Long Chain DNA Separation in a Sparse Nanopost Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Jia; Joswiak, Mark; Dorfman, Kevin

2010-11-01

Long chain DNA separation is a challenge for gel lectrophoresis. Our previous DNA separation experiments and simulations demonstrated that a sparse micro post array can separate large DNA. However, the smaller DNA are not well resolved. We hypothesized that smaller posts will increase the collision frequency of the smaller DNA and thus the resolution. We successfully fabricated a hexagonal array of 350 nm diameter posts with a 3 μm spacing using an oxygen plasma etching method. Under an electric field of 10 V/cm, the mobilities of different species ranging from 10-48.5 kilobasepair (kbp) were normalized by the mobility of λ DNA (48.5 kbp), which was included in all experiments as a standard to correct for day-to-day variations in electroosmotic flow. The resolution of these DNA is markedly improved when compared with a 1 μm diameter micropost array. We demonstrate the robustness of the device by using the calibration curve to identify the peaks in a separation of the λ DNA-Mono Cut mix.

Mass-Mobility Characterization of Flame-made ZrO2 Aerosols: Primary Particle Diameter & Extent of Aggregation

PubMed Central

Eggersdorfer, M.L.; Gröhn, A.J.; Sorensen, C.M.; McMurry, P.H.; Pratsinis, S.E.

2013-01-01

Gas-borne nanoparticles undergoing coagulation and sintering form irregular or fractal-like structures affecting their transport, light scattering, effective surface area and density. Here, zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles are generated by scalable spray combustion, and their mobility diameter and mass are obtained nearly in-situ by differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and aerosol particle mass (APM) measurements. Using these data, the density of ZrO2 and a power law between mobility and primary particle diameters, the structure of fractal-like particles is determined (mass-mobility exponent, prefactor and average number and surface area mean diameter of primary particles, dva). The dva determined by DMA-APM measurements and this power law is in good agreement with the dva obtained by ex-situ nitrogen adsorption and microscopic analysis. Using this combination of measurements and above power law, the effect of flame spray process parameters (e.g. precursor solution and oxygen flow rate as well as zirconium concentration) on fractal-like particle structure characteristics is investigated in detail. This reveals that predominantly agglomerates (physically-bonded particles) and aggregates (chemically- or sinter-bonded particles) of nanoparticles are formed at low and high particle concentrations, respectively. PMID:22959835

Purification of 1.9-nm-diameter semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes by temperature-controlled gel-column chromatography and its application to thin-film transistor devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thendie, Boanerges; Omachi, Haruka; Hirotani, Jun; Ohno, Yutaka; Miyata, Yasumitsu; Shinohara, Hisanori

2017-06-01

Large-diameter semiconductor single-wall carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) have superior mobility and conductivity to small-diameter s-SWCNTs. However, the purification of s-SWCNTs with diameters larger than 1.6 nm by gel filtration has been difficult owing to the low selectivity of the conventional purification method in these large-diameter regions. We report a combination of temperature-controlled gel filtration and the gradient elution technique that we developed to enrich a high-purity s-SWCNT with a diameter as large as 1.9 nm. The thin-film transistor (TFT) device using the 1.9-nm-diameter SWCNT shows an average channel mobility of 23.7 cm2 V-1 s-1, which is much higher than those of conventional SWCNT-TFTs with smaller-diameters of 1.5 and 1.4 nm.

A small-diameter NMR logging tool for groundwater investigations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walsh, David; Turner, Peter; Grunewald, Elliot; Zhang, Hong; Butler, James J.; Reboulet, Ed; Knobbe, Steve; Christy, Tom; Lane, John W.; Johnson, Carole D.; Munday, Tim; Fitzpatrick, Andrew

2013-01-01

A small-diameter nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging tool has been developed and field tested at various sites in the United States and Australia. A novel design approach has produced relatively inexpensive, small-diameter probes that can be run in open or PVC-cased boreholes as small as 2 inches in diameter. The complete system, including surface electronics and various downhole probes, has been successfully tested in small-diameter monitoring wells in a range of hydrogeological settings. A variant of the probe that can be deployed by a direct-push machine has also been developed and tested in the field. The new NMR logging tool provides reliable, direct, and high-resolution information that is of importance for groundwater studies. Specifically, the technology provides direct measurement of total water content (total porosity in the saturated zone or moisture content in the unsaturated zone), and estimates of relative pore-size distribution (bound vs. mobile water content) and hydraulic conductivity. The NMR measurements show good agreement with ancillary data from lithologic logs, geophysical logs, and hydrogeologic measurements, and provide valuable information for groundwater investigations.

The ESA/MBB unfurlable mesh antenna development for mobile services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kellermeier, H.; Vorbrugg, H.; Pontoppidan, K.; Eaton, D. C. G.

Mobile services via satellite in the 800-900 MHz frequency range have recently been studied by SPAR Aerospace Ltd in the M-SAT phase B using various unfurlable offset reflector concepts between 9 and 5 m aperture diameters for 6-, 4- and 2-beam coverage. For a 2-beam coverage of Canada and U.S.A. two offset antennas each of 5 m aperture diameter are required. The MBB offset unfurlable mesh antenna (UMA) developed since 1983 under an ESA contract is one of the attractive candidates: The design concept chosen uses foldable radial ribs of carbon fibre which deploy a gold plated molybdenum mesh on adjustable stand-offs. This concept is applicable for offset aperture diameters up to 12 m since the carbon fibre ribs are double folded and provide for a high package density when stowed at the spacecraft during launch. The electrical analysis performed by TICRA/Copenhagen was assisted by electrical measurements on mesh samples, verifying that main charactertics as ohmic resistance, transmission loss and passive intermodulation products (PIMP) lie within the required tolerances if the mesh is pretensioned to a certain configuration. For on-orbit testing and retrieval by the Shuttle the reflector shows a unique design feature of retractability by the reversable deployment sequence.

Uncertainty propagation using the Monte Carlo method in the measurement of airborne particle size distribution with a scanning mobility particle sizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coquelin, L.; Le Brusquet, L.; Fischer, N.; Gensdarmes, F.; Motzkus, C.; Mace, T.; Fleury, G.

2018-05-01

A scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) is a high resolution nanoparticle sizing system that is widely used as the standard method to measure airborne particle size distributions (PSD) in the size range 1 nm–1 μm. This paper addresses the problem to assess the uncertainty associated with PSD when a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) operates under scanning mode. The sources of uncertainty are described and then modeled either through experiments or knowledge extracted from the literature. Special care is brought to model the physics and to account for competing theories. Indeed, it appears that the modeling errors resulting from approximations of the physics can largely affect the final estimate of this indirect measurement, especially for quantities that are not measured during day-to-day experiments. The Monte Carlo method is used to compute the uncertainty associated with PSD. The method is tested against real data sets that are monosize polystyrene latex spheres (PSL) with nominal diameters of 100 nm, 200 nm and 450 nm. The median diameters and associated standard uncertainty of the aerosol particles are estimated as 101.22 nm  ±  0.18 nm, 204.39 nm  ±  1.71 nm and 443.87 nm  ±  1.52 nm with the new approach. Other statistical parameters, such as the mean diameter, the mode and the geometric mean and associated standard uncertainty, are also computed. These results are then compared with the results obtained by SMPS embedded software.

The influence of surfaces on the transient terahertz conductivity and electron mobility of GaAs nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joyce, Hannah J.; Baig, Sarwat A.; Parkinson, Patrick; Davies, Christopher L.; Boland, Jessica L.; Tan, H. Hoe; Jagadish, Chennupati; Herz, Laura M.; Johnston, Michael B.

2017-06-01

Bare unpassivated GaAs nanowires feature relatively high electron mobilities (400-2100 cm2 V-1 s-1) and ultrashort charge carrier lifetimes (1-5 ps) at room temperature. These two properties are highly desirable for high speed optoelectronic devices, including photoreceivers, modulators and switches operating at microwave and terahertz frequencies. When engineering these GaAs nanowire-based devices, it is important to have a quantitative understanding of how the charge carrier mobility and lifetime can be tuned. Here we use optical-pump-terahertz-probe spectroscopy to quantify how mobility and lifetime depend on the nanowire surfaces and on carrier density in unpassivated GaAs nanowires. We also present two alternative frameworks for the analysis of nanowire photoconductivity: one based on plasmon resonance and the other based on Maxwell-Garnett effective medium theory with the nanowires modelled as prolate ellipsoids. We find the electron mobility decreases significantly with decreasing nanowire diameter, as charge carriers experience increased scattering at nanowire surfaces. Reducing the diameter from 50 nm to 30 nm degrades the electron mobility by up to 47%. Photoconductivity dynamics were dominated by trapping at saturable states existing at the nanowire surface, and the trapping rate was highest for the nanowires of narrowest diameter. The maximum surface recombination velocity, which occurs in the limit of all traps being empty, was calculated as 1.3  ×  106 cm s-1. We note that when selecting the optimum nanowire diameter for an ultrafast device, there is a trade-off between achieving a short lifetime and a high carrier mobility. To achieve high speed GaAs nanowire devices featuring the highest charge carrier mobilities and shortest lifetimes, we recommend operating the devices at low charge carrier densities.

Highly crosslinked polyethylene: a safe alternative to conventional polyethylene for dual mobility cup mobile component. A biomechanical validation.

PubMed

Malatray, Matthieu; Roux, Jean-Paul; Gunst, Stanislas; Pibarot, Vincent; Wegrzyn, Julien

2017-03-01

Dual mobility cup (DMC) consists of a cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy cup articulated with a polyethylene (PE) mobile component capturing the femoral head in force using a snap-fit technique. This biomechanical study was the first to evaluate and compare the generation of cracks in the retentive area of DMC mobile components made of highly crosslinked PE (XLPE) or conventional ultra-high molecular weight PE (UHMWPE). Eighty mobile components designed for a 52-mm diameter Symbol® DMC (Dedienne Santé, Mauguio, France) and a 28-mm diameter femoral head were analyzed. Four groups of 20 mobile components were constituted according to the PE material: raw UHMWPE, sterilized UHMWPE, annealed XLPE and remelted XLPE. Ten mobile components in each group were impacted with a 28-mm diameter CoCr femoral head using a snap-fit technique. The occurrence, location and area of the cracks in the retentive area were investigated using micro-CT (Skyscan 1176®, Bruker, Aarsellar, Belgium) with a 35 μm nominal isotropic voxel size by two observers blinded to the PE material and impaction or not of the mobile components. Compared to conventional UHMWPE, the femoral head snap-fit did not generate more or wider cracks in the retentive area of annealed or remelted XLPE mobile components. This biomechanical study suggests that XLPE in DMC could be a safe alternative to conventional UHMWPE regarding the generation of cracks in the retentive area related to the femoral head snap-fit.

Interior and Ejecta Morphologies of Impact Craters on Ganymede

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barlow, Nadine G.; Klaybor, K.; Katz-Wigmore, J.

2006-09-01

We are utilizing Galileo SSI imagery of Ganymede to classify impact crater interior and ejecta morphologies. Although we are in the early stages of compiling our Catalog of Impact Craters on Ganymede, some interesting trends are beginning to emerge. Few craters display obvious ejecta morphologies, but 68 craters are classified as single layer ejecta and 3 as double layer ejecta. We see no obvious correlation of layered ejecta morphologies with terrain or latitude. All layered ejecta craters have diameters between 10 and 40 km. Sinuosity ("lobateness") and ejecta extent ("ejecta mobility ratio") of Ganymede layered ejecta craters are lower than for martian layered ejecta craters. This suggests less mobility of ejecta materials on Ganymede, perhaps due to the colder temperatures. Interior structures being investigated include central domes, peaks, and pits. 57 dome craters, 212 central peak craters, and 313 central pit craters have been identified. Central domes occur in 50-100 km diameter craters while peaks are found in craters between 20 and 50 km and central pit craters range between 29 and 74 km in diameter. The Galileo Regio region displays higher concentrations of central dome and central pit craters than other regions we have investigated. 67% of central pit craters studied to date are small pits, where the ratio of pit diameter to crater diameter is <0.2. Craters containing the three interior structures preferentially occur on darker terrain units, suggesting that an ice-silicate composition is more conducive to interior feature formation than pure ice alone. Results of this study have important implications not only for the formation of specific interior and ejecta morphologies on Ganymede but also for analogous features associated with Martian impact craters. This research is funded through NASA Outer Planets Research Program Award #NNG05G116G to N. G. Barlow.

Saturn Apollo Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1967-05-25

Artist’s concept of the Local Scientific Survey Module (LSSM), one of two designs for a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), depicted on the lunar surface A Bendix Corporation concept, this configuration weighs more than 8,000 pounds, is 21-feet long, 15-feet wide and has 6 wheels with 5-foot diameters. The LRV was developed under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to give Apollo astronauts a wider range of mobility on the lunar surface.

Electro-hydrodynamic generation of monodisperse nanoparticles in the sub-10 nm size range from strongly electrolytic salt solutions: governing parameters of scaling laws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maißer, Anne; Attoui, Michel B.; Gañán-Calvo, Alfonso M.; Szymanski, Wladyslaw W.

2013-01-01

A charge reduced electro-hydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) device has been used to generate airborne salt clusters in the sub 10 nm size range. The focus of this study on that specific sub-micron range of electrospray droplets with relatively high electrical conductivities and permittivities aims to address the still existing controversy on the scaling laws of electrosprayed droplet diameters. In this study different concentrations of sodium chloride and potassium chloride—both show strong electrolytic behavior—have been electrosprayed from solutions in pure water, or from aqueous ammonium acetate buffer liquids of varying concentrations. The dry residue salt cluster diameter generated by the EHDA process have been measured using a differential mobility analyzer. The initial droplet diameter has been determined indirectly from the measured particle size following the steps of Chen et al. (J Aerosol Sci 26:963-977, 1995). Results have been compared to existing scaling laws valid for direct droplet measurements. They can be interpreted concisely on the basis of a realistic hypothesis on possible electrochemical effects taking place and affecting the droplet and thus nanoparticle formation in EHDA. The hypothesis developed in this work and the comparison with the experimental results are shown and discussed in the manuscript.

Evaluation and modelling of the size fractionated aerosol particle number concentration measurements nearby a major road in Helsinki - Part I: Modelling results within the LIPIKA project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohjola, M. A.; Pirjola, L.; Karppinen, A.; Härkönen, J.; Korhonen, H.; Hussein, T.; Ketzel, M.; Kukkonen, J.

2007-08-01

A field measurement campaign was conducted near a major road "Itäväylä" in an urban area in Helsinki in 17-20 February 2003. Aerosol measurements were conducted using a mobile laboratory "Sniffer" at various distances from the road, and at an urban background location. Measurements included particle size distribution in the size range of 7 nm-10 μm (aerodynamic diameter) by the Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI) and in the size range of 3-50 nm (mobility diameter) by Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), total number concentration of particles larger than 3 nm detected by an ultrafine condensation particle counter (UCPC), temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, driving route of the mobile laboratory, and traffic density on the studied road. In this study, we have compared measured concentration data with the predictions of the road network dispersion model CAR-FMI used in combination with an aerosol process model MONO32. For model comparison purposes, one of the cases was additionally computed using the aerosol process model UHMA, combined with the CAR-FMI model. The vehicular exhaust emissions, and atmospheric dispersion and transformation of fine and ultrafine particles was evaluated within the distance scale of 200 m (corresponding to a time scale of a couple of minutes). We computed the temporal evolution of the number concentrations, size distributions and chemical compositions of various particle size classes. The atmospheric dilution rate of particles is obtained from the roadside dispersion model CAR-FMI. Considering the evolution of total number concentration, dilution was shown to be the most important process. The influence of coagulation and condensation on the number concentrations of particle size modes was found to be negligible on this distance scale. Condensation was found to affect the evolution of particle diameter in the two smallest particle modes. The assumed value of the concentration of condensable organic vapour of 1012 molecules cm-3 was shown to be in a disagreement with the measured particle size evolution, while the modelling runs with the concentration of condensable organic vapour of 109-1010 molecules cm-3 resulted in particle sizes that were closest to the measured values.

Viscosity induced non-uniform flow in laminar flow heat exchangers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putnam, G. R.; Rohsenow, W. M.

1985-05-01

Laminar flow heat exchangers which cool oil in noninterconnected parallel passages can experience nonuniform flows and a reduction in the effective heat exchanger coefficient in a range of Reynolds number which varies with tube length and diameter, tube wall temperature and fluid inlet temperature. The method of predicting the reduction in effective heat transfer coefficient and the range of Reynolds number over which these instabilities exist is presented for a particular oil, Mobil aviation oil 120. Included, also, is the prediction of the effect of radial viscosity variation on the constant property magnitudes of friction and heat transfer coefficient.

Dual Mobility Cemented Cups Have Low Dislocation Rates in THA Revisions

PubMed Central

Langlais, Frantz L.; Gaucher, François; Musset, Thierry; Chaix, Olivier

2008-01-01

THA revisions using standard cups are at risk of dislocation (5.1% to 14.4% incidence), especially in patients over 70 years of age. Constrained tripolar cups have reduced this risk (6% incidence) but are associated with substantial loosening rates (9%). The nonconstrained dual mobility cup was designed to improve prosthetic stability (polyethylene head ≥ 40 mm diameter) without increasing loosening rates by reducing wear and limiting impingement (rotation range of 108°). We implanted 88 cemented dual mobility cups for THA revisions in 82 patients at high risk of dislocation. Average patient age was 72 years (range, 65–86 years). Eighty-five of the 88 hips were reviewed at 2 to 5 years followup. One patient (1.1%) had a traumatic dislocation at 2 years postoperatively. Two patients (2.3%) had asymptomatic early loosening and three patients (3.5%) had localized radiographic lucencies. These results confirm those with press-fit dual mobility cups suggesting a low dislocation rate at 5 years and a cup survival of 94.6%. At middle term followup, cemented dual mobility cup achieved better results than constrained cups in cases at risk of dislocation and recurrent loosening. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. PMID:18196422

Development of a mobile sensor for robust assessment of river bed grain forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maniatis, G.; Hoey, T.; Sventek, J.; Hodge, R. A.

2013-12-01

The forces experienced by sediment grains at entrainment and during transport, and those exerted on river beds, are significant for the development of river systems and landscape evolution. The assessment of local grain forces has been approached using two different methodologies. The first approach uses static impact sensors at points or cross-sections to measure velocity and/or acceleration. A second approach uses mobile natural or artificial 'smart' pebbles instrumented with inertia micro-sensors for directly measuring the local forces experienced by individual grains. The two approaches have yielded significantly different magnitudes of impact forces. Static sensors (piezoelectric plates connected to accelerometers) temporally smooth the impacts from several grains and infrequently detect the higher forces (up to ×100g) generated by direct single-grain impacts. The second method is currently unable to record the full range of impacts in real rivers due to the low measurement range of the deployed inertia sensors (×3g). Laboratory applications have required only low-range accelerometers, so excluding the magnitude of natural impacts from the design criteria. Here we present the first results from the development of a mobile sensor, designed for the purpose of measuring local grain-forces in a natural riverbed. We present two sets of measurements. The first group presents the calibration of a wide range micro-accelerometer from a set of vertical drop experiments (gravitational acceleration) and further experiments on a shaking table moving with pre-defined acceleration. The second group of measurements are from incipient motion experiments performed in a 9m x0.9m flume (slope 0.001 to 0.018) under steadily increasing discharge. Initially the spherical sensor grain was placed on an artificial surface of hemispheres of identical diameter to the sensor (111mm). Incipient motion was assessed under both whole and half-diameter exposure for each slope. Subsequently, the sensor was placed on a bed of natural gravel of equivalent mean diameter under low slope conditions (0.001). Incipient motion was monitored over a fully covered stable bed and over a partially covered bed developed over an artificial surface constructed to simulate a natural bedrock surface. Statistical analysis of the results describes the relationship between flow conditions and pre-entrainment grain vibration and the acceleration threshold for incipient motion. Finally we perform a preliminary analysis to assess the degree of dependency of the same threshold on the different degrees of alluvial coverage of a river bed and so illustrate the potential to evaluate existing models describing grain entrainment and transport.

Economic assessment of using a mobile Micromill® for processing small-diameter ponderosa pine.

Treesearch

Dennis R. Becker; Evan E. Hjerpe; Eini C. Lowell

2004-01-01

An economic assessment of an SLP5000 Diesel Micromill® was conducted to determine the maintenance and operation costs and the logistics of a mobile sawmill used to process small-diameter ponderosa pine. The Micromill® was first introduced in 1997 and has since received considerable attention. In 2003, the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station...

Cloud condensation nuclei activity and hygroscopicity of fresh and aged cooking organic aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yanwei; Tasoglou, Antonios; Liangou, Aikaterini; Cain, Kerrigan P.; Jahn, Leif; Gu, Peishi; Kostenidou, Evangelia; Pandis, Spyros N.

2018-03-01

Cooking organic aerosol (COA) is potentially a significant fraction of organic particulate matter in urban areas. COA chemical aging experiments, using aerosol produced by grilling hamburgers, took place in a smog chamber in the presence of UV light or excess ozone. The water solubility distributions, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity, and corresponding hygroscopicity of fresh and aged COA were measured. The average mobility equivalent activation diameter of the fresh particles at 0.4% supersaturation ranged from 87 to 126 nm and decreased for aged particles, ranging from 65 to 88 nm. Most of the fresh COA had water solubility less than 0.1 g L-1, even though the corresponding particles were quite CCN active. After aging, the COA fraction with water solubility greater than 0.1 g L-1 increased more than 2 times. Using the extended Köhler theory for multiple partially soluble components in order to predict the measured activation diameters, the COA solubility distribution alone could not explain the CCN activity. Surface tensions less than 30 dyn cm-1 were required to explain the measured activation diameters. In addition, COA particles appear to not be spherical, which can introduce uncertainties into the corresponding calculations.

Small, Untethered, Mobile Robots for Inspecting Gas Pipes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, Brian

2003-01-01

Small, untethered mobile robots denoted gas-pipe explorers (GPEXs) have been proposed for inspecting the interiors of pipes used in the local distribution natural gas. The United States has network of gas-distribution pipes with a total length of approximately 109 m. These pipes are often made of iron and steel and some are more than 100 years old. As this network ages, there is a need to locate weaknesses that necessitate repair and/or preventive maintenance. The most common weaknesses are leaks and reductions in thickness, which are caused mostly by chemical reactions between the iron in the pipes and various substances in soil and groundwater. At present, mobile robots called pigs are used to inspect and clean the interiors of gas-transmission pipelines. Some carry magnetic-flux-leakage (MFL) sensors for measuring average wall thicknesses, some capture images, and some measure sizes and physical conditions. The operating ranges of pigs are limited to fairly straight sections of wide transmission- type (as distinguished from distribution- type) pipes: pigs are too large to negotiate such obstacles as bends with radii comparable to or smaller than pipe diameters, intrusions of other pipes at branch connections, and reductions in diameter at valves and meters. The GPEXs would be smaller and would be able to negotiate sharp bends and other obstacles that typically occur in gas-distribution pipes.

Establishing reference condition for streambed mobility: Quantifying the effect of form roughness from stream habitat survey data

EPA Science Inventory

The size and mobility of streambed particles are sensitive to changes in the balance between sediment supply and transport. Therefore, changes in mobility can be an indicator of natural or anthropogenic alterations in this balance. Predictions of the critical diameter for mobil...

Determination of ion mobility in EHD flow zone of plasma generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumariyah, Kusminarto, Hermanto, Arief; Nuswantoro, Pekik

2015-12-01

Determination has been carried out for ion mobility in EHD flow zone generated using a pin-concentric multiple ring electrodes and a pin-single ring electrode used as a comparator. The pin needle was made from stainless steel with a tip diameter of 0.18 mm. The concentris multiple ring electrode in form three/two concentric ring electrodes which made of metal material connected to each other. Each ring of three concentric ring electrode has a diameter of 24 mm, 16 mm and 8 mm. And each ring of two concentric ring electrode has a diameter of 24 mm and 16 mm. Single ring electrode has a diameter24 mm. The all ring has same of width and thickness were 2 mm and 3 mm. EHD was generated by using a DC high voltage of 10 kV. Pin functional as an active electrode of corona discharge while the all ring electrodes acted as ions collector and passive electrodes. The experimental results show that the ion current is proportional to V2 according to calculations by Chouelo for hyperbolic-field approach. Ion mobility obtained from the quadratic polynomial fitting of experimental data were current and voltage as well as Choelo formulation. The results showed that the mobility of ions in the EHD flow zones utilizing pin-consentric multiple ring electrode larger than utilizing pin-single ring electrode. Pin-three Consentic ring electrode has the largest of ion mobility

A humidity-controlled fast integrated mobility spectrometer (HFIMS) for rapid measurements of particle hygroscopic growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinterich, Tamara; Spielman, Steven R.; Wang, Yang; Hering, Susanne V.; Wang, Jian

2017-12-01

We present a humidity-controlled fast integrated mobility spectrometer (HFIMS) for rapid particle hygroscopicity measurements. The HFIMS consists of a differential mobility analyzer (DMA), a relative humidity (RH) control unit and a water-based FIMS (WFIMS) coupled in series. The WFIMS (Pinterich et al., 2017) combines the fast integrated mobility spectrometer (Kulkarni and Wang, 2006a, b) with laminar flow water condensation methodologies (Hering and Stolzenburg, 2005; Spielman et al., 2017). Inside the WFIMS, particles of different electrical mobilities are spatially separated in an electric field, condensationally enlarged and imaged to provide 1 Hz measurements of size distribution spanning a factor of ˜ 3 in particle diameter, which is sufficient to cover the entire range of growth factor (GF) for atmospheric aerosol particles at 90 % RH. By replacing the second DMA of a traditional hygroscopicity tandem DMA (HTDMA) system with the WFIMS, the HFIMS greatly increases the speed of particle growth factor measurement. The performance of the HFIMS was evaluated using NaCl particles with well-known hygroscopic growth behavior and further through measurements of ambient aerosols. Results show that the HFIMS can reproduce, within 2 %, the literature values for hygroscopic growth of NaCl particles. NaCl deliquescence was observed between 76 and 77 % RH in agreement with the theoretical value of 76.5 % (Ming and Russell, 2001), and efflorescence relative humidity (43 %) was found to lie within the RH range of 41 to 56 % reported in the literature. Ambient data indicate that the HFIMS can measure the hygroscopic growth of five standard dry particle sizes ranging from 35 to 165 nm within less than 3 min, which makes it about 1 order of magnitude faster than traditional HTDMA systems.

A Humidity-controlled Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (HFIMS) for rapid measurements of particle hygroscopic growth

DOE PAGES

Pinterich, Tamara; Spielman, Steven R.; Hering, Susanne; ...

2017-06-26

We present a Humidity-controlled Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (HFIMS) for rapid particle hygroscopicity measurements. The HFIMS consists of a differential mobility analyzer (DMA), a relative humidity (RH) control unit and a water-based FIMS (WFIMS) coupled in series. The WFIMS (Pinterich et al., 2017) combines the Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (Kulkarni and Wang, 2006a, b) with laminar flow water condensation methodologies (Hering and Stolzenburg, 2005; Spielman et al., 2017). Inside the WFIMS, particles of different electrical mobilities are spatially separated in an electric field, condensationally enlarged and imaged to provide 1-Hz measurements of size distribution spanning a factor of ~ 3more » in particle diameter, sufficient to cover the entire range of growth factor for atmospheric aerosol particles at 90 % RH. By replacing the second DMA of a traditional hygroscopicity tandem DMA (HTDMA) system with the WFIMS, the HFIMS greatly increases the speed of particle growth factor measurement. The performance of the HFIMS was evaluated using NaCl particles with well-known hygroscopic growth behavior, and further through measurements of ambient aerosols. Results show that HFIMS can reproduce, within 2 % the literature values for hygroscopic growth of NaCl particles. NaCl deliquescence was observed between 76 % and 77 % RH in agreement with the theoretical value of 76.5 % (Ming and Russell, 2001), and efflorescence relative humidity (43 %) was found to lie within the RH range of 41 % to 56 % reported in the literature. Ambient data indicate that HFIMS can measure the hygroscopic growth of five standard dry particle sizes ranging from 35 to 165 nm within less than three minutes, which makes it about an order of magnitude faster than traditional HTDMA systems.« less

A Humidity-controlled Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (HFIMS) for rapid measurements of particle hygroscopic growth

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

Pinterich, Tamara; Spielman, Steven R.; Hering, Susanne

We present a Humidity-controlled Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (HFIMS) for rapid particle hygroscopicity measurements. The HFIMS consists of a differential mobility analyzer (DMA), a relative humidity (RH) control unit and a water-based FIMS (WFIMS) coupled in series. The WFIMS (Pinterich et al., 2017) combines the Fast Integrated Mobility Spectrometer (Kulkarni and Wang, 2006a, b) with laminar flow water condensation methodologies (Hering and Stolzenburg, 2005; Spielman et al., 2017). Inside the WFIMS, particles of different electrical mobilities are spatially separated in an electric field, condensationally enlarged and imaged to provide 1-Hz measurements of size distribution spanning a factor of ~ 3more » in particle diameter, sufficient to cover the entire range of growth factor for atmospheric aerosol particles at 90 % RH. By replacing the second DMA of a traditional hygroscopicity tandem DMA (HTDMA) system with the WFIMS, the HFIMS greatly increases the speed of particle growth factor measurement. The performance of the HFIMS was evaluated using NaCl particles with well-known hygroscopic growth behavior, and further through measurements of ambient aerosols. Results show that HFIMS can reproduce, within 2 % the literature values for hygroscopic growth of NaCl particles. NaCl deliquescence was observed between 76 % and 77 % RH in agreement with the theoretical value of 76.5 % (Ming and Russell, 2001), and efflorescence relative humidity (43 %) was found to lie within the RH range of 41 % to 56 % reported in the literature. Ambient data indicate that HFIMS can measure the hygroscopic growth of five standard dry particle sizes ranging from 35 to 165 nm within less than three minutes, which makes it about an order of magnitude faster than traditional HTDMA systems.« less

Mobility performance analysis of an innovation lunar rover with diameter-variable wheel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Gang; Gao, Feng; Sun, Peng; Xu, Guoyan

2007-11-01

To achieve excellent mobility performance, a four-wheel, all-wheel drive lunar rover with diameter-variable wheel was presented, the wheel can be contracted and extended by the motor equipped in the wheel hub, accompanied with wheel diameter varying from 200mm to 390mm. The wheel sinkage and drawbar pull force were predicated with terramechanics formulae and lunar regolith mechanic parameters employed, furthermore, the slope traversability was investigated through quasi-static modeling mechanic analysis, also the obstacle resistance and the maximum negotiable obstacle height for different wheel radius were derived from the equations of static equilibrium of the rover. Analysis results show that for the innovation lunar rover presented, it will bring much better slope traveling stability and obstacle climbing capability than rovers with normal wheels, these will improve the rover mobility performance and stabilize the rover's frame, smooth the motion of sensors.

Satellite-aided mobile communications limited operational test in the trucking industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, R. E.; Frey, R. L.; Lewis, J. R.

1980-01-01

An experiment with NASA's ATS-6 satellite, that demonstrates the practicality of satellite-aided land mobile communications is described. Satellite communications equipment for the experiment was designed so that it would be no more expensive, when mass produced, than conventional two-way mobile radio equipment. It embodied the operational features and convenience of present day mobile radios. Vehicle antennas 75 cm tall and 2 cm in diameter provided good commercial quality signals to and from trucks and jeeps. Operational applicability and usage data were gathered by installing the radio equipment in five long-haul tractor-trailer trucks and two Air Force search and rescue jeeps. Channel occupancy rates are reported. Air Force personnel found the satellite radio system extremely valuable in their search and rescue mission during maneuvers and actual rescue operations. Propagation data is subjectively analyzed and over 4 hours of random data is categorized and graded as to signal quality on a second by second basis. Trends in different topographic regions are reported. An overall communications reliability of 93% was observed despite low satellite elevation angles ranging from 9 to 24 degrees.

A dragline-forming mobile robot inspired by spiders.

PubMed

Wang, Liyu; Culha, Utku; Iida, Fumiya

2014-03-01

Mobility of wheeled or legged machines can be significantly increased if they are able to move from a solid surface into a three-dimensional space. Although that may be achieved by addition of flying mechanisms, the payload fraction will be the limiting factor in such hybrid mobile machines for many applications. Inspired by spiders producing draglines to assist locomotion, the paper proposes an alternative mobile technology where a robot achieves locomotion from a solid surface into a free space. The technology resembles the dragline production pathway in spiders to a technically feasible degree and enables robots to move with thermoplastic spinning of draglines. As an implementation, a mobile robot has been prototyped with thermoplastic adhesives as source material of the draglines. Experimental results show that a dragline diameter range of 1.17-5.27 mm was achievable by the 185 g mobile robot in descending locomotion from the solid surface of a hanging structure with a power consumption of 4.8 W and an average speed of 5.13 cm min(-1). With an open-loop controller consisting of sequences of discrete events, the robot has demonstrated repeatable dragline formation with a relative deviation within -4% and a length close to the metre scale.

An automated inner dimensional measurement system based on a laser displacement sensor for long-stepped pipes.

PubMed

Zhang, Fumin; Qu, Xinghua; Ouyang, Jianfei

2012-01-01

A novel measurement prototype based on a mobile vehicle that carries a laser scanning sensor is proposed. The prototype is intended for the automated measurement of the interior 3D geometry of large-diameter long-stepped pipes. The laser displacement sensor, which has a small measurement range, is mounted on an extended arm of known length. It is scanned to improve the measurement accuracy for large-sized pipes. A fixing mechanism based on two sections is designed to ensure that the stepped pipe is concentric with the axis of rotation of the system. Data are acquired in a cylindrical coordinate system and fitted in a circle to determine diameter. Systematic errors covering arm length, tilt, and offset errors are analyzed and calibrated. The proposed system is applied to sample parts and the results are discussed to verify its effectiveness. This technique measures a diameter of 600 mm with an uncertainty of 0.02 mm at a 95% confidence probability. A repeatability test is performed to examine precision, which is 1.1 μm. A laser tracker is used to verify the measurement accuracy of the system, which is evaluated as 9 μm within a diameter of 600 mm.

Characteristic of nanoparticles generated from different nano-powders by using different dispersion methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Chuen-Jinn; Lin, Guan-Yu; Liu, Chun-Nan; He, Chi-En; Chen, Chun-Wan

2012-03-01

A standard rotating drum with a modified sampling train (RD), a vortex shaker (VS), and a SSPD (small-scale powder disperser) were used to investigate the emission characteristics of nano-powders, including nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2, primary diameter: 21 nm), nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO, primary diameter: 30-50 nm), and nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2, primary diameter: 10-30 nm). A TSI SMPS (scanning mobility particle sizer), a TSI APS (aerodynamic particle sizer), and a MSP MOUDI (micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor) were used to measure the number and mass distributions of generated particles. Significant differences in specific number and mass concentration or distributions were found among different methods and nano-powders with the most specific number and mass concentration and the smallest particles being generated by the most energetic SSPD, followed by VS and RD. Near uni-modal number or mass distributions were observed for the SSPD while bi-modal number or mass distributions existed for nano-powders except nano-SiO2 which also exhibited bimodal mass distributions. The 30-min average results showed that the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and number median diameter (NMD) of the SSPD ranged 1.1-2.1 μm and 166-261 nm, respectively, for all three nano-powders, which were smaller than those of the VS (MMAD: 3.3-6.0 μm and NMD: 156-462 nm), and the RD (MMAD: 5.2-11.2 μm and NMD: 198-479 nm). For nano-particles (electric mobility diameter < 100 nm), specific mass concentrations were nearly negligible for all three nano-powders and test methods. Specific number concentrations of nano-particles were low for the RD tester but were elevated when more energetic VS and SSPD testers were used. The quantitative size and concentration data obtained in this study is useful to elucidate the field emission and personal exposure data in the future provided that particle loss in the generation system is carefully assessed.

Hygroscopic behavior of water-soluble matter in marine aerosols over the East China Sea.

PubMed

Yan, Yu; Fu, Pingqing; Jing, Bo; Peng, Chao; Boreddy, S K R; Yang, Fan; Wei, Lianfang; Sun, Yele; Wang, Zifa; Ge, Maofa

2017-02-01

In this study, we investigated hygroscopic properties of water-soluble matter (WSM) in marine aerosols over the East China Sea, which were collected during a Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) sharing cruise in 2014. Hygroscopic growth factors (g) of WSM were measured by a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA) with an initial dry particle mobility diameter of 100nm. The observed g at 90% relative humidity (RH), g(90%) WSM , defined as the ratio of the particle diameter at 90% RH to that at RH<5% (initial dry diameter), ranged from 1.67 to 2.41 (mean±std: 1.99±0.23). The g values were lower than that of seawater (2.1) but comparable with those reported for marine aerosols (1.79-2.08). The H-TDMA retrieved hygroscopicity parameter of WSM, κ WSM , ranged from 0.46 to 1.56 (0.88±0.35). The observed g(90%) WSM during the daytime ranged from 1.67 to 2.40 (1.95±0.21) versus 1.71 to 2.41 (2.03±0.26) during the nighttime. κ WSM was 0.81±0.32 in the daytime and 0.95±0.40 in the nighttime. The day/night differences of g(90%) WSM and κ WSM indicated that nighttime marine aerosols were more hygroscopic than those in daytime, which was likely related to enhanced heterogeneous reaction of ammonium nitrate in nighttime and the higher Cl - /Na + molar ratios obtained (0.80) in nighttime than those (0.47) in daytime. Inorganic ions accounted for 72-99% of WSM with SO 4 2- being the dominant species, contributing to 47% of the total inorganic ion mass. The declined g(90%) comparing with sea water was likely due to the transport of anthropogenic aerosols, chemical aging of dust particles, the contribution of biomass burning products, and the aerosol hygroscopic growth inhibition of organics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A national voice network with satellite and small transceivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reilly, N. B.; Smith, J. G.

1978-01-01

A geostationary satellite utilizing a large multiple-beam UHF antenna is shown to be potentially capable of providing tens of thousands of voice channels for hundreds of thousands of mobile ground terminals using hand-held or vehicular-mounted transceivers with whip antennas. Inclusion of on-board network switching facilities permits full interconnection between any terminal pair within the continental United States (CONUS). Configuration tradeoff studies at selected frequencies from 150 to 1500 MHz, with antenna diameters ranging from 20 to 200 m, and CONUS-coverage multiple beams down to 0.3 deg beamwidth, establish that monthly system user costs in the range of $90 to $150, including leased and maintained ground equipment, are feasible.

High speed, wide velocity dynamic range Doppler optical coherence tomography (Part III): in vivo endoscopic imaging of blood flow in the rat and human gastrointestinal tracts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Victor X. D.; Gordon, Maggie L.; Tang, Shou-Jiang; Marcon, Norman E.; Gardiner, Geoffrey; Qi, Bing; Bisland, Stuart; Seng-Yue, Emily; Lo, Stewart; Pekar, Julius; Wilson, Brian C.; Vitkin, I. Alex

2003-09-01

We previously described a fiber based Doppler optical coherence tomography system [1] capable of imaging embryo cardiac blood flow at 4~16 frames per second with wide velocity dynamic range [2]. Coupling this system to a linear scanning fiber optical catheter design that minimizes friction and vibrations, we report here the initial results of in vivo endoscopic Doppler optical coherence tomography (EDOCT) imaging in normal rat and human esophagus. Microvascular flow in blood vessels less than 100 µm diameter was detected using a combination of color-Doppler and velocity variance imaging modes, during clinical endoscopy using a mobile EDOCT system.

Mass spectrometric analysis and aerodynamic properties of various types of combustion-related aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, J.; Weimer, S.; Drewnick, F.; Borrmann, S.; Helas, G.; Gwaze, P.; Schmid, O.; Andreae, M. O.; Kirchner, U.

2006-12-01

Various types of combustion-related particles in the size range between 100 and 850 nm were analyzed with an aerosol mass spectrometer and a differential mobility analyzer. The measurements were performed with particles originating from biomass burning, diesel engine exhaust, laboratory combustion of diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as from spark soot generation. Physical and morphological parameters like fractal dimension, effective density, bulk density and dynamic shape factor were derived or at least approximated from the measurements of electrical mobility diameter and vacuum aerodynamic diameter. The relative intensities of the mass peaks in the mass spectra obtained from particles generated by a commercial diesel passenger car, by diesel combustion in a laboratory burner, and by evaporating and re-condensing lubrication oil were found to be very similar. The mass spectra from biomass burning particles show signatures identified as organic compounds like levoglucosan but also others which are yet unidentified. The aerodynamic behavior yielded a fractal dimension (Df) of 2.09 +/- 0.06 for biomass burning particles from the combustion of dry beech sticks, but showed values around three, and hence more compact particle morphologies, for particles from combustion of more natural oak. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed the finding that the beech combustion particles were fractal-like aggregates, while the oak combustion particles displayed a much more compact shape. For particles from laboratory combusted diesel fuel, a Df value of 2.35 was found, for spark soot particles, Df [approximate] 2.10. The aerodynamic properties of fractal-like particles from dry beech wood combustion indicate an aerodynamic shape factor [chi] that increases with electrical mobility diameter, and a bulk density of 1.92 g cm-3. An upper limit of [chi] [approximate] 1.2 was inferred for the shape factor of the more compact particles from oak combustion.

Development of a digital mobile solar tracker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baidar, S.; Kille, N.; Ortega, I.; Sinreich, R.; Thomson, D.; Hannigan, J.; Volkamer, R.

2015-11-01

We have constructed and deployed a fast digital solar tracker aboard a moving ground-based platform. The tracker consists of two rotating mirrors, a lens, an imaging camera, and a motion compensation system that provides the Euler angles of the mobile platform in real time. The tracker can be simultaneously coupled to UV-Vis and FTIR spectrometers making it a versatile tool to measure the absorption of trace gases using solar incoming radiation. The integrated system allows the tracker to operate autonomously while the mobile laboratory is in motion. Mobile direct sun Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (mobile DS-DOAS) observations using this tracker were conducted during summer 2014 as part of the Front Range Photochemistry and Pollution Experiment (FRAPPE) in Colorado, USA. We demonstrate an angular precision of 0.052° (about 1/10 of the solar disk diameter) during research drives, and verify this tracking precision from measurements of the center to limb darkening (CLD, the changing appearance of Fraunhofer lines) in the mobile DS-DOAS spectra. The high photon flux from direct sun observation enables measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) slant columns with high temporal resolution, and reveals spatial detail in the variations of NO2 vertical column densities (VCDs). The NO2 VCD from DS-DOAS is compared with a co-located MAX-DOAS instrument. Overall good agreement is observed amid a highly heterogeneous air mass.

Development of a digital mobile solar tracker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baidar, Sunil; Kille, Natalie; Ortega, Ivan; Sinreich, Roman; Thomson, David; Hannigan, James; Volkamer, Rainer

2016-03-01

We have constructed and deployed a fast digital solar tracker aboard a moving ground-based platform. The tracker consists of two rotating mirrors, a lens, an imaging camera, and a motion compensation system that provides the Euler angles of the mobile platform in real time. The tracker can be simultaneously coupled to UV-Vis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometers, making it a versatile tool to measure the absorption of trace gases using solar incoming radiation. The integrated system allows the tracker to operate autonomously while the mobile laboratory is in motion. Mobile direct sun differential optical absorption spectroscopy (mobile DS-DOAS) observations using this tracker were conducted during summer 2014 as part of the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment (FRAPPE) in Colorado, USA. We demonstrate an angular precision of 0.052° (about 1/10 of the solar disk diameter) during research drives and verify this tracking precision from measurements of the center to limb darkening (CLD, the changing appearance of Fraunhofer lines) in the mobile DS-DOAS spectra. The high photon flux from direct sun observation enables measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) slant columns with high temporal resolution and reveals spatial detail in the variations of NO2 vertical column densities (VCDs). The NO2 VCD from DS-DOAS is compared with a co-located MAX-DOAS instrument. Overall good agreement is observed amid a highly heterogeneous air mass.

Shifting Gravel and the Acoustic Detection Range of Killer Whale Calls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bassett, C.; Thomson, J. M.; Polagye, B. L.; Wood, J.

2012-12-01

In environments suitable for tidal energy development, strong currents result in large bed stresses that mobilize sediments, producing sediment-generated noise. Sediment-generated noise caused by mobilization events can exceed noise levels attributed to other ambient noise sources at frequencies related to the diameters of the mobilized grains. At a site in Admiralty Inlet, Puget Sound, Washington, one year of ambient noise data (0.02 - 30 kHz) and current velocity data are combined. Peak currents at the site exceed 3.5 m/s. During slack currents, vessel traffic is the dominant noise source. When currents exceed 0.85 m/s noise level increases between 2 kHz and 30 kHz are correlated with near-bed currents and bed stress estimates. Acoustic spectrum levels during strong currents exceed quiescent slack tide conditions by 20 dB or more between 2 and 30 kHz. These frequencies are consistent with sound generated by the mobilization of gravel and pebbles. To investigate the implications of sediment-generated noise for post-installation passive acoustic monitoring of a planned tidal energy project, ambient noise conditions during slack currents and strong currents are combined with the characteristics of Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) vocalizations and sound propagation modeling. The reduction in detection range is estimated for common vocalizations under different ambient noise conditions. The importance of sediment-generated noise for passive acoustic monitoring at tidal energy sites for different marine mammal functional hearing groups and other sediment compositions are considered.

