not require specialized quadrature rules, periodization strategies, or the solution ofmore » dense non-symmetric positive definite linear systems. In addition, the algorithm is provably stable as opposed to other classical HOPS approaches. With numerical experiments we show the remarkable efficiency, fidelity, and accuracy one can achieve with an implementation of this algorithm.« less

The Kaye effect revisited: High speed imaging of leaping shampoo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Versluis, Michel; Blom, Cock; van der Meer, Devaraj; van der Weele, Ko; Lohse, Detlef

2003-11-01

When a visco-elastic fluid such as shampoo or shower gel is poured onto a flat surface the fluid piles up forming a heap on which rather irregular combinations of fluid buckling, coiling and folding are observed. Under specific conditions a string of fluid leaps from the heap and forms a steady jet fed by the incoming stream. Momentum transfer of the incoming jet, combined with the shear-thinning properties of the fluid, lead to a spoon-like dimple in the highly viscous fluid pool in which the jet recoils. The jet can be stable for several seconds. This effect is known as the Kaye effect. In order to reveal its mechanism we analyzed leaping shampoo through high-speed imaging. We studied the jet formation, jet stability and jet disruption mechanisms. We measured the velocity of both the incoming and recoiled jet, which was found to be thicker and slower. By inclining the surface on which the fluid was poured we observed jets leaping at upto five times.

Utilizing a Segmented Fuel Cell to Study the Effects of Electrode Coating Irregularities on PEM Fuel Cell Initial Performance

DOE PAGES

Phillips, Adam; Ulsh, Michael; Porter, Jason; ...

2017-04-27

An understanding of the impact of coating irregularities on beginning of life polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) performance is essential to develop and establish manufacturing tolerances for its components. Coating irregularities occurring in the fuel cell electrode can either possess acceptable process variations or potentially harmful defects. A segmented fuel cell (SFC) is employed to understand how 100% catalyst reduction irregularities ranging from 0.125 to 1 cm 2 in the cathode electrode of a 50 cm 2 sized cell impact spatial and total cell performance at dry and wet humidification conditions. Here, by analyzing the data in a differential formatmore » the local performance effects of irregularity sizes down to 0.25 cm 2 were detected in the current distribution of the cell. Slight total cell performance impacts, due to irregularity sizes of 0.5 and 1 cm 2, were observed under dry operation and high current densities.« less

Utilizing a Segmented Fuel Cell to Study the Effects of Electrode Coating Irregularities on PEM Fuel Cell Initial Performance

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

Phillips, Adam; Ulsh, Michael; Porter, Jason

An understanding of the impact of coating irregularities on beginning of life polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) performance is essential to develop and establish manufacturing tolerances for its components. Coating irregularities occurring in the fuel cell electrode can either possess acceptable process variations or potentially harmful defects. A segmented fuel cell (SFC) is employed to understand how 100% catalyst reduction irregularities ranging from 0.125 to 1 cm 2 in the cathode electrode of a 50 cm 2 sized cell impact spatial and total cell performance at dry and wet humidification conditions. Here, by analyzing the data in a differential formatmore » the local performance effects of irregularity sizes down to 0.25 cm 2 were detected in the current distribution of the cell. Slight total cell performance impacts, due to irregularity sizes of 0.5 and 1 cm 2, were observed under dry operation and high current densities.« less

New Opportunities for Remote Sensing Ionospheric Irregularities by Fitting Scintillation Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrano, C. S.; Rino, C. L.; Groves, K. M.

2017-12-01

In a recent paper, we presented a phase screen theory for the spectrum of intensity scintillations when the refractive index irregularities follow a two-component power law [Carrano and Rino, DOI: 10.1002/2015RS005903]. More recently we have investigated the inverse problem, whereby phase screen parameters are inferred from scintillation time series. This is accomplished by fitting the spectrum of intensity fluctuations with a parametrized theoretical model using Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods. The Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo technique provides a-posteriori errors and confidence intervals. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) provides justification for the use of one- or two-component irregularity models. We refer to this fitting as Irregularity Parameter Estimation (IPE) since it provides a statistical description of the irregularities from the scintillations they produce. In this talk, we explore some new opportunities for remote sensing ionospheric irregularities afforded by IPE. Statistical characterization of irregularities and the plasma bubbles in which they are embedded provides insight into the development of the underlying instability. In a companion paper by Rino et al., IPE is used to interpret scintillation due to simulated EPB structure. IPE can be used to reconcile multi-frequency scintillation observations and to construct high fidelity scintillation simulation tools. In space-to-ground propagation scenarios, for which an estimate of the distance to the scattering region is available a-priori, IPE enables retrieval of zonal irregularity drift. In radio occultation scenarios, the distance to the irregularities is generally unknown but IPE enables retrieval of Fresnel frequency. A geometric model for the effective scan velocity maps Fresnel frequency to Fresnel scale, yielding the distance to the irregularities. We demonstrate this approach by geolocating irregularities observed by the CORISS instrument onboard the C/NOFS satellite.

Transparent, flexible surface enhanced Raman scattering substrates based on Ag-coated structured PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for in-situ detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Zewen; Zhu, Kai; Gu, Chuan; Wen, Yibing; Cui, Guanglei; Qu, Jun

2016-08-01

Transparent, flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates were fabricated by metalization of structured polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets. The resultant Ag-coated structured PET SERS substrates were revealed to be highly sensitive with good reproducibility and stability, an enhancement factor of 3 × 106 was acquired, which can be attributed mainly to the presence of plentiful multiple-type hot spots within the quasi-three-dimensional surface of the structured PET obtained by oxygen plasma etching. In addition, detections of model molecules on fruit skin were also carried out, demonstrating the great potential of the Ag-coated structured PET in in-situ detection of analyte on irregular objects. Importantly, the technique used for the preparation of such substrate is completely compatible with well-established silicon device technologies, and large-area fabrication with low cost can be readily realized.

[Therapeutic excimer laser treatment of the cornea].

PubMed

Linke, S J; Steinberg, J; Katz, T

2013-06-01

Concomitant with new innovations in the field of refractive surgery, therapeutic excimer laser applications like phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and topography-guided customised ablation treatment are gaining high importance and undergoing rapid evolution. Nowadays, PTK is an effective treatment modality for superficial corneal pathologies. Primary indications are decreased epithelial adherence, superficial opacifications and an irregular corneal surface. For the right indication and successful treatment of corneal pathologies with PTK, a knowledge of the size, depth and nature of the pathology, as well as the refractive status of both eyes is important. Next to slit-lamp examination, objective measuring systems like the topography, confocal microscopy and the anterior segment OCT facilitate presurgical planning. Regarding the treatment procedure the surgeon can choose between a variety of methods. PTK can be combined with manual epithelial debridement or done by only using the excimer laser. In the case of an irregular corneal surface, depending on the pathology, masking fluids or topography-guided custom ablation protocols can increase the visual outcome. To avoid recurrence of the underlying pathology (e.g., corneal dystrophy, haze), the topical application of 0.02% mitomycin C for 20-60 seconds has proved to be a safe and effective procedure. If the surgeon considers all the patient-related factors carefully and manages to combine the available treatment options correctly, PTK embodies an effective and minimally invasive alternative to lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Splash control of drop impacts with geometric targets.

PubMed

Juarez, Gabriel; Gastopoulos, Thomai; Zhang, Yibin; Siegel, Michael L; Arratia, Paulo E

2012-02-01

Drop impacts on solid and liquid surfaces exhibit complex dynamics due to the competition of inertial, viscous, and capillary forces. After impact, a liquid lamella develops and expands radially, and under certain conditions, the outer rim breaks up into an irregular arrangement of filaments and secondary droplets. We show experimentally that the lamella expansion and subsequent breakup of the outer rim can be controlled by length scales that are of comparable dimension to the impacting drop diameter. Under identical impact parameters (i.e., fluid properties and impact velocity) we observe unique splashing dynamics by varying the target cross-sectional geometry. These behaviors include (i) geometrically shaped lamellae and (ii) a transition in splashing stability, from regular to irregular splashing. We propose that regular splashes are controlled by the azimuthal perturbations imposed by the target cross-sectional geometry and that irregular splashes are governed by the fastest-growing unstable Plateau-Rayleigh mode.

Traffic dispersion through a series of signals with irregular split

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagatani, Takashi

2016-01-01

We study the traffic behavior of a group of vehicles moving through a sequence of signals with irregular splits on a roadway. We present the stochastic model of vehicular traffic controlled by signals. The dynamic behavior of vehicular traffic is clarified by analyzing traffic pattern and travel time numerically. The group of vehicles breaks up more and more by the irregularity of signal's split. The traffic dispersion is induced by the irregular split. We show that the traffic dispersion depends highly on the cycle time and the strength of split's irregularity. Also, we study the traffic behavior through the series of signals at the green-wave strategy. The dependence of the travel time on offset time is derived for various values of cycle time. The region map of the traffic dispersion is shown in (cycle time, offset time)-space.

PROBLEM ON IRREGULAR 3-DIMENSIONAL DENSITY DISCONTINUITY SURFACES.

DTIC Science & Technology

method. The result is used to analyze the relation of linear correlation between the crustal thickness and the local Bouguer gravity anomaly, and good agreement is obtained in comparison with the actual statistical data. (Author)

High frequency optical communications; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cambridge, MA, Sept. 23, 24, 1986

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramer, O. Glenn; Sierak, Paul

Topics discussed in this volume include systems and applications, detectors, sources, and coherent communications. Papers are presented on RF fiber optic links for avionics applications, fiber optics and optoelectronics for radar and electronic warfare applications, symmetric coplanar electrodes for high-speed Ti:LiNbO3 devices, and surface wave electrooptic modulator. Attention is given to X-band RF fiber-optic links, fiber-optic links for microwave signal transmission, GaAs monolithic receiver and laser driver for GHz transmission rates, and monolithically integrable high-speed photodetectors. Additional papers are on irregular and chaotic behavior of semiconductor lasers under modulation, high-frequency laser package for microwave optical communications, receiver modeling for coherent light wave communications, and polarization sensors and controllers for coherent optical communication systems.

Postoperative corneal shape changes: microincision versus small-incision coaxial cataract surgery.

PubMed

Hayashi, Ken; Yoshida, Motoaki; Hayashi, Hideyuki

2009-02-01

To compare changes in corneal topography and in regular and irregular astigmatism after coaxial clear corneal microincision cataract surgery (MICS) and after coaxial small-incision cataract surgery (SICS). Hayashi Eye Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan. Induced corneal astigmatism was determined using vector analysis. The averaged corneal shape changes and degree of irregular astigmatism were examined using videokeratography preoperatively as well as 2 days and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. One hundred twenty eyes of 60 patients scheduled for phacoemulsification were evaluated. Sixty eyes had MICS (2.00 mm), and the 60 contralateral eyes had SICS (2.65 mm). The mean induced corneal astigmatism was significantly less in the MICS group than in the SICS group (P

Optimal condition for fabricating superhydrophobic Aluminum surfaces with controlled anodizing processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saffari, Hamid; Sohrabi, Beheshteh; Noori, Mohammad Reza; Bahrami, Hamid Reza Talesh

2018-03-01

A single step anodizing process is used to produce micro-nano structures on Aluminum (1050) substrates with sulfuric acid as electrolyte. Therefore, surface energy of the anodized layer is reduced using stearic acid modification. Undoubtedly, effects of different parameters including anodizing time, electrical current, and type and concentration of electrolyte on the final contact angle are systemically studied and optimized. Results show that anodizing current of 0.41 A, electrolyte (sulfuric acid) concentration of 15 wt.% and anodizing time of 90 min are optimal conditions which give contact angle as high as 159.2° and sliding angle lower than 5°. Moreover, the study reveals that adding oxalic acid to the sulfuric acid cannot enhance superhydrophobicity of the samples. Also, scanning electron microscopy images of samples show that irregular (bird's nest) structures present on the surface instead of high-ordered honeycomb structures expecting from normal anodizing process. Additionally, X-ray diffraction analysis of the samples shows that only amorphous structures present on the surface. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area of the anodized layer is 2.55 m2 g-1 in optimal condition. Ultimately, the surface keeps its hydrophobicity in air and deionized water (DIW) after one week and 12 weeks, respectively.

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.

Microwave emission and scattering from Earth surface and atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kong, J. A.; Lee, M. C.

1986-01-01

Nonlinear Electromagnetic (EM) wave interactions with the upper atmosphere were investigated during the period 15 December 1985 to 15 June 1986. Topics discussed include: the simultaneous excitation of ionospheric density irregularities and Earth's magnetic field fluctuations; the electron acceleration by Langmuir wave turbulence; and the occurrence of artificial spread F. The role of thermal effects in generating ionospheric irregularities by Whistler waves, intense Quasi-DC electric fields, atmospheric gravity waves, and electrojets was investigated. A model was developed to explain the discrete spectrum of the resonant ultralow frequency (ULF) waves that are commonly observed in the magnetosphere.

[The effect of autoclave sterilization on the surface properties of orthodontic brackets after fitting in the mouth].

PubMed

Rerhrhaye, W; Ouaki, B; Zaoui, F; Aalloula, E

2011-12-01

Repeated sterilizations of the orthodontic bands, after fitting in mouth, are likely to involve modifications of their surface properties. Through this study we have tried to observe the effect of sterilization by autoclave on the surface of the orthodontic bands, as well as the contribution of the use of ultrasound in the chain of sterilization. The sample was composed of 30 orthodontic bands divided into 5 groups: a group of new bands (witnesses) and 4 groups having undergone respectively 1 cycle, 3 cycles, 5 cycles and 7 cycles of autoclave sterilization according to the World Health Organization recommendations. For half of each group bands, ultrasonic cleaning has not been provided. The scanning electron microscopy with the elementary microanalysis by X-rays was used for the investigation of surface. At the exam, new bands showed surface irregularities probably due to manufacturing procedures. And the bands, without ultrasonic cleaning, showed the presence of contamination and discolourations. Moreover, there were no modifications on the surface of the bands cleaned by ultrasounds before sterilization. The presence of surface irregularities associated with deposits observed on the bands surface, may be the site of bio corrosion by contributing bio film accumulation. The stay duration of the orthodontic bands in mouth, during orthodontic treatment, is important. So the effect of sterilization on the surface of the orthodontic bands must encourage other scientific research to determine the long term effects of sterilization which remains an essential process in our daily practice.

Enhancement of surface definition and gridding in the EAGLE code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Joe F.

1991-01-01

Algorithms for smoothing of curves and surfaces for the EAGLE grid generation program are presented. The method uses an existing automated technique which detects undesirable geometric characteristics by using a local fairness criterion. The geometry entity is then smoothed by repeated removal and insertion of spline knots in the vicinity of the geometric irregularity. The smoothing algorithm is formulated for use with curves in Beta spline form and tensor product B-spline surfaces.

Plasma Modification of Graphite Fibers and Its Effect on Composite Properties.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-01

liquids have been difficult to measure with adequate accuracy. As a result, critical surface energy data are not readily available. A flotation method...tension of the fiber surface. However, the fiber density must always exceed the density of the flotation liquid. Although this is a very useful...technioue, it is inanplicable to graphite fiber due to its irregular surface structure, small filament diameter and small difference in density with flotation

Plasma Irregularity Production in the Polar Cap F-Region Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamarche, Leslie

Plasma in the Earth's ionosphere is highly irregular on scales ranging between a few centimeters and hundreds of kilometers. Small-scale irregularities or plasma waves can scatter radio waves resulting in a loss of signal for navigation and communication networks. The polar region is particularly susceptible to strong disturbances due to its direct connection with the Sun's magnetic field and energetic particles. In this thesis, factors that contribute to the production of decameter-scale plasma irregularities in the polar F region ionosphere are investigated. Both global and local control of irregularity production are studied, i.e. we consider global solar control through solar illumination and solar wind as well as much more local control by plasma density gradients and convection electric field. In the first experimental study, solar control of irregularity production is investigated using the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar at McMurdo, Antarctica. The occurrence trends for irregularities are analyzed statistically and a model is developed that describes the location of radar echoes within the radar's field-of-view. The trends are explained through variations in background plasma density with solar illumination affecting radar beam propagation. However, it is found that the irregularity occurrence during the night is higher than expected from ray tracing simulations based on a standard ionospheric density model. The high occurrence at night implies an additional source of plasma density and it is proposed that large-scale density enhancements called polar patches may be the source of this density. Additionally, occurrence maximizes around the terminator due to different competing irregularity production processes that favor a more or less sunlit ionosphere. The second study is concerned with modeling irregularity characteristics near a large-scale density gradient reversal, such as those expected near polar patches, with a particular focus on the asymmetry of the irregularity growth rate across the gradient reversal. Directional dependencies on the plasma density gradient, plasma drift, and wavevector are analyzed in the context of the recently developed general fluid theory of the gradient-drift instability. In the ionospheric F region, the strongest asymmetry is found when an elongated structure is oriented along the radar's boresight and moving perpendicular to its direction of elongation. These results have important implications for finding optimal configurations for oblique-scanning ionospheric radars such as SuperDARN to observe gradient reversals. To test the predictions of the developed model and the general theory of the gradient-drift instability, an experimental investigation is presented focusing on decameter-scale irregularities near a polar patch and the previously uninvestigated directional dependence of irregularity characteristics. Backscatter power and occurrence of irregularities are analyzed using measurements from the SuperDARN radar at Rankin Inlet, Canada, while background density gradients and convection electric fields are found from the north face of the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar. It is shown that irregularity occurrence tends to follow the expected trends better than irregularity power, suggesting that while the gradient-drift instability may be a dominant process in generating small-scale irregularities, other mechanisms such as a shear-driven instability or nonlinear process may exert greater control over their intensity. It is concluded from this body of work that the production of small-scale plasma irregularities in the polar F-region ionosphere is controlled both by global factors such as solar illumination as well as local plasma density gradients and electric fields. In general, linear gradient-drift instability theory describes small-scale irregularity production well, particularly for low-amplitude perturbations. The production of irregularities is complex, and while ground-based radars are invaluable tools to study the ionosphere, care must be taken to interpret results correctly.

Out-of-round railway wheels—assessment of wheel tread irregularities in train traffic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johansson, Anders

2006-06-01

Results from an extensive wheel measurement campaign performed in Sweden are given and discussed. Out-of-roundness (OOR), transverse profile and surface hardness of 99 wheels on passenger trains (X2 and intercity), freight trains, commuter trains (Regina) and underground trains (C20) were measured. Both tread and disc braked wheels were investigated. The selected wheels had travelled a distance of more than 100000 km, and the measurements were conducted when the train wagons/coaches had been taken out of traffic for maintenance, most of them due to reasons other than wheel OOR. Mechanical contact measurement methods were used. The highest roughness levels (higher than 20 dB re 1 μm for some wheels) were found on powered high-speed (X2) train wheels. The previously known polygonalization of C20 underground wheels is quantified. It is also verified that an initial irregularity is formed due to the clamping in a three-jaw chuck during profiling of new C20 wheels. Magnitudes and wavelength contents of measured wheel roughness are compared with corresponding measurements of rail roughness.

Corneal oedema in a unilateral corneal graft patient induced by high Dk mini-scleral contact lens.

PubMed

Guillon, Natalie C; Godfrey, Andrew; Hammond, David S

2018-05-24

Scleral contact lenses are increasingly becoming accepted as the method of choice for visual correction of the irregular cornea. As such, cases have surfaced which demonstrate complications arising from mini-scleral lenses. Identification of these issues and adjusting fitting techniques accordingly is necessary for reducing the risks associated with mini-scleral lens wear. A 58 year old Caucasian female was referred for rigid gas permeable contact lens fitting for correction of right irregular astigmatism post penetrating keratoplasty. After four months of successful mini-scleral contact lens wear, the patient experienced a graft rejection episode and treated accordingly, then refit with a new mini-scleral lens. Five months after the lens refit, the patient presented with complaints of hazy vision, and a diagnosis of lens-induced corneal oedema made. Increased awareness of the potential complications of mini-scleral lenses is necessary to encourage and enforce mini-scleral lens fitting techniques that meet the requirements of minimum vault but adequate protection of the compromised cornea. Copyright © 2018 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel construction scheme of QC-LDPC codes based on the RU algorithm for optical transmission systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Jian-guo; Liang, Meng-qi; Wang, Yong; Lin, Jin-zhao; Pang, Yu

2016-03-01

A novel lower-complexity construction scheme of quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes for optical transmission systems is proposed based on the structure of the parity-check matrix for the Richardson-Urbanke (RU) algorithm. Furthermore, a novel irregular QC-LDPC(4 288, 4 020) code with high code-rate of 0.937 is constructed by this novel construction scheme. The simulation analyses show that the net coding gain ( NCG) of the novel irregular QC-LDPC(4 288,4 020) code is respectively 2.08 dB, 1.25 dB and 0.29 dB more than those of the classic RS(255, 239) code, the LDPC(32 640, 30 592) code and the irregular QC-LDPC(3 843, 3 603) code at the bit error rate ( BER) of 10-6. The irregular QC-LDPC(4 288, 4 020) code has the lower encoding/decoding complexity compared with the LDPC(32 640, 30 592) code and the irregular QC-LDPC(3 843, 3 603) code. The proposed novel QC-LDPC(4 288, 4 020) code can be more suitable for the increasing development requirements of high-speed optical transmission systems.

Alignment of Irregular Grains by Mechanical Torques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Thiem; Cho, Jungyeon; Lazarian, A.

2018-01-01

We study the alignment of irregular dust grains by mechanical torques due to the drift of grains through the ambient gas. We first calculate mechanical alignment torques (MATs) resulting from specular reflection of gas atoms for seven irregular shapes: one shape of mirror symmetry, three highly irregular shapes (HIS), and three weakly irregular shapes (WIS). We find that the grain with mirror symmetry experiences negligible MATs due to its mirror-symmetry geometry. Three HIS can produce strong MATs, which exhibit some generic properties as radiative torques (RATs), while three WIS produce less efficient MATs. We then study grain alignment by MATs for the different angles between the drift velocity and the ambient magnetic field, for paramagnetic and superparamagnetic grains assuming efficient internal relaxation. We find that for HIS grains, MATs can align subsonically drifting grains in the same way as RATs, with low-J and high-J attractors. For supersonic drift, MATs can align grains with low-J and high-J attractors, analogous to RAT alignment by anisotropic radiation. We also show that the joint action of MATs and magnetic torques in grains with iron inclusions can lead to perfect MAT alignment. Our results point out the potential importance of MAT alignment for HIS grains predicted by the analytical model of Lazarian & Hoang, although more theoretical and observational studies are required due to uncertainty in the shape of interstellar grains. We outline astrophysical environments where MAT alignment is potentially important.

Advanced computer techniques for inverse modeling of electric current in cardiac tissue

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

Hutchinson, S.A.; Romero, L.A.; Diegert, C.F.

1996-08-01

For many years, ECG`s and vector cardiograms have been the tools of choice for non-invasive diagnosis of cardiac conduction problems, such as found in reentrant tachycardia or Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Through skillful analysis of these skin-surface measurements of cardiac generated electric currents, a physician can deduce the general location of heart conduction irregularities. Using a combination of high-fidelity geometry modeling, advanced mathematical algorithms and massively parallel computing, Sandia`s approach would provide much more accurate information and thus allow the physician to pinpoint the source of an arrhythmia or abnormal conduction pathway.

Analysis and design of three dimensional supersonic nozzles. Volume 1: Nozzle-exhaust flow field analysis by a reference plane characteristics technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dash, S.; Delguidice, P.

1972-01-01

A second order numerical method employing reference plane characteristics has been developed for the calculation of geometrically complex three dimensional nozzle-exhaust flow fields, heretofore uncalculable by existing methods. The nozzles may have irregular cross sections with swept throats and may be stacked in modules using the vehicle undersurface for additional expansion. The nozzles may have highly nonuniform entrance conditions, the medium considered being an equilibrium hydrogen-air mixture. The program calculates and carries along the underexpansion shock and contact as discrete discontinuity surfaces, for a nonuniform vehicle external flow.

Shallow Subsurface Structures of Volcanic Fissures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parcheta, C. E.; Nash, J.; Mitchell, K. L.; Parness, A.

2015-12-01

Volcanic fissure vents are a difficult geologic feature to quantify. They are often too thin to document in detail with seismology or remote geophysical methods. Additionally, lava flows, lava drain back, or collapsed rampart blocks typically conceal a fissure's surface expression. For exposed fissures, quantifying the surface (let along sub0surface) geometric expression can become an overwhelming and time-consuming task given the non-uniform distribution of wall irregularities, drain back textures, and the larger scale sinuosity of the whole fissure system. We developed (and previously presented) VolcanoBot to acquire robust characteristic data of fissure geometries by going inside accessible fissures after an eruption ends and the fissure cools off to <50 C. Data from VolcanoBot documents the fissure conduit geometry with a near-IR structured light sensor, and reproduces the 3d structures to cm-scale accuracy. Here we present a comparison of shallow subsurface structures (<30 m depth) within the Mauna Ulu fissure system and their counterpart features at the vent-to-ground-surface interface. While we have not mapped enough length of the fissure to document sinuosity at depth, we see a self-similar pattern of irregularities on the fissure walls throughout the entire shallow subsurface, implying a fracture mechanical origin similar to faults. These irregularities are, on average, 1 m across and protrude 30 cm into the drained fissure. This is significantly larger than the 10% wall roughness addressed in the engineering literature on fluid dynamics, and implies that magma fluid dynamics during fissure eruptions are probably not as passive nor as simple as previously thought. In some locations, it is possible to match piercing points across the fissure walls, where the dike broke the wall rock in order to propagate upwards, yet in other locations there are erosional cavities, again, implying complex fluid dynamics in the shallow sub-surface during fissure eruptions.

Bottomside sinusoidal irregularities in the equatorial F region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valladares, C. E.; Hanson, W. B.; Mcclure, J. P.; Cragin, B. L.

1983-01-01

By using the Ogo 6 satellite, McClure and Hanson (1973) have discovered sinusoidal irregularities in the equatorial F region ion number density. In the present investigation, a description is provided of the properties of a distinct category of sinusoidal irregularities found in equatorial data from the AE-C and AE-E satellites. The observed scale sizes vary from about 300 m to 3 km in the direction perpendicular to B, overlapping with and extending the range observed by using Ogo 6. Attention is given to low and high resolution data, a comparison with Huancayo ionograms, the confinement of 'bottomside sinusoidal' (BSS) irregularities essentially to the bottomside of the F layer, spectral characteristics, and BSS, scintillation, and ionosonde observations.

Planetary science: Pluto's polygons explained

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dombard, Andrew J.; O'Hara, Sean

2016-06-01

The Sputnik Planum basin of Pluto contains a sheet of nitrogen ice, the surface of which is divided into irregular polygons tens of kilometres across. Two studies reveal that vigorous convection causes these polygons. See Letters p.79 & 82

Rovers for intelligent, agile traverse of challenging terrain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schenker, P.; Huntsberger, T.; Pirjanian, P.; Dubowsky, S.; Iagnemma, K.; Sujan, V.

2003-01-01

Planetary surface mobility has to date been limited to benign locations. If rover systems could be developed for more challenging terrain, e.g., sloped and irregularly feathered areas, then planetary science opportunities would be greatly expanded.

Engineering Controlled Spalling in (100)-Oriented GaAs for Wafer Reuse

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

Sweet, Cassi A.; McNeely, Joshua E.; Gorman, Brian

Controlled spalling offers a way to cleave thin, single-crystal films or devices from wafers, particularly if the fracture planes in the material are oriented parallel to the wafer surface. Unfortunately, misalignment between the favored fracture planes and the wafer surface preferred for photovoltaic growth in (100)-oriented GaAs produces a highly faceted surface when subject to controlled spalling. This highly faceted cleavage surface is problematic in several ways: (1) it can result in large variations of spall depth due to unstable crack propagation; (2) it may introduce defects into the device zone or underlying substrate; and (3) it consumes many micronsmore » of material outside of the device zone. We present the ways in which we have engineered controlled spalling for (100)-oriented GaAs to minimize these effects. We expand the operational window for controlled spalling to avoid spontaneous spalling, find no evidence of dislocation activity in the spalled film or the parent wafer, and reduce facet height and facet height irregularity. Resolving these issues provides a viable path forward for reducing III-V device cost through the controlled spalling of (100)-oriented GaAs devices and subsequent wafer reuse when these processes are combined with a high-throughput growth method such as Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy.« less

Contamination detection NDE for cleaning process inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marinelli, W. J.; Dicristina, V.; Sonnenfroh, D.; Blair, D.

1995-01-01

In the joining of multilayer materials, and in welding, the cleanliness of the joining surface may play a large role in the quality of the resulting bond. No non-intrusive techniques are currently available for the rapid measurement of contamination on large or irregularly shaped structures prior to the joining process. An innovative technique for the measurement of contaminant levels in these structures using laser based imaging is presented. The approach uses an ultraviolet excimer laser to illuminate large and/or irregular surface areas. The UV light induces fluorescence and is scattered from the contaminants. The illuminated area is viewed by an image-intensified CCD (charge coupled device) camera interfaced to a PC-based computer. The camera measures the fluorescence and/or scattering from the contaminants for comparison with established standards. Single shot measurements of contamination levels are possible. Hence, the technique may be used for on-line NDE testing during manufacturing processes.

Corrosion inhibition of stainless steel by a sulfate-reducing bacteria biofilm in seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Fu-shao; An, Mao-zhong; Duan, Dong-xia

2012-08-01

Corrosion inhibition of stainless steel due to a sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) biofilm in seawater was studied. By atomic force microscopy, a layer of fish-scale-like biofilm was found to form as stainless steel coupons were exposed to the culture media with SRB, and this biofilm grew more and more compact. As a result, coupons' surface under the biofilm turned irregular less slowly than that exposed to the sterilized culture media. Then, physicoelectric characteristics of the electrode/biofilm/solution interface were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the coverage of the biofilm as well as the relative irregularity of coupons' surface was also recorded by EIS spectra. Finally, anodic cyclic polarization results further demonstrated the protective property of the biofilm. Therefore, in estimation of SRB-implicated corrosion of stainless steel, not only the detrimental SRB metabolites but also the protective SRB biofilm as well should be taken into account.

Effect of Particle Morphology on the Reactivity of Explosively Dispersed Titanium Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frost, David; Cairns, Malcolm; Goroshin, Samuel; Zhang, Fan

2009-06-01

The effect of particle morphology on the reaction of titanium (Ti) particles explosively dispersed during the detonation of either cylindrical or spherical charges has been investigated experimentally. The explosive charges consisted of packed beds of Ti particles saturated with nitromethane. The reaction behavior of irregularly-shaped Ti particles in three size ranges is compared with tests with spherical Ti particles. The particle reaction is strongly dependent on particle morphology, e.g., 95 μm spherical Ti particles failed to ignite (in cylinders up to 49 mm in dia), whereas similarly sized irregular Ti particles readily ignited. For irregular particles, the uniformity of ignition on the particle cloud surface was almost independent of particle size, but depended on charge diameter. As the charge diameter was reduced, ignition in the conically expanding particle cloud occurred only at isolated spots or bands. For spherical charges, although large irregular Ti particles ignited promptly and uniformly throughout the particle cloud, the smallest particles dispersed nonuniformly and ignition occurred at isolated locations. In general, particle ignition is a competition between particle heating (which is influenced by particle morphology, size, number density and the local thermodynamic history) and expansion cooling of the products.

The gravitational potential of a homogeneous polyhedron or don't cut corners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werner, Robert A.

1994-01-01

A polyhedron can model irregularly shaped objects such as asteroids, comet nuclei, and small planetary satellites. With minor effort, such a model can incorporate important surface features such as large craters. Here we develop closed-form expressions for the exterior gravitational potential and acceleration components due to a constant-density polyhedron. An equipotential surface of Phobos is illustrated.

Effect of Irregularity in Shape and Boundary of a Macro-Texture Region in Titanium (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-15

AFRL-RX-WP-JA-2016-0328 EFFECT OF IRREGULARITY IN SHAPE AND BOUNDARY OF A MACRO-TEXTURE REGION IN TITANIUM (POSTPRINT) James L...2 October 2014 – 15 September 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE EFFECT OF IRREGULARITY IN SHAPE AND BOUNDARY OF A MACRO-TEXTURE REGION IN TITANIUM ...aerospace grade titanium alloy material are measured to be about the same level as corner trapped shear wave signals. In addition to the abnormally high

Interferometer for measuring the dynamic surface topography of a human tear film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primeau, Brian C.; Greivenkamp, John E.

2012-03-01

The anterior refracting surface of the eye is the thin tear film that forms on the surface of the cornea. Following a blink, the tear film quickly smoothes and starts to become irregular after 10 seconds. This irregularity can affect comfort and vision quality. An in vivo method of characterizing dynamic tear films has been designed based upon a near-infrared phase-shifting interferometer. This interferometer continuously measures light reflected from the tear film, allowing sub-micron analysis of the dynamic surface topography. Movies showing the tear film behavior can be generated along with quantitative metrics describing changes in the tear film surface. This tear film measurement allows analysis beyond capabilities of typical fluorescein visual inspection or corneal topography and provides better sensitivity and resolution than shearing interferometry methods. The interferometer design is capable of identifying features in the tear film much less than a micron in height with a spatial resolution of about ten microns over a 6 mm diameter. This paper presents the design of the tear film interferometer along with the considerations that must be taken when designing an interferometer for on-eye diagnostics. Discussions include eye movement, design of null optics for a range of ocular geometries, and laser emission limits for on-eye interferometry.

A rule-based phase control methodology for a slider-crank wave energy converter power take-off system

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

Sang, Yuanrui; Karayaka, H. Bora; Yan, Yanjun

The slider crank is a proven mechanical linkage system with a long history of successful applications, and the slider-crank ocean wave energy converter (WEC) is a type of WEC that converts linear motion into rotation. This paper presents a control algorithm for a slider-crank WEC. In this study, a time-domain hydrodynamic analysis is adopted, and an AC synchronous machine is used in the power take-off system to achieve relatively high system performance. Also, a rule-based phase control strategy is applied to maximize energy extraction, making the system suitable for not only regular sinusoidal waves but also irregular waves. Simulations aremore » carried out under regular sinusoidal wave and synthetically produced irregular wave conditions; performance validations are also presented with high-precision, real ocean wave surface elevation data. The influences of significant wave height, and peak period upon energy extraction of the system are studied. Energy extraction results using the proposed method are compared to those of the passive loading and complex conjugate control strategies; results show that the level of energy extraction is between those of the passive loading and complex conjugate control strategies, and the suboptimal nature of this control strategy is verified.« less

Eliminating the influence of source spectrum of white light scanning interferometry through time-delay estimation algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yunfei; Cai, Hongzhi; Zhong, Liyun; Qiu, Xiang; Tian, Jindong; Lu, Xiaoxu

2017-05-01

In white light scanning interferometry (WLSI), the accuracy of profile measurement achieved with the conventional zero optical path difference (ZOPD) position locating method is closely related with the shape of interference signal envelope (ISE), which is mainly decided by the spectral distribution of illumination source. For a broadband light with Gaussian spectral distribution, the corresponding shape of ISE reveals a symmetric distribution, so the accurate ZOPD position can be achieved easily. However, if the spectral distribution of source is irregular, the shape of ISE will become asymmetric or complex multi-peak distribution, WLSI cannot work well through using ZOPD position locating method. Aiming at this problem, we propose time-delay estimation (TDE) based WLSI method, in which the surface profile information is achieved by using the relative displacement of interference signal between different pixels instead of the conventional ZOPD position locating method. Due to all spectral information of interference signal (envelope and phase) are utilized, in addition to revealing the advantage of high accuracy, the proposed method can achieve profile measurement with high accuracy in the case that the shape of ISE is irregular while ZOPD position locating method cannot work. That is to say, the proposed method can effectively eliminate the influence of source spectrum.

USSOCOM Research Topics 2010

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

the ongoing irregular form of war. Irregular war engen - ders much debate, and its concepts are strongly linked to the interagency process. The third...effectively accomplish its mission in a high end asym- metric threat environment and at what cost? Chemical , biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN

Light-sheet microscopy for slide-free non-destructive pathology of large clinical specimens

PubMed Central

Glaser, Adam K.; Reder, Nicholas P.; Chen, Ye; McCarty, Erin F.; Yin, Chengbo; Wei, Linpeng; Wang, Yu; True, Lawrence D.; Liu, Jonathan T.C.

