Sample records for hinged structures

  1. Shape Memory Composite Hybrid Hinge

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fang, Houfei; Im, Eastwood; Lin, John; Scarborough, Stephen

    2012-01-01

    There are two conventional types of hinges for in-space deployment applications. The first type is mechanically deploying hinges. A typical mechanically deploying hinge is usually composed of several tens of components. It is complicated, heavy, and bulky. More components imply higher deployment failure probability. Due to the existence of relatively moving components among a mechanically deploying hinge, it unavoidably has microdynamic problems. The second type of conventional hinge relies on strain energy for deployment. A tape-spring hinge is a typical strain energy hinge. A fundamental problem of a strain energy hinge is that its deployment dynamic is uncontrollable. Usually, its deployment is associated with a large impact, which is unacceptable for many space applications. Some damping technologies have been experimented with to reduce the impact, but they increased the risks of an unsuccessful deployment. Coalescing strain energy components with shape memory composite (SMC) components to form a hybrid hinge is the solution. SMCs are well suited for deployable structures. A SMC is created from a high-performance fiber and a shape memory polymer resin. When the resin is heated to above its glass transition temperature, the composite becomes flexible and can be folded or packed. Once cooled to below the glass transition temperature, the composite remains in the packed state. When the structure is ready to be deployed, the SMC component is reheated to above the glass transition temperature, and it returns to its as-fabricated shape. A hybrid hinge is composed of two strain energy flanges (also called tape-springs) and one SMC tube. Two folding lines are placed on the SMC tube to avoid excessive strain on the SMC during folding. Two adapters are used to connect the hybrid hinge to its adjacent structural components. While the SMC tube is heated to above its glass transition temperature, a hybrid hinge can be folded and stays at folded status after the temperature is reduced to below its glass transition temperature. After the deployable structure is launched in space, the SMC tube is reheated and the hinge is unfolded to deploy the structure. Based on test results, the hybrid hinge can achieve higher than 99.999% shape recovery. The hybrid hinge inherits all of the good characteristics of a tape-spring hinge such as simplicity, light weight, high deployment reliability, and high deployment precision. Conversely, it eliminates the deployment impact that has significantly limited the applications of a tape-spring hinge. The deployment dynamics of a hybrid hinge are in a slow and controllable fashion. The SMC tube of a hybrid hinge is a multifunctional component. It serves as a deployment mechanism during the deployment process, and also serves as a structural component after the hinge is fully deployed, which makes a hybrid hinge much stronger and stiffer than a tape-spring hinge. Unlike a mechanically deploying hinge that uses relatively moving components, a hybrid hinge depends on material deformation for its packing and deployment. It naturally eliminates the microdynamic phenomenon.

  2. Alternative S2 Hinge Regions of the Myosin Rod Affect Myofibrillar Structure and Myosin Kinetics

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

    Miller, Mark S.; Dambacher, Corey M.; Knowles, Aileen F.

    2009-07-01

    The subfragment 2/light meromyosin 'hinge' region has been proposed to significantly contribute to muscle contraction force and/or speed. Transgenic replacement of the endogenous fast muscle isovariant hinge A (exon 15a) in Drosophila melanogaster indirect flight muscle with the slow muscle hinge B (exon 15b) allows examination of the structural and functional changes when only this region of the myosin molecule is different. Hinge B was previously shown to increase myosin rod length, increase A-band and sarcomere length, and decrease flight performance compared to hinge A. We applied additional measures to these transgenic lines to further evaluate the consequences of modifyingmore » this hinge region. Structurally, the longer A-band and sarcomere lengths found in the hinge B myofibrils appear to be due to the longitudinal addition of myosin heads. Functionally, hinge B, although a significant distance from the myosin catalytic domain, alters myosin kinetics in a manner consistent with this region increasing myosin rod length. These structural and functional changes combine to decrease whole fly wing-beat frequency and flight performance. Our results indicate that this hinge region plays an important role in determining myosin kinetics and in regulating thick and thin filament lengths as well as sarcomere length.« less

  3. Creep and cracking of concrete hinges: insight from centric and eccentric compression experiments.

    PubMed

    Schlappal, Thomas; Schweigler, Michael; Gmainer, Susanne; Peyerl, Martin; Pichler, Bernhard

    2017-01-01

    Existing design guidelines for concrete hinges consider bending-induced tensile cracking, but the structural behavior is oversimplified to be time-independent. This is the motivation to study creep and bending-induced tensile cracking of initially monolithic concrete hinges systematically. Material tests on plain concrete specimens and structural tests on marginally reinforced concrete hinges are performed. The experiments characterize material and structural creep under centric compression as well as bending-induced tensile cracking and the interaction between creep and cracking of concrete hinges. As for the latter two aims, three nominally identical concrete hinges are subjected to short-term and to longer-term eccentric compression tests. Obtained material and structural creep functions referring to centric compression are found to be very similar. The structural creep activity under eccentric compression is significantly larger because of the interaction between creep and cracking, i.e. bending-induced cracks progressively open and propagate under sustained eccentric loading. As for concrete hinges in frame-like integral bridge construction, it is concluded (i) that realistic simulation of variable loads requires consideration of the here-studied time-dependent behavior and (ii) that permanent compressive normal forces shall be limited by 45% of the ultimate load carrying capacity, in order to avoid damage of concrete hinges under sustained loading.

  4. Design and 4D Printing of Cross-Folded Origami Structures: A Preliminary Investigation.

    PubMed

    Teoh, Joanne Ee Mei; An, Jia; Feng, Xiaofan; Zhao, Yue; Chua, Chee Kai; Liu, Yong

    2018-03-03

    In 4D printing research, different types of complex structure folding and unfolding have been investigated. However, research on cross-folding of origami structures (defined as a folding structure with at least two overlapping folds) has not been reported. This research focuses on the investigation of cross-folding structures using multi-material components along different axes and different horizontal hinge thickness with single homogeneous material. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the impact of multi-material components and horizontal hinge thickness. In the case of multi-material structures, the hybrid material composition has a significant impact on the overall maximum strain and Young's modulus properties. In the case of single material structures, the shape recovery speed is inversely proportional to the horizontal hinge thickness, while the flexural or bending strength is proportional to the horizontal hinge thickness. A hinge with a thickness of 0.5 mm could be folded three times prior to fracture whilst a hinge with a thickness of 0.3 mm could be folded only once prior to fracture. A hinge with a thickness of 0.1 mm could not even be folded without cracking. The introduction of a physical hole in the center of the folding/unfolding line provided stress relief and prevented fracture. A complex flower petal shape was used to successfully demonstrate the implementation of overlapping and non-overlapping folding lines using both single material segments and multi-material segments. Design guidelines for establishing cross-folding structures using multi-material components along different axes and different horizontal hinge thicknesses with single or homogeneous material were established. These guidelines can be used to design and implement complex origami structures with overlapping and non-overlapping folding lines. Combined overlapping folding structures could be implemented and allocating specific hole locations in the overall designs could be further explored. In addition, creating a more precise prediction by investigating sets of in between hinge thicknesses and comparing the folding times before fracture, will be the subject of future work.

  5. Analysis of intelligent hinged shell structures: deployable deformation and shape memory effect

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Guang-Hui; Yang, Qing-Sheng; He, X. Q.

    2013-12-01

    Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of intelligent materials with the ability to recover their initial shape from a temporarily fixable state when subjected to external stimuli. In this work, the thermo-mechanical behavior of a deployable SMP-based hinged structure is modeled by the finite element method using a 3D constitutive model with shape memory effect. The influences of hinge structure parameters on the nonlinear loading process are investigated. The total shape memory of the processes the hinged structure goes through, including loading at high temperature, decreasing temperature with load carrying, unloading at low temperature and recovering the initial shape with increasing temperature, are illustrated. Numerical results show that the present constitutive theory and the finite element method can effectively predict the complicated thermo-mechanical deformation behavior and shape memory effect of SMP-based hinged shell structures.

  6. Multifunctional Deployment Hinges Rigidified by Ultraviolet

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kerslake, Thomas W.; Simburger, Edward J.; Matusmoto, James; Giants, Thomas W.; Garcia, Alexander; Perry, Alan; Rawal, Suraj; Marshall, Craig; Lin, John Kun Hung; Day, Jonathan Robert; hide

    2005-01-01

    Multifunctional hinges have been developed for deploying and electrically connecting panels comprising planar arrays of thin-film solar photovoltaic cells. In the original intended application of these hinges, the panels would be facets of a 32-sided (and approximately spherical) polyhedral microsatellite (see figure), denoted a PowerSphere, that would be delivered to orbit in a compact folded configuration, then deployed by expansion of gas in inflation bladders. Once deployment was complete, the hinges would be rigidified to provide structural connections that would hold the panels in their assigned relative positions without backlash. Such hinges could also be used on Earth for electrically connecting and structurally supporting solar panels that are similarly shipped in compact form and deployed at their destinations. As shown in section A-A in the figure, a hinge of this type is partly integrated with an inflation bladder and partly integrated with the frame of a solar panel. During assembly of the hinge, strip extensions from a flexible circuit harness on the bladder are connected to corresponding thin-film conductors on the solar panel by use of laser welding and wrap-around contacts. The main structural component of the hinge is a layer of glass fiber impregnated with an ultraviolet-curable resin. After deployment, exposure to ultraviolet light from the Sun cures the resin, thereby rigidifying the hinge.

  7. Structural expression of a rolling hinge in the footwall of the Brenner Line normal fault, eastern Alps

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Axen, Gary J.; Bartley, John M.; Selverstone, Jane

    1995-12-01

    The kinematic and temporal sequence of structures observed to overprint mylonites along the Brenner Line low-angle normal fault may record passage of the footwall through two rolling hinges, at the top and bottom of a ramp in the shear zone. The structures comprise west down brittle and brittle-ductile structures and east down brittle structures. PT conditions of formation (250° to >400°C and 2-23 km depth), obtained from analysis of oriented fluid inclusion planes, indicate that west down structures were formed at greater depths and temperatures, and therefore earlier, than the east down structures. These data suggest that the brittle structures formed under conditions that permit crystal-plastic deformation at long-term geologic strain rates and therefore probably reflect transient rapid strain rates and/or high fluid pressure. Structures inferred to have formed at a lower hinge are consistent with viscous flow models of rolling-hinge deformation and support the concept of a crustal asthenosphere. Such high temperatures at shallow crustal depth also suggest significant upward advection of heat by extensional unroofing of warm rocks, which may have reduced the flexural rigidity of the footwall and thus affected mechanical behavior at the upper rolling hinge. Exposed mylonitic foliation within a few hundred meters of the Brenner line and on top of the east-west trending anticlines in the footwall dips ˜15° west. Our data favor a ramp dip of ˜25° but permit a dip as great as 45°. Fluid inclusion data suggest that structures related to the hinge at the base of the ramp formed at depths of 12-25 km. If the average dip of the Brenner shear zone to those depths was 20°, intermediate between the favored ramp dip and the dip of exposed foliation, then the horizontal component of slip could be as high as 33-63 km. The two discrete sets of structures with opposite shear senses, formed in the temporal sequence indicated by PT data, are consistent with subvertical simple shear models of rolling-hinge strain. This kinematic pattern is not predicted by the flexural-failure model for rolling hinges. However, the predominance of normal slip at the upper hinge, which extends rather than shortens the mylonitic foliation, fails to match the subvertical simple shear model, which predicts shortening of the foliation there. One possible solution is that superposition of regional extension upon hinge-related stresses modified the rolling-hinge kinematics. Such a modified subvertical shear model can account for the observed small foliation-parallel extensional strains if the foliation was bent <5°-10° passing through the upper hinge. If more bending than that occurred, the data suggest rolling-hinge kinematics in which deformation is achieved by uniform-sense simple shear across the shear zone as in the subvertical simple shear model but in which material lines parallel to the shear-zone foliation and the detachment fault undergo very small length changes, presumably indicating that footwall rocks retained significant resistance to shear and underwent minimal permanent strain. The mechanics that would generate such a rolling hinge are uncertain but may incorporate aspects of both subvertical simple shear and flexural failure. An important kinematic consequence of such a rolling hinge is that all of the net slip across a normal fault, not only its horizontal component, is converted into horizontal extension. This implies a significantly larger magnitude of crustal extension across dipping normal faults whose footwalls passed through a rolling hinge than for those that did not develop along with a hinge.

  8. Design and 4D Printing of Cross-Folded Origami Structures: A Preliminary Investigation

    PubMed Central

    Teoh, Joanne Ee Mei; Feng, Xiaofan; Zhao, Yue; Liu, Yong

    2018-01-01

    In 4D printing research, different types of complex structure folding and unfolding have been investigated. However, research on cross-folding of origami structures (defined as a folding structure with at least two overlapping folds) has not been reported. This research focuses on the investigation of cross-folding structures using multi-material components along different axes and different horizontal hinge thickness with single homogeneous material. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the impact of multi-material components and horizontal hinge thickness. In the case of multi-material structures, the hybrid material composition has a significant impact on the overall maximum strain and Young’s modulus properties. In the case of single material structures, the shape recovery speed is inversely proportional to the horizontal hinge thickness, while the flexural or bending strength is proportional to the horizontal hinge thickness. A hinge with a thickness of 0.5 mm could be folded three times prior to fracture whilst a hinge with a thickness of 0.3 mm could be folded only once prior to fracture. A hinge with a thickness of 0.1 mm could not even be folded without cracking. The introduction of a physical hole in the center of the folding/unfolding line provided stress relief and prevented fracture. A complex flower petal shape was used to successfully demonstrate the implementation of overlapping and non-overlapping folding lines using both single material segments and multi-material segments. Design guidelines for establishing cross-folding structures using multi-material components along different axes and different horizontal hinge thicknesses with single or homogeneous material were established. These guidelines can be used to design and implement complex origami structures with overlapping and non-overlapping folding lines. Combined overlapping folding structures could be implemented and allocating specific hole locations in the overall designs could be further explored. In addition, creating a more precise prediction by investigating sets of in between hinge thicknesses and comparing the folding times before fracture, will be the subject of future work. PMID:29510503

  9. Conformational Dynamics of Mechanically Compliant DNA Nanostructures from Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

    PubMed

    Shi, Ze; Castro, Carlos E; Arya, Gaurav

    2017-05-23

    Structural DNA nanotechnology, the assembly of rigid 3D structures of complex yet precise geometries, has recently been used to design dynamic, mechanically compliant nanostructures with tunable equilibrium conformations and conformational distributions. Here we use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to provide insights into the conformational dynamics of a set of mechanically compliant DNA nanostructures-DNA hinges that use single-stranded DNA "springs" to tune the equilibrium conformation of a layered double-stranded DNA "joint" connecting two stiff "arms" constructed from DNA helix bundles. The simulations reproduce the experimentally measured equilibrium angles between hinge arms for a range of hinge designs. The hinges are found to be structurally stable, except for some fraying of the open ends of the DNA helices comprising the hinge arms and some loss of base-pairing interactions in the joint regions coinciding with the crossover junctions, especially in hinges designed to exhibit a small bending angle that exhibit large local stresses resulting in strong kinks in their joints. Principal component analysis reveals that while the hinge dynamics are dominated by bending motion, some twisting and sliding of hinge arms relative to each other also exists. Forced deformation of the hinges reveals distinct bending mechanisms for hinges with short, inextensible springs versus those with longer, more extensible springs. Lastly, we introduce an approach for rapidly predicting equilibrium hinge angles from individual force-deformation behaviors of its single- and double-stranded DNA components. Taken together, these results demonstrate that coarse-grained modeling is a promising approach for designing, predicting, and studying the dynamics of compliant DNA nanostructures, where conformational fluctuations become important, multiple deformation mechanisms exist, and continuum approaches may not yield accurate properties.

  10. Parametric analysis and temperature effect of deployable hinged shells using shape memory polymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tao, Ran; Yang, Qing-Sheng; He, Xiao-Qiao; Liew, Kim-Meow

    2016-11-01

    Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of intelligent materials, which are defined by their capacity to store a temporary shape and recover an original shape. In this work, the shape memory effect of SMP deployable hinged shell is simulated by using compiled user defined material subroutine (UMAT) subroutine of ABAQUS. Variations of bending moment and strain energy of the hinged shells with different temperatures and structural parameters in the loading process are given. The effects of the parameters and temperature on the nonlinear deformation process are emphasized. The entire thermodynamic cycle of SMP deployable hinged shell includes loading at high temperature, load carrying with cooling, unloading at low temperature and recovering the original shape with heating. The results show that the complicated thermo-mechanical deformation and shape memory effect of SMP deployable hinge are influenced by the structural parameters and temperature. The design ability of SMP smart hinged structures in practical application is prospected.

  11. Gradient of structural traits drives hygroscopic movements of scarious bracts surrounding Helichrysum bracteatum capitulum.

    PubMed

    Borowska-Wykret, Dorota; Rypien, Aleksandra; Dulski, Mateusz; Grelowski, Michal; Wrzalik, Roman; Kwiatkowska, Dorota

    2017-06-01

    The capitulum of Helichrysum bracteatum is surrounded by scarious involucral bracts that perform hygroscopic movements leading to bract bending toward or away from the capitulum, depending on cell wall water status. The present investigation aimed at explaining the mechanism of these movements. Surface strain and bract shape changes accompanying the movements were quantified using the replica method. Dissection experiments were used to assess the contribution of different tissues in bract deformation. Cell wall structure and composition were examined with the aid of light and electron microscopy as well as confocal Raman spectroscopy. At the bract hinge (organ actuator) longitudinal strains at opposite surfaces differ profoundly. This results in changes of hinge curvature that drive passive displacement of distal bract portions. The distal portions in turn undergo nearly uniform strain on both surfaces and also minute shape changes. The hinge is built of sclerenchyma-like abaxial tissue, parenchyma and adaxial epidermis with thickened outer walls. Cell wall composition is rather uniform but tissue fraction occupied by cell walls, cell wall thickness, compactness and cellulose microfibril orientation change gradually from abaxial to adaxial hinge surface. Dissection experiments show that the presence of part of the hinge tissues is enough for movements. Differential strain at the hinge is due to adaxial-abaxial gradient in structural traits of hinge tissues and cell walls. Thus, the bract hinge of H. bracteatum is a structure comprising gradually changing tissues, from highly resisting to highly active, rather than a bi-layered structure with distinct active and resistance parts, often ascribed for hygroscopically moving organs. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

  12. Curvature estimation for multilayer hinged structures with initial strains

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nikishkov, G. P.

    2003-10-01

    Closed-form estimate of curvature for hinged multilayer structures with initial strains is developed. The finite element method is used for modeling of self-positioning microstructures. The geometrically nonlinear problem with large rotations and large displacements is solved using step procedure with node coordinate update. Finite element results for curvature of the hinged micromirror with variable width is compared to closed-form estimates.

  13. Locking hinge

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wesselski, Clarence J. (Inventor)

    1988-01-01

    The space station configuration currently studied utilizes structures which require struts to be hinged in the middle in the stowed mode and locked into place in the deployed mode. Since there are hundreds of hinges involved, it is necessary that they have simple, positive locking features with a minimum of joint looseness or slack. This invention comprises two similar housings hinged together with a spring loaded locking member which assists in making as well as breaking the lock. This invention comprises a bracket hinge and bracket members with a spring biased and movable locking member. The locking or latch member has ear parts received in locking openings where wedging surfaces on the ear parts cooperate with complimentary surfaces on the bracket members for bringing the bracket members into a tight end-to-end alignment when the bracket members are in an extended position. When the locking member is moved to an unlocking position, pivoting of the hinge about a pivot pin automatically places the locking member to retain the locking member in an unlocked position. In pivoting the hinge from an extended position to a folded position, longitudinal spring members are placed under tension over annular rollers so that the spring tension in a folded position assists in return of the hinge from a folded to an extended position. Novelty lies in the creation of a locking hinge which allows compact storage and easy assembly of structural members having a minimal number of parts.

  14. Postmylonitic deformation in the Raft River metamorphic core complex, northwestern Utah: Evidence of a rolling hinge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manning, Andrew H.; Bartley, John M.

    1994-06-01

    Much of the recent debate over low-angle normal faults exposed in metamorphic core complexes has centered on the rolling hinge model. The model predicts tilting of seismogenic high-angle normal faults to lower dips by footwall deformation in response to isostatic forces caused by footwall exhumation. This shallow brittle deformation should visibly overprint the mylonitic fabric in the footwall of a metamorphic core complex. The predicted style and magnitude of rolling hinge strain depends upon the macroscopic mechanism by which the footwall deforms. Two end-members have been proposed: subvertical simple shear and flexural failure. Each mechanism should generate a distinctive pattern of structures that strike perpendicular to the regional extension direction. Subvertical simple shear (SVSS) should generate subvertical faults and kink bands with a shear sense antithetic to the detachment. For an SVSS hinge, the hinge-related strain magnitude should depend only on initial fault dip; rolling hinge structures should shorten the mylonitic foliation by >13% for an initial fault dip of >30°. In flexural failure the footwall behaves as a flexed elastic beam that partially fails in response to bending stresses. Resulting structures include conjugate faults and kink bands that both extend and contract the mylonitic foliation. Extensional sets could predominate as a result of superposition of far-field and flexural stresses. Strain magnitudes do not depend on fault dip but depend on the thickness and radius of curvature of the flexed footwall beam and vary with location within that beam. Postmylonitic structures were examined in the footwall of the Raft River metamorphic core complex in northwestern Utah to test these predictions. Observed structures strike perpendicular to the regional extension direction and include joints, normal faults, tension-gash arrays, and both extensional and contractional kink bands. Aside from the subvertical joints, the extensional structures dip moderately to steeply and are mainly either synthetic to the detachment or form conjugate sets. Range-wide, the extensional structures accomplish about 4% elongation of the mylonitic foliation. Contractional structures dip steeply, mainly record shear antithetic to the detachment, and accomplish <1% contraction of the foliation. These observations are consistent with the presence of a rolling hinge in the Raft River Mountains, but a rolling hinge that reoriented a high-angle normal fault by SVSS is excluded. The pattern and magnitudes of strain favor hinge-related deformation mainly by flexural failure with a subordinate component of SVSS.

  15. Enhanced multimaterial 4D printing with active hinges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akbari, Saeed; Hosein Sakhaei, Amir; Kowsari, Kavin; Yang, Bill; Serjouei, Ahmad; Yuanfang, Zhang; Ge, Qi

    2018-06-01

    Despite great progress in four-dimensional (4D) printing, i.e. three-dimensional (3D) printing of active (stimuli-responsive) materials, the relatively low actuation force of the 4D printed structures often impedes their engineering applications. In this study, we use multimaterial inkjet 3D printing technology to fabricate shape memory structures, including a morphing wing flap and a deployable structure, which consist of active and flexible hinges joining rigid (non-active) parts. The active hinges, printed from a shape memory polymer (SMP), lock the structure into a second temporary shape during a thermomechanical programming process, while the flexible hinges, printed from an elastomer, effectively increase the actuation force and the load-bearing capacity of the printed structure as reflected in the recovery ratio. A broad range of mechanical properties such as modulus and failure strain can be achieved for both active and flexible hinges by varying the composition of the two base materials, i.e. the SMP and the elastomer, to accommodate large deformation induced during programming step, and enhance the recovery in the actuating step. To find the important design parameters, including local deformation, shape fixity and recovery ratio, we conduct high fidelity finite element simulations, which are able to accurately predict the nonlinear deformation of the printed structures. In addition, a coupled thermal-electrical finite element analysis was performed to model the heat transfer within the active hinges during the localized Joule heating process. The model predictions showed good agreement with the measured temperature data and were used to find the major parameters affecting temperature distribution including the applied voltage and the convection rate.

  16. Apparatus for raising or tilting a micromechanical structure

    DOEpatents

    Allen, James J [Albuquerque, NM

    2008-09-09

    An active hinge apparatus is disclosed which can be used to raise a micromechanical structure (e.g. a plate or micromirror) on a substrate. The active hinge apparatus utilizes one or more of teeth protruding outward from an axle which also supports the micromechanical structure on one end thereof. A rack is used to engage the teeth and rotate the axle to raise the micromechanical structure and tilt the structure at an angle to the substrate. Motion of the rack is provided by an actuator which can be a mechanically-powered actuator, or alternately an electrostatic comb actuator or a thermal actuator. A latch can be optionally provided in the active hinge apparatus to lock the micromechanical structure in an "erected" position.

  17. Vibration and shape control of hinged light structures using electromagnetic forces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsuzaki, Yuji; Miyachi, Shigenobu; Sasaki, Toshiyuki

    2003-08-01

    This paper describes a new electromagnetic device for vibration control of a light-weighted deployable/retractable structure which consists of many small units connected with mechanical hinges. A typical example of such a structure is a solar cell paddle of an artificial satellite which is composed of many thin flexible blankets connected in series. Vibration and shape control of the paddle is not easy, because control force and energy do not transmit well between the blankets which are discretely connected by hinges with each other. The new device consists of a permanent magnet glued along an edge of a blanket and an electric current-conducting coil glued along an adjoining edge of another adjacent blanket. Conduction of the electric current in a magnetic field from the magnet generates an electromagnetic force on the coil. By changing the current in the coil, therefore, we may control the vibration and shape of the blankets. To confirm the effectiveness of the new device, constructing a simple paddle model consisting eight hinge- panels, we have carried out a model experiment of vibration and shape control of the paddle. In addition, a numerical simulation of vibration control of the hinge structure is performed to compare with measured data.

  18. Deployment Testing of Flexible Composite Hinges in Bi-Material Beams

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sauder, Jonathan F.; Trease, Brian

    2016-01-01

    Composites have excellent properties for strength, thermal stability, and weight. However, they are traditionally highly rigid, and when used in deployable structures require hinges bonded to the composite material, which increases complexity and opportunities for failure. Recent research in composites has found by adding an elastomeric soft matrix, often silicone instead of an epoxy, the composite becomes flexible. This work explores the deployment repeatability of silicone matrix composite hinges which join rigid composite beams. The hinges were found to have sub-millimeter deployment repeatability. Also, an interesting creep effect was discovered, that a hinges deployment error would decrease with time.

  19. Deployment Testing of Flexible Composite Hinges in Bi-Material Beams

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sauder, Jonathan F.; Trease, Brian

    2016-01-01

    Composites have excellent properties for strength, thermal stability, and weight. However, they are traditionally highly rigid, and when used in deployable structures require hinges bonded to the composite material, which increases complexity and opportunities for failure. Recent research in composites has found by adding an elastomeric soft matrix, often silicone instead of an epoxy, the composite becomes flexible. This work explores the deployment repeatability of silicone matrix composite hinges which join rigid composite beams. The hinges were found to have sub-millimeter linear deployment repeatability, and sub-degree angular deployment repeatability. Also, an interesting relaxation effect was discovered, as a hinges deployment error would decrease with time.

  20. Rigid collapsible dish structure

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Palmer, William B. (Inventor); Giebler, Martin M. (Inventor)

    1982-01-01

    A collapsible dish structure composed of a plurality of rows of rigid radial petal assemblies concentric with the axis of the dish. The petal assemblies consist of a center petal and two side petals, the center petal hinged on an axis tangent to a circle concentric with the axis of the dish and the side petals hinged to the center petal at their mating edge. The center petal is foldable inwardly and the side petals rotate about their hinges such that the collapsed dish structure occupies a much smaller volume than the deployed dish. Means of controlling the shape of the dish to compensate for differential expansion of the deployed dish are also provided.

  1. PLAN2D - A PROGRAM FOR ELASTO-PLASTIC ANALYSIS OF PLANAR FRAMES

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lawrence, C.

    1994-01-01

    PLAN2D is a FORTRAN computer program for the plastic analysis of planar rigid frame structures. Given a structure and loading pattern as input, PLAN2D calculates the ultimate load that the structure can sustain before collapse. Element moments and plastic hinge rotations are calculated for the ultimate load. The location of hinges required for a collapse mechanism to form are also determined. The program proceeds in an iterative series of linear elastic analyses. After each iteration the resulting elastic moments in each member are compared to the reserve plastic moment capacity of that member. The member or members that have moments closest to their reserve capacity will determine the minimum load factor and the site where the next hinge is to be inserted. Next, hinges are inserted and the structural stiffness matrix is reformulated. This cycle is repeated until the structure becomes unstable. At this point the ultimate collapse load is calculated by accumulating the minimum load factor from each previous iteration and multiplying them by the original input loads. PLAN2D is based on the program STAN, originally written by Dr. E.L. Wilson at U.C. Berkeley. PLAN2D has several limitations: 1) Although PLAN2D will detect unloading of hinges it does not contain the capability to remove hinges; 2) PLAN2D does not allow the user to input different positive and negative moment capacities and 3) PLAN2D does not consider the interaction between axial and plastic moment capacity. Axial yielding and buckling is ignored as is the reduction in moment capacity due to axial load. PLAN2D is written in FORTRAN and is machine independent. It has been tested on an IBM PC and a DEC MicroVAX. The program was developed in 1988.

  2. Hinge specification for a square-faceted tetrahedral truss

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Adams, L. R.

    1984-01-01

    A square-faceted tetrahedral truss is geometrically analyzed. Expressions are developed for single degree of freedom hinges which allow packaging of the structure into a configuration in which all members are parallel and closely packed in a square pattern. Deployment is sequential, thus providing control over the structure during deployment.

  3. Adaptive fiber optics collimator based on flexible hinges.

    PubMed

    Zhi, Dong; Ma, Yanxing; Ma, Pengfei; Si, Lei; Wang, Xiaolin; Zhou, Pu

    2014-08-20

    In this manuscript, we present a new design for an adaptive fiber optics collimator (AFOC) based on flexible hinges by using piezoelectric stacks actuators for X-Y displacement. Different from traditional AFOC, the new structure is based on flexible hinges to drive the fiber end cap instead of naked fiber. We fabricated a real AFOC based on flexible hinges, and the end cap's deviation and resonance frequency of the device were measured. Experimental results show that this new AFOC can provide fast control of tip-tilt deviation of the laser beam emitting from the end cap. As a result, the fiber end cap can support much higher power than naked fiber, which makes the new structure ideal for tip-tilt controlling in a high-power fiber laser system.

  4. Exploring the Roles of Proline in Three-Dimensional Domain Swapping from Structure Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yongqi; Gao, Meng; Su, Zhengding

    2018-02-01

    Three-dimensional (3D) domain swapping is a mechanism to form protein oligomers. It has been proposed that several factors, including proline residues in the hinge region, may affect the occurrence of 3D domain swapping. Although introducing prolines into the hinge region has been found to promote domain swapping for some proteins, the opposite effect has also been observed in several studies. So far, how proline affects 3D domain swapping remains elusive. In this work, based on a large set of 3D domain-swapped structures, we performed a systematic analysis to explore the correlation between the presence of proline in the hinge region and the occurrence of 3D domain swapping. We further analyzed the conformations of proline and pre-proline residues to investigate the roles of proline in 3D domain swapping. We found that more than 40% of the domain-swapped structures contained proline residues in the hinge region. Unexpectedly, conformational transitions of proline residues were rarely observed upon domain swapping. Our analyses showed that hinge regions containing proline residues preferred more extended conformations, which may be beneficial for the occurrence of domain swapping by facilitating opening of the exchanged segments.

  5. Ultra-precise micro-motion stage for optical scanning test

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Wen; Zhang, Jianhuan; Jiang, Nan

    2009-05-01

    This study aims at the application of optical sensing technology in a 2D flexible hinge test stage. Optical fiber sensor which is manufactured taking advantage of the various unique properties of optical fiber, such as good electric insulation properties, resistance of electromagnetic disturbance, sparkless property and availability in flammable and explosive environment, has lots of good properties, such as high accuracy and wide dynamic range, repeatable, etc. and is applied in 2D flexible hinge stage driven by PZT. Several micro-bending structures are designed utilizing the characteristics of the flexible hinge stage. And through experiments, the optimal micro-bending tooth structure and the scope of displacement sensor trip under this optimal micro-bending tooth structure are derived. These experiments demonstrate that the application of optical fiber displacement sensor in 2D flexible hinge stage driven by PZT substantially broadens the dynamic testing range and improves the sensitivity of this apparatus. Driving accuracy and positioning stability are enhanced as well. [1,2

  6. Investigation on adaptive wing structure based on shape memory polymer composite hinge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Yuemin; Li, Xinbo; Zhang, Wei; Leng, Jinsong

    2007-07-01

    This paper describes the design and investigation of the SMP composite hinge and the morphing wing structure. The SMP composite hinge was based on SMP and carbon fiber fabric. The twisting recoverability of it was investigated by heating and then cooling repeatedly above and below the Tg. The twisting recoverability characterized by the twisting angle. Results show that the SMP composite hinge have good shape recoverability, Recovery time has a great influence on the twisting recoverability. The twisting recovery ratio became large with the increment of recovery time. The morphing wing can changes shape for different tasks. For the advantages of great recovery force and stable performances, we adopt SMP composite hinge as actuator to apply into the structure of the wing which can realize draw back wings to change sweep angle according to the speed and other requirements of military airplanes. Finally, a series of simulations and experiments are performed to investigate the deformations of morphing wings have been performed successfully. It can be seen that the sweep angle change became large with the increment of initial angle. The area reduction became large with the increment of initial angle, but after 75° the area reduction became smaller and smaller. The deformations of the triangle wing became large with the increment of temperature. The area and the sweep angle of wings can be controlled by adjusting the stimulate temperature and the initial twisting angle of shape memory polymer composite hinge.

  7. Molecular mechanics of 30S subunit head rotation.

    PubMed

    Mohan, Srividya; Donohue, John Paul; Noller, Harry F

    2014-09-16

    During ribosomal translocation, a process central to the elongation phase of protein synthesis, movement of mRNA and tRNAs requires large-scale rotation of the head domain of the small (30S) subunit of the ribosome. It has generally been accepted that the head rotates by pivoting around the neck helix (h28) of 16S rRNA, its sole covalent connection to the body domain. Surprisingly, we observe that the calculated axis of rotation does not coincide with the neck. Instead, comparative structure analysis across 55 ribosome structures shows that 30S head movement results from flexing at two hinge points lying within conserved elements of 16S rRNA. Hinge 1, although located within the neck, moves by straightening of the kinked helix h28 at the point of contact with the mRNA. Hinge 2 lies within a three-way helix junction that extends to the body through a second, noncovalent connection; its movement results from flexing between helices h34 and h35 in a plane orthogonal to the movement of hinge 1. Concerted movement at these two hinges accounts for the observed magnitudes of head rotation. Our findings also explain the mode of action of spectinomycin, an antibiotic that blocks translocation by binding to hinge 2.

  8. Molecular mechanics of 30S subunit head rotation

    PubMed Central

    Mohan, Srividya; Donohue, John Paul; Noller, Harry F.

    2014-01-01

    During ribosomal translocation, a process central to the elongation phase of protein synthesis, movement of mRNA and tRNAs requires large-scale rotation of the head domain of the small (30S) subunit of the ribosome. It has generally been accepted that the head rotates by pivoting around the neck helix (h28) of 16S rRNA, its sole covalent connection to the body domain. Surprisingly, we observe that the calculated axis of rotation does not coincide with the neck. Instead, comparative structure analysis across 55 ribosome structures shows that 30S head movement results from flexing at two hinge points lying within conserved elements of 16S rRNA. Hinge 1, although located within the neck, moves by straightening of the kinked helix h28 at the point of contact with the mRNA. Hinge 2 lies within a three-way helix junction that extends to the body through a second, noncovalent connection; its movement results from flexing between helices h34 and h35 in a plane orthogonal to the movement of hinge 1. Concerted movement at these two hinges accounts for the observed magnitudes of head rotation. Our findings also explain the mode of action of spectinomycin, an antibiotic that blocks translocation by binding to hinge 2. PMID:25187561

  9. Native Alanine Substitution in the Glycine Hinge Modulates Conformational Flexibility of Heme Nitric Oxide/Oxygen (H-NOX) Sensing Proteins.

    PubMed

    Hespen, Charles W; Bruegger, Joel J; Guo, Yirui; Marletta, Michael A

    2018-06-15

    Heme nitric oxide/oxygen sensing (H-NOX) domains are direct NO sensors that regulate a variety of biological functions in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Previous work on H-NOX proteins has shown that upon NO binding, a conformational change occurs along two glycine residues on adjacent helices (termed the glycine hinge). Despite the apparent importance of the glycine hinge, it is not fully conserved in all H-NOX domains. Several H-NOX sensors from the family Flavobacteriaceae contain a native alanine substitution in one of the hinge residues. In this work, the effect of the increased steric bulk within the Ala-Gly hinge on H-NOX function was investigated. The hinge in Kordia algicida OT-1 ( Ka H-NOX) is composed of A71 and G145. Ligand-binding properties and signaling function for this H-NOX were characterized. The variant A71G was designed to convert the hinge region of Ka H-NOX to the typical Gly-Gly motif. In activity assays with its cognate histidine kinase (HnoK), the wild type displayed increased signal specificity compared to A71G. Increasing titrations of unliganded A71G gradually inhibits HnoK autophosphorylation, while increasing titrations of unliganded wild type H-NOX does not inhibit HnoK. Crystal structures of both wild type and A71G Ka H-NOX were solved to 1.9 and 1.6 Å, respectively. Regions of H-NOX domains previously identified as involved in protein-protein interactions with HnoK display significantly higher b-factors in A71G compared to wild-type H-NOX. Both biochemical and structural data indicate that the hinge region controls overall conformational flexibility of the H-NOX, affecting NO complex formation and regulation of its HnoK.

  10. Hinge Moments of Sealed-Internal-Balance Arrangements for Control Surfaces I : Theoretical Investigation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Murray, Harry E.; Erwin, Mary A.

    1945-01-01

    The results of a theoretical analysis of the hinge-moment characteristics of various sealed-internal-balance arrangements for control surfaces are presented. The analysis considered overhands sealed to various types of wing structure by flexible seals spanning gaps of various widths or sealed to the wing structure by a flexible system of linked plates. Leakage was not considered; the seal was assumed to extend the full spanwise length of the control surface. The effect of the developed width of the flexible seal and of the geometry of the structure to which the seal was anchored was investigated, as well as the effect of the gap width that is sealed. The results of the investigation indicated that the most nearly linear control-surface hinge-moment characteristics can probably be obtained from a flexible seal over a narrow gap (about 0.1 of the overhang chord), which is so installed that the motion of the seal is restricted to a region behind the point of attachment of the seal to the wing structure. Control-surface hinge moments that tend to be high at large deflections and low or overbalanced at small deflections will result if a very narrow seal is used.

  11. Effects of thermo-mechanical behavior and hinge geometry on folding response of shape memory polymer sheets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mailen, Russell W.; Dickey, Michael D.; Genzer, Jan; Zikry, Mohammed

    2017-11-01

    Shape memory polymer (SMP) sheets patterned with black ink hinges change shape in response to external stimuli, such as absorbed thermal energy from an infrared (IR) light. The geometry of these hinges, including size, orientation, and location, and the applied thermal loads significantly influence the final folded shape of the sheet, but these variables have not been fully investigated. We perform a systematic study on SMP sheets to fundamentally understand the effects of single and double hinge geometries, hinge orientation and spacing, initial temperature, heat flux intensity, and pattern width on the folding behavior. We have developed thermo-viscoelastic finite element models to characterize and quantify the stresses, strains, and temperatures as they relate to SMP shape changes. Our predictions indicate that hinge orientation can be used to reduce the total bending angle, which is the angle traversed by the folding face of the sheet. Two parallel hinges increase the total bending angle, and heat conduction between the hinges affects the transient folding response. IR intensity and initial temperatures can also influence the transient folding behavior. These results can provide guidelines to optimize the transient folding response and the three-dimensional folded structure obtained from self-folding polymer origami sheets that can be applied for myriad applications.

  12. Improved design of support for large aperture space lightweight mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Chao; Ruan, Ping; Liu, Qimin

    2013-08-01

    In order to design a kind of rational large aperture space mirror which can adapt to the space gravity and thermal environment, by taking the choice of material, the lightweight of the mirror and the design of support into account in detail, a double-deck structure with traditional flexible hinge was designed, then the analytical mathematical model of the mirror system was established. The design adopts six supports on back. in order to avoid the constraints, mirror is connected to three middle transition pieces through six flexible hinges, and then the three transition pieces are connected to support plate through another three flexible hinges. However, the initial structure is unable to reach the expected design target and needs to be made further adjustments. By improving and optimizing the original structure, a new type of flexible hinge in the shape of the letter A is designed finally. Compared with the traditional flexible hinge structure, the new structure is simpler and has less influence on the surface figure accuracy of mirror. By using the finite element analysis method, the static and dynamic characteristics as well as the thermal characteristics of the mirror system are analyzed. Analysis results show that the maximum PV value is 37 nm and the maximum RMS value is 10.4 nm when gravity load is applied. Furthermore, the maximum PV value is 46 nm and the maximum RMS value is 10.5 nm under the load case of gravity coupled with 4℃ uniform temperature rise. The results satisfy the index of optical design. The first order natural frequency of the mirror component is 130 Hz according to the conclusion obtained by modal analytical solution, so the mirror structure has high enough fundamental frequency. And, the structural strength can meet the demand under the overload and the random vibration environment respectively. It indicates that the mirror component structure has enough dynamic, static stiffness and thermal stability, meeting the design requirements.

  13. Evidence for colonization and destruction of hinge ligaments in cultured juvenile Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) by cytophaga-like bacteria.

    PubMed Central

    Dungan, C F; Elston, R A; Schiewe, M H

    1989-01-01

    Several strains of cytophaga-like gliding bacteria (CLB) were isolated as numerically dominant or codominant components of bacterial populations associated with proteinaceous hinge ligaments of cultured juvenile Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas. These bacteria were morphologically similar to long, flexible bacilli occurring within degenerative lesions in oyster hinge ligaments. Among bacteria isolated from hinge ligaments, only CLB strains were capable of sustained growth with hinge ligament matrix as the sole source of organic carbon and nitrogen. In vitro incubation of cuboidal portions of ligament resilium with ligament CLB resulted in bacterial proliferation on the surfaces and penetration deep into ligament matrices. Bacterial proliferation was accompanied by loss of resilium structural and mechanical integrity, including complete liquefaction, at incubation temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees C. The morphological, distributional, and degradative characteristics of CLB isolated from oyster hinge ligaments provide compelling, albeit indirect, evidence that CLB are the agents of a degenerative disease affecting juvenile cultured oysters. The motility, metabolic, and hydrolytic characteristics of hinge ligament CLB and the low moles percent G + C values (32.4 to 32.9) determined for three representative strains indicate that they are marine Cytophaga spp. Images PMID:2757377

  14. Evidence for colonization and destruction of hinge ligaments in cultured juvenile Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) by cytophaga-like bacteria.

    PubMed

    Dungan, C F; Elston, R A; Schiewe, M H

    1989-05-01

    Several strains of cytophaga-like gliding bacteria (CLB) were isolated as numerically dominant or codominant components of bacterial populations associated with proteinaceous hinge ligaments of cultured juvenile Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas. These bacteria were morphologically similar to long, flexible bacilli occurring within degenerative lesions in oyster hinge ligaments. Among bacteria isolated from hinge ligaments, only CLB strains were capable of sustained growth with hinge ligament matrix as the sole source of organic carbon and nitrogen. In vitro incubation of cuboidal portions of ligament resilium with ligament CLB resulted in bacterial proliferation on the surfaces and penetration deep into ligament matrices. Bacterial proliferation was accompanied by loss of resilium structural and mechanical integrity, including complete liquefaction, at incubation temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees C. The morphological, distributional, and degradative characteristics of CLB isolated from oyster hinge ligaments provide compelling, albeit indirect, evidence that CLB are the agents of a degenerative disease affecting juvenile cultured oysters. The motility, metabolic, and hydrolytic characteristics of hinge ligament CLB and the low moles percent G + C values (32.4 to 32.9) determined for three representative strains indicate that they are marine Cytophaga spp.

  15. Deployable Soft Composite Structures.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wei; Rodrigue, Hugo; Ahn, Sung-Hoon

    2016-02-19

    Deployable structure composed of smart materials based actuators can reconcile its inherently conflicting requirements of low mass, good shape adaptability, and high load-bearing capability. This work describes the fabrication of deployable structures using smart soft composite actuators combining a soft matrix with variable stiffness properties and hinge-like movement through a rigid skeleton. The hinge actuator has the advantage of being simple to fabricate, inexpensive, lightweight and simple to actuate. This basic actuator can then be used to form modules capable of different types of deformations, which can then be assembled into deployable structures. The design of deployable structures is based on three principles: design of basic hinge actuators, assembly of modules and assembly of modules into large-scale deployable structures. Various deployable structures such as a segmented triangular mast, a planar structure comprised of single-loop hexagonal modules and a ring structure comprised of single-loop quadrilateral modules were designed and fabricated to verify this approach. Finally, a prototype for a deployable mirror was developed by attaching a foldable reflective membrane to the designed ring structure and its functionality was tested by using it to reflect sunlight onto to a small-scale solar panel.

  16. Control-Structure Ratings on the Fox River at McHenry and Algonquin, Illinois

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Straub, Timothy D.; Johnson, Gary P.; Hortness, Jon E.; Parker, Joseph R.

    2009-01-01

    The Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Office of Water Resources operates control structures on a reach of the Fox River in northeastern Illinois between McHenry and Algonquin. The structures maintain water levels in the river for flood-control and recreational purposes. This report documents flow ratings for hinged-crest gates, a broad-crested weir, sluice gates, and an ogee spillway on the control structures at McHenry and Algonquin. The ratings were determined by measuring headwater and tailwater stage along with streamflow at a wide range of flows at different gate openings. Standard control-structure rating techniques were used to rate each control structure. The control structures at McHenry consist of a 221-feet(ft)-long broad-crested weir, a 4-ft-wide fish ladder, a 50-ft-wide hinged-crest gate, five 13.75-ft-wide sluice gates, and a navigational lock. Sixty measurements were used to rate the McHenry structures. The control structures at Algonquin consist of a 242-ft-long ogee spillway and a 50-ft-wide hinged-crest gate. Forty-one measurements were used to rate the Algonquin control structures.

  17. Deployable Soft Composite Structures

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Wei; Rodrigue, Hugo; Ahn, Sung-Hoon

    2016-01-01

    Deployable structure composed of smart materials based actuators can reconcile its inherently conflicting requirements of low mass, good shape adaptability, and high load-bearing capability. This work describes the fabrication of deployable structures using smart soft composite actuators combining a soft matrix with variable stiffness properties and hinge-like movement through a rigid skeleton. The hinge actuator has the advantage of being simple to fabricate, inexpensive, lightweight and simple to actuate. This basic actuator can then be used to form modules capable of different types of deformations, which can then be assembled into deployable structures. The design of deployable structures is based on three principles: design of basic hinge actuators, assembly of modules and assembly of modules into large-scale deployable structures. Various deployable structures such as a segmented triangular mast, a planar structure comprised of single-loop hexagonal modules and a ring structure comprised of single-loop quadrilateral modules were designed and fabricated to verify this approach. Finally, a prototype for a deployable mirror was developed by attaching a foldable reflective membrane to the designed ring structure and its functionality was tested by using it to reflect sunlight onto to a small-scale solar panel. PMID:26892762

  18. Computational prediction of hinge axes in proteins

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background A protein's function is determined by the wide range of motions exhibited by its 3D structure. However, current experimental techniques are not able to reliably provide the level of detail required for elucidating the exact mechanisms of protein motion essential for effective drug screening and design. Computational tools are instrumental in the study of the underlying structure-function relationship. We focus on a special type of proteins called "hinge proteins" which exhibit a motion that can be interpreted as a rotation of one domain relative to another. Results This work proposes a computational approach that uses the geometric structure of a single conformation to predict the feasible motions of the protein and is founded in recent work from rigidity theory, an area of mathematics that studies flexibility properties of general structures. Given a single conformational state, our analysis predicts a relative axis of motion between two specified domains. We analyze a dataset of 19 structures known to exhibit this hinge-like behavior. For 15, the predicted axis is consistent with a motion to a second, known conformation. We present a detailed case study for three proteins whose dynamics have been well-studied in the literature: calmodulin, the LAO binding protein and the Bence-Jones protein. Conclusions Our results show that incorporating rigidity-theoretic analyses can lead to effective computational methods for understanding hinge motions in macromolecules. This initial investigation is the first step towards a new tool for probing the structure-dynamics relationship in proteins. PMID:25080829

  19. Chemical taxonomy of the hinge-ligament proteins of bivalves according to their amino acid compositions.

    PubMed Central

    Kikuchi, Y; Tamiya, N

    1987-01-01

    The proteins in the hinge ligaments of molluscan bivalves were subjected to chemotaxonomic studies according to their amino acid compositions. The hinge-ligament protein is a new class of structure proteins, and this is the first attempt to introduce chemical taxonomy into the systematics of bivalves. The hinge-ligament proteins from morphologically close species, namely mactra (superfamily Mactracea) or scallop (family Pectinidae) species, showed high intraspecific homology in their compositions. On the other hand, inconsistent results were obtained with two types of ligament proteins in pearl oyster species (genus Pinctada). The results of our chemotaxonomic analyses were sometimes in good agreement with the morphological classifications and sometimes inconsistent, implying a complicated phylogenetic relationship among the species. PMID:3593265

  20. Study on Transverse Load Distribution of Hinged Hollow Beam

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Weiyue; Zhang, Chao; Wan, Shui

    2017-11-01

    The bridge is a kind of space structure, when the car load on a part of the bridge, the impact of its load will be transmitted to the surrounding. In this paper, the hinge plate method is used to calculate and analyze the simply supported hollow slab of a certain arch bridge. Considering the hinge plate mounting method is suitable for pouring concrete bridge connecting the longitudinal tongue and groove joints, horizontal beams fabricated separate beam only in the middle between the free flaps or reinforced with steel connection. Therefore, the transverse analysis and calculation of the superstructure of box girder are carried out by using hinge plate method. And mechanical analysis of the transverse beam with finite element software MIDAS Civil grillage method.

  1. Visualizing Key Hinges and a Potential Major Source of Compliance in the Lever Arm of Myosin

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

    J Brown; V Senthil Kumar; E ONeall-Hennessey

    2011-12-31

    We have determined the 2.3-{angstrom}-resolution crystal structure of a myosin light chain domain, corresponding to one type found in sea scallop catch ('smooth') muscle. This structure reveals hinges that may function in the 'on' and 'off' states of myosin. The molecule adopts two different conformations about the heavy chain 'hook' and regulatory light chain (RLC) helix D. This conformational change results in extended and compressed forms of the lever arm whose lengths differ by 10 {angstrom}. The heavy chain hook and RLC helix D hinges could thus serve as a potential major and localized source of cross-bridge compliance during themore » contractile cycle. In addition, in one of the molecules of the crystal, part of the RLC N-terminal extension is seen in atomic detail and forms a one-turn alpha-helix that interacts with RLC helix D. This extension, whose sequence is highly variable in different myosins, may thus modulate the flexibility of the lever arm. Moreover, the relative proximity of the phosphorylation site to the helix D hinge suggests a potential role for conformational changes about this hinge in the transition between the on and off states of regulated myosins.« less

  2. Visualizing key hinges and a potential major source of compliance in the lever arm of myosin

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

    Brown, J.H.; Robinson, H.; Senthil Kumar, V. S.

    2011-01-04

    We have determined the 2.3-{angstrom}-resolution crystal structure of a myosin light chain domain, corresponding to one type found in sea scallop catch ('smooth') muscle. This structure reveals hinges that may function in the 'on' and 'off' states of myosin. The molecule adopts two different conformations about the heavy chain 'hook' and regulatory light chain (RLC) helix D. This conformational change results in extended and compressed forms of the lever arm whose lengths differ by 10 {angstrom}. The heavy chain hook and RLC helix D hinges could thus serve as a potential major and localized source of cross-bridge compliance during themore » contractile cycle. In addition, in one of the molecules of the crystal, part of the RLC N-terminal extension is seen in atomic detail and forms a one-turn alpha-helix that interacts with RLC helix D. This extension, whose sequence is highly variable in different myosins, may thus modulate the flexibility of the lever arm. Moreover, the relative proximity of the phosphorylation site to the helix D hinge suggests a potential role for conformational changes about this hinge in the transition between the on and off states of regulated myosins.« less

  3. Determination of Elevator and Rudder Hinge Forces on the Learjet Model 55 Aircraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Boroughs, R. R.; Padmanabhan, V.

    1983-01-01

    The empennage structure on the Learjet 55 aircraft was quite similar to the empennage structure on earlier Learjet models. However, due to an important structural change in the vertical fin along with the new loads environment on the 50 series aircraft, a structural test was required on the vertical fin, but the horizontal tail was substantiated by a comparative analysis with previous tests. NASTRAN analysis was used to investigate empennage deflections, stress levels, and control surface hinge forces. The hinge force calculations were made with the control surfaces in the deflected as well as undeflected configurations. A skin panel buckling analysis was also performed, and the non-linear effects of buckling were simulated in the NASTRAN model to more accurately define internal loads and stress levels. Comparisons were then made between the Model 55 and the Model 35/36 stresses and internal forces to determine which components were qualified by previous tests. Some of the methods and techniques used in this analysis are described.

  4. Computational Modeling of Shape Memory Polymer Origami that Responds to Light

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mailen, Russell William

    Shape memory polymers (SMPs) transform in response to external stimuli, such as infrared (IR) light. Although SMPs have many applications, this investigation focuses on their use as actuators in self-folding origami structures. Ink patterned on the surface of the SMP sheet absorbs thermal energy from the IR light, which produces localized heating. The material shrinks wherever the activation temperature is exceeded and can produce out-of-plane deformation. The time and temperature dependent response of these SMPs provides unique opportunities for developing complex three-dimensional (3D) structures from initially flat sheets through self-folding origami, but the application of this technique requires predicting accurately the final folded or deformed shape. Furthermore, current computational approaches for SMPs do not fully couple the thermo-mechanical response of the material. Hence, a proposed nonlinear, 3D, thermo-viscoelastic finite element framework was formulated to predict deformed shapes for different self-folding systems and compared to experimental results for self-folding origami structures. A detailed understanding of the shape memory response and the effect of controllable design parameters, such as the ink pattern, pre-strain conditions, and applied thermal and mechanical fields, allows for a predictive understanding and design of functional, 3D structures. The proposed modeling framework was used to obtain a fundamental understanding of the thermo-mechanical behavior of SMPs and the impact of the material behavior on hinged self-folding. These predictions indicated how the thermal and mechanical conditions during pre-strain significantly affect the shrinking and folding response of the SMP. Additionally, the externally applied thermal loads significantly influenced the folding rate and maximum bending angle. The computational framework was also adapted to understand the effects of fully coupling the thermal and mechanical response of the material. This updated framework accounted for external heat sources, such as ambient temperature and incident surface heat flux, as well as internal temperature changes due to conduction and viscous heat generation. Viscous heating during the pre-strain sequence affected the residual stresses after cooling due to accelerated viscoelastic relaxation. This resulted in a delayed shrinking and folding response. Other factors that affected the folding response include sheet thickness, hinge width, degree of pre-strain, and hinge temperature. The predicted results indicated that the maximum bending angle can be increased for a folded structure by increasing the hinge width, degree of pre-strain, and hinge surface temperature. Folding time can be reduced by decreasing the sheet thickness, increasing the hinge width, and increasing the hinge temperature. The coupled thermo-mechanical approach was also extended to investigate both curved and folded structures by varying the ink pattern and the substrate geometry. With this approach, two continuous curvature mechanisms were obtained. One was an indirect curvature mechanism which resulted from internal stresses that evolved from the shrinking of activated regions of the material relative to unactivated regions. The second was a direct curvature mechanism that resulted from ink distributed in gradients across the surface of the material. Furthermore, the effects of hinge orientation, proximity of multiple hinges, sheet aspect ratio, and axisymmetric ink patterns were characterized for other shapes, such as rectangles and discs. The findings of this investigation clearly indicate that this validated computational approach can be used to predict and understand the myriad mechanisms of self-folding origami structures. By varying the location of ink on the polymer surface and making changes to the substrate geometry, complex 3D structures can be obtained. The developed thermo-mechanical framework can be used to design optimized origami structures for biomedical devices, space telescopes, and functional, engineered origami devices.

  5. On the Roles of Substrate Binding and Hinge Unfolding in Conformational Changes of Adenylate Kinase

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

    Brokaw, Jason B.; Chu, Jhih-wei

    2010-11-17

    We characterized the conformational change of adenylate kinase (AK) between open and closed forms by conducting five all-atom molecular-dynamics simulations, each of 100 ns duration. Different initial structures and substrate binding configurations were used to probe the pathways of AK conformational change in explicit solvent, and no bias potential was applied. A complete closed-to-open and a partial open-to-closed transition were observed, demonstrating the direct impact of substrate-mediated interactions on shifting protein conformation. The sampled configurations suggest two possible pathways for connecting the open and closed structures of AK, affirming the prediction made based on available x-ray structures and earlier worksmore » of coarse-grained modeling. The trajectories of the all-atom molecular-dynamics simulations revealed the complexity of protein dynamics and the coupling between different domains during conformational change. Calculations of solvent density and density fluctuations surrounding AK did not show prominent variation during the transition between closed and open forms. Finally, we characterized the effects of local unfolding of an important hinge near Pro177 on the closed-to-open transition of AK and identified a novel mechanism by which hinge unfolding modulates protein conformational change. The local unfolding of Pro177 hinge induces alternative tertiary contacts that stabilize the closed structure and prevent the opening transition.« less

  6. Hinge-like structure induced unusual properties of black phosphorus and new strategies to improve the thermoelectric performance

    PubMed Central

    Qin, Guangzhao; Yan, Qing-Bo; Qin, Zhenzhen; Yue, Sheng-Ying; Cui, Hui-Juan; Zheng, Qing-Rong; Su, Gang

    2014-01-01

    We systematically investigated the geometric, electronic and thermoelectric (TE) properties of bulk black phosphorus (BP) under strain. The hinge-like structure of BP brings unusual mechanical responses such as anisotropic Young's modulus and negative Poisson's ratio. A sensitive electronic structure of BP makes it transform among metal, direct and indirect semiconductors under strain. The maximal figure of merit ZT of BP is found to be 0.72 at 800 K that could be enhanced to 0.87 by exerting an appropriate strain, revealing BP could be a potential medium-high temperature TE material. Such strain-induced enhancements of TE performance are often observed to occur at the boundary of the direct-indirect band gap transition, which can be attributed to the increase of degeneracy of energy valleys at the transition point. By comparing the structure of BP with SnSe, a family of potential TE materials with hinge-like structure are suggested. This study not only exposes various novel properties of BP under strain, but also proposes effective strategies to seek for better TE materials. PMID:25374306

  7. Evaluation of the Hinge Moment and Normal Force Aerodynamic Loads from a Seamless Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge Flap in Flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Miller, Eric J.; Cruz, Josue; Lung, Shun-Fat; Kota, Sridhar; Ervin, Gregory; Lu, Kerr-Jia; Flick, Pete

    2016-01-01

    A seamless adaptive compliant trailing edge (ACTE) flap was demonstrated in flight on a Gulfstream III aircraft at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. The trailing edge flap was deflected between minus 2 deg up and plus 30 deg down in flight. The safety-of-flight parameters for the ACTE flap experiment require that flap-to-wing interface loads be sensed and monitored in real time to ensure that the structural load limits of the wing are not exceeded. The attachment fittings connecting the flap to the aircraft wing rear spar were instrumented with strain gages and calibrated using known loads for measuring hinge moment and normal force loads in flight. The safety-of-flight parameters for the ACTE flap experiment require that flap-to-wing interface loads be sensed and monitored in real time to ensure that the structural load limits of the wing are not exceeded. The attachment fittings connecting the flap to the aircraft wing rear spar were instrumented with strain gages and calibrated using known loads for measuring hinge moment and normal force loads in flight. The interface hardware instrumentation layout and load calibration are discussed. Twenty-one applied calibration test load cases were developed for each individual fitting. The 2-sigma residual errors for the hinge moment was calculated to be 2.4 percent, and for normal force was calculated to be 7.3 percent. The hinge moment and normal force generated by the ACTE flap with a hinge point located at 26-percent wing chord were measured during steady state and symmetric pitch maneuvers. The loads predicted from analysis were compared to the loads observed in flight. The hinge moment loads showed good agreement with the flight loads while the normal force loads calculated from analysis were over-predicted by approximately 20 percent. Normal force and hinge moment loads calculated from the pressure sensors located on the ACTE showed good agreement with the loads calculated from the installed strain gages.

  8. Deployable geodesic truss structure

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mikulas, Martin M., Jr. (Inventor); Rhodes, Marvin D. (Inventor); Simonton, J. Wayne (Inventor)

    1987-01-01

    A deployable geodesic truss structure which can be deployed from a stowed state to an erected state is described. The truss structure includes a series of bays, each bay having sets of battens connected by longitudinal cross members which give the bay its axial and torsional stiffness. The cross members are hinged at their mid point by a joint so that the cross members are foldable for deployment or collapsing. The bays are deployed and stabilized by actuator means connected between the mid point joints of the cross members. Hinged longerons may be provided to also connect the sets of battens and to collapse for stowing with the rest of the truss structure.

  9. Non-equivalent role of TM2 gating hinges in heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 potassium channels.

    PubMed

    Shang, Lijun; Tucker, Stephen J

    2008-02-01

    Comparison of the crystal structures of the KcsA and MthK potassium channels suggests that the process of opening a K(+) channel involves pivoted bending of the inner pore-lining helices at a highly conserved glycine residue. This bending motion is proposed to splay the transmembrane domains outwards to widen the gate at the "helix-bundle crossing". However, in the inwardly rectifying (Kir) potassium channel family, the role of this "hinge" residue in the second transmembrane domain (TM2) and that of another putative glycine gating hinge at the base of TM2 remain controversial. We investigated the role of these two positions in heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 channels, which are unique amongst Kir channels in that both subunits lack a conserved glycine at the upper hinge position. Contrary to the effect seen in other channels, increasing the potential flexibility of TM2 by glycine substitutions at the upper hinge position decreases channel opening. Furthermore, the contribution of the Kir4.1 subunit to this process is dominant compared to Kir5.1, demonstrating a non-equivalent contribution of these two subunits to the gating process. A homology model of heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 shows that these upper "hinge" residues are in close contact with the base of the pore alpha-helix that supports the selectivity filter. Our results also indicate that the highly conserved glycine at the "lower" gating hinge position is required for tight packing of the TM2 helices at the helix-bundle crossing, rather than acting as a hinge residue.

  10. Hinge residue I174 is critical for proper dNTP selection by DNA polymerase beta.

    PubMed

    Yamtich, Jen; Starcevic, Daniela; Lauper, Julia; Smith, Elenoe; Shi, Idina; Rangarajan, Sneha; Jaeger, Joachim; Sweasy, Joann B

    2010-03-23

    DNA polymerase beta (pol beta) is the key gap-filling polymerase in base excision repair, the DNA repair pathway responsible for repairing up to 20000 endogenous lesions per cell per day. Pol beta is also widely used as a model polymerase for structure and function studies, and several structural regions have been identified as being critical for the fidelity of the enzyme. One of these regions is the hydrophobic hinge, a network of hydrophobic residues located between the palm and fingers subdomains. Previous work by our lab has shown that hinge residues Y265, I260, and F272 are critical for polymerase fidelity by functioning in discrimination of the correct from incorrect dNTP during ground state binding. Our work aimed to elucidate the role of hinge residue I174 in polymerase fidelity. To study this residue, we conducted a genetic screen to identify mutants with a substitution at residue I174 that resulted in a mutator polymerase. We then chose the mutator mutant I174S for further study and found that it follows the same general kinetic pathway as and has an overall protein folding similar to that of wild-type (WT) pol beta. Using single-turnover kinetic analysis, we found that I174S exhibits decreased fidelity when inserting a nucleotide opposite a template base G, and this loss of fidelity is due primarily to a loss of discrimination during ground state dNTP binding. Molecular dynamics simulations show that mutation of residue I174 to serine results in an overall tightening of the hinge region, resulting in aberrant protein dynamics and fidelity. These results point to the hinge region as being critical in the maintenance of the proper geometry of the dNTP binding pocket.

  11. Soft storey effects on plastic hinge propagation of moment resisting reinforced concrete building subjected to Ranau earthquake

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Chee Ghuan; Chia, Wei Ting; Majid, Taksiah A.; Nazri, Fadzli Mohamed; Adiyanto, Mohd Irwan

    2017-10-01

    On 5th June 2015, a moderate earthquake with Mw 5.9 hit Ranau, resulted in damages of the existing non-seismically designed buildings, such that 61 buildings, including mosques, schools, hospitals and Ranau police headquarters were suffered from different level structural damages. Soft storey irregularity is one of the main reasons of the building damage. This study is to investigate the soft-story effect on the propagation path of plastic hinges RC building under seismic excitation. The plastic hinges formation and seismic performance of five moment resisting RC frames with different infill configurations are studied. The seismic performance of building is evaluated by Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA). Open ground soft storey structure shows the lowest seismic resistance, collapses at 0.55g pga. The maximum interstorey drift ratio (IDRmax) in soft storey buildings ranging from 0.53% to 2.96% which are far greater than bare frame ranging from 0.095% to 0.69%. The presence of infill walls creates stiffer upper stories causing moments concentrate at the soft storey, resulting the path of plastic hinge propagation is dominant at the soft storey columns. Hence, the buildings with soft storey are very susceptible under earthquake load.

  12. Magnetic Actuation of Self-Assembled DNA Hinges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lauback, S.; Mattioli, K.; Armstrong, M.; Miller, C.; Pease, C.; Castro, C.; Sooryakumar, R.

    DNA nanotechnology offers a broad range of applications spanning from the creation of nanoscale devices, motors and nanoparticle templates to the development of precise drug delivery systems. Central to advancing this technology is the ability to actuate or reconfigure structures in real time, which is currently achieved primarily by DNA strand displacement yielding slow actuation times (about 1-10min). Here we exploit superparamagnetic beads to magnetically actuate DNA structures which also provides a system to measure forces associated with molecular interactions. DNA nanodevices are folded using DNA origami, whereby a long single-stranded DNA is folded into a precise compact geometry using hundreds of short oligonucleotides. Our DNA nanodevice is a nanohinge from which rod shaped DNA nanostructures are polymerized into micron-scale filaments forming handles for actuation. By functionalizing one arm of the hinge and the filament ends, the hinge can be attached to a surface while still allowing an arm to rotate and the filaments can be labeled with magnetic beads enabling the hinge to be actuated almost instantaneously by external magnetic fields. These results lay the groundwork to establish real-time manipulation and direct force application of DNA constructs.