KSC-2009-2537

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-06

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The sound suppression system is tested on the mobile launcher platform on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X flight test that is targeted for summer 2009. The mobile launcher platform was handed over to the Constellation Program and modified for the Ares I-X flight test. It is being tested before being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building for assembly of the Ares I-X rocket. A sound suppression water system is in¬stalled on the pads to protect against damage by acoustical energy and rocket exhaust reflected from the flame trench and mobile launcher plat¬form during a launch. The sound suppression system includes an elevated 290-foot-high water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The water releases just prior to the ignition of the rocket and flows through 7-foot-diameter pipes for about 20 seconds. A torrent of water will flow onto the mobile launcher platform from six large quench nozzles, or “rainbirds,” mounted on its surface. The rainbirds are 12 feet high. The two in the center are 42 inches in diameter; the other four have a 30-inch diameter. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2009-2538

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-06

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The sound suppression system is tested on the mobile launcher platform on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X flight test that is targeted for summer 2009. The mobile launcher platform was handed over to the Constellation Program and modified for the Ares I-X flight test. It is being tested before being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building for assembly of the Ares I-X rocket. A sound suppression water system is in¬stalled on the pads to protect against damage by acoustical energy and rocket exhaust reflected from the flame trench and mobile launcher plat¬form during a launch. The sound suppression system includes an elevated 290-foot-high water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The water releases just prior to the ignition of the rocket and flows through 7-foot-diameter pipes for about 20 seconds. A torrent of water will flow onto the mobile launcher platform from six large quench nozzles, or “rainbirds,” mounted on its surface. The rainbirds are 12 feet high. The two in the center are 42 inches in diameter; the other four have a 30-inch diameter. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Characteristics of storms driving wave-induced seafloor mobility on the U.S. East Coast continental shelf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dalyander, P. Soupy; Butman, Bradford

2015-01-01

This study investigates the relationship between spatial and temporal patterns of wave-driven sediment mobility events on the U.S. East Coast continental shelf and the characteristics of the storms responsible for them. Mobility events, defined as seafloor wave stress exceedance of the critical stress of 0.35 mm diameter sand (0.2160 Pa) for 12 or more hours, were identified from surface wave observations at National Data Buoy Center buoys in the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) and South Atlantic Bight (SAB) over the period of 1997-2007. In water depths ranging from 36-48 m, there were 4-9 mobility events/year of 1-2 days duration. Integrated wave stress during events (IWAVES) was used as a combined metric of wave-driven mobility intensity and duration. In the MAB, over 67% of IWAVES was caused by extratropical storms, while in the SAB, greater than 66% of IWAVES was caused by tropical storms. On average, mobility events were caused by waves generated by storms located 800+ km away. Far-field hurricanes generated swell 2-4 days before the waves caused mobility on the shelf. Throughout most of the SAB, mobility events were driven by storms to the south, east, and west. In the MAB and near Cape Hatteras, winds from more northerly storms and low-pressure extratropical systems in the mid-western U.S. also drove mobility events. Waves generated by storms off the SAB generated mobility events along the entire U.S. East Coast shelf north to Cape Cod, while Cape Hatteras shielded the SAB area from swell originating to the north offshore of the MAB.

Thermodynamics Of Common Atmospheric Particles On The Nanoscale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onasch, T.; Han, J.; Oatis, S.; Brechtel, F.; Imre, D. G.

2002-12-01

A significant fraction of atmospheric particles are hygroscopic by nature and exhibit the properties of deliquescence and efflorescence. Recent field studies have observed large nucleation events of hygroscopic particles and note discrepancies between predicted and observed particle growth rates after nucleation. These growth rates are governed, in part, by the thermodynamic properties of particles only a few nanometers in diameter. However, little thermodynamic information is currently available for nanometer?sized particles. The Kelvin relation indicates that the surface tension of a particle less than 100nm in diameter can dramatically affect the thermodynamics, and surface states may begin to influence the bulk physical properties in these small particles with high surface to volume ratios. In this context, we are investigating the thermodynamic properties, including pre-deliquescence water adsorption, deliquescence, efflorescence, and supersaturated particle compositions of nanoparticles with mobility diameters in the range of 5 to 50 nm. We have developed a temperature and humidity-controlled laboratory-based Nano Differential Mobility Analyzer (NDMA) system to characterize the hygroscopic properties of the common atmospheric salt particles as a function of size. Two different aerosol generation systems have been used to cover the full size range. The first system (less than 20nm diameter) relies on an Atomizer (TSI 3076) to produce particles which are size?selected using an initial DMA. For particle sizes smaller than 20 nm, the Electrospray Aerosol Generator (EAG, TSI 3480) has been employed as a particle source. The EAG characteristically provides narrow size distributions, comparable to the monodisperse size distribution from a DMA, but with higher number concentrations. Once generated, the monodisperse aerosol flow is then conditioned with respect to humidity at a constant temperature and subsequently analyzed using a TSI Ultrafine CPC (Model 3010) modified for Pulse-Height Analysis. The dry particle sizes are also continually monitored by an external SMPS system (TSI 3936) to rectify errors in the calculated growth factor resulting from any drift in the dry particle size. The size changes of the humidified particles are directly correlated with the relative humidity and temperature. Our results of ammonium sulfate particles from 5 - 50 nm in diameter are consistent with those predicted from the Kelvin relation. The particle size affects both deliquescence and efflorescence of the homogeneous salt particles: the deliquescence relative humidity increases and the efflorescence decreases as particles become smaller. In addition, although the smaller the particle size the more significant water adsorption, the sharp deliquescence phase transition was obvious regardless of the particle sizes. The implications with respect to these observations will be further discussed at the presentation.

An Automated Inner Dimensional Measurement System Based on a Laser Displacement Sensor for Long-Stepped Pipes

PubMed Central

Zhang, Fumin; Qu, Xinghua; Ouyang, Jianfei

2012-01-01

A novel measurement prototype based on a mobile vehicle that carries a laser scanning sensor is proposed. The prototype is intended for the automated measurement of the interior 3D geometry of large-diameter long-stepped pipes. The laser displacement sensor, which has a small measurement range, is mounted on an extended arm of known length. It is scanned to improve the measurement accuracy for large-sized pipes. A fixing mechanism based on two sections is designed to ensure that the stepped pipe is concentric with the axis of rotation of the system. Data are acquired in a cylindrical coordinate system and fitted in a circle to determine diameter. Systematic errors covering arm length, tilt, and offset errors are analyzed and calibrated. The proposed system is applied to sample parts and the results are discussed to verify its effectiveness. This technique measures a diameter of 600 mm with an uncertainty of 0.02 mm at a 95% confidence probability. A repeatability test is performed to examine precision, which is 1.1 μm. A laser tracker is used to verify the measurement accuracy of the system, which is evaluated as 9 μm within a diameter of 600 mm. PMID:22778615

Food waste impact on municipal solid waste angle of internal friction.

PubMed

Cho, Young Min; Ko, Jae Hac; Chi, Liqun; Townsend, Timothy G

2011-01-01

The impact of food waste content on the municipal solid waste (MSW) friction angle was studied. Using reconstituted fresh MSW specimens with different food waste content (0%, 40%, 58%, and 80%), 48 small-scale (100-mm-diameter) direct shear tests and 12 large-scale (430 mm × 430 mm) direct shear tests were performed. A stress-controlled large-scale direct shear test device allowing approximately 170-mm sample horizontal displacement was designed and used. At both testing scales, the mobilized internal friction angle of MSW decreased considerably as food waste content increased. As food waste content increased from 0% to 40% and from 40% to 80%, the mobilized internal friction angles (estimated using the mobilized peak (ultimate) shear strengths of the small-scale direct shear tests) decreased from 39° to 31° and from 31° to 7°, respectively, while those of large-scale tests decreased from 36° to 26° and from 26° to 15°, respectively. Most friction angle measurements produced in this study fell within the range of those previously reported for MSW. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Long Term Exposure of 900-1800 MHz Radiation Emitted from 2G Mobile Phone on Mice Hippocampus- A Histomorphometric Study.

PubMed

Mugunthan, Narayanaperumal; Shanmugasamy, Kathirvelu; Anbalagan, Jayaram; Rajanarayanan, Swamynathan; Meenachi, Swamynathan

2016-08-01

The advancement in the telecommunications technology with multi-functional added features in mobile phone, attracts more users of all age group. It is alarming to note that, the mobile phone use has increased amongst children and they are exposed to potentially harmful radiofrequency radiation in their lifetime. To investigate the long term exposure of 900 to 1800 MHz radiations emitted from 2G mobile phone in mice hippocampus at histomorphometric level. With due approval from institutional animal ethics committee, 36 mice were exposed to 2G mobile phone radiation, 48 minutes per day for a period of 30-180 days. The control group was kept under similar conditions without 2G exposure. Mice were sacrificed and the brain was removed from the first month to six months period. Brain was removed from the cranial cavity and hippocampus region was dissected out carefully and processed for routine histological study. Random serial sections were analysed under microscope for histomorphometric changes. For statistical analysis, independent t-test was used for comparing control and 2G exposed groups. The mean density of neurons in the hippocampus regions CA1, CA2 and DGDB from first to sixth month was significantly lower in the 2G exposed groups; however, in CA3 and DGVB, the 2G exposed mice showed significantly higher density of neurons. The mean nuclear diameter of neurons in the hippocampus region of CA1, CA2, CA3, DGDB and DGVB from first to sixth months showed lower nuclear diameter in 2G exposed mice. The long term exposure to 900-1800 MHz frequency radiations emitted from 2G mobile phone could cause significantly reduced neuron density and decreased nuclear diameter in the hippocampus neurons of mice.

THE MASS ACCOMMODATION COEFFICIENT OF AMMONIUM NITRATE AEROSOL. (R823514)

EPA Science Inventory

The mass transfer rate of pure ammonium nitrate between the aerosol and gas phases was
quantified experimentally by the use of the tandem differential mobility analyzer/scanning mobility
particle sizer (TDMA/SMPS) technique. Ammonium nitrate particles 80-220 nm in diameter<...

Cervical spinal stenosis and sports-related cervical cord neurapraxia in children.

PubMed

Boockvar, J A; Durham, S R; Sun, P P

2001-12-15

Congenital spinal stenosis has been demonstrated to contribute to cervical cord neurapraxia after cervical spinal cord injury in adult athletes. A sagittal canal diameter <14 mm and/or a Torg ratio (sagittal diameter of the spinal canal: midcervical sagittal vertebral body diameter) of <0.8 are indicative of significant cervical spinal stenosis. Although sports-related cervical spine injuries are common in children, the role of congenital cervical stenosis in the etiology of these injuries remains unclear. The authors measured the sagittal canal diameter and the Torg ratio in children presenting with cervical cord neurapraxia resulting from sports-related cervical spinal cord injuries to determine the presence of congenital spinal stenosis. A total of 13 children (9 male, 4 female) presented with cervical cord neurapraxia after a sports-related cervical spinal cord injury. Age ranged from 7 to 15 years (mean +/- SD, 11.5 +/- 2.7 years). The sports involved were football (n = 4), wrestling (n = 2), hockey (n = 2), and soccer, gymnastics, baseball, kickball, and pogosticking (n = 1 each). Lateral cervical spine radiographs were used to determine the sagittal canal diameter and the Torg ratio at C4. The sagittal canal diameter (mean +/- SD, 17.58 +/- 1.63 mm) and the Torg ratio (mean +/- SD, 1.20 +/- 0.24) were normal in all of these children. Using the sagittal canal diameter and the Torg ratio as a measurement of congenital spinal stenosis, the authors did not find evidence of congenital cervical spinal stenosis in a group of children with sports-related cervical spinal cord neurapraxia. The occurrence of cervical cord neurapraxia in pediatric patients can be attributed to the mobility of the pediatric spine rather than to congenital cervical spinal stenosis.

How comparable are size-resolved particle number concentrations from different instruments?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hornsby, K. E.; Pryor, S. C.

2012-12-01

The need for comparability of particle size resolved measurements originates from multiple drivers including: (i) Recent suggestions that air quality standards for particulate matter should migrate from being mass-based to incorporating number concentrations. This move would necessarily be predicated on measurement comparability which is absolutely critical to compliance determination. (ii) The need to quantify and diagnose causes of variability in nucleation and growth rates in nano-particle experiments conducted in different locations. (iii) Epidemiological research designed to identify key parameters in human health responses to fine particle exposure. Here we present results from a detailed controlled laboratory instrument inter-comparison experiment designed to investigate data comparability in the size range of 2.01-523.3 nm across a range of particle composition, modal diameter and absolute concentration. Particle size distributions were generated using a TSI model 3940 Aerosol Generation System (AGS) diluted using zero air, and sampled using four TSI Scanning Mobility Particle Spectrometer (SMPS) configurations and a TSI model 3091 Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS). The SMPS configurations used two Electrostatic Classifiers (EC) (model 3080) attached to either a Long DMA (LDMA) (model 3081) or a Nano DMA (NDMA) (model 3085) plumbed to either a TSI model 3025A Butanol Condensed Particle Counting (CPC) or a TSI model 3788 Water CPC. All four systems were run using both high and low flow conditions, and were operated with both the internal diffusion loss and multiple charge corrections turned on. The particle compositions tested were sodium chloride, ammonium nitrate and olive oil diluted in ethanol. Particles of all three were generated at three peak concentration levels (spanning the range observed at our experimental site), and three modal particle diameters. Experimental conditions were maintained for a period of 20 minutes to ensure experimental stationarity and in the data analysis only the middle 18 minutes of data are analyzed. Because of variations in the discretization of the different instrumental configurations, the data are analyzed both after being transformed onto a common size resolution and in terms of a fitted modal distribution. Diagnostic analysis are conducted to assess the impact of SMPS configuration on total number concentration, model geometric mean diameter and distribution dispersion. Preliminary results indicate that selection of DMA exerts the larger control over instrument response.

A new primary mobility tool for the visually impaired: A white cane-adaptive mobility device hybrid.

PubMed

Rizzo, John-Ross; Conti, Kyle; Thomas, Teena; Hudson, Todd E; Wall Emerson, Robert; Kim, Dae Shik

2017-05-16

This article describes pilot testing of an adaptive mobility device-hybrid (AMD-H) combining properties of two primary mobility tools for people who are blind: the long cane and adaptive mobility devices (AMDs). The long cane is the primary mobility tool used by people who are blind and visually impaired for independent and safe mobility and AMDs are adaptive devices that are often lightweight frames approximately body width in lateral dimension that are simply pushed forward to clear the space in front of a person. The prototype cane built for this study had a wing apparatus that could be folded around the shaft of a cane but when unfolded, deployed two wheeled wings 25 cm (9.8 in) to each side of the canetip. This project explored drop-off and obstacle detection for 6 adults with visual impairment using the deployed AMD-H and a standard long cane. The AMD-H improved obstacle detection overall, and was most effective for the smallest obstacles (2 and 6 inch diameter). The AMD-H cut the average drop off threshold from 1.79 inches (4.55 cm) to .96 inches (2.44 cm). All participants showed a decrease in drop off detection threshold and an increase in detection rate (13.9% overall). For drop offs of 1 in (2.54 cm) and 3 in (7.62 cm), all participants showed large improvements with the AMD-H, ranging from 8.4 to 50%. The larger drop offs of 5 in (12.7 cm) and 7 in (17.8 cm) were well detected by both types of canes.

KSC-2009-2539

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-06

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Water cascades over the side of the mobile launcher platform on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The sound suppression system is being tested on the platform. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X flight test that is targeted for summer 2009. The mobile launcher platform was handed over to the Constellation Program and modified for the Ares I-X flight test. It is being tested before being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building for assembly of the Ares I-X rocket. A sound suppression water system is in¬stalled on the pads to protect against damage by acoustical energy and rocket exhaust reflected from the flame trench and mobile launcher plat¬form during a launch. The sound suppression system includes an elevated 290-foot-high water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The water releases just prior to the ignition of the rocket and flows through 7-foot-diameter pipes for about 20 seconds. A torrent of water will flow onto the mobile launcher platform from six large quench nozzles, or “rainbirds,” mounted on its surface. The rainbirds are 12 feet high. The two in the center are 42 inches in diameter; the other four have a 30-inch diameter. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Atmospheric ions, boreal forests and impacts on climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manninen, H. E.; Nieminen, T.; Franchin, A.; Järvinen, E.; Kontkanen, J.; Hirsikko, A.; Hõrrak, U.; Mirme, A.; Tammet, H.; Kerminen, V.-M.; Petäjä, T.; Kulmala, M.

2012-04-01

Aerosol particles play an important role in the Earth's atmosphere and in the climate system: They scatter and absorb solar radiation, facilitate chemical processes, and serve as seeds for cloud formation. The aerosol particles have direct cooling and warming effects on climate (IPCC, 2007). Secondary new particle formation (NPF) is a globally important source of aerosol particles (Kulmala and Kerminen, 2008). Currently, the mechanisms of particle formation and the vapors participating in this process are, however, not truly understood. Several formation and growth mechanisms have been proposed for the very first steps of the process: homogeneous, heterogeneous, ion-induced and kinetic nucleation and activation type cluster growth. Small ions are part of the atmospheric aerosol spectrum, and in atmospheric sciences study of ion-aerosol interactions is essential. Small ions are small molecular clusters carrying a net electric charge. They are produced by ionisation of molecules in the air. Typically the small ion concentrations vary in the range of 100-2000 cm-3 in both polarities (Hirsikko et al., 2011). Ion-induced NPF is limited by the ion production rate, which typically is around 10 ion pairs cm-3s-1 in the boundary layer over the ground. The ion production rate has strong spatial and temporal dependence. The ionisation mechanisms change with altitude: radon and gamma radiation from the ground and galactic cosmic rays dominate close to the Earth's surface, while higher in the free troposphere cosmic rays become the main driving factor. In order to fully explain atmospheric NPF and subsequent growth, we need to measure directly the very initial steps of the formation processes. Air ion spectrometers measure the mobility distributions of charged aerosol particles in the mobility diameter range of 0.8-42 nm (Mirme et al., 2007; Tammet et al., 2011). Neutral cluster and air ion spectrometers measure additionally the mobility distribution of neutral particles larger than 2 nm in diameter by charging the aerosol sample with unipolar corona chargers (Manninen et al., 2009). According to earlier studies, the atmospheric nucleation and cluster activation take place at the mobility diameter range of 1.5-2 nm. Therefore, the ion spectrometers allow direct measurements at exactly the size where atmospheric nucleation takes place. The results indicate that the ion-induced nucleation contributes ~1-30% to the NPF events in most atmospheric conditions (Manninen et al., 2010). In other words, neutral particle formation seems to dominate over ion-mediated mechanisms, at least in the boreal forest conditions. Acknowledgements. This research was supported by the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence program (project number 1118615). Hirsikko, A. et al.: Atmospheric ions and nucleation: a review of observations, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 767-798, 2011. IPCC, Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, 996 pp, 2007. Kulmala, M., and Kerminen, V.-M.: On the growth of atmospheric nanoparticles, Atmos. Res., 90, 132-150, 2008. Manninen, H.E. et al.: Long-term field measurements of charged and neutral clusters using Neutral cluster and Air Ion Spectrometer (NAIS). Boreal Env. Res. 14, 591-605, 2009. Manninen, H.E. et al., EUCAARI ion spectrometer measurements at 12 European sites - analysis of new particle formation events, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 7907-7927, 2010. Mirme, A. et al.: A Wide-range multi-channel Air Ion Spectrometer, Boreal Environ. Res., 12, 247-264, 2007. Tammet, H.: Symmetric inclined grid mobility analyzer for the measurement of charged clusters and fine nanoparticles in atmospheric air. Aerosol Science and Technology, 45, 468 - 479, 2011.

Miniature Dual-Corona Ionizer for Bipolar Charging of Aerosol

PubMed Central

Qi, Chaolong; Kulkarni, Pramod

2015-01-01

A corona-based bipolar charger has been developed for use in compact, field-portable mobility size spectrometers. The charger employs an aerosol flow cavity exposed to two corona ionizers producing ions of opposite polarity. Each corona ionizer houses two electrodes in parallel needle-mesh configuration and is operated at the same magnitude of corona current. Experimental measurement of detailed charge distribution of near-monodisperse particles of different diameter in the submicrometer size range showed that the charger is capable of producing well-defined, consistent bipolar charge distributions for flow rates up to 1.5 L/min and aerosol concentration up to 107 per cm3. For particles with preexisting charge of +1, 0, and −1, the measured charge distributions agreed well with the theoretical distributions within the range of experimental and theoretical uncertainties. The transmission efficiency of the charger was measured to be 80% for 10 nm particles (at 0.3 L/min and 5 μA corona current) and increased with increasing diameter beyond this size. Measurement of uncharged fractions at various combinations of positive and negative corona currents showed the charger performance to be insensitive to fluctuations in corona current. Ion concentrations under positive and negative unipolar operation were estimated to be 8.2 × 107 and 3.37 × 108 cm−3 for positive and negative ions; the n·t product value under positive corona operation was independently estimated to be 8.5 × 105 s/cm3. The ion concentration estimates indicate the charger to be capable of “neutralizing” typical atmospheric and industrial aerosols in most measurement applications. The miniature size, simple and robust operation makes the charger suitable for portable mobility spectrometers. PMID:26512158

Miniature Dual-Corona Ionizer for Bipolar Charging of Aerosol.

PubMed

Qi, Chaolong; Kulkarni, Pramod

2013-01-01

A corona-based bipolar charger has been developed for use in compact, field-portable mobility size spectrometers. The charger employs an aerosol flow cavity exposed to two corona ionizers producing ions of opposite polarity. Each corona ionizer houses two electrodes in parallel needle-mesh configuration and is operated at the same magnitude of corona current. Experimental measurement of detailed charge distribution of near-monodisperse particles of different diameter in the submicrometer size range showed that the charger is capable of producing well-defined, consistent bipolar charge distributions for flow rates up to 1.5 L/min and aerosol concentration up to 10 7 per cm 3 . For particles with preexisting charge of +1, 0, and -1, the measured charge distributions agreed well with the theoretical distributions within the range of experimental and theoretical uncertainties. The transmission efficiency of the charger was measured to be 80% for 10 nm particles (at 0.3 L/min and 5 μ A corona current) and increased with increasing diameter beyond this size. Measurement of uncharged fractions at various combinations of positive and negative corona currents showed the charger performance to be insensitive to fluctuations in corona current. Ion concentrations under positive and negative unipolar operation were estimated to be 8.2 × 10 7 and 3.37 × 10 8 cm -3 for positive and negative ions; the n · t product value under positive corona operation was independently estimated to be 8.5 × 10 5 s/cm 3 . The ion concentration estimates indicate the charger to be capable of "neutralizing" typical atmospheric and industrial aerosols in most measurement applications. The miniature size, simple and robust operation makes the charger suitable for portable mobility spectrometers.

Chemistry and Composition of Atmospheric Aerosol Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolb, Charles E.; Worsnop, Douglas R.

2012-05-01

For more than two decades a cadre of physical chemists has focused on understanding the formation processes, chemical composition, and chemical kinetics of atmospheric aerosol particles and droplets with diameters ranging from a few nanometers to ˜10,000 nm. They have adapted or invented a range of fundamental experimental and theoretical tools to investigate the thermochemistry, mass transport, and chemical kinetics of processes occurring at nanoscale gas-liquid and gas-solid interfaces for a wide range of nonideal, real-world substances. State-of-the-art laboratory methods devised to study molecular spectroscopy, chemical kinetics, and molecular dynamics also have been incorporated into field measurement instruments that are deployed routinely on research aircraft, ships, and mobile laboratories as well as at field sites from megacities to the most remote jungle, desert, and polar locations. These instruments can now provide real-time, size-resolved aerosol particle physical property and chemical composition data anywhere in Earth's troposphere and lower stratosphere.

Theoretical prediction of high carrier mobility in single-walled black phosphorus nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Q. F.; Wang, H. F.; Yang, C. H.; Li, Q. Q.; Rao, W. F.

2018-05-01

One-dimensional semiconductors are promising materials for high-performance nanoscale devices. Using the first-principles calculations combined with deformation potential approximation, we study the electronic structures and carrier transport properties of black phosphorus nanotubes (BPNTs). It is found that both armchair and zigzag BPNTs with diameter 13.5-18.5 Å are direct bandgap semiconductors. At a similar diameter, the carrier mobility of zigzag BPNT is one order of magnitude larger than that of armchair BPNT. For armchair BPNTs, the electron mobility is about 90.70-155.33 cm2 V-1 s-1 at room temperature, which is about three times of its hole counterpart. For zigzag BPNTs, the maximum mobility can reach 2.87 ×103 cm2 V-1 s-1. Furthermore, the electronic properties can be effectively tuned by the strain. For zigzag (0,13) nanotube, there is a direct-to-indirect band gap transition at a tensile strain of about 6%. Moreover, the electron mobility is boosted sharply by one order of magnitude by applying the compressive or tensile strain. The electron mobility increases to 14.05 ×103 cm2 V-1 s-1 at a tensile strain of 9%. Our calculations highlight the tunable electronic properties and superior carrier mobility of BPNTs that are promising for interesting applications in future nano-electronic devices.

MOBILIZATION OF AVIATION GASOLINE FROM A RESIDUAL SOURCE

EPA Science Inventory

A simple one-dimensional model describes the mobilization of 90 m3 of residual aviation gasoline from an 80-m diameter, O.3O6-m thick contaminated soil mass at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City, Michigan. riginally deposited under a paved ground surface in Decembe...

[Mobilization of the stomach and colon using high-frequency electric welding of tissues apparatus].

PubMed

Sukhin, I A; Ostapenko, O M; Kachan, S H; Bilylovets', O M; Honchar, I V

2012-08-01

The experience of the native high-frequency electrical generator 300M EC-1 "Patonmed" for mobilization of advanced vascular network, particularly stomach and colon are presented. The variants of modes depending on the diameter of blood vessels and accompanied diseases are suggested.

Origami Wheel Transformer: A Variable-Diameter Wheel Drive Robot Using an Origami Structure.

PubMed

Lee, Dae-Young; Kim, Sa-Reum; Kim, Ji-Suk; Park, Jae-Jun; Cho, Kyu-Jin

2017-06-01

A wheel drive mechanism is simple, stable, and efficient, but its mobility in unstructured terrain is seriously limited. Using a deformable wheel is one of the ways to increase the mobility of a wheel drive robot. By changing the radius of its wheels, the robot becomes able to pass over not only high steps but also narrow gaps. In this article, we propose a novel design for a variable-diameter wheel using an origami-based soft robotics design approach. By simply folding a patterned sheet into a wheel shape, a variable-diameter wheel was built without requiring lots of mechanical parts and a complex assembly process. The wheel's diameter can change from 30 to 68 mm, and it is light in weight at about 9.7 g. Although composed of soft materials (fabrics and films), the wheel can bear more than 400 times its weight. The robot was able to change the wheel's radius in response to terrain conditions, allowing it to pass over a 50-mm gap when the wheel is shrunk and a 50-mm step when the wheel is enlarged.

Compact scanning transmission x-ray microscope at the photon factory

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

Takeichi, Yasuo, E-mail: yasuo.takeichi@kek.jp; Inami, Nobuhito; Ono, Kanta

We report the design and performance of a compact scanning transmission X-ray microscope developed at the Photon Factory. Piezo-driven linear stages are used as coarse stages of the microscope to realize excellent compactness, mobility, and vibrational and thermal stability. An X-ray beam with an intensity of ∼10{sup 7} photons/s was focused to a diameter of ∼40 nm at the sample. At the soft X-ray undulator beamline used with the microscope, a wide range of photon energies (250–1600 eV) is available. The microscope has been used to research energy materials and in environmental sciences.

Low-temperature synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes with a narrow diameter distribution using size-classified catalyst nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Daiyu; Sato, Shintaro; Awano, Yuji

2006-05-01

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with a narrow diameter distribution have been synthesized by hot-filament chemical vapor deposition using acetylene at 590 °C. Iron nanoparticles with diameters of 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 nm (standard deviation: ≈10%) obtained with a differential mobility analyzer were used as a catalyst without any supporting materials on a substrate. SWNTs were obtained from 2.0 nm or smaller particles. The ratio of G band to D band in Raman spectra was as high as 35 without purification, indicating that high-quality SWNTs were synthesized. The SWNT diameters correlated with the particle diameters, demonstrating diameter-controlled SWNT growth.

Continuous scanning of the mobility and size distribution of charged clusters and nanometer particles in atmospheric air and the Balanced Scanning Mobility Analyzer BSMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tammet, H.

2006-12-01

Measuring of charged nanometer particles in atmospheric air is a routine task in research on atmospheric electricity, where these particles are called the atmospheric ions. An aspiration condenser is the most popular instrument for measuring atmospheric ions. Continuous scanning of a mobility distribution is possible when the aspiration condenser is connected as an arm of a balanced bridge. Transfer function of an aspiration condenser is calculated according to the measurements of geometric dimensions, air flow rate, driving voltage, and electric current. The most complicated phase of the calibration is the estimation of the inlet loss of ions due to the Brownian deposition. The available models of ion deposition on the protective inlet screen and the inlet control electrofilter have the uncertainty of about 20%. To keep the uncertainty of measurements low the adsorption should not exceed a few tens of percent. The online conversion of the mobility distribution to the size distribution and a correct reduction of inlet losses are possible when air temperature and pressure are measured simultaneously with the mobility distribution. Two instruments called the Balanced Scanning Mobility Analyzers (BSMA) were manufactured and tested in routine atmospheric measurements. The concentration of atmospheric ions of the size of about a few nanometers is very low and a high air flow rate is required to collect enough of ion current. The air flow of 52 l/s exceeds the air flow in usual aerosol instruments by 2-3 orders of magnitude. The high flow rate reduces the time of ion passage to 60 ms and the heating of air in an analyzer to 0.2 K, which suppresses a possible transformation of ions inside the instrument. The mobility range of the BSMA of 0.032-3.2 cm 2 V - 1 s - 1 is logarithmically uniformly divided into 16 fractions. The size distribution is presented by 12 fractions in the diameter range of 0.4-7.5 nm. The measurement noise of a fraction concentration is typically about 5 cm - 3 and the time resolution is about 10 min when measuring simultaneously both positive and negative ions in atmospheric air.

Sediment Characterization in St. Alban's Bay, VT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nethercutt, S.; Manley, T.; Manley, P.

2017-12-01

St. Alban's Bay within Lake Champlain is plagued with harmful algal blooms. With future intensification due to climate change, a multidisciplinary program (BREE-Basin Resilience to Extreme Events) was initiated in 2016. In order to assess the mobilization of harmful nutrients from sediment resuspension events and riverine input, 74 sediment samples were collected in a grid fashion throughout St. Alban's Bay. Sediments were deflocculated and analyzed using a LA920 Horiba laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer to define the frequency of sediment sizes from clay to sand. Gridded surfaces of mean sortable silt percentage, silt percentage, sand percentage, and clay percentage were used to represent the sediment distribution of the region. A plot of diameter versus frequency showed the bimodal nature of some of the sediments, with one peak at about 10 microns diameter (silt) and the second at about 525 microns diameter (sand). The data showed an extremely low percentage of clay relative to that of sand and silt. The highest frequencies of sortable silt, which represents the most easily mobilized particle size, are found in the deepest areas of the bay, suggesting that these regions are where dominant bottom flow occurs. The high occurrence of sortable silt in the St. Alban's Bay does suggest that sediment mobilization, and therefore nutrient mobilization has the potential to occur. These data combined with high-resolution multibeam and hydrodynamic data will allow for future models of water flow and remobilization studies in the future.

Gel Electrophoresis of Gold-DNA Nanoconjugates

DOE PAGES

Pellegrino, T.; Sperling, R. A.; Alivisatos, A. P.; ...

2007-01-01

Gold-DNA conjugates were investigated in detail by a comprehensive gel electrophoresis study based on 1200 gels. A controlled number of single-stranded DNA of different length was attached specifically via thiol-Au bonds to phosphine-stabilized colloidal gold nanoparticles. Alternatively, the surface of the gold particles was saturated with single stranded DNA of different length either specifically via thiol-Au bonds or by nonspecific adsorption. From the experimentally determined electrophoretic mobilities, estimates for the effective diameters of the gold-DNA conjugates were derived by applying two different data treatment approaches. The first method is based on making a calibration curve for the relation between effectivemore » diameters and mobilities with gold nanoparticles of known diameter. The second method is based on Ferguson analysis which uses gold nanoparticles of known diameter as reference database. Our study shows that effective diameters derived from gel electrophoresis measurements are affected with a high error bar as the determined values strongly depend on the method of evaluation, though relative changes in size upon binding of molecules can be detected with high precision. Furthermore, in this study, the specific attachment of DNA via gold-thiol bonds to Au nanoparticles is compared to nonspecific adsorption of DNA. Also, the maximum number of DNA molecules that can be bound per particle was determined.« less

Effects of Long Term Exposure of 900-1800 MHz Radiation Emitted from 2G Mobile Phone on Mice Hippocampus- A Histomorphometric Study

PubMed Central

Shanmugasamy, Kathirvelu; Anbalagan, Jayaram; Rajanarayanan, Swamynathan; Meenachi, Swamynathan

2016-01-01

Introduction The advancement in the telecommunications technology with multi-functional added features in mobile phone, attracts more users of all age group. It is alarming to note that, the mobile phone use has increased amongst children and they are exposed to potentially harmful radiofrequency radiation in their lifetime. Aim To investigate the long term exposure of 900 to 1800 MHz radiations emitted from 2G mobile phone in mice hippocampus at histomorphometric level. Materials and Methods With due approval from institutional animal ethics committee, 36 mice were exposed to 2G mobile phone radiation, 48 minutes per day for a period of 30-180 days. The control group was kept under similar conditions without 2G exposure. Mice were sacrificed and the brain was removed from the first month to six months period. Brain was removed from the cranial cavity and hippocampus region was dissected out carefully and processed for routine histological study. Random serial sections were analysed under microscope for histomorphometric changes. For statistical analysis, independent t-test was used for comparing control and 2G exposed groups. Results The mean density of neurons in the hippocampus regions CA1, CA2 and DGDB from first to sixth month was significantly lower in the 2G exposed groups; however, in CA3 and DGVB, the 2G exposed mice showed significantly higher density of neurons. The mean nuclear diameter of neurons in the hippocampus region of CA1, CA2, CA3, DGDB and DGVB from first to sixth months showed lower nuclear diameter in 2G exposed mice. Conclusion The long term exposure to 900-1800 MHz frequency radiations emitted from 2G mobile phone could cause significantly reduced neuron density and decreased nuclear diameter in the hippocampus neurons of mice. PMID:27656427

Applying Hanford Tank Mixing Data to Define Pulse Jet Mixer Operation

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

Wells, Beric E.; Bamberger, Judith A.; Recknagle, Kurtis P.

Pulse jet mixed (PJM) process vessels are being developed for storing, blending, and chemical processing of nuclear waste slurries at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) to be built at Hanford, Washington. These waste slurries exhibit variable process feed characteristics including Newtonian to non-Newtonian rheologies over a range of solids loadings. Waste feed to the WTP from the Hanford Tank Farms will be accomplished via the Waste Feed Delivery (WFD) system which includes million-gallon underground storage double-shell tanks (DSTs) with dual-opposed jet mixer pumps. Experience using WFD type jet mixer pumps to mobilize actual Hanford waste in DSTs maymore » be used to establish design threshold criteria of interest to pulse jet mixed process vessel operation. This paper describes a method to evaluate the pulse jet mixed vessel capability to process waste based on information obtained during mobilizing and suspending waste by the WFD system jet mixer pumps in a DST. Calculations of jet velocity and wall shear stress in a specific pulse jet mixed process vessel were performed using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The CFD-modelled process vessel consists of a 4.9-m- (16-ft-) diameter tank with a 2:1 semi-elliptical head, a single, 10-cm (4-in.) downward facing 60-degree conical nozzle, and a 0.61-m (24-in.) inside diameter PJM. The PJM is located at 70% of the vessel radius with the nozzle stand-off-distance 14 cm (6 in.) above the vessel head. The CFD modeled fluid velocity and wall shear stress can be used to estimate vessel waste-processing performance by comparison to available actual WFD system process data. Test data from the operation of jet mixer pumps in the 23-m (75-ft) diameter DSTs have demonstrated mobilization, solid particles in a sediment matrix were moved from their initial location, and suspension, mobilized solid particles were moved to a higher elevation in the vessel than their initial location, of waste solids. Jet mixer pumps were used in Hanford waste tank 241-AZ-101, and at least 95% of the 0.46-m (18-in.) deep sediment, with a shear strength of 1,500 to 4,200 Pa, was mobilized. Solids with a median particle size of 43 μm, 90th percentile of 94μm, were suspended in tank 241-AZ-101 to at least 5.5 m (216 in.) above the vessel bottom. Analytical calculations for this jet mixer pump test were used to estimate the velocities and wall shear stress that mobilized and suspended the waste. These velocities and wall shear stresses provide design threshold criteria which are metrics for system performance that can be evaluated via testing. If the fluid motion in a specific pulse jet mixed process vessel meets or exceeds the fluid motion of the demonstrated performance in the WFD system, confidence is provided that that vessel will similarly mobilize and suspend those solids if they were within the WTP. The single PJM CFD-calculated jet velocity and wall shear stress compare favorably with the design threshold criterion estimated for the tank 241-AZ-101 process data. Therefore, for both mobilization and suspension, the performance data evaluated from the WFD system testing increases confidence that the performance of the pulse jet mixed process vessels will be sufficient to process that waste even if that waste is not fully characterized.« less

Influence of phosphate on the transport properties of lead in sand.

PubMed

Butkus, Michael A; Johnson, Marie C

2011-01-15

Temporal moment analysis was used to examine the transport of lead species in sand columns. The influence of sodium phosphate (PO(4(aq))) and hydroxyapatite (HA) on lead transport was also evaluated. Transport properties of lead microparticles (diameter>0.45 μm) were a function of electrophoretic mobility: those particles with electrophoretic mobility less than -1 × 10(-8)m(2)/Vs exhibited significantly lower dimensionless first temporal moment (θ) and second temporal moment (σ(θ)(2)). The forms of lead investigated in this work had a tendency to move in sand over a wide pH range. Although the PO(4(aq)) amendment substantially reduced lead mass recoveries in the sand column effluent, lead microparticles were formed that had a tendency to move rapidly and with minimal dispersion when compared with controls. Treatments with HA provided limited reduction in lead mass recovery and minimal changes in lead transport properties. A colloid stability model was used to predict attachment of lead particles in sand. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Comparison of the DiSCmini aerosol monitor to a handheld condensation particle counter and a scanning mobility particle sizer for submicrometer sodium chloride and metal aerosols

PubMed Central

Mills, Jessica B.; Park, Jae Hong; Peters, Thomas M.

2016-01-01

We evaluated the robust, lightweight DiSCmini (DM) aerosol monitor for its ability to measure the concentration and mean diameter of submicrometer aerosols. Tests were conducted with monodispersed and polydispersed aerosols composed of two particle types (sodium chloride, NaCl, and spark generated metal particles, which simulate particles found in welding fume) at three different steady-state concentration ranges (Low, <103; Medium, 103–104; and High, >104 particles/cm3). Particle number concentration, lung deposited surface area (LDSA) concentration, and mean size measured with the DM were compared to those measured with reference instruments, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and a handheld condensation particle counter (CPC). Particle number concentrations measured with the DM were within 21% of those measured by reference instruments for polydisperse aerosols. Poorer agreement was observed for monodispersed aerosols (±35% for most tests and +130% for 300-nm NaCl). LDSA concentrations measured by the DM were 96% to 155% of those estimated with the SMPS. The geometric mean diameters measured with the DM were within 30% of those measured with the SMPS for monodispersed aerosols and within 25% for polydispersed aerosols (except for the case when the aerosol contained a substantial number of particles larger than 300 nm). The accuracy of the DM is reasonable for particles smaller than 300 nm but caution should be exercised when particles larger than 300 nm are present. PMID:23473056

Size-Resolved Ultrafine Particle Deposition and Brownian Coagulation from Gasoline Vehicle Exhaust in an Environmental Test Chamber.

PubMed

Zhao, Yu; Wang, Fang; Zhao, Jianing

2015-10-20

Size-resolved deposition rates and Brownian coagulation of particles between 20 and 900 nm (mobility diameter) were estimated in a well-mixed environmental chamber from a gasoline vehicle exhaust with a total peak particle concentration of 10(5)-10(6) particles/cm(3) at 12.24-25.22 °C. A deposition theory with modified friction velocity and coagulation model was also employed to predict particle concentration decay. Initially during particle decay, approximately 85% or more of the particles had diameters of <100 nm. Particle deposition rates with standard deviations were highly dependent on particle size ranges, and varied from 0.012 ± 0.003 to 0.48 ± 0.02 h(-1). In the experiment, the friction velocity obtained was in the range 1.5-2.5 cm/s. The most explainable fractal dimension and Hamaker constant in coagulation model were 2.5-3 and 20 kT, respectively, and the contribution from coagulation dominated the total particle decay during the first 1 h of decay. It is considered that the modified friction velocity and best fitted fractal dimension and Hamaker constants could be further used to analyze gasoline vehicle exhaust particle dynamics and assess human exposure to vehicle particle pollutants in urban areas, tunnels, and underground parking lots.

Number size distribution of fine and ultrafine fume particles from various welding processes.

PubMed

Brand, Peter; Lenz, Klaus; Reisgen, Uwe; Kraus, Thomas

2013-04-01

Studies in the field of environmental epidemiology indicate that for the adverse effect of inhaled particles not only particle mass is crucial but also particle size is. Ultrafine particles with diameters below 100 nm are of special interest since these particles have high surface area to mass ratio and have properties which differ from those of larger particles. In this paper, particle size distributions of various welding and joining techniques were measured close to the welding process using a fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS). It turned out that welding processes with high mass emission rates (manual metal arc welding, metal active gas welding, metal inert gas welding, metal inert gas soldering, and laser welding) show mainly agglomerated particles with diameters above 100 nm and only few particles in the size range below 50 nm (10 to 15%). Welding processes with low mass emission rates (tungsten inert gas welding and resistance spot welding) emit predominantly ultrafine particles with diameters well below 100 nm. This finding can be explained by considerably faster agglomeration processes in welding processes with high mass emission rates. Although mass emission is low for tungsten inert gas welding and resistance spot welding, due to the low particle size of the fume, these processes cannot be labeled as toxicologically irrelevant and should be further investigated.

Optical remote sensing to quantify fugitive particulate mass emissions from stationary short-term and mobile continuous sources: part II. Field applications.

PubMed

Du, Ke; Yuen, Wangki; Wang, Wei; Rood, Mark J; Varma, Ravi M; Hashmonay, Ram A; Kim, Byung J; Kemme, Michael R

2011-01-15

Quantification of emissions of fugitive particulate matter (PM) into the atmosphere from military training operations is of interest by the United States Department of Defense. A new range-resolved optical remote sensing (ORS) method was developed to quantify fugitive PM emissions from puff sources (i.e., artillery back blasts), ground-level mobile sources (i.e., movement of tracked vehicles), and elevated mobile sources (i.e., airborne helicopters) in desert areas that are prone to generating fugitive dust plumes. Real-time, in situ mass concentration profiles for PM mass with particle diameters <10 μm (PM(10)) and <2.5 μm (PM(2.5)) were obtained across the dust plumes that were generated by these activities with this new method. Back blasts caused during artillery firing were characterized as a stationary short-term puff source whose plumes typically dispersed to <10 m above the ground with durations of 10-30 s. Fugitive PM emissions caused by artillery back blasts were related to the zone charge and ranged from 51 to 463 g PM/firing for PM(10) and 9 to 176 g PM/firing for PM(2.5). Movement of tracked vehicles and flying helicopters was characterized as mobile continuous sources whose plumes typically dispersed 30-50 m above the ground with durations of 100-200 s. Fugitive PM emissions caused by moving tracked vehicles ranged from 8.3 to 72.5 kg PM/km for PM(10) and 1.1 to 17.2 kg PM/km for PM(2.5), and there was no obvious correlation between PM emission and vehicle speed. The emission factor for the helicopter flying at 3 m above the ground ranged from 14.5 to 114.1 kg PM/km for PM(10) and 5.0 to 39.5 kg PM/km for PM(2.5), depending on the velocity of the helicopter and type of soil it flies over. Fugitive PM emissions by an airborne helicopter were correlated with helicopter speed for a particular soil type. The results from this range-resolved ORS method were also compared with the data obtained with another path-integrated ORS method and a Flux Tower method.

Effective density and mixing state of aerosol particles in a near-traffic urban environment.

PubMed

Rissler, Jenny; Nordin, Erik Z; Eriksson, Axel C; Nilsson, Patrik T; Frosch, Mia; Sporre, Moa K; Wierzbicka, Aneta; Svenningsson, Birgitta; Löndahl, Jakob; Messing, Maria E; Sjogren, Staffan; Hemmingsen, Jette G; Loft, Steffen; Pagels, Joakim H; Swietlicki, Erik

2014-06-03

In urban environments, airborne particles are continuously emitted, followed by atmospheric aging. Also, particles emitted elsewhere, transported by winds, contribute to the urban aerosol. We studied the effective density (mass-mobility relationship) and mixing state with respect to the density of particles in central Copenhagen, in wintertime. The results are related to particle origin, morphology, and aging. Using a differential mobility analyzer-aerosol particle mass analyzer (DMA-APM), we determined that particles in the diameter range of 50-400 nm were of two groups: porous soot aggregates and more dense particles. Both groups were present at each size in varying proportions. Two types of temporal variability in the relative number fraction of the two groups were found: soot correlated with intense traffic in a diel pattern and dense particles increased during episodes with long-range transport from polluted continental areas. The effective density of each group was relatively stable over time, especially of the soot aggregates, which had effective densities similar to those observed in laboratory studies of fresh diesel exhaust emissions. When heated to 300 °C, the soot aggregate volatile mass fraction was ∼10%. For the dense particles, the volatile mass fraction varied from ∼80% to nearly 100%.

