Effect of water on slip weakening of cohesive rocks during earthquakes (EMRP Division Outstanding ECS Award Lecture)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Violay, Marie; Alejandro Acosta, Mateo; Passelegue, François; Schubnel, Alexandre

2017-04-01

Fluids play an important role in fault zone and in earthquakes generation. Experimental studies of fault frictional properties in presence of fluid can provide unique insights into this phenomenon. Here we compare rotary shear experiments and tri-axial stick slip tests performed on cohesive silicate-bearing rocks (gabbro and granite) in the presence of fluids. Surprisingly, for both type of tests, the weakening mechanism (melting of the asperities) is hindered in the presence of water. Indeed, in rotary shear experiments, at a given effective normal stress (σn-pf), the decay in friction is more gradual and longer in the presence of pore water (32% of friction drop after 20 mm of slip) than under room humidity (41% after 20 mm of slip) and vacuum conditions (60% after 20 mm of slip). During stick slip tests, at a given effective confining pressure (Pc-pf), the dynamic shear stress drops are lower ( 30%) and slip distances were shorter ( 30 to 40%) in the presence of high pressure pore water (Pc=95 MPa; Pf=25 MPa) than under room humidity conditions (Pc=70 MPa; Pf=0 MPa). Thermal modeling of the asperity contacts under load shows that the presence of fluids cools the asperities and delays the formation of melt patches, increasing weakening duration.

Burning mechanism and regression rate of RX-35-AU and RX-35-AV as a function of HMX particle size measured by the hybrid closed bomb-strand burner

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

Tao, W.C.; Costantino, M.S.; Ornellas, D.L.

1990-04-01

In this study, the average surface regression rate of two HMX-based cast explosives, RX-35-AU and RX-35-AV, is measured to pressures above 750 MPa using a hybrid closed bomb-strand burner. The hybrid design allows the simultaneous measurement of pressure and regression rate over a large range of pressures in each experiment. Nitroglycerin/Triacetin (75/25) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are used as the energetic plasticizer and polymeric binder, respectively, in both formulations. The HMX solids loading in each formulation is 50 wt %, consisting of a narrow particle size distribution of 6--8 {mu}m for RX-35-AU and 150--177 {mu}m for RX-35-AV. Of special interestmore » are the regression rate and burning mechanism as a function of the initial particle size distribution and the mechanical properties fo the cast explosives. In general, the regression rate for the larger particle size formulation, RX-35-AV, is two to three times faster compared to that for RX-35-AU. Up to 750 MPa and independent of the initial confinement pressure, RX-35-AU exhibits a planar burning mechanism with the regression rate obeying the classical aP{sup n} formalism. For RX-35-AV, however, the burning behavior is erratic for samples ignited at 200 MPa confinement pressure. At confinement pressures above 400 MPa, the regression exhibits more of a planar burning mechanism. The unstable combustion behavior for RX-35-AV at lower confinement pressures is related to several mechanisms: (1) an abrupt increase in surface area due to particle fracture and subsequent translation and rotation, resulting in debonding and creating porosity, (2) thixotropic'' separation of the binder and nitramine, causing the significantly greater fracture damage to the nitramine during the loading cycle, (3) microscopic damage to the nitramine crystals that increase its intrinsic burning rate. 12 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Dynamic Testing of Laterally Confined Concrete

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

for Intermediate Confining pressure (Dashed Curve). 31 23. Example of Regression Fit by Equation (6) for Highest Pressure Group (Dashed Curve... pressure group , loaded by a moderate striker-bar impact speed of 420 in/sec. (10.7 m/s). The peak stress of 124 MPa (18 ksi) occurs at a strain of...survived at one end. This was for the highest speed impact in the lowest confining pressure group . Curves are given in the Appendix Figure A-15. The

Mechanical behavior and localized failure modes in a porous basalt from the Azores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loaiza, S.; Fortin, J.; Schubnel, A.; Guéguen, Y.; Moreira, M.; Vinciguerra, S.

2012-04-01

Basaltic rocks are the main component of the oceanic upper crust. This is of potential interest for water and geothermal resources, or for storage of CO2. The aim of our work is to investigate experimentally the mechanical behavior and the failure modes of porous basalt as well as the permeability evolution during deformation. Cylindrical basalt samples, from the Azores, of 30 mm in diameter and 60 mm in length were deformed the triaxial cell of the Laboratoire de Geologie at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (Paris) at room temperature and at a constant axial strain rate of 10-5 s-1. The initial porosity of the sample was 18%. The Geodesign triaxial cell can reach 300MPa confining pressure; axial load is performed through a piston and can reach 900 MPa (for a 30mm diameter sample); maximum pore pressure is 100MPa (applied using two precision volumetric pumps). In our study, a set of experiments were performed at confining pressure in the range of 25-290 MPa. The samples were deformed under saturated conditions at a constant pore pressure of 5MPa. Two volumetric pumps kept the pore pressure constant, and the pore volume variations were recorded. The evolution of the porosity was calculated from the total volume variation inside the volumetric pumps. Permeability measurements were performed using the steady-state technique. Our result shows that two modes of deformation can be highlighted in this basalt. At low confining pressure (Pc < 50 MPa), the differential stress attains a peak before the sample undergoes strain softening; the failure of sample occurs by shear localization. Yet, the brittle regime is commonly observed in this low Pc range, the experiments performed at confining pressure higher than 50 MPa, show a totally different mode of deformation. In this second mode of deformation, an appreciable inelastic porosity reduction is observed. Comparing to the hydrostatic loading, the rock sample started to compact beyond a critical stress state; and from then, strain hardening, with stress drops are observed. Such a behavior is characteristic of the formation of compaction localization, due to grain crushing and pore collapse. In addition, this inelastic compaction is accompanied by a decrease of permeability, indicating that these compaction bands or zones act as barrier for fluid flow, in agreement with observations done in sandstone (Fortin et al., 2005). Further studies, including microstructural observations carried out by mapping the compaction bands or zones throughout a mosaic of SEM images at high resolution and acoustic emission recording will be carried in order to confirm the formation of compaction localization, and the micromechanisms (pore collapse and grain crushing) taking place in this second mode of deformation.

Deep permeability of the San Andreas Fault from San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) core samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morrow, Carolyn A.; Lockner, David A.; Moore, Diane E.; Hickman, Stephen H.

2014-01-01

The San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) scientific borehole near Parkfield, California crosses two actively creeping shear zones at a depth of 2.7 km. Core samples retrieved from these active strands consist of a foliated, Mg-clay-rich gouge containing porphyroclasts of serpentinite and sedimentary rock. The adjacent damage zone and country rocks are comprised of variably deformed, fine-grained sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones. We conducted laboratory tests to measure the permeability of representative samples from each structural unit at effective confining pressures, Pe up to the maximum estimated in situ Pe of 120 MPa. Permeability values of intact samples adjacent to the creeping strands ranged from 10−18 to 10−21 m2 at Pe = 10 MPa and decreased with applied confining pressure to 10−20–10−22 m2 at 120 MPa. Values for intact foliated gouge samples (10−21–6 × 10−23 m2 over the same pressure range) were distinctly lower than those for the surrounding rocks due to their fine-grained, clay-rich character. Permeability of both intact and crushed-and-sieved foliated gouge measured during shearing at Pe ≥ 70 MPa ranged from 2 to 4 × 10−22 m2 in the direction perpendicular to shearing and was largely insensitive to shear displacement out to a maximum displacement of 10 mm. The weak, actively-deforming foliated gouge zones have ultra-low permeability, making the active strands of the San Andreas Fault effective barriers to cross-fault fluid flow. The low matrix permeability of the San Andreas Fault creeping zones and adjacent rock combined with observations of abundant fractures in the core over a range of scales suggests that fluid flow outside of the actively-deforming gouge zones is probably fracture dominated.

Hydro-mechanical properties of pressure core sediments recovered from the Krishna-Godavari Basin during India's National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition NGHP-02

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoneda, J.; Oshima, M.; Kida, M.; Kato, A.; Konno, Y.; Jin, Y.; Waite, W. F.; Jang, J.; Kumar, P.; Tenma, N.

2017-12-01

Pressure coring and analysis technology allows for gas hydrate to be recovered from the deep seabed, transferred to the laboratory and characterized while continuously maintaining gas hydrate stability. For this study, dozens of hydrate-bearing pressure core sediment subsections recovered from the Krishna-Godavari Basin during India's National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition NGHP-02 were tested with Pressure Core Non-destructive Analysis Tools (PNATs) through a collaboration between Japan and India. PNATs, originally developed by AIST as a part of the Japanese National hydrate research program (MH21, funded by METI) conducted permeability, compression and consolidation tests under various effective stress conditions, including the in situ stress state estimated from downhole bulk density measurements. At the in situ effective stress, gas hydrate-bearing sediments had an effective permeability range of 0.01-10mD even at pore-space hydrate saturations above 60%. Permeability increased by 10 to 100 times after hydrate dissociation at the same effective stress, but these post-dissociation gains were erased when effective stress was increased from in situ values ( 1 MPa) to 10MPa in a simulation of the depressurization method for methane extraction from hydrate. Vertical-to-horizontal permeability anisotropy was also investigated. First-ever multi-stage loading tests and strain-rate alternation compression tests were successfully conducted for evaluating sediment strengthening dependence on the rate and magnitude of effective confining stress changes. In addition, oedometer tests were performed up to 40MPa of consolidation stress to simulate the depressurization method in ultra-deep sea environments. Consolidation curves measured with and without gas hydrate were investigated over a wide range of effective confining stresses. Compression curves for gas hydrate-bearing sediments were convex downward due to high hydrate saturations. Consolidation tests show that, regardless of the consolidation history with hydrate in place, the consolidation behavior after dissociation will first return to, then follow, the original normal consolidation curve for the hydrate-free host sediment.

Evolution of Mechanical Properties and Microstructures in the Inner Accretionary Prism of the Nankai Subduction Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, S. T.; Kitamura, M.; Kitajima, H.