2017-01-01

For the 1.7 million patients per year in the U.S. who receive a new cancer diagnosis, treatment decisions are largely made after a histopathology exam. Unfortunately, the gold standard of slide-based microscopic pathology suffers from high inter-observer variability and limited prognostic value due to sampling limitations and the inability to visualize tissue structures and molecular targets in their native 3D context. Here, we show that an open-top light-sheet microscope optimized for non-destructive slide-free pathology of clinical specimens enables the rapid imaging of intact tissues at high resolution over large 2D and 3D fields of view, with the same level of detail as traditional pathology. We demonstrate the utility of this technology for various applications: wide-area surface microscopy to triage surgical specimens (with ~200 μm surface irregularities), rapid intraoperative assessment of tumour-margin surfaces (12.5 sec/cm2), and volumetric assessment of optically cleared core–needle biopsies (1 mm in diameter, 2 cm in length). Light-sheet microscopy can be a versatile tool for both rapid surface microscopy and deep volumetric microscopy of human specimens. PMID:29750130

Detailed Anatomical and Electrophysiological Models of Human Atria and Torso for the Simulation of Atrial Activation

PubMed Central

Ferrer, Ana; Sebastián, Rafael; Sánchez-Quintana, Damián; Rodríguez, José F.; Godoy, Eduardo J.; Martínez, Laura; Saiz, Javier

2015-01-01

Atrial arrhythmias, and specifically atrial fibrillation (AF), induce rapid and irregular activation patterns that appear on the torso surface as abnormal P-waves in electrocardiograms and body surface potential maps (BSPM). In recent years both P-waves and the BSPM have been used to identify the mechanisms underlying AF, such as localizing ectopic foci or high-frequency rotors. However, the relationship between the activation of the different areas of the atria and the characteristics of the BSPM and P-wave signals are still far from being completely understood. In this work we developed a multi-scale framework, which combines a highly-detailed 3D atrial model and a torso model to study the relationship between atrial activation and surface signals in sinus rhythm. Using this multi scale model, it was revealed that the best places for recording P-waves are the frontal upper right and the frontal and rear left quadrants of the torso. Our results also suggest that only nine regions (of the twenty-one structures in which the atrial surface was divided) make a significant contribution to the BSPM and determine the main P-wave characteristics. PMID:26523732

A model for the origin of Martian polygonal terrain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgill, G. E.

1993-01-01

Extensive areas of the Martian northern plains in Utopia and Acidalia Planitiae are characterized by 'polygonal terrain.' Polygonal terrain consists of material cut by complex troughs defining a pattern resembling mudcracks, columnar joints, or frost-wedge polygons on the Earth. However, the Martian polygons are orders of magnitude larger than these potential Earth analogs, leading to severe mechanical difficulties for genetic models based on simple analogy arguments. Stratigraphic studies show that the polygonally fractured material in Utopia Planitia was deposited on a land surface with significant topography, including scattered knobs and mesas, fragments of ancient crater rims, and fresh younger craters. Sediments or volcanics deposited over topographically irregular surfaces can experience differential compaction producing drape folds. Bending stresses due to these drape folds would be superposed on the pervasive tensile stresses due to desiccation or cooling, such that the probability of fracturing is enhanced above buried topographic highs and suppressed above buried topographic lows. Thus it was proposed that the scale of the Martian polygons is controlled by the spacing of topographic highs on the buried surface rather than by the physics of the shrinkage process.

Antiproliferative activity of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton extract using ultrasonic assistance and response surface methodology.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoqin; Jiang, Ying; Hu, Daode

2017-01-02

The objective of the study was to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of curdione, furanodienone, curcumol, and germacrone from Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton (Val.) and investigate the antiproliferative activity of the extract. Under the suitable high-performance liquid chromatography condition, the calibration curves for these four tested compounds showed high levels of linearity and the recoveries of these four compounds were between 97.9 and 104.3%. Response surface methodology (RSM) combining central composite design and desirability function (DF) was used to define optimal extraction parameters. The results of RSM and DF revealed that the optimum conditions were obtained as 8 mL g -1 for liquid-solid ratio, 70% ethanol concentration, and 20 min of ultrasonic time. It was found that the surface structures of the sonicated herbal materials were fluffy and irregular. The C. phaeocaulis Val. extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of RKO and HT-29 cells in vitro. The results reveal that the RSM can be effectively used for optimizing the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of bioactive components from C. phaeocaulis Val. for antiproliferative activity.

On the spatial distribution of decameter‒scale subauroral ionospheric irregularities observed by SuperDARN radars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larquier, S.; Ponomarenko, P.; Ribeiro, A. J.; Ruohoniemi, J. M.; Baker, J. B. H.; Sterne, K. T.; Lester, M.

2013-08-01

The midlatitude Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars regularly observe nighttime low‒velocity Sub‒Auroral Ionospheric Scatter (SAIS) from decameter‒scale ionospheric density irregularities during quiet geomagnetic conditions. To establish the origin of the density irregularities responsible for low‒velocity SAIS, it is necessary to distinguish between the effects of high frequency (HF) propagation and irregularity occurrence itself on the observed backscatter distribution. We compare range, azimuth, and elevation data from the Blackstone SuperDARN radar with modeling results from ray tracing coupled with the International Reference Ionosphere assuming a uniform irregularity distribution. The observed and modeled distributions are shown to be very similar. The spatial distribution of backscattering is consistent with the requirement that HF rays propagate nearly perpendicular to the geomagnetic field lines (aspect angle ≤1°). For the first time, the irregularities responsible for low‒velocity SAIS are determined to extend between 200 and 300 km altitude, validating previous assumptions that low‒velocity SAIS is an F‒region phenomenon. We find that the limited spatial extent of this category of ionospheric backscatter within SuperDARN radars' fields‒of‒view is a consequence of HF propagation effects and the finite vertical extent of the scattering irregularities. We conclude that the density irregularities responsible for low‒velocity SAIS are widely distributed horizontally within the midlatitude ionosphere but are confined to the bottom‒side F‒region.

Irradiation planning for automated treatment of psoriasis with a high-power excimer laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klämpfl, Florian; Schmidt, Michael; Hagenah, Hinnerk; Görtler, Andreas; Wolfsgruber, Frank; Lampalzer, Ralf; Kaudewitz, Peter

2006-02-01

American and European statistics have shown that 1-2 per cent of the human population is affected by the skin disease psoriasis. Recent research reports promising treatment results when irradiating skin areas affected by psoriasis with high powered excimer lasers with a wavelength of 308 nm. In order to apply the necessary high energy dose without hurting healthy parts of the skin new approaches regarding the system technology must be considered. The aim of the current research project is the development of a sensor-based, automated laser treatment system for psoriasis. In this paper we present the algorithms used to cope with the diffculties of irradiating irregularly shaped areas on curved surfaces with a predefined energy level using a pulsed laser. Patients prefer the treatment to take as little time as possible. This also helps to reduce costs. Thus the distribution of laser pulses on the surface to achieve the given energy level on every point of the surface has to be calculated within a limited time frame. The remainder of the paper will describe in detail an efficient method to plan and optimize the laser pulse distribution. Towards the end, some first results will be presented.

Particle morphology influence on mechanical and biocompatibility properties of injection molded Ti alloy powder.

PubMed

Gülsoy, H Özkan; Gülsoy, Nagihan; Calışıcı, Rahmi

2014-01-01

Titanium and Titanium alloys exhibits properties that are excellent for various bio-applications. Metal injection molding is a processing route that offers reduction in costs, with the added advantage of near net-shape components. Different physical properties of Titanium alloy powders, shaped and processed via injection molding can achieve high complexity of part geometry with mechanical and bioactivity properties, similar or superior to wrought material. This study describes that the effect of particle morphology on the microstructural, mechanical and biocompatibility properties of injection molded Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) alloy powder for biomaterials applications. Ti64 powders irregular and spherical in shape were injection molded with wax based binder. Binder debinding was performed in solvent and thermal method. After debinding the samples were sintered under high vacuum. Metallographic studies were determined to densification and the corresponding microstructural changes. Sintered samples were immersed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) with elemental concentrations that were comparable to those of human blood plasma for a total period of 15 days. Both materials were implanted in fibroblast culture for biocompatibility evaluations were carried out. The results show that spherical and irregular powder could be sintered to a maximum theoretical density. Maximum tensile strength was obtained for spherical shape powder sintered. The tensile strength of the irregular shape powder sintered at the same temperature was lower due to higher porosity. Finally, mechanical tests show that the irregular shape powder has lower mechanical properties than spherical shape powder. The sintered irregular Ti64 powder exhibited better biocompatibility than sintered spherical Ti64 powder. Results of study showed that sintered spherical and irregular Ti64 powders exhibited high mechanical properties and good biocompatibility properties.

Spatio-temporal image-based parametric water surface reconstruction: a novel methodology based on refraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelen, L.; Creëlle, S.; Schindfessel, L.; De Mulder, T.

2018-03-01

This paper presents a low-cost and easy-to-implement image-based reconstruction technique for laboratory experiments, which results in a temporal description of the water surface topography. The distortion due to refraction of a known pattern, located below the water surface, is used to fit a low parameter surface model that describes the time-dependent and three-dimensional surface variation. Instead of finding the optimal water depth for characteristic points on the surface, the deformation of the entire pattern is compared to its original shape. This avoids the need for feature tracking adopted in similar techniques, which improves the robustness to suboptimal optical conditions and small-scale, high-frequency surface perturbations. Experimental validation, by comparison with water depth measurements using a level gauge and pressure sensor, proves sub-millimetre accuracy for smooth and steady surface shapes. Although such accuracy cannot be achieved in case of highly dynamic surface phenomena, the low-frequency and large-scale free surface oscillations can still be measured with a temporal and spatial resolution mostly limited by the available optical set-up. The technique is initially intended for periodic surface phenomena, but the results presented in this paper indicate that also irregular surface shapes can robustly be reconstructed. Therefore, the presented technique is a promising tool for other research applications that require non-intrusive, low-cost surface measurements while maintaining visual access to the water below the surface. The latter ensures that the suggested surface reconstruction is compatible with simultaneous image-based velocity measurements, enabling a detailed study of the flow.

Arrested diatreme development: Standing Rocks East, Hopi Buttes, Navajo Nation, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefebvre, Nathalie S.; White, James D. L.; Kjarsgaard, Bruce A.

2016-01-01

Maar-diatreme volcanoes, defined by their relatively large pyroclastic debris-filled subsurface structures and craters that cut into the pre-eruptive land surface, are typically found in small-volume mafic to ultramafic monogenetic volcanic fields. Diatremes are associated with strong explosions throughout most of their development, focused along feeder dikes and generally attributed to magma-water interaction, or high magmatic volatiles. Detailed mapping of the magnificently exposed Standing Rocks East (SRE) diatreme shows evidence of additional eruptive complexity, and offers new insights into how the plumbing and vent structures of small-volume volcanoes evolve during an eruption. SRE is part of a larger, basanitic volcanic complex that includes several diatremes formed along a series of irregular, offset NW-SE trending dikes exposed 300 m below the pre-eruptive land surface. Its similarly oriented elliptical-shaped diatreme structure comprises predominantly country rock lithic-rich breccia of coarse inhomogeneously mixed wall-rock blocks sourced from above and below the current surface, plus sparse juvenile material. Domains of pyroclastic deposits crosscut the country rock breccia deposits, and the best exposed is the NW massif rising 35 m above the current erosional surface. It represents a cross-section of an evolving crater floor, and comprises matrix-rich lapilli tuff and spatter deposits cut by irregularly distributed dikes, some with very complex textures. The most significant deposit, in terms of volume, is an unbedded lapilli tuff that is poorly sorted and has a well-mixed population of wall-rock and juvenile clast varieties, thus resembling deposits typical of diatremes. It is overlain by and locally intercalated with spatter deposits, and this irregular contact demarcates the base of what was during eruption an uneven, evolving crater floor. The generally massive, variably welded spatter deposits constitute mostly lapilli-sized juvenile clasts with fluidal, folded-over shapes and ropy surfaces, subordinate thermally altered wall-rock and variegated domains of lapilli tuff. SRE shows a progressive transition from fissure to diatreme, and overall evolution from more explosive to weakly explosive eruption styles recorded at the conduit-crater transition. Diatreme development was initiated by deep-quarrying explosive eruptions along a fissure to form the country rock-rich breccia. Only parts of the fissure remained active as magma feeding the highly explosive eruptions along the fissure localized into discrete point sources forming the matrix-rich lapilli tuff deposits. These superimposed deposits record the passage of multiple debris-jets and subvertical fallback from shallow cratering arising from explosions triggered by magma-water interaction at numerous, discrete sites. However, instead of continuing to build a well-formed diatreme, the system switched to weak spattering with intermittent explosive activity and near-surface dike emplacement into the unconsolidated anisotropic, pyroclastic debris of the crater floor. Dominant spatter from strombolian-style bursts accumulated on the topographically varied, evolving unstable syn-eruptive crater floor, and led to local failure and remobilization. This study demonstrates how the combination of fissure behavior and sensitivity of the shallow plumbing system to local conditions during an eruption can lead to a decrease in eruptive footprint within the diatreme structure, and an overall decrease in explosivity resulting in the arrested development of an immature diatreme.

Study of shale reservoir nanometer-sized pores in Member 1 of Shahejie Formation in JX area, Liaozhong sag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yong; Zhang, Yu; Wen, Yiming

2018-02-01

The microscopic pore structure is the key of the shale reservoir study; however, traditional Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) methods cannot identify the irregular morphology caused by mechanical polishing. In this work, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined argon ion polishing technology was taken to study the characteristics of shale reservoir pores of Member 1 of Shahejie Formation (E3s1) located in JX1-1 area of Liaozhong Sag. The results show that pores between clay platelets, intraplatelet pores within clay aggregates and organic-matter pores are very rich in the area and with good pore connectivity, so these types of pores are of great significance for oil-gas exporation. Pores between clay platelets are formed by directional or semi-directional contact between edge and surface, edge and edge or surface and surface of laminated clay minerals, whose shapes are linear, mesh, and irregular with the size of 500 nm to 5 μm. The intraplatelet pores within clay aggregates are formed in the process of the transformation and compaction of clay minerals, whose shapes are usually linear with the width of 30 to 500 nm and the length of 2 to 50 μm. The organic-matter pores are from the process of the conversion from organic matters to the hydrocarbon under thermal evolution, whose shapes are gneissic, irregular, pitted and elliptical with the size of 100 nm to 2 μm. This study is of certain guiding significance to selecting target zones, evaluating resource potential and exploring & developing of shale gas in this region.

Association between the CLOCK gene 3111 T > C polymorphism and an irregular menstrual cycle in Korean adolescents.

PubMed

Kim, Kye-Hyun; Kim, Yunsin; Ha, Juwon; Shin, Dong-Won; Shin, Young-Chul; Oh, Kang-Seob; Woo, Hee-Yeon; Lim, Se-Won

2015-01-01

The menstrual cycle is an example of a human infradian rhythm, but an altered sleep-wake cycle or a disrupted circadian rhythm can change the regularity of the menstrual cycle. In this study, we investigated whether an irregular menstrual cycle is associated with polymorphisms in the CLOCK (3111T > C) and/or PER3 (variable number tandem repeat, VNTR) genes, which are known to have an impact on the circadian rhythm. One hundred ninety-seven postmenarchal, adolescent girls from two girls' high schools in Seoul, Korea, were studied. All participants were requested to complete the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess the emotional distress that might cause menstrual irregularity. Every participant donated a blood sample from which DNA was extracted and genotyped for the CLOCK 3111T > C and PER3 VNTR polymorphisms. A significant association was found between the CLOCK 3111T > C genotype and irregular menstrual cycles. Subjects with the 3111T > C genotype had a high risk of an irregular menstrual cycle compared with 3111T/T homozygous subjects (odds ratio [OR] = 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-6.55). When multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for age, PSS, STAI, BDI and BMI, subjects with the 3111T > C polymorphism showed a significantly increased OR for irregular menstrual cycles (OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.32-7.21). There was no significant association between the PER3 VNTR polymorphism and the irregularity of the menstrual cycle (p > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the CLOCK 3111T > C polymorphism could be an independent risk factor for irregular menstrual cycles, irrespective of psychological distress and endocrine or metabolic conditions, and could be used as a molecular marker for gynecological studies on this aspect.

[A procedure for estimating the rate of occupational accidents in non-European-Union workers with irregular immigrant status].

PubMed

Marchiori, L; Marangi, G; Mazzoccoli, P; Scoizzato, L; Buja, Alessandra; Mastrangelo, G

2008-01-01

Statistics on occupational accidents provided by the Italian Institute for Occupational Diseases and Accidents (INAIL, Italian acronym) include only events that occurred in workers with regular employment status. The aim of the study was to establish a procedure in order to estimate the rate of occupational accidents in non-European-Union (non-EU) workers with irregular employment status and/or irregular immigrant status. The sources of data were the clinical records of the Emergency Department of San Bonifacio Hospital, and the population data of District 4 of Local Health Authority 20 of Verona, which was considered the catchment area of this hospital. Among 419 cases of accidents occurred in the numerator of the rate. The denominator of the rate was estimated by calculating: (1) the subjects of working age resident in District 4 (= 83714); (2) the total number of non-EU workers, assuming that the percentage was similar to that in San Bonifacio Municipality (= 0.115); the number of irregular non-EU workers, assuming that the percentage was similar to that in north-eastern Italy (= 0.103). Non-EU workers with irregular employment status and/or irregular immigrant status should, according to these calculations, be 992 (= 83714 x 0.115 x 0.103). The rate--147.2 (= 146/992) occupational accidents per 1000 irregular non-EU workers--is more than twice as high as that calculated in 2004 in Italy in regular non-EU workers (approximately 65 accidents per 1000). The difference can be explained by the fact that irregular workers find employment mainly in agriculture, building and the metallurgic industry, which have a high frequency of accidents, and are more willing to accept risky work and longer work shifts. On the assumption that the rate of occupational accidents in the 500,000 irregular workers living in Italy in 2004 was 147.2 per 1000 (as in the catchment area of the San Bonifacio Hospital), the number of accidents would be 73,600, against the 116,000 that occurred among regular non-EU workers in 2004 according to INAIL. Official INAIL statistics on occupational accidents therefore show a considerable underestimation.

Irregular menses predicts ovarian cancer: Prospective evidence from the Child Health and Development Studies.

PubMed

Cirillo, Piera M; Wang, Erica T; Cedars, Marcelle I; Chen, Lee-May; Cohn, Barbara A

2016-09-01

We tested the hypothesis that irregular menstruation predicts lower risk for ovarian cancer, possibly due to less frequent ovulation. We conducted a 50-year prospective study of 15,528 mothers in the Child Health and Development Studies cohort recruited from the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan from 1959 to 1966. Irregular menstruation was classified via medical record and self-report at age 26. We identified 116 cases and 84 deaths due to ovarian cancer through 2011 via linkage to the California Cancer Registry and Vital Statistics. Contrary to expectation, women with irregular menstrual cycles had a higher risk of ovarian cancer incidence and mortality over the 50-year follow-up. Associations increased with age (p <0.05). We observed a 2-fold increased incidence and mortality by age 70 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 3.4) rising to a 3-fold increase by age 77 (95% CI = 1.5, 6.7 for incidence; 95% CI = 1.4, 5.9 for mortality). We also found a 3-fold higher risk of mortality for high-grade serous tumors (95% CI = 1.3, 7.6) that did not vary by age. This is the first prospective study to show an association between irregular menstruation and ovarian cancer-we unexpectedly found higher risk for women with irregular cycles. These women are easy to identify and many may have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Classifying high-risk phenotypes such as irregular menstruation creates opportunities to find novel early biomarkers, refine clinical screening protocols and potentially develop new risk reduction strategies. These efforts can lead to earlier detection and better survival for ovarian cancer. © 2016 UICC.

Frequency correlation of probe waves backscattered from small scale ionospheric irregularities generated by high power HF radio waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puchkov, V. A.

2016-09-01

Aspect sensitive scattering of multi-frequency probe signals by artificial, magnetic field aligned density irregularities (with transverse size ∼ 1- 10 m) generated in the ionosphere by powerful radio waves is considered. Fluctuations of received signals depending on stochastic properties of the irregularities are calculated. It is shown that in the case of HF probe waves two mechanisms may contribute to the scattered signal fluctuations. The first one is due to the propagation of probe waves in the ionospheric plasma as in a randomly inhomogeneous medium. The second one lies in non-stationary stochastic behavior of irregularities which satisfy the Bragg conditions for the scattering geometry and therefore constitute centers of scattering. In the probe wave frequency band of the order of 10-100 MHz the second mechanism dominates which delivers opportunity to recover some properties of artificial irregularities from received signals. Correlation function of backscattered probe waves with close frequencies is calculated, and it is shown that detailed spatial distribution of irregularities along the scattering vector can be found experimentally from observations of this correlation function.

Wide-field microscopy using microcamera arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marks, Daniel L.; Youn, Seo Ho; Son, Hui S.; Kim, Jungsang; Brady, David J.

2013-02-01

A microcamera is a relay lens paired with image sensors. Microcameras are grouped into arrays to relay overlapping views of a single large surface to the sensors to form a continuous synthetic image. The imaged surface may be curved or irregular as each camera may independently be dynamically focused to a different depth. Microcamera arrays are akin to microprocessors in supercomputers in that both join individual processors by an optoelectronic routing fabric to increase capacity and performance. A microcamera may image ten or more megapixels and grouped into an array of several hundred, as has already been demonstrated by the DARPA AWARE Wide-Field program with multiscale gigapixel photography. We adapt gigapixel microcamera array architectures to wide-field microscopy of irregularly shaped surfaces to greatly increase area imaging over 1000 square millimeters at resolutions of 3 microns or better in a single snapshot. The system includes a novel relay design, a sensor electronics package, and a FPGA-based networking fabric. Biomedical applications of this include screening for skin lesions, wide-field and resolution-agile microsurgical imaging, and microscopic cytometry of millions of cells performed in situ.

Global Distribution of Density Irregularities in the Equatorial Ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kil, Hyosub; Heelis, R. A.

1998-01-01

We analyzed measurements of ion number density made by the retarding potential analyzer aboard the Atmosphere Explorer-E (AE-E) satellite, which was in an approximately circular orbit at an altitude near 300 km in 1977 and later at an altitude near 400 km. Large-scale (greater than 60 km) density measurements in the high-altitude regions show large depletions of bubble-like structures which are confined to narrow local time longitude, and magnetic latitude ranges, while those in the low-altitude regions show relatively small depletions which are broadly distributed,in space. For this reason we considered the altitude regions below 300 km and above 350 km and investigated the global distribution of irregularities using the rms deviation delta N/N over a path length of 18 km as an indicator of overall irregularity intensity. Seasonal variations of irregularity occurrence probability are significant in the Pacific regions, while the occurrence probability is always high in die Atlantic-African regions and is always low in die Indian regions. We find that the high occurrence probability in the Pacific regions is associated with isolated bubble structures, while that near 0 deg longitude is produced by large depictions with bubble structures which are superimposed on a large-scale wave-like background. Considerations of longitude variations due to seeding mechanisms and due to F region winds and drifts are necessary to adequately explain the observations at low and high altitudes. Seeding effects are most obvious near 0 deg longitude, while the most easily observed effect of the F region is the suppression of irregularity growth by interhemispheric neutral winds.

Controllable load sharing for soft adhesive interfaces on three-dimensional surfaces.

PubMed

Song, Sukho; Drotlef, Dirk-Michael; Majidi, Carmel; Sitti, Metin

2017-05-30

For adhering to three-dimensional (3D) surfaces or objects, current adhesion systems are limited by a fundamental trade-off between 3D surface conformability and high adhesion strength. This limitation arises from the need for a soft, mechanically compliant interface, which enables conformability to nonflat and irregularly shaped surfaces but significantly reduces the interfacial fracture strength. In this work, we overcome this trade-off with an adhesion-based soft-gripping system that exhibits enhanced fracture strength without sacrificing conformability to nonplanar 3D surfaces. Composed of a gecko-inspired elastomeric microfibrillar adhesive membrane supported by a pressure-controlled deformable gripper body, the proposed soft-gripping system controls the bonding strength by changing its internal pressure and exploiting the mechanics of interfacial equal load sharing. The soft adhesion system can use up to ∼26% of the maximum adhesion of the fibrillar membrane, which is 14× higher than the adhering membrane without load sharing. Our proposed load-sharing method suggests a paradigm for soft adhesion-based gripping and transfer-printing systems that achieves area scaling similar to that of a natural gecko footpad.

Controllable load sharing for soft adhesive interfaces on three-dimensional surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Sukho; Drotlef, Dirk-Michael; Majidi, Carmel; Sitti, Metin

2017-05-01

For adhering to three-dimensional (3D) surfaces or objects, current adhesion systems are limited by a fundamental trade-off between 3D surface conformability and high adhesion strength. This limitation arises from the need for a soft, mechanically compliant interface, which enables conformability to nonflat and irregularly shaped surfaces but significantly reduces the interfacial fracture strength. In this work, we overcome this trade-off with an adhesion-based soft-gripping system that exhibits enhanced fracture strength without sacrificing conformability to nonplanar 3D surfaces. Composed of a gecko-inspired elastomeric microfibrillar adhesive membrane supported by a pressure-controlled deformable gripper body, the proposed soft-gripping system controls the bonding strength by changing its internal pressure and exploiting the mechanics of interfacial equal load sharing. The soft adhesion system can use up to ˜26% of the maximum adhesion of the fibrillar membrane, which is 14× higher than the adhering membrane without load sharing. Our proposed load-sharing method suggests a paradigm for soft adhesion-based gripping and transfer-printing systems that achieves area scaling similar to that of a natural gecko footpad.

Controllable load sharing for soft adhesive interfaces on three-dimensional surfaces

PubMed Central

Song, Sukho; Drotlef, Dirk-Michael; Majidi, Carmel; Sitti, Metin

2017-01-01

For adhering to three-dimensional (3D) surfaces or objects, current adhesion systems are limited by a fundamental trade-off between 3D surface conformability and high adhesion strength. This limitation arises from the need for a soft, mechanically compliant interface, which enables conformability to nonflat and irregularly shaped surfaces but significantly reduces the interfacial fracture strength. In this work, we overcome this trade-off with an adhesion-based soft-gripping system that exhibits enhanced fracture strength without sacrificing conformability to nonplanar 3D surfaces. Composed of a gecko-inspired elastomeric microfibrillar adhesive membrane supported by a pressure-controlled deformable gripper body, the proposed soft-gripping system controls the bonding strength by changing its internal pressure and exploiting the mechanics of interfacial equal load sharing. The soft adhesion system can use up to ∼26% of the maximum adhesion of the fibrillar membrane, which is 14× higher than the adhering membrane without load sharing. Our proposed load-sharing method suggests a paradigm for soft adhesion-based gripping and transfer-printing systems that achieves area scaling similar to that of a natural gecko footpad. PMID:28507143

Leaf surface structures enable the endemic Namib desert grass Stipagrostis sabulicola to irrigate itself with fog water

PubMed Central

Roth-Nebelsick, A.; Ebner, M.; Miranda, T.; Gottschalk, V.; Voigt, D.; Gorb, S.; Stegmaier, T.; Sarsour, J.; Linke, M.; Konrad, W.

2012-01-01

The Namib grass Stipagrostis sabulicola relies, to a large degree, upon fog for its water supply and is able to guide collected water towards the plant base. This directed irrigation of the plant base allows an efficient and rapid uptake of the fog water by the shallow roots. In this contribution, the mechanisms for this directed water flow are analysed. Stipagrostis sabulicola has a highly irregular surface. Advancing contact angle is 98° ± 5° and the receding angle is 56° ± 9°, with a mean of both values of approximately 77°. The surface is thus not hydrophobic, shows a substantial contact angle hysteresis and therefore, allows the development of pinned drops of a substantial size. The key factor for the water conduction is the presence of grooves within the leaf surface that run parallel to the long axis of the plant. These grooves provide a guided downslide of drops that have exceeded the maximum size for attachment. It also leads to a minimum of inefficient drop scattering around the plant. The combination of these surface traits together with the tall and upright stature of S. sabulicola contributes to a highly efficient natural fog-collecting system that enables this species to thrive in a hyperarid environment. PMID:22356817

Leaf surface structures enable the endemic Namib desert grass Stipagrostis sabulicola to irrigate itself with fog water.

PubMed

Roth-Nebelsick, A; Ebner, M; Miranda, T; Gottschalk, V; Voigt, D; Gorb, S; Stegmaier, T; Sarsour, J; Linke, M; Konrad, W

2012-08-07

The Namib grass Stipagrostis sabulicola relies, to a large degree, upon fog for its water supply and is able to guide collected water towards the plant base. This directed irrigation of the plant base allows an efficient and rapid uptake of the fog water by the shallow roots. In this contribution, the mechanisms for this directed water flow are analysed. Stipagrostis sabulicola has a highly irregular surface. Advancing contact angle is 98° ± 5° and the receding angle is 56° ± 9°, with a mean of both values of approximately 77°. The surface is thus not hydrophobic, shows a substantial contact angle hysteresis and therefore, allows the development of pinned drops of a substantial size. The key factor for the water conduction is the presence of grooves within the leaf surface that run parallel to the long axis of the plant. These grooves provide a guided downslide of drops that have exceeded the maximum size for attachment. It also leads to a minimum of inefficient drop scattering around the plant. The combination of these surface traits together with the tall and upright stature of S. sabulicola contributes to a highly efficient natural fog-collecting system that enables this species to thrive in a hyperarid environment.

P09.43 Novel geometrical imaging biomarkers predict survival and allow for patient selection for surgery in glioblastoma patients.

PubMed Central

Pérez-Beteta, J.; Molina, D.; Martínez-González, A.; Arregui, E.; Asenjo, B.; Iglesias, L.; Martino, J.; Pérez-Romasanta, L.; Arana, E.; Pérez-García, V. M.

2017-01-01

Abstract Introduction: Glioblastoma is the most frequent and lethal malignant brain tumor in adults. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is routinely used for diagnosis and treatment planning. One of the gold standards in imaging are the post-contrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) that are used to define the macroscopic part of the tumor. A modern mathematical model has predicted a relation between tumor’s growth speed, and so the patient outcome, with the width of contrast enhancing areas measured on the pre-surgery post-contrast 3D T1-weighted images. Other works have hypothesized the role of the tumor’s surface as a driver for growth and infiltration in cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study involving 7 hospitals was organized for the validation of the model predictions. Inclusion criteria where unifocal tumors and availability of 3D T1w MRIs and clinical data (age, survival, type of treatment, etc). 219 patients were included in the study. Tumors were manually segmented and thirty quantitative geometrical 3D variables computed including volumes (total tumor, contrast enhancing and necrotic), surfaces, volume ratios, 3D maximal diameter and several measures of the contrast enhancing ‘rim’. A novel measure was defined accounting for how much the tumor surface as measured on the post-contrast T1w MRIs deviates from a sphere of the same volume. Kaplan-Meir and Cox regression methods were used to validate the relevance of the different features. Results: Patients with small contrast enhancing width (< 3.7 mm) showed a significant improvement in survival (p = 0.002, differences in median = 191 days, HR = 1.701). The tumor surface irregularity turned out to be a very powerful predictor of survival (p = 0.004, differences in median = 104 days, HR = 1.516). Both parameters were significant in multivariate analysis together with the age (p = 0.007 for surface irregularity and p = 0.009 for rim width). No other parameters including volumes, volume ratios, surfaces, maximal diameters, and other features were associated with survival neither in univariate nor in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The width of the contrast enhancing rim and a novel surface irregularity parameter were predictors of survival in a large cohort of GBM patients. Since the study methodology was very robust (high resolution MRIs, tumor segmentation methodology) and the number of geometrically meaningful parameters large in comparison with previous studies this study may shed some light on the long debated topic of the role of geometrical measures on GBM patient’s survival. FUNDING: James S. Mc. Donnell Foundation (USA) 21st Century Science Initiative in Mathematical and Complex Systems Approaches for Brain Cancer [Collaborative award 220020450 and planning grant 220020420], MINECO/FEDER [MTM2015-71200-R], JCCM [PEII-2014-031-P].

Irregular Wave Energy Extraction Analysis for a Slider Crank WEC Power Take-Off System

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

Sang, Yuanrui; Karayaka, H. Bora; Yan, Yanjun

2015-09-02

Slider crank Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is a novel energy conversion device. It converts wave energy into electricity at a relatively high efficiency, and it features a simple structure. Past analysis on this WEC has been done under regular sinusoidal wave conditions, and a suboptimal energy could be achieved. This paper presents the analysis of the system under irregular wave conditions; a time-domain hydrodynamics model is adopted and the control methodology is modified to better serve the irregular wave conditions. Results from the simulations show that the performance of the system under irregular wave conditions is different from that undermore » regular sinusoidal wave conditions, but still a reasonable amount of energy can be extracted.« less

Application of Wuhan Ionospheric Oblique Backscattering Sounding System (WIOBSS) for the investigation of midlatitude ionospheric irregularities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jin; Zhou, Xiaoming; Qiao, Lei; Gong, Wanlin

2018-03-01

An upgrade of Wuhan Ionospheric Backscattering Sounding System (WIOBSS) was developed in 2015. Based on the Universal Serial Bus (USB), and a high performance FPGA, the newly designed WIOBSS has a completely digital structure, which makes it portable and flexible. Two identical WIOBSSs, which were situated at Mile (24.31°N, 103.39°E) and Puer (22.74°N, 101.05°E) respectively, were used to investigate the ionospheric irregularities. The comparisons of group distance, Doppler shift and width between Mile-Puer and Puer-Mile VHF ionospheric propagation paths indicate that the reciprocity of the irregularities is satisfied at midlatitude region. The WIOBSS is robust in the detection of ionospheric irregularities.

Electrostatic lower hybrid waves excited by electromagnetic whistler mode waves scattering from planar magnetic-field-aligned plasma density irregularities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, T. F.; Ngo, H. D.

1990-01-01

This paper presents a theoretical model for electrostatic lower hybrid waves excited by electromagnetic whistler mode waves propagating in regions of the magnetosphere and the topside ionosphere, where small-scale magnetic-field-aligned plasma density irregularities are thought to exist. In this model, the electrostatic waves are excited by linear mode coupling as the incident electromagnetic whistler mode waves scatter from the magnetic-field-aligned plasma density irregularities. Results indicate that high-amplitude short-wavelength (5 to 100 m) quasi-electrostatic whistler mode waves can be excited when electromagnetic whistler mode waves scatter from small-scale planar magnetic-field-aligned plasma density irregularities in the topside ionosphere and magnetosphere.

Corneroboletus, a new genus to accommodate the southeastern Asian Boletus indecorus.

PubMed

Zeng, Nian-Kai; Cai, Qing; Yang, Zhu L

2012-01-01

Corneroboletus was erected in the Boletaceae to accommodate Boletus indecorus originally described from southeastern Asia. The mucilaginous surface of the basidioma, the ixohyphoepithelium pileipellis and the irregularly warty to irregularly bacillate ornamentation of basidiospores distinguish this fungus from other described species in Boletaceae. Phylogenetic placement of this fungus was investigated further with molecular data including LSU rRNA and concatenated alignment of nrLSU, 5.8S rRNA and rpb2 genes, and an independent lineage among existing genera of Boletaceae was suggested by our phylogenetic results. Consequently a description, illustrations and a comparison of Corneroboletus with allied taxa are presented.

Interconversion of large packets and small groups of cells of Micrococcus rubens: dependence upon magnesium and phosphate.

PubMed Central

Yamada, M; Koyama, T; Matsuhashi, M

1977-01-01

Micrococcus rubens, a gram-positive occus, usually forms large, cubic packets of more than 500 cells that are regularly arranged in three-dimensional cell groups. In medium with extremely low concentration of Mg2+ and phosphate, in which the cells can only grow on a agar surface, it formed small groups of 2 to 20 cells. Irregularly arraged cell groups of intermediated size were obtained in culture media containing intermediated concentrations of Mg2+ and phosphate. Mutants that formed irregular cell groups of intermediate size under normal culture conditions were also obtained. Images PMID:845123

Effect of Bearing Defects

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-12-01

defect types were tested at various levels: Comet- Tail, Dig-Nick, Dirt Brinell, Grind-Skip Lines, Impingement, Orange Peel , Pit, Scratch and "Liney...Shallow irregular indentation of surface. <.0015 max. dim. -(<.0008)*’ Otange Peel Pebbly appearance of raceway surface. Small ** Comet Tail Pit...scratch; dig-nick; impingement; grind-skip lines; and orange peel . The data obtained indicated that these defects in most cases, affected bearing

Recrystallization and modification of the stainless-steel surface relief under photonic heat load in powerful plasma discharges

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

Budaev, V. P., E-mail: budaev@mail.ru; Martynenko, Yu. V.; Khimchenko, L. N.