Separation of catechins and methylxanthines in tea samples by capillary electrochromatography.

PubMed

Uysal, Ulku Dilek; Aturki, Zeineb; Raggi, Maria Augusta; Fanali, Salvatore

2009-04-01

In this paper, the simultaneous separation of several polyphenols such as (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, theophylline, caffeine in green and black teas by capillary electrochromatography (CEC) was developed. Several experimental parameters such as stationary phase type, mobile phase composition, buffer and pH, inner diameter of the columns, sample injection, were evaluated to obtain the complete separation of the analysed compounds. Baseline resolution of the studied polyphenols was achieved within 30 min by using a capillary column (id 100 microm) packed with bidentate C(18) particles for 24.5 cm and a mobile phase composed of 5 mM ammonium acetate buffer pH 4 with H(2)O/ACN (80:20, v/v). The applied voltage and the temperature were set at 30 kV and 20 degrees C. Precision, detection and quantification limits, linearity, and accuracy were investigated. A good linearity (R(2) > 0.9992) was achieved over a concentration working range of 2-100 microg/mL for all the analytes. LOD and LOQ were 1 and 2 microg/mL, respectively, for all studied compounds. The CEC method was applied to the analysis of those polyphenols in green and black tea samples after an extraction procedure. Good recovery data from accuracy studies ranged between 90% and 112% for all analytes.

Experimental investigation of aerosol composition and growth rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wimmer, Daniela; Winkler, Paul; Kulmala, Markku; Petäjä, Tuukka

2017-04-01

Atmospheric aerosol particles have relevant influence on human lives. Human health is affected, as by breathing in the aerosol particles, they deposit in the lungs causing various health problems. Also they interfere indirectly and directly with sunlight, which affects the climate on Earth. Primary aerosol particles originate for example from anthropogenic sources, such as Diesel cars or natural sources such as dessert dust. Secondary aerosol particles are formed via condensation of low volatile gas phase compounds. First, small clusters consisting of a few gas molecules only are formed, which can then grow to bigger aerosol particles. These then form seeds for cloud droplets. The chemical composition of the cloud particles determines whether the cloud absorbs or scatters sunlight more. Intensive experimental and theoretical work has been put into understanding the details of the initial processes leading to the natural formation of these secondary aerosol particles. According to modelling studies, aerosol particles formed via the nucleation process are responsible for about 50% of the global cloud condensation nuclei concentration. With currently used methods, the chemical composition of small molecular clusters (up to 2nm in diameter) can be resolved. Also standard methods to determine aerosol particle composition at sizes >10 nm are available. Within this project, the aerosol particle composition in the 2-4 nm size range will be investigated experimentally. The setup will consist of a combination of an electrical method that allows determine the electrical mobility of the particles which then can be converted to a diameter. By letting the charged particles travel through a changing electrical field, they travel at different speeds according to their mobility. That allows to particles with certain mobilities, which then can be converted to a diameter. After the size selection, the particles are counted by means of optical detection. Condensation particle counters (CPCs) grow the particles internally, after which they are detected optically. By changing the condensing liquid, depending on the aerosol particle composition, they are activated differently. By combining the electrical size selection with CPCs with different liquids, information about particle composition can be determined. The project includes laboratory studies and field measurements in different locations (one rural site and two urban sites). I wish to acknowledge the Austrian Science Fund (FWF; Grant No J3951 - N36).

Giant enhancement of the carrier mobility in silicon nanowires with diamond coating.

PubMed

Fonoberov, Vladimir A; Balandin, Alexander A

2006-11-01

We show theoretically that the low-field carrier mobility in silicon nanowires can be greatly enhanced by embedding the nanowires within a hard material such as diamond. The electron mobility in the cylindrical silicon nanowires with 4-nm diameter, which are coated with diamond, is 2 orders of magnitude higher at 10 K and a factor of 2 higher at room temperature than the mobility in a free-standing silicon nanowire. The importance of this result for the downscaled architectures and possible silicon-carbon nanoelectronic devices is augmented by an extra benefit of diamond, a superior heat conductor, for thermal management.

Application of Aerosol Hygroscopicity Measured at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program's Southern Great Plains Site to Examine Composition and Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gasparini, Roberto; Runjun, Li; Collins, Don R.; Ferrare, Richard A.; Brackett, Vincent G.

2006-01-01

A Differential Mobility Analyzer/Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA/TDMA) was used to measure submicron aerosol size distributions, hygroscopicity, and occasionally volatility during the May 2003 Aerosol Intensive Operational Period (IOP) at the Central Facility of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program's Southern Great Plains (ARM SGP) site. Hygroscopic growth factor distributions for particles at eight dry diameters ranging from 0.012 micrometers to 0.600 micrometers were measured throughout the study. For a subset of particle sizes, more detailed measurements were occasionally made in which the relative humidity or temperature to which the aerosol was exposed was varied over a wide range. These measurements, in conjunction with backtrajectory clustering, were used to infer aerosol composition and to gain insight into the processes responsible for evolution. The hygroscopic growth of both the smallest and largest particles analyzed was typically less than that of particles with dry diameters of about 0.100 micrometers. It is speculated that condensation of secondary organic aerosol on nucleation mode particles is largely responsible for the minimal hygroscopic growth observed at the smallest sizes considered. Growth factor distributions of the largest particles characterized typically contained a nonhygroscopic mode believed to be composed primarily of dust. A model was developed to characterize the hygroscopic properties of particles within a size distribution mode through analysis of the fixed size hygroscopic growth measurements. The performance of this model was quantified through comparison of the measured fixed size hygroscopic growth factor distributions with those simulated through convolution of the size-resolved concentration contributed by each of the size modes and the mode-resolved hygroscopicity. This transformation from sizeresolved hygroscopicity to mode-resolved hygroscopicity facilitated examination of changes in the hygroscopic properties of particles within a size distribution mode that accompanied changes in the sizes of those particles. This model was used to examine three specific cases in which the sampled aerosol evolved slowly over a period of hours or days.

Assessment of the transport of polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilised zero-valent iron nanoparticles in a silica sand medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Bin; Xie, Yingying; Fang, Zhanqiang; Tsang, Eric Pokeung

2014-07-01

Nano zero-valent iron has been considered a promising material for in situ remediation, but its strong tendency to form aggregates makes it difficult to transport in porous media. Thus, stabilization techniques are required to overcome this limitation. In this study, we use polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to synthesise to stabilise iron nanoparticles. The effects of various factors such as nZVI influent concentrations, flow velocity, Ca2+, Mg2+ and humic acid on the transport behaviour of the PVP-nZVI particles were considered. A sedimentation test indicated that PVP-nZVI particles with diameters ranging from 50 to 80 nm were more stable than Bare-nZVI particles. Column experiments demonstrated that PVP-nZVI also exhibited better mobility in silica sand than Bare-nZVI. Due to either the straining or blocking effect, the effluent relative concentration ( C/ C 0) plateau increased with increasing particle concentration. Increasing the flow velocity increased the C/ C 0, resulting in the reduction of overall single-collector contact efficiency ( η 0). Humic acid (HA) enhanced the mobility of PVP-nZVI, and the sedimentation test in the presence of HA suggested that decreased attachment of PVP-nZVI to the silica sand surface rather than decreased aggregation was the primary mechanism of this enhanced mobility.

Use of a Dual Mobility Socket to Manage Total Hip Arthroplasty Instability

PubMed Central

Pibarot, Vincent; Vaz, Gualter; Chevillotte, Christophe; Béjui-Hugues, Jacques

2008-01-01

Unconstrained tripolar hip implants provide an additional bearing using a mobile polyethylene component between the prosthetic head and the outer metal shell. Such a design increases the effective head diameter and therefore is an attractive option in challenging situations of unstable total hip arthroplasties. We report our experience with 54 patients treated using this dual mobility implant in such situations. We ascertained its ability to restore and maintain stability, and examined component loosening and component failure. At a minimum followup of 2.2 years (mean, 4 years; range, 2.2–6.8 years), one hip had redislocated 2 months postoperatively and was managed successfully without reoperation by closed reduction with no additional dislocation. Two patients required revision of the implant because of dislocation at the inner bearing. Technical errors were responsible for these failures. Three patients had reoperations for deep infections. The postoperative radiographs at latest followup showed very satisfactory osseointegration of the acetabular component because no radiolucent line or osteolysis was reported. Use of this unconstrained tripolar design was successful in restoring and maintaining hip stability. We observed encouraging results at short-term followup regarding potential for loosening or mechanical failures. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. PMID:18780135

Self-Assembly of Large Gold Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

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

Yang, Guang; Nanda, Jagjit; Wang, Boya

Performance of portable technologies from mobile phones to electric vehicles is currently limited by the energy density and lifetime of lithium batteries. Expanding the limits of battery technology requires in situ detection of trace components at electrode–electrolyte interphases. Surface-enhance Raman spectroscopy could satisfy this need if a robust and reproducible substrate were available. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) larger than 20 nm diameter are expected to greatly enhance Raman intensity if they can be assembled into ordered monolayers. A three-phase self-assembly method is presented that successfully results in ordered Au NP monolayers for particle diameters ranging from 13 to 90 nm.more » The monolayer structure and Raman enhancement factors (EFs) are reported for a model analyte, rhodamine, as well as the best performing polymer electrolyte salt, lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide. Experimental EFs for the most part correlate with predictions based on monolayer geometry and with numerical simulations that identify local electromagnetic field enhancements. Lastly, the EFs for the best performing Au NP monolayer are between 10 6 and 10 8 and give quantitative signal response when analyte concentration is changed.« less

Self-Assembly of Large Gold Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Yang, Guang; Nanda, Jagjit; Wang, Boya; Chen, Gang; Hallinan, Daniel T

2017-04-19

Performance of portable technologies from mobile phones to electric vehicles is currently limited by the energy density and lifetime of lithium batteries. Expanding the limits of battery technology requires in situ detection of trace components at electrode-electrolyte interphases. Surface-enhance Raman spectroscopy could satisfy this need if a robust and reproducible substrate were available. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) larger than 20 nm diameter are expected to greatly enhance Raman intensity if they can be assembled into ordered monolayers. A three-phase self-assembly method is presented that successfully results in ordered Au NP monolayers for particle diameters ranging from 13 to 90 nm. The monolayer structure and Raman enhancement factors (EFs) are reported for a model analyte, rhodamine, as well as the best performing polymer electrolyte salt, lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide. Experimental EFs for the most part correlate with predictions based on monolayer geometry and with numerical simulations that identify local electromagnetic field enhancements. The EFs for the best performing Au NP monolayer are between 10 6 and 10 8 and give quantitative signal response when analyte concentration is changed.

Self-Assembly of Large Gold Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Yang, Guang; Nanda, Jagjit; Wang, Boya; ...

2017-04-04

Performance of portable technologies from mobile phones to electric vehicles is currently limited by the energy density and lifetime of lithium batteries. Expanding the limits of battery technology requires in situ detection of trace components at electrode–electrolyte interphases. Surface-enhance Raman spectroscopy could satisfy this need if a robust and reproducible substrate were available. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) larger than 20 nm diameter are expected to greatly enhance Raman intensity if they can be assembled into ordered monolayers. A three-phase self-assembly method is presented that successfully results in ordered Au NP monolayers for particle diameters ranging from 13 to 90 nm.more » The monolayer structure and Raman enhancement factors (EFs) are reported for a model analyte, rhodamine, as well as the best performing polymer electrolyte salt, lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide. Experimental EFs for the most part correlate with predictions based on monolayer geometry and with numerical simulations that identify local electromagnetic field enhancements. Lastly, the EFs for the best performing Au NP monolayer are between 10 6 and 10 8 and give quantitative signal response when analyte concentration is changed.« less

Uneven distribution of inorganic pollutants in marine air originating from ocean-going ships.

PubMed

Bencs, László; Horemans, Benjamin; Buczyńska, Anna Jolanta; Van Grieken, René

2017-03-01

The distribution of mass, water-soluble inorganic salts and mineral elements of size-segregated aerosols (PM 1 , PM 2.5-1 and PM 10-2.5 ), precursor gaseous pollutants, black carbon, and nanoparticles (10-300 nm size range) at the Southern Bight of the North Sea has been studied. The concentrations of air pollutants peaked over shipping lanes, open-water anchorage areas and frequently navigated waters, due to the presence of mobile emission sources. A considerable decrease in air pollutant levels was seen when diverting from these marine areas towards remote or coastal banks. These findings showed the rapid dispersion of pollutants in the marine air. The nano-aerosol count, originating from ocean-going ships, peaked at lower average aerodynamic diameters (e.g., ≈28 nm) than those, observed from low-displacement vessels (45-50 nm, e.g., for fishing boats). The average diameter of nano-PM depended also on weather conditions, e.g., it was higher (≈50 nm) in air of higher humidity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two-dimensional radial laser scanning for circular marker detection and external mobile robot tracking.

PubMed

Teixidó, Mercè; Pallejà, Tomàs; Font, Davinia; Tresanchez, Marcel; Moreno, Javier; Palacín, Jordi

2012-11-28

This paper presents the use of an external fixed two-dimensional laser scanner to detect cylindrical targets attached to moving devices, such as a mobile robot. This proposal is based on the detection of circular markers in the raw data provided by the laser scanner by applying an algorithm for outlier avoidance and a least-squares circular fitting. Some experiments have been developed to empirically validate the proposal with different cylindrical targets in order to estimate the location and tracking errors achieved, which are generally less than 20 mm in the area covered by the laser sensor. As a result of the validation experiments, several error maps have been obtained in order to give an estimate of the uncertainty of any location computed. This proposal has been validated with a medium-sized mobile robot with an attached cylindrical target (diameter 200 mm). The trajectory of the mobile robot was estimated with an average location error of less than 15 mm, and the real location error in each individual circular fitting was similar to the error estimated with the obtained error maps. The radial area covered in this validation experiment was up to 10 m, a value that depends on the radius of the cylindrical target and the radial density of the distance range points provided by the laser scanner but this area can be increased by combining the information of additional external laser scanners.

A six-color four-laser mobile platform for multi-spectral fluorescence imaging endoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, John F.; Tate, Tyler; Keenan, Molly; Swan, Elizabeth; Utzinger, Urs; Barton, Jennifer

2015-03-01

The properties of multi-spectral fluorescence imaging using deep-UV-illumination have recently been explored using a fiber-coupled thermal source at 280 nm. The resulting images show a remarkable level of contrast thought to result from the signal being overwhelmingly generated in the uppermost few cell layers of tissue, making this approach valuable for the study of diseases that originate in the endothelial tissues of the body. With a view to extending the technique with new wavelengths, and improving beam quality for efficient small core fiber coupling we have developed a mobile self-contained tunable solid-state laser source of deep UV light. An alexandrite laser, lasing at around 750 nm is frequency doubled to produce 375 nm and then tripled to produce 250 nm light. An optical deck added to the system allows other laser sources to be incorporated into the UV beam-line and a lens system has been designed to couple these sources into a single delivery fiber with core diameters down to 50 microns. Our system incorporates five wavelengths [250 nm, 375 nm, 442 nm (HeCd), 543 nm (HeNe) and 638 nm (diode laser)] as the illumination source for a small diameter falloposcope designed for the study of the distal Fallopian tube origins of high grade serous ovarian cancer. The tunability of alexandrite offers the potential to generate other wavelengths in the 720-800, 360-400 and 240-265 nm ranges, plus other non-linear optical conversion techniques taking advantage of the high peak powers of the laser.

Bias of cylinder diameter estimation from ground-based laser scanners with different beam widths: A simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsman, Mona; Börlin, Niclas; Olofsson, Kenneth; Reese, Heather; Holmgren, Johan

2018-01-01

In this study we have investigated why diameters of tree stems, which are approximately cylindrical, are often overestimated by mobile laser scanning. This paper analyzes the physical processes when using ground-based laser scanning that may contribute to a bias when estimating cylinder diameters using circle-fit methods. A laser scanner simulator was implemented and used to evaluate various properties, such as distance, cylinder diameter, and beam width of a laser scanner-cylinder system to find critical conditions. The simulation results suggest that a positive bias of the diameter estimation is expected. Furthermore, the bias follows a quadratic function of one parameter - the relative footprint, i.e., the fraction of the cylinder width illuminated by the laser beam. The quadratic signature opens up a possibility to construct a compensation model for the bias.

Countercurrent distribution of biological cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.

1979-01-01

A neutral polymer phase system consisting of 7.5 percent dextran 40/4.5 percent PEG 6, 0.11 M Na phosphate, 5 percent fetal bovine serum (FBS), pH 7.5, was developed which has a high phase droplet electrophoretic mobility and retains cell viability over many hours. In this and related systems, the drop mobility was a linear function of drop size, at least in the range 4-30 micron diameter. Applications of and electric field of 4.5 v/cm to a system containing 10 percent v/v bottom phase cleared the system more than two orders of magnitude faster than in the absence of the field. At higher bottom phase concentrations a secondary phenomenon intervened in the field driven separations which resulted in an increase in turbidity after clearing had commenced. The increase was associated with a dilution of the phase system in the chamber. The effect depended on the presence of the electric field. It may be due to electroosmotic flow of buffer through the Amicon membranes into the sample chamber and flow of phase system out into the rinse stream. Strategies to eliminate this problem are proposed.

Improved community model for social networks based on social mobility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zhe-Ming; Wu, Zhen; Luo, Hao; Wang, Hao-Xian

2015-07-01

This paper proposes an improved community model for social networks based on social mobility. The relationship between the group distribution and the community size is investigated in terms of communication rate and turnover rate. The degree distributions, clustering coefficients, average distances and diameters of networks are analyzed. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model possesses the small-world property and can reproduce social networks effectively and efficiently.

Director, Operational Test and Evaluation FY 2004 Annual Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

HIGH) Space Based Radar (SBR) Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) P3I (CBU-97/B) Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminal...detection, identification, and sampling capability for both fixed-site and mobile operations. The system must automatically detect and identify up to ten...staffing within the Services. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND MISSION The Services envision JCAD as a hand-held device that automatically detects, identifies, and

Portraiture lens concept in a mobile phone camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheil, Conor J.; Goncharov, Alexander V.

2017-11-01

A small form-factor lens was designed for the purpose of portraiture photography, the size of which allows use within smartphone casing. The current general requirement of mobile cameras having good all-round performance results in a typical, familiar, many-element design. Such designs have little room for improvement, in terms of the available degrees of freedom and highly-demanding target metrics such as low f-number and wide field of view. However, the specific application of the current portraiture lens relaxed the requirement of an all-round high-performing lens, allowing improvement of certain aspects at the expense of others. With a main emphasis on reducing depth of field (DoF), the current design takes advantage of the simple geometrical relationship between DoF and pupil diameter. The system has a large aperture, while a reasonable f-number gives a relatively large focal length, requiring a catadioptric lens design with double ray path; hence, field of view is reduced. Compared to typical mobile lenses, the large diameter reduces depth of field by a factor of four.

Requirements for a mobile communications satellite system. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Three types of satellite-aided mobile communications are considered for users in areas not served by (terrestrial) cellular radio systems. In System 1, mobile units are provided a direct satellite link to a gateway station, which serves as the interface to the terrestrial toll network. In System 2, a terrestrial radio link similar to those in cellular systems connects the mobile unit to a translator station; each translator relays the traffic from mobile units in its vicinity, via satellite, to the regional gateway. It is not feasible for System 2 to provide ubiquitous coverage. Therefore, System 3 is introduced, in which the small percentage of users not within range of a translator are provided a direct satellite link as in System 1. While System 2 can operate with leased satellite capacity, Systems 1 and 3 require a dedicated satellite. A major portion of this study is concerned with the design of a satellite for System 1. A weight limit of 10,000 lbs, corresponding to the projected 1990 STS capability, is imposed on the design. Frequency re-use of the allocated spectrum, through multiple satellite beams, is employed to generate the specified system capacity. Both offset-fed and center-fed reflectors are considered. For an assumed 10-MHz allocation and a population of 350,000 subscribers, a two-satellite system is required. The reflector diameters corresponding to offset-fed and center-fed geometries are 46 m and 62 m, respectively. Thus, large-space-structure technology is inherent to the implementation of System 1. In addition to establishing the technical requirements for the three types of satellite systems, the monthly service charge needed to provide a specified return on invested capital is computed. A net present value analysis is used for this purpose.

Reference range of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy in a Brazilian population.

PubMed

Araujo Júnior, Edward; Martins, Wellington P; Nardozza, Luciano Marcondes Machado; Pires, Claudio Rodrigues; Filho, Sebastião Marques Zanforlin

2015-02-01

To determine a reference range of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter in Brazilian population. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with 3772 normal singleton pregnancies between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. The transverse cerebellar diameter was measured on the axial plane of the fetal head at the level of the lateral ventricles, including the thalamus, cavum septum pellucidum, and third ventricle. To assess the correlation between transverse cerebellar diameter and gestational age, polynomial equations were calculated, with adjustments by the determination coefficient (R2). The mean of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter ranged from 18.49 ± 1.24 mm at 18 weeks to 25.86 ± 1.66 mm at 24 weeks of pregnancy. We observed a good correlation between transverse cerebellar diameter and gestational age, which was best represented by a linear equation: transverse cerebellar diameter: -6.21 + 1.307*gestational age (R2 = 0.707). We determined a reference range of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter for the second trimester of pregnancy in Brazilian population. © The Author(s) 2014.

Aortoiliac morphologic correlations in aneurysms undergoing endovascular repair.

PubMed

Ouriel, Kenneth; Tanquilut, Eugene; Greenberg, Roy K; Walker, Esteban

2003-08-01

The feasibility of endovascular aneurysm repair depends on morphologic characteristics of the aortoiliac segment. Knowledge of such characteristics is relevant to safe deployment of a particular device in a single patient and to development of new devices for use in patients with a broader spectrum of anatomic variations. We evaluated findings on computed tomography scans for 277 patients being considered for endovascular aneurysm repair. Aortic neck length and angulation estimates were generated with three-dimensional trigonometry. Specific centerline points were recorded, corresponding to the aorta at the celiac axis, lowest renal artery, cranial aspect of the aneurysm sac, aortic terminus, right hypogastric artery origin, and left hypogastric origin. Aortic neck thrombus and calcium content were recorded, and neck conicity was calculated in degrees. Statistical analysis was performed with the Spearman rank correlation. Data are expressed as median and interquartile range. Median diameter of the aneurysms was 52 mm (interquartile range, 48-59 mm) in minor axis and 56 mm (interquartile range, 51-64 mm) in major axis, and median length was 88 mm (interquartile range, 74-103 mm). Median proximal aortic neck diameter was 26 mm (interquartile range, 22-29 mm), and median neck length was 30 mm (interquartile range, 18-45 mm). The common iliac arteries were similar in diameter (right artery, 16 mm [interquartile range, 13-20 mm]; left artery, 15 mm [interquartile range, 11-18 mm]) and length (right, 59 mm [interquartile range, 50-69 mm]; left, 60 mm [interquartile range, 49-70 mm]). Median angulation of the infrarenal aortic neck was 40 degrees (interquartile range, 29-51 degrees), and median angulation of the suprarenal segment was 45 degrees (interquartile range, 36-57 degrees). By gender, sac diameter, proximal neck diameter, and iliac artery diameter were significantly larger in men. Significant linear associations were identified between sac diameter and sac length, neck angulation, and iliac artery diameter. As the length of the aneurysm sac increased the proximal aortic neck length decreased. Conversely, as the sac length decreased sac eccentricity increased. Mural thrombus content within the neck increased with increasing neck diameter. There is considerable variability in aortoiliac morphologic parameters. Significant associations were found between various morphologic variables, links that are presumably related to a shared pathogenesis for aberration in aortoiliac diameter, length, and angulation. Ultimately this information can be used to develop new endovascular devices with broader applicability and improved long-term results.

A comparison of two nano-sized particle air filtration tests in the diameter range of 10 to 400 nanometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Japuntich, Daniel A.; Franklin, Luke M.; Pui, David Y.; Kuehn, Thomas H.; Kim, Seong Chan; Viner, Andrew S.

2007-01-01

Two different air filter test methodologies are discussed and compared for challenges in the nano-sized particle range of 10-400 nm. Included in the discussion are test procedure development, factors affecting variability and comparisons between results from the tests. One test system which gives a discrete penetration for a given particle size is the TSI 8160 Automated Filter tester (updated and commercially available now as the TSI 3160) manufactured by the TSI, Inc., Shoreview, MN. Another filter test system was developed utilizing a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) to sample the particle size distributions downstream and upstream of an air filter to obtain a continuous percent filter penetration versus particle size curve. Filtration test results are shown for fiberglass filter paper of intermediate filtration efficiency. Test variables affecting the results of the TSI 8160 for NaCl and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) particles are discussed, including condensation particle counter stability and the sizing of the selected particle challenges. Filter testing using a TSI 3936 SMPS sampling upstream and downstream of a filter is also shown with a discussion of test variables and the need for proper SMPS volume purging and filter penetration correction procedure. For both tests, the penetration versus particle size curves for the filter media studied follow the theoretical Brownian capture model of decreasing penetration with decreasing particle diameter down to 10 nm with no deviation. From these findings, the authors can say with reasonable confidence that there is no evidence of particle thermal rebound in the size range.

Measurements of Soot Mass Absorption Coefficients from 300 to 660 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renbaum-Wolff, Lindsay; Fisher, Al; Helgestad, Taylor; Lambe, Andrew; Sedlacek, Arthur; Smith, Geoffrey; Cappa, Christopher; Davidovits, Paul; Onasch, Timothy; Freedman, Andrew

2016-04-01

Soot, a product of incomplete combustion, plays an important role in the earth's climate system through the absorption and scattering of solar radiation. In particular, the assumed mass absorption coefficient (MAC) of soot and its variation with wavelength presents a significant uncertainty in the calculation of radiative forcing in global climate change models. As part of the fourth Boston College/Aerodyne soot properties measurement campaign, we have measured the mass absorption coefficient of soot produced by an inverted methane diffusion flame over a spectral range of 300-660 nm using a variety of optical absorption techniques. Extinction and absorption were measured using a dual cavity ringdown photoacoustic spectrometer (CRD-PAS, UC Davis) at 405 nm and 532 nm. Scattering and extinction were measured using a CAPS PMssa single scattering albedo monitor (Aerodyne) at 630 nm; the absorption coefficient was determined by subtraction. In addition, the absorption coefficients in 8 wavelength bands from 300 to 660 nm were measured using a new broadband photoacoustic absorption monitor (UGA). Soot particle mass was quantified using a centrifugal particle mass analyzer (CPMA, Cambustion), mobility size with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS, TSI) and soot concentration with a CPC (Brechtel). The contribution of doubly charged particles to the sample mass was determined using a Single Particle Soot Photometer (DMT). Over a mass range of 1-8 fg, corresponding to differential mobility diameters of ~150 nm to 550 nm, the value of the soot MAC proved to be independent of mass for all wavelengths. The wavelength dependence of the MAC was best fit to a power law with an Absorption Ångstrom Coefficient slightly greater than 1.

46 CFR 108.419 - Fire main capacity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT Fire Extinguishing Systems Fire Main System § 108.419 Fire main capacity. The diameter of the fire... pumps operating simultaneously. ...

46 CFR 108.419 - Fire main capacity.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT Fire Extinguishing Systems Fire Main System § 108.419 Fire main capacity. The diameter of the fire... pumps operating simultaneously. ...

Stimulating angiogenesis mitigates the unloading-induced reduction in osteogenesis in early-stage bone repair in rats

PubMed Central

Matsumoto, Takeshi; Sato, Shota

2015-01-01

Accelerating fracture healing during bed rest allows early mobilization and avoids prolonged fracture healing times. We tested the hypothesis that stimulating angiogenesis with deferoxamine (DFO) mitigates the unloading-induced reduction in early-stage bone repair. Rats aged 12 weeks were subjected to cortical drilling on their tibial diaphysis under anesthesia and treated with hindlimb unloading (HU), HU and DFO administration (DFOHU), or weight bearing (WB) for 5 or 10 days (HU5/10, DFOHU5/10, WB5/10; n = 8 per groups) until sacrifice for vascular casting with a zirconium dioxide-based contrast agent. Taking advantage of its absorption discontinuity at the K-absorption edge, vascular and bone images in the drill-hole defects were acquired by synchrotron radiation subtraction CT. Bone repair was reduced in HU rats. The bone volume fraction (B.Vf) was 88% smaller in HU5 and 42% smaller in HU10 than in WB5/10. The bone segment densities (B.Seg) were 97% smaller in HU5 and 141% larger in HU10 than in WB5/10, and bone thickness (B.Th) was 38% smaller in HU10 than in WB10. The vascular volume fraction (V.Vf) was 35% and the mean vessel diameter (V.D) was 13% smaller in HU10 than in WB10. When compared according to categorized vessel sizes, V.Vf in the diameter ranges 20–30, 30–40, and >40 μm were smaller in HU10 than in WB10, and V.Seg in the diameter range >40 μm was smaller in HU10 than in WB10. In contrast, there was no difference in B.Vf between DFOHU5/10 and WB5/10 and in V.Vf between DFOHU10 and WB10, though B.Seg remained 86% smaller in DFOHU5 and 94% larger in DFOHU10 than in WB5/10, and B.Th and V.D were 23% and 14% lower in DFOHU10 than in WB10. Vessel size-specific V.Vf in the diameter ranges 10–20 and 20–30 μm was larger in DFOHU5 than in HU5. In conclusion, the enhanced angiogenic ingrowth mitigates the reduction in bone repair during mechanical unloading. PMID:25780087

K- and Ka-band mobile-vehicular satellite-tracking reflector antenna system for the NASA ACTS mobile terminal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Densmore, Art; Jamnejad, Vahraz; Wu, T. K.; Woo, Ken

1993-01-01

This paper describes the development of the K- and Ka-band mobile-vehicular satellite-tracking reflector antenna system for NASA's ACTS Mobile Terminal (AMT) project. ACTS is NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellites. The AMT project will make the first experimental use of ACTS soon after the satellite is operational, to demonstrate mobile communications via the satellite from a van on the road. The AMT antenna system consists of a mechanically steered small reflector antenna, using a shared aperture for both frequency bands and fitting under a radome of 23 cm diameter and 10 cm height, and a microprocessor controlled antenna controller that tracks the satellite as the vehicle moves about. The RF and mechanical characteristics of the antenna and the antenna tracking control system are discussed. Measurements of the antenna performance are presented.

Mobility and settling rate of agglomerates of polydisperse nanoparticles.

PubMed

Spyrogianni, Anastasia; Karadima, Katerina S; Goudeli, Eirini; Mavrantzas, Vlasis G; Pratsinis, Sotiris E

2018-02-14

Agglomerate settling impacts nanotoxicology and nanomedicine as well as the stability of engineered nanofluids. Here, the mobility of nanostructured fractal-like SiO 2 agglomerates in water is investigated and their settling rate in infinitely dilute suspensions is calculated by a Brownian dynamics algorithm tracking the agglomerate translational and rotational motion. The corresponding friction matrices are obtained using the HYDRO++ algorithm [J. G. de la Torre, G. del Rio Echenique, and A. Ortega, J. Phys. Chem. B 111, 955 (2007)] from the Kirkwood-Riseman theory accounting for hydrodynamic interactions of primary particles (PPs) through the Rotne-Prager-Yamakawa tensor, properly modified for polydisperse PPs. Agglomerates are generated by an event-driven method and have constant mass fractal dimension but varying PP size distribution, mass, and relative shape anisotropy. The calculated diffusion coefficient from HYDRO++ is used to obtain the agglomerate mobility diameter d m and is compared with that from scaling laws for fractal-like agglomerates. The ratio d m /d g of the mobility diameter to the gyration diameter of the agglomerate decreases with increasing relative shape anisotropy. For constant d m and mean d p , the agglomerate settling rate, u s , increases with increasing PP geometric standard deviation σ p,g (polydispersity). A linear relationship between u s and agglomerate mass to d m ratio, m/d m , is revealed and attributed to the fast Brownian rotation of such small and light nanoparticle agglomerates. An analytical expression for the u s of agglomerates consisting of polydisperse PPs is then derived, u s =1-ρ f ρ p g3πμmd m (ρ f is the density of the fluid, ρ p is the density of PPs, μ is the viscosity of the fluid, and g is the acceleration of gravity), valid for agglomerates for which the characteristic rotational time is considerably shorter than their settling time. Our calculations demonstrate that the commonly made assumption of monodisperse PPs underestimates u s by a fraction depending on σ p,g and agglomerate mass mobility exponent. Simulations are in excellent agreement with deposition rate measurements of fumed SiO 2 agglomerates in water.

Mobility and settling rate of agglomerates of polydisperse nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spyrogianni, Anastasia; Karadima, Katerina S.; Goudeli, Eirini; Mavrantzas, Vlasis G.; Pratsinis, Sotiris E.

2018-02-01

Agglomerate settling impacts nanotoxicology and nanomedicine as well as the stability of engineered nanofluids. Here, the mobility of nanostructured fractal-like SiO2 agglomerates in water is investigated and their settling rate in infinitely dilute suspensions is calculated by a Brownian dynamics algorithm tracking the agglomerate translational and rotational motion. The corresponding friction matrices are obtained using the HYDRO++ algorithm [J. G. de la Torre, G. del Rio Echenique, and A. Ortega, J. Phys. Chem. B 111, 955 (2007)] from the Kirkwood-Riseman theory accounting for hydrodynamic interactions of primary particles (PPs) through the Rotne-Prager-Yamakawa tensor, properly modified for polydisperse PPs. Agglomerates are generated by an event-driven method and have constant mass fractal dimension but varying PP size distribution, mass, and relative shape anisotropy. The calculated diffusion coefficient from HYDRO++ is used to obtain the agglomerate mobility diameter dm and is compared with that from scaling laws for fractal-like agglomerates. The ratio dm/dg of the mobility diameter to the gyration diameter of the agglomerate decreases with increasing relative shape anisotropy. For constant dm and mean dp, the agglomerate settling rate, us, increases with increasing PP geometric standard deviation σp,g (polydispersity). A linear relationship between us and agglomerate mass to dm ratio, m/dm, is revealed and attributed to the fast Brownian rotation of such small and light nanoparticle agglomerates. An analytical expression for the us of agglomerates consisting of polydisperse PPs is then derived, us=(1/-{ρf/ρp})g 3 π μ m/dm (ρf is the density of the fluid, ρp is the density of PPs, μ is the viscosity of the fluid, and g is the acceleration of gravity), valid for agglomerates for which the characteristic rotational time is considerably shorter than their settling time. Our calculations demonstrate that the commonly made assumption of monodisperse PPs underestimates us by a fraction depending on σp,g and agglomerate mass mobility exponent. Simulations are in excellent agreement with deposition rate measurements of fumed SiO2 agglomerates in water.

Effect of lateral mobility of fluorescent probes in lipid mixing assays of cell fusion.

PubMed

Huang, S K; Cheng, M; Hui, S W

1990-11-01

Monolayers of human erythrocytes, immobilized on a cover slip, were induced to fuse by polyethylene glycol (mol wt 8,000). The mobility of fluorescent probes, 1-oleoyl-2-[12-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadizol-4-yl)amino]dodecanoyl] phosphatidyl-choline (C12-NBD-PC), from labeled cells to unlabeled cells was monitored by video-enhanced fluorescence microscopy. A dequenching curve was obtained from the measurement of fluorescence intensities of pairs of fused cells over time. The dequenching curve and the curve obtained from macroscopic measurements of a cell monolayer (described in the preceding article) were compared and discussed. The slow probe transfer rate between a pair of fused cells was explained by a diffusion model based on membrane area conservation and the geometry of the fusion lumen. An equivalent lumen between two fused cells, thought to be the main rate limitation of probe mobility after fusion, was calculated to be approximately 130 nm in diameter. Lumens of 75 nm in diameter were observed by electron microscopy. Thus, the rate of macroscopic fluorescence dequenching depends not only upon the fusion efficiency, but also upon the number of simultaneous fusion partners, the geometry of their contact points, and the lateral mobility of the fluorescent probes through these points. The relative fusion efficiency can be derived only from the saturation dequenching values.

Growth Retardation Of Chick Embryo Exposed To A Low Dose Of Electromagnetic Waves.

PubMed

Siddiqi, Najam; John C, Muthusami; Norrish, Mark; Heming, Thomas

2016-01-01

The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of low dose of the nonionizing (REW) emitted by a mobile phone on the development of chick embryo. one hundred and twenty chick fertilized eggs were equally divided into a control and an exposed group. Sixty fertilized eggs were placed in an egg incubator with a mobile phone (SAR US: 1.10W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg body) in silent mode having vibration disable mode. Mobile was called for a total of 20 minutes in 24 hours. Twenty embryos each were sacrificed at day 5, 10 and 15, mortality, wet body weight, head to rump length, eye diameter and morphological changes were noted. The control group, 60 eggs were incubated in the same conditions, having removed the phone. No mortality was noted. The experimental group exposed to REW showed subcutaneous haemorrhagic areas and significant growth retardation at day 10 as evidence by smaller eye diameter, wet weight and CR length than the control group. There were no significant growth differences at either day 5 or at day 15. Electromagnetic waves emitted from mobile phones even though for a very short duration of 20 minutes per day have affected the growth of the chick embryo at day 10 of incubation, Hence exposure of these waves are not 100% safe.

Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Taheri, M; Mortazavi, S M J; Moradi, M; Mansouri, S; Hatam, G R; Nouri, F

2017-01-01

Mobile phones and Wi-Fi radiofrequency radiation are among the main sources of the exposure of the general population to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Previous studies have shown that exposure of microorganisms to RF-EMFs can be associated with a wide spectrum of changes ranged from the modified bacterial growth to the alterations of the pattern of antibiotic resistance. Our laboratory at the nonionizing department of the Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center has performed experiments on the health effects of exposure to animal models and humans to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as cellular phones, mobile base stations, mobile phone jammers, laptop computers, radars, dentistry cavitrons, magnetic resonance imaging, and Helmholtz coils. On the other hand, we have previously studied different aspects of the challenging issue of the ionizing or nonionizing radiation-induced alterations in the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics. In this study, we assessed if the exposure to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation and 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from common Wi-Fi routers alters the susceptibility of microorganisms to different antibiotics. The pure cultures of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were exposed to RF-EMFs generated either by a GSM 900 MHz mobile phone simulator and a common 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router. It is also shown that exposure to RF-EMFs within a narrow level of irradiation (an exposure window) makes microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. This adaptive phenomenon and its potential threats to human health should be further investigated in future experiments. Altogether, the findings of this study showed that exposure to Wi-Fi and RF simulator radiation can significantly alter the inhibition zone diameters and growth rate for L monocytogenes and E coli. These findings may have implications for the management of serious infectious diseases.

Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Taheri, M.; Mansouri, S.; Hatam, G. R.; Nouri, F.

2017-01-01

Mobile phones and Wi-Fi radiofrequency radiation are among the main sources of the exposure of the general population to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Previous studies have shown that exposure of microorganisms to RF-EMFs can be associated with a wide spectrum of changes ranged from the modified bacterial growth to the alterations of the pattern of antibiotic resistance. Our laboratory at the nonionizing department of the Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center has performed experiments on the health effects of exposure to animal models and humans to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as cellular phones, mobile base stations, mobile phone jammers, laptop computers, radars, dentistry cavitrons, magnetic resonance imaging, and Helmholtz coils. On the other hand, we have previously studied different aspects of the challenging issue of the ionizing or nonionizing radiation-induced alterations in the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics. In this study, we assessed if the exposure to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation and 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from common Wi-Fi routers alters the susceptibility of microorganisms to different antibiotics. The pure cultures of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were exposed to RF-EMFs generated either by a GSM 900 MHz mobile phone simulator and a common 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router. It is also shown that exposure to RF-EMFs within a narrow level of irradiation (an exposure window) makes microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. This adaptive phenomenon and its potential threats to human health should be further investigated in future experiments. Altogether, the findings of this study showed that exposure to Wi-Fi and RF simulator radiation can significantly alter the inhibition zone diameters and growth rate for L monocytogenes and E coli. These findings may have implications for the management of serious infectious diseases. PMID:28203122

Handheld spatial frequency domain spectrographic imager for depth-sensitive, quantitative spectroscopy of skin tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saager, Rolf B.; Dang, An N.; Huang, Samantha S.; Kelly, Kristen M.; Durkin, Anthony J.

2017-02-01

Here we present a handheld, implementation of Spatial Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (SFDS) that employs line imaging. The new instrument can measure 1088 spatial locations that span a 3 cm line as opposed to our benchtop system that only collects a single 1 mm diameter spot. This imager, however, retains the spectral resolution ( 1 nm) and range (450 to 1000 nm) of our benchtop system. The device also has tremendously improved mobility and portability, allowing for greater ease of use in clinical setting. A smaller size also enables access to different tissue locations, which increases the flexibility of the device. The design of this portable system not only enables SFDS to be used in clinical settings, but also enables visualization of properties of layered tissues such as skin.

[Development of an automatic vacuum liquid chromatographic device and its application in the separation of the components from Schisandra chinensis (Turz) Baill].

PubMed

Zhu, Jingbo; Liu, Baoyue; Shan, Shibo; Ding, Yanl; Kou, Zinong; Xiao, Wei

2015-08-01

In order to meet the needs of efficient purification of products from natural resources, this paper developed an automatic vacuum liquid chromatographic device (AUTO-VLC) and applied it to the component separation of petroleum ether extracts of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz) Baill. The device was comprised of a solvent system, a 10-position distribution valve, a 3-position changes valve, dynamic axis compress chromatographic columns with three diameters, and a 10-position fraction valve. The programmable logic controller (PLC) S7- 200 was adopted to realize the automatic control and monitoring of the mobile phase changing, column selection, separation time setting and fraction collection. The separation results showed that six fractions (S1-S6) of different chemical components from 100 g Schisandra chinensis (Turcz) Baill. petroleum ether phase were obtained by the AUTO-VLC with 150 mm diameter dynamic axis compress chromatographic column. A new method used for the VLC separation parameters screened by using multiple development TLC was developed and confirmed. The initial mobile phase of AUTO-VLC was selected by taking Rf of all the target compounds ranging from 0 to 0.45 for fist development on the TLC; gradient elution ratio was selected according to k value (the slope of the linear function of Rf value and development times on the TLC) and the resolution of target compounds; elution times (n) were calculated by the formula n ≈ ΔRf/k. A total of four compounds with the purity more than 85% and 13 other components were separated from S5 under the selected conditions for only 17 h. Therefore, the development of the automatic VLC and its method are significant to the automatic and systematic separation of traditional Chinese medicines.

In situ investigation of the mobility of small gold clusters on cleaved MgO surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metois, J. J.; Heinemann, K.; Poppa, H.

1976-01-01

The mobility of small clusters of gold (about 10 A in diameter) on electron-beam-cleaved MgO surfaces was studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy under controlled vacuum and temperature conditions. During the first 10 min following a deposition at room temperature, over 10 per cent of the crystallites moved over short distances (about 20 A) discontinuously, with a velocity greater than 150 A/sec. Eighty per cent of the mobility events were characterized by the avoidance of proximity of other crystallites, and this was tentatively explained as the result of repulsive elastic forces between the interacting crystallites.

Probing size-dependent electrokinetics of hematite aggregates

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

Kedra-Królik, Karolina; Rosso, Kevin M.; Zarzycki, Piotr

Aqueous particle suspensions of many kinds are stabilized by the electrostatic potential developed at their surfaces from reaction with water and ions. An important and less well understood aspect of this stabilization is the dependence of the electrostatic surface potential on particle size. Surface electrostatics are typically probed by measuring particle electrophoretic mobilities and quantified in the electrokinetic potential (f), using commercially available Zeta Potential Analyzers (ZPA). Even though ZPAs provide frequency-spectra (histograms) of electrophoretic mobility and hydrodynamic diameter, typically only the maximal-intensity values are reported, despite the information in the remainder of the spectra. Here we propose a mappingmore » procedure that inter-correlates these histograms to extract additional insight, in this case to probe particle size-dependent electrokinetics. Our method is illustrated for a suspension of prototypical iron (III) oxide (hematite, a-Fe2O3). We found that the electrophoretic mobility and f-potential are a linear function of the aggregate size. By analyzing the distribution of surface site types as a function of aggregate size we show that site coordination increases with increasing aggregate diameter. This observation explains why the acidity of the iron oxide particles decreases with increasing particle size.« less

Aerosol detection efficiency in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hubbard, Joshua A.; Zigmond, Joseph A.

2016-05-01

An electrostatic size classification technique was used to segregate particles of known composition prior to being injected into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Size-segregated particles were counted with a condensation nuclei counter as well as sampled with an ICP-MS. By injecting particles of known size, composition, and aerosol concentration into the ICP-MS, efficiencies of the order of magnitude aerosol detection were calculated, and the particle size dependencies for volatile and refractory species were quantified. Similar to laser ablation ICP-MS, aerosol detection efficiency was defined as the rate at which atoms were detected in the ICP-MS normalized by the rate at which atoms were injected in the form of particles. This method adds valuable insight into the development of technologies like laser ablation ICP-MS where aerosol particles (of relatively unknown size and gas concentration) are generated during ablation and then transported into the plasma of an ICP-MS. In this study, we characterized aerosol detection efficiencies of volatile species gold and silver along with refractory species aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, and yttrium oxide. Aerosols were generated with electrical mobility diameters ranging from 100 to 1000 nm. In general, it was observed that refractory species had lower aerosol detection efficiencies than volatile species, and there were strong dependencies on particle size and plasma torch residence time. Volatile species showed a distinct transition point at which aerosol detection efficiency began decreasing with increasing particle size. This critical diameter indicated the largest particle size for which complete particle detection should be expected and agreed with theories published in other works. Aerosol detection efficiencies also displayed power law dependencies on particle size. Aerosol detection efficiencies ranged from 10- 5 to 10- 11. Free molecular heat and mass transfer theory was applied, but evaporative phenomena were not sufficient to explain the dependence of aerosol detection on particle diameter. Additional work is needed to correlate experimental data with theory for metal-oxides where thermodynamic property data are sparse relative to pure elements. Lastly, when matrix effects and the diffusion of ions inside the plasma were considered, mass loading was concluded to have had an effect on the dependence of detection efficiency on particle diameter.