  13. Two-axis direct fluid shear stress sensor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bajikar, Sateesh (Inventor); Scott, Michael A. (Inventor); Adcock, Edward E. (Inventor)

    2011-01-01

    A micro sized multi-axis semiconductor skin friction/wall shear stress induced by fluid flow. The sensor design includes a shear/strain transduction gimble connected to a force collecting plate located at the flow boundary surface. The shear force collecting plate is interconnected by an arm to offset the tortional hinges from the fluid flow. The arm is connected to the shear force collecting plate through dual axis torsional hinges with piezoresistive torsional strain gauges. These gauges are disposed on the tortional hinges and provide a voltage output indicative of applied shear stress acting on the force collection plate proximate the flow boundary surface. Offsetting the torsional hinges creates a force concentration and resolution structure that enables the generation of a large stress on the strain gauge from small shear stress, or small displacement of the collecting plate. The design also isolates the torsional sensors from exposure to the fluid flow.

  14. Structural Characterization of Proline-rich Tyrosine Kinase 2 (PYK2) Reveals a Unique (DFG-out) Conformation and Enables Inhibitor Design

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

    Han, Seungil; Mistry, Anil; Chang, Jeanne S.

    Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) is a cytoplasmic, non-receptor tyrosine kinase implicated in multiple signaling pathways. It is a negative regulator of osteogenesis and considered a viable drug target for osteoporosis treatment. The high-resolution structures of the human PYK2 kinase domain with different inhibitor complexes establish the conventional bilobal kinase architecture and show the conformational variability of the DFG loop. The basis for the lack of selectivity for the classical kinase inhibitor, PF-431396, within the FAK family is explained by our structural analyses. Importantly, the novel DFG-out conformation with two diarylurea inhibitors (BIRB796, PF-4618433) reveals a distinct subclass of non-receptormore » tyrosine kinases identifiable by the gatekeeper Met-502 and the unique hinge loop conformation of Leu-504. This is the first example of a leucine residue in the hinge loop that blocks the ATP binding site in the DFG-out conformation. Our structural, biophysical, and pharmacological studies suggest that the unique features of the DFG motif, including Leu-504 hinge-loop variability, can be exploited for the development of selective protein kinase inhibitors.« less

  15. Kinematics analysis on hinges of robot arm gripper for harmful chemical handling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Razali, Zol Bahri; Kader, Mohamed Mydin M. Abdul; Mustafa, Nurul Fahimah; Daud, Mohd Hisam

    2017-09-01

    The development of manufacturing industry is booming the application of industrial robot, and proportional to the use of robot arm. Some of the purpose of robot arm gripper is to sort things and place to the proper place. And some of the things are harmful to human, such as harmful chemical. By using robot arm to do picking and placing, it is expected to replace human tasks, as well as to reduce human from the harmful job. The problem of the robot arm gripper, most likely the problem of hinge, thus the analysis on the hinges of robot arm gripper to prevent claw is essential. By using robot arm, instead of human, is labored to do the harmful tasks and unexpected accident happen, costs and expenses in handling injured employee due to the harmful chemicals can be minimized. Thus the objective of this project is to make a kinematics analysis on the hinges of the robot arm gripper. Suitable material such as steel structure has also been selected for the construction of this hinges. This material has properties associated with compressive strength, fire resistance, corrosion and has a shape that is easy to move. Solid Works and ANSYS software is used to create animated movement on the design model and to detect deficiencies in the hinges. Detail methodology is described in this paper.

  16. Glycine Hinges with Opposing Actions at the Acetylcholine Receptor-Channel Transmitter Binding SiteS⃞

    PubMed Central

    Purohit, Prasad

    2011-01-01

    The extent to which agonists activate synaptic receptor-channels depends on both the intrinsic tendency of the unliganded receptor to open and the amount of agonist binding energy realized in the channel-opening process. We examined mutations of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor transmitter binding site (α subunit loop B) with regard to both of these parameters. αGly147 is an “activation” hinge where backbone flexibility maintains high values for intrinsic gating, the affinity of the resting conformation for agonists and net ligand binding energy. αGly153 is a “deactivation” hinge that maintains low values for these parameters. αTrp149 (between these two glycines) serves mainly to provide ligand binding energy for gating. We propose that a concerted motion of the two glycine hinges (plus other structural elements at the binding site) positions αTrp149 so that it provides physiologically optimal binding and gating function at the nerve-muscle synapse. PMID:21115636

  17. Collective Dynamics of Periplasmic Glutamine Binding Protein upon Domain Closure

    PubMed Central

    Loeffler, Hannes H.; Kitao, Akio

    2009-01-01

    The glutamine binding protein is a vital component of the associated ATP binding cassette transport systems responsible for the uptake of glutamine into the cell. We have investigated the global movements of this protein by molecular dynamics simulations and principal component analysis (PCA). We confirm that the most dominant mode corresponds to the biological function of the protein, i.e., a hinge-type motion upon ligand binding. The closure itself was directly observed from two independent trajectories whereby PCA was used to elucidate the nature of this closing reaction. Two intermediary states are identified and described in detail. The ligand binding induces the structural change of the hinge regions from a discontinuous β-sheet to a continuous one, which also enhances softness of the hinge and modifies the direction of hinge motion to enable closing. We also investigated the convergence behavior of PCA modes, which were found to converge rather quickly when the associated magnitudes of the eigenvalues are well separated. PMID:19883597

  18. Design and Analysis of Wind Turbine Rotors Using Hinged Structures and Rods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Hongya; Zeng, Pan; Lei, Liping

    2018-03-01

    Light weight and high stiffness are key design factors in ensuring cost effectiveness and reliability of wind turbines, especially for the inboard region of the rotor blades. In this study, several novel designs were developed to improve the mechanical performance of the rotor. Experiments were performed on an isolated blade incorporating the new features of a hinged structure and rods. The results validated the effectiveness of these features at alleviating the root-bending moment of the blade under varying wind loads and enhancing the stiffness of the blade. A numerical investigation was carried out to further examine the bending moment distribution, shear and axial force, and rod tension of these novel rotor designs under uniform loads. Longitudinal geometrical variations of the blade were considered in the model. Results showed that two designs realized a favorable bending moment distribution and improved the modal frequencies of the edgewise modes: bisymmetrical rods on a single-hinged structure and interveined symmetrical rods on a cantilevered structure. However, these designs have different deformation mechanisms. In addition, the first group of edgewise modal frequencies of these two designs were improved compared with the traditional rotor design. Their potential values in the application to the design of a lightweight, high-stiffness, and reliable wind turbine rotor were discussed.

  19. Temperature and velocity conditions of air flow in vertical channel of hinged ventilated facade of a multistory building.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Statsenko, Elena; Ostrovaia, Anastasia; Pigurin, Andrey

    2018-03-01

    This article considers the influence of the building's tallness and the presence of mounting grooved lines on the parameters of heat transfer in the gap of a hinged ventilated facade. A numerical description of the processes occurring in a heat-gravitational flow is given. The average velocity and temperature of the heat-gravitational flow of a structure with open and sealed rusts are determined with unchanged geometric parameters of the gap. The dependence of the parameters influencing the thermomechanical characteristics of the enclosing structure is derived depending on the internal parameters of the system. Physical modeling of real multistory structures is performed by projecting actual parameters onto a reduced laboratory model (scaling).

  20. Mechanics Model for Simulating RC Hinges under Reversed Cyclic Loading

    PubMed Central

    Shukri, Ahmad Azim; Visintin, Phillip; Oehlers, Deric J.; Jumaat, Mohd Zamin

    2016-01-01

    Describing the moment rotation (M/θ) behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) hinges is essential in predicting the behavior of RC structures under severe loadings, such as under cyclic earthquake motions and blast loading. The behavior of RC hinges is defined by localized slip or partial interaction (PI) behaviors in both the tension and compression region. In the tension region, slip between the reinforcement and the concrete defines crack spacing, crack opening and closing, and tension stiffening. While in the compression region, slip along concrete to concrete interfaces defines the formation and failure of concrete softening wedges. Being strain-based, commonly-applied analysis techniques, such as the moment curvature approach, cannot directly simulate these PI behaviors because they are localized and displacement based. Therefore, strain-based approaches must resort to empirical factors to define behaviors, such as tension stiffening and concrete softening hinge lengths. In this paper, a displacement-based segmental moment rotation approach, which directly simulates the partial interaction behaviors in both compression and tension, is developed for predicting the M/θ response of an RC beam hinge under cyclic loading. Significantly, in order to develop the segmental approach, a partial interaction model to predict the tension stiffening load slip relationship between the reinforcement and the concrete is developed. PMID:28773430

  1. Seismic Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Frames Subjected to Seismic Loads

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zameeruddin, Mohd.; Sangle, Keshav K.

    2017-06-01

    Ten storied-3 bays reinforced concrete bare frame designed for gravity loads following the guidelines of IS 456 and IS 13920 for ductility is subjected to seismic loads. The seismic demands on this building were calculated by following IS 1893 for response spectra of 5% damping (for hard soil type). Plastic hinges were assigned to the beam and column at both ends to represent the failure mode, when member yields. Non-linear static (pushover) analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of the building in reference to first (ATC 40), second (FEMA 356) and next-generation (FEMA 440) performance based seismic design procedures. Base shear against top displacement curve of structure, known as pushover curve was obtained for two actions of plastic hinge behavior, force-controlled (brittle) and deformation-controlled (ductile) actions. Lateral deformation corresponding to performance point proves the building capability to sustain a certain level of seismic loads. The failure is represented by a sequence of formation of plastic hinges. Deformation-controlled action of hinges showed that building behaves like strong-column-weak-beam mechanism, whereas force-controlled action showed formation of hinges in the column. The study aims to understand the first, second and next generation performance based design procedure in prediction of actual building responses and their conservatism into the acceptance criteria.

  2. Mechanics Model for Simulating RC Hinges under Reversed Cyclic Loading.

    PubMed

    Shukri, Ahmad Azim; Visintin, Phillip; Oehlers, Deric J; Jumaat, Mohd Zamin

    2016-04-22

    Describing the moment rotation (M/θ) behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) hinges is essential in predicting the behavior of RC structures under severe loadings, such as under cyclic earthquake motions and blast loading. The behavior of RC hinges is defined by localized slip or partial interaction (PI) behaviors in both the tension and compression region. In the tension region, slip between the reinforcement and the concrete defines crack spacing, crack opening and closing, and tension stiffening. While in the compression region, slip along concrete to concrete interfaces defines the formation and failure of concrete softening wedges. Being strain-based, commonly-applied analysis techniques, such as the moment curvature approach, cannot directly simulate these PI behaviors because they are localized and displacement based. Therefore, strain-based approaches must resort to empirical factors to define behaviors, such as tension stiffening and concrete softening hinge lengths. In this paper, a displacement-based segmental moment rotation approach, which directly simulates the partial interaction behaviors in both compression and tension, is developed for predicting the M/θ response of an RC beam hinge under cyclic loading. Significantly, in order to develop the segmental approach, a partial interaction model to predict the tension stiffening load slip relationship between the reinforcement and the concrete is developed.

  3. Fiber Grating Moisture And Chemical Sensing System

    DOEpatents

    Schipani, Claudia; Spano, Ennio; Dalle Crode, Domenico

    2004-01-27

    A vane for a stator of a variable-geometry turbine, in particular for aeronautical engines, has an airfoil profile and a pair of hinge portions, which are carried by the airfoil profile and enable the airfoil profile to be coupled to a support structure of the stator so as to be rotatable about an axis of adjustment; the vane also has internal channels that allow a flow of air to pass through in order to cool the hinge portions.

  4. Medical clip

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baucom, R. M. (Inventor)

    1983-01-01

    An X-ray transparent and biological inert medical clip for treating aneurisms and the like is described. A graphite reinforced composite film is molded into a unitary structure having a pair of hourglass-like cavities hinged together with a pair of jaws for grasping the aneurism extending from the wall of one cavity. A silicone rubber pellet is disposed in the other cavity to exert a spring force through the hinge area to normally bias the jaws into contact with each other.

  5. Seismic performance evaluation of RC frame-shear wall structures using nonlinear analysis methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Jialiang; Wang, Qiuwei

    To further understand the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame-shear wall structures, a 1/8 model structure is scaled from a main factory structure with seven stories and seven bays. The model with four-stories and two-bays was pseudo-dynamically tested under six earthquake actions whose peak ground accelerations (PGA) vary from 50gal to 400gal. The damage process and failure patterns were investigated. Furthermore, nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA) and capacity spectrum method (CSM) were adopted to evaluate the seismic behavior of the model structure. The top displacement curve, story drift curve and distribution of hinges were obtained and discussed. It is shown that the model structure had the characteristics of beam-hinge failure mechanism. The two methods can be used to evaluate the seismic behavior of RC frame-shear wall structures well. What’s more, the NDA can be somewhat replaced by CSM for the seismic performance evaluation of RC structures.

  6. Deployable video conference table

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cohen, Marc M. (Inventor); Lissol, Peter (Inventor)

    1993-01-01

    A deployable table is presented. The table is stowed in and deployed from a storage compartment based upon a non-self rigidizing, 4-hinge, arch support structure that folds upon itself to stow and that expands to deploy. The work surfaces bypass each other above and below to allow the deployment mechanism to operate. This assembly includes the following: first and second primary pivot hinges placed at the opposite ends of the storage compartment; first and second lateral frame members with proximal ends connected to the first and second pivot hinges; a medial frame member offset from and pivotally connected to distal ends of the first and second members through third and fourth medial pivot hinges; and left-side, right-side, and middle trays connected respectively to the first, second, and third frame members and being foldable into and out of the storage compartment by articulation of the first, second, third, and fourth joints. At least one of the third and fourth joints are locked to set the first, second, and third frame members in a desired angular orientation with respect to each other.

  7. Operational characterization of CSFH MEMS technology based hinges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crescenzi, Rocco; Balucani, Marco; Belfiore, Nicola Pio

    2018-05-01

    Progress in MEMS technology continuously stimulates new developments in the mechanical structure of micro systems, such as, for example, the concept of so-called CSFH (conjugate surfaces flexural hinge), which makes it possible, simultaneously, to minimize the internal stresses and to increase motion range and robustness. Such a hinge may be actuated by means of a rotary comb-drive, provided that a proper set of simulations and tests are capable to assess its feasibility. In this paper, a CSFH has been analyzed with both theoretical and finite element (FEM) methods, in order to obtain the relation between voltage and generated torque. The FEM model considers also the fringe effect on the comb drive finger. Electromechanical couple-field analysis is performed by means of both direct and load transfer methods. Experimental tests have been also performed on a CSFH embedded in a MEMS prototype, which has been fabricated starting from a SOI wafer and using D-RIE (deep reactive ion etching). Results showed that CSFH performs better than linear flexure hinges in terms of larger rotations and less stress for given applied voltage.

  8. Structural Analysis of a Magnetically Actuated Silicon Nitride Micro-Shutter for Space Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Loughlin, James P.; Fettig, Rainer K.; Moseley, S. Harvey; Kutyrev, Alexander S.; Mott, D. Brent; Obenschain, Arthur F. (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    Finite element models have been created to simulate the electrostatic and electromagnetic actuation of a 0.5 micrometers silicon nitride micro-shutter for use in a spacebased Multi-object Spectrometer (MOS). The microshutter uses a torsion hinge to go from the closed, 0 degree, position, to the open, 90 degree position. Stresses in the torsion hinge are determined with a large deformation nonlinear finite element model. The simulation results are compared to experimental measurements of fabricated micro-shutter devices.

  9. Differences in Signal Activation by LH and hCG are Mediated by the LH/CG Receptor’s Extracellular Hinge Region

    PubMed Central

    Grzesik, Paul; Kreuchwig, Annika; Rutz, Claudia; Furkert, Jens; Wiesner, Burkhard; Schuelein, Ralf; Kleinau, Gunnar; Gromoll, Joerg; Krause, Gerd

    2015-01-01

    The human lutropin (hLH)/choriogonadotropin (hCG) receptor (LHCGR) can be activated by binding two slightly different gonadotropic glycoprotein hormones, choriogonadotropin (CG) – secreted by the placenta, and lutropin (LH) – produced by the pituitary. They induce different signaling profiles at the LHCGR. This cannot be explained by binding to the receptor’s leucine-rich-repeat domain (LRRD), as this binding is similar for the two hormones. We therefore speculate that there are previously unknown differences in the hormone/receptor interaction at the extracellular hinge region, which might help to understand functional differences between the two hormones. We have therefore performed a detailed study of the binding and action of LH and CG at the LHCGR hinge region. We focused on a primate-specific additional exon in the hinge region, which is located between LRRD and the serpentine domain. The segment of the hinge region encoded by exon10 was previously reported to be only relevant to hLH signaling, as the exon10-deletion receptor exhibits decreased hLH signaling, but unchanged hCG signaling. We designed an advanced homology model of the hormone/LHCGR complex, followed by experimental characterization of relevant fragments in the hinge region. In addition, we examined predictions of a helical exon10-encoded conformation by block-wise polyalanine (helix supporting) mutations. These helix preserving modifications showed no effect on hormone-induced signaling. However, introduction of a structure-disturbing double-proline mutant LHCGR-Q303P/E305P within the exon10-helix has, in contrast to exon10-deletion, no impact on hLH, but only on hCG signaling. This opposite effect on signaling by hLH and hCG can be explained by distinct sites of hormone interaction in the hinge region. In conclusion, our analysis provides details of the differences between hLH- and hCG-induced signaling that are mainly determined in the L2-beta loop of the hormones and in the hinge region of the receptor. PMID:26441830

  10. 14 CFR 25.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 25.657 Hinges. (a) For control surface hinges, including ball, roller, and self-lubricated bearing hinges, the approved rating of... hinge line. [Amdt. 25-23, 35 FR 5674, Apr. 8, 1970] Control Systems ...

  11. 14 CFR 25.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 25.657 Hinges. (a) For control surface hinges, including ball, roller, and self-lubricated bearing hinges, the approved rating of... hinge line. [Amdt. 25-23, 35 FR 5674, Apr. 8, 1970] Control Systems ...

  12. 14 CFR 25.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 25.657 Hinges. (a) For control surface hinges, including ball, roller, and self-lubricated bearing hinges, the approved rating of... hinge line. [Amdt. 25-23, 35 FR 5674, Apr. 8, 1970] Control Systems ...

  13. 14 CFR 25.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 25.657 Hinges. (a) For control surface hinges, including ball, roller, and self-lubricated bearing hinges, the approved rating of... hinge line. [Amdt. 25-23, 35 FR 5674, Apr. 8, 1970] Control Systems ...

  14. Non-equivalent role of TM2 gating hinges in heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 potassium channels

    PubMed Central

    Shang, Lijun

    2007-01-01

    Comparison of the crystal structures of the KcsA and MthK potassium channels suggests that the process of opening a K+ channel involves pivoted bending of the inner pore-lining helices at a highly conserved glycine residue. This bending motion is proposed to splay the transmembrane domains outwards to widen the gate at the “helix-bundle crossing”. However, in the inwardly rectifying (Kir) potassium channel family, the role of this “hinge” residue in the second transmembrane domain (TM2) and that of another putative glycine gating hinge at the base of TM2 remain controversial. We investigated the role of these two positions in heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 channels, which are unique amongst Kir channels in that both subunits lack a conserved glycine at the upper hinge position. Contrary to the effect seen in other channels, increasing the potential flexibility of TM2 by glycine substitutions at the upper hinge position decreases channel opening. Furthermore, the contribution of the Kir4.1 subunit to this process is dominant compared to Kir5.1, demonstrating a non-equivalent contribution of these two subunits to the gating process. A homology model of heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 shows that these upper “hinge” residues are in close contact with the base of the pore α-helix that supports the selectivity filter. Our results also indicate that the highly conserved glycine at the “lower” gating hinge position is required for tight packing of the TM2 helices at the helix-bundle crossing, rather than acting as a hinge residue. PMID:17657484

  15. Self-locking mechanical center joint

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bush, H. G.; Wallsom, R. E. (Inventor)

    1985-01-01

    A device for connecting, rotating and locking together a pair of structural half columns is described. The device is composed of an identical pair of cylindrical hub assemblies connected at their inner faces by a spring loaded hinge; each hub assembly having a structural half column attached to its outer end. Each hub assembly has a spring loading locking ring member movably attached adjacent to its inner face and includes a latch member for holding the locking ring in a rotated position subject to the force of its spring. Each hub assembly also has a hammer member for releasing the latch on the opposing hub assembly when the hub assemblies are rotated together. The spring loaded hinge connecting the hub assemblies rotates the hub assemblies and attached structural half columns together bringing the inner faces of the opposing hub assemblies into contact with one another.

  16. Process of making medical clip

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baucom, R. M. (Inventor)

    1984-01-01

    An X-ray transparent and biologically inert medical clip for treating aneurisms and the like is disclosed, as well as a process for its production. A graphite reinforced composite film is molded into a unitary structure having a pair of hourglass-like cavities which are hinged together with a pair of jaws for grasping the aneurism extending from the wall of one cavity. A silicone rubber pellet is disposed in the other cavity to exert a spring force through the hinge area to normally bias the jaws into contact with each other.

  17. Simulative design in macroscale for prospective application to micro-catheters.

    PubMed

    Ha, Cheol Woo

    2018-02-09

    In this paper, a motion-transforming element is applied to the development of a new catheter device. The motion-transforming element structure allows a reduction of linear movement and converts linear movement to rotational movement. The simulative design of micro-catheters is based on a proposed structure called the Operating Mini Station (OMS). OMS is operated by movement of a motion-transforming element. A new motion-transforming element is designed using multiple links that are connected by hinged joints based on an elastic design. The design of the links and the hinges are optimized for precise and reliable movement of the motion-transforming element. Because of the elastic design, it is possible to realize a catheter that allows various movements in small spaces like capillaries.

  18. Refined molecular hinge between allosteric and catalytic domain determines allosteric regulation and stability of fungal chorismate mutase

    PubMed Central

    Helmstaedt, Kerstin; Heinrich, Gabriele; Lipscomb, William N.; Braus, Gerhard H.

    2002-01-01

    The yeast chorismate mutase is regulated by tyrosine as feedback inhibitor and tryptophan as crosspathway activator. The monomer consists of a catalytic and a regulatory domain covalently linked by the loop L220s (212–226), which functions as a molecular hinge. Two monomers form the active dimeric enzyme stabilized by hydrophobic interactions in the vicinity of loop L220s. The role of loop L220s and its environment for enzyme regulation, dimerization, and stability was analyzed. Substitution of yeast loop L220s in place of the homologous loop from the corresponding and similarly regulated Aspergillus enzyme (and the reverse substitution) changed tyrosine inhibition to activation. Yeast loop L220s substituted into the Aspergillus enzyme resulted in a tryptophan-inhibitable enzyme. Monomeric yeast chorismate mutases could be generated by substituting two hydrophobic residues in and near the hinge region. The resulting Thr-212→Asp–Phe-28→Asp enzyme was as stable as wild type, but lost allosteric regulation and showed reduced catalytic activity. These results underline the crucial role of this molecular hinge for inhibition, activation, quaternary structure, and stability of yeast chorismate mutase. PMID:11997452

  19. Elasto-Capillary Folding Using Stop-Programmable Hinges Fabricated by 3D Micro-Machining

    PubMed Central

    Legrain, Antoine; Berenschot, Erwin J. W.; Tas, Niels R.; Abelmann, Leon

    2015-01-01

    We show elasto-capillary folding of silicon nitride objects with accurate folding angles between flaps of (70.6 ± 0.1)° and demonstrate the feasibility of such accurate micro-assembly with a final folding angle of 90°. The folding angle is defined by stop-programmable hinges that are fabricated starting from silicon molds employing accurate three-dimensional corner lithography. This nano-patterning method exploits the conformal deposition and the subsequent timed isotropic etching of a thin film in a 3D shaped silicon template. The technique leaves a residue of the thin film in sharp concave corners which can be used as an inversion mask in subsequent steps. Hinges designed to stop the folding at 70.6° were fabricated batchwise by machining the V-grooves obtained by KOH etching in (110) silicon wafers; 90° stop-programmable hinges were obtained starting from silicon molds obtained by dry etching on (100) wafers. The presented technique has potential to achieve any folding angle and opens a new route towards creating structures with increased complexity, which will ultimately lead to a novel method for device fabrication. PMID:25992886

  20. Structure stability of lytic peptides during their interactions with lipid bilayers.

    PubMed

    Chen, H M; Lee, C H

    2001-10-01

    In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were used to examine the consequences of a variety of analogs of cecropin A on lipid bilayers. Analog sequences were constructed by replacing either the N- or C-terminal helix with the other helix in native or reverse sequence order, by making palindromic peptides based on both the N- and C-terminal helices, and by deleting the hinge region. The structure of the peptides was monitored throughout the simulation. The hinge region appeared not to assist in maintaining helical structure but help in motion flexibility. In general, the N-terminal helix of peptides was less stable than the C-terminal one during the interaction with anionic lipid bilayers. Sequences with hydrophobic helices tended to regain helical structure after an initial loss while sequences with amphipathic helices were less able to do this. The results suggests that hydrophobic design peptides have a high structural stability in an anionic membrane and are the candidates for experimental investigation.

  1. Kinetics of the LOV domain of ZEITLUPE determine its circadian function in Arabidopsis

    PubMed Central

    Pudasaini, Ashutosh; Shim, Jae Sung; Song, Young Hun; Shi, Hua; Kiba, Takatoshi; Somers, David E; Imaizumi, Takato; Zoltowski, Brian D

    2017-01-01

    A LOV (Light, Oxygen, or Voltage) domain containing blue-light photoreceptor ZEITLUPE (ZTL) directs circadian timing by degrading clock proteins in plants. Functions hinge upon allosteric differences coupled to the ZTL photocycle; however, structural and kinetic information was unavailable. Herein, we tune the ZTL photocycle over two orders of magnitude. These variants reveal that ZTL complexes with targets independent of light, but dictates enhanced protein degradation in the dark. In vivo experiments definitively show photocycle kinetics dictate the rate of clock component degradation, thereby impacting circadian period. Structural studies demonstrate that photocycle dependent activation of ZTL depends on an unusual dark-state conformation of ZTL. Crystal structures of ZTL LOV domain confirm delineation of structural and kinetic mechanisms and identify an evolutionarily selected allosteric hinge differentiating modes of PAS/LOV signal transduction. The combined biochemical, genetic and structural studies provide new mechanisms indicating how PAS/LOV proteins integrate environmental variables in complex networks. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21646.001 PMID:28244872

  2. Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations as an Aid in the Prediction of Domain Swapping of Computationally Designed Protein Variants.

    PubMed

    Mou, Yun; Huang, Po-Ssu; Thomas, Leonard M; Mayo, Stephen L

    2015-08-14

    In standard implementations of computational protein design, a positive-design approach is used to predict sequences that will be stable on a given backbone structure. Possible competing states are typically not considered, primarily because appropriate structural models are not available. One potential competing state, the domain-swapped dimer, is especially compelling because it is often nearly identical with its monomeric counterpart, differing by just a few mutations in a hinge region. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide a computational method to sample different conformational states of a structure. Here, we tested whether MD simulations could be used as a post-design screening tool to identify sequence mutations leading to domain-swapped dimers. We hypothesized that a successful computationally designed sequence would have backbone structure and dynamics characteristics similar to that of the input structure and that, in contrast, domain-swapped dimers would exhibit increased backbone flexibility and/or altered structure in the hinge-loop region to accommodate the large conformational change required for domain swapping. While attempting to engineer a homodimer from a 51-amino-acid fragment of the monomeric protein engrailed homeodomain (ENH), we had instead generated a domain-swapped dimer (ENH_DsD). MD simulations on these proteins showed increased B-factors derived from MD simulation in the hinge loop of the ENH_DsD domain-swapped dimer relative to monomeric ENH. Two point mutants of ENH_DsD designed to recover the monomeric fold were then tested with an MD simulation protocol. The MD simulations suggested that one of these mutants would adopt the target monomeric structure, which was subsequently confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  3. Enrollment Management: An Introduction to Concepts and Structures

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bontrager, Bob

    2004-01-01

    In the increasingly complex world of managing enrollments, success or failure hinges on building a solid foundation of concepts, structures, and strategies. This first of a two-part series reviews the core concepts and structural considerations that underlie successful enrollment management organizations. The purpose of this article is to…

  4. 14 CFR 23.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 23.657 Hinges. (a) Control surface hinges, except ball and roller bearing hinges, must have a...

  5. 14 CFR 23.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 23.657 Hinges. (a) Control surface hinges, except ball and roller bearing hinges, must have a...

  6. 14 CFR 23.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 23.657 Hinges. (a) Control surface hinges, except ball and roller bearing hinges, must have a...

  7. 14 CFR 23.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 23.657 Hinges. (a) Control surface hinges, except ball and roller bearing hinges, must have a...

  8. 14 CFR 23.657 - Hinges.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Design and Construction Control Surfaces § 23.657 Hinges. (a) Control surface hinges, except ball and roller bearing hinges, must have a...

  9. Active Deformation of Malawi Rift's North Basin Hinge Zone Modulated by Reactivation of Preexisting Precambrian Shear Zone Fabric

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kolawole, F.; Atekwana, E. A.; Laó-Dávila, D. A.; Abdelsalam, M. G.; Chindandali, P. R.; Salima, J.; Kalindekafe, L.

    2018-03-01

    We integrated temporal aeromagnetic data and recent earthquake data to address the long-standing question on the role of preexisting Precambrian structures in modulating strain accommodation and subsequent ruptures leading to seismic events within the East African Rift System. We used aeromagnetic data to elucidate the relationship between the locations of the 2009 Mw 6.0 Karonga, Malawi, earthquake surface ruptures and buried basement faults along the hinge zone of the half-graben comprising the North Basin of the Malawi Rift. Through the application of derivative filters and depth-to-magnetic-source modeling, we identified and constrained the trend of the Precambrian metamorphic fabrics and correlated them to the three-dimensional structure of buried basement faults. Our results reveal an unprecedented detail of the basement fabric dominated by high-frequency WNW to NW trending magnetic lineaments associated with the Precambrian Mughese Shear Zone fabric. The high-frequency magnetic lineaments are superimposed by lower frequency NNW trending magnetic lineaments associated with possible Cenozoic faults. Surface ruptures associated with the 2009 Mw 6.0 Karonga earthquake swarm aligned with one of the NNW-trending magnetic lineaments defining a normal fault that is characterized by right-stepping segments along its northern half and coalesced segments on its southern half. Fault geometries, regional kinematics, and spatial distribution of seismicity suggest that seismogenic faults reactivated the basement fabric found along the half-graben hinge zone. We suggest that focusing of strain accommodation and seismicity along the half-graben hinge zone is facilitated and modulated by the presence of the basement fabric.

  10. Nanomechanics of the substrate binding domain of Hsp70 determine its allosteric ATP-induced conformational change.

    PubMed

    Mandal, Soumit Sankar; Merz, Dale R; Buchsteiner, Maximilian; Dima, Ruxandra I; Rief, Matthias; Žoldák, Gabriel

    2017-06-06

    Owing to the cooperativity of protein structures, it is often almost impossible to identify independent subunits, flexible regions, or hinges simply by visual inspection of static snapshots. Here, we use single-molecule force experiments and simulations to apply tension across the substrate binding domain (SBD) of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) to pinpoint mechanical units and flexible hinges. The SBD consists of two nanomechanical units matching 3D structural parts, called the α- and β-subdomain. We identified a flexible region within the rigid β-subdomain that gives way under load, thus opening up the α/β interface. In exactly this region, structural changes occur in the ATP-induced opening of Hsp70 to allow substrate exchange. Our results show that the SBD's ability to undergo large conformational changes is already encoded by passive mechanics of the individual elements.

  11. Nanomechanics of the substrate binding domain of Hsp70 determine its allosteric ATP-induced conformational change

    PubMed Central

    Mandal, Soumit Sankar; Buchsteiner, Maximilian; Dima, Ruxandra I.; Rief, Matthias; Žoldák, Gabriel

    2017-01-01

    Owing to the cooperativity of protein structures, it is often almost impossible to identify independent subunits, flexible regions, or hinges simply by visual inspection of static snapshots. Here, we use single-molecule force experiments and simulations to apply tension across the substrate binding domain (SBD) of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) to pinpoint mechanical units and flexible hinges. The SBD consists of two nanomechanical units matching 3D structural parts, called the α- and β-subdomain. We identified a flexible region within the rigid β-subdomain that gives way under load, thus opening up the α/β interface. In exactly this region, structural changes occur in the ATP-induced opening of Hsp70 to allow substrate exchange. Our results show that the SBD’s ability to undergo large conformational changes is already encoded by passive mechanics of the individual elements. PMID:28533394

  12. Origami Inspired Self-assembly of Patterned and Reconfigurable Particles

    PubMed Central

    Pandey, Shivendra; Gultepe, Evin; Gracias, David H.

    2013-01-01

    There are numerous techniques such as photolithography, electron-beam lithography and soft-lithography that can be used to precisely pattern two dimensional (2D) structures. These technologies are mature, offer high precision and many of them can be implemented in a high-throughput manner. We leverage the advantages of planar lithography and combine them with self-folding methods1-20 wherein physical forces derived from surface tension or residual stress, are used to curve or fold planar structures into three dimensional (3D) structures. In doing so, we make it possible to mass produce precisely patterned static and reconfigurable particles that are challenging to synthesize. In this paper, we detail visualized experimental protocols to create patterned particles, notably, (a) permanently bonded, hollow, polyhedra that self-assemble and self-seal due to the minimization of surface energy of liquefied hinges21-23 and (b) grippers that self-fold due to residual stress powered hinges24,25. The specific protocol described can be used to create particles with overall sizes ranging from the micrometer to the centimeter length scales. Further, arbitrary patterns can be defined on the surfaces of the particles of importance in colloidal science, electronics, optics and medicine. More generally, the concept of self-assembling mechanically rigid particles with self-sealing hinges is applicable, with some process modifications, to the creation of particles at even smaller, 100 nm length scales22, 26 and with a range of materials including metals21, semiconductors9 and polymers27. With respect to residual stress powered actuation of reconfigurable grasping devices, our specific protocol utilizes chromium hinges of relevance to devices with sizes ranging from 100 μm to 2.5 mm. However, more generally, the concept of such tether-free residual stress powered actuation can be used with alternate high-stress materials such as heteroepitaxially deposited semiconductor films5,7 to possibly create even smaller nanoscale grasping devices. PMID:23407436

  13. 10. Hingepin connection of arch structural member to concrete footing ...

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

    10. Hinge-pin connection of arch structural member to concrete footing on east of south end of bridge. Slightly oblique detail view west-northwest (from beside bridge). 150 mm lens. - Gault Bridge, Spanning Deer Creek at South Pine Street, Nevada City, Nevada County, CA

  14. Structural evolution of the Chugach-Prince William terrane at the hinge of the orocline in Prince William Sound, and implications for ore deposits: A section in Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1992

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Haeussler, Peter J.; Nelson, Steven W.

    1993-01-01

    The Chugach-Prince William terrane is a Mesozoic through Tertiary accretionary complex that lies along coastal southern and southeastern Alaska. In Prince William Sound, the regional structural fabric bends about 90°, forming an orocline. Rocks at the hinge of the orocline consist of turbidites, conglomerate, and minor volcanic rocks and limestone. The structural geology in the hinge region defines a number of domains (each >15 km2) consisting of kilometer-scale tight folds. Adjacent domains may have up to a 90° difference in the strike of bedding and trend of fold axes. Four granite to tonalitic or gabbro plutons are dated or inferred to be about 35 Main age, and all were emplaced after regional folding. Base-metal sulfide mineral occurrences, barren quartz veins, and strikeslip late faults locally cut the plutons and generally strike north-south. The mineral occurrences often have a dendritic network of quartz veinlets adjacent to the mineralized zone and brecciated wall rock within the zone. Oroclinal bending, in the style of bending a bar, is consistent with the origin of the complicated domainal geometry of the structures. The Contact fault, thought by some workers to juxtapose two parts of the accretionary prism, truncates one of these 35-Ma plutons with strike-slip offset, but previous reverse motion cannot be ruled out. A magmatic source for the ore-forming fluids is consistent with the structural and mineralogical data. The north-south orientation of mineralized zones suggests that east-west extension occurred possibly during release of fluids from the plutons, which locally hydrofractured the wall rocks and allowed migration of ore-forming fluids along preexisting fractures.

  15. The three-hinged arch as an example of piezomechanic passive controlled structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pagnini, Luisa Carlotta; Piccardo, Giuseppe

    2016-09-01

    Although piezoelectric transducers are employed in a variety of fields, their application for vibration control of civil or industrial structures has not yet been fully developed, at the best of authors' knowledge. Thanks to a new generation of ever more performing piezoceramic materials and to the recent development of scientific proposals based on a very simple technology, this paper presents a step forward to engineering applications for the control of structural systems. A three-hinged arch controlled by piezoelectric stack actuators and passive RL electrical circuits is chosen as a simple structural model that may represent the starting point for a generalization to the most common typologies of civil and industrial engineering structures. Based on the concept of electromechanical analogy, the evolution equations are obtained through a consistent Lagrangian approach. A multimodal vibration suppression is guaranteed by the spectral analogy between the mechanical and electrical components. Preliminary applications related to free oscillations, with one or more actuators on each member, seem to lead to excellent performance in terms of multimodal damping and dissipated energy.

  16. Modeling and design of a two-axis elliptical notch flexure hinge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Jianwei; Zhang, Yin; Lu, Yunfeng; Wen, Zhongpu; Bin, Deer; Tan, Jiubin

    2018-04-01

    As an important part of the joule balance system, the two-axis elliptical notch flexure hinge (TENFH) which typically consists of two single-axis elliptical notch flexure hinges was studied. First, a 6 degrees of freedom (6-DOF) compliance model was established based on the coordinate transformation method. In addition, the maximum stress of the TENFH was derived. The compliance and maximum stress model was verified using finite element analysis simulation. To decouple the attitude of the suspended coil system and reduce the offset between the centroid of the suspended coil mechanism and the mass comparator in the joule balance system, a new mechanical structure of TENFH was designed based on the compliance model and stress model proposed in this paper. The maximum rotation range is up to 10°, and the axial load is more than 5 kg, which meets the requirements of the system. The compliance model was also verified by deformation experimentation with the designed TENFH.

  17. Geothermal energy prospectivity of the Torrens Hinge Zone: evidence from new heat flow data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matthews, Chris

    2009-09-01

    The Torrens Hinge Zone is a long but narrow (up to 40km wide) geological transition zone between the relatively stable Eastern Gawler Craton `Olympic Domain' to the west, and the sedimentary basin known as the Adelaide Geosyncline to the east. The author hypothesised from first principles that the Torrens Hinge Zone should be prospective for high geothermal gradients due to the likely presence of high heat flow and insulating cover rocks. A method to test this hypothesis was devised, which involved the determination of surface heat flow on a pattern grid using purpose-drilled wells, precision temperature logging and detailed thermal conductivity measurements. The results of this structured test have validated the hypothesis, with heat flow values over 90mW/m2 recorded in five of six wells drilled. With several kilometres thickness of moderate conductivity sediments overlying the crystalline basement in this region, predicted temperature at 5000m ranges between 200 and 300°C.

  18. Thin film solar cell inflatable ultraviolet rigidizable deployment hinge

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Simburger, Edward J. (Inventor); Giants, Thomas W. (Inventor); Perry, Alan R. (Inventor); Rawal, Suraj (Inventor); Lin, John K. H. (Inventor); Matsumoto, James H. (Inventor); Garcia, III, Alec (Inventor); Marshall, Craig H. (Inventor); Day, Jonathan Robert (Inventor); Kerslake, Thomas W. (Inventor)

    2010-01-01

    A flexible inflatable hinge includes curable resin for rigidly positioning panels of solar cells about the hinge in which wrap around contacts and flex circuits are disposed for routing power from the solar cells to the power bus further used for grounding the hinge. An indium tin oxide and magnesium fluoride coating is used to prevent static discharge while being transparent to ultraviolet light that cures the embedded resin after deployment for rigidizing the inflatable hinge.

  19. Deployment hinge using wraparound strips

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Blanc, Eric

    1992-01-01

    Aerospatiale developed a new appendage deployment concept called AMEDE (French acronym for improvement of deployment mechanisms) with a view toward increased simplicity and functional reliability. This new concept, applicable to the deployment of any type of spaceborne appendage (in particular to solar arrays), enables deployment without synchronization or speed regulation devices. On the other hand, it requires the use of hinges with low driving or resistive torques. The AMEDE concept is compared with the conventional deployment concept. The conceptual and functional principles for the ADELE hinge are presented, as well as the hinges' main characteristics. The development status of both the AMEDE concept and the ADELE (French acronym for deployment hinge using wraparound strips) hinge are addressed.

  20. Note: Design and capability verification of fillet triangle flexible support

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Tao; San, Xiao-Gang; Gao, Shi-Jie; Wang, Jing; Ni, Ying-Xue; Sang, Zhi-Xin

    2017-12-01

    By increasing the section thickness of a triangular flexible hinge, this study focuses on optimal selection of parameters of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support. Based on Castigliano's second theorem, the flexibility expression of the fillet triangle flexible hinge was derived. Then, the case design is performed, and the comparison of three types of flexible hinges with this type of flexible hinge was carried out. The finite element models of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support were built, and then the simulation results of performance parameters were calculated. Finally, the experiment platform was established to validate analysis results. The maximum error is less than 8%, which verifies the accuracy of the simulation process and equations derived; also the fundamental frequency fits the requirements of the system. The fillet triangle flexible hinge is proved to have the advantages of high precision and low flexibility.

  1. Note: Design and capability verification of fillet triangle flexible support.

    PubMed

    Wang, Tao; San, Xiao-Gang; Gao, Shi-Jie; Wang, Jing; Ni, Ying-Xue; Sang, Zhi-Xin

    2017-12-01

    By increasing the section thickness of a triangular flexible hinge, this study focuses on optimal selection of parameters of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support. Based on Castigliano's second theorem, the flexibility expression of the fillet triangle flexible hinge was derived. Then, the case design is performed, and the comparison of three types of flexible hinges with this type of flexible hinge was carried out. The finite element models of fillet triangle flexible hinges and flexible support were built, and then the simulation results of performance parameters were calculated. Finally, the experiment platform was established to validate analysis results. The maximum error is less than 8%, which verifies the accuracy of the simulation process and equations derived; also the fundamental frequency fits the requirements of the system. The fillet triangle flexible hinge is proved to have the advantages of high precision and low flexibility.

  2. Concealed hinge permits flush mounting of doors and hatches

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Holman, E. V.

    1966-01-01

    Hinge assembly permits flush mounting of doors and hatches of considerable thickness so that the axis of instant rotation, produced by the hinge, lies outside the panel surface and beyond the perimeter adjacent to the hinge. In operation, motion of the assembly is initially parallel, changing to angular after clearing the panel perimeter.

  3. Appropriate hinge position for prevention of unstable lateral hinge fracture in open wedge high tibial osteotomy.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, R; Komatsu, N; Fujita, K; Kuroda, K; Takahashi, M; Omi, R; Katsuki, Y; Tsuchiya, H

    2017-10-01

    Open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for medial-compartment osteoarthritis of the knee can be complicated by intra-operative lateral hinge fracture (LHF). We aimed to establish the relationship between hinge position and fracture types, and suggest an appropriate hinge position to reduce the risk of this complication. Consecutive patients undergoing OWHTO were evaluated on coronal multiplanar reconstruction CT images. Hinge positions were divided into five zones in our new classification, by their relationship to the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ). Fractures were classified into types I, II, and III according to the Takeuchi classification. Among 111 patients undergoing OWHTOs, 22 sustained lateral hinge fractures. Of the 89 patients without fractures, 70 had hinges in the zone within the PTFJ and lateral to the medial margin of the PTFJ (zone WL), just above the PTFJ. Among the five zones, the relative risk of unstable fracture was significantly lower in zone WL (relative risk 0.24, confidence interval 0.17 to 0.34). Zone WL appears to offer the safest position for the placement of the osteotomy hinge when trying to avoid a fracture at the osteotomy site. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99B10:1313-18. ©2017 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

  4. Localised JAK/STAT Pathway Activation Is Required for Drosophila Wing Hinge Development

    PubMed Central

    Johnstone, Kirsty; Wells, Richard E.; Strutt, David; Zeidler, Martin P.

    2013-01-01

    Extensive morphogenetic remodelling takes place during metamorphosis from a larval to an adult insect body plan. These changes are particularly intricate in the generation of the dipteran wing hinge, a complex structure that is derived from an apparently simple region of the wing imaginal disc. Using the characterisation of original outstretched alleles of the unpaired locus as a starting point, we demonstrate the role of JAK/STAT pathway signalling in the process of wing hinge development. We show that differences in JAK/STAT signalling within the proximal most of three lateral folds present in the wing imaginal disc is required for fold morphology and the subsequent differentiation of the first and second auxiliary sclerites as well as the posterior notal wing process. Changes in these domains are consistent with the established fate map of the wing disc. We show that outstretched wing posture phenotypes arise from the loss of a region of Unpaired expression in the proximal wing fold and demonstrate that this results in a decrease in JAK/STAT pathway activity. Finally we show that reduction of JAK/STAT pathway activity within the proximal wing fold is sufficient to phenocopy the outstretched phenotype. Taken together, we suggest that localised Unpaired expression and hence JAK/STAT pathway activity, is required for the morphogenesis of the adult wing hinge, providing new insights into the link between signal transduction pathways, patterning and development. PMID:23741461

  5. Loads Model Development and Analysis for the F/A-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing Airplane

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Allen, Michael J.; Lizotte, Andrew M.; Dibley, Ryan P.; Clarke, Robert

    2005-01-01

    The Active Aeroelastic Wing airplane was successfully flight-tested in March 2005. During phase 1 of the two-phase program, an onboard excitation system provided independent control surface movements that were used to develop a loads model for the wing structure and wing control surfaces. The resulting loads model, which was used to develop the control laws for phase 2, is described. The loads model was developed from flight data through the use of a multiple linear regression technique. The loads model input consisted of aircraft states and control surface positions, in addition to nonlinear inputs that were calculated from flight-measured parameters. The loads model output for each wing consisted of wing-root bending moment and torque, wing-fold bending moment and torque, inboard and outboard leading-edge flap hinge moment, trailing-edge flap hinge moment, and aileron hinge moment. The development of the Active Aeroelastic Wing loads model is described, and the ability of the model to predict loads during phase 2 research maneuvers is demonstrated. Results show a good match to phase 2 flight data for all loads except inboard and outboard leading-edge flap hinge moments at certain flight conditions. The average load prediction errors for all loads at all flight conditions are 9.1 percent for maximum stick-deflection rolls, 4.4 percent for 5-g windup turns, and 7.7 percent for 4-g rolling pullouts.

  6. Polymorphic design of DNA origami structures through mechanical control of modular components.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chanseok; Lee, Jae Young; Kim, Do-Nyun

    2017-12-12

    Scaffolded DNA origami enables the bottom-up fabrication of diverse DNA nanostructures by designing hundreds of staple strands, comprised of complementary sequences to the specific binding locations of a scaffold strand. Despite its exceptionally high design flexibility, poor reusability of staples has been one of the major hurdles to fabricate assorted DNA constructs in an effective way. Here we provide a rational module-based design approach to create distinct bent shapes with controllable geometries and flexibilities from a single, reference set of staples. By revising the staple connectivity within the desired module, we can control the location, stiffness, and included angle of hinges precisely, enabling the construction of dozens of single- or multiple-hinge structures with the replacement of staple strands up to 12.8% only. Our design approach, combined with computational shape prediction and analysis, can provide a versatile and cost-effective procedure in the design of DNA origami shapes with stiffness-tunable units.

  7. Role of a GAG Hinge in the Nucleotide-induced Conformational Change Governing Nucleotide Specificity by T7 DNA Polymerase*

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Zhinan; Johnson, Kenneth A.

    2011-01-01

    A nucleotide-induced change in DNA polymerase structure governs the kinetics of polymerization by high fidelity DNA polymerases. Mutation of a GAG hinge (G542A/G544A) in T7 DNA polymerase resulted in a 1000-fold slower rate of conformational change, which then limited the rate of correct nucleotide incorporation. Rates of misincorporation were comparable to that seen for wild-type enzyme so that the net effect of the mutation was a large decrease in fidelity. We demonstrate that a presumably modest change from glycine to alanine 20 Å from the active site can severely restrict the flexibility of the enzyme structure needed to recognize and incorporate correct substrates with high specificity. These results emphasize the importance of the substrate-induced conformational change in governing nucleotide selectivity by accelerating the incorporation of correct base pairs but not mismatches. PMID:20978284

  8. Controlling Flexible Robot Arms Using High Speed Dynamics Process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jain, Abhinandan (Inventor)

    1996-01-01

    A robot manipulator controller for a flexible manipulator arm having plural bodies connected at respective movable hinges and flexible in plural deformation modes corresponding to respective modal spatial influence vectors relating deformations of plural spaced nodes of respective bodies to the plural deformation modes, operates by computing articulated body quantities for each of the bodies from respective modal spatial influence vectors, obtaining specified body forces for each of the bodies, and computing modal deformation accelerations of the nodes and hinge accelerations of the hinges from the specified body forces, from the articulated body quantities and from the modal spatial influence vectors. In one embodiment of the invention, the controller further operates by comparing the accelerations thus computed to desired manipulator motion to determine a motion discrepancy, and correcting the specified body forces so as to reduce the motion discrepancy. The manipulator bodies and hinges are characterized by respective vectors of deformation and hinge configuration variables, and computing modal deformation accelerations and hinge accelerations is carried out for each one of the bodies beginning with the outermost body by computing a residual body force from a residual body force of a previous body and from the vector of deformation and hinge configuration variables, computing a resultant hinge acceleration from the body force, the residual body force and the articulated hinge inertia, and revising the residual body force modal body acceleration.

  9. Controlling flexible robot arms using a high speed dynamics process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jain, Abhinandan (Inventor); Rodriguez, Guillermo (Inventor)

    1992-01-01

    Described here is a robot controller for a flexible manipulator arm having plural bodies connected at respective movable hinges, and flexible in plural deformation modes. It is operated by computing articulated body qualities for each of the bodies from the respective modal spatial influence vectors, obtaining specified body forces for each of the bodies, and computing modal deformation accelerations of the nodes and hinge accelerations of the hinges from the specified body forces, from the articulated body quantities and from the modal spatial influence vectors. In one embodiment of the invention, the controller further operates by comparing the accelerations thus computed to desired manipulator motion to determine a motion discrepancy, and correcting the specified body forces so as to reduce the motion discrepancy. The manipulator bodies and hinges are characterized by respective vectors of deformation and hinge configuration variables. Computing modal deformation accelerations and hinge accelerations is carried out for each of the bodies, beginning with the outermost body by computing a residual body force from a residual body force of a previous body, computing a resultant hinge acceleration from the body force, and then, for each one of the bodies beginning with the innermost body, computing a modal body acceleration from a modal body acceleration of a previous body, computing a modal deformation acceleration and hinge acceleration from the resulting hinge acceleration and from the modal body acceleration.

  10. Superposed buckle folding in the eastern Iberian Chain, Spain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Simón, José L.

    2004-08-01

    The Aliaga area (eastern Iberian Chain) shows large-scale examples of buckle superposition developed during Tertiary folding. In most cases, ENE-trending folds overprint earlier NNW-SSE-trending ones. The resulting structures are mapped, analysed, and genetically classified by comparison with analogue models described by several authors. The following types are found: standard Type 1 (1a: dome-and-basin structure, 1b: unequal-wavelength overprinted folds); modified Type 1 (1c: T-shaped 'joined' folds; 1d: T-shaped 'abutting' folds; 1e: L-shaped folds; 1f: 'snake-like' folds); standard Type 2 (2a: non-cylindrical buckling of earlier axial surfaces involving hinge replacement). Different superposed sets of flexural-slip striations record successive folding episodes in snake-like folds, and hinge replacement in the case of Type 2a superpositions. Types 1 and 2 apparently develop where the earlier folds have interlimb angles over and below 90°, respectively, which fits the results of analogue modelling and theoretical analysis by previous authors. Types 1b and 1d are associated with higher W1/W2 wavelength ratios than Types 1a and 1c. Other controlling factors are viscosity contrast and erosion processes. Specifically, erosion of competent limestone beds in the hinge zone of a NNW-SSE-trending anticline allowed the near-vertical eastern limb to be refolded into snake-like folds.

  11. Structural and stratigraphic framework and spatial distribution of permeability of the Atlantic coastal plain, North Carolina to New York

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Brown, Philip Monroe; Miller, James A.; Swain, Frederick Morrill

    1972-01-01

    This report describes and interprets the results of a detailed subsurface mapping program undertaken in that part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain which extends from the South Carolina and North Carolina border through Long Island, N.Y. Data obtained from more than 2,200 wells are analyzed. Seventeen chronostratigraphic units are mapped in the subsurface. They range in age from Jurassic(?) to post-Miocene. The purpose of the mapping program was to determine the external and internal geometry of mappable chronostratigraphic units and to derive and construct a permeability-distribution network for each unit based upon contrasts in the textures and compositions of its contained sediments. The report contains a structure map and a combined isopach, lithofacies, and permeability-distribution map for each of the chronostratigraphic units delineated in the subsurface. In addition, it contains a map of the top of the basement surface. These maps, together with 36 stratigraphic cross sections, present a three-dimensional view of the regional subsurface hydrogeology. They provide focal points of reference for a discussion of regional tectonics, structure, stratigraphy, and permeability distribution. Taken together and in chronologic sequence, the maps constitute a detailed sedimentary model, the first such model to be constructed for the middle Atlantic Coastal Plain. The chronostratigraphic units mapped record a structural history dominated by lateral and vertical movement along a system of intersecting hinge zones. Taphrogeny, related to transcurrent faulting, is the dominant type of deformation that controlled the geometry of the sedimentary model. Twelve of the seventeen chronostratigraphic units mapped have depositional alinements and thickening trends that are independent of the present-day configuration of the underlying basement surface. These 12 units, classified as genetically unrooted units, are assigned to a first-order tectonic stage. A structural model is proposed whose alinements of positive and negative structural features are accordant with the depositional geometry of the chronostratigraphic units assigned to this tectonic stage. The dominant features of the structural model are northeast-plunging half grabens arranged en echelon and bordered by northeast-plunging fault-block anticlines. Tension-type hinge zones that strike north lie athwart the half grabens. Five of the seventeen chronostratigraphic units mapped have depositional alinements and thickening trends that are accordant with the present-day configuration of the underlying basement surface. These five units, classified as genetically rooted units, are assigned to a second-order tectonic stage. A structural model is proposed whose alinements of positive and negative features are accordant with the depositional geometry of the chronostratigraphic units assigned to this tectonic stage. The dominant feature of this model is a graben that stands tangential to southeast-plunging asymmetrical anticlines. Tension-type hinge zones that strike northeast lie athwart the graben. To account for the semiperiodic realinement of structural features that has characterized the history of the region and as a working hypothesis, we propose that the dominant tectonic element, which is present in the area between north Florida and Long Island, N.Y., is a unit-structural block, a ?basement? block, bounded by wrench-fault zones. We propose that forces derived principally from the rotation and precession of the earth act on the unit-structural block and deform it. Two tectonic models are proposed. One model is compatible with the structural and sedimentary geometries that are associated with chronostratigraphic units assigned to a first-order tectonic stage. It features tension-type hinge zones that strike north and shear-type hinge zones that strike northeast. The other model is compatible with the structural and sedimentary geometries associated with chronostratigraphi

  12. Effects of aluminum hinged shoes on the structure of contracted feet in Thoroughbred yearlings.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Kousuke; Hiraga, Atsushi; Takahashi, Toshiyuki; Kuwano, Atsutoshi; Morrison, Scott Edward

    2015-01-01

    We applied aluminum hinged shoes (AHSs) to the club foot-associated contracted feet of 11 Thoroughbred yearlings to examine the effects of the shoes on the shape of the hoof and third phalanx (P III). After 3 months of AHS use, the size of the affected hooves increased significantly, reaching the approximate size of the healthy contralateral hooves with respect to the maximum lateral width of the foot, the mean ratio of the bearing border width to the coronary band width, and the mean ratio of the solar surface width to the articular surface width. These results suggest that the AHSs corrected the contracted feet in these yearling horses.

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

    McGinnis, J.P.; Karner, G.D.; Driscoll, N.W.

    The tectonic and stratigraphic development of the Congo continental margin reflects the timing, magnitude, and distribution of lithospheric extension responsible for its formation. Details of the lithospheric extension process are recorded in the stratigraphic successions preserved along and across the margin. By using the stratal relationships (e.g., onlap, downlap, and truncation) and lithofacies determined from seismic reflection and exploratory well data as input into our basin-modeling strategy, we have developed an integrated approach to determine the relationship between the timing, magnitude, and distribution of lithospheric extension across the margin. Two hinge zones, an eastern and Atlantic hinge formed along themore » Congo margin in response to discrete extensional events occurring from the Berriasian to the Aptian. The eastern hinge zone demarcates the eastern limit of the broadly distributed Berriasian extension. This extension resulted in the formation of deep anoxic, lacustrine systems. In contrast, the Atlantic hinge, located [approximately]90 km west of the eastern hinge, marks the eastern limit of a second phase of extension, which began in the Hauterivian. Consequent footwall uplift and rotation exposed the earlier synrift and prerift stratigraphy to at least wave base causing varying amounts of erosional truncation across the Atlantic hinge zone along much of the Gabon, Congo, and Angola margins. The absence of the Melania Formation across the Congo margin implies that uplift of the Atlantic hinge was relatively minor compared to that across the Angola and Gabon margins. In addition, material eroded from the adjacent and topographically higher hinge zones may in part account for the thick wedge of sediment deposited seaward of the Congo Atlantic hinge. A third phase of extension reactivated both the eastern and Atlantic hinge zones and was responsible for creating the accommodation space for Marnes Noires source rock deposition.« less

  14. Control surface hinge moment prediction using computational fluid dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Simpson, Christopher David

    The following research determines the feasibility of predicting control surface hinge moments using various computational methods. A detailed analysis is conducted using a 2D GA(W)-1 airfoil with a 20% plain flap. Simple hinge moment prediction methods are tested, including empirical Datcom relations and XFOIL. Steady-state and time-accurate turbulent, viscous, Navier-Stokes solutions are computed using Fun3D. Hinge moment coefficients are computed. Mesh construction techniques are discussed. An adjoint-based mesh adaptation case is also evaluated. An NACA 0012 45-degree swept horizontal stabilizer with a 25% elevator is also evaluated using Fun3D. Results are compared with experimental wind-tunnel data obtained from references. Finally, the costs of various solution methods are estimated. Results indicate that while a steady-state Navier-Stokes solution can accurately predict control surface hinge moments for small angles of attack and deflection angles, a time-accurate solution is necessary to accurately predict hinge moments in the presence of flow separation. The ability to capture the unsteady vortex shedding behavior present in moderate to large control surface deflections is found to be critical to hinge moment prediction accuracy. Adjoint-based mesh adaptation is shown to give hinge moment predictions similar to a globally-refined mesh for a steady-state 2D simulation.

  15. Apparatus Producing an Even Distribution of Strain into Carries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hrabovský, Leopold

    2017-10-01

    In many high-rise residential buildings or multi-storey warehouses, machinery, so called lifts, is used for the vertical transportation of people or weights between two or more altitudinally distant places. Carriers used for lifts are steel ropes or sprocket chains, on which a cage or a counterbalance is hinged. Apparatus of all carriers, attached to the hinge of the cage or counterbalance, should be even. This can be made only by hammer hinge. Fixed or springe hinge cannot be a perfect equalizing apparatus. This article describes an apparatus, which allows an even distribution of the strain into lift carriers, which use springe hinge of carrier ropes.

  16. Molecular dynamics and mutational analysis of the catalytic and translocation cycle of RNA polymerase

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background During elongation, multi-subunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs) cycle between phosphodiester bond formation and nucleic acid translocation. In the conformation associated with catalysis, the mobile “trigger loop” of the catalytic subunit closes on the nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) substrate. Closing of the trigger loop is expected to exclude water from the active site, and dehydration may contribute to catalysis and fidelity. In the absence of a NTP substrate in the active site, the trigger loop opens, which may enable translocation. Another notable structural element of the RNAP catalytic center is the “bridge helix” that separates the active site from downstream DNA. The bridge helix may participate in translocation by bending against the RNA/DNA hybrid to induce RNAP forward movement and to vacate the active site for the next NTP loading. The transition between catalytic and translocation conformations of RNAP is not evident from static crystallographic snapshots in which macromolecular motions may be restrained by crystal packing. Results All atom molecular dynamics simulations of Thermus thermophilus (Tt) RNAP reveal flexible hinges, located within the two helices at the base of the trigger loop, and two glycine hinges clustered near the N-terminal end of the bridge helix. As simulation progresses, these hinges adopt distinct conformations in the closed and open trigger loop structures. A number of residues (described as “switch” residues) trade atomic contacts (ion pairs or hydrogen bonds) in response to changes in hinge orientation. In vivo phenotypes and in vitro activities rendered by mutations in the hinge and switch residues in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) RNAP II support the importance of conformational changes predicted from simulations in catalysis and translocation. During simulation, the elongation complex with an open trigger loop spontaneously translocates forward relative to the elongation complex with a closed trigger loop. Conclusions Switching between catalytic and translocating RNAP forms involves closing and opening of the trigger loop and long-range conformational changes in the atomic contacts of amino acid side chains, some located at a considerable distance from the trigger loop and active site. Trigger loop closing appears to support chemistry and the fidelity of RNA synthesis. Trigger loop opening and limited bridge helix bending appears to promote forward nucleic acid translocation. PMID:22676913

  17. Experimental and Analytical Seismic Studies of a Four-Span Bridge System with Innovative Materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cruz Noguez, Carlos Alonso

    As part of a multi-university project utilizing the NSF Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES), a quarter-scale model of a four-span bridge incorporating plastic hinges with different advanced materials was tested to failure on the three shake table system at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). The bridge was the second test model in a series of three 4-span bridges, with the first model being a conventional reinforced-concrete (RC) structure. The purpose of incorporating advanced materials was to improve the seismic performance of the bridge with respect to two damage indicators: (1) column damage and (2) permanent deformations. The goals of the study presented in this document were to (1) evaluate the seismic performance of a 4-span bridge system incorporating SMA/ECC and built-in rubber pad plastic hinges as well as post-tensioned piers, (2) quantify the relative merit of these advanced materials and details compared to each other and to conventional reinforced concrete plastic hinges, (3) determine the influence of abutment-superstructure interaction on the response, (4) examine the ability of available elaborate analytical modeling techniques to model the performance of advanced materials and details, and (5) conduct an extensive parametric study of different variations of the bridge model to study several important issues in bridge earthquake engineering. The bridge model included six columns, each pair of which utilized a different advanced detail at bottom plastic hinges: shape memory alloys (SMA), special engineered cementitious composites (ECC), elastomeric pads embedded into columns, and post-tensioning tendons. The design of the columns, location of the bents, and selection of the loading protocol were based on pre-test analyses conducted using computer program OpenSees. The bridge model was subjected to two-horizontal components of simulated earthquake records of the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Over 340 channels of data were collected. The test results showed the effectiveness of the advanced materials in reducing damage and permanent displacements. The damage was minimal in plastic hinges with SMA/ECC and those with built-in elastomeric pads. Conventional RC plastic hinges were severely damaged due to spalling of concrete and rupture of the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. Extensive post-test analytical studies were conducted and it was determined that a computational model of the bridge that included bridge-abutment interaction using OpenSees was able to provide satisfactory estimations of key structural parameters such as superstructure displacements and base shears. The analytical model was also used to conduct parametric studies on single-column and bridge-system response under near-fault ground motions. The effects of vertical excitations and transverse shear-keys at the bridge abutments on the superstructure displacement and column drifts were also explored.

  18. Dry eyes and corneal sensation after laser in situ keratomileusis with femtosecond laser flap creation Effect of hinge position, hinge angle, and flap thickness.

    PubMed

    Mian, Shahzad I; Li, Amy Y; Dutta, Satavisha; Musch, David C; Shtein, Roni M

    2009-12-01

    To determine whether corneal sensation and dry-eye signs and symptoms after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery with a femtosecond laser are affected by varying hinge position, hinge angle, or flap thickness. University-based academic practice, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. This prospective randomized contralateral-eye study evaluated eyes after bilateral myopic LASIK with a femtosecond laser (IntraLase). Superior and temporal hinge positions, 45-degree and 90-degree hinge angles, and 100 microm and 130 microm corneal flap thicknesses were compared. Postoperative follow-up at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months included central Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry, the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, a Schirmer test with anesthesia, tear breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and conjunctival lissamine green staining. The study evaluated 190 consecutive eyes (95 patients). Corneal sensation was reduced at all postoperative visits, with improvement over 12 months (P<.001). There was no difference in corneal sensation between the different hinge positions, angles, or flap thicknesses at any time point. The overall ocular surface disease index score was increased at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months (P<.0001, P<.0001, and P = .046, respectively). The percentage of patients with a TBUT longer than 10 seconds was significantly lower at 1 week and 1 month (P<.0001). Dry-eye syndrome after myopic LASIK with a femtosecond laser was mild and improved after 3 months. Corneal flap hinge position, hinge angle, and thickness had no effect on corneal sensation or dry-eye syndrome.

  19. Device serves as hinge and electrical connector for circuit boards

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bethel, P. G.; Harris, G. G.

    1966-01-01

    Hinge makes both sides of electrical circuit boards readily accessible for component checkout and servicing. The hinge permits mounting of two circuit boards and incorporates connectors to maintain continuous electrical contact between the components on both boards.

  20. Hinge Moment Coefficient Prediction Tool and Control Force Analysis of Extra-300 Aerobatic Aircraft

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nurohman, Chandra; Arifianto, Ony; Barecasco, Agra

    2018-04-01

    This paper presents the development of tool that is applicable to predict hinge moment coefficients of subsonic aircraft based on Roskam’s method, including the validation and its application to predict hinge moment coefficient of an Extra-300. The hinge moment coefficients are used to predict the stick forces of the aircraft during several aerobatic maneuver i.e. inside loop, half cuban 8, split-s, and aileron roll. The maximum longitudinal stick force is 566.97 N occurs in inside loop while the maximum lateral stick force is 340.82 N occurs in aileron roll. Furthermore, validation hinge moment prediction method is performed using Cessna 172 data.

  1. The Structure of Gene Product 6 of Bacteriophage T4, the Hinge-Pin of the Baseplate

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

    Aksyuk, Anastasia A.; Leiman, Petr G.; Shneider, Mikhail M.