Targets made of ITER-grade 316L(N)-IG stainless steel and Russian-grade 12Cr18Ni10Ti stainless steel with a close composition were exposed at the QSPA-T plasma gun to plasma photonic radiation pulses simulating conditions of disruption mitigation in ITER. After a large number of pulses, modification of the stainless-steel surface was observed, such as the formation of a wavy structure, irregular roughness, and cracks on the target surface. X-ray and optic microscopic analyses of targets revealed changes in the orientation and dimensions of crystallites (grains) over a depth of up to 20 μm for 316L(N)-IG stainless steel after 200 pulses and up to 40more » μm for 12Cr18Ni10Ti stainless steel after 50 pulses, which is significantly larger than the depth of the layer melted in one pulse (∼10 μm). In a series of 200 tests of ITER-grade 316L(N)-IG ITER stainless steel, a linear increase in the height of irregularity (roughness) with increasing number of pulses at a rate of up to ∼1 μm per pulse was observed. No alteration in the chemical composition of the stainless-steel surface in the series of tests was revealed. A model is developed that describes the formation of wavy irregularities on the melted metal surface with allowance for the nonlinear stage of instability of the melted layer with a vapor/plasma flow above it. A decisive factor in this case is the viscous flow of the melted metal from the troughs to tops of the wavy structure. The model predicts saturation of the growth of the wavy structure when its amplitude becomes comparable with its wavelength. Approaches to describing the observed stochastic relief and roughness of the stainless-steel surface formed in the series of tests are considered. The recurrence of the melting-solidification process in which mechanisms of the hill growth compete with the spreading of the material from the hills can result in the formation of a stochastic relief.« less

A Coherent Fiber for an Airborne Heterodyne Sensor.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

17 4 TlBr /KRS-5 fiber showing irregular core shape . ....... ... 20 5 Enlargement of fiber cross section showing highly irregular core...21 6 TIBr/KRS-5 billet after extrusion ...... ............. 22 7 Side view of TlBr /KRS-5 fiber extruded at high...material. The composite billet is then extruded into fiber. Our composite billets were made of TlBr /KRS-5 and KRS-6/TlCl (clad/core). The extruded

"Colgate-Plus"--An Imperfect Light Pipe.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ouseph, P. J.

1993-01-01

Describes the effects when a clear toothbrush is used as total internally reflecting light pipe when attached to a laser. Several explanations are given describing the nonuniformity of the transmitted light resulting from surface and internal irregularities found in the toothbrush. (MVL)

[Evaluation of the surface of the new intraocular lenses in the scanning electron microscope].

PubMed

Kałuzny, B J; Szatkowski, J; Kałuzny, J J

2001-01-01

To evaluate the surface of the new PC IOLs commercially available in Poland in 2000. Representative samples of new posterior chamber IOLs produced by 6 different companies (Alcon, Lensita, Medicontur, Opsia, Rayner, Storz), 5 of each, underwent surface examination with Novoscan 30 scanning electron microscope. Although, in general, smooth surface of optic and haptic parts were observed, three samples with irregularities were found. Comparing to previous evaluation performed in 1994, significant improvement in quality of IOLs surface was noted. No considerable differences in this field between above mentioned producers were observed.

Synthesis of belt-like BiOBr hierarchical nanostructure with high photocatalytic performance

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

Li, Haiping; Liu, Jingyi; Hu, Tingxia

2016-05-15

Highlights: • BiOBr hierarchical nanobelts (NBs) were solvothermally prepared. • NBs show higher specific surface area and photoabsorption than BiOBr nanosheets. • NBs exhibit higher photoactivity than the nanosheets. - Abstract: One-dimensional (1D) bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX) hierarchical nanostructures are always difficult to prepare. Herein, we report, for the first time, a simple synthesis of BiOBr nanobelts (NBs) via a facile solvothermal route, using bismuth subsalicylate as the template and bismuth source. The BiOBr nanobelts are composed of irregular single crystal nanoparticles with highly exposed (0 1 0) facets. Compared with the BiOBr nanosheets (NSs) with dominant exposed (0 0 1)more » facets, they exhibit higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue under visible light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic performance of BiOBr NBs arises from their larger specific surface area and higher photoabsorption capability. This study provides a simple route for synthesis of belt-like Bi-based hierarchical nanostructures.« less

Quadtree of TIN: a new algorithm of dynamic LOD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Junfeng; Fei, Lifan; Chen, Zhen

2009-10-01

Currently, Real-time visualization of large-scale digital elevation model mainly employs the regular structure of GRID based on quadtree and triangle simplification methods based on irregular triangulated network (TIN). TIN is a refined means to express the terrain surface in the computer science, compared with GRID. However, the data structure of TIN model is complex, and is difficult to realize view-dependence representation of level of detail (LOD) quickly. GRID is a simple method to realize the LOD of terrain, but contains more triangle count. A new algorithm, which takes full advantage of the two methods' merit, is presented in this paper. This algorithm combines TIN with quadtree structure to realize the view-dependence LOD controlling over the irregular sampling point sets, and holds the details through the distance of viewpoint and the geometric error of terrain. Experiments indicate that this approach can generate an efficient quadtree triangulation hierarchy over any irregular sampling point sets and achieve dynamic and visual multi-resolution performance of large-scale terrain at real-time.

Light Scattering by Gaussian Particles: A Solution with Finite-Difference Time Domain Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, W.; Nousiainen, T.; Fu, Q.; Loeb, N. G.; Videen, G.; Muinonen, K.

2003-01-01

The understanding of single-scattering properties of complex ice crystals has significance in atmospheric radiative transfer and remote-sensing applications. In this work, light scattering by irregularly shaped Gaussian ice crystals is studied with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. For given sample particle shapes and size parameters in the resonance region, the scattering phase matrices and asymmetry factors are calculated. It is found that the deformation of the particle surface can significantly smooth the scattering phase functions and slightly reduce the asymmetry factors. The polarization properties of irregular ice crystals are also significantly different from those of spherical cloud particles. These FDTD results could provide a reference for approximate light-scattering models developed for irregular particle shapes and can have potential applications in developing a much simpler practical light scattering model for ice clouds angular-distribution models and for remote sensing of ice clouds and aerosols using polarized light. (copyright) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of corneal topography in patients with pure microphthalmia in Eastern China.

PubMed

Hu, Pei-Hong; Gao, Gui-Ping; Yu, Yao; Pei, Chong-Gang; Zhou, Qiong; Huang, Xin; Zhang, Ying; Shao, Yi

2015-12-01

To determine the typical corneal changes in pure microphthalmia using a corneal topography system and identify characteristics that may assist in early diagnosis. Patients with pure microphthalmia and healthy control subjects underwent corneal topography analysis (Orbscan IIZ® Corneal Topography System; Bausch and Lomb, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) to determine degree of corneal astigmatism (mean A), simulation of corneal astigmatism (sim A), mean keratometry (mean K), simulated keratometry (sim K), irregularities in the 3 - and 5-mm zone, and mean thickness of nine distinct corneal regions. Patients with pure microphthalmia (n = 12) had significantly higher mean K, sim K, mean A, sim A, 3.0 mm irregularity and 5.0 mm irregularity, and exhibited significantly more false keratoconus than controls (n = 12). There was a significant between-group difference in the morphology of the anterior corneal surface and the central curvature of the cornea. Changes in corneal morphology observed in this study could be useful in borderline situations to confirm the diagnosis of pure microphthalmia. © The Author(s) 2015.

A new method for the assessment of the surface topography of NiTi rotary instruments.

PubMed

Ferreira, F; Barbosa, I; Scelza, P; Russano, D; Neff, J; Montagnana, M; Zaccaro Scelza, M

2017-09-01

To describe a new method for the assessment of nanoscale alterations in the surface topography of nickel-titanium endodontic instruments using a high-resolution optical method and to verify the accuracy of the technique. Noncontact three-dimensional optical profilometry was used to evaluate defects on a size 25, .08 taper reciprocating instrument (WaveOne ® ), which was subjected to a cyclic fatigue test in a simulated root canal in a clear resin block. For the investigation, an original procedure was established for the analysis of similar areas located 3 mm from the tip of the instrument before and after canal preparation to enable the repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements with precision. All observations and analysis were taken in areas measuring 210 × 210 μm provided by the software of the equipment. The three-dimensional high-resolution image analysis showed clear alterations in the surface topography of the examined cutting blade and flute of the instrument, before and after use, with the presence of surface irregularities such as deformations, debris, grooves, cracks, steps and microcavities. Optical profilometry provided accurate qualitative nanoscale evaluation of similar surfaces before and after the fatigue test. The stability and repeatability of the technique enables a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of wear on the surface of endodontic instruments. © 2016 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Detrimental Effects of Higher Body Mass Index and Smoking Habits on Menstrual Cycles in Korean Women.

PubMed

Jung, An Na; Park, Ju Hwan; Kim, Jihyun; Kim, Seok Hyun; Jee, Byung Chul; Cha, Byung Heun; Sull, Jae Woong; Jun, Jin Hyun

2017-01-01

Alteration of menstrual cycle by individual lifestyles and unfavorable habits may cause menstrual irregularity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle factors and menstrual irregularity in Korean women using data from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010-2012. This cross-sectional study included 3779 nondiabetic Korean women aged 19-49 years who did not take any oral contraceptives or sex hormonal compounds. We examined the association of menstrual irregularity with age, body mass index (BMI), drinking experience, and smoking habits. Age, Asian BMI, marriage status, age at menarche, and smoking habits were significantly associated with menstrual cycle irregularity (p < 0.01). The prevalence of menstrual irregularity was significantly increased at younger ages: 18.4%, 10.3%, and 10.5% at 19-29, 30-39, and 40-49 years, respectively. Moreover, obesity groups, defined as per Asian BMI using modified WHO criteria, were strongly associated with menstrual irregularity. BMI 25.0-29.9 [obesity class I] (adjusted odds ratios [OR], 1.94; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.37-2.74) and ≥30.0 [obesity class II] (adjusted OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.22-3.91) presented significantly higher risk of menstrual irregularity compared with BMI 18.5-22.9 [normal weight]. Multivariable analysis revealed that high BMI in younger women aged 19-29 years (p < 0.001) and smoking habits in middle-aged women aged 30-39 years (p < 0.005) significantly predicted menstrual irregularity. This study substantiated that menstrual irregularity was closely associated with higher BMI and smoking habits in nondiabetic Korean women. Weight loss and smoking cessation should be recommended to promote women's reproductive health.

Studies of small scale irregularities in the cusp ionosphere using sounding rockets: recent results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spicher, A.; Ilyasov, A. A.; Miloch, W. J.; Chernyshov, A. A.; Moen, J.; Clausen, L. B. N.; Saito, Y.

2017-12-01

Plasma irregularities occurring over many scale sizes are common in the ionosphere. Understanding and characterizing the phenomena responsible for these irregularities is not only important from a theoretical point of view, but also in the context of space weather, as the irregularities can disturb HF communication and Global Navigation Satellite Systems signals. Overall, research about the small-scale turbulence has not progressed as fast for polar regions as for the equatorial ones, and for the high latitude ionosphere there is still no agreement nor detailed explanation regarding the formation of irregularities. To investigate plasma structuring at small scales in the cusp ionosphere, we use high resolution measurements from the Investigation of Cusp Irregularities (ICI) sounding rockets, and investigate a region associated with density enhancements and a region characterized by flow shears. Using the ICI-2 electron density data, we give further evidence of the importance of the gradient drift instability for plasma structuring inside the polar cap. In particular, using higher-order statistics, we provide new insights into the nature of the resulting plasma structures and show that they are characterized by intermittency. Using the ICI-3 data, we show that the entire region associated with a reversed flow event (RFE), with the presence of meter-scale irregularities, several flow shears and particle precipitation, is highly structured. By performing a numerical stability analysis, we show that the inhomogeneous-energy-density-driven instability (IEDDI) may be active in relation to RFEs at the rocket's altitude. In particular, we show that the presence of particle precipitation decreases the growth rates of IEDDI and, using a Local Intermittency Measure, we observe a correlation between IEDDI growth rates and electric field fluctuations over several scales. These findings support the view that large-scale inhomogeneities may provide a background for the development of micro-scale instabilities. Such interplay between macro- and micro-processes might be an important mechanism for the development of small-scale plasma gradients, and as a source for ion heating in the cusp ionosphere.

Young Japanese College Students with Dysmenorrhea Have High Frequency of Irregular Menstruation and Premenstrual Symptoms

PubMed Central

Fujiwara, Tomoko; Nakata, Rieko

2007-01-01

In this study, to estimate the current status of young women with menstrual disorders, the relation among dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation and premenstrual symptoms was investigated by a questionnaire. Subjects ranging from 18 to 20 years old were recruited from 522 female students at Ashiya College in Japan. The intensity of dysmenorrhea was classified into 3 grades (score 1, not requiring analgesic; score 2, painful, requiring analgesic; score 3, painful, not relieved by analgesic). All participants were further divided into subsequent groups as having premenstrual symptoms or not and those having regular or irregular menstruation. Dysmenorrhea scores in the students with premenstrual symptoms or irregular menstruation were significantly higher than those without these symptoms (1.66±0.66 vs 1.41±0.59; 1.62±0.68 vs 1.49±0.61, respectively). There was no significant relation in the incidence between premenstrual symptoms and irregular menstruation. These findings suggest that considerable numbers of young women with dysmenorrhea are associated with premenstrual symptoms. PMID:19415130

Young Japanese college students with dysmenorrhea have high frequency of irregular menstruation and premenstrual symptoms.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Tomoko; Nakata, Rieko

2007-01-01

In this study, to estimate the current status of young women with menstrual disorders, the relation among dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation and premenstrual symptoms was investigated by a questionnaire. Subjects ranging from 18 to 20 years old were recruited from 522 female students at Ashiya College in Japan. The intensity of dysmenorrhea was classified into 3 grades (score 1, not requiring analgesic; score 2, painful, requiring analgesic; score 3, painful, not relieved by analgesic). All participants were further divided into subsequent groups as having premenstrual symptoms or not and those having regular or irregular menstruation. Dysmenorrhea scores in the students with premenstrual symptoms or irregular menstruation were significantly higher than those without these symptoms (1.66+/-0.66 vs 1.41+/-0.59; 1.62+/-0.68 vs 1.49+/-0.61, respectively). There was no significant relation in the incidence between premenstrual symptoms and irregular menstruation. These findings suggest that considerable numbers of young women with dysmenorrhea are associated with premenstrual symptoms.

Determination of Slake Durability Index (Sdi) Values on Different Shape of Laminated Marl Samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ankara, Hüseyin; Çiçek, Fatma; Talha Deniz, İsmail; Uçak, Emre; Yerel Kandemir, Süheyla

2016-10-01

The slake durability index (SDI) test is widely used to determine the disintegration characteristic of the weak and clay-bearing rocks in geo-engineering problems. However, due to the different shapes of sample pieces, such as, irregular shapes displayed mechanical breakages in the slaking process, the SDI test has some limitations that affect the index values. In addition, shape and surface roughness of laminated marl samples have a severe influence on the SDI. In this study, a new sample preparation method called Pasha Method was used to prepare spherical specimens from the laminated marl collected from Seyitomer collar (SLI). Moreover the SDI tests were performed on equal size and weight specimens: three sets with different shapes were used. The three different sets were prepared as the test samples which had sphere shape, parallel to the layers in irregular shape, and vertical to the layers in irregular shape. Index values were determined for the three different sets subjected to the SDI test for 4 cycles. The index values at the end of fourth cycle were found to be 98.43, 98.39 and 97.20 %, respectively. As seen, the index values of the sphere sample set were found to be higher than irregular sample sets.

Energy Extraction from a Slider-Crank Wave Energy under Irregular Wave Conditions: Preprint

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

Sang, Yuanrui; Karayaka, H. Bora; Yan, Yanjun

2015-08-24

A slider-crank wave energy converter (WEC) is a novel energy conversion device. It converts wave energy into electricity at a relatively high efficiency, and it features a simple structure. Past analysis on this particular WEC has been done under regular sinusoidal wave conditions, and suboptimal energy could be achieved. This paper presents the analysis of the system under irregular wave conditions; a time-domain hydrodynamics model is adopted and a rule-based control methodology is introduced to better serve the irregular wave conditions. Results from the simulations show that the performance of the system under irregular wave conditions is different from thatmore » under regular sinusoidal wave conditions, but a reasonable amount of energy can still be extracted.« less

Energy Extraction from a Slider-Crank Wave Energy Converter under Irregular Wave Conditions

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

Sang, Yuanrui; Karayaka, H. Bora; Yan, Yanjun

2015-10-19

A slider-crank wave energy converter (WEC) is a novel energy conversion device. It converts wave energy into electricity at a relatively high efficiency, and it features a simple structure. Past analysis on this particular WEC has been done under regular sinusoidal wave conditions, and suboptimal energy could be achieved. This paper presents the analysis of the system under irregular wave conditions; a time-domain hydrodynamics model is adopted and a rule-based control methodology is introduced to better serve the irregular wave conditions. Results from the simulations show that the performance of the system under irregular wave conditions is different from thatmore » under regular sinusoidal wave conditions, but a reasonable amount of energy can still be extracted.« less

The role of in-situ measurements in scintillation modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, S.; Basu, S.; Hanson, W. B.

It is shown that the conflicting equatorial scintillation observations obtained from greatly separated ground stations can be organized in the framework of a longitudinal variation of irregularity occurrence, given satellite-borne, in situ measurements of irregularity amplitude of the global F-region irregularity morphology's general features. High-inclination satellite data are used to delineate the morphological features of the polar cap by means of such a method. The lack of diurnal and magnetic control of the irregularity morphology within the low solar flux, northern winter polar cap distinguishes this region from the auroral oval regime. A polar-orbiting communication system sensitive to phase perturbations may observe large differences in the phase-to-amplitude scintillation ratio, as it traverses the auroral oval and proceeds into the polar cap, with its sun-aligned arc system.

Fatal pleural mesothelioma in Japan (2003-2008): evaluation of computed tomography findings.

PubMed

Kato, Katsuya; Gemba, Kenichi; Fujimoto, Nobukazu; Aoe, Keisuke; Takeshima, Yukio; Inai, Kouki; Kishimoto, Takumi

2016-06-01

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristic findings of mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis, and determine precautions and guidelines for diagnosing mesothelioma early in imaging studies. Overall, 327 patients with pleural mesothelioma were selected from 6030 patients who died of mesothelioma between 2003 and 2008 in Japan. Their imaging findings were examined retrospectively. Plaques were found in 35 % of computed tomography (CT) scans. Asbestosis, diffuse pleural thickening, and rounded atelectasis were found in only seven (2 %), five (2 %), and two cases (1 %), respectively. Pleural thickening findings on CT scans were classified into four stages: no irregularity, mild irregularity, high irregularity, and mass formation. Overall, 18 % of cases did not show a clear irregularity. Localized thickening was observed in the mediastinal (77 %) and basal (76 %) pleura and in the interlobar fissure (49 %). Eight percent of cases did not have any thickening in these three areas. Upon examination of the CT scans at diagnosis, 18 % of mesothelioma cases did not show a clear irregularity. When diagnosing pleural effusion of unknown etiology, it is necessary to consider the possibility of mesothelioma even when no plaque and pleural irregularity are observed.

Climatology of GPS signal loss observed by Swarm satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Chao; Stolle, Claudia; Park, Jaeheung

2018-04-01

By using 3-year global positioning system (GPS) measurements from December 2013 to November 2016, we provide in this study a detailed survey on the climatology of the GPS signal loss of Swarm onboard receivers. Our results show that the GPS signal losses prefer to occur at both low latitudes between ±5 and ±20° magnetic latitude (MLAT) and high latitudes above 60° MLAT in both hemispheres. These events at all latitudes are observed mainly during equinoxes and December solstice months, while totally absent during June solstice months. At low latitudes the GPS signal losses are caused by the equatorial plasma irregularities shortly after sunset, and at high latitude they are also highly related to the large density gradients associated with ionospheric irregularities. Additionally, the high-latitude events are more often observed in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring mainly at the cusp region and along nightside auroral latitudes. The signal losses mainly happen for those GPS rays with elevation angles less than 20°, and more commonly occur when the line of sight between GPS and Swarm satellites is aligned with the shell structure of plasma irregularities. Our results also confirm that the capability of the Swarm receiver has been improved after the bandwidth of the phase-locked loop (PLL) widened, but the updates cannot radically avoid the interruption in tracking GPS satellites caused by the ionospheric plasma irregularities. Additionally, after the PLL bandwidth increased larger than 0.5 Hz, some unexpected signal losses are observed even at middle latitudes, which are not related to the ionospheric plasma irregularities. Our results suggest that rather than 1.0 Hz, a PLL bandwidth of 0.5 Hz is a more suitable value for the Swarm receiver.

Phase-field modeling of liquids splitting between separating surfaces and its application to high-resolution roll-based printing technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hizir, F. E.; Hardt, D. E.

2017-05-01

An in-depth understanding of the liquid transport in roll-based printing systems is essential for advancing the roll-based printing technology and enhancing the performance of the printed products. In this study, phase-field simulations are performed to characterize the liquid transport in roll-based printing systems, and the phase-field method is shown to be an effective tool to simulate the liquid transport. In the phase-field simulations, the liquid transport through the ink transfer rollers is approximated as the stretching and splitting of liquid bridges with pinned or moving contact lines between vertically separating surfaces. First, the effect of the phase-field parameters and the mesh characteristics on the simulation results is examined. The simulation results show that a sharp interface limit is approached as the capillary width decreases while keeping the mobility proportional to the capillary width squared. Close to the sharp interface limit, the mobility changes over a specified range are observed to have no significant influence on the simulation results. Next, the ink transfer from the cells on the surface of an ink-metering roller to the surface of stamp features is simulated. Under negligible inertial effects and in the absence of gravity, the amount of liquid ink transferred from an axisymmetric cell with low surface wettability to a stamp with high surface wettability is found to increase as the cell sidewall steepness and the cell surface wettability decrease and the stamp surface wettability and the capillary number increase. Strategies for improving the resolution and quality of roll-based printing are derived based on an analysis of the simulation results. The application of novel materials that contain cells with irregular surface topography to stamp inking in high-resolution roll-based printing is assessed.

Stimulus features underlying reduced tremor suppression with temporally patterned deep brain stimulation

PubMed Central

Birdno, Merrill J.; Kuncel, Alexis M.; Dorval, Alan D.; Turner, Dennis A.; Gross, Robert E.

2012-01-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) provides dramatic tremor relief when delivered at high-stimulation frequencies (more than ∼100 Hz), but its mechanisms of action are not well-understood. Previous studies indicate that high-frequency stimulation is less effective when the stimulation train is temporally irregular. The purpose of this study was to determine the specific characteristics of temporally irregular stimulus trains that reduce their effectiveness: long pauses, bursts, or irregularity per se. We isolated these characteristics in stimulus trains and conducted intraoperative measurements of postural tremor in eight volunteers. Tremor varied significantly across stimulus conditions (P < 0.015), and stimulus trains with pauses were significantly less effective than stimulus trains without (P < 0.002). There were no significant differences in tremor between trains with or without bursts or between trains that were irregular or periodic. Thus the decreased effectiveness of temporally irregular DBS trains is due to long pauses in the stimulus trains, not the degree of temporal irregularity alone. We also conducted computer simulations of neuronal responses to the experimental stimulus trains using a biophysical model of the thalamic network. Trains that suppressed tremor in volunteers also suppressed fluctuations in thalamic transmembrane potential at the frequency associated with cerebellar burst-driver inputs. Clinical and computational findings indicate that DBS suppresses tremor by masking burst-driver inputs to the thalamus and that pauses in stimulation prevent such masking. Although stimulation of other anatomic targets may provide tremor suppression, we propose that the most relevant neuronal targets for effective tremor suppression are the afferent cerebellar fibers that terminate in the thalamus. PMID:21994263

The role of silver in self-lubricating coatings for use at extreme temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sliney, H. E.

1985-01-01

The advantages and disadvantages of elemental silver as a tribological material are discussed. It is demonstrated that the relatively high melting point of 961 deg C, softness, marked plasticity, and thermochemical stability of silver combine to make this metal useful in thin film solid lubricant coatings over a wide temperature range. Disadvantages of silver during sliding, except when used as a thin film, are shown to be gross ploughing due to plastic deformation under load with associated high friction and excessive transfer to counterface surfaces. This transfer generates an irregular surface topography with consequent undesirable changes in bearing clearance distribution. Research to overcome these disadvantages of element silver is described. A comparison is made of the tribological behavior of pure silver with that of silver formulated with other metals and high-temperature solid lubricants. The composite materials are prepared by co-depositing the powdered components with an airbrush followed by furnace heat treatment or by plasma-spraying. Composite coatings were formulated which are shown to be self-lubricating over repeated, temperature cycles from low temperature to about 900 deg C.

The use of silver in self-lubricating coatings for extreme temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sliney, H. E.

1986-01-01

The advantages and disadvantages of elemental silver as a tribological material are discussed. It is demonstrated that the relatively high melting point of 961 deg C, softness, marked plasticity, and thermochemical stability of silver combine to make this metal useful in thin film solid lubricant coatings over a wide temperature range. Disadvantages of silver during sliding, except when used as a thin film, are shown to be gross ploughing due to plastic deformation under load with associated high friction and excessive transfer to counterface surfaces. This transfer generates an irregular surface topography with consequent undesirable changes in bearing clearance distribution. Research to overcome these disadvantages of element silver is described. A comparison is made of the tribological behavior of pure silver with that of silver formulated with other metals and high-temperature solid lubricants. The composite materials are prepared by co-depositing the powdered components with an airbrush followed by furnace heat treatment or by plasma-spraying. Composite coatings were formulated which are shown to be self-lubricating over repeated, temperature cycles from low temperature to about 900 deg C.

Thermal behavior in single track during selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Pei; Wei, Zhengying; Chen, Zhen; He, Yuyang; Du, Jun

2017-09-01

A three-dimensional model was developed to simulate the radiation heat transfer in the AlSi10Mg packed bed. The volume of fluid method (VOF) was used to capture the free surface during selective laser melting (SLM). A randomly packed powder bed was obtained using discrete element method (DEM) in Particle Flow Code (PFC). The proposed model has demonstrated a high potential to simulate the selective laser melting process (SLM) with high accuracy. In this paper, the effect of the laser scanning speed and laser power on the thermodynamic behavior of the molten pool was investigated numerically. The results show that the temperature gradient and the resultant surface tension gradient between the center and the edge of the molten pool increase with decreasing the scanning speed or increasing the laser power, thereby intensifying the Marangoni flow and attendant turbulence within the molten pool. However, at a relatively high scanning speed, a significant instability may be generated in the molten pool. The perturbation and instability in the molten pool during SLM may result in an irregular shaped track.

Mechanical, Rheological, and Bioactivity Properties of Ultra High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Bioactive Composites Containing Polyethylene Glycol and Hydroxyapatite

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Mazatusziha; Wahit, Mat Uzir; Abdul Kadir, Mohammed Rafiq; Mohd Dahlan, Khairul Zaman

2012-01-01

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/high-density polyethylene (UHMWPE/HDPE) blends prepared using polyethylene glycol PEG as the processing aid and hydroxyapatite (HA) as the reinforcing filler were found to be highly processable using conventional melt blending technique. It was demonstrated that PEG reduced the melt viscosity of UHMWPE/HDPE blend significantly, thus improving the extrudability. The mechanical and bioactive properties were improved with incorporation of HA. Inclusion of HA from 10 to 50 phr resulted in a progressive increase in flexural strength and modulus of the composites. The strength increment is due to the improvement on surface contact between the irregular shape of HA and polymer matrix by formation of mechanical interlock. The HA particles were homogenously distributed even at higher percentage showed improvement in wetting ability between the polymer matrix and HA. The inclusion of HA enhanced the bioactivity properties of the composite by the formation of calcium phosphate (Ca-P) precipitates on the composite surface as proven from SEM and XRD analysis. PMID:22666129

Generation of 3-D surface maps in waste storage silos using a structured light source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burks, B. L.; Rowe, J. C.; Dinkins, M. A.; Christensen, B.; Selleck, C.; Jacoboski, D.; Markus, R.

1992-01-01

Surface contours inside the large waste storage tanks typical of the Department of Energy (DOE) complex are, in general, highly irregular. In addition to pipes and other pieces of equipment in the tanks, the surfaces may have features such as mounds, fissures, crystalline structures, and mixed solid and liquid forms. Prior to remediation activities, it will be necessary to characterize the waste to determine the most effective remediation approaches. Surface contour data will be required both prior to and during remediation. The use is described of a structured light source to generate 3-D surface contour maps of the interior of waste storage silos at the Feed Materials Production Center at Fernald, OH. The landscape inside these large waste storage tanks bears a strong resemblance to some of the landscapes that might be encountered during lunar or planetary exploration. Hence, these terrestrial 3-D mapping techniques may be directly applicable to extraterrestrial exploration. In further development, it will be demonstrated that these 3-D data can be used for robotic task planning just as 3-D surface contour data of a satellite could be used to plan maintenance tasks for a space-based servicing robot.

Air Bag Applies Uniform Bonding Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillespie, C. A.

1982-01-01

Air-bag box applies constant uniform pressure to tiles and other objects undergoing adhesive bonding. Box is basically a compliant clamp with adjustable force and position. Can be used on irregular surfaces as well as on flat ones. Pressurized air is fed to bag through a tube so that it expands, filling the box and pressing against work. Bag adopts a contour that accommodates surface under open side of box.

Tribological dry sliding behavior of chopped carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chumaevskii, A. V.; Ivanov, A. N.; Filippov, A. V.; Rubtsov, V. E.; Kolubaev, E. A.

2017-12-01

Tribological tests on 3D printed pure polyetheretherketone and carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone samples were carried out. The negative effect of carbon fiber sticking out of the matrix on wear and sliding process stability was revealed. These fibers may be too long and oriented to the worn surface in a manner that prevents their removal by wear so that the worn surface becomes irregular and the sliding process instable.

SU-E-T-617: Plan Quality Estimation of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Cases for Lung Cancer

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

Koo, J; Yoon, M; Chung, W

Purpose: To estimate the planning quality of intensity-modulated radiotherapy in lung cancer cases and to provide preliminary data for the development of a planning quality assurance algorithm. Methods: 42 IMRT plans previously used in cases of solitary lung cancers were collected. Organs in or near the thoracic cavity, such as lung (ipsilateral, contralateral), heart, liver, esophagus, cord and bronchus were considered as organs at risk (OARs) in this study. The coverage index (CVI), conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), volume, irregularity (standard deviation of center-surface distance) were used to compare PTV dose characteristics. The effective uniform dose (EUD), V10Gy, andmore » V20Gy of the OARs were used to compare OAR dose characteristics. Results: Average CVI, CI, HI values were 0.9, 0.8, 0.1, respectively. CVI and CI had narrow Gaussian distribution curves without a singular value, but one case had a relatively high (0.25) HI because of location and irregular shape (Irregularity of 18.5 when average was 12.5) of PTV. EUDs tended to decrease as OAR-PTV distance increased and OAR-PTV overlap volume decreased. Conclusion: This work indicates the potential for significant plan quality deviation of similar lung cancer cases. Considering that this study were from a single department, differences in the treatment results for a given patient would be much more pronounced if multiple departments (and therefore more planners) were involved. Therefore, further examination of QA protocols is needed to reduce deviations in radiation treatment planning.« less

Effects of realistic topography on the ground motion of the Colombian Andes - A case study at the Aburrá Valley, Antioquia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Restrepo, Doriam; Bielak, Jacobo; Serrano, Ricardo; Gómez, Juan; Jaramillo, Juan

2016-03-01

This paper presents a set of deterministic 3-D ground motion simulations for the greater metropolitan area of Medellín in the Aburrá Valley, an earthquake-prone region of the Colombian Andes that exhibits moderate-to-strong topographic irregularities. We created the velocity model of the Aburrá Valley region (version 1) using the geological structures as a basis for determining the shear wave velocity. The irregular surficial topography is considered by means of a fictitious domain strategy. The simulations cover a 50 × 50 × 25 km3 volume, and four Mw = 5 rupture scenarios along a segment of the Romeral fault, a significant source of seismic activity in Colombia. In order to examine the sensitivity of ground motion to the irregular topography and the 3-D effects of the valley, each earthquake scenario was simulated with three different models: (i) realistic 3-D velocity structure plus realistic topography, (ii) realistic 3-D velocity structure without topography, and (iii) homogeneous half-space with realistic topography. Our results show how surface topography affects the ground response. In particular, our findings highlight the importance of the combined interaction between source-effects, source-directivity, focusing, soft-soil conditions, and 3-D topography. We provide quantitative evidence of this interaction and show that topographic amplification factors can be as high as 500 per cent at some locations. In other areas within the valley, the topographic effects result in relative reductions, but these lie in the 0-150 per cent range.

Paleohydraulics and hydrodynamics of Scabland floods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, V. R.

1978-01-01

The last major episode of scabland flooding (approx. 18,000-13,000 years B.P.) left considerable high-water mark evidence in the form of: (1) eroded channel margins; (2) depositional features; (3) ice-rafter erratics; and (4) divide crossings. These were used to reconstruct maximum flood stages and water-surface gradients. Engineering hydraulic calculation procedures allowed the analyses of flood discharges and mean velocities from these data. Secondary flow phenomena, including various forms of vortices and flow separations, are considered to have been the principal erosive processes. The intense pressure and velocity gradients of vortices along the irregular channel boundaries produced the plucking-type erosion.

Three dimensional nozzle-exhaust flow field analysis by a reference plane technique.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dash, S. M.; Del Guidice, P. D.

1972-01-01

A numerical method based on reference plane characteristics has been developed for the calculation of highly complex supersonic nozzle-exhaust flow fields. The difference equations have been developed for three coordinate systems. Local reference plane orientations are employed using the three coordinate systems concurrently thus catering to a wide class of flow geometries. Discontinuities such as the underexpansion shock and contact surfaces are computed explicitly for nonuniform vehicle external flows. The nozzles considered may have irregular cross-sections with swept throats and may be stacked in modules using the vehicle undersurface for additional expansion. Results are presented for several nozzle configurations.

Ice crystal number concentration measured at mountain-top research stations - What do we measure?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, A.; Henneberger, J.; Fugal, J. P.; David, R.; Larcher, L.; Lohmann, U.

2017-12-01

To assess the impact of surface processes (e.g. blowing snow and hoar frost) on the ice crystal number concentrations (ICNCs) measured at mountain-top research stations, vertical profiles of ICNCs were observed up to a height of 10 m at the Sonnblick Observatory (SBO) in the Hohen Tauern Region, Austria. Independent of the presence of a cloud, the observed ICNCs decrease with height. This suggests a strong impact of surface processes on ICNCs measured at mountain-top research stations. Consequently, the measured ICNCs are not representative of the cloud, which limits the relevance of ground-based measurements for atmospheric studies. When the SBO was cloud free, the observed ICNCs reached several hundreds per liter near the surface and gradually decreased by more than two orders of magnitudes within the observed height interval of 10 m. The observed ice crystals had predominantly irregular habits, which is expected from surface processes. During in-cloud conditions, the ICNCs decreased between a factor of five and ten, if the ICNC at the surface was larger than 100 l-1. For one case study, the ICNC for regular and irregular ice crystals showed a similar relative decrease with height, which is not expected from surface processes. Therefore, we propose two near-surface processes that potentially enrich ICNCs near the surface and explain these findings: Either sedimenting ice crystals are captured in a turbulent layer above the surface or the ICNC is enhanced in a convergence zone, as the cloud is forced over a mountain. These two processes would also have an impact on ICNCs measured at mountain-top stations if the surrounding surface is not snow covered. Thus, ground-based measured ICNCs are uncharacteristic of the cloud properties aloft.