Use of 5-mm-diameter implants: Periotest values related to a clinical and radiographic evaluation.

PubMed

Aparicio, C; Orozco, P

1998-12-01

A modified design of the original Brånemark implant consisting of a cp. Titanium 5.0-mm-diameter self-tapping implant threaded up to the marginal platform has been proposed for specific indications. From February 1992 to November 1995, a total of 185 machined screw implants (Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden) were installed in 45 patients to withstand 58 prostheses. Of these, 91 were 3.75-mm diameter and 94 were 5.0-mm wide. Most of the implants were placed in type B and C bone quantity and type 2 and 3 bone quality. A retrospective evaluation with regard to indications, marginal bone remodelling, Periotest values (PTv) and survival rate is presented. PTv and radiographic measurements were made at abutment connection and repeated 3, 6 and 12 months later and thereafter every year. The follow-up ranged from 16 to 55 months (mean 32.9 months) post-loading. Three patients with 8 5.0-mm implants dropped-out of the study at different stages. Out of the wide implants, 1 was expelled during the healing period; 3 were found mobile at the abutment connection; 1 lost its osseointegration suddenly after 2 years of function; 4 belonging to 1 patient did not meet the success criteria due to continuous marginal bone loss. The cumulative success rate of 5.0-mm implants (CSR) after 1 year of function was 97.2% for upper jaws and 88.4% in mandibles, whereas the CSR in maxilla after 48 months was 97.2% and 83.4% in mandibles. The obtained PTv from 5.0-mm-wide fixtures in maxilla and mandibles were respectively 1.1 and 0.6 units lower than those obtained PTv for 3.75-mm-diameter implants in the same patients. The hypothesis that there are differences in the damping capacity of the bone surrounding a 5.0-mm-wide implant compared to the 3.75-mm-diameter implant is supported by the PTv results.

Optimal radial force and size for palliation in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: a comparative analysis of current stent technology.

PubMed

Mbah, Nsehniitooh; Philips, Prejesh; Voor, Michael J; Martin, Robert C G

2017-12-01

The optimal use of esophageal stents for malignant and benign esophageal strictures continues to be plagued with variability in pain tolerance, migration rates, and reflux-related symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in radial force exhibited by a variety of esophageal stents with respect to the patient's esophageal stricture. Radial force testing was performed on eight stents manufactured by four different companies using a hydraulic press and a 5000 N force gage. Radial force was measured using three different tests: transverse compression, circumferential compression, and a three-point bending test. Esophageal stricture composition and diameters were measured to assess maximum diameter, length, and proximal esophageal diameter among 15 patients prior to stenting. There was a statistically significant difference in mean radial force for transverse compression tests at the middle (range 4.25-0.66 newtons/millimeter N/mm) and at the flange (range 3.32-0.48 N/mm). There were also statistical differences in mean radial force for circumferential test (ranged from 1.19 to 10.50 N/mm, p < 0.001) and the three-point bending test (range 0.08-0.28 N/mm, p < 0.001). In an evaluation of esophageal stricture diameters and lengths, the smallest median diameter of the stricture was 10 mm (range 5-16 mm) and the median proximal diameter normal esophagus was 25 mm (range 22-33 mm), which is currently outside of the range of stent diameters. Tested stents demonstrated significant differences in radial force, which provides further clarification of stent pain and intolerance in certain patients, with either benign or malignant disease. Similarly, current stent diameters do not successfully exclude the proximal esophagus, which can lead to obstructive-type symptoms. Awareness of radial force, esophageal stricture composition, and proximal esophageal diameter must be known and understood for optimal stent tolerance.

Correlations for Vapor Nucleating Critical Embryo Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnusson, Lars-Erik; Koropchak, John A.; Anisimov, Michael P.; Poznjakovskiy, Valeriy M.; de la Mora, Juan Fernandez

2003-12-01

Condensation nucleation light scattering detection in principle works by converting the effluent of the chromatographic separation into an aerosol and then selectively evaporating the mobile phase, leaving less volatile analytes and nonvolatile impurities as dry aerosol particles. The dry particles produced are then exposed to an environment that is saturated with the vapors of an organic solvent (commonly n-butanol). The blend of aerosol particles and organic vapor is then cooled so that conditions of vapor supersaturation are achieved. In principle, the vapor then condenses onto the dry particles, growing each particle (ideally) from as small as a few nanometers in diameter into a droplet with a diameter up to about 10 μm. The grown droplets are then passed through a beam of light, and the light scattered by the droplets is detected and used as the detector response. This growth and detection step is generally carried out using commercial continuous-flow condensation nucleus counters. In the present research, the possibility of using other fluids than the commonly used n-butanol is investigated. The Kelvin equation and the Nucleation theorem [Anisimov et al. (1978)] are used to evaluate a range of fluids for efficacy of growing small particles by condensation nucleation. Using the available experimental data on vapor nucleation, the correlations of Kelvin diameters (the critical embryo sizes) and the bulk surface tension with dielectric constants of working liquids are found. A simple method for choosing the most efficient fluid, within a class of fluids, for growth of small particles is suggested.

Deposition velocity of ultrafine particles measured with the Eddy-Correlation Method over the Nansen Ice Sheet (Antarctica)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Contini, D.; Donateo, A.; Belosi, F.; Grasso, F. M.; Santachiara, G.; Prodi, F.

2010-08-01

This work reports an analysis of the concentration, size distribution, and deposition velocity of atmospheric particles over snow and iced surfaces on the Nansen Ice Sheet (Antarctica). Measurements were performed using the eddy-correlation method at a remote site during the XXII Italian expedition of the National Research Program in Antarctica (PNRA) in 2006. The measurement system was based on a condensation particle counter (CPC) able to measure particles down to 9 nm in diameter with a 50% efficiency and a Differential Mobility Particle Sizer for evaluating particle size distributions from 11 to 521 nm diameter in 39 channels. A method based on postprocessing with digital filters was developed to take into account the effect of the slow time response of the CPC. The average number concentration was 1338 cm-3 (median, 978 cm-3; interquartile range, 435-1854 cm-3). Higher concentrations were observed at low wind velocities. Results gave an average deposition velocity of 0.47 mm/s (median, 0.19 mm/s; interquartile range, -0.21 -0.88 mm/s). Deposition increased with the friction velocity and was on average 0.86 mm/s during katabatic wind characterized by velocities higher than 4 m/s. Observed size distributions generally presented two distinct modes, the first at approximately 15-20 nm and the second (representing on average 70% of the total particles) at 60-70 nm. Under strong-wind conditions, the second mode dominated the average size distribution.

Omni-directional L-band antenna for mobile communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, C. S.; Moldovan, N.; Kijesky, J.

1988-01-01

The principle and design of an L-band omni-directional mobile communication antenna are discussed. The antenna is a circular wave guide aperture with hybrid circuits attached to higher order mode excitation. It produces polarized and symmetric two split beams in elevation. The circular waveguide is fed by eight probes with a 90 degree phase shift between their inputs. Radiation pattern characteristics are controlled by adjusting the aperture diameter and mode excitation. This antenna satisfies gain requirements as well as withstanding the harsh environment.

Mobility Analyses of Standard- and High-Mobility Tactical Support Vehicles (HIMO Study)

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-02-01

l, APPENDIX G: PARTICIPANTS IN SCENARIO EXERCISES ... ....... Gl I ?S LIST OF TABLES Table Page I Summary of Vehicle Caracteristics and Some...15 1 :1010 2 :1111 Organid silts and clays ( plastic ) >7-30 0 11212 1 1 1313Peat (nou plastic ) _._>_3_0 0 .1414 Li Groups with Different Materiai in 0...diameter LL = Liquid limit PI - Plasticity index Drainage potential classified by occurrence of water table as follows: Class 0 Water table occurs at

Ultrafine particles and nitrogen oxides generated by gas and electric cooking.

PubMed

Dennekamp, M; Howarth, S; Dick, C A; Cherrie, J W; Donaldson, K; Seaton, A

2001-08-01

To measure the concentrations of particles less than 100 nm diameter and of oxides of nitrogen generated by cooking with gas and electricity, to comment on possible hazards to health in poorly ventilated kitchens. Experiments with gas and electric rings, grills, and ovens were used to compare different cooking procedures. Nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) were measured by a chemiluminescent ML9841A NO(x) analyser. A TSI 3934 scanning mobility particle sizer was used to measure average number concentration and size distribution of aerosols in the size range 10-500 nm. High concentrations of particles are generated by gas combustion, by frying, and by cooking of fatty foods. Electric rings and grills may also generate particles from their surfaces. In experiments where gas burning was the most important source of particles, most particles were in the size range 15-40 nm. When bacon was fried on the gas or electric rings the particles were of larger diameter, in the size range 50-100 nm. The smaller particles generated during experiments grew in size with time because of coagulation. Substantial concentrations of NO(X) were generated during cooking on gas; four rings for 15 minutes produced 5 minute peaks of about 1000 ppb nitrogen dioxide and about 2000 ppb nitric oxide. Cooking in a poorly ventilated kitchen may give rise to potentially toxic concentrations of numbers of particles. Very high concentrations of oxides of nitrogen may also be generated by gas cooking, and with no extraction and poor ventilation, may reach concentrations at which adverse health effects may be expected. Although respiratory effects of exposure to NO(x) might be anticipated, recent epidemiology suggests that cardiac effects cannot be excluded, and further investigation of this is desirable.

Asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation methods to characterize submicron particles: application to carbon-based aggregates and nanoplastics.

PubMed

Gigault, Julien; El Hadri, Hind; Reynaud, Stéphanie; Deniau, Elise; Grassl, Bruno

2017-11-01

In the last 10 years, asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation (AF4) has been one of the most promising approaches to characterize colloidal particles. Nevertheless, despite its potentialities, it is still considered a complex technique to set up, and the theory is difficult to apply for the characterization of complex samples containing submicron particles and nanoparticles. In the present work, we developed and propose a simple analytical strategy to rapidly determine the presence of several submicron populations in an unknown sample with one programmed AF4 method. To illustrate this method, we analyzed polystyrene particles and fullerene aggregates of size covering the whole colloidal size distribution. A global and fast AF4 method (method O) allowed us to screen the presence of particles with size ranging from 1 to 800 nm. By examination of the fractionating power F d , as proposed in the literature, convenient fractionation resolution was obtained for size ranging from 10 to 400 nm. The global F d values, as well as the steric inversion diameter, for the whole colloidal size distribution correspond to the predicted values obtained by model studies. On the basis of this method and without the channel components or mobile phase composition being changed, four isocratic subfraction methods were performed to achieve further high-resolution separation as a function of different size classes: 10-100 nm, 100-200 nm, 200-450 nm, and 450-800 nm in diameter. Finally, all the methods developed were applied in characterization of nanoplastics, which has received great attention in recent years. Graphical Absract Characterization of the nanoplastics by asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation within the colloidal size range.

SURFACE CHEMICAL EFFECTS ON COLLOID STABILITY AND TRANSPORT THROUGH NATURAL POROUS MEDIA

EPA Science Inventory

Surface chemical effects on colloidal stability and transport through porous media were investigated using laboratory column techniques. Approximately 100 nm diameter, spherical, iron oxide particles were synthesized as the mobile colloidal phase. The column packing material was ...

Comparative range of orthodontic wires.

PubMed

Ingram, S B; Gipe, D P; Smith, R J

1986-10-01

ADA specification No. 32 for determining the range (elastic limit) of orthodontic wires uses the bending of a wire section treated as a cantilever beam. An alternative method for defining the range of orthodontic wires proposed by Waters (1981) is to wrap wire sections around mandrels of varying diameters and measure the deformation imparted after unwrapping. Four brass mandrels with a total of 46 test diameters ranging from 3.5 to 60.0 mm were used in this study. Wire sections 9 cm in length were rolled on the mandrel with a hand lathe. The mandrel cross section required to produce a predetermined amount of deformation (2 mm arc height for a 5 cm chord) was defined as the yield diameter for that particular wire. No individual wire was tested twice so as to avoid introduction of strain history. Test samples of 488 different orthodontic wires supplied by nine commercial distributors were evaluated (a total of 4,747 samples). Stainless steel wires of identical dimensions had a large variation in range, depending on the state of strain hardening and heat treatment. For example, 0.020 inch round wire had yield diameters ranging from 22.8 mm for Australian special plus orange (TP Laboratories) to 42.9 mm for Nubryte gold (G.A.C. International). Chromium cobalt wires had less range than stainless steel before heat treatment, but increased greatly in range after heat treatment. Nitinol (Unitek) had the greatest range of all wires tested (yield diameter of 8.7 mm for 0.016 inch Nitinol). Multistranded stainless steel wires had yield diameters between 9.0 and 14.0 mm.

Assessing the accuracy of using oscillating gradient spin echo sequences with AxCaliber to infer micron-sized axon diameters.

PubMed

Mercredi, Morgan; Vincent, Trevor J; Bidinosti, Christopher P; Martin, Melanie

2017-02-01

Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) axon diameter measurements rely on the pulsed gradient spin-echo sequence, which is unable to provide diffusion times short enough to measure small axon diameters. This study combines the AxCaliber axon diameter fitting method with data generated from Monte Carlo simulations of oscillating gradient spin-echo sequences (OGSE) to infer micron-sized axon diameters, in order to determine the feasibility of using MRI to infer smaller axon diameters in brain tissue. Monte Carlo computer simulation data were synthesized from tissue geometries of cylinders of different diameters using a range of gradient frequencies in the cosine OGSE sequence . Data were fitted to the AxCaliber method modified to allow the new pulse sequence. Intra- and extra-axonal water were studied separately and together. The simulations revealed the extra-axonal model to be problematic. Rather than change the model, we found that restricting the range of gradient frequencies such that the measured apparent diffusion coefficient was constant over that range resulted in more accurate fitted diameters. Thus a careful selection of frequency ranges is needed for the AxCaliber method to correctly model extra-axonal water, or adaptations to the method are needed. This restriction helped reduce the necessary gradient strengths for measurements that could be performed with parameters feasible for a Bruker BG6 gradient set. For these experiments, the simulations inferred diameters as small as 0.5 μm on square-packed and randomly packed cylinders. The accuracy of the inferred diameters was found to be dependent on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with smaller diameters more affected by noise, although all diameter distributions were distinguishable from one another for all SNRs tested. The results of this study indicate the feasibility of using MRI with OGSE on preclinical scanners to infer small axon diameters.

Investigation of Biomass Burning Aerosol Hygroscopicity Using a New Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer and New Inversion Routine.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oxford, C. R.; Williams, B. J.

2017-12-01

Biomass burning aerosol (BBA) constitutes a significant fraction of atmospheric aerosol and impacts health, visibility, and radiative forcing. The nature and scale of these impacts are influenced by the size distribution of the aerosol. Hygroscopicity governs the water content of an aerosol at elevated relative humidity, and thus determines the size distribution of the hydrated aerosol. Characterization of BBA during the second Fire Lab At Missoula Experiment (FLAME-II) determined that BBA with high inorganic concentrations did not have a single hygroscopicity, but exhibited a bimodal nature. Mechanisms contributing to this bimodality could include condensation of hygrophilic inorganics, release of hygrophobic soot aerosol, presence of non-spherical morphologies, and condensation of volatile organic compounds with low hygroscopicity. Conclusions from FLAME-II attribute the bimodality to externally mixed BBA at a given diameter. Other authors, using different fuels, attribute differences in BBA hygroscopicity to non-spherical morphologies. We measured the hygroscopicity of BBA emitted from the burning of grasses obtained from western Montana in a laboratory burn chamber. The investigation used a newly built Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (TDMA) and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer together with a new TDMA inversion routine specifically designed for the analysis of multi-charged phenomena. Additionally, we used Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to assess particle morphology. Outputs from the inversion routine along with images from TEM were used to evaluate reasons for hygroscopicity dependence on mobility diameter.

Development of Electrospun Nanomaterials and their Applications in Separation Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newsome, Toni Elwell

In separations, efficiency is inversely related to the diameter of the sorbent particles of the stationary phase. Thus, materials research in separation science has primarily been directed towards reducing the diameter of the sorbent particle used in the stationary phase. In this dissertation, innovative methods designed for the fabrication and application of electrospun sorbent nanomaterials for separation science are described. Electrospinning is a facile, cost-effective technique that relies on repulsive electrostatic forces to produce nanofibers from a viscoelastic solution. Here, electrospinning is used to generate polymer, carbon, and silica-based nanofibers which are employed as sorbent nanomaterials in extractions and separations. Electrospun carbon nanofibers have proven to be ideal extractive phases for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) when coupled to gas chromatography (GC) for headspace sampling of volatile analytes. Herein, these carbon nanofibers were employed in the direct extraction of nonvolatile analytes and coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) for the first time. The high surface area of the coatings led to enhanced extraction efficiencies; they offered a 3-33 fold increase in efficiency relative to a commercial SPME phase. Carbon nanofibers proved to be stable when immersed in liquids common to LC demonstrating the enhanced stability of these coatings in SPME coupled to LC relative to conventional SPME fibers. The enhanced chemical and mechanical stability of the carbon SPME coatings considerably expanded the range of compounds applicable to SPME and extended the lifetimes of the fibers. Electrospun nanofibers have also proven to be ideal stationary phases in ultra-thin layer chromatography (UTLC). Nanofibers provide faster separations and enhanced separation efficiencies compared to commercial particle-based stationary phases in a relatively short distance. Here, the electrospun-UTLC technology was extended for the first time to nanofibers composed of silica, the most commonly used surface for TLC. An electrospinning method was optimized to produce silica-based nanofibers with the smallest diameter possible (300-380 nm) while maintaining homogenous nanofiber morphology. Highly efficient separations were performed in 15 mm with observed plate heights as low as 8.6 mum. Silica-based nanofibers proved to be chemically stable with a wide variety of TLC reagents demonstrating the enhanced compatibility of these phases with common TLC methods relative to polymer and carbon nanofiber UTLC plates. The extension of electrospun UTLC to silica-based nanofibers vastly expanded the range of analytes and TLC methods which can be used with this technology. The main disadvantage of conventional TLC development methods is that the mobile phase velocity decreases with increasing separation distance. Here, the chromatographic performance of electrospun polymer stationary phases was further improved by using a forced-flow mobile phase in planar electrochromatography (PEC) in which mobile phase velocity does not diminish with increasing distance. Separations were performed on polymer nanofiber UTLC plates in 1-2 min. Compared to UTLC, PEC offered unique selectivity, decreased analysis times (> 4 times faster), and enhanced efficiency (2-3 times lower plate height). In addition, two-dimensional (2D) separations of a complex analyte mixture using UTLC followed by PEC required only 11 min and exhibited a significant increase in separation number (70-77).

Dynamics of membrane nanotubes coated with I-BAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barooji, Younes F.; Rørvig-Lund, Andreas; Semsey, Szabolcs; Reihani, S. Nader S.; Bendix, Poul M.

2016-07-01

Membrane deformation is a necessary step in a number of cellular processes such as filopodia and invadopodia formation and has been shown to involve membrane shaping proteins containing membrane binding domains from the IRSp53-MIM protein family. In reconstituted membranes the membrane shaping domains can efficiently deform negatively charged membranes into tubules without any other proteins present. Here, we show that the IM domain (also called I-BAR domain) from the protein ABBA, forms semi-flexible nanotubes protruding into Giant Unilamellar lipid Vesicles (GUVs). By simultaneous quantification of tube intensity and tubular shape we find both the diameter and stiffness of the nanotubes. I-BAR decorated tubes were quantified to have a diameter of ~50 nm and exhibit no stiffening relative to protein free tubes of the same diameter. At high protein density the tubes are immobile whereas at lower density the tubes diffuse freely on the surface of the GUV. Bleaching experiments of the fluorescently tagged I-BAR confirmed that the mobility of the tubes correlates with the mobility of the I-BAR on the GUV membrane. Finally, at low density of I-BAR the protein upconcentrates within tubes protruding into the GUVs. This implies that I-BAR exhibits strong preference for negatively curved membranes.

Antenna Technology Shuttle Experiment (ATSE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeland, R. E.; Mettler, E.; Miller, L. J.; Rahmet-Samii, Y.; Weber, W. J., III

1987-01-01

Numerous space applications of the future will require mesh deployable antennas of 15 m in diameter or greater for frequencies up to 20 GHz. These applications include mobile communications satellites, orbiting very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) astrophysics missions, and Earth remote sensing missions. A Lockheed wrap rip antennas was used as the test article. The experiments covered a broad range of structural, control, and RF discipline objectives, which is fulfilled in total, would greatly reduce the risk of employing these antenna systems in future space applications. It was concluded that a flight experiment of a relatively large mesh deployable reflector is achievable with no major technological or cost drivers. The test articles and the instrumentation are all within the state of the art and in most cases rely on proven flight hardware. Every effort was made to design the experiments for low cost.

Cohort profile: LIFEWORK, a prospective cohort study on occupational and environmental risk factors and health in the Netherlands

PubMed Central

Peeters, Petra H; Korevaar, Joke C; Bueno-de-Mesquita, Bas; Verschuren, W M Monique; Verheij, Robert A; Pieterson, Inka; van Leeuwen, Flora E

2018-01-01

Purpose LIFEWORK is a large federated prospective cohort established in the Netherlands to quantify the health effects of occupational and environmental exposures. This cohort is also the Dutch contribution to the international Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS). In this paper, we describe the study design, ongoing data collection, baseline characteristics of participants and the repeatability of key questionnaire items. Participants 88 466 participants were enrolled in three cohort studies in 2011–2012. Exposure information was collected by a harmonised core questionnaire, or modelled based on occupational and residential histories; domains include air pollution (eg, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5)), noise, electromagnetic fields (EMF), mobile phone use, shift work and occupational chemical exposures. Chronic and subacute health outcomes are assessed by self-report and through linkage with health registries. Findings to date Participants had a median age of 51 years at baseline (range 19–87), and the majority are female (90%), with nurses being over-represented. Median exposure levels of NO2, PM2.5, EMF from base stations and noise at the participants’ home addresses at baseline were 22.9 µg/m3, 16.6 µg/m3, 0.003 mWm2 and 53.1 dB, respectively. Twenty-two per cent of participants reported to have started using a mobile phone more than 10 years prior to baseline. Repeatability for self-reported exposures was moderate to high (weighted kappa range: 0.69–1) for a subset of participants (n=237) who completed the questionnaire twice. Future plans We are actively and passively observing participants; we plan to administer a follow-up questionnaire every 4–5 years—the first follow-up will be completed in 2018—and linkage to cause-of-death and cancer registries occurs on a (bi)annual basis. This prospective cohort offers a unique, large and rich resource for research on contemporary occupational and environmental health risks and will contribute to the large international COSMOS study on mobile phone use and health. PMID:29431129

Selection of quasi-monodisperse super-micron aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rösch, Michael; Pfeifer, Sascha; Wiedensohler, Alfred; Stratmann, Frank

2014-05-01

Size-segregated quasi monodisperse particles are essential for e.g. fundamental research concerning cloud microphysical processes. Commonly a DMA (Differential Mobility Analyzer) is used to produce quasi-monodisperse submicron particles. Thereto first, polydisperse aerosol particles are bipolarly charged by a neutralizer, and then selected according to their electrical mobility with the DMA [Knutson et al. 1975]. Selecting a certain electrical mobility with a DMA results in a particle size distribution, which contains singly charged particles as well as undesired multiply charged larger particles. Often these larger particles need to either be removed from the generated aerosol or their signals have to be corrected for in the data inversion and interpretation process. This problem becomes even more serious when considering super-micron particles. Here we will present two different techniques for generating quasi-monodisperse super-micron aerosol particles with no or only an insignificant number of larger sized particles being present. First, we use a combination of a cyclone with adjustable aerodynamic cut-off diameter and our custom-built Maxi-DMA [Raddatz et al. 2013]. The cyclone removes particles larger than the desired ones prior to mobility selection with the DMA. This results in a reduction of the number of multiply charged particles of up to 99.8%. Second, we utilize a new combination of cyclone and PCVI (Pumped Counterflow Virtual Impactor), which is based on purely inertial separation and avoids particle charging. The PCVI instrument was previously described by Boulter et al. (2006) and Kulkarni et al. (2011). With our two setups we are able to produce quasi-monodisperse aerosol particles in the diameter range from 0.5 to 4.4 µm without a significant number of larger undesired particles being present. Acknowledgements: This work was done within the framework of the DFG funded Ice Nucleation research UnIT (INUIT, FOR 1525) under WE 4722/1-1. References: Knutson, E. O. and Whitby, K. T.: Aerosol classification by electric mobility: apparatus, theory, and applications. Aerosol Science, 6:443--451, 1975 Raddatz, M., Wiedensohler, A., Wex, H., and Stratmann, F.: Size selection of sub- and super-micron clay mineral kaolinite particles using a custom-built Maxi-DMA. Nucleation and Atmospheric Aerosols, Vol. 1527, AIP Conference Proceedings, pages 457-460. AMER INST PHYSICS, 2013 Boulter, J. E., Cziczo, D. J., Middlebrook, A. M., Thomson, D. S., and Murphy, D. M.: Design and performance of a Pumped Counterflow Virtual Impactor. Aerosol Science and Technology, 40(11): 969-976, 2006 Kulkarni, G., Pekour, M., Afchine, A., Murphy, D. M., and Cziczo, D. J.: Comparison of experimental and numerical studies of the performance characteristics of a pumped counterflow virtual impactor. Aerosol Science and Technology, 45:382-392, 2011

Polaron mobility obtained by a variational approach for lattice Fröhlich models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kornjača, Milan; Vukmirović, Nenad

2018-04-01

Charge carrier mobility for a class of lattice models with long-range electron-phonon interaction was investigated. The approach for mobility calculation is based on a suitably chosen unitary transformation of the model Hamiltonian which transforms it into the form where the remaining interaction part can be treated as a perturbation. Relevant spectral functions were then obtained using Matsubara Green's functions technique and charge carrier mobility was evaluated using Kubo's linear response formula. Numerical results were presented for a wide range of electron-phonon interaction strengths and temperatures in the case of one-dimensional version of the model. The results indicate that the mobility decreases with increasing temperature for all electron-phonon interaction strengths in the investigated range, while longer interaction range leads to more mobile carriers.

Stimulating angiogenesis mitigates the unloading-induced reduction in osteogenesis in early-stage bone repair in rats.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Takeshi; Sato, Shota

2015-03-01

Accelerating fracture healing during bed rest allows early mobilization and avoids prolonged fracture healing times. We tested the hypothesis that stimulating angiogenesis with deferoxamine (DFO) mitigates the unloading-induced reduction in early-stage bone repair. Rats aged 12 weeks were subjected to cortical drilling on their tibial diaphysis under anesthesia and treated with hindlimb unloading (HU), HU and DFO administration (DFOHU), or weight bearing (WB) for 5 or 10 days (HU5/10, DFOHU5/10, WB5/10; n = 8 per groups) until sacrifice for vascular casting with a zirconium dioxide-based contrast agent. Taking advantage of its absorption discontinuity at the K-absorption edge, vascular and bone images in the drill-hole defects were acquired by synchrotron radiation subtraction CT. Bone repair was reduced in HU rats. The bone volume fraction (B.Vf) was 88% smaller in HU5 and 42% smaller in HU10 than in WB5/10. The bone segment densities (B.Seg) were 97% smaller in HU5 and 141% larger in HU10 than in WB5/10, and bone thickness (B.Th) was 38% smaller in HU10 than in WB10. The vascular volume fraction (V.Vf) was 35% and the mean vessel diameter (V.D) was 13% smaller in HU10 than in WB10. When compared according to categorized vessel sizes, V.Vf in the diameter ranges 20-30, 30-40, and >40 μm were smaller in HU10 than in WB10, and V.Seg in the diameter range >40 μm was smaller in HU10 than in WB10. In contrast, there was no difference in B.Vf between DFOHU5/10 and WB5/10 and in V.Vf between DFOHU10 and WB10, though B.Seg remained 86% smaller in DFOHU5 and 94% larger in DFOHU10 than in WB5/10, and B.Th and V.D were 23% and 14% lower in DFOHU10 than in WB10. Vessel size-specific V.Vf in the diameter ranges 10-20 and 20-30 μm was larger in DFOHU5 than in HU5. In conclusion, the enhanced angiogenic ingrowth mitigates the reduction in bone repair during mechanical unloading. © 2015 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society.

Propeller flaps in eyelid reconstruction.

PubMed

Rajak, Saul N; Huilgol, Shyamala C; Murakami, Masahiro; Selva, Dinesh

2018-03-14

Propeller flaps are island flaps that reach the recipient site through an axial rotation. The flap has a subcutaneous pedicle on which it pivots, thereby resembling a helicopter propeller. We present our series of propeller flaps for the reconstruction of large eyelid defects. This is a retrospective review of the clinical case notes of eight patients that underwent tumour excision with reconstruction with a cutaneous propeller flap supplied by a non-perforator orbicularis pedicle between July and December 2016. Propeller flaps were used in the reconstruction of five lower lid defects (size range 19 × 5 mm to 25 × 8 mm), one medial canthus defect (13 mm diameter), one complete upper lid defect (42 × 19 mm diameter) and one lid sparing extenteration defect. The flaps were recruited from nasolabial, lateral canthal, temple or medial upper cheek skin. Post-operatively one case had 'trapdooring' which required flap revision at 4 months and one had persistent oedema that settled without intervention. The reconstruction of large eyelid defects is challenging in part because of the paucity of locally available skin. Propeller flaps are a paradigm shift in periocular reconstruction in which the subcutaneous pedicle enables the recruitment of large and highly mobile skin flaps from a wide area of regional tissue.

Communication Technology Satellite Portable Terminal

NASA Image and Video Library

1977-03-21

This vehicle served as a mobile terminal for the Communications Technology Satellite. The Communications Technology Satellite was an experimental communications satellite launched in January 1976 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Canadian Department of Communications. The satellite operated in a new frequency band reserved for broadcast satellites with transmitting power levels that were 10 to 20 times higher than those of contemporary satellites. Throughout 1977 and 1978 NASA allowed qualified groups to utilize the satellite from one of the three ground-based transmission centers. NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio was NASA’s lead center on the project. Lewis was responsible for the control and coordination of all US experiments on the satellite. The center housed the satellite’s main control center which included eight parabolic reflector antennae ranging from 2 to 15 feet in diameter. Many of the satellite’s components had been tested in simulated space conditions at Lewis. The Lewis-designed vehicle seen here served as a field unit for transmitting and receiving wideband signals and narrowband voice. The vehicle permitted live television interviews, recording equipment, and cameras. An 8-foot diameter parabolic reflector was mounted on the roof. The interior of the vehicle had workstations, monitors, transmitting equipment, and a lounge area.

The National Near-Road Mobile Source Air Toxics Study: Las Vegas

EPA Science Inventory

EPA, in collaboration with FHWA, has been involved in a large-scale monitoring research study in an effort to characterize highway vehicle emissions in a near-road environment. The pollutants of interest include particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns ...

Compact, low profile antennas for MSAT and mini-M and Std-M land mobile satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strickland, P. C.

1995-01-01

CAL Corporation has developed a new class of low profile radiating elements for use in planar phased array antennas. These new elements have been used in the design of a low cost, compact, low profile antenna unit for MSAT and INMARSAT Mini-M land mobile satellite communications. The antenna unit which measures roughly 32 cm in diameter by 5 cm deep incorporates a compact LNA and diplexer unit as well as a complete, low cost, beam steering system. CAL has also developed a low profile antenna unit for INMARSAT-M land mobile satellite communications. A number of these units, which utilize a microstrip patch array design, were put into service in 1994.

Dispersion and stability of bare hematite nanoparticles: effect of dispersion tools, nanoparticle concentration, humic acid and ionic strength

PubMed Central

Dickson, Dionne; Liu, Guangliang; Li, Chenzhong; Tachiev, Georgio; Cai, Yong

2012-01-01

The aggregation and sedimentation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can significantly affect the mobility and reactivity of IONPs and subsequently influence the interaction between IONPs and environmental contaminants. Dispersing bare IONPs into a stable suspension within nanoscale range is an important step for studying the interaction of IONPs with contaminants (e.g., toxic metals). In this study, different techniques to disperse bare IONPs (vortex, bath sonication and probe ultrasonication) and the effects of important environmental factors such as dissolved organic matter and ionic strength on the stability of IONPs dispersions were investigated. Vortex minimally dispersed IONPs with hydrodynamic diameter outside the “nanosize range” (698–2400nm). Similar to vortex, bath sonication could not disperse IONPs efficiently. Probe ultrasonication was more effective at dispersing IONPs (50% or more) with hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 120–140 nm with minimal changes in size and sedimentation of IONPs for a prolonged period of time. Over the course of 168 hours, considerable amounts of IONPs remained dispersed in the presence and absence of low ionic strength (0.1 mM of NaCl) and 100 mg/L of humic acid (HA). These results indicate that IONPs can be broken down efficiently into “nanosize range” by probe ultrasonication and a degree of stability can be achieved without the use of synthetic modifiers to enhance colloidal stability. This dispersion tool could be used to develop a laboratory method to study the adsorption mechanism between dispersed bare IONPs and toxic contaminants. PMID:22289174

Fluorescence/depolarization lidar for mid-range stand-off detection of biological agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mierczyk, Z.; Kopczyński, K.; Zygmunt, M.; Wojtanowski, J.; Młynczak, J.; Gawlikowski, A.; Młodzianko, A.; Piotrowski, W.; Gietka, A.; Knysak, P.; Drozd, T.; Muzal, M.; Kaszczuk, M.; Ostrowski, R.; Jakubaszek, M.

2011-06-01

LIDAR system for real-time standoff detection of bio-agents is presented and preliminary experimental results are discussed. The detection approach is based on two independent physical phenomena: (1) laser induced fluorescence (LIF), (2) depolarization resulting from elastic scattering on non-spherical particles. The device includes three laser sources, two receiving telescopes, depolarization component and spectral signature analyzing spectrograph. It was designed to provide the stand-off detection capability at ranges from 200 m up to several kilometers. The system as a whole forms a mobile platform for vehicle or building installation. Additionally, it's combined with a scanning mechanics and advanced software, which enable to conduct the semi-automatic monitoring of a specified space sector. For fluorescence excitation, 3-rd (355 nm) and 4-th (266 nm) harmonics of Nd:YAG pulsed lasers are used. They emit short (~6 ns) pulses with the repetition rate of 20 Hz. Collecting optics for fluorescence echo detection and spectral content analysis includes 25 mm diameter f/4 Newton telescope, Czerny Turner spectrograph and 32-channel PMT. Depending on the grating applied, the spectral resolution from 20 nm up to 3 nm per channel can be achieved. The system is also equipped with an eye-safe (1.5 μm) Nd:YAG OPO laser for elastic backscattering/depolarization detection. The optical echo signal is collected by Cassegrain telescope with aperture diameter of 12.5 mm. Depolarization detection component based on polarizing beam-splitter serves as the stand-off particle-shape analyzer, which is very valuable in case of non-spherical bio-aerosols sensing.

Physical and Chemical Characterization of Therapeutic Iron Containing Materials: A Study of Several Superparamagnetic Drug Formulations with the β-FeOOH or Ferrihydrite Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Funk, Felix; Long, Gary J.; Hautot, Dimitri; Büchi, Ruth; Christl, Iso; Weidler, Peter G.

2001-03-01

The effectiveness of therapeutically used iron compounds is related to their physical and chemical properties. Four different iron compounds used in oral, intravenous, and intramuscular therapy have been examined by X-ray powder diffraction, iron-57 Mössbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, BET surface area measurement, potentiometric titration and studied through dissolution kinetics determinations using acid, reducing and chelating agents. All compounds are nanosized with particle diameters, as determined by X-ray diffraction, ranging from 1 to 4.1 nm. The superparamagnetic blocking temperatures, as determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy, indicate that the relative diameters of the aggregates range from 2.5 to 4.1 nm. Three of the iron compounds have an akaganeite-like structure, whereas one has a ferrihydrite-like structure. As powders the particles form large and dense aggregates which have a very low surface area on the order of 1 m2 g-1. There is evidence, however, that in a colloidal solution the surface area is increased by two to three orders of magnitude, presumably as a result of the break up of the aggregates. Iron release kinetics by acid, chelating and reducing agents reflect the high surface area, the size and crystallinity of the particles, and the presence of the protective carbohydrate layer coating the iron compound. Within a physiologically relevant time period, the iron release produced by acid or large chelating ligands is small. In contrast, iron is rapidly mobilized by small organic chelating agents, such as oxalate, or by chelate-forming reductants, such as thioglycolate.

Nearshore dynamics of artificial sand and oil agglomerates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dalyander, P. Soupy; Plant, Nathaniel G.; Long, Joseph W.; McLaughlin, Molly R.

2015-01-01

Weathered oil can mix with sediment to form heavier-than-water sand and oil agglomerates (SOAs) that can cause beach re-oiling for years after a spill. Few studies have focused on the physical dynamics of SOAs. In this study, artificial SOAs (aSOAs) were created and deployed in the nearshore, and shear stress-based mobility formulations were assessed to predict SOA response. Prediction sensitivity to uncertainty in hydrodynamic conditions and shear stress parameterizations were explored. Critical stress estimates accounting for large particle exposure in a mixed bed gave the best predictions of mobility under shoaling and breaking waves. In the surf zone, the 10-cm aSOA was immobile and began to bury in the seafloor while smaller size classes dispersed alongshore. aSOAs up to 5 cm in diameter were frequently mobilized in the swash zone. The uncertainty in predicting aSOA dynamics reflects a broader uncertainty in applying mobility and transport formulations to cm-sized particles.

Automated estimation of individual conifer tree height and crown diameter via Two-dimensional spatial wavelet analysis of lidar data

Treesearch

Michael J. Falkowski; Alistair M.S. Smith; Andrew T. Hudak; Paul E. Gessler; Lee A. Vierling; Nicholas L. Crookston

2006-01-01

We describe and evaluate a new analysis technique, spatial wavelet analysis (SWA), to automatically estimate the location, height, and crown diameter of individual trees within mixed conifer open canopy stands from light detection and ranging (lidar) data. Two-dimensional Mexican hat wavelets, over a range of likely tree crown diameters, were convolved with lidar...

Electrokinetic transport properties of deoxynucleotide monophosphates (dNMPs) through thermoplastic nanochannels.

PubMed

O'Neil, Colleen; Amarasekara, Charuni A; Weerakoon-Ratnayake, Kumuditha M; Gross, Bethany; Jia, Zheng; Singh, Varshni; Park, Sunggook; Soper, Steven A

2018-10-16

The electrokinetic behavior of molecules in nanochannels (<100 nm in length) have generated interest due to the unique transport properties observed that are not seen in microscale channels. These nanoscale dependent transport properties include transverse electromigration arising from partial electrical double layer overlap, enhanced solute/wall interactions due to the small channel diameter, and field-dependent intermittent motion produced by surface roughness. In this study, the electrokinetic transport properties of deoxynucleotide monophosphates (dNMPs) were investigated, including the effects of electric field strength, surface effects, and composition of the carrier electrolyte (ionic concentration and pH). The dNMPs were labeled with a fluorescent reporter (ATTO 532) to allow tracking of the electrokinetic transport of the dNMPs through a thermoplastic nanochannel fabricated via nanoimprinting (110 nm × 110 nm, width × depth, and 100 μm in length). We discovered that the transport properties in plastic nanochannels of the dye-labeled dNMPs produced differences in their apparent mobilities that were not seen using microscale columns. We built histograms for each dNMP from their apparent mobilities under different operating conditions and fit the histograms to Gaussian functions from which the separation resolution could be deduced as a metric to gage the ability to identify the molecule based on their apparent mobility. We found that the resolution ranged from 0.73 to 2.13 at pH = 8.3. Changing the carrier electrolyte pH > 10 significantly improved separation resolution (0.80-4.84) and reduced the standard deviation in the Gaussian fit to the apparent mobilities. At low buffer concentrations, decreases in separation resolution and increased standard deviations in Gaussian fits to the apparent mobilities of dNMPs were observed due to the increased thickness of the electric double layer leading to a partial parabolic flow profile. The results secured for the dNMPs in thermoplastic nanochannels revealed a high identification efficiency (>99%) in most cases for the dNMPs due to differences in their apparent mobilities when using nanochannels, which could not be achieved using microscale columns. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Laboratory assessment of the mobility of water-dispersed engineered nanoparticles in a red soil (Ultisol)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dengjun; Su, Chunming; Zhang, Wei; Hao, Xiuzhen; Cang, Long; Wang, Yujun; Zhou, Dongmei

2014-11-01

Soils are major sinks of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) as results of land applications of sewage sludge, accidental spills, or deliberate applications of ENPs (e.g., nano-pesticides). In this study, the transport behaviors of four widely used ENPs (i.e., titanium dioxide [TiO2], buckminsterfullerene [C60], single-walled carbon nanotube [SWNT], and elemental silver [Ag0]) were investigated in water-saturated columns packed with either a quartz sand, a red soil (Ultisol), or sand/soil mixtures with soil mass fraction (λ) from 0% to 100% at slightly acidic solution pH (4.0-5.0). The mobility of tested ENPs decreased significantly with increasing λ, which was attributed to increased surface area and/or retention sites imparted by iron oxides, clay minerals, and organic matter in the red soil. Breakthrough curves of all ENPs exhibited blocking effects (decreasing deposition rate over time) and were well-described using an unfavorable and favorable, two-site kinetic attachment model accounting for random sequential adsorption on the favorable site. Modeled maximum retention capacity and first-order attachment rate coefficient on the favorable site both increased linearly with increasing λ, suggesting that transport parameters of ENPs in natural soils may be accurately extrapolated from transport parameters in the sand/soil mixtures. In addition, the mobility of three negatively charged ENPs (C60, SWNT, and Ag0 NPs) was reversely correlated with their average hydrodynamic diameters, highlighting that the average hydrodynamic diameter of negatively charged ENPs is the dominant physicochemical characteristics controlling their mobility in the Ultisol.

A 640 foot per second impact test of a two foot diameter model nuclear reactor containment system without fracture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Puthoff, R. L.

1971-01-01

An impact test was conducted on an 1142 pound 2 foot diameter sphere model. The purpose of this test was to determine the feasibility of containing the fission products of a mobile reactor in an impact. The model simulated the reactor core, energy absorbing gamma shielding, neutron shielding and the containment vessel. It was impacted against an 18,000 pound reinforced concrete block. The model was significantly deformed and the concrete block demolished. No leaks were detected nor cracks observed in the model after impact.

Aerosol detection efficiency in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

DOE PAGES

Hubbard, Joshua A.; Zigmond, Joseph A.

2016-03-02

We used an electrostatic size classification technique to segregate particles of known composition prior to being injected into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Moreover, we counted size-segregated particles with a condensation nuclei counter as well as sampled with an ICP-MS. By injecting particles of known size, composition, and aerosol concentration into the ICP-MS, efficiencies of the order of magnitude aerosol detection were calculated, and the particle size dependencies for volatile and refractory species were quantified. Similar to laser ablation ICP-MS, aerosol detection efficiency was defined as the rate at which atoms were detected in the ICP-MS normalized bymore » the rate at which atoms were injected in the form of particles. This method adds valuable insight into the development of technologies like laser ablation ICP-MS where aerosol particles (of relatively unknown size and gas concentration) are generated during ablation and then transported into the plasma of an ICP-MS. In this study, we characterized aerosol detection efficiencies of volatile species gold and silver along with refractory species aluminum oxide, cerium oxide, and yttrium oxide. Aerosols were generated with electrical mobility diameters ranging from 100 to 1000 nm. In general, it was observed that refractory species had lower aerosol detection efficiencies than volatile species, and there were strong dependencies on particle size and plasma torch residence time. Volatile species showed a distinct transition point at which aerosol detection efficiency began decreasing with increasing particle size. This critical diameter indicated the largest particle size for which complete particle detection should be expected and agreed with theories published in other works. Aerosol detection efficiencies also displayed power law dependencies on particle size. Aerosol detection efficiencies ranged from 10 -5 to 10 -11. Free molecular heat and mass transfer theory was applied, but evaporative phenomena were not sufficient to explain the dependence of aerosol detection on particle diameter. Additional work is needed to correlate experimental data with theory for metal-oxides where thermodynamic property data are sparse relative to pure elements. Finally, when matrix effects and the diffusion of ions inside the plasma were considered, mass loading was concluded to have had an effect on the dependence of detection efficiency on particle diameter.« less

Effects of mobile phone use on specific intensive care unit devices.