    2009-07-21

    The baseplate of bacteriophage T4 is a multicomponent protein complex, which controls phage attachment to the host. It assembles from six wedges and a central hub. During infection the baseplate undergoes a large conformational change from a dome-shaped to a flat, star-shaped structure. We report the crystal structure of the C-terminal half of gene product (gp) 6 and investigate its motion with respect to the other proteins during the baseplate rearrangement. Six gp6 dimers interdigitate, forming a ring that maintains the integrity of the baseplate in both conformations. One baseplate wedge contains an N-terminal dimer of gp6, whereas neighboring wedgesmore » are tied together through the C-terminal dimer of gp6. The dimeric interactions are preserved throughout the rearrangement of the baseplate. However, the hinge angle between the N- and C-terminal parts of gp6 changes by {approx}15{sup o}, accounting for a 10 {angstrom} radial increase in the diameter of the gp6 ring.« less

  2. In Silico Identification of a Novel Hinge-Binding Scaffold for Kinase Inhibitor Discovery.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanli; Sun, Yuze; Cao, Ran; Liu, Dan; Xie, Yuting; Li, Li; Qi, Xiangbing; Huang, Niu

    2017-10-26

    To explore novel kinase hinge-binding scaffolds, we carried out structure-based virtual screening against p38α MAPK as a model system. With the assistance of developed kinase-specific structural filters, we identify a novel lead compound that selectively inhibits a panel of kinases with threonine as the gatekeeper residue, including BTK and LCK. These kinases play important roles in lymphocyte activation, which encouraged us to design novel kinase inhibitors as drug candidates for ameliorating inflammatory diseases and cancers. Therefore, we chemically modified our substituted triazole-class lead compound to improve the binding affinity and selectivity via a "minimal decoration" strategy, which resulted in potent and selective kinase inhibitors against LCK (18 nM) and BTK (8 nM). Subsequent crystallographic experiments validated our design. These rationally designed compounds exhibit potent on-target inhibition against BTK in B cells or LCK in T cells, respectively. Our work demonstrates that structure-based virtual screening can be applied to facilitate the development of novel chemical entities in crowded chemical space in the field of kinase inhibitor discovery.

  3. Deployable System for Crash-Load Attenuation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kellas, Sotiris; Jackson, Karen E.

    2007-01-01

    An externally deployable honeycomb structure is investigated with respect to crash energy management for light aircraft. The new concept utilizes an expandable honeycomb-like structure to absorb impact energy by crushing. Distinguished by flexible hinges between cell wall junctions that enable effortless deployment, the new energy absorber offers most of the desirable features of an external airbag system without the limitations of poor shear stability, system complexity, and timing sensitivity. Like conventional honeycomb, once expanded, the energy absorber is transformed into a crush efficient and stable cellular structure. Other advantages, afforded by the flexible hinge feature, include a variety of deployment options such as linear, radial, and/or hybrid deployment methods. Radial deployment is utilized when omnidirectional cushioning is required. Linear deployment offers better efficiency, which is preferred when the impact orientation is known in advance. Several energy absorbers utilizing different deployment modes could also be combined to optimize overall performance and/or improve system reliability as outlined in the paper. Results from a series of component and full scale demonstration tests are presented as well as typical deployment techniques and mechanisms. LS-DYNA analytical simulations of selected tests are also presented.

  4. Pushover analysis of reinforced concrete frames considering shear failure at beam-column joints

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sung, Y. C.; Lin, T. K.; Hsiao, C. C.; Lai, M. C.

    2013-09-01

    Since most current seismic capacity evaluations of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures are implemented by either static pushover analysis (PA) or dynamic time history analysis, with diverse settings of the plastic hinges (PHs) on such main structural components as columns, beams and walls, the complex behavior of shear failure at beam-column joints (BCJs) during major earthquakes is commonly neglected. This study proposes new nonlinear PA procedures that consider shear failure at BCJs and seek to assess the actual damage to RC structures. Based on the specifications of FEMA-356, a simplified joint model composed of two nonlinear cross struts placed diagonally over the location of the plastic hinge is established, allowing a sophisticated PA to be performed. To verify the validity of this method, the analytical results for the capacity curves and the failure mechanism derived from three different full-size RC frames are compared with the experimental measurements. By considering shear failure at BCJs, the proposed nonlinear analytical procedures can be used to estimate the structural behavior of RC frames, including seismic capacity and the progressive failure sequence of joints, in a precise and effective manner.

  5. Performance evaluation of existing building structure with pushover analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Handana, MAP; Karolina, R.; Steven

    2018-02-01

    In the management of the infrastructure of the building, during the period of buildings common building damage as a result of several reasons, earthquakes are common. The building is planned to work for a certain service life. But during the certain service life, the building vulnerable to damage due to various things. Any damage to cultivate can be detected as early as possible, because the damage could spread, triggering and exacerbating the latest. The newest concept to earthquake engineering is Performance Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE). PBEE divided into two, namely Performance Based Seismic Design (PBSD) and Performance Based Seismic Evaluation (PBSE). Evaluation on PBSE one of which is the analysis of nonlinear pushover. Pushover analysis is a static analysis of nonlinear where the influence of the earthquake plan on building structure is considered as burdens static catch at the center of mass of each floor, which it was increased gradually until the loading causing the melting (plastic hinge) first within the building structure, then the load increases further changes the shapes of post-elastic large it reached the condition of elastic. Then followed melting (plastic hinge) in the location of the other structured.

  6. Structure of the lower crust beneath the Carolina Trough, U.S. Atlantic continental margin

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Tréhu, Anne M.; Ballard, A.; Dorman, L.M.; Gettrust, J.F.; Klitgord, Kim D.; Schreiner, A.

    1989-01-01

    Data from three large-offset seismic profiles provide information on the crustal structure beneath the Carolina trough. The profiles, obtained by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Naval Oceanographic Research Development Agency, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1985, were oriented parallel to the trough and were located (1) seaward of the East Coast Magnetic Anomaly (ECMA), which is generally thought to represent the boundary between oceanic and continental crust; (2) along the axis of the trough between the ECMA and the hinge zone, which is thought to reflect the landward limit of highly stretched and altered transitional crust; and (3) along the Carolina platform landward of the basement hinge zone on crust thought to have been thinned only slightly during rifting. These data constrain the velocity structure of the lower crust and provide evidence for a thick lens of high-velocity (>7.1 km/s) lower crustal material that extends beneath the Carolina trough and the adjacent ocean basin. This lens reaches a maximum thickness of about 13 km beneath the deepest part of the trough, thins to about 5 km seaward of the ECMA, and is either very thin or absent landward of the hinge zone. It is interpreted to represent material that was underplated beneath and/or intruded into the crust during the late stage of continental rifting and that led to an anomalously thick plutonic layer during the early seafloor spreading phase. These data thus support the recent conclusions of White et al. (1987b) and Mutter et al. (1988) that the initiation of seafloor spreading is attended in many, if not most, cases by the generation of an anomalously large volume of melt.

  7. Corresponding Functional Dynamics across the Hsp90 Chaperone Family: Insights from a Multiscale Analysis of MD Simulations

    PubMed Central

    Morra, Giulia; Potestio, Raffaello; Micheletti, Cristian; Colombo, Giorgio

    2012-01-01

    Understanding how local protein modifications, such as binding small-molecule ligands, can trigger and regulate large-scale motions of large protein domains is a major open issue in molecular biology. We address various aspects of this problem by analyzing and comparing atomistic simulations of Hsp90 family representatives for which crystal structures of the full length protein are available: mammalian Grp94, yeast Hsp90 and E.coli HtpG. These chaperones are studied in complex with the natural ligands ATP, ADP and in the Apo state. Common key aspects of their functional dynamics are elucidated with a novel multi-scale comparison of their internal dynamics. Starting from the atomic resolution investigation of internal fluctuations and geometric strain patterns, a novel analysis of domain dynamics is developed. The results reveal that the ligand-dependent structural modulations mostly consist of relative rigid-like movements of a limited number of quasi-rigid domains, shared by the three proteins. Two common primary hinges for such movements are identified. The first hinge, whose functional role has been demonstrated by several experimental approaches, is located at the boundary between the N-terminal and Middle-domains. The second hinge is located at the end of a three-helix bundle in the Middle-domain and unfolds/unpacks going from the ATP- to the ADP-state. This latter site could represent a promising novel druggable allosteric site common to all chaperones. PMID:22457611

  8. A unique hinge binder of extremely selective aminopyridine-based Mps1 (TTK) kinase inhibitors with cellular activity.

    PubMed

    Kusakabe, Ken-ichi; Ide, Nobuyuki; Daigo, Yataro; Itoh, Takeshi; Yamamoto, Takahiko; Kojima, Eiichi; Mitsuoka, Yasunori; Tadano, Genta; Tagashira, Sachie; Higashino, Kenichi; Okano, Yousuke; Sato, Yuji; Inoue, Makiko; Iguchi, Motofumi; Kanazawa, Takayuki; Ishioka, Yukichi; Dohi, Keiji; Kido, Yasuto; Sakamoto, Shingo; Ando, Shigeru; Maeda, Masahiro; Higaki, Masayo; Yoshizawa, Hidenori; Murai, Hitoshi; Nakamura, Yusuke

    2015-05-01

    Mps1, also known as TTK, is a dual-specificity kinase that regulates the spindle assembly check point. Increased expression levels of Mps1 are observed in cancer cells, and the expression levels correlate well with tumor grade. Such evidence points to selective inhibition of Mps1 as an attractive strategy for cancer therapeutics. Starting from an aminopyridine-based lead 3a that binds to a flipped-peptide conformation at the hinge region in Mps1, elaboration of the aminopyridine scaffold at the 2- and 6-positions led to the discovery of 19c that exhibited no significant inhibition for 287 kinases as well as improved cellular Mps1 and antiproliferative activities in A549 lung carcinoma cells (cellular Mps1 IC₅₀=5.3 nM, A549 IC₅₀=26 nM). A clear correlation between cellular Mps1 and antiproliferative IC₅₀ values indicated that the antiproliferative activity observed in A549 cells would be responsible for the cellular inhibition of Mps1. The X-ray structure of 19c in complex with Mps1 revealed that this compound retains the ability to bind to the peptide flip conformation. Finally, comparative analysis of the X-ray structures of 19c, a deamino analogue 33, and a known Mps1 inhibitor bound to Mps1 provided insights into the unique binding mode at the hinge region. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Explicit frequency equations of free vibration of a nonlocal Timoshenko beam with surface effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Hai-Sheng; Zhang, Yao; Lie, Seng-Tjhen

    2018-02-01

    Considerations of nonlocal elasticity and surface effects in micro- and nanoscale beams are both important for the accurate prediction of natural frequency. In this study, the governing equation of a nonlocal Timoshenko beam with surface effects is established by taking into account three types of boundary conditions: hinged-hinged, clamped-clamped and clamped-hinged ends. For a hinged-hinged beam, an exact and explicit natural frequency equation is obtained. However, for clamped-clamped and clamped-hinged beams, the solutions of corresponding frequency equations must be determined numerically due to their transcendental nature. Hence, the Fredholm integral equation approach coupled with a curve fitting method is employed to derive the approximate fundamental frequency equations, which can predict the frequency values with high accuracy. In short, explicit frequency equations of the Timoshenko beam for three types of boundary conditions are proposed to exhibit directly the dependence of the natural frequency on the nonlocal elasticity, surface elasticity, residual surface stress, shear deformation and rotatory inertia, avoiding the complicated numerical computation.

  10. Real-Time Flight Envelope Monitoring System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kerho, Michael; Bragg, Michael B.; Ansell, Phillip J.

    2012-01-01

    The objective of this effort was to show that real-time aircraft control-surface hinge-moment information could be used to provide a robust and reliable prediction of vehicle performance and control authority degradation. For a given airfoil section with a control surface -- be it a wing with an aileron, rudder, or elevator -- the control-surface hinge moment is sensitive to the aerodynamic characteristics of the section. As a result, changes in the aerodynamics of the section due to angle-of-attack or environmental effects such as icing, heavy rain, surface contaminants, bird strikes, or battle damage will affect the control surface hinge moment. These changes include both the magnitude of the hinge moment and its sign in a time-averaged sense, and the variation of the hinge moment with time. The current program attempts to take the real-time hinge moment information from the aircraft control surfaces and develop a system to predict aircraft envelope boundaries across a range of conditions, alerting the flight crew to reductions in aircraft controllability and flight boundaries.

  11. Strong and weak second-order topological insulators with hexagonal symmetry and ℤ3 index

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ezawa, Motohiko

    2018-06-01

    We propose second-order topological insulators (SOTIs) whose lattice structure has a hexagonal symmetry C6. We start with a three-dimensional weak topological insulator constructed on a stacked triangular lattice, which has only side topological surface states. We then introduce an additional mass term which gaps out the side surface states but preserves the hinge states. The resultant system is a three-dimensional SOTI. The bulk topological quantum number is shown to be the Z3 index protected by inversion time-reversal symmetry I T and rotoinversion symmetry I C6 . We obtain three phases: trivial, strong, and weak SOTI phases. We argue the origin of these two types of SOTIs. A hexagonal prism is a typical structure respecting these symmetries, where six topological hinge states emerge at the side. The building block is a hexagon in two dimensions, where topological corner states emerge at the six corners in the SOTI phase. Strong and weak SOTIs are obtained when the interlayer hopping interaction is strong and weak, respectively.

  12. Small-angle neutron scattering study of a monoclonal antibody using free-energy constraints.

    PubMed

    Clark, Nicholas J; Zhang, Hailiang; Krueger, Susan; Lee, Hyo Jin; Ketchem, Randal R; Kerwin, Bruce; Kanapuram, Sekhar R; Treuheit, Michael J; McAuley, Arnold; Curtis, Joseph E

    2013-11-14

    Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) contain hinge-like regions that enable structural flexibility of globular domains that have a direct effect on biological function. A subclass of mAbs, IgG2, have several interchain disulfide bonds in the hinge region that could potentially limit structural flexibility of the globular domains and affect the overall configuration space available to the mAb. We have characterized human IgG2 mAb in solution via small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and interpreted the scattering data using atomistic models. Molecular Monte Carlo combined with molecular dynamics simulations of a model mAb indicate that a wide range of structural configurations are plausible, spanning radius of gyration values from ∼39 to ∼55 Å. Structural ensembles and representative single structure solutions were derived by comparison of theoretical SANS profiles of mAb models to experimental SANS data. Additionally, molecular mechanical and solvation free-energy calculations were carried out on the ensemble of best-fitting mAb structures. The results of this study indicate that low-resolution techniques like small-angle scattering combined with atomistic molecular simulations with free-energy analysis may be helpful to determine the types of intramolecular interactions that influence function and could lead to deleterious changes to mAb structure. This methodology will be useful to analyze small-angle scattering data of many macromolecular systems.

  13. Development of novel hybrid flexure-based microgrippers for precision micro-object manipulation.

    PubMed

    Mohd Zubir, Mohd Nashrul; Shirinzadeh, Bijan; Tian, Yanling

    2009-06-01

    This paper describes the process of developing a microgripper that is capable of high precision and fidelity manipulation of micro-objects. The design adopts the concept of flexure-based hinges on its joints to provide the rotational motion, thus eliminating the inherent nonlinearities associated with the application of conventional rigid hinges. A combination of two modeling techniques, namely, pseudorigid body model and finite element analysis was utilized to expedite the prototyping procedure, which leads to the establishment of a high performance mechanism. A new hybrid compliant structure integrating cantilever beam and flexural hinge configurations within microgripper mechanism mainframe has been developed. This concept provides a novel approach to harness the advantages within each individual configuration while mutually compensating the limitations inherent between them. A wire electrodischarge machining technique was utilized to fabricate the gripper out of high grade aluminum alloy (Al 7075T6). Experimental studies were conducted on the model to obtain various correlations governing the gripper performance as well as for model verification. The experimental results demonstrate high level of compliance in comparison to the computational results. A high amplification characteristic and maximum achievable stroke of 100 microm can be achieved.

  14. Measurement method of rotation angle and clearance in intelligent spherical hinge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Penghao; Lu, Yichang; Chen, Shiyi; Hu, Yi; Zhu, Lianqing

    2018-06-01

    Precision ball hinges are widely applied in parallel mechanisms, robotics, and other areas, but their rotation orientation and angle cannot be obtained during passive motion. The simultaneous clearance error in a precision ball hinge’s motion also can not be determined. In this paper we propose an intelligent ball hinge (IBH) that can detect the rotation angle and moving clearance, based on our previous research results. The measurement model was optimized to promote measurement accuracy and resolution, and an optimal design for the IBH’s structure was determined. The experimental data showed that the measurement accuracy and resolution of the modified scheme were improved. Within  ±10° and  ±  20°, the average errors of the uniaxial measurements were 0.29° and 0.42°, respectively. The resolution of the measurements was 15″. The source of the measurement errors was analyzed through theory and experimental data and several key error sources were determined. A point capacitance model for measuring the clearance error is proposed, which is useful not only in compensating for the angle measurement error but also in realizing the motion clearance of an IBH in real-time.

  15. Development of novel hybrid flexure-based microgrippers for precision micro-object manipulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohd Zubir, Mohd Nashrul; Shirinzadeh, Bijan; Tian, Yanling

    2009-06-01

    This paper describes the process of developing a microgripper that is capable of high precision and fidelity manipulation of micro-objects. The design adopts the concept of flexure-based hinges on its joints to provide the rotational motion, thus eliminating the inherent nonlinearities associated with the application of conventional rigid hinges. A combination of two modeling techniques, namely, pseudorigid body model and finite element analysis was utilized to expedite the prototyping procedure, which leads to the establishment of a high performance mechanism. A new hybrid compliant structure integrating cantilever beam and flexural hinge configurations within microgripper mechanism mainframe has been developed. This concept provides a novel approach to harness the advantages within each individual configuration while mutually compensating the limitations inherent between them. A wire electrodischarge machining technique was utilized to fabricate the gripper out of high grade aluminum alloy (Al 7075T6). Experimental studies were conducted on the model to obtain various correlations governing the gripper performance as well as for model verification. The experimental results demonstrate high level of compliance in comparison to the computational results. A high amplification characteristic and maximum achievable stroke of 100 μm can be achieved.

  16. Structural Crashworthiness and Failure

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-04-16

    body motion occurs. This rigid -plastic idealization for dynamically loaded structures is based upon the fact that the plastic deformation of a...in general, for any tensor variable x, i represents the convective derivative. It should be noted that the rigid body rotation is included in the...clamped, impulsively loaded, rigid - plastic beam.’ (a) First phase of motion with stationary transverse plastic hinges at A and E and stationary plastic

  17. Installation of ventilated facades without scaffolding in high-rise buildings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gnedina, Lyubov; Muchkina, Arina; Labutin, Alexander

    2018-03-01

    This article consider the use of polystyrene concrete blocks during assembling enclosing structure of ventilated facades in high-rise monolithic housing construction. Comparing with traditional technology devices hinged ventilated facade the main advantage of the proposed design is an exception of using scaffold, that leads to a cheapening of the enclosing structure. Proposed solutions are confirmed by patents of the Russian Federation.

  18. Rapid deployment shelter system

    DOEpatents

    Bzorgi, Fariborz M.

    2006-10-10

    A shelter for the protection of for the protection of persons, animals, equipment, materials, property, and similar things of value from potentially damaging environmental conditions is disclosed. Various embodiments include the use of a frame structure and hinged panels which are unfolded to create the walls of the structure. Optionally flexible surfaces may be added to the ends of the shelter to at least partially close the end of the shelter.

  19. A proline-hinge alters the characteristics of the amphipathic α-helical AMPs.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jong Kook; Gopal, Ramamourthy; Park, Seong-Cheol; Ko, Hyun Sook; Kim, Yangmee; Hahm, Kyung-Soo; Park, Yoonkyung

    2013-01-01

    HP (2-20) is a 19-aa, amphipathic, α-helical peptide with antimicrobial properties that was derived from the N-terminus of Helicobacter pylori ribosomal protein L1. We previously showed that increasing the net hydrophobicity of HP (2-20) by substituting Trp for Gln(17) and Asp(19) (Anal 3) increased the peptide's antimicrobial activity. In hydrophobic medium, Anal 3 forms an amphipathic structure consisting of an N-terminal random coil region (residues 2-5) and an extended helical region (residues 6-20). To investigate the structure-activity relationship of Anal 3, we substituted Pro for Glu(9) (Anal 3-Pro) and then examined the new peptide's three-dimensional structure, antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action. Anal 3-Pro had an α-helical structure in the presence of trifluoroethanol (TFE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). NMR spectroscopic analysis of Anal 3-Pro's tertiary structure in SDS micelles confirmed that the kink potential introduced by Pro(10) was responsible for the helix distortion. We also found that Anal 3-Pro exhibited about 4 times greater antimicrobial activity than Anal 3. Fluorescence activated flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that incorporating a Pro-hinge into Anal 3 markedly reduced its membrane permeability so that it accumulated in the cytoplasm without remaining in the cell membrane. To investigate the translocation mechanism, we assessed its ability to release of FITC-dextran. The result showed Anal 3-Pro created a pore <1.8 nm in diameter, which is similar to buforin II. Notably, scanning electron microscopic observation of Candida albicans revealed that Anal 3-Pro and buforin II exert similar effects on cell membranes, whereas magainin 2 exerts a different, more damaging, effect. In addition, Anal 3-Pro assumed a helix-hinge-helix structure in the presence of biological membranes and formed micropores in both bacterial and fungal membranes, through which it entered the cytoplasm and tightly bound to DNA. These results indicate that the bending region of Anal 3- Pro peptide is prerequisite for effective antibiotic activity and may facilitate easy penetration of the lipid bilayers of the cell membrane.

  20. Designing Great Hinge Questions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wiliam, Dylan

    2015-01-01

    According to author Dylan Wiliam, because lessons never go exactly as planned, teachers should build plan B into plan A. This involves designing a lesson with a "hinge" somewhere in the middle and using specific kinds of questions--what he calls hinge questions--to quickly assess students' understanding of a concept before moving on.…

  1. Control-surface hinge-moment calculations for a high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Perry, B., III

    1978-01-01

    The hinge moments, at selected flight conditions, resulting from deflecting two trailing edge control surfaces (one inboard and one midspan) on a high aspect ratio, swept, fuel conservative wing with a supercritical airfoil are estimated. Hinge moment results obtained from procedures which employ a recently developed transonic analysis are given. In this procedure a three dimensional inviscid transonic aerodynamics computer program is combined with a two dimensional turbulent boundary layer program in order to obtain an interacted solution. These results indicate that trends of the estimated hinge moment as a function of deflection angle are similar to those from experimental hinge moment measurements made on wind tunnel models with swept supercritical wings tested at similar values of free stream Mach number and angle of attack.

  2. Control-surface hinge-moment calculations for a high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing

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

    Perry, B.I.

    1978-09-01

    The hinge moments, at selected flight conditions, resulting from deflecting two trailing edge control surfaces (one inboard and one midspan) on a high aspect ratio, swept, fuel conservative wing with a supercritical airfoil are estimated. Hinge moment results obtained from procedures which employ a recently developed transonic analysis are given. In this procedure a three dimensional inviscid transonic aerodynamics computer program is combined with a two dimensional turbulent boundary layer program in order to obtain an interacted solution. These results indicate that trends of the estimated hinge moment as a function of deflection angle are similar to those from experimentalmore » hinge moment measurements made on wind tunnel models with swept supercritical wings tested at similar values of free stream Mach number and angle of attack.« less

  3. Transpressional deformation style and AMS fabrics adjacent to the southernmost segment of the San Andreas fault, Durmid Hill, CA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    French, M.; Wojtal, S. F.; Housen, B.

    2006-12-01

    In the Salton Trough, the trace of the San Andreas Fault (SAF) ends where it intersects the NNW-trending Brawley seismic zone at Durmid Hill (DH). The topographic relief of DH is a product of faulting and folding of Pleistocene Borrego Formation strata (Babcock, 1974). Burgmann's (1991) detailed mapping and analysis of the western part of DH showed that the folds and faults accommodate transpression. Key to Burgmann's work was the recognition that the ~2m thick Bishop Ash, a prominent marker horizon, has been elongated parallel to the hinges of folds and boudinaged. We are mapping in detail the eastern portion of DH, nearer to the trace of the SAF. Folds in the eastern part of DH are tighter and thrust faulting is more prominent, consistent with greater shortening magnitude oblique to the SAF. Boudinage of the ash layer again indicates elongation parallel to fold hinges and subparallel to the SAF. The Bishop Ash locally is <1m thick along fold limbs in eastern DH, suggesting that significant continuous deformation accompanied the development of map-scale features. We measured anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) fabrics in the Bishop Ash in order to assess continuous deformation in the Ash at DH. Because the Bishop Ash at DH is altered, consisting mainly of silica glass and clay minerals, samples from DH have significantly lower magnetic susceptibilities than Bishop Ash samples from elsewhere in the Salton Trough. With such low susceptibilities, there is significant scatter in the orientation of magnetic foliation and lineation in our samples. Still, in some Bishop samples within 1 km of the SAF, magnetic foliation is consistent with fold-related flattening. Magnetic lineation in these samples is consistently sub-parallel to fold hinges, parallel to the elongation direction inferred from boudinage. Even close to the trace of the SAF, this correlation breaks down in map-scale zones where fold hinge lines change attitude, fold shapes change, and the distribution and orientations of fractures and veins changes. These zones of structural complication separate broader regions of more uniform deformation patterns. Together, the geometry of structures and AMS fabrics suggest that deformation in eastern DH occurs by the distortion and reorientation of more or less coherent blocks separated by narrow zones where structural elements change orientation.

  4. Moment measurements in dynamic and quasi-static spine segment testing using eccentric compression are susceptible to artifacts based on loading configuration.

    PubMed

    Van Toen, Carolyn; Carter, Jarrod W; Oxland, Thomas R; Cripton, Peter A

    2014-12-01

    The tolerance of the spine to bending moments, used for evaluation of injury prevention devices, is often determined through eccentric axial compression experiments using segments of the cadaver spine. Preliminary experiments in our laboratory demonstrated that eccentric axial compression resulted in "unexpected" (artifact) moments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the static and dynamic effects of test configuration on bending moments during eccentric axial compression typical in cadaver spine segment testing. Specific objectives were to create dynamic equilibrium equations for the loads measured inferior to the specimen, experimentally verify these equations, and compare moment responses from various test configurations using synthetic (rubber) and human cadaver specimens. The equilibrium equations were verified by performing quasi-static (5 mm/s) and dynamic experiments (0.4 m/s) on a rubber specimen and comparing calculated shear forces and bending moments to those measured using a six-axis load cell. Moment responses were compared for hinge joint, linear slider and hinge joint, and roller joint configurations tested at quasi-static and dynamic rates. Calculated shear force and bending moment curves had similar shapes to those measured. Calculated values in the first local minima differed from those measured by 3% and 15%, respectively, in the dynamic test, and these occurred within 1.5 ms of those measured. In the rubber specimen experiments, for the hinge joint (translation constrained), quasi-static and dynamic posterior eccentric compression resulted in flexion (unexpected) moments. For the slider and hinge joints and the roller joints (translation unconstrained), extension ("expected") moments were measured quasi-statically and initial flexion (unexpected) moments were measured dynamically. In the cadaver experiments with roller joints, anterior and posterior eccentricities resulted in extension moments, which were unexpected and expected, for those configurations, respectively. The unexpected moments were due to the inertia of the superior mounting structures. This study has shown that eccentric axial compression produces unexpected moments due to translation constraints at all loading rates and due to the inertia of the superior mounting structures in dynamic experiments. It may be incorrect to assume that bending moments are equal to the product of compression force and eccentricity, particularly where the test configuration involves translational constraints and where the experiments are dynamic. In order to reduce inertial moment artifacts, the mass, and moment of inertia of any loading jig structures that rotate with the specimen should be minimized. Also, the distance between these structures and the load cell should be reduced.

  5. Secondary Moments due to Prestressing with Different Bond at the Ultimate Limit State

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Halvoník, Jaroslav; Pažma, Peter; Vida, Radoslav

    2018-03-01

    Secondary effects of prestressing develop in statically indeterminate structures (e.g., continuous beams) due to the restraint of deformations imposed by hyperstatic restraints. These effects may significantly influence internal forces and stresses in prestressed structures. Secondary effects are influenced by the redundancy of a structural system, which raises the question of whether they will remain constant after a change in the structural system, e.g., due to the development of plastic hinge(s) in a critical cross-section(s) or after the development of a kinematic mechanism, or if they will disappear when the structure changes into a sequence of simply supported beams. The paper deals with an investigation of the behavior of continuous post-tensioned beams subjected to an ultimate load with significant secondary effects from prestressing. A total of 6 two-span beams prestressed by tendons with different bonds were tested in a laboratory with a load that changed their structural system into a kinematic mechanism. The internal forces and secondary effects of the prestressing were controlled through measurements of the reactions in all the supports. The results revealed that the secondary effects remained as a permanent part of the action on the experimental beams, even after the development of the kinematic mechanism. The results obtained confirmed that secondary effects should be included in all combinations of actions for verifications of ultimate limit states (ULS).

  6. Design of a Shape Memory Alloy deployment hinge for reflector facets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anders, W. S.; Rogers, C. A.

    1991-01-01

    A design concept for a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuated hinge mechanism for deploying segmented facet-type reflector surfaces on antenna truss structures is presented. The mechanism uses nitinol, a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, as a displacement-force micro-actuator. An electrical current is used to resistively heat a 'plastically' elongated SMA actuator wire, causing it to contract in response to a thermally-induced phase transformation. The resulting tension creates a moment, imparting rotary motion between two adjacent panels. Mechanical stops are designed into the device to limit its range of motion and to establish positioning accuracy at the termination of deployment. The concept and its operation are discussed in detail, and an analytical dynamic simulation model is presented. The model has been used to perform nondimensionalized parametric design studies.

  7. Folding Elastic Thermal Surface - FETS

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Urquiza, Eugenio; Zhang, Burt X.; Thelen, Michael P.; Rodriquez, Jose I.; Pellegrino, Sergio

    2013-01-01

    The FETS is a light and compact thermal surface (sun shade, IR thermal shield, cover, and/or deployable radiator) that is mounted on a set of offset tape-spring hinges. The thermal surface is constrained during launch and activated in space by a thermomechanical latch such as a wax actuator. An application-specific embodiment of this technology developed for the MATMOS (Mars Atmospheric Trace Molecule Occultation Spectrometer) project serves as a deployable cover and thermal shield for its passive cooler. The FETS fits compactly against the instrument within the constrained launch envelope, and then unfolds into a larger area once in space. In this application, the FETS protects the passive cooler from thermal damage and contamination during ground operations, launch, and during orbit insertion. Once unfolded or deployed, the FETS serves as a heat shield, intercepting parasitic heat loads by blocking the passive cooler s view of the warm spacecraft. The technology significantly enhances the capabilities of instruments requiring either active or passive cooling of optical detectors. This can be particularly important for instruments where performance is limited by the available radiator area. Examples would be IR optical instruments on CubeSATs or those launched as hosted payloads because radiator area is limited and views are often undesirable. As a deployable radiator, the panels making up the FETS are linked thermally by thermal straps and heat pipes; the structural support and deployment energy is provided using tape-spring hinges. The FETS is a novel combination of existing technologies. Prior art for deployable heat shields uses rotating hinges that typically must be lubricated to avoid cold welding or static friction. By using tape-spring hinges, the FETS avoids the need for lubricants by avoiding friction altogether. This also eliminates the potential for contamination of nearby cooled optics by outgassing lubricants. Furthermore, the tape-spring design of the FETS is also self-locking so the panels stay in a rigid and extended configuration after deployment. This unexpected benefit makes the tape-spring hinge design of the FETS a light, simple, reliable, compact, non-outgassing hinge, spring, and latch. While tape-spring hinges are not novel, they have never been used to deploy passive unfolding thermal surfaces (radiator panels, covers, sun shades, or IR thermal shields). Furthermore, because this technology is compact, it has minimal impact on the launch envelope and mass specifications. FETS enhances the performance of hosted payload instruments where the science data is limited by dark noise. Incorporating FETS into a thermal control system increases radiator area, which lowers the optical detector temperature. This results in higher SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and improved science data.

  8. Radar Interferometry Detection of Hinge Line Migration on Rutford Ice Stream and Carlson Inlet, Antarctica

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rignot, Eric

    1997-01-01

    Satellite synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) Interferometry is employed to map the hinge line, or limit of tidal flexing, of Rutford Ice Stream and Carlson Inlet, Antarctica, and detect its migration between 1992 and 1996. The hinge line is mapped using a model fit from an elastic beam theory.

  9. 77 FR 49396 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-16

    ... option for installing a redesigned aft hinge fitting with the trim already done, instead of trimming an... installing a redesigned aft hinge fitting with the trim already done, instead of trimming an existing or new... action in the existing AD) for installing a redesigned aft hinge fitting designed with the trim already...

  10. 78 FR 33197 - Airworthiness Directives; Iniziative Industriali Italiane S.p.A. Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-04

    ... plane hinge assembly. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these... plane hinge assembly have been reported. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to... bearing and the horizontal tail/elevator plane hinge assembly to detect any crack, signs of corrosion or...

  11. The impacts of hinged and solid ankle-foot orthoses on standing and walking in children with spastic diplegia.

    PubMed

    Dalvand, Hamid; Dehghan, Leila; Feizi, Awat; Hosseini, Seyed Ali; Amirsalari, Susan

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of hinged and solid anklefoot orthoses (AFOs) on standing and walking abilities in children with spastic diplegia. In a quasi-experimental design, 30 children with spastic diplegia, aged 4-6 years were recruited. They were matched in terms of age, IQ, and level of GMFCS E&R. Children were randomly assigned into 3 groups: a hinged AFO group (n=10) plus occupational therapy (OT), a solid AFO group (n=10) plus OT, a control group who used only OT for three months. Gross motor abilities were measured using Gross Motor Measure Function (GMFM). We obtained statistically significant differences in the values between baseline and after treatment in all groups. The groups were also significantly different in total GMFM after intervention. Furthermore, there were differences between hinged AFOs and solid AFOs groups, and between hinged AFOs and control groups. We concluded that gross motor function was improved in all groups; however, hinged AFOs group appears to improve the gross motor function better than solid AFOs and control groups.

  12. Attitude dynamics simulation subroutines for systems of hinge-connected rigid bodies with nonrigid appendages

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fleischer, G. E.; Likins, P. W.

    1975-01-01

    Three computer subroutines designed to solve the vector-dyadic differential equations of rotational motion for systems that may be idealized as a collection of hinge-connected rigid bodies assembled in a tree topology, with an optional flexible appendage attached to each body are reported. Deformations of the appendages are mathematically represented by modal coordinates and are assumed small. Within these constraints, the subroutines provide equation solutions for (1) the most general case of unrestricted hinge rotations, with appendage base bodies nominally rotating at a constant speed, (2) the case of unrestricted hinge rotations between rigid bodies, with the restriction that those rigid bodies carrying appendages are nominally nonspinning, and (3) the case of small hinge rotations and nominally nonrotating appendages. Sample problems and their solutions are presented to illustrate the utility of the computer programs.

  13. Antecedents of Player Satisfaction in Team Sports.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Melnick, Merrill J.

    1981-01-01

    Satisfaction of participants in team sports hinges on psychosocial needs of individual athletes. Team affiliation creates a ready-made social structure in which emotional rewards of close friendships, motivation to achieve particular goals, and social reinforcement through personal recognition are granted. Other factors include: (1) team size; (2)…

  14. Improving the Accuracy of Structural Fatigue Life Tracking Through Dynamic Strain Sensor Calibration

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    strength corrosion resistant 7075 -T6 alloy, and included hinge lugs, a bulkhead, spars, and wing skins that were fastened together using welds, rivets...release, distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES See also ADA580921. International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring: From Condition -based...greater than 10% under the same loading conditions [1]. These differences must be accounted for to have acceptable accuracy levels in the ultimate

  15. 76 FR 13069 - Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model ATP Airplanes; BAE Systems...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-10

    ..., an operator found an aileron trim tab hinge pin that had migrated sufficiently to cause a rubbing.... Recently, during a walk round check, an operator found an aileron trim tab hinge pin that had migrated... walk round check, an operator found an aileron trim tab hinge pin that had migrated sufficiently to...

  16. Window Operator Types | Efficient Windows Collaborative

    Science.gov Websites

    Types Casement Casement Casement windows are hinged at the sides. Hinged windows such as casements operating types to consider. Traditional operable window types include the projected or hinged types such as casement, awning, and hopper, and the sliding types such as double- and single-hung and horizontal sliding

  17. Biomechanical influence of pin placement and elbow angle on joint distraction and hinge alignment for an arthrodiatasis elbow-pin-fixator construct.

    PubMed

    Lee, Wei-Shiun; Linz, Shang-Chih; Shih, Kao-Shang; Chao, Ching-Kong; Chen, Yeung-Jen; Fan, Chang-Yuan

    2012-10-01

    Stiffness and contracture of the periarticular tissues are common complications of a post-traumatic elbow. Arthrodiatasis is a surgical technique that uses an external fixator for initial immobilization and subsequent distraction. The two prerequisites for an ideal arthrodiatasis are concentric distraction (avoiding bony contact) and hinge alignment (reducing internal stress). This study used the finite element (FE) method to clarify the relationship between these two prerequisites and the initial conditions (pin placement, elbow angle, and distraction mode). A total of 12 variations of the initial conditions were symmetrically arranged to evaluate their biomechanical influence on concentric distraction and hinge alignment. The humeroulnar surface was hypothesized to be ideally distracted orthogonal to the line joining the tips of the olecranon and the coronoid. The eccentric separation of the humeroulnar surfaces is a response to the non-orthogonality of the distracting force and joining line. Pin placement significantly affects the effective moment arm of the fixing pins to distract the bridged elbow. Both elbow angle and distraction mode directly alter the direction of the distracting force at the elbow center. In general, the hinges misalignment occurs in a direction opposite to the distraction-activated site. After joint distraction, the elastic deflection of the fixing pins inevitably makes both elbow and fixator hinges to misalign. This indicates that both joint distraction and hinge alignment are the interactive mechanisms. The humeroulnar separation is more concentric in the situation of the 120 degrees humeral distraction by using stiffer pins with convergent placement. Even so, the eccentric displacement of the elbow hinge is a crucial consideration in the initial placement of the guiding pin to compensate for hinge misalignment.

  18. The role of hinges in primary total knee replacement.

    PubMed

    Gehrke, T; Kendoff, D; Haasper, C

    2014-11-01

    The use of hinged implants in primary total knee replacement (TKR) should be restricted to selected indications and mainly for elderly patients. Potential indications for a rotating hinge or pure hinge implant in primary TKR include: collateral ligament insufficiency, severe varus or valgus deformity (>20°) with necessary relevant soft-tissue release, relevant bone loss including insertions of collateral ligaments, gross flexion-extension gap imbalance, ankylosis, or hyperlaxity. Although data reported in the literature are inconsistent, clinical results depend on implant design, proper technical use, and adequate indications. We present our experience with a specific implant type that we have used for over 30 years and which has given our elderly patients good mid-term results. Because revision of implants with long cemented stems can be very challenging, an effort should be made in the future to use shorter stems in modular versions of hinged implants. ©2014 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

  19. Skip residues modulate the structural properties of the myosin rod and guide thick filament assembly

    DOE PAGES

    Taylor, Keenan C.; Buvoli, Massimo; Korkmaz, Elif Nihal; ...

    2015-07-06

    The rod of sarcomeric myosins directs thick filament assembly and is characterized by the insertion of four skip residues that introduce discontinuities in the coiled-coil heptad repeats. We report in this paper that the regions surrounding the first three skip residues share high structural similarity despite their low sequence homology. Near each of these skip residues, the coiled-coil transitions to a nonclose-packed structure inducing local relaxation of the superhelical pitch. Moreover, molecular dynamics suggest that these distorted regions can assume different conformationally stable states. In contrast, the last skip residue region constitutes a true molecular hinge, providing C-terminal rod flexibility.more » Assembly of myosin with mutated skip residues in cardiomyocytes shows that the functional importance of each skip residue is associated with rod position and reveals the unique role of the molecular hinge in promoting myosin antiparallel packing. By defining the biophysical properties of the rod, the structures and molecular dynamic calculations presented here provide insight into thick filament formation, and highlight the structural differences occurring between the coiled-coils of myosin and the stereotypical tropomyosin. Finally, in addition to extending our knowledge into the conformational and biological properties of coiled-coil discontinuities, the molecular characterization of the four myosin skip residues also provides a guide to modeling the effects of rod mutations causing cardiac and skeletal myopathies.« less

  20. Expandable space frames

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schoen, A. H. (Inventor)

    1973-01-01

    Expandable space frames having essentially infinite periodicity limited only by practical considerations, are described. Each expandable space frame comprises a plurality of hinge joint assemblies having arms that extend outwardly in predetermined symmetrically related directions from a central or vertex point. The outer ends of the arms form one part of a hinge point. The outer expandable space frame also comprises a plurality of struts. The outer ends of the struts from the other part of the hinged joint. The struts interconnect the plurality of hinge point in sychronism, the spaceframes can be expanded or collapsed. Three-dimensional as well as two-dimensional spaceframes of this general nature are described.

  1. Graphite Composite Booms with Integral Hinges

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Alexander, Wes; Carlos, Rene; Rossoni, Peter; Sturm, James

    2006-01-01

    A document discusses lightweight instrument booms under development for use aboard spacecraft. A boom of this type comprises a thin-walled graphite fiber/ matrix composite tube with an integral hinge that can be bent for stowage and later allowed to spring back to straighten the boom for deployment in outer space. The boom design takes advantage of both the stiffness of the composite in tubular geometry and the flexibility of thin sections of the composite. The hinge is formed by machining windows in the tube at diametrically opposite locations so that there remain two opposing cylindrical strips resembling measuring tapes. Essential to the design is a proprietary composite layup that renders the hinge tough yet flexible enough to be bendable as much as 90 in either of two opposite directions. When the boom is released for deployment, the torque exerted by the bent hinge suffices to overcome parasitic resistance from harnesses and other equipment, so that the two sections of the hinge snap to a straight, rigid condition in the same manner as that of measuring tapes. Issues addressed in development thus far include selection of materials, out-of-plane bending, edge cracking, and separation of plies.

  2. Modeling and design of a high-performance hybrid actuator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aloufi, Badr; Behdinan, Kamran; Zu, Jean

    2016-12-01

    This paper presents the model and design of a novel hybrid piezoelectric actuator which provides high active and passive performances for smart structural systems. The actuator is composed of a pair of curved pre-stressed piezoelectric actuators, so-called commercially THUNDER actuators, installed opposite each other using two clamping mechanisms constructed of in-plane fixable hinges, grippers and solid links. A fully mathematical model is developed to describe the active and passive dynamics of the actuator and investigate the effects of its geometrical parameters on the dynamic stiffness, free displacement and blocked force properties. Among the literature that deals with piezoelectric actuators in which THUNDER elements are used as a source of electromechanical power, the proposed study is unique in that it presents a mathematical model that has the ability to predict the actuator characteristics and achieve other phenomena, such as resonances, mode shapes, phase shifts, dips, etc. For model validation, the measurements of the free dynamic response per unit voltage and passive acceleration transmissibility of a particular actuator design are used to check the accuracy of the results predicted by the model. The results reveal that there is a good agreement between the model and experiment. Another experiment is performed to teste the linearity of the actuator system by examining the variation of the output dynamic responses with varying forces and voltages at different frequencies. From the results, it can be concluded that the actuator acts approximately as a linear system at frequencies up to 1000 Hz. A parametric study is achieved here by applying the developed model to analyze the influence of the geometrical parameters of the fixable hinges on the active and passive actuator properties. The model predictions in the frequency range of 0-1000 Hz show that the hinge thickness, radius, and opening angle parameters have great effects on the frequency dynamic responses, passive isolation characteristics and the locations of their peaks and dips. Furthermore, the output actuating force can be improved by increasing the hinge hardness, which is controlled by its dimensions, although increasing the hinge hardness may cause a decrease in the free displacement and passive insulation performance, particularly at low frequencies.

  3. A Flexible Domain-Domain Hinge Promotes an Induced-fit Dominant Mechanism for the Loading of Guide-DNA into Argonaute Protein in Thermus thermophilus.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Lizhe; Jiang, Hanlun; Sheong, Fu Kit; Cui, Xuefeng; Gao, Xin; Wang, Yanli; Huang, Xuhui

    2016-03-17

    Argonaute proteins (Ago) are core components of the RNA Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) that load and utilize small guide nucleic acids to silence mRNAs or cleave foreign DNAs. Despite the essential role of Ago in gene regulation and defense against virus, the molecular mechanism of guide-strand loading into Ago remains unclear. We explore such a mechanism in the bacterium Thermus thermophilus Ago (TtAgo), via a computational approach combining molecular dynamics, bias-exchange metadynamics, and protein-DNA docking. We show that apo TtAgo adopts multiple closed states that are unable to accommodate guide-DNA. Conformations able to accommodate the guide are beyond the reach of thermal fluctuations from the closed states. These results suggest an induced-fit dominant mechanism for guide-strand loading in TtAgo, drastically different from the two-step mechanism for human Ago 2 (hAgo2) identified in our previous study. Such a difference between TtAgo and hAgo2 is found to mainly originate from the distinct rigidity of their L1-PAZ hinge. Further comparison among known Ago structures from various species indicates that the L1-PAZ hinge may be flexible in general for prokaryotic Ago's but rigid for eukaryotic Ago's.

  4. Deployment Analysis of a Simple Tape-Spring Hinge Using Probabilistic Methods

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lyle, Karen H.; Horta, Lucas G.

    2012-01-01

    Acceptance of new deployable structures architectures and concepts requires validated design methods to minimize the expense involved with technology validation flight testing. Deployable concepts for large lightweight spacecraft include booms, antennae, and masts. This paper explores the implementation of probabilistic methods in the design process for the deployment of a strain-energy mechanism, specifically a simple tape-spring hinge. Strain-energy mechanisms are attractive for deployment in very lightweight systems because they do not require the added mass and complexity associated with motors and controllers. However, designers are hesitant to include free deployment, strain-energy mechanisms because of the potential for uncontrolled behavior. In the example presented here, the tapespring cross-sectional dimensions have been varied and a target displacement during deployment has been selected as the design metric. Specifically, the tape-spring should reach the final position in the shortest time with the minimal amount of overshoot and oscillations. Surrogate models have been used to reduce computational expense. Parameter values to achieve the target response have been computed and used to demonstrate the approach. Based on these results, the application of probabilistic methods for design of a tape-spring hinge has shown promise as a means of designing strain-energy components for more complex space concepts.

  5. Discovery of 4-Methyl-N-(4-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-((1-nicotinoylpiperidin-4-yl)oxy)benzamide (CHMFL-ABL/KIT-155) as a Novel Highly Potent Type II ABL/KIT Dual Kinase Inhibitor with a Distinct Hinge Binding.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qiang; Liu, Feiyang; Wang, Beilei; Zou, Fengming; Qi, Ziping; Chen, Cheng; Yu, Kailin; Hu, Chen; Qi, Shuang; Wang, Wenchao; Hu, Zhenquan; Liu, Juan; Wang, Wei; Wang, Li; Liang, Qianmao; Zhang, Shanchun; Ren, Tao; Liu, Qingsong; Liu, Jing

    2017-01-12

    The discovery of a novel potent type II ABL/c-KIT dual kinase inhibitor compound 34 (CHMFL-ABL/KIT-155), which utilized a hydrogen bond formed by NH on the kinase backbone and carbonyl oxygen of 34 as a unique hinge binding, is described. 34 potently inhibited purified ABL (IC 50 : 46 nM) and c-KIT kinase (IC 50 : 75 nM) in the biochemical assays and displayed high selectivity (S Score (1) = 0.03) at the concentration of 1 μM among 468 kinases/mutants in KINOMEscan assay. It exhibited strong antiproliferative activities against BCR-ABL/c-KIT driven CML/GISTs cancer cell lines through blockage of the BCR-ABL/c-KIT mediated signaling pathways, arresting cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis. 34 possessed a good oral PK property and effectively suppressed the tumor progression in the K562 (CML) and GIST-T1 (GISTs) cells mediated xenograft mouse model. The distinct hinge-binding mode of 34 provided a novel pharmacophore for expanding the chemical structure diversity for the type II kinase inhibitors discovery.

  6. Self-Folded Gripper-Like Architectures from Stimuli-Responsive Bilayers.

    PubMed

    Abdullah, Arif M; Li, Xiuling; Braun, Paul V; Rogers, John A; Hsia, K Jimmy

    2018-06-19

    Self-folding microgrippers are an emerging class of smart structures that have widespread applications in medicine and micro/nanomanipulation. To achieve their functionalities, these architectures rely on spatially patterned hinges to transform into 3D configurations in response to an external stimulus. Incorporating hinges into the devices requires the processing of multiple layers which eventually increases the fabrication costs and actuation complexities. The goal of this work is to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve gripper-like configurations in an on-demand manner from simple planar bilayers that do not require hinges for their actuation. Finite element modeling of bilayers is performed to understand the mechanics behind their stimuli-responsive shape transformation behavior. The model predictions are then experimentally validated and axisymmetric gripper-like shapes are realized using millimeter-scale poly(dimethylsiloxane) bilayers that undergo differential swelling in organic solvents. Owing to the nature of the computational scheme which is independent of length scales and material properties, the guidelines reported here would be applicable to a diverse array of gripping systems and functional devices. Thus, this work not only demonstrates a simple route to fabricate functional microgrippers but also contributes to self-assembly in general. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. Morphologic-echocardiographic correlates of Ebstein's malformation.

    PubMed

    Rusconi, P G; Zuberbuhler, J R; Anderson, R H; Rigby, M L

    1991-07-01

    The cross-sectional echocardiographic findings were analysed retrospectively in 26 patients with Ebstein's malformation in the light of studies of autopsied specimens from different patients showing this lesion. The salient anatomical feature in diagnosis is the finding of the hinge point of the septal and mural leaflets of the valve within the inlet component of the right ventricle rather than at the atrioventricular junction. The other important feature is the nature of the distal attachment of the leaflets, particularly the anterosuperior one, which can either be in focal or linear fashion. The hinge point of the septal leaflet was noted echocardiographically to be displaced in 19 patients but, significantly, the leaflet was absent in the other seven. Also significant was that the hinge point of the mural leaflet at the crux had been visualized in only 15 of the patients. The anterosuperior leaflet had a distal linear attachment in 20 of the patients, with the anteroseptal commissure becoming a keyhole in six of these through which blood passed to the functional right ventricle. The valve remained a competent structure, even though closing at the junction of atrialized and functional components of the right ventricle rather than at the atrioventricular junction. Cross-sectional echocardiography is the technique of choice with which to display the salient morphological features of Ebstein's malformation.

  8. How Hinge Positioning in Cross-Country Ski Bindings Affect Exercise Efficiency, Cycle Characteristics and Muscle Coordination during Submaximal Roller Skiing

    PubMed Central

    Bolger, Conor M.; Sandbakk, Øyvind; Ettema, Gertjan; Federolf, Peter

    2016-01-01

    The purposes of the current study were to 1) test if the hinge position in the binding of skating skis has an effect on gross efficiency or cycle characteristics and 2) investigate whether hinge positioning affects synergistic components of the muscle activation in six lower leg muscles. Eleven male skiers performed three 4-min sessions at moderate intensity while cross-country ski-skating and using a klapskate binding. Three different positions were tested for the binding’s hinge, ranging from the front of the first distal phalange to the metatarsal-phalangeal joint. Gross efficiency and cycle characteristics were determined, and the electromyographic (EMG) signals of six lower limb muscles were collected. EMG signals were wavelet transformed, normalized, joined into a multi-dimensional vector, and submitted to a principle component analysis (PCA). Our results did not reveal any changes to gross efficiency or cycle characteristics when altering the hinge position. However, our EMG analysis found small but significant effects of hinge positioning on muscle coordinative patterns (P < 0.05). The changed patterns in muscle activation are in alignment with previously described mechanisms that explain the effects of hinge positioning in speed-skating klapskates. Finally, the within-subject results of the EMG analysis suggested that in addition to the between-subject effects, further forms of muscle coordination patterns appear to be employed by some, but not all participants. PMID:27203597

  9. Engineering Upper Hinge Improves Stability and Effector Function of a Human IgG1

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Boxu; Boyd, Daniel; Kaschak, Timothy; Tsukuda, Joni; Shen, Amy; Lin, Yuwen; Chung, Shan; Gupta, Priyanka; Kamath, Amrita; Wong, Anne; Vernes, Jean-Michel; Meng, Gloria Y.; Totpal, Klara; Schaefer, Gabriele; Jiang, Guoying; Nogal, Bartek; Emery, Craig; Vanderlaan, Martin; Carter, Paul; Harris, Reed; Amanullah, Ashraf

    2012-01-01

    Upper hinge is vulnerable to radical attacks that result in breakage of the heavy-light chain linkage and cleavage of the hinge of an IgG1. To further explore mechanisms responsible for the radical induced hinge degradation, nine mutants were designed to determine the roles that the upper hinge Asp and His play in the radical reactions. The observation that none of these substitutions could inhibit the breakage of the heavy-light chain linkage suggests that the breakage may result from electron transfer from Cys231 directly to the heavy-light chain linkage upon radical attacks, and implies a pathway separate from His229-mediated hinge cleavage. On the other hand, the substitution of His229 with Tyr showed promising advantages over the native antibody and other substitutions in improving the stability and function of the IgG1. This substitution inhibited the hinge cleavage by 98% and suggests that the redox active nature of Tyr did not enable it to replicate the ability of His to facilitate radical induced degradation. We propose that the lower redox potential of Tyr, a residue that may be the ultimate sink for oxidizing equivalents in proteins, is responsible for the inhibition. More importantly, the substitution increased the antibody's binding to FcγRIII receptors by 2–3-fold, and improved ADCC activity by 2-fold, while maintaining a similar pharmacokinetic profile with respect to the wild type. Implications of these observations for antibody engineering and development are discussed. PMID:22203673

  10. Engineering upper hinge improves stability and effector function of a human IgG1.

    PubMed

    Yan, Boxu; Boyd, Daniel; Kaschak, Timothy; Tsukuda, Joni; Shen, Amy; Lin, Yuwen; Chung, Shan; Gupta, Priyanka; Kamath, Amrita; Wong, Anne; Vernes, Jean-Michel; Meng, Gloria Y; Totpal, Klara; Schaefer, Gabriele; Jiang, Guoying; Nogal, Bartek; Emery, Craig; Vanderlaan, Martin; Carter, Paul; Harris, Reed; Amanullah, Ashraf

    2012-02-17

    Upper hinge is vulnerable to radical attacks that result in breakage of the heavy-light chain linkage and cleavage of the hinge of an IgG1. To further explore mechanisms responsible for the radical induced hinge degradation, nine mutants were designed to determine the roles that the upper hinge Asp and His play in the radical reactions. The observation that none of these substitutions could inhibit the breakage of the heavy-light chain linkage suggests that the breakage may result from electron transfer from Cys(231) directly to the heavy-light chain linkage upon radical attacks, and implies a pathway separate from His(229)-mediated hinge cleavage. On the other hand, the substitution of His(229) with Tyr showed promising advantages over the native antibody and other substitutions in improving the stability and function of the IgG1. This substitution inhibited the hinge cleavage by 98% and suggests that the redox active nature of Tyr did not enable it to replicate the ability of His to facilitate radical induced degradation. We propose that the lower redox potential of Tyr, a residue that may be the ultimate sink for oxidizing equivalents in proteins, is responsible for the inhibition. More importantly, the substitution increased the antibody's binding to FcγRIII receptors by 2-3-fold, and improved ADCC activity by 2-fold, while maintaining a similar pharmacokinetic profile with respect to the wild type. Implications of these observations for antibody engineering and development are discussed.

  11. The C-terminal priming domain is strongly associated with the main body of bacteriophage ϕ6 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

    PubMed

    Sarin, L Peter; Wright, Sam; Chen, Qing; Degerth, Linda H; Stuart, David I; Grimes, Jonathan M; Bamford, Dennis H; Poranen, Minna M

    2012-10-10

    Double-stranded RNA viruses encode a single protein species containing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) motifs. This protein is responsible for RNA transcription and replication. The architecture of viral RdRPs resembles that of a cupped right hand with fingers, palm and thumb domains. Those using de novo initiation have a flexible structural elaboration that constitutes the priming platform. Here we investigate the properties of the C-terminal priming domain of bacteriophage ϕ6 to get insights into the role of an extended loop connecting this domain to the main body of the polymerase. Proteolyzed ϕ6 RdRP that possesses a nick in the hinge region of this loop was better suited for de novo initiation. The clipped C-terminus remained associated with the main body of the polymerase via the anchor helix. The structurally flexible hinge region appeared to be involved in the control of priming platform movement. Moreover, we detected abortive initiation products for a bacteriophage RdRP. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. A hinge migration mechanism unlocks the evolution of green-to-red photoconversion in GFP-like proteins

    DOE PAGES

    Kim, Hanseong; Zou, Taisong; Modi, Chintan; ...

    2014-12-31

    In proteins, functional divergence involves mutations that modify structure and dynamics. In this paper, we provide experimental evidence for an evolutionary mechanism driven solely by long-range dynamic motions without significant backbone adjustments, catalytic group rearrangements, or changes in subunit assembly. Crystallographic structures were determined for several reconstructed ancestral proteins belonging to a GFP class frequently employed in superresolution microscopy. Their chain flexibility was analyzed using molecular dynamics and perturbation response scanning. The green-to-red photoconvertible phenotype appears to have arisen from a common green ancestor by migration of a knob-like anchoring region away from the active site diagonally across the βmore » barrel fold. The allosterically coupled mutational sites provide active site conformational mobility via epistasis. We propose that light-induced chromophore twisting is enhanced in a reverse-protonated subpopulation, activating internal acid-base chemistry and backbone cleavage to enlarge the chromophore. Finally, dynamics-driven hinge migration may represent a more general platform for the evolution of novel enzyme activities.« less

  13. IgG-Fc-mediated effector functions: molecular definition of interaction sites for effector ligands and the role of glycosylation.

    PubMed

    Jefferis, R; Lund, J; Pound, J D

    1998-06-01

    The Fc region of human IgG expresses interaction sites for many effector ligands. In this review the topographical distributions of ten of these sites are discussed in relation to functional requirement. It is apparent that interaction sites localised to the inter-CH2-CH3 domain region of the Fc allow for functional divalency, whereas sites localised to the hinge proximal region of the CH2 domain are functionally monovalent, with expression of the latter sites being particularly dependent on glycosylation. All x-ray crystal structures for Fc and Fc-ligand complexes report that the protein structure of the hinge proximal region of the CH2 domain is "disordered", suggesting "internal mobility". We propose a model in which such "internal mobility" results in the generation of a dynamic equilibrium between multiple conformers, certain of which express interaction sites specific to individual ligands. The emerging understanding of the influence of oligosaccharide/protein interactions on protein conformation and biological function of IgG antibodies suggests a potential to generate novel glycoforms of antibody molecules having unique profiles of effector functions.

  14. The solution structures of the cucumber mosaic virus and tomato aspermy virus coat proteins explored with molecular dynamics simulations.

    PubMed

    Gellért, Akos; Balázs, Ervin

    2010-02-26

    The three-dimensional structures of two cucumovirus coat proteins (CP), namely Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Tomato aspermy virus (TAV), were explored by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The N-terminal domain and the C-terminal tail of the CPs proved to be intrinsically unstructured protein regions in aqueous solution. The N-terminal alpha-helix had a partially unrolled conformation. The thermal factor analysis of the CP loop regions demonstrated that the CMV CP had more flexible loop regions than the TAV CP. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the MD trajectories showed that the first three eigenvectors represented the three main conformational motions in the CPs. The first motion components with the highest variance contribution described an opening movement between the hinge and the N-terminal domain of both CPs. The second eigenvector showed a closing motion, while the third eigenvector represented crosswise conformational fluctuations. These new findings, together with previous results, suggest that the hinge region of CPs plays a central role in the recognition and binding of viral RNA. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Hinge assembly

    DOEpatents

    Vandergriff, D.H.

    1999-08-31

    A hinge assembly is disclosed having a first leaf, a second leaf and linking member. The first leaf has a contact surface. The second leaf has a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The linking member pivotally connects to the first leaf and to the second leaf. The hinge assembly is capable of moving from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the first contact surface of the second leaf. In the open position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the second contact surface of the second leaf. The hinge assembly can include a seal on the contact surface of the first leaf. 8 figs.

  16. Hinge assembly

    DOEpatents

    Vandergriff, David Houston

    1999-01-01

    A hinge assembly having a first leaf, a second leaf and linking member. The first leaf has a contact surface. The second leaf has a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The linking member pivotally connects to the first leaf and to the second leaf. The hinge assembly is capable of moving from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the first contact surface of the second leaf. In the open position, the contact surface of the first leaf merges with the second contact surface of the second leaf. The hinge assembly can include a seal on the contact surface of the first leaf.

  17. Inelastic seismic response of precast concrete frames with constructed plastic hinges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sucuoglu, H.

    1995-07-01

    A modified seismic design concept is introduced for precast concrete frames in which beam plastic hinges with reduced yield capacities are constructed away from the precast beam-column connections arranged at the column faces. Plastic hinge location and yield capacity are employed as the basic parameters of an analytical survey in which the inelastic dynamic responses of a conventional precast frame and its modified counterparts are calculated and compared under two earthquake excitations by using a general purpose computer program for dynamic analysis of inelastic frames (left bracket) 1, 2 (right bracket). An optimum design is obtained by providing plastic hinges on precast beams located at one depth away from the beam ends, in which primary (negative) bending moment yield capacities are reduced between one-third and one-quarter of the beam design end moments. With such plastic hinge configurations, precast beam-column connections at the column faces can be designed to remain elastic under strong earthquake excitations.

  18. Origami-Inspired Folding of Thick, Rigid Panels

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Trease, Brian P.; Thomson, Mark W.; Sigel, Deborah A.; Walkemeyer, Phillip E.; Zirbel, Shannon; Howell, Larry; Lang, Robert

    2014-01-01

    To achieve power of 250 kW or greater, a large compression ratio of stowed-to-deployed area is needed. Origami folding patterns were used to inspire the folding of a solar array to achieve synchronous deployment; however, origami models are generally created for near-zero-thickness material. Panel thickness is one of the main challenges of origami-inspired design. Three origami-inspired folding techniques (flasher, square twist, and map fold) were created with rigid panels and hinges. Hinge components are added to the model to enable folding of thick, rigid materials. Origami models are created assuming zero (or near zero) thickness. When a material with finite thickness is used, the panels are required to bend around an increasingly thick fold as they move away from the center of the model. The two approaches for dealing with material thickness are to use membrane hinges to connect the panels, or to add panel hinges, or hinges of the same thickness, at an appropriate width to enable folding.

  19. Hinged external fixation of the elbow.

    PubMed

    Chen, Neal C; Julka, Abhishek

    2010-08-01

    Hinged external fixation of the elbow provides the advantages of static fixation with the benefits of continued motion through the joint. Indications for the use of this method of fixation include traumatic instability, distraction interposition arthroplasty, instability after contracture release, and instability after excision of heterotopic ossification. Orthopedic surgeons should be familiar with hinged fixators and their application when faced with an unstable ulnohumeral joint. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Serum metal ion levels after rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty: comparison between a standard device and a megaprosthesis.

    PubMed

    Friesenbichler, Joerg; Maurer-Ertl, Werner; Sadoghi, Patrick; Lovse, Thomas; Windhager, Reinhard; Leithner, Andreas

    2012-03-01

    The effects of systemic metal ion exposure in patients with implants made of common prosthetic alloys continue to be a matter of concern. The aim of the study was to determine the measurement values of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) in serum following rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty. Blood was taken from 25 patients [mean follow-up 35 (range nine to 67) months] treated with megaprostheses (n=17) or standard rotating-hinge devices (n=8) and analysed using electrothermal graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-ASS). Determining the concentrations of metal ions following rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty revealed increments for Co and Cr but not Mo. Metal ion release was significantly higher in patients with megaprostheses compared to a standard rotating-hinge knee device (Co p=0,024; Cr p=0.025). The authors believe there might be an additional metal ion release from the surface of the prosthesis and not only from the articulating surfaces because, in cases of rotating-hinge knee prosthesis, there is a metal-on-polyethylene articulation and not a direct metal-on-metal junction. Nevertheless, long-term studies are required to determine adverse effects of Co, Cr and Mo following total hip replacement and total knee arthroplasty.

  1. Understanding protein lids: kinetic analysis of active hinge mutants in triosephosphate isomerase.

    PubMed

    Sun, J; Sampson, N S

    1999-08-31

    In previous work we tested what three amino acid sequences could serve as a protein hinge in triosephosphate isomerase [Sun, J., and Sampson, N. S. (1998) Protein Sci. 7, 1495-1505]. We generated a genetic library encoding all 8000 possible 3 amino acid combinations at the C-terminal hinge and selected for those combinations of amino acids that formed active mutants. These mutants were classified into six phylogenetic families. Two families resembled wild-type hinges, and four families represented new types of hinges. In this work, the kinetic characteristics and thermal stabilities of mutants representing each of these families were determined in order to understand what properties make an efficient protein hinge, and why all of the families are not observed in nature. From a steady-state kinetic analysis of our mutants, it is clear that the partitioning between protonation of intermediate to form product and intermediate release from the enzyme surface to form methylglyoxal (a decomposition product) is not affected. The two most impaired mutants undergo a change in rate-limiting step from enediol formation to dihydroxyacetone phosphate binding. Thus, it appears that k(cat)/K(m)'s are reduced relative to wild type as a result of slower Michaelis complex formation and dissociation, rather than increased loop opening speed.

  2. Evading pre-existing anti-hinge antibody binding by hinge engineering

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Hok Seon; Kim, Ingrid; Zheng, Linda; Vernes, Jean-Michel; Meng, Y. Gloria; Spiess, Christoph

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Antigen-binding fragments (Fab) and F(ab′)2 antibodies serve as alternative formats to full-length anti-bodies in therapeutic and immune assays. They provide the advantage of small size, short serum half-life, and lack of effector function. Several proteases associated with invasive diseases are known to cleave antibodies in the hinge-region, and this results in anti-hinge antibodies (AHA) toward the neoepitopes. The AHA can act as surrogate Fc and reintroduce the properties of the Fc that are otherwise lacking in antibody fragments. While this response is desired during the natural process of fighting disease, it is commonly unwanted for therapeutic antibody fragments. In our study, we identify a truncation in the lower hinge region of the antibody that maintains efficient proteolytic cleavage by IdeS protease. The resulting neoepitope at the F(ab′)2 C-terminus does not have detectable binding of pre-existing AHA, providing a practical route to produce F(ab′)2 in vitro by proteolytic digestion when the binding of pre-existing AHA is undesired. We extend our studies to the upper hinge region of the antibody and provide a detailed analysis of the contribution of C-terminal residues of the upper hinge of human IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 to pre-existing AHA reactivity in human serum. While no pre-existing antibodies are observed toward the Fab of IgG2 and IgG4 isotype, a significant response is observed toward most residues of the upper hinge of human IgG1. We identify a T225L variant and the natural C-terminal D221 as solutions with minimal serum reactivity. Our work now enables the production of Fab and F(ab′)2 for therapeutic and diagnostic immune assays that have minimal reactivity toward pre-existing AHA. PMID:27606571

  3. Multi-link piezoelectric structure for vibration energy harvesting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aryanpur, Rameen M.; White, Robert D.