2016-12-01

Mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of accretionary prism sediments can provide detailed deformation history and processes in subduction zones. The IODP Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) Expedition 348 has extended the deep riser hole down to 3058.5 meters below sea floor (mbsf) to the inner accretionary wedge at Site C0002 located 35 km landward from the trench. Here, we conducted deformation experiments on the core samples recovered from 2185 msbf at Site C0002 to understand mechanical behaviors and deformation of inner prism sediments. We deformed the siltstone samples with a porosity of 20% at 25°C or 60°C under isotropic loading path (S1=S2=S3) and triaxial compression (S1>S2=S3). In the isotropic loading test, we step-wisely increased confining pressure (Pc) from 11.5 to 194 MPa and kept pore pressure (Pp) at 10 MPa. In a series of triaxial compression loading tests, we first increased Pc to the targeting 42-78 MPa and Pp to 20 MPa, and then applied the differential load at a constant displacement rate of 0.005 μm/s while keeping Pc and Pp constant. We will analyze the microstructures of the experimentally deformed samples to understand deformation mechanism. We define yield points based on slope changes in relationships between volumetric strain and effective mean stress (p') for isotropic loading and those between differential stress (q) and axial strain for triaxial loading. The sample yields at p' of 100 MPa (q = 0 MPa) in isotropic loading test. In triaxial loading, the samples at effective pressure (Pe) of 22, 28, and 58 MPa yield at q = 30 MPa (p' = 32 MPa), q = 30 MPa (p' = 38 MPa) and q = 45 MPa (p' = 73 MPa), respectively. Upon yield, the samples deformed at Pe of 22 MPa and 28 MPa show brittle behavior with a peak q of 50 MPa and 55 MPa followed by strain weakening to reach q of 36 and 46 MPa at steady state. Both samples show single fracture planes with angles of 30° to S1. On the other hand, the sample at Pe of 58 MPa shows strain hardening after the yield and exhibits barreling. In triaxial loading experiments, all samples show an increase in volumetric strain with increasing Pe. Our experiment results at different Pe are consistent with a critical state soil mechanics theory. We will further correlate the microstructural features of the deformed samples with the mechanical data.

Creep of salt from the ERDA-9 borehole and the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) workings

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

Senseny, P.E.

1990-01-01

Six triaxial compression creep tests were performed to measure the creep deformation of salt from the ERDA-9 borehole and salt from the underground workings at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Even though the test matrix is quite limited, important results were obtained that added to existing data from previous test matrices. The WIPP salt was annealed to reduce the hardening that occurred as the openings deformed after mining. Five tests were performed at a temperature of 25{degree}C, a confining pressure of 15 MPa, and stress differences of either 10.0 or 15.0 MPa. The sixth test was performed at amore » temperature of 22{degree}C, a confining pressure of 20.7 MPa, and a stress difference of 11.7 MPa. Test duration ranged from approximately 160 to 335 days. Deformation of these six specimens is compared with that obtained previously under identical test conditions for specimens from other horizons of the ERDA-9 borehole and from unannealed specimens from the WIPP workings. Results suggest that the magnitude of the transient deformation depends on the horizon from which the specimen was taken and whether or not the specimen hardened in situ as the mined openings deformed. 9 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Extreme grain size reduction in dolomite: microstructures and mechanisms.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy, L.; White, J. C.

2007-12-01

Pure dolomite sample were deformed at room temperature and under a variety of confining pressures (0 - 100MPa) to examine the processes of grain size reduction. The dolomite is composed of > 97 vol. % dolomite with accessory quartz, calcite, tremolite, and muscovite and has been metamorphosed to amphibolite facies and subsequently annealed. At the hand sample scale, the rock is isotropic, except for minor, randomly oriented tremolite porphyroblasts, and weakly aligned muscovite. At the thin section scale, coarser grains have lobate grain boundaries, exhibit minor to no undulose extinction and few deformation twins, although well- developed subgrains are present. Growth twins are common, as is the presence of well developed {1011} cleavage. Mean grain size 476 microns, and porosity is essentially zero (Austin and Kennedy, 2006). Samples contain diagonal to subvertical faults. Fractures are lined with an exceptionally fine-grained, powdered dolomite. Even experiments done at no confining pressure and stopped before sliding on the fracture surfaces occurred had significant powdered gouge developed along the surfaces. In this regard, fracturing of low porosity, pure dolomite, with metamorphic textures (e.g. lobate, interlocking grain boundaries) results in the development of fine-grained gouge. As expected the dolomite exhibited an increase in strength with increasing confining pressure, with a maximum differential stress of ~400MPa at 100 MPa confining pressure. At each chosen confining pressure, two experiments were performed and stopped at different stages along the load-displacement curve: just before yield stress and at peak stress. Microstructures at each stage were observed in order to determine the possible mechanisms for extreme grain size reduction. SEM work shows that in samples with little to no apparent displacement along microfractures, extreme grain size reduction still exists, suggesting that frictional sliding and subsequent cataclasis may not be the mechanism responsible for grain size reduction. Within individual dolomite clasts, apparent Mode I cracks are also lined with powedered gouge. Alternative mechanisms for grain size reduction are explored. Austin et al. 2005, Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 243, 51-66.3.

The influence of temperature on brittle creep in sandstones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heap, M. J.; Baud, P.; Meredith, P. G.; Vinciguerra, S.

2009-04-01

The characterization of time-dependent brittle rock deformation is fundamental to understanding the long-term evolution and dynamics of the Earth's upper crust. The presence of water promotes time-dependent deformation through environment-dependent stress corrosion cracking that allows rocks to deform at stresses far below their short-term failure stress. Here we report results from an experimental study of the influence of an elevated temperature on time-dependent brittle creep in water-saturated samples of Darley Dale (initial porosity of 13%), Bentheim (23%) and Crab Orchard (4%) sandstones. We present results from both conventional creep experiments (or ‘static fatigue' tests) and stress-stepping creep experiments performed under 20°C and 75°C and an effective confining pressure of 30 MPa (50 MPa confining pressure and a 20 MPa pore fluid pressure). The evolution of crack damage was monitored throughout each experiment by measuring the three proxies for damage (1) axial strain (2) pore volume change and (3) the output of AE energy. Conventional creep experiments have demonstrated that, for any given applied differential stress, the time-to-failure is dramatically reduced and the creep strain rate is significantly increased by application of an elevated temperature. Stress-stepping creep experiments have allowed us to investigate the influence of temperature in detail. Results from these experiments show that the creep strain rate for Darley Dale and Bentheim sandstones increases by approximately 3 orders of magnitude, and for Crab Orchard sandstone increases by approximately 2 orders of magnitude, as temperature is increased from 20°C to 75°C at a fixed effective differential stress. We discuss these results in the context of the different mineralogical and microstructural properties of the three rock types and the micro-mechanical and chemical processes operating on them.

Experimental study of dynamic effective stress coefficient for ultrasonic velocities of Bakken cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, X.; Zoback, M. D.

2016-12-01

We have performed a series of exhaustive experiments to measure the effective stress coefficient (α) of the tight cores from the Bakken shale oil play. Five distinct, bedding-normal cores from a vertical well were tested, covering the sequences of Lodgepole, Middle Bakken, and Three Forks. The scope of this laboratory study is two-fold: (1) to obtain the dynamic effective stress coefficient for ultrasonic velocities; (2) to characterize the poromechanical properties in relation to rock's mineral composition and microstructure. The experiments were carried out as follows: Argon-saturated specimen (1-inch length, 1-inch diameter) was subjected to hydrostatic confining pressure under drained conditions. Pore pressure was regulated as Argon was injected into both ends of the specimen. We drilled multiple non-through-going boreholes (1-mm diameter) in the specimen to facilitate pore pressure equilibrium, without compromising its integrity. The specimen was put through a loading path to experience confining pressure and pore pressure up to 70 and 60 MPa, respectively. P- and S- wave velocities were measured and used to calculate the rock's dynamic effective stress coefficient. Results of all five cores unanimously show that the dynamic a is a function of both confining and pore pressures, regardless of the wave type and loading path. When the simple effective stress is low, α is close to unity; however, α consistently increases as the simple effective stress rises and can reach as much as 3 when the latter reaches 60 MPa. This trend is rather surprising as it is diametrically the opposite of what was observed for the static α. A possible explanation is that high-frequency wave-induced pore pressure increment may have not remained equilibrated throughout the pore space, especially in very thin cracks, according to the squirt model. This phenomenon can be enhanced when the bulk modulus of pore fluid (gas typically considered to be `soft' and `non-viscous') increases with pore pressure and becomes comparable to the crack stiffness.

A new confined high pressure rotary shear apparatus: preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faulkner, D.; Coughlan, G.; Bedford, J. D.

2017-12-01

The frictional properties of fault zone materials, and their evolution during slip, are of paramount importance for determining the earthquake mechanics of large tectonic faults. Friction is a parameter that is difficult to determine from seismological methods so much of our understanding comes from experiment. Rotary shear apparatuses have been widely used in experimental studies to elucidate the frictional properties of faults under realistic earthquake slip velocities (0.1-10 m/s) and displacements (>20 m). However one technical limitation of rotary shear experiments at seismic slip rates has been the lack of confinement. This has led to a limit on the normal stress (due to the strength of the forcing blocks) and also a lack of control of measurements of the pore fluid pressure. Here we present the first preliminary results from a rotary shear apparatus that has been developed to attempt to address this issue. The new fully confined ring shear apparatus has a fast-acting servo-hydraulic confining pressure system of up to 200 MPa and a servo-controlled upstream and downstream pore pressure system of up to 200 MPa. Displacement rates of 0.01μ/s to 2 m/s can be achieved. Fault gouge samples can therefore be sheared at earthquake speed whilst being subject to pressures typically associated with the depth of earthquake nucleation.

Mechanical behavior and localized failure modes in a porous basalt from the Azores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loaiza, S.; Fortin, J.; Schubnel, A.; Gueguen, Y.; Vinciguerra, S.; Moreira, M.