PubMed

Hans, Nidhi; Kapadia, Farhad N

2008-10-01

To observe the effects of mobile phone use in the vicinity of medical devices used in a critical care setting. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) was tested by using two types of mobile phones - GSM and CDMA. Mobile phones were placed at a distance of one foot from three medical devices - syringe pump, mechanical ventilator, and the bedside monitor - in switch off, standby, and talking modes of the phone. Medical devices were observed for any interference caused by the electromagnetic radiations (EMR) from the mobile phones. Out of the three medical devices that were tested, EMI occurred while using the mobile phone in the vicinity of the syringe pump, in the 'talk mode.' The mean variation observed in the calculated and delivered volume of the syringe pump was 2.66 ml. Mechanical ventilator did not show any specific adverse effects with mobile phone use in the one-foot vicinity. No other adverse effects or unexplained malfunctions or shutdown of the syringe pump, mechanical ventilator, or the bedside monitor was noted during the study period of 36 hours. EMI from mobile phones have an adverse effect on the medical devices used in critical care setup. They should be used at least one foot away from the diameter of the syringe pump.

Digital terrestrial photogrammetric methods for tree stem analysis

Treesearch

Neil A. Clark; Randolph H. Wynne; Daniel L. Schmoldt; Matt Winn

2000-01-01

A digital camera was used to measure diameters at various heights along the stem on 20 red oak trees. Diameter at breast height ranged from 16 to over 60 cm, and height to a 10-cm top ranged from 12 to 20 m. The chi-square maximum anticipated error of geometric mean diameter estimates at the 95 percent confidence level was within ±4 cm for all heights when...

Ion generation and CPC detection efficiency studies in sub 3-nm size range

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

Kangasluoma, J.; Junninen, H.; Sipilae, M.

2013-05-24

We studied the chemical composition of commonly used condensation particle counter calibration ions with a mass spectrometer and found that in our calibration setup the negatively charged ammonium sulphate, sodium chloride and tungsten oxide are the least contaminated whereas silver on both positive and negative and the three mentioned earlier in positive mode are contaminated with organics. We report cut-off diameters for Airmodus Particle Size Magnifier (PSM) 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.6-1.8 nm for negative sodium chloride, ammonium sulphate, tungsten oxide, silver and positive organics, respectively. To study the effect of sample relative humidity on detection efficiency of themore » PSM we used different humidities in the differential mobility analyzer sheath flow and found that with increasing relative humidity also the detection efficiency of the PSM increases.« less

On the accuracy of aerosol photoacoustic spectrometer calibrations using absorption by ozone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, Nicholas W.; Cotterell, Michael I.; Fox, Cathryn; Szpek, Kate; Haywood, Jim M.; Langridge, Justin M.

2018-04-01

In recent years, photoacoustic spectroscopy has emerged as an invaluable tool for the accurate measurement of light absorption by atmospheric aerosol. Photoacoustic instruments require calibration, which can be achieved by measuring the photoacoustic signal generated by known quantities of gaseous ozone. Recent work has questioned the validity of this approach at short visible wavelengths (404 nm), indicating systematic calibration errors of the order of a factor of 2. We revisit this result and test the validity of the ozone calibration method using a suite of multipass photoacoustic cells operating at wavelengths 405, 514 and 658 nm. Using aerosolised nigrosin with mobility-selected diameters in the range 250-425 nm, we demonstrate excellent agreement between measured and modelled ensemble absorption cross sections at all wavelengths, thus demonstrating the validity of the ozone-based calibration method for aerosol photoacoustic spectroscopy at visible wavelengths.

Structural and Acoustic Damping Characteristics of Polyimide Microspheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palumbo, Daniel L.; Park, Junhong

2005-01-01

A broad range of tests have been performed to evaluate the capability of tiny lightweight polyimide spheres to reduce sound and vibration. The types of testing includes impedance tube measurement of propagation constant, sound power insertion loss for single and double wall systems, particle frame wave characterization and beam vibration reduction. The tests were performed using spheres made of two types of polyimide and with varying diameter. Baseline results were established using common noise reduction treatment materials such as fiberglass and foam. The spheres were difficult to test due to their inherent mobility. Most tests required some adaptation to contain the spheres. One test returned obvious non-linear behavior, a result which has come to be expected for treatments of this type. The polyimide spheres are found to be a competent treatment for both sound and vibration energy with the reservation that more work needs to be done to better characterize the non-linear behavior.

[Study on transformation mechanism of SOA from biogenic VOC under UV-B condition].

PubMed

Li, Ying-Ying; Li, Xiang; Chen, Jian-Min

2011-12-01

A laboratory study was carried out to investigate the biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) in a lab-made glass chamber. The secondary organic aerosol (SOA) products can be detected under the UV photooxidation of BVOC. Pelargonium x Citrenella was chosen as the target plant in this research because it can release a large amount of BVOCs. The predominant 7 alkene and ketol compounds were detected by using solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampling and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The photochemical experiment indicated that these BVOC can be rapidly oxidized into SOA under UV-B irradiation. A tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) was used to measure the size distribution and the hygroscopicity of the SOA. The particle diameter was in the range of 50 nm to 320 nm. The high hygroscopicity of SOA was also obtained and the size increased from 1.05 to 1.11 during the wet experiment.

Colloidal stability of carbonate-coated silver nanoparticles in synthetic and natural freshwater.

PubMed

Piccapietra, Flavio; Sigg, Laura; Behra, Renata

2012-01-17

To gain important information on fate, mobility, and bioavailability of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in aquatic systems, the influence of pH, ionic strength, and humic substances on the stability of carbonate-coated AgNP (average diameter 29 nm) was systematically investigated in 10 mM carbonate and 10 mM MOPS buffer, and in filtered natural freshwater. Changes in the physicochemical properties of AgNP were measured using nanoparticle tracking analysis, dynamic light scattering, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. According to the pH-dependent carbonate speciation, below pH 4 the negatively charged surface of AgNP became positive and increased agglomeration was observed. Electrolyte concentrations above 2 mM Ca(2+) and 100 mM Na(+) enhanced AgNP agglomeration in the synthetic media. In the considered concentration range of humic substances, no relevant changes in the AgNP agglomeration state were measured. Agglomeration of AgNP exposed in filtered natural freshwater was observed to be primarily controlled by the electrolyte type and concentration. Moreover, agglomerated AgNP were still detected after 7 days of exposure. Consequently, slow sedimentation and high mobility of agglomerated AgNP could be expected under the considered natural conditions. A critical evaluation of the different methods used is presented as well.

Toward the Limits of Uniformity of Mixed Metallicity SWCNT TFT Arrays with Spark-Synthesized and Surface-Density-Controlled Nanotube Networks.

PubMed

Kaskela, Antti; Mustonen, Kimmo; Laiho, Patrik; Ohno, Yutaka; Kauppinen, Esko I

2015-12-30

We report the fabrication of thin film transistors (TFTs) from networks of nonbundled single-walled carbon nanotubes with controlled surface densities. Individual nanotubes were synthesized by using a spark generator-based floating catalyst CVD process. High uniformity and the control of SWCNT surface density were realized by mixing of the SWCNT aerosol in a turbulent flow mixer and monitoring the online number concentration with a condensation particle counter at the reactor outlet in real time. The networks consist of predominantly nonbundled SWCNTs with diameters of 1.0-1.3 nm, mean length of 3.97 μm, and metallic to semiconducting tube ratio of 1:2. The ON/OFF ratio and charge carrier mobility of SWCNT TFTs were simultaneously optimized through fabrication of devices with SWCNT surface densities ranging from 0.36 to 1.8 μm(-2) and channel lengths and widths from 5 to 100 μm and from 100 to 500 μm, respectively. The density optimized TFTs exhibited excellent performance figures with charge carrier mobilities up to 100 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) and ON/OFF current ratios exceeding 1 × 10(6), combined with high uniformity and more than 99% of devices working as theoretically expected.

Plasmonics Enhanced Smartphone Fluorescence Microscopy.

PubMed

Wei, Qingshan; Acuna, Guillermo; Kim, Seungkyeum; Vietz, Carolin; Tseng, Derek; Chae, Jongjae; Shir, Daniel; Luo, Wei; Tinnefeld, Philip; Ozcan, Aydogan

2017-05-18

Smartphone fluorescence microscopy has various applications in point-of-care (POC) testing and diagnostics, ranging from e.g., quantification of immunoassays, detection of microorganisms, to sensing of viruses. An important need in smartphone-based microscopy and sensing techniques is to improve the detection sensitivity to enable quantification of extremely low concentrations of target molecules. Here, we demonstrate a general strategy to enhance the detection sensitivity of a smartphone-based fluorescence microscope by using surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) created by a thin metal-film. In this plasmonic design, the samples are placed on a silver-coated glass slide with a thin spacer, and excited by a laser-diode from the backside through a glass hemisphere, generating surface plasmon polaritons. We optimized this mobile SEF system by tuning the metal-film thickness, spacer distance, excitation angle and polarization, and achieved ~10-fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity compared to a bare glass substrate, which enabled us to image single fluorescent particles as small as 50 nm in diameter and single quantum-dots. Furthermore, we quantified the detection limit of this platform by using DNA origami-based brightness standards, demonstrating that ~80 fluorophores per diffraction-limited spot can be readily detected by our mobile microscope, which opens up new opportunities for POC diagnostics and sensing applications in resource-limited-settings.

Experimental evaluation of the pressure and temperature dependence of ion-induced nucleation.

PubMed

Munir, Muhammad Miftahul; Suhendi, Asep; Ogi, Takashi; Iskandar, Ferry; Okuyama, Kikuo

2010-09-28

An experimental system for the study of ion-induced nucleation in a SO(2)/H(2)O/N(2) gas mixture was developed, employing a soft x-ray at different pressure and temperature levels. The difficulties associated with these experiments included the changes in physical properties of the gas mixture when temperature and pressure were varied. Changes in the relative humidity (RH) as a function of pressure and temperature also had a significant effect on the different behaviors of the mobility distributions of particles. In order to accomplish reliable measurement and minimize uncertainties, an integrated on-line control system was utilized. As the pressure decreased in a range of 500-980 hPa, the peak concentration of both ions and nanometer-sized particles decreased, which suggests that higher pressure tended to enhance the growth of particles nucleated by ion-induced nucleation. Moreover, the modal diameters of the measured particle size distributions showed a systematic shift to larger sizes with increasing pressure. However, in the temperature range of 5-20 °C, temperature increases had no significant effects on the mobility distribution of particles. The effects of residence time, RH (7%-70%), and SO(2) concentration (0.08-6.7 ppm) on ion-induced nucleation were also systematically investigated. The results show that the nucleation and growth were significantly dependent on the residence time, RH, and SO(2) concentration, which is in agreement with both a previous model and previous observations. This research will be inevitable for a better understanding of the role of ions in an atmospheric nucleation mechanism.

[Tripolar arthroplasty for recurrent total hip prosthesis dislocation].

PubMed

Beaulé, P-E; Roussignol, X; Schmalzried, T-P; Udomkiat, P; Amstutz, H-C; Dujardin, F-H

2003-05-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of revision surgery for recurrent total hip prosthesis dislocation using a tripolar prosthesis composed of a conventional stem with a mobile head of an intermediary prosthesis measuring more than 40 mm and a modified cup. This technique was used in two centers in Rouen France and Los Angeles USA. Twenty-one hips in 21 patients were operated on. The mobile heads measured 40 to 47 mm. Mean patient age was 70 years (range 29-92). The indication for the tripolar prosthesis was reserved for extremely unstable hips in patients with major risk factors for recurrent dislocation. These 21 patients had experienced 95 dislocations. The acetabular cup was custom-made for the large-diameter heads. A cemented polyethylene cup was used in 14 cases and a press-fit metal-backed around a polyethylene insert in 7. The polyethylene thickness varied from 6.5 to 16 mm for the cemented cups and 4 to 5 mm for the press-fit cups. Fourteen femoral stems were left in place as were two press-fit cups where only the inserts were changed. Mean follow-up was 5.4 years (range 3-11.8). There has been no recurrent dislocation for 20 hips. One patient experienced a dislocation one week after surgery which required a second revision procedure to reposition the acetabular implant. Final outcome was good at 7.6 years for this hip. One patient who had not had any recurrent dislocation died 4 years after the revision surgery due to a cause unrelated to the prosthesis. Two patients were lost to follow-up at 3.7 and 6 years, both were pain free and had no radiological anomalies. Infection occurred in one patient undergoing chemotherapy for a myeloma; the head and neck had to be resected. For the 20 other patients, functional outcome, assessed with the UCLA score, showed improvement in pain (5.8 preoperatively, 9.2 at last follow-up), walking (4.8 and 8 respectively), function (4 and 6 respectively), and daily activities (3.3 and 5.2 respectively). A revision procedure was necessary for one patient during the 4(th) year because of a fracture of the polyethylene insert on a metal-back cup; the insert alone was changed. Excepting the patient with infection, there were no cases of certain or probable loosening during the follow-up. The tripolar prosthesis with a mobile cup and a large-diameter head appears to be a reliable solution for these severely unstable hips. The procedure can often be limited to the acetabular component, reducing morbidity. The thickness of the polyethylene cup is a limitation which may affect long-term survival. Search for a highly wear-resistant couple continues.

Large wood storage, longitudinal distribution and mobility in channel segments of four mountain rivers, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iroume, A.; Mao, L.; Andreoli, A.; Ulloa, H.

2013-12-01

In Chile, besides an anecdotal reference to in-stream wood by Vidal Gormaz (1875), the first report on LW is the one by Andreoli et al. (2007). Since then, more abundant research has developed, focusing mainly on morphologic and hydraulic functions (Comiti et al., 2008; Mao et al., 2008, 2010; Iroumé at al., 2010, 2011; Ulloa et al., 2011), and also on the ecology of low order channels (Vera et al., 2012). Large wood storage, longitudinal distribution and mobility have been studied for several periods in channel segments of four mountain catchments (Pichún, El Toro, Tres Arroyos and Vuelta de Zorra) in southern Chile. The surveyed segments were divided into individual reaches, and the length of each reach was calculated using a laser distance meter and mean individual reach bankfull width and depth were obtained by averaging measurements in cross-sections. All wood pieces found within the bankfull channel more than 10 cm in diameter and 1 m in length were measured and their position was referenced to natural elements and to numbered wooden stakes indicating every reach limit. Several of these wood elements were tagged to study LW mobilization. A 1.54 km-long segment divided into 17 individual reaches was first surveyed in the Tres Arroyos during March-April 2005, and then re-surveyed in November 2008 when the study segment was extended to a total length of 2.07 km with the addition of 5 new individual reaches. Pichún, El Toro and Vuelta de Zorra were first surveyed from November 2008 to February 2009. The length of the channel segments is 1.0 (12 reaches), 2.2 (17 reaches) and 1.56 km (16 reaches) for Pichún, El Toro and Vuelta de Zorra, respectively. These segments have been re-surveyed after every winter rainy season to study LW recruitment and mobility. Using the area of the bankfull channel as reference, total LW volume was 54 m3/ha in Pichún, 202 m3/ha in El Toro, 1449 m3/ha for Tres Arroyos and 109 m3/ha for Vuelta de Zorra. The LW travel distance and travel distance/piece diameter ratio decreased with increasing piece length/mean bankfull ratio. LW mobility (in %, i.e. the ratio between mobilized tagged wood elements and the total number of tagged LW) was significantly higher in periods where maximum water level exceeded channel bankfull height. However, LW diameter, length and travel distance showed no significant variation between periods with flows exceeding and with flows less than bankfull stage. These results contribute to understand the complexity of LW mobilization processes, and can be used to consider wood transport along with peak discharge in designing bridges and culverts in large wood dominated mountain channels. This research is undertaken through Fondecyt Project 1110609.

Size and composition distributions of particulate matter emissions: part 2--heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

PubMed

Robert, Michael A; Kleeman, Michael J; Jakober, Christopher A

2007-12-01

Particulate matter (PM) emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) were collected using a chassis dynamometer/dilution sampling system that employed filter-based samplers, cascade impactors, and scanning mobility particle size (SMPS) measurements. Four diesel vehicles with different engine and emission control technologies were tested using the California Air Resources Board Heavy Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck (HHDDT) 5 mode driving cycle. Vehicles were tested using a simulated inertial weight of either 56,000 or 66,000 lb. Exhaust particles were then analyzed for total carbon, elemental carbon (EC), organic matter (OM), and water-soluble ions. HDDV fine (< or =1.8 microm aerodynamic diameter; PM1.8) and ultrafine (0.056-0.1 microm aerodynamic diameter; PM0.1) PM emission rates ranged from 181-581 mg/km and 25-72 mg/km, respectively, with the highest emission rates in both size fractions associated with the oldest vehicle tested. Older diesel vehicles produced fine and ultrafine exhaust particles with higher EC/OM ratios than newer vehicles. Transient modes produced very high EC/OM ratios whereas idle and creep modes produced very low EC/OM ratios. Calcium was the most abundant water-soluble ion with smaller amounts of magnesium, sodium, ammonium ion, and sulfate also detected. Particle mass distributions emitted during the full 5-mode HDDV tests peaked between 100-180 nm and their shapes were not a function of vehicle age. In contrast, particle mass distributions emitted during the idle and creep driving modes from the newest diesel vehicle had a peak diameter of approximately 70 nm, whereas mass distributions emitted from older vehicles had a peak diameter larger than 100 nm for both the idle and creep modes. Increasing inertial loads reduced the OM emissions, causing the residual EC emissions to shift to smaller sizes. The same HDDV tested at 56,000 and 66,000 lb had higher PM0.1 EC emissions (+22%) and lower PM0.1 OM emissions (-38%) at the higher load condition.

Measurements of ultrafine particles carrying different number of charges in on- and near-freeway environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Eon S.; Xu, Bin; Zhu, Yifang

2012-12-01

This paper presents measurements of electrical charges on ultrafine particles (UFPs) of different electrical mobility diameters (30, 50, 80, and 100 nm) in on- and near-freeway environments. Using a tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) system, we first examined the fraction of UFPs carrying different number of charges on two distinctive freeways: a gasoline-vehicle dominated freeway (I-405) and a heavy-duty diesel truck dominated freeway (I-710). The fractions of UFPs of a given size carrying one or more charges were significantly higher on the freeways than in the background. The background UFPs only carried up to two charges but freeway UFPs could have up to three charges. The total fraction of charged particles was higher on the I-710 than I-405 across the studied electrical mobility diameters. Near the I-405 freeway, we observed a strong decay of charged particles on the downwind side of the freeway. We also found fractional decay of the charged particles was faster than total particle number concentrations, but slower than total ion concentrations downwind from the freeway I-405. Among charged particles, the highest decay rate was observed for particles carrying three charges. Near the I-710 freeway, we found strong net positive charges on nucleation mode particles, suggesting that UFPs were not at steady-state charge equilibrium near freeways.

Structural Change of Aerosol Particle Aggregates with Exposure to Elevated Relative Humidity.

PubMed

Montgomery, James F; Rogak, Steven N; Green, Sheldon I; You, Yuan; Bertram, Allan K

2015-10-20

Structural changes of aggregates composed of inorganic salts exposed to relative humidity (RH) between 0 and 80% after formation at selected RH between 0 and 60% were investigated using a tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) and fluorescence microscopy. The TDMA was used to measure a shift in peak mobility diameter for 100-700 nm aggregates of hygroscopic aerosol particles composed of NaCl, Na2SO4, (NH4)2SO4, and nonhygroscopic Al2O3 as the RH was increased. Aggregates of hygroscopic particles were found to shrink when exposed to RH greater than that during the aggregation process. The degree of aggregate restructuring is greater for larger aggregates and greater increases in RH. Growth factors (GF) calculated from mobility diameter measurements as low as 0.77 were seen for NaCl before deliquescence. The GF subsequently increased to 1.23 at 80% RH, indicating growth after deliquescence. Exposure to RH lower than that experienced during aggregation did not result in structural changes. Fluorescent microscopy confirmed that aggregates formed on wire surfaces undergo an irreversible change in structure when exposed to elevated RH. Analysis of 2D movement of aggregates shows a displacement of 5-13% compared to projected length of initial aggregate from a wire surface. Surface tension due to water adsorption within the aggregate structure is a potential cause of the structural changes.

Extrusion of small-diameter, thin-wall tungsten tubing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blankenship, C. P.; Gyorgak, C. A.

1967-01-01

Small-diameter, thin-wall seamless tubing of tungsten has been fabricated in lengths of up to 10 feet by hot extrusion over a floating mandrel. Extrusion of 0.50-inch-diameter tubing over 0.4-inch-diameter mandrels was accomplished at temperatures ranging from 3000 degrees to 4000 degrees F.

Ultrasonographically detected gallbladder polyps: A reason for concern? A seven-year follow-up study

PubMed Central

Kratzer, Wolfgang; Haenle, Mark M; Voegtle, Andrea; Mason, Richard A; Akinli, Atilla S; Hirschbuehl, Klaus; Schuler, Andreas; Kaechele, Volker

2008-01-01

Background The management of coincidental detected gallbladder polyps (GP) is still nebulous. There are few published data regarding their long-term growth. Objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and growth of gallbladder polyps in a survey of unselected subjects from the general population of a complete rural community. Methods A total of 2,415 subjects (1,261 women; 1,154 men) underwent ultrasound examination of the gallbladder, in November 1996 as part of a prospective study. Subjects in whom GP were detected at the initial survey underwent follow-up ultrasound examinations after 30 and 84 months. Results At the initial survey gallbladder polyps were detected in 34 subjects (1.4%; females: 1.1%, range 14 to 74 years; males: 1.7%, range 19 to 63 years). Median diameter was 5 ± 2.1 mm (range 2 to10 mm) at the initial survey, 5 mm ± 2.8 mm (range 2 to 12 mm) at 30 months and 4 ± 2.3 mm (range 2 to 9 mm) at 84 months. At the time of first follow-up no change in diameter was found in 81.0% (n = 17), reduction in diameter in 4.8% (n = 1) and increase in diameter in 14.3% (n = 3). At the time of second follow-up no increase in polyp diameter was found in 76.9% (n = 10) and reduction in diameter in 7.7% (n = 1). No evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder was found. Conclusion Over a period of seven years little change was measured in the diameter of gallbladder polyps. There was no evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder in any subject. PMID:18793401

Ultrasonographically detected gallbladder polyps: a reason for concern? A seven-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Kratzer, Wolfgang; Haenle, Mark M; Voegtle, Andrea; Mason, Richard A; Akinli, Atilla S; Hirschbuehl, Klaus; Schuler, Andreas; Kaechele, Volker

2008-09-15

The management of coincidental detected gallbladder polyps (GP) is still nebulous. There are few published data regarding their long-term growth. Objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and growth of gallbladder polyps in a survey of unselected subjects from the general population of a complete rural community. A total of 2,415 subjects (1,261 women; 1,154 men) underwent ultrasound examination of the gallbladder, in November 1996 as part of a prospective study. Subjects in whom GP were detected at the initial survey underwent follow-up ultrasound examinations after 30 and 84 months. At the initial survey gallbladder polyps were detected in 34 subjects (1.4%; females: 1.1%, range 14 to 74 years; males: 1.7%, range 19 to 63 years). Median diameter was 5 +/- 2.1 mm (range 2 to 10 mm) at the initial survey, 5 mm +/- 2.8 mm (range 2 to 12 mm) at 30 months and 4 +/- 2.3 mm (range 2 to 9 mm) at 84 months. At the time of first follow-up no change in diameter was found in 81.0% (n = 17), reduction in diameter in 4.8% (n = 1) and increase in diameter in 14.3% (n = 3). At the time of second follow-up no increase in polyp diameter was found in 76.9% (n = 10) and reduction in diameter in 7.7% (n = 1). No evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder was found. Over a period of seven years little change was measured in the diameter of gallbladder polyps. There was no evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder in any subject.

Effect of interface deformability on thermocapillary motion of a drop in a tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahesri, S.; Haj-Hariri, H.; Borhan, A.

2014-03-01

The effect of an externally imposed axial temperature gradient on the mobility and deformation of a drop in an otherwise stagnant liquid within an insulated cylindrical tube is investigated. In the absence of bulk transport of momentum and energy, the boundary integral technique is used to obtain the flow and temperature fields inside and outside the deformable drop. The steady drop shapes and the corresponding migration velocities are examined over a wide range of the dimensionless parameters. The steady drop shape is nearly spherical for dimensionless drop sizes <0.5, but becomes slightly elongated in the axial direction for drop sizes comparable to tube diameter. The adverse effect of drop deformation on the effective temperature gradient driving the motion is slightly more pronounced than its favorable effect of reducing drag, thereby leading to a slight reduction in drop mobility with increasing drop deformation. Increasing the viscosity ratio reduces drop deformation and leads to a slight enhancement in the relative mobility (with respect to free thermocapillary motion) of confined drops. When the drop fluid has a lower thermal conductivity than the exterior phase, the presence of the thermally-insulating wall increases the thermal driving force for drop motion (compared to that for the same drop in unbounded domain) by causing more pronounced bending of the isotherms toward the drop. However, the favorable thermal effect of the confining wall is overwhelmed by its retarding hydrodynamic effect, causing the confined drop to always move slower than its unbounded counterpart regardless of the value of the thermal conductivity ratio.

Method for enhancing the resolving power of ion mobility separations over a limited mobility range

DOEpatents

Shvartsburg, Alexandre A; Tang, Keqi; Smith, Richard D

2014-09-23

A method for raising the resolving power, specificity, and peak capacity of conventional ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. Ions are separated in a dynamic electric field comprising an oscillatory field wave and opposing static field, or at least two counter propagating waves with different parameters (amplitude, profile, frequency, or speed). As the functional dependencies of mean drift velocity on the ion mobility in a wave and static field or in unequal waves differ, only single species is equilibrated while others drift in either direction and are mobility-separated. An ion mobility spectrum over a limited range is then acquired by measuring ion drift times through a fixed distance inside the gas-filled enclosure. The resolving power in the vicinity of equilibrium mobility substantially exceeds that for known traveling-wave or drift-tube IMS separations, with spectra over wider ranges obtainable by stitching multiple segments. The approach also enables low-cutoff, high-cutoff, and bandpass ion mobility filters.

An experimental investigation of the effect of walls on gas-liquid flows through fixed particle beds.

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

Cooper, Marcia A.; Cote, Raymond O.; Torczynski, John Robert

The effect of particle diameter on downward co-current gas-liquid flow through a fixed bed of particles confined within a cylindrical column is investigated. Several hydrodynamic regimes that depend strongly on the properties of the gas stream, the liquid stream, and the packed particle bed are known to exist within these systems. This experimental study focuses on characterizing the effect of wall confinement on these hydrodynamic regimes as the diameter d of the spherical particles becomes comparable to the column diameter D (or D/d becomes order-unity). The packed bed consists of polished, solid, spherical, monodisperse particles (beads) with mean diameter inmore » the range of 0.64-2.54 cm. These diameters yield D/d values between 15 and 3.75, so this range overlaps and extends the previously investigated range for two-phase flow, Measurements of the pressure drop across the bed and across the pulses are obtained for varying gas and liquid flow rates.« less

Stability and transport of graphene oxide nanoparticles in groundwater and surface water

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A transport study investigating the effects of natural organic matter (NOM) in the presence of monovalent (KCl) and divalent (CaCl2) salts was performed in a packed bed column. The electrophoretic mobility (EPM) and effective diameter of the graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) were measured as a fu...

Undisturbed soil columns for lysimetry II. Miscible displacement and field evaluation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Concerns about agriculture's effect on water quality and the expanding use of no-tillage, has produced a crucial need for in situ solute transport research of mobile nutrients as affected by tillage system. Eight undisturbed soil columns (41 cm diameter by 100 cm long) were sealed into PVC cylinder...

Twentieth-century decline of large-diameter trees in Yosemite National Park, California, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lutz, J.A.; van Wagtendonk, J.W.; Franklin, J.F.

2009-01-01

Studies of forest change in western North America often focus on increased densities of small-diameter trees rather than on changes in the large tree component. Large trees generally have lower rates of mortality than small trees and are more resilient to climate change, but these assumptions have rarely been examined in long-term studies. We combined data from 655 historical (1932-1936) and 210 modern (1988-1999) vegetation plots to examine changes in density of large-diameter trees in Yosemite National Park (3027 km2). We tested the assumption of stability for large-diameter trees, as both individual species and communities of large-diameter trees. Between the 1930s and 1990s, large-diameter tree density in Yosemite declined 24%. Although the decrease was apparent in all forest types, declines were greatest in subalpine and upper montane forests (57.0% of park area), and least in lower montane forests (15.3% of park area). Large-diameter tree densities of 11 species declined while only 3 species increased. Four general patterns emerged: (1) Pinus albicaulis, Quercus chrysolepis, and Quercus kelloggii had increases in density of large-diameter trees occur throughout their ranges; (2) Pinus jeffreyi, Pinus lambertiana, and Pinus ponderosa, had disproportionately larger decreases in large-diameter tree densities in lower-elevation portions of their ranges; (3) Abies concolor and Pinus contorta, had approximately uniform decreases in large-diameter trees throughout their elevational ranges; and (4) Abies magnifica, Calocedrus decurrens, Juniperus occidentalis, Pinus monticola, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga mertensiana displayed little or no change in large-diameter tree densities. In Pinus ponderosa-Calocedrus decurrens forests, modern large-diameter tree densities were equivalent whether or not plots had burned since 1936. However, in unburned plots, the large-diameter trees were predominantly A. concolor, C. decurrens, and Q. chrysolepis, whereas P. ponderosa dominated the large-diameter component of burned plots. Densities of large-diameter P. ponderosa were 8.1 trees ha-1 in plots that had experienced fire, but only 0.5 trees ha-1 in plots that remained unburned. ?? 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Connecting-passage Diameter on the Performance of a Compression-ignition Engine with a Precombustion Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, C S; Collins, J H

1932-01-01

Results of motoring tests are presented showing the effect of passage diameter on chamber and cylinder compression pressures, maximum pressure differences, and f.m.e.p. over a speed range from 300 to 1,750 r.p.m. Results of engine performance tests are presented which show the effect of passage diameter on m.e.p., explosion pressures, specific fuel consumption, and rates of pressure rise for a range of engine speeds from 500 to 1,500 r.p.m. The cylinder compression pressure, the maximum pressure difference, and the f.m.e.p. decreased rapidly as the passage diameter increased to 29/64 inch, whereas further increase in passage diameter effected only a slight change. The most suitable passage diameter for good engine performance and operating characteristics was 29/64 inch. Passage diameter became less critical with a decrease in engine speed. Therefore, the design should be based on maximum operating speed. Optimum performance and satisfactory combustion control could not be obtained by means of any single diameter of the connecting passage.

Photon Counting Detectors for the 1.0 - 2.0 Micron Wavelength Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krainak, Michael A.

2004-01-01

We describe results on the development of greater than 200 micron diameter, single-element photon-counting detectors for the 1-2 micron wavelength range. The technical goals include quantum efficiency in the range 10-70%; detector diameter greater than 200 microns; dark count rate below 100 kilo counts-per-second (cps), and maximum count rate above 10 Mcps.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal anterior adrenalectomy.

PubMed

Scoglio, Daniele; Balla, Andrea; Paci, Marcello; Guerrieri, Mario; Lezoche, Giovanni; D'Ambrosio, Giancarlo; Fabiani, Bernardina; Ursi, Pietro; Paganini, Alessandro M

2013-01-01

Aim of this study was to report the authors' experience with the anterior transperitoneal approach, and with an anterior submesocolic approach in case of left sided lesions. From January 1994 to January 2011, 122 males and 170 females with a mean age of 50.7 years (range: 19-84) underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) at 2 centers in Ancona and Rome (Italy) (that follow the same protocol). Fifteen patients underwent bilateral LA, the anterior transperitoneal approach was used in 233 cases (79.8%) and the anterior submesocolic in 59 (20.2%). One hundred and two patients had Conn's syndrome, 51 miscellaneous lesions, 55 Cushing's syndrome, 47 incidentalomas, 46 pheochromocytoma, 2 metastatic masses, 2 myelolipomas and 2 adrenogenital syndromes. The lesions had a mean diameter of 3.24 cm (range: 0.5-10). Mean operating time was 120 minutes (range: 30-390). Conversion to open surgery was required in 13 cases (4,45%). Blood pressure and heart rate were stable during the operation. There were 5 major complications. Mobilization and resumption of diet occurred on the first postoperative day. Mean hospital stay was 4.32 days (range: 2-30). Early identification and ligature of the adrenal vein, with minimal gland manipulation, are the major advantages, especially in case of pheochromocytoma. Adrenal masses can be successfully treated using a laparoscopic transperitoneal anterior approach, in presence of a suitable anesthesiological and surgical team's experience. Adrenal tumors, Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, Pheochromocytoma.

Determining size-specific emission factors for environmental tobacco smoke particles

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

Klepeis, Neil E.; Apte, Michael G.; Gundel, Lara A.

Because size is a major controlling factor for indoor airborne particle behavior, human particle exposure assessments will benefit from improved knowledge of size-specific particle emissions. We report a method of inferring size-specific mass emission factors for indoor sources that makes use of an indoor aerosol dynamics model, measured particle concentration time series data, and an optimization routine. This approach provides--in addition to estimates of the emissions size distribution and integrated emission factors--estimates of deposition rate, an enhanced understanding of particle dynamics, and information about model performance. We applied the method to size-specific environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) particle concentrations measured everymore » minute with an 8-channel optical particle counter (PMS-LASAIR; 0.1-2+ micrometer diameters) and every 10 or 30 min with a 34-channel differential mobility particle sizer (TSI-DMPS; 0.01-1+ micrometer diameters) after a single cigarette or cigar was machine-smoked inside a low air-exchange-rate 20 m{sup 3} chamber. The aerosol dynamics model provided good fits to observed concentrations when using optimized values of mass emission rate and deposition rate for each particle size range as input. Small discrepancies observed in the first 1-2 hours after smoking are likely due to the effect of particle evaporation, a process neglected by the model. Size-specific ETS particle emission factors were fit with log-normal distributions, yielding an average mass median diameter of 0.2 micrometers and an average geometric standard deviation of 2.3 with no systematic differences between cigars and cigarettes. The equivalent total particle emission rate, obtained integrating each size distribution, was 0.2-0.7 mg/min for cigars and 0.7-0.9 mg/min for cigarettes.« less

Diameters of the cavo-sinus-tricuspid area in relation to type I atrial flutter.

PubMed

Kozłowski, Dariusz; Hreczecha, Jolanta; Skwarek, Magdalena; Piwko, Grzegorz; Kosiński, Adam; Gawrysiak, Marcin; Grzybiak, Marek

2003-05-01

Cardiac arrhythmias have troubled patients and fascinated physicians for centuries. The twentieth century was an era of progress, when the mechanism of cardiac disorders became more commonly recognised. Arrhythmias may be due to abnormalities of automaticity, to abnormalities of conduction, or to a combination of both. In order for re-entry to occur, an area of slowing conduction combined with unidirectional block must be present. Much investigation has centred on the underlying re-entry mechanisms of atrial flutter. In the light of these facts, it would seem that a close acquaintance with the detailed topography of the vena cava orifice (cavo), coronary sinus orifice (sinus) and the attachment of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve (tricupid) area could be of great interest, especially for invasive cardiologists. The research was conducted carried out on material consisting of 41 hearts of humans of both sexes from the age of 12 to 80 (6 female, 35 male). Classical macroscopic methods of anatomical evaluation were used. The following measurements were made: the shortest distance between the Eustachian valve and the attachment of the tricuspid valve on the left margin of the coronary sinus orifice (diameter 1), the distance between the attachment of the tricuspid valve and the inferior margin of the sinus orifice (diameter 2), the distance between the Eustachian valve and the attachment of the tricuspid valve on the right margin of the coronary sinus orifice (diameter 3), the distance between the inferior margin of the vena cava inferior and the attachment of the tricuspid valve (diameter 4) and, finally, the diameter between the attachment of the septal cusp of the tricuspid valve and the extemal border of the vena cava inferior (diameter 5). No correlation was found between the age and sex of the three groups of the material. The dimensions of the structure examined were similar in the three groups of hearts. In young adult hearts all the diameters measured ranged from 4 to 47 mm. The average diameters were, respectively: 15.02 mm (diameter 1), 8.97 mm (diameter 2), 17.27 mm (diameter 3), 26.87 mm (diameter 4), 36.42 mm (diameter 5). In the mature adult hearts all the diameters measured ranged from 8 to 45 mm; 18.19 mm (diameter 1), 10.54 mm (diameter 2), 19.95 mm (diameter 3), 28.90 mm (diameter 4), 39.63 mm (diameter 5). In the older adults hearts all the diameters measured ranged from 4 to 47 mm. The average diameters were, respectively: 15.65 mm (diameter 1), 8.70 mm (diameter 2), 7.25 mm (diameter 3), 26.80 mm (diameter 4), 35.85 mm (diameter 5). On the basis of our study we were able to conclude that the diameters of the cavo-sinus-tricuspid area were constant and did not differ significantly within the three (young, mature, old) adult groups examined.

Ultrafine particles and nitrogen oxides generated by gas and electric cooking

PubMed Central

Dennekamp, M; Howarth, S; Dick, C; Cherrie, J; Donaldson, K; Seaton, A

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVES—To measure the concentrations of particles less than 100 nm diameter and of oxides of nitrogen generated by cooking with gas and electricity, to comment on possible hazards to health in poorly ventilated kitchens.
METHODS—Experiments with gas and electric rings, grills, and ovens were used to compare different cooking procedures. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) were measured by a chemiluminescent ML9841A NOx analyser. A TSI 3934 scanning mobility particle sizer was used to measure average number concentration and size distribution of aerosols in the size range 10-500 nm.
RESULTS—High concentrations of particles are generated by gas combustion, by frying, and by cooking of fatty foods. Electric rings and grills may also generate particles from their surfaces. In experiments where gas burning was the most important source of particles, most particles were in the size range 15-40 nm. When bacon was fried on the gas or electric rings the particles were of larger diameter, in the size range 50-100 nm. The smaller particles generated during experiments grew in size with time because of coagulation. Substantial concentrations of NOX were generated during cooking on gas; four rings for 15 minutes produced 5 minute peaks of about 1000 ppb nitrogen dioxide and about 2000 ppb nitric oxide.
CONCLUSIONS—Cooking in a poorly ventilated kitchen may give rise to potentially toxic concentrations of numbers of particles. Very high concentrations of oxides of nitrogen may also be generated by gas cooking, and with no extraction and poor ventilation, may reach concentrations at which adverse health effects may be expected. Although respiratory effects of exposure to NOx might be anticipated, recent epidemiology suggests that cardiac effects cannot be excluded, and further investigation of this is desirable.


Keywords: cooking fuels; nitrogen oxides; ultrafine particles PMID:11452045

Clast morphologies and heating experiments constrain the thermal conditions during pyroclastic density current emplacement at Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garman, K. A.; Swarr, G. J.; Dufek, J.; Harpp, K. S.; Geist, D.

2009-12-01

Clasts within pyroclastic density current deposits (PDCs) record information about the dynamic processes and thermal history of erosion, transportation, and deposition. The August 2006 eruption of Tungurahua produced PDCs with exceptional clast abundances and morphologies. This eruption was of the “boiling over” type, where the PDCs were not accompanied by a high column. Rather, they were fed by strong, low (less than 2 km), and persistent fountaining. Granulometric, clast morphology, and flow dimension data were obtained by detailed study of the four largest PDC deposits produced during this eruption. The individual flow units have ratios of height loss to travel distance (H/L) ranging from 0.38 to 0.51, which lie in the upper range of H/L ratios for pyroclastic density currents, generally typical of small-volume events. The flow deposits are characterized by oblate scoria bombs up to 1.78 m in diameter, and the bombs are best preserved in levees, flow snouts, and the upper parts of some deposits. The interiors of the deposits are all poorly sorted, with particles less than 8 mm in diameter ranging from 0.55 to 0.87 weight percent. Pyroclastic surges originated from PDCs at locations of abrupt topographic steepening and channel curvature. In both of these locations, we observed evidence of bedload deposition and enhanced mobility of surge material. Some of the bombs were solid at the time of their deposition, whereas others deformed plastically after deposition, which constrains their thermal history. Clast size controls the internal forces and thermal evolution of a clast, which are critical in determining its post-fragmentation plastic deformation. Heating experiments on slabs made from the bombs constrain the deformation of the clasts as a function of temperature and torque. We will discuss the thermal history of individual clasts, field observation of individual clast deformation, and the information they provide on the entrainment of the ambient atmosphere.

Incipient Motion of Sand and Oil Agglomerates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, T. R.; Dalyander, S.; Jenkins, R. L., III; Penko, A.; Long, J.; Frank, D. P.; Braithwaite, E. F., III; Calantoni, J.

2016-12-01

Weathered oil mixed with sediment in the surf zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, forming large mats of sand and oil. Wave action fragmented the mats into sand and oil agglomerates (SOAs) with diameters of about 1 to 10 cm. These SOAs were transported by waves and currents along the Gulf Coast, and have been observed on beaches for years following the spill. SOAs are composed of 70%-95% sand by mass, with an approximate density of 2107 kg/m³. To measure the incipient motion of SOAs, experiments using artificial SOAs were conducted in the Small-Oscillatory Flow Tunnel at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory under a range of hydrodynamic forcing. Spherical and ellipsoidal SOAs ranging in size from 0.5 to 10 cm were deployed on a fixed flat bed, a fixed rippled bed, and a movable sand bed. In the case of the movable sand bed, SOAs were placed both proud and partially buried. Motion was tracked with high-definition video and with inertial measurement units embedded in some of the SOAs. Shear stress and horizontal pressure gradients, estimated from velocity measurements made with a Nortek Vectrino Profiler, were compared with observed mobility to assess formulations for incipient motion. For SOAs smaller than 1 cm in diameter, incipient motion of spherical and ellipsoidal SOAs was consistent with predicted critical stress values. The measured shear stress at incipient motion of larger, spherical SOAs was lower than predicted, indicating an increased dependence on the horizontal pressure gradient. In contrast, the measured shear stress required to move ellipsoidal SOAs was higher than predicted, even compared to values modified for larger particles in mixed-grain riverine environments. The laboratory observations will be used to improve the prediction of incipient motion, transport, and seafloor interaction of SOAs.

Cohort profile: LIFEWORK, a prospective cohort study on occupational and environmental risk factors and health in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Reedijk, Marije; Lenters, Virissa; Slottje, Pauline; Pijpe, Anouk; Peeters, Petra H; Korevaar, Joke C; Bueno-de-Mesquita, Bas; Verschuren, W M Monique; Verheij, Robert A; Pieterson, Inka; van Leeuwen, Flora E; Rookus, Matti A; Kromhout, Hans; Vermeulen, Roel C H

2018-02-03

LIFEWORK is a large federated prospective cohort established in the Netherlands to quantify the health effects of occupational and environmental exposures. This cohort is also the Dutch contribution to the international Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS). In this paper, we describe the study design, ongoing data collection, baseline characteristics of participants and the repeatability of key questionnaire items. 88 466 participants were enrolled in three cohort studies in 2011-2012. Exposure information was collected by a harmonised core questionnaire, or modelled based on occupational and residential histories; domains include air pollution (eg, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM 2.5 )), noise, electromagnetic fields (EMF), mobile phone use, shift work and occupational chemical exposures. Chronic and subacute health outcomes are assessed by self-report and through linkage with health registries. Participants had a median age of 51 years at baseline (range 19-87), and the majority are female (90%), with nurses being over-represented. Median exposure levels of NO 2 , PM 2.5 , EMF from base stations and noise at the participants' home addresses at baseline were 22.9 µg/m 3 , 16.6 µg/m 3 , 0.003 mWm 2 and 53.1 dB, respectively. Twenty-two per cent of participants reported to have started using a mobile phone more than 10 years prior to baseline. Repeatability for self-reported exposures was moderate to high (weighted kappa range: 0.69-1) for a subset of participants (n=237) who completed the questionnaire twice. We are actively and passively observing participants; we plan to administer a follow-up questionnaire every 4-5 years-the first follow-up will be completed in 2018-and linkage to cause-of-death and cancer registries occurs on a (bi)annual basis. This prospective cohort offers a unique, large and rich resource for research on contemporary occupational and environmental health risks and will contribute to the large international COSMOS study on mobile phone use and health. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Mobile Robot Self-Localization by Matching Range Maps Using a Hausdorff Measure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, C. F.

1997-01-01

This paper examines techniques for a mobile robot to perform self-localization in natural terrain by comparing a dense range map computed from stereo imagery to a range map in a known frame of reference.

Use of vancomycin silica stationary phase in packed capillary electrochromatography: III. enantiomeric separation of basic compounds with the polar organic mobile phase.

PubMed

Fanali, Salvatore; Catarcini, Paolo; Quaglia, Maria Giovanna

2002-02-01

The separation of basic compounds into their enantiomers was achieved using capillary electrochromatography in 50 or 75 microm inner diameter (ID) fused-silica capillaries packed with silica a stationary phase derivatized with vancomycin and mobile phases composed of mixtures of polar organic solvents containing 13 mM ammonium acetate. Enantiomer resolution, electroosmotic flow, and the number of theoretical plates were strongly influenced by the type and concentration of the organic solvent. Mobile phases composed of 13 mM ammonium acetate dissolved in mixtures of acetonitrile/methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, or isopropanol were tested and the highest enantioresolutions were achieved using the first mobile phase, allowing the separation of almost all investigated enantiomers (9 from 11 basic compounds). The use of capillaries with different ID (50 and 75 microm ID) packed with the same chiral stationary phase revealed that a higher number of theoretical plates and higher enantioresolution was achieved with the tube with lowest ID.

Mechanical Design and Testing of an Instrumented Rocker-Bogie Mobility System for the Kapvik Micro-Rover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setterfield, T.