SU-E-T-188: Film Dosimetry Verification of Monte Carlo Generated Electron Treatment Plans

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

Enright, S; Asprinio, A; Lu, L

2014-06-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare dose distributions from film measurements to Monte Carlo generated electron treatment plans. Irradiation with electrons offers the advantages of dose uniformity in the target volume and of minimizing the dose to deeper healthy tissue. Using the Monte Carlo algorithm will improve dose accuracy in regions with heterogeneities and irregular surfaces. Methods: Dose distributions from GafChromic{sup ™} EBT3 films were compared to dose distributions from the Electron Monte Carlo algorithm in the Eclipse{sup ™} radiotherapy treatment planning system. These measurements were obtained for 6MeV, 9MeV and 12MeV electrons at two depths. Allmore » phantoms studied were imported into Eclipse by CT scan. A 1 cm thick solid water template with holes for bonelike and lung-like plugs was used. Different configurations were used with the different plugs inserted into the holes. Configurations with solid-water plugs stacked on top of one another were also used to create an irregular surface. Results: The dose distributions measured from the film agreed with those from the Electron Monte Carlo treatment plan. Accuracy of Electron Monte Carlo algorithm was also compared to that of Pencil Beam. Dose distributions from Monte Carlo had much higher pass rates than distributions from Pencil Beam when compared to the film. The pass rate for Monte Carlo was in the 80%–99% range, where the pass rate for Pencil Beam was as low as 10.76%. Conclusion: The dose distribution from Monte Carlo agreed with the measured dose from the film. When compared to the Pencil Beam algorithm, pass rates for Monte Carlo were much higher. Monte Carlo should be used over Pencil Beam for regions with heterogeneities and irregular surfaces.« less

A Control Simulation Method of High-Speed Trains on Railway Network with Irregular Influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Li-Xing; Li, Xiang; Li, Ke-Ping

2011-09-01

Based on the discrete time method, an effective movement control model is designed for a group of highspeed trains on a rail network. The purpose of the model is to investigate the specific traffic characteristics of high-speed trains under the interruption of stochastic irregular events. In the model, the high-speed rail traffic system is supposed to be equipped with the moving-block signalling system to guarantee maximum traversing capacity of the railway. To keep the safety of trains' movements, some operational strategies are proposed to control the movements of trains in the model, including traction operation, braking operation, and entering-station operation. The numerical simulations show that the designed model can well describe the movements of high-speed trains on the rail network. The research results can provide the useful information not only for investigating the propagation features of relevant delays under the irregular disturbance but also for rerouting and rescheduling trains on the rail network.

Cause of different local time distribution in the postsunset equatorial ionospheric irregularity occurrences between June and December solstices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, S.-Y.; Chao, C. K.; Liu, C. H.

2009-04-01

Global averaged postsunset equatorial ionospheric density irregularity occurrences observed by ROCSAT during the moderate to high solar activity years of 1999 to 2004 indicate a different local time distribution between June and December solstices. The irregularity occurrences during the December solstice show a faster increase rate to peak at 2100-2200 local time, while the irregularity occurrences during the June solstice have a slower increase rate and peak one hour later in local time than that in the December solstice. The cause of such different local time distributions is attributed to a large contrast in the time of zonal drift reversal and the magnitude of postsunset vertical drift observed by ROCSAT at longitudes of large magnetic declination in the two solstices. That is, a delay in the zonal drift reversal in association with a smaller postsunset vertical drift observed at longitudes of positive magnetic declination has greatly inhibited the irregularity occurrences during the June solstice in contrast to an earlier zonal drift reversal together with a large vertical drift occurring at longitudes of negative magnetic declination to accelerate the irregularity occurrences during the December solstice. We think that the different geomagnetic field strengths that existed between the longitudes of positive and negative magnetic declinations have played a crucial role in determining the different local time distributions of irregularity occurrences for the two solstices.

High-latitude distributions of plasma waves and spatial irregularities from DE 2 alternating current electric field observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heppner, J. P.; Liebrecht, M. C.; Maynard, N. C.; Pfaff, R. F.

1993-01-01

The high-latitude spatial distributions of average signal intensities in 12 frequency channels between 4 Hz and 512 kHz as measured by the ac electric field spectrometers on the DE-2 spacecraft are analyzed for 18 mo of measurements. In MLT-INL (magnetic local time-invariant latitude) there are three distinct distributions that can be identified with 4-512 Hz signals from spatial irregularities and Alfven waves, 256-Hz to 4.1-kHz signals from ELF hiss, and 4.1-64 kHz signals from VLF auroral hiss, respectively. Overlap between ELF hiss and spatial irregularity signals occurs in the 256-512 Hz band. VLF hiss signals extend downward in frequency into the 1.0-4.1 kHz band and upward into the frequency range 128-512 kHz. The distinctly different spatial distribution patterns for the three bands, 4-256 Hz, 512-1204 Hz, and 4.1-64 kHz, indicate a lack of any causal relationships between VLF hiss, ELF hiss, and lower-frequency signals from spatial irregularities and Alfven waves.

Analysis of atmospheric flow over a surface protrusion using the turbulence kinetic energy equation with reference to aeronautical operating systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frost, W.; Harper, W. L.

1975-01-01

Flow over surface obstructions can produce significantly large wind shears such that adverse flying conditions can occur for aeronautical systems (helicopters, STOL vehicles, etc.). Atmospheric flow fields resulting from a semi-elliptical surface obstruction in an otherwise horizontally homogeneous statistically stationary flow are modelled with the boundary-layer/Boussinesq-approximation of the governing equation of fluid mechanics. The turbulence kinetic energy equation is used to determine the dissipative effects of turbulent shear on the mean flow. Iso-lines of turbulence kinetic energy and turbulence intensity are plotted in the plane of the flow and highlight regions of high turbulence intensity in the stagnation zone and sharp gradients in intensity along the transition from adverse to favourable pressure gradient. Discussion of the effects of the disturbed wind field in CTOL and STOL aircraft flight path and obstruction clearance standards is given. The results indicate that closer inspection of these presently recommended standards as influenced by wind over irregular terrains is required.

A Comparison of Young Star Properties with Local Galactic Environment for LEGUS/LITTLE THINGS Dwarf Irregular Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunter, Deidre A.; Adamo, Angela; Elmegreen, Bruce G.; Gallardo, Samavarti; Lee, Janice C.; Cook, David O.; Thilker, David; Kayitesi, Bridget; Kim, Hwihyun; Kahre, Lauren; Ubeda, Leonardo; Bright, Stacey N.; Ryon, Jenna E.; Calzetti, Daniela; Tosi, Monica; Grasha, Kathryn; Messa, Matteo; Fumagalli, Michele; Dale, Daniel A.; Sabbi, Elena; Cignoni, Michele; Smith, Linda J.; Gouliermis, Dimitrios M.; Grebel, Eva K.; Aloisi, Alessandra; Whitmore, Bradley C.; Chandar, Rupali; Johnson, Kelsey E.

2018-07-01

We have explored the role environmental factors play in determining characteristics of young stellar objects in nearby dwarf irregular and blue compact dwarf galaxies. Star clusters are characterized by concentrations, masses, and formation rates; OB associations by mass and mass surface density; O stars by their numbers and near-ultraviolet absolute magnitudes; and H II regions by Hα surface brightnesses. These characteristics are compared to surrounding galactic pressure, stellar mass density, H I surface density, and star formation rate (SFR) surface density. We find no trend of cluster characteristics with environmental properties, implying that larger-scale effects are more important in determining cluster characteristics or that rapid dynamical evolution erases any memory of the initial conditions. On the other hand, the most massive OB associations are found at higher pressure and H I surface density, and there is a trend of higher H II region Hα surface brightness with higher pressure, suggesting that a higher concentration of massive stars and gas is found preferentially in regions of higher pressure. At low pressures we find massive stars but not bound clusters and OB associations. We do not find evidence for an increase of cluster formation efficiency as a function of SFR density. However, there is an increase in the ratio of the number of clusters to the number of O stars with increasing pressure, perhaps reflecting an increase in clustering properties with SFR.

Prevalence and related factors of irregular menstrual cycles in Korean women: the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-V, 2010-2012).

PubMed

Jung, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Seok-Won; Ock, Sun-Myeong; Jung, Kyu-In; Song, Chan-Hee

2017-05-04

There have been few population-based studies reporting medical, lifestyle and psychological factors associated with irregular menstrual cycles. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and related factors of irregular menstrual cycles in Korean women. Cross-sectional data from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Eligible women were 19-40 years old, not currently taking oral contraceptives or using intrauterine devices, and not currently pregnant or breast feeding, and had no medical history of hysterectomy, thyroid diseases, cancers or renal failure. Finally, 3194 premenopausal women were recruited in this study. The prevalence and related factors of irregular cycles were obtained using a general linear model and logistic regression analyses in a complex sampling design. The prevalence of irregular cycles was 14.3%. Age and high-education level were associated with lower odds ratios (ORs) for irregular cycles (OR 0.91, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.87-0.96, and OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.88, respectively). The ORs of body mass index, perceived stress and depressive mood were 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.10), 1.46 (95% CI 1.11-1.92) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.18-3.63), respectively. Age, perceived stress, body mass index, depressive mood and education level, rather than obstetric factors or metabolic diseases were significant factors associated with irregular menstrual cycles in Korean women. Of these factors, perceived stress is the most significant factor associated with increased irregular menstrual cycles.

The effect of Ga pre-deposition on Si (111) surface for InAs nanowire selective area hetero-epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ziyang; Merckling, Clement; Rooyackers, Rita; Franquet, Alexis; Richard, Olivier; Bender, Hugo; Vila, María; Rubio-Zuazo, Juan; Castro, Germán R.; Collaert, Nadine; Thean, Aaron; Vandervorst, Wilfried; Heyns, Marc

2018-04-01

Vertical InAs nanowires (NWs) grown on a Si substrate are promising building-blocks for next generation vertical gate-all-around transistor fabrication. We investigate the initial stage of InAs NW selective area epitaxy (SAE) on a patterned Si (111) substrate with a focus on the interfacial structures. The direct epitaxy of InAs NWs on a clean Si (111) surface is found to be challenging. The yield of vertical InAs NWs is low, as the SAE is accompanied by high proportions of empty holes, inclined NWs, and irregular blocks. In contrast, it is improved when the NW contains gallium, and the yield of vertical InxGa1-xAs NWs increased with higher Ga content. Meanwhile, unintentional Ga surface contamination on a patterned Si substrate induces high yield vertical InAs NW SAE, which is attributed to a GaAs-like seeding layer formed at the InAs/Si interface. The role of Ga played in the III-V NW nucleation on Si is further discussed. It stabilizes the B-polarity on a non-polar Si (111) surface and enhances the nucleation. Therefore, gallium incorporation on a Si surface is identified as an important enabler for vertical InAs NW growth. A new method for high yield (>99%) vertical InAs NW SAE on Si using an InGaAs nucleation layer is proposed based on this study.

An Amino Acid Code for Irregular and Mixed Protein Packing

PubMed Central

Joo, Hyun; Chavan, Archana; Fraga, Keith; Tsai, Jerry

2015-01-01

To advance our understanding of protein tertiary structure, the development of the knob-socket model is completed in an analysis of the packing in irregular coil and turn secondary structure packing as well as between mixed secondary structure. The knob-socket model simplifies packing based on repeated patterns of 2 motifs: a 3 residue socket for packing within 2° structure and a 4 residue knob-socket for 3° packing. For coil and turn secondary structure, knob-sockets allow identification of a correlation between amino acid composition and tertiary arrangements in space. Coil contributes almost as much as α-helices to tertiary packing. Irregular secondary structure involves 3 residue cliques of consecutive contacting residues or XYZ sockets. In irregular sockets, Gly, Pro, Asp and Ser are favored, while Cys, His, Met and Trp are not. For irregular knobs, the preference order is Arg, Asp, Pro, Asn, Thr, Leu, and Gly, while Cys, His, Met and Trp are not. In mixed packing, the knob amino acid preferences are a function of the socket that they are packing into, whereas the amino acid composition of the sockets does not depend on the secondary structure of the knob. A unique motif of a coil knob with an XYZ β-sheet socket may potentially function to inhibit β-sheet extension. In addition, analysis of the preferred crossing angles for strands within a β-sheet and mixed α-helices/β-sheets identifies canonical packing patterns useful in protein design. Lastly, the knob-socket model abstracts the complexity of protein tertiary structure into an intuitive packing surface topology map. PMID:26370334

Validity of autorefractor based screening method for irregular astigmatism compared to the corneal topography- a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Galindo-Ferreiro, Alicia; De Miguel-Gutierrez, Julita; González-Sagrado, Manuel; Galvez-Ruiz, Alberto; Khandekar, Rajiv; Schellini, Silvana; Galindo-Alonso, Julio

2017-01-01

To present a method of screening for irregular astigmatism with an autorefractor and its determinants compared to corneal topography. This cross-sectional validity study was conducted in 2013 at an eye hospital in Spain. A tabletop autorefractor (test 1) was used to measure the refractive status of the anterior surface of the cornea at two corneal meridians of each eye. Then corneal topography (test 2) and Bogan's classification was used to group eyes into those with regular or no astigmatism (GRI) and irregular astigmatism (GRII). Test 1 provided a single absolute value for the greatest cylinder difference (Vr). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were plotted for the Vr values measured by test 1 for GRI and GRII eyes. On the basis a Vr value of 1.25 D as cut off, sensitivity, specificity were also calculated. The study sample was comprised of 260 eyes (135 patients). The prevalence of irregular astigmatism was 42% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36, 48]. Based on test 2, there were 151 eyes in GRI and 109 eyes in GRII. The median Vr was 0.75 D (25% quartile, 0.5 D) for GRI and 1.75 D (25% quartile, 1.25 D) for GRII. The area under curve was 0.171 for GRI and 0.83 for GRII. The sensitivity of test I was 78.1% and the specificity was 76.1%. A conventional autorefractor can be effective as a first level screening method to detect irregular corneal astigmatism in places where corneal topography facilities are not available.

Irregular menses linked to vomiting in a nonclinical sample: findings from the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in high schools.

PubMed

Austin, S Bryn; Ziyadeh, Najat J; Vohra, Sameer; Forman, Sara; Gordon, Catherine M; Prokop, Lisa A; Keliher, Anne; Jacobs, Douglas

2008-05-01

Using data from an eating disorders screening initiative conducted in high schools across the United States, we examined the relationship between vomiting frequency and irregular menses in a nonclinical sample of adolescent females. A self-report questionnaire was administered to students from U.S. high schools participating in the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in 2000. The questionnaire included items on frequency of vomiting for weight control in the past 3 months, other eating disorder symptoms, frequency of menses, height, and weight. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted using data from 2791 girls to estimate the risk of irregular menses (defined as menses less often than monthly) associated with vomiting frequency, adjusting for other eating disorder symptoms, weight status, age, race/ethnicity, and school clusters. Girls who vomited to control their weight one to three times per month were one and a half times more likely (risk ratio [RR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-2.2), and girls who vomited once per week or more often were more than three times more likely (RR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.3-4.4), to experience irregular menses than were girls who did not report vomiting for weight control. Vomiting for weight control remained a strong predictor of irregular menses even when overweight and underweight participants were excluded. Our study adds to the evidence that vomiting may have a direct effect on hormonal function in adolescent girls, and that vomiting for weight control may be a particularly deleterious component of eating disorders.

Biochar: sustainable and versatile

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biochar is a term that describes any charcoal that comes from biomass. It is a renewable, microporous carbon-rich product that also contains nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and ash. Several varieties of biochar are very porous with irregular surface area. The pore size and distribution of a given biocha...

Crystal surface analysis using matrix textural features classified by a probabilistic neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawyer, Curry R.; Quach, Viet; Nason, Donald; van den Berg, Lodewijk

1991-12-01

A system is under development in which surface quality of a growing bulk mercuric iodide crystal is monitored by video camera at regular intervals for early detection of growth irregularities. Mercuric iodide single crystals are employed in radiation detectors. A microcomputer system is used for image capture and processing. The digitized image is divided into multiple overlapping sub-images and features are extracted from each sub-image based on statistical measures of the gray tone distribution, according to the method of Haralick. Twenty parameters are derived from each sub-image and presented to a probabilistic neural network (PNN) for classification. This number of parameters was found to be optimal for the system. The PNN is a hierarchical, feed-forward network that can be rapidly reconfigured as additional training data become available. Training data is gathered by reviewing digital images of many crystals during their growth cycle and compiling two sets of images, those with and without irregularities.

Resonant frequencies of irregularly shaped microstrip antennas using method of moments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, Manohar D.; Shively, David G.; Cockrell, C. R.

1993-01-01

This paper describes an application of the method of moments to determine resonant frequencies of irregularly shaped microstrip patches embedded in a grounded dielectric slab. For analysis, the microstrip patch is assumed to be excited by a linearly polarized plane wave that is normal to the patch. The surface-current density that is induced on the patch because of the incident field is expressed in terms of subdomain functions by dividing the patch into identical rectangular subdomains. The amplitudes of the subdomain functions, as a function of frequency, are determined using the electric-field integral equation (EFIE) approach in conjunction with the method of moments. The resonant frequencies of the patch are then obtained by selecting the frequency at which the amplitude of the surface-current density is real. The resonant frequencies of the equilateral triangular and other nonrectangular patches are computed using the present technique, and these frequencies are compared with measurements and other independent calculations.

Atomic force microscopy studies of homoepitaxial GaN layers grown on GaN template by laser MBE

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

Choudhary, B. S.; Rajasthan Technical University, Rawatbhata Road, Kota 324010; Singh, A.

We have grown homoepitaxial GaN films on metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) grown 3.5 µm thick GaN on sapphire (0001) substrate (GaN template) using an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) laser assisted molecular beam epitaxy (LMBE) system. The GaN films were grown by laser ablating a polycrystalline solid GaN target in the presence of active r.f. nitrogen plasma. The influence of laser repetition rates (10-30 Hz) on the surface morphology of homoepitaxial GaN layers have been studied using atomic force microscopy. It was found that GaN layer grown at 10 Hz shows a smooth surface with uniform grain size compared to the rough surfacemore » with irregular shape grains obtained at 30 Hz. The variation of surface roughness of the homoepitaxial GaN layer with and without wet chemical etching has been also studied and it was observed that the roughness of the film decreased after wet etching due to the curved structure/rough surface.« less

Influence of the Wenchuan earthquake on self-reported irregular menstrual cycles in surviving women.

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Hong; Qin, Lang; Hu, Han; Luo, Shan; Li, Lei; Fan, Wei; Xiao, Zhun; Li, Ying-Xing; Li, Shang-Wei

2011-09-01

To explore the influence of stress induced by the Wenchuan earthquake on the menstrual cycles of surviving women. Self-reports of the menstrual cycles of 473 women that survived the Wenchuan earthquake were analyzed. Menstrual regularity was defined as menses between 21 and 35 days long. The death of a child or the loss of property and social resources was verified for all surviving women. The severity of these losses was assessed and graded as high, little, and none. About 21% of the study participants reported that their menstrual cycles became irregular after the Wenchuan earthquake, and this percentage was significantly higher than before the earthquake (6%, p < 0.05). About 30% of the surviving women with a high degree of loss in the earthquake reported menstrual irregularity after the earthquake. Association analyses showed that some stressors of the Wenchuan earthquake were strongly associated with self-reports of menstrual irregularity, including the loss of children (RR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.28), large amounts of property (RR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.15), social resources (RR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.80) and the hormonal contraception use (RR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.83). Self-reported menstrual irregularity is common in women that survived the Wenchuan earthquake, especially in those who lost children, large amounts of property and social resources.

An effective and efficient compression algorithm for ECG signals with irregular periods.

PubMed

Chou, Hsiao-Hsuan; Chen, Ying-Jui; Shiau, Yu-Chien; Kuo, Te-Son

2006-06-01

This paper presents an effective and efficient preprocessing algorithm for two-dimensional (2-D) electrocardiogram (ECG) compression to better compress irregular ECG signals by exploiting their inter- and intra-beat correlations. To better reveal the correlation structure, we first convert the ECG signal into a proper 2-D representation, or image. This involves a few steps including QRS detection and alignment, period sorting, and length equalization. The resulting 2-D ECG representation is then ready to be compressed by an appropriate image compression algorithm. We choose the state-of-the-art JPEG2000 for its high efficiency and flexibility. In this way, the proposed algorithm is shown to outperform some existing arts in the literature by simultaneously achieving high compression ratio (CR), low percent root mean squared difference (PRD), low maximum error (MaxErr), and low standard derivation of errors (StdErr). In particular, because the proposed period sorting method rearranges the detected heartbeats into a smoother image that is easier to compress, this algorithm is insensitive to irregular ECG periods. Thus either the irregular ECG signals or the QRS false-detection cases can be better compressed. This is a significant improvement over existing 2-D ECG compression methods. Moreover, this algorithm is not tied exclusively to JPEG2000. It can also be combined with other 2-D preprocessing methods or appropriate codecs to enhance the compression performance in irregular ECG cases.

Prospective Evaluation of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography and High-Frequency B-Mode Ultrasound in Compensated Patients for the Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis/Cirrhosis in Comparison to Mini-Laparoscopic Biopsy.

PubMed

Pfeifer, L; Zopf, S; Siebler, J; Schwitulla, J; Wildner, D; Wachter, D; Neurath, M F; Strobel, D

2015-12-01

Ultrasound is a well-established noninvasive test for assessing patients with liver disease. This study aims to prospectively compare ultrasound to the new technique elastography (ARFI) for the assessment of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. High-frequency B-mode ultrasound (liver surface/vein irregularity, liver homogeneity, spleen size), ARFI quantification, mini-laparoscopic liver evaluation including biopsy were prospectively obtained in compensated patients scheduled for liver biopsy. For the diagnosis of cirrhosis, a combined gold standard (cirrhosis at histology and/or at macroscopic liver evaluation) was used. Out of 157 patients, 35 patients were diagnosed cirrhotic. Ultrasound (combination of liver vein and/or surface irregularity) showed no significant difference compared to ARFI quantification for the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis (Ishak> = 3) and cirrhosis. Diagnosis of cirrhosis had a sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV of 83 %(± 12) / 82 %(± 7) / 57 %(± 14) / 94 %(± 4), respectively, with ultrasound and 86 %(± 12) / 81 %(± 7) / 57 %(± 13) / 95 %(± 4), respectively, with ARFI quantification. The sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV for the detection of significant fibrosis were 68 %(± 13) / 86 %(± 7) / 71 %(± 13) / 84 %(± 7), respectively, for ultrasound and 70 %(± 12) / 84 %(± 7) / 69 %(± 12) / 84 %(± 7), respectively, for ARFI quantification. ARFI elastography and high-frequency B-mode ultrasound show similar and good results for the diagnosis of compensated liver cirrhosis and high-grade fibrosis. A key benefit of both methods is the high NPV suggesting them as noninvasive exclusion tests. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Equatorial Density Irregularity Structures at Intermediate Scales and Their Temporal Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kil, Hyosub; Heelis, R. A.

1998-01-01

We examine high resolution measurements of ion density in the equatorial ionosphere from the AE-E satellite during the years 1977-1981. Structure over spatial scales from 18 km to 200 m is characterized by the spectrum of irregularities at larger and smaller scales and at altitudes above 350 km and below 300 km. In the low-altitude region, only small amplitude large-scale (lambda greater than 5 km) density modulations are often observed, and thus the power spectrum of these density structures exhibits a steep spectral slope at kilometer scales. In the high-altitude region, sinusoidal density fluctuations, characterized by enhanced power near 1-km scale, are frequently observed during 2000-0200 LT. However, such fluctuations are confined to regions at the edges of larger bubble structures where the average background density is high. Small amplitude irregularity structures, observed at early local time hours, grow rapidly to high-intensity structures in about 90 min. Fully developed structures, which are observed at late local time hours, decay very slowly producing only-small differences in spectral characteristics even 4 hours later. The local time evolution of irregularity structure is investigated by using average statistics for low-(1% less than sigma less than 5%) and high-intensity (sigma greater than 10%) structures. At lower altitudes, little chance in the spectral slope is seen as a function of local time, while at higher attitudes the growth and maintenance of structures near 1 km scales dramatically affects the spectral slope.

Excitation thresholds of field-aligned irregularities and associated ionospheric hysteresis at very high latitudes observed using SPEAR-induced HF radar backscatter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, D. M.; Dhillon, R. S.; Yeoman, T. K.; Robinson, T. R.; Thomas, E. C.; Baddeley, L. J.; Imber, S.

2009-07-01

On 10 October 2006 the SPEAR high power radar facility was operated in a power-stepping mode where both CUTLASS radars were detecting backscatter from the SPEAR-induced field-aligned irregularities (FAIs). The effective radiated power of SPEAR was varied from 1-10 MW. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the power thresholds for excitation (Pt) and collapse (Pc) of artificially-induced FAIs in the ionosphere over Svalbard. It was demonstrated that FAI could be excited by a SPEAR ERP of only 1 MW, representing only 1/30th of SPEAR's total capability, and that once created the irregularities could be maintained for even lower powers. The experiment also demonstrated that the very high latitude ionosphere exhibits hysteresis, where the down-going part of the power cycle provided a higher density of irregularities than for the equivalent part of the up-going cycle. Although this second result is similar to that observed previously by CUTLASS in conjunction with the Tromsø heater, the same is not true for the equivalent incoherent scatter measurements. The EISCAT Svalbard Radar (ESR) failed to detect any hysteresis in the plasma parameters over Svalbard in stark contract with the measurements made using the Tromsø UHF.

Seasonal and multi-year surface displacements measured by DInSAR in a High Arctic permafrost environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudy, Ashley C. A.; Lamoureux, Scott F.; Treitz, Paul; Short, Naomi; Brisco, Brian

2018-02-01

Arctic landscapes undergo seasonal and long-term changes as the active layer thaws and freezes, which can result in localized or irregular subsidence leading to the formation of thermokarst terrain. Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) is a technique capable of measuring ground surface displacements resulting from thawing permafrost at centimetre precision and is quickly gaining acceptance as a means of measuring ground displacement in permafrost regions. Using RADARSAT-2 stacked DInSAR data from 2013 and 2015 we determined the magnitude and patterns of land surface change in a continuous permafrost environment. At our study site situated in the Canadian High Arctic, DInSAR seasonal ground displacement patterns were consistent with field observations of permafrost degradation. As expected, many DInSAR values are close to the detection threshold (i.e., 1 cm) and therefore do not indicate significant change; however, DInSAR seasonal ground displacement patterns aligned well with climatological and soil conditions and offer geomorphological insight into subsurface processes in permafrost environments. While our dataset is limited to two years of data representing a three-year time period, the displacements derived from DInSAR provide insight into permafrost change in a High Arctic environment and demonstrate that DInSAR is an applicable tool for understanding environmental change in remote permafrost regions.

Explicit topographic expressions of neotectonic movements along the Tønder Graben structure, Denmark - an example of fault reactivation due to deglaciation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandersen, Peter B. E.; Jørgensen, Flemming; Møller, Rasmus R.

2013-04-01

The topography in southern Denmark is dominated by Late Glacial outwash plains surrounding remnants of older Saalian hills. The outwash plains were formed outside the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) with a gently sloping surface averaging 1 m per 1.000 m. Formed in a proglacial environment the outwash plains have largely remained undisturbed by glacier ice and we would thus expect any topographic irregularities to relate to postglacial events. In that sense, the outwash plains constitute an ideal landform for identifying tectonic events during the late and postglacial periods. Irregularities in the present day glacial topography, such as kettle holes and other types of depressions are commonly linked to decay of dead ice. But this perception needs in many instances a further examination especially because of the recent availability of highly detailed LiDAR data. The investigation area is situated above the Tønder Graben structure at the northern margin of the North German Basin. The Tønder Graben was formed along the WNW-ESE trending Rømø Fault Zone and mobilization of Zechstein salt added to the evolution of the graben. The Tønder Graben has caused a significant impact on the Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary successions and is for instance clearly expressed as large elongate depressions in the Top Chalk surface. On the larger scale, no clear signs of the outline of the graben structure can be seen in the present day topography to indicate movements during the Quaternary. However, when high resolution LiDAR data is investigated carefully signatures of neotectonic movements emerges on the outwash plain. Among these are morphological features such as: 1) Significant level changes along distinct lineaments, 2) frequent slope changes of neighboring areas, 3) 180 degree changes in dip direction and 4) presence of close lying polygonal areas with marked shifts in terrain level. All these morphological features are found right on top of the Tønder Graben. In addition to these smaller scale morphological features we also identify a large area of the outwash plain without the expected slope forming a large and unusual threshold in the surface. Combined with information from boreholes and seismic data we relate the morphological irregularities to movements of the underlying Tønder Graben structure. Because we observe both negative and positive morphological features we propose that the tectonic movement within the graben has a strike-slip component. Based on dating of soil samples from depressions in the outwash plain the onset of the movements are constrained to around 9.000 years BP. We conclude that the deformation of the outwash plain is related to short-term reactivations of faults related to the Tønder Graben structure following the deglaciation.

In-situ studies of plasma irregularities in high latitude ionosphere with the ICI-2 sounding rocket within the 4DSpace project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miloch, Wojciech; Moen, Joran; Spicher, Andres

Ionospheric plasma is often characterized by irregularities, instabilities, and turbulence. Two regions of the ionospheric F-layer are of particular interest: low-latitudes for the equatorial anomaly and electrojet, and high-latitude regions where the most dynamic phenomena occur due to magnetic field lines coupling to the magnetosphere and the solar wind. The spectra of plasma fluctuations in the low-latitude F-layer usually exhibit a power law with a steeper slope at high frequencies [1]. Until recently, there was no clear evidence of the corresponding double slope spectra for plasma fluctuations in the high latitude ionospheric F-layer, and this difference was not well understood. We report the first direct observations of the double slope power spectra for plasma irregularities in the F-layer of the polar ionosphere [2]. The ICI-2 sounding rocket, which intersected enhanced plasma density regions with decameter scale irregularities in the cusp region, measured the electron density with unprecedented high resolution. This allowed for a detailed study of the plasma irregularities down to kinetic scales. Spectral analysis reveals double slope power spectra for regions of enhanced fluctuations associated mainly with density gradients, with the steepening of the spectra occurring close to the oxygen gyro-frequency. The double slope spectra are further supported by the results from the ICI-3 sounding rocket. Double slope spectra were not resolved in previous works presumably due to limited resolution of instruments. The study is a part of the 4DSpace initiative for integrated studies of the ionospheric plasma turbulence with multi-point, multi-scale in-situ studies by sounding rockets and satellites, and numerical and analytical models. A brief overview of the 4DSpace initiative is given. [1] M.C. Kelley, The Earth’s Ionosphere Plasma Physics and Electrodynamics (Elsevier, Amsterdam 2009). [2] A. Spicher, W. J. Miloch, and J. I. Moen, Geophys. Res. Lett. 40, (in press, accepted 13.02.2014).

A fast high-precision six-degree-of-freedom relative position sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Gary B.; Macasaet, Van P.; Griswold, Janelle; Sison, Claudia A.; Lubin, Philip; Meinhold, Peter; Suen, Jonathan; Brashears, Travis; Zhang, Qicheng; Madajian, Jonathan

2016-03-01

Lasers are commonly used in high-precision measurement and profiling systems. Some laser measurement systems are based on interferometry principles, and others are based on active triangulation, depending on requirements of the application. This paper describes an active triangulation laser measurement system for a specific application wherein the relative position of two fixed, rigid mechanical components is to be measured dynamically with high precision in six degrees of freedom (DOF). Potential applications include optical systems with feedback to control for mechanical vibration, such as target acquisition devices with multiple focal planes. The method uses an array of several laser emitters mounted on one component. The lasers are directed at a reflective surface on the second component. The reflective surface consists of a piecewise-planar pattern such as a pyramid, or more generally a curved reflective surface such as a hyperbolic paraboloid. The reflected spots are sensed at 2-dimensional photodiode arrays on the emitter component. Changes in the relative position of the emitter component and reflective surface will shift the location of the reflected spots within photodiode arrays. Relative motion in any degree of freedom produces independent shifts in the reflected spot locations, allowing full six-DOF relative position determination between the two component positions. Response time of the sensor is limited by the read-out rate of the photodiode arrays. Algorithms are given for position determination with limits on uncertainty and sensitivity, based on laser and spot-sensor characteristics, and assuming regular surfaces. Additional uncertainty analysis is achievable for surface irregularities based on calibration data.

HF-induced airglow structure as a proxy for ionospheric irregularity detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendall, E. A.

2013-12-01

The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) heating facility allows scientists to test current theories of plasma physics to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms at work in the lower ionosphere. One powerful technique for diagnosing radio frequency interactions in the ionosphere is to use ground-based optical instrumentation. High-frequency (HF), heater-induced artificial airglow observations can be used to diagnose electron energies and distributions in the heated region, illuminate natural and/or artificially induced ionospheric irregularities, determine ExB plasma drifts, and measure quenching rates by neutral species. Artificial airglow is caused by HF-accelerated electrons colliding with various atmospheric constituents, which in turn emit a photon. The most common emissions are 630.0 nm O(1D), 557.7 nm O(1S), and 427.8 nm N2+(1NG). Because more photons will be emitted in regions of higher electron energization, it may be possible to use airglow imaging to map artificial field-aligned irregularities at a particular altitude range in the ionosphere. Since fairly wide field-of-view imagers are typically deployed in airglow campaigns, it is not well-known what meter-scale features exist in the artificial airglow emissions. Rocket data show that heater-induced electron density variations, or irregularities, consist of bundles of ~10-m-wide magnetic field-aligned filaments with a mean depletion depth of 6% [Kelley et al., 1995]. These bundles themselves constitute small-scale structures with widths of 1.5 to 6 km. Telescopic imaging provides high resolution spatial coverage of ionospheric irregularities and goes hand in hand with other observing techniques such as GPS scintillation, radar, and ionosonde. Since airglow observations can presumably image ionospheric irregularities (electron density variations), they can be used to determine the spatial scale variation, the fill factor, and the lifetime characteristics of irregularities. Telescopic imaging of airglow is a technique capable of simultaneously determining the properties of ionospheric irregularities at decameter resolution over a range of several kilometers. The HAARP telescopic imager consists of two cameras, a set of optics for each camera, and a robotic mount that supports and orients the system. The camera and optics systems are identical except for the camera lenses: one has a wide-angle lens (~19 degrees) and the other has a telescopic lens (~3 degrees). The telescopic imager has a resolution of ~20 m in the F layer and ~10 m in the E layer, which allows the observation of decameter- and kilometer-scale features. Analysis of telescopic data from HAARP campaigns over the last five years will be presented.

Shrubs tracing sea surface temperature--Calluna vulgaris on the Faroe Islands.

PubMed

Beil, Ilka; Buras, Allan; Hallinger, Martin; Smiljanić, Marko; Wilmking, Martin

2015-11-01

The climate of Central and Northern Europe is highly influenced by the North Atlantic Ocean due to heat transfer from lower latitudes. Detailed knowledge about spatio-temporal variability of sea surface temperature (SST) in that region is thus of high interest for climate and environmental research. Because of the close relations between ocean and coastal climate and the climate sensitivity of plant growth, annual rings of woody plants in coastal regions might be used as a proxy for SST. We show here for the first time the proxy potential of the common and widespread evergreen dwarf shrub Calluna vulgaris (heather), using the Faroe Islands as our case study. Despite its small and irregular ring structure, the species seems suitable for dendroecological investigations. Ring width showed high and significant correlations with summer and winter air temperatures and SST. The C. vulgaris chronology from the Faroe Islands, placed directly within the North Atlantic Current, clearly reflects variations in summer SSTs over an area between Iceland and Scotland. Utilising shrubs like C. vulgaris as easy accessible and annually resolved proxies offers an interesting possibility for reconstruction of the coupled climate-ocean system at high latitudes.

75 FR 4265 - Airworthiness Directives; Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook Assembly

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-27

... Airworthiness Directives; Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook Assembly AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration... adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook assembly... reported surface irregularities and discontinuities on certain D-Lok Hooks because of an unapproved change...