2012-10-01

Basaltic rocks are the main component of the oceanic upper crust, thus of potential interest for water and geothermal resources, storage of CO2 and volcanic edifice stability. In this work, we investigated experimentally the mechanical behavior and the failure modes of a porous basalt, with an initial connected porosity of 18%. Results were acquired under triaxial compression experiments at confining pressure in the range of 25-200 MPa on water saturated samples. In addition, a purely hydrostatic test was also performed to reach the pore collapse critical pressure P*. During hydrostatic loading, our results show that the permeability is highly pressure dependent, which suggests that the permeability is mainly controlled by pre-existing cracks. When the sample is deformed at pressure higher than the pore collapse pressure P*, some very small dilatancy develops due to microcracking, and an increase in permeability is observed. Under triaxial loading, two modes of deformation can be highlighted. At low confining pressure (Pc < 50 MPa), the samples are brittle and shear localization occurs. For confining pressure > 50 MPa, the stress-strain curves are characterized by strain hardening and volumetric compaction. Stress drops are also observed, suggesting that compaction may be localized. The presence of compaction bands is confirmed by our microstructure analysis. In addition, the mechanical data allows us to plot the full yield surface for this porous basalt, which follows an elliptic cap as previously observed in high porosity sandstones and limestones.

Micro X-ray CT Imaging of Sediments under Confining Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schindler, M.; Prasad, M.

2016-12-01

We developed a pressure and temperature control system for use inside the micro X-ray CT scanner Xradia 400. We succeeded in building a pressure vessel that can be pressurized to 34.5 MPa (5000 psi) while being transparent to X-rays. The setup can currently be cooled to -5°C and heated to 40°C. We were able to observe grain damage and porosity reduction due to applied confining pressure in clean quartz sand samples and quartz sand and bentonite samples. By comparing micro CT images at atmospheric pressure and 13.8 MPa (2000 psi) confining pressure, we observed compaction of the samples resulting in grain damage and fracturing of sediment grains (Figure 1). When the confining pressure was decreased some grains experienced further fracturing. The grain damage appears irreversible. Further fracturing of grains in pre-compacted sediment was observed upon repeated confining pressure cycling. We are currently working on feed-throughs for fluid lines and electric wiring to use ultrasonic transducers and pressure control in combination. Further we plan to include pore pressure in addition to confining pressure into the system. The pressure control system in combination with ultrasonic transducers will allow us to visually observe pore scale changes in rock samples while simultaneously identifying their influence on ultrasonic velocities. Such pore-scale changes are usually not taken into account by rock physics models and could help to identify why laboratory data diverges from theoretical models. Further, it is possible to compute compressibility from mCT images at different stress states by image correlation

Effects of stress paths on physical properties of sediments at the Nankai Trough subduction zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitajima, H.; Saffer, D. M.

2011-12-01

Stress states are one of the most important factors governing deformation modes and fault strength. In subduction systems where tectonic stress is large, sediments are subjected to complicated stress conditions in time and space. Because direct measurements of stress are very limited, stress conditions at depths have been estimated by combining seismic reflection data with empirical relations between compressional-wave, porosity, and effective stress [Tsuji et al., 2008; Tobin and Saffer, 2009]. However, most of the empirical relations are derived from experiments conducted under isotropic conditions, and do not account for the more complicated stress states expected in active subduction-accretion complexes. In this study, we aim to derive relations between physical properties and stress states from triaxial deformation experiments on sediments. During the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) Expeditions 314, 315, 319, 322, and 333, core samples were recovered from shallow boreholes into the accretionary prism and two sites seaward of the deformation front (reference sites). We used core samples from reference sites (Sites C0011 and C0012) for this study because they represent input material for the subduction system, and have not been subjected to tectonic compression in the accretionary wedge. In our deformation tests, samples are loaded under a range of different stress paths including isotropic loading, triaxial compression, and triaxial extension by controlling axial stress (up to 100 MPa), confining pressure (up to 100 MPa), and pore pressure (0.5-28 MPa). During tests, all pressures, axial displacement, and pore volume change were monitored. Permeability, and ultrasonic velocity were also measured during the tests. Two experiments have been conducted on samples taken from the core 322-C0011B-19R-5 (Lower Shikoku Basin hemipelagic mudstone, initial porosity of 43 %). The first test was conducted under istotropic loading and unloading by (1) increase and decrease in confining pressure, and (2) decrease and increase in pore pressure. The evolution of physical properties depends on effective pressure regardless of whether confining pressure or pore pressure is controlled. As effective pressure increases from 0.2 to 30 MPa, porosity decreases from 43 to 18 %, permeability decreases from 1.1×10-18 to 4.1×10-20 m2, and compressional-wave velocity increases from 1.76 to 2.5 km/s, respectively. The same physical properties do not fully recover during unloading, which corresponds to overconsolidated or overpressured condition. The second test included various loading paths including triaxial compression and extension, and drained and undrained condition of pore pressure. The results indicate that the evolution of physical properties be dependent on both effective mean stress and differential stress. The experimental results suggest that it is important to consider consolidation state and loading paths. We will present more experimental results and derive relations between physical properties and stress states.

Friction on Crack Surfaces During Compression of Explosives - A Possible Ignition Source for Unplanned Explosions Due to Accidental Deformations

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

samples were conditioned at temperature for at least two hours before measurement. The dimensions of all samples at 0.1 MPa (atmospheric pressure...1. INTRODUCTION Explosives and propellants are often used under conditions of confinement and pressurization. Explosives are confined...lead to hazardous burning conditions (Nicolaides et al, 2000). The results presented here also indicate the possible hazards associated with crack

Permeability hysterisis of limestone during isotropic compression.

PubMed

Selvadurai, A P S; Głowacki, A

2008-01-01

The evolution of permeability hysterisis in Indiana Limestone during application of isotropic confining pressures up to 60 MPa was measured by conducting one-dimensional constant flow rate tests. These tests were carried out either during monotonic application of the confining pressure or during loading-partial unloading cycles. Irreversible permeability changes occurred during both monotonic and repeated incremental compression of the limestone. Mathematical relationships are developed for describing the evolution of path-dependent permeability during isotropic compression.

Acoustic cavitation of individual ultrasound contrast agent microbubbles confined in capillaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almaqwashi, Ali; McIntyre, David; Ammi, Azzdine

2011-10-01

Ultrasound targeted therapies mainly rely on the inertial cavitation of ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) microbubbles. Our objective is to determine the cavitation acoustic pressure threshold for the destruction of UCA microbubbles inside cellulose capillaries. Acoustic emission from individual Optison microbubbles confined inside a 200-μm diameter capillary was detected using a passive cavitation detection system. Excitation signals from a 2.25 MHz transmitter were applied to the microbubbles while their acoustic emission was detected by a broadband 15 MHz receiver. Time traces were recorded (100 MHz sampling, 12- bit), and frequency-domain analysis of the received signals was performed to characterize microbubble cavitation. The cavitation acoustic pressure threshold was found to be 1 MPa inside the capillary in comparison with ˜0.7 MPa previously reported for unconfined UCA microbubbles. This work provides a clearer understanding of the role of ultrasound contrast agent dynamics inside a capillary.

Friction on Crack Surfaces During Compression of Explosives - A Source of Hot Spots and Probable Ignition Sites

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-01

conditioned at temperature for at least 2 hrs before measurement. The dimensions of all samples at 0.1 MPa (atmospheric pressure) were used to obtain...are often used under conditions of confinement and pressurization. Explosives are confined in projectile cases and are pressurized during launch by...propellants during burning can lead to hazardous burning conditions (ref. 5). The results presented here also indicate the possible hazards associated

Confined Tension and Triaxial Extension Tests on Eglin High-Strength Concrete

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-17

specimen were filled with Devcon 5-Minute epoxy . We encased the specimen in a liquid-tight flexible jacket to exclude the confining fluid from any...sealed to the steel endcaps with epoxy and wire clamps. Figure 3. Schematic diagram of test specimen prepared for TXE testing. TXE tests are...150 MPa – we wrapped two Kevlar jackets (0.01 in thick) around the specimen prior to installing the polyolefin jacket (0.02 in thick). The Kevlar

Geometric confinement effects on the metal-insulator transition temperature and stress relaxation in VO2 thin films grown on silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanath, Changhyun Ko, B.; Yang, Zheng; Ramanathan, Shriram

2011-03-01

VO2 undergoes a sharp metal-insulator transition at ˜67 °C with several orders of change in conductivity and optical transmittance. Understanding and control of the properties of vanadium oxide layers grown on technologically relevant substrates such as Si (100) single crystals is therefore of great interest. In this work, we show tunability of metal-insulator transition temperature as well as recoverable stress in VO2 thin films grown on Si substrate by introducing nanoscale atomic layer deposited HfO2 interfacial layers with no degradation in the resistance ratio. For a confined VO2 film, the metal-insulator transition temperature is suppressed by ˜16 °C and the recoverable stress is 150 MPa, compared to 400 MPa for a bare film. These observations are further correlated with in situ variable temperature measurement of stress changes occurring during the phase transition. Structural and microstructural studies on the various samples have been carried out by x ray diffraction and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The strategy of tuning the metal-insulator transition characteristics by nanoscale interfacial dielectrics is of broader relevance in design of programmable materials and integration into solid state devices for electronics.

Transient porosity pulses and microfracturing during a stress-generating retrograde metamorphic reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renard, F.; Zheng, X.; Cordonnier, B.; Zhu, W.; Jamtveit, B.