The rocker-bogie mobility system is a six-wheeled mobility system with the ability to equilibrate ground pressure amongst its wheels and traverse obstacles up to one wheel diameter in height; it has been used previously on NASA's Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity rovers. This paper presents the mechanical design of an instrumented rocker-bogie mobility system for Kapvik, a 30 kg planetary micro-rover prototype developed for the Canadian Space Agency. The design of the wheel drive system is presented, including: motor selection, gear train selection, and performance limits. The design of a differential mechanism, which minimizes the pitch angle of the rover body, is provided. Design considerations for the integration of single-axis force sensors above the wheel hubs are presented. Structural analysis of the rocker and bogie links is outlined. The cross-hill and uphill-downhill static stability of Kapvik is investigated. Load cell and joint position data from testing during obstacle negotiation and uphill operation are presented.

Ion Transport through Membrane-Spanning Nanopores Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Continuum Electrostatics Calculations

PubMed Central

Peter, Christine; Hummer, Gerhard

2005-01-01

Narrow hydrophobic regions are a common feature of biological channels, with possible roles in ion-channel gating. We study the principles that govern ion transport through narrow hydrophobic membrane pores by molecular dynamics simulation of model membranes formed of hexagonally packed carbon nanotubes. We focus on the factors that determine the energetics of ion translocation through such nonpolar nanopores and compare the resulting free-energy barriers for pores with different diameters corresponding to the gating regions in closed and open forms of potassium channels. Our model system also allows us to compare the results from molecular dynamics simulations directly to continuum electrostatics calculations. Both simulations and continuum calculations show that subnanometer wide pores pose a huge free-energy barrier for ions, but a small increase in the pore diameter to ∼1 nm nearly eliminates that barrier. We also find that in those wider channels the ion mobility is comparable to that in the bulk phase. By calculating local electrostatic potentials, we show that the long range Coulomb interactions of ions are strongly screened in the wide water-filled channels. Whereas continuum calculations capture the overall energetics reasonably well, the local water structure, which is not accounted for in this model, leads to interesting effects such as the preference of hydrated ions to move along the pore wall rather than through the center of the pore. PMID:16006629

Pseudotumoral encapsulated fat necrosis with diffuse pseudomembranous degeneration.

PubMed

Felipo, F; Vaquero, M; del Agua, C

2004-09-01

An extraordinary case of encapsulated fat necrosis characterized by its large size, diffuse formation of pseudomembranes, and tendency to recur after excision is reported. A 67-year-old Caucasian woman suffering from morbid obesity was admitted for diagnosis and surgical treatment of a soft tissue mass showing a longest diameter of 14 cm and lying adjacently to the scar from previous appendicectomy. Histopathologic features were consistent with a nodular-cystic encapsulated fat necrosis with diffuse pseudomembranous transformation. Eight months after surgery, a new larger mass (longest diameter of 18 cm) sharing identical histopathologic features appeared in the same location. Encapsulated fat necrosis is a well-defined entity even though several names have been proposed for this condition, including mobile encapsulated lipoma, encapsulated necrosis, or nodular-cystic fat necrosis. Its pathogenesis seems to be related to ischemic changes secondary to previous trauma. It may occasionally show degenerative changes, including dystrophic calcifications and presence of pseudomembranes. To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of encapsulated fat necrosis presenting as lesions of such size and showing diffuse formation of pseudomembranes; these particular features made diagnosis difficult and led to consideration of a wide range of potential diagnostic possibilities. This case expands the clinico-pathologic spectrum of membranocystic fat necrosis, including the potential ability of this subcutaneous fatty tissue abnormality to recur after surgical excision. Felipo F, Vaquero M, del Agua C. Pseudotumoral encapsulated fat necrosis with diffuse pseudomembranous degeneration.

Comparison of aerosol volume size distributions between column and surface measurements downwind of Seoul, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, J. S.; Choi, Y.; Ghim, Y. S.

2015-12-01

The aerosol volume size distribution is one of the most important parameters in retrieving aerosol optical properties and studying radiative forcing. The column-integrated aerosol volume size distribution for AERONET was obtained from inversion product level 1.5 (22 bins between 0.1 and 30 μm in diameter) from the measurements of CIMEL sunphotometer (CE-318); that for SKYNET was obtained using skyrad.pack V5 (20 bins, 0.02-33 μm) from the measurements of PREDE skyradiometer (POM-02). The aerosol volume size distribution at the surface was measured using a wide range aerosol spectrometer system consisting of a scanning mobility particle scanner (Grimm, Model 5.419; 89 bins, 0.005-0.35 μm) and an optical particle counter (Grimm, Model 1.109; 31 bins, 0.27-34 μm). The measurement was conducted in Yongin, downwind of Seoul, Korea, from April 30 to June 27, 2015. The measurement site is located on the rooftop of a five-story building on the hill (37.34°N, 127.27°E, 167 m above sea level) in the global campus of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. To investigate the discrepancy in effective diameter and fine mode volume fraction, we compared the volume size distributions when the measurement time coincided within 5 minutes because the measurement intervals were different between instruments.

Mechanical properties of nano and bulk Fe pillars using molecular dynamics and dislocation dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nath, S. K. Deb

2017-10-01

Using molecular dynamics simulation, tension and bending tests of a Fe nanopillar are carried out to obtain its Young's modulus and yield strength. Then the comparative study of Young's modulus and yield strength of a Fe nanopillar under bending and tension are carried out varying its diameter in the range of diameter 1-15nm. We find out the reasons why bending Young's modulus and yield strength of a Fe nanopillar are higher than those of tension Young's modulus and yield strength of a Fe nanopillar. Using the mobility parameters of bulk Fe from the experimental study [N. Urabe and J. Weertman, Materials Science and Engineering 18, 41 (1975)], its temperature dependent stress-strain relationship, yield strength and strain hardening modulus are obtained from the dislocation dynamics simulations. Strain rate dependent yield strength and strain hardening modulus of bulk Fe pillars under tension are studied. Temperature dependent creep behaviors of bulk Fe pillars under tension are also studied. To verify the soundness of the present dislocation dynamics studies of the mechanical properties of bulk Fe pillars under tension, the stress vs. strain relationship and dislocation density vs. strain of bulk Fe pillars obtained by us are compared with the published results obtained by S. Queyreau, G. Monnet, and B. Devincre, International Journal of Plasticity 25, 361 (2009).

Comparison of the clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty with the LCS rotating platform mobile bearing knee system and the PFC Sigma RP-F mobile bearing knee system.

PubMed

Kwak, Ju-Yeong; Jeong, Jae-Heon; Lee, Sang-Hak; Jung, Ho-Joong; Jung, Young-Bok

2012-12-01

We compared clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty with the Low Contact Stress (LCS) rotating platform mobile bearing knee system and the Press Fit Condylar Sigma rotating platform high flexion (PFC Sigma RP-F) mobile bearing knee system. Fifty cases of total knee arthroplasty were performed with the PFC Sigma RP-F mobile bearing knee system and sixty-one cases were performed with the LCS mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. The average duration of follow-up was 2.9 years. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was 62.1 (range, 52 to 75) in the LCS group and 61.9 (range, 50 to 74) in the Sigma RP-F group preoperatively, and 90.1 (range, 84 to 100) in the LCS group and 89.8 (range, 83 to 100) in the Sigma RP-F group at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative flexion contracture was 6.7° (range, 0° to 10°) in the LCS group and 9.3° (range, 0° to 15°) in the Sigma RP-F group preoperatively. The mean range of motion was 124.6° (range, 105° to 150°) in the LCS group and 126.1° (range, 104° to 145°) in the Sigma RP-F group at the final follow-up. After a minimum duration of follow-up of two years, we found no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the range of knee motion or the clinical or radiographic results.

Measurement of Size-dependent Dynamic Shape Factors of Quartz Particles in Two Flow Regimes

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

Alexander, Jennifer M.; Bell, David M.; Imre, D.

2016-08-02

Understanding and modeling the behavior of quartz dust particles, commonly found in the atmosphere, requires knowledge of many relevant particles properties, including particle shape. This study uses a single particle mass spectrometer, a differential mobility analyzer, and an aerosol particle mass analyzer to measure quartz aerosol particles mobility, aerodynamic, and volume equivalent diameters, mass, composition, effective density, and dynamic shape factor as a function of particle size, in both the free molecular and transition flow regimes. The results clearly demonstrate that dynamic shape factors can vary significantly as a function of particle size. For the quartz samples studied here, themore » dynamic shape factors increase with size, indicating that larger particles are significantly more aspherical than smaller particles. In addition, dynamic shape factors measured in the free-molecular (χv) and transition (χt) flow regimes can be significantly different, and these differences vary with the size of the quartz particles. For quartz, χv of small (d < 200 nm) particles is 1.25, while χv of larger particles (d ~ 440 nm) is 1.6, with a continuously increasing trend with particle size. In contrast χt, of small particles starts at 1.1 increasing slowly to 1.34 for 550 nm diameter particles. The multidimensional particle characterization approach used here goes beyond determination of average properties for each size, to provide additional information about how the particle dynamic shape factor may vary even for particles with the same mass and volume equivalent diameter.« less

Pollen-imprinted polyurethanes for QCM allergen sensors.

PubMed

Jenik, Michael; Seifner, Alexandra; Lieberzeit, Peter; Dickert, Franz L

2009-05-01

Molecularly imprinted polymers for detecting plant pollen were designed as artificial recognition materials for quartz crystal microbalances in the gaseous phase. Imprints of birch (diameter, 25 mum) and nettle (diameter, 15 mum) pollen can be generated by polydimethylsiloxane stamping technique as proven by atomic force microscopy. If pollen grains are able to access the cavities and thus are incorporated, the resulting sensors display Sauerbrey-like negative frequency shifts. Non-Sauerbrey behaviour can be observed as soon as pollen is prevented from entering the selective hollows: this results in grain mobility on the electrode surface leading to frequency increases. Access to the cavities is determined by the diameter ratio between pollen grains and imprints as can be revealed during cross-selectivity measurements of nettle and birch pollen imprinted layers. When the amount of pollen grains on the electrode surface exceeds the number of available imprints, the excess particles move freely, resulting in positive, non-Sauerbrey frequency shifts.

Flue gas adsorption by single-wall carbon nanotubes: A Monte Carlo study.

PubMed

Romero-Hermida, M I; Romero-Enrique, J M; Morales-Flórez, V; Esquivias, L

2016-08-21

Adsorption of flue gases by single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) has been studied by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The flue gas is modeled as a ternary mixture of N2, CO2, and O2, emulating realistic compositions of the emissions from power plants. The adsorbed flue gas is in equilibrium with a bulk gas characterized by temperature T, pressure p, and mixture composition. We have considered different SWCNTs with different chiralities and diameters in a range between 7 and 20 Å. Our results show that the CO2 adsorption properties depend mainly on the bulk flue gas thermodynamic conditions and the SWCNT diameter. Narrow SWCNTs with diameter around 7 Å show high CO2 adsorption capacity and selectivity, but they decrease abruptly as the SWCNT diameter is increased. For wide SWCNT, CO2 adsorption capacity and selectivity, much smaller in value than for the narrow case, decrease mildly with the SWCNT diameter. In the intermediate range of SWCNT diameters, the CO2 adsorption properties may show a peculiar behavior, which depend strongly on the bulk flue gas conditions. Thus, for high bulk CO2 concentrations and low temperatures, the CO2 adsorption capacity remains high in a wide range of SWCNT diameters, although the corresponding selectivity is moderate. We correlate these findings with the microscopic structure of the adsorbed gas inside the SWCNTs.

Automated estimation of abdominal effective diameter for body size normalization of CT dose.

PubMed

Cheng, Phillip M

2013-06-01

Most CT dose data aggregation methods do not currently adjust dose values for patient size. This work proposes a simple heuristic for reliably computing an effective diameter of a patient from an abdominal CT image. Evaluation of this method on 106 patients scanned on Philips Brilliance 64 and Brilliance Big Bore scanners demonstrates close correspondence between computed and manually measured patient effective diameters, with a mean absolute error of 1.0 cm (error range +2.2 to -0.4 cm). This level of correspondence was also demonstrated for 60 patients on Siemens, General Electric, and Toshiba scanners. A calculated effective diameter in the middle slice of an abdominal CT study was found to be a close approximation of the mean calculated effective diameter for the study, with a mean absolute error of approximately 1.0 cm (error range +3.5 to -2.2 cm). Furthermore, the mean absolute error for an adjusted mean volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) using a mid-study calculated effective diameter, versus a mean per-slice adjusted CTDIvol based on the calculated effective diameter of each slice, was 0.59 mGy (error range 1.64 to -3.12 mGy). These results are used to calculate approximate normalized dose length product values in an abdominal CT dose database of 12,506 studies.

Analytical correlation of centrifugal compressor design geometry for maximum efficiency with specific speed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galvas, M. R.

1972-01-01

Centrifugal compressor performance was examined analytically to determine optimum geometry for various applications as characterized by specific speed. Seven specific losses were calculated for various combinations of inlet tip-exit diameter ratio, inlet hub-tip diameter ratio, blade exit backsweep, and inlet-tip absolute tangential velocity for solid body prewhirl. The losses considered were inlet guide vane loss, blade loading loss, skin friction loss, recirculation loss, disk friction loss, vaneless diffuser loss, and vaned diffuser loss. Maximum total efficiencies ranged from 0.497 to 0.868 for a specific speed range of 0.257 to 1.346. Curves of rotor exit absolute flow angle, inlet tip-exit diameter ratio, inlet hub-tip diameter ratio, head coefficient and blade exit backsweep are presented over a range of specific speeds for various inducer tip speeds to permit rapid selection of optimum compressor size and shape for a variety of applications.

The versatility of a truss mounted mobile transporter for in-space construction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bush, Harold G.; Lake, Mark S.; Watson, Judith J.; Heard, Walter L., Jr.

1988-01-01

The Mobile Transporter (MT) evolution from early erectable structures assembly activities is detailed. The MT operational features which are required to support astronauts performing on-orbit structure construction or spacecraft assembly functions are presented and discussed. Use of the MT to perform a variety of assembly functions is presented. Estimated EVA assembly times for a precision segmented reflector approximately 20 m in diameter are presented. The EVA/MT technique under study for construction of the reflector (and the entire spacecraft) is illustrated. Finally, the current status of development activities and test results involving the MT and Space Station structural assembly are presented.

Characterization and variability of pollutant concentrations for the Las Vegas implementation of the National Near-Road Mobile Source Air Toxics Study

EPA Science Inventory

EPA, in collaboration with FHWA, has been involved in a large-scale monitoring research study in an effort to characterize highway vehicle emissions in a near-road environment. The pollutants of interest include particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns ...

Fluorescence lidar multi-color imaging of vegetation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johansson, J.; Wallinder, E.; Edner, H.; Svanberg, S.

1992-01-01

Multi-color imaging of vegetation fluorescence following laser excitation is reported for distances of 50 m. A mobile laser radar system equipped with a Nd:YAG laser transmitter and a 40 cm diameter telescope was used. Image processing allows extraction of information related to the physiological status of the vegetation and might prove useful in forest decline research.

Life-space mobility in Parkinson's disease: Associations with motor and non-motor symptoms.

PubMed

Rantakokko, Merja; Iwarsson, Susanne; Slaug, Björn; Nilsson, Maria H

2018-04-10

To describe life-space mobility and explore associations of motor and non-motor symptoms with life-space mobility in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). 164 community-dwelling persons with PD (mean age 71.6 years, 64.6% men) received a postal survey and a subsequent home visit. Motor assessments included perceived walking difficulties (Walk-12G), mobility (Timed Up and Go test), motor symptoms (UPDRS-III) and freezing of gait (item 3, FOG-Qsa). Non-motor symptoms included depressive symptoms (GDS-15), pain, fatigue (NHP-EN) and global cognition (MoCA). Life-space mobility was assessed with the life-space assessment (LSA). Calculations included composite score (range 0-120; higher indicating better life-space mobility), independent life-space (range 0-5), assisted life-space (range 0-5), and maximal life-space (range 0-5). Associations were analyzed with linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and PD severity (Hoehn and Yahr). Mean life-space mobility score was 72.3 (SD 28.8). Almost all participants (90 %) reached the highest life-space level (beyond town). Half of these reached this level independently, while one-third were unable to move outside their bedroom without assistive devices or personal help. When adjusted for confounders, depressive symptoms, pain, and perceived walking difficulties was negatively associated with life-space mobility. In the multivariable model, only perceived walking difficulties was associated with life-space mobility. Our findings indicate that perceived walking difficulties should be targeted to maintain or improve life-space mobility in people with PD. Depressive symptoms and pain may also merit consideration. More research is needed to elucidate the role of environmental and personal factors for life-space mobility in PD.

Wide dynamic range enrichment method of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes with weak field centrifugation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reis, Wieland G.; Tomović, Željko; Weitz, R. Thomas; Krupke, Ralph; Mikhael, Jules

2017-03-01

The potential of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to outperform silicon in electronic application was finally enabled through selective separation of semiconducting nanotubes from the as-synthesized statistical mix with polymeric dispersants. Such separation methods provide typically high semiconducting purity samples with narrow diameter distribution, i.e. almost single chiralities. But for a wide range of applications high purity mixtures of small and large diameters are sufficient or even required. Here we proof that weak field centrifugation is a diameter independent method for enrichment of semiconducting nanotubes. We show that the non-selective and strong adsorption of polyarylether dispersants on nanostructured carbon surfaces enables simple separation of diverse raw materials with different SWCNT diameter. In addition and for the first time, we demonstrate that increased temperature enables higher purity separation. Furthermore we show that the mode of action behind this electronic enrichment is strongly connected to both colloidal stability and protonation. By giving simple access to electronically sorted SWCNTs of any diameter, the wide dynamic range of weak field centrifugation can provide economical relevance to SWCNTs.

Porosity Assessment for Different Diameters of Coir Lignocellulosic Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Luz, Fernanda Santos; Paciornik, Sidnei; Monteiro, Sergio Neves; da Silva, Luiz Carlos; Tommasini, Flávio James; Candido, Verônica Scarpini

2017-10-01

The application of natural lignocellulosic fibers (LCFs) in engineering composites has increased interest in their properties and structural characteristics. In particular, the inherent porosity of an LCF markedly affects its density and the adhesion to polymer matrices. For the first time, both open and closed porosities of a natural LCF, for different diameter ranges, were assessed. Fibers extracted from the mesocarp of the coconut fruit were investigated by nondestructive methods of density measurements and x-ray microtomography (microCT). It was found that, for all diameter ranges, the closed porosity is significantly higher than the open porosity. The total porosity increases with diameter to around 60% for coir fibers with more than 503 μm in diameter. The amount and characteristics of these open and closed porosities were revealed by t test and Weibull statistics as well as by microCT.

Primary and Aggregate Size Distributions of PM in Tail Pipe Emissions form Diesel Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arai, Masataka; Amagai, Kenji; Nakaji, Takayuki; Hayashi, Shinji

Particulate matter (PM) emission exhausted from diesel engine should be reduced to keep the clean air environment. PM emission was considered that it consisted of coarse and aggregate particles, and nuclei-mode particles of which diameter was less than 50nm. However the detail characteristics about these particles of the PM were still unknown and they were needed for more physically accurate measurement and more effective reduction of exhaust PM emission. In this study, the size distributions of solid particles in PM emission were reported. PMs in the tail-pipe emission were sampled from three type diesel engines. Sampled PM was chemically treated to separate the solid carbon fraction from other fractions such as soluble organic fraction (SOF). The electron microscopic and optical-manual size measurement procedures were used to determine the size distribution of primary particles those were formed through coagulation process from nuclei-mode particles and consisted in aggregate particles. The centrifugal sedimentation method was applied to measure the Stokes diameter of dry-soot. Aerodynamic diameters of nano and aggregate particles were measured with scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). The peak aggregate diameters detected by SMPS were fallen in the same size regime as the Stokes diameter of dry-soot. Both of primary and Stokes diameters of dry-soot decreased with increases of engine speed and excess air ratio. Also, the effects of fuel properties and engine types on primary and aggregate particle diameters were discussed.

Nanofiber alignment of a small diameter elastic electrospun scaffold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Jignesh

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in western countries with coronary heart disease making up 50% of these deaths. As a treatment option, tissue engineered grafts have great potential. Elastic scaffolds that mimic arterial extracellular matrix (ECM) may hold the key to creating viable vascular grafts. Electrospinning is a widely used scaffold fabrication technique to engineer tubular scaffolds. In this study, we investigated how the collector rotation speed altered the nanofiber alignment which may improve mechanical characteristics making the scaffold more suitable for arterial grafts. The scaffold was fabricated from a blend of PCL/Elastin. 2D Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) image processing tool and MatLab were used to quantitatively analyze nanofiber orientation at different collector speeds (13500 to 15500 rpm). Both Image J and MatLab showed graphical peaks indicating predominant fiber orientation angles. A collector speed of 15000 rpm was found to produce the best nanofiber alignment with narrow peaks at 90 and 270 degrees, and a relative amplitude of 200. This indicates a narrow distribution of circumferentially aligned nanofibers. Collector speeds below and above 15000 rpm caused a decrease in fiber alignment with a broader orientation distribution. Uniformity of fiber diameter was also measured. Of 600 measures from the 15000 rpm scaffolds, the fiber diameter range from 500 nm to 899 nm was most prevalent. This diameter range was slightly larger than native ECM which ranges from 50 nm to 500 nm. The second most prevalent diameter range had an average of 404 nm which is within the diameter range of collagen. This study concluded that with proper electrospinning technique and collector speed, it is possible to fabricate highly aligned small diameter elastic scaffolds. Image J 2D FFT results confirmed MatLab findings for the analyses of circumferentially aligned nanofibers. In addition, MatLab analyses simplified the FFT orientation data providing an accurate, user friendly orientation measurement tool.

Measurement of focal ground-glass opacity diameters on CT images: interobserver agreement in regard to identifying increases in the size of ground-glass opacities.

PubMed

Kakinuma, Ryutaro; Ashizawa, Kazuto; Kuriyama, Keiko; Fukushima, Aya; Ishikawa, Hiroyuki; Kamiya, Hisashi; Koizumi, Naoya; Maruyama, Yuichiro; Minami, Kazunori; Nitta, Norihisa; Oda, Seitaro; Oshiro, Yasuji; Kusumoto, Masahiko; Murayama, Sadayuki; Murata, Kiyoshi; Muramatsu, Yukio; Moriyama, Noriyuki

2012-04-01

To evaluate interobserver agreement in regard to measurements of focal ground-glass opacities (GGO) diameters on computed tomography (CT) images to identify increases in the size of GGOs. Approval by the institutional review board and informed consent by the patients were obtained. Ten GGOs (mean size, 10.4 mm; range, 6.5-15 mm), one each in 10 patients (mean age, 65.9 years; range, 58-78 years), were used to make the diameter measurements. Eleven radiologists independently measured the diameters of the GGOs on a total of 40 thin-section CT images (the first [n = 10], the second [n = 10], and the third [n = 10] follow-up CT examinations and remeasurement of the first [n = 10] follow-up CT examinations) without comparing time-lapse CT images. Interobserver agreement was assessed by means of Bland-Altman plots. The smallest range of the 95% limits of interobserver agreement between the members of the 55 pairs of the 11 radiologists in regard to maximal diameter was -1.14 to 1.72 mm, and the largest range was -7.7 to 1.7 mm. The mean value of the lower limit of the 95% limits of agreement was -3.1 ± 1.4 mm, and the mean value of their upper limit was 2.5 ± 1.1 mm. When measurements are made by any two radiologists, an increase in the length of the maximal diameter of more than 1.72 mm would be necessary in order to be able to state that the maximal diameter of a particular GGO had actually increased. Copyright © 2012 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hitting rock bottom: morphological responses of bedrock-confined streams to a catastrophic flood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baggs Sargood, M.; Cohen, T. J.; Thompson, C. J.; Croke, J.

2015-06-01

The role of extreme events in shaping the Earth's surface is one that has held the interests of Earth scientists for centuries. A catastrophic flood in a tectonically quiescent setting in eastern Australia in 2011 provides valuable insight into how semi-alluvial channels respond to such events. Field survey data (3 reaches) and desktop analyses (10 reaches) with catchment areas ranging from 0.5 to 168 km2 show that the predicted discharge for the 2011 event ranged from 415 to 933 m3 s-1, with unit stream power estimates of up to 1077 W m-2. Estimated entrainment relationships predict the mobility of the entire grain-size population, and field data suggest the localised mobility of boulders up to 4.8 m in diameter. Analysis of repeat lidar data demonstrates that all reaches (field and desktop) were areas of net degradation via extensive scouring of coarse-grained alluvium with a strong positive relationship between catchment area and normalised erosion (R2 = 0.72-0.74). The extensive scouring in the 2011 flood decreased thalweg variance significantly removing previous step pools and other coarse-grained in-channel units, forming lengths of plane-bed (cobble) reach morphology. This was also accompanied by the exposure of planar bedrock surfaces, marginal bedrock straths and bedrock steps. Post-flood field data indicate a slight increase in thalweg variance as a result of the smaller 2013 flood rebuilding the alluvial overprint with pool-riffle formation. However, the current form and distribution of channel morphological units does not conform to previous classifications of bedrock or headwater river systems. This variation in post-flood form indicates that in semi-alluvial systems extreme events are significant for re-setting the morphology of in-channel units and for exposing the underlying lithology to ongoing erosion.

Do dynamic cement-on-cement knee spacers provide better function and activity during two-stage exchange?

PubMed

Jaekel, David J; Day, Judd S; Klein, Gregg R; Levine, Harlan; Parvizi, Javad; Kurtz, Steven M

2012-09-01

Implantation of an antibiotic bone cement spacer is used to treat infection of a TKA. Dynamic spacers fashioned with cement-on-cement articulating surfaces potentially facilitate patient mobility and reduce bone loss as compared with their static counterparts, while consisting of a biomaterial not traditionally used for load-bearing articulations. However, their direct impact on patient mobility and wear damage while implanted remains poorly understood. We characterized patient activity, surface damage, and porous structure of dynamic cement-on-cement spacers. We collected 22 dynamic and 14 static knee antibiotic cement spacers at revision surgeries at times ranging from 0.5 to 13 months from implantation. For these patients, we obtained demographic data and UCLA activity levels. We characterized surface damage using the Hood damage scoring method and used micro-CT analysis to observe the internal structure, cracking, and porosity of the cement. The average UCLA score was higher for patients with dynamic spacers than for patients with static spacers, with no differences in BMI or age. Burnishing was the only prevalent damage mode on all the bearing surfaces. Micro-CT analysis revealed the internal structure of the spacers was porous and highly inhomogeneous, including heterogeneous dispersion of radiopaque material and cavity defects. The average porosity was 8% (range, 1%-29%) and more than ½ of the spacers had pores greater than 1 mm in diameter. Our observations suggest dynamic, cement-on-cement spacers allow for increased patient activity without catastrophic failure. Despite the antibiotic loading and internal structural inhomogeneity, burnishing was the only prevalent damage mode that could be consistently classified with no evidence of fracture or delamination. The porous structure of the spacers varied highly across the surfaces without influencing the material failure.

Long-Range Interactions Restrict Water Transport in Pyrophyllite Interlayers

DOE PAGES

Zarzycki, Piotr; Gilbert, Benjamin

2016-04-27

Water diffusion within smectite clay interlayers is reduced by confinement and hence is highly determined by the interlayer spacings that are adopted during swelling. However, a molecular understanding of the short-and long-range forces governing interlayer water structure and dynamics is lacking. Using molecular dynamics simulations of water intercalated between pyrophyllite (smectite prototype) layers we provide a detailed picture of the variation of interlayered water mobility accompanying smectite expansion. Subtle changes in hydrogen bond network structure cause significant changes in water mobility that is greater for stable hydration states and reduced for intermediate separations. By studying pyrophyllite with and without externalmore » water we reveal that long-range electrostatic forces apply a restraining effect upon interlayer water mobility. Our findings are relevant for broad range of confining nanostructures with walls thin enough to permit long-range interactions that could affect the mobility of confined solvent molecules and solute species.« less

Long-Range Interactions Restrict Water Transport in Pyrophyllite Interlayers

PubMed Central

Zarzycki, Piotr; Gilbert, Benjamin

2016-01-01

Water diffusion within smectite clay interlayers is reduced by confinement and hence is highly determined by the interlayer spacings that are adopted during swelling. However, a molecular understanding of the short- and long-range forces governing interlayer water structure and dynamics is lacking. Using molecular dynamics simulations of water intercalated between pyrophyllite (smectite prototype) layers we provide a detailed picture of the variation of interlayered water mobility accompanying smectite expansion. Subtle changes in hydrogen bond network structure cause significant changes in water mobility that is greater for stable hydration states and reduced for intermediate separations. By studying pyrophyllite with and without external water we reveal that long-range electrostatic forces apply a restraining effect upon interlayer water mobility. Our findings are relevant for broad range of confining nanostructures with walls thin enough to permit long-range interactions that could affect the mobility of confined solvent molecules and solute species. PMID:27118164

Woody debris in north Iberian streams: influence of geomorphology, vegetation, and management.

PubMed

Diez, J R; Elosegi, A; Pozo, J

2001-11-01

The effect of stream geomorphology, maturity, and management of riparian forests on abundance, role, and mobility of wood was evaluated in 20 contrasting reaches in the Agüera stream catchment (northern Iberian Peninsula). During 1 year the volume of woody debris exceeding 1 cm in diameter was measured in all reaches. All large woody debris (phi > 5 cm) pieces were tagged, their positions mapped, and their subsequent changes noted. Volume of woody debris was in general low and ranged from 40 to 22,000 cm3 m-2; the abundance of debris dams ranged from 0 to 5.5 per 100 m of channel. Wood was especially rare and unstable in downstream reaches, or under harvested forests (both natural or plantations). Results stress that woody debris in north Iberian streams has been severely reduced by forestry and log removal. Because of the important influence of woody debris on structure and function of stream systems, this reduction has likely impacted stream communities. Therefore, efforts to restore north Iberian streams should include in-channel and riparian management practices that promote greater abundance and stability of large woody debris whenever possible.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Mimics of Biological Ion Channels.

PubMed

Amiri, Hasti; Shepard, Kenneth L; Nuckolls, Colin; Hernández Sánchez, Raúl

2017-02-08

Here we report on the ion conductance through individual, small diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes. We find that they are mimics of ion channels found in natural systems. We explore the factors governing the ion selectivity and permeation through single-walled carbon nanotubes by considering an electrostatic mechanism built around a simplified version of the Gouy-Chapman theory. We find that the single-walled carbon nanotubes preferentially transported cations and that the cation permeability is size-dependent. The ionic conductance increases as the absolute hydration enthalpy decreases for monovalent cations with similar solid-state radii, hydrated radii, and bulk mobility. Charge screening experiments using either the addition of cationic or anionic polymers, divalent metal cations, or changes in pH reveal the enormous impact of the negatively charged carboxylates at the entrance of the single-walled carbon nanotubes. These observations were modeled in the low-to-medium concentration range (0.1-2.0 M) by an electrostatic mechanism that mimics the behavior observed in many biological ion channel-forming proteins. Moreover, multi-ion conduction in the high concentration range (>2.0 M) further reinforces the similarity between single-walled carbon nanotubes and protein ion channels.

Testosterone sorption and desorption: effects of soil particle size.

PubMed

Qi, Yong; Zhang, Tian C; Ren, Yongzheng

2014-08-30

Soils contain a wide range of particles of different diameters with different mobility during rainfall events. Effects of soil particles on sorption and desorption behaviors of steroid hormones have not been investigated. In this study, wet sieve washing and repeated sedimentation methods were used to fractionate the soils into five ranges. The sorption and desorption properties and related mechanisms of testosterone in batch reactors filled with fractionated soil particles were evaluated. Results of sorption and desorption kinetics indicate that small soil particles have higher sorption and lower desorption rates than that of big ones. Thermodynamic results show the sorption processes are spontaneous and exothermal. The sorption capacity ranks as clay>silt>sand, depending mainly on specific surface area and surface functional groups. The urea control test shows that hydrogen bonding contributes to testosterone sorption onto clay and silt but not on sand. Desorption tests indicate sorption is 36-65% irreversible from clay to sand. Clays have highest desorption hysteresis among these five soil fractions, indicating small particles like clays have less potential for desorption. The results provide indirect evidence on the colloid (clay)-facilitated transport of hormones (micro-pollutants) in soil environments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lunar crater volumes - Interpretation by models of impact cratering and upper crustal structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Croft, S. K.

1978-01-01

Lunar crater volumes can be divided by size into two general classes with distinctly different functional dependence on diameter. Craters smaller than approximately 12 km in diameter are morphologically simple and increase in volume as the cube of the diameter, while craters larger than about 20 km are complex and increase in volume at a significantly lower rate implying shallowing. Ejecta and interior volumes are not identical and their ratio, Schroeters Ratio (SR), increases from about 0.5 for simple craters to about 1.5 for complex craters. The excess of ejecta volume causing the increase, can be accounted for by a discontinuity in lunar crust porosity at 1.5-2 km depth. The diameter range of significant increase in SR corresponds with the diameter range of transition from simple to complex crater morphology. This observation, combined with theoretical rebound calculation, indicates control of the transition diameter by the porosity structure of the upper crust.

Pesticide leaching from two Swedish topsoils of contrasting texture amended with biochar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsbo, Mats; Löfstrand, Elisabeth; de Veer, David van Alphen; Ulén, Barbro

2013-04-01

The use of biochar as a soil amendment has recently increased because of its potential for long-term soil carbon sequestration and its potential for improving soil fertility. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of biochar soil incorporation on pesticide adsorption and leaching for two Swedish topsoils, one clay soil and one loam soil. We used the non-reactive tracer bromide and the pesticides sulfosulfuron, isoproturon, imidacloprid, propyzamid and pyraclostrobin, substances with different mobility in soil. Adsorption was studied in batch experiments and leaching was studied in experiments using soil columns (20 cm high, 20 cm diameter) where 0.01 kg kg- 1 dw biochar powder originating from wheat residues had been mixed into the top 10 cm. After solute application the columns were exposed to simulated rain three times with a weekly interval and concentrations were measured in the effluent water. The biochar treatment resulted in significantly larger adsorption distribution coefficients (Kd) for the moderately mobile pesticides isoproturon and imidacloprid for the clay soil and for imidacloprid only for the loam soil. Relative leaching of the pesticides ranged from 0.0035% of the applied mass for pyraclostrobin (average Kd = 360 cm3 g- 1) to 5.9% for sulfosulfuron (average Kd = 5.6 cm3 g- 1). There were no significant effects of the biochar amendment on pesticide concentrations in column effluents for the loam soil. For the clay soil concentrations were significantly reduced for isoproturon, imidacloprid and propyzamid while they were significantly increased for the non-mobile fungicide pyraclostrobin suggesting that the transport was facilitated by material originating from the biochar amendment.

Cordless hand-held optical 3D sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munkelt, Christoph; Bräuer-Burchardt, Christian; Kühmstedt, Peter; Schmidt, Ingo; Notni, Gunther

2007-07-01

A new mobile optical 3D measurement system using phase correlation based fringe projection technique will be presented. The sensor consist of a digital projection unit and two cameras in a stereo arrangement, whereby both are battery powered. The data transfer to a base station will be done via WLAN. This gives the possibility to use the system in complicate, remote measurement situations, which are typical in archaeology and architecture. In the measurement procedure the sensor will be hand-held by the user, illuminating the object with a sequence of less than 10 fringe patterns, within a time below 200 ms. This short sequence duration was achieved by a new approach, which combines the epipolar constraint with robust phase correlation utilizing a pre-calibrated sensor head, containing two cameras and a digital fringe projector. Furthermore, the system can be utilized to acquire the all around shape of objects by using the phasogrammetric approach with virtual land marks introduced by the authors 1, 2. This way no matching procedures or markers are necessary for the registration of multiple views, which makes the system very flexible in accomplishing different measurement tasks. The realized measurement field is approx. 100 mm up to 400 mm in diameter. The mobile character makes the measurement system useful for a wide range of applications in arts, architecture, archaeology and criminology, which will be shown in the paper.

SHADE: A Shape-Memory-Activated Device Promoting Ankle Dorsiflexion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pittaccio, S.; Viscuso, S.; Rossini, M.; Magoni, L.; Pirovano, S.; Villa, E.; Besseghini, S.; Molteni, F.

2009-08-01

Acute post-stroke rehabilitation protocols include passive mobilization as a means to prevent contractures. A device (SHADE) that provides repetitive passive motion to a flaccid ankle by using shape memory alloy actuators could be of great help in providing this treatment. A suitable actuator was designed as a cartridge of approximately 150 × 20 × 15 mm, containing 2.5 m of 0.25 mm diameter NiTi wire. This actuator was activated by Joule’s effect employing a 7 s current input at 0.7 A, which provided 10 N through 76 mm displacement. Cooling and reset by natural convection took 30 s. A prototype of SHADE was assembled with two thermoplastic shells hinged together at the ankle and strapped on the shin and foot. Two actuators were fixed on the upper shell while an inextensible thread connected each NiTi wire to the foot shell. The passive ankle motion (passive range of motion, PROM) generated by SHADE was evaluated optoelectronically on three flaccid patients (58 ± 5 years old); acceptability was assessed by a questionnaire presented to further three flaccid patients (44 ± 11.5 years old) who used SHADE for 5 days, 30 min a day. SHADE was well accepted by all patients, produced good PROM, and caused no pain. The results prove that suitable limb mobilization can be produced by SMA actuators.

Diameter control of single-walled carbon nanotube forests from 1.3–3.0 nm by arc plasma deposition

PubMed Central

Chen, Guohai; Seki, Yasuaki; Kimura, Hiroe; Sakurai, Shunsuke; Yumura, Motoo; Hata, Kenji; Futaba, Don N.

2014-01-01

We present a method to both precisely and continuously control the average diameter of single-walled carbon nanotubes in a forest ranging from 1.3 to 3.0 nm with ~1 Å resolution. The diameter control of the forest was achieved through tuning of the catalyst state (size, density, and composition) using arc plasma deposition of nanoparticles. This 1.7 nm control range and 1 Å precision exceed the highest reports to date. PMID:24448201

Usability evaluation of mobile applications; where do we stand?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahra, Fatima; Hussain, Azham; Mohd, Haslina

2017-10-01

The range and availability of mobile applications is expanding rapidly. With the increased processing power available on portable devices, developers are increasing the range of services by embracing smartphones in their extensive and diverse practices. While usability testing and evaluations of mobile applications have not yet touched the accuracy level of other web based applications. The existing usability models do not adequately capture the complexities of interacting with applications on a mobile platform. Therefore, this study aims to presents review on existing usability models for mobile applications. These models are in their infancy but with time and more research they may eventually be adopted. Moreover, different categories of mobile apps (medical, entertainment, education) possess different functional and non-functional requirements thus customized models are required for diverse mobile applications.

Particle size and morphology of UHMWPE wear debris in failed total knee arthroplasties--a comparison between mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees.

PubMed

Huang, Chun-Hsiung; Ho, Fang-Yuan; Ma, Hon-Ming; Yang, Chan-Tsung; Liau, Jiann-Jong; Kao, Hung-Chan; Young, Tai-Horng; Cheng, Cheng-Kung

2002-09-01

Osteolysis induced by ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear debris has been recognized as the major cause of long-term failure in total joint arthroplasties. In a previous study, the prevalence of intraoperatively identified osteolysis during primary revision surgery was much higher in mobile bearing knee replacements (47%) than in fixed bearing knee replacements (13%). We postulated that mobile bearing knee implants tend to produce smaller sized particles. In our current study, we compared the particle size and morphology of polyethylene wear debris between failed mobile bearing and fixed bearing knees. Tissue specimens from interfacial and lytic regions were extracted during revision surgery of 10 mobile bearing knees (all of the low contact stress (LCS) design) and 17 fixed bearing knees (10 of the porous-coated anatomic (PCA) and 7 of the Miller/Galante design). Polyethylene particles were isolated from the tissue specimens and examined using both scanning electron microscopy and light-scattering analyses. The LCS mobile bearing knees produced smaller particulate debris (mean equivalent spherical diameter: 0.58 microm in LCS, 1.17 microm in PCA and 5.23 microm in M/G) and more granular debris (mean value: 93% in LCS, 77% in PCA and 15% in M/G).

Ca{sup 2+}-dependent mobility of vesicles capturing anti-VGLUT1 antibodies

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

Stenovec, Matjaz; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana; Kreft, Marko

2007-11-01

Several aspects of secretory vesicle cycle have been studied in the past, but vesicle trafficking in relation to the fusion site is less well understood. In particular, the mobility of recaptured vesicles that traffic back toward the central cytoplasm is still poorly defined. We exposed astrocytes to antibodies against the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), a marker of glutamatergic vesicles, to fluorescently label vesicles undergoing Ca{sup 2+}-dependent exocytosis and examined their number, fluorescence intensity, and mobility by confocal microscopy. In nonstimulated cells, immunolabeling revealed discrete fluorescent puncta, indicating that VGLUT1 vesicles, which are approximately 50 nm in diameter, cycle slowlymore » between the plasma membrane and the cytoplasm. When the cytosolic Ca{sup 2+} level was raised with ionomycin, the number and fluorescence intensity of the puncta increased, likely because the VGLUT1 epitopes were more accessible to the extracellularly applied antibodies following Ca{sup 2+}-triggered exocytosis. In nonstimulated cells, the mobility of labeled vesicles was limited. In stimulated cells, many vesicles exhibited directional mobility that was abolished by cytoskeleton-disrupting agents, indicating dependence on intact cytoskeleton. Our findings show that postfusion vesicle mobility is regulated and may likely play a role in synaptic vesicle cycle, and also more generally in the genesis and removal of endocytic vesicles.« less

Clinical experience in coronary stenting with the Vivant Z Stent.

PubMed

Chee, K H; Siaw, F S; Chan, C G; Chong, W P; Imran, Z A; Haizal, H K; Azman, W; Tan, K H

2005-06-01

This single centre study was designed to demonstrate feasibility, safety and efficacy of the Vivant Z stent (PFM AG, Cologne, Germany). Patients with de novo lesion were recruited. Coronary angioplasty was performed with either direct stenting or after balloon predilatation. Repeated angiogram was performed 6 months later or earlier if clinically indicated. Between January to June 2003, a total of 50 patients were recruited (mean age 55.8 +/- 9 years). A total of 52 lesions were stented successfully. Mean reference diameter was 2.77 mm (+/-0.59 SD, range 2.05-4.39 mm) with mean target lesion stenosis of 65.5% (+/-11.6 SD, range 50.1-93.3%). Forty-six lesions (88.5%) were American College of Cardiologist/American Heart Association class B/C types. Direct stenting was performed in 18 (34.6%) lesions. Mean stent diameter was 3.18 mm (+/-0.41 SD, range 2.5-4 mm), and mean stent length was 14.86 mm (+/-2.72 SD, range 9-18 mm). The procedure was complicated in only one case which involved the loss of side branch with no clinical sequelae. All treated lesions achieved Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow. Mean residual diameter stenosis was 12.2% (+/-7.55 SD, range 0-22.6%) with acute gain of 1.72 mm (+/-0.50 SD, range 0.5-2.8). At 6 months, there was no major adverse cardiovascular event. Repeated angiography after 6 months showed a restenosis rate of 17% (defined as >50% diameter restenosis). Mean late loss was 0.96 mm (+/-0.48 SD) with loss index of 0.61 (+/-0.38 SD). The restenosis rate of those lesions less than 3.0 mm in diameter was 22.2% compared with 6.25% in those lesions more than 3.0 mm in diameter. The Vivant Z stent was shown to be safe and efficacious with low restenosis rate in de novo coronary artery lesion.

Flue gas adsorption by single-wall carbon nanotubes: A Monte Carlo study

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

Romero-Hermida, M. I.; Departamento de Física Condensada, Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes s/n, 41012 Sevilla; Romero-Enrique, J. M.

Adsorption of flue gases by single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) has been studied by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The flue gas is modeled as a ternary mixture of N{sub 2}, CO{sub 2}, and O{sub 2}, emulating realistic compositions of the emissions from power plants. The adsorbed flue gas is in equilibrium with a bulk gas characterized by temperature T, pressure p, and mixture composition. We have considered different SWCNTs with different chiralities and diameters in a range between 7 and 20 Å. Our results show that the CO{sub 2} adsorption properties depend mainly on the bulk flue gas thermodynamic conditionsmore » and the SWCNT diameter. Narrow SWCNTs with diameter around 7 Å show high CO{sub 2} adsorption capacity and selectivity, but they decrease abruptly as the SWCNT diameter is increased. For wide SWCNT, CO{sub 2} adsorption capacity and selectivity, much smaller in value than for the narrow case, decrease mildly with the SWCNT diameter. In the intermediate range of SWCNT diameters, the CO{sub 2} adsorption properties may show a peculiar behavior, which depend strongly on the bulk flue gas conditions. Thus, for high bulk CO{sub 2} concentrations and low temperatures, the CO{sub 2} adsorption capacity remains high in a wide range of SWCNT diameters, although the corresponding selectivity is moderate. We correlate these findings with the microscopic structure of the adsorbed gas inside the SWCNTs.« less

mobilityRERC state of the science: How science influences public policy in seating and mobility.