Technical Note: Stored grain volume measurement using a low density point cloud

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The mass of stored grain is often determined from volume measurements by crop insurers, government auditors, and stored grain managers conducting inventories. Recent increases in bin size have accentuated the difficulty of accounting for irregularities and variations in surface conditions in calcula...

Hollows on Mercury: MESSENGER evidence for geologically recent volatile-related activity.

PubMed

Blewett, David T; Chabot, Nancy L; Denevi, Brett W; Ernst, Carolyn M; Head, James W; Izenberg, Noam R; Murchie, Scott L; Solomon, Sean C; Nittler, Larry R; McCoy, Timothy J; Xiao, Zhiyong; Baker, David M H; Fassett, Caleb I; Braden, Sarah E; Oberst, Jürgen; Scholten, Frank; Preusker, Frank; Hurwitz, Debra M

2011-09-30

High-resolution images of Mercury's surface from orbit reveal that many bright deposits within impact craters exhibit fresh-appearing, irregular, shallow, rimless depressions. The depressions, or hollows, range from tens of meters to a few kilometers across, and many have high-reflectance interiors and halos. The host rocks, which are associated with crater central peaks, peak rings, floors, and walls, are interpreted to have been excavated from depth by the crater-forming process. The most likely formation mechanisms for the hollows involve recent loss of volatiles through some combination of sublimation, space weathering, outgassing, or pyroclastic volcanism. These features support the inference that Mercury's interior contains higher abundances of volatile materials than predicted by most scenarios for the formation of the solar system's innermost planet.

Porcelain-coated antenna for radio-frequency driven plasma source

DOEpatents

Leung, Ka-Ngo; Wells, Russell P.; Craven, Glen E.

1996-01-01

A new porcelain-enamel coated antenna creates a clean plasma for volume or surface-conversion ion sources. The porcelain-enamel coating is hard, electrically insulating, long lasting, non fragile, and resistant to puncture by high energy ions in the plasma. Plasma and ion production using the porcelain enamel coated antenna is uncontaminated with filament or extraneous metal ion because the porcelain does not evaporate and is not sputtered into the plasma during operation. Ion beams produced using the new porcelain-enamel coated antenna are useful in ion implantation, high energy accelerators, negative, positive, or neutral beam applications, fusion, and treatment of chemical or radioactive waste for disposal. For ion implantation, the appropriate species ion beam generated with the inventive antenna will penetrate large or small, irregularly shaped conducting objects with a narrow implantation profile.

Weak imposition of frictionless contact constraints on automatically recovered high-order, embedded interfaces using the finite cell method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bog, Tino; Zander, Nils; Kollmannsberger, Stefan; Rank, Ernst

2018-04-01

The finite cell method (FCM) is a fictitious domain approach that greatly simplifies simulations involving complex structures. Recently, the FCM has been applied to contact problems. The current study continues in this field by extending the concept of weakly enforced boundary conditions to inequality constraints for frictionless contact. Furthermore, it formalizes an approach that automatically recovers high-order contact surfaces of (implicitly defined) embedded geometries by means of an extended Marching Cubes algorithm. To further improve the accuracy of the discretization, irregularities at the boundary of contact zones are treated with multi-level hp-refinements. Numerical results and a systematic study of h-, p- and hp-refinements show that the FCM can efficiently provide accurate results for problems involving contact.

Low and Midlatitude Ionospheric Plasma Density Irregularities and Their Effects on Geomagnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, Tatsuhiro; Stolle, Claudia

2017-03-01

Earth's magnetic field results from various internal and external sources. The electric currents in the ionosphere are major external sources of the magnetic field in the daytime. High-resolution magnetometers onboard low-Earth-orbit satellites such as CHAMP and Swarm can detect small-scale currents in the nighttime ionosphere, where plasma density gradients often become unstable and form irregular density structures. The magnetic field variations caused by the ionospheric irregularities are comparable to that of the lithospheric contribution. Two phenomena in the nighttime ionosphere that contribute to the magnetic field variation are presented: equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) and medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbance (MSTID). EPB is formed by the generalized Rayleigh-Taylor instability over the dip equator and grows nonlinearly to as high as 2000 km apex altitude. It is characterized by deep plasma density depletions along magnetic flux tubes, where the diamagnetic effect produced by a pressure-gradient-driven current enhances the main field intensity. MSTID is a few hundred kilometer-scale disturbance in the midlatitude ionosphere generated by the coupled electrodynamics between the ionospheric E and F regions. The field-aligned currents associated with EPBs and MSTIDs also have significant signatures in the magnetic field perpendicular to the main field direction. The empirical discovery of the variations in the magnetic field due to plasma irregularities has motivated the inclusion of electrodynamics in the physical modeling of these irregularities. Through an effective comparison between the model results and observations, the physical process involved has been largely understood. The prediction of magnetic signatures due to plasma irregularities has been advanced by modeling studies, and will be helpful in interpreting magnetic field observations from satellites.

Tests of Lead-bronze Bearings in the DVL Bearing-testing Machine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischer, G

1940-01-01

The lead-bronze bearings tested in the DVL machine have proven themselves very sensitive to load changes as in comparison with bearings of light metal. In order to prevent surface injuries and consequently running interruptions, the increase of the load has to be made in small steps with sufficient run-in time between steps. The absence of lead in the running surface, impurities in the alloy (especially iron) and surface irregularities (pores) decreases the load-carrying capacity of the bearing to two or three times that of the static load.

Photographic investigation into the mechanism of combustion in irregular detonation waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiyanda, C. B.; Higgins, A. J.

2013-03-01

Irregular detonations are supersonic combustion waves in which the inherent multi-dimensional structure is highly variable. In such waves, it is questionable whether auto-ignition induced by shock compression is the only combustion mechanism present. Through the use of high-speed schlieren and self-emitted light photography, the velocity of the different components of detonation waves in a {{ CH}}_4+2{ O}_2 mixture is analyzed. The observed burn-out of unreacted pockets is hypothesized to be due to turbulent combustion.

Comparison of four methods of surface roughness assessment of corneal stromal bed after lamellar cutting

PubMed Central

Jumelle, Clotilde; Hamri, Alina; Egaud, Gregory; Mauclair, Cyril; Reynaud, Stephanie; Dumas, Virginie; Pereira, Sandrine; Garcin, Thibaud; Gain, Philippe; Thuret, Gilles

2017-01-01

Corneal lamellar cutting with a blade or femtosecond laser (FSL) is commonly used during refractive surgery and corneal grafts. Surface roughness of the cutting plane influences postoperative visual acuity but is difficult to assess reliably. For the first time, we compared chromatic confocal microscopy (CCM) with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and focus-variation microscopy (FVM) to characterize surfaces of variable roughness after FSL cutting. The small area allowed by AFM hinders conclusive roughness analysis, especially with irregular cuts. FVM does not always differentiate between smooth and rough surfaces. Finally, CCM allows analysis of large surfaces and differentiates between surface states. PMID:29188095

Detection of the plasma density irregularities in the topside ionosphere with GPS measurements onboard Swarm satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharenkova, Irina; Cherniak, Iurii

2016-07-01

We present new results on the detection of the topside ionospheric irregularities/plasma bubbles using GPS measurements from Precise Orbit Determination (POD) GPS antenna onboard Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. For this purpose we analyze the GPS measurements onboard the ESA's constellation mission Swarm, consisted of three identical satellites with orbit altitude of 450-550 km. We demonstrate that LEO GPS can be an effective tool for monitoring the occurrence of the topside ionospheric irregularities and may essentially contribute to the multi-instrumental analysis of the ground-based and in situ data. In the present study we analyze the occurrence and global distribution of the equatorial ionospheric irregularities during post-sunset period. To support our observations and conclusions, we involve into our analysis in situ plasma density provided by Swarm constellation. Joint analysis of the Swarm GPS and in situ measurements allows us to estimate the occurrence rate of the topside ionospheric irregularities during 2014-2015. The obtained results demonstrate a high degree of similarities in the occurrence pattern of the seasonal and longitudinal distribution of the topside ionospheric irregularities derived on both types of the satellite observations. This work was partially funded by RFBR according to the research project No.16-05-01077 a.

Shallow Subsurface transport and eruption of basaltic foam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parcheta, C. E.; Mitchell, K. L.

2016-12-01

Volcanic fissure vents are difficult to quantify, and details of eruptive behavior are elusive even though it is the most common eruption mechanism on Earth and across the solar system. A fissure's surface expression is typically concealed, but when a fissure remains exposed, its subsurface conduit can be mapped post-eruptively with VolcanoBot. The robot uses a NIR structured light sensor that reproduces a 3D surface model to cm-scale accuracy, documenting the shallow conduit. VolcanoBot3 has probed >1000m3 of volcanic fissure vents at the Mauna Ulu fissure system on Kilauea. Here we present the new 3D model of a flared vent on the Mauna Ulu fissure system. We see a self-similar pattern of irregularities on the fissure walls throughout the entire shallow subsurface, implying a fracture mechanical origin similar to faults. These irregularities are typically 1 m across, protrude 30 cm horizontally into the drained fissure, and have a vertical spacing of 2-3 m. However, irregularity size is variable and distinct with depth, potentially reflecting stratigraphy in the wall rock. Where piercing points are present, we infer the dike broke the wall rock in order to propagate upwards; where they are not, we infer that syn-eruptive mechanical erosion has taken place. One mechanism for mechanical erosion is supersonic shocks, which may occur in Hawaiian fountains. We are calculating the speed of sound in 64% basaltic foam, which appears to be the same velocity (or slightly slower) than inferred eruption velocities. Irregularities are larger than the maximum 10% wall roughness used in engineering fluid dynamic studies, indicating that magma fluid dynamics during fissure eruptions are probably not as passive nor as simple as previously thought. We are currently using the mapped conduit geometries and derived speed of sound for basaltic foam in fluid dynamical modeling of fissure-fed lava fountains.

One-step microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW-PECVD) for transparent superhydrophobic surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thongrom, Sukrit; Tirawanichakul, Yutthana; Munsit, Nantakan; Deangngam, Chalongrat

2018-02-01

We demonstrate a rapid and environmental friendly fabrication technique to produce optically clear superhydrophobic surfaces using poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) as a sole coating material. The inert PDMS chain is transformed into a 3-D irregular solid network through microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW-PECVD) process. Thanks to high electron density in the microwave-activated plasma, coating can be done in just a single step with rapid deposition rate, typically much shorter than 10 s. Deposited layers show excellent superhydrophobic properties with water contact angles of ∼170° and roll-off angles as small as ∼3°. The plasma-deposited films can be ultrathin with thicknesses under 400 nm, greatly diminishing the optical loss. Moreover, with appropriate coating conditions, the coating layer can even enhance the transmission over the entire visible spectrum due to a partial anti-reflection effect.

Chang'e-2 spacecraft observations of asteroid 4179 Toutatis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Jianghui; Jiang, Yun; Zhao, Yuhui; Wang, Su; Yu, Liangliang

2016-01-01

On 13 December 2012, Chang'e-2 completed a successful flyby of the near-Earth asteroid 4179 Toutatis at a closest distance of 770 meters from the asteroid's surface. The observations show that Toutatis has an irregular surface and its shape resembles a ginger-root of a smaller lobe (head) and a larger lobe (body). Such bilobate shape is indicative of a contact binary origin for Toutatis. In addition, the high-resolution images better than 3 meters provide a number of new discoveries about this asteroid, such as an 800-meter depression at the end of the large lobe, a sharply perpendicular silhouette near the neck region, boulders, indicating that Toutatis is probably a rubble-pile asteroid. Chang'e-2 observations have significantly revealed new insights into the geological features and the formation and evolution of this asteroid. In final, we brief the future Chinese asteroid mission concept.

Design and tolerance analysis of a transmission sphere by interferometer model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Wei-Jei; Ho, Cheng-Fong; Lin, Wen-Lung; Yu, Zong-Ru; Huang, Chien-Yao; Hsu, Wei-Yao

2015-09-01

The design of a 6-in, f/2.2 transmission sphere for Fizeau interferometry is presented in this paper. To predict the actual performance during design phase, we build an interferometer model combined with tolerance analysis in Zemax. Evaluating focus imaging is not enough for a double pass optical system. Thus, we study the interferometer model that includes system error, wavefronts reflected from reference surface and tested surface. Firstly, we generate a deformation map of the tested surface. Because of multiple configurations in Zemax, we can get the test wavefront and the reference wavefront reflected from the tested surface and the reference surface of transmission sphere respectively. According to the theory of interferometry, we subtract both wavefronts to acquire the phase of tested surface. Zernike polynomial is applied to transfer the map from phase to sag and to remove piston, tilt and power. The restored map is the same as original map; because of no system error exists. Secondly, perturbed tolerances including fabrication of lenses and assembly are considered. The system error occurs because the test and reference beam are no longer common path perfectly. The restored map is inaccurate while the system error is added. Although the system error can be subtracted by calibration, it should be still controlled within a small range to avoid calibration error. Generally the reference wavefront error including the system error and the irregularity of the reference surface of 6-in transmission sphere is measured within peak-to-valley (PV) 0.1 λ (λ=0.6328 um), which is not easy to approach. Consequently, it is necessary to predict the value of system error before manufacture. Finally, a prototype is developed and tested by a reference surface with PV 0.1 λ irregularity.

Validation of a Novel Technique and Evaluation of the Surface Free Energy of Food

PubMed Central

Senturk Parreidt, Tugce; Schmid, Markus; Hauser, Carolin

2017-01-01

Characterizing the physical properties of a surface is largely dependent on determining the contact angle exhibited by a liquid. Contact angles on the surfaces of rough and irregularly-shaped food samples are difficult to measure using a contact angle meter (goniometer). As a consequence, values for the surface energy and its components can be mismeasured. The aim of this work was to use a novel contact angle measurement method, namely the snake-based ImageJ program, to accurately measure the contact angles of rough and irregular shapes, such as food samples, and so enable more accurate calculation of the surface energy of food materials. In order to validate the novel technique, the contact angles of three different test liquids on four different smooth polymer films were measured using both the ImageJ software with the DropSnake plugin and the widely used contact angle meter. The distributions of the values obtained by the two methods were different. Therefore, the contact angles, surface energies, and polar and dispersive components of plastic films obtained using the ImageJ program and the Drop Shape Analyzer (DSA) were interpreted with the help of simple linear regression analysis. As case studies, the superficial characteristics of strawberry and endive salad epicarp were measured with the ImageJ program and the results were interpreted with the Drop Shape Analyzer equivalent according to our regression models. The data indicated that the ImageJ program can be successfully used for contact angle determination of rough and strongly hydrophobic surfaces, such as strawberry epicarp. However, for the special geometry of droplets on slightly hydrophobic surfaces, such as salad leaves, the program code interpolation part can be altered. PMID:28425932

Detrimental Effects of Higher Body Mass Index and Smoking Habits on Menstrual Cycles in Korean Women

PubMed Central

Jung, An Na; Park, Ju Hwan; Kim, Jihyun; Kim, Seok Hyun; Jee, Byung Chul; Cha, Byung Heun; Sull, Jae Woong

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Alteration of menstrual cycle by individual lifestyles and unfavorable habits may cause menstrual irregularity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle factors and menstrual irregularity in Korean women using data from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010–2012. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 3779 nondiabetic Korean women aged 19–49 years who did not take any oral contraceptives or sex hormonal compounds. We examined the association of menstrual irregularity with age, body mass index (BMI), drinking experience, and smoking habits. Results: Age, Asian BMI, marriage status, age at menarche, and smoking habits were significantly associated with menstrual cycle irregularity (p < 0.01). The prevalence of menstrual irregularity was significantly increased at younger ages: 18.4%, 10.3%, and 10.5% at 19–29, 30–39, and 40–49 years, respectively. Moreover, obesity groups, defined as per Asian BMI using modified WHO criteria, were strongly associated with menstrual irregularity. BMI 25.0–29.9 [obesity class I] (adjusted odds ratios [OR], 1.94; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.37–2.74) and ≥30.0 [obesity class II] (adjusted OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.22–3.91) presented significantly higher risk of menstrual irregularity compared with BMI 18.5–22.9 [normal weight]. Multivariable analysis revealed that high BMI in younger women aged 19–29 years (p < 0.001) and smoking habits in middle-aged women aged 30–39 years (p < 0.005) significantly predicted menstrual irregularity. Conclusion: This study substantiated that menstrual irregularity was closely associated with higher BMI and smoking habits in nondiabetic Korean women. Weight loss and smoking cessation should be recommended to promote women's reproductive health. PMID:27603944

High supersonic aerodynamic characteristics of five irregular planform wings with systematically varying wing fillet geometry tested in the NASA/LaRC 4-foot UPWT (LEG 2) (LA45A/B)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

An experimental and analytical aerodynamic program to develop predesign guides for irregular planform wings is reported. The benefits are linearization of subsonic lift curve slope to high angles of attack and avoidance of subsonic pitch instabilities at high lift by proper tailoring of the planform fillet wing combination while providing the desired hypersonic trim angle and stability. The two prime areas of concern are to optimize shuttle orbiter landing and entry characteristics. Basic longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics at high supersonic speeds are developed.

Extended Schmidt law holds for faint dwarf irregular galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roychowdhury, Sambit; Chengalur, Jayaram N.; Shi, Yong

2017-12-01

Context. The extended Schmidt law (ESL) is a variant of the Schmidt which relates the surface densities of gas and star formation, with the surface density of stellar mass added as an extra parameter. Although ESL has been shown to be valid for a wide range of galaxy properties, its validity in low-metallicity galaxies has not been comprehensively tested. This is important because metallicity affects the crucial atomic-to-molecular transition step in the process of conversion of gas to stars. Aims: We empirically investigate for the first time whether low metallicity faint dwarf irregular galaxies (dIrrs) from the local universe follow the ESL. Here we consider the "global" law where surface densities are averaged over the galactic discs. dIrrs are unique not only because they are at the lowest end of mass and star formation scales for galaxies, but also because they are metal-poor compared to the general population of galaxies. Methods: Our sample is drawn from the Faint Irregular Galaxy GMRT Survey (FIGGS) which is the largest survey of atomic hydrogen in such galaxies. The gas surface densities are determined using their atomic hydrogen content. The star formation rates are calculated using GALEX far ultraviolet fluxes after correcting for dust extinction, whereas the stellar surface densities are calculated using Spitzer 3.6 μm fluxes. The surface densities are calculated over the stellar discs defined by the 3.6 μm images. Results: We find dIrrs indeed follow the ESL. The mean deviation of the FIGGS galaxies from the relation is 0.01 dex, with a scatter around the relation of less than half that seen in the original relation. In comparison, we also show that the FIGGS galaxies are much more deviant when compared to the "canonical" Kennicutt-Schmidt relation. Conclusions: Our results help strengthen the universality of the ESL, especially for galaxies with low metallicities. We suggest that models of star formation in which feedback from previous generations of stars set the pressure in the interstellar medium and affect ongoing star formation, are promising candidates for explaining the ESL. We also confirm that ESL is an independent relation and not a form of a relation between star formation efficiency and metallicity.

International Summer Institute in Surface Science (4th), (ISISS 1979).

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-09

Gold crystallites growing on KC1 substrates were found, under certain conditions during the coalescence stage, to form large, irregularly shaped, very...structure up to the interface. The next part gives results issued from structural models for the crystal-melt interface of monoatomic solids. The main

Uniform irradiation of irregularly shaped cavities for photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Rem, A I; van Gemert, M J; van der Meulen, F W; Gijsbers, G H; Beek, J F

1997-03-01

It is difficult to achieve a uniform light distribution in irregularly shaped cavities. We have conducted a study on the use of hollow 'integrating' moulds for more uniform light delivery of photodynamic therapy in irregularly shaped cavities such as the oral cavity. Simple geometries such as a cubical box, a sphere, a cylinder and a 'bottle-neck' geometry have been investigated experimentally and the results have been compared with computed light distributions obtained using the 'radiosity method'. A high reflection coefficient of the mould and the best uniform direct irradiance possible on the inside of the mould were found to be important determinants for achieving a uniform light distribution.

Irregular Menses Linked to Vomiting in a Nonclinical Sample: Findings from the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in High Schools

PubMed Central

Austin, S. Bryn; Ziyadeh, Najat J.; Vohra, Sameer; Forman, Sara; Gordon, Catherine M.; Prokop, Lisa A.; Keliher, Anne; Jacobs, Douglas

2011-01-01

Purpose Using data from an eating disorders screening initiative conducted in high schools across the United States, we examined the relationship between vomiting frequency and irregular menses in a nonclinical sample of adolescent females. Methods A self-report questionnaire was administered to students from U.S. high schools participating in the National Eating Disorders Screening Program in 2000. The questionnaire included items on frequency of vomiting for weight control in the past 3 months, other eating disorder symptoms, frequency of menses, height, and weight. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted using data from 2791 girls to estimate the risk of irregular menses (defined as menses less often than monthly) associated with vomiting frequency, adjusting for other eating disorder symptoms, weight status, age, race/ethnicity, and school clusters. Results Girls who vomited to control their weight one to three times per month were one and a half times more likely (risk ratio [RR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–2.2), and girls who vomited once per week or more often were more than three times more likely (RR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.3–4.4), to experience irregular menses than were girls who did not report vomiting for weight control. Vomiting for weight control remained a strong predictor of irregular menses even when overweight and underweight participants were excluded. Conclusions Our study adds to the evidence that vomiting may have a direct effect on hormonal function in adolescent girls, and that vomiting for weight control may be a particularly deleterious component of eating disorders. PMID:18407039

Rapid gait termination: effects of age, walking surfaces and footwear characteristics.

PubMed

Menant, Jasmine C; Steele, Julie R; Menz, Hylton B; Munro, Bridget J; Lord, Stephen R

2009-07-01

The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the influence of various walking surfaces and footwear characteristics on the ability to terminate gait rapidly in 10 young and 26 older people. Subjects walked at a self-selected speed in eight randomized shoe conditions (standard versus elevated heel, soft sole, hard sole, high-collar, flared sole, bevelled heel and tread sole) on three surfaces: control, irregular and wet. In response to an audible cue, subjects were required to stop as quickly as possible in three out of eight walking trials in each condition. Time to last foot contact, total stopping time, stopping distance, number of steps to stop, step length and step width post-cue and base of support length at total stop were calculated from kinematic data collected using two CODA scanner units. The older subjects took more time and a longer distance to last foot contact and were more frequently classified as using a three or more-steps stopping strategy compared to the young subjects. The wet surface impeded gait termination, as indicated by greater total stopping time and stopping distance. Subjects required more time to terminate gait in the soft sole shoes compared to the standard shoes. In contrast, the high-collar shoes reduced total stopping time on the wet surface. These findings suggest that older adults have more difficulty terminating gait rapidly than their younger counterparts and that footwear is likely to influence whole-body stability during challenging postural tasks on wet surfaces.

Exploring Manycore Multinode Systems for Irregular Applications with FPGA Prototyping

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

Ceriani, Marco; Palermo, Gianluca; Secchi, Simone

We present a prototype of a multi-core architecture implemented on FPGA, designed to enable efficient execution of irregular applications on distributed shared memory machines, while maintaining high performance on regular workloads. The architecture is composed of off-the-shelf soft-core cores, local interconnection and memory interface, integrated with custom components that optimize it for irregular applications. It relies on three key elements: a global address space, multithreading, and fine-grained synchronization. Global addresses are scrambled to reduce the formation of network hot-spots, while the latency of the transactions is covered by integrating an hardware scheduler within the custom load/store buffers to take advantagemore » from the availability of multiple executions threads, increasing the efficiency in a transparent way to the application. We evaluated a dual node system irregular kernels showing scalability in the number of cores and threads.« less

Plasma irregularities caused by cycloid bunching of the CRRES G-2 barium release

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernhardt, P. A.; Huba, J. D.; Pongratz, M. B.; Simons, D. J.; Wolcott, J. H.

1993-01-01

The Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) spacecraft carried a number of barium thermite canisters for release into the upper atmosphere. The barium release labeled G-2 showed evidence of curved irregularities not aligned with the ambient magnetic field B. The newly discovered curved structures can be explained by a process called cycloid bunching. Cycloid bunching occurs when plasma is created by photoionization of a neutral cloud injected at high velocity perpendicular to B. If the injection velocity is much larger than the expansion speed of the cloud, the ion trail will form a cycloid that has irregularities spaced by the product of the perpendicular injection speed and the ion gyroperiod, Images of the solar-illuminated barium ions are compared with the results of a three-dimensional kinetic simulation. Cycloid bunching is shown to be responsible for the rapid generation of both curved and field-aligned irregularities in the CRRES G-2 experiment.

The Efficiency of UVC Radiation in the Inactivation of
Listeria monocytogenes on Beef-Agar Food Models.

PubMed

Hamidi-Oskouei, Amir M; James, Christian; James, Stephen

2015-06-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of meat content and surface smoothness on the deactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in beef-agar food models achieved by shortwave ultraviolet (UVC) light. Food models with various meat contents were made using chopped beef slices and agar solution. Prepared models together with a Listeria selective agar (LSA) plate and a slice of cooked beef were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and then exposed to UVC light. Population of Listeria reduced to below the level of detection on the LSA plates. As the content of beef in the beef-agar models increased, more L. monocytogenes cells survived. Survival was greatest on the treated cooked slice of beef. To better understand the effect of surface irregularities, a white light interferometer was used to analyse the surface smoothness of beef-agar media and LSA plates. No correlation was observed between the surface roughness of seven out of nine types of produced beef-agar media and the degree of inactivation resulting from UVC radiation at the given dose, whereas, less bacterial cells were killed as beef content of the food models increased. The findings of the current study show that the chemical composition of the treated sample also plays an important role in pathogen resistance and survival, meaning that two samples with similar surface irregularities but different chemical composition might produce very different inactivation results when exposed to UVC light.

Surface errors without semantic impairment in acquired dyslexia: a voxel-based lesion–symptom mapping study

PubMed Central

Pillay, Sara B.; Humphries, Colin J.; Gross, William L.; Graves, William W.; Book, Diane S.

2016-01-01

Patients with surface dyslexia have disproportionate difficulty pronouncing irregularly spelled words (e.g. pint), suggesting impaired use of lexical-semantic information to mediate phonological retrieval. Patients with this deficit also make characteristic ‘regularization’ errors, in which an irregularly spelled word is mispronounced by incorrect application of regular spelling-sound correspondences (e.g. reading plaid as ‘played’), indicating over-reliance on sublexical grapheme–phoneme correspondences. We examined the neuroanatomical correlates of this specific error type in 45 patients with left hemisphere chronic stroke. Voxel-based lesion–symptom mapping showed a strong positive relationship between the rate of regularization errors and damage to the posterior half of the left middle temporal gyrus. Semantic deficits on tests of single-word comprehension were generally mild, and these deficits were not correlated with the rate of regularization errors. Furthermore, the deep occipital-temporal white matter locus associated with these mild semantic deficits was distinct from the lesion site associated with regularization errors. Thus, in contrast to patients with surface dyslexia and semantic impairment from anterior temporal lobe degeneration, surface errors in our patients were not related to a semantic deficit. We propose that these patients have an inability to link intact semantic representations with phonological representations. The data provide novel evidence for a post-semantic mechanism mediating the production of surface errors, and suggest that the posterior middle temporal gyrus may compute an intermediate representation linking semantics with phonology. PMID:26966139

The Efficiency of UVC Radiation in the Inactivation of
Listeria monocytogenes on Beef-Agar Food Models

PubMed Central

James, Christian; James, Stephen

2015-01-01

Summary The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of meat content and surface smoothness on the deactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in beef-agar food models achieved by shortwave ultraviolet (UVC) light. Food models with various meat contents were made using chopped beef slices and agar solution. Prepared models together with a Listeria selective agar (LSA) plate and a slice of cooked beef were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and then exposed to UVC light. Population of Listeria reduced to below the level of detection on the LSA plates. As the content of beef in the beef-agar models increased, more L. monocytogenes cells survived. Survival was greatest on the treated cooked slice of beef. To better understand the effect of surface irregularities, a white light interferometer was used to analyse the surface smoothness of beef-agar media and LSA plates. No correlation was observed between the surface roughness of seven out of nine types of produced beef-agar media and the degree of inactivation resulting from UVC radiation at the given dose, whereas, less bacterial cells were killed as beef content of the food models increased. The findings of the current study show that the chemical composition of the treated sample also plays an important role in pathogen resistance and survival, meaning that two samples with similar surface irregularities but different chemical composition might produce very different inactivation results when exposed to UVC light. PMID:27904353

3D Reconstruction of Irregular Buildings and Buddha Statues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, K.; Li, M.-j.

2014-04-01

Three-dimensional laser scanning could acquire object's surface data quickly and accurately. However, the post-processing of point cloud is not perfect and could be improved. Based on the study of 3D laser scanning technology, this paper describes the details of solutions to modelling irregular ancient buildings and Buddha statues in Jinshan Temple, which aiming at data acquisition, modelling and texture mapping, etc. In order to modelling irregular ancient buildings effectively, the structure of each building is extracted manually by point cloud and the textures are mapped by the software of 3ds Max. The methods clearly combine 3D laser scanning technology with traditional modelling methods, and greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of the ancient buildings restored. On the other hand, the main idea of modelling statues is regarded as modelling objects in reverse engineering. The digital model of statues obtained is not just vivid, but also accurate in the field of surveying and mapping. On this basis, a 3D scene of Jinshan Temple is reconstructed, which proves the validity of the solutions.

Sampling characteristics of satellite orbits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wunsch, Carl

1989-01-01

The irregular space-time sampling of any finite region by an orbiting satellite raises difficult questions as to which frequencies and wavenumbers can be determined and which will alias into others. Conventional sampling theorems must be extended to account for both irregular data distributions and observational noise - the sampling irregularity making the system much more susceptible to noise than in regularly sampled cases. The problem is formulated here in terms of least-squares and applied to spacecraft in 10-day and 17-day repeating orbits. The 'diamond-pattern' laid down spatially in such repeating orbits means that either repeat period adequately samples the spatial variables, but the slow overall temporal coverage in the 17-day pattern leads to much greater uncertainty than in the shorter repeat cycle. The result is not definitive and it is not concluded that a 10-day orbit repeat is the most appropriate one. A major conclusion, however, is that different orbital choices have potentially quite different sampling characteristics which need to be analyzed in terms of the spectral characteristics of the moving sea surface.

Development of a Distributed Hydrologic Model Using Triangulated Irregular Networks for Continuous, Real-Time Flood Forecasting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, V. Y.; Vivoni, E. R.; Bras, R. L.; Entekhabi, D.

2001-05-01

The Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs) are widespread in many finite-element modeling applications stressing high spatial non-uniformity while describing the domain of interest in an optimized fashion that results in superior computational efficiency. TINs, being adaptive to the complexity of any terrain, are capable of maintaining topological relations between critical surface features and therefore afford higher flexibility in data manipulation. The TIN-based Real-time Integrated Basin Simulator (tRIBS) is a distributed hydrologic model that utilizes the mesh architecture and the software environment developed for the CHILD landscape evolution model and employs the hydrologic routines of its raster-oriented version, RIBS. As a totally independent software unit, the tRIBS consolidates the strengths of the distributed approach and efficient computational data platform. The current version couples the unsaturated and the saturated zones and accounts for the interaction of moving infiltration fronts with a variable groundwater surface, allowing the model to handle both storm and interstorm periods in a continuous fashion. Recent model enhancements have included the development of interstorm hydrologic fluxes through an evapotranspiration scheme as well as incorporation of a rainfall interception module. Overall, the tRIBS model has proven to properly mimic successive phases of the distributed catchment response by reproducing various runoff production mechanisms and handling their meteorological constraints. Important improvements in modeling options, robustness to data availability and overall design flexibility have also been accomplished. The current efforts are focused on further model developments as well as the application of the tRIBS to various watersheds.

Optimizing Irregular Applications for Energy and Performance on the Tilera Many-core Architecture

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

Chavarría-Miranda, Daniel; Panyala, Ajay R.; Halappanavar, Mahantesh

Optimizing applications simultaneously for energy and performance is a complex problem. High performance, parallel, irregular applications are notoriously hard to optimize due to their data-dependent memory accesses, lack of structured locality and complex data structures and code patterns. Irregular kernels are growing in importance in applications such as machine learning, graph analytics and combinatorial scientific computing. Performance- and energy-efficient implementation of these kernels on modern, energy efficient, multicore and many-core platforms is therefore an important and challenging problem. We present results from optimizing two irregular applications { the Louvain method for community detection (Grappolo), and high-performance conjugate gradient (HPCCG) {more » on the Tilera many-core system. We have significantly extended MIT's OpenTuner auto-tuning framework to conduct a detailed study of platform-independent and platform-specific optimizations to improve performance as well as reduce total energy consumption. We explore the optimization design space along three dimensions: memory layout schemes, compiler-based code transformations, and optimization of parallel loop schedules. Using auto-tuning, we demonstrate whole node energy savings of up to 41% relative to a baseline instantiation, and up to 31% relative to manually optimized variants.« less

Atrial Fibrillation Pacing Decreases Intravascular Shear Stress in a New Zealand White Rabbit Model: Implications in Endothelial Function

PubMed Central

Jen, Nelson; Yu, Fei; Lee, Juhyun; Wasmund, Steve; Dai, Xiaohu; Chen, Christina; Chawareeyawong, Pai; Yang, Yongmo; Li, Rongsong; Hamdan, Mohamed H.; Hsiai, Tzung

2012-01-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by multiple rapid and irregular atrial depolarization leading to rapid ventricular responses exceeding 100 beats per minute (bpm). We hypothesized that rapid and irregular pacing reduced intravascular shear stress (ISS) with implication to modulating endothelial responses. To simulate AF, we paced the left atrial appendage of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (n=4) at rapid and irregular intervals. Surface electrical cardiograms (ECG) were recorded for atrial and ventricular rhythm, and intravascular convective heat transfer was measured by micro thermal sensors, from which ISS was inferred. Rapid and irregular pacing decreased arterial systolic and diastolic pressures (baseline: 99/75 mmHg; rapid regular pacing: 92/73; rapid irregular pacing: 90/68; P < 0.001, n=4), temporal gradients (∂τ/∂t from 1275 ± 80 to 1056 ± 180 dyne/cm2·s), and reduced ISS (from baseline at 32.0 ± 2.4 to 22.7 ± 3.5 dyne/cm2). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code demonstrated that experimentally inferred ISS provided a close approximation to the computed wall shear stress (WSS) at a given catheter to vessel diameter ratio, shear stress range, and catheter position. In an in vitro flow system in which time-averaged shear stress was maintained at τavg=23 ±4 dyn·cm−2·s−1, we further demonstrated that rapid pulse rates at 150 bpm down-regulated endothelial nitric oxide (NO), promoted superoxide (O2·−) production, and increased monocyte binding to endothelial cells. These findings suggest that rapid pacing reduces ISS and ∂τ/∂t, and rapid pulse rates modulate endothelial responses. PMID:22983703

Fine structure of the eggs of Anopheles (Anopheles) apicimacula (Diptera:Culicidae).

PubMed

Rodriguez, M H; Chávez, B; Orozco, A; Martínez-Palomo, A

1996-09-01

The eggs of Anopheles (Anopheles) apicimacula Dyar and Knab are described from scanning electron micrographs. The eggs are boat-shaped, with frills that extend ventrally along the length of the egg and surround the deck region. The ornamentation on the dorsal and lateral surfaces is formed by groups of smooth, round tubercles. The ventral surface is covered by irregularly jagged tubercles. Prominent lobed tubercles are present at the anterior and posterior ends of the deck.

Theory of Irregular Waveguides with Slowly Changing Parameters

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-05

different waves are orthogcnal between themselves. The conditions of orthogonality we will record in such a way that it would be correct during any...replace the strain of surface, on which it is correct (3.2), by a small change in this condition on the undisturbed surface. Let us establish/install this...it is possible to show which (6.’ is correct with any sign L. The replacement of strain by boundary condition (6.1) introduces into calculation soca

A theory for El Nino and the Southern Oscillation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cane, M. A.; Zebiak, S. E.

1985-01-01

A coupled atmosphere-ocean model is presented for El Nino and the Southern Oscillation that reproduces its major features, including its recurrence at irregular intervals. The interannual El Nino-Southern Oscillation cycle is maintained by deterministic interactions in the tropical Pacific region. Ocean dynamics alter sea-surface temperature, changing the atmospheric heating; the resulting changes in surface wind alter the ocean dynamics. Annually varying mean conditions largely determine the spatial pattern and temporal evolution of El Nino events.