2017-12-01

Several geological processes involve mineral transformations where nominally dry rocks transform into hydrated ones when left in contact with water (i.e. eclogitization, serpentinization). In these systems, the transformation induces stress if the rock is confined, and the new minerals create a so-called force of crystallization. Here, we study a model retrograde metamorphic reaction, the hydration of periclase, MgO, into brucite, Mg(OH)2, to quantify the coupling between reaction, stress generation, porosity evolution and fracturing. This hydration reaction generates a volume increase of 110%, and a density decrease of 33.8% of the solid. Samples of a microporous MgO ceramics were reacted at 170-211°C, 5-80 MPa confining pressure, 6-95 MPa differential stress and 5 MPa pore fluid pressure. They were installed into an X-ray transparent triaxial deformation rig, called Hades, and mounted on a synchrotron microtomography stage. Each experiment lasted between 2 and 5 hours, during which between 35 and 130 three-dimensional images were acquired, allowing to follow the chemical transformation and the deformation of the sample. Below 30 MPa mean pressure, the hydration reaction was coupled to fracturing of the MgO ceramics, and the transformation rate followed a sigmoidal kinetics curve with a slow initiation, a fast reaction coupled to fracturing and the generation of a transient porosity pulse, and a slow-down until an almost complete transformation of periclase into brucite.. Conversely, above 30 MPa, the reaction kinetics was very slow, without fracturing over the time scale of the experiment. When considering the driving force of the hydration reaction, stress generation should be several hundreds MPa, whereas the present experiments show that fracturing occurred only below 30 MPa. This indicates that the potential energy due to phase transformation generates much lower stress than what is estimated from non-equilibrium thermodynamics. A possible interpretation of this observation is that the stress created by the reaction may overcome the disjoining pressure at the grain-grain interface, expelling the water film trapped there and reducing the kinetics of reaction. As a consequence, only a fraction of the available potential driving force was used to accelerate the reaction by microfracturing.

Thermal Explosion Violence of HMX-Based and RDX-Based Explosives - Effects of Composition, Confinement, and Solid Phase Using the Scaled Thermal Explosion Experiment

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

Maienschein, J L; Wardell, J F

The Scaled Thermal Explosion Experiment (STEX) has been developed to quantify the violence of thermal explosion under well defined and carefully controlled initial and boundary conditions. Here we present results with HMX-based explosives (LX-04 and PBX-9501) and with Composition B. Samples are 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter and 8 inches (200 mm) in length, under confinement of 7,500-30,000 psi (50-200 MPa), with heating rates of 1-3 C/hr. We quantify reaction violence by measuring the wall velocity in the ensuing thermal explosion, and relate the measured velocity to that expected from a detonation. Results with HMX-based explosives (LX-04 and PBX-9501)more » have shown the importance of confinement and HMX solid phase, with reaction violence ranging from mild pressure bursts to near detonations. By contrast, Composition B has shown very violent reactions over a wide range of conditions.« less

Porosity, petrophysics and permeability of the Whitby Mudstone (UK)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houben, M.; Barnhoorn, A.; Hardebol, N.; Ifada, M.; Boersma, Q.; Douma, L.; Peach, C. J.; Bertotti, G.; Drury, M. R.

2016-12-01

Typically pore diameters in shales range from the µm down to the nm scale and the effective permeability of shale reservoirs is a function of the interconnectivity between the pore space and the natural fracture network present. The length and spacing of mechanical induced and natural fractures is one of the factors controlling gas produtivity from unconventional reservoirs. Permeability of the Whitby Mudstone measured on 1 inch cores was linked to microstructure and combined with natural fracture spacing present in outcrops along the Yorkshire coast (UK) to get insight into possible fluid pathways from reservoir to well. We used a combination of different techniques to characterize the porosity (gas adsorption, Scanning Electron Microscopy), mineralogy (X-Ray Fluorescence, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy) and permeability (pressure step decay) of the Whitby Mudstone. In addition, we mapped the natural fracture network as present in outcrops along the Yorkshire coast (UK) at the 10-2-101m scale. Mineralogically we are dealing with a rock that is high in clay content and has an average organic matter content of about 10%. Results show a low porosity (max. 7%) as well as low permeability for the Whitby Mudstone. The permeability, measured parallel to bedding, depends on the confining pressure and is 86 nanodarcy at 10 MPa effective confining pressure and decreases to 16 nanodarcy at 40 MPa effective confining pressure. At the scale of observation the average distance to nearest natural fracture is in the order of 0.13 meter and 90 percent of all matrix elements are spaced within 0.4 meter to the nearest fracture. By assuming darcy flow, a permeability of 100 nanodarcy and 10% of overpressure we calculated that for the Whitby mudstone most of the gas resides in the matrix for less than 60 days until it reaches the fracture network.

The Strengthening Effect of Ice on Two Extraterrestrial Analogs: A Cautionary Tale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, J.; Durham, W. B.; Seager, S.

2016-12-01

Sample retrieval from extraterrestrial bodies and in situ resource utilization (ISRU) activities have been identified as some of the most important scientific endeavors of the coming decade. With the failure of Rosetta's Philae lander to penetrate the surface of comet 67P and obtain a sample due to the high compressive strength of the surface, it is becoming obvious that knowledge of the mechanical properties of materials that might be encountered in such environments and under such conditions is critical to future mission success. Two comet/asteroid analogs (Indiana limestone and Bishop tuff), selected based on their contrasting mechanical properties and porosities, were tested under constant displacement to failure (in most cases) at low temperatures (295 K to 77 K) and low confining pressures (1 to 5 MPa). The compressive strength of both materials was determined under varied conditions of saturation, from oven-dried ( 0% water content) to fully saturated, and both brittle and ductile behavior was observed. The saturated limestone increased in strength from 30 MPa (at 295 K) to >200 MPa (at 77 K), while the Bishop tuff increased in strength from 13 MPa at 295 K to 165 MPa at 150 K. The results of this study will be useful to future sample retrieval missions or ISRU maneuvers. The large increase in compressive strength of these saturated materials at cryogenic temperatures means that future missions will need to prepare technology that has the energetic and mechanical capability to penetrate very hard substrates as they are likely to encounter.

N2 and CO2 capillary breakthrough experiments on Opalinus Clay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amann, Alexandra; Busch, Andreas; Krooss, Bernhard M.

2013-04-01

The aim of this project was to identify the critical capillary pressures on the drainage and the imbibition path for clay-rich rocks, at a burial depth of 1500 m (30 MPa confining pressure, 45°C). The experiments were performed on fully water-saturated sample plugs of 38 mm diameter and 5 to 20 mm length. The capillary breakthrough pressure was determined by step-wise increase of the differential pressure (drainage), the capillary snap-off pressure was determined from the final pressure difference at the end of a spontaneous imbibition phase. The confining pressure was kept constant throughout the experiment, which resulted in a continuous change of effective stress. The measurements were performed in a closed system and the pressure response was interpreted in terms of different flow mechanisms (diffusion-controlled vs. viscous flow). In total, four breakthrough experiments with N2 and five experiments with CO2 were conducted. Because of very low flow rates and high critical capillary pressures the experiments took rather long. In some cases the experiments were allowed to run for half a year (drainage experiments). Substantial differences were observed between gas breakthrough (drainage) and snap-off (imbibition) pressures. As expected, breakthrough pressures were always higher than the snap-off pressures. For three samples a pbreakthrough/psnap-off ratio of 1.6 to 1.9 was observed, for one sample a ratio of 4. A clear permeability-capillary pressure relationship could not be identified. Based on (omnidirectional) Hg-injection porosimetry results, and assuming perfectly water wet mineral surfaces, gas breakthrough pressures were predicted to occur at approximately 16 MPa for N2 and 5.7 MPa for CO2. The gas breakthrough experiments, however, produced different results. Even though a relatively homogeneous sample set was chosen, with permeability coefficients ranging between 1E-21 and 6E-21 m², the critical capillary breakthrough pressures for nitrogen ranged between 3.4 and 12.3 MPa and snap-off pressures from 0.5 to 6.4 MPa. The CO2 experiments yielded breakthrough pressures of 14.0 to 17.5 MPa and snap-off pressures of 3.5 to 10 MPa. No significant changes in single-phase water permeability coefficients before and after the gas breakthrough experiments were observed. In our contribution we will discuss the following points: 1. Gas fluxes occurring during gas breakthrough experiments may be extremely low. Therefore an unambigous identification of gas breakthrough is not always possible. Besides viscous or diffusive transport, dissolution of CO2 in the pore water may affect the observed pressure changes in the upstream and downstream compartments. All of these processes occur simultaneously and can only be partly discriminated. Gas fluxes detected during the diffusion-controlled flow regimes result in nominal effective gas permeability coefficients as low as 6E-25 m² to 7E-24m². 2. The application of purely capillary-controlled flow models may not be justified. o Gas breakthrough is controlled by effective stress, i.e. the opening of pores or small fissures. o Assumptions about wettability (completely water-wet mineral surfaces) may be incorrect.

Enhanced performance of ferroelectric materials under hydrostatic pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, Aditya; Patel, Satyanarayan; Wang, Shuai; Novak, Nikola; Xu, Bai-Xiang; Lv, Peng; Vaish, Rahul; Lynch, Christopher S.

2017-12-01

Mechanical confinement or restricted degrees of freedom have been explored for its potential to enhance the performance of ferroelectric devices. It presents an easy and reversible method to tune the response for specific applications. However, such studies have been mainly limited to uni- or bi-axial stress. This study investigates the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the ferroelectric behavior of bulk polycrystalline Pb0.99Nb0.02(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98O3. Polarization versus electric field hysteresis plots were generated as a function of hydrostatic pressure for a range of operating temperatures (298-398 K). The application of hydrostatic pressure was observed to induce anti-ferroelectric like double hysteresis loops. This in turn enhances the piezoelectric, energy storage, energy harvesting, and electrocaloric effects. The hydrostatic piezoelectric coefficient (dh) was increased from 50 pCN-1 (0 MPa) to ˜900 pC N-1 (265 MPa) and ˜3200 pCN-1 (330 MPa) at 298 K. Energy storage density was observed to improve by more than 4 times under pressure, in the whole temperature range. The relative change in entropy was also observed to shift from ˜0 to 4.8 J kg-1 K-1 under an applied pressure of 325 MPa. This behavior can be attributed to the evolution of pinched hysteresis loops that have been explained using a phenomenological model. All values represent an improvement of several hundred percent compared to unbiased performance, indicating the potential benefits of the proposed methodology.