PubMed

Hostak, Rita S; Edwards, Doran; Sprigle, Stephen

2013-11-01

In the United States (US), wheeled mobility and seating equipment is classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). DME includes a wide array of devices including canes, walkers, home oxygen equipment, hospital beds, and wheelchairs. Seating and mobility devices reflect a wide range of DME, from relatively simple standard manual wheelchairs and cushions to highly complex manual and power wheelchairs and custom seating systems. This wide range of complexity results in a wide range of policies that govern the provision of seating and mobility equipment. This article results from a presentation during the Wheeled Mobility Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center's (RERC's) State of the Science Conference in 2012. The presentation was designed to proffer key concepts related to coverage policies and policy decision-making. Topics covered include an introduction to key policy issues impacting seating and mobility equipment, a description of the barriers that prevent or hinder research being used to inform coverage policy decisions, discussion of the challenges surrounding evidence-based policy decisions regarding seating and mobility, and suggestions of strategies for including policy makers and other stakeholders in setting research priorities and in reporting research findings. In the United States, wheeled mobility and seating equipment are classified as Durable Medical Equipments which are governed by a wide range of policies. Researchers should be encouraged to supplement research articles with articles that explicitly address clinical and policy implications of the work. Policy-makers should be encouraged to engage researchers to insure the breadth of knowledge and evidence is represented and understood.

Model Predictive Control considering Reachable Range of Wheels for Leg / Wheel Mobile Robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Naito; Nonaka, Kenichiro; Sekiguchi, Kazuma

2016-09-01

Obstacle avoidance is one of the important tasks for mobile robots. In this paper, we study obstacle avoidance control for mobile robots equipped with four legs comprised of three DoF SCARA leg/wheel mechanism, which enables the robot to change its shape adapting to environments. Our previous method achieves obstacle avoidance by model predictive control (MPC) considering obstacle size and lateral wheel positions. However, this method does not ensure existence of joint angles which achieves reference wheel positions calculated by MPC. In this study, we propose a model predictive control considering reachable mobile ranges of wheels positions by combining multiple linear constraints, where each reachable mobile range is approximated as a convex trapezoid. Thus, we achieve to formulate a MPC as a quadratic problem with linear constraints for nonlinear problem of longitudinal and lateral wheel position control. By optimization of MPC, the reference wheel positions are calculated, while each joint angle is determined by inverse kinematics. Considering reachable mobile ranges explicitly, the optimal joint angles are calculated, which enables wheels to reach the reference wheel positions. We verify its advantages by comparing the proposed method with the previous method through numerical simulations.

Is human saliva an indicator of the adverse health effects of using mobile phones?

PubMed

Hamzany, Yaniv; Feinmesser, Raphael; Shpitzer, Thomas; Mizrachi, Aviram; Hilly, Ohad; Hod, Roy; Bahar, Gideon; Otradnov, Irina; Gavish, Moshe; Nagler, Rafael M

2013-02-20

Increasing use of mobile phones creates growing concerns regarding harmful effects of radiofrequency nonionizing electromagnetic radiation on human tissues located close to the ear, where phones are commonly held for long periods of time. We studied 20 subjects in the mobile-phone group who had a mean duration of mobile phone use of 12.5 years (range 8-15) and a mean time use of 29.6 h per month (range 8-100). Deaf individuals served as controls. We compared salivary outcomes (secretion, oxidative damage indices, flow rate, and composition) between mobile phone users and nonusers. We report a significant increase in all salivary oxidative stress indices studied in mobile phone users. Salivary flow, total protein, albumin, and amylase activity were decreased in mobile phone users. These observations lead to the hypothesis that the use of mobile phones may cause oxidative stress and modify salivary function.

Human mobility: Models and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbosa, Hugo; Barthelemy, Marc; Ghoshal, Gourab; James, Charlotte R.; Lenormand, Maxime; Louail, Thomas; Menezes, Ronaldo; Ramasco, José J.; Simini, Filippo; Tomasini, Marcello

2018-03-01

Recent years have witnessed an explosion of extensive geolocated datasets related to human movement, enabling scientists to quantitatively study individual and collective mobility patterns, and to generate models that can capture and reproduce the spatiotemporal structures and regularities in human trajectories. The study of human mobility is especially important for applications such as estimating migratory flows, traffic forecasting, urban planning, and epidemic modeling. In this survey, we review the approaches developed to reproduce various mobility patterns, with the main focus on recent developments. This review can be used both as an introduction to the fundamental modeling principles of human mobility, and as a collection of technical methods applicable to specific mobility-related problems. The review organizes the subject by differentiating between individual and population mobility and also between short-range and long-range mobility. Throughout the text the description of the theory is intertwined with real-world applications.

Improvement of chemical vapor deposition process for production of large diameter carbon base monofilaments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hough, R. L.; Richmond, R. D.

1971-01-01

Research was conducted to develop large diameter carbon monofilament, containing 25 to 35 mole % element boron, in the 2.0 to 10.0 mil diameter range using the chemical vapor deposition process. The objective of the program was to gain an understanding of the critical process variables and their effect on fiber properties. Synthesis equipment was modified to allow these variables to be studied. Improved control of synthesis variables permitted reduction in scatter of properties of the monofilaments. Monofilaments have been synthesized in the 3.0 to nearly 6.0 mil diameter range having measured values up to 552,000 psi for ultimate tensile strength and up to 30 million psi for elastic modulus.

Exposure assessment of nano-sized and respirable particles at different workplaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Chuen-Jinn; Huang, Cheng-Yu; Chen, Sheng-Chieh; Ho, Chi-En; Huang, Cheng-Hsiung; Chen, Chun-Wan; Chang, Cheng-Ping; Tsai, Su-Jung; Ellenbecker, Michael J.

2011-09-01

In this study, nanoparticle (NP, diameter < 100 nm) and respirable particles measurements were conducted at three different nanopowder workplaces, including the mixing area of a nano-SiO2-epoxy molding compound plant (primary diameter: 15 nm), bagging areas of a nano-carbon black (nano-CB) (primary diameter: 32 nm) and a nano-CaCO3 (primary diameter: 94 nm) manufacturing plant. Chemical analysis of respirable particle mass (RPM) and NPs was performed to quantify the content of manufactured nanoparticles in the collected samples. Nanopowder products obtained from the plants were used in the laboratory dustiness testing using a rotating drum tester to obtain particle mass and number distributions. The obtained laboratory data were then used to elucidate the field data. Both field and laboratory data showed that NP number and mass concentrations of manufactured materials were close to the background level. Number concentration was elevated only for particles with the electrical mobility diameter >100 nm during bagging or feeding processes, unless there were combustion-related incidental sources existed. Large fraction of nanomaterials was found in the RPM due to agglomeration of nanomaterials or attachment of nanomaterials to the larger particles. From this study, it is concluded that RPM concentration measurements are necessary for the exposure assessment of nanoparticles in workplaces.

RF characteristics of the hoop column antenna for the land mobile satellite system mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foldes, P.

1984-11-01

A communication system using a satellite with a 118 meter diameter quad aperture antenna to provide telephone service to mobile users remotely located from the large metropolitan areas where the telephone companies are presently implementing their cellular system is described. In this system, which is compatible with the cellular system, the mobile user communicates with the satellite at UHF frequencies. The satellite connects him at S-Band, to the existing telephone network via a base station. The results of the RF definition work for the quad aperture antenna are presented. The elements of the study requirements for the LMSS are summarized, followed by a beam topology plan which satisfies the mission requirements with a practical and realiable configuration. The geometry of the UHF antenna and its radiation characteristics are defined. The various feed alternatives, and the S-band aperture are described.

The Role of Mean-motion Resonances in Semimajor Axis Mobility of Asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milić Žitnik, Ivana; Novaković, Bojan

2016-01-01

Here, we report our findings about the effect of 11 two-body mean-motion resonances (MMRs) with Jupiter, on the mobility of an asteroid’s semimajor axis caused by the Yarkovsky effect. This study is accomplished using numerical integrations of test particles. The obtained results reveal that MMRs could either speed up or slow down the drift in the semimajor axis. Moreover, this allows us to determine the distribution that represents the best data obtained for time delays dtr caused by the resonances on the mobility of an asteroid. We also found a certain functional relationship that describes dependence of the average time lead/lag < {dtr}> on the strength of the resonance SR and the semimajor axis drift speed da/dt. As the Yarkovsky effect scales as 1/D, an important consequence of this relationship is that average time lead/lag < {dtr}> is directly proportional to the diameter D of an asteroid.

RF characteristics of the hoop column antenna for the land mobile satellite system mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foldes, P.

1984-01-01

A communication system using a satellite with a 118 meter diameter quad aperture antenna to provide telephone service to mobile users remotely located from the large metropolitan areas where the telephone companies are presently implementing their cellular system is described. In this system, which is compatible with the cellular system, the mobile user communicates with the satellite at UHF frequencies. The satellite connects him at S-Band, to the existing telephone network via a base station. The results of the RF definition work for the quad aperture antenna are presented. The elements of the study requirements for the LMSS are summarized, followed by a beam topology plan which satisfies the mission requirements with a practical and realiable configuration. The geometry of the UHF antenna and its radiation characteristics are defined. The various feed alternatives, and the S-band aperture are described.

Electric wind in a Differential Mobility Analyzer

DOE PAGES

Palo, Marus; Meelis Eller; Uin, Janek; ...

2015-10-25

Electric wind -- the movement of gas, induced by ions moving in an electric field -- can be a distorting factor in size distribution measurements using Differential Mobility Analyzers (DMAs). The aim of this study was to determine the conditions under which electric wind occurs in the locally-built VLDMA (Very Long Differential Mobility Analyzer) and TSI Long-DMA (3081) and to describe the associated distortion of the measured spectra. Electric wind proved to be promoted by the increase of electric field strength, aerosol layer thickness, particle number concentration and particle size. The measured size spectra revealed three types of distortion: wideningmore » of the size distribution, shift of the mode of the distribution to smaller diameters and smoothing out the peaks of the multiply charged particles. Electric wind may therefore be a source of severe distortion of the spectrum when measuring large particles at high concentrations.« less

Hopper on wheels: evolving the hopping robot concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schell, S.; Tretten, A.; Burdick, J.; Fuller, S. B.; Fiorini, P.

2001-01-01

This paper describes the evolution of our concept of hopping robot for planetary exploration, that combines coarse long range mobility achieved by hopping, with short range wheeled mobility for precision target acquisition.

Ion transport in sub-5-nm graphene nanopores.

PubMed

Suk, Myung E; Aluru, N R

2014-02-28

Graphene nanopore is a promising device for single molecule sensing, including DNA bases, as its single atom thickness provides high spatial resolution. To attain high sensitivity, the size of the molecule should be comparable to the pore diameter. However, when the pore diameter approaches the size of the molecule, ion properties and dynamics may deviate from the bulk values and continuum analysis may not be accurate. In this paper, we investigate the static and dynamic properties of ions with and without an external voltage drop in sub-5-nm graphene nanopores using molecular dynamics simulations. Ion concentration in graphene nanopores sharply drops from the bulk concentration when the pore radius is smaller than 0.9 nm. Ion mobility in the pore is also smaller than bulk ion mobility due to the layered liquid structure in the pore-axial direction. Our results show that a continuum analysis can be appropriate when the pore radius is larger than 0.9 nm if pore conductivity is properly defined. Since many applications of graphene nanopores, such as DNA and protein sensing, involve ion transport, the results presented here will be useful not only in understanding the behavior of ion transport but also in designing bio-molecular sensors.

The role of cell size in density gradient electrophoretic separation of mouse leukemia cells according to position in the cell cycle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plank, L. D.; Kunze, M. E.; Todd, P. W.

1985-01-01

Cultured mouse leukemia cells line L5178Y were subjected to upward electrophoresis in a density gradient and the slower migrating cell populations were enriched in G2 cells. It is indicated that this cell line does not change electrophoretic mobility through the cell cycle. The possibility that increased sedimentation downward on the part of the larger G2 cells caused this separation was explored. Two different cell populations were investigated. The log phase population was found to migrate upward faster than the G2 population, and a similar difference between their velocities and calculated on the basis of a 1 um diameter difference between the two cell populations. The G2 and G1 enriched populations were isolated by Ficoll density gradient sedimentation. The bottom fraction was enriched in G2 cells and the top fraction was enriched with G1 cells, especially when compared with starting materials. The electrophoretic mobilities of these two cell populations did not differ significantly from one another. Cell diameter dependent migration curves were calculated and were found to be different. Families of migration curves that differ when cell size is considered as a parameter are predicted.

Impurity and phonon scattering in silicon nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, W.; Persson, M. P.; Mera, H.; Delerue, C.; Niquet, Y. M.; Allan, G.; Wang, E.

2011-03-01

We model the scattering of electrons by phonons and dopant impurities in ultimate [110]-oriented gate-all-around silicon nanowires with an atomistic valence force field and tight-binding approach. All electron-phonons interactions are included. We show that impurity scattering can reduce with decreasing nanowire diameter due to the enhanced screening by the gate. Donors and acceptors however perform very differently : acceptors behave as tunnel barriers for the electrons, while donors behave as quantum wells which introduce Fano resonances in the conductance. As a consequence the acceptors are much more limiting the mobility than the donors. The resistances of single acceptors are also very dependent on their radial position in the nanowire, which might be a significant source of variability in ultimate silicon nanowire devices. Concerning phonons, we show that, as a result of strong confinement, i) electrons couple to a wide and complex distribution of phonons modes, and ii) the mobility has a non-monotonic variation with wire diameter and is strongly reduced with respect to bulk. French National Research Agency ANR project QUANTAMONDE Contract No. ANR-07-NANO-023-02 and by the Délégation Générale pour l'Armement, French Ministry of Defense under Grant No. 2008.34.0031.

Managing uneven-aged stands

Treesearch

Jay R. Law; Craig G. Lorimer

1989-01-01

Maintaining uneven-aged stands involves cutting trees from a range of diameter classes in such a way that the residual stand has a balanced, steeply descending diameter distribution curve (fig. 1). The objective is to distribute trees by diameter classes so that over time the stand contains trees of different ages and sizes.

Molecular simulation of fluid adsorption in buckytubes and MCM-41

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maddox, M. W.; Gubbins, K. E.

1994-11-01

We report grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) molecular-simulation studies of argon and nitrogen in models of two novel adsorbents, buckytubes and MCM-41. Buckytubes are monodisperse carbon tubes with internal diameters of 1 5 nm and a regular pore structure. MCM-41 is one member of a new family of highly uniform mesoporous aluminosilicates produced by Mobil. The pore size of MCM-41 can be accurately controlled within the range 1.5-I.0 nm. The adsorption of argon in a buckytube and the adsorption of nitrogen in two different MCM-41 pores are studied at 77 K. Both fluids are modeled as Lennard-Jones spheres. and an averaged fluid-wall potential, dependent only on the distance of the adsorbed molecule from the center of the tube or pore is used. Isotherms and isosteric heats are calculated. Layering transitions and a hysteresis loop are observed for the buckytube and good agreement is found between simulated and experimental isotherms for the MCM-41 systems.

Ultrafine particle concentration and new particle formation in a coastal arid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alfoldy, Balint; Kotob, Mohamed; Obbard, Jeffrey P.

2017-04-01

Arid environments can be generally characterised by high coarse aerosol load due to the wind-driven erosion of the upper earth crust (i.e. Aeolian dust). On the other hand, anthropogenic activities and/or natural processes also generate significant numbers of particles in the ultrafine size range. Ultrafine particles (also referred as nano-particles) is considered as aerosol particles with the diameter less than 100 nm irrespectively their chemical composition. Due to their small size, these particles represent negligible mass portion in the total atmospheric particulate mass budget. On the other hand, these particles represent the majority of the total particle number budget and have the major contribution in the total aerosol surface distribution. Ultrafine particles are characterised by high mobility (diffusion) and low gravitational settling velocity. Consequently, these particles can be transported long distances and their atmospheric lifetime is relatively high (i.e. in the Accumulation Mode). Ultrafine particles play important role in the atmosphere as they take part in the atmospheric chemistry (high surface), impact the climate (sulphate vs. black carbon), and implies significant health effects due to their deep lung penetration and high mobility in the body. The Atmospheric Laboratory of Qatar University is conducting real-time monitoring of ultrafine particles and regularly taking aerosol samples for chemical analysis at the university campus. In this paper, recent results are presented regarding the size distribution and chemical composition of the ultrafine aerosol particles. Based on the concentration variation in time, sources of ultrafine particles can be clearly separated from the sources of fine or coarse particles. Several cases of new particle formation events have been observed and demonstrated in the paper, however, the precursors of the secondary aerosol particles are still unknown. Literature references suggest that among the sulphuric acid, iodine molecules can also play important role in new particle formation at coastal environments. Chemical analysis of size-segregated aerosol samples demonstrates that sulphate aerosol has a mean diameter at 300 nm that can be the Accumulation Mode of the previously nucleated sulphate particles. The mean diameter of black carbon particles was found at 180 nm. The new particle formation events were detected under 10 nm and particle concentration can reach up to 1.8x105 cm^-3 during severe events. The results demonstrate the significant natural and/or anthropogenic contribution of ultrafine particles to the total aerosol budget in an arid, coastal environment.

Philosophies Applied in the Selection of Space Suit Joint Range of Motion Requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aitchison, Lindsway; Ross, Amy; Matty, Jennifer

2009-01-01

Space suits are the most important tool for astronauts working in harsh space and planetary environments; suits keep crewmembers alive and allow them to perform exploration, construction, and scientific tasks on a routine basis over a period of several months. The efficiency with which the tasks are performed is largely dictated by the mobility features of the space suit. For previous space suit development programs, the mobility requirements were written as pure functional mobility requirements that did not separate joint ranges of motion from the joint torques. The Constellation Space Suit Element has the goal to make more quantitative mobility requirements that focused on the individual components of mobility to enable future suit designers to build and test systems more effectively. This paper details the test planning and selection process for the Constellation space suit pressure garment range of motion requirements.

Analysis of single quantum-dot mobility inside 1D nanochannel devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, H. T.; Segers-Nolten, I. M.; Tas, N. R.; van Honschoten, J. W.; Subramaniam, V.; Elwenspoek, M. C.

2011-07-01

We visualized individual quantum dots using a combination of a confining nanochannel and an ultra-sensitive microscope system, equipped with a high numerical aperture lens and a highly sensitive camera. The diffusion coefficients of the confined quantum dots were determined from the experimentally recorded trajectories according to the classical diffusion theory for Brownian motion in two dimensions. The calculated diffusion coefficients were three times smaller than those in bulk solution. These observations confirm and extend the results of Eichmann et al (2008 Langmuir 24 714-21) to smaller particle diameters and more narrow confinement. A detailed analysis shows that the observed reduction in mobility cannot be explained by conventional hydrodynamic theory.

[A Case of a Patient with Metastatic Rectal-Uterine Cancer from the Ascending Colon Who Underwent NOSE].

PubMed

Naito, Atsushi; Kato, Takeshi; Ishida, Tomo; Kuwahara, Ryuichi; Akiyama, Yasuki; Sakamato, Takuya; Inatome, Junichi; Murakami, Kohei; Katsura, Yoshiteru; Ohmura, Yoshiaki; Kagawa, Yoshinori; Takeno, Atsushi; Egawa, Chiyomi; Takeda, Yutaka; Tamura, Shigeyuki

2016-11-01

An 80-year-old woman had undergone a right hemicolectomy for ascending colon cancer 9 months prior to the current presentation. CT and PET-CT showed a solitary tumor measuring 55mm in diameter at the uterus and rectum. Three 5mm ports and two 12mm two ports were placed. The sigmoid colon was mobilized using a medial approach as usual in laparoscopic surgery. The rectum and uterus were mobilized and were resected. We inserted the End-catchTM in from the vagina and removed the specimen. The patient had no abdominal pain and was discharged from the hospital 9 days after the operation.

Frequency stabilization for mobile satellite terminals via LORAN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ernst, Gregory J.; Kee, Steven M.; Marquart, Robert C.

1990-01-01

Digital satellite communication systems require careful management of frequency stability. Historically, frequency stability has been accomplished by continuously powered, high cost, high performance reference oscillators. Today's low cost mobile satellite communication equipment must operate under wide ranging environmental conditions, stabilize quickly after application of power, and provide adequate performance margin to overcome RF link impairments unique to the land mobile environment. Methods for frequency stabilization in land mobile applications must meet these objectives without incurring excessive performance degradation. A frequency stabilization scheme utilizing the LORAN (Long Range Navigation) system is presented.

Isolation of >1 nm Diameter Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Species Using Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction.

PubMed

Fagan, Jeffrey A; Hároz, Erik H; Ihly, Rachelle; Gui, Hui; Blackburn, Jeffrey L; Simpson, Jeffrey R; Lam, Stephanie; Hight Walker, Angela R; Doorn, Stephen K; Zheng, Ming

2015-05-26

In this contribution we demonstrate the effective separation of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) species with diameters larger than 1 nm through multistage aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE), including isolation at the near-monochiral species level up to at least the diameter range of SWCNTs synthesized by electric arc synthesis (1.3-1.6 nm). We also demonstrate that refined species are readily obtained from both the metallic and semiconducting subpopulations of SWCNTs and that this methodology is effective for multiple SWCNT raw materials. Using these data, we report an empirical function for the necessary surfactant concentrations in the ATPE method for separating different SWCNTs into either the lower or upper phase as a function of SWCNT diameter. This empirical correlation enables predictive separation design and identifies a subset of SWCNTs that behave unusually as compared to other species. These results not only dramatically increase the range of SWCNT diameters to which species selective separation can be achieved but also demonstrate that aqueous two-phase separations can be designed across experimentally accessible ranges of surfactant concentrations to controllably separate SWCNT populations of very small (∼0.62 nm) to very large diameters (>1.7 nm). Together, the results reported here indicate that total separation of all SWCNT species is likely feasible by the ATPE method, especially given future development of multistage automated extraction techniques.

Electrospun Poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Kumbar, Sangamesh G.; Nukavarapu, Syam Prasad; James, Roshan; Nair, Lakshmi S.; Laurencin, Cato T.

2008-01-01

Electrospun fiber matrices composed of scaffolds of varying fiber diameters were investigated for potential application of severe skin loss. Few systematic studies have been performed to examine the effect of varying fiber diameter electrospun fiber matrices for skin regeneration. The present study reports the fabrication of poly[lactic acid-co-glycolic acid] (PLAGA) matrices with fiber diameters of 150–225, 200–300, 250–467, 500–900, 600–1200, 2500–3000 and 3250–6000 nm via electrospinning. All fiber matrices found to have a tensile modulus from 39.23 ± 8.15 to 79.21 ± 13.71 MPa which falls in the range for normal human skin. Further, the porous fiber matrices have porosity between 38–60 % and average pore diameters between 10–14µm. We evaluated the efficacy of these biodegradable fiber matrices as skin substitutes by seeding them with human skin fibroblasts (hSF). Human skin fibroblasts acquired a well spread morphology and showed significant progressive growth on fiber matrices in the 350–1100 nm diameter range. Collagen type III gene expression was significantly up-regulated in hSF seeded on matrices with fiber diameters in the range of 350–1100 nm. Based on the need, the proposed fiber skin substitutes can be successfully fabricated and optimized for skin fibroblast attachment and growth. PMID:18639927

A hybrid chip based on aerodynamics and electrostatics for the size-dependent classification of ultrafine and nano particles.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Ho; Park, Dongho; Hwang, Jungho; Kim, Yong-Jun

2009-09-21

Conventional virtual impactors experience a large pressure drop when they classify particles according to size, in particular ultrafine particles smaller than 100 nm in diameter. Therefore, most virtual impactors have been used to classify particles larger than 100 nm. Their cut-off diameters are also fixed by the geometry of their flow channels. In the proposed virtual impactor, particles smaller than 100 nm are accelerated by applying DC potentials to an integrated electrode pair. By the electrical acceleration, the large pressure drop could be significantly decreased and new cut-off diameters smaller than 100 nm could be successfully added. The geometric cut-off diameter (GCD) of the proposed virtual impactor was designed to be 1.0 microm. Performances including the GCD and wall loss were examined by classifying dioctyl sebacate of 100 to 600 nm in size and carbon particles of 0.6 to 10 microm in size. The GCD was measured to be 0.95 microm, and the wall loss was highest at 1.1 microm. To add new cut-off diameters, monodisperse NaCl particles ranging from 15 to 70 nm were classified using the proposed virtual impactor with applying a DC potential of 0.25 to 3.0 kV. In this range of the potential, the new cut-off diameters ranging from 15 to 35 nm was added.

Does this range suit me? Range satisfaction of battery electric vehicle users.

PubMed

Franke, Thomas; Günther, Madlen; Trantow, Maria; Krems, Josef F

2017-11-01

User satisfaction is a vital design criterion for sustainable systems. The present research aimed to understand factors relating to individually perceived range satisfaction of battery electric vehicle (BEV) users. Data from a large-scale BEV field trial (N = 72) were analyzed. Apart from an initial drop in range satisfaction, increasing practical experience was related to increased range satisfaction. Classical indicators of users' mobility profiles (daily travel distances) were only weakly related to lower range satisfaction (not significant), after controlling for practical experience and preferred coverage of mobility needs. The regularity/predictability of users' mobility patterns, the percentage of journeys not coverable because of range issues, and users' individual comfortable range accounted for variance in range satisfaction. Finally, range satisfaction was related to key indicators of general BEV acceptance (e.g., purchase intentions). These results underline the complex dynamics involved in individual range satisfaction, as well as its central role for BEV acceptance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Size Dependent Elemental Composition of Road-Associated Particles

PubMed Central

McKenzie, Erica R.; Wong, Carol M.; Green, Peter G.; Kayhanian, Masoud; Young, Thomas M.

2009-01-01

Stormwater particles often provide transport for metals and other contaminants, however only larger particles are effectively removed by typical best management practices. Fine particles and their associated constituents are more likely to reach receiving waters; this merits further investigation regarding the metal contribution of fine (dp<10 μm) and very fine (dp <1.5 μm) particles. Road associated particles were collected by vacuuming a road surface and by collecting highway stormwater runoff. A cell sorter was employed to sort road associated particles into four size ranges: 0.1–0.3, 0.3–0.5, 0.5–1.0, and 1.0–1.5 μm. These very fine particles, along with six particle size ranges (total range <2–63 μm) separated using a settling column, were analyzed for Al, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Enrichment factors (EFs), calculated using Al as a basis to represent crustal contributions, were similar for the vacuumed road dust and the stormwater runoff. Fe and Mn were minimally depleted (0.1x) or near unity for all size ranges (Fe EF range 0.01–3.7; Mn EF range 0.02–10.6). Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb were moderately (10x) to considerably (>100x) enriched for most size ranges; these metals were most enriched in the very fine fractions (max EF~4900 in Zn, 0.1–0.3 μm). Based on this preliminary study, a cell sorter is an acceptable means of fractionating aqueous particles of diameter 0.1–1.5 μm. In spite of their minimal relative mass contribution, the very fine particles are environmentally relevant due to their mobility and enrichment in potentially toxic metals.. PMID:18433840

A case-case study of mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma risk in Japan.

PubMed

Sato, Yasuto; Akiba, Suminori; Kubo, Osami; Yamaguchi, Naohito

2011-02-01

Results of case-control studies of mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma have been inconsistent. We conducted a case-case study of mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma using a self-administered postal questionnaire. A total of 1589 cases identified in 22 hospitals throughout Japan were invited to participate, and 787 cases (51%) actually participated. Associations between laterality of mobile phone use prior to the reference dates (1 and 5 years before diagnosis) and tumor location were analyzed. The overall risk ratio was 1.08 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.93-1.28) for regular mobile phone use until 1 year before diagnosis and 1.14 (95% CI, 0.96-1.40) for regular mobile phone use until 5 years before diagnosis. A significantly increased risk was identified for mobile phone use for >20 min/day on average, with risk ratios of 2.74 at 1 year before diagnosis, and 3.08 at 5 years before diagnosis. Cases with ipsilateral combination of tumor location and more frequently used ear were found to have tumors with smaller diameters, suggesting an effect of detection bias. Furthermore, analysis of the distribution of left and right tumors suggested an effect of tumor-side-related recall bias for recall of mobile phone use at 5 years before diagnosis. The increased risk identified for mobile phone users with average call duration >20 min/day should be interpreted with caution, taking into account the possibilities of detection and recall biases. However, we could not conclude that the increased risk was entirely explicable by these biases, leaving open the possibility that mobile phone use increased the risk of acoustic neuroma. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Modeling light scattering in the shadow region behind thin cylinders for diameter analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blohm, Werner

2018-03-01

In this paper, the scattered light intensities resulting in the shadow region at an observation plane behind monochromatically illuminated circular cylinders are modeled by sinusoidal sequences having a squared dependence on spatial position in the observation plane. Whereas two sinusoidal components appear to be sufficient for modeling the light distribution behind intransparent cylinders, at least three sinusoidal components are necessary for transparent cylinders. Based on this model, a novel evaluation algorithm for a very fast retrieval of the diameter of thin cylindrical products like metallic wires and transparent fibers is presented. This algorithm was tested in a cylinder diameter range typical for these products (d ≈ 70 … 150 μm; n ≈ 1.5). Numerical examples are given to illustrate its application by using both synthetic and experimental scattering data. Diameter accuracies below 0.05 μm could be achieved for intransparent cylinders in the tested diameter range. However, scattering effects due to morphological-dependent resonances (MDRs) are problematical in the diameter analysis of transparent products. In order to incorporate these effects into the model, further investigations are needed.

Mobile Disdrometer Observations of Nocturnal Mesoscale Convective Systems During PECAN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodine, D. J.; Rasmussen, K. L.

2015-12-01

Understanding microphysical processes in nocturnal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) is an important objective of the Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) experiment, which occurred from 1 June - 15 July 2015 in the central Great Plains region of the United States. Observations of MCSs were collected using a large array of mobile and fixed instrumentation, including ground-based radars, soundings, PECAN Integrated Sounding Arrays (PISAs), and aircraft. In addition to these observations, three mobile Parsivel disdrometers were deployed to obtain drop-size distribution (DSD) measurements to further explore microphysical processes in convective and stratiform regions of nocturnal MCSs. Disdrometers were deployed within close range of a multiple frequency network of mobile and fixed dual-polarization radars (5 - 30 km range), and near mobile sounding units and PISAs. Using mobile disdrometer and multiple-wavelength, dual-polarization radar data, microphysical properties of convective and stratiform regions of MCSs are investigated. The analysis will also examine coordinated Range-Height Indicator (RHI) scans over the disdrometers to elucidate vertical DSD structure. Analysis of dense observations obtained during PECAN in combination with mobile disdrometer DSD measurements contributes to a greater understanding of the structural characteristics and evolution of nocturnal MCSs.

Calibration of the forward-scattering spectrometer probe - Modeling scattering from a multimode laser beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovenac, Edward A.; Lock, James A.

1993-01-01

Scattering calculations using a detailed model of the multimode laser beam in the forward-scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP) were carried out using a recently developed extension to Mie scattering theory. From this model, new calibration curves for the FSSP were calculated. The difference between the old calibration curves and the new ones is small for droplet diameters less than 10 microns, but the difference increases to approximately 10 percent at diameters of 50 microns. When using glass beads to calibrate the FSSP, calibration errors can be minimized by using glass beads of many different diameters, over the entire range of the FSSP. If the FSSP is calibrated using one-diameter glass beads, then the new formalism is necessary to extrapolate the calibration over the entire range.

Calibration of the Forward-scattering Spectrometer Probe: Modeling Scattering from a Multimode Laser Beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovenac, Edward A.; Lock, James A.

1993-01-01

Scattering calculations using a more detailed model of the multimode laser beam in the forward-scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP) were carried out by using a recently developed extension to Mie scattering theory. From this model, new calibration curves for the FSSP were calculated. The difference between the old calibration curves and the new ones is small for droplet diameters less than 10 micrometers, but the difference increases to approximately 10% at diameters of 50 micrometers. When using glass beads to calibrate the FSSP, calibration errors can be minimized, by using glass beads of many different diameters, over the entire range of the FSSP. If the FSSP is calibrated using one-diameter glass beads, then the new formalism is necessary to extrapolate the calibration over the entire range.

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

Dam, Dick van, E-mail: a.d.v.dam@tue.nl; Haverkort, Jos E. M.; Abujetas, Diego R.

The emission from nanowires can couple to waveguide modes supported by the nanowire geometry, thus governing the far-field angular pattern. To investigate the geometry-induced coupling of the emission to waveguide modes, we acquire Fourier microscopy images of the photoluminescence of nanowires with diameters ranging from 143 to 208 nm. From the investigated diameter range, we conclude that a few nanometers difference in diameter can abruptly change the coupling of the emission to a specific mode. Moreover, we observe a diameter-dependent width of the Gaussian-shaped angular pattern in the far-field emission. This dependence is understood in terms of interference of the guidedmore » modes, which emit at the end facets of the nanowire. Our results are important for the design of quantum emitters, solid state lighting, and photovoltaic devices based on nanowires.« less

Charge-carrier mobilities in Cd(0.8)Zn(0.2)Te single crystals used as nuclear radiation detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burshtein, Z.; Jayatirtha, H. N.; Burger, A.; Butler, J. F.; Apotovsky, B.; Doty, F. P.

1993-01-01

Charge-carrier mobilities were measured for the first time in Cd(0.8)Zn(0.2)Te single crystals using time-of-flight measurements of charge carriers produced by short (10 ns) light pulses from a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). The electron mobility displayed a T exp -1.1 dependence on the absolute temperature T in the range 200-320 K, with a room-temperature mobility of 1350 sq cm/V s. The hole mobility displayed a T exp -2.0 dependence in the same temperature range, with a room-temperature mobility of 120 sq cm/V s. Cd(0.8)Zn(0.2)Te appears to be a very favorable material for a room-temperature electronic nuclear radiation detector.

Comparison of the low contact stress and press fit condylar rotating-platform mobile-bearing prostheses in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Hoo; Kim, Jun-Shik; Park, Jang-Won; Joo, Jong-Hwan

2011-06-01

To our knowledge, no study to date has compared the clinical results of posterior cruciate-sacrificing mobile-bearing total knee replacements with those of posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing total knee replacements in the same patients. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results of these two designs. We hypothesized that the results would be better for knees treated with the posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing prosthesis. The present study consisted of a consecutive series of 107 female patients (mean age, 66.8 years) who underwent bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty at the same surgical setting. All of these patients received a posterior cruciate-sacrificing mobile-bearing prosthesis in one knee and a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing prosthesis in the contralateral knee. At the time of each follow-up (mean, 7.4 years; range, seven to 7.6 years), the patients were assessed clinically. The mean postoperative Knee Society knee score (96 compared with 97 points) and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (93 compared with 94 points) were similar between the two groups. At the time of the latest follow-up, the average range of motion was 127.7° (range, 70° to 150°) in the knees with a posterior cruciate-sacrificing mobile-bearing prosthesis and 132.4° (range, 90° to 150°) in the knees with a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing prosthesis. With a margin of error of the manual measurement of 5°, this difference was not significant. The estimated survival rate was 97.2% (95% confidence interval, 91% to 99%) at seven years in the posterior-cruciate sacrificing mobile-bearing prosthesis group and 98.1% (95% confidence interval, 92% to 99%) at seven years in the posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing prosthesis group. After a minimum duration of follow-up of seven years, we found no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the clinical and radiographic results, including knee range of motion.

Reduction of the Areolar Diameter After Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction for Gynecomastia.

PubMed

Keskin, Mustafa; Sutcu, Mustafa; Hanci, Mustafa; Cigsar, Bulent

2017-08-01

One of the clinical aspects characterizing gynecomastia is the enlargement of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) due to hypertrophic breast glands, and the excessive fatty tissue underneath. The purpose of this study was to quantify the reduction of the areolar diameter after ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) of the male breast. The horizontal diameters of the NACs of 30 men who underwent UAL were measured before surgery, 1 month after surgery and 6 months after surgery in a standard fashion. Those patients with surgical gland removals of any kind were not included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 27.9 years, and all of the patients had bilateral grade I, II, or III gynecomastia. The mean diameter of the NACs before surgery was 35.36 mm (range, 26-55 mm), and after surgery, the mean diameter of the NACs was initially reduced to 28.8 mm (range, 23-44 mm) and later to 28.57 mm (range, 23-42 mm). The mean volume of breast tissue aspirated was 382 mL per breast, and the percentage of reduction was 17.3%. The reduction of areola diameter was statistically significant after first month. A significant positive correlation was identified between the liposuction volume and areolar diameter reduction. In cases of gynecomastia, the removal of the glandular and fatty tissue underneath the areola releases the expanding forces and pressure that enlarge it. In many cases of gynecomastia, UAL alone is effective in reducing the size of the NAC and allows the surgeon to avoid placing scars on the breast.

Fine root morphological traits determine variation in root respiration of Quercus serrata.

PubMed

Makita, Naoki; Hirano, Yasuhiro; Dannoura, Masako; Kominami, Yuji; Mizoguchi, Takeo; Ishii, Hiroaki; Kanazawa, Yoichi

2009-04-01

Fine root respiration is a significant component of carbon cycling in forest ecosystems. Although fine roots differ functionally from coarse roots, these root types have been distinguished based on arbitrary diameter cut-offs (e.g., 2 or 5 mm). Fine root morphology is directly related to physiological function, but few attempts have been made to understand the relationships between morphology and respiration of fine roots. To examine relationships between respiration rates and morphological traits of fine roots (0.15-1.4 mm in diameter) of mature Quercus serrata Murr., we measured respiration of small fine root segments in the field with a portable closed static chamber system. We found a significant power relationship between mean root diameter and respiration rate. Respiration rates of roots<0.4 mm in mean diameter were high and variable, ranging from 3.8 to 11.3 nmol CO2 g(-1) s(-1), compared with those of larger diameter roots (0.4-1.4 mm), which ranged from 1.8 to 3.0 nmol CO2 g(-1) s(-1). Fine root respiration rate was positively correlated with specific root length (SRL) as well as with root nitrogen (N) concentration. For roots<0.4 mm in diameter, SRL had a wider range (11.3-80.4 m g(-1)) and was more strongly correlated with respiration rate than diameter. Our results indicate that a more detailed classification of fine roots<2.0 mm is needed to represent the heterogeneity of root respiration and to evaluate root biomass and root morphological traits.

Gel electrophoretic isolation, in the hundred microgram range, of recombinant SDS-syntaxin from sea urchin egg cortical vesicles.

PubMed

Li, Y M; Chrambach, A

2001-11-01

Recombinant urchin syntaxin [Xa cut], electrophoresed at pH 9.0 (25 degrees C) or 10.2 (0 degrees C) in a discontinuous Tris-chloride-glycinate buffer system in the presence of 0.03% SDS in the catholyte, exhibits a multicomponent pattern in gels of a polyacrylamide concentration of 12% and 3% crosslinking. The position in the pattern of the syntaxin band was identified by reference to electropherograms of a previous study (P. Backlund, pers. comm.). The complexity of the protein composition of the preparation was reduced by selective stacking of proteins with mobilities greater than that of syntaxin. This provides a gel pattern consisting of two bands with mobilities close to that identified as syntaxin, as well as a minor, more slowly migrating, contaminant. The two major components are designated as S1 and S2, the latter being the larger species. In the absence of SDS, the preparation exhibits two pairs of protein components. Three of the proteins are charge isomers, i.e., of equal size, differing only in net charge, assumed to be forms of S1, while the fourth component is larger and is assumed to be S2. Aliquots of the preparation, containing 150 microg of protein were loaded on a cylindrical polyacrylamide gel of 18 mm diameter, and separated S1 and S2 were excised in a position defined by their characteristic values of relative mobility (Rf). Two or three gel slices, corresponding in Rf to S1 or S2, were pooled and loaded onto a Stacking Gel (5% polyacrylamide, 20% cross-linked) of 18 mm diameter, equipped with a collection chamber of 200 microL volume. The protein was electroeluted from the gel slices and concentrated into a stack by electrophoresis. The stack, marked by bromphenolblue, was allowed to migrate into the collection chamber, was collected and analyzed by protein assay and re-electrophoresis. Re-electrophoresis of S1 shows that it consists of at least three components. Recovered S1 constitutes 47% of the preparation, based on protein assay, S2 4%. S1, isolated from SDS-PAGE, exhibits an apparent Mr of 22.7 kDa, S2 one of 34.5 kDa, similar to the value of 32.6 kDa expected from the structure of syntaxin. The absence of S2 from the electroeluate re-electrophoresed at 0 degrees C and their molecular weight relationship suggest a proteolytic transformation of S2 to S1.

Biomechanical evaluation of different instrumentation for spinal stabilisation.

PubMed

Graftiaux, A G; Wattier, B; Gentil, P; Mazel, C; Skalli, W; Diop, A; Kehr, P H; Lavaste, F

1995-12-01

The varying problems following arthrodesis of the lumbar spine with rods or plates (too much rigidity for the first and insufficient stability for the second) have led us to conceive another type of material, flexible but with enough stability, to favorise healing of bone graft, and decrease the induced pathology on adjacent levels. An experimental study of three types of material: rigid, semi-rigid and flexible was performed on eighteen fresh cadaver spinal segments without and then with discectomy and corporectomy to find out the various types of behaviour. The flexible device seems more supple than the other materials tested: more mobility, less stiffness. Rising hysteresis is explained by plastic deformation. The semi-rigid device presents strong osseous stresses on the L3 level and a large hysteresis corresponding most likely to a mobility between the screws and plates. The rigid device has less mobility, especially in torsion, ascribed to the transverse connection. The stability is high with a small hysteresis. This is of value for bone loss or instability with displacement of the vertebral body.The second study was a modeling of the flexible device validated by comparison to the experimental study. The strains in the wire were high, decreasing with increasing diameter, but is still lower than the elastic limit. The proximity of the elastic limit may allow plastic deformation of the wire. Howewer less strains were found on the screw fixation but increase with the increase diameter of the wire. The influence of the bone quality on the behavior of the device was demonstrated.

Technology Base Seminar Wargame 2 (TBSWG 2). Volume 1. Summary Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-16

nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) and ballistic protection without reducing soldier mobility . Training and rehearsal systems will allow the...7 KNOW WHERE THE ENEMY IS ALL THE TIME SENSOR FIDEUTY INFORMATION FUSION 3 RANGE OF COMMO 4 RANGE OF FIRES S PRECISION MUNITIONS 6 RAPID MOBILITY 7...and .nfo Precision Problems and TECNOLOGIES Fusion) Fires Mobility Advanced Materials/ Material Processing 0) Advanced Propulsion Advanced Signal

Tailoring MCM-41 mesoporous silica particles through modified sol-gel process for gas separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sang, Wong Yean; Ching, Oh Pei

2017-10-01

Mobil Composition of Matter-41 (MCM-41) is recognized as a potential filler to enhance permeability of mixed matrix membrane (MMM). However, the required loading for available micron-sized MCM-41 was considerably high in order to achieve desired separation performance. In this work, reduced-size MCM-41 was synthesized to minimize filler loading, improve surface modification and enhance polymer-filler compatibility during membrane fabrication. The effect of reaction condition, stirring rate and type of post-synthesis washing solution used on particle diameter of resultant MCM-41 were investigated. It was found that MCM-41 produced at room temperature condition yield particles with smaller diameter, higher specific surface area and enhanced mesopore structure. Increase of stirring rate up to 500 rpm during synthesis also reduced the particle diameter. In addition, replacing water with methanol as the post-synthesis washing solution to remove bromide ions from the precipitate was able to further reduce the particle size by inhibiting polycondensation reaction.

Gravity-Independent Mobility and Drilling on Natural Rock using Microspines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parness, Aaron; Frost, Matthew; Thatte, Nitish; King, Jonathan P.

2012-01-01

To grip rocks on the surfaces of asteroids and comets, and to grip the cliff faces and lava tubes of Mars, a 250 mm diameter omni-directional anchor is presented that utilizes a hierarchical array of claws with suspension flexures, called microspines, to create fast, strong attachment. Prototypes have been demonstrated on vesicular basalt and a'a lava rock supporting forces in all directions away from the rock. Each anchor can support >160 N tangent, >150 N at 45?, and >180 N normal to the surface of the rock. A two-actuator selectively- compliant ankle interfaces these anchors to the Lemur IIB robot for climbing trials. A rotary percussive drill was also integrated into the anchor, demonstrating self-contained rock coring regardless of gravitational orientation. As a harder- than-zero-g proof of concept, 20mm diameter boreholes were drilled 83 mm deep in vesicular basalt samples, retaining a 12 mm diameter rock core in 3-6 pieces while in an inverted configuration, literally drilling into the ceiling.

Small Particle Driven Chain Disentanglements in Polymer Nanocomposites

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

Senses, Erkan; Ansar, Siyam M.; Kitchens, Christopher L.

2017-04-01

Using neutron spin-echo spectroscopy, X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and bulk rheology, we studied the effect of particle size on the single chain dynamics, particle mobility, and bulk viscosity in athermal polyethylene oxide-gold nanoparticle composites. The results reveal an ≈ 25 % increase in the reptation tube diameter with addition of nanoparticles smaller than the entanglement mesh size (≈ 5 nm), at a volume fraction of 20 %. The tube diameter remains unchanged in the composite with larger (20 nm) nanoparticles at the same loading. In both cases, the Rouse dynamics is insensitive to particle size. These results provide a directmore » experimental observation of particle size driven disentanglements that can cause non-Einstein-like viscosity trends often observed in polymer nanocomposites.« less

Droplet impact dynamics for two liquids impinging on anisotropic superhydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearson, John T.; Maynes, Daniel; Webb, Brent W.