Scattering Properties of Large Irregular Cosmic Dust Particles at Visible Wavelengths

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

Escobar-Cerezo, J.; Palmer, C.; Muñoz, O.

The effect of internal inhomogeneities and surface roughness on the scattering behavior of large cosmic dust particles is studied by comparing model simulations with laboratory measurements. The present work shows the results of an attempt to model a dust sample measured in the laboratory with simulations performed by a ray-optics model code. We consider this dust sample as a good analogue for interplanetary and interstellar dust as it shares its refractive index with known materials in these media. Several sensitivity tests have been performed for both structural cases (internal inclusions and surface roughness). Three different samples have been selected tomore » mimic inclusion/coating inhomogeneities: two measured scattering matrices of hematite and white clay, and a simulated matrix for water ice. These three matrices are selected to cover a wide range of imaginary refractive indices. The selection of these materials also seeks to study astrophysical environments of interest such as Mars, where hematite and clays have been detected, and comets. Based on the results of the sensitivity tests shown in this work, we perform calculations for a size distribution of a silicate-type host particle model with inclusions and surface roughness to reproduce the experimental measurements of a dust sample. The model fits the measurements quite well, proving that surface roughness and internal structure play a role in the scattering pattern of irregular cosmic dust particles.« less

Phase retrieval using a modified Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor with defocus.

PubMed

Li, Changwei; Li, Bangming; Zhang, Sijiong

2014-02-01

This paper proposes a modified Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor for phase retrieval. The sensor is revamped by placing a detector at a defocused plane before the focal plane of the lenslet array of the Shack-Hartmann sensor. The algorithm for phase retrieval is an optimization with initial Zernike coefficients calculated by the conventional phase reconstruction of the Shack-Hartmann sensor. Numerical simulations show that the proposed sensor permits sensitive, accurate phase retrieval. Furthermore, experiments tested the feasibility of phase retrieval using the proposed sensor. The surface irregularity for a flat mirror was measured by the proposed method and a Veeco interferometer, respectively. The irregularity for the mirror measured by the proposed method is in very good agreement with that measured using the Veeco interferometer.

Carbide coated fibers in graphite-aluminum composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imprescia, R. J.; Levinson, L. S.; Reiswig, R. D.; Wallace, T. C.; Williams, J. M.

1975-01-01

Thin, uniform coats of titanium carbide, deposited on graphite fibers by chemical vapor deposition with thicknesses up to approximately 0.1 microns were shown to improve fiber strength significantly. For greater thicknesses, strength was degraded. The coats promote wetting of the fibers and infiltration of the fiber yarns with aluminum alloys, and act as protective barriers to inhibit reaction between the fibers and the alloys. Chemical vapor deposition was used to produce silicon carbide coats on graphite fibers. In general, the coats were nonuniform and were characterized by numerous surface irregularities. Despite these irregularities, infiltration of these fibers with aluminum alloys was good. Small graphite-aluminum composite samples were produced by vacuum hot-pressing of aluminum-infiltrated graphite yarn at temperatures above the metal liquidus.

Identification and Characterization of Pseudocercospora pyricola Causing Leaf Spots on Aronia melanocarpa.

PubMed

Park, Sung-Hee; Choi, In-Young; Seo, Kyoung-Won; Kim, Jin-Ho; Galea, Victor; Shin, Hyeon-Dong

2017-03-01

Leaf spot disease on black chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ) was observed at several locations in Korea during 2014-2015. Leaf spots were distinct, scattered over the leaf surface and along the leaf border, subcircular to irregular and brown surrounded by a distinct dark color, and were expanded and coalesced into irregularly shaped lesions. Severely infected leaves became dry and fell off eventually. The causative agent was identified as Pseudocercospora pyricola . Morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of multiple genes, including internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor 1-alpha, actin, and the large subunit ribosomal DNA were conducted. The pathogenicity test was conducted twice yielding similar results, fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report on P. pyricola infection of A. melanocarpa globally.

Boundary between stable and unstable regimes of accretion. Ordered and chaotic unstable regimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blinova, A. A.; Romanova, M. M.; Lovelace, R. V. E.

2016-07-01

We present a new study of the Rayleigh-Taylor unstable regime of accretion on to rotating magnetized stars in a set of high grid resolution three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations performed in low-viscosity discs. We find that the boundary between the stable and unstable regimes is determined almost entirely by the fastness parameter ωs = Ω⋆/ΩK(rm), where Ω⋆ is the angular velocity of the star and ΩK(rm) is the angular velocity of the Keplerian disc at the disc-magnetosphere boundary r = rm. We found that accretion is unstable if ωs ≲ 0.6. Accretion through instabilities is present in stars with different magnetospheric sizes. However, only in stars with relatively small magnetospheres, rm/R⋆ ≲ 7, do the unstable tongues produce chaotic hotspots on the stellar surface and irregular light curves. At even smaller values of the fastness parameter, ωs ≲ 0.45, multiple irregular tongues merge, forming one or two ordered unstable tongues that rotate with the angular frequency of the inner disc. This transition occurs in stars with even smaller magnetospheres, rm/R⋆ ≲ 4.2. Most of our simulations were performed at a small tilt of the dipole magnetosphere, Θ = 5°, and a small viscosity parameter α = 0.02. Test simulations at higher α values show that many more cases become unstable, and the light curves become even more irregular. Test simulations at larger tilts of the dipole Θ show that instability is present, however, accretion in two funnel streams dominates if Θ ≳ 15°. The results of these simulations can be applied to accreting magnetized stars with relatively small magnetospheres: Classical T Tauri stars, accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars, and cataclysmic variables.

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography-based imaging, parameterization, and quantification of human cartilage degeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brill, Nicolai; Wirtz, Mathias; Merhof, Dorit; Tingart, Markus; Jahr, Holger; Truhn, Daniel; Schmitt, Robert; Nebelung, Sven

2016-07-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a light-based, high-resolution, real-time, noninvasive, and nondestructive imaging modality yielding quasimicroscopic cross-sectional images of cartilage. As yet, comprehensive parameterization and quantification of birefringence and tissue properties have not been performed on human cartilage. PS-OCT and algorithm-based image analysis were used to objectively grade human cartilage degeneration in terms of surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, signal attenuation, as well as birefringence coefficient and band width, height, depth, and number. Degeneration-dependent changes were noted for the former three parameters exclusively, thereby questioning the diagnostic value of PS-OCT in the assessment of human cartilage degeneration.

High enthalpy, hypervelocity flows of air and argon in an expansion tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neely, A. J; Stalker, R. J.; Paull, A.

1991-01-01

An expansion tube with a free piston driver has been used to generate quasi-steady hypersonic flows in argon and air at flow velocities in excess of 9 km/s. Irregular test flow unsteadiness has limited the performance of previous expansion tubes, and it has been found that this can be avoided by attention to the interaction between the test gas accelerating expansion and the contact surface in the primary shock tube. Test section measurements of pitot pressure, static pressure and flat plate heat transfer are reported. An approximate analytical theory has been developed for predicting the velocities achieved in the unsteady expansion of the ionizing or dissociating test gas.

3D reconstruction from non-uniform point clouds via local hierarchical clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jiaqi; Li, Ruibo; Xiao, Yang; Cao, Zhiguo

2017-07-01

Raw scanned 3D point clouds are usually irregularly distributed due to the essential shortcomings of laser sensors, which therefore poses a great challenge for high-quality 3D surface reconstruction. This paper tackles this problem by proposing a local hierarchical clustering (LHC) method to improve the consistency of point distribution. Specifically, LHC consists of two steps: 1) adaptive octree-based decomposition of 3D space, and 2) hierarchical clustering. The former aims at reducing the computational complexity and the latter transforms the non-uniform point set into uniform one. Experimental results on real-world scanned point clouds validate the effectiveness of our method from both qualitative and quantitative aspects.

Spontaneous Cracking in Unfired Magnesia Compacts Upon Standing in Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davies, Myron O.; Grimes, Hubert H.; May, Charles E.

1961-01-01

Analytical-grade magnesium oxide powder without binder was compressed hydrostatically to 50,000 lb. per sq. in. to form compacts. When exposed to moist air immediately after pressing, these compacts developed irregularly shaped cracks. Controlled tests, in which these compacts were exposed for various lengths of time to various atmospheres, indicated that in general water vapor, carbon dioxide, and residual stresses had to be present if cracking was to occur. The probable cause of the cracking was the formation of a less dense and mechanically weak basic carbonate of magnesium at crystallite surface points of high stress concentration which developed during the compacting. The adsorption of dry CO2 at such sites prevented subsequent delayed fracture.

Shallow water acoustic backscatter and reverberation measurements using a 68-kHz cylindrical array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallaudet, Timothy Cole

2001-10-01

The characterization of high frequency, shallow water acoustic backscatter and reverberation is important because acoustic systems are used in many scientific, commercial, and military applications. The approach taken is to use data collected by the Toroidal Volume Search Sonar (TVSS), a 68 kHz multibeam sonar capable of 360° imaging in a vertical plane perpendicular to its direction of travel. With this unique capability, acoustic backscatter imagery of the seafloor, sea surface, and horizontal and vertical planes in the volume are constructed from data obtained in 200m deep waters in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico when the TVSS was towed 78m below the surface, 735m astern of a towship. The processed imagery provide a quasi-synoptic characterization of the spatial and temporal structure of boundary and volume acoustic backscatter and reverberation. Diffraction, element patterns, and high sidelobe levels are shown to be the most serious problems affecting cylindrical arrays such as the TVSS, and an amplitude shading method is presented for reducing the peak sidelobe levels of irregular-line and non-coplanar arrays. Errors in the towfish's attitude and motion sensor, and irregularities in the TVSS's transmitted beampattern produce artifacts in the TVSS-derived bathymetry and seafloor acoustic backscatter imagery. Correction strategies for these problems are described, which are unique in that they use environmental information extracted from both ocean boundaries. Sea surface and volume acoustic backscatter imagery are used to explore and characterize the structure of near-surface bubble clouds, schooling fish, and zooplankton. The simultaneous horizontal and vertical coverage provided by the TVSS is shown to be a primary advantage, motivating further use of multibeam sonars in these applications. Whereas boundary backscatter fluctuations are well described by Weibull, K, and Rayleigh mixture probability distributions, those corresponding to volume backscatter are multi-modal, with the log-normal distribution providing the best fits to the centers of the distributions, and the Rayleigh mixture models providing the best fits to the tails of the distributions. The largest distribution tails result from resonant microbubbles and patchy aggregations of zooplankton. The Office of Naval Research funded this work under ONR-NRL Contract No. N00014-96-1-G9I3.

The Effect of the Kind of Sands and Additions on the Mechanical Behaviour of S.C.C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeghichi, L.; Benghazi, Z.; Baali, L.

The sand is an inert element essential in the composition of concrete; its use ensures granular continuity between the cement and gravel for better cohesion of concrete. This paper presents the results of a study that investigated the influence of sand quality on the properties of fresh and hardened self-compacting concrete (SCC). The dune sands are very fine materials characterized by a high intergranular porosity, high surface area and low fineness modulus; on the other hand crushed (manufactured) sand has a high rate into thin and irregular shapes which are influencing the workability of concrete. The amount of dune sand varies from (0% 50%, to 100%) by weight of fine aggregates. The effect of additions is also treated (blast furnace slag and lime stone) The results show that the rheological properties favour the use of dune sands; however the mechanical properties support the use of crushed sand.

Lunar dust simulant charging and transport under UV irradiation in vacuum: Experiments and numerical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Champlain, A.; Matéo-Vélez, J.-C.; Roussel, J.-F.; Hess, S.; Sarrailh, P.; Murat, G.; Chardon, J.-P.; Gajan, A.

2016-01-01

Recent high-altitude observations, made by the Lunar Dust Experiment (LDEX) experiment on board LADEE orbiting the Moon, indicate that high-altitude (>10 km) dust particle densities are well correlated with interplanetary dust impacts. They show no evidence of high dust density suggested by Apollo 15 and 17 observations and possibly explained by electrostatic forces imposed by the plasma environment and photon irradiation. This paper deals with near-surface conditions below the domain of observation of LDEX where electrostatic forces could clearly be at play. The upper and lower limits of the cohesive force between dusts are obtained by comparing experiments and numerical simulations of dust charging under ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of an electric field and mechanical vibrations. It is suggested that dust ejection by electrostatic forces is made possible by microscopic-scale amplifications due to soil irregularities. At low altitude, this process may be complementary to interplanetary dust impacts.

Random vibration analysis of train-bridge under track irregularities and traveling seismic waves using train-slab track-bridge interaction model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Zhi-Ping; Zhao, Yan-Gang; Xu, Wen-Tao; Yu, Zhi-Wu; Chen, Ling-Kun; Lou, Ping

2015-04-01

The frequent use of bridges in high-speed railway lines greatly increases the probability that trains are running on bridges when earthquakes occur. This paper investigates the random vibrations of a high-speed train traversing a slab track on a continuous girder bridge subjected to track irregularities and traveling seismic waves by the pseudo-excitation method (PEM). To derive the equations of motion of the train-slab track-bridge interaction system, the multibody dynamics and finite element method models are used for the train and the track and bridge, respectively. By assuming track irregularities to be fully coherent random excitations with time lags between different wheels and seismic accelerations to be uniformly modulated, non-stationary random excitations with time lags between different foundations, the random load vectors of the equations of motion are transformed into a series of deterministic pseudo-excitations based on PEM and the wheel-rail contact relationship. A computer code is developed to obtain the time-dependent random responses of the entire system. As a case study, the random vibration characteristics of an ICE-3 high-speed train traversing a seven-span continuous girder bridge simultaneously excited by track irregularities and traveling seismic waves are analyzed. The influence of train speed and seismic wave propagation velocity on the random vibration characteristics of the bridge and train are discussed.

Velopharyngeal mucosal surface topography in healthy subjects and subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Lambeth, Christopher; Amatoury, Jason; Wang, Ziyu; Foster, Sheryl; Amis, Terence; Kairaitis, Kristina

2017-03-01

Macroscopic pharyngeal anatomical abnormalities are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of upper airway (UA) obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Microscopic changes in the UA mucosal lining of OSA subjects are reported; however, the impact of these changes on UA mucosal surface topography is unknown. This study aimed to 1 ) develop methodology to measure UA mucosal surface topography, and 2 ) compare findings from healthy and OSA subjects. Ten healthy and eleven OSA subjects were studied. Awake, gated (end expiration), head and neck position controlled magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the velopharynx (VP) were obtained. VP mucosal surfaces were segmented from axial images, and three-dimensional VP mucosal surface models were constructed. Curvature analysis of the models was used to study the VP mucosal surface topography. Principal, mean, and Gaussian curvatures were used to define surface shape composition and surface roughness of the VP mucosal surface models. Significant differences were found in the surface shape composition, with more saddle/spherical and less flat/cylindrical shapes in OSA than healthy VP mucosal surface models ( P < 0.01). OSA VP mucosal surface models were also found to have more mucosal surface roughness ( P < 0.0001) than healthy VP mucosal surface models. Our novel methodology was utilized to model the VP mucosal surface of OSA and healthy subjects. OSA subjects were found to have different VP mucosal surface topography, composed of increased irregular shapes and increased roughness. We speculate increased irregularity in VP mucosal surface may increase pharyngeal collapsibility as a consequence of friction-related pressure loss. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new methodology was used to model the upper airway mucosal surface topography from magnetic resonance images of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy adults. Curvature analysis was used to analyze the topography of the models, and a new metric was derived to describe the mucosal surface roughness. Increased roughness was found in the obstructive sleep apnea vs. healthy group, but further research is required to determine the functional effects of the measured difference on upper airway airflow mechanics. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Models of utricular bouton afferents: role of afferent-hair cell connectivity in determining spike train regularity.

PubMed

Holmes, William R; Huwe, Janice A; Williams, Barbara; Rowe, Michael H; Peterson, Ellengene H

2017-05-01

Vestibular bouton afferent terminals in turtle utricle can be categorized into four types depending on their location and terminal arbor structure: lateral extrastriolar (LES), striolar, juxtastriolar, and medial extrastriolar (MES). The terminal arbors of these afferents differ in surface area, total length, collecting area, number of boutons, number of bouton contacts per hair cell, and axon diameter (Huwe JA, Logan CJ, Williams B, Rowe MH, Peterson EH. J Neurophysiol 113: 2420-2433, 2015). To understand how differences in terminal morphology and the resulting hair cell inputs might affect afferent response properties, we modeled representative afferents from each region, using reconstructed bouton afferents. Collecting area and hair cell density were used to estimate hair cell-to-afferent convergence. Nonmorphological features were held constant to isolate effects of afferent structure and connectivity. The models suggest that all four bouton afferent types are electrotonically compact and that excitatory postsynaptic potentials are two to four times larger in MES afferents than in other afferents, making MES afferents more responsive to low input levels. The models also predict that MES and LES terminal structures permit higher spontaneous firing rates than those in striola and juxtastriola. We found that differences in spike train regularity are not a consequence of differences in peripheral terminal structure, per se, but that a higher proportion of multiple contacts between afferents and individual hair cells increases afferent firing irregularity. The prediction that afferents having primarily one bouton contact per hair cell will fire more regularly than afferents making multiple bouton contacts per hair cell has implications for spike train regularity in dimorphic and calyx afferents. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Bouton afferents in different regions of turtle utricle have very different morphologies and afferent-hair cell connectivities. Highly detailed computational modeling provides insights into how morphology impacts excitability and also reveals a new explanation for spike train irregularity based on relative numbers of multiple bouton contacts per hair cell. This mechanism is independent of other proposed mechanisms for spike train irregularity based on ionic conductances and can explain irregularity in dimorphic units and calyx endings. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Topography-guided treatment of irregular astigmatism with the wavelight excimer laser.

PubMed

Jankov, Mirko R; Panagopoulou, Sophia I; Tsiklis, Nikolaos S; Hajitanasis, Georgos C; Aslanides, loannis M; Pallikaris, loannis G

2006-04-01

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and predictability of correcting high irregular astigmatism in symptomatic eyes with the use of topography-guided photoablation. In a prospective, non-comparative case series, 16 consecutive symptomatic eyes of 11 patients with small hyperopic and myopic excimer laser optical zones, decentered and irregular ablation after corneal graft, and corneal scars were operated. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest and cycloplegic refraction, and corneal topography, with asphericity and regularity, were analyzed. LASIK (n = 10) and photorefractive keratectomy (n = 6) were performed using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser and T-CAT software (Topography-guided Customized Ablation Treatment; WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, Erlangen, Germany). In the LASIK group, UCVA improved from 0.81 +/- 0.68 IogMAR (20/130) (range: 0.2 to 2.0) to 0.29 +/- 0.21 logMAR (20/39) (range: 0.1 to 0.7) at 6 months. In the PRK group, mean UCVA improved from 0.89 +/- 0.87 IogMAR (20/157) (range: 0.1 to 2.0) to 0.42 +/- 0.35 logMAR (20/53) (range: 0.1 to 1.0) at 6 months. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity did not change significantly in either group. One PRK patient lost one line of BSCVA. Refractive cylinder for the LASIK group improved from -2.53 +/- 1.71 diopters (D) (range: -0.75 to -5.75 D) to -1.28 +/- 0.99 D (range: 0 to -2.50 D) at 6 months. Refractive cylinder in the PRK group improved from -2.21 +/- 2.11 D (range: -0.25 to -5.50 D) to -1.10 +/- 0.42 D (range: -0.50 to -1.50 D). Index of surface irregularity showed a decrease from 60 +/- 12 (range: 46 to 89) to 50 +/- 9 (range: 32 to 63) at 6 months in the LASIK group whereas no significant change was noted in the PRK group. Subjective symptoms, such as glare, halos, ghost images, starbursts, and monocular diplopia, were not present postoperatively. Topography-guided LASIK and PRK resulted in a significant reduction of refractive cylinder and increase of UCVA, without a significant loss of BSCVA.

Stability diagrams for the surface patterns of GaN(0001bar) as a function of Schwoebel barrier height

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krzyżewski, Filip; Załuska-Kotur, Magdalena A.

2017-01-01

Height and type of Schwoebel barriers (direct or inverse) decides about the character of the surface instability. Different surface morphologies are presented. Step bunches, double steps, meanders, mounds and irregular patterns emerge at the surface as a result of step (Schwoebel) barriers at some temperature or miscut values. The study was carried out on the two-component kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) model of GaN(0001bar) surface grown in nitrogen rich conditions. Diffusion of gallium adatoms over N-polar surface is slow and nitrogen adatoms are almost immobile. We show that in such conditions surfaces remain smooth when gallium adatoms diffuse in the presence of low inverse Schwoebel barrier. It is illustrated by adequate stability diagrams for surface morphologies.

Pleural irregularities and mediastinal pleural involvement in early stages of malignant pleural mesothelioma and benign asbestos pleural effusion.

PubMed

Kato, Katsuya; Gemba, Kenichi; Fujimoto, Nobukazu; Aoe, Keisuke; Takeshima, Yukio; Inai, Kouki; Kishimoto, Takumi

2016-09-01

To elucidate differences in the level and localization of pleural irregularities in early malignant pleural mesothelioma (eMPM) and benign asbestos pleural effusion (BAPE) using CT. Retrospective assessment of CT findings of consecutive patients with BAPE at a single centre and patients with eMPM reported in Japanese vital statistics. Thirty-six patients with confirmed diagnoses of BAPE and sixty-six patients with confirmed diagnoses of eMPM (mesothelioma stages T1 or T2) were included. Informed consent, CT scans, and clinical and pathologic details were obtained for all patients and were reviewed by one radiologist, two pathologists, and two pulmonologists. Asbestosis, pleural plaque, rounded atelectasis, and diffuse pleural thickening were assessed in all patients. Prevalence of asbestosis, pleural plaque, rounded atelectasis, and diffuse pleural thickening was significantly higher in the BAPE group. Low-level irregularity was more common in the BAPE group (p<0.001), whereas high-level irregularity, mediastinal localization, and interlobar fissure were more prevalent in the eMPM group (p<0.001). Interlobar pleural irregularity was not observed in any patients in the BAPE group, although 55% of patients in the eMPM group showed interlobar pleural irregularity. Mediastinal pleural involvement was observed in 74% of patients in the eMPM group and had a positive predictive value of 89%. This study demonstrates that the level and localization of plural irregularities significantly differed between patients with BAPE and eMPM. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to fully establish the diagnostic utility of such differences. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Associations of mental health and sleep duration with menstrual cycle irregularity: a population-based study.

PubMed

Kim, Taeryoon; Nam, Ga Eun; Han, Byoungduck; Cho, Sung Jung; Kim, Junghun; Eum, Do Hyun; Lee, Sang Woo; Min, Soon Hong; Lee, Woohyun; Han, Kyungdo; Park, Yong Gyu

2018-06-16

This study aimed to examine whether the characteristics of mental health and sleep duration, alone or in combination, are associated with menstrual cycle irregularity. This population-based, cross-sectional study analyzed the data from 4445 women aged 19-49 years, who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012. A structured questionnaire was used to assess mental health characteristics, sleep duration, and menstrual cycle irregularity. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. High stress, depressive mood, and suicidal ideation were associated with increased risk of menstrual cycle irregularity after adjusting for confounding variables (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.33 [1.07-1.65], 1.56 [1.17-2.07], and 1.37 [1.01-1.87], respectively). Short sleep duration (≤ 5 h a day) was significantly associated with higher odds of severe menstrual cycle irregularity with menstrual interval of greater than 3 months (2.67 [1.35-5.27]). Participants with sleep duration of ≤ 5 h a day with psychological stress, depressive mood, or suicidal ideation had higher odds of menstrual cycle irregularity (1.96 [1.26-3.05], 2.86 [1.50-5.44], and 2.25 [1.18-4.29]). This study suggests positive associations of mental health problems and short sleep duration with menstrual cycle irregularity among Korean female adults. Therefore, strategies to deal with psychological stress, depressive mood, and sleep duration are needed for improving the reproductive health of women suffering from menstrual disturbances.

The postsunset vertical plasma drift during geomagnetic storms and its effects on the generation of equatorial spread F

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, C.

2017-12-01

We will present two distinct phenomena related to the postsunset vertical plasma drift and equatorial spread F (ESF) observed by the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System satellite over six years. The first phenomenon is the behavior of the prereversal enhancement (PRE) of the vertical plasma drift during geomagnetic storms. Statistically, storm-time disturbance dynamo electric fields cause the PRE to decrease from 30 to 0 m/s when Dst changes from -60 to -100 nT, but the PRE does not show obvious variations when Dst varies from 0 to -60 nT. The observations show that the storm activities affect the evening equatorial ionosphere only for Dst < -60 nT and that the dynamo electric field becomes dominant during the storm recovery phase. The second phenomenon is the relationship between the PRE and the generation of ESF. It is found that the occurrence of large-amplitude ESF irregularities is well correlated with the PRE and that the occurrence of small-amplitude ESF irregularities does not show a clear pattern at low solar activity but is anti-correlated with large-amplitude irregularities and the PRE at moderate solar activity. That is, the months and longitudes with high occurrence probability of large-amplitude irregularities are exactly those with low occurrence probability of small-amplitude irregularities, and vice versa. The generation of large-amplitude ESF irregularities is controlled by the PRE, and the generation of small-amplitude ESF irregularities may be caused by gravity waves and other disturbances, rather than by the PRE.

Fracture resistance of dental nickel-titanium rotary instruments with novel surface treatment: Thin film metallic glass coating.

PubMed

Chi, Chih-Wen; Deng, Yu-Lun; Lee, Jyh-Wei; Lin, Chun-Pin

2017-05-01

Dental nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments are widely used in endodontic therapy because they are efficient with a higher success rate. However, an unpredictable fracture of instruments may happen due to the surface characteristics of imperfection (or irregularity). This study assessed whether a novel surface treatment could increase fatigue fracture resistance of dental NiTi rotary instruments. A 200- or 500-nm thick Ti-zirconium-boron (Ti-Zr-B) thin film metallic glass was deposited on ProTaper Universal F2 files using a physical vapor deposition process. The characteristics of coating were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. In cyclic fatigue tests, the files were performed in a simulated root canal (radius=5 mm, angulation=60°) under a rotating speed of 300rpm. The fatigue fractured cross sections of the files were analyzed with their fractographic performances through scanning electron microscopy images. The amorphous structure of the Ti-Zr-B coating was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The surface of treated files presented smooth morphologies without grinding irregularity. For the 200- and 500-nm surface treatment groups, the coated files exhibited higher resistance of cyclic fatigue than untreated files. In fractographic analysis, treated files showed significantly larger crack-initiation zone; however, no significant differences in the areas of fatigue propagation and catastrophic fracture were found compared to untreated files. The novel surface treatment of Ti-Zr-B thin film metallic glass on dental NiTi rotary files can effectively improve the fatigue fracture resistance by offering a smooth coated surface with amorphous microstructure. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Magellan radar image compared to high resolution Earth-based image of Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

A strip of a Magellan radar image (left) is compared to a high resolution Earth-based radar image of Venus, obtained by the U.S. National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center's Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The small white box in the Arecibo image corresponds to the Magellan image. This portion of the Magellan imagery shows a small region on the east flank of a major volcanic upland called Beta Regio. The image is centered at 23 degrees north latitude and 286.7 degrees east longitude. The ridge and valley network in the middle part of the image is formed by intersecting faults which have broken the Venusian crust into a complex deformed type of surface called tessera, the Latin word for tile. The parallel mountains and valleys resemble the Basin and Range Province in the western United States. The irregular dark patch near the top of the image is a smooth surface, probably formed, according to scientists, by lava flows in a region about 10 kilometers (6 miles) across. Similar dark sur

High-frequency ultrasonic imaging of growth and development in manufactured engineered oral mucosal tissue surfaces.

PubMed

Winterroth, Frank; Kato, Hiroko; Kuo, Shiuhyang; Feinberg, Stephen E; Hollister, Scott J; Fowlkes, J Brian; Hollman, Kyle W

2014-09-01

This study uses high-resolution ultrasound to examine the growth and development of engineered oral mucosal tissues manufactured under aseptic conditions. The specimens are a commercially available natural tissue scaffold, AlloDerm, and oral keratinocytes seeded onto AlloDerm to form an ex vivo-produced oral mucosal equivalent (EVPOME) suitable for intra-oral grafting. The seeded cells produce a keratinized protective upper layer that smooths out any remaining surface irregularities on the underlying AlloDerm. Two-dimensional acoustic imaging of unseeded AlloDerm and developing EVPOMEs was performed on each day of their growth and development, each tissue specimen being imaged under aseptic conditions (total time from seeding to maturation: 11 d). Ultrasonic monitoring offers us the ability to determine the constituents of the EVPOME that are responsible for changes in its mechanical behavior during the manufacturing process. Ultrasonic monitoring affords us an opportunity to non-invasively assess, in real time, tissue-engineered constructs before release for use in patient care. Copyright © 2014 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduction of acoustic disturbances in the test section of supersonic wind tunnels by laminarizing their nozzle and test section wall boundary layers by means of suction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfenninger, W.; Syberg, J.

1974-01-01

The feasibility of quiet, suction laminarized, high Reynolds number (Re) supersonic wind tunnel nozzles was studied. According to nozzle wall boundary layer development and stability studies, relatively weak area suction can prevent amplified nozzle wall TS (Tollmien-Schlichting) boundary layer oscillations. Stronger suction is needed in and shortly upstream of the supersonic concave curvature nozzle area to avoid transition due to amplified TG (Taylor-Goertler) vortices. To control TG instability, moderately rapid and slow expansion nozzles require smaller total suction rates than rapid expansion nozzles, at the cost of larger nozzle length Re and increased TS disturbances. Test section mean flow irregularities can be minimized with suction through longitudinal or highly swept slots (swept behind local Mach cone) as well as finely perforated surfaces. Longitudinal slot suction is optimized when the suction-induced crossflow velocity increases linearly with surface distance from the slot attachment line toward the slot (through suitable slot geometry). Suction in supersonic blowdown tunnels may be operated by one or several individual vacuum spheres.

Mach stem formation in outdoor measurements of acoustic shocks.

PubMed

Leete, Kevin M; Gee, Kent L; Neilsen, Tracianne B; Truscott, Tadd T

2015-12-01

Mach stem formation during outdoor acoustic shock propagation is investigated using spherical oxyacetylene balloons exploded above pavement. The location of the transition point from regular to irregular reflection and the path of the triple point are experimentally resolved using microphone arrays and a high-speed camera. The transition point falls between recent analytical work for weak irregular reflections and an empirical relationship derived from large explosions.

Processing of Regular and Irregular Past Tense Morphology in Highly Proficient Second Language Learners of English: A Self-Paced Reading Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pliatsikas, Christos; Marinis, Theodoros

2013-01-01

Dual-system models suggest that English past tense morphology involves two processing routes: rule application for regular verbs and memory retrieval for irregular verbs. In second language (L2) processing research, Ullman suggested that both verb types are retrieved from memory, but more recently Clahsen and Felser and Ullman argued that past…

Irregular wave functions of a hydrogen atom in a uniform magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wintgen, D.; Hoenig, A.

1989-01-01

The highly excited irregular wave functions of a hydrogen atom in a uniform magnetic field are investigated analytically, with wave function scarring by periodic orbits considered quantitatively. The results obtained confirm that the contributions of closed classical orbits to the spatial wave functions vanish in the semiclassical limit. Their disappearance, however, is slow. This discussion is illustrated by numerical examples.

Radio Aurora Explorer : Mission overview and the science objectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahcivan, H.; Cutler, J.; Buonocore, J.; Bennett, M.

2009-12-01

Radio Aurora Explorer (RAX) is the first CubeSat mission funded by the NSF Small Satellite Program as a collaborative research of SRI International and the University of Michigan. The mission is a ground-to-space bi-static radar experiment enabling exploration of small-scale turbulent ionospheric structures in the high latitudes not accessible from the ground or space alone. The primary science objective is to understand the microphysics of plasma instabilities that lead to meter-scale plasma turbulence in the form of field-aligned irregularities of electron density between the altitudes of 80 and 400 km. The best-known radar target for the mission is the Farley-Buneman (two-stream) instability occurring in the ionospheric E region when the convection electric field exceeds a threshold of ~20 mV/m. Other targets include spiky structures associated with electrostatic ion cyclotron waves, Post-Rosenbluth, lower, and upper hybrid waves. The science objectives are (1) to determine the altitude distribution of high-latitude ionospheric irregularities as a function of the convection electric field magnitude and direction, (2) to identify the plasma waves responsible for the scattering, and (3) to determine to what extent the irregularities are field-aligned? The mission will measure for the first time the 3-D k-spectrum of the irregularities, in particular measuring their magnetic field alignment. The irregularities will be irradiated by an incoherent scatter radar (PFISR for the first experiments) and the scattered radiation will form a hallow cone-shaped radio aurora into space as illustrated in the figure below. The satellite radar receiver will the scattered signals as the satellite passes through the radio aurora. Irregularity locations will be determined using the time delay between ISR transmissions and satellite receptions. Experiments throughout the lifetime of the mission will determine irregularity intensities as a function altitude, magnetic aspect angle, and as a function of plasma parameters such as convection electric field, plasma density, and temperatures, which are measured effectively simultaneously by the ISR. In this regard, the mission is a well-controlled plasma experiment in a wall-less laboratory.

Adaptive Optics System with Deformable Composite Mirror and High Speed, Ultra-Compact Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peter C.; Knowles, G. J.; Shea, B. G.

2006-06-01

We report development of a novel adaptive optics system for optical astronomy. Key components are very thin Deformable Mirrors (DM) made of fiber reinforced polymer resins, subminiature PMN-PT actuators, and low power, high bandwidth electronics drive system with compact packaging and minimal wiring. By using specific formulations of fibers, resins, and laminate construction, we are able to fabricate mirror face sheets that are thin (< 2mm), have smooth surfaces and excellent optical shape. The mirrors are not astigmatic and do not develop surface irregularities when cooled. The actuators are small footprint multilayer PMN-PT ceramic devices with large stroke (2- 20 microns), high linearity, low hysteresis, low power, and flat frequency response to >2 KHz. By utilizing QorTek’s proprietary synthetic impendence power supply technology, all the power, control, and signal extraction for many hundreds to 1000s of actuators and sensors can be implemented on a single matrix controller printed circuit board co-mounted with the DM. The matrix controller, in turn requires only a single serial bus interface, thereby obviating the need for massive wiring harnesses. The technology can be scaled up to multi-meter aperture DMs with >100K actuators.

Ballistic properties of ejecta from a laser shock-loaded groove: smoothed particles hydrodynamics compared with experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roland, Caroline; de Resseguier, Thibaut; Sollier, Arnaud; Lescoute, Emilien; Tangiang, Diouwel; Toulminet, Marc; Soulard, Laurent

2017-06-01

The interaction of a shock wave with a rough free surface may lead to micrometric material ejection of high velocity (km/s-order). This microjetting phenomenon is a key issue for many applications, such as industrial safety, pyrotechnics or inertial confinement fusion experiments. We have studied this process from single V-shaped grooves of various angles in copper and tin samples shock-loaded by a high energy laser. Experimental details are presented elsewhere in this conference [T. de Rességuier, C. Roland et al., abstract #000154]. As the Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics formulation is well-suited for the high strains involved in jet expansion and for subsequent fragmentation, this mesh-free method was chosen to simulate microjetting. Computed predictions are compared to experimental results including jet tip and planar surface velocities, spall fracture, and size distribution of the fragments inferred from both fast shadowgraphy and post-recovery observations. Special focus is made on the dependence of the ballistic properties (velocity and mass distributions) of the ejecta on numerical parameters such as the initial inter-particular distance, the smoothing length and a random noise introduced to simulate inner irregularities of the material.