Self-diffusion of polycrystalline ice Ih under confining pressure: Hydrogen isotope analysis using 2-D Raman imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noguchi, Naoki; Kubo, Tomoaki; Durham, William B.; Kagi, Hiroyuki; Shimizu, Ichiko

2016-08-01

We have developed a high-resolution technique based on micro Raman spectroscopy to measure hydrogen isotope diffusion profiles in ice Ih. The calibration curve for quantitative analysis of deuterium in ice Ih was constructed using micro Raman spectroscopy. Diffusion experiments using diffusion couples composed of dense polycrystalline H2O and D2O ice were carried out under a gas confining pressure of 100 MPa (to suppress micro-fracturing and pore formation) at temperatures from 235 K to 245 K and diffusion times from 0.2 to 94 hours. Two-dimensional deuterium profiles across the diffusion couples were determined by Raman imaging. The location of small spots of frost from room air could be detected from the shapes of the Raman bands of OH and OD stretching modes, which change because of the effect of the molar ratio of deuterium on the molecular coupling interaction. We emphasize the validity for screening the impurities utilizing the coupling interaction. Some recrystallization and grain boundary migration occurred in recovered diffusion couples, but analysis of two-dimensional diffusion profiles of regions not affected by grain boundary migration allowed us to measure a volume diffusivity for ice at 100 MPa of (2.8 ± 0.4) ×10-3exp[ -57.0 ± 15.4kJ /mol RT ] m2 /s (R is the gas constant, T is temperature). Based on ambient pressure diffusivity measurements by others, this value indicates a high (negative) activation volume for volume diffusivity of -29.5 cm3/mol or more. We can also constrain the value of grain boundary diffusivity in ice at 100 MPa to be <104 that of volume diffusivity.

Comparison of fracture roughness and acoustic emissions statistics from triaxial deformation of rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmittbuhl, Jean; Heap, Michael John; Baud, Patrick; Meredith, Philip George

2010-05-01

Fracture roughness has been shown to be a very robust parameter in fracture mechanics with little sensitivity on the material properties, fracture modes, loading conditions and scales. Indeed, a self-affine scaling invariance has been show to be a very good geometrical model of the fracture surface geometry in many configurations. However some hints of departure from this general rule seem to exist in some specific cases. To re-explore this observation, we have performed a large set of triaxial tests on six different rocks, with contrasting physical properties: Etna basalt, Westerly granite, Crab Orchard sandstone, Darley Dale sandstone, Bentheim sandstone and Solnhofen limestone. All tests were performed under the same conditions: an effective confining pressure of 30MPa (50MPa confining pressure and a 20MPa pore fluid pressure), at a constant strain rate of 1.0 x 10-5 s-1, room temperature and under drained conditions. Crack damage evolution was monitored throughout each experiment by measuring the independent damage proxies of axial strain, pore volume change and output of acoustic emission (AE) energy. Immediately after macroscopic failure, samples were slowly unloaded and pressures slowly reduced to ambient conditions, in order to carefully preserve the fault plane and fault gouge. Each of the resultant fault planes were then precisely mapped using a high resolution laser profiler (resolution of a few micro-meters) to investigate the differences in fracture roughness between the different lithologies. Moreover, extended 3D maps of fracture morphology allow to tackle the possible anisotropy of the surface with respect to the fracture slip. We finally complete our analysis by investigating the link between fracture morphogenesis and the recorded AE.

Empirical Evidence for Species-Specific Export of Fish Naïveté from a No-Take Marine Protected Area in a Coastal Recreational Hook and Line Fishery

PubMed Central

Alós, Josep; Puiggrós, Antoni; Díaz-Gil, Carlos; Palmer, Miquel; Rosselló, Rosario; Arlinghaus, Robert

2015-01-01

No-take marine protected areas (MPAs) are assumed to enhance fisheries catch via the “spillover” effect, where biomass is exported to adjacent exploited areas. Recent studies in spearfishing fisheries suggest that the spillover of gear-naïve individuals from protected to unprotected sites increases catch rates outside the boundaries of MPAs. Whether this is a widespread phenomenon that also holds for other gear types and species is unknown. In this study, we tested if the distance to a Mediterranean MPA predicted the degree of vulnerability to hook and line in four small-bodied coastal fish species. With the assistance of underwater video recording, we investigated the interaction effect of the distance to the boundary of an MPA and species type relative to the latency time to ingest a natural bait, which was considered as a surrogate of fish naïveté or vulnerability to fishing. Vulnerability to angling increased (i.e., latency time decreased) within and near the boundary of an MPA for an intrinsically highly catchable species (Serranus scriba), while it remained constant for an intrinsically uncatchable control species (Chromis chromis). While all of the individuals of S. scriba observed within the MPA and surrounding areas were in essence captured by angling gear, only one fifth of individuals in the far locations were captured. This supports the potential for the spillover of gear-naïve and consequently more vulnerable fish from no-take MPAs. Two other species initially characterized as intermediately catchable (Coris julis and Diplodus annularis) also had a shorter latency time in the vicinity of an MPA, but for these two cases the trend was not statistically significant. Overall, our results suggest that an MPA-induced naïveté effect may not be universal and may be confined to only intrinsically highly catchable fish species. This fact emphasizes the importance of considering the behavioural dimension when predicting the outcomes of MPAs, otherwise the effective contribution may be smaller than predicted for certain highly catchable species such as S. scriba. PMID:26275290

Empirical Evidence for Species-Specific Export of Fish Naïveté from a No-Take Marine Protected Area in a Coastal Recreational Hook and Line Fishery.

PubMed

Alós, Josep; Puiggrós, Antoni; Díaz-Gil, Carlos; Palmer, Miquel; Rosselló, Rosario; Arlinghaus, Robert

2015-01-01

No-take marine protected areas (MPAs) are assumed to enhance fisheries catch via the "spillover" effect, where biomass is exported to adjacent exploited areas. Recent studies in spearfishing fisheries suggest that the spillover of gear-naïve individuals from protected to unprotected sites increases catch rates outside the boundaries of MPAs. Whether this is a widespread phenomenon that also holds for other gear types and species is unknown. In this study, we tested if the distance to a Mediterranean MPA predicted the degree of vulnerability to hook and line in four small-bodied coastal fish species. With the assistance of underwater video recording, we investigated the interaction effect of the distance to the boundary of an MPA and species type relative to the latency time to ingest a natural bait, which was considered as a surrogate of fish naïveté or vulnerability to fishing. Vulnerability to angling increased (i.e., latency time decreased) within and near the boundary of an MPA for an intrinsically highly catchable species (Serranus scriba), while it remained constant for an intrinsically uncatchable control species (Chromis chromis). While all of the individuals of S. scriba observed within the MPA and surrounding areas were in essence captured by angling gear, only one fifth of individuals in the far locations were captured. This supports the potential for the spillover of gear-naïve and consequently more vulnerable fish from no-take MPAs. Two other species initially characterized as intermediately catchable (Coris julis and Diplodus annularis) also had a shorter latency time in the vicinity of an MPA, but for these two cases the trend was not statistically significant. Overall, our results suggest that an MPA-induced naïveté effect may not be universal and may be confined to only intrinsically highly catchable fish species. This fact emphasizes the importance of considering the behavioural dimension when predicting the outcomes of MPAs, otherwise the effective contribution may be smaller than predicted for certain highly catchable species such as S. scriba.

Mechanical Behavior of Low Porosity Carbonate Rock: From Brittle Creep to Ductile Creep.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolas, A.; Fortin, J.; Gueguen, Y.

2014-12-01

Mechanical compaction and associated porosity reduction play an important role in the diagenesis of porous rocks. They may also affect reservoir rocks during hydrocarbon production, as the pore pressure field is modified. This inelastic compaction can lead to subsidence, cause casing failure, trigger earthquake, or change the fluid transport properties. In addition, inelastic deformation can be time - dependent. In particular, brittle creep phenomena have been deeply investigated since the 90s, especially in sandstones. However knowledge of carbonates behavior is still insufficient. In this study, we focus on the mechanical behavior of a 14.7% porosity white Tavel (France) carbonate rock (>98% calcite). The samples were deformed in a triaxial cell at effective confining pressures ranging from 0 MPa to 85 MPa at room temperature and 70°C. Experiments were carried under dry and water saturated conditions in order to explore the role played by the pore fluids. Two types of experiments have been carried out: (1) a first series in order to investigate the rupture envelopes, and (2) a second series with creep experiments. During the experiments, elastic wave velocities (P and S) were measured to infer crack density evolution. Permeability was also measured during creep experiments. Our results show two different mechanical behaviors: (1) brittle behavior is observed at low confining pressures, whereas (2) ductile behavior is observed at higher confining pressures. During creep experiments, these two behaviors have a different signature in term of elastic wave velocities and permeability changes, due to two different mechanisms: development of micro-cracks at low confining pressures and competition between cracks and microplasticity at high confining pressure. The attached figure is a summary of 20 triaxial experiments performed on Tavel limestone under different conditions. Stress states C',C* and C*' and brittle strength are shown in the P-Q space: (a) 20°C and dry, (b) 20°C and water saturated samples, (c) 70°C dry and (d) summary of all the experiments. Three regimes of inelastic and failure modes are observed: brittle failure, shear-enhanced compaction and dilatant cataclastic flow.

Deformation modes in an Icelandic basalt: From brittle failure to localized deformation bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adelinet, M.; Fortin, J.; Schubnel, A.; Guéguen, Y.

2013-04-01

According to the stress state, deformation mode observed in rocks may be very different. Even in the brittle part of the crust a differential stress can induce shear failure but also localized compacting deformation, such as compaction bands in porous sedimentary rocks. The mode of deformation controls many hydrodynamic factors, such as permeability and porosity. We investigate in this paper two different modes of deformation in an Icelandic basalt by using laboratory seismological tools (elastic waves and acoustic emissions) and microstructural observations. First of all, we show that at low effective confining pressure (Peff = 5 MPa) an axial loading induces a shear failure in the basalt with an angle of about 30° with respect to the main stress direction. On the contrary, at high effective confining pressure (Peff ≥ 75 MPa and more) an increase of the axial stress induces a localization of the deformation in the form of subhorizontal bands again with respect to the main stress direction. In this second regime, focal mechanisms of the acoustic emissions reveal an important number of compression events suggesting pore collapse mechanisms. Microstructural observations confirm this assumption. Similar compaction structures are usually obtained for porous sedimentary rocks (20-25%). However, the investigated basalt has an initial total porosity of only about 10% so that compaction structures were not expected. The pore size and the ratio of pore to grain size are likely to be key factors for the particular observed mechanical behavior.