2012-09-01

Droplet impingement experiments were performed on grooved hydrophobic surfaces with cavity fractions of 0, 80, and 93 % using droplets of water and a 50 %/50 % water/glycerol mixture. The influence of liquid viscosity, cavity fraction, and spreading direction, relative to the surface grooves, is explored qualitatively and quantitatively. The maximum droplet spread diameter, velocity of the rebounding jet, and the time delay between droplet impact and jet emission were characterized for Weber numbers, We, based on droplet impact speed and diameter, up to 500. The unequal shear stresses and contact angles influence the maximum spread diameters in the two primary spread directions. At We > 100, the ratio of the spread diameter along the direction of the grooves to the spread diameter perpendicular to the grooves increases above unity with increasing We. The maximum droplet spread diameter is compared to recent predictive models, and the data reveal differing behavior for the two fluids considered. The results also reveal the existence of very high relative jet velocities in the range 5 ≤ We ≤ 15 for water droplets, while such jets were not observed for the more viscous mixture. Further, in the range 115 ≤ We ≤ 265, the water/glycerol jet formation dynamics are radically different from the water behavior. Most evident is the existence of two-pronged jets, which arise from the anisotropy of the surface and the unequal shear stresses and contact angles that prevail on the surfaces. It is these influences that give rise to differences in the maximum spread diameters in the two primary spread directions. Similar two-pronged jet emission was observed for water over the very narrow range of We from 91 to 96. The issuing jet velocities were also observed to increase with increasing cavity fraction for both fluids and over the entire range of We explored. Lastly, the elapsed time between droplet impact and jet emission decreased with increasing cavity fraction.

Nanoparticle transport in water-unsaturated porous media: effects of solution ionic strength and flow rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prédélus, Dieuseul; Lassabatere, Laurent; Louis, Cédric; Gehan, Hélène; Brichart, Thomas; Winiarski, Thierry; Angulo-Jaramillo, Rafael

2017-03-01

This paper presents the influence of ionic strength and flow on nanoparticle (NP) retention rate in an unsaturated calcareous medium, originating from a heterogeneous glaciofluvial deposit of the region of Lyon (France). Laboratory columns 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length were used. Silica nanoparticles (Au-SiO2-FluoNPs), with hydrodynamic diameter ranging from 50 to 60 nm and labeled with fluorescein derivatives, were used to simulate particle transport, and bromide was used to characterize flow. Three flow rates and five different ionic strengths were tested. The transfer model based on fractionation of water into mobile and immobile fractions was coupled with the attachment/detachment model to fit NPs breakthrough curves. The results show that increasing flow velocity induces a decrease in nanoparticle retention, probably as the result of several physical but also geochemical factors. The results show that NPs retention increases with ionic strength. However, an inversion of retention occurs for ionic strength >5.10-2 M, which has been scarcely observed in previous studies. The measure of zeta potential and DLVO calculations show that NPs may sorb on both solid-water and air-water interfaces. NPs size distribution shows the potential for nanoparticle agglomeration mostly at low pH, leading to entrapment in the soil pores. These mechanisms are highly sensitive to both hydrodynamic and geochemical conditions, which explains their high sensitivity to flow rates and ionic strength.

Experimental investigation of the effect of inlet particle properties on the capture efficiency in an exhaust particulate filter

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

Viswanathan, Sandeep; Rothamer, David; Zelenyuk, Alla

The impact of inlet particle properties on the filtration performance of clean and particulate matter (PM) laden cordierite filter samples was evaluated using PM generated by a spark-ignition direct-injection (SIDI) engine fuelled with tier II EEE certification gasoline. Prior to the filtration experiments, a scanning mobility particle spectrometer (SMPS) was used to measure the electrical-mobility based particle size distribution (PSD) in the SIDI exhaust from distinct engine operating conditions. An advanced aerosol characterization system that comprised of a centrifugal particle mass analyser (CPMA), a differential mobility analyser (DMA), and a single particle mass spectrometer (SPLAT II) was used to obtainmore » additional information on the SIDI particulate, including particle composition, mass, and dynamic shape factors (DSFs) in the transition () and free-molecular () flow regimes. During the filtration experiments, real-time measurements of PSDs upstream and downstream of the filter sample were used to estimate the filtration performance and the total trapped mass within the filter using an integrated particle size distribution method. The filter loading process was paused multiple times to evaluate the filtration performance in the partially loaded state. The change in vacuum aerodynamic diameter () distribution of mass-selected particles was examined for flow through the filter to identify whether preferential capture of particles of certain shapes occurred in the filter. The filter was also probed using different inlet PSDs to understand their impact on particle capture within the filter sample. Results from the filtration experiment suggest that pausing the filter loading process and subsequently performing the filter probing experiments did not impact the overall evolution of filtration performance. Within the present distribution of particle sizes, filter efficiency was independent of particle shape potentially due to the diffusion-dominant filtration process. Particle mobility diameter and trapped mass within the filter appeared to be the dominant parameters that impacted filter performance.« less

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

Stephen Seong Lee

Fuel flow to individual burners is complicated and difficult to determine on coal fired boilers, since coal solids were transported in a gas suspension that is governed by the complex physics of two-phase flow. The objectives of the project were the measurements of suspended coal solids-flows in the simulated test conditions. Various extractive methods were performed manually and can give only a snapshot result of fuel distribution. In order to measure particle diameter & velocity, laser based phase-Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) were carefully applied. Statistical methods were used to analyze particle characteristics to see whichmore » factors have significant effect. The transparent duct model was carefully designed and fabricated for the laser-based-instrumentation of solids-flow monitoring (LISM). The experiments were conducted with two different kinds of particles with four different particle diameters. The particle types were organic particles and saw dust particles with the diameter range of 75-150 micron, 150-250 micron, 250-355 micron and 355-425 micron. The densities of the particles were measured to see how the densities affected the test results. Also the experiment was conducted with humid particles and fog particles. To generate humid particles, the humidifier was used. A pipe was connected to the humidifier to lead the particle flow to the intersection of the laser beam. The test results of the particle diameter indicated that, the mean diameter of humid particles was between 6.1703 microns and 6.6947 microns when the humid particle flow was low. When the humid particle flow was high, the mean diameter was between 6.6728 microns and 7.1872 microns. The test results of the particle mean velocity indicated that the mean velocity was between 1.3394 m/sec and 1.4556 m/sec at low humid particle flow. When the humid particle flow was high, the mean velocity was between 1.5694 m/sec and 1.7856 m/sec. The Air Flow Module, TQ AF 17 and shell ondina oil were used to generate fog particles. After the oil was heated inside the fog generator, the blower was used to generate the fog. The fog flew along the pipe to the intersection of the laser beam. The mean diameter of the fog particles was 5.765 microns. Compared with the humid particle diameter, we observed that the mean diameter of the fog particles was smaller than the humid particles. The test results of particle mean velocity was about 3.76 m/sec. Compared with the mean velocity of the humid particles, we can observed the mean velocity of fog particles were greater than humid particles. The experiments were conducted with four different kinds of particles with five different particle diameters. The particle types were organic particles, coal particles, potato particles and wheat particles with the diameter range of 63-75 micron, less than 150 micron, 150-250 micron, 250-355 micron and 355-425 micron. To control the flow rate, the control gate of the particle dispensing hopper was adjusted to 1/16 open rate, 1/8 open rate and 1/4 open rate. The captured image range was 0 cm to 5 cm from the control gate, 5 cm to 10 cm from the control gate and 10 cm to 15 cm from the control gate. Some of these experiments were conducted under both open environment conditions and closed environment conditions. Thus these experiments had a total of five parameters which were type of particles, diameter of particles, flow rate, observation range, and environment conditions. The coal particles (diameter between 63 and 75 microns) tested under the closed environment condition had three factors that were considered as the affecting factors. They were open rate, observation range, and environment conditions. In this experiment, the interaction of open rate and observation range had a significant effect on the lower limit. On the upper limit, the open rate and environment conditions had a significant effect. In addition, the interaction of open rate and environment conditions had a significant effect. The coal particles tested (diameter between 63 and 75 microns) under open environment, two factors were that considered as the affecting factors. They were the open rate and observation ranges. In this experiment, there was no significant effect on the lower limit. On the upper limit, the observation range had a significant effect. In addition, the interaction of open rate and observation range had a significant effect for the source of variation with 95% of confidence based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) results.« less

TU-CD-207-11: Patient-Driven Automatic Exposure Control for Dedicated Breast CT

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

Hernandez, A; Gazi, P; Department of Radiology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA

Purpose: To implement automatic exposure control (AEC) in dedicated breast CT (bCT) on a patient-specific basis using only the pre-scan scout views. Methods: Using a large cohort (N=153) of bCT data sets, the breast effective diameter (D) and width in orthogonal planes (Wa,Wb) were calculated from the reconstructed bCT image and pre-scan scout views, respectively. D, Wa, and Wb were measured at the breast center-of-mass (COM), making use of the known geometry of our bCT system. These data were then fit to a second-order polynomial “D=F(Wa,Wb)” in a least squares sense in order to provide a functional form for determiningmore » the breast diameter. The coefficient of determination (R{sup 2}) and mean percent error between the measured breast diameter and fit breast diameter were used to evaluate the overall robustness of the polynomial fit. Lastly, previously-reported bCT technique factors derived from Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine the tube current required for each breast diameter in order to match two-view mammographic dose levels. Results: F(Wa,Wb) provided fitted breast diameters in agreement with the measured breast diameters resulting in R{sup 2} values ranging from 0.908 to 0.929 and mean percent errors ranging from 3.2% to 3.7%. For all 153 bCT data sets used in this study, the fitted breast diameters ranged from 7.9 cm to 15.7 cm corresponding to tube current values ranging from 0.6 mA to 4.9 mA in order to deliver the same dose as two-view mammography in a 50% glandular breast with a 80 kV x-ray beam and 16.6 second scan time. Conclusion: The present work provides a robust framework for AEC in dedicated bCT using only the width measurements derived from the two orthogonal pre-scan scout views. Future work will investigate how these automatically chosen exposure levels affect the quality of the reconstructed image.« less

Applicability of the beamed power concept to lunar rovers, construction, mining, explorers and other mobile equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christian, Jose L., Jr.

1989-01-01

Some of the technical issues dealing with the feasibility of high power (10 Kw to 100 Kw) mobile manned equipment for settlement, exploration and exploitation of Lunar resources are addressed. Short range mining/construction equipment, a moderate range (50 Km) exploration vehicle, and an unlimited range explorer are discussed.

Diffusion of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes in the mitochondrial matrix in vivo. Evidence for restricted mobility of a multienzyme complex.

PubMed

Haggie, Peter M; Verkman, A S

2002-10-25

It has been proposed that enzymes in many metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix, are physically associated to facilitate substrate channeling and overcome diffusive barriers. We have used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to measure the diffusional mobilities of chimeras consisting of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the C terminus of four tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes: malate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and succinyl-CoA synthetase. The GFP-enzyme chimeras were localized selectively in the mitochondrial matrix in transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and COS7 cells. Laser photobleaching using a 0.7-microm diameter spot demonstrated restricted diffusion of the GFP-enzyme chimeras. Interestingly, all four chimeras had similar diffusional characteristics, approximately 45% of each chimera was mobile and had a diffusion coefficient of 4 x 10(-8) cm(2)/s. In contrast, unconjugated GFP in the mitochondrial matrix (targeted using COX8 leader sequence) diffused freely (nearly 100% mobility) with a greater diffusion coefficient of 20 x 10(-8) cm(2)/s. The mobility of the GFP-enzyme chimeras was insensitive to substrate source, ATP depletion, or inhibition of the adenine nucleotide translocase. These results indicate similar mobility characteristics of unrelated tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes having different sizes and physical properties, providing biophysical evidence for a diffusible multienzyme complex in the mitochondrial matrix.

High Sensitivity Refractometer Based on Reflective Smf-Small Diameter No Core Fiber Structure.

PubMed

Zhou, Guorui; Wu, Qiang; Kumar, Rahul; Ng, Wai Pang; Liu, Hao; Niu, Longfei; Lalam, Nageswara; Yuan, Xiaodong; Semenova, Yuliya; Farrell, Gerald; Yuan, Jinhui; Yu, Chongxiu; Zeng, Jie; Tian, Gui Yun; Fu, Yong Qing

2017-06-16

A high sensitivity refractive index sensor based on a single mode-small diameter no core fiber structure is proposed. In this structure, a small diameter no core fiber (SDNCF) used as a sensor probe, was fusion spliced to the end face of a traditional single mode fiber (SMF) and the end face of the SDNCF was coated with a thin film of gold to provide reflective light. The influence of SDNCF diameter and length on the refractive index sensitivity of the sensor has been investigated by both simulations and experiments, where results show that the diameter of SDNCF has significant influence. However, SDNCF length has limited influence on the sensitivity. Experimental results show that a sensitivity of 327 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) has been achieved for refractive indices ranging from 1.33 to 1.38, which agrees well with the simulated results with a sensitivity of 349.5 nm/RIU at refractive indices ranging from 1.33 to 1.38.

Diameter growth of upland oaks after thinning

Treesearch

Donald E. Hilt

1979-01-01

Diameter growth rates of the 40 largest trees per acre on 154 permanent plots in Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Iowa were analyzed to determine the effects of thinning in upland oak stands. The plots were established over a wide range of stocking levels, stand age, and site conditions. Thinning resulted in increased diameter growth of the residual trees, regardless of...

Hair root diameter measurement as an indicator of protein deficiency in nonhospitalized alcoholics.

PubMed

Bregar, R R; Gordon, M; Whitney, E N

1978-02-01

Protein status of alcoholics admitted to a detoxification center was investigated with a view to adapting a hair root test for use in screening for protein deficiency. Hair root volume and hair root diameter had previously been shown to correlate well with hair root protein and to be sensitive indicators of protein deficiency. Hair root volumes in this study correlated well with mean maximum hair root diameters (n = 35, r = 0.9), which were simpler to measure, so diameter measurements were used. Mean maximum hair root diameters (range 0.02 to 0.19 mm) correlated with plasma RNase concentrations (range 6000 to 14,000 units/ml; n = 17, r = -0.7). Mean hair diameters of 84 alcoholics averaged 0.0864 +/- 0.0366 mm; those of 25 nonalcoholics were significantly greater: 0.100 +/- 0.0254 mm (P less than 0.05). Frequency of occurrence of hair root diameters of 0.06 mm or less was significantly higher in 71 alcoholics (29.5%) than in 23 nonalcoholics (8.6%) matched by age. Mean hair root diameters of 0.06 mm or less therefore can be used to signify protein deficiency where more expensive or technically demanding tests are not feasible. Protein deficiency occurs extensively in non hospitalized alcoholics. This method enables staff to single out those clients most likely to be in need of nutritional counseling and therapy.

Separation and recovery of fine particles from waste circuit boards using an inflatable tapered diameter separation bed.

PubMed

Duan, Chenlong; Sheng, Cheng; Wu, Lingling; Zhao, Yuemin; He, Jinfeng; Zhou, Enhui

2014-01-01

Recovering particle materials from discarded printed circuit boards can enhance resource recycling and reduce environmental pollution. Efficiently physically separating and recovering fine metal particles (-0.5 mm) from the circuit boards are a key recycling challenge. To do this, a new type of separator, an inflatable tapered diameter separation bed, was developed to study particle motion and separation mechanisms in the bed's fluid flow field. For 0.5-0.25 mm circuit board particles, metal recovery rates ranged from 87.56 to 94.17%, and separation efficiencies ranged from 87.71 to 94.20%. For 0.25-0.125 mm particles, metal recovery rates ranged from 84.76 to 91.97%, and separation efficiencies ranged from 84.74 to 91.86%. For superfine products (-0.125 mm), metal recovery rates ranged from 73.11 to 83.04%, and separation efficiencies ranged from 73.00 to 83.14%. This research showed that the inflatable tapered diameter separation bed achieved efficient particle separation and can be used to recover fine particles under a wide range of operational conditions. The bed offers a new mechanical technology to recycle valuable materials from discarded printed circuit boards, reducing environmental pollution.

Diameter-growth model across shortleaf pine range using regression tree analysis

Treesearch

Daniel Yaussy; Louis Iverson; Anantha Prasad

1999-01-01

Diameter growth of a tree in most gap-phase models is limited by light, nutrients, moisture, and temperature. Growing-season temperature is represented by growing degree days (gdd), which is the sum of the average daily temperatures above a baseline temperature. Gap-phase models determine the north-south range of a species by the gdd limits at the north and south...

Long-term basal area and diameter growth responses of western hemlock-sitka spruce stands in southeast Alaska to a range of thinning intensities.

Treesearch

Nathan J. Poage

2008-01-01

To better understand the long-term basal area and diameter growth response of young, well-stocked, even-aged, mixed-species stands of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) to a range of thinning intensities (heavy, moderate, light, and unthinned), 20 years of...

Five Years' Growth of Pruned and Unpruned Cottonwood Planted at 40- by 40-Foot Spacing

Treesearch

Roger M. Krinard

1979-01-01

Four pruning treatments have been applied for 5 years on cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) select clone Stoneville 66, planted at 40- by 40-ft spacing. As pruning severity increased, average diameter and maximum crown width decreased. Diameters ranged from 9.2 inches for trees pruned half of height yearly to 11.4 inches for unpruned trees; crown widths ranged from...

Development of Portable Aerosol Mobility Spectrometer for Personal and Mobile Aerosol Measurement

PubMed Central

Kulkarni, Pramod; Qi, Chaolong; Fukushima, Nobuhiko

2017-01-01

We describe development of a Portable Aerosol Mobility Spectrometer (PAMS) for size distribution measurement of submicrometer aerosol. The spectrometer is designed for use in personal or mobile aerosol characterization studies and measures approximately 22.5 × 22.5 × 15 cm and weighs about 4.5 kg including the battery. PAMS uses electrical mobility technique to measure number-weighted particle size distribution of aerosol in the 10–855 nm range. Aerosol particles are electrically charged using a dual-corona bipolar corona charger, followed by classification in a cylindrical miniature differential mobility analyzer. A condensation particle counter is used to detect and count particles. The mobility classifier was operated at an aerosol flow rate of 0.05 L/min, and at two different user-selectable sheath flows of 0.2 L/min (for wider size range 15–855 nm) and 0.4 L/min (for higher size resolution over the size range of 10.6–436 nm). The instrument was operated in voltage stepping mode to retrieve the size distribution, which took approximately 1–2 minutes, depending on the configuration. Sizing accuracy and resolution were probed and found to be within the 25% limit of NIOSH criterion for direct-reading instruments (NIOSH 2012). Comparison of size distribution measurements from PAMS and other commercial mobility spectrometers showed good agreement. The instrument offers unique measurement capability for on-person or mobile size distribution measurements of ultrafine and nanoparticle aerosol. PMID:28413241

Micromirror arrays using KOH:H[sub 2]O micromachining of silicon for lens templates, geodesic lenses, and other applications

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

Kendall, D.L.; Eaton, W.P.; Manginell, R.

Micromirrors having diameters from a few micrometers to several millimeters have been produced on (100) silicon by wet-chemical etching in KOH:H[sub 2]O. The f/[number sign]'s range from about 2.5 to at least 10. The microroughness of an etched mirror with diameter 550 [mu]m and 9.6-[mu]m sagitta is less than 5 nm and its surface figure is within 0.5 [mu]m of a perfect sphere. Data over a wide range of diameters are presented and a semiempirical model is developed to explain the behavior. The concordance of the normalized etched profiles for all diameter mirrors demonstrates that the etching is dominated bymore » surface reaction rather than diffusion limitation. Design and fabrication schemes are presented for making a wide range of mirror diameters and focal lengths, for both single micromirrors and arrays. The etched depressions can be used as templates for microlenses and as substrates for geodesic waveguide lenses and arrays. Chem-mechanical polishing on the etched structures reduces the edge curvature and produces oblate spheroidal surfaces, both of which should improve geodesic lens behavior. The etched structures can also be used as variable crystal orientation substrates for epitaxial nucleation and various surface analysis studies.« less

Micromirror arrays using KOH:H2O micromachining of silicon for lens templates, geodesic lenses, and other applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendall, Don L.; Eaton, William P.; Manginell, Ronald P.; Digges, Thomas G.

1994-11-01

Micromirrors having diameters from a few micrometers to several millimeters have been produced on (100) silicon by wet-chemical etching in KOH:H2O. The f/#'s range from about 2.5 to at least 10. The microroughness of an etched mirror with diameter 550 micrometers and 9.6-micrometers sagitta is less than 5 nm and its surface figure is within 0.5 micrometers of a perfect sphere. Data over a wide range of diameters are presented and a semiempirical model is developed to explain the behavior. The concordance of the normalized etched profiles for all diameter mirrors demonstrates that the etching is dominated by surface reaction rather than diffusion limitation. Design and fabrication schemes are presented for making a wide range of mirror diameters and focal lengths, for both single micromirrors and arrays. The etched depressions can be used as templates for microlenses and as substrates for geodesic waveguide lenses and arrays. Chem-mechanical polishing on the etched structures reduces the edge curvature and produces oblate spheroidal surfaces, both of which should improve geodesic lens behavior. The etched structures can also be used as variable crystal orientation substrates for epitaxial nucleation and various surface analysis studies.

Role of surfactants in carbon nanotubes density gradient separation.

PubMed

Carvalho, Elton J F; dos Santos, Maria Cristina

2010-02-23

Several strategies aimed at sorting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) by diameter and/or electronic structure have been developed in recent years. A nondestructive sorting method was recently proposed in which nanotube bundles are dispersed in water-surfactant solutions and submitted to ultracentrifugation in a density gradient. By this method, SWNTs of different diameters are distributed according to their densities along the centrifuge tube. A mixture of two anionic amphiphiles, namely sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and sodium cholate (SC), presented the best performance in discriminating nanotubes by diameter. We present molecular dynamics studies of the water-surfactant-SWNT system. The simulations revealed one aspect of the discriminating power of surfactants: they can actually be attracted toward the interior of the nanotube cage. The binding energies of SDS and SC on the outer nanotube surface are very similar and depend weakly on diameter. The binding inside the tubes, on the contrary, is strongly diameter dependent: SDS fits best inside tubes with diameters ranging from 8 to 9 A, while SC is best accommodated in larger tubes, with diameters in the range 10.5-12 A. The dynamics at room temperature showed that, as the amphiphile moves to the hollow cage, water molecules are dragged together, thereby promoting the nanotube filling. The resulting densities of filled SWNT are in agreement with measured densities.

Morphologic and morphometric studies of impact craters in the northern plains of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barlow, N. G.

1993-01-01

Fresh impact craters in the northern plains of Mars display a variety of morphologic and morphometric properties. Ejecta morphologies range from radial to fluidized, interior features include central peaks and central pits, fluidized morphologies display a range of sinuosities, and depth-diameter ratios are being measured to determine regional variations. Studies of the martian northern plains over the past five years have concentrated in three areas: (1) determining correlations of ejecta morphologies with crater diameter, latitude, and underlying terrain; (2) determining variations in fluidized ejecta blanket sinuosity across the planet; and (3) measurement of depth-diameter ratios and determination of regional variations in this ratio.

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

Hummel, Andrew John

A multitude of critical experiments with highly enriched uranium metal were conducted in the 1960s and 1970s at the Oak Ridge Critical Experiments Facility (ORCEF) in support of criticality safety operations at the Y-12 Plant. These experiments served to evaluate the storage, casting, and handling limits for the Y-12 Plant while also providing data for verification of different calculation methods and associated cross-sections for nuclear criticality safety applications. These included both solid cylinders and annuli of various diameters, interacting cylinders of various diameters, parallelepipeds, and reflected cylinders and annuli. The experiments described here involve a series of delayed critical stacksmore » of bare oralloy HEU annuli and disks. Three of these experiments consist of stacking bare HEU annuli of varying diameters to obtain critical configurations. These annuli have nominal inner and outer diameters (ID/OD) including: 7 inches (") ID – 9" OD, 9" ID – 11" OD, 11" ID – 13" OD, and 13? ID – 15" OD. The nominal heights range from 0.125" to 1.5". The three experiments themselves range from 7" – 13", 7" – 15", and 9" – 15" in diameter, respectively. The fourth experiment ranges from 7" – 11", and along with different annuli, it also includes an 11" disk and several 7" diameter disks. All four delayed critical experiments were configured and evaluated by J. T. Mihalczo, J. J. Lynn, and D. E. McCarty from December of 1962 to February 1963 with additional information in their corresponding logbook.« less

Echocardiographic reference ranges for sedentary donkeys in the UK.

PubMed

Roberts, S L; Dukes-McEwan, J

2016-10-01

The aim of this study was to provide two-dimensional (2D) and M-mode echocardiographic reference ranges from a sample of the UK population of donkeys including geriatrics (>30 years), owned by The Donkey Sanctuary, and to assess the influence of gender, weight and age on these variables. A total of 36 donkeys with no clinical or echocardiographic evidence of cardiovascular disease were examined; 24 geldings and 12 females, aged 3-45 years old, weighing 130-262 kg. Left atrial to aortic ratio was larger in geldings (P=0.004). There was no significant difference for left ventricular M-mode diastolic diameter between females and geldings (P=0.121) after exclusion of one heavy female outlier. 2D measurements significantly increased with bodyweight including maximal left atrial diameter (R(2)=0.112; P=0.046), aortic diameter at various levels (e.g. annulus: R(2)=0.35; P<0.001) and the pulmonary artery diameter (R(2)=0.124; P=0.035). M-mode measurements were not significantly influenced by weight other than the left ventricular free wall in systole (R(2)=0.118; P=0.041). Age and heart rate did not have any significant effect on echocardiographic variables. This is the first UK study to report on echocardiographic reference ranges of sedentary donkeys across a wide age range and shows differences compared with reference ranges from working donkeys. British Veterinary Association.

Satellite laser ranging work at the Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcgunigal, T. E.; Carrion, W. J.; Caudill, L. O.; Grant, C. R.; Johnson, T. S.; Premo, D. A.; Spadin, P. L.; Winston, G. C.

1975-01-01

Laser ranging systems, their range and accuracy capabilities, and planned improvements for future systems are discussed, the systems include one fixed and two mobile lasers ranging systems. They have demonstrated better than 10 cm accuracy both on a carefully surveyed ground range and in regular satellite ranging operations. They are capable of ranging to all currently launched retroreflector equipped satellites with the exception of Timation III. A third mobile system is discussed which will be accurate to better than 5 cm and will be capable of ranging to distant satellites such as Timation III and LAGEOS.

Shifting Patterns of Student Mobility in Asia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Sheng-Ju

2012-01-01

During the past decade, Asia--traditionally one of the largest exporters of mobile students--has experienced major changes in student mobility within higher education. As the worldwide competition for international students has escalated, many Asian countries have adopted a wide range of mechanisms and strategies in facilitating student mobility.…

Total hip arthroplasty using a cementless dual-mobility cup provides increased stability and favorable gait parameters at five years follow-up.

PubMed

Acker, A; Fischer, J-F; Aminian, K; Lécureux, E; Jolles, B M

2017-02-01

Rates of dislocation following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) vary from 0.5 to 10%. Dual-mobility cups in THA demonstrate increased stability. Clinical outcomes following THA with dual-mobility cups have been reported, but gait has not been assessed. Therefore we performed a retrospective case control study to answer: (1) is gait better in patients following THA with a dual-mobility cup than in frail, elderly patients of the same age? (2) Are clinical outcomes better in patients following THA with a dual-mobility cup than in frail, elderly patients? (3) What is the dislocation rate following THA with a dual-mobility cup? We hypothesized that patients who underwent THA with a dual-mobility cup have a better gait compared to frail, elderly patients of the same age. Twenty patients (22 hips), mean age 79.9±7.7 (range, 62.3-88.3) years were assessed in this retrospective case-control series 5.6±1.4 (range: 4.1-8.8) years following dual-mobility cup THA. A reference group consisted of 72 "frail elderly" patients in a rehabilitation hospital for health problems unrelated to the lower limb, with no lower limb surgery or neurological conditions. Temporal and spatial gait performance were measured with four miniature gyroscopes, mounted on each thigh and calf, while patients walked freely along a 30m corridor. Harris Hip Score, WOMAC, radiological outcomes, and dislocation rate were determined. All gait parameters were better in the dual-mobility group compared to the frail elderly group. The dual-mobility group had a higher cadence (100.3 steps/minute versus 75.6 steps/minute), shorter (relative to gait cycle time) stance (61.6% versus 67.8%), shorter (relative to gait cycle time) double stance (23.3% versus 36.0%), longer stride (1.13m versus 0.80m), and faster walking speed (0.96m/s versus 0.52m/s). Range of motion of the shank, thigh and knee were better in the dual-mobility group. Harris Hip Score was 87.6±13.9 (range 51-100) and WOMAC score was 11.3±12.1 (range 0-34) in the THA group. We observed no dislocations. Gait patterns five years following THA with the dual-mobility cup were better or comparable to published study populations. III, retrospective case-control series. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Topographical distribution and morphology of NADPH-diaphorase-stained neurons in the human claustrum

PubMed Central

Hinova-Palova, Dimka V.; Edelstein, Lawrence; Landzhov, Boycho; Minkov, Minko; Malinova, Lina; Hristov, Stanislav; Denaro, Frank J.; Alexandrov, Alexandar; Kiriakova, Teodora; Brainova, Ilina; Paloff, Adrian; Ovtscharoff, Wladimir

2014-01-01

We studied the topographical distribution and morphological characteristics of NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons and fibers in the human claustrum. These neurons were seen to be heterogeneously distributed throughout the claustrum. Taking into account the size and shape of stained perikarya as well as dendritic and axonal characteristics, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPHd)-positive neurons were categorized by diameter into three types: large, medium and small. Large neurons ranged from 25 to 35 μm in diameter and typically displayed elliptical or multipolar cell bodies. Medium neurons ranged from 20 to 25 μm in diameter and displayed multipolar, bipolar and irregular cell bodies. Small neurons ranged from 14 to 20 μm in diameter and most often displayed oval or elliptical cell bodies. Based on dendritic characteristics, these neurons were divided into spiny and aspiny subtypes. Our findings reveal two populations of NADPHd-positive neurons in the human claustrum—one comprised of large and medium cells consistent with a projection neuron phenotype, the other represented by small cells resembling the interneuron phenotype as defined by previous Golgi impregnation studies. PMID:24904317

Mobile population dynamics and malaria vulnerability: a modelling study in the China-Myanmar border region of Yunnan Province, China.

PubMed

Chen, Tian-Mu; Zhang, Shao-Sen; Feng, Jun; Xia, Zhi-Gui; Luo, Chun-Hai; Zeng, Xu-Can; Guo, Xiang-Rui; Lin, Zu-Rui; Zhou, Hong-Ning; Zhou, Shui-Sen

2018-04-29

The China-Myanmar border region presents a great challenge in malaria elimination in China, and it is essential to understand the relationship between malaria vulnerability and population mobility in this region. A community-based, cross-sectional survey was performed in five villages of Yingjiang county during September 2016. Finger-prick blood samples were obtained to identify asymptomatic infections, and imported cases were identified in each village (between January 2013 and September 2016). A stochastic simulation model (SSM) was used to test the relationship between population mobility and malaria vulnerability, according to the mechanisms of malaria importation. Thirty-two imported cases were identified in the five villages, with a 4-year average of 1 case/year (range: 0-5 cases/year). No parasites were detected in the 353 blood samples from 2016. The median density of malaria vulnerability was 0.012 (range: 0.000-0.033). The average proportion of mobile members of the study population was 32.56% (range: 28.38-71.95%). Most mobile individuals lived indoors at night with mosquito protection. The SSM model fit the investigated data (χ 2  = 0.487, P = 0.485). The average probability of infection in the members of the population that moved to Myanmar was 0.011 (range: 0.0048-0.1585). The values for simulated vulnerability increased with greater population mobility in each village. A high proportion of population mobility was associated with greater malaria vulnerability in the China-Myanmar border region. Mobile population-specific measures should be used to decrease the risk of malaria re-establishment in China.

Microencapsulation of gallium-indium (Ga-In) liquid metal for self-healing applications.

PubMed

Blaiszik, B J; Jones, A R; Sottos, N R; White, S R

2014-01-01

Microcapsules containing a liquid metal alloy core of gallium-indium (Ga-In) are prepared via in situ urea-formaldehyde (UF) microencapsulation. The capsule size, shape, thermal properties, and shell wall thickness are investigated. We prepare ellipsoidal capsules with major and minor diameter aspect ratios ranging from 1.64 to 1.08 and with major diameters ranging from 245 µm to 3 µm. We observe that as the capsule major diameter decreases, the aspect ratio approaches 1. The thermal properties of the prepared microcapsules are investigated by thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Microcapsules are shown to survive incorporation into an epoxy matrix and to trigger via mechanical damage to the cured matrix. Microcapsules containing liquid metal cores may have diverse applications ranging from self-healing to contrast enhancement or the demonstration of mechano-adaptive circuitry.

Evolution of deep-bed filtration of engine exhaust particulates with trapped mass

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

Viswanathan, Sandeep; Rothamer, David A.; Foster, David E.

Micro-scale filtration experiments were performed on cordierite filter samples using particulate matter (PM) generated by a spark-ignition direct-injection (SIDI) engine fueled with tier II EEE certification gasoline. Size-resolved mass and number concentrations were obtained from several engine operating conditions. The resultant mass-mobility relationships showed weak dependence on the operating condition. An integrated particle size distribution (IPSD) method was used estimate the PM mass concentration in the exhaust stream from the SIDI engine and a heavy duty diesel (HDD) engine. The average estimated mass concentration between all conditions was ~77****** % of the gravimetric measurements performed on Teflon filters. Despite themore » relatively low elemental carbon fraction (~0.4 to 0.7), the IPSD mass for stoichiometric SIDI exhaust was ~83±38 % of the gravimetric measurement. Identical cordierite filter samples with properties representative of diesel particulate filters were sequentially loaded with PM from the different SIDI engine operating conditions, in order of increasing PM mass concentration. Simultaneous particle size distribution measurements upstream and downstream of the filter sample were used to evaluate filter performance evolution and the instantaneous trapped mass within the filter for two different filter face velocities. The evolution of filtration performance for the different samples was sensitive only to trapped mass, despite using PM from a wide range of operating conditions. Higher filtration velocity resulted in a more rapid shift in the most penetrating particle size towards smaller mobility diameters.« less

Evaluating driver reactions to new vehicle technologies intended to increase safety and mobility across the lifespan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

Personal vehicle manufactures are introducing a wide range of new technologies that are : intended to increase the safety, comfort, and mobility of drivers of all ages. Examples range from : semi-autonomous technologies such as adaptive cruise contro...

Mechatronic design of a fully integrated camera for mini-invasive surgery.

PubMed

Zazzarini, C C; Patete, P; Baroni, G; Cerveri, P

2013-06-01

This paper describes the design features of an innovative fully integrated camera candidate for mini-invasive abdominal surgery with single port or transluminal access. The apparatus includes a CMOS imaging sensor, a light-emitting diode (LED)-based unit for scene illumination, a photodiode for luminance detection, an optical system designed according to the mechanical compensation paradigm, an actuation unit for enabling autofocus and optical zoom, and a control logics based on microcontroller. The bulk of the apparatus is characterized by a tubular shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 35 mm. The optical system, composed of four lens groups, of which two are mobile, has a total length of 13.46 mm and an effective focal length ranging from 1.61 to 4.44 mm with a zoom factor of 2.75×, with a corresponding angular field of view ranging from 16° to 40°. The mechatronics unit, devoted to move the zoom and the focus lens groups, is implemented adopting miniature piezoelectric motors. The control logics implements a closed-loop mechanism, between the LEDs and photodiode, to attain automatic control light. Bottlenecks of the design and some potential issues of the realization are discussed. A potential clinical scenario is introduced.

Pupillary Reflex for Evaluation of Thoracic Paravertebral Block: A Prospective Observational Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Duceau, Baptiste; Baubillier, Mélanie; Bouroche, Gaëlle; Albi-Feldzer, Aline; Jayr, Christian

2017-10-01

Although thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is recommended in major breast surgery, there is no gold standard to assess the success of TPVB. Pupillary dilation reflex (PDR) is the variation of the pupillary diameter after a noxious stimulus. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility of recording the PDR to assess analgesia in an anesthetized thoracic dermatome after TPVB. This prospective, observational, single-center study included 32 patients requiring breast surgery under general anesthesia and TPVB. TPVB was performed before surgery under ultrasound guidance with 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine. At the end of the surgery, remifentanil was stopped and the PDR was recorded after a 5-second tetanic stimulation (60 mA, 100 Hz) applied to the anterior chest wall. The PDR was defined as the maximal increase in pupil diameter after a standardized noxious stimulus, expressed as a percentage of the initial pupil diameter. The PDR was recorded twice in the same eye for each patient after a stimulus on both the TPVB and the control sides. Postoperative pain scores were recorded in a postanesthesia care unit. The primary outcome was the difference between the PDR on the TPVB and the control sides. The median (interquartile range) PDR was 9% (4%-13%) on the TPVB side and 41% (27%-66%) on the control side. There was a significant difference in the PDR between the TPVB and the control sides with a Hodges-Lehmann estimate of absolute difference of 37% points (95% confidence interval, 25-52, P < .001). Median postoperative pain scores (interquartile range) in the postanesthesia care unit were 1 (0-3) at rest and 1 (0-3) during mobilization, respectively. There was a linear correlation between maximal postoperative pain scores and the PDR on the TPVB side with a Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.40 (95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.66, P = .02). No correlation was found between the number of blocked dermatomes and maximal postoperative pain scores (P = .06) or between the number of blocked dermatomes and the PDR on the TPVB side (P = .15). This proof-of-concept trial suggests that the effect of TPVB could be monitored by measuring the PDR after anterior chest wall stimulation in the dermatome of interest.

The Analysis of Metal Finishing Solutions by Ion Chromatography

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-01

Chromatographic Instrumentation ...... 33 2.3 Modes of Separation .................. 35 2.4 Modes of Detection ................... 44 2.5 Method Development...Chromium Plating Solutions a and R with Added HCl ..................... 151 Table 35 . Chromium Plating Solutions a and R with Added NaOH...Dm (20) HETPld= Zd Dm / U (21) HETPsm= Zsm dp dp U / Dm (22) HETPsp= Zs dp dp U / Ds (23) where: dp- Particle diameter. Dm= Solute mobile phase

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II Heavy rocket waits the arrival of the mobile service tower with three additional solid rocket boosters (SRBs). Nine 46-inch-diameter, stretched SRBs will help launch the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). Consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, SIRTF is one of NASA's largest infrared telescopes to be launched. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-07-22

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II Heavy rocket waits the arrival of the mobile service tower with three additional solid rocket boosters (SRBs). Nine 46-inch-diameter, stretched SRBs will help launch the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). Consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, SIRTF is one of NASA's largest infrared telescopes to be launched. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

Effects of microwaves (950 MHZ mobile phone) on morphometric and apoptotic changes of rabbit epididymis.

PubMed

Azadi Oskouyi, E; Rajaei, F; Safari Variani, A; Sarokhani, M R; Javadi, A

2015-08-01

The effect of mobile phone radiation on human reproduction system is still a matter of debate. In this study, 18 male rabbits were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group. Experimental groups received simulated microwaves with the frequency of 950 MHz and the output power of 3 and 6 watts for 2 weeks, 2 h a day. After a week of rest, the microscopic slides from the quada of the excised epididymis were prepared. Then, the diameter of epididymis, the height of epithelium and the number of apoptotic cells in epithelium in study groups were determined. The data were compared using spss software and one-way anova test. The epithelial height and diameter of the epididymis in 3 watt and 6 watt groups had a significant decrease compared to the control group (P < 0.001), while the testosterone level only in 6 watt group was significantly decreased compared to control group. The rate of apoptosis in the epithelial cells of the epididymis had a significant increase only in 6 watt group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). This study showed that the microwaves with the frequency of 950 MHz can have negative impacts on morphometric and apoptotic changes of rabbit epididymis. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Sex differences in virtual navigation influenced by scale and navigation experience.

PubMed

Padilla, Lace M; Creem-Regehr, Sarah H; Stefanucci, Jeanine K; Cashdan, Elizabeth A

2017-04-01

The Morris water maze is a spatial abilities test adapted from the animal spatial cognition literature and has been studied in the context of sex differences in humans. This is because its standard design, which manipulates proximal (close) and distal (far) cues, applies to human navigation. However, virtual Morris water mazes test navigation skills on a scale that is vastly smaller than natural human navigation. Many researchers have argued that navigating in large and small scales is fundamentally different, and small-scale navigation might not simulate natural human navigation. Other work has suggested that navigation experience could influence spatial skills. To address the question of how individual differences influence navigational abilities in differently scaled environments, we employed both a large- (146.4 m in diameter) and a traditional- (36.6 m in diameter) scaled virtual Morris water maze along with a novel measure of navigation experience (lifetime mobility). We found sex differences on the small maze in the distal cue condition only, but in both cue-conditions on the large maze. Also, individual differences in navigation experience modulated navigation performance on the virtual water maze, showing that higher mobility was related to better performance with proximal cues for only females on the small maze, but for both males and females on the large maze.

Heat Transfer to 36.75 and 45 degree Swept Blunt Leading Edges in Free Flight at Mach Numbers from 1.70 to 2.99 and From 2.50 to 4.05

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

ONeal, Robert L.

1960-01-01

A flight investigation has been conducted to study the heat transfer to swept-wing leading edges. A rocket-powered model was used for the investigation and provided data for Mach number ranges of 1.78 to 2.99 and 2.50 to 4.05 with corresponding free-stream Reynolds number per foot ranges of 13.32 x 10(exp 6) to 19.90 x 10(exp 6) and 2.85 x 10(exp 6) to 4.55 x 10(exp 6). The leading edges employed were cylindrically blunted wedges ', three of which were swept 450 with leading-edge diameters of 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 inch and one swept 36-750 with a leading-edge diameter of 1/2 inch. In the high Reynolds number range, measured values of heat transfer were found to be much higher than those predicted by laminar theory and at the larger values of leading-edge diameter were approaching the values predicted by turbulent theory. For the low Reynolds number range a comparison between measured and theoretical heat transfer showed that increasing the leading-edge diameter resulted in turbulent flow on the cylindrical portion of the leading edge.

On the Adsorption of DNA Origami Nanostructures in Nanohole Arrays.

PubMed

Brassat, Katharina; Ramakrishnan, Saminathan; Bürger, Julius; Hanke, Marcel; Doostdar, Mahnaz; Lindner, Jörg K N; Grundmeier, Guido; Keller, Adrian

2018-05-22

DNA origami nanostructures are versatile substrates for the controlled arrangement of molecular capture sites with nanometer precision and thus have many promising applications in single-molecule bioanalysis. Here, we investigate the adsorption of DNA origami nanostructures in nanohole arrays which represent an important class of biosensors and may benefit from the incorporation of DNA origami-based molecular probes. Nanoholes with well-defined diameter that enable the adsorption of single DNA origami triangles are fabricated in Au films on Si wafers by nanosphere lithography. The efficiency of directed DNA origami adsorption on the exposed SiO 2 areas at the bottoms of the nanoholes is evaluated in dependence of various parameters, i.e., Mg 2+ and DNA origami concentrations, buffer strength, adsorption time, and nanohole diameter. We observe that the buffer strength has a surprisingly strong effect on DNA origami adsorption in the nanoholes and that multiple DNA origami triangles with 120 nm edge length can adsorb in nanoholes as small as 120 nm in diameter. We attribute the latter observation to the low lateral mobility of once adsorbed DNA origami on the SiO 2 surface, in combination with parasitic adsorption to the Au film. Although parasitic adsorption can be suppressed by modifying the Au film with a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer, the limited surface mobility of the adsorbed DNA origami still leads to poor localization accuracy in the nanoholes and results in many DNA origami crossing the boundary to the Au film even under optimized conditions. We discuss possible ways to minimize this effect by varying the composition of the adsorption buffer, employing different fabrication conditions, or using other substrate materials for nanohole array fabrication.

Vertically resolved concentration and liquid water content of atmospheric nanoparticles at the US DOE Southern Great Plains site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Haihan; Hodshire, Anna L.; Ortega, John; Greenberg, James; McMurry, Peter H.; Carlton, Annmarie G.; Pierce, Jeffrey R.; Hanson, Dave R.; Smith, James N.

2018-01-01

Most prior field studies of new particle formation (NPF) have been performed at or near ground level, leaving many unanswered questions regarding the vertical extent of NPF. To address this, we measured concentrations of 11-16 nm diameter particles from ground level to 1000 m during the 2013 New Particle Formation Study at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains site in Lamont, Oklahoma. The measurements were performed using a tethered balloon carrying two condensation particle counters that were configured for two different particle cut-off diameters. These observations were compared to data from three scanning mobility particle sizers at the ground level. We observed that 11-16 nm diameter particles were generated at the top region of the boundary layer, and were then rapidly mixed throughout the boundary layer. We also estimate liquid water content of nanoparticles using ground-based measurements of particle hygroscopicity obtained with a Humidified Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer and vertically resolved relative humidity (RH) and temperature measured with a Raman lidar. Our analyses of these observations lead to the following conclusions regarding nanoparticles formed during NPF events at this site: (1) ground-based observations may not always accurately represent the timing, distribution, and meteorological conditions associated with the onset of NPF; (2) nanoparticles are highly hygroscopic and typically contain up to 50 % water by volume, and during conditions of high RH combined with high particle hygroscopicity, particles can be up to 95 % water by volume; (3) increased liquid water content of nanoparticles at high RH greatly enhances the partitioning of water-soluble species like organic acids into ambient nanoparticles.

Hole Scattering in GaSb: Scattering on Space Charge Regions Versus Dipole Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pődör, B.

2006-11-01

Hole concentration and mobility were investigated by Hall measurements in nominally undoped p-type GaSb in the temperature range from 77 to 300 K. The dependence of the thermal ionization energy of native acceptors on the acceptor centre concentration and on the compensation degree was determined. The temperature dependence of the hole mobility was analyzed using a heuristic semi-empirical model as well as using a phenomenological two-hole band model. Space charge scattering and/or dipole scattering described with a mobility contribution with a ˜ T-1/2 like temperature dependence dominated the hole mobility in the investigated temperature range.