    2012-04-01

    Work in piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting has typically focused on single member cantilevered structures with transverse tip displacement at a known frequency, taking advantage of the optimal coupling characteristics of piezoceramics in the 3-1 bending mode. Multi-member designs could be advantageous in delivering power to a load in environments with random or wide-band vibrations. The design presented in this work consists of two hinged piezoceramic (PZT-5A) beams x-poled for series operation. Each beam measures 31.8mm x 12.7mm x 0.38mm and consists of two layers of nickel-plated piezoceramic adhered to a brass center shim. The hinge device consists of two custom-machined aluminum attachments epoxied to the end of a beam and connected using a 1.59mm diameter alloy steel dowel. A stainless steel torsion spring is placed over the pin and attached to the aluminum body to provide a restoring torque when under rotation. The design is modeled using the piezoelectric constitutive equations to solve for voltage and power for a set of electromechanical boundary conditions. Experimental measurements on the design are achieved by bolting one end of the structure to a vibration shaker and fixing the other to a rigid framework of industrial aluminum framing material. For a given frequency of vibration, power output of the structure can be obtained by measuring voltage drop across a resistive load.

  4. Magnetic second-order topological insulators and semimetals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ezawa, Motohiko

    2018-04-01

    We propose magnetic second-order topological insulators (SOTIs). First, we study a three-dimensional model. It is pointed out that the previously proposed topological hinge insulator has actually surface states along the [001] direction in addition to hinge states. We gap out these surface states by introducing magnetization, obtaining a SOTI only with hinge states. The bulk topological number is the Z2 index protected by the combined symmetry of the fourfold rotation and the inversion symmetry. We next study two-dimensional magnetic SOTIs, where the corner states are robust also in the presence of the magnetization. Finally, we construct a magnetic second-order topological semimetal by layering the two-dimensional magnetic SOTIs, where hinge-arc states are robust also in the presence of the magnetization.

  5. Why School Teams Don't Analyze Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thomas, Ronald

    2011-01-01

    Whether schools have productive data-analysis sessions leading to instructional improvements and increased student learning or meetings that are a waste of time and resources could well hinge on the structures that are put in place by and the expectations of school and district leadership. Based on his work as a data coach with more than 200…

  6. Structure–kinetic relationship study of CDK8/CycC specific compounds

    PubMed Central

    Schneider, Elisabeth V.; Böttcher, Jark; Huber, Robert; Maskos, Klaus; Neumann, Lars

    2013-01-01

    In contrast with the very well explored concept of structure–activity relationship, similar studies are missing for the dependency between binding kinetics and compound structure of a protein ligand complex, the structure–kinetic relationship. Here, we present a structure–kinetic relationship study of the cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8)/cyclin C (CycC) complex. The scaffold moiety of the compounds is anchored in the kinase deep pocket and extended with diverse functional groups toward the hinge region and the front pocket. These variations can cause the compounds to change from fast to slow binding kinetics, resulting in an improved residence time. The flip of the DFG motif (“DMG” in CDK8) to the inactive DFG-out conformation appears to have relatively little influence on the velocity of binding. Hydrogen bonding with the kinase hinge region contributes to the residence time but has less impact than hydrophobic complementarities within the kinase front pocket. PMID:23630251

  7. Modal Characteristics of Novel Wind Turbine Rotors with Hinged Structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Hongya; Zeng, Pan; Lei, Liping

    2018-03-01

    The vibration problems of the wind turbine rotors have drawn public attention as the size of wind turbine has increased incredibly. Although various factors may cause the vibration problems, the flexibility is a big threat among them. Therefore, ensuring the high stiffness of the rotors by adopting novel techniques becomes a necessity. The study was a further investigation of several novel designs regarding the dynamic behaviour and the influencing mechanism. The modal testing experiments were conducted on a traditional blade and an isolated blade with the hinged rods mounted close to the root. The results showed that the rod increased both the modal frequency and the damping of the blade. More studies were done on the rods’ impact on the wind turbine rotor with a numerical model, where dimensionless parameters were defined to describe the configuration of the interveined and the bisymmetrical rods. Their influences on the modal frequencies of the rotor were analyzed and discussed.

  8. Mechanical design and analysis of focal plate for gravity deformation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Jianping; Chu, Jiaru; Hu, Hongzhuan; Li, Kexuan; Zhou, Zengxiang

    2014-07-01

    The surface accuracy of astronomical telescope focal plate is a key indicator to precision stellar observation. To conduct accurate deformation measurement for focal plate in different status, a 6-DOF hexapod platform was used for attitude adjustment. For the small adjustment range of a classic 6-DOF hexapod platform, an improved structural arrangement method was proposed in the paper to achieve ultimate adjustment of the focal plate in horizontal and vertical direction. To validate the feasibility of this method, an angle change model which used ball hinge was set up for the movement and base plate. Simulation results in MATLAB suggested that the ball hinge angle change of movement and base plate is within the range of the limiting angle in the process of the platform plate adjusting to ultimate attitude. The proposed method has some guiding significance for accurate surface measurement of focal plate.

  9. X-ray structures of LeuT in substrate-free outward-open and apo inward-open states

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

    Krishnamurthy, Harini; Gouaux, Eric

    2012-08-09

    Neurotransmitter sodium symporters are integral membrane proteins that remove chemical transmitters from the synapse and terminate neurotransmission mediated by serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, glycine and GABA ({gamma}-aminobutyric acid). Crystal structures of the bacterial homologue, LeuT, in substrate-bound outward-occluded and competitive inhibitor-bound outward-facing states have advanced our mechanistic understanding of neurotransmitter sodium symporters but have left fundamental questions unanswered. Here we report crystal structures of LeuT mutants in complexes with conformation-specific antibody fragments in the outward-open and inward-open states. In the absence of substrate but in the presence of sodium the transporter is outward-open, illustrating how the binding of substrate closes themore » extracellular gate through local conformational changes: hinge-bending movements of the extracellular halves of transmembrane domains 1, 2 and 6, together with translation of extracellular loop 4. The inward-open conformation, by contrast, involves large-scale conformational changes, including a reorientation of transmembrane domains 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7, a marked hinge bending of transmembrane domain 1a and occlusion of the extracellular vestibule by extracellular loop 4. These changes close the extracellular gate, open an intracellular vestibule, and largely disrupt the two sodium sites, thus providing a mechanism by which ions and substrate are released to the cytoplasm. The new structures establish a structural framework for the mechanism of neurotransmitter sodium symporters and their modulation by therapeutic and illicit substances.« less

  10. A crawling robot driven by multi-stable origami

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pagano, Alexander; Yan, Tongxi; Chien, Brian; Wissa, A.; Tawfick, S.

    2017-09-01

    Using origami folding to construct and actuate mechanisms and machines offers attractive opportunities from small, scalable, and cheap robots to deployable adaptive structures. This paper presents the design of a bio-inspired origami crawling robot constructed by folding sheets of paper. The origami building block structure is based on the Kresling crease pattern (CP), a chiral tower with a polygonal base, which expands and contracts through coupled longitudinal and rotational motion similar to a screw. We design the origami to have multi-stable structural equilibria which can be tuned by changing the folding CP. Kinematic analysis of these structures based on rigid-plates and hinges at fold lines precludes the shape transformation associated with the bistability of the physical models. To capture the kinematics of the bi-stable origami, the panels’ deformation behavior is modeled utilizing principles of virtual folds. Virtual folds approximate material bending by hinged, rigid panels, which facilitates the development of a kinematic solution via rigid-plate rotation analysis. As such, the kinetics and stability of folded structures are investigated by assigning suitable torsional spring constants to the fold lines. The results presented demonstrate the effect of fold-pattern geometries on the snapping behavior of the bi-stable origami structure based on the Kresling pattern. The crawling robot is presented as a case study for the use of this origami structure to mimic crawling locomotion. The robot is comprised of two origami towers nested inside a paper bellow, and connected by 3D printed end plates. DC motors are used to actuate the expansion and contraction of the internal origami structures to achieve forward locomotion and steering. Beyond locomotion, this simple design can find applications in manipulators, booms, and active structures.

  11. Numerical investigation of the aerodynamic loads and hinge moments of the flap with boundary layer control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pavlenko, Olga V.; Pigusov, Evgeny A.

    2018-05-01

    The paper discusses the approach of numerical simulation of the boundary layer control (BLC) on deflected flap for suppression of flow separation. Computational investigations were carried out using a program based on numerically solving the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The aim of this work is numerical investigation of the aerodynamic loads and hinge moments of the flap with BLC with influence of the walls of the wind tunnel. We have made a calculation of the airfoil section with flap deflected by 20° and 60° with variation of blowing momentum coefficient of Cμ=0÷0.1. The comparison of the calculation results with the experimental values of lift coefficient, pitching moment and pressure coefficient is presented. The pressure distribution on all surface of the wing and the threedimensional flow pattern of the wing with BLC, influence of the walls of the wind tunnel and the aerodynamic loads and hinge moments of the BLC flap are given. It is shown that the 20° flap increases the jet momentum coefficient from Cμ=0 to Cμ=0.1, leads to an increase of the hinge moment coefficient almost in 2 times, and the 60° flap increases the jet momentum coefficient from Cμ=0 to Cμ=0.113, leads to an increase of the hinge moment coefficient almost 3.5 times. The magnitude of the hinge moment on the flap with BLC rises due to the increase of the total aerodynamic force acting on the flap. As a result, the jet blowing on the plain flap leads to the significant increase of the hinge moment that must be considered when designing the high-lift devices with BLC.

  12. EVALUATION OF ENGINEERING CONTROLS FOR THE MIXING OF FLAVORINGS CONTAINING DIACETYL AND OTHER VOLATILE INGREDIENTS

    PubMed Central

    Hirst, Deborah V.L.; Dunn, Kevin H.; Shulman, Stanley A.; Hammond, Duane R.; Sestito, Nicholas

    2015-01-01

    Exposures to diacetyl, a primary ingredient of butter flavoring, have been shown to cause respiratory disease among workers who mix flavorings. This study focused on evaluating ventilation controls designed to reduce emissions from the flavor mixing tanks, the major source of diacetyl in the plants. Five exhaust hood configurations were evaluated in the laboratory: standard hinged lid-opened, standard hinged lid-closed, hinged lid-slotted, dome with 38-mm gap, and dome with 114-mm gap. Tracer gas tests were performed to evaluate quantitative capture efficiency for each hood. A perforated copper coil was used to simulate an area source within the 1.2-meter diameter mixing tank. Capture efficiencies were measured at four hood exhaust flow rates (2.83, 5.66, 11.3, and 17.0 cubic meters per minute) and three cross draft velocities (0, 30, and 60 meters per minute). All hoods evaluated performed well with capture efficiencies above 90% for most combinations of exhaust volume and cross drafts. The standard hinged lid was the least expensive to manufacture and had the best average capture efficiency (over 99%) in the closed configuration for all exhaust flow rates and cross drafts. The hinged lid-slotted hood had some of the lowest capture efficiencies at the low exhaust flow rates compared to the other hood designs. The standard hinged lid performed well, even in the open position, and it provided a flexible approach to controlling emissions from mixing tanks. The dome hood gave results comparable to the standard hinged lid but it is more expensive to manufacture. The results of the study indicate that emissions from mixing tanks used in the production of flavorings can be controlled using simple inexpensive exhaust hoods. PMID:24649880

  13. Aerodynamic analysis of seamless horizontal stabilizer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nithya, S.; Kanimozhi, S.

    2017-05-01

    This project presents an investigative view into the concept of seamless aeroelastic wing and hingeless flexible trailing edge. Wings are designed to provide maximum lift and minimal drag and weight. But with conventional wings where rivets are used and the control surfaces are separately hinged, parasite drag comes into play. This project is about analysing a smooth seamless wing with hinge-less flexible trailing edge. This type of wing reduces the drag considerably and the hinge-less trailing edge leads to a minimal control demand and reduces the noise produced when the aircraft comes for landing. Seamless aeroelastic wing will function as an integrated one piece lifting and control surface. It has been designed to enhance a desirable wing camber for control by deflecting a hinge-less flexible trailing edge part instead of a traditional hinged control surface. This kind of flexible wing can be achieved either by a curved beam and disc actuation mechanism or by piezo-electric materials, whose shape change can be achieved by electricity. The intent of this project is to analyze the effects of introducing the concept of Seamless Wing to the horizontal stabilizer. While the removal of rivets and serrations that hinge the elevators to the stabilizer reduces the overall drag by a reasonable value, the overall concept of a control surface-less stabilizer where the maneuvers are done by deflecting the trailing edge offers better maneuverability.

  14. Platelet activation through a Bi-leaflet mechanical heart valve

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hedayat, Mohammadali; Borazjani, Iman

    2016-11-01

    Platelet activation is one of the major drawbacks of the Mechanical Heart Valves (MHVs) which can increase the risk of thrombus formation in patients. The platelet activation in MHVs can be due to the abnormal shear stress during the systole, the backward leakage flow during the diastole, and the flow through the hinge region. We investigate the contribution of each of the above mechanism to the activation of platelets in MHVs by performing simulations of the flow through the MHV and in the hinge region. The large scale heart valve simulations are performed in a straight aorta using a sharp interface curvilinear immersed boundary method along with a strong-coupling algorithm under physiological flow conditions. In addition, in order to perform the simulation of hinge region the flow field boundary conditions are obtained from the largescale simulations during a whole cardiac cycle. In order to investigate the role of hinge flow on platelet activation in MHVs, a 23mm St. Jude Medical Regent valve hinge with three different gap sizes is tested along with different platelet activation models to ensure the consistency of our results with different activation models. We compare the platelet activation of the hinge region against the bulk of the flow during one cardiac cycle. This work is supported by the American Heart Association Grant 13SDG17220022, and the computational resources were partly provided by Center for Computational Research (CCR) at University at Buffalo.

  15. Hinged Capsulotomy – Does it Decrease Floaters After Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser Capsulotomy?

    PubMed Central

    Alipour, Fatemeh; Jabbarvand, Mahmoud; Hashemian, Hesam; Hosseini, Simindokht; Khodaparast, Mehdi

    2015-01-01

    Objectives: The objective was to compare conventional circular yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser capsulotomy with hinged capsulotomy to manage posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized clinical trial enrolled pseudophakic patients with visually significant posterior capsule opacification. Patients were randomized to undergo posterior YAG laser capsulotomy with either conventional circular technique or a new technique with an inferior hinge. At 1-month postoperatively, patients were asked if they had any annoying floaters and the responses were compared between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 83 patients were enrolled. Forty-three patients underwent hinged posterior YAG capsulotomy and 40 patients underwent routine circular capsulotomy. At 1-month postoperatively, there was a statistically significant decrease in annoying floaters in the group that underwent circular capsulotomy (P = 0.02). There was no statistically significant association in the total energy delivered (P = 0.4) or the number of spots (P = 0.2) and patient perception of annoying floaters. Conclusion: Hinged YAG capsulotomy was effective at decreasing the rate of floaters in patients with PCO. PMID:26180476

  16. Hinged Capsulotomy--Does it Decrease Floaters After Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser Capsulotomy?

    PubMed

    Alipour, Fatemeh; Jabbarvand, Mahmoud; Hashemian, Hesam; Hosseini, Simindokht; Khodaparast, Mehdi

    2015-01-01

    The objective was to compare conventional circular yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser capsulotomy with hinged capsulotomy to manage posterior capsular opacification (PCO). This prospective, randomized clinical trial enrolled pseudophakic patients with visually significant posterior capsule opacification. Patients were randomized to undergo posterior YAG laser capsulotomy with either conventional circular technique or a new technique with an inferior hinge. At 1-month postoperatively, patients were asked if they had any annoying floaters and the responses were compared between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 83 patients were enrolled. Forty-three patients underwent hinged posterior YAG capsulotomy and 40 patients underwent routine circular capsulotomy. At 1-month postoperatively, there was a statistically significant decrease in annoying floaters in the group that underwent circular capsulotomy (P = 0.02). There was no statistically significant association in the total energy delivered (P = 0.4) or the number of spots (P = 0.2) and patient perception of annoying floaters. Hinged YAG capsulotomy was effective at decreasing the rate of floaters in patients with PCO.

  17. Mechanical energy storage device for hip disarticulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vallotton, W. C. (Inventor)

    1977-01-01

    An artificial leg including a trunk socket, a thigh section hingedly coupled to the trunk socket, a leg section hingedly coupled to the thigh section and a foot section hingedly coupled to the leg section is outlined. A mechanical energy storage device is operatively associated with the artificial leg for storage and release of energy during the normal walking stride of the user. Energy is stored in the mechanical energy storage device during a weight-bearing phase of the walking stride when the user's weight is on the artificial leg. Energy is released during a phase of the normal walking stride, when the user's weight is removed from the artificial leg. The stored energy is released from the energy storage device to pivot the thigh section forwardly about the hinged coupling to the trunk socket.

  18. A fully redundant power hinge for LANDSAT-D appendages

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mamrol, F. E.; Matteo, D. N.

    1981-01-01

    The configuration and testing of a power driven hinge for deployment of the solar array and antenna boom for the LANDSAT-D spacecraft is discussed. The hinge is fully mechanically and electrically redundant and, thereby, can sustain a single point failure of any one motor (or its power supply), speed reducer, or bearing set without loss of its ability to function. This design utilizes the capability of the stepper motor drive to remove the flexibility of the drive train from the joint stiffness equation when the hinge is loaded against its stop. This feature precludes gapping of the joint under spacecraft maneuver loads even in the absence of a latching feature. Thus, retraction is easily accomplished by motor reversal without the need for a solenoid function to remove the latch.

  19. CALUTRON ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING APPARATUS

    DOEpatents

    Andrews, R.E.

    1959-01-27

    A closure plate assembly is presented for a calutron tank. Due to the size and weight of the calutron tank a special face plate, hinges and latch construction are required. The salient feature of the invention is the provision of a face plate carrying the ion separating niechanism and adapted to close an open side of a calutron tank. A spring-type hinge secured to the face plate at one end prevents injury to the sealing gasket as the face plate is inserted and withdrawn. In additions a hinged support for the face plate comprises readily separable hinge elements, so that the face plate may first be swung outwardly from its operative position far enough to clear the ion separating meehanism carried thereby, and may thereafter be elevated and transported by a convcntional overhead crane.

  20. Failure of underground concrete structures subjected to blast loadings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ross, C. A.; Nash, P. T.; Griner, G. R.

    1979-01-01

    The response and failure of two edges of free reinforced concrete slabs subjected to intermediate blast loadings are examined. The failure of the reinforced concrete structures is defined as a condition where actual separation or fracture of the reinforcing elements has occurred. Approximate theoretical methods using stationary and moving plastic hinge mechanisms with linearly varying and time dependent loadings are developed. Equations developed to predict deflection and failure of reinforced concrete beams are presented and compared with the experimental results.

  1. Flow over a cylinder with a hinged-splitter plate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shukla, S.; Govardhan, R. N.; Arakeri, J. H.

    2009-05-01

    Previous work on rigid splitter plates in the wake of a bluff body has shown that the primary vortex shedding can be suppressed for sufficiently long splitter plates. In the present work, we study the problem of a hinged-splitter plate in the wake of a circular cylinder. The splitter plate can rotate about the hinge at the base of the cylinder due to the unsteady fluid forces acting on it, and hence the communication between the two sides of the wake is not totally disrupted as in the rigid splitter plate case. In our study, we investigate this problem in the limit where the stiffness and internal damping associated with the hinge are negligible, and the mass ratio of the splitter plate is small. The experiments show that the splitter plate oscillations increase with Reynolds numbers at low values of Re, and are found to reach a saturation amplitude level at higher Re, Re>4000. This type of saturation amplitude level that appears to continue indefinitely with Re, appears to be related to the fact that there is no structural restoring force, and has been observed previously for transversely oscillating cylinders with no restoring force. In the present case, the saturation tip amplitude level can be up to 0.45D, where D is the cylinder diameter. For this hinged-rigid splitter plate case, it is found that the splitter plate length to cylinder diameter ratio (L/D) is crucial in determining the character and magnitude of the oscillations. For small splitter plate lengths (L/D⩽3.0), the oscillations appear to be nearly periodic with tip amplitudes of about 0.45D nearly independent of L/D. The nondimensional oscillation frequencies (fD/U) on the other hand are found to continuously vary with L/D from fD/U≈0.2 at L/D=1 to fD/U≈0.1 at L/D=3. As the splitter plate length is further increased beyond L/D⩾4.0, the character of the splitter plate oscillations suddenly changes. The oscillations become aperiodic with much smaller amplitudes. In this long splitter plate regime, the spectra of the oscillations become broadband, and are reminiscent of the change in character of the wake oscillations seen in the earlier fixed-rigid splitter plate case for L/D⩾5.0. In the present case of the hinged-splitter plate, the sudden transition seen as the splitter plate length (L/D) is increased from 3 to 4 may be attributed to the fact that the wake vortices are no longer able to synchronize with the plate motions for larger splitter plate lengths. Hence, as observed in other vortex-induced vibration problems, the oscillations become aperiodic and the amplitude reduces dramatically.

  2. BAF57 Modulation of Androgen Receptor Action and Prostate Cancer Progression

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-01

    mapped the AR binding site on BAF57 to the N-terminus (proline-rich region). Furthermore, the DBD and hinge region of AR also appear to play a...Accomplishments of Task 1: BAF57 binds to DNA binding domain ( DBD ) and hinge region of AR As outlined in the initial proposal, the first task...the above construct are the well-characterized zinc finger DNA binding domain ( DBD ) and the hinge region. Given the significant role of these two

  3. BAF57 Modulation of Androgen Receptor Action and Prostate Cancer Progression

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-12-01

    has fine mapped the AR binding site on BAF57 to the N-terminus (proline-rich region). Furthermore, the DBD and hinge region of AR also appear to...Accomplishments of Task 1: BAF57 binds to DNA binding domain ( DBD ) and hinge region of AR As outlined in the initial proposal, the first task was to...construct are the well-characterized zinc finger DNA binding domain ( DBD ) and the hinge region. Given the significant role of these two domains in AR

  4. Wire-Strain-Gage Hinge-Moment Indicators for Use in Tests of Airplane Models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Edwards, Howard B.

    1944-01-01

    The design and construction of various forms of strain-gage spring units and hinge-moment assemblies are discussed with particular reference to wind-tunnel test, although the indicators may be used equally well in flight tests. Strain-gage specifications are given, and the techniques of their application and use are described briefly. Testing, calibration and operation of hinge-moment indicators are discussed and precautions necessary for successful operation are stressed. Difficulties that may be encountered are summarized along with the possible causes.

  5. QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY: Single Photons.

    PubMed

    Benjamin, S

    2000-12-22

    Quantum cryptography offers the potential of totally secure transfer of information, but as Benjamin discusses in this Perspective, its practical implementation hinges on being able to generate single photons (rather than two or more) at a time. Michler et al. show how this condition can be met in a quantum dot microdisk structure. Single molecules were also recently shown to allow controlled single-photon emission.

  6. The Structure of Urease Activation Complexes Examined by Flexibility Analysis, Mutagenesis, and Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering

    PubMed Central

    Quiroz-Valenzuela, Soledad; Sukuru, Sai Chetan K.; Hausinger, Robert P.; Kuhn, Leslie A.; Heller, William T.

    2008-01-01

    Conformational changes of Klebsiella aerogenes urease apoprotein (UreABC)3 induced upon binding of the UreD and UreF accessory proteins were examined by a combination of flexibility analysis, mutagenesis, and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). ProFlex analysis of urease provided evidence that the major domain of UreB can move in a hinge-like motion to account for prior chemical cross-linking results. Rigidification of the UreB hinge region, accomplished through a G11P mutation, reduced the extent of urease activation, in part by decreasing the nickel content of the mutant enzyme, and by sequestering a portion of the urease apoprotein in a novel activation complex that includes all of the accessory proteins. SAXS analyses of urease, (UreABC-UreD)3, and (UreABC-UreDF)3 confirm that UreD and UreF bind near UreB at the periphery of the (UreAC)3 structure. This study supports an activation model in which a domain-shifted UreB conformation in (UreABC-UreDF)3 allows CO2 and nickel ions to gain access to the nascent active site. PMID:18823937

  7. Gas turbine combustor exit piece with hinged connections

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

    Charron, Richard C.; Pankey, William W.

    2016-04-26

    An exit piece (66) with an inlet throat (67) that conducts a combustion gas flow (36A) in a path (82) from a combustor (63) to an annular chamber (68) that feeds the first blade section (37) of a gas turbine (26). The exit piece further includes an outlet portion (69) that forms a circumferential segment of the annular chamber. The outlet portion interconnects with adjacent outlet portions by hinges (78A, 78B, 80A, 80B). Each hinge may have a hinge axis (82A, 82B) parallel to a centerline (21) of the turbine. Respective gas flows (36A) are configured by an assembly (60)more » of the exit pieces to converge on the feed chamber (68) into a uniform helical flow that drives the first blade section with minimal circumferential variations in force.« less

  8. Progressive collapse of a two-story reinforced concrete frame with embedded smart aggregates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laskar, Arghadeep; Gu, Haichang; Mo, Y. L.; Song, Gangbing

    2009-07-01

    This paper reports the experimental and analytical results of a two-story reinforced concrete frame instrumented with innovative piezoceramic-based smart aggregates (SAs) and subjected to a monotonic lateral load up to failure. A finite element model of the frame is developed and analyzed using a computer program called Open system for earthquake engineering simulation (OpenSees). The finite element analysis (FEA) is used to predict the load-deformation curve as well as the development of plastic hinges in the frame. The load-deformation curve predicted from FEA matched well with the experimental results. The sequence of development of plastic hinges in the frame is also studied from the FEA results. The locations of the plastic hinges, as obtained from the analysis, were similar to those observed during the experiment. An SA-based approach is also proposed to evaluate the health status of the concrete frame and identify the development of plastic hinges during the loading procedure. The results of the FEA are used to validate the SA-based approach for detecting the locations and occurrence of the plastic hinges leading to the progressive collapse of the frame. The locations and sequential development of the plastic hinges obtained from the SA-based approach corresponds well with the FEA results. The proposed SA-based approach, thus validated using FEA and experimental results, has a great potential to be applied in the health monitoring of large-scale civil infrastructures.

  9. Structural studies reveal an important role for the pleiotrophin C-terminus in mediating interactions with chondroitin sulfate.

    PubMed

    Ryan, Eathen; Shen, Di; Wang, Xu

    2016-04-01

    Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a potent glycosaminoglycan-binding cytokine that is important in neural development, angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. Much of its activity is attributed to its interactions with the chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan, receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase ζ (PTPRZ). However, there is little high resolution structural information on the interactions between PTN and CS, nor is it clear why the C-terminal tail of PTN is necessary for signaling through PTPRZ, even though it does not contribute to heparin binding. We determined the first structure of PTN and analyzed its interactions with CS. Our structure shows that PTN possesses large basic surfaces on both of its structured domains and also that residues in the hinge segment connecting the domains have significant contacts with the C-terminal domain. Our analysis of PTN-CS interactions showed that the C-terminal tail of PTN is essential for maintaining stable interactions with chondroitin sulfate A, the type of CS commonly found on PTPRZ. These results offer the first possible explanation of why truncated PTN missing the C-terminal tail is unable to signal through PTPRZ. NMR analysis of the interactions of PTN with CS revealed that the C-terminal domain and hinge of PTN make up the major CS-binding site in PTN, and that removal of the C-terminal tail weakened the affinity of the site for CSA but not for other high sulfation density CS. Coordinates of the ensemble of ten PTN structures have been deposited in RCSB under accession number 2n6f. Chemical shifts assignments and structural constraints have been deposited in BMRB under accession number 25762. © 2016 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

  10. Normal-Force and Hinge-Moment Characteristics at Transonic Speeds of Flap-Type Ailerons at Three Spanwise Locations on a 4-Percent-Thick Sweptback-Wing-Body Model and Pressure-Distribution Measurements on an Inboard Aileron

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Runckel, Jack F.; Hieser, Gerald

    1961-01-01

    An investigation has been conducted at the Langley 16-foot transonic tunnel to determine the loading characteristics of flap-type ailerons located at inboard, midspan, and outboard positions on a 45 deg. sweptback-wing-body combination. Aileron normal-force and hinge-moment data have been obtained at Mach numbers from 0.80 t o 1.03, at angles of attack up to about 27 deg., and at aileron deflections between approximately -15 deg. and 15 deg. Results of the investigation indicate that the loading over the ailerons was established by the wing-flow characteristics, and the loading shapes were irregular in the transonic speed range. The spanwise location of the aileron had little effect on the values of the slope of the curves of hinge-moment coefficient against aileron deflection, but the inboard aileron had the greatest value of the slope of the curves of hinge-moment coefficient against angle of attack and the outboard aileron had the least. Hinge-moment and aileron normal-force data taken with strain-gage instrumentation are compared with data obtained with pressure measurements.

  11. Rib forming tool for tubing

    DOEpatents

    Rowley, James P.; Lewandowski, Edward F.; Groh, Edward F.

    1976-01-01

    Three cylindrical rollers are rotatably mounted equidistant from the center of a hollow tool head on radii spaced 120.degree. apart. Each roller has a thin flange; the three flanges lie in a single plane to form an internal circumferential rib in a rotating tubular workpiece. The tool head has two complementary parts with two rollers in one part of the head and one roller in the other part; the two parts are joined by a hinge. A second hinge, located so the rollers are between the two hinges, connects one of the parts to a tool bar mounted in a lathe tool holder. The axes of rotation of both hinges and all three rollers are parallel. A hole exposing equal portions of the three roller flanges is located in the center of the tool head. The two hinges permit the tool head to be opened and rotated slightly downward, taking the roller flanges out of the path of the workpiece which is supported on both ends and rotated by the lathe. The parts of the tool head are then closed on the workpiece so that the flanges are applied to the workpiece and form the rib. The tool is then relocated for forming of the next rib.

  12. Use of hinged transarticular external fixation for adjunctive joint stabilization in dogs and cats: 14 cases (1999-2003).

    PubMed

    Jaeger, Gayle H; Wosar, Marc A; Marcellin-Little, Denis J; Lascelles, B Duncan X

    2005-08-15

    To describe placement of hinged transarticular external fixation (HTEF) frames and evaluate their ability to protect the primary repair of unstable joints while allowing joint mobility in dogs and cats. Retrospective study. 8 cats and 6 dogs. HTEF frames were composed of metal or epoxy connecting rods and a hinge. Measurements of range of motion of affected and contralateral joints and radiographs were made after fixator application and removal. 9 animals (4 cats and 5 dogs) had tarsal and 5 (4 cats and 1 dog) had stifle joint injuries. Treatment duration ranged from 45 to 100 days (median, 57 days). Ranges of motion in affected stifle and tarsal joints were 57% and 72% of control while HTEF was in place and 79% and 84% of control after frame removal. Complications were encountered in 3 cats and 2 dogs and included breakage of pins and connecting rods, hinge loosening, and failure at the hinge-epoxy interface. HTEF in animals with traumatic joint instability provided adjunctive joint stabilization during healing and protection of the primary repair and maintained joint motion during healing, resulting in early weight bearing of the affected limb.

  13. [Feasibility of the construction of a magnetorheological joint for a lower limb orthosis in valve configuration].

    PubMed

    Galván Duque-Gastélum, Carlos; Quiñones-Uriostegui, Ivett; Mendoza, Felipe; Rodríguez, Gerardo

    2014-07-01

    Ortheses are devices that assist in the function of the limbs, contributing with stability and support to the involved joints. KAFOs (knee-ankle-foot orthosis) are mainly indicated for people with muscular or neural diseases that affect the lower limbs. The actual designs of knee hinges for KAFOs compromise the stability and mobility of the limb. In this work, it was tested the feasibility of a design for a knee hinge for KAFO that should be able to modify its mechanical resistance depending on the gait phase. Orthotics biomechanical criteria and gait biomechanical requirements were considered. It was proposed an electromagnetic system in order to modify the hinge damping. In the future, the system will be interacting with a magnetorheological fluid (MR) which can change its rheological properties when a magnetic field is applied, thus, reaching different damping constants with the designed hinge. The diameter of the internal pipes required for the MR fluid to freely circulate within the orthosis was established. It was observed that the original design of the proposed orthotic hinge is feasible; however, some proposals are presented in order to achieve a better performance of the orthosis.

  14. SpRoUTS (Space Robot Universal Truss System): Reversible Robotic Assembly of Deployable Truss Structures of Reconfigurable Length

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jenett, Benjamin; Cellucci, Daniel; Cheung, Kenneth

    2015-01-01

    Automatic deployment of structures has been a focus of much academic and industrial work on infrastructure applications and robotics in general. This paper presents a robotic truss assembler designed for space applications - the Space Robot Universal Truss System (SpRoUTS) - that reversibly assembles a truss from a feedstock of hinged andflat-packed components, by folding the sides of each component up and locking onto the assembled structure. We describe the design and implementation of the robot and show that the assembled truss compares favorably with prior truss deployment systems.

  15. Roles of Long-range Electrostatic Domain Interactions and K+ in Phosphoenzyme Transition of Ca2+-ATPase*

    PubMed Central

    Yamasaki, Kazuo; Daiho, Takashi; Danko, Stefania; Suzuki, Hiroshi

    2013-01-01

    Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase couples the motions and rearrangements of three cytoplasmic domains (A, P, and N) with Ca2+ transport. We explored the role of electrostatic force in the domain dynamics in a rate-limiting phosphoenzyme (EP) transition by a systematic approach combining electrostatic screening with salts, computer analysis of electric fields in crystal structures, and mutations. Low KCl concentration activated and increasing salt above 0.1 m inhibited the EP transition. A plot of the logarithm of the transition rate versus the square of the mean activity coefficient of the protein gave a linear relationship allowing division of the activation energy into an electrostatic component and a non-electrostatic component in which the screenable electrostatic forces are shielded by salt. Results show that the structural change in the transition is sterically restricted, but that strong electrostatic forces, when K+ is specifically bound at the P domain, come into play to accelerate the reaction. Electric field analysis revealed long-range electrostatic interactions between the N and P domains around their hinge. Mutations of the residues directly involved and other charged residues at the hinge disrupted in parallel the electric field and the structural transition. Favorable electrostatics evidently provides a low energy path for the critical N domain motion toward the P domain, overcoming steric restriction. The systematic approach employed here is, in general, a powerful tool for understanding the structural mechanisms of enzymes. PMID:23737524

  16. Cloning and structural analysis of two highly divergent IgA isotypes, IgA1 and IgA2 from the duck billed platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus.

    PubMed

    Vernersson, M; Belov, K; Aveskogh, M; Hellman, L

    2010-01-01

    To trace the emergence of modern IgA isotypes during vertebrate evolution we have studied the immunoglobulin repertoire of a model monotreme, the platypus. Two highly divergent IgA-like isotypes (IgA1 and IgA2) were identified and their primary structures were determined from full-length cDNAs. A comparative analysis of the amino acid sequences for IgA from various animal species showed that the two platypus IgA isotypes form a branch clearly separated from their eutherian (placental) counterparts. However, they still conform to the general structure of eutherian IgA, with a hinge region and three constant domains. This indicates that the deletion of the second domain and the formation of a hinge region in IgA did occur very early during mammalian evolution, more than 166 million years ago. The two IgA isotypes in platypus differ in primary structure and appear to have arisen from a very early gene duplication, possibly preceding the metatherian eutherian split. Interestingly, one of these isotypes, IgA1, appears to be expressed in only the platypus, but is present in the echidna based on Southern blot analysis. The platypus may require a more effective mucosal immunity, with two highly divergent IgA forms, than the terrestrial echidna, due to its lifestyle, where it is exposed to pathogens both on land and in the water. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Adjustable hinge permits movement of knee in plaster cast

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maley, W. E.

    1967-01-01

    Metal knee hinge with an adjustable sleeve worn on the outside of a leg cast facilitates movement of the knee joint. This helps eliminate stiffness of the knee and eliminates bulkiness and adjustment difficulty.

  18. Limitations of Lifting-Line Theory for Estimation of Aileron Hinge-Moment Characteristics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Swanson, Robert S.; Gillis, Clarence L.

    1943-01-01

    Hinge-moment parameters for several typical ailerons were calculated from section data with the aspect-ratio correction as usually determined from lifting-line theory. The calculations showed that the agreement between experimental and calculated results was unsatisfactory. An additional aspect-ratio correction, calculated by the method of lifting-surface theory, was applied to the slope of the curve of hinge-moment coefficient against angle of attack at small angles of attack. This so-called streamline-curvature correction brought the calculated and experimental results into satisfactory agreement.

  19. Flight-measured X-24A lifting body control surface hinge moments and correlation with wind tunnel predictions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tang, M. H.; Pearson, G. P. E.

    1973-01-01

    Control-surface hinge-moment measurements obtained in the X-24A lifting body flight-test program are compared with results from wind-tunnel tests. The effects of variations in angle of attack, angle of sideslip, rudder bias, rudder deflection, upper-flap deflection, lower-flap deflection, Mach number, and rocket-engine operation on the control-surface hinge moments are presented. In-flight motion pictures of tufts attached to the inboard side of the right fin and the rudder and upper-flap surfaces are discussed.

  20. Dynamic stability of a helicopter with hinged rotor blades

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hohenemser, K

    1939-01-01

    The present report is a study of the dynamic stability of a helicopter with hinged rotor blades under hovering conditions. While in this case perfect stability can in general not be obtained it is possible by means of design features to prolong the period of the spontaneous oscillations of the helicopter and reduce their amplification, and so approximately assure neutral equilibrium. The possibility of controlled stability of a helicopter fitted with hinged blades is proved by the successful flights of various helicopters, particularly of the Focker FW61 helicopter.

  1. Wind tunnel test of the 0.019 scale space shuttle integrated vehicle (model 14-OTS) in the CALSPAN 8-foot transonic wind tunnel (IA36), volume 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hardin, R. B.; Burrows, R. R.

    1975-01-01

    A test is presented which was performed to determine the effect of cold jet gas plumes generated from main propulsion system and solid rocket motor nozzles on: (1) six-component force and moment data, (2) wing static pressures, (3) wing hinge moment, (4) elevon hinge moment, (5) rudder hinge moment, and (6) orbiter MPS nozzle pressure loads. The effects of rudder deflection, nozzle gimbal angle, and plume size were also obtained.

  2. Subsonic wind-tunnel measurements of a slender wing-body configuration employing a vortex flap

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Frink, Neal T.

    1987-01-01

    A wind tunnel study at Mach 0.4 was conducted for a slender wing-body configuration with a leading edge vortex flap of curved planform that is deflectable about a 74 degree swept hinge line. The basic data consist of a unique combination of longitudinal aerodynamic, surface pressure, and vortex flap hinge-moment measurements on a common model. The longitudinal aerodynamic, pressure and hinge-moment data are presented without analysis in tabular format. Plots of the tabulated pressure data are also given.

  3. Means to flexibly attach lens frames to temple members

    DOEpatents

    Smith, Harry D.

    1995-01-01

    The invention is a band hinge for flexibly connecting the temple member to the lens frame thereby preventing damage from inadvertent pressure or cyclic wear. A distinguishing feature of the invention is the use of a band hinge that holds together the temple member and the lens frame without the use of a pin or screw hinging mechanism. The invention allows for a high degree of freedom of movement for the temple member with respect to the lens frame which will prevent most forms of damages to the glasses from these types of events.

  4. Graphene-Based Polymer Bilayers with Superior Light-Driven Properties for Remote Construction of 3D Structures.

    PubMed

    Tang, Zhenhua; Gao, Ziwei; Jia, Shuhai; Wang, Fei; Wang, Yonglin

    2017-05-01

    3D structure assembly in advanced functional materials is important for many areas of technology. Here, a new strategy exploits IR light-driven bilayer polymeric composites for autonomic origami assembly of 3D structures. The bilayer sheet comprises a passive layer of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and an active layer comprising reduced graphene oxides (RGOs), thermally expanding microspheres (TEMs), and PDMS. The corresponding fabrication method is versatile and simple. Owing to the large volume expansion of the TEMs, the two layers exhibit large differences in their coefficients of thermal expansion. The RGO-TEM-PDMS/PDMS bilayers can deflect toward the PDMS side upon IR irradiation via the cooperative effect of the photothermal effect of the RGOs and the expansion of the TEMs, and exhibit excellent light-driven, a large bending deformation, and rapid responsive properties. The proposed RGO-TEM-PDMS/PDMS composites with excellent light-driven bending properties are demonstrated as active hinges for building 3D geometries such as bidirectionally folded columns, boxes, pyramids, and cars. The folding angle (ranging from 0° to 180°) is well-controlled by tuning the active hinge length. Furthermore, the folded 3D architectures can permanently preserve the deformed shape without energy supply. The presented approach has potential in biomedical devices, aerospace applications, microfluidic devices, and 4D printing.

  5. Ornithorhynchus anatinus (platypus) links the evolution of immunoglobulin genes in eutherian mammals and nonmammalian tetrapods.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yaofeng; Cui, Huiting; Whittington, Camilla M; Wei, Zhiguo; Zhang, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Ziding; Yu, Li; Ren, Liming; Hu, Xiaoxiang; Zhang, Yaping; Hellman, Lars; Belov, Katherine; Li, Ning; Hammarström, Lennart

    2009-09-01

    The evolutionary origins of mammalian immunoglobulin H chain isotypes (IgM, IgD, IgG, IgE, and IgA) are still incompletely understood as these isotypes differ considerably in structure and number from their counterparts in nonmammalian tetrapods. We report in this study that the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) Ig H chain constant region gene locus contains eight Ig encoding genes, which are arranged in an mu-delta-omicron-gamma2-gamma1-alpha1-epsilon-alpha2 order, spanning a total of approximately 200 kb DNA, encoding six distinct isotypes. The omicron (omicron for Ornithorhynchus) gene encodes a novel Ig H chain isotype that consists of four constant region domains and a hinge, and is structurally different from any of the five known mammalian Ig classes. This gene is phylogenetically related to upsilon (epsilon) and gamma, and thus appears to be a structural intermediate between these two genes. The platypus delta gene encodes ten heavy chain constant region domains, lacks a hinge region and is similar to IgD in amphibians and fish, but strikingly different from that in eutherian mammals. The platypus Ig H chain isotype repertoire thus shows a unique combination of genes that share similarity both to those of nonmammalian tetrapods and eutherian animals and demonstrates how phylogenetically informative species can be used to reconstruct the evolutionary history of functionally important genes.

  6. Sub-seismic scale folding and thrusting within an exposed mass transport deposit: A case study from NW Argentina

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sobiesiak, Matheus S.; Alsop, G. Ian; Kneller, Ben; Milana, Juan Pablo

    2017-03-01

    While imaging of mass transport deposits (MTDs) by seismic reflection techniques commonly reveals thrusts and large blocks that affect entire deposits, associated systems of folds are generally less apparent as they are typically below the limits of seismic resolution. However, such sub-seismic scale structures are important as they permit the direction of emplacement, gross kinematics and internal strain within MTDs to be determined. Here we present a rigorous description of two outcrop-scale MTDs exposed in La Peña gorge, northwestern Argentina. These Carboniferous MTDs enable us to illustrate structural changes from a compressional domain, marked by sets of imbricated sandstone layers, into an extensional domain, characterized by sheared blocks of sandstone embedded in a finer matrix. Folds may be progressively modified during slump translation, resulting in asymmetric folds, which undergo subsequent deformation leading to sheared fold limbs together with detached and rotated fold hinges. In order to constrain transport directions within the MTDs, we measured fold hinges, mud clast alignment, and thrust planes as kinematic indicators. We propose emplacement models for both MTDs based on the overall deformational behaviour of sandstone beds during translation. The first model is based on the internal geometries and structures of a fault-dominated MTD, and the second model is based on layer-normal shearing in a fold-dominated MTD.

  7. Basic N-terminus of yeast Nhp6A regulates the mechanism of its DNA flexibility enhancement.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jingyun; McCauley, Micah J; Maher, L James; Williams, Mark C; Israeloff, Nathan E

    2012-02-10

    HMGB (high-mobility group box) proteins are members of a class of small proteins that are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and nonspecifically bind to DNA, inducing large-angle DNA bends, enhancing the flexibility of DNA, and likely facilitating numerous important biological interactions. To determine the nature of this behavior for different HMGB proteins, we used atomic force microscopy to quantitatively characterize the bend angle distributions of DNA complexes with human HMGB2(Box A), yeast Nhp6A, and two chimeric mutants of these proteins. While all of the HMGB proteins bend DNA to preferred angles, Nhp6A promoted the formation of higher-order oligomer structures and induced a significantly broader distribution of angles, suggesting that the mechanism of Nhp6A is like a flexible hinge more than that of HMGB2(Box A). To determine the structural origins of this behavior, we used portions of the cationic N-terminus of Nhp6A to replace corresponding HMGB2(Box A) sequences. We found that the oligomerization and broader angle distribution correlated directly with the length of the N-terminus incorporated into the HMGB2(Box A) construct. Therefore, the basic N-terminus of Nhp6A is responsible for its ability to act as a flexible hinge and to form high-order structures. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. The importance of α-CT and Salt bridges in the Formation of Insulin and its Receptor Complex by Computational Simulation.

    PubMed

    Dehghan-Shasaltaneh, Marzieh; Lanjanian, Hossein; Riazi, Gholam Hossein; Masoudi-Nejad, Ali

    2018-01-01

    Insulin hormone is an important part of the endocrine system. It contains two polypeptide chains and plays a pivotal role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism. Insulin receptors (IR) located on cell surface interacts with insulin to control the intake of glucose. Although several studies have tried to clarify the interaction between insulin and its receptor, the mechanism of this interaction remains elusive because of the receptor's structural complexity and structural changes during the interaction. In this work, we tried to fractionate the interactions. Therefore, sequential docking method utilization of HADDOCK was used to achieve the mentioned goal, so the following processes were done: the first, two pdb files of IR i.e., 3LOH and 3W11 were concatenated using modeller. The second, flexible regions of IR were predicted by HingeProt. Output files resulting from HingeProt were uploaded into HADDOCK. Our results predict new salt bridges in the complex and emphasize on the role of salt bridges to maintain an inverted V structure of IR. Having an inverted V structure leads to activate intracellular signaling pathway. In addition to presence salt bridges to form a convenient structure of IR, the importance of α-chain of carboxyl terminal (α-CT) to interact with insulin was surveyed and also foretokened new insulin/IR contacts, particularly at site 2 (rigid parts 2 and 3). Finally, several conformational changes in residues Asn711-Val715 of α-CT were occurred, we suggest that α-CT is a suitable situation relative to insulin due to these conformational alterations.

  9. Biomechanical Comparison of 3 Ankle Braces With and Without Free Rotation in the Sagittal Plane

    PubMed Central

    Alfuth, Martin; Klein, Dieter; Koch, Raphael; Rosenbaum, Dieter

    2014-01-01

    Context: Various designs of braces including hinged and nonhinged models are used to provide external support of the ankle. Hinged ankle braces supposedly allow almost free dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot in the sagittal plane. It is unclear, however, whether this additional degree of freedom affects the stabilizing effect of the brace in the other planes of motion. Objective: To investigate the dynamic and passive stabilizing effects of 3 ankle braces, 2 hinged models that provide free plantar flexion–dorsiflexion in the sagittal plane and 1 ankle brace without a hinge. Design: Crossover study. Setting: University Movement Analysis Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Seventeen healthy volunteers (5 women, 12 men; age = 25.4 ± 4.8 years; height = 180.3 ± 6.5 cm; body mass = 75.5 ± 10.4 kg). Intervention(s): We dynamically induced foot inversion on a tilting platform and passively induced foot movements in 6 directions via a custom-built apparatus in 3 brace conditions and a control condition (no brace). Main Outcome Measure(s): Maximum inversion was determined dynamically using an in-shoe electrogoniometer. Passively induced maximal joint angles were measured using a torque and angle sensor. We analyzed differences among the 4 ankle-brace conditions (3 braces, 1 control) for each of the dependent variables with Friedman and post hoc tests (P < .05). Results: Each ankle brace restricted dynamic foot-inversion movements on the tilting platform as compared with the control condition, whereas only the 2 hinged ankle braces differed from each other, with greater movement restriction caused by the Ankle X model. Passive foot inversion was reduced with all ankle braces. Passive plantar flexion was greater in the hinged models as compared with the nonhinged brace. Conclusions: All ankle braces showed stabilizing effects against dynamic and passive foot inversion. Differences between the hinged braces and the nonhinged brace did not appear to be clinically relevant. PMID:25098661

  10. The Hinge Segment of Human NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductase in Conformational Switching: The Critical Role of Ionic Strength

    PubMed Central

    Campelo, Diana; Lautier, Thomas; Urban, Philippe; Esteves, Francisco; Bozonnet, Sophie; Truan, Gilles; Kranendonk, Michel

    2017-01-01

    NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is a redox partner of microsomal cytochromes P450 and is a prototype of the diflavin reductase family. CPR contains 3 distinct functional domains: a FMN-binding domain (acceptor reduction), a linker (hinge), and a connecting/FAD domain (NADPH oxidation). It has been demonstrated that the mechanism of CPR exhibits an important step in which it switches from a compact, closed conformation (locked state) to an ensemble of open conformations (unlocked state), the latter enabling electron transfer to redox partners. The conformational equilibrium between the locked and unlocked states has been shown to be highly dependent on ionic strength, reinforcing the hypothesis of the presence of critical salt interactions at the interface between the FMN and connecting FAD domains. Here we show that specific residues of the hinge segment are important in the control of the conformational equilibrium of CPR. We constructed six single mutants and two double mutants of the human CPR, targeting residues G240, S243, I245 and R246 of the hinge segment, with the aim of modifying the flexibility or the potential ionic interactions of the hinge segment. We measured the reduction of cytochrome c at various salt concentrations of these 8 mutants, either in the soluble or membrane-bound form of human CPR. All mutants were found capable of reducing cytochrome c yet with different efficiency and their maximal rates of cytochrome c reduction were shifted to lower salt concentration. In particular, residue R246 seems to play a key role in a salt bridge network present at the interface of the hinge and the connecting domain. Interestingly, the effects of mutations, although similar, demonstrated specific differences when present in the soluble or membrane-bound context. Our results demonstrate that the electrostatic and flexibility properties of the hinge segment are critical for electron transfer from CPR to its redox partners. PMID:29163152

  11. Investigation at transonic speeds of the lateral-control and hinge-moment characteristics of a flap-type spoiler aileron on a 60 degree delta wing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wiley, Harleth G; Taylor, Robert T

    1954-01-01

    This paper present results of an investigation of the lateral-control and hinge-moment characteristics of a 0.67 semispan flap-type spoiler aileron on a semispan thin 60 degree delta wing at transonic speeds by the reflection-plane technique. The spoiler-aileron had a constant chord of 10.29 percent mean aerodynamic chord and was hinged at the 81.9-percent-wing-root-chord station. Tests were made with the spoiler aileron slot open, partially closed, and closed. Incremental rolling-moment coefficients were obtained through a Mach number range of 0.62 to 1.08. Results indicated reasonably linear variations of rolling-moment and hinge-moment coefficients with spoiler projection except at spoiler projections of less than -2 percent mean aerodynamic chord and angles of attack greater than 12 degrees with results generally independent of slot geometry.

  12. Estimation of forest structural parameters using 5 and 10 meter SPOT-5 satellite data

    Treesearch

    Peter T. Wolter; Phillip A. Townsend; Brian R. Sturtevant

    2009-01-01

    Large areas of forest in the US and Canada are affected by insects and disease each year. Over the past century, outbreaks of the Eastern spruce budworm have become more frequent and severe. The notion of designing a more pest resistant landscape through prescriptive management practices hinges on our ability to effectively model forest?insect dynamics at regional...

  13. Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a DECSMAR Structure’s Deployment and Deployed Performance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-04-01

    compromise of deployed performance due to the hinge cross- section, Nitinol SMA wires can be embedded in the composite lay-up across the reduced...100 !m 0˚ 2 (two, 1.47 mm width wires positioned along longitudinal edges) Nitinol 305 !m N/A 3 IM7/977-2 100 !m 0˚ batten transition 1 IM7

  14. Spoked wheels to deploy large surfaces in space-weight estimates for solar arrays

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crawford, R. F.; Hedgepeth, J. M.; Preiswerk, P. R.

    1975-01-01

    Extensible booms were used to deploy and support solar cell arrays of varying areas. Solar cell array systems were built with one or two booms to deploy and tension a blanket with attached cells and bussing. A segmented and hinged rim supported by spokes joined to a common hub is described. This structure can be compactly packaged and deployed.

  15. Investigating the effect of a single glycine to alanine substitution on interactions of antimicrobial peptide latarcin 2a with a lipid membrane.

    PubMed

    Idiong, Grace; Won, Amy; Ruscito, Annamaria; Leung, Bonnie O; Hitchcock, Adam P; Ianoul, Anatoli

    2011-09-01

    Latarcins are linear, α-helical antimicrobial peptides purified from the venom of the Central Asian spider Lachesana tarabaevi, with lytic activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, erythrocytes, and yeast at micromolar concentrations. In this work, we investigated the role of the hinge in latarcin 2a (ltc2a, GLFGKLIKKFGRKAISYAVKKARGKH-COOH), which adopts a helix-hinge-helix conformation in membrane-mimicking environments, on peptide-membrane interactions and its potential effect on the selective toxicity of the peptide. A modified latarcin 2a, ltc2aG11A, obtained by replacing the glycine at position 11 with alanine (ltc2aG11A, GLFGKLIKKFARKAISYAVKKARGKH-COOH), adopts a more rigid structure due to the reduced conformational flexibility. Langmuir monolayer measurements combined with atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM) indicate that both peptides bind and insert preferentially into anionic compared with zwitterionic phospholipid monolayers. Modified ltc2aG11A was found to be more disruptive of supported phospholipid bilayer modeling mammalian cell membrane. However, no considerable difference in lytic activity of the two peptides toward bacterial membrane was found. Overall the data indicate that decrease in the flexibility of ltc2a induced by the modification in the hinge region is likely to increase the peptide's nonspecific interactions with zwitterionic cell membranes and potentially increase its toxicity against eukaryotic cells.

  16. Functional buckling behavior of silicone rubber shells for biomedical use.

    PubMed

    van der Houwen, E B; Kuiper, L H; Burgerhof, J G M; van der Laan, B F A M; Verkerke, G J

    2013-12-01

    The use of soft elastic biomaterials in medical devices enables substantial function integration. The consequent increased simplification in design can improve reliability at a lower cost in comparison to traditional (hard) biomaterials. Functional bi-stable buckling is one of the many new mechanisms made possible by soft materials. The buckling behavior of shells, however, is typically described from a structural failure point of view: the collapse of arches or rupture of steam vessels, for example. There is little or no literature about the functional elastic buckling of small-sized silicone rubber shells, and it is unknown whether or not theory can predict their behavior. Is functional buckling possible within the scale, material and pressure normally associated with physiological applications? An automatic speech valve is used as an example application. Silicone rubber spherical shells (diameter 30mm) with hinged and double-hinged boundaries were subjected to air pressure loading. Twelve different geometrical configurations were tested for buckling and reverse buckling pressures. Data were compared with the theory. Buckling pressure increases linearly with shell thickness and shell height. Reverse buckling shows these same relations, with pressures always below normal buckling pressure. Secondary hinges change normal/reverse buckling pressure ratios and promote symmetrical buckling. All tested configurations buckled within or closely around physiological pressures. Functional bi-stable buckling of silicone rubber shells is possible with adjustable properties in the physiological pressure range. Results can be predicted using the proposed relations and equations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. 22. August 1974. BENCH SHOP, EAST WALL VIEW SHOWING HINGED ...

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

    22. August 1974. BENCH SHOP, EAST WALL VIEW SHOWING HINGED PANEL AND WHEELPIT FOR MOUNTING SPOKES IN WHEEL HUB. - Gruber Wagon Works, Pennsylvania Route 183 & State Hill Road at Red Bridge Park, Bernville, Berks County, PA

  18. Role of an anatomically contoured plate and metal block for balanced stability between the implant and lateral hinge in open-wedge high-tibial osteotomy.

    PubMed

    Jang, Young Woong; Lim, DoHyung; Seo, Hansol; Lee, Myung Chul; Lee, O-Sung; Lee, Yong Seuk

    2018-07-01

    Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is a well-established surgical option for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the varus knee. The initial strength of the fixation plate is critical for successful correction maintenance and healing of the osteotomy site. This study was conducted to verify if a newly designed anatomical plate (LCfit) improves the stability of both the medial implant and lateral hinge area, as well as to evaluate how the metal block contributes to both medial and lateral stability. A finite element (FE) tibial model was combined with TomoFix plate, a LCfit plate with and without a metal block. Data analysis was conducted to evaluate the balanced stability, which refers to the enforced lateral stability resulting from redistribution of overall stress. We assessed the balanced stability of the medial implant and lateral hinge area in three cases using the same Sawbones and loads using the tibia FE model. The LCfit plate reduced stress by 23.1% at the lateral hinge compared to the TomoFix plate (TomoFix vs. LCfit: 34.2 ± 23.3 MPa vs. 26.3 ± 17.5 MPa). The LCfit plate with a metal block reduced stress by 40.1% at the medial plate (210.1 ± 64.2 MPa vs. 125.8 ± 65.7 MPa) and by 31.2% (26.3 ± 17.5 MPa vs. 18.1 ± 12.1 MPa) at the lateral hinge area compared to the reduction using the LCfit plate without a metal block. The newly designed fixation system for OWHTO balanced the overall stress distribution and reduced stress at the lateral hinge area compared to that using a conventional fixation system. The addition of the metal block showed additional benefits for balanced stability between the medial implant and lateral hinge area. However, this conclusion could only be drawn using the FE model in this study. Therefore, further clinical studies are necessary to reveal the clinical effect of reduced lateral stress on the occurrence of the lateral hinge fracture and the biologic effect of the metal block on the healing of the medial cortex.

  19. Structure of the Paramyxovirus Parainfluenza Virus 5 Nucleoprotein in Complex with an Amino-Terminal Peptide of the Phosphoprotein

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

    Aggarwal, Megha; Leser, George P.; Kors, Christopher A.

    Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) belongs to the familyParamyxoviridae, which consists of enveloped viruses with a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA genome encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N). Paramyxovirus replication is regulated by the phosphoprotein (P) through protein-protein interactions with N and the RNA polymerase (L). The chaperone activity of P is essential to maintain the unassembled RNA-free form of N in order to prevent nonspecific RNA binding and premature N oligomerization. Here, we determined the crystal structure of unassembled PIV5 N in complex with a P peptide (N 0P) derived from the N terminus of P (P50) at 2.65 Å. The PIV5 Nmore » 0P consists of two domains: an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) separated by a hinge region. The cleft at the hinge region of RNA-bound PIV5 N was previously shown to be an RNA binding site. The N 0P structure shows that the P peptide binds to the CTD of N and extends toward the RNA binding site to inhibit N oligomerization and, hence, RNA binding. Binding of P peptide also keeps the PIV5 N in the open form. A molecular dynamics (MD) analysis of both the open and closed forms of N shows the flexibility of the CTD and the preference of the N protein to be in an open conformation. The gradual opening of the hinge region, to release the RNA, was also observed. Together, these results advance our knowledge of the conformational swapping of N required for the highly regulated paramyxovirus replication. IMPORTANCEParamyxovirus replication is regulated by the interaction of P with N and L proteins. Here, we report the crystal structure of unassembled parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) N chaperoned with P peptide. Our results provide a detailed understanding of the binding of P to N. The conformational switching of N between closed and open forms during its initial interaction with P, as well as during RNA release, was analyzed. Our data also show the plasticity of the CTD and the importance of domain movement for conformational switching. The results improve our understanding of the mechanism of interchanging N conformations for RNA replication and release.« less

  20. Structure of the Paramyxovirus Parainfluenza Virus 5 Nucleoprotein in Complex with an Amino-Terminal Peptide of the Phosphoprotein.

    PubMed

    Aggarwal, Megha; Leser, George P; Kors, Christopher A; Lamb, Robert A

    2018-03-01

    Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae , which consists of enveloped viruses with a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA genome encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N). Paramyxovirus replication is regulated by the phosphoprotein (P) through protein-protein interactions with N and the RNA polymerase (L). The chaperone activity of P is essential to maintain the unassembled RNA-free form of N in order to prevent nonspecific RNA binding and premature N oligomerization. Here, we determined the crystal structure of unassembled PIV5 N in complex with a P peptide (N 0 P) derived from the N terminus of P (P50) at 2.65 Å. The PIV5 N 0 P consists of two domains: an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) separated by a hinge region. The cleft at the hinge region of RNA-bound PIV5 N was previously shown to be an RNA binding site. The N 0 P structure shows that the P peptide binds to the CTD of N and extends toward the RNA binding site to inhibit N oligomerization and, hence, RNA binding. Binding of P peptide also keeps the PIV5 N in the open form. A molecular dynamics (MD) analysis of both the open and closed forms of N shows the flexibility of the CTD and the preference of the N protein to be in an open conformation. The gradual opening of the hinge region, to release the RNA, was also observed. Together, these results advance our knowledge of the conformational swapping of N required for the highly regulated paramyxovirus replication. IMPORTANCE Paramyxovirus replication is regulated by the interaction of P with N and L proteins. Here, we report the crystal structure of unassembled parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) N chaperoned with P peptide. Our results provide a detailed understanding of the binding of P to N. The conformational switching of N between closed and open forms during its initial interaction with P, as well as during RNA release, was analyzed. Our data also show the plasticity of the CTD and the importance of domain movement for conformational switching. The results improve our understanding of the mechanism of interchanging N conformations for RNA replication and release. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

  1. Structural Analysis of Components of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Satellite (SEDSAT) for the Small Expendable Deployer System (SEDS) Project Office

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Maddux, Gary A.

    1998-01-01

    During the time frame allocated by the delivery order, members of the UAH Applied Research Program, with the cooperation of representatives from NASA investigated and conducted stress analysis of the SEDSAT1 satellite. The main area of concern was with the design of the deployable 10 m antennas. The placement of the holes for the antenna door hinge pin was too close to the edge of the antenna canister. Because of the load placed on the hinge pin, the stress analysis of this area suggested that more space would be needed between the holes and the edge of the material. Due to other conflicts, SEDSATI was removed from flying on the space shuttle and moved to the Delta Launch Vehicle. This changed many of the design requirements for the mounting and deployment of the satellite that forced a new design for the satellite. Once this happened, the stress analysis became obsolete, and the task was concluded.

  2. N-body scattering. I. The algebraic structure of transition amplitude and integral equations (in Chinese)

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

    Pao, C.K.

    1975-05-01

    An assessment of wave energy as a source of electrical power in the United Kingdom is reported. British Hovercraft Corporation has conducted some tank tests for Wavepower Limited, studying various simple float systems. It aims to develop a wave-power device that is simple, cheap, made up of small mass- produced units, can be installed in sections, and can be easily maintained. A chain of floats, hinged together, with waves traveling down the chain, was investigated. Pumps on the hinges absorb power from the relative rotation of adjacent floats. A wave-power device could also serve as an effective breakwater. Direct generationmore » of electricity is a feasible application of wave power. The system is compared with a rocking boom concept. Wave energy could be used in conjunction with thermal stations to provide sufficient capacity when wave power is low. Wave power has a high availability when compared with wind power. (MCW)« less

  3. Human heavy chain disease protein WIS: implications for the organization of immunoglobulin genes.

    PubMed Central

    Franklin, E C; Prelli, F; Frangione, B

    1979-01-01

    Protein WIS is a human gamma3 heavy (H) chain disease immunoglobulin variant whose amino acid sequence is most readily interpreted by postulating that three residues of the amino terminus are followed by a deletion of most of the variable (VH) domain, which ends at the variable-constant (VC) joining region. Then there is a stretch of eight residues, three of which are unusual, while the other five have striking homology to the VC junction sequence. This is followed by a second deletion, which ends at the beginning of the quadruplicated hinge region. These findings are consistent with mutations resulting in deletions of most of the gene coding for the V region and CH1 domain followed by splicing at the VC joining region and at the hinge. These structural features fit well the notion of genetic discontinuity between V and C genes and also suggest similar mechanisms of excision and splicing in the interdomain regions of the C gene of the heavy chain. PMID:106391

  4. Fabric changes and their influence on P-wave velocity patterns—examples from a polyphase deformed orthogneiss

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siegesmund, S.; Vollbrecht, A.; Pros, Z.

    1993-10-01

    The complete P-wave velocity distribution, preferred orientation of rock-forming minerals and microcracks of two differently deformed orthogneisses from the Kutna Hora Crystalline Unit were investigated. The complete symmetry of P-wave velocities were determined as a function of confining pressure on the basis of 132 independent propagation directions up to 400 MPa. The two samples are of almost identical mineralogical composition, but exhibit different fabrics which can be related to different positions within a large-scale fold structure. The symmetry of the Vp-diagrams change from nearly transversely isotropic for the sample from the limb area to orthorhombic for the sample from the hinge zone, which shows an additional crenulation cleavage. This change of symmetry is observed at all pressure levels. Reorientation of the main velocity directions ( Vpmin, Vpmax, Kpint) between hinge and limb is controlled by the microcrack fabric and the texture of the rock-forming minerals. This can cause significant differences in reflectivity related to fabric changes within large-scale folds.

  5. The primary structure of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) agglutinin. A two-domain member of the hevein family.

    PubMed

    Beintema, J J; Peumans, W J

    1992-03-09

    The primary structure of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) agglutinin has been determined by sequence analysis of peptides obtained from three overlapping proteolytic digests. The sequence of 80 residues consists of two hevein-like domains with the same spacing of half-cystine residues and several other conserved residues as observed earlier in other proteins with hevein-like domains. The hinge region between the two domains is four residues longer than those between the four domains in cereal lectins like wheat germ agglutinin.

  6. Hinge-line Migration of Petermann Gletscher, North Greenland, Detected Using Satellite Radar Interferometry

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rignot, Eric

    1998-01-01

    The synthetic-aperture radar interferometry technique is used to detect the migration of the limit of tidal flexing, or hinge line, of the floating ice tongue of Petermann Gletscher, a major outlet glacier of north Greenland.