Elastic wave velocity and acoustic emission monitoring during Gypsum dehydration under triaxial stress conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brantut, N.; David, E. C.; Héripré, E.; Schubnel, A. J.; Zimmerman, R. W.; Gueguen, Y.

2010-12-01

Dehydration experiments were performed on natural Gypsum polycrystal samples coming from Volterra, Italy in order to study contemporaneously the evolution of P and S elastic wave velocities and acoustic emission (AE) triggering. During these experiments, temperature was slowly raised at 0.15 degrees C per minute under constant stress conditions. Two experiments were realized under quasi-hydrostatic stress (15 and 55 MPa respectively). The third experiment was realized under constant triaxial stress (σ3=45MPa, σ1=75MPa). All three were drained (10MPa constant pore pressure). In each experiments, both P and S wave velocities reduced drastically (as much as approx. 50% in the low confining pressure case) at the onset of dehydration. Importantly, the Vp/Vs ratio also decreased. Shortly after the onset of decrease in P and S wave velocities, the dehydration reaction was also accompanied by bursts of AEs. Time serie locations of the AEs show that they initiated from the pore pressure port, ie from where the pore fluid could easily be drained, and then slowly migrated within the sample. In each experiments, the AE rate could be positively correlated to the reaction rate, inferred from pore volumetry. In such a way, the AE rate reached a peak when the reaction was the fastest. Focal mechanism analysis of the largest AEs showed they had a large volumetric component in compaction, confirming that AEs were indeed related to pore closure and/or collapse. In addition, the AE rate also increased with confinement, ie when a larger amount of compaction was observed. Interestingly, when under differential stress conditions, AE focal mechanisms were mainly in shear. Additional dehydration experiments performed within an environmental scanning electron microscope under low vacuum highlight that, in drained conditions at least, the reaction seems to take place in two phases. First, cracks are being opened along cleavage planes within a single gypsum crystal, which allows for the fluid to escape. Second, the solid volume shrinks and pore collapse can occur. Such a scenario is also consistent with our in-situ analysis under pressure. Finally, a differential effective medium theory approach is used to invert crack density and crack average aspect ratio from elastic wave velocity measurements. Coupling this to Biot-Gassman equation, we can correct for some of the dispersion effects (mainly squirt flow) between the ultrasonic (MHz) and the seismic frequency (Hz) ranges. When doing so, we observe, that, under low confining pressures and in drained conditions at least, the evolution of elastic wave velocities is dominated by the effect due to nucleation of low aspect ratio crack during dehydration. Our results thus seem to point out that, because dehydration reaction are accompanied with crack nucleation, the signature of these reactions in nature, should, in fact, possibly be that of a low Vp/Vs ratio, contrarily to what has been instinctively assumed until now.

Geomechanical Behaviors of Laboratory-Formed Non-Cementing Hydrate-Bearing Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seol, Y.

2015-12-01

Natural hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS) have been known to exist with non-cementing pore habits, i.e., pore-filling, load-bearing, or patchy type. However, few laboratory studies have been conducted to characterize geomechanical behaviors of non-cementing CH4-HBS, which are of great importance in engineering the process of drilling and gas production in natural hydrate reservoir. In this study, we conducted multi-stage drained triaxial tests on laboratory synthesized CH4-HBS samples, which were formed in sand-clay mixtures (5%wt kaolinite) to have non-cementing habits. Three different effective confining stresses, σ3' = 0.69, 1.38, and 2.76 MPa, were applied on the HBS with the hydrate saturation, Sh, in the range of 0 to ~ 40%. The result confirms that the strength and stiffness of HBS increases with effective confining stress and hydrate saturation. It is also demonstrated that when compared to the cementing HBS, the non-cementing HBS has lower strength and cohesion, owing to less inter-particle adhesion effects from non-cementing hydrate.

A state-of-the-art anisotropic rock deformation model incorporating the development of mobilised shear strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noor, M. J. Md; Jobli, A. F.

2018-04-01

Currently rock deformation is estimated using the relationship between the deformation modulus Em and the stress-strain curve. There have been many studies conducted to estimate the value of Em. This Em is basically derived from conducting unconfined compression test, UCS. However, the actual stress condition of the rock in the ground is anisotropic stress condition where the rock mass is subjected to different confining and vertical pressures. In addition, there is still no empirical or semi-empirical framework that has been developed for the prediction of rock stress-strain response under anisotropic stress condition. Arock triaxial machine GCTS Triaxial RTX-3000 has been deployed to obtain the anisotropic stress-strain relationship for weathered granite grade II from Rawang, Selangor sampled at depth of 20 m and subjected to confining pressure of 2 MPa, 7.5 MPa and 14 MPa. The developed mobilised shear strength envelope within the specimen of 50 mm diameter and 100 mm height during the application of the deviator stress is interpreted from the stress-strain curves. These mobilised shear strength envelopes at various axial strains are the intrinsic property and unique for the rock. Once this property has been established then it is being used to predict the stress-strain relationship at any confining pressure. The predicted stress-strain curves are compared against the curves obtained from the tests. A very close prediction is achieved to substantiate the applicability of this rock deformation model. This is a state-of-the art rock deformation theory which characterise the deformation base on the applied load and the developed mobilised shear strength within the rock body.

Methane hydrate formation in confined nanospace can surpass nature

DOE PAGES

Casco, Mirian E.; Silvestre-Albero, Joaquín; Ramírez-Cuesta, Anibal J.; ...

2015-03-02

Natural methane hydrates are believed to be the largest source of hydrocarbons on Earth. These structures are formed in specific locations such as deep-sea sediments and the permafrost based on demanding conditions of high pressure and low temperature. We report that, by taking advantage of the confinement effects on nanopore space, synthetic methane hydrates grow under mild conditions (3.5 MPa and 2 degrees C), with faster kinetics (within minutes) than nature, fully reversibly and with a nominal stoichiometry that mimics nature. Furthermore, the formation of the hydrate structures in nanospace and their similarity to natural hydrates is confirmed using inelasticmore » neutron scattering experiments and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Our findings may be a step towards the application of a smart synthesis of methane hydrates in energy-demanding applications (for example, transportation).« less

Compaction and Permeability Reduction of Castlegate Sandstone under Pore Pressure Cycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, S. J.

2014-12-01

We investigate time-dependent compaction and permeability changes by cycling pore pressure with application to compressed air energy storage (CAES) in a reservoir. Preliminary experiments capture the impacts of hydrostatic stress, pore water pressure, pore pressure cycling, chemical, and time-dependent considerations near a borehole in a CAES reservoir analog. CAES involves creating an air bubble in a reservoir. The high pressure bubble serves as a mechanical battery to store potential energy. When there is excess grid energy, bubble pressure is increased by air compression, and when there is energy needed on the grid, stored air pressure is released through turbines to generate electricity. The analog conditions considered are depth ~1 km, overburden stress ~20 MPa and a pore pressure ~10MPa. Pore pressure is cycled daily or more frequently between ~10 MPa and 6 MPa, consistent with operations of a CAES facility at this depth and may continue for operational lifetime (25 years). The rock can vary from initially fully-to-partially saturated. Pore pressure cycling changes the effective stress.Jacketed, room temperature tap water-saturated samples of Castlegate Sandstone are hydrostatically confined (20 MPa) and subjected to a pore pressure resulting in an effective pressure of ~10 MPa. Pore pressure is cycled between 6 to 10 MPa. Sample displacement measurements yielded determinations of volumetric strain and from water flow measurements permeability was determined. Experiments ran for two to four weeks, with 2 to 3 pore pressure cycles per day. The Castlegate is a fluvial high porosity (>20%) primarily quartz sandstone, loosely calcite cemented, containing a small amount of clay.Pore pressure cycling induces compaction (~.1%) and permeability decreases (~20%). The results imply that time-dependent compactive processes are operative. The load path, of increasing and decreasing pore pressure, may facilitate local loosening and grain readjustments that results in the compaction and permeability decreases observed. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Dept. of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.SAND2014-16586A

Shear enhanced compaction in a porous basalt from San Miguel Island, Azores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loaiza, S.; Fortin, J.; Schubnel, A. J.; Vinciguerra, S.; Moreira, M.; Gueguen, Y.

2011-12-01

Basaltic rocks are the main component of the oceanic upper crust. This is of potential interest for water and geothermal resources, or for storage of CO2. The aim of our work is to investigate experimentally the mechanical behavior and the failure modes of porous basalt as well its permeability evolution during deformation. Cylindrical basalt samples, from the Azores, of 30 mm in diameter and 60 mm in length were deformed the triaxial cell at room temperature and at a constant axial strain rate of 10-5 s-1. The initial porosity of the sample was 18%. In our study, a set of experiments were performed at confining pressure in the range of 25-290 MPa. The samples were deformed under saturated conditions at a constant pore pressure of 5MPa. Two volumetric pumps kept the pore pressure constant, and the pore volume variations were recorded. The evolution of the porosity was calculated from the total volume variation inside the volumetric pumps. Permeability measurements were performed using the steady-state technique. Our result shows that two modes of deformation can be highlighted in this basalt. At low confining pressure (Pc < 50 MPa), the differential stress attains a peak before the sample undergoes strain softening; failure occurs by shear localization. The experiments performed at confining pressure higher than 50 MPa, show a totally different mode of deformation. In this second mode of deformation, an appreciable inelastic porosity reduction is observed. Comparing to the hydrostatic loading, the rock sample started to compact beyond a critical stress state; and from then, strain hardening, with stress drops are observed. Such a behavior is characteristic of the formation of compaction localization, due to grain crushing and pore collapse. In addition, this inelastic compaction is accompanied by a decrease of permeability, indicating that these compaction bands or zones act as barrier for fluid flow, in agreement with observations done in sandstone. Further studies, including Acoustic Emission locations and microstructural observations will be carried out in order to map the compaction bands or zones and confirm or infirm the formation of compaction localization, and the micromechanisms (pore collapse and grain crushing) taking place in this second mode of deformation.