One-pot Synthesis of CdS Irregular Nanospheres Hybridized with Oxygen-Incorporated Defect-Rich MoS2 Ultrathin Nanosheets for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

PubMed

Zhang, Shouwei; Yang, Hongcen; Gao, Huihui; Cao, Ruya; Huang, Jinzhao; Xu, Xijin

2017-07-19

Robust and highly active photocatalysts, CdS@MoS 2 , for hydrogen evolution were successfully fabricated by one-step growth of oxygen-incorporated defect-rich MoS 2 ultrathin nanosheets on the surfaces of CdS with irregular fissures. Under optimized experimental conditions, the CdS@MoS 2 displayed a quantum yield of ∼24.2% at 420 nm and the maximum H 2 generation rate of ∼17203.7 umol/g/h using Na 2 S-Na 2 SO 3 as sacrificial agents (λ ≥ 420 nm), which is ∼47.3 and 14.7 times higher than CdS (∼363.8 μmol/g/h) and 3 wt % Pt/CdS (∼1173.2 μmol/g/h), respectively, and far exceeds all previous hydrogen evolution reaction photocatalysts with MoS 2 as co-catalysts using Na 2 S-Na 2 SO 3 as sacrificial agents. Large volumes of hydrogen bubbles were generated within only 2 s as the photocatalysis started, as demonstrated by the photocatalytic video. The high hydrogen evolution activity is attributed to several merits: (1) the intimate heterojunctions formed between the MoS 2 and CdS can effectively enhance the charge transfer ability and retard the recombination of electron-hole pairs; and (2) the defects in the MoS 2 provide additional active S atoms on the exposed edge sites, and the incorporation of O reduces the energy barrier for H 2 evolution and increases the electric conductivity of the MoS 2 . Considering its low cost and high efficiency, this highly efficient hybrid photocatalysts would have great potential in energy-generation and environment-restoration fields.

A New Approach for 3D Ocean Reconstruction from Limited Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, X.

2014-12-01

Satellites can measure ocean surface height and temperature with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution to capture mesoscale features across the globe. Measurements of the ocean's interior, however, remain sparse and irregular, thus the dynamical inference of subsurface flows is necessary to interpret surface measurements. The most common (and accurate) approach is to incorporate surface measurements into a data-assimilating forward ocean model, but this approach is expensive and slow, and thus completely impractical for time-critical needs, such as offering guidance to ship-based observational campaigns. Two recently-developed approaches have made use of the apparent partial consistency of upper ocean dynamics with quasigeostrophic flows that take into account surface buoyancy gradients (i.e. the "surface quasigeostrophic" (SQG) model) to "reconstruct" the interior flow from knowledge of surface height and buoyancy. Here we improve on these methods in three ways: (1) we adopt a modal decomposition that represents the surface and interior dynamics in an efficient way, allowing the separation of surface energy from total energy; (2) we make use of instantaneous vertical profile observations (e.g. from ARGO data) to improve the reconstruction of eddy variables at depth; and (3) we use advanced statistical methods to choose the optimal modes for the reconstruction. The method is tested using a series of high horizontal and vertical resolution quasigeostrophic simulation, with a wide range of surface buoyancy and interior potential vorticity gradient combinations. In addtion, we apply the method to output from a very high resolution primitive equation simulation of a forced and dissipated baroclinic front in a channel. Our new method is systematically compared to the existing methods as well. Its advantages and limitations will be discussed.

Small-scale structure of the midlatitude storm enhanced density plume during the 17 March 2015 St. Patrick's Day storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heine, Thomas R. P.; Moldwin, Mark B.; Zou, Shasha

2017-03-01

Kilometer-scale density irregularities in the ionosphere can cause ionospheric scintillation—a phenomenon that degrades space-based navigation and communication signals. During strong geomagnetic storms, the midlatitude ionosphere is primed to produce these ˜1-10 km small-scale irregularities along the steep gradients between midlatitude storm enhanced density (SED) plumes and the adjacent low-density trough. The length scales of irregularities on the order of 1-10 km are determined from a combination of spatial, temporal, and frequency analyses using single-station ground-based Global Positioning System total electron content (TEC) combined with radar plasma velocity measurements. Kilometer-scale irregularities are detected along the boundaries of the SED plume and depleted density trough during the 17 March 2015 geomagnetic storm, but not equatorward of the plume or within the plume itself. Analysis using the fast Fourier transform of high-pass filtered slant TEC suggests that the kilometer-scale irregularities formed near the poleward gradients of SED plumes can have similar intensity and length scales to those typically found in the aurora but are shown to be distinct phenomena in spacecraft electron precipitation measurements.

Free-Standing, Flexible, Superomniphobic Films.

PubMed

Vahabi, Hamed; Wang, Wei; Movafaghi, Sanli; Kota, Arun K

2016-08-31

Fabrication of most superomniphobic surfaces requires complex process conditions or specialized and expensive equipment or skilled personnel. In order to circumvent these issues and make them end-user-friendly, we developed the free-standing, flexible, superomniphobic films. These films can be stored and delivered to the end-users, who can readily attach them to virtually any surface (even irregular shapes) and impart superomniphobicity. The hierarchical structure, the re-entrant texture, and the low solid surface energy render our films superomniphobic for a wide variety of liquids. We demonstrate that our free-standing, flexible, superomniphobic films have applications in enhanced chemical resistance and enhanced weight bearing.

A scanning electron microscope study of olivine crystal surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, E. J.; Grossman, L.

1974-01-01

SEM photographs were taken of euhedral olivine grains from the Murchison C2 chondrite and several terrestrial and lunar occurrences. In general, the crystal faces of the meteorite grains are rough and uneven, with irregular growth patterns. They are very similar to crystal faces on terrestrial olivine grains that formed by sublimation from a vapor phase. They are very different from the relatively smooth and featureless surfaces of magmatic olivine crystals that precipitated from igneous melts. Qualitatively, the surface morphology of the crystal supports the contention that many euhedral crystals of olivine in C2 meteorites condensed from a gas phase.

Cold plasma decontamination using flexible jet arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konesky, Gregory

2010-04-01

Arrays of atmospheric discharge cold plasma jets have been used to decontaminate surfaces of a wide range of microorganisms quickly, yet not damage that surface. Its effectiveness in decomposing simulated chemical warfare agents has also been demonstrated, and may also find use in assisting in the cleanup of radiological weapons. Large area jet arrays, with short dwell times, are necessary for practical applications. Realistic situations will also require jet arrays that are flexible to adapt to contoured or irregular surfaces. Various large area jet array prototypes, both planar and flexible, are described, as is the application to atmospheric decontamination.

A scattering model for defoliated vegetation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karam, M. A.; Fung, A. K.

1986-01-01

A scattering model for defoliated vegetation is conceived as a layer of dielectric, finite-length cylinders with specified size and orientation distributions above an irregular ground surface. The scattering phase matrix of a single cylinder is computed, then the radiative transfer technique is applied to link volume scattering from vegetation to surface scattering from the soil surface. Polarized and depolarized scattering are computed and the effects of the cylinder size and orientation distributions are illustrated. It is found that size and orientation distributions have significant effects on the backscattered signal. The model is compared with scattering from defoliated trees and agricultural crops.

On a chaotic potential at the surface of a compensated semiconductor under conditions of the self-assembly of electrically active defects

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

Bondarenko, V. B., E-mail: enter@spbstu.ru; Filimonov, A. V.

2015-09-15

Natural irregularities of the electric potential on the surface of a semiconductor under conditions of the partial self-assembly of electrically active defects, i.e., on the formation of donor–acceptor pairs in depletion layers, are studied. The amplitude and character of the spatial distribution of the chaotic potential on the surface of a semiconductor in the cases of localized and delocalized states are determined. The dependence of the amplitude of the chaotic potential on the degree of compensation of the semiconductor is obtained.

Recent Simulations of the Late Stages Growth of Jupiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lissauer, Jack J.; D'Angelo, Gennaro; Hubickyj, Olenka

2012-01-01

Presented by Lissauer et al. (2009, Icarus 199, 338) are used to test the model of capture of Jupiter's irregular satellites within proto-Jupiter's distended and thermally-supported envelope. We find such capture highly unlikely, since the envelope shrinks too slowly for a large number of moons to be retained, and many of those that would be retained would orbit closer to the planet than do the observed Jovian irregulars. Our calculations do not address (and therefore do not exclude) the possibility that the irregular satellites were captured as a result of gas drag within a circumjovian disk. Support for this research from NASA Outer Planets Research Program is gratefully acknowledged.

Effects of the phosphatase inhibitors, okadaic acid, ATPgammaS, and calyculin A on the dividing sand dollar egg.

PubMed

Hamaguchi, Yukihisa; Kuriyama, Ryoko

2002-06-01

The effects of the phosphatase inhibitors, okadaic acid (OA), adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPgammaS), and calyculin A (CL-A) on anaphase chromosome movement, cytokinesis, and cytoskeletal structures at cell division were examined by being microinjected into mitotic sand dollar eggs. When OA was injected, chromosome movement was inhibited and, moreover, chromosomes were ejected from the polar regions of the mitotic apparatus. By immunofluorescence, microtubules were observed to be severed in the OA-injected eggs, causing the smooth cell surface to be changed to an irregular surface. When ATPgammaS and CL-A were injected, the effect on cell shape was remarkable: In dividing eggs, furrowing stopped within several seconds after injection, small blebs appeared on the cell surface and became large, spherical or dumbbell cell shapes then changed to irregular forms, and subsequently cytoplasmic flow occurred. Microfilament detection revealed that actin accumulation in the cortex, which was not limited to the furrow cortex, occurred shortly after injection. Cortical accumulation of actin is thought to induce force generation and random cortical contraction, and accordingly to result in bleb extrusion from the cortex. Consequently, the phosphatase inhibitors inhibited the transition from mitosis to interphase by mediating cortical accumulation of actin filaments and/or fragmentation of microtubules.

Acoustic microscopy analyses to determine good vs. failed tissue engineered oral mucosa under normal or thermally stressed culture conditions.

PubMed

Winterroth, Frank; Lee, Junho; Kuo, Shiuhyang; Fowlkes, J Brian; Feinberg, Stephen E; Hollister, Scott J; Hollman, Kyle W

2011-01-01

This study uses scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) ultrasonic profilometry to determine acceptable vs. failed tissue engineered oral mucosa. Specifically, ex vivo-produced oral mucosal equivalents (EVPOMEs) under normal or thermally stressed culture conditions were scanned with the SAM operator blinded to the culture conditions. As seeded cells proliferate, they fill in and smooth out the surface irregularities; they then stratify and produce a keratinized protective upper layer. Some of these transformations could alter backscatter of ultrasonic signals and in the case of the thermally stressed cells, produce backscatter similar to an unseeded device. If non-invasive ultrasonic monitoring could be developed, then tissue cultivation could be adjusted to measure biological variations in the stratified surface. To create an EVPOME device, oral mucosa keratinocytes were seeded onto acellular cadaveric dermis. Two sets of EVPOMEs were cultured: one at physiological temperature 37 °C and the other at 43 °C. The specimens were imaged with SAM consisting of a single-element transducer: 61 MHz center frequency, 32 MHz bandwidth, 1.52 f#. Profilometry for the stressed and unseeded specimens showed higher surface irregularities compared to unstressed specimens. Elevated thermal stress retards cellular differentiation, increasing root mean square values; these results show that SAM can potentially monitor cell/tissue development.

Development of high sensitivity and high speed large size blank inspection system LBIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohara, Shinobu; Yoshida, Akinori; Hirai, Mitsuo; Kato, Takenori; Moriizumi, Koichi; Kusunose, Haruhiko

2017-07-01

The production of high-resolution flat panel displays (FPDs) for mobile phones today requires the use of high-quality large-size photomasks (LSPMs). Organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays use several transistors on each pixel for precise current control and, as such, the mask patterns for OLED displays are denser and finer than the patterns for the previous generation displays throughout the entire mask surface. It is therefore strongly demanded that mask patterns be produced with high fidelity and free of defect. To enable the production of a high quality LSPM in a short lead time, the manufacturers need a high-sensitivity high-speed mask blank inspection system that meets the requirement of advanced LSPMs. Lasertec has developed a large-size blank inspection system called LBIS, which achieves high sensitivity based on a laser-scattering technique. LBIS employs a high power laser as its inspection light source. LBIS's delivery optics, including a scanner and F-Theta scan lens, focus the light from the source linearly on the surface of the blank. Its specially-designed optics collect the light scattered by particles and defects generated during the manufacturing process, such as scratches, on the surface and guide it to photo multiplier tubes (PMTs) with high efficiency. Multiple PMTs are used on LBIS for the stable detection of scattered light, which may be distributed at various angles due to irregular shapes of defects. LBIS captures 0.3mμ PSL at a detection rate of over 99.5% with uniform sensitivity. Its inspection time is 20 minutes for a G8 blank and 35 minutes for G10. The differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope on the inspection head of LBIS captures high-contrast review images after inspection. The images are classified automatically.

"Rosetta" Mission's "7 Hours of Terror" and "Philae's" Descent

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blanco, Philip

2015-01-01

In November 2014 the "Rosetta" mission to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko made the headlines when its "Philae" lander completed a successful unpowered descent onto the surface of the comet nucleus after "7 hours of terror" for the mission scientists. 67P's irregular shape and rotation made this task even more…

Multipath Measurements

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-08-01

of the surface irregularities are larce ÖE in comparison to the wavelength > so that E and 5— may be approximated on S by (E) (1 + R E.) S 1...sum vector (Z) and the difference vector (A) at the radar have been determined, the rough boresite error is computed as DELPHI A- I |Z|/|E|27|ä|2

Very highly excited vibrational states of LiCN using a discrete variable representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henderson, James R.; Tennyson, Jonathan

Calculations are presented for the lowest 900 vibrational (J = 0) states of the LiCN floppy system for a two dimensional potential energy surface (rCN frozen). Most of these states lie well above the barrier separating the two linear isomers of the molecule and the point where the classical dynamics of the system becomes chaotic. Analysis of the wavefunctions of individual states in the high energy region shows that while most have an irregular nodal structure, a significant number of states appear regular - corresponding to solutions of standard, 'mode localized' hamiltonians. Motions corresponding in zero-order to Li-CN and Li-NC normal modes as well as free rotor states are identified. The distribution of level spacings is also studied and yields results in good agreement with those obtained by analysing nodal structures.

Photographic Volume Estimation of CPAS Main Parachutes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Eric S.

2017-01-01

Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) flight tests regularly stage a helicopter to observe inflation of 116 ft D o ringsail Main parachutes. These side views can be used to generate 3-D models of inflating canopies to estimate enclosed volume. Assuming a surface of revolution is inadequate because reefed canopies in a cluster are elongated due to mutual aerodynamic interference. A method was developed to combine the side views with upward looking HD video to account for non-circular cross sections. Approximating the cross sections as elliptical greatly improves accuracy. But since that correction requires manually tracing projected outlines, the actual irregular shapes can be used to generate high fidelity models. Compensation is also made for apparent tilt angle. Validation was accomplished by comparing perimeter and projected area with known line lengths and/or high quality photogrammetry.

Porcelain-coated antenna for radio-frequency driven plasma source

DOEpatents

Leung, K.N.; Wells, R.P.; Craven, G.E.

1996-12-24

A new porcelain-enamel coated antenna creates a clean plasma for volume or surface-conversion ion sources. The porcelain-enamel coating is hard, electrically insulating, long lasting, non fragile, and resistant to puncture by high energy ions in the plasma. Plasma and ion production using the porcelain enamel coated antenna is uncontaminated with filament or extraneous metal ions because the porcelain does not evaporate and is not sputtered into the plasma during operation. Ion beams produced using the new porcelain-enamel coated antenna are useful in ion implantation, high energy accelerators, negative, positive, or neutral beam applications, fusion, and treatment of chemical or radioactive waste for disposal. For ion implantation, the appropriate species ion beam generated with the inventive antenna will penetrate large or small, irregularly shaped conducting objects with a narrow implantation profile. 8 figs.

Flow and Sedimentation of particulate suspensions in Fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, Tak Shing; Koplik, Joel

2011-03-01

Suspended particles are commonly found in reservoir fluids. They alter the rheology of the flowing liquids and may obstruct transport by narrowing flow channels due to gravitational sedimentation. An understanding of the dynamics of particle transport and deposition is, therefore, important to many geological, enviromental and industrial processes. Realistic geological fractures usually have irregular surfaces with self-affine structures, and the surface roughness plays a crucial role in the flow and sedimentation processes. Recently, we have used the lattice Boltzmann method to study the combined effects of sedimentation and transport of particles suspended in a Newtonian fluid in a pressure-driven flow in self-affine channels, which is especially relevant to clogging phenomena where sediments may block fluid flows in narrow constrictions of the channels. The lattice Boltzmann method is flexible and particularly suitable for handling irregular geometry. Our work covers a broad range in Reynolds and buoyancy numbers, and in particle concentrations. In this talk, we focus on the transitions between the ``jammed'' and the ``flow'' states in fractures, and on the effects of nonuniform particle size distributions. Work supported by DOE and NERSC.

C1 finite elements on non-tensor-product 2d and 3d manifolds

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Thien; Karčiauskas, Kęstutis; Peters, Jörg

2015-01-01

Geometrically continuous (Gk) constructions naturally yield families of finite elements for isogeometric analysis (IGA) that are Ck also for non-tensor-product layout. This paper describes and analyzes one such concrete C1 geometrically generalized IGA element (short: gIGA element) that generalizes bi-quadratic splines to quad meshes with irregularities. The new gIGA element is based on a recently-developed G1 surface construction that recommends itself by its a B-spline-like control net, low (least) polynomial degree, good shape properties and reproduction of quadratics at irregular (extraordinary) points. Remarkably, for Poisson’s equation on the disk using interior vertices of valence 3 and symmetric layout, we observe O(h3) convergence in the L∞ norm for this family of elements. Numerical experiments confirm the elements to be effective for solving the trivariate Poisson equation on the solid cylinder, deformations thereof (a turbine blade), modeling and computing geodesics on smooth free-form surfaces via the heat equation, for solving the biharmonic equation on the disk and for Koiter-type thin-shell analysis. PMID:26594070

C1 finite elements on non-tensor-product 2d and 3d manifolds.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thien; Karčiauskas, Kęstutis; Peters, Jörg

2016-01-01

Geometrically continuous ( G k ) constructions naturally yield families of finite elements for isogeometric analysis (IGA) that are C k also for non-tensor-product layout. This paper describes and analyzes one such concrete C 1 geometrically generalized IGA element (short: gIGA element) that generalizes bi-quadratic splines to quad meshes with irregularities. The new gIGA element is based on a recently-developed G 1 surface construction that recommends itself by its a B-spline-like control net, low (least) polynomial degree, good shape properties and reproduction of quadratics at irregular (extraordinary) points. Remarkably, for Poisson's equation on the disk using interior vertices of valence 3 and symmetric layout, we observe O ( h 3 ) convergence in the L ∞ norm for this family of elements. Numerical experiments confirm the elements to be effective for solving the trivariate Poisson equation on the solid cylinder, deformations thereof (a turbine blade), modeling and computing geodesics on smooth free-form surfaces via the heat equation, for solving the biharmonic equation on the disk and for Koiter-type thin-shell analysis.

The hydrodynamic role of fish squamosal integument as an analog of surfaces directly formed by turbulent flow. Report 1: Similarity between irregularities in squamosal integument and those on surfaces formed by river bed flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kudryashov, A. F.; Barsukov, V. V.

1980-01-01

The distribution of squamae on the fish body and that of the deposits in the bed of the river can be described by the same equation. The curves reflecting the relative elongation and stability of the body shape of the fish continue the curves showing the elongation of bank spit and stability of the bed of the river.

Eu2+,Dy3+ codoped SrAl2O4 nanocrystalline phosphor for latent fingerprint detection in forensic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Vishal; Das, Amrita; Kumar, Vinay

2016-01-01

In this work, europium and dysprosium doped strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+) nanophosphor is synthesized and its novel application for the detection of latent fingerprints on various contact surfaces is reported. The SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ is synthesized using a combustion method and shows long-lasting afterglow luminescence. The powder particles are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), SEM-energy dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectrophotometry. The FE-SEM image analysis reveals that the nanoparticles are mostly 8-15 nm in size with an irregular spherical shape. This nano-structured powder was applied to fresh and aged fingerprints deposited on porous, semi-porous and non-porous contact surfaces, such as ordinary colored paper, glossy paper, glass, aluminum foil, a yellow foil chocolate wrapper, a soft drink can, a PET bottle, a compact disc and a computer mouse. The results are reproducible and show great sensitivity and high contrast in the developed fingermark regions on these surfaces. These nanophosphor particles also show a strong and long-lasting afterglow property, making them a suitable candidate for use as a fingerprint developing agent on luminescent and highly patterned surfaces. These kinds of powders have shown that they can remove the interference from background luminescence, which is not possible using ordinary luminescent fingerprinting powders.

3D Numerical Simulation of the Wave and Current Loads on a Truss Foundation of the Offshore Wind Turbine During the Extreme Typhoon Event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, C. W.; Wu, T. R.; Chuang, M. H.; Tsai, Y. L.

2015-12-01

The wind in Taiwan Strait is strong and stable which offers an opportunity to build offshore wind farms. However, frequently visited typhoons and strong ocean current require more attentions on the wave force and local scour around the foundation of the turbine piles. In this paper, we introduce an in-house, multi-phase CFD model, Splash3D, for solving the flow field with breaking wave, strong turbulent, and scour phenomena. Splash3D solves Navier-Stokes Equation with Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) for the fluid domain, and uses volume of fluid (VOF) with piecewise linear interface reconstruction (PLIC) method to describe the break free-surface. The waves were generated inside the computational domain by internal wave maker with a mass-source function. This function is designed to adequately simulate the wave condition under observed extreme events based on JONSWAP spectrum and dispersion relationship. Dirichlet velocity boundary condition is assigned at the upper stream boundary to induce the ocean current. At the downstream face, the sponge-layer method combined with pressure Dirichlet boundary condition is specified for dissipating waves and conducting current out of the domain. Numerical pressure gauges are uniformly set on the structure surface to obtain the force distribution on the structure. As for the local scour around the foundation, we developed Discontinuous Bi-viscous Model (DBM) for the development of the scour hole. Model validations were presented as well. The force distribution under observed irregular wave condition was extracted by the irregular-surface force extraction (ISFE) method, which provides a fast and elegant way to integrate the force acting on the surface of irregular structure. From the Simulation results, we found that the total force is mainly induced by the impinging waves, and the force from the ocean current is about 2 order of magnitude smaller than the wave force. We also found the dynamic pressure, wave height, and the projection area of the structure are the main factors to the total force. Detailed results and discussion are presented as well.

Asteroid 243 IDA and its satellite. [Abstract only

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, C. R.; Klaasen, K.; Belton, M. J. S.; Veverka, J.

1994-01-01

A high-resolution mosaic of Ida shows a highly irregular body (roughly 56 km long), heavily covered with craters, with many interesting geological features, including grooves, blocks, chutes, dark-floored craters, and crater chains. A satellite of Ida, with a preliminary designation of 1993 (243) 1, was discovered in orbit around Ida. It is approximately 1.5 km in diameter, has an albedo and spectral reflectance not grossly different from Ida, and orbits Ida in a prograde direction with a period of roughly 20 hr. No other comparable-sized satellites have been found near Ida. New pictures of the opposite side of Ida reveal an irregular, dog-bone shape, with a prominent gouge that seems to separate Ida into two chief components. A V-shaped valley, well shown in the highest-resolution view of Ida returned in April, may mark a modest expression on the September face of the more dramatic feature on the back side. Ida's dense population of craters shows a wide diversity of morphologies, consistent with the surface having been subjected to saturated bombardment by smaller projectiles. Assuming the same projectile flux applies to Ida was used in deriving Gaspra's cratering age of about 200 m.y., and assuming that Gaspra and Ida both have the same impact strength, then the age of Ida's surface is calculated to be 1-2 b.y. This is considerably older than expected from other evidence concerning the Koronis family. Our favored explanation of Ida's satellite is that it (or a precursor satellite from which the present satellite was derived) formed during the catastrophic disruption event that formed Ida itself and formed the Koronis family of asteroids. Perhaps, instead, the satellite is a block ejected from a cratering impact. In any case, smaller blocks visible on some parts of Ida are more certain to be crater ejecta, whether or not they were ever temporary satellites.

Quadrupedal gaits in hexapod animals - inter-leg coordination in free-walking adult stick insects.

PubMed

Grabowska, Martyna; Godlewska, Elzbieta; Schmidt, Joachim; Daun-Gruhn, Silvia

2012-12-15

The analysis of inter-leg coordination in insect walking is generally a study of six-legged locomotion. For decades, the stick insect Carausius morosus has been instrumental for unravelling the rules and mechanisms that control leg coordination in hexapeds. We analysed inter-leg coordination in C. morosus that freely walked on straight paths on plane surfaces with different slopes. Consecutive 1.7 s sections were assigned inter-leg coordination patterns (which we call gaits) based on footfall patterns. Regular gaits, i.e. wave, tetrapod or tripod gaits, occurred in different proportions depending on surface slopes. Tetrapod gaits were observed most frequently, wave gaits only occurred on 90 deg inclining slopes and tripod gaits occurred most often on 15 deg declining slopes, i.e. in 40% of the sections. Depending on the slope, 36-66% of the sections were assigned irregular gaits. Irregular gaits were mostly due to multiple stepping by the front legs, which is perhaps probing behaviour, not phase coupled to the middle legs' cycles. In irregular gaits, middle leg and hindleg coordination was regular, related to quadrupedal walk and wave gaits. Apparently, front legs uncouple from and couple to the walking system without compromising middle leg and hindleg coordination. In front leg amputees, the remaining legs were strictly coordinated. In hindleg and middle leg amputees, the front legs continued multiple stepping. The coordination of middle leg amputees was maladapted, with front legs and hindlegs performing multiple steps or ipsilateral legs being in simultaneous swing. Thus, afferent information from middle legs might be necessary for a regular hindleg stepping pattern.

Morphology, ultrastructure, and chemical compounds of the osmeterium of Heraclides thoas (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae).

PubMed

Martínez, Luis Carlos; Plata-Rueda, Angelica; da Silva Neves, Guilherme; Cossolin, Jamile Fernanda; Dos Santos, Marcelo Henrique; Zanuncio, José Cola; Serrão, José Eduardo

2018-05-11

The osmeterium, found in papilionoid larvae, is an eversible organ with an exocrine gland that produces substances in response to the mechanical disturbances caused by natural enemies. The anatomy, histology and ultrastructure of the osmeterium, and the chemical composition of its secretion in Heraclides thoas (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) were studied. Heraclides thoas larvae have a Y-shaped osmeterium in the thorax. The surface of the osmeterium has a rough cuticle lining cells with papillae and irregular folds, whereas the cells that limited the gland pores are irregular, folded, and devoid of papillae. Two types of cells are found: (i) cuticular epidermal cells on the surface of the tubular arms of the osmeterium and (ii) secretory cells of the ellipsoid gland within the region of the glandular pore. Cuticular epidermal cells show a thick cuticle, with several layers divided into epicuticle and lamellar endocuticle. Secretory cells are polygonal, with extensive folds in the basal plasma membrane that formed extracellular channels. The cytoplasm has mitochondria, ribosomes, and numerous vacuoles, whereas the nucleus is irregular in shape with decondensed chromatin. The chemical composition of the osmeterial secretion comprised (Z)-α-bisabolene (25.4%), α-bisabol (20.6%), β-bisabolene (13.1%), (E)-α-bisabolene 8%), β-pinene (9.91%), longipinene epoxide (8.92%), (Z)-β-farnesene (6.96%), β-caryophyllene (2.05%), farnesol (1.86%), linalyl propionate (1.86%), and 1-octyn-4-ol (1.07%). The morphological features suggest that the cuticular epidermal cells play a major role in the maintenance and protection of the osmeterium, whereas secretory cells are responsible for production of osmeterial secretions.

Mechanically Milled Irregular Zinc Nanoparticles for Printable Bioresorbable Electronics.

PubMed

Mahajan, Bikram K; Yu, Xiaowei; Shou, Wan; Pan, Heng; Huang, Xian

2017-05-01

Bioresorbable electronics is predominantly realized by complex and time-consuming anhydrous fabrication processes. New technology explores printable methods using inks containing micro- or nano-bioresorbable particles (e.g., Zn and Mg). However, these particles have seldom been obtained in the context of bioresorbable electronics using cheap, reliable, and effective approaches with limited study on properties essential to printable electronics. Here, irregular nanocrystalline Zn with controllable sizes and optimized electrical performance is obtained through ball milling approach using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a process control agent to stabilize Zn particles and prevent cold welding. Time and PVP dependence of the ball milled particles are studied with systematic characterizations of morphology and composition of the nanoparticles. The results reveal crystallized Zn nanoparticles with a size of ≈34.834 ± 1.76 nm and low surface oxidation. The resulting Zn nanoparticles can be readily printed onto bioresorbable substrates and sintered at room temperature using a photonic sintering approach, leading to a high conductivity of 44 643 S m -1 for printable zinc nanoparticles. The techniques to obtain Zn nanoparticles through ball milling and processing them through photonic sintering may potentially lead to a mass fabrication method for bioresorbable electronics and promote its applications in healthcare, environmental protection, and consumer electronics. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

ON THE STAR FORMATION LAW FOR SPIRAL AND IRREGULAR GALAXIES

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

Elmegreen, Bruce G., E-mail: bge@us.ibm.com

2015-12-01

A dynamical model for star formation on a galactic scale is proposed in which the interstellar medium is constantly condensing to star-forming clouds on the dynamical time of the average midplane density, and the clouds are constantly being disrupted on the dynamical timescale appropriate for their higher density. In this model, the areal star formation rate scales with the 1.5 power of the total gas column density throughout the main regions of spiral galaxies, and with a steeper power, 2, in the far outer regions and in dwarf irregular galaxies because of the flaring disks. At the same time, theremore » is a molecular star formation law that is linear in the main and outer parts of disks and in dIrrs because the duration of individual structures in the molecular phase is also the dynamical timescale, canceling the additional 0.5 power of surface density. The total gas consumption time scales directly with the midplane dynamical time, quenching star formation in the inner regions if there is no accretion, and sustaining star formation for ∼100 Gyr or more in the outer regions with no qualitative change in gas stability or molecular cloud properties. The ULIRG track follows from high densities in galaxy collisions.« less

Study on boring hardened materials dryly by ultrasonic vibration cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiangzhong; Zhang, Heng; Zhang, Yue

2011-05-01

It has been one of the difficulties that high-precision hole on hardened materials is machined. The supersonic vibration boring acoustic system in the lathe in which supersonic wave energy is applied on tool is introduced to create pulse power on the cutting process. The separation vibration cutting is achieved by the pulse force. The comparative tests on boring accuracy and surface quality are carried. The quality of surface machined by this method is compared to that by grinding. This cutting is the green cutting. The boring process system is stability. Under the condition that the cutting speed is less than or equal to 1/3 the tool vibration speed, the cutting force is pulse force and the Cutting energy is of high concentration in time, space and direction. The pulse energy effects on the cutting unit in less than one ten-thousandth second. Traditional cutting of irregular movement elastic compression are eliminated. The cutting force is greatly reduced. The cutting temperature is at room temperature. The tool life is greatly increased. Shape precision and surface quality is greatly improved. The regulations of the ultrasonic vibration boring dry cutting of hardened material are also summarized. The test results show that the ultrasonic vibration cutting tool boring is of very superior cutting mechanism and is a high-precision deep-hole machining of hardened materials, efficient cutting methods.

The effects of engine operating conditions on CCD chemistry and morphology

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

Yeh, S.W.; Moore, S.M.; Sabourin, E.T.

1996-10-01

The effects of engine driving cycle and engine coolant temperature on combustion chamber deposit (CCD) surface chemistry and morphology were assessed by the use of XPS and scanning electron micrographs. A 3.1L V6 test cell engine was used to generate a six test matrix that compared deposit surface chemistry and morphology under two distinctly different driving cycles, each cycle being evaluated at three separate engine coolant temperatures. Deposit material for each respective test was collected by removable combustion chamber sample probes that were subjected to XPS surface analysis and SEM evaluation. Discernible trends were observed in surface chemistry and depositmore » amounts with respect to changes in both driving cycle and coolant temperature. However, much more pronounced were deposit morphological changes recorded by SEM in different engine coolant temperature regimes for both of the utilized driving cycles. Deposit nodules formed in one temperature regime were seen to be typically much larger in size, highly irregular in shape, and appeared to be porous in structure. At a different operating temperature, the deposit nodules were observed to be extremely uniform and more tightly packed.« less

Automated quadrilateral surface discretization method and apparatus usable to generate mesh in a finite element analysis system

DOEpatents

Blacker, Teddy D.

1994-01-01

An automatic quadrilateral surface discretization method and apparatus is provided for automatically discretizing a geometric region without decomposing the region. The automated quadrilateral surface discretization method and apparatus automatically generates a mesh of all quadrilateral elements which is particularly useful in finite element analysis. The generated mesh of all quadrilateral elements is boundary sensitive, orientation insensitive and has few irregular nodes on the boundary. A permanent boundary of the geometric region is input and rows are iteratively layered toward the interior of the geometric region. Also, an exterior permanent boundary and an interior permanent boundary for a geometric region may be input and the rows are iteratively layered inward from the exterior boundary in a first counter clockwise direction while the rows are iteratively layered from the interior permanent boundary toward the exterior of the region in a second clockwise direction. As a result, a high quality mesh for an arbitrary geometry may be generated with a technique that is robust and fast for complex geometric regions and extreme mesh gradations.

A versatile optical profilometer based on conoscopic holography sensors for acquisition of specular and diffusive surfaces in artworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaburro, Nicola; Marchioro, Giacomo; Daffara, Claudia

2017-07-01

Surface metrology of artworks requires the design of suitable devices for in-situ non-destructive measurement together with reliable procedures for an effective analysis of such non-engineered variegate objects. To advance the state-of-the-art it has been implemented a versatile optical micro-profilometry taking advantage of the adapt- ability of conoscopic holography sensors, able to operate with irregular shapes and composite materials (diffusive, specular, and polychrome) of artworks. The scanning technique is used to obtain wide field and high spatially resolved areal profilometry. The prototype has a modular scheme based on a set of conoscopic sensors, extending the typical design based on a scanning stage and a single probe with a limited bandwidth, thus allowing the collection of heights data from surface with different scales and materials with variegate optical response. The system was optimized by characterizing the quality of the measurement with the probes triggered in continuous scanning modality. The results obtained on examples of cultural heritage objects (2D paintings, 3D height-relief) and materials (pictorial, metallic) demonstrate the versatility of the implemented device.

Ridges on Europa

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-18

This view of Jupiter's moon Europa shows a portion of the surface that has been highly disrupted by fractures and ridges. This picture covers an area about 238 kilometers (150 miles) wide by 225 kilometers (140 miles), or about the distance between Los Angeles and San Diego. Symmetric ridges in the dark bands suggest that the surface crust was separated and filled with darker material, somewhat analogous to spreading centers in the ocean basins of Earth. Although some impact craters are visible, their general absence indicates a youthful surface. The youngest ridges, such as the two features that cross the center of the picture, have central fractures, aligned knobs, and irregular dark patches. These and other features could indicate cryovolcanism, or processes related to eruption of ice and gases. This picture, centered at 16 degrees south latitude, 196 degrees west longitude, was taken at a distance of 40,973 kilometers (25,290 mi) on November 6, 1996 by the Galileo spacecraft solid state imaging television camera onboard the Galileo spacecraft during its third orbit around Jupiter. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00518

Influence of ultrasound and diamond burs treatments on microtensile bond strength.

PubMed

Conde, Alexandre; Mainieri, Vivian; Mota, Eduardo Goncalves; Oshima, Hugo Mitsuo

2012-01-01

To compare surface treatments with CVDentUS ultrasound tips (UT) and KGSorensen diamond burs (DB) on etched (e) and non-etched (n/e) dentin. The microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured and fractography was assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sixteen molars were divided into four groups of four teeth each according to treatment (DB-n/e; DB-e; UT-n/e; UT-e). The teeth were restored, sectioned into samples for μTBS (n=40) and tested on a EMIC DL-2000 universal machine (0.5 mm/min) and analyzed by SEM for fracture classification. For analysis of the data on μTBS, the two-way ANOVA, using treatment and acid etching as fixed factor, and the Tukey test were used (α=0.05). To failures classification in cohesive in dentin (CD); cohesive in composite resin (CC); cohesive interfacial on base or top of hybrid layer (CBT); cohesive in adhesive (CA); mixed (M); interfacial on smear layer (S) the Fisher's exact test (α=0.05) was performed. The mean values of μTBS (in MPa) in the different groups were as follows: UT-e: 45.31 ± 8.16; DB-e: 34.04 ± 9.29; UT-n/e: 15.17 ± 3.71; and DB-n/e: 9.86 ± 3.80. On analysis of the SEM micrographs, the DB-n/e group showed total obstruction of dentinal tubules; the UT-n/e group showed partial desobstruction of dentinal tubules and irregular surface; the DB-e group showed complete desobstruction of dentinal tubules; and the UT-e group showed complete desobstruction of dentinal tubules and irregular surface. The combination of ultrasound treatment and acid etching provides high values of μTBS. An association exists between CA/CC failures and the UT method, CBT failure and the DB method, CBT/CC failures and etching, S failure and non-etching.