  7. 14 CFR 25.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... designed for inertia loads acting parallel to the hinge line. (b) In the absence of more rational data, the inertia loads may be assumed to be equal to KW, where— (1) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for...

  8. 14 CFR 25.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... designed for inertia loads acting parallel to the hinge line. (b) In the absence of more rational data, the inertia loads may be assumed to be equal to KW, where— (1) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for...

  9. 14 CFR 25.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... designed for inertia loads acting parallel to the hinge line. (b) In the absence of more rational data, the inertia loads may be assumed to be equal to KW, where— (1) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for...

  10. 14 CFR 25.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... designed for inertia loads acting parallel to the hinge line. (b) In the absence of more rational data, the inertia loads may be assumed to be equal to KW, where— (1) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for...

  11. 14 CFR 25.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... designed for inertia loads acting parallel to the hinge line. (b) In the absence of more rational data, the inertia loads may be assumed to be equal to KW, where— (1) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for...

  12. Fabrication and Assembly of High-Precision Hinge and Latch Joints for Deployable Optical Instruments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Phelps, James E.

    1999-01-01

    Descriptions are presented of high-precision hinge and latch joints that have been co-developed, for application to deployable optical instruments, by NASA Langley Research Center and Nyma/ADF. Page-sized versions of engineering drawings are included in two appendices to describe all mechanical components of both joints. Procedures for assembling the mechanical components of both joints are also presented. The information herein is intended to facilitate the fabrication and assembly of the high-precision hinge and latch joints, and enable the incorporation of these joints into the design of deployable optical instrument systems.

  13. Shock Location Dominated Transonic Flight Loads on the Active Aeroelastic Wing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lokos, William A.; Lizotte, Andrew; Lindsley, Ned J.; Stauf, Rick

    2005-01-01

    During several Active Aeroelastic Wing research flights, the shadow of the over-wing shock could be observed because of natural lighting conditions. As the plane accelerated, the shock location moved aft, and as the shadow passed the aileron and trailing-edge flap hinge lines, their associated hinge moments were substantially affected. The observation of the dominant effect of shock location on aft control surface hinge moments led to this investigation. This report investigates the effect of over-wing shock location on wing loads through flight-measured data and analytical predictions. Wing-root and wing-fold bending moment and torque and leading- and trailing-edge hinge moments have been measured in flight using calibrated strain gages. These same loads have been predicted using a computational fluid dynamics code called the Euler Navier-Stokes Three Dimensional Aeroelastic Code. The computational fluid dynamics study was based on the elastically deformed shape estimated by a twist model, which in turn was derived from in-flight-measured wing deflections provided by a flight deflection measurement system. During level transonic flight, the shock location dominated the wing trailing-edge control surface hinge moments. The computational fluid dynamics analysis based on the shape provided by the flight deflection measurement system produced very similar results and substantially correlated with the measured loads data.

  14. 28. BRIDGE NO. 9 APRON AND BRIDGE HINGE JOINT AND ...

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

    28. BRIDGE NO. 9 APRON AND BRIDGE HINGE JOINT AND BRIDGE SUSPENSION SYSTEM SHOWING EYEBAR AND CABLE CONNECTIONS. LOOKING WEST. - Greenville Yard, Transfer Bridge System, Port of New York/New Jersey, Upper New York Bay, Jersey City, Hudson County, NJ

  15. DETAIL OF ORIGINAL SLIDING DOORS ALTERED WITH OPENING FOR HINGED ...

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

    DETAIL OF ORIGINAL SLIDING DOORS ALTERED WITH OPENING FOR HINGED DOOR. WITH GRADUATED SCALE IN 1' INCREMENTS. VIEW FACING NORTHWEST - U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, Gymnasium Building, North Waterfront & Pierce Street near Berth S-13, Pearl City, Honolulu County, HI

  16. Hit to lead optimization of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as B-Raf kinase inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Gopalsamy, Ariamala; Ciszewski, Greg; Shi, Mengxiao; Berger, Dan; Hu, Yongbo; Lee, Frederick; Feldberg, Larry; Frommer, Eileen; Kim, Steven; Collins, Karen; Wojciechowicz, Donald; Mallon, Robert

    2009-12-15

    Our continued effort towards optimization of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold as B-Raf kinase inhibitors is described. Structure guided design was utilized to introduce kinase hinge region interacting groups in the 2-position of the scaffold. This strategy led to the identification of lead compound 9 with enhanced enzyme and cellular potency, while maintaining good selectivity over a number of kinases.

  17. Dynamic analysis of flexible mechanical systems using LATDYN

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wu, Shih-Chin; Chang, Che-Wei; Housner, Jerrold M.

    1989-01-01

    A 3-D, finite element based simulation tool for flexible multibody systems is presented. Hinge degrees-of-freedom is built into equations of motion to reduce geometric constraints. The approach avoids the difficulty in selecting deformation modes for flexible components by using assumed mode method. The tool is applied to simulate a practical space structure deployment problem. Results of examples demonstrate the capability of the code and approach.

  18. A non-foaming proteosurfactant engineered from Ranaspumin-2.

    PubMed

    Frey, Shelli L; Todd, Jacob; Wurtzler, Elizabeth; Strelez, Carly R; Wendell, David

    2015-09-01

    Advances in biological surfactant proteins have already yielded a diverse range of benefits from dramatically improved survival rates for premature births to artificial photosynthesis. Presented here is the design, development, and analysis of a novel biosurfactant protein we call Surfactant Resisting Foam formatioN (SRFN). Starting with the Tungara frog's foam forming protein Ranaspumin-2, we have engineered a new surfactant protein with a destabilized hinge region to alter the kinetics and equilibrium of the protein structural transition from aqueous globular form to an extended surfactant structure at the air/water interface. SRFN is capable of approximately the same total surface tension reduction, but with the unique property of forming quickly collapsible foams. The difference in foam formation is attributed to the destabilizing glycine substitutions engineered into the hinge region. Surfactants used specifically to increase wettability, such as those used in agricultural applications would benefit from this new proteosurfactant since foamed liquid has greater wind resistance and decreased dispersal. Indeed, given growing concern of organsilicone surfactant effects on declining bee populations, biological surfactant proteins have several unique advantages over more common amphiphiles in that they can be renewably sourced, are environmentally friendly, degrade readily into non-toxic byproducts, and reduce surface tension without deleterious effects on cell membranes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Static aeroelastic analysis and tailoring of missile control fins

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcintosh, S. C., Jr.; Dillenius, M. F. E.

    1989-01-01

    A concept for enhancing the design of control fins for supersonic tactical missiles is described. The concept makes use of aeroelastic tailoring to create fin designs (for given planforms) that limit the variations in hinge moments that can occur during maneuvers involving high load factors and high angles of attack. It combines supersonic nonlinear aerodynamic load calculations with finite-element structural modeling, static and dynamic structural analysis, and optimization. The problem definition is illustrated. The fin is at least partly made up of a composite material. The layup is fixed, and the orientations of the material principal axes are allowed to vary; these are the design variables. The objective is the magnitude of the difference between the chordwise location of the center of pressure and its desired location, calculated for a given flight condition. Three types of constraints can be imposed: upper bounds on static displacements for a given set of load conditions, lower bounds on specified natural frequencies, and upper bounds on the critical flutter damping parameter at a given set of flight speeds and altitudes. The idea is to seek designs that reduce variations in hinge moments that would otherwise occur. The block diagram describes the operation of the computer program that accomplishes these tasks. There is an option for a single analysis in addition to the optimization.

  20. The Structure of Urease Activiation Complexes Examined by Flexibility Analysis, Mutagenesis, and Small-angle X-ray Scattering Approaches

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

    Quiroz, Soledad; Sukuru, Sai Chetan K.; Hausinger, Robert P.

    2008-01-01

    Conformational changes of Klebsiella aerogenes urease apoprotein (UreABC){sub 3} induced upon binding of the UreD and UreF accessory proteins were examined by a combination of flexibility analysis, mutagenesis, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). ProFlex analysis of urease provided evidence that the major domain of UreB can move in a hinge-like motion to account for prior chemical cross-linking results. Rigidification of the UreB hinge region, accomplished through a G11P mutation, reduced the extent of urease activation, in part by decreasing the nickel content of the mutant enzyme, and by sequestering a portion of the urease apoprotein in a novel activation complexmore » that includes all of the accessory proteins. SAXS analyses of urease, (UreABC-UreD){sub 3}, and (UreABC-UreDF){sub 3} confirm that UreD and UreF bind near UreB at the periphery of the (UreAC){sub 3} structure. This study supports an activation model in which a domain-shifted UreB conformation in (UreABC-UreDF){sub 3} allows CO{sub 2} and nickel ions to gain access to the nascent active site.« less

  1. The effects of klapskate hinge position on push-off performance: a simulation study.

    PubMed

    Houdijk, Han; Bobbert, Maarten F; De Koning, Jos J; De Groot, Gert

    2003-12-01

    The introduction of the klapskate in speed skating confronts skaters with the question of how to adjust the position of the hinge in order to maximize performance. The purpose of this study was to reveal the constraint that klapskate hinge position imposes on push-off performance in speed skating. For this purpose, a model of the musculoskeletal system was designed to simulate a simplified, two-dimensional skating push off. To capture the essence of a skating push off, this model performed a one-leg vertical jump, from a frictionless surface, while keeping its trunk horizontally. In this model, klapskate hinge position was varied by varying the length of the foot segment between 115 and 300 mm. With each foot length, an optimal control solution was found that resulted in the maximal amount of vertical kinetic and potential energy of the body's center of mass at take off (Weff). Foot length was shown to considerably affect push-off performance. Maximal Weff was obtained with a foot length of 185 mm and decreased by approximately 25% at either foot length of 115 mm and 300 mm. The reason for this decrease was that foot length affected the onset and control of foot rotation. This resulted in a distortion of the pattern of leg segment rotations and affected muscle work (Wmus) and the efficacy ratio (Weff/Wmus) of the entire leg system. Despite its simplicity, the model very well described and explained the effects of klapskate hinge position on push off performance that have been observed in speed-skating experiments. The simplicity of the model, however, does not allow quantitative analyses of optimal klapskate hinge position for speed-skating practice.

  2. Biomechanics of an orthosis-managed cranial cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle joint predicted by use of a computer model.

    PubMed

    Bertocci, Gina E; Brown, Nathan P; Mich, Patrice M

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of an orthosis on biomechanics of a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient canine stifle joint by use of a 3-D quasistatic rigid-body pelvic limb computer model simulating the stance phase of gait and to investigate influences of orthosis hinge stiffness (durometer). SAMPLE A previously developed computer simulation model for a healthy 33-kg 5-year-old neutered Golden Retriever. PROCEDURES A custom stifle joint orthosis was implemented in the CrCL-deficient pelvic limb computer simulation model. Ligament loads, relative tibial translation, and relative tibial rotation in the orthosis-stabilized stifle joint (baseline scenario; high-durometer hinge]) were determined and compared with values for CrCL-intact and CrCL-deficient stifle joints. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of orthosis hinge stiffness on model outcome measures. RESULTS The orthosis decreased loads placed on the caudal cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments and increased load placed on the medial collateral ligament, compared with loads for the CrCL-intact stifle joint. Ligament loads were decreased in the orthosis-managed CrCL-deficient stifle joint, compared with loads for the CrCL-deficient stifle joint. Relative tibial translation and rotation decreased but were not eliminated after orthosis management. Increased orthosis hinge stiffness reduced tibial translation and rotation, whereas decreased hinge stiffness increased internal tibial rotation, compared with values for the baseline scenario. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Stifle joint biomechanics were improved following orthosis implementation, compared with biomechanics of the CrCL-deficient stifle joint. Orthosis hinge stiffness influenced stifle joint biomechanics. An orthosis may be a viable option to stabilize a CrCL-deficient canine stifle joint.

  3. Experimental and Numerical Assessment of a New Alternative of RBS Moment Connection

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

    Mirghaderi, Rasoul; Imanpour, Ali; Keshavarzi, Farhad

    2008-07-08

    Reduced beam section (RBS) connection has been known as a famous connection for steel moment-resisting seismic frames in high-rise buildings, because of their economical advantages and seismic ductility. In the ordinary RBS connection, often portions of the beam flanges are selectively trimmed in the region adjacent to the beam-to-column connection, and beam section is weakened in the plastic hinge region; section weakening concept in the plastic hinge region of beam cause to reduction of beam plastic section modulus in this region, and force plastic hinge to occur within the reduced section.This paper presents a new alternative of RBS connection thatmore » has been used aforesaid weakening concept in it, with this difference that corrugated steel plate webs instead of beam flange cutting has been used in limited specific length near the column face. Corrugated steel plates because of their accordion effect don't have bending rigidity, then using of these plates in plastic hinge region reduces the beam plastic section modulus and plastic hinge is formed in corrugated region. For investigating the seismic behavior and performance of new RBS moment connection, experimental specimen of new RBS connection were subjected to cyclic load, and finite element analysis were executed. The result of cyclic test and numerical analysis specified that the corrugated webs improved the plastic stability and provided capability of large plastic rotation at the plastic hinge location without any appreciable buckling and brittle fractures in this region. The test observations also showed that the specimens' plastic rotations exceeded 0.04 rad without any local and global buckling. All of the analytical results for proposed connection are generally in good agreement with the test observations.« less

  4. Interconversion of Functional Motions between Mesophilic and Thermophilic Adenylate Kinases

    PubMed Central

    Daily, Michael D.; Phillips, George N.; Cui, Qiang

    2011-01-01

    Dynamic properties are functionally important in many proteins, including the enzyme adenylate kinase (AK), for which the open/closed transition limits the rate of catalytic turnover. Here, we compare our previously published coarse-grained (double-well Gō) simulation of mesophilic AK from E. coli (AKmeso) to simulations of thermophilic AK from Aquifex aeolicus (AKthermo). In AKthermo, as with AKmeso, the LID domain prefers to close before the NMP domain in the presence of ligand, but LID rigid-body flexibility in the open (O) ensemble decreases significantly. Backbone foldedness in O and/or transition state (TS) ensembles increases significantly relative to AKmeso in some interdomain backbone hinges and within LID. In contact space, the TS of AKthermo has fewer contacts at the CORE-LID interface but a stronger contact network surrounding the CORE-NMP interface than the TS of AKmeso. A “heated” simulation of AKthermo at 375K slightly increases LID rigid-body flexibility in accordance with the “corresponding states” hypothesis. Furthermore, while computational mutation of 7 prolines in AKthermo to their AKmeso counterparts produces similar small perturbations, mutation of these sites, especially positions 8 and 155, to glycine is required to achieve LID rigid-body flexibility and hinge flexibilities comparable to AKmeso. Mutating the 7 sites to proline in AKmeso reduces some hinges' flexibilities, especially hinge 2, but does not reduce LID rigid-body flexibility, suggesting that these two types of motion are decoupled in AKmeso. In conclusion, our results suggest that hinge flexibility and global functional motions alike are correlated with but not exclusively determined by the hinge residues. This mutational framework can inform the rational design of functionally important flexibility and allostery in other proteins toward engineering novel biochemical pathways. PMID:21779157

  5. [ANALYSIS OF IMPLANT-RELATED COMPLICATIONS AFTER HINGE KNEE REPLACEMENT FOR TUMORS AROUND THE KNEE].

    PubMed

    Li, Dong; Ma, Huanzhi; Zhang, Wei; Sun, Chengliang; Lu, Xiaoyong; Gao, Yutong; Zhou, Dongsheng

    2015-08-01

    To investigate the reasons and managements of implant-related complications after hinge knee replacement for tumors around the knee. A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 96 patients undergoing hinge knee replacement between January 2000 and December 2012. There were 64 males and 32 females with the mean age of 31.0 years (range, 15-72 years). The most common tumor type was osteosarcoma (72 cases), and the second was giant cell tumor (15 cases). The tumor located at the distal femurs in 52 cases and at the proximal tibias in 44 cases. Fifteen hinge and 81 rotating hinge prostheses were used. The recurrence, metastasis, and survival were recorded. The implant-related complications were observed. The median follow-up time was 43.5 months (range, 10-156 months). Complications were observed in 21 patients (25 implant-related complications); 13 complications located at the femur and 12 complications at the tibia. The complications included aseptic loosening (8 cases), deep infection (7 cases), prosthetic breakage (4 cases), peri-prosthetic fracture (2 cases), and dislocation (4 cases). Most deep infection occurred within 12 months after operation (6/7), and most aseptic loosening after 40 months of operation (6/8). The rate of limb salvage was 90.6% (87/96) and the amputation rate was 9.4% (9/96). The overall survival rate of the prosthesis was 76.7% (5-year) and 47.2% (10-year). The 5-year survival rate was 82.9% for femoral prosthesis and 71.0% for tibial prosthesis, showing no significant difference (P = 0.954). Hinge knee prosthesis still has a high rate of complications. Deep infection is main reason to decrease short-term prosthetic survival rate, and aseptic loosening shortens the long-short prosthetic survival time.

  6. Marginal elasticity of periodic triangulated origami

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Bryan; Sussman, Dan; Lubensky, Tom; Santangelo, Chris

    Origami, the classical art of folding paper, has inspired much recent work on assembling complex 3D structures from planar sheets. Origami, and more generally hinged structures with rigid panels, where all faces are triangles have special properties due to having a bulk balance of mechanical degrees of freedom and constraints. We study two families of periodic triangulated origami structures, one based on the Miura ori and one based on a kagome-like pattern due to Ron Resch. We point out the consequences of the balance of degrees of freedom and constraints for these ''metamaterial plates'' and show how the elasticity can be tuned by changing the unit cell geometry.

  7. 29. BRIDGE NO. 13 APRON AND BRIDGE HINGE JOINT AND ...

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

    29. BRIDGE NO. 13 APRON AND BRIDGE HINGE JOINT AND BRIDGE SUSPENSION SYSTEM (OLDER STYLE) SHOWING EYEBAR AND CABLE CONNECTIONS. LOOKING WEST. - Greenville Yard, Transfer Bridge System, Port of New York/New Jersey, Upper New York Bay, Jersey City, Hudson County, NJ

  8. 10 CFR 431.62 - Definitions concerning commercial refrigerators, freezers and refrigerator-freezers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... transparent or solid doors, sliding or hinged doors, a combination of hinged, sliding, transparent, or solid... compressors, refrigerant condensers, condenser fans and motors, and factory supplied accessories. Self... more refrigerant compressors, refrigerant condensers, condenser fans and motors, and factory supplied...

  9. Modal identities for multibody elastic spacecraft: An aid to selecting modes for simulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hablani, Hari B.

    1989-01-01

    The question: Which set of modes furnishes a higher fidelity math model of dynamics of a multibody, deformable spacecraft (hinges-free or hinges-locked vehicle modes) is answered. Two sets of general, discretized, linear equations of motion of a spacecraft with an arbitrary number of deformable appendages, each articulated directly to the core body, are obtained using the above two families of modes. By a comparison of these equations, ten sets of modal identities are constructed which involve modal momenta coefficients and frequencies associated with both classes of modes. The sums of infinite series that appear in the identities are obtained in terms of mass, and first and second moments of inertia of the appendages, core body, and vehicle by using certain basic identities concerning appendage modes. Applying the above identities to a four-body spacecraft, the hinges-locked vehicle modes are found to yield a higher fidelity model than hinges-free modes, because the latter modes have nonconverging modal coefficients; a characteristic proved and illustrated.

  10. Subduction hinge migration: The backwards component of plate tectonics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stegman, D.; Freeman, J.; Schellart, W.; Moresi, L.; May, D.

    2005-12-01

    There are approximately 50 distinct segments of subduction zones in the world, of which 40% have oceanic lithosphere subducting under oceanic lithosphere. All of these ocean-ocean systems are currently experiencing hinge-rollback, with the exception of 2 (Mariana and Kermadec). In hinge-rollback, the surface trace of the suduction zone (trench) is moving in the opposite direction as the plate is moving (i.e. backwards). Coincidentally, the fastest moving plate boundary in the world is actually the Tonga trench at an estimated 17 cm/yr (backwards). Although this quite important process was recognized soon after the birth of plate tectonic theory (Elsasser, 1971), it has received only a limited amount of attention (Garfunkel, 1986; Kincaid and Olson, 1987) until recently. Laboratory models have shown that having a three dimensional experiment is essential in order to build a correct understanding of subduction. We have developed a numerical model with the neccessary 3-D geometry capable of investigating some fundamental questions of plate tectonics: How does hinge-rollback feedback into surface tectonics and mantle flow? What can we learn about the forces that drive plate tectonics by studying hinge-rollback? We will present a quantatitive analysis of the effect of the lateral width of subduction zones, the key aspect to understanding the nature of hinge-rollback. Additionally, particular emphasis has been put on gaining intuition through the use of movies (a 3-D rendering of the numerical models), illustrating the time evolution of slab interactions with the lower mantle as seen in such fields as velocity magnitude, strain rate, viscosity, as well as the toroidal and poloidal components of induced flow. This investigation is well-suited to developing direct comparisons with geological and geophysical observations such as geodetically determined hinge retreat rates, geochemical and petrological observations of arc volcanics and back-arc ridge basalts, timing and distribution of metamorphic core complexes in backarc basins under extension, paleostress observables such surface movements and block rotations, observations of seismic anistropy determined by shear wave splitting, and the emerging studies of regional tomographic models of seismic anistropy.

  11. Experimental and numerical investigations of higher mode effects on seismic inelastic response of reinforced concrete shear walls

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghorbanirenani, Iman

    This thesis presents two experimental programs together with companion numerical studies that were carried out on reinforced concrete shear walls: static tests and dynamic (shake table) tests. The first series of experiments were monotonic and cyclic quasi-static testing on ductile reinforced concrete shear wall specimens designed and detailed according to the seismic provisions of NBCC 2005 and CSA-A23.3-04 standard. The tests were carried out on full-scale and 1:2.37 reduced scale wall specimens to evaluate the seismic design provisions and similitude law and determine the appropriate scaling factor that could be applied for further studies such as dynamic tests. The second series of experiments were shake table tests conducted on two identical 1:2.33 scaled, 8-storey moderately ductile reinforced concrete shear wall specimens to investigate the effects of higher modes on the inelastic response of slender walls under high frequency ground motions expected in Eastern North America. The walls were designed and detailed according to the seismic provisions of NBCC 2005 and CSA-A23.3-04 standard. The objectives were to validate and understand the inelastic response and interaction of shear, flexure and axial loads in plastic hinge zones of the walls considering the higher mode effects and to investigate the formation of second hinge in upper part of the wall due to higher mode responses. Second mode response significantly affected the response of the walls. This caused inelastic flexural response to develop at the 6th level with approximately the same rotation ductility compared to that observed at the base. Dynamic amplification of the base shear forces was also observed in both walls. Numerical modeling of these two shake table tests was performed to evaluate the test results and validate current modeling approaches. Nonlinear time history analyses were carried out by the reinforced concrete fibre element (OpenSees program) and finite element (VecTor2 program) methods using the shake table feedback signals as input. Good agreement was generally obtained between numerical and experimental results. Both computer programs were able to predict the natural frequency of the walls in the undamaged and damaged conditions. Both modeling techniques could predict that the maximum bending moment at the base of the walls reached the actual wall moment capacity. The inelastic response and the dual plastic hinge behaviour of the walls could be adequately reproduced using the fibre element and finite element analysis programs. The fibre element method is a good alternative in terms of computing time. It produces reasonable results in comparison with the finite element method, although particular attention needs to be given to the selection of the damping ratios. The different parametric analyses performed in this thesis showed that, for both models, adding a small amount of global viscous damping in combination with a refined reinforced concrete hysteretic model could predict better the seismic behaviour of the tested structures. For the VecTor2 program, a viscous damping of 1% led to reasonable results for the studied RC walls. For the OpenSees program, 2% damping resulted in a good match between test and predictions for the 100% EQ test on the initially undamaged wall. When increasing the earthquake intensities, the damping had to be reduced between 1.5% and 1% to achieve good results for a damaged wall with elongated vibration periods. According to the experimental results and numerical analyses on reinforced concrete shear walls subjected to ground motions from Eastern North America earthquakes, there is a high possibility of having a second plastic hinge forming in the upper part of walls in addition to the one assumed in design at the base. This second hinge could dissipate the earthquake energy more effectively and decrease the force demand on the wall. A dual plastic hinge design approach in which the structures become plastic in the upper wall segment as well as the base could be therefore more appropriate. Preliminary design recommendations considering higher mode effects on dual hinge response and base shear forces for ductile slender shear walls are given in this thesis. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

  12. An RNA internal loop acts as a hinge to facilitate ribozyme folding and catalysis.

    PubMed Central

    Szewczak, A A; Cech, T R

    1997-01-01

    RNA molecules commonly consist of helical regions separated by internal loops, and in many cases these internal loops have been found to assume stable structures. We have examined the function and dynamics of an internal loop, J5/5a, that joins the two halves of the P4-P6 domain of the Tetrahymena self-splicing group I intron. P4-P6 RNAs with mutations in the J5/5a region showed nondenaturing gel electrophoretic mobilities and levels of Fe(II)-EDTA cleavage protection intermediate between those of wild-type RNA and a mutant incapable of folding into the native P4-P6 tertiary structure. Mutants with the least structured J5/5a loops behaved the most like wild-type P4-P6, and required smaller amounts of Mg2+ to rescue folding. The activity of reconstituted introns containing mutant P4-P6 RNAs correlated similarly with the nature of the J5/5a mutation. Our results suggest that, in solution, the P4-P6 RNA is in a two-state equilibrium between folded and unfolded states. We conclude that this internal loop mainly acts as a flexible hinge, allowing the coaxially stacked helical regions on either side of it to interact via specific tertiary contacts. To a lesser extent, the specific bases within the loop contribute to folding. Furthermore, it is crucial that the junction remain unstructured in the unfolded state. These conclusions cannot be derived from a simple examination of the P4-P6 crystal structure (Cate JH et al., 1996, Science 273:1678-1685), showing once again that structure determination must be supplemented with mutational and thermodynamic analysis to provide a complete picture of a folded macromolecule. PMID:9257643

  13. DETAIL VIEW OF WINCH USED TO RAISE AND LOWER HINGED ...

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

    DETAIL VIEW OF WINCH USED TO RAISE AND LOWER HINGED SECTION OF THIRD FLOOR LEVEL, PLATFORM D-SOUTH, HB-3, FACING WEST - Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Complex 39, Vehicle Assembly Building, VAB Road, East of Kennedy Parkway North, Cape Canaveral, Brevard County, FL

  14. 78 FR 15281 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-11

    ... horizontal stabilizer. This AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for... repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the left and right rib hinge... high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the left and right rib hinge bearing lugs...

  15. Catalytic properties of thimet oligopeptidase H600A mutant

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

    Machado, Mauricio F.M.; Marcondes, Marcelo F.; Rioli, Vanessa

    2010-04-02

    Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15, TOP) is a metallo-oligopeptidase that participates in the intracellular metabolism of peptides. Predictions based on structurally analogous peptidases (Dcp and ACE-2) show that TOP can present a hinge-bend movement during substrate hydrolysis, what brings some residues closer to the substrate. One of these residues that in TOP crystallographic structure are far from the catalytic residues, but, moves toward the substrate considering this possible structural reorganization is His{sup 600}. In the present work, the role of His{sup 600} of TOP was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis. TOP H600A mutant was characterized through analysis of S{sub 1} and S{submore » 1}' specificity, pH-activity profile and inhibition by JA-2. Results showed that TOP His{sup 600} residue makes important interactions with the substrate, supporting the prediction that His{sup 600} moves toward the substrate due to a hinge movement similar to the Dcp and ACE-2. Furthermore, the mutation H600A affected both K{sub m} and k{sub cat}, showing the importance of His{sup 600} for both substrate binding and/or product release from active site. Changes in the pH-profile may indicate also the participation of His{sup 600} in TOP catalysis, transferring a proton to the newly generated NH{sub 2}-terminus or helping Tyr{sup 605} and/or Tyr{sup 612} in the intermediate oxyanion stabilization.« less

  16. Patient-oriented Functional Results of Total Femoral Endoprosthetic Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection

    PubMed Central

    Jones, Kevin B.; Griffin, Anthony M.; Chandrasekar, Coonoor R.; Biau, David; Babinet, Antoine; Deheshi, Benjamin; Bell, Robert S.; Grimer, Robert J.; Wunder, Jay S.; Ferguson, Peter C.

    2011-01-01

    Background and Objectives Functional outcomes following oncologic total femoral endoprosthetic reconstruction (TFR) are lacking. We compared patient-oriented functional results of TFRs to proximal femur and distal femur reconstructions (PFR and DFR). We also compared function and complications with regard to knee and hip componentry. Methods 54 TFR patients were identified from 3 institutional prospective databases. 41 had fixed- and 13 had rotating-hinge knees, 37 hemiarthroplasty and 17 total hip arthroplasty componentry. Toronto Extremity Salvage Scores (TESS) for n=27 were compared between groups and to cohorts of PFR (n=31) and DFR (n=85) patients using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results Follow-up averaged 4 years. Mechanical complications included 5 hip dislocations and 1 femoral malrotation. Four dislocations were in fixed-hinge implants, all in those lacking abductor reattachment. TESS averaged 69.3±17.8, statistically decreased from DFR (p=0.002) and PFR patients (p=0.036). No significant differences were detected between patients in the fixed-hinge (n=18) and rotating-hinge (n=9) groups (p = 0.944), or total hip (n=8) and hemiarthroplasty (n=19) groups (p=0.633). Conclusions TFR is reserved for extreme cases of limb salvage, portending a poor prognosis overall. Function reflects additive impairments from PFR and DFR. TFR outcomes differ little with rotating- or fixed-hinge, total hip or hemiarthroplasty implants. PMID:21695701

  17. Design of elevator control surface actuated by LIPCA for small unmanned air vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoon, K. J.; Setiawan, Hery; Goo, N. S.

    2006-03-01

    There have been persistent interests in high performance actuators suitable for the actuation of control surfaces of small aircraft and helicopter blades and for active vibration control of aerospace and submarine structures that need high specific force and displacement. What is really needed for active actuation is a large-displacement actuator with a compact source, i.e., much higher strain. A lot of effort has been made to develop compact actuators with large displacement at a high force. One of the representative actuator is LIPCA actuator that was introduced by Yoon et al. The LIPCA design offers the advantages to be applied as actuator for the small aerial vehicle comparing with any other actuators. The weight is one of the main concerns for aerospace field, and since LIPCA has lighter weight than any other piezo-actuator thus it is suitable as actuator for small aircraft control surface. In this paper, a conceptual design of LIPCA-actuated control surface is introduced. A finite element model was constructed and analyzed to predict the deflection angle of the control surface. The hinge moment that produced by the aerodynamic forces was calculated to determine the optimum position of the hinge point, which could produce the deflection as high as possible with reasonable hinge moment. To verify the prediction, a prototype of SUAV (small unmanned air vehicle) control surface was manufactured and tested both in static condition and in the wind tunnel. The prediction and test results showed a good agreement on the control surface deflection angle.

  18. Evolution from a hinge actuator mechanism to an antenna deployment mechanism for use on the European large communications satellite (L-SAT/OLYMPUS)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Death, M. D.

    1984-01-01

    The evolution of an Antenna Deployment Mechanism (ADM) from a Hinge Actuator Mechanism (HAM) is described as it pertains to the deployment of large satellite antennas. Design analysis and mechanical tests are examined in detail.

  19. 78 FR 24985 - Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-29

    ... (L-126A,B,C), 195A, and 195B airplanes that are equipped with certain inboard aileron hinge brackets... 4, 2013), currently requires you to repetitively inspect the affected inboard aileron hinge brackets... brackets. Replacement with aluminum brackets would terminate the need for the repetitive inspections...

  20. 14 CFR 23.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ...) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for horizontal surfaces; and (3) W=weight of the movable... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Loads parallel to hinge line. 23.393 Section 23.393 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION...

  1. 14 CFR 23.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ...) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for horizontal surfaces; and (3) W=weight of the movable... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Loads parallel to hinge line. 23.393 Section 23.393 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION...

  2. 14 CFR 23.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ...) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for horizontal surfaces; and (3) W=weight of the movable... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Loads parallel to hinge line. 23.393 Section 23.393 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION...

  3. 14 CFR 23.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ...) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for horizontal surfaces; and (3) W=weight of the movable... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Loads parallel to hinge line. 23.393 Section 23.393 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION...

  4. 14 CFR 23.393 - Loads parallel to hinge line.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ...) K=24 for vertical surfaces; (2) K=12 for horizontal surfaces; and (3) W=weight of the movable... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Loads parallel to hinge line. 23.393 Section 23.393 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION...

  5. 49 CFR 571.224 - Standard No. 224; Rear impact protection.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... the vehicle is in motion. Nonstructural protrusions such as taillights, rubber bumpers, hinges and... deliver asphalt and other road building materials, in a controlled horizontal manner, into a lay down... protrusions such as taillights, hinges, rubber bumpers, and latches are excluded from the determination of the...

  6. 61. DETAIL OF HEAD, VANE STEM, VANE HINGE, AND WHEEL ...

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

    61. DETAIL OF HEAD, VANE STEM, VANE HINGE, AND WHEEL OF AN ELI WINDMILL ON THE GROUND AT THE STOLL RESIDENCE ABOUT 1-1/2 MILES WEST OF NEBRASKA CITY ON STEAM WAGON ROAD. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  7. Angular motion equations for a satellite with hinged flexible solar panel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ovchinnikov, M. Yu.; Tkachev, S. S.; Roldugin, D. S.; Nuralieva, A. B.; Mashtakov, Y. V.

    2016-11-01

    Non-linear mathematical model for the satellite with hinged flexible solar panel is presented. Normal modes of flexible elements are used for motion description. Motion equations are derived using virtual work principle. A comparison of normal modes calculation between finite element method and developed model is presented.

  8. [COSMOS motion design optimization in the CT table].

    PubMed

    Shang, Hong; Huang, Jian; Ren, Chao

    2013-03-01

    Through the CT Table dynamic simulation by COSMOS Motion, analysis the hinge of table and the motor force, then optimize the position of the hinge of table, provide the evidence of selecting bearing and motor, meanwhile enhance the design quality of the CT table and reduce the product design cost.

  9. Development of Deployable Elastic Composite Shape Memory Alloy Reinforced (DECSMAR) Structures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-05-01

    battens nest. To mitigate the compromise of deployed performance due to the hinge cross-section, Nitinol SMA wires can be embedded in the composite...proportional limit by slip or conventional plastic deformation. As a logistics example, the particular Nitinol alloy used for proto-typing has...Memory Alloys,” Johnson Matthey, 2004. 10Cross, WB, Kariotis, AH, & Stimler, FJ, “ Nitinol Characterization Study,” NASA CR-1433, 1970. 11Proft, JL

  10. Proposed MIL Standard and Handbook - Flying Qualities of Air Vehicles. Volume 2. Proposed MIL Handbook

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-11-01

    model but uses the Hilbert transform to model intermittency as well as Gaussian structure patchiness. Includes University of Washington model features...Requirements for Satisfactory Elevator Control Characteristics, NACA TN 1060, June 1946. 852 - - - - 137. Jones, R. T., and H. Greenberg , Effect of Hinge...Moment Parameters on Elevator Stick Forces in Rapid Maneuvers NACA Report 798, Nov. 1944. 138. Greenberg , H., and L. Sternfield, A Theoretical

  11. Integrated optimization of nonlinear R/C frames with reliability constraints

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Soeiro, Alfredo; Hoit, Marc

    1989-01-01

    A structural optimization algorithm was researched including global displacements as decision variables. The algorithm was applied to planar reinforced concrete frames with nonlinear material behavior submitted to static loading. The flexural performance of the elements was evaluated as a function of the actual stress-strain diagrams of the materials. Formation of rotational hinges with strain hardening were allowed and the equilibrium constraints were updated accordingly. The adequacy of the frames was guaranteed by imposing as constraints required reliability indices for the members, maximum global displacements for the structure and a maximum system probability of failure.

  12. Results of differential elevon/aileron deflection for lateral control optimization and elevon hinge moment investigations on an 0.015-scale model (49-0) of the space shuttle orbiter in the NASA/Langley Research Center 8 foot TPT (OA116)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lindsey, A. I.; Milam, M. D.

    1974-01-01

    Aerodynamic investigations were conducted in a transonic pressure tunnel on an 0.015 scale model of the space shuttle orbiter. Major test objectives were to determine: (1) transonic differential elevon/aileron lateral control optimization; (2) transonic elevon hinge moments; (3) transonic effects of the baseline 6 inch elevon/elevon and elevon/fuselage gaps; and (4) transonic effects of the short OMS pods. Six-component aerodynamic force and moment, and elevon hinge moment data, were recorded over an angle-of-attack range form -2 to +22 degrees.

  13. Photorefractor ocular screening system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Richardson, John R. (Inventor); Kerr, Joseph H. (Inventor)

    1987-01-01

    A method and apparatus for detecting human eye defects, particularly detection of refractive error is presented. Eye reflex is recorded on color film when the eyes are exposed to a flash of light. The photographs are compared with predetermined standards to detect eye defects. The base structure of the ocular screening system is a folding interconnect structure, comprising hinged sections. Attached to one end of the structure is a head positioning station which comprises vertical support, a head positioning bracket having one end attached to the top of the support, and two head positioning lamps to verify precise head positioning. At the opposite end of the interconnect structure is a camera station with camera, electronic flash unit, and blinking fixation lamp, for photographing the eyes of persons being evaluated.

  14. Structural Evolution and Fracture Development of Chinshui Anticline in a Fold-and-Thrust Belt, Taiwan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, T. W.; Hu, J. C.; Huang, S. T.

    2016-12-01

    Hsinchu-Miaoli area is the major hydrocarbon producing fields in the fold-and-thrust belt of Taiwan. To understand the nature and the geometry of the reservoirs in this area, 82 wells were drilled in the Chinshui Field, which is one of the important gas fields in the Hsinchu-Miaoli area. However, the subsurface structures and fracture distribution of these fields are still unclear, and the reason for long time producing is also unknown. Fractures in the oil-bearing reservoir might be one of the important factors of long time gas producing, but the fracture reservoirs attaining hydrocarbons associated with fault-related folding need to be further clarified. In this study, we first represent a new structural interpretation of Chinshui anticlines and adjacent structures by a geological cross section across from Miaoli offshore to inner western foothills. After conducting 2D restoration with 2DMove, we could test whether our structural interpretation is reasonable and clarify the evolution history of Chinshui anticline and adjacent structures. We further construct a 3D structural model of Chinshui anticline by GOCAD. By using surface restoration, the location with higher fracture density could be inferred and be taken into account for reproduction. According to the restoration, we conclude that Chinshui anticline is mainly formed by the movement of the deep detachment. The old strata between two detachments develop a thrust wedge and deform upper strata to form Chinshui anticline. Furthermore, we obtain strain fields and the extension areas of Talu shale, Tungkeng, Chuhaungkeng, Mushan and Wuchihshan Formation of Chinshui anticline during the deformation. The results reveal that the highest fracture density lies in the hinge of A and C blocks in Mushan Formation as well as the hinge of B block in Wuchihshan Formation. After comparing the curvature and strain fields of these surfaces, we also find out that the strain field is highly relevant to the curvature of Chinshui anticline.

  15. Effect of hinge-moment parameters on elevator stick forces in rapid maneuvers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Robert T; Greenberg, Harry

    1944-01-01

    The importance of the stick force per unit normal acceleration as a criterion of longitudinal stability and the critical dependence of this gradient on elevator hinge-moment parameters have been shown in previous reports. The present report continues the investigation with special reference to transient effects for maneuvers of short duration.

  16. Amino acid changes within the E protein hinge region that affect dengue virus type 2 infectivity and fusion

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

    Butrapet, Siritorn; Childers, Thomas; Moss, Kelley J.

    Fifteen mutant dengue viruses were engineered and used to identify AAs in the molecular hinge of the envelope protein that are critical to viral infection. Substitutions at Q52, A54, or E133 reduced infectivity in mammalian cells and altered the pH threshold of fusion. Mutations at F193, G266, I270, or G281 affected viral replication in mammalian and mosquito cells, but only I270W had reduced fusion activity. T280Y affected the pH threshold for fusion and reduced replication in C6/36 cells. Three different mutations at L135 were lethal in mammalian cells. Among them, L135G abrogated fusion and reduced replication in C6/36 cells, butmore » only slightly reduced the mosquito infection rate. Conversely, L135W replicated well in C6/36 cells, but had the lowest mosquito infection rate. Possible interactions between hinge residues 52 and 277, or among 53, 135, 170, 186, 265, and 276 required for hinge function were discovered by sequence analysis to identify compensatory mutations.« less

  17. Anterior knee symptoms after S-ROM hinge implantation.

    PubMed

    Deehan, David J; Gangadharan, Rajkumar; Malviya, Ajay; Sutherland, Alasdair; Holland, James P

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate the performance of a canal filling hinge device for complex knee arthroplasty. Thirty-seven (4 primary hinge implantation and 33 revision cases) patients who had undergone arthroplasty with the S-ROM third generation hinge device for a combination of massive bone loss or ligamentous insufficiency were prospectively examined with a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Median age at surgery was 72 years (range: 43 to 87 years). Principal indications included aseptic loosening or massive osteolysis (24 cases), infection (8 cases) and periprosthetic fracture (4 cases). All patients exhibited either grade 2 (N = 12) or grade 3 (N = 25) AORI bone loss or a grade 3 medial ligament deficiency. One patient experienced implant failure (71 months), and one patient suffered late deep infection (36 months). Mean WOMAC score improved from 27 to 62. Four patients required patellar resurfacing for persistent pain. The 5-year survivorship was 86%. While the S-ROM device may offer satisfactory medium term outcome for complex end stage knee disease, we report a high rate of debilitating anterior knee symptoms.

  18. Wind-Tunnel Investigation of the Effect of Angle of Attack and Flapping-Hinge Offset on Periodic Bending Moments and Flapping of a Small Rotor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    McCarty, John Locke; Brooks, George W.; Maglieri, Domenic J.

    1959-01-01

    A two-blade rotor having a diameter of 4 feet and a solidity of 0.037 was tested in the Langley 300-MPH 7- by 10-foot tunnel to obtain information on the effect of certain rotor variables on the blade periodic bending moments and flapping angles during the various stages of transformation between the helicopter and autogiro configuration. Variables studied included collective pitch angle, flapping-hinge offset, rotor angle of attack, and tip-speed ratio. The results show that the blade periodic bending moments generally increase with tip-speed ratio up into the transition region, diminish over a certain range of tip-speed ratio, and increase again at higher tip-speed ratios. Above the transition region, the bending moments increase with collective pitch angle and rotor angle of attack. The absence of a flapping hinge results in a significant amplification of the periodic bending moments, the magnitudes of which increase with tip-speed ratio. When the flapping hinge is used, an increase in flapping-hinge offset results in reduced period bending moments. The aforementioned trends exhibited by the bending moments for changes in the variables are essentially duplicated by the periodic flapping motions. The existence of substantial amounts of blade stall increased both the periodic bending moments and the flapping angles. Harmonic analysis of the bending moments shows significant contributions of the higher harmonics, particularly in the transition region.

  19. Comparison of platelet activation through hinge vs bulk flow in mechanical heart valves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hedayat, Mohammadali; Borazjani, Iman

    2017-11-01

    Bileaflet mechanical heart valves increase the risk of thrombus formation in patients which is believed to be initiated by platelet activation. Platelets can be activated by the elevated shear stresses in the bulk flow during the systole phase or the flow through the hinge during the diastole. However, the importance of platelet activation by the bulk flow vs the hinge in MHVs has yet to be studied. Here, we investigate the contribution of each of the above mechanisms to the activation of platelets in MHs by performing simulation of the flow through a 25mm St. Jude Medical valve placed in a straight aorta. Two different gap sizes (250 and 150 micrometer) are used in this study. The simulations are done using a sharp interface curvilinear immersed boundary method along with a strong-coupling algorithm for FSI solver on overset grids. The platelet activation through the hinge for different gap sizes is compared to the activation in the bulk flow using two platelet activation models to ensure the consistency of the results. Our results for all gap sizes using different activation models show that the integration of platelet activation caused by the bulk flow is several times higher in comparison to the activation through the hinge. This work is supported by the American Heart Association Grant 13SDG17220022, and the computational resources were partly provided by Center for Computational Research (CCR) at University at Buffalo.

  20. Patient-oriented functional results of total femoral endoprosthetic reconstruction following oncologic resection.

    PubMed

    Jones, Kevin B; Griffin, Anthony M; Chandrasekar, Coonoor R; Biau, David; Babinet, Antoine; Deheshi, Benjamin; Bell, Robert S; Grimer, Robert J; Wunder, Jay S; Ferguson, Peter C

    2011-11-01

    Functional outcomes following oncologic total femoral endoprosthetic reconstruction (TFR) are lacking. We compared patient-oriented functional results of TFRs to proximal femur and distal femur reconstructions (PFR and DFR). We also compared function and complications with regard to knee and hip componentry. Fifty-four TFR patients were identified from three institutional prospective databases. Forty-one had fixed- and 13 had rotating-hinge knees, 37 hemiarthroplasty and 17 total hip arthroplasty componentry. Toronto Extremity Salvage Scores (TESS) for n = 27 were compared between groups and to cohorts of PFR (n = 31) and DFR (n = 85) patients using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Follow-up averaged 4 years. Mechanical complications included five hip dislocations and one femoral malrotation. Four dislocations were in fixed-hinge implants, all in those lacking abductor reattachment. TESS averaged 69.3 ± 17.8, statistically decreased from DFR (P = 0.002) and PFR patients (P = 0.036). No significant differences were detected between patients in the fixed-hinge (n = 18) and rotating-hinge (n = 9) groups (P = 0.944), or total hip (n = 8) and hemiarthroplasty (n = 19) groups (P = 0.633). TFR is reserved for extreme cases of limb salvage, portending a poor prognosis overall. Function reflects additive impairments from PFR and DFR. TFR outcomes differ little with rotating- or fixed-hinge, total hip or hemiarthroplasty implants. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Reliability analysis of the solar array based on Fault Tree Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jianing, Wu; Shaoze, Yan

    2011-07-01

    The solar array is an important device used in the spacecraft, which influences the quality of in-orbit operation of the spacecraft and even the launches. This paper analyzes the reliability of the mechanical system and certifies the most vital subsystem of the solar array. The fault tree analysis (FTA) model is established according to the operating process of the mechanical system based on DFH-3 satellite; the logical expression of the top event is obtained by Boolean algebra and the reliability of the solar array is calculated. The conclusion shows that the hinges are the most vital links between the solar arrays. By analyzing the structure importance(SI) of the hinge's FTA model, some fatal causes, including faults of the seal, insufficient torque of the locking spring, temperature in space, and friction force, can be identified. Damage is the initial stage of the fault, so limiting damage is significant to prevent faults. Furthermore, recommendations for improving reliability associated with damage limitation are discussed, which can be used for the redesigning of the solar array and the reliability growth planning.

  2. Structural insight into the activation of a class B G-protein-coupled receptor by peptide hormones in live human cells

    PubMed Central

    Seidel, Lisa; Zarzycka, Barbara; Zaidi, Saheem A; Katritch, Vsevolod; Coin, Irene

    2017-01-01

    The activation mechanism of class B G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remains largely unknown. To characterize conformational changes induced by peptide hormones, we investigated interactions of the class B corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRF1R) with two peptide agonists and three peptide antagonists obtained by N-truncation of the agonists. Surface mapping with genetically encoded photo-crosslinkers and pair-wise crosslinking revealed distinct footprints of agonists and antagonists on the transmembrane domain (TMD) of CRF1R and identified numerous ligand-receptor contact sites, directly from the intact receptor in live human cells. The data enabled generating atomistic models of CRF- and CRF(12-41)-bound CRF1R, further explored by molecular dynamics simulations. We show that bound agonist and antagonist adopt different folds and stabilize distinct TMD conformations, which involves bending of helices VI and VII around flexible glycine hinges. Conservation of these glycine hinges among all class B GPCRs suggests their general role in activation of these receptors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.27711.001 PMID:28771403

  3. Conformational plasticity of RepB, the replication initiator protein of promiscuous streptococcal plasmid pMV158

    PubMed Central

    Boer, D. Roeland; Ruiz-Masó, José Angel; Rueda, Manuel; Petoukhov, Maxim V.; Machón, Cristina; Svergun, Dmitri I.; Orozco, Modesto; del Solar, Gloria; Coll, Miquel

    2016-01-01

    DNA replication initiation is a vital and tightly regulated step in all replicons and requires an initiator factor that specifically recognizes the DNA replication origin and starts replication. RepB from the promiscuous streptococcal plasmid pMV158 is a hexameric ring protein evolutionary related to viral initiators. Here we explore the conformational plasticity of the RepB hexamer by i) SAXS, ii) sedimentation experiments, iii) molecular simulations and iv) X-ray crystallography. Combining these techniques, we derive an estimate of the conformational ensemble in solution showing that the C-terminal oligomerisation domains of the protein form a rigid cylindrical scaffold to which the N-terminal DNA-binding/catalytic domains are attached as highly flexible appendages, featuring multiple orientations. In addition, we show that the hinge region connecting both domains plays a pivotal role in the observed plasticity. Sequence comparisons and a literature survey show that this hinge region could exists in other initiators, suggesting that it is a common, crucial structural element for DNA binding and manipulation. PMID:26875695

  4. Flexural wave suppression by an elastic metamaterial beam with zero bending stiffness

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yong Yan; Wu, Jiu Hui; Hu, Guang Zhong; Wang, Yu Chun

    2017-04-01

    In this paper, different from Bragg scattering or local resonance mechanisms, a novel mechanism of an ultra-low-frequency broadband for flexural waves propagating in a one-dimensional elastic metamaterial beam with zero bending stiffness is proposed, which consists of periodic hinge-linked blocks. The dispersion relationship of this kind of metamaterial beam is derived and analyzed, from which we find that these hinge-linked blocks can produce the zero bending stiffness. Thus, the flexural waves within the metamaterial beam can be suppressed, and an ultra-low-frequency wide band-gap is formed in which the first branch is generated by the zero bending spring and the second branch by the negative velocity of the metamaterial beam. Numerical results show that the elastic metamaterial beams with zero bending stiffness can indeed generate an ultra-low-frequency wide band gap even starting from almost zero frequency, such as from 0 Hz to 525 Hz in our structure. Therefore, the puzzle of realizing an ultra-low-frequency broadband of flexural waves may have been better solved, which could be applied in controlling ultra-low-frequency elastic waves in engineering.

  5. The use of osteochondral allograft with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells and hinge joint distraction in the treatment of post-collapse stage of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

    PubMed

    Gagala, J; Tarczynska, M; Gaweda, K; Matuszewski, L

    2014-09-01

    Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is an entity which occurs mainly in young and active patients aged between 20 and 50. The success of hip joint preserving treatments ranges from 15% to 50% depending on the stage and amount of osteonecrotic lesion. Total hip replacement is indicated in late post-collapse hips but it has unsatisfactory survival because of the wear and osteolysis in young and active patients. Osteochondral allografts have been reported in the treatment of large articular lesions with defects in underlying bone in knee, talus and shoulder. By combining osteoconductive properties of osteochondral allograft with osteogenic abilities of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells it has a potential to be an alternative to an autologous graft. The adjunct of hinged joint distraction should minimize stresses in subchondral bone to promote creeping substitution and prevent femoral head collapse. Unlike current treatment modalities, it would provide both structural support and allow bony and articular substitution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Geomorphic and Structural Evidence for Rolling Hinge Style Deformation in the Footwall of an Active Low Angle Normal Fault, Mai'iu Fault, Woodlark Rift, SE Papua New Guinea

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mizera, M.; Little, T.; Norton, K. P.; Webber, S.; Ellis, S. M.; Oesterle, J.

    2016-12-01

    While shown to operate in oceanic crust, rolling hinge style deformation remains a debated process in metamorpic core complexes (MCCs) in the continents. The model predicts that unloading and isostatic uplift during slip causes a progressive back-tilting in the upper crust of a normal fault that is more steeply dipping at depth. The Mai'iu Fault in the Woodlark Rift, SE Papua New Guinea, is one of the best-exposed and fastest slipping (probably >7 mm/yr) active low-angle normal faults (LANFs) on Earth. We analysed structural field data from this fault's exhumed slip surface and footwall, together with geomorphic data interpreted from aerial photographs and GeoSAR-derived digital elevation models (gridded at 5-30 m spacing), to evaluate deformational processes affecting the rapidly exhuming, domal-shaped detachment fault. The exhumed fault surface emerges from the ground at the rangefront near sea level with a northward dip of 21°. Up-dip, it is well-preserved, smooth and corrugated, with some fault remnants extending at least 29 km in the slip direction. The surface flattens over the crest of the dome, beyond where it dips S at up to 15°. Windgaps perched on the crestal main divide of the dome, indicate both up-dip tectonic advection and progressive back-tilting of the exhuming fault surface. We infer that slip on a serial array of m-to-km scale up-to-the-north, steeply S-dipping ( 75°) antithetic-sense normal faults accommodated some of the exhumation-related, inelastic bending of the footwall. These geomorphically well expressed faults strike parallel to the main Mai'iu fault at 110.9±5°, have a mean cross-strike spacing of 1520 m, and slip with a consistent up-to-the-north sense of throw ranging from <5 m to 120 m. Apparently the Mai'iu Fault was able to continue slipping despite having to negotiate this added fault-roughness. We interpret the antithetic faulting to result from bending stresses, and to provide the first clear examples of rolling hinge-style accommodation structures on a continental MCC.

  7. Ultra-flexible framework breathing in response to dehydration in liskeardite, [(Al,Fe){sub 16}(AsO{sub 4}){sub 9}(OH){sub 21}(H{sub 2}O){sub 11}]·26H{sub 2}O, a natural open-framework compound

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

    Grey, Ian. E., E-mail: Ian.Grey@csiro.au; Brand, Helen E.A.; Rumsey, Michael S.

    Dehydration of the natural open-framework compound, liskeardite, [(Al,Fe){sub 16}(AsO{sub 4}){sub 9}(OH){sub 21}(H{sub 2}O){sub 11}]·26H{sub 2}O, is accompanied by a change in the sign of the thermal expansion from positive to negative above room temperature, and at ~100 °C the structure undergoes a dramatic 2D contraction by co-operative rotation of heteropolyhedral columns that constitute the framework walls. Monoclinic liskeardite, I112 with a≈b≈24.7 Å, c ≈7.8 Å and β≈90° is transformed to a tetragonal phase, I-4 with a≈20.6 Å, c ≈7.7 Å. The associated 30% decrease in volume is unprecedented in inorganic microporous compounds. The flexibility of the contraction is related tomore » the double-hinged nature of the column rotations about [001]. Octahedra in adjacent columns are interconnected by corner-sharing with the two pairs of anions forming opposing edges of AsO{sub 4} tetrahedra, so a double-hinged rotation mechanism operates. Thermal analysis and mass spectroscopic results for liskeardite show that the phase transition at ~100 °C is related to removal of the channel water. The tetragonal phase shows exceptionally large NTE behaviour. Over the temperature range 148–178 the NTE along a and b is close to linear with a magnitude of the order of −900×10{sup −6} °C{sup −1}. The contraction along the channel direction is smaller but still appreciable at −200×10{sup −6} °C{sup −1}. - Graphical abstract: Structure of the collapsed liskeardite framework, formed on dehydration above 100 °C. - Highlights: • The thermal expansion of the mineral liskeardite changes + to − above ambient. • Dehydration at 100 °C results in a record reversible 30% volume reduction. • In situ synchrotron XRD has led to a structural model for the dehydrated phase. • Framework breathing flexibility is attributed to a double-hinge rotation mechanism. • The dehydrated phase shows unprecedented -ve expansion for inorganic materials.« less

  8. Effect of External Ankle Support on Ankle and Knee Biomechanics During the Cutting Maneuver in Basketball Players.

    PubMed

    Klem, Nardia-Rose; Wild, Catherine Y; Williams, Sian A; Ng, Leo

    2017-03-01

    Despite the high prevalence of lower extremity injuries in female basketball players as well as a high proportion of athletes who wear ankle braces, there is a paucity of research pertaining to the effects of ankle bracing on ankle and knee biomechanics during basketball-specific tasks. To compare the effects of a lace-up brace (ASO), a hinged brace (Active T2), and no ankle bracing (control) on ankle and knee joint kinematics and joint reaction forces in female basketball athletes during a cutting maneuver. Controlled laboratory study. Twenty healthy, semi-elite female basketball players performed a cutting task under both ankle brace conditions (lace-up ankle brace and hinged ankle brace) and a no-brace condition. The 3-dimensional kinematics of the ankle and knee during the cutting maneuver were measured with an 18-camera motion analysis system (250 Hz), and ground-reaction force data were collected by use of a multichannel force plate (2000 Hz) to quantify ankle and knee joint reaction forces. Conditions were randomized using a block randomization method. Compared with the control condition, the hinged ankle brace significantly restricted peak ankle inversion (mean difference, 1.7°; P = .023). No significant difference was found between the lace-up brace and the control condition ( P = .865). Compared with the lace-up brace, the hinged brace significantly reduced ankle and knee joint compressive forces at the time of peak ankle dorsiflexion (mean difference, 1.5 N/kg [ P = .018] and 1.4 N/kg [ P = .013], respectively). Additionally, the hinged ankle brace significantly reduced knee anterior shear forces compared with the lace-up brace both during the deceleration phase and at peak ankle dorsiflexion (mean difference, 0.8 N/kg [ P = .018] and 0.9 N/kg [ P = .011], respectively). The hinged ankle brace significantly reduced ankle inversion compared with the no-brace condition and reduced ankle and knee joint forces compared with the lace-up brace in a female basketball population during a cutting task. Compared with the lace-up brace, the hinged brace may be a better choice of prophylactic ankle support for female basketball players from a biomechanical perspective. However, both braces increased knee internal rotation and knee abduction angles, which may be problematic for a population that already has a high prevalence of knee injuries.

  9. Structural Bioinformatics-Based Prediction of Exceptional Selectivity of p38 MAP Kinase Inhibitor PH-797804

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

    Xing, Li; Shieh, Huey S.; Selness, Shaun R.

    2009-07-24

    PH-797804 is a diarylpyridinone inhibitor of p38{alpha} mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase derived from a racemic mixture as the more potent atropisomer (aS), first proposed by molecular modeling and subsequently confirmed by experiments. On the basis of structural comparison with a different biaryl pyrazole template and supported by dozens of high-resolution crystal structures of p38{alpha} inhibitor complexes, PH-797804 is predicted to possess a high level of specificity across the broad human kinase genome. We used a structural bioinformatics approach to identify two selectivity elements encoded by the TXXXG sequence motif on the p38{alpha} kinase hinge: (i) Thr106 that serves as themore » gatekeeper to the buried hydrophobic pocket occupied by 2,4-difluorophenyl of PH-797804 and (ii) the bidentate hydrogen bonds formed by the pyridinone moiety with the kinase hinge requiring an induced 180{sup o} rotation of the Met109-Gly110 peptide bond. The peptide flip occurs in p38{alpha} kinase due to the critical glycine residue marked by its conformational flexibility. Kinome-wide sequence mining revealed rare presentation of the selectivity motif. Corroboratively, PH-797804 exhibited exceptionally high specificity against MAP kinases and the related kinases. No cross-reactivity was observed in large panels of kinase screens (selectivity ratio of >500-fold). In cellular assays, PH-797804 demonstrated superior potency and selectivity consistent with the biochemical measurements. PH-797804 has met safety criteria in human phase I studies and is under clinical development for several inflammatory conditions. Understanding the rationale for selectivity at the molecular level helps elucidate the biological function and design of specific p38{alpha} kinase inhibitors.« less

  10. South-verging early folds: An important element in the structure of the northern Green Mountains

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

    Thompson, P.J.

    1993-03-01

    Reconnaissance mapping in the Camels Hump Group, Mt. Mansfield 7.5[prime] quadrangle, north-central Vermont, indicates more complex structures than those portrayed on previously published maps. Preliminary interpretation for the structure around Smugglers Notch, for example, is that an early recumbent syncline with Hazens Notch Formation in its center (including the Sterling Pond talc deposits), opens to the south. The early syncline is deformed by the north-northeast trending Green Mountain anticlinorium, which at Smugglers Notch plunges gently south. Thus the mass of Underhill Formation along the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield is on the upper, overturned limb of the early fold, andmore » on the west limb of the open, upright anticlinorium. The lowest cliffs in Smugglers Notch are Underhill Formation on the upright limb of the early fold. Rocks of the intervening, intensely weathered and graphitic Hazens Notch Formation are especially prone to the rock slides for which Smugglers Notch is infamous. Early minor isoclinal folds and strongly developed quartz rods and lineations trend roughly east-west. Correlation of this fabric with east-west lineations and poorly preserved fold hinges in the Camels Hump area farther south will help correlate deformational sequences between the two areas. Early minor folds that are roughly coaxial with younger Green Mountain folds are much less common in the Mt. Mansfield area than to the south, and faulting seems to have been much less intense. Thus following marker horizons such as quartzite beds and greenstones around fold hinges may be more successful. Do south-directed structures indicate lateral movement of material toward the Vermont reentrant during the Taconian orogeny« less

  11. A new caddisfly genus (Trichoptera, Odontoceridae) from Vietnam

    PubMed Central

    Arefina-Armitage, Tatiana I.; Armitage, Brian J.

    2010-01-01

    Abstract Cephalopsyche, a new genus of caddisfly (Trichoptera, Odontoceridae), is described from Vietnam. Two new species are placed in the genus: Cephalopsyche gorgona sp. n. and Cephalopsyche neboissi sp. n. The adult male and female of each species exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, especially in head morphology. In males, there are hinged, chamber-like structures on the vertex of the head, containing filamentous, columnar tissue when exposed. Descriptions and illustrations of both species are provided. PMID:21594025

  12. Toxin Inhibition - Deconvolution Strategies and Assay Screening of Combinatorial Peptide Libraries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-08-01

    that could serve as lead compounds in the development of drug therapies to toxins. The libraries have typical structures of X I - X2 - hinge - X3 - X4...or passive vaccines have limited efficacies. There are no drug prophylaxes or therapies available. This technical report describes research to provide...broadly applicable drug discovery methods for a wide range of toxins. Future Work: The work conducted in the TIF project raised and renewed interest in

  13. Repair of Bonded Primary Structure

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1978-06-01

    of the body 2. Operational Items a. lard Landings * Damage to the wheel well area and in proximity of’ the lanuing gear beams b. Foreign Object...their main problems with the C-1 30 are to the ramp hinge support bulkhead and landing gear wheel well area. Lockheed has repair kits for each of these...MAC). The wheel well area is quite .ttsceptible to damage from hard landings. E’xcess runway water causes damage to the wheel well doors. Other

  14. 2. View of pier #3, West approach, Detroit Superior High ...

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

    2. View of pier #3, West approach, Detroit Superior High Level bridge (1914-1917). Pier #3 and #4 support the steel rive span. They are 116 feet by 80 feet at the base and rest on stiff blue clay 45 feet below the surface of the river. Cast-steel bolsters of the three-hinge steel arch are anchored by structural steel grillage to the masory piers. - Detroit Superior High Level Bridge, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

  15. Angular measurements of the dynein ring reveal a stepping mechanism dependent on a flexible stalk

    PubMed Central

    Lippert, Lisa G.; Dadosh, Tali; Hadden, Jodi A.; Karnawat, Vishakha; Diroll, Benjamin T.; Murray, Christopher B.; Holzbaur, Erika L. F.; Schulten, Klaus; Reck-Peterson, Samara L.; Goldman, Yale E.

    2017-01-01

    The force-generating mechanism of dynein differs from the force-generating mechanisms of other cytoskeletal motors. To examine the structural dynamics of dynein’s stepping mechanism in real time, we used polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with nanometer accuracy localization to track the orientation and position of single motors. By measuring the polarized emission of individual quantum nanorods coupled to the dynein ring, we determined the angular position of the ring and found that it rotates relative to the microtubule (MT) while walking. Surprisingly, the observed rotations were small, averaging only 8.3°, and were only weakly correlated with steps. Measurements at two independent labeling positions on opposite sides of the ring showed similar small rotations. Our results are inconsistent with a classic power-stroke mechanism, and instead support a flexible stalk model in which interhead strain rotates the rings through bending and hinging of the stalk. Mechanical compliances of the stalk and hinge determined based on a 3.3-μs molecular dynamics simulation account for the degree of ring rotation observed experimentally. Together, these observations demonstrate that the stepping mechanism of dynein is fundamentally different from the stepping mechanisms of other well-studied MT motors, because it is characterized by constant small-scale fluctuations of a large but flexible structure fully consistent with the variable stepping pattern observed as dynein moves along the MT. PMID:28533393

  16. A conserved mechanism for gating in an ionotropic glutamate receptor.

    PubMed

    Moore, Bryn S; Mirshahi, Uyenlinh L; Ebersole, Tonya L; Mirshahi, Tooraj

    2013-06-28

    Ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) channels control synaptic activity. The crystallographic structure of GluA2, the prototypical iGluR, reveals a clamshell-like ligand-binding domain (LBD) that closes in the presence of glutamate to open a gate on the pore lining α-helix. How LBD closure leads to gate opening remains unclear. Here, we show that bending the pore helix at a highly conserved alanine residue (Ala-621) below the gate is responsible for channel opening. Substituting Ala-621 with the smaller more flexible glycine resulted in a basally active, nondesensitizing channel with ∼39-fold increase in glutamate potency without affecting surface expression or binding. On GluA2(A621G), the partial agonist kainate showed efficacy similar to a full agonist, and competitive antagonists CNQX and DNQX acted as a partial agonists. Met-629 in GluA2 sits above the gate and is critical in transmitting LBD closure to the gate. Substituting Met-629 with the flexible glycine resulted in reduced channel activity and glutamate potency. The pore regions in potassium channels are structurally similar to iGluRs. Whereas potassium channels typically use glycines as a hinge for gating, iGluRs use the less flexible alanine as a hinge at a similar position to maintain low basal activity allowing for ligand-mediated gating.

  17. 77 FR 20515 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-05

    ... attachment fittings and the swan neck with serviceable ones if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the forward attachment fittings of the left and right sides of the forward hinge of the nose... (FWD) fittings (hinge 5) of the NLG aft doors (Right Hand (RH) side or Left Hand (LH) side). The cracks...

  18. 75 FR 22543 - Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries a.s. Model L 23 Super Blanik Gliders

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-29

    ... unsafe condition as: Cracks on the stabilizer elevator inner hinges of seven L 23 SUPERBLAN[Iacute]K... the need for the immediate inspection of the elevator inner hinges on the stabilizer. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community...