Hydraulic fracturing and permeability enhancement in granite from subcritical/brittle to supercritical/ductile conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Noriaki; Egawa, Motoki; Sakaguchi, Kiyotoshi; Ishibashi, Takuya; Tsuchiya, Noriyoshi

2017-06-01

Hydraulic fracturing experiments were conducted at 200-450°C by injecting water into cylindrical granite samples containing a borehole at an initial effective confining pressure of 40 MPa. Intensive fracturing was observed at all temperatures, but the fracturing characteristics varied with temperature, perhaps due to differences in the water viscosity. At the lowest considered temperature (200°C), fewer fractures propagated linearly from the borehole, and the breakdown pressure was twice the confining pressure. However, these characteristics disappeared with increasing temperature; the fracture pattern shifted toward the formation of a greater number of shorter fractures over the entire body of the sample, and the breakdown pressure decreased greatly. Hydraulic fracturing significantly increased the permeability at all temperatures, and this permeability enhancement was likely to form a productive geothermal reservoir even at the highest considered temperature, which exceeded both the brittle-ductile transition temperature of granite and the critical temperature of water.

Strain-Dependent Oxidant Release in Articular Cartilage Originates from Mitochondria

PubMed Central

J, Brouillette M; S, Ramakrishnan P; M, Wagner V; E, Sauter E; J, Journot B; O, McKinley T; A, Martin J

2013-01-01

Mechanical loading is essential for articular cartilage homeostasis and plays a central role in the cartilage pathology, yet the mechanotransduction processes that underlie these effects remain unclear. Previously we showed that lethal amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were liberated from the mitochondria in response to mechanical insult, and that chondrocyte deformation may be a source of ROS. To this end, we hypothesized that mechanically-induced mitochondrial ROS is related to the magnitude of cartilage deformation. To test this, we measured axial tissue strains in cartilage explants subjected to semi-confined compressive stresses of 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 MPa. The presence of ROS was then determined by confocal imaging with dihydroethidium (DHE), an oxidant sensitive fluorescent probe. Our results indicated that ROS levels increased linearly relative to the magnitude of axial strains (r2 = 0.83, p < 0.05), and significant cell death was observed at strains > 40%. By contrast, hydrostatic stress, which causes minimal tissue strain, had no significant effect. Cell permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic Mn(III)tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin pentachloride (MnTMPyP) significantly decreased ROS levels at 0.5 and 0.25 MPa. Electron transport chain inhibitor, rotenone, and cytoskeletal inhibitor, cytochalasin B, significantly decreased ROS levels at 0.25 MPa. Our findings strongly suggest that ROS and mitochondrial oxidants contribute to cartilage mechanobiology. PMID:23896937

Radical re-appraisal of water structure in hydrophilic confinement.

PubMed

Soper, Alan K

2013-12-18

The structure of water confined in MCM41 silica cylindrical pores is studied to determine whether confined water is simply a version of the bulk liquid which can be substantially supercooled without crystallisation. A combination of total neutron scattering from the porous silica, both wet and dry, and computer simulation using a realistic model of the scattering substrate is used. The water in the pore is divided into three regions: core, interfacial and overlap. The average local densities of water in these simulations are found to be about 20% lower than bulk water density, while the density in the core region is below, but closer to, the bulk density. There is a decrease in both local and core densities when the temperature is lowered from 298 K to 210 K. The radical proposal is made here that water in hydrophilic confinement is under significant tension, around -100 MPa, inside the pore.

Effects of dislocations on polycrystal anelasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Y.; Takei, Y.; McCarthy, C.; Suzuki, A.

2017-12-01

Effects of dislocations on the seismic velocity and attenuation have been poorly understood, because only a few experimental studies have been performed [Guéguen et al., 1989; Farla et al., 2012]. By using organic borneol as a rock analogue, we measured dislocation-induced anelasticity accurately over a broad frequency range. We first measured the flow law of borneol aggregates by uniaxial compression tests under a confining pressure of 0.8 MPa. A transition from diffusion creep (n = 1) to dislocation creep (n = 5) was captured at about σ = 1 MPa (40°C-50°C). After deforming in the dislocation creep regime, sample microstructure showed irregular grain shape consistent with grain boundary migration. Next, we conducted three creep tests at σ = 0.27 MPa (diffusion creep regime), σ = 1.3 MPa and σ = 1.9 MPa (dislocation creep regime) on the same sample in increasing order, and measured Young's modulus E and attenuation Q-1 after each creep test by forced oscillation tests. The results show that as σ increased, E decreased and Q-1 increased. These changes induced by dislocations, however, almost fully recovered during the forced oscillation tests performed for about two weeks under a small stress (σ = 0.27 MPa) due to the dislocation recovery (annihilation). In order to constrain the time scale of the dislocation-induced anelastic relaxation, we further measured Young's modulus E at ultrasonic frequency before and after the dislocation creep and found that E at 106 Hz is not influenced by dislocations. Because E at 100 Hz is reduced by dislocations by 10%, the dislocation-induced anelastic relaxation occurs mostly between 102-106 Hz which is at a higher frequency than grain-boundary-induced anelasticity. To avoid dislocation recovery during the anelasticity measurement, we are now trying to perform an in-situ measurement of anelasticity while simultaneously deforming under a high stress associated with dislocation creep. The combination of persistent creep stress with small amplitude perturbations is similar to a seismic wave traveling through a region of active tectonic deformation.

Pore-water extraction from unsaturated tuff by triaxial and one-dimensional compression methods, Nevada Test Site, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mower, Timothy E.; Higgins, Jerry D.; Yang, In C.; Peters, Charles A.

1994-01-01

Study of the hydrologic system at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, requires the extraction of pore-water samples from welded and nonwelded, unsaturated tuffs. Two compression methods (triaxial compression and one-dimensional compression) were examined to develop a repeatable extraction technique and to investigate the effects of the extraction method on the original pore-fluid composition. A commercially available triaxial cell was modified to collect pore water expelled from tuff cores. The triaxial cell applied a maximum axial stress of 193 MPa and a maximum confining stress of 68 MPa. Results obtained from triaxial compression testing indicated that pore-water samples could be obtained from nonwelded tuff cores that had initial moisture contents as small as 13 percent (by weight of dry soil). Injection of nitrogen gas while the test core was held at the maximum axial stress caused expulsion of additional pore water and reduced the required initial moisture content from 13 to 11 percent. Experimental calculations, together with experience gained from testing moderately welded tuff cores, indicated that the triaxial cell used in this study could not apply adequate axial or confining stress to expel pore water from cores of densely welded tuffs. This concern led to the design, fabrication, and testing of a one-dimensional compression cell. The one-dimensional compression cell used in this study was constructed from hardened 4340-alloy and nickel-alloy steels and could apply a maximum axial stress of 552 MPa. The major components of the device include a corpus ring and sample sleeve to confine the sample, a piston and base platen to apply axial load, and drainage plates to transmit expelled water from the test core out of the cell. One-dimensional compression extracted pore water from nonwelded tuff cores that had initial moisture contents as small as 7.6 percent; pore water was expelled from densely welded tuff cores that had initial moisture contents as small as 7.7 percent. Injection of nitrogen gas at the maximum axial stress did not produce additional pore water from nonwelded tuff cores, but was critical to recovery of pore water from densely welded tuff cores. Gas injection reduced the required initial moisture content in welded tuff cores from 7.7 to 6.5 percent. Based on the mechanical ability of a pore-water extraction method to remove water from welded and nonwelded tuff cores, one-dimensional compression is a more effective extraction method than triaxial compression. However, because the effects that one-dimensional compression has on pore-water chemistry are not completely understood, additional testing will be needed to verify that this method is suitable for pore-water extraction from Yucca Mountain tuffs.

From slow to fast rupture during laboratory earthquakes in dolostones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passelegue, F. X.; Fondriest, M.; Nicolas, A.; Aubry, J.; Schubnel, A.; Di Toro, G.

2016-12-01

Dolostones are the dominant lithology of the shallow portions of many seismically active regions (e.g., Italian Apennines). Displacement in natural fault zones cutting dolostones and exhumed from < 3-4 km depth is frequently localized on highly reflective (mirror-like) slip surfaces, coated with thin films of nano-granular fault rock. Using saw-cut dolostone samples, we conducted stick-slip experiments under upper crustal stress conditions (confining pressures and temperatures of 30, 60 and 90 MPa at 30, 65 and 100 °C, respectively). Samples were equipped with 15 piezoelectric transducers allowing the record of acoustic activity. At 30 and 65 °C, only slow ruptures (Vr < 200 m/s) were observed and the experimental faults exhibited ductile behaviour. At 65 °C, a slip strengthening behaviour was observed after the main slow rupture, leading to a succession of slow ruptures. At T = 100 °C and 30 MPa confining pressure, fault strengthening increased after each rupture, allowing, while the rupture processes remained slow (no acoustic activity), a sequence of slow stick-slip events. Instead, at the same ambient temperature but under larger confining pressures (60 and 90 MPa), we observed the transition from slow to fast rupture events (up to supershear rupture velocities), associated to clusters of acoustic activity and dynamic stress drop occurring in few tens of microseconds. In all experiments, mirror-like surfaces and nanoparticles were observed under the scanning electron microscope as a result of slow and fast ruptures. Clearly, mirror-like surfaces and nano powders are not representative of seismic slip events in cohesive dolostones. Instead, the transition from slow to fast ruptures (and generation of acoustic emissions) was related to a flash weakening processes, enhanced at 100° C, which allowed the experimental fault to weaken with slip faster than the rate at which the elastic strain was released from the surrounding medium.