Self-similar slip distributions on irregular shaped faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrero, A.; Murphy, S.

2018-06-01

We propose a strategy to place a self-similar slip distribution on a complex fault surface that is represented by an unstructured mesh. This is possible by applying a strategy based on the composite source model where a hierarchical set of asperities, each with its own slip function which is dependent on the distance from the asperity centre. Central to this technique is the efficient, accurate computation of distance between two points on the fault surface. This is known as the geodetic distance problem. We propose a method to compute the distance across complex non-planar surfaces based on a corollary of the Huygens' principle. The difference between this method compared to others sample-based algorithms which precede it is the use of a curved front at a local level to calculate the distance. This technique produces a highly accurate computation of the distance as the curvature of the front is linked to the distance from the source. Our local scheme is based on a sequence of two trilaterations, producing a robust algorithm which is highly precise. We test the strategy on a planar surface in order to assess its ability to keep the self-similarity properties of a slip distribution. We also present a synthetic self-similar slip distribution on a real slab topography for a M8.5 event. This method for computing distance may be extended to the estimation of first arrival times in both complex 3D surfaces or 3D volumes.

SU-E-T-436: Feasibility of Using the 'Irregular Surface Compensator' Planning Feature of the Eclipse TPS for Total Body Irradiation (TBI) Treatment Planning.

PubMed

Ayan, A; Lu, L; Rong, Y; Cunningham, M; Weldon, M; Welliver, M; Woollard, J; Gupta, N

2012-06-01

To investigate the feasibility of using the Irregular Surface Compensator (ISC) planning feature of the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) for Total Body Irradiation (TBI). TBI treatments require that the whole body receives within +-10% of the prescribed dose. Different body parts with different thicknesses compared to the umbilicus separation may receive higher or lower doses compared to the prescribed dose. Another challenge is to keep the lung dose below 10Gy to avoid complications. To mitigate this problem, physical compensators and blocks are used during the treatment for different body parts and lungs. This method presents a challenge during the treatment delivery and prolongs the treatment time due to patient setup, in-vivo on-line dosimetric monitoring and the adjustment of the compensators frequently during the treatment. We investigated the use of ISC planning feature of Eclipse TPS which is an electronic compensation method that calculates a fluence map based on the body contour from the CT image. The fluence map is delivered with dynamic MLCs . This TBI treatment technique was tested using a Rando phantom in Head First Supine position with lateral beams at SSD=250cm.The calculated fluence were edited so that the lung received <∼10Gy for 12Gy prescription. A single fraction of 2Gy was delivered and the in-vivo measurements were performed in the neck, lung and the umbilicus by using OSLDs. OSLD measurements and the Eclipse TPS predictionswere 200.4/195.0, 162.2/168.9, and 196.1/208.9 cGy for the neck, lung and the umbilicus respectively. The feasibility of using the 'Irregular Surface Compensator' feature of Eclipse TPS for TBI treatment planning was demonstrated. Good agreement (<6%) between the predicted and measured doses was obtained. The proposed planning and delivery simplifies the compensation and blocking to achieve uniform dose distributions and reduces the treatment time. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Effects of Quercetin in a Mouse Model of Experimental Dry Eye.

PubMed

Oh, Ha Na; Kim, Chae Eun; Lee, Ji Hyun; Yang, Jae Wook

2015-09-01

To evaluate the effect of treatment with quercetin in a mouse model of dry eye. 0.5% quercetin eye drops were prepared and an experimental dry eye model was induced in NOD.B10.H2(b) mice through desiccation stress. The mice were divided into 3 groups according to the treatment regimen: the DS 10D group (desiccation stress for 10 days), the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group, and the quercetin group. Tear volumes and corneal irregularity scores were measured at 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and immunohistochemistry were performed at the end of the experiment. The quercetin group had increased tear volumes (0.2 ± 0.03 μm, P < 0.05) and decreased corneal irregularity scores (0.7 ± 0.6, P < 0.05) compared with those of the PBS group. On histological examination, the quercetin group exhibited restored smooth corneal surfaces without detaching corneal epithelial cells and had significantly increased goblet cell density (13.8 ± 0.8 cells/0.1 mm², P < 0.05) compared with the PBS group. The quercetin group also exhibited significant declines of MMP-2 (5.1-fold of control, P < 0.01), MMP-9 (2.5-fold of control, P < 0.01), ICAM-1 (2.2-fold of control, P < 0.01), and VCAM-1 (2.3-fold of control, P < 0.01) levels in the lacrimal gland than did the PBS group. Topical application of quercetin can help to improve ocular surface disorders of dry eye not only by decreasing the corneal surface irregularity but also by increasing the tear volume and goblet cell density. Moreover, quercetin has the potential for use in eye drops as a treatment for dry eye disease with antiinflammatory effects on the lacrimal functional unit.

A unique skeletal microstructure of the deep-sea micrabaciid scleractinian corals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janiszewska, Katarzyna; Stolarski, Jaroslaw; Benzerara, Karim; Meibom, Anders; Mazur, Maciej; Kitahara, Marcelo; Cairns, Stephen D.

2010-05-01

Structural and biogeochemical properties of the skeleton of many invertebrates rely on organic matrix-mediated biomineralization processes. Organic matrices, composed of complex assemblages of macromolecules (proteins, polysaccharides), may control nucleation, spatial delineation and organization of basic microstructural units. Biologically controlled mineralization is also suggested for the scleractinian corals whose different, molecularly recognized clades are supported by distinct types of skeletal microstructures. Main differences in scleractinian coral skeletal microstructures suggested so far consist in (1) varying spatial relationships between Rapid Accretion Deposits (RAD, 'centers of calcification') and thickening deposits (TD, 'fibers'), and (2) varying arrangements of biomineral fibers into higher order structures (e.g., bundles of fibers perpendicular to skeletal surfaces in some 'caryophylliid' corals vs. scale-like units with fibers parallel to the surface in acroporiids). However, a common feature of biomineral fibers in corals described thus far was their similar crystallographic arrangement within larger meso-scale structures (bundles of fibers) and continuity between successive growth layers. Herein we show that representatives of the deep-sea scleractinian family Micrabaciidae (genera: Letepsammia, Rhombopsammia, Stephanophyllia, Leptopenus) have thickening deposits composed of irregular meshwork of short (1-2 μm) and extremely thin (ca. 100-300 nm) fibers organized into small bundles (ca. 1-2 μm thick). Longer axes of fibers are aligned within individual bundles that, in turn, show rather irregular arrangement on the growing surfaces and within the skeleton (irregular criss-cross pattern). In contrast to other scleractinians (including deep-water 'caryophylliids', fungiacyathids, and anthemiphyllids sympatric with micrabaciids), growth layers are not distinct. Also the regions of rapid accretion and thickening deposits are not clearly separated at the meso-scale. However, AFM and FESEM observations of RAD show nanogranular units (ca. 30-100 nm in diameter) typical of fast growing skeletal regions. Unique microstructural organization of the micrabaciid skeleton supports their monophyletic status (reinforced by macromorphological and molecular data), and points to a diversity of organic matrix-mediated biomineralization strategies in Scleractinia.

Highly Structured Plasma Density and Associated Electric and Magnetic Field Irregularities at Sub-Auroral, Middle, and Low Latitudes in the Topside Ionosphere Observed with the DEMETER and DMSP Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfaff, Robert F.; Liebrecht, C; Berthelier, Jean-Jacques; Parrot, M.; Lebreton, Jean-Pierre

2007-01-01

Detailed observations of the plasma structure and irregularities that characterize the topside ionosphere at sub-auroral, middle, and low-latitudes are gathered with probes on the DEMETER and DMSP satellites. In particular, we present DEMETER observations near 700 km altitude that reveal: (1) the electric field irregularities and density depletions at mid-latitudes are remarkably similar to those associated with equatorial spread-F at low latitudes; (2) the mid-latitude density structures contain both depletions and enhancements with scale lengths along the spacecraft trajectory that typically vary from 10's to 100's of km; (3) in some cases, ELF magnetic field irregularities are observed in association with the electric field irregularities on the walls of the plasma density structures and appear to be related to finely-structured spatial currents and/or Alfven waves; (4) during severe geomagnetic storms, broad regions of nightside plasma density structures are typically present, in some instances extending from the equator to the subauroral regions; and (5) intense, broadband electric and magnetic field irregularities are observed at sub-auroral latitudes during geomagnetic storm periods that are typically associated with the trough region. Data from successive DEMETER orbits during storm periods in both the daytime and nighttime illustrate how enhancements of both the ambient plasma density, as well as sub-auroral and mid-latitude density structures, correlate and evolve with changes in the Dst. The DEMETER data are compared with near simultaneous observations gathered by the DMSP satellites near 840 km. The observations are related to theories of sub-auroral and mid-latitude plasma density structuring during geomagnetic storms and penetration electric fields and are highly germane to understanding space weather effects regarding disruption of communication and navigation signals in the near-space environment.

High-Latitude F-Region Irregularities: Intensity and Scale Size Distributions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-21

latitudes during the spring and summer of 1978 has been studied. The morphology and intensity distribution of the irregularities shows that particle... summer solstice, when the entire northern polar cap was illuminated by sunlight. Since the S3-4 measurements at northern latitudes occurred during northern...hemisphere spring and summer , all of the north polar F-region data discussed in this report will refer to ionization characteristics determined after

Establishment and effectiveness of inoculated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural soils.

PubMed

Köhl, Luise; Lukasiewicz, Catherine E; van der Heijden, Marcel G A

2016-01-01

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are promoted as biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture. So far, most researchers have investigated the effects of AMF on plant growth under highly controlled conditions with sterilized soil, soil substrates or soils with low available P or low inoculum potential. However, it is still poorly documented whether inoculated AMF can successfully establish in field soils with native AMF communities and enhance plant growth. We inoculated grassland microcosms planted with a grass-clover mixture (Lolium multiflorum and Trifolium pratense) with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizoglomus irregulare. The microcosms were filled with eight different unsterilized field soils that varied greatly in soil type and chemical characteristics and indigenous AMF communities. We tested whether inoculation with AMF enhanced plant biomass and R. irregulare abundance using a species specific qPCR. Inoculation increased the abundance of R. irregulare in all soils, irrespective of soil P availability, the initial abundance of R. irregulare or the abundance of native AM fungal communities. AMF inoculation had no effect on the grass but significantly enhanced clover yield in five out of eight field soils. The results demonstrate that AMF inoculation can be successful, even when soil P availability is high and native AMF communities are abundant. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

YAPPA: a Compiler-Based Parallelization Framework for Irregular Applications on MPSoCs

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

Lovergine, Silvia; Tumeo, Antonino; Villa, Oreste

Modern embedded systems include hundreds of cores. Because of the difficulty in providing a fast, coherent memory architecture, these systems usually rely on non-coherent, non-uniform memory architectures with private memories for each core. However, programming these systems poses significant challenges. The developer must extract large amounts of parallelism, while orchestrating communication among cores to optimize application performance. These issues become even more significant with irregular applications, which present data sets difficult to partition, unpredictable memory accesses, unbalanced control flow and fine grained communication. Hand-optimizing every single aspect is hard and time-consuming, and it often does not lead to the expectedmore » performance. There is a growing gap between such complex and highly-parallel architectures and the high level languages used to describe the specification, which were designed for simpler systems and do not consider these new issues. In this paper we introduce YAPPA (Yet Another Parallel Programming Approach), a compilation framework for the automatic parallelization of irregular applications on modern MPSoCs based on LLVM. We start by considering an efficient parallel programming approach for irregular applications on distributed memory systems. We then propose a set of transformations that can reduce the development and optimization effort. The results of our initial prototype confirm the correctness of the proposed approach.« less

An investigation of water production rates by irregularly shaped cometary nuclei.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutierrez, P. J.; Ortiz, J. L.; Rodrigo, R.; Lopez-Moreno, J. J.

1999-09-01

A computer code has been developed to derive water production rates for rotating irregularly shaped nuclei with topography (both craters and mountains) as a function of heliocentric distance. The code solves the surface energy balance equation including heat diffusion in the normal direction and taking into account shadowing effects, for any combination of orbital parameters, spin axis orientation, rotation period, and physical properties of the nucleus (geometric albedo, emissivity, thermodynamical properties). Preliminary results are presented for several representative objects. The research described in this abstract is being carried out at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía and is supported by the Comision Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología under contracts ESP96-0623 and ESP97-1773-CO3-01.

Identification and Characterization of Pseudocercospora pyricola Causing Leaf Spots on Aronia melanocarpa

PubMed Central

Park, Sung-Hee; Choi, In-Young; Seo, Kyoung-Won; Kim, Jin-Ho; Galea, Victor

2017-01-01

Leaf spot disease on black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) was observed at several locations in Korea during 2014–2015. Leaf spots were distinct, scattered over the leaf surface and along the leaf border, subcircular to irregular and brown surrounded by a distinct dark color, and were expanded and coalesced into irregularly shaped lesions. Severely infected leaves became dry and fell off eventually. The causative agent was identified as Pseudocercospora pyricola. Morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of multiple genes, including internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor 1-alpha, actin, and the large subunit ribosomal DNA were conducted. The pathogenicity test was conducted twice yielding similar results, fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report on P. pyricola infection of A. melanocarpa globally. PMID:28435353

A computer model for high-latitude phase scintillation based on wideband satellite data from Poker Flat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fremouw, E. J.; Lansinger, J. M.

1981-02-01

A mathematical model has been developed for describing plasma-density irregularities responsible for radiowave scintillation produced in the auroral ionosphere, and the model has been committed to an applications-oriented computer code, WBMOD. The model characterizes the three-dimensional configuration, gradient sharpness, and height-integrated strength of irregularities represented by a power-law spatial spectrum as functions of geomagnetic latitude, time of day, sunspot number, and planetary geomagnetic activity index. Program WBMOD permits calculation of the power-law index and spectral strength (at a fluctuation frequency of 1 Hz) of phase scintillation, together with scintillation indices (variances) for phase and intensity, using a phase-screen scattering theory. The model has been calibrated and iteratively tested against phase-scintillation data from the DNA Wideband Satellite Experiment, collected at Poker Flat, Alaska. It does not account for seasonal variations in high-latitude scintillation observed in other longitude sectors. The program contains a model for middle-latitude and equatorial irregularities as well as for auroral latitudes, but only the latter has been tested extensively against high-quality scintillation data.

Analysis of different materials subjected to open-air explosions in search of explosive traces by Raman microscopy.

PubMed

Zapata, Félix; García-Ruiz, Carmen

2017-06-01

Post-explosion scenes offer such chaos and destruction that evidence recovery and detection of post-blast residues from the explosive in the surrounding materials is highly challenging and difficult. The suitability of materials to retain explosives residues and their subsequent analysis has been scarcely investigated. Particularly, the use of explosive mixtures containing inorganic oxidizing salts to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is a current security concern due to their wide availability and lax control. In this work, a wide variety of materials such as glass, steel, plywood, plastic bag, brick, cardboard or cotton subjected to open-air explosions were examined using confocal Raman microscopy, aiming to detect the inorganic oxidizing salts contained in explosives as black powder, chloratite, dynamite, ammonium nitrate fuel oil and ammonal. Post-blast residues were detected through microscopic examination of materials surfaces. In general, the more homogeneous and smoother the surface was, the less difficulties and better results in terms of identification were obtained. However, those highly irregular surfaces were the most unsuitable collectors for the posterior identification of explosive traces by Raman microscopy. The findings, difficulties and some recommendations related to the identification of post-blast particles in the different materials studied are thoroughly discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elastic contact mechanics: percolation of the contact area and fluid squeeze-out.

PubMed

Persson, B N J; Prodanov, N; Krick, B A; Rodriguez, N; Mulakaluri, N; Sawyer, W G; Mangiagalli, P

2012-01-01

The dynamics of fluid flow at the interface between elastic solids with rough surfaces depends sensitively on the area of real contact, in particular close to the percolation threshold, where an irregular network of narrow flow channels prevails. In this paper, numerical simulation and experimental results for the contact between elastic solids with isotropic and anisotropic surface roughness are compared with the predictions of a theory based on the Persson contact mechanics theory and the Bruggeman effective medium theory. The theory predictions are in good agreement with the experimental and numerical simulation results and the (small) deviation can be understood as a finite-size effect. The fluid squeeze-out at the interface between elastic solids with randomly rough surfaces is studied. We present results for such high contact pressures that the area of real contact percolates, giving rise to sealed-off domains with pressurized fluid at the interface. The theoretical predictions are compared to experimental data for a simple model system (a rubber block squeezed against a flat glass plate), and for prefilled syringes, where the rubber plunger stopper is lubricated by a high-viscosity silicon oil to ensure functionality of the delivery device. For the latter system we compare the breakloose (or static) friction, as a function of the time of stationary contact, to the theory prediction.

A comparison of TEC fluctuations and scintillations at Ascension Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, S.; Groves, K. M.; Quinn, J. M.; Doherty, P.

1999-11-01

With increasing reliance on space-based platforms for global navigation and communication, concerns about the impact of ionospheric scintillation on these systems have become a high priority. Recently, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) performed amplitude scintillation measurements of L1 (1.575 MHz) signals from GPS satellites at Ascension Island (14.45° W, 7.95° S; magnetic latitude 16° S) during February-April, 1998, to compare amplitude scintillations with fluctuations of the total electron content (TEC). Ascension Island is located in the South Atlantic under the southern crest of the equatorial anomaly of F2 ionization where scintillations will be much enhanced during the upcoming solar maximum period. Ascension Island is included in the global network of the International GPS Service (IGS) and the GPS receivers in this network report the carrier to noise (C/N) ratio, the dual frequency carrier phase and pseudorange data at 30-s intervals. Such data with a sampling interval of 30 s were analyzed to determine TEC, the rate of change of TEC (ROT) and also ROTI, defined as the standard deviation of ROT. The spatial scale of ROTI, sampled at 30 s interval, will correspond to 6 km when the vector sum of the ionospheric projection of the satellite velocity and the irregularity drift orthogonal to the propagation path is of the order of 100 m/s. On the other hand, the scale-length of the amplitude scintillation index corresponds to the Fresnel dimension which is about 400 m for the GPS L1 frequency and an ionospheric height of 400 km. It is shown that, in view of the co-existence of large and small scale irregularities in equatorial irregularity structures, during the early evening hours, and small magnitude of irregularity drifts, ROTI measurements can be used to predict the presence of scintillation causing irregularities. The quantitative relationship between ROTI and S4, however, varies considerably due to variations of the ionospheric projection of the satellite velocity and the ionospheric irregularity drift. During the post-midnight period, due to the decay of small scale irregularities leading to a steepening of irregularity power spectrum, ROTI, on occasions, may not be associated with detectable levels of scintillation. In view of the power law type of irregularity power spectrum, ROTI will, in general, be larger than S4 and the ratio, ROTI/S4, in the present dataset is found to vary between 2 and 10. At high latitudes, where the ionospheric motion, driven by large electric fields of magnetospheric origin, is much enhanced during magnetically active periods, ROTI/S4 may be considerably larger than that in the equatorial region.

Noncontact three-dimensional evaluation of surface alterations and wear in NiTi endodontic instruments.

PubMed

Ferreira, Fabiano Guerra; Barbosa, Igor Bastos; Scelza, Pantaleo; Montagnana, Marcello Bulhões; Russano, Daniel; Neff, John; Scelza, Miriam Zaccaro

2017-09-28

The aim of this study was to undertake a qualitative and quantitative assessment of nanoscale alterations and wear on the surfaces of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments, before and after use, through a high-resolution, noncontact, three-dimensional optical profiler, and to verify the accuracy of the evaluation method. Cutting blade surfaces of two different brands of NiTi endodontic instruments, Reciproc R25 (n = 5) and WaveOne Primary (n = 5), were examined and compared before and after two uses in simulated root canals made in clear resin blocks. The analyses were performed on three-dimensional images which were obtained from surface areas measuring 211 × 211 µm, located 3 mm from their tips. The quantitative evaluation of the samples was conducted before and after the first and second usage, by the recordings of three amplitude parameters. The data were subjected to statistical analysis at a 5% level of significance. The results revealed statistically significant increases in the surface wear of both instruments groups after the second use. The presence of irregularities was found on the surface topography of all the instruments, before and after use. Regardless of the evaluation stage, most of the defects were observed in the WaveOne instruments. The three-dimensional technique was suitable and effective for the accurate investigation of the same surfaces of the instruments in different periods of time.

Rocket in situ observation of equatorial plasma irregularities in the region between E and F layers over Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savio Odriozola, Siomel; de Meneses, Francisco Carlos, Jr.; Muralikrishna, Polinaya; Alvares Pimenta, Alexandre; Alam Kherani, Esfhan

2017-03-01

A two-stage VS-30 Orion rocket was launched from the equatorial rocket launching station in Alcântara, Brazil, on 8 December 2012 soon after sunset (19:00 LT), carrying a Langmuir probe operating alternately in swept and constant bias modes. At the time of launch, ground equipment operated at equatorial stations showed rapid rise in the base of the F layer, indicating the pre-reversal enhancement of the F region vertical drift and creating ionospheric conditions favorable for the generation of plasma bubbles. Vertical profiles of electron density estimated from Langmuir probe data showed wave patterns and small- and medium-scale plasma irregularities in the valley region (100-300 km) during the rocket upleg and downleg. These irregularities resemble those detected by the very high frequency (VHF) radar installed at Jicamarca and so-called equatorial quasi-periodic echoes. We present evidence suggesting that these observations could be the first detection of this type of irregularity made by instruments onboard a rocket.

Simultaneous travel time tomography for updating both velocity and reflector geometry in triangular/tetrahedral cell model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Chao-ying; He, Lei-yu; Li, Xing-wang; Sun, Jia-yu

2018-05-01

To conduct forward and simultaneous inversion in a complex geological model, including an irregular topography (or irregular reflector or velocity anomaly), we in this paper combined our previous multiphase arrival tracking method (referred as triangular shortest-path method, TSPM) in triangular (2D) or tetrahedral (3D) cell model and a linearized inversion solver (referred to as damped minimum norms and constrained least squares problem solved using the conjugate gradient method, DMNCLS-CG) to formulate a simultaneous travel time inversion method for updating both velocity and reflector geometry by using multiphase arrival times. In the triangular/tetrahedral cells, we deduced the partial derivative of velocity variation with respective to the depth change of reflector. The numerical simulation results show that the computational accuracy can be tuned to a high precision in forward modeling and the irregular velocity anomaly and reflector geometry can be accurately captured in the simultaneous inversion, because the triangular/tetrahedral cell can be easily used to stitch the irregular topography or subsurface interface.

Simultaneous travel time tomography for updating both velocity and reflector geometry in triangular/tetrahedral cell model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Chao-ying; He, Lei-yu; Li, Xing-wang; Sun, Jia-yu

2017-12-01

To conduct forward and simultaneous inversion in a complex geological model, including an irregular topography (or irregular reflector or velocity anomaly), we in this paper combined our previous multiphase arrival tracking method (referred as triangular shortest-path method, TSPM) in triangular (2D) or tetrahedral (3D) cell model and a linearized inversion solver (referred to as damped minimum norms and constrained least squares problem solved using the conjugate gradient method, DMNCLS-CG) to formulate a simultaneous travel time inversion method for updating both velocity and reflector geometry by using multiphase arrival times. In the triangular/tetrahedral cells, we deduced the partial derivative of velocity variation with respective to the depth change of reflector. The numerical simulation results show that the computational accuracy can be tuned to a high precision in forward modeling and the irregular velocity anomaly and reflector geometry can be accurately captured in the simultaneous inversion, because the triangular/tetrahedral cell can be easily used to stitch the irregular topography or subsurface interface.

Failure analysis of explanted sternal wires.

PubMed

Shih, Chun-Ming; Su, Yea-Yang; Lin, Shing-Jong; Shih, Chun-Che

2005-05-01

To classify and understand the mechanisms of surface damages and fracture mechanisms of sternal wires, explanted stainless steel sternal wires were collected from patients with sternal dehiscence following open-heart surgery. Surface alterations and fractured ends of sternal wires were examined and analyzed. Eighty fractured wires extracted from 25 patients from January 1999 to December 2003, with mean implantation interval of 55+/-149 days (range 5-729 days) after cardiac surgery, were studied by various techniques. The extracted wires were cleaned and the fibrotic tissues were removed. Irregularities and fractured ends were assayed by a scanning electron microscopy. After stereomicroscopy and documentation, the explants were cleaned with 1% sodium hypochlorite to remove the blood and tissues and was followed by cleaned with deionized water and alcohol. The explants were examined by stereomicroscopy, and irregularities on surface and fracture surfaces of sternal wires were assayed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and X-ray mapping. The explants with surrounding fibrotic tissue were stained and examined with stereomicroscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Corrosion pits were found on the surface of explanted sternal wires. EDAX and X-ray mapping examinations revealed diminution of nickel concentration in the severely corroded pits on sternal wires. A feature of transgranular cracking was observed for stress corrosion cracking and striation character for typical corrosion fatigue was also identified. TEM examination of tissue showed the metallic particles in phagolysosomes of macrophages inside the surrounding sternal tissue. The synergic effect of hostile environment and the stress could be the precursors of failures for sternal wires.

Microkeratome-Assisted Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for the Correction of High-Degree Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism.

PubMed

Gutfreund, Shay; Leon, Pia; Busin, Massimo

2017-07-01

To describe the surgical technique and report the outcomes of patients treated with microkeratome-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty (MALK) for the correction of high-degree postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Four eyes of 2 patients with extremely high (>10 D) and irregular [surface asymmetry index >1.0 D] post-penetrating keratoplasty astigmatism occurring after complete suture removal underwent MALK and were followed for at least 3 years after the procedure. In all cases, 250-µm lamellar keratectomy was performed, followed by 2 full-thickness incisions through the penetrating keratoplasty scar and the placement of an appropriately sized donor graft, which was secured with a double-running 10-0 nylon suture. All sutures were removed in all eyes within 1 year from surgery. Corrected distance visual acuity, refraction, corneal topography, and endothelial cell density were noted at each examination. At the last follow-up examination (3 years or longer after MALK), corrected distance visual acuity had improved to 20/20, refractive astigmatism had decreased to an average of 2.1 D (in all cases within 4.5 D), and the average surface asymmetry index had reduced from 2.27 to 0.56. MALK is an effective and safe technique for the correction of high-degree postkeratoplasty astigmatism.

Development of laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for boron isotopic measurement in marine biocarbonates: new improvements and application to a modern Porites coral.

PubMed

Thil, François; Blamart, Dominique; Assailly, Caroline; Lazareth, Claire E; Leblanc, Thierry; Butsher, John; Douville, Eric

2016-02-15

Laser Ablation coupled to Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) is a powerful tool for the high-precision measurement of the isotopic ratios of many elements in geological samples, with the isotope ratio ((11) B/(10) B) of boron being used as an indicator of the pH of oceanic waters. Most geological samples or standards are polished and ablation occurs on flat surfaces. However, the shape and the irregularities of marine biocarbonates (e.g., corals, foraminifera) can make precise isotopic measurements of boron difficult. Even after polishing, the porosity properties and the presence of holes or micro-fractures affect the signal and the isotopic ratio when ablating the material, especially in raster mode. The effect of porosity and of the crater itself on the (11) B signal and the isotopic ratio acquired by LA-MC-ICPMS in both raster and spot mode was studied. Characterization of the craters was then performed with an optical profilometer to determine their shapes and depths. Surface state effects were examined by analyzing the isotopic fractionation of boron in silicate (NIST-SRM 612 and 610 standards) and in carbonate (corals). Surface irregularities led to a considerable loss of signal when the crater depth exceeded 20 µm. The stability and precision were degraded when ablation occurred in a deep cavity. The effect of laser focusing and of blank correction was also highlighted and our observations indicate that the accuracy of the boron isotopic ratio does not depend on the shape of the surface. After validation of the analytical protocol for boron isotopes, a raster application on a Porites coral, which grew for 18 months in an aquarium after field sampling, was carried out. This original LA-MC-ICPMS study revealed a well-marked boron isotope ratio temporal variability, probably related to growth rate and density changes, irrespective of the pH of the surrounding seawater. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Application of wavefield compressive sensing in surface wave tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Zhongwen; Li, Qingyang; Huang, Jianping

2018-06-01

Dense arrays allow sampling of seismic wavefield without significant aliasing, and surface wave tomography has benefitted from exploiting wavefield coherence among neighbouring stations. However, explicit or implicit assumptions about wavefield, irregular station spacing and noise still limit the applicability and resolution of current surface wave methods. Here, we propose to apply the theory of compressive sensing (CS) to seek a sparse representation of the surface wavefield using a plane-wave basis. Then we reconstruct the continuous surface wavefield on a dense regular grid before applying any tomographic methods. Synthetic tests demonstrate that wavefield CS improves robustness and resolution of Helmholtz tomography and wavefield gradiometry, especially when traditional approaches have difficulties due to sub-Nyquist sampling or complexities in wavefield.

Evaluation of biocidal efficacy of copper alloy coatings in comparison with solid metal surfaces: generation of organic copper phosphate nanoflowers.

PubMed

Gutierrez, H; Portman, T; Pershin, V; Ringuette, M

2013-03-01

To analyse the biocidal efficacy of thermal sprayed copper surfaces. Copper alloy sheet metals containing >60% copper have been shown to exhibit potent biocidal activity. Surface biocidal activity was assessed by epifluorescence microscopy. After 2-h exposure at 20 °C in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), contact killing of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis by brass sheet metal and phosphor bronze was 3-4-times higher than that by stainless steel. SEM observations revealed that the surface membranes of both bacterial strains were slightly more irregular when exposed to brass sheet metal than stainless steel. However, when exposed to phosphor bronze coating, E. coli were 3-4 times larger with irregular membrane morphology. In addition, the majority of the cells were associated with spherical carbon-copper-phosphate crystalline nanostructures characteristic of nanoflowers. The membranes of many of the S. epidermidis exhibited blebbing, and a small subset was also associated with nanoflowers. Our data indicate that increasing the surface roughness of copper alloys had a pronounced impact on the membrane integrity of Gram-positive and, to a lesser degree, Gram-negative bacteria. In the presence of PBS, carbon-copper-phosphate-containing nanoflowers were formed, likely nucleated by components derived from killed bacteria. The intimate association of the bacteria with the nanoflowers and phosphor bronze coating likely contributed to their nonreversible adhesion. Thermal spraying of copper alloys provides a strategy for the rapid coating of three-dimensional organic and inorganic surfaces with biocidal copper alloys. Our study demonstrates that the macroscale surface roughness generated by the thermal spray process enhances the biocidal activity of copper alloys compared with the nanoscale surface roughness of copper sheet metals. Moreover, the coating surface topography provides conditions for the rapid formation of organic copper phosphate nanocrystals/nanoflowers. © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Physicochemical characterizations of nano-palm oil fuel ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajak, Mohd Azrul Abdul; Majid, Zaiton Abdul; Ismail, Mohammad

2015-07-01

Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) is known as a good supplementary cementing material due to its siliceous-rich content. The application of nanotechnology in the pozzolanic materials could invent new functions in the efficiency of physical and chemical properties of materials. Thus, the present study aims to generate nano-sized POFA and characterize the physicochemical properties of nano-palm oil fuel ash (nPOFA). The nPOFA was prepared by mechanically grinding micro POFA using a high intensity ball milling for 6 hours. The physicochemical properties of nPOFA were characterized via X-Ray Fluoresence (XRF), Scanning Emission microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The particle size of nPOFA acquired from TEM analysis was in the range of 20 nm to 90 nm, while the average crystallite size calculated from XRD diffractogram was 61.5 nm. The resulting nPOFA has a BET surface area of 145.35 m2/g, which is more than 85% increment in surface area compared to micro-sized POFA. The morphology and elemental studies showed the presence of spherical as well as irregularly shaped and fine nPOFA particles contains with high silicon content. The presence of α-quartz as the major phase of the nPOFA was identified through XRD analysis. The study concludes that nPOFA has the potential as a supplementary cementing material due to the high silica content, high surface area and the unique behaviors of nano-structured particles.

Surface compositional variation on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by OSIRIS data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barucci, M. A.; Fornasier, S.; Feller, C.; Perna, D.; Hasselmann, H.; Deshapriya, J. D. P.; Fulchignoni, M.; Besse, S.; Sierks, H.; Forgia, F.; Lazzarin, M.; Pommerol, A.; Oklay, N.; Lara, L.; Scholten, F.; Preusker, F.; Leyrat, C.; Pajola, M.; Osiris-Rosetta Team

2015-10-01

Since the Rosetta mission arrived at the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67/P C-G) on July 2014, the comet nucleus has been mapped by both OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System, [1]) NAC (Narrow Angle Camera) and WAC (Wide Angle Camera) acquiring a huge quantity of surface's images at different wavelength bands, under variable illumination conditions and spatial resolution, and producing the most detailed maps at the highest spatial resolution of a comet nucleus surface.67/P C-G's nucleus shows an irregular bi-lobed shape of complex morphology with terrains showing intricate features [2, 3] and a heterogeneity surface at different scales.

Detailed Structure of the Outer Disk Around HD 169142 with Polarized Light in H-band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Momose, Munetake; Morita, Ayaka; Fukagawa, Misato; Muto, Takayuki; Takeuchi, Taku; Hashimoto, Jun; Honda, Mitsuhiko; Kudo, Tomoyuki; Okamoto, Yoshiko K.; Kanagawa, Kazuhiro D.;

Impact of adhesive surface and volume of luting resin on fracture resistance of root filled teeth.

PubMed

Krastl, G; Gugger, J; Deyhle, H; Zitzmann, N U; Weiger, R; Müller, B

2011-05-01

To investigate the correlation between geometric parameters of severely compromised root filled (RCT) pre-molar teeth with irregular root canals and their fracture resistance. The null hypothesis tested was that the fracture resistance of root filled teeth is not influenced by: (i) the adhesive surface of the post-space preparation (A(PS) ), (ii) the coronal tooth surface (A(A) ), (iii) the amount of resin cement (V(C) ) and (iv) the Young's modulus of the specimens. A total of 48 noncarious human pre-molar teeth with irregular root canals were decoronated, root filled and adhesively restored with post-retained direct composite crowns. After thermomechanical loading (1,200,000×, 5-50° C), static load was applied until failure. The geometric parameters of the tooth were evaluated by microcomputed tomography (μCT) using impressions taken after post-space preparation. Linear regression analyses were performed to correlate the geometric parameters of the specimens with their fracture resistance. The amount of resin cement (V(C) ) comprised up to 88% of the entire post-space (mean 67%) and had no impact on the maximal load (P = 0.88). The latter was significantly influenced by post-space preparation (P = 0.003). Amongst the geometric parameters tested, the surface area in the root canal had the greatest impact on fracture resistance of root filled pre-molars restored with posts and composite crowns, whilst the fit of the post was less important. © 2011 International Endodontic Journal.

High resolution diffraction imaging of crystals grown in microgravity and closely related terrestrial crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steiner, B.; Dobbyn, R.; Black, D.; Burdette, H.; Kuriyama, M.; Spal, R.; Vandenberg, L.; Fripp, A.; Simchick, R.; Lal, R.

1991-01-01

Irregularities found in three crystals grown in space, in four crystals grown entirely on the ground were examined and compared. Irregularities were observed in mercuric iodide, lead tin telluride, triglycine sulfate, and gallium arsenide by high resolution synchrotron x radiation diffraction imaging. Radiation detectors made from mercuric iodide crystals grown in microgravity were reported to perform far better than conventional detectors grown from the same material under full gravity. Effort is now underway to reproduce these 'space' crystals, optimize their properties, and extend comparable superiority to other types of materials.