  19. 75 FR 17295 - Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries a.s. Model L 23 Super Blanik Gliders

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-06

    ... elevator inner hinges of seven L 23 SUPERBLAN[Iacute]K sailplanes have been detected during an inspection... European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European... stabilizer elevator inner hinges of seven L 23 SUPERBLAN[Iacute]K sailplanes have been detected during an...

  20. Differential elevon effectiveness lateral control optimization and elevon hinge moment investigation on a 0.015 scale space shuttle orbiter model 49-0 (140A/B/C modified) in the AECD VKF wind tunnel A (0A115)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Esparza, V.

    1975-01-01

    Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted in the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) Von Karman Facility Tunnel A on a scale model of the space shuttle orbiter. The objectives of this test were: (1) determine supersonic differential elevon/aileron lateral control optimization, (2) determine supersonic elevon hinge moments, (3) determine the supersonic effects of the new baseline 6-inch elevon/elevon and elevon/fuselage gaps, and 4) determine the supersonic effects of the new short (VL70-008410) OMS pods. Six-component aerodynamic force, moment, and elevon hinge moment data were recorded.

  1. Wind-Tunnel Investigation of the Effect of Tab Balance on Tab and Control-Surface Characteristics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brewer, Jack D; Queijo, M J

    1947-01-01

    An investigation was conducted to furnish data on the effect of tab balance on tab and control-surface characteristics. The airfoil tested had a modified NACA 65(1)-012 contour with a plain flap having a chord equal to 25 percent of the wing chord and with a tab having a chord equal to 25 percent of the flap chord and having several nose shapes and overhang lengths. The results of the investigation indicated that, in general, tab balance affected tab hinge-moment characteristics in much the same manner that flap balance affects flap hinge-moment characteristics. A moderate amount of tab balance did not seem to have any adverse effect on flap hinge-moment characteristics.

  2. Towards a volcanic-structural balance: relative importance of volcanism, folding, and remobilisation of nickel sulphides at the Perseverance Ni-Cu-(PGE) deposit, Western Australia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duuring, Paul; Bleeker, Wouter; Beresford, Steve W.; Hayward, Nicholas

    2010-03-01

    Perseverance is a world-class, komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide deposit situated in the well-endowed Leinster nickel camp of the Agnew-Wiluna greenstone belt, Western Australia. The mine stratigraphy at Perseverance trends north-northwest (NNW), dips steeply to the west, and is overturned. Stratigraphic footwall units lie along the western margin of the Perseverance Ultramafic Complex (PUC). The PUC comprises a basal nickel sulphide-bearing orthocumulate- to mesocumulate-textured komatiite that is overlain by a thicker, nickel sulphide-poor, dunite lens. Hanging wall rocks include rhyodacite that is texturally and compositionally similar to footwall volcanic rocks. These rocks separate the PUC from a second sequence of nickeliferous, E-facing, spinifex-textured komatiite units (i.e. the East Perseverance komatiite). Past workers argue for a conformable stratigraphic contact between the PUC and the East Perseverance komatiite and conclude that the PUC is extrusive. This study, however, clearly demonstrates that these komatiite sequences are discordant, implying that the PUC may have intruded rhyodacite country rock as a sill with subsequent structural juxtaposition against the East Perseverance komatiite. Early N-S shortening associated with the regional DI deformation event (corresponding to the local DP1 to DP3 events at Perseverance) resulted in the heterogeneous partitioning of strain along the margins of the competent dunite. A mylonite developed in the more ductile footwall rocks along the footwall margin of the PUC, while isoclinal F3 folds, such as the Hanging wall limb and Felsic Nose folds, formed in low-mean stress domains along the fringes of the elongated dunite lens. Strata-bound massive and disseminated nickel sulphides were passively fold thickened in hinge areas of isoclinal folds, whereas basal massive sulphides lubricated fold limbs and promoted thrust movement along shallowly dipping lithological contacts. Massive sulphides were physically remobilised up to 20 m from their primary footwall position into deposit-scale fold hinges to form the 1A and Felsic Nose orebodies. First-order controls on the geometry of the Perseverance deposit include the thermomechanical erosion of footwall rocks and the channelling of the mineralised komatiitic magma. Second- or third-order controls are several postvolcanic deformation events, which resulted in the progressive folding and shearing of the footwall contact, as well as the passive fold thickening of massive and disseminated sulphide orebodies. Massive sulphides were physically remobilised into multiple generations of fold hinges and shear zones. Important implications for near-mine exploration in the Leinster camp include identifying nickeliferous komatiite units, defining their three-dimensional geometry, and targeting fold hinge areas. Fold plunge directions and stretching lineations are indicators of potential plunge directions of massive sulphide orebodies.

  3. Auxetic behaviour from rotating rigid units

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grima, J. N.; Alderson, A.; Evans, K. E.

    2005-03-01

    Auxetic materials exhibit the unexpected feature of becoming fatter when stretched and narrower when compressed, in other words, they exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio. This counter-intuitive behaviour imparts many beneficial effects on the material's macroscopic properties that make auxetics superior to conventional materials in many commercial applications. Recent research suggests that auxetic be-haviour generally results from a cooperative effect between the material's internal structure (geometry setup) and the deformation mechanism it undergoes when submitted to a stress. Auxetic behaviour is also known to be scale-independent, and thus, the same geometry/deformation mechanism may operate at the macro-, micro- and nano- (molecular) level. A considerable amount of research has been focused on the re-entrant honeycomb structure which exhibits auxetic behaviour if deformed through hinging at the joints or flexure of the ribs, and it was proposed that this re-entrant geometry plays an impor- tant role in generating auxetic behaviour in various forms of materials ranging from nanostructured polymers to foams. This paper discusses an alternative mode of deformation involving rotating rigid units which also results in negative Poisson's ratios. In its most ideal form, this mechanism may be construc- ted in two dimensions using rigid polygons connected together through hinges at their vertices. On application of uniaxial loads, these rigid polygons rotate with respect to each other to form a more open structure hence giving rise to a negative Poisson's ratio. This paper also discusses the role that rotating rigid units are thought to have in various classes of materials to give rise to negative Poisson's ratios.

  4. Critical dimensional linewidth calibration using UV microscope and laser interferometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Qi; Gao, Si-tian; Li, Wei; Lu, Ming-zhen; Zhang, Ming-kai

    2013-10-01

    In order to calibrate the critical dimensional (CD) uncertainty of lithography masks in semiconductor manufacturing, NIM is building a two dimensional metrological UV microscope which has traceable measurement ability for nanometer linewidths and pitches. The microscope mainly consists of UV light receiving components, piezoelectric ceramics (PZT) driven stage and interferometer calibration framework. In UV light receiving components they include all optical elements on optical path. The UV light originates from Köhler high aperture transmit/reflect illumination sources; then goes through objective lens to UV splitting optical elements; after that, one part of light attains UV camera for large range calibration, the other part of light passes through a three dimensional adjusted pinhole and is collected by PMT for nanoscale scanning. In PZT driven stage, PZT stick actuators with closed loop control are equipped to push/pull a flexural hinge based platform. The platform has a novel designed compound flexural hinges which nest separate X, Y direction moving mechanisms within one layer but avoiding from mutual cross talk, besides this, the hinges also contain leverage structures to amplify moving distance. With these designs, the platform can attain 100 μm displacement ranges as well as 1 nm resolution. In interferometer framework a heterodyne multi-pass interferometer is mounted on the platform, which measures X-Y plane movement and Z axis rotation, through reference mirror mounted on objective lens tube and Zerodur mirror mounted on PZT platform, the displacement is traced back to laser wavelength. When development is finished, the apparatus can offer the capability to calibrate one dimensional linewidths and two dimensional pitches ranging from 200nm to 50μm with expanded uncertainty below 20nm.

  5. Polymer-induced forces at interfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rangarajan, Murali

    This dissertation concerns studies of forces generated by confined and physisorbed flexible polymers using lattice mean-field theories, and those generated by confined and clamped semiflexible polymers modeled as slender elastic rods. Lattice mean-field theories have been used in understanding and predicting the behavior of polymeric interfacial systems. In order to efficiently tailor such systems for various applications of interest, one has to understand the forces generated in the interface due to the polymer molecules. The present work examines the abilities and limitations of lattice mean-field theories in predicting the structure of physisorbed polymer layers and the resultant forces. Within the lattice mean-field theory, a definition of normal force of compression as the negative derivative of the partition-function-based excess free energy with surface separation gives misleading results because the theory does not explicitly account for the normal stresses involved in the system. Correct expressions for normal and tangential forces are obtained from a continuum-mechanics-based formulation. Preliminary comparisons with lattice Monte Carlo simulations show that mean-field theories fail to predict significant attractive forces when the surfaces are undersaturated, as one would expect. The corrections to the excluded volume (non-reversal chains) and the mean-field (anisotropic field) approximations improve the predictions of layer structure, but not the forces. Bending of semiflexible polymer chains (elastic rods) is considered for two boundary conditions---where the chain is hinged on both ends and where the chain is clamped on one end and hinged on the other. For the former case, the compressive forces and chain shapes obtained are consistent with the inflexional elastica published by Love. For the latter, multiple and higher-order solutions are observed for the hinged-end position for a given force. Preliminary studies are conducted on actin-based motility of Listeria monocytogenes by treating actin filaments as elastic rods, using the actoclampin model. The results show qualitative agreement with calculations where the filaments are modeled as Hookean springs. The feasibility of the actoclampin model to address long length-scale rotation of Listeria during actin-based motility is addressed.

  6. Engineering activity and stability of Thermotoga maritima glutamate dehydrogenase. I. Introduction of a six-residue ion-pair network in the hinge region.

    PubMed

    Lebbink, J H; Knapp, S; van der Oost, J; Rice, D; Ladenstein, R; de Vos, W M

    1998-07-10

    Comparison of the recently determined three-dimensional structures of several glutamate dehydrogenases allowed for the identification of a five-residue ion-pair network in the hinge region of Pyrococcus furiosus glutamate dehydrogenase (melting temperature 113 degrees C), that is not present in the homologous glutamate dehydrogenase from Thermotoga maritima (melting temperature 93 degrees C). In order to study the role of this ion-pair network, we introduced it into the T. maritima enzyme using a site-directed mutagenesis approach. The resulting T. maritima glutamate dehydrogenases N97D, G376 K and N97D/G376 K as well as the wild-type enzyme were overproduced in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified. Elucidation of the three-dimensional structure of the double mutant N97D/G376 K at 3.0 A, showed that the designed ion-pair interactions were indeed formed. Moreover, because of interactions with an additional charged residue, a six-residue network is present in this double mutant. Melting temperatures of the mutant enzymes N97D, G376 K and N97D/G376 K, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, did not differ significantly from that of the wild-type enzyme. Identical transition midpoints in guanidinium chloride-induced denaturation experiments were found for the wild-type and all mutant enzymes. Thermal inactivation at 85 degrees C occured more than twofold faster for all mutant enzymes than for the wild-type glutamate dehydrogenase. At temperatures of 65 degrees C and higher, the wild-type and the three mutant enzymes showed identical specific activities. However, at 58 degrees C the specific activity of N97D/G376 K and G376 K was found to be significantly higher than that of the wild-type and N97D enzymes. These results suggest that the engineered ion-pair interactions in the hinge region do not affect the stability towards temperature or guanidinium chloride-induced denaturation but rather affect the specific activity of the enzyme and the temperature at which it functions optimally. Copyright 1998 Academic Press

  7. Folding Polyominoes from One Level to Two

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Frederickson, Greg N.

    2011-01-01

    For any given polyomino, is it possible to cut it into pieces and then hinge the pieces, so that the polyomino folds up into a similar version of itself but two levels thick? While we don't know how to do this for every polyomino, the article does show how to cut, hinge, and fold polyominoes from several infinite classes, providing an…

  8. 49 CFR 571.206 - Standard No. 206; Door locks and door retention components.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... (GVWR) of 4,536 kg or less. S3. Definitions. Auxiliary Door Latch is a latch equipped with a fully... auxiliary door latch on each hinged door shall not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia... hinged back door shall also not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia load is applied...

  9. 49 CFR 571.206 - Standard No. 206; Door locks and door retention components.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... (GVWR) of 4,536 kg or less. S3. Definitions. Auxiliary Door Latch is a latch equipped with a fully... auxiliary door latch on each hinged door shall not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia... hinged back door shall also not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia load is applied...

  10. 49 CFR 571.206 - Standard No. 206; Door locks and door retention components.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... (GVWR) of 4,536 kg or less. S3. Definitions. Auxiliary Door Latch is a latch equipped with a fully... auxiliary door latch on each hinged door shall not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia... hinged back door shall also not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia load is applied...

  11. 49 CFR 571.206 - Standard No. 206; Door locks and door retention components.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... (GVWR) of 4,536 kg or less. S3. Definitions. Auxiliary Door Latch is a latch equipped with a fully... auxiliary door latch on each hinged door shall not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia... hinged back door shall also not disengage from the fully latched position when an inertia load is applied...

  12. The rock components and structures of Archean greenstone belts: An overview

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lowe, D. R.; Byerly, G. R.

    1986-01-01

    Knowledge of the character and evolution of the Earth's early crust is derived from the studies of the rocks and structures in Archean greenstone belts. Ability to resolve the petrologic, sedimentological and structural histories of greenstone belts, however, hinges first on an ability to apply the concepts and procedures of classical stratigraphy. Unfortunately, early Precambrian greenstone terrains present particular problems to stratigraphic analysis. Many current controversies of greenstone belt petrogenesis, sedimentology, tectonics and evolution arise more from an inability to develop a clear stratigraphic picture of the belts than from ambiguities in interpretation. Four particular stratigraphic problems that afflict studies of Archean greenstone belts are considered: determination of facing directions, correlation of lithologic units, identification of primary lithologies and discrimination of stratigraphic versus structural contacts.

  13. Attitude Control of Nanosatellites by Paddle Motion Using Elastic Hinges Actuated by Shape Memory Alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iai, Masafumi; Durali, Mohammad; Hatsuzawa, Takeshi

    Recent research has been extending the applications of small satellites called microsatellites, nanosatellites, or picosatellites. To further improve capability of those satellites, a lightweight, active attitude-control mechanism is needed. This paper proposes a concept of inertial orientation control, an attitude control method using movable solar arrays. This method is made suitable for nanosatellites by the use of shape memory alloy (SMA)-actuated elastic hinges and a simple maneuver generation algorithm. The combination of SMA and an elastic hinge allows the hinge to remain lightweight and free of frictional or rolling contacts. Changes in the shrinking and stretching speeds of the SMA were measured in a vacuum chamber. The proposed algorithm constructs a maneuver to achieve arbitrary attitude change by repeating simple maneuvers called unit maneuvers. Provided with three types of unit maneuvers, each degree of freedom of the satellite can be controlled independently. Such construction requires only simple calculations, making it a practical algorithm for a nanosatellite with limited computational capability. In addition, power generation variation caused by maneuvers was analyzed to confirm that a maneuver from any initial attitude to an attitude facing the sun was justifiable in terms of the power budget.

  14. Defining the mechanical properties of a spring-hinged ankle foot orthosis to assess its potential use in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

    PubMed

    Kerkum, Yvette L; Brehm, Merel-Anne; Buizer, Annemieke I; van den Noort, Josien C; Becher, Jules G; Harlaar, Jaap

    2014-12-01

    A rigid ventral shelf ankle foot orthosis (AFO) may improve gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) whose gait is characterized by excessive knee flexion in stance. However, these AFOs can also impede ankle range of motion (ROM) and thereby inhibit push-off power. A more spring-like AFO can enhance push-off and may potentially reduce walking energy cost. The recent development of an adjustable spring-hinged AFO now allows adjustment of AFO stiffness, enabling tuning toward optimal gait performance. This study aims to quantify the mechanical properties of this spring-hinged AFO for each of its springs and settings. Using an AFO stiffness tester, two AFO hinges and their accompanying springs were measured. The springs showed a stiffness range of 0.01-1.82 N · m · deg(-1). The moment-threshold increased with increasing stiffness (1.13-12.1 N · m), while ROM decreased (4.91-16.5°). Energy was returned by all springs (11.5-116.3 J). These results suggest that the two stiffest available springs should improve joint kinematics and enhance push-off in children with SCP walking with excessive knee flexion.

  15. Flectofold—a biomimetic compliant shading device for complex free form facades

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Körner, A.; Born, L.; Mader, A.; Sachse, R.; Saffarian, S.; Westermeier, A. S.; Poppinga, S.; Bischoff, M.; Gresser, G. T.; Milwich, M.; Speck, T.; Knippers, J.

    2018-01-01

    Smart and adaptive outer façade shading systems are of high interest in modern architecture. For long lasting and reliable systems, the abandonment of hinges which often fail due to mechanical wear during repetitive use is of particular importance. Drawing inspiration from the hinge-less motion of the underwater snap-trap of the carnivorous waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa), the compliant façade shading device Flectofold was developed. Based on computational simulations of the biological role-model’s elastic and reversible motion, the actuation principle of the plant can be identified. The enclosed geometric motion principle is abstracted into a simplified curved-line folding geometry with distinct flexible hinge-zones. The kinematic behaviour is translated into a quantitative kinetic model, using finite element simulation which allows the detailed analyses of the influence of geometric parameters such as curved-fold line radius and various pneumatically driven actuation principles on the motion behaviour, stress concentrations within the hinge-zones, and actuation forces. The information regarding geometric relations and material gradients gained from those computational models are then used to develop novel material combinations for glass fibre reinforced plastics which enabled the fabrication of physical prototypes of the compliant façade shading device Flectofold.

  16. Independent saturation of three TrpRS subsites generates a partially assembled state similar to those observed in molecular simulations

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

    Laowanapiban, Poramaet; Kapustina, Maryna; Vonrhein, Clemens

    2009-03-05

    Two new crystal structures of Bacillus stearothermophilus tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TrpRS) afford evidence that a closed interdomain hinge angle requires a covalent bond between AMP and an occupant of either pyrophosphate or tryptophan subsite. They also are within experimental error of a cluster of structures observed in a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation showing partial active-site assembly. Further, the highest energy structure in a minimum action pathway computed by using elastic network models for Open and Pretransition state (PreTS) conformations for the fully liganded TrpRS monomer is intermediate between that simulated structure and a partially disassembled structure from a nonequilibrium molecular dynamicsmore » trajectory for the unliganded PreTS. These mutual consistencies provide unexpected validation of inferences drawn from molecular simulations.« less

  17. The enkephalinergic nervous system and its immunomodulation on the developing immune system during the ontogenesis of oyster Crassostrea gigas.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhaoqun; Zhou, Zhi; Wang, Lingling; Song, Xiaorui; Chen, Hao; Wang, Weilin; Liu, Rui; Wang, Mengqiang; Wang, Hao; Song, Linsheng

    2015-08-01

    Enkephalinergic neuroendocrine-immune regulatory system is one of the most important neuroendocrine-immune systems in both vertebrates and invertebrates for its significant role in the immune regulation. In the present study, the early onset of enkephalinergic nervous system and its immunomodulation on the developing immune system during the ontogenesis of oyster Crassostrea gigas were investigated to illustrate the function of neural regulation on the innate immune system in oyster larvae. [Met(5)]-enkephalin (Met-ENK) was firstly observed on the marginal of the dorsal half of D-hinged larvae. Six immune-related molecules, including four PRRs (CgCTL-1, CgCTL-2, CgCTL-4, CgNatterin-3) and two immune effectors (CgTNF-1 and CgEcSOD) were detected in the early developmental stages of trochophore, D-hinged and umbo larvae of oyster. After incubated with [Met(5)]-enkephalin, the mRNA expression level of all the PRRs changed significantly (p < 0.05). In trochophore larvae, the expression level of CgNatterin-3 decreased dramatically (p < 0.05) at 6 h, and the expression level of CgCTL-4 was significantly down-regulated at 3 h and 6 h (p < 0.05), respectively. In D-hinged and umbo larvae, only CgCTL-1 was significantly down-regulated and the differences were significant at 3 h and 6 h (p < 0.05), while the expression level of CgCTL-2 and CgCTL-4 increased significantly at 3 h after treatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of immune effectors were up-regulated significantly at 3 h and 6 h in trochophore larvae (p < 0.05). The expression level of CgTNF-1 in both blank and experiment groups was up-regulated but there was no significant difference in D-hinged larvae stage. On the contrary, the expression level of CgEcSOD in D-hinged larvae decreased dramatically at 3 h and 6 h after [Met(5)]-enkephalin incubation (p < 0.05). In umbo larvae, the expression level of CgTNF-1 and CgEcSOD in the experiment group increased significantly at 6 h after [Met(5)]-enkephalin treatment (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in the blank group. In addition, the anti-bacterial activities of the total protein extract from trochophore, D-hinged and umbo larvae increased significantly (p < 0.05) at both 3 h and 6 h after [Met(5)]-enkephalin incubation compared to that in the blank group, and PO activities of both D-hinged and umbo larvae total protein extract increased significantly (p < 0.05) while no significant difference was observed in trochophore larvae. The PO activities of the total protein extract in all the experiment groups decreased after the treatment with [Met(5)]-enkephalin for 6 h, but no significant difference was observed when compared to the blank group. Furthermore, after incubation for 6 h, the concentration of both CgTNF-1 and CgIL17-5 increased dramatically compared to that in the blank group (p < 0.05). These results together indicated that the enkephalinergic nervous system of oyster was firstly appeared in D-hinged larvae, while the primitive immune defense system existed in the region of prototroch in trochophore larvae and developed maturely after D-hinged larvae. The developing immune system could be regulated by the neurotransmitter [Met(5)]-enkephalin released by the neuroendocrine system in oyster C. gigas. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Structure of the North American Atlantic Continental Margin

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Schlee, J.S.; Klitgord, K.K.

    1986-01-01

    Off E N America, where the structure of the continental margin is essentially constructional, seismic profiles have approximated geologic cross sections up to 10-15km below the sea floor and revealed major structural and stratigraphic features that have regional hydrocarbon potential. These features include a) a block-faulted basement hinge zone; b) a deep, broad, rifted basement filled with clastic sediment and salt; and c) a buried paleoshelf-edge complex that has many forms. The mapping of seismostratigraphic units over the continental shelf, slope, and rise has shown that the margin's developmental state included infilling of a rifted margin, buildup of a carbonate platform, and construction of an onlapping continental-rise wedge that was accompanied by erosion of the slope. -from Authors

  19. Plate-only open door laminoplasty maintains stable spinal canal expansion with high rates of hinge union and no plate failures.

    PubMed

    Rhee, John M; Register, Bradley; Hamasaki, Takahiko; Franklin, Betty

    2011-01-01

    Prospective clinical series. To evaluate the ability of plate-only laminoplasty to achieve stable laminar arch reconstruction and to determine the rate and time course with which bony healing occurs in such constructs. Reconstruction of a stable laminar arch with sufficient room for the decompressed spinal cord is a desired goal when performing cervical laminoplasty for myelopathy. Traditional forms of laminoplasty fixation, such as sutures, bone struts, and ceramic spacers, may be associated with complications including loss of fixation, dislodgement with neurologic compromise, and premature laminoplasty closure. Plates, in contrast, provide more rigid fixation. Plate-only laminoplasty is gaining popularity as a method of laminoplasty fixation, but there is little data on its effectiveness. Fifty-four patients who underwent open door laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy and had available postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans formed the basis of this study. In all cases, a 4-mm round burr was used to create the hinge at the junction of the lateral mass and lamina by completely removing the dorsal cortex and thinning the ventral cortex until a greenstick deformation of the hinge could be produced. Laminoplasty plates were used as the sole method of fixation. No supplemental bone graft struts were used on the plated side, and the hinge side was not bone grafted. Axial CT scans obtained at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were assessed for plate complications and bony healing of the hinge. No plate failures, dislodgements, or premature closures occurred in any of the levels at any time postoperatively. Computed tomography scan review demonstrated that 55% of levels were healed at 3 months, 77% at 6 months, and 93% at 12 months. At each timepoint, C6 and C7 had the highest hinge healing rates. Laminar screw backout was seen in 5/217 (2.3%) of levels, but was not associated with plate dislodgement, laminoplasty closure, or neurologic consequences, and did not occur in any case in which 2 laminar screws had been placed. Plate-only laminoplasty provided stable reconstruction of an expanded laminar arch with no failures, dislodgements, adverse neurologic consequences, or premature closures in 217 levels. Ninety-three percent of hinges demonstrated radiographic union at 12 months, and even those that did not heal by CT scan criteria maintained patent expansion of the spinal canal without adverse neurologic consequences. Supplemental bone graft does not appear necessary when plated laminoplasty is performed.

  20. Aerodynamic coefficients in generalized unsteady thin airfoil theory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Williams, M. H.

    1980-01-01

    Two cases are considered: (1) rigid body motion of an airfoil-flap combination consisting of vertical translation of given amplitude, rotation of given amplitude about a specified axis, and rotation of given amplitude of the control surface alone about its hinge; the upwash for this problem is defined mathematically; and (2) sinusoidal gust of given amplitude and wave number, for which the upwash is defined mathematically. Simple universal formulas are presented for the most important aerodynamic coefficients in unsteady thin airfoil theory. The lift and moment induced by a generalized gust are evaluated explicitly in terms of the gust wavelength. Similarly, in the control surface problem, the lift, moment, and hinge moments are given as explicit algebraic functions of hinge location. These results can be used together with any of the standard numerical inversion routines for the elementary loads (pitch and heave).

  1. Attitude dynamics simulation subroutines for systems of hinge-connected rigid bodies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fleischer, G. E.; Likins, P. W.

    1974-01-01

    Several computer subroutines are designed to provide the solution to minimum-dimension sets of discrete-coordinate equations of motion for systems consisting of an arbitrary number of hinge-connected rigid bodies assembled in a tree topology. In particular, these routines may be applied to: (1) the case of completely unrestricted hinge rotations, (2) the totally linearized case (all system rotations are small), and (3) the mixed, or partially linearized, case. The use of the programs in each case is demonstrated using a five-body spacecraft and attitude control system configuration. The ability of the subroutines to accommodate prescribed motions of system bodies is also demonstrated. Complete listings and user instructions are included for these routines (written in FORTRAN V) which are intended as multi- and general-purpose tools in the simulation of spacecraft and other complex electromechanical systems.

  2. Self-folding micropatterned polymeric containers.

    PubMed

    Azam, Anum; Laflin, Kate E; Jamal, Mustapha; Fernandes, Rohan; Gracias, David H

    2011-02-01

    We demonstrate self-folding of precisely patterned, optically transparent, all-polymeric containers and describe their utility in mammalian cell and microorganism encapsulation and culture. The polyhedral containers, with SU-8 faces and biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) hinges, spontaneously assembled on heating. Self-folding was driven by a minimization of surface area of the liquefying PCL hinges within lithographically patterned two-dimensional (2D) templates. The strategy allowed for the fabrication of containers with variable polyhedral shapes, sizes and precisely defined porosities in all three dimensions. We provide proof-of-concept for the use of these polymeric containers as encapsulants for beads, chemicals, mammalian cells and bacteria. We also compare accelerated hinge degradation rates in alkaline solutions of varying pH. These optically transparent containers resemble three-dimensional (3D) micro-Petri dishes and can be utilized to sustain, monitor and deliver living biological components.

  3. Influence of tectonic folding on rockfall susceptibility, American Fork Canyon, Utah, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Coe, J.A.; Harp, E.L.

    2007-01-01

    We examine rockfall susceptibility of folded strata in the Sevier fold-thrust belt exposed in American Fork Canyon in north-central Utah. Large-scale geologic mapping, talus production data, rock-mass-quality measurements, and historical rockfall data indicate that rockfall susceptibility is correlated with limb dip and curvature of the folded, cliff-forming Mississippian limestones. On fold limbs, rockfall susceptibility increases as dip increases. This relation is controlled by several factors, including an increase in adverse dip conditions and apertures of discontinuities, and shearing by flexural slip during folding that has reduced the friction angles of discontinuities by smoothing surface asperities. Susceptibility is greater in fold hinge zones than on adjacent limbs primarily because there are greater numbers of discontinuities in hinge zones. We speculate that susceptibility increases in hinge zones as fold curvature becomes tighter.

  4. Tilting table for ergometer and for other biomedical devices

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gause, R. L.; Spier, R. A. (Inventor)

    1973-01-01

    The apparatus is for testing the human body in a variety of positions, ranging from the vertical to the supine, while exercising on an ergometer; and can also be used for angular positioning of other biomedical devices. It includes a floor plate and a hinged plate upon which to fix the ergometer, a back rest and a head rest attached at right angles to said hinged plate and behind the seat of the ergometer, dual hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the hinged plate through 90 deg by means of a self contained hydraulic system, with valve means for control and positive stops on the apparatus to prevent over travel. Tests can be made with the subject positioned on the seat of the ergometer, through the various angles, with a substantially normal body attitude relative to the seat and ergometer.

  5. Reconstruction of palatal defect using mucoperiosteal hinge flap and pushback palatoplasty.

    PubMed

    Lee, S I; Lee, H S; Hwang, K

    2001-11-01

    This article describes a simple, new surgical technique to provide a complete two-layer closure of palatal defect resulting from a surgical complication of trans palatal resection of skull base chordoma. The nasal layer was reconstructed with triangular shape oral mucoperiosteal turn over hinge flap based on anterior margin of palatal defect and rectangular shaped lateral nasal mucosal hinge flaps. The oral layer was reconstructed with conventional pushback V-Y advancement 2-flaps palatoplasty. Each layer of the flaps were secured with two key mattress suture for flap coaptation. This technique has some advantages: simple, short operation time, one-stage procedure, no need of osteotomy. It can close small- to medium-sized palatal defect of palate or wide cleft palate and can prevent common complication of oronasal fistula, which could be caused by tension.

  6. Structure of the EMMPRIN N-terminal domain 1: Dimerization via [beta]-strand swapping

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

    Luo, Jinquan; Teplyakov, Alexey; Obmolova, Galina

    2010-09-27

    Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), also known as Hab18G, CD147, Basigin, M6, and neurothelin, is a membrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of various cell types and many cancer cells. EMMPRIN stimulates adjacent fibroblasts and tumor cells to produce matrix metalloproteinases and plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, spermatogensis and fertilization, cell-cell adhesion and communication, and other biological processes (reviewed in Ref. 1 and references therein). It was demonstrated that the EMMPRIN extracellular domain (ECD), which structurally belongs to the IgG superfamily, can form homo-oligomers in a cis dependent manner and the N-terminal domain 1 (residuesmore » 22-101) was necessary and sufficient to mediate this interaction. The crystal structure of the ECD of recombinant human EMMPRIN (Hab18G/CD147) expressed in E. coli was reported at 2.8 {angstrom} resolution (Yu et al. 2008). The construct consists of residues 22-205 of the mature protein and has both an N-terminal IgC2 domain (ND1, residues 22-101) and a C-terminal IgC2 domain (ND2, residues 107-205). The two domains are joined by a five amino acid residue linker that constitutes a flexible hinge between the two domains. The crystal form has four copies of the molecule in the asymmetric unit, each of which has a different inter-domain angle that varies from 121{sup o} to 144{sup o}. The two domains each have a conserved disulfide bridge and both are comprised of two {beta}-sheets formed by strands EBA and GFCC, and DEBA and AGFCC for ND1 and ND2, respectively. Based on the crystal packing in this structure, the authors proposed that lateral packing between the two IgG domains of EMMPRIN ECD represents a potential mechanism for cell adhesion. Here we report the 2.0-{angstrom} crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of EMMPRIN ECD (ND1) expressed in mammalian cells. The overall structure of the domain is very similar to that in the full length ECD. Quite unexpectedly, ND1 forms a dimer mediated through the exchange of its last {beta}-strand (strand G). {beta}-strand swapping, which is a subset of 3D domain swapping, has been found to mediate cell-cell adhesion by cadherins. 3D domain swapping has been proposed to be a mechanism of protein oligomerization, aggregation, evolution of oligomeric proteins from single domains and amyloidogenesis. In domain swapped proteins, the same structural elements are involved in the final 3D structure, and so there is little overall energetic difference between the monomer and the swapped oligomers. However, there is often a high energy barrier for the conversion as it often goes through an unfolded state. It is also possible that strand-swapping occurs during folding of nascent polypeptide chains. Frequently, the exchange hinges contain proline-rich motifs which are often in high strain conformations. Domain swapping appears to be a strategy to resolve such local structural strain. The exchange hinge of ND1 contains a Pro-Glu-Pro tripeptide motif. Both of the proline residues adopt extended trans conformations, when compared with cis in the full-length ECD structure. Proline cis-trans isomerization may be the driving force for this exchange. Strand-exchanged dimerization may be a mechanism for the oligomerization of EMMPRIN ECD and its cis-dependent homophilic interactions in cell-cell adhesion.« less

  7. Emplacement of the Santa Rita Flat pluton as a pluton-scale saddle reef

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vines, John A.; Law, Richard D.

    2000-12-01

    Regional mapping indicates that the Middle Jurassic Santa Rita Flat pluton, exposed in the Inyo Range of eastern California, is situated within the core of a south-plunging synform defined by bedding in the surrounding metasedimentary wall rocks, which dip beneath the pluton. However, bedding in rocks preserved above the pluton defines a south-plunging antiform. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility analysis revealed that magnetic foliation within the pluton also defines a south-plunging antiform, and the accompanying magnetic lineation plunges subparallel to the axis of this antiform. Our data indicate that the pluton was initially intruded as a sill in the hinge zone of the enveloping synform. Subsequent vertical inflation of the sill resulted in upward doming of the overlying roof and formation of the antiform now observed at the current erosion level in the pluton and preserved roof rocks. Emplacement of the pluton at 164 ± 1.5 Ma (U-Pb zircon age) overlaps in time with regional thrust faulting and folding ca. 185 148 Ma recognized in the southern Inyo Range. We speculate that space for initial emplacement of the pluton was produced during folding by layer-parallel slip and hinge-zone dilation, producing a saddle reef-like structure.

  8. The SH2 Domain Regulates c-Abl Kinase Activation by a Cyclin-Like Mechanism and Remodulation of the Hinge Motion

    PubMed Central

    Dölker, Nicole; Górna, Maria W.; Sutto, Ludovico; Torralba, Antonio S.; Superti-Furga, Giulio; Gervasio, Francesco L.

    2014-01-01

    Regulation of the c-Abl (ABL1) tyrosine kinase is important because of its role in cellular signaling, and its relevance in the leukemiogenic counterpart (BCR-ABL). Both auto-inhibition and full activation of c-Abl are regulated by the interaction of the catalytic domain with the Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain. The mechanism by which this interaction enhances catalysis is not known. We combined computational simulations with mutagenesis and functional analysis to find that the SH2 domain conveys both local and global effects on the dynamics of the catalytic domain. Locally, it regulates the flexibility of the αC helix in a fashion reminiscent of cyclins in cyclin-dependent kinases, reorienting catalytically important motifs. At a more global level, SH2 binding redirects the hinge motion of the N and C lobes and changes the conformational equilibrium of the activation loop. The complex network of subtle structural shifts that link the SH2 domain with the activation loop and the active site may be partially conserved with other SH2-domain containing kinases and therefore offer additional parameters for the design of conformation-specific inhibitors. PMID:25299346

  9. The SH2 domain regulates c-Abl kinase activation by a cyclin-like mechanism and remodulation of the hinge motion.

    PubMed

    Dölker, Nicole; Górna, Maria W; Sutto, Ludovico; Torralba, Antonio S; Superti-Furga, Giulio; Gervasio, Francesco L

    2014-10-01

    Regulation of the c-Abl (ABL1) tyrosine kinase is important because of its role in cellular signaling, and its relevance in the leukemiogenic counterpart (BCR-ABL). Both auto-inhibition and full activation of c-Abl are regulated by the interaction of the catalytic domain with the Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain. The mechanism by which this interaction enhances catalysis is not known. We combined computational simulations with mutagenesis and functional analysis to find that the SH2 domain conveys both local and global effects on the dynamics of the catalytic domain. Locally, it regulates the flexibility of the αC helix in a fashion reminiscent of cyclins in cyclin-dependent kinases, reorienting catalytically important motifs. At a more global level, SH2 binding redirects the hinge motion of the N and C lobes and changes the conformational equilibrium of the activation loop. The complex network of subtle structural shifts that link the SH2 domain with the activation loop and the active site may be partially conserved with other SH2-domain containing kinases and therefore offer additional parameters for the design of conformation-specific inhibitors.

  10. Engineering analysis division internal note. OFT-1 margin assessment. [results of analysis to determine space shuttle subsystem margins for orbital flight test

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Austin, L. D., Jr.

    1977-01-01

    The results are documented of an analysis conducted to determine space shuttle vehicle (SSV) subsystem margins for the reference flight profile for the first orbital flight test (OFT-1). In general, the results show increased margins for the OFT-1 indicators when compared to Mission 3A resutls. The inclusion of element and wing aerodynamic variations on OFT-1, in combination with winds and systems dispersions, resulted in the forward Z (FTO1) attach load indicator exceeding specified limits. The inboard and outboard elevon hinge moment margins (9 percent and 3 percent, respectively) on OFT-1 reflect values consistent with the load relief requirements dictated by elevon hinge moment variations. All other structural load indicators for OFT-1 had margins in excess of 10 percent. The SSV first stage stagnation heating indicators for OFT-1 were about 45 percent less than for Mission 3A. The hydraulic systems demands for both missions were essentially the same. The results also show OFT-1 performance requirements from the consideration of winds and dispersions to be approximately 3,300 lbs greater than Mission 3A.

  11. Flip-chip fabrication of integrated micromirror arrays using a novel latching off-chip hinge mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Michalicek, M. Adrian; Bright, Victor M.

    2001-10-01

    This paper presents the design, fabrication, modeling, and testing of various arrays of cantilever micromirror devices integrated atop CMOS control electronics. The upper layers of the arrays are prefabricated in the MUMPs process and then flip-chip transferred to CMOS receiving modules using a novel latching off-chip hinge mechanism. This mechanism allows the micromirror arrays to be released, rotated off the edge of the host module and then bonded to the receiving module using a standard probe station. The hinge mechanism supports the arrays by tethers that are severed to free the arrays once bonded. The resulting devices are inherently planarized since the bottom of the first releasable MUMPs layer becomes the surface of the integrated mirror. The working devices are formed by mirror surfaces bonded to address electrodes fabricated above static memory cells on the CMOS module. These arrays demonstrate highly desirable features such as compatible address potentials, less than 2 nm of RMS roughness, approximately 1 micrometers of lateral position accuracy and the unique ability to metallize reflective surfaces without masking. Ultimately, the off-chip hinge mechanism enables very low-cost, simple, reliable, repeatable and accurate assembly of advanced MEMS and integrated microsystems without specialized equipment or complex procedures.

  12. Static thrust-vectoring performance of nonaxisymmetric convergent-divergent nozzles with post-exit yaw vanes. M.S. Thesis - George Washington Univ., Aug. 1988

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Foley, Robert J.; Pendergraft, Odis C., Jr.

    1991-01-01

    A static (wind-off) test was conducted in the Static Test Facility of the 16-ft transonic tunnel to determine the performance and turning effectiveness of post-exit yaw vanes installed on two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles. One nozzle design that was previously tested was used as a baseline, simulating dry power and afterburning power nozzles at both 0 and 20 degree pitch vectoring conditions. Vanes were installed on these four nozzle configurations to study the effects of vane deflection angle, longitudinal and lateral location, size, and camber. All vanes were hinged at the nozzle sidewall exit, and in addition, some were also hinged at the vane quarter chord (double-hinged). The vane concepts tested generally produced yaw thrust vectoring angles much less than the geometric vane angles, for (up to 8 percent) resultant thrust losses. When the nozzles were pitch vectored, yawing effectiveness decreased as the vanes were moved downstream. Thrust penalties and yawing effectiveness both decreased rapidly as the vanes were moved outboard (laterally). Vane length and height changes increased yawing effectiveness and thrust ratio losses, while using vane camber, and double-hinged vanes increased resultant yaw angles by 50 to 100 percent.

  13. An Evaluation Technique for an F/A-18 Aircraft Loads Model Using F/A-18 Systems Research Aircraft Flight Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Olney, Candida D.; Hillebrandt, Heather; Reichenbach, Eric Y.

    2000-01-01

    A limited evaluation of the F/A-18 baseline loads model was performed on the Systems Research Aircraft at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (Edwards, California). Boeing developed the F/A-18 loads model using a linear aeroelastic analysis in conjunction with a flight simulator to determine loads at discrete locations on the aircraft. This experiment was designed so that analysis of doublets could be used to establish aircraft aerodynamic and loads response at 20 flight conditions. Instrumentation on the right outboard leading edge flap, left aileron, and left stabilator measured the hinge moment so that comparisons could be made between in-flight-measured hinge moments and loads model-predicted values at these locations. Comparisons showed that the difference between the loads model-predicted and in-flight-measured hinge moments was up to 130 percent of the flight limit load. A stepwise regression technique was used to determine new loads derivatives. These derivatives were placed in the loads model, which reduced the error to within 10 percent of the flight limit load. This paper discusses the flight test methodology, a process for determining loads coefficients, and the direct comparisons of predicted and measured hinge moments and loads coefficients.

  14. Effect of pH on the hinge region of influenza viral protein: a combined constant pH and well-tempered molecular dynamics study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pathak, Arup Kumar

    2018-05-01

    Despite the knowledge that the influenza protein, hemagglutinin, undergoes a large conformational change at low pH during the process of fusion with the host cell, its molecular mechanism remains elusive. The present constant pH molecular dynamics (CpHMD) study identifies the residues responsible for large conformational change in acidic condition. Based on the pKa calculations, it is predicted that His-106 is much more responsible for the large conformational change than any other residues in the hinge region of hemagglutinin protein. Potential of mean force profile from well-tempered meta-dynamics (WT-MtD) simulation is also generated along the folding pathway by considering radius of gyration (R gyr) as a collective variable (CV). It is very clear from the present WT-MtD study, that the initial bending starts at that hinge region, which may trigger other conformational changes. Both the protein–protein and protein–water HB time correlation functions are monitored along the folding pathway. The protein–protein (full or hinge region) HB time correlation functions are always found to be stronger than those of the protein–water time correlation functions. The dynamical balance between protein–protein and protein–water HB interactions favors the stabilization of the folded state.

  15. Disease Prediction based on Functional Connectomes using a Scalable and Spatially-Informed Support Vector Machine

    PubMed Central

    Watanabe, Takanori; Kessler, Daniel; Scott, Clayton; Angstadt, Michael; Sripada, Chandra

    2014-01-01

    Substantial evidence indicates that major psychiatric disorders are associated with distributed neural dysconnectivity, leading to strong interest in using neuroimaging methods to accurately predict disorder status. In this work, we are specifically interested in a multivariate approach that uses features derived from whole-brain resting state functional connectomes. However, functional connectomes reside in a high dimensional space, which complicates model interpretation and introduces numerous statistical and computational challenges. Traditional feature selection techniques are used to reduce data dimensionality, but are blind to the spatial structure of the connectomes. We propose a regularization framework where the 6-D structure of the functional connectome (defined by pairs of points in 3-D space) is explicitly taken into account via the fused Lasso or the GraphNet regularizer. Our method only restricts the loss function to be convex and margin-based, allowing non-differentiable loss functions such as the hinge-loss to be used. Using the fused Lasso or GraphNet regularizer with the hinge-loss leads to a structured sparse support vector machine (SVM) with embedded feature selection. We introduce a novel efficient optimization algorithm based on the augmented Lagrangian and the classical alternating direction method, which can solve both fused Lasso and GraphNet regularized SVM with very little modification. We also demonstrate that the inner subproblems of the algorithm can be solved efficiently in analytic form by coupling the variable splitting strategy with a data augmentation scheme. Experiments on simulated data and resting state scans from a large schizophrenia dataset show that our proposed approach can identify predictive regions that are spatially contiguous in the 6-D “connectome space,” offering an additional layer of interpretability that could provide new insights about various disease processes. PMID:24704268

  16. Conformational and dynamics simulation study of antimicrobial peptide hedistin-heterogeneity of its helix-turn-helix motif.

    PubMed

    Xu, Guohua; Wu, Min; Wang, Lin; Zhang, Xu; Cao, Shufen; Liu, Maili; Cui, Yanfang

    2009-12-01

    Hedistin is an antimicrobial peptide isolated from the coelomocytes of Nereis diversicolor, possessing activity against a large spectrum of bacteria including the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio alginolyticus. The three-dimensional structure of hedistin in both aqueous solution and deuterated dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles was examined using circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. And, the early events of the antibacterial process of hedistin were simulated using palmitoyl-oleoyl-phophatidylcholine (POPC) lipid bilayers and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods. Hedistin lacks secondary structure in aqueous solution, however, in DPC micelles, it features with a heterogeneous helix-turn-helix moiety and exhibits obvious amphipathic nature. The turn region (residues Val9-Thr12) in the moiety is a four-residue hinge, lying in between the first N-terminal alpha-helix (residues Leu5-Lys8) and the second alpha-helix (residues Val13-Ala17) regions and causing an approximately 120 degrees angle between the axes of the two helices. The segmental and nonlinear nature of hedistin structure is referred to as the heterogeneity of its helix-turn-helix motif which was found to be corresponding to a kind of discrete dynamics behavior, herein coined as its dynamical heterogeneity, at the early stage (0-50 ns) of the MD simulations. That is, the first helix segment, prior to (at 310 K) or following (at 363 K) the second helix, binds to the lipid head-group region and subsequently permeates into the hydrophobic lipid tail region, and the hinge is the last portion entering the lipid environment. This result implies that hedistin may adopt a "carpet" model action when disrupting bacterial membrane.

  17. The Effect of Structural Curvings on the Stress Distribution in a Rigidly Fixed Composite Plate under Forced Vibration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zamanov, A. D.

    2002-01-01

    Based on the exact three-dimensional equations of continuum mechanics and the Akbarov-Guz' continuum theory, the problem on forced vibrations of a rectangular plate made of a composite material with a periodically curved structure is formulated. The plate is rigidly fixed along the Ox 1 axis. Using the semi-analytic method of finite elements, a numerical procedure is elaborated for investigating this problem. The numerical results on the effect of structural curvings on the stress distribution in the plate under forced vibrations are analyzed. It is shown that the disturbances of the stress σ22 in a hinge-supported plate are greater than in a rigidly fixed one. Also, it is found that the structural curvings considerably affect the stress distribution in plates both under static and dynamic loading.

  18. A Kirigami shape memory polymer honeycomb concept for deployment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Neville, Robin M.; Chen, Jianguo; Guo, Xiaogang; Zhang, Fenghua; Wang, Wenxin; Dobah, Yousef; Scarpa, Fabrizio; Leng, Jinsong; Peng, Hua-Xin

    2017-05-01

    We present a shape memory polymer (SMP) honeycomb with tuneable and shape morphing mechanical characteristics. Kirigami (Origami with cutting allowed) techniques have been used to design and manufacture the honeycomb. The cellular structure described in this work has styrene SMP hinges that create the shape change and the deployment actuation. To create a large volumetric deployment, the Kirigami open honeycomb configuration has been designed by setting an initial three-dimensional re-entrant auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) configuration, while the final honeycomb shape assume a convex (positive Poisson’s ratio) layout. A model was developed to predict the shape change of the structure, and compared to experimental results from a demonstrator honeycomb deployment test.

  19. Effects of structural nonlinearity on subsonic aeroelastic characteristics of an aircraft wing with control surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bae, J.-S.; Inman, D. J.; Lee, I.

    2004-07-01

    The nonlinear aeroelastic characteristics of an aircraft wing with a control surface are investigated. A doublet-hybrid method is used for the calculation of subsonic unsteady aerodynamic forces and the minimum-state approximation is used for the approximation of aerodynamic forces. A free vibration analysis is performed using the finite element and the fictitious mass methods. The structural nonlinearity in the control surface hinge is represented by both free-play and a bilinear nonlinearity. These nonlinearities are linearized using the describing function method. From the nonlinear flutter analysis, various types of limit cycle oscillations and periodic motions are observed in a wide range of air speeds below the linear flutter boundary. The effects of structural nonlinearities on aeroelastic characteristics are investigated.

  20. Knightsat Flight Design Review

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-08-03

    spring loaded hinges were obtained from McMaster under part number 15205A42. The fasteners used to attach each shutter to its corresponding hinge were... Coefficient of thermal expansion) is fairly well matched to the cell’s germanium substrate. Copper is not a good choice since it expands and contracts...Temperature: K Ground Station Transmission Line Temp.: 290 K Ground Station Sky Temperature: 450 K G.S. Transmission Line Coefficient : 0.7943 Ground Station

  1. Comparison of concurrent strain gage- and pressure transducer-measured flight loads on a lifting reentry vehicle and correlation with wind tunnel predictions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tang, M. H.; Sefic, W. J.; Sheldon, R. G.

    1978-01-01

    Concurrent strain gage and pressure transducer measured flight loads on a lifting reentry vehicle are compared and correlated with wind tunnel-predicted loads. Subsonic, transonic, and supersonic aerodynamic loads are presented for the left fin and control surfaces of the X-24B lifting reentry vehicle. Typical left fin pressure distributions are shown. The effects of variations in angle of attack, angle of sideslip, and Mach number on the left fin loads and rudder hinge moments are presented in coefficient form. Also presented are the effects of variations in angle of attack and Mach number on the upper flap, lower flap, and aileron hinge-moment coefficients. The effects of variations in lower flap hinge moments due to changes in lower flap deflection and Mach number are presented in terms of coefficient slopes.

  2. Wind turbine rotor aileron

    DOEpatents

    Coleman, Clint; Kurth, William T.

    1994-06-14

    A wind turbine has a rotor with at least one blade which has an aileron which is adjusted by an actuator. A hinge has two portions, one for mounting a stationary hinge arm to the blade, the other for coupling to the aileron actuator. Several types of hinges can be used, along with different actuators. The aileron is designed so that it has a constant chord with a number of identical sub-assemblies. The leading edge of the aileron has at least one curved portion so that the aileron does not vent over a certain range of angles, but vents if the position is outside the range. A cyclic actuator can be mounted to the aileron to adjust the position periodically. Generally, the aileron will be adjusted over a range related to the rotational position of the blade. A method for operating the cyclic assembly is also described.

  3. Comparison between prediction and experiment for all-movable wing and body combinations at supersonic speeds : lift, pitching moment, and hinge moment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nielsen, Jack N; Kaattari, George E; Drake, William C

    1952-01-01

    A simple method is presented for estimating lift, pitching-moment, and hinge-moment characteristics of all-movable wings in the presence of a body as well as the characteristics of wing-body combinations employing such wings. In general, good agreement between the method and experiment was obtained for the lift and pitching moment of the entire wing-body combination and for the lift of the wing in the presence of the body. The method is valid for moderate angles of attack, wing deflection angles, and width of gap between wing and body. The method of estimating hinge moment was not considered sufficiently accurate for triangular all-movable wings. An alternate procedure is proposed based on the experimental moment characteristics of the wing alone. Further theoretical and experimental work is required to substantiate fully the proposed procedure.

  4. Graduate engineering research participation in aeronautics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roberts, A. S., Jr.

    1984-01-01

    Graduate student engineering research in aeronautics at Old Dominion University is surveyed. Student participation was facilitated through a NASA sponsored university program which enabled the students to complete degrees. Research summaries are provided and plans for the termination of the grant program are outlined. Project topics include: Failure modes for mechanically fastened joints in composite materials; The dynamic stability of an earth orbiting satellite deploying hinged appendages; The analysis of the Losipescu shear test for composite materials; and the effect of boundary layer structure on wing tip vortex formation and decay.

  5. An Incentivized Capstone Design Team Applying the System Engineering Process

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-02

    3-foot Braided Carbon Fiber Tube, 2” dia. – 2 § Aluminum Hinge – 1 § 3/8” Push Button Pin – 2 § Shaft Collar – 4 § Protective Rubber Strip... braiding machine is used to weave this protective sleeve.     31     Figure 16 – Sample of Open Structure The braiding machine is used...is then placed on the braiding machine. The yarns are then braided over a metal, waxed pipe called a mandrel (Figure 18). The same basic braid that

  6. (1 +1 )D Calculation Provides Evidence that Quantum Entanglement Survives a Firewall

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martín-Martínez, Eduardo; Louko, Jorma

    2015-07-01

    We analyze how preexisting entanglement between two Unruh-DeWitt particle detectors evolves when one of the detectors falls through a Rindler firewall in (1 +1 )-dimensional Minkowski space. The firewall effect is minor and does not wash out the detector-detector entanglement, in some regimes even preserving the entanglement better than Minkowski vacuum. The absence of cataclysmic events should continue to hold for young black hole firewalls. A firewall's prospective ability to resolve the information paradox must hence hinge on its detailed gravitational structure, presently poorly understood.

  7. IgY: a key isotype in antibody evolution.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaoying; Calvert, Rosaleen A; Sutton, Brian J; Doré, Katy A

    2017-11-01

    Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is central to our understanding of immunoglobulin evolution. It has links to antibodies from the ancestral IgM to the mucosal IgX and IgA, as well as to mammalian serum IgG and IgE. IgY is found in amphibians, birds and reptiles, and as their most abundant serum antibody, is orthologous to mammalian IgG. However, IgY has the same domain architecture as IgM and IgE, lacking a hinge region and comprising four heavy-chain constant domains. The relationship between IgY and the mucosal antibodies IgX and IgA is discussed herein, in particular the question of how IgA could have contributed to the emergence of IgY. Although IgY does not contain a hinge region, amphibian IgF and duck-billed platypus IgY/O, which are closely related to IgY, do contain this region, as does mammalian IgG, IgA and IgD. A hinge region must therefore have evolved at least three times independently by convergent evolution. In the absence of three-dimensional structural information for the complete Fc fragment of chicken IgY (IgY-Fc), it remains to be discovered whether IgY displays the same conformational properties as IgM and IgE, which exhibit substantial flexibility in their Fc regions. IgY has three characterised Fc receptors, chicken Ig-like receptor AB1 (CHIR-AB1), the chicken yolk sac IgY receptor (FcRY) and Gallus gallus Fc receptor (ggFcR). These receptors bind to IgY at sites that are structurally homologous to mammalian counterparts; IgA/FcαRI for CHIR-AB1, IgG/FcRn for FcRY and IgE/FcϵRI and IgG/FcγR for ggFcR. These resemblances reflect the close evolutionary relationships between IgY and IgA, IgG and IgE. However, the evolutionary distance between birds and mammals allows for the ready generation of IgY antibodies to conserved mammalian proteins for medical and biotechnological applications. Furthermore, the lack of reactivity of IgY with mammalian Fc receptors, and the fact that large quantities of IgY can be made quickly and cheaply in chicken eggs, offers important advantages and considerable potential for IgY in research, diagnostics and therapeutics. © 2017 Cambridge Philosophical Society.

  8. T-Craft Seabase Ramp Loads Model Test Data Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-01

    INTRODUCTION 1 TEST CONDITION MATRIX 2 MODEL DESCRIPTIONS 9 LMSR Model 15 Ramp Models 17 MODEL TEST SETUP 18 Side-by-Side Hull Configuration 19... INTRODUCTION The Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsored a multiple bodied seakeeping model test designed to investigate vessel motions and loads on the hinge...C. 3. Side-by-Side configuration 137 Ramp Load cell 1.88 27.49 -CG ft I ^ -Hinged Connection 3.00 from CL to jauge • oad ce LMSR

  9. Engineering design, stress and thermal analysis, and documentation for SATS program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1973-01-01

    An in-depth analysis and mechanical design of the solar array stowage and deployment arrangements for use in Small Applications Technology Satellite spacecraft is presented. Alternate approaches for the major elements of work are developed and evaluated. Elements include array stowage and deployment arrangements, the spacecraft and array behavior in the spacecraft despin mode, and the design of the main hinge and segment hinge assemblies. Feasibility calculations are performed and the preferred approach is identified.

  10. A Flight-Dynamic Helicopter Mathematical Model with a Single Flap-Lag- Torsion Main Rotor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-02-01

    allows several hinge sequences and two offsets in the hinges. Quasi-steady Greenberg theory is used to calculate the blade-section aerodynamic forces...steady Greenberg model is used (ref. 3), Unsteady inflow effects are included using the three-state nonlinear Pitt/Peters dynamic inflow model (ref. 4...sectional aerodynamic model is based on quasi-steady Greenberg theory, which is a Theodorsen theory modified to account for lead-lag motions (refs. 3,14). The

  11. Analysis of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Hinge Mechanism Articulation Components in a Rotating Hinge Knee Design: A Comparison of In Vitro and Retrieval Findings.

    PubMed

    Schierjott, Ronja A; Giurea, Alexander; Neuhaus, Hans-Joachim; Schwiesau, Jens; Pfaff, Andreas M; Utzschneider, Sandra; Tozzi, Gianluca; Grupp, Thomas M

    2016-01-01

    Carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) represents a promising alternative material for bushings in total knee replacements, after early clinical failures of polyethylene in this application. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the damage modes and the extent of damage observed on CFR-PEEK hinge mechanism articulation components after in vivo service in a rotating hinge knee (RHK) system and to compare the results with corresponding components subjected to in vitro wear tests. Key question was if there were any similarities or differences between in vivo and in vitro damage characteristics. Twelve retrieved RHK systems after an average of 34.9 months in vivo underwent wear damage analysis with focus on the four integrated CFR-PEEK components and distinction between different damage modes and classification with a scoring system. The analysis included visual examination, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as surface roughness and profile measurements. The main wear damage modes were comparable between retrieved and in vitro specimens ( n = 3), whereby the size of affected area on the retrieved components showed a higher variation. Overall, the retrieved specimens seemed to be slightly heavier damaged which was probably attributable to the more complex loading and kinematic conditions in vivo.

  12. How insect flight steering muscles work.

    PubMed

    Hedenström, Anders

    2014-03-01

    Insights into how exactly a fly powers and controls flight have been hindered by the need to unpick the dynamic complexity of the muscles involved. The wingbeats of insects are driven by two antagonistic groups of power muscles and the force is funneled to the wing via a very complex hinge mechanism. The hinge consists of several hardened and articulated cuticle elements called sclerites. This articulation is controlled by a great number of small steering muscles, whose function has been studied by means of kinematics and muscle activity. The details and partly novel function of some of these steering muscles and their tendons have now been revealed in research published in this issue of PLOS Biology. The new study from Graham Taylor and colleagues applies time-resolved X-ray microtomography to obtain a three-dimensional view of the blowfly wingbeat. Asymmetric power output is achieved by differential wingbeat amplitude on the left and right wing, which is mediated by muscular control of the hinge elements to mechanically block the wing stroke and by absorption of work by steering muscles on one of the sides. This new approach permits visualization of the motion of the thorax, wing muscles, and the hinge mechanism. This very promising line of work will help to reveal the complete picture of the flight motor of a fly. It also holds great potential for novel bio-inspired designs of fly-like micro air vehicles.

  13. Structural insights into the multifunctional protein VP3 of birnaviruses.

    PubMed

    Casañas, Arnau; Navarro, Aitor; Ferrer-Orta, Cristina; González, Dolores; Rodríguez, José F; Verdaguer, Núria

    2008-01-01

    Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a member of the Birnaviridae family, is the causative agent of one of the most harmful poultry diseases. The IBDV genome encodes five mature proteins; of these, the multifunctional protein VP3 plays an essential role in virus morphogenesis. This protein, which interacts with the structural protein VP2, with the double-stranded RNA genome, and with the virus-encoded, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, VP1, is involved not only in the formation of the viral capsid, but also in the recruitment of VP1 into the capsid and in the encapsidation of the viral genome. Here, we report the X-ray structure of the central region of VP3, residues 92-220, consisting of two alpha-helical domains connected by a long and flexible hinge that are organized as a dimer. Unexpectedly, the overall fold of the second VP3 domain shows significant structural similarities with different transcription regulation factors.

  14. Functional formation of domain V of the poliovirus noncoding region: significance of unpaired bases.

    PubMed

    Rowe, A; Burlison, J; Macadam, A J; Minor, P D

    2001-10-10

    Previously we have shown that polioviruses with mutations that disrupt the predicted secondary structure of the 5' noncoding region of domain V are temperature sensitive for growth. Non-temperature-sensitive revertant viruses had mutations that re-formed secondary structure by a direct back mutation of changes in the opposite strand. We mutated unpaired regions and selected revertants of viruses with single base deletions, where no obvious back mutation was available in order to gain information on secondary structure. Results indicated that conservation of length of a three base loop between two double-stranded stems was essential for a functional domain V to form. The requirement for the unpaired "hinge" base at 484 which is implicated in the attenuation of Sabin 2 was also confirmed. Results also underline the necessity for functional folding over local secondary structure stability. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

  15. Structural analyses of the JPL Mars Pathfinder impact

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

    Gwinn, K.W.

    1994-12-31

    The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that finite element analysis can be used in the design process for high performance fabric structures. These structures exhibit extreme geometric nonlinearity; specifically, the contact and interaction of fabric surfaces with the large deformation which necessarily results from membrane structures introduces great complexity to analyses of this type. All of these features are demonstrated here in the analysis of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Mars Pathfinder impact onto Mars. This lander system uses airbags to envelope the lander experiment package, protecting it with large deformation upon contact. Results from the analysis showmore » the stress in the fabric airbags, forces in the internal tendon support system, forces in the latches and hinges which allow the lander to deploy after impact, and deceleration of the lander components. All of these results provide the JPL engineers with design guidance for the success of this novel lander system.« less

  16. Structural analyses of the JPL Mars Pathfinder impact

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gwinn, Kenneth W.

    The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that finite element analysis can be used in the design process for high performance fabric structures. These structures exhibit extreme geometric nonlinearity; specifically, the contact and interaction of fabric surfaces with the large deformation which necessarily results from membrane structures introduces great complexity to analyses of this type. All of these features are demonstrated here in the analysis of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Mars Pathfinder impact onto Mars. This lander system uses airbags to envelope the lander experiment package, protecting it with large deformation upon contact. Results from the analysis show the stress in the fabric airbags, forces in the internal tendon support system, forces in the latches and hinges which allow the lander to deploy after impact, and deceleration of the lander components. All of these results provide the JPL engineers with design guidance for the success of this novel lander system.

  17. Crystal structure of a multi-domain human smoothened receptor in complex with a super stabilizing ligand

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xianjun; Zhao, Fei; Wu, Yiran; Yang, Jun; Han, Gye Won; Zhao, Suwen; Ishchenko, Andrii; Ye, Lintao; Lin, Xi; Ding, Kang; Dharmarajan, Venkatasubramanian; Griffin, Patrick R.; Gati, Cornelius; Nelson, Garrett; Hunter, Mark S.; Hanson, Michael A.; Cherezov, Vadim; Stevens, Raymond C.; Tan, Wenfu; Tao, Houchao; Xu, Fei

    2017-05-01

    The Smoothened receptor (SMO) belongs to the Class Frizzled of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, constituting a key component of the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Here we report the crystal structure of the multi-domain human SMO, bound and stabilized by a designed tool ligand TC114, using an X-ray free-electron laser source at 2.9 Å. The structure reveals a precise arrangement of three distinct domains: a seven-transmembrane helices domain (TMD), a hinge domain (HD) and an intact extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD). This architecture enables allosteric interactions between the domains that are important for ligand recognition and receptor activation. By combining the structural data, molecular dynamics simulation, and hydrogen-deuterium-exchange analysis, we demonstrate that transmembrane helix VI, extracellular loop 3 and the HD play a central role in transmitting the signal employing a unique GPCR activation mechanism, distinct from other multi-domain GPCRs.

  18. A novel vibration structure for dynamic balancing measurement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qin, Peng; Cai, Ping; Hu, Qinghan; Li, Yingxia

    2006-11-01

    Based on the conception of instantaneous motion center in theoretical mechanics, the paper presents a novel virtual vibration structure for dynamic balancing measurement with high precision. The structural features and the unbalancing response characteristics of this vibration structure are analyzed in depth. The relation between the real measuring system and the virtual one is emphatically expounded. Theoretical analysis indicates that the flexibly hinged integrative plate spring sets holds fixed vibration center, with the result that this vibration system has the most excellent effect of plane separation. In addition, the sensors are mounted on the same longitudinal section. Thus the influence of phase error on the primary unbalance reduction ratio is eliminated. Furthermore, the performance changes in sensors caused by environmental factor have less influence on the accuracy of the measurement. The result for this system is more accurate measurement with lower requirement for a second correction run.

  19. Structural basis for the facilitative diffusion mechanism by SemiSWEET transporter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Yongchan; Nishizawa, Tomohiro; Yamashita, Keitaro; Ishitani, Ryuichiro; Nureki, Osamu

    2015-01-01

    SWEET family proteins mediate sugar transport across biological membranes and play crucial roles in plants and animals. The SWEETs and their bacterial homologues, the SemiSWEETs, are related to the PQ-loop family, which is characterized by highly conserved proline and glutamine residues (PQ-loop motif). Although the structures of the bacterial SemiSWEETs were recently reported, the conformational transition and the significance of the conserved motif in the transport cycle have remained elusive. Here we report crystal structures of SemiSWEET from Escherichia coli, in the both inward-open and outward-open states. A structural comparison revealed that SemiSWEET undergoes an intramolecular conformational change in each protomer. The conserved PQ-loop motif serves as a molecular hinge that enables the ‘binder clip-like’ motion of SemiSWEET. The present work provides the framework for understanding the overall transport cycles of SWEET and PQ-loop family proteins.

  20. A three-dimensional actuated origami-inspired transformable metamaterial with multiple degrees of freedom

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Overvelde, Johannes T. B.; de Jong, Twan A.; Shevchenko, Yanina; Becerra, Sergio A.; Whitesides, George M.; Weaver, James C.; Hoberman, Chuck; Bertoldi, Katia

    2016-03-01

    Reconfigurable devices, whose shape can be drastically altered, are central to expandable shelters, deployable space structures, reversible encapsulation systems and medical tools and robots. All these applications require structures whose shape can be actively controlled, both for deployment and to conform to the surrounding environment. While most current reconfigurable designs are application specific, here we present a mechanical metamaterial with tunable shape, volume and stiffness. Our approach exploits a simple modular origami-like design consisting of rigid faces and hinges, which are connected to form a periodic structure consisting of extruded cubes. We show both analytically and experimentally that the transformable metamaterial has three degrees of freedom, which can be actively deformed into numerous specific shapes through embedded actuation. The proposed metamaterial can be used to realize transformable structures with arbitrary architectures, highlighting a robust strategy for the design of reconfigurable devices over a wide range of length scales.

  1. Nursing Clinical Instructor Experiences of Empowerment in Rwanda: Applying Kanter's and Spreitzer's Theories.

    PubMed

    Thuss, Mary; Babenko-Mould, Yolanda; Andrusyszyn, Mary-Anne; Laschinger, Heather K S

    2016-10-15

    The purpose of this study was to explore Rwandan nursing clinical instructors' (CIs) experiences of structural and psychological empowerment. CIs play a vital role in students' development by facilitating learning in health care practice environments. Quality nursing education hinges on the CI's ability to enact a professional role. A descriptive qualitative method was used to obtain an understanding of CIs empowerment experiences in practice settings. Kanter's Theory of Structural Power in Organizations and Spreitzer's Psychological Empowerment Theory were used as theoretical frameworks to interpret experiences. Interview data from 21 CIs were used to complete a secondary analysis. Most participants perceived the structural components of informal power, resources, and support while formal power and opportunity were limited, diminishing their sense of structural empowerment. Psychological empowerment for CIs stemmed from a sense of competence, meaning, impact and self-determination they had for their teaching roles and responsibilities in the practice setting.

  2. Peptoid-Substituted Hybrid Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from Papiliocin and Magainin 2 with Enhanced Bacterial Selectivity and Anti-inflammatory Activity.

    PubMed

    Shin, Areum; Lee, Eunjung; Jeon, Dasom; Park, Young-Guen; Bang, Jeong Kyu; Park, Yong-Sun; Shin, Song Yub; Kim, Yangmee

    2015-06-30

    Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of the host innate immune system. Papiliocin is a 37-residue AMP purified from larvae of the swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus. Magainin 2 is a 23-residue AMP purified from the skin of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. We designed an 18-residue hybrid peptide (PapMA) incorporating N-terminal residues 1-8 of papiliocin and N-terminal residues 4-12 of magainin 2, joined by a proline (Pro) hinge. PapMA showed high antimicrobial activity but was cytotoxic to mammalian cells. To decrease PapMA cytotoxicity, we designed a lysine (Lys) peptoid analogue, PapMA-k, which retained high antimicrobial activity but displayed cytotoxicity lower than that of PapMA. Fluorescent dye leakage experiments and confocal microscopy showed that PapMA targeted bacterial cell membranes whereas PapMA-k penetrated bacterial cell membranes. Nuclear magnetic resonance experiments revealed that PapMA contained an N-terminal α-helix from Lys(3) to Lys(7) and a C-terminal α-helix from Lys(10) to Lys(17), with a Pro(9) hinge between them. PapMA-k also had two α-helical structures in the same region connected with a flexible hinge residue at Nlys(9), which existed in a dynamic equilibrium of cis and trans conformers. Using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, the anti-inflammatory activity of PapMA and PapMA-k was confirmed by inhibition of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokine production. In addition, treatment with PapMA and PapMA-k decreased the level of ultraviolet irradiation-induced expression of genes encoding matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Thus, PapMA and PapMA-k are potent peptide antibiotics with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, with PapMA-k displaying enhanced bacterial selectivity.

  3. Hydrodynamics of metachronal paddling in crustaceans

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Santhanakrishnan, A.; Lai, H. K.; Samaee, M.; Lewis, T. J.; Guy, R. D.

    2016-02-01

    Long-tailed crustaceans such as crayfish and krill swim by rhythmically paddling a set of four to five limbs (swimmerets) originating from their abdomen. Despite variations in limb size and stroke frequency, movements of ipsilateral limbs always maintain a tail-to-head metachronal rhythm with an approximate quarter-period inter-limb phase difference. Relatively few studies have examined the fluid dynamics of metachronal limb stroke for the range of Reynolds numbers at which crustaceans operate. The objective of this study is to investigate metachronal paddling as a function of Reynolds number (Re) for quantifying hydrodynamic scalability of this swimming mechanism, including the effect of hinges on paddles as seen in crustacean swimmerets. Our approach included experiments on a scaled physical model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using the immersed boundary (IB) method. The scaled robotic model of metachronal paddling consisted of a rectangular aquarium tank fitted above with four stepper motors coupled to a four-bar linkage that actuated four acrylic paddles immersed in water-glycerin fluid medium. 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used for quantitative flow visualization in the experiments. The swimmerets were modeled in CFD simulations as rigid 1D rods in a 2D fluid. The inter-limb phase difference was varied from 0% (synchronous paddling) through 50% across Re range of O(10-1000). Two types of experimental limb models were tested, including a simple flat plate and a `split-paddle' structure with two flat plates connected halfway with hinges. Our results show that the natural tail-to-head metachronal rhythm with an approximate quarter-period phase difference is the most effective and efficient rhythm across a wide range of Reynolds numbers. Limb models with hinges generated increased horizontal flow compared to the simple flat plate paddles, suggesting that asymmetry between power and return stroke is important to augment thrust.

  4. Coseismic fault-related fold model, growth structure, and the historic multisegment blind thrust earthquake on the basement-involved Yoro thrust, central Japan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ishiyama, Tatsuya; Mueller, Karl; Sato, Hiroshi; Togo, Masami

    2007-03-01

    We use high-resolution seismic reflection profiles, boring transects, and mapping of fold scarps that deform late Quaternary and Holocene sediments to define the kinematic evolution, subsurface geometry, coseismic behavior, and fault slip rates for an active, basement-involved blind thrust system in central Japan. Coseismic fold scarps on the Yoro basement-involved fold are defined by narrow fold limbs and angular hinges on seismic profiles, suggesting that at least 3.9 km of fault slip is consumed by wedge thrust folding in the upper 10 km of the crust. The close coincidence and kinematic link between folded horizons and the underlying thrust geometry indicate that the Yoro basement-involved fold has accommodated slip at an average rate of 3.2 ± 0.1 mm/yr on a shallowly west dipping thrust fault since early Pleistocene time. Past large-magnitude earthquakes, including an historic M˜7.7 event in A.D. 1586 that occurred on the Yoro blind thrust, are shown to have produced discrete folding by curved hinge kink band migration above the eastward propagating tip of the wedge thrust. Coseismic fold scarps formed during the A.D. 1586 earthquake can be traced along the en echelon active folds that extend for at least 60 km, in spite of different styles of folding along the apparently hard-linked Nobi-Ise blind thrust system. We thus emphasize the importance of this multisegment earthquake rupture across these structures and the potential risk for similar future events in en echelon active fold and thrust belts.

  5. Image averaging of flexible fibrous macromolecules: the clathrin triskelion has an elastic proximal segment.

    PubMed

    Kocsis, E; Trus, B L; Steer, C J; Bisher, M E; Steven, A C

    1991-08-01

    We have developed computational techniques that allow image averaging to be applied to electron micrographs of filamentous molecules that exhibit tight and variable curvature. These techniques, which involve straightening by cubic-spline interpolation, image classification, and statistical analysis of the molecules' curvature properties, have been applied to purified brain clathrin. This trimeric filamentous protein polymerizes, both in vivo and in vitro, into a wide range of polyhedral structures. Contrasted by low-angle rotary shadowing, dissociated clathrin molecules appear as distinctive three-legged structures, called "triskelions" (E. Ungewickell and D. Branton (1981) Nature 289, 420). We find triskelion legs to vary from 35 to 62 nm in total length, according to an approximately bell-shaped distribution (mu = 51.6 nm). Peaks in averaged curvature profiles mark hinges or sites of enhanced flexibility. Such profiles, calculated for each length class, show that triskelion legs are flexible over their entire lengths. However, three curvature peaks are observed in every case: their locations define a proximal segment of systematically increasing length (14.0-19.0 nm), a mid-segment of fixed length (approximately 12 nm), and a rather variable end-segment (11.6-19.5 nm), terminating in a hinge just before the globular terminal domain (approximately 7.3 nm diameter). Thus, two major factors contribute to the overall variability in leg length: (1) stretching of the proximal segment and (2) stretching of the end-segment and/or scrolling of the terminal domain. The observed elasticity of the proximal segment may reflect phosphorylation of the clathrin light chains.

  6. Charge neutralization in the active site of the catalytic trimer of aspartate transcarbamoylase promotes diverse structural changes.

    PubMed

    Endrizzi, James A; Beernink, Peter T

    2017-11-01

    A classical model for allosteric regulation of enzyme activity posits an equilibrium between inactive and active conformations. An alternative view is that allosteric activation is achieved by increasing the potential for conformational changes that are essential for catalysis. In the present study, substitution of a basic residue in the active site of the catalytic (C) trimer of aspartate transcarbamoylase with a non-polar residue results in large interdomain hinge changes in the three chains of the trimer. One conformation is more open than the chains in both the wild-type C trimer and the catalytic chains in the holoenzyme, the second is closed similar to the bisubstrate-analog bound conformation and the third hinge angle is intermediate to the other two. The active-site 240s loop conformation is very different between the most open and closed chains, and is disordered in the third chain, as in the holoenzyme. We hypothesize that binding of anionic substrates may promote similar structural changes. Further, the ability of the three catalytic chains in the trimer to access the open and closed active-site conformations simultaneously suggests a cyclic catalytic mechanism, in which at least one of the chains is in an open conformation suitable for substrate binding whereas another chain is closed for catalytic turnover. Based on the many conformations observed for the chains in the isolated catalytic trimer to date, we propose that allosteric activation of the holoenzyme occurs by release of quaternary constraint into an ensemble of active-site conformations. © 2017 The Protein Society.

  7. Hysteretic Models Considering Axial-Shear-Flexure Interaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ceresa, Paola; Negrisoli, Giorgio

    2017-10-01

    Most of the existing numerical models implemented in finite element (FE) software, at the current state of the art, are not capable to describe, with enough reliability, the interaction between axial, shear and flexural actions under cyclic loading (e.g. seismic actions), neglecting crucial effects for predicting the nature of the collapse of reinforced concrete (RC) structural elements. Just a few existing 3D volume models or fibre beam models can lead to a quite accurate response, but they are still computationally inefficient for typical applications in earthquake engineering and also characterized by very complex formulation. Thus, discrete models with lumped plasticity hinges may be the preferred choice for modelling the hysteretic behaviour due to cyclic loading conditions, in particular with reference to its implementation in a commercial software package. These considerations lead to this research work focused on the development of a model for RC beam-column elements able to consider degradation effects and interaction between the actions under cyclic loading conditions. In order to develop a model for a general 3D discrete hinge element able to take into account the axial-shear-flexural interaction, it is necessary to provide an implementation which involves a corrector-predictor iterative scheme. Furthermore, a reliable constitutive model based on damage plasticity theory is formulated and implemented for its numerical validation. Aim of this research work is to provide the formulation of a numerical model, which will allow implementation within a FE software package for nonlinear cyclic analysis of RC structural members. The developed model accounts for stiffness degradation effect and stiffness recovery for loading reversal.

  8. Effects of joints in truss structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ikegami, R.

    1988-01-01

    The response of truss-type structures for future space applications, such as Large Deployable Reflector (LDR), will be directly affected by joint performance. Some of the objectives of research at BAC were to characterize structural joints, establish analytical approaches that incorporate joint characteristics, and experimentally establish the validity of the analytical approaches. The test approach to characterize joints for both erectable and deployable-type structures was based upon a Force State Mapping Technique. The approach pictorially shows how the nonlinear joint results can be used for equivalent linear analysis. Testing of the Space Station joints developed at LaRC (a hinged joint at 2 Hz and a clevis joint at 2 Hz) successfully revealed the nonlinear characteristics of the joints. The Space Station joints were effectively linear when loaded to plus or minus 500 pounds with a corresponding displacement of about plus or minus 0.0015 inch. It was indicated that good linear joints exist which are compatible with errected structures, but that difficulty may be encountered if nonlinear-type joints are incorporated in the structure.

  9. Algorithms for the Reduction of Wind-Tunnel Data Derived from Strain Gauge Force Balances.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-05-01

    summed. Where hinge moments are measured on a model, it is customary to express them by coefficients of the form C11 h (4.23) q Si dH where hi is the...measured hinge moment and Sit and dH are a characteristic area and length associated with the control surface. 4.6 Transformation to Body Axes...Pty. Ltd. Mr D. Pilkington Mr R. D. Bullen Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, Libra Hawker de Havilland Aust. Pty. Ltd., Bankstown. L.ibrar

  10. Equations and charts for the rapid estimation of hinge-moment and effectiveness parameters for trailing-edge controls having leading and trailing edges swept ahead of the Mach lines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goin, Kennith L

    1951-01-01

    Existing conical-flow solutions have been used to calculate the hinge-moments and effectiveness parameters of trailing-edge controls having leading and trailing edges swept ahead of the Mach lines and having streamwise root and tip chords. Equations and detailed charts are presented for the rapid estimation of these parameters. Also included is an approximate method by which these parameters may be corrected for airfoil-section thickness.

  11. Dynamic analysis of a system of hinge-connected rigid bodies with nonrigid appendages. [equations of motion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Likins, P. W.

    1974-01-01

    Equations of motion are derived for use in simulating a spacecraft or other complex electromechanical system amenable to idealization as a set of hinge-connected rigid bodies of tree topology, with rigid axisymmetric rotors and nonrigid appendages attached to each rigid body in the set. In conjunction with a previously published report on finite-element appendage vibration equations, this report provides a complete minimum-dimension formulation suitable for generic programming for digital computer numerical integration.

  12. Translatory shock absorber for attitude sensors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vonpragenau, G. L.; Morgan, I. T., Jr.; Kirby, C. A. (Inventor)

    1976-01-01

    A translatory shock absorber is provided for mounting an attitude sensor thereon for isolating a sensor from translatory vibrations. The translatory shock absorber includes a hollow block structure formed as one piece to form a parallelogram. The absorber block structure includes a movable top plate for supporting the attitude sensor and a fixed base plate with opposed side plates interposed between. At the junctions of the side plates, and the base and top plates, there are provided grooves which act as flexible hinges for attenuating translatory vibrations. A damping material is supported on a pedestal which is carried on the base plate between the side plates thereof. The top of the damping material rests against the bottom surface of the top plate for eliminating the resonant peaks of vibration.

  13. KSC-2013-3236

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-08-09

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As seen on Google Maps, the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center housed space shuttle payloads temporarily so they could be loaded inside the 60-foot-long cargo bay of a shuttle before launch. The RSS, as the structure was known, was hinged to the Fixed Service Structure on one side and rolled on a rail on the other. As its name suggests, the enclosed facility would rotate into place around the shuttle as it stood at the launch pad. Once in place, the RSS protected the shuttle and its cargo. Google precisely mapped the space center and some of its historical facilities for the company's map page. The work allows Internet users to see inside buildings at Kennedy as they were used during the space shuttle era. Photo credit: Google/Wendy Wang

  14. KINKFOLD—an AutoLISP program for construction of geological cross-sections using borehole image data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Özkaya, Sait Ismail

    2002-04-01

    KINKFOLD is an AutoLISP program designed to construct geological cross-sections from borehole image or dip meter logs. The program uses the kink-fold method for cross-section construction. Beds are folded around hinge lines as angle bisectors so that bedding thickness remains unchanged. KINKFOLD may be used to model a wide variety of parallel fold structures, including overturned and faulted folds, and folds truncated by unconformities. The program accepts data from vertical or inclined boreholes. The KINKFOLD program cannot be used to model fault drag, growth folds, inversion structures or disharmonic folds where the bed thickness changes either because of deformation or deposition. Faulted structures and similar folds can be modelled by KINKFOLD by omitting dip measurements within fault drag zones and near axial planes of similar folds.

  15. Design and fabrication of a foldable 3D silicon based package for solid state lighting applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sokolovskij, R.; Liu, P.; van Zeijl, H. W.; Mimoun, B.; Zhang, G. Q.

    2015-05-01

    Miniaturization of solid state lighting (SSL) luminaires as well as reduction of packaging and assembly costs are of prime interest for the SSL lighting industry. A novel silicon based LED package for lighting applications is presented in this paper. The proposed design consists of 5 rigid Si tiles connected by flexible polyimide hinges with embedded interconnects (ICs). Electrical, optical and thermal characteristics were taken into consideration during design. The fabrication process involved polyimide (PI) application and patterning, aluminium interconnect integration in the flexible hinge, LED reflector cavity formation and metalization followed by through wafer DRIE etching for chip formation and release. A method to connect chip front to backside without TSVs was also integrated into the process. Post-fabrication wafer level assembly included LED mounting and wirebond, phosphor-based colour conversion and silicone encapsulation. The package formation was finalized by vacuum assisted wrapping around an assembly structure to form a 3D geometry, which is beneficial for omnidirectional lighting. Bending tests were performed on the flexible ICs and optical performance at different temperatures was evaluated. It is suggested that 3D packages can be expanded to platforms for miniaturized luminaire applications by combining monolithic silicon integration and system-in-package (SiP) technologies.

  16. Modeling Aircraft Wing Loads from Flight Data Using Neural Networks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Allen, Michael J.; Dibley, Ryan P.

    2003-01-01

    Neural networks were used to model wing bending-moment loads, torsion loads, and control surface hinge-moments of the Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) aircraft. Accurate loads models are required for the development of control laws designed to increase roll performance through wing twist while not exceeding load limits. Inputs to the model include aircraft rates, accelerations, and control surface positions. Neural networks were chosen to model aircraft loads because they can account for uncharacterized nonlinear effects while retaining the capability to generalize. The accuracy of the neural network models was improved by first developing linear loads models to use as starting points for network training. Neural networks were then trained with flight data for rolls, loaded reversals, wind-up-turns, and individual control surface doublets for load excitation. Generalization was improved by using gain weighting and early stopping. Results are presented for neural network loads models of four wing loads and four control surface hinge moments at Mach 0.90 and an altitude of 15,000 ft. An average model prediction error reduction of 18.6 percent was calculated for the neural network models when compared to the linear models. This paper documents the input data conditioning, input parameter selection, structure, training, and validation of the neural network models.

  17. A novel vibration measurement and active control method for a hinged flexible two-connected piezoelectric plate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qiu, Zhi-cheng; Wang, Xian-feng; Zhang, Xian-Min; Liu, Jin-guo

    2018-07-01

    A novel non-contact vibration measurement method using binocular vision sensors is proposed for piezoelectric flexible hinged plate. Decoupling methods of the bending and torsional low frequency vibration on measurement and driving control are investigated, using binocular vision sensors and piezoelectric actuators. A radial basis function neural network controller (RBFNNC) is designed to suppress both the larger and the smaller amplitude vibrations. To verify the non-contact measurement method and the designed controller, an experimental setup of the flexible hinged plate with binocular vision is constructed. Experiments on vibration measurement and control are conducted by using binocular vision sensors and the designed RBFNNC controllers, compared with the classical proportional and derivative (PD) control algorithm. The experimental measurement results demonstrate that the binocular vision sensors can detect the low-frequency bending and torsional vibration effectively. Furthermore, the designed RBF can suppress the bending vibration more quickly than the designed PD controller owing to the adjustment of the RBF control, especially for the small amplitude residual vibrations.

  18. Swarm Deployable Boom Assembly (DBA) Development of a Deployable Magnetometer Boom for the Swarm Spacecraft

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McMahon, Paul; Jung, Hans-Juergen; Edwards, Jeff

    2013-09-01

    The Swarm programme consists of 3 magnetically clean satellites flying in close formation designed to measure the Earth's magnetic field using 2 Magnetometers mounted on a 4.3m long deployable boom.Deployment is initiated by releasing 3 HDRMs, once released the boom oscillates back and forth on a pair of pivots, similar to a restaurant kitchen door hinge, for around 120 seconds before coming to rest on 3 kinematic mounts which are used to provide an accurate reference location in the deployed position. Motion of the boom is damped through a combination of friction, spring hysteresis and flexing of the 120+ cables crossing the hinge. Considerable development work and accurate numerical modelling of the hinge motion was required to predict performance across a wide temperature range and ensure that during the 1st overshoot the boom did not damage itself, the harness or the spacecraft.Due to the magnetic cleanliness requirements of the spacecraft no magnetic materials could be used in the design of the hardware.

  19. Bioengineered nisin derivatives with enhanced activity in complex matrices

    PubMed Central

    Rouse, Susan; Field, Des; Daly, Karen M.; O'Connor, Paula M.; Cotter, Paul D.; Hill, Colin; Ross, R. Paul

    2012-01-01

    Summary Nisin A is the best known and most extensively characterized lantibiotic. As it is ribosomally synthesized, bioengineering‐based strategies can be used to generate variants. We have previously demonstrated that bioengineering of the hinge region of nisin A can result in the generation of variants with enhanced anti‐microbial activity against Gram‐positive pathogens. Here we created a larger bank of hinge variant producers and screened for producers that exhibit enhanced bioactivity as assessed by agar‐based assays against a selection of target strains. Further analysis of 12 ‘lead’ variants reveals that in many cases enhanced bioactivity is not attributable to enhanced specific activity but is instead as a consequence of an enhanced ability to diffuse through complex polymers. In the case of two variants, which contain the residues SVA and NAK, respectively, within the hinge region, we demonstrate that this enhanced trait enables the peptides to dramatically outperform nisin A with respect to controlling Listeria monocytogenes in commercially produced chocolate milk that contains carrageenan as a stabilizer. PMID:22260415

  20. The low binding affinity of D-serine at the ionotropic glutamate receptor GluD2 can be attributed to the hinge region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tapken, Daniel; Steffensen, Thomas Bielefeldt; Leth, Rasmus; Kristensen, Lise Baadsgaard; Gerbola, Alexander; Gajhede, Michael; Jørgensen, Flemming Steen; Olsen, Lars; Kastrup, Jette Sandholm

    2017-04-01

    Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are responsible for most of the fast excitatory communication between neurons in our brain. The GluD2 receptor is a puzzling member of the iGluR family: It is involved in synaptic plasticity, plays a role in human diseases, e.g. ataxia, binds glycine and D-serine with low affinity, yet no ligand has been discovered so far that can activate its ion channel. In this study, we show that the hinge region connecting the two subdomains of the GluD2 ligand-binding domain is responsible for the low affinity of D-serine, by analysing GluD2 mutants with electrophysiology, isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular dynamics calculations. The hinge region is highly variable among iGluRs and fine-tunes gating activity, suggesting that in GluD2 this region has evolved to only respond to micromolar concentrations of D-serine.

  1. Role for the MED21-MED7 Hinge in Assembly of the Mediator-RNA Polymerase II Holoenzyme.

    PubMed

    Sato, Shigeo; Tomomori-Sato, Chieri; Tsai, Kuang-Lei; Yu, Xiaodi; Sardiu, Mihaela; Saraf, Anita; Washburn, Michael P; Florens, Laurence; Asturias, Francisco J; Conaway, Ronald C; Conaway, Joan W

    2016-12-23

    Mediator plays an integral role in activation of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription. A key step in activation is binding of Mediator to Pol II to form the Mediator-Pol II holoenzyme. Here, we exploit a combination of biochemistry and macromolecular EM to investigate holoenzyme assembly. We identify a subset of human Mediator head module subunits that bind Pol II independent of other subunits and thus probably contribute to a major Pol II binding site. In addition, we show that binding of human Mediator to Pol II depends on the integrity of a conserved "hinge" in the middle module MED21-MED7 heterodimer. Point mutations in the hinge region leave core Mediator intact but lead to increased disorder of the middle module and markedly reduced affinity for Pol II. These findings highlight the importance of Mediator conformation for holoenzyme assembly. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  2. The low binding affinity of D-serine at the ionotropic glutamate receptor GluD2 can be attributed to the hinge region.

    PubMed

    Tapken, Daniel; Steffensen, Thomas Bielefeldt; Leth, Rasmus; Kristensen, Lise Baadsgaard; Gerbola, Alexander; Gajhede, Michael; Jørgensen, Flemming Steen; Olsen, Lars; Kastrup, Jette Sandholm

    2017-04-07

    Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are responsible for most of the fast excitatory communication between neurons in our brain. The GluD2 receptor is a puzzling member of the iGluR family: It is involved in synaptic plasticity, plays a role in human diseases, e.g. ataxia, binds glycine and D-serine with low affinity, yet no ligand has been discovered so far that can activate its ion channel. In this study, we show that the hinge region connecting the two subdomains of the GluD2 ligand-binding domain is responsible for the low affinity of D-serine, by analysing GluD2 mutants with electrophysiology, isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular dynamics calculations. The hinge region is highly variable among iGluRs and fine-tunes gating activity, suggesting that in GluD2 this region has evolved to only respond to micromolar concentrations of D-serine.

  3. The low binding affinity of D-serine at the ionotropic glutamate receptor GluD2 can be attributed to the hinge region

    PubMed Central

    Tapken, Daniel; Steffensen, Thomas Bielefeldt; Leth, Rasmus; Kristensen, Lise Baadsgaard; Gerbola, Alexander; Gajhede, Michael; Jørgensen, Flemming Steen; Olsen, Lars; Kastrup, Jette Sandholm

    2017-01-01

    Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are responsible for most of the fast excitatory communication between neurons in our brain. The GluD2 receptor is a puzzling member of the iGluR family: It is involved in synaptic plasticity, plays a role in human diseases, e.g. ataxia, binds glycine and D-serine with low affinity, yet no ligand has been discovered so far that can activate its ion channel. In this study, we show that the hinge region connecting the two subdomains of the GluD2 ligand-binding domain is responsible for the low affinity of D-serine, by analysing GluD2 mutants with electrophysiology, isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular dynamics calculations. The hinge region is highly variable among iGluRs and fine-tunes gating activity, suggesting that in GluD2 this region has evolved to only respond to micromolar concentrations of D-serine. PMID:28387240

  4. Method for identification of rigid domains and hinge residues in proteins based on exhaustive enumeration.

    PubMed

    Sim, Jaehyun; Sim, Jun; Park, Eunsung; Lee, Julian

    2015-06-01

    Many proteins undergo large-scale motions where relatively rigid domains move against each other. The identification of rigid domains, as well as the hinge residues important for their relative movements, is important for various applications including flexible docking simulations. In this work, we develop a method for protein rigid domain identification based on an exhaustive enumeration of maximal rigid domains, the rigid domains not fully contained within other domains. The computation is performed by mapping the problem to that of finding maximal cliques in a graph. A minimal set of rigid domains are then selected, which cover most of the protein with minimal overlap. In contrast to the results of existing methods that partition a protein into non-overlapping domains using approximate algorithms, the rigid domains obtained from exact enumeration naturally contain overlapping regions, which correspond to the hinges of the inter-domain bending motion. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated on several proteins. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. A flight-dynamic helicopter mathematical model with a single flap-lag-torsion main rotor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Takahashi, Marc D.

    1990-01-01

    A mathematical model of a helicopter system with a single main rotor that includes rigid, hinge-restrained rotor blades with flap, lag, and torsion degrees of freedom is described. The model allows several hinge sequences and two offsets in the hinges. Quasi-steady Greenberg theory is used to calculate the blade-section aerodynamic forces, and inflow effects are accounted for by using three-state nonlinear dynamic inflow model. The motion of the rigid fuselage is defined by six degrees of freedom, and an optional rotor rpm degree of freedom is available. Empennage surfaces and the tail rotor are modeled, and the effect of main-rotor downwash on these elements is included. Model trim linearization, and time-integration operations are described and can be applied to a subset of the model in the rotating or nonrotating coordinate frame. A preliminary validation of the model is made by comparing its results with those of other analytical and experimental studies. This publication presents the results of research compiled in November 1989.

  6. Static investigation of a two-dimensional convergent-divergent exhaust nozzle with multiaxis thrust-vectoring capability

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Taylor, John G.

    1990-01-01

    An investigation was conducted in the Static Test Facility of the NASA Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the internal performance of two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles designed to have simultaneous pitch and yaw thrust vectoring capability. This concept utilized divergent flap rotation of thrust vectoring in the pitch plane and deflection of flat yaw flaps hinged at the end of the sidewalls for yaw thrust vectoring. The hinge location of the yaw flaps was varied at four positions from the nozzle exit plane to the throat plane. The yaw flaps were designed to contain the flow laterally independent of power setting. In order to eliminate any physical interference between the yaw flap deflected into the exhaust stream and the divergent flaps, the downstream corners of both upper and lower divergent flaps were cut off to allow for up to 30 deg of yaw flap deflection. The impact of varying the nozzle pitch vector angle, throat area, yaw flap hinge location, yaw flap length, and yaw flap deflection angle on nozzle internal performance characteristics, was studied. High-pressure air was used to simulate jet exhaust at nozzle pressure ratios up to 7.0. Static results indicate that configurations with the yaw flap hinge located upstream of the exit plane provide relatively high levels of thrust vectoring efficiency without causing large losses in resultant thrust ratio. Therefore, these configurations represent a viable concept for providing simultaneous pitch and yaw thrust vectoring.

  7. Hinge-deleted IgG4 blocker therapy for acetylcholine receptor myasthenia gravis in rhesus monkeys.

    PubMed

    Losen, Mario; Labrijn, Aran F; van Kranen-Mastenbroek, Vivianne H; Janmaat, Maarten L; Haanstra, Krista G; Beurskens, Frank J; Vink, Tom; Jonker, Margreet; 't Hart, Bert A; Mané-Damas, Marina; Molenaar, Peter C; Martinez-Martinez, Pilar; van der Esch, Eline; Schuurman, Janine; de Baets, Marc H; Parren, Paul W H I

    2017-04-20

    Autoantibodies against ion channels are the cause of numerous neurologic autoimmune disorders. Frequently, such pathogenic autoantibodies have a restricted epitope-specificity. In such cases, competing antibody formats devoid of pathogenic effector functions (blocker antibodies) have the potential to treat disease by displacing autoantibodies from their target. Here, we have used a model of the neuromuscular autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) to test the therapeutic potential of a new blocker antibody: MG was induced by passive transfer of pathogenic acetylcholine receptor-specific monoclonal antibody IgG1-637. The effect of the blocker antibody (IgG4Δhinge-637, the hinge-deleted IgG4 version of IgG1-637) was assessed using decrement measurements and single-fiber electromyography. Three daily doses of 1.7 mg/kg IgG1-637 (cumulative dose 5 mg/kg) induced impairment of neuromuscular transmission, as demonstrated by significantly increased jitter, synaptic transmission failures (blockings) and a decrease in the amplitude of the compound muscle action potentials during repeated stimulations (decrement), without showing overt symptoms of muscle weakness. Treatment with three daily doses of 10 mg/kg IgG4Δhinge-637 significantly reduced the IgG1-637-induced increase in jitter, blockings and decrement. Together, these results represent proof-of principle data for therapy of acetylcholine receptor-myasthenia gravis with a monovalent antibody format that blocks binding of pathogenic autoantibodies.

  8. Comparison of custom-moulded ankle orthosis with hinged joints and off-the-shelf ankle braces in preventing ankle sprain in lateral cutting movements.

    PubMed

    Lee, Winson C C; Kobayashi, Toshiki; Choy, Barton T S; Leung, Aaron K L

    2012-06-01

    A custom moulded ankle orthosis with hinged joints potentially offers a better control over the subtalar joint and the ankle joint during lateral cutting movements, due to total contact design and increase in material strength. To test the above hypothesis by comparing it to three other available orthoses. Repeated measures. Eight subjects with a history of ankle sprains (Grade 2), and 11 subjects without such history performed lateral cutting movements in four test conditions: 1) non-orthotic, 2) custom-moulded ankle orthosis with hinges, 3) Sport-Stirrup, and 4) elastic ankle sleeve with plastic support. A VICON motion analysis system was used to study the motions at the ankle and subtalar joints. The custom-moulded ankle orthosis significantly lowered the inversion angle at initial contact (p = 0.006) and the peak inversion angle (p = 0.000) during lateral cutting movements in comparison to non-orthotic condition, while the other two orthoses did not. The three orthoses did not affect the plantarflexion motions, which had been suggested by previous studies to be important in shock wave attenuation. The custom-moulded ankle orthosis with hinges could better control inversion and thus expected to better prevent ankle sprain in lateral cutting movements. Custom-moulded ankle orthoses are not commonly used in preventing ankle sprains. This study raises the awareness of the use of custom-moulded ankle orthoses which are expected to better prevent ankle sprains.

  9. Shape Memory Alloy-Based Soft Gripper with Variable Stiffness for Compliant and Effective Grasping.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wei; Ahn, Sung-Hoon

    2017-12-01

    Soft pneumatic actuators and motor-based mechanisms being concomitant with the cumbersome appendages have many challenges to making the independent robotic system with compact and lightweight configuration. Meanwhile, shape memory actuators have shown a promising alternative solution in many engineering applications ranging from artificial muscle to aerospace industry. However, one of the main limitations of such systems is their inherent softness resulting in a small actuation force, which prevents them from more effective applications. This issue can be solved by combining shape memory actuators and the mechanism of stiffness modulation. As a first, this study describes a shape memory alloy-based soft gripper composed of three identical fingers with variable stiffness for adaptive grasping in low stiffness state and effective holding in high stiffness state. Each finger with two hinges is fabricated through integrating soft composite actuator with stiffness changeable material where each hinge can approximately achieve a 55-fold changeable stiffness independently. Besides, each finger with two hinges can actively achieve multiple postures by both selectively changing the stiffness of hinges and actuating the relevant SMA wire. Based on these principles, the gripper is applicable for grasping objects with deformable shapes and varying shapes with a large range of weight where its maximum grasping force is increased to ∼10 times through integrating with the stiffness changeable mechanism. The final demonstration shows that the finger with desired shape-retained configurations enables the gripper to successfully pick up a frustum-shaped object.

  10. A combined piezoelectric composite actuator and its application to wing/blade tips

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ha, Kwangtae

    A novel combined piezoelectric-composite actuator configuration is proposed and analytically modeled in this work. The actuator is a low complexity, active compliant mechanism obtained by coupling a modified star cross sectional configuration composite beam with a helicoidal bimorph piezoelectric actuator coiled around it. This novel actuator is a good candidate as a hinge tension-torsion bar actuator for a helicopter rotor blade flap or blade tip and mirror rotational positioning. In the wing tip case, the tip deflection angle is different only according to the aerodynamic moment depending on the hinge position of the actuator along the chord and applied voltage because there is no centrifugal force. For an active blade tip subject to incompressible flow and 2D quasi steady airloads, its twist angle is related not only to aerodynamic moment and applied voltage but also to coupling terms, such as the trapeze effect and the tennis racquet effect. Results show the benefit of hinge position aft of the aerodynamic center, such that the blade tip response is amplified by airloads. Contrary to this effect, results also show that the centrifugal effects and inertial effect cause an amplitude reduction in the response. Summation of these effects determines the overall blade tip response. The results for a certain hinge position of Xh=1.5% chord aft of the quarter chord point proves that the tip deflection target design range of beta ∈ [-2,+2] can be achieved for all pitch angle configurations chosen.

  11. A systematic, multimodality approach to emergency elbow imaging.

    PubMed

    Singer, Adam D; Hanna, Tarek; Jose, Jean; Datir, Abhijit

    2016-01-01

    The elbow is a complex synovial hinge joint that is frequently involved in both athletic and nonathletic injuries. A thorough understanding of the normal anatomy and various injury patterns is essential when utilizing diagnostic imaging to identify damaged structures and to assist in surgical planning. In this review, the elbow anatomy will be scrutinized in a systematic approach. This will be followed by a comprehensive presentation of elbow injuries that are commonly seen in the emergency department accompanied by multimodality imaging findings. A short discussion regarding pitfalls in elbow imaging is also included. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Substrate Induced Structural and Dynamics Changes in Human Phosphomevalonate Kinase and Implications for Mechanism

    PubMed Central

    Olson, Andrew L.; Yao, Huili; Herdendorf, Timothy J.; Miziorko, Henry M.; Hannongbua, Supa; Saparpakorn, Patchareenart; Cai, Sheng; Sem, Daniel S.

    2008-01-01

    Phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK) catalyzes an essential step in the mevalonate pathway, which is the only pathway for synthesis of isoprenoids and steroids in humans. PMK catalyzes transfer of the γ-phosphate of ATP to mevalonate 5-phosphate (M5P) to form mevalonate 5-diphosphate. Bringing these phosphate groups in proximity to react is especially challenging, given the high negative charge density on the four phosphate groups in the active site. As such, conformational and dynamics changes needed to form the Michaelis complex are of mechanistic interest. Herein, we report the characterization of substrate induced changes (Mg-ADP, M5P, and the ternary complex) in PMK, using NMR-based dynamics and chemical shift perturbation measurements. Mg-ADP and M5P Kd's were 6-60 μM in all complexes, consistent with there being little binding synergy. Binding of M5P causes the PMK structure to compress (τc= 13.5 nsec), while subsequent binding of Mg-ADP opens the structure up (τc= 17.6 nsec). The overall complex seems to stay very rigid on the psec-nsec timescale with an average NMR order parameter of S2∼0.88. Data are consistent with addition of M5P causing movement around a hinge region to permit domain closure, which would bring the M5P domain close to ATP to permit catalysis. Dynamics data identify potential hinge residues as H55 and R93, based on their low order parameters and their location in extended regions that connect the M5P and ATP domains in the PMK homology model. Likewise, D163 may be a hinge residue for the lid region that is homologous to the adenylate kinase lid, covering the “Walker-A” catalytic loop. Binding of ATP or ADP appears to cause similar conformational changes; but, these observations do not indicate an obvious role for γ-phosphate binding interactions. Indeed, the role of γ-phosphate interactions may be more subtle than suggested by ATP/ADP comparisons, since the conservative O to NH substitution in the β-γ bridge of ATP causes a dramatic decrease in affinity and induces few chemical shift perturbations. In terms of positioning of catalytic residues, binding of M5P induces a rigidification of Gly21 (adjacent to the catalytically important Lys22), although exchange broadening in the ternary complex suggests some motion on a slower timescale does still occur. Finally, the first 9 residues of the N-terminus are highly disordered, suggesting they may be part of a cleavable signal or regulatory peptide sequence. PMID:18798562

  13. Structure of the Escherichia coli phosphonate binding protein PhnD and rationally optimized phosphonate biosensors.

    PubMed

    Alicea, Ismael; Marvin, Jonathan S; Miklos, Aleksandr E; Ellington, Andrew D; Looger, Loren L; Schreiter, Eric R

    2011-12-02

    The phnD gene of Escherichia coli encodes the periplasmic binding protein of the phosphonate (Pn) uptake and utilization pathway. We have crystallized and determined structures of E. coli PhnD (EcPhnD) in the absence of ligand and in complex with the environmentally abundant 2-aminoethylphosphonate (2AEP). Similar to other bacterial periplasmic binding proteins, 2AEP binds near the center of mass of EcPhnD in a cleft formed between two lobes. Comparison of the open, unliganded structure with the closed 2AEP-bound structure shows that the two lobes pivot around a hinge by ~70° between the two states. Extensive hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions stabilize 2AEP, which binds to EcPhnD with low nanomolar affinity. These structures provide insight into Pn uptake by bacteria and facilitated the rational design of high signal-to-noise Pn biosensors based on both coupled small-molecule dyes and autocatalytic fluorescent proteins. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Structure of the Escherichia coli Phosphonate Binding Protein PhnD and Rationally Optimized Phosphonate Biosensors

    PubMed Central

    Alicea, Ismael; Marvin, Jonathan S.; Miklos, Aleksandr E.; Ellington, Andrew D.; Looger, Loren L.; Schreiter, Eric R.

    2012-01-01

    The phnD gene of Escherichia coli encodes the periplasmic binding protein of the phosphonate uptake and utilization pathway. We have crystallized and determined structures of E. coli PhnD (EcPhnD) in the absence of ligand and in complex with the environmentally abundant 2-aminoethylphosphonate (2AEP). Similar to other bacterial periplasmic binding proteins, 2AEP binds near the center of mass of EcPhnD in a cleft formed between two lobes. Comparison of the open, unliganded structure with the closed 2AEP-bound structure shows that the two lobes pivot around a hinge by ~70° between the two states. Extensive hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions stabilize 2AEP, which binds to EcPhnD with low nanomolar affinity. These structures provide insight into phosphonate uptake by bacteria and facilitated the rational design of high signal-to-noise phosphonate biosensors based both on coupled small molecule dyes and autocatalytic fluorescent proteins. PMID:22019591

  15. Subtle balance of tropoelastin molecular shape and flexibility regulates dynamics and hierarchical assembly.

    PubMed

    Yeo, Giselle C; Tarakanova, Anna; Baldock, Clair; Wise, Steven G; Buehler, Markus J; Weiss, Anthony S

    2016-02-01

    The assembly of the tropoelastin monomer into elastin is vital for conferring elasticity on blood vessels, skin, and lungs. Tropoelastin has dual needs for flexibility and structure in self-assembly. We explore the structure-dynamics-function interplay, consider the duality of molecular order and disorder, and identify equally significant functional contributions by local and global structures. To study these organizational stratifications, we perturb a key hinge region by expressing an exon that is universally spliced out in human tropoelastins. We find a herniated nanostructure with a displaced C terminus and explain by molecular modeling that flexible helices are replaced with substantial β sheets. We see atypical higher-order cross-linking and inefficient assembly into discontinuous, thick elastic fibers. We explain this dysfunction by correlating local and global structural effects with changes in the molecule's assembly dynamics. This work has general implications for our understanding of elastomeric proteins, which balance disordered regions with defined structural modules at multiple scales for functional assembly.

  16. Crystal structure of group II intron domain 1 reveals a template for RNA assembly

    DOE PAGES

    Zhao, Chen; Rajashankar, Kanagalaghatta R.; Marcia, Marco; ...

    2015-10-26

    Although the importance of large noncoding RNAs is increasingly appreciated, our understanding of their structures and architectural dynamics remains limited. In particular, we know little about RNA folding intermediates and how they facilitate the productive assembly of RNA tertiary structures. In this paper, we report the crystal structure of an obligate intermediate that is required during the earliest stages of group II intron folding. Composed of domain 1 from the Oceanobacillus iheyensis group II intron (266 nucleotides), this intermediate retains native-like features but adopts a compact conformation in which the active site cleft is closed. Transition between this closed andmore » the open (native) conformation is achieved through discrete rotations of hinge motifs in two regions of the molecule. Finally, the open state is then stabilized by sequential docking of downstream intron domains, suggesting a 'first come, first folded' strategy that may represent a generalizable pathway for assembly of large RNA and ribonucleoprotein structures.« less

  17. Structure of the Escherichia coli Phosphonate Binding Protein PhnD and Rationally Optimized Phosphonate Biosensors

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

    Alicea, Ismael; Marvin, Jonathan S.; Miklos, Aleksandr E.

    2012-09-17

    The phnD gene of Escherichia coli encodes the periplasmic binding protein of the phosphonate (Pn) uptake and utilization pathway. We have crystallized and determined structures of E. coli PhnD (EcPhnD) in the absence of ligand and in complex with the environmentally abundant 2-aminoethylphosphonate (2AEP). Similar to other bacterial periplasmic binding proteins, 2AEP binds near the center of mass of EcPhnD in a cleft formed between two lobes. Comparison of the open, unliganded structure with the closed 2AEP-bound structure shows that the two lobes pivot around a hinge by {approx}70{sup o} between the two states. Extensive hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactionsmore » stabilize 2AEP, which binds to EcPhnD with low nanomolar affinity. These structures provide insight into Pn uptake by bacteria and facilitated the rational design of high signal-to-noise Pn biosensors based on both coupled small-molecule dyes and autocatalytic fluorescent proteins.« less

  18. Concepts, characterization, and modeling of MEMS microswitches with gold contacts in MUMPs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lafontan, Xavier; Dufaza, Christian; Robert, Michel; Pressecq, Francis; Perez, Guy

    2001-04-01

    This paper demonstrates that RF MEMS micro-switches can be realized with a low cost MEMS technology such as MUMPs. Two different switches are proposed, namely the hinged beam switch and the gold overflowing switch. Their concepts, design and characterization are described in details. On-resistance as low as 5 - 6 (Omega) for the gold overflowing switch and 2 - 3 (Omega) for the hinged beam switch have been measured. Finally, experimental measurements showed that force and electrical current had strong influences on the overall electrical contact.

  19. Geometric modeling of controlled third-class hinged mechanisms with a stand in one extreme position for cyclic automatic machines

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khomchenko, V. G.; Varepo, L. G.; Glukhov, V. I.; Krivokhatko, E. A.

    2017-06-01

    The geometric model for the synthesis of third-class lever mechanisms is proposed, which allows, by changing the length of the auxiliary link and the position of its fixed hinge, to rearrange the movement of the working organ onto the cyclograms with different predetermined dwell times. It is noted that with the help of the proposed model, at the expense of the corresponding geometric constructions, the best uniform Chebyshev approximation can be achieved at the interval of the standstill.

  20. Thermoelectric generator with hinged assembly for fins

    DOEpatents

    Purdy, David L.; Shapiro, Zalman M.; Hursen, Thomas F.; Maurer, Gerould W.

    1976-11-02

    A cylindrical casing has a central shielded capsule of radioisotope fuel. A plurality of thermonuclear modules are axially arranged with their hot junctions resiliently pressed toward the shield and with their cold junctions adjacent a transition member having fins radiating heat to the environment. For each module, the assembly of transition member and fins is hinged to the casing for swinging to permit access to and removal of such module. A ceramic plate having gold layers on opposite faces prevents diffusion bonding of the hot junction to the shield.

  1. Aerodynamic characteristics of horizontal tail surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Silverstein, Abe; Katzoff, S

    1940-01-01

    Collected data are presented on the aerodynamic characteristics of 17 horizontal tail surfaces including several with balanced elevators and two with end plates. Curves are given for coefficients of normal force, drag, and elevator hinge moment. A limited analysis of the results has been made. The normal-force coefficients are in better agreement with the lifting-surface theory of Prandtl and Blenk for airfoils of low aspect ratio than with the usual lifting-line theory. Only partial agreement exists between the elevator hinge-moment coefficients and those predicted by Glauert's thin-airfoil theory.

  2. Simplified Flutter Prevention Criteria for Personal Type Aircraft

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1955-01-01

    Play of Ailerons The total free play at the aileron edge of each aileron, when the other aileron is cla:nped to the wing should not exceed 2.5 percent of...the aileron chcrd aft of the hinge line at the station where the free play is measured. Elevator Balance Each elevator should be dynamically balanced...8217•. • . e •% f% ’dr-,•~~ • . S•, ,,,8- 2. The total free play at the tab trailing edge should be less than 2.5% of the tab chord aft of the hinge

  3. Structure, function and folding of phosphoglycerate kinase are strongly perturbed by macromolecular crowding.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samiotakis, Antonios; Dhar, Apratim; Ebbinghaus, Simon; Nienhaus, Lea; Homouz, Dirar; Gruebele, Martin; Cheung, Margaret

    2010-10-01

    We combine experiment and computer simulation to show how macromolecular crowding dramatically affects the structure, function and folding landscape of phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). Fluorescence labeling shows that compact states of yeast PGK are populated as the amount of crowding agents (Ficoll 70) increases. Coarse-grained molecular simulations reveal three compact ensembles: C (crystal structure), CC (collapsed crystal) and Sph (spherical compact). With an adjustment for viscosity, crowded wild type PGK and fluorescent PGK are about 15 times or more active in 200 mg/ml Ficoll than in aqueous solution. Our results suggest a new solution to the classic problem of how the ADP and diphosphoglycerate binding sites of PGK come together to make ATP: rather than undergoing a hinge motion, the ADP and substrate sites are already located in proximity under crowded conditions that mimic the in vivo conditions under which the enzyme actually operates.

  4. The Bridge Helix of RNA polymerase acts as a central nanomechanical switchboard for coordinating catalysis and substrate movement.

    PubMed

    Weinzierl, Robert O J

    2011-01-01

    The availability of in vitro assembly systems to produce recombinant archaeal RNA polymerases (RNAPs) offers one of the most powerful experimental tools for investigating the still relatively poorly understood molecular mechanisms underlying RNAP function. Over the last few years, we pioneered new robot-based high-throughput mutagenesis approaches to study structure/function relationships within various domains surrounding the catalytic center. The Bridge Helix domain, which appears in numerous X-ray structures as a 35-amino-acid-long alpha helix, coordinates the concerted movement of several other domains during catalysis through kinking of two discrete molecular hinges. Mutations affecting these kinking mechanisms have a direct effect on the specific catalytic activity of RNAP and can in some instances more than double it. Molecular dynamics simulations have established themselves as exceptionally useful for providing additional insights and detailed models to explain the underlying structural motions.

  5. Single Molecule Stepping and Structural Dynamics of Myosin X

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Yujie; Sato, Osamu; Ruhnow, Felix; Arsenault, Mark E.; Ikebe, Mitsuo; Goldman, Yale E.

    2010-01-01

    Myosin X is an unconventional myosin with puzzling motility properties. We studied the motility of dimerized myosin X using single molecule fluorescence techniques – polTIRF, FIONA, and Parallax to measure rotation angles and 3-dimensional position of the molecule during its walk. It was found that Myosin X steps processively in a hand-over-hand manner following a left-handed helical path along both single actin filaments and bundles. Its step size and velocity are smaller on actin bundles than individual filaments, suggesting myosin X often steps onto neighboring filaments in a bundle. The data suggest that a previously postulated single α-helical domain mechanically extends the 3-IQ motif lever arm and either the neck-tail hinge or the tail is flexible. These structural features, in conjunction with the membrane and microtubule binding domains, enable myosin X to perform multiple functions on varied actin structures in cells. PMID:20364131

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

    Zhang, Xianjun; Zhao, Fei; Wu, Yiran

    Here, the Smoothened receptor (SMO) belongs to the Class Frizzled of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, constituting a key component of the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Here we report the crystal structure of the multi-domain human SMO, bound and stabilized by a designed tool ligand TC114, using an X-ray free-electron laser source at 2.9 Å. The structure reveals a precise arrangement of three distinct domains: a seven-transmembrane helices domain (TMD), a hinge domain (HD) and an intact extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD). This architecture enables allosteric interactions between the domains that are important for ligand recognition and receptor activation. By combiningmore » the structural data, molecular dynamics simulation, and hydrogen-deuterium-exchange analysis, we demonstrate that transmembrane helix VI, extracellular loop 3 and the HD play a central role in transmitting the signal employing a unique GPCR activation mechanism, distinct from other multi-domain GPCRs.« less

  7. Origami Mechanics: Bistability and Isometries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adda-Bedia, Mokhtar; Lechenault, Frederic; Morphogenesis; multiscale phenomena Team

    2015-03-01

    Origami structures are usually seen as assemblies of rigid faces articulated around creases with hinge-like behaviour. Their deployment and degrees of freedom are purely kinematic, resulting only from the geometry of the crease network. However, in real folded structures, the base material can deform outside the creases. In such situations, face bending competes with crease actuation in a morphogenetic way. In order to rationalise this interplay, we investigate the mechanical behaviour of an infinite sheet on which one or more straight creases meet at a single vertex. We find that these structures generically exhibit bistability, in the sense that they can snap through from one metastable configuration to another. Furthermore, we uncover a new class of isometry of the plane, which corresponds to metastable states of a creased sheet for which the hoop stress vanishes, an instability mechanism that is also responsible for the wrinkling of thin plates.

  8. Rational design of reconfigurable prismatic architected materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bertoldi, Katia; Overvelde, Johannes; Hoberman, Chuck; Weaver, James

    Advances in fabrication technologies are enabling the production of architected materials with unprecedented properties. While most of these materials are characterized by a fixed geometry,an intriguing avenue is to incorporate internal mechanisms capable of recon_guring their spatial architecture, therefore enabling tunable functionality. Inspired by the structural diversity and foldability of the prismatic geometries that can be constructed using the snapology origami-technique, here we introduce a robust design strategy based on space-filling polyhedra to create 3D reconfigurable materials comprising a periodic assembly of rigid plates and elastic hinges. Guided by numerical analysis and physical prototypes, we systematically explore the mobility of the designed structures and identify a wide range of qualitatively di_erent deformations and internal rearrangements. Given that the underlying principles are scale-independent, our strategy can be applied to design the next generation of reconfigurable structures and materials, ranging from transformable meter-scale architectures to nanoscale tunable photonic systems..

  9. Method for fabricating five-level microelectromechanical structures and microelectromechanical transmission formed

    DOEpatents

    Rodgers, M. Steven; Sniegowski, Jeffry J.; Miller, Samuel L.; McWhorter, Paul J.

    2000-01-01

    A process for forming complex microelectromechanical (MEM) devices having five layers or levels of polysilicon, including four structural polysilicon layers wherein mechanical elements can be formed, and an underlying polysilicon layer forming a voltage reference plane. A particular type of MEM device that can be formed with the five-level polysilicon process is a MEM transmission for controlling or interlocking mechanical power transfer between an electrostatic motor and a self-assembling structure (e.g. a hinged pop-up mirror for use with an incident laser beam). The MEM transmission is based on an incomplete gear train and a bridging set of gears that can be moved into place to complete the gear train to enable power transfer. The MEM transmission has particular applications as a safety component for surety, and for this purpose can incorporate a pin-in-maze discriminator responsive to a coded input signal.

  10. A Deployable Primary Mirror for Space Telescopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lake, Mark S.; Phelps, James E.; Dyer, Jack E.; Caudle, David A.; Tam, Anthony; Escobedo, Javier; Kasl, Eldon P.

    1999-01-01

    NASA Langley Research Center, Composite Optics, Inc., and Nyma/ADF have developed jointly a deployable primary mirror for space telescopes that combines over five years of research on deployment of optical-precision structures and over ten years of development of fabrication techniques for optical-precision composite mirror panels and structures. The deployable mirror is directly applicable to a broad class of non-imaging "lidar" (light direction a nd ranging) telescopes whose figure-error requirements are in the range of one to ten microns RMS. Furthermore, the mirror design can be readily modified to accommodate imaging-quality reflector panels and active panel-alignment control mechanisms for application to imaging telescopes. The present paper: 1) describes the deployable mirror concept; 2) explains the status of the mirror development; and 3) provides some technical specifications for a 2.55- m-diameter, proof-of-concept mirror. Keywords: precision deployment, hinge joint, latch joint, deployable structures, fabrication, space telescopes, optical instruments, microdynamics.

  11. Nonlinear mechanics of non-rigid origami: an efficient computational approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, K.; Paulino, G. H.

    2017-10-01

    Origami-inspired designs possess attractive applications to science and engineering (e.g. deployable, self-assembling, adaptable systems). The special geometric arrangement of panels and creases gives rise to unique mechanical properties of origami, such as reconfigurability, making origami designs well suited for tunable structures. Although often being ignored, origami structures exhibit additional soft modes beyond rigid folding due to the flexibility of thin sheets that further influence their behaviour. Actual behaviour of origami structures usually involves significant geometric nonlinearity, which amplifies the influence of additional soft modes. To investigate the nonlinear mechanics of origami structures with deformable panels, we present a structural engineering approach for simulating the nonlinear response of non-rigid origami structures. In this paper, we propose a fully nonlinear, displacement-based implicit formulation for performing static/quasi-static analyses of non-rigid origami structures based on `bar-and-hinge' models. The formulation itself leads to an efficient and robust numerical implementation. Agreement between real models and numerical simulations demonstrates the ability of the proposed approach to capture key features of origami behaviour.

  12. Nonlinear mechanics of non-rigid origami: an efficient computational approach.

    PubMed

    Liu, K; Paulino, G H

    2017-10-01

    Origami-inspired designs possess attractive applications to science and engineering (e.g. deployable, self-assembling, adaptable systems). The special geometric arrangement of panels and creases gives rise to unique mechanical properties of origami, such as reconfigurability, making origami designs well suited for tunable structures. Although often being ignored, origami structures exhibit additional soft modes beyond rigid folding due to the flexibility of thin sheets that further influence their behaviour. Actual behaviour of origami structures usually involves significant geometric nonlinearity, which amplifies the influence of additional soft modes. To investigate the nonlinear mechanics of origami structures with deformable panels, we present a structural engineering approach for simulating the nonlinear response of non-rigid origami structures. In this paper, we propose a fully nonlinear, displacement-based implicit formulation for performing static/quasi-static analyses of non-rigid origami structures based on 'bar-and-hinge' models. The formulation itself leads to an efficient and robust numerical implementation. Agreement between real models and numerical simulations demonstrates the ability of the proposed approach to capture key features of origami behaviour.

  13. Anisotropic Ripple Deformation in Phosphorene.

    PubMed

    Kou, Liangzhi; Ma, Yandong; Smith, Sean C; Chen, Changfeng

    2015-05-07

    Two-dimensional materials tend to become crumpled according to the Mermin-Wagner theorem, and the resulting ripple deformation may significantly influence electronic properties as observed in graphene and MoS2. Here, we unveil by first-principles calculations a new, highly anisotropic ripple pattern in phosphorene, a monolayer black phosphorus, where compression-induced ripple deformation occurs only along the zigzag direction in the strain range up to 10%, but not the armchair direction. This direction-selective ripple deformation mode in phosphorene stems from its puckered structure with coupled hinge-like bonding configurations and the resulting anisotropic Poisson ratio. We also construct an analytical model using classical elasticity theory for ripple deformation in phosphorene under arbitrary strain. The present results offer new insights into the mechanisms governing the structural and electronic properties of phosphorene crucial to its device applications.

  14. Zipping and Unzipping of Adenylate Kinase: Atomistic Insights into the Ensemble of Open ↔ Closed Transitions

    PubMed Central

    Beckstein, Oliver; Denning, Elizabeth J.; Perilla, Juan R.; Woolf, Thomas B.

    2009-01-01

    Adenylate kinase (AdK), a phosphotransferase enzyme, plays an important role in cellular energy homeostasis. It undergoes a large conformational change between an open and a closed state, even in the absence of substrate. We investigate the apo-AdK transition at the atomic level both with free energy calculations and our new dynamic importance sampling (DIMS) molecular dynamics (MD) method. DIMS is shown to sample biologically relevant conformations as verified by comparing an ensemble of hundreds of DIMS transitions to AdK crystal structure intermediates. The simulations reveal in atomic detail how hinge regions partially and intermittently unfold during the transition. Conserved salt bridges are seen to have important structural and dynamic roles; in particular four ionic bonds are identified that open in a sequential, zipper-like fashion and thus dominate the free energy landscape of the transition. Transitions between the closed and open conformations only have to overcome moderate free energy barriers. Unexpectedly, the closed and open state encompass broad free energy basins that contain conformations differing in domain hinge motions by up to 40°. The significance of these extended states is discussed in relation to recent experimental FRET measurements. Taken together, these results demonstrate how a small number of cooperative key interactions can shape the overall dynamics of an enzyme and suggest an “all-or-nothing” mechanism for the opening and closing of AdK. Our efficient DIMS-MD computer simulation approach can provide a detailed picture of a functionally important macromolecular transition and thus help to interpret and suggest experiments to probe the conformational landscape of dynamic proteins such as AdK. PMID:19751742

  15. Conformational dynamics of minimal elastin-like polypeptides: the role of proline revealed by molecular dynamics and nuclear magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Glaves, Rachel; Baer, Marcel; Schreiner, Eduard; Stoll, Raphael; Marx, Dominik

    2008-12-22

    Previous molecular dynamics studies of the elastin-like peptide (ELP) GVG(VPGVG) predict that this ELP undergoes a conformational transition from an open to a more compact closed state upon an increase in temperature. These structural changes occurring in this minimal elastin model at the so-called inverse temperature transition (ITT), which takes place when elastin is heated to temperatures of about 20-40 (omicron)C, are investigated further in this work by means of a combined theoretical and experimental approach. To do this, additional extensive classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the capped octapeptide are carried out, analyzed, and compared to data obtained from homonuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the same octapeptide. Moreover, in the previous simulations, the proline residue in the ELP is found to act as a hinge, thereby allowing for the large-amplitude opening and closing conformational motion of the ITT. To explore the role of proline in such elastin repeating units, a point mutant (P5I), which replaces the proline residue with an isoleucine residue, is also investigated using the aforementioned theoretical and experimental techniques. The results show that the site-directed mutation completely alters the properties of this ELP, thus confirming the importance of the highly conserved proline residue in the ITT. Furthermore, a correlation between the two different methods employed is seen. Both methods predict the mutant ELP to be present in an unstructured form and the wild type ELP to have a beta-turn-like structure. Finally, the role of the peptidyl cis to trans isomerization of the proline hinge is assessed in detail.

  16. Multifunctional Inflatable Structure Being Developed for the PowerSphere Concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peterson, Todd T.

    2004-01-01

    NASA has funded a collaborative team of The Aerospace Corporation, ILC Dover, Lockheed Martin, and NASA Glenn Research Center to develop the Multifunctional Inflatable Structure (MIS) for a "PowerSphere" concept through a NASA Research Announcement. This power system concept has several advantages, including a high collection area, low weight and stowage volume, and the elimination of all solar array pointing mechanisms. The current 3-year effort will culminate with the fabrication and testing of a fully functional engineering development unit. The baseline design of the Power-Sphere consists of two opposing semispherical domes connected to a central spacecraft. Each semispherical dome consists of hexagonal and pentagonal solar cell panels that together form a geodetic sphere. Inflatable ultraviolet (UV) rigidizable tubular hinges between the solar cell panels and UV rigidizable isogrid center columns with imbedded flex circuitry form the MIS. The reference configuration for the PowerSphere is a 0.6-m-diameter (fully deployed) spacecraft with a total mass budget of 4 kg (1 kg for PowerSphere, 3 kg for spacecraft) capable of producing 29 W of electricity with 10-percent-efficient thin-film solar cells. In a stowed configuration, the solar cell panels will be folded sequentially to the outside of the instrument decks. The center column will be z-folded between the instrument decks and the spacecraft housing for packaging. The instrument panel will secure the z-folded stack with launch ties. After launch, once the release tie is triggered, the center column and hinge tubes will inflate and be rigidized in their final configurations by ultraviolet radiation. The overall PowerSphere deployment sequence is shown pictorially in the following illustration.

  17. The Lewis thrust fault and related structures in the Disturbed Belt, northwestern Montana

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Mudge, Melville Rhodes; Earhart, Robert L.

    1980-01-01

    The classical Lewis thrust fault in Glacier National Park has now been mapped 125 km south of the park to Steamboat Mountain, where the trace dies out in folded middle Paleozoic rocks. The known length of the fault is 452 km, extending northward from Steamboat Mountain to a point 225 km into Canada, where the fault also dies out in Paleozoic rocks. At the south end, the surface expression of the Lewis thrust begins in a shear zone in folded Mississippian rocks. To the north, the thrust progressively cuts downsection into Proterozoic Y (Belt) rocks near Glacier National Park. Displacement on the Lewis plate increases northward from approximately 3 km on an easterly trending hinge line at the West Fork of the Sun River to a postulated 65 km at the southern edge of the park, where the stratigraphic throw is about 6,500 m. Present data indicate the thrust formed during very late Paleocene to very early Eocene time. The Lewis thrust and related structures, the Hoadley thrust and the Continental Divide syncline, probably formed concurrently under the same stress field. The northern limit of the trace of the Hoadley thrust is within the lower portion of the Lewis plate, about 28 km north of where the Lewis thrust develops, and the Hoadley extends for at least 125 km to the south. Displacement of the Hoadley increases southward from about 1 km at the hinge line to an inferred 70 km near its known southern extent. If our inference is correct, the Hoadley is nearly the southern mirror image of the Lewis to the north. The Continental Divide syncline, a doubly plunging, broad, northerly trending open fold that is about 120 km long, is a major fold within the Lewis plate.

  18. Cysteine Racemization on IgG Heavy and Light Chains

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Qingchun; Flynn, Gregory C.

    2013-01-01

    Under basic pH conditions, the heavy chain 220-light chain 214 (H220-L214) disulfide bond, found in the flexible hinge region of an IgG1, can convert to a thioether. Similar conditions also result in racemization of the H220 cysteine. Here, we report that racemization occurs on both H220 and L214 on an IgG1 with a λ light chain (IgG1λ) but almost entirely on H220 of an IgGl with a κ light chain (IgG1κ) under similar conditions. Likewise, racemization was detected at significant levels on H220 and L214 on endogenous human IgG1λ but only at the H220 position on IgG1κ. Low but measurable levels of d-cysteines were found on IgG2 cysteines in the hinge region, both with monoclonal antibodies incubated under basic pH conditions and on antibodies isolated from human serum. A simplified reaction mechanism involving reversible β-elimination on the cysteine is presented that accounts for both base-catalyzed racemization and thioether formation at the hinge disulfide. PMID:24142697

  19. Full-Scale Wind-Tunnel Investigation of a Jet Flap in Conjunction with a Plain Flap with Blowing Boundary-Layer Control on a 35 deg Sweptback-Wing Airplane

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Aoyagi, Kiyoshi; Hickey, David H.

    1959-01-01

    Previous investigations have shown that increased blowing at the hinge-line radius of a plain flap will give flap lift increases above that realized with boundary-layer control. Other experiments and theory have shown that blowing from a wing trailing edge, through the jet flap effect, produced lift increases. The present investigation was made to determine whether blowing simultaneously at the hinge-line radius and trailing edge would be more effective than blowing separately at either location. The tests were made at a Reynolds number of 4.5 x 10(exp 6) with a 35 deg sweptback-wing airplane. For this report, only the lift data are presented. Of the three flap blowing arrangements tested, blowing distributed between the trailing edge and the hinge-line radius of a plain flap was found to be superior to blowing at either location separately at the plain flap deflections of interest. Comparison of estimated and experimental jet flap effectiveness was fair.

  20. How does a woodpecker work? An impact dynamics approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yuzhe; Qiu, Xinming; Yu, Tongxi; Tao, Jiawei; Cheng, Ze

    2015-04-01

    To understand how a woodpecker is able accelerate its head to such a high velocity in a short amount of time, a multi-rigid-segment model of a woodpecker's body is established in this study. Based on the skeletal specimen of the woodpecker and several videos of woodpeckers pecking, the parameters of a three-degree-of-freedom system are determined. The high velocity of the head is found to be the result of a whipping effect, which could be affected by muscle torque and tendon stiffness. The mechanism of whipping is analyzed by comparing the response of a hinged rod to that of a rigid rod. Depending on the parameters, the dynamic behavior of a hinged rod is classified into three response modes. Of these, a high free-end velocity could be achieved in mode II. The model is then generalized to a multihinge condition, and the free-end velocity is found to increase with hinge number, which explains the high free-end velocity resulting from whipping. Furthermore, the effects of some other factors, such as damping and mass distribution, on the velocity are also discussed.

  1. Subsonic and transonic hinge moment and wing bending/torsion characteristics of .015 scale space shuttle models 49-0 and 67-TS in the Rockwell International trisonic wind tunnel (IA70), volume 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hughes, M. T.; Mennell, R. C.

    1974-01-01

    Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on an 0.015-scale representation of the integrated space shuttle launch vehicle in the trisonic wind tunnel. The primary test objective was to obtain subsonic and transonic elevon and bodyflap hinge moments and wing bending-torsion moments in the presence of the launch vehicle. Wing pressures were also recorded for the upper and lower right wing surfaces at two spanwise stations. The hinge moment, wing bending/torsion moments and wing pressure data were recorded over an angle-of-attack (alpha) range from -8 deg to +8 deg, and angle-of-sideslip (beta) range from -8 deg to +8 deg and at Mach numbers of 0.90, 1.12, 1.24 and 1.50. Tests were also conducted to determine the effects of the orbiter rear attach cross beam and the forward attach wedge and strut diameter. The orbiter alone was tested at 0.90 and 1.24 Mach number only.

  2. A lateral guidance algorithm to reduce the post-aerobraking burn requirements for a lift-modulated orbital transfer vehicle. M.S. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Herman, G. C.

    1986-01-01

    A lateral guidance algorithm which controls the location of the line of intersection between the actual and desired orbital planes (the hinge line) is developed for the aerobraking phase of a lift-modulated orbital transfer vehicle. The on-board targeting algorithm associated with this lateral guidance algorithm is simple and concise which is very desirable since computation time and space are limited on an on-board flight computer. A variational equation which describes the movement of the hinge line is derived. Simple relationships between the plane error, the desired hinge line position, the position out-of-plane error, and the velocity out-of-plane error are found. A computer simulation is developed to test the lateral guidance algorithm for a variety of operating conditions. The algorithm does reduce the total burn magnitude needed to achieve the desired orbit by allowing the plane correction and perigee-raising burn to be combined in a single maneuver. The algorithm performs well under vacuum perigee dispersions, pot-hole density disturbance, and thick atmospheres. The results for many different operating conditions are presented.

  3. Myosin binding protein C positioned to play a key role in regulation of muscle contraction: structure and interactions of domain C1.

    PubMed

    Ababou, Abdessamad; Rostkova, Elena; Mistry, Shreena; Le Masurier, Clare; Gautel, Mathias; Pfuhl, Mark

    2008-12-19

    Myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) is a thick filament protein involved in the regulation of muscle contraction. Mutations in the gene for MyBP-C are the second most frequent cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MyBP-C binds to myosin with two binding sites, one at its C-terminus and another at its N-terminus. The N-terminal binding site, consisting of immunoglobulin domains C1 and C2 connected by a flexible linker, interacts with the S2 segment of myosin in a phosphorylation-regulated manner. It is assumed that the function of MyBP-C is to act as a tether that fixes the S1 heads in a resting position and that phosphorylation releases the S1 heads into an active state. Here, we report the structure and binding properties of domain C1. Using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and NMR interaction experiments, we identified the binding site of domain C1 in the immediate vicinity of the S1-S2 hinge, very close to the light chains. In addition, we identified a zinc binding site on domain C1 in close proximity to the S2 binding site. Its zinc binding affinity (K(d) of approximately 10-20 microM) might not be sufficient for a physiological effect. However, the familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-related mutation of one of the zinc ligands, glutamine 210 to histidine, will significantly increase the binding affinity, suggesting that this mutation may affect S2 binding. The close proximity of the C1 binding site to the hinge, the light chains and the S1 heads also provides an explanation for recent observations that (a) shorter fragments of MyBP-C unable to act as a tether still have an effect on the actomyosin ATPase and (b) as to why the myosin head positions in phosphorylated wild-type mice and MyBP-C knockout mice are so different: Domain C1 bound to the S1-S2 hinge is able to manipulate S1 head positions, thus influencing force generation without tether. The potentially extensive extra interactions of C1 are expected to keep it in place, while phosphorylation dislodges the C1-C2 linker and domain C2. As a result, the myosin heads would always be attached to a tether that has phosphorylation-dependent length regulation.

  4. Myosin Binding Protein C Positioned to Play a Key Role in Regulation of Muscle Contraction: Structure and Interactions of Domain C1

    PubMed Central

    Ababou, Abdessamad; Rostkova, Elena; Mistry, Shreena; Masurier, Clare Le; Gautel, Mathias; Pfuhl, Mark

    2008-01-01

    Myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) is a thick filament protein involved in the regulation of muscle contraction. Mutations in the gene for MyBP-C are the second most frequent cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MyBP-C binds to myosin with two binding sites, one at its C-terminus and another at its N-terminus. The N-terminal binding site, consisting of immunoglobulin domains C1 and C2 connected by a flexible linker, interacts with the S2 segment of myosin in a phosphorylation-regulated manner. It is assumed that the function of MyBP-C is to act as a tether that fixes the S1 heads in a resting position and that phosphorylation releases the S1 heads into an active state. Here, we report the structure and binding properties of domain C1. Using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and NMR interaction experiments, we identified the binding site of domain C1 in the immediate vicinity of the S1–S2 hinge, very close to the light chains. In addition, we identified a zinc binding site on domain C1 in close proximity to the S2 binding site. Its zinc binding affinity (Kd of approximately 10–20 μM) might not be sufficient for a physiological effect. However, the familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-related mutation of one of the zinc ligands, glutamine 210 to histidine, will significantly increase the binding affinity, suggesting that this mutation may affect S2 binding. The close proximity of the C1 binding site to the hinge, the light chains and the S1 heads also provides an explanation for recent observations that (a) shorter fragments of MyBP-C unable to act as a tether still have an effect on the actomyosin ATPase and (b) as to why the myosin head positions in phosphorylated wild-type mice and MyBP-C knockout mice are so different: Domain C1 bound to the S1–S2 hinge is able to manipulate S1 head positions, thus influencing force generation without tether. The potentially extensive extra interactions of C1 are expected to keep it in place, while phosphorylation dislodges the C1–C2 linker and domain C2. As a result, the myosin heads would always be attached to a tether that has phosphorylation-dependent length regulation. PMID:18926831

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

    Liu, Cong; Sawaya, Michael R.; Eisenberg, David

    {beta}{sub 2}-microglobulin ({beta}{sub 2}-m) is the light chain of the type I major histocompatibility complex. It deposits as amyloid fibrils within joints during long-term hemodialysis treatment. Despite the devastating effects of dialysis-related amyloidosis, full understanding of how fibrils form from soluble {beta}{sub 2}-m remains elusive. Here we show that {beta}{sub 2}-m can oligomerize and fibrillize via three-dimensional domain swapping. Isolating a covalently bound, domain-swapped dimer from {beta}{sub 2}-m oligomers on the pathway to fibrils, we were able to determine its crystal structure. The hinge loop that connects the swapped domain to the core domain includes the fibrillizing segment LSFSKD, whosemore » atomic structure we also determined. The LSFSKD structure reveals a class 5 steric zipper, akin to other amyloid spines. The structures of the dimer and the zipper spine fit well into an atomic model for this fibrillar form of {beta}{sub 2}-m, which assembles slowly under physiological conditions.« less

  6. Effect of a Near Fault on the Seismic Response of a Base-Isolated Structure with a Soft Storey

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Athamnia, B.; Ounis, A.; Abdeddaim, M.

    2017-12-01

    This study focuses on the soft-storey behavior of RC structures with lead core rubber bearing (LRB) isolation systems under near and far-fault motions. Under near-fault ground motions, seismic isolation devices might perform poorly because of large isolator displacements caused by large velocity and displacement pulses associated with such strong motions. In this study, four different structural models have been designed to study the effect of soft-storey behavior under near-fault and far-fault motions. The seismic analysis for isolated reinforced concrete buildings is carried out using a nonlinear time history analysis method. Inter-story drifts, absolute acceleration, displacement, base shear forces, hysteretic loops and the distribution of plastic hinges are examined as a result of the analysis. These results show that the performance of a base isolated RC structure is more affected by increasing the height of a story under nearfault motion than under far-fault motion.

  7. Crystal Structure of a Coiled-Coil Domain from Human ROCK I

    PubMed Central

    Tu, Daqi; Li, Yiqun; Song, Hyun Kyu; Toms, Angela V.; Gould, Christopher J.; Ficarro, Scott B.; Marto, Jarrod A.; Goode, Bruce L.; Eck, Michael J.

    2011-01-01

    The small GTPase Rho and one of its targets, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), participate in a variety of actin-based cellular processes including smooth muscle contraction, cell migration, and stress fiber formation. The ROCK protein consists of an N-terminal kinase domain, a central coiled-coil domain containing a Rho binding site, and a C-terminal pleckstrin homology domain. Here we present the crystal structure of a large section of the central coiled-coil domain of human ROCK I (amino acids 535–700). The structure forms a parallel α-helical coiled-coil dimer that is structurally similar to tropomyosin, an actin filament binding protein. There is an unusual discontinuity in the coiled-coil; three charged residues (E613, R617 and D620) are positioned at what is normally the hydrophobic core of coiled-coil packing. We speculate that this conserved irregularity could function as a hinge that allows ROCK to adopt its autoinhibited conformation. PMID:21445309

  8. The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures. Volume 3, part B: The modelling, dynamics, and stability of large Earth pointing orbiting structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bainum, P. M.; Kumar, V. K.

    1980-01-01

    The dynamics and stability of large orbiting flexible beams, and platforms and dish type structures oriented along the local horizontal are treated both analytically and numerically. It is assumed that such structures could be gravitationally stabilized by attaching a rigid light-weight dumbbell at the center of mass by a spring loaded hinge which also could provide viscous damping. For the beam, the small amplitude inplane pitch motion, dumbbell librational motion, and the anti-symmetric elastic modes are all coupled. The three dimensional equations of motion for a circular flat plate and shallow spherical shell in orbit with a two-degree-of freedom gimballed dumbbell are also developed and show that only those elastic modes described by a single nodal diameter line are influenced by the dumbbell motion. Stability criteria are developed for all the examples and a sensitivity study of the system response characteristics to the key system parameters is carried out.

  9. A Pseudo-Atomic Model of the COPII Cage Obtained from CryoEM and Mass Spectrometry Analyses

    PubMed Central

    Noble, Alex J.; Zhang, Qian; O’Donnell, Jason; Hariri, Hanaa; Bhattacharya, Nilakshee; Marshall, Alan G.

    2012-01-01

    COPII vesicles transport proteins from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. Previous cryoEM structures of the COPII cage lacked the resolution necessary to determine the residues of Sec13 and Sec31 that mediate assembly and flexibility of the COPII cage. Here we present a 12Å-resolution structure of the COPII cage, where the tertiary structure of Sec13 and Sec31 is clearly identifiable. We employ this structure and a homology model of the Sec13-Sec31 complex to create a reliable pseudo-atomic model of the COPII cage. We combined this model with hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis to characterize four distinct contact regions at the vertices of the COPII cage. Furthermore, we found that the 2-fold symmetry of the Sec31 dimeric region of Sec13-31 is broken on cage formation, and that the resulting hinge is essential to form the proper edge geometry in COPII cages. PMID:23262493

  10. Crystal structure of a multi-domain human smoothened receptor in complex with a super stabilizing ligand

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Xianjun; Zhao, Fei; Wu, Yiran; ...

    2017-05-17

    Here, the Smoothened receptor (SMO) belongs to the Class Frizzled of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, constituting a key component of the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Here we report the crystal structure of the multi-domain human SMO, bound and stabilized by a designed tool ligand TC114, using an X-ray free-electron laser source at 2.9 Å. The structure reveals a precise arrangement of three distinct domains: a seven-transmembrane helices domain (TMD), a hinge domain (HD) and an intact extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD). This architecture enables allosteric interactions between the domains that are important for ligand recognition and receptor activation. By combiningmore » the structural data, molecular dynamics simulation, and hydrogen-deuterium-exchange analysis, we demonstrate that transmembrane helix VI, extracellular loop 3 and the HD play a central role in transmitting the signal employing a unique GPCR activation mechanism, distinct from other multi-domain GPCRs.« less

  11. Prefabricated foldable lunar base modular systems for habitats, offices, and laboratories

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hijazi, Yousef

    1992-01-01

    The first habitat and work station on the lunar surface undoubtedly has to be prefabricated, self-erecting, and self-contained. The building structure should be folded and compacted to the minimum size and made of materials of minimum weight. It must also be designed to provide maximum possible habitable and usable space on the Moon. For this purpose the concept of multistory, foldable structures was further developed. The idea is to contain foldable structural units in a cylinder or in a capsule adapted for launching. Upon landing on the lunar surface, the cylinder of the first proposal in this paper will open in two hinge-connected halves while the capsule of the second proposal will expand horizontally and vertically in all directions. In both proposals, the foldable structural units will self-erect providing a multistory building with several room enclosures. The solar radiation protection is maintained through regolith-filled pneumatic structures as in the first proposal, or two regolith-filled expandable capsule shells as in the second one, which provide the shielding while being supported by the erected internal skeletal structure.

  12. Post-Flight Estimation of Motion of Space Structures: Part 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brugarolas, Paul; Breckenridge, William

    2008-01-01

    A computer program related to the one described in the immediately preceding article estimates the relative position of two space structures that are hinged to each other. The input to the program consists of time-series data on distances, measured by two range finders at different positions on one structure, to a corner-cube retroreflector on the other structure. Given a Cartesian (x,y,z) coordinate system and the known x coordinate of the retroreflector relative to the y,z plane that contains the range finders, the program estimates the y and z coordinates of the retroreflector. The estimation process involves solving for the y,z coordinates of the intersection between (1) the y,z plane that contains the retroreflector and (2) spheres, centered on the range finders, having radii equal to the measured distances. In general, there are two such solutions and the program chooses the one consistent with the design of the structures. The program implements a Kalman filter. The output of the program is a time series of estimates of the relative position of the structures.

  13. Three New Structures of Left-Handed RadA Helical Filaments: Structural Flexibility of N-Terminal Domain Is Critical for Recombinase Activity

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Yu-Wei; Ko, Tzu-Ping; Lee, Chien-Der; Chang, Yuan-Chih; Lin, Kuei-Ann; Chang, Chia-Seng; Wang, Andrew H.-J.; Wang, Ting-Fang

    2009-01-01

    RecA family proteins, including bacterial RecA, archaeal RadA, and eukaryotic Dmc1 and Rad51, mediate homologous recombination, a reaction essential for maintaining genome integrity. In the presence of ATP, these proteins bind a single-strand DNA to form a right-handed nucleoprotein filament, which catalyzes pairing and strand exchange with a homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), by as-yet unknown mechanisms. We recently reported a structure of RadA left-handed helical filament, and here present three new structures of RadA left-handed helical filaments. Comparative structural analysis between different RadA/Rad51 helical filaments reveals that the N-terminal domain (NTD) of RadA/Rad51, implicated in dsDNA binding, is highly flexible. We identify a hinge region between NTD and polymerization motif as responsible for rigid body movement of NTD. Mutant analysis further confirms that structural flexibility of NTD is essential for RadA's recombinase activity. These results support our previous hypothesis that ATP-dependent axial rotation of RadA nucleoprotein helical filament promotes homologous recombination. PMID:19295907

  14. Verification of Numerical Solutions for the Deployment of the Highly Nonlinear MARSIS Antenna Boom Lenticular Joints

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Adams, Douglas S.; Wu, Shih-Chin

    2006-01-01

    The MARSIS antenna booms are constructed using lenticular hinges between straight boom segments in a novel design which allows the booms to be extremely lightweight while retaining a high stiffness and well defined structural properties once they are deployed. Lenticular hinges are elegant in form but are complicated to model as they deploy dynamically and require highly specialized nonlinear techniques founded on carefully measured mechanical properties. Results from component level testing were incorporated into a highly specialized ADAMS model which employed an automated damping algorithm to account for the discontinuous boom lengths formed during the deployment. Additional models with more limited capabilities were also developed in both DADS and ABAQUS to verify the ADAMS model computations and to help better define the numerical behavior of the models at the component and system levels. A careful comparison is made between the ADAMS and DADS models in a series of progressive steps in order to verify their numerical results. Different trade studies considered in the model development are outlined to demonstrate a suitable level of model fidelity. Some model sensitivities to various parameters are explored using subscale and full system models. Finally, some full system DADS models are exercised to illustrate the limitations of traditional modeling techniques for variable geometry systems which were overcome in the ADAMS model.

  15. Contributions of the σ(W) , σ(M) and σ(X) regulons to the lantibiotic resistome of Bacillus subtilis.

    PubMed

    Kingston, Anthony W; Liao, Xiaojie; Helmann, John D

    2013-11-01

    In Bacillus subtilis, the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors σ(M) , σ(W) and σ(X) all contribute to resistance against lantibiotics. Nisin, a model lantibiotic, has a dual mode of action: it inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding lipid II, and this complex also forms pores in the cytoplasmic membrane. These activities can be separated in a nisin hinge-region variant (N20P M21P) that binds lipid II, but no longer permeabilizes membranes. The major contribution of σ(M) to nisin resistance is expression of ltaSa, encoding a stress-activated lipoteichoic acid synthase, and σ(X) functions primarily by activation of the dlt operon controlling d-alanylation of teichoic acids. Together, σ(M) and σ(X) regulate cell envelope structure to decrease access of nisin to its lipid II target. In contrast, σ(W) is principally involved in protection against membrane permeabilization as it provides little protection against the nisin hinge region variant. σ(W) contributes to nisin resistance by regulation of a signal peptide peptidase (SppA), phage shock proteins (PspA and YvlC, a PspC homologue) and tellurite resistance related proteins (YceGHI). These defensive mechanisms are also effective against other lantibiotics such as mersacidin, gallidermin and subtilin and comprise an important subset of the intrinsic antibiotic resistome of B. subtilis. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. Contributions of the σW, σM, and σX Regulons to the Lantibiotic Resistome of Bacillus subtilis

    PubMed Central

    Kingston, Anthony W.; Liao, Xiaojie; Helmann, John D.

    2014-01-01

    Summary In Bacillus subtilis, the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors σM, σW, and σX all contribute to resistance against lantibiotics. Nisin, a model lantibiotic, has a dual mode of action: it inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding lipid II, and this complex also forms pores in the cytoplasmic membrane. These activities can be separated in a nisin hinge-region variant (N20P M21P) that binds lipid II, but no longer permeabilizes membranes. The major contribution of σM to nisin resistance is expression of ltaSa, encoding a stress-activated lipoteichoic acid synthase, and σX functions primarily by activation of the dlt operon controlling D-alanylation of teichoic acids. Together, σM and σX regulate cell envelope structure to decrease access of nisin to its lipid II target. In contrast, σW is principally involved in protection against membrane permeabilization as it provides little protection against the nisin hinge region variant. σW contributes to nisin resistance by regulation of a signal peptide peptidase (SppA), phage shock proteins (PspA and YvlC, a PspC homolog), and tellurite resistance related proteins (YceGHI). These defensive mechanisms are also effective against other lantibiotics such as mersacidin, gallidermin, and subtilin and comprise an important subset of the intrinsic antibiotic resistome of B. subtilis. PMID:23980836

  17. Application of Balancing Tabs to Ailerons

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sears, Richard I.

    1942-01-01

    Analysis was made to determine characteristics required of a balancing-tab system for ailerons in order to reduce aileron stick forces to any desired magnitude. Series of calculations based on section data were made to determine balancing-tab systems of various chord tabs and ailerons that will give, for a particular airplane, zero rate of aileron hinge moment with aileron deflection and yet will produce same maximum rate of roll as a plain unbalanced 15-percent chord aileron of same span. Effects of rolling velocity and of forces in tab link on aileron hinge moments have been included.

  18. SYMBOD - A computer program for the automatic generation of symbolic equations of motion for systems of hinge-connected rigid bodies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Macala, G. A.

    1983-01-01

    A computer program is described that can automatically generate symbolic equations of motion for systems of hinge-connected rigid bodies with tree topologies. The dynamical formulation underlying the program is outlined, and examples are given to show how a symbolic language is used to code the formulation. The program is applied to generate the equations of motion for a four-body model of the Galileo spacecraft. The resulting equations are shown to be a factor of three faster in execution time than conventional numerical subroutines.

  19. Simulation of flexible appendage interactions with Mariner Venus/Mercury attitude control and science platform pointing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fleischer, G. E.

    1973-01-01

    A new computer subroutine, which solves the attitude equations of motion for any vehicle idealized as a topological tree of hinge-connected rigid bodies, is used to simulate and analyze science instrument pointing control interaction with a flexible Mariner Venus/Mercury (MVM) spacecraft. The subroutine's user options include linearized or partially linearized hinge-connected models whose computational advantages are demonstrated for the MVM problem. Results of the pointing control/flexible vehicle interaction simulations, including imaging experiment pointing accuracy predictions and implications for MVM science sequence planning, are described in detail.

  20. Plasmonic direct writing lithography with a macroscopical contact probe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Yuerong; Liu, Ling; Wang, Changtao; Chen, Weidong; Liu, Yunyue; Li, Ling

    2018-05-01

    In this work, we design a plasmonic direct writing lithography system with a macroscopical contact probe to achieve nanometer scale spots. The probe with bowtie-shaped aperture array adopts spring hinge and beam deflection method (BDM) to realize near-field lithography. Lithography results show that a macroscopical plasmonic contact probe can achieve a patterning resolution of around 75 nm at 365 nm wavelength, and demonstrate that the lithography system is promising for practical applications due to beyond the diffraction limit, low cost, and simplification of system configuration. CST calculations provide a guide for the design of recording structure and the arrangement of placing polarizer.

  1. Planar-constructed spatial micro-stage

    DOEpatents

    Jokiel, Jr., Bernhard; Benavides, Gilbert L.; Bieg, Lothar F.; Allen, James J.

    2004-01-13

    A multiple degree of freedom platform assembly formed from a plurality of thin films on a substrate can, when activated, move out of the plane of the substrate without additional manufacturing steps. The platform is connected to the substrate by at least three linkages, each linkage being pivotally connected to the platform and the base. At least two of the base connections are to powered traveling devices that are manufactured at one end of a path and which may be moved to locations along the path to cause the platform to move to predetermined positions. The entire assembly, including hinges, is manufactured as planar structures; preferably by a thin film technology such as MEMS.

  2. Optimization of an Aeroservoelastic Wing with Distributed Multiple Control Surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stanford, Bret K.

    2015-01-01

    This paper considers the aeroelastic optimization of a subsonic transport wingbox under a variety of static and dynamic aeroelastic constraints. Three types of design variables are utilized: structural variables (skin thickness, stiffener details), the quasi-steady deflection scheduling of a series of control surfaces distributed along the trailing edge for maneuver load alleviation and trim attainment, and the design details of an LQR controller, which commands oscillatory hinge moments into those same control surfaces. Optimization problems are solved where a closed loop flutter constraint is forced to satisfy the required flight margin, and mass reduction benefits are realized by relaxing the open loop flutter requirements.

  3. Applications of the hybrid coordinate method to the TOPS autopilot

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fleischer, G. E.

    1978-01-01

    Preliminary results are presented from the application of the hybrid coordinate method to modeling TOPS (thermoelectric outer planet spacecraft) structural dynamics. Computer simulated responses of the vehicle are included which illustrate the interaction of relatively flexible appendages with an autopilot control system. Comparisons were made between simplified single-axis models of the control loop, with spacecraft flexibility represented by hinged rigid bodies, and a very detailed three-axis spacecraft model whose flexible portions are described by modal coordinates. While single-axis system, root loci provided reasonable qualitative indications of stability margins in this case, they were quantitatively optimistic when matched against responses of the detailed model.

  4. Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Actinide Compounds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Runde, Wolfgang; Neu, Mary P.

    Since the 1950s actinides have been used to benefit industry, science, health, and national security. The largest industrial application, electricity generation from uranium and thorium fuels, is growing worldwide. Thus, more actinides are being mined, produced, used and processed than ever before. The future of nuclear energy hinges on how these increasing amounts of actinides are contained in each stage of the fuel cycle, including disposition. In addition, uranium and plutonium were built up during the Cold War between the United States and the Former Soviet Union for defense purposes and nuclear energy. These stockpiles have been significantly reduced in the last decade.

  5. Design research of nanopositioner based on SPM and its simulation of FEM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Zhenyu; Li, Hongqi; Zhou, Hongxiu; Li, Linan; Liu, Xiangjun

    2006-01-01

    A novel nanopositioning stage was designed according to the scanning property of SPM with flexure hinge as kinematic structure and piezoelectric ceramic as actuator. Kinetic precision and X directional area of nanopositioner are 1.55nm and 26.4 micron, respectively, which is demonstrated by kinetic analysis and finite element method FEM simulation. Designed nanopositioner based on SPM moves at 3 dimensions with nanometer scale and its motion of X, Y, and Z directions is decoupled and isotropic. Furthermore, frame of nanopositioner is simple and manufacturing is convenient, which will have broad prospect in the field of nanopositioning and nanotracing.

  6. The effects of tibia profile, distraction angle, and knee load on wedge instability and hinge fracture: A finite element study.

    PubMed

    Weng, Pei-Wei; Chen, Chia-Hsien; Luo, Chu-An; Sun, Jui-Sheng; Tsuang, Yang-Hwei; Cheng, Cheng-Kung; Lin, Shang-Chih

    2017-04-01

    Several plate systems for high tibial osteotomy (HTO) have been developed to stabilize the opening wedge of an osteotomized tibia. Among them, the TomoFix system, having a quasi-straight and T-shaped design, has been widely adopted in the literature. However, this system is implemented by inserting a lag (i.e., cortical) screw through the proximal combi-hole, to deform the plate and pull the distal tibia toward the plate. This process potentially induces plate springback and creates an elastic preload on the osteotomized tibia, especially at the lateral hinge of the distracted wedge. Using the finite-element method, this study aims to investigate the contoured effect of lag-screw application on the biomechanical behavior of the tibia-plate construct. Two tibial profiles (normal and more concave), three distraction angles (6°, 9°, and 12°), and three knee loads (intraoperative: contouring plate; postoperative: weight and nonweight bearing) are systematically varied in this study. The wedge instability and fracture risk at the lateral hinge are chosen as the comparison indices. The results show the necessity of preoperative planning for a precontoured procedure, rather than elastic deformation using a lag screw. Within the intraoperative period, a more concave tibial profile and/or reduced distraction angle (i.e., 6° or 9°) necessitate a higher compressive load to elastically deform the plate, thereby deteriorating the lateral-hinge fracture risk. A precontoured plate is recommended in the case that the proximal tibia is highly concave and the distraction angle is insufficient to stretch the tibial profile. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Arthrometric Evaluation of Stabilizing Effect of Knee Functional Bracing at Different Flexion Angles

    PubMed Central

    Seyed Mohseni, Saeedeh; Moss, Farzam; Karimi, Hossein; Kamali, Mohammad

    2009-01-01

    Previous in-vivo investigations on the stabilizing efficacy of knee bracing for ACL reconstructed patients have been often limited to 20-30 degrees of knee flexion. In this study, the effectiveness of a uniaxial hinged functional brace to improve the knee stability was assessed at 30, 60 and 90 degrees of knee flexion. Arthrometry tests were conducted on 15 healthy subjects before and following wearing the brace and the tibial displacements were measured at up to 150 N anterior forces. Results indicated that functional bracing has a significant stabilizing effect throughout the range of knee flexion examined (p < 0.05). The rate of effectiveness, however, was not consistent across the flexion range, e.g., 50% at 30 degrees and only 4% at 90 degrees. It was suggested that accurate sizing and fitting as well as attention to correct hinge placement relative to the femoral condyles can limit brace migration and improve its effectiveness in mid and deep knee flexion. With using adaptive limb fittings, through flexible pads, and a polycentric joint a more significant improvement of the overall brace performance and efficacy might be obtained. Key points Functional bracing improves the knee joint stability mostly in extension posture. Unlike the non-braced condition, the least knee joint stability appears in mid and deep flexion angles when using a hinged brace. Accurate sizing and fitting and attention to correct hinge placement relative to the femoral condyles can limit brace migration and improve its effectiveness in mid and deep knee flexion. The overall brace performance and efficacy might be improved significantly using adaptive limb fittings through flexible pads and/or polycentric joints. PMID:24149533

  8. Application of the Superelastic NiTi Spring in Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) to Create Normal Ankle Joint Behavior

    PubMed Central

    Amerinatanzi, Amirhesam; Zamanian, Hashem; Shayesteh Moghaddam, Narges

    2017-01-01

    Hinge-based Ankle Foot Orthosis (HAFO) is one of the most common non-surgical solutions for the foot drop. In conventional HAFOs, the ankle joint is almost locked, and plantar flexion is restricted due to the high stiffness of the hinge mechanism. This often leads to a rigid walking gate cycle, poor muscle activity, and muscle atrophy. Since the ankle torque-angle loop has a non-linear profile, the use of a superelastic NiTi spring within the hinge, due to its nonlinear behavior, could recreate a close-to-normal stiffness of the normal ankle joint, which, in turn, could create a more natural walk. The focus of this study is to evaluate the performance of a superelastic NiTi spring versus a conventional Stainless Steel spring in a hinge mechanism of a custom-fit HAFO. To this aim, a custom-fit HAFO was fabricated via the fast casting technique. Then, motion analysis was performed for two healthy subjects (Case I and Case II): (i) subjects with bare foot; (ii) subjects wearing a conventional HAFO with no spring; (iii) subjects wearing a conventional Stainless Steel-based HAFO; and (iv) subjects wearing a NiTi spring-based HAFO. The data related to the ankle angle and the amount of moment applied to the ankle during walking were recorded using Cortex software and used for the evaluations. Finally, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to evaluate the safety of the designed HAFO. The NiTi spring offers a higher range of motion (7.9 versus 4.14 degree) and an increased level of moment (0.55 versus 0.36 N·m/kg). Furthermore, a NiTi spring offers an ankle torque-angle loop closer to that of the healthy subjects. PMID:29215571

  9. Arthroscopically assisted elbow interposition arthroplasty without hinged external fixation: surgical technique and patient outcomes.

    PubMed

    Chauhan, Aakash; Palmer, Bradley A; Baratz, Mark E

    2015-06-01

    Total elbow arthroplasty is successful in older, lower demand patients but not in the younger, more active individual with severe elbow arthritis. Interposition arthroplasty is an alternative for younger patients who hope to minimize the degree to which arm use is restricted. Interposition arthroplasty traditionally involves release of all ligaments and capsule. As a result, the postoperative care included the use of a hinged external fixator of the elbow to apply distraction and to permit motion during the early phases of healing. We describe a novel surgical technique without a hinged external fixator that allows secure fixation of the interposition graft through arthroscopic assistance and maintains the integrity of the medial collateral ligament with only a takedown and repair of the lateral collateral ligament complex. A retrospective chart review was performed to analyze 4 patients with an average age of 57 years who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2011. The patients were also contacted to assess elbow-specific American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. The average follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 2.5-6 years), and 1 patient was converted to a total elbow arthroplasty after 2.5 years because of persistent pain. The remaining 3 patients have done well with regard to pain control, stability, and functional use of the operative extremity. There were no postoperative complications. On the basis of our small series of patients, an arthroscopically assisted elbow interposition arthroplasty without hinged external fixation can provide satisfactory medium-term outcomes as a salvage procedure for a difficult condition with limited options. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Mapping of the binding sites involved in PSP94-CRISP-3 interaction by molecular dissection of the complex.

    PubMed

    Breed, Ananya A; Gomes, Amanda; Roy, Binita Sur; Mahale, Smita D; Pathak, Bhakti R

    2013-04-01

    Human Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) has been shown to bind human CRISP-3 (cysteine-rich secretory protein 3) with very high affinity. CRISP-3 belongs to the CRISP family of proteins having a PR-1 (pathogenesis related protein 1) domain at its N-terminal and ion channel regulatory (ICR) domain at its C-terminal connected by a hinge region. Functional significance of this complex is not yet known. In order to identify the residues and/or regions involved in PSP94-CRISP-3 interaction, site-directed mutagenesis was employed. Effect of the mutations on the interaction was studied by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). For PSP94, amino acids Y(3), F(4), P(56) and the C-terminal β-strand were found to be crucial for interacting with CRISP-3. A disulfide bond between the two domains of PSP94 (C(37)A-C(73)A) was also important for this interaction. In case of CRISP-3, the N-terminal domain alone could not maintain a strong interaction with PSP94 but it required presence of the hinge region and not the C-terminal domain. Apart from CRISP-3, CRISP-2 was also found to interact with human PSP94. Based on our findings the most likely model of PSP94-CRISP-3 complex has been proposed. The terminal β-strands of PSP94 contact the first α-helix and the hinge region of CRISP-3. Involvement of the hinge region of CRISPs in interaction with PSP94 may affect the domain movement of CRISPs essential for the ion-channel regulatory activity resulting in inhibition of this activity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. LASIK flap characteristics using the Moria M2 microkeratome with the 90-microm single use head.

    PubMed

    Aslanides, Ioannis M; Tsiklis, Nikolaos S; Astyrakakis, Nikolaos I; Pallikaris, Ioannis G; Jankov, Mirko R

    2007-01-01

    To evaluate the accuracy and consistency of corneal flap thickness, horizontal diameter, and hinge size with the Moria M2 90-microm single use head. Fifty-two myopic patients (104 eyes), mean age 32.6 years, underwent bilateral LASIK with a superior hinged flap using the Moria M2 microkeratome (90-microm single use head). Prospective evaluation included flap thickness (subtraction method), diameter, hinge size, interface particles, intraoperative complications, and visual recovery. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -5.72 +/- 2.59 diopters (D) (range: -2.88 to -10.75 D) and -5.84 +/- 2.73 D (range: -3.13 to -9.38 D) for right and left eyes, respectively. The mean preoperative central corneal thickness was 548 +/- 24 microm and 547 +/- 25 microm for right and left eyes, respectively. The mean preoperative steepest K was 44.12 +/- 1.28 D and 44.41 +/- 1.27 D for right and left eyes, respectively. Corneal diameter (white-to-white) was 12 +/- 0.4 mm and 11.9 +/- 0.4 mm for right and left eyes, respectively. The mean postoperative flap thickness was 109 +/- 18 microm (range: 67 to 152 microm) and 103 +/- 15 microm (range: 65 to 151 microm) for right and left eyes, respectively. The mean postoperative flap diameter was 9.4 +/- 0.3 mm (expected mean according to the nomogram given by the company was 9.5 mm). The mean postoperative hinge chord was 4.4 +/- 0.4 mm (expected mean 4.2 mm). No interface particles were detected on slit-lamp examination. The Moria M2 90-microm single use head is safe with reasonable predictability for LASIK flap creation.

  12. Application of the Superelastic NiTi Spring in Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) to Create Normal Ankle Joint Behavior.

    PubMed

    Amerinatanzi, Amirhesam; Zamanian, Hashem; Shayesteh Moghaddam, Narges; Jahadakbar, Ahmadreza; Elahinia, Mohammad

    2017-12-07

    Hinge-based Ankle Foot Orthosis (HAFO) is one of the most common non-surgical solutions for the foot drop. In conventional HAFOs, the ankle joint is almost locked, and plantar flexion is restricted due to the high stiffness of the hinge mechanism. This often leads to a rigid walking gate cycle, poor muscle activity, and muscle atrophy. Since the ankle torque-angle loop has a non-linear profile, the use of a superelastic NiTi spring within the hinge, due to its nonlinear behavior, could recreate a close-to-normal stiffness of the normal ankle joint, which, in turn, could create a more natural walk. The focus of this study is to evaluate the performance of a superelastic NiTi spring versus a conventional Stainless Steel spring in a hinge mechanism of a custom-fit HAFO. To this aim, a custom-fit HAFO was fabricated via the fast casting technique. Then, motion analysis was performed for two healthy subjects (Case I and Case II): (i) subjects with bare foot; (ii) subjects wearing a conventional HAFO with no spring; (iii) subjects wearing a conventional Stainless Steel-based HAFO; and (iv) subjects wearing a NiTi spring-based HAFO. The data related to the ankle angle and the amount of moment applied to the ankle during walking were recorded using Cortex software and used for the evaluations. Finally, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to evaluate the safety of the designed HAFO. The NiTi spring offers a higher range of motion (7.9 versus 4.14 degree) and an increased level of moment (0.55 versus 0.36 N·m/kg). Furthermore, a NiTi spring offers an ankle torque-angle loop closer to that of the healthy subjects.

  13. Design, analysis, and testing of a flexure-based vibration-assisted polishing device

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Yan; Zhou, Yan; Lin, Jieqiong; Lu, Mingming; Zhang, Chenglong; Chen, Xiuyuan

    2018-05-01

    A vibration-assisted polishing device (VAPD) composed of leaf-spring and right-circular flexure hinges is proposed with the aim of realizing vibration-assisted machining along elliptical trajectories. To design the structure, energy methods and the finite-element method are used to calculate the performance of the proposed VAPD. An improved bacterial foraging optimization algorithm is used to optimize the structural parameters. In addition, the performance of the VAPD is tested experimentally. The experimental results indicate that the maximum strokes of the two directional mechanisms operating along the Z1 and Z2 directions are 29.5 μm and 29.3 μm, respectively, and the maximum motion resolutions are 10.05 nm and 10.01 nm, respectively. The maximum working bandwidth is 1,879 Hz, and the device has a good step response.

  14. 3D radar wavefield tomography of comet interiors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sava, Paul; Asphaug, Erik

    2018-04-01

    Answering fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of small planetary bodies hinges on our ability to image their surface and interior structure in detail and at high resolution. The interior structure is not easily accessible without systematic imaging using, e.g., radar transmission and reflection data from multiple viewpoints, as in medical tomography. Radar tomography can be performed using methodology adapted from terrestrial exploration seismology. Our feasibility study primarily focuses on full wavefield methods that facilitate high quality imaging of small body interiors. We consider the case of a monostatic system (co-located transmitters and receivers) operated in various frequency bands between 5 and 15 MHz, from a spacecraft in slow polar orbit around a spinning comet nucleus. Using realistic numerical experiments, we demonstrate that wavefield techniques can generate high resolution tomograms of comets nuclei with arbitrary shape and complex interior properties.

  15. PEP solar array definition study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1979-01-01

    The conceptual design of a large, flexible, lightweight solar array is presented focusing on a solar array overview assessment, solar array blanket definition, structural-mechanical systems definition, and launch/reentry blanket protection features. The overview assessment includes a requirements and constraints review, the thermal environment assessment on the design selection, an evaluation of blanket integration sequence, a conceptual blanket/harness design, and a hot spot analysis considering the effects of shadowing and cell failures on overall array reliability. The solar array blanket definition includes the substrate design, hinge designs and blanket/harness flexibility assessment. The structural/mechanical systems definition includes an overall loads and deflection assessment, a frequency analysis of the deployed assembly, a components weights estimate, design of the blanket housing and tensioning mechanism. The launch/reentry blanket protection task includes assessment of solar cell/cover glass cushioning concepts during ascent and reentry flight condition.

  16. Anisotropic ripple deformation in phosphorene

    DOE PAGES

    Kou, Liangzhi; Ma, Yandong; Smith, Sean C.; ...

    2015-04-07

    Here, two-dimensional materials tend to become crumpled according to the Mermin-Wagner theorem, and the resulting ripple deformation may significantly influence electronic properties as observed in graphene and MoS 2. Here, we unveil by first-principles calculations a new, highly anisotropic ripple pattern in phosphorene, a monolayer black phosphorus, where compression-induced ripple deformation occurs only along the zigzag direction in the strain range up to 10%, but not the armchair direction. This direction-selective ripple deformation mode in phosphorene stems from its puckered structure with coupled hinge-like bonding configurations and the resulting anisotropic Poisson ratio. We also construct an analytical model using classicalmore » elasticity theory for ripple deformation in phosphorene under arbitrary strain. The present results offer new insights into the mechanisms governing the structural and electronic properties of phosphorene crucial to its device applications.« less

  17. Anisotropic ripple deformation in phosphorene

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

    Kou, Liangzhi; Ma, Yandong; Smith, Sean C.

    Here, two-dimensional materials tend to become crumpled according to the Mermin-Wagner theorem, and the resulting ripple deformation may significantly influence electronic properties as observed in graphene and MoS 2. Here, we unveil by first-principles calculations a new, highly anisotropic ripple pattern in phosphorene, a monolayer black phosphorus, where compression-induced ripple deformation occurs only along the zigzag direction in the strain range up to 10%, but not the armchair direction. This direction-selective ripple deformation mode in phosphorene stems from its puckered structure with coupled hinge-like bonding configurations and the resulting anisotropic Poisson ratio. We also construct an analytical model using classicalmore » elasticity theory for ripple deformation in phosphorene under arbitrary strain. The present results offer new insights into the mechanisms governing the structural and electronic properties of phosphorene crucial to its device applications.« less

  18. Folding to Curved Surfaces: A Generalized Design Method and Mechanics of Origami-based Cylindrical Structures.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fei; Gong, Haoran; Chen, Xi; Chen, C Q

    2016-09-14

    Origami structures enrich the field of mechanical metamaterials with the ability to convert morphologically and systematically between two-dimensional (2D) thin sheets and three-dimensional (3D) spatial structures. In this study, an in-plane design method is proposed to approximate curved surfaces of interest with generalized Miura-ori units. Using this method, two combination types of crease lines are unified in one reprogrammable procedure, generating multiple types of cylindrical structures. Structural completeness conditions of the finite-thickness counterparts to the two types are also proposed. As an example of the design method, the kinematics and elastic properties of an origami-based circular cylindrical shell are analysed. The concept of Poisson's ratio is extended to the cylindrical structures, demonstrating their auxetic property. An analytical model of rigid plates linked by elastic hinges, consistent with numerical simulations, is employed to describe the mechanical response of the structures. Under particular load patterns, the circular shells display novel mechanical behaviour such as snap-through and limiting folding positions. By analysing the geometry and mechanics of the origami structures, we extend the design space of mechanical metamaterials and provide a basis for their practical applications in science and engineering.

  19. Folding to Curved Surfaces: A Generalized Design Method and Mechanics of Origami-based Cylindrical Structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Fei; Gong, Haoran; Chen, Xi; Chen, C. Q.

    2016-09-01

    Origami structures enrich the field of mechanical metamaterials with the ability to convert morphologically and systematically between two-dimensional (2D) thin sheets and three-dimensional (3D) spatial structures. In this study, an in-plane design method is proposed to approximate curved surfaces of interest with generalized Miura-ori units. Using this method, two combination types of crease lines are unified in one reprogrammable procedure, generating multiple types of cylindrical structures. Structural completeness conditions of the finite-thickness counterparts to the two types are also proposed. As an example of the design method, the kinematics and elastic properties of an origami-based circular cylindrical shell are analysed. The concept of Poisson’s ratio is extended to the cylindrical structures, demonstrating their auxetic property. An analytical model of rigid plates linked by elastic hinges, consistent with numerical simulations, is employed to describe the mechanical response of the structures. Under particular load patterns, the circular shells display novel mechanical behaviour such as snap-through and limiting folding positions. By analysing the geometry and mechanics of the origami structures, we extend the design space of mechanical metamaterials and provide a basis for their practical applications in science and engineering.

  20. Folding to Curved Surfaces: A Generalized Design Method and Mechanics of Origami-based Cylindrical Structures

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Fei; Gong, Haoran; Chen, Xi; Chen, C. Q.

    2016-01-01

    Origami structures enrich the field of mechanical metamaterials with the ability to convert morphologically and systematically between two-dimensional (2D) thin sheets and three-dimensional (3D) spatial structures. In this study, an in-plane design method is proposed to approximate curved surfaces of interest with generalized Miura-ori units. Using this method, two combination types of crease lines are unified in one reprogrammable procedure, generating multiple types of cylindrical structures. Structural completeness conditions of the finite-thickness counterparts to the two types are also proposed. As an example of the design method, the kinematics and elastic properties of an origami-based circular cylindrical shell are analysed. The concept of Poisson’s ratio is extended to the cylindrical structures, demonstrating their auxetic property. An analytical model of rigid plates linked by elastic hinges, consistent with numerical simulations, is employed to describe the mechanical response of the structures. Under particular load patterns, the circular shells display novel mechanical behaviour such as snap-through and limiting folding positions. By analysing the geometry and mechanics of the origami structures, we extend the design space of mechanical metamaterials and provide a basis for their practical applications in science and engineering. PMID:27624892

  1. Effect of hinge-moment parameters on elevator stick forces in rapid maneuvers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, R. T.; Greenberg, H.

    1976-01-01

    The importance of the stick force per unit normal acceleration as a criterion of longitudinal stability and the critical dependence of this gradient on elevator hinge moment parameters are investigated with special reference to transient effects for maneuvers of short duration. The analysis shows that different combinations of elevator parameters, which give the same stick force per unit acceleration in turns, give widely different force variations during the entries into and recoveries from steady turns and during maneuvers of short duration such as abrupt pull-ups. The stick force per unit acceleration is greater for abrupt than for gradual control movements.

  2. Hot cell shield plug extraction apparatus

    DOEpatents

    Knapp, Philip A.; Manhart, Larry K.

    1995-01-01

    An apparatus is provided for moving shielding plugs into and out of holes in concrete shielding walls in hot cells for handling radioactive materials without the use of external moving equipment. The apparatus provides a means whereby a shield plug is extracted from its hole and then swung approximately 90 degrees out of the way so that the hole may be accessed. The apparatus uses hinges to slide the plug in and out and to rotate it out of the way, the hinge apparatus also supporting the weight of the plug in all positions, with the load of the plug being transferred to a vertical wall by means of a bolting arrangement.

  3. Investigation of space shuttle orbiter subsonic stability and control characteristics and determination of control surface hinge moments in the Rockwell International low speed wind tunnel (OA37)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hughes, T.

    1974-01-01

    Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a string-mounted 0.030 scale representation of the 140A/B space shuttle orbiter in the 7.75- by 11-foot low speed wind tunnel. The primary test objectives were to establish basic longitudinal and lateral directional stability and control characteristics for the basic configuration plus control surface hinge moments. Aerodynamic force and moment data were measured in the body axis system by an internally mounted, six-component strain gage balance. Additional configurations investigated were sealed rudder hingeline gaps, sealed elevon gaps and compartmentized speedbrakes.

  4. Three-axis lever actuator with flexure hinges for an optical disk system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Chang-Soo; Kim, Soo-Hyun

    2002-10-01

    A three-axis lever actuator with a flexure hinge has been designed and fabricated. This actuator is driven by electromagnetic force based on a coil-magnet system and can be used as a high precision actuator and, especially as a pickup head actuator in optical disks. High precision and low sensitivity to external vibration are the major advantages of this lever actuator. An analysis model was found and compared to the finite element method. Dynamic characteristics of the three-axis lever actuator were measured. The results are in very close agreement to those predicted by the model and finite element analysis.

  5. Characterization of flexure hinges for the French watt balance experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pinot, Patrick; Genevès, Gérard

    2014-08-01

    In the French watt balance experiment, the translation and rotation functions must have no backlash, no friction, nor the need for lubricants. In addition errors in position and movement must be below 100 nm. Flexure hinges can meet all of these criteria. Different materials, profile shapes and machining techniques have been studied. The flexure pivots have been characterized using three techniques: 1) an optical microscope and, if necessary, a SEM to observe the surface inhomogeneities; 2) a mass comparator to determine the bending stiffness of unloaded pivots; 3) a loaded beam oscillating freely under vacuum to study the dynamic behavior of loaded pivots.

  6. Lifting-surface-theory aspect-ratio corrections to the lift and hinge-moment parameters for full-span elevators on horizontal tail surfaces

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Swanson, Robert S; Crandall, Stewart M

    1948-01-01

    A limited number of lifting-surface-theory solutions for wings with chordwise loadings resulting from angle of attack, parabolic-ac camber, and flap deflection are now available. These solutions were studied with the purpose of determining methods of extrapolating the results in such a way that they could be used to determine lifting-surface-theory values of the aspect-ratio corrections to the lift and hinge-moment parameters for both angle-of-attack and flap-deflection-type loading that could be used to predict the characteristics of horizontal tail surfaces from section data with sufficient accuracy for engineering purposes. Such a method was devised for horizontal tail surfaces with full-span elevators. In spite of the fact that the theory involved is rather complex, the method is simple to apply and may be applied without any knowledge of lifting-surface theory. A comparison of experimental finite-span and section value and of the estimated values of the lift and hinge-moment parameters for three horizontal tail surfaces was made to provide an experimental verification of the method suggested. (author)

  7. Parametric study of a simultaneous pitch/yaw thrust vectoring single expansion ramp nozzle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schirmer, Alberto W.; Capone, Francis J.

    1989-01-01

    In the course of the last eleven years, the concept of thrust vectoring has emerged as a promising method of enhancing aircraft control capabilities in post-stall flight incursions during combat. In order to study the application of simultaneous pitch and yaw vectoring to single expansion ramp nozzles, a static test was conducted in the NASA-Langley 16 foot transonic tunnel. This investigation was based on internal performance data provided by force, mass flow and internal pressure measurements at nozzle pressure ratios up to 8. The internal performance characteristics of the nozzle were studied for several combinations of six different parameters: yaw vectoring angle, pitch vectoring angle, upper ramp cutout, sidewall hinge location, hinge inclination angle and sidewall containment. Results indicated a 2-to- 3-percent decrease in resultant thrust ratio with vectoring in either pitch or yaw. Losses were mostly associated with the turning of supersonic flow. Resultant thrust ratios were also decreased by sideways expansion of the jet. The effects of cutback corners in the upper ramp and lower flap on performance were small. Maximum resultant yaw vector angles, about half of the flap angle, were achieved for the configuration with the most forward hinge location.

  8. Pivot design in bileaflet valves.

    PubMed

    Vallana, F; Rinaldi, S; Galletti, P M; Nguyen, A; Piwnica, A

    1992-01-01

    The design criteria leading to the development of a new bileaflet valve (Sorin Bicarbon) were derived from the analysis of functional requirements, the performance of existing prostheses, and the availability of an advanced carbon coating technology (Carbofilm). The hinge is the critical element affecting fluid dynamics, durability, and thrombus formation in bileaflet valves. A comparative study of three existing models led to a new hinge design that was based on coupling two spheric surfaces with different radii of curvature (leaflet pivot and hinge recess) and obtained by electroerosion into a Carbofilm-coated metallic housing. In this valve, the point of contact moves continuously by rolling, not sliding. This minimizes friction and wear and allows uninterrupted washing of the blood exposed surfaces even during diastole (a finding established in patients using transesophageal echocardiography). Tricuspid implantation without anticoagulation in 33 sheep did not lead to thrombotic events (follow-up, 40-400 days). In the first 36 clinical implants observed for 15 months (mitral position, size 29; two unrelated deaths), the mean diastolic gradient by echo Doppler was 4 +/- 1.25 mmHg; the functional area was 3.2 +/- 0.6 cm2. No leaflet fracture and no thrombotic or embolic complications were observed clinically using a standard anticoagulant regimen.

  9. Influence of vein fabric on strain distribution and fold kinematics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Torremans, Koen; Muchez, Philippe; Sintubin, Manuel

    2014-05-01

    Abundant pre-folding, bedding-parallel fibrous dolomite veins in shale are found associated with the Nkana-Mindola stratiform Cu-Co deposit in the Central African Copperbelt, Zambia. These monomineralic veins extend for several meters along strike, with a fibrous infill orthogonal to low-tortuosity vein walls. Growth morphologies vary from antitaxial with a pronounced median surface to asymmetric syntaxial, always with small but quantifiable growth competition. Subsequently, these veins were folded. In this study, we aim to constrain the kinematic fold mechanism by which strain is accommodated in these veins, estimate paleorheology at time of deformation and investigate the influence of vein fabric on deformation during folding. Finally, the influence of the deformation on known metallogenetic stages is assessed. Various deformation styles are observed, ultimately related to vein attitude across tight to close lower-order, hectometre-scale folds. In fold hinges, at low to average dips, veins are (poly-)harmonically to disharmonically folded as parasitic folds in single or multilayer systems. With increasing distance from the fold hinge, parasitic fold amplitude decreases and asymmetry increases. At high dips in the limbs, low-displacement duplication thrusts of veins at low angles to bedding are abundant. Slickenfibres and slickenlines are sub-perpendicular to fold hinges and shallow-dipping slickenfibre-step lineations are parallel to local fold hinge lines. A dip isogon analysis of reconstructed fold geometries prior to homogeneous shortening reveals type 1B parallel folds for the veins and type 1C for the matrix. Two main deformation mechanisms are identified in folded veins. Firstly, undulatory extinction, subgrains and fluid inclusions planes parallel the fibre long axis, with deformation intensity increasing away from the fold hinges, indicate intracrystalline strain accumulation. Secondly, intergranular deformation through bookshelf rotation of fibres, via collective parallel rotation of fibres and shearing along fibre grain boundaries, is clearly observed under cathodoluminescence. We analysed the internal strain distribution by quantifying simple shear strain caused by deflection of the initially orthogonal fibres relative to layer inclination at a given position across the fold. Shear angle, and thus shear strain, steadily increases towards the limbs away from the fold hinge. Comparison of observed shear strain to theoretical distribution for kinematic mechanisms, amongst other lines of evidence, clearly points to pure flexural flow followed by homogeneous shortening. As flexural flow is not the expected kinematic folding mechanism for competent layers in an incompetent shale matrix, our analysis shows that the internal vein fabric in these dolomite veins can exhibit a first-order influence on folding mechanisms. In addition, quantitative analysis shows that these veins acted as rigid objects with high viscosity contrast relative to the incompetent carbonaceous shale, rather than as semi-passive markers. Later folding-related syn-orogenic veins, intensely mineralised with Cu-Co sulphides, are strongly related to deformation of these pre-folding veins. The high viscosity contrast created by the pre-folding fibrous dolomite veins was therefore essential in creating transient permeability for subsequent mineralising stages in the veining history.

  10. Rational rates of uniform decay for strong solutions to a fluid-structure PDE system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Avalos, George; Bucci, Francesca

    2015-06-01

    In this work we investigate the uniform stability properties of solutions to a well-established partial differential equation (PDE) model for a fluid-structure interaction. The PDE system under consideration comprises a Stokes flow which evolves within a three-dimensional cavity; moreover, a Kirchhoff plate equation is invoked to describe the displacements along a (fixed) portion - say, Ω - of the cavity wall. Contact between the respective fluid and structure dynamics occurs on the boundary interface Ω. The main result in the paper is as follows: the solutions to the composite PDE system, corresponding to smooth initial data, decay at the rate of O (1 / t). Our method of proof hinges upon the appropriate invocation of a relatively recent resolvent criterion for polynomial decays of C0-semigroups. While the characterization provided by said criterion originates in the context of operator theory and functional analysis, the work entailed here is wholly within the realm of PDE.

  11. Lunar Contour Crafting: A Novel Technique for ISRU-Based Habitat Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khoshnevis, Behrokh; Bodiford, Melanie P.; Burks, Kevin H.; Ethridge, Ed; Tucker, Dennis; Kim, Won; Toutanji, Houssam; Fiske, Michael R.

    2004-01-01

    As the nation prepares to return to the Moon, it is apparent that the viability of long duration visits with appropriate radiation shielding/crew protection, hinges on the development of Lunar structures, preferably in advance of a manned landing, and preferably utilizing in-situ resources. Contour Crafting is a USC-patented technique for automated development of terrestrial concrete-based structures. The process is relatively fast, completely automated, and supports the incorporation of various infrastructure elements such as plumbing and electrical wiring. This paper will present a conceptual design of a Lunar Contour Crafting system designed to autonomously fabricate integrated structures on the Lunar surface using high-strength concrete based on Lunar regolith, including glass reinforcement rods or fibers fabricated from melted regolith. Design concepts will be presented, as well as results of initial tests aimed at concrete and glass production using Lunar regolith simulant. Key issues and concerns will be presented, along with design concepts for an LCC testbed to be developed at MSFC's Prototype Development Laboratory (PDL).

  12. Detection of Earthquake-Induced Damage in a Framed Structure Using a Finite Element Model Updating Procedure

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Seung-Nam; Park, Taewon; Lee, Sang-Hyun

    2014-01-01

    Damage of a 5-story framed structure was identified from two types of measured data, which are frequency response functions (FRF) and natural frequencies, using a finite element (FE) model updating procedure. In this study, a procedure to determine the appropriate weightings for different groups of observations was proposed. In addition, a modified frame element which included rotational springs was used to construct the FE model for updating to represent concentrated damage at the member ends (a formulation for plastic hinges in framed structures subjected to strong earthquakes). The results of the model updating and subsequent damage detection when the rotational springs (RS model) were used were compared with those obtained using the conventional frame elements (FS model). Comparisons indicated that the RS model gave more accurate results than the FS model. That is, the errors in the natural frequencies of the updated models were smaller, and the identified damage showed clearer distinctions between damaged and undamaged members and was more consistent with observed damage. PMID:24574888

  13. Rational design of reconfigurable prismatic architected materials.

    PubMed

    Overvelde, Johannes T B; Weaver, James C; Hoberman, Chuck; Bertoldi, Katia

    2017-01-18

    Advances in fabrication technologies are enabling the production of architected materials with unprecedented properties. Most such materials are characterized by a fixed geometry, but in the design of some materials it is possible to incorporate internal mechanisms capable of reconfiguring their spatial architecture, and in this way to enable tunable functionality. Inspired by the structural diversity and foldability of the prismatic geometries that can be constructed using the snapology origami technique, here we introduce a robust design strategy based on space-filling tessellations of polyhedra to create three-dimensional reconfigurable materials comprising a periodic assembly of rigid plates and elastic hinges. Guided by numerical analysis and physical prototypes, we systematically explore the mobility of the designed structures and identify a wide range of qualitatively different deformations and internal rearrangements. Given that the underlying principles are scale-independent, our strategy can be applied to the design of the next generation of reconfigurable structures and materials, ranging from metre-scale transformable architectures to nanometre-scale tunable photonic systems.

  14. Rational design of reconfigurable prismatic architected materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Overvelde, Johannes T. B.; Weaver, James C.; Hoberman, Chuck; Bertoldi, Katia

    2017-01-01

    Advances in fabrication technologies are enabling the production of architected materials with unprecedented properties. Most such materials are characterized by a fixed geometry, but in the design of some materials it is possible to incorporate internal mechanisms capable of reconfiguring their spatial architecture, and in this way to enable tunable functionality. Inspired by the structural diversity and foldability of the prismatic geometries that can be constructed using the snapology origami technique, here we introduce a robust design strategy based on space-filling tessellations of polyhedra to create three-dimensional reconfigurable materials comprising a periodic assembly of rigid plates and elastic hinges. Guided by numerical analysis and physical prototypes, we systematically explore the mobility of the designed structures and identify a wide range of qualitatively different deformations and internal rearrangements. Given that the underlying principles are scale-independent, our strategy can be applied to the design of the next generation of reconfigurable structures and materials, ranging from metre-scale transformable architectures to nanometre-scale tunable photonic systems.

  15. Structure of the streptococcal endopeptidase IdeS, a cysteine proteinase with strict specificity for IgG.

    PubMed

    Wenig, Katja; Chatwell, Lorenz; von Pawel-Rammingen, Ulrich; Björck, Lars; Huber, Robert; Sondermann, Peter

    2004-12-14

    Pathogenic bacteria have developed complex and diverse virulence mechanisms that weaken or disable the host immune defense system. IdeS (IgG-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes) is a secreted cysteine endopeptidase from the human pathogen S. pyogenes with an extraordinarily high degree of substrate specificity, catalyzing a single proteolytic cleavage at the lower hinge of human IgG. This proteolytic degradation promotes inhibition of opsonophagocytosis and interferes with the killing of group A Streptococcus. We have determined the crystal structure of the catalytically inactive mutant IdeS-C94S by x-ray crystallography at 1.9-A resolution. Despite negligible sequence homology to known proteinases, the core of the structure resembles the canonical papain fold although with major insertions and a distinct substrate-binding site. Therefore IdeS belongs to a unique family within the CA clan of cysteine proteinases. Based on analogy with inhibitor complexes of papain-like proteinases, we propose a model for substrate binding by IdeS.

  16. Hinge-Like Motions in RNA Kink-Turns: The Role of the Second A-Minor Motif and Nominally Unpaired Bases

    PubMed Central

    Rázga, Filip; Koča, Jaroslav; Šponer, Jiří; Leontis, Neocles B.

    2005-01-01

    Kink-turn (K-turn) motifs are asymmetric internal loops found at conserved positions in diverse RNAs, with sharp bends in phosphodiester backbones producing V-shaped structures. Explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for three K-turns from 23S rRNA, i.e., Kt-38 located at the base of the A-site finger, Kt-42 located at the base of the L7/L12 stalk, and Kt-58 located in domain III, and for the K-turn of human U4 snRNA. The simulations reveal hinge-like K-turn motions on the nanosecond timescale. The first conserved A-minor interaction between the K-turn stems is entirely stable in all simulations. The angle between the helical arms of Kt-38 and Kt-42 is regulated by local variations of the second A-minor (type I) interaction between the stems. Its variability ranges from closed geometries to open ones stabilized by insertion of long-residency waters between adenine and cytosine. The simulated A-minor geometries fully agree with x-ray data. Kt-58 and Kt-U4 exhibit similar elbow-like motions caused by conformational change of the adenosine from the nominally unpaired region. Despite the observed substantial dynamics of K-turns, key tertiary interactions are stable and no sign of unfolding is seen. We suggest that some K-turns are flexible elements mediating large-scale ribosomal motions during the protein synthesis cycle. PMID:15722438

  17. 3D customized and flexible tactile sensor using a piezoelectric nanofiber mat and sandwich-molded elastomer sheets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bit Lee, Han; Kim, Young Won; Yoon, Jonghun; Lee, Nak Kyu; Park, Suk-Hee

    2017-04-01

    We developed a skin-conformal flexible sensor in which three-dimensional (3D) free-form elastomeric sheets were harmoniously integrated with a piezoelectric nanofiber mat. The elastomeric sheets were produced by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molding via using a 3D printed mold assembly, which was adaptively designed from 3D scanned skin surface geometry. The mold assembly, fabricated using a multi-material 3D printer, was composed of a pair of upper/lower mold parts and an interconnecting hinge, with material properties are characterized by different flexibilities. As a result of appropriate deformabilites of the upper mold part and hinge, the skin-conformal PDMS structures were successfully sandwich molded and demolded with good repeatability. An electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) nanofiber mat was prepared as the piezoelectric active layer and integrated with the 3D elastomeric parts. We confirmed that the highly responsive sensing performances of the 3D integrated sensor were identical to those of a flat sensor in terms of sensitivity and the linearity of the input-output relationship. The close 3D conformal skin contact of the flexible sensor enabled discernable perception of various scales of physical stimuli, such as tactile force and even minute skin deformation caused by the tester’s pulse. Collectively from the 3D scanning design to the practical application, our achievements can potentially meet the needs of tailored human interfaces in the field of wearable devices and human-like robots.

  18. A molecular dynamics investigation into the mechanisms of alectinib resistance of three ALK mutants.

    PubMed

    He, Muyang; Li, Weikang; Zheng, Qingchuan; Zhang, Hongxing

    2018-07-01

    Alectinib, a highly selective next-genetation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, has demonstrated promising antitumor activity in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). However, the therapeutic benefits of alectinib is inescapably hampered by the development of acquired resistant mutations in ALK. Despite the availability of ample experimental mutagenesis data, the molecular origin and the structural motifs under alectinib binding affinity deficiencies are still ambiguous. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) calculation approaches were employed to elucidate the mechanisms of alectinib resistance induced by the mutations I1171N, V1180L, and L1198F. The MD results reveal that the studied mutations could trigger the dislocation of alectinib as well as conformational changes at the inhibitor binding site, thus induce the interactional changes between alectinib and mutants. The most influenced regions are the ligand binding entrance and the hinge region, which are considered to be the dominant binding motifs accounting for the binding affinity loss in mutants. The "key and lock mechanism" between the ethyl group at position 9 of alectinib and a recognition cavity in the hinge region of ALK is presented to illustrate the major molecular origin of drug resistance. Our results provide mechanistic insight into the effect of ALK mutations resistant to alectinib, which could contribute to further rational design of inhibitors to combat the acquired resistance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Can Good Infection Control Be Obtained in One-stage Exchange of the Infected TKA to a Rotating Hinge Design? 10-year Results.

    PubMed

    Zahar, Akos; Kendoff, Daniel O; Klatte, Till O; Gehrke, Thorsten A

    2016-01-01

    Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) occurs in 1% to 2% of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Although two-stage exchange is the preferred management method of patients with chronic PJI in TKA in North America, one-stage exchange is an alternative treatment method, but long-term studies of this approach have not been conducted. We reviewed our minimum 9-year results of 70 patients who underwent one-stage exchange arthroplasty with a rotating hinge design to determine: (1) What was the proportion of patients free of infection? (2) What was the patient rate of survival free of any reoperation? (3) What were the clinical outcomes as measured by Hospital for Special Surgery scores? (4) What proportion of patients developed radiographic evidence of loosening? All one-stage revision TKAs for infection between January 1 and December 31, 2002, with a minimum 9-year followup (mean, 10 years; range, 9-11 years), in which patients had been seen within the last 1 year, were included in this retrospective review. During that period, 11 patients with infected TKAs were treated with other approaches (including two-stage approaches in eight); the general indication for one-stage revision was the diagnosis of PJI with a known causative organism. Exclusion criteria were culture-negative preoperative aspiration, known allergy to local antibiotics or bone cement, or cases in which radical débridement was impossible as a result of the involvement of important anatomical structures. Eighty-one patients with PJI were seen during this period; 70 underwent one-stage exchange using our strict protocol and were reimplanted with a rotating hinge TKA. Eleven patients (15.7%) were lost to followup. Hospital for Special Surgery scores were recorded and all radiographs were evaluated for prosthetic loosening. Failure was defined as revision surgery for infection or any other cause. Our 10-year infection-free survival was 93% (mean, 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 89%-96%; p < 0.007); and the patient 10-year survival rate free of revision for other causes was 91% (mean, 5.2; 95% CI, 86%-95%; p < 0.002). Mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee score at last followup was 69.6 (± 22.5 SD; range, 22-100) and the mean improvement in Hospital for Special Surgery knee score from preoperative to most recent followup was 35 (± 24.2 SD; range, 13-99). Evidence of radiographic loosening was seen in 11 patients at last followup, whereby in six patients, there was need for revision surgery. Our study results showed an overall infection control rate of 93% and good clinical results using our one-stage approach, which combines aggressive débridement of the collateral ligaments and posterior capsule with a rotating hinge implant. These results are comparable with two-stage techniques at a followup of 10 years; further research into one-stage exchange techniques for PJI in TKA appears warranted. Level IV, therapeutic study.

  20. Dynamics of flexible bodies in tree topology - A computer oriented approach

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Singh, R. P.; Vandervoort, R. J.; Likins, P. W.

    1984-01-01

    An approach suited for automatic generation of the equations of motion for large mechanical systems (i.e., large space structures, mechanisms, robots, etc.) is presented. The system topology is restricted to a tree configuration. The tree is defined as an arbitrary set of rigid and flexible bodies connected by hinges characterizing relative translations and rotations of two adjoining bodies. The equations of motion are derived via Kane's method. The resulting equation set is of minimum dimension. Dynamical equations are imbedded in a computer program called TREETOPS. Extensive control simulation capability is built in the TREETOPS program. The simulation is driven by an interactive set-up program resulting in an easy to use analysis tool.

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