Creep of Posidonia and Bowland shale at elevated pressures and temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrmann, Johannes; Rybacki, Erik; Sone, Hiroki; Dresen, Georg

2017-04-01

The fracture-healing rate of artificial cracks generated by hydraulic fracturing is of major interest in the E&P industry since it is important for the long-time productivity of a well. To estimate the stress-induced healing rate of unconventional reservoir rocks, we performed deformation tests on Bowland shale rocks (UK) and on Posidonia shales (Germany). Samples of 1cm diameter and 2cm length were drilled perpendicular to the bedding and deformed in a high pressure, high temperature deformation apparatus. Constant strain rate tests at 5*10-4*s-1, 50 MPa confining pressure and 100˚ C temperature reveal a mainly brittle behaviour with predominantly elastic deformation before failure and high strength of low porosity (˜2%), quartz-rich (˜42 vol%) Bowland shale. In contrast, the low porosity (˜3%), carbonate- (˜43 vol%) and clay-rich (˜33 vol%) Posidonia shale deforms semi-brittle with pronounced inelastic deformation and low peak strength. These results suggest a good fracability of the Bowland formation compared to the Posidonia shale. Constant load (creep) experiments performed on Bowland shale at 100˚ C temperature and 75 MPa pressure show mainly transient (primary) deformation with increasing strain rate at increasing axial stress. The strain rate increases also with increasing temperature, measured in the range of 75 - 150˚ C at fixed stress and confinement. In contrast, increasing confining pressure (from 30 to 115 MPa) at given temperature and stress results in decreasing strain rate. In contrast, Posidonia shale rocks are much more sensitive to changes in stress, temperature and pressure than Bowland shale. Empirical relations between strain and stress that account for the influence of pressure and temperature on creep properties of Posidonia and Bowland shale rocks can be used to estimate the fracture healing rate of these shales under reservoir conditions.

Experimental investigation and constitutive model for lime mudstone.

PubMed

Wang, Junbao; Liu, Xinrong; Zhao, Baoyun; Song, Zhanping; Lai, Jinxing

2016-01-01

In order to investigate the mechanical properties of lime mudstone, conventional triaxial compression tests under different confining pressures (0, 5, 15 and 20 MPa) are performed on lime mudstone samples. The test results show that, from the overall perspective of variation law, the axial peak stress, axial peak strain and elastic modulus of lime mudstone tend to gradually increase with increasing confining pressure. In the range of tested confining pressure, the variations in axial peak stress and elastic modulus with confining pressure can be described with linear functions; while the variation in axial peak strain with confining pressure can be reflected with a power function. To describe the axial stress-strain behavior in failure process of lime mudstone, a new constitutive model is proposed, with the model characteristics analyzed and the parameter determination method put forward. Compared with Wang' model, only one parameter n is added to the new model. The comparison of predicted curves from the model and test data indicates that the new model can preferably simulate the strain softening property of lime mudstone and the axial stress-strain response in rock failure process.

Structural and mechanical properties of glassy water in nanoscale confinement.

PubMed

Lombardo, Thomas G; Giovambattista, Nicolás; Debenedetti, Pablo G

2009-01-01

We investigate the structure and mechanical properties of glassy water confined between silica-based surfaces with continuously tunable hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity by computing and analyzing minimum energy, mechanically stable configurations (inherent structures). The structured silica substrate imposes long-range order on the first layer of water molecules under hydrophobic confinement at high density (p > or = 1.0 g cm(-3)). This proximal layer is also structured in hydrophilic confinement at very low density (p approximately 0.4 g cm(-3)). The ordering of water next to the hydrophobic surface greatly enhances the mechanical strength of thin films (0.8 nm). This leads to a substantial stress anisotropy; the transverse strength of the film exceeds the normal strength by 500 MPa. The large transverse strength results in a minimum in the equation of state of the energy landscape that does not correspond to a mechanical instability, but represents disruption of the ordered layer of water next to the wall. In addition, we find that the mode of mechanical failure is dependent on the type of confinement. Under large lateral strain, water confined by hydrophilic surfaces preferentially forms voids in the middle of the film and fails cohesively. In contrast, water under hydrophobic confinement tends to form voids near the walls and fails by loss of adhesion.

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

Broome, S. T.; Bauer, S. J.; Hansen, F. D.

Design, analysis and performance assessment of potential salt repositories for heat-generating nuclear waste require knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and fluid transport properties of reconsolidating granular salt. So, to inform salt repository evaluations, we have undertaken an experimental program to determine Bulk and Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratio of reconsolidated granular salt as a function of porosity and temperature and to establish the deformational processes by which the salt reconsolidates. Our tests were conducted at 100, 175, and 250 °C. In hydrostatic tests, confining pressure is increased to 20 MPa with periodic unload/reload loops to determine K. Volume strain increases withmore » increasing temperature. In shear tests at 2.5 and 5 MPa confining pressure, after confining pressure is applied, the crushed salt is subjected to a differential stress, with periodic unload/reload loops to determine E and ν. At predetermined differential stress levels the stress is held constant and the salt consolidates. Displacement gages mounted on the samples show little lateral deformation until the samples reach a porosity of ~10 %. Interestingly, vapor is vented only for 250 °C tests and condenses at the vent port. It is hypothesized that the brine originates from fluid inclusions, which were made accessible by heating and intragranular deformational processes including decrepitation. Furthermore, identification and documentation of consolidation processes are inferred from optical and scanning electron microstructural observations. As a result, densification at low porosity is enhanced by water film on grain boundaries that enables solution-precipitation phenomena.« less

Microstructure evolution of fault rocks at the "brittle-to-plastic" transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heilbronner, R.; Pec, M.; Stunitz, H.

2011-12-01

In the continental crust, large earthquakes tend to nucleate at the "brittle-to-plastic" transition at depths of ~ 10 - 20 km indicating stress release by rupture at elevated PT. Experimental studies, field observations, and models predict peak strength of the lithosphere at depths where rocks deform by "semi-brittle" flow. Thus, the deformation processes taking place at these conditions are important aspects of the seismic cycle and fault rheology in general. We performed a series of experiments with crushed Verzasca gneiss powder (d ≤ 200 μm), "pre-dried" and 0.2 wt% H2O added, placed between alumina forcing blocks (45° pre-cut) and weld-sealed in Pt jackets. The experiments were performed at Pc = 500, 1000 and 1500 MPa, T = 300°C and 500°C. and shear strain rates of ~10-3 s-1 to ~10-5 s-1 in a solid medium deformation apparatus (Griggs rig). Samples deformed at Pc = 500 MPa attain peak strength (~ 1100-1400 MPa) at γ ~ 2, they weaken by ~20 MPa (300°C) to ~140 MPa (500°C) and reach a steady state. The 300°C experiments are systematically stronger by ~ 330 - 370 MPa than the 500°C experiments, and flow stress increases with increasing strain rate. At Pc = 1000 and 1500 MPa, peak strength (~1300-1600 MPa) is reached at γ = 1 to 1.5 followed by weakening of ~60 (300°C) and ~150 MPa (500°C). The strength difference between 300°C and 500°C samples is 270-330 MPa and does not increase with increasing confining pressure. The peak strength increase with confining pressure is modest (50-150 MPa), indicating that the rocks reach their maximal compressive strength. The microstructure develops as an S-C-C' fabric with dominant C' slip zones. At low strains, the gouge zone is pervasively cut by closely spaced C' shears containing fine-grained material (d < 100 nm). At peak strength, deformation localizes into less densely spaced, ~10 μm thick C'-C slip zones which develop predominantly in feldspars. In TEM, they show no porosity and consist of amorphous material and small crystalline fragments (d ~ 20 nm). During steady state flow, pseudotachylites appear as isolated patches, typically associated with micas (melting temperature ~650°C). Quartz grains show the lowest degree of fragmentation and represent the rheologically strongest phase. Feldspar grains fracture more easily and are the weakest phase. The development of the bulk microstructure evolves with finite strain and does not show any dependence on temperature. CL observations, EDS maps and WDS microprobe data show changes in chemical composition in the slip zones indicating that mechanical disintegration of the grains is accompanied by transport of alkalis, producing a different mineral chemistry even at short experimental time scales (~20 min to 30 hrs). The amorphous to nano-crystalline material is viscously deformed and a pre-cursor for the formation of frictional melt, which is typically more ferromagnesian and basic than the bulk rock composition. Our results indicate that 1) frictional melting can occur even at slow strain-rates 2) is possible during steady-state plastic flow and is not accompanied by a stress drop.

Dependencies of pore pressure on elastic wave velocities and Vp/Vs ratio for thermally cracked gabbro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimura, K.; Uehara, S. I.; Mizoguchi, K.

2015-12-01

Marine seismic refraction have found that there are high Vp/Vs ratio regions in oceanic crusts at subducting oceanic plates (e.g, Cascadia subduction zone (2.0-2.8) (Audet et al., 2009)). Previous studies based on laboratory measurements indicated that Vp/Vs ratio is high when porosity and/or pore pressure is high (Christensen, 1984; Peacock et al., 2011). Although several studies have investigated the relationships between fracture distributions and Vp, Vs (e.g., Wang et al., 2012; Blake et al., 2013), the relationships for rocks (e.g., gabbro and basalt) composing oceanic crust are still unclear. This study reports the results of laboratory measurements of Vp, Vs (transmission method) at controlled confining and pore pressure and estimation of Vp/Vs ratio for thermally cracked gabbro which mimic highly fractured rocks in the high Vp/Vs ratio zone, in order to declare the dependence of fracture distributions on Vp/Vs. For the measurements, we prepared three type specimens; a non-heated intact specimen, specimens heated up to 500 °C and 700 °C for 24 hours. Porosities of intact, 500 °C and 700 °C specimens measured under the atmospheric pressure are 0.5, 3.4 and 3.5%, respectively. Measurements were conducted at a constant confining pressure of 50 MPa, with decreasing pore pressure from 49 to 0.1 MPa and then increasing to 49 MPa. While Vp/Vs for the intact specimen is almost constant at elevated pore pressure, the Vp/Vs values for the thermally cracked ones were 2.0~2.2 when pore pressure was larger than 30 MPa. In future, we will reveal the relationship between the measured elastic wave velocities and the characteristics of the microfracture distribution. This work was supported by JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Grant Number 26400492).

Seismic properties of Leg 195 serpentinites and their geophysical implications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Courtier, Anna M.; Hart, David J.; Christensen, Nikolas I.; Shinohara, Masanao; Salisbury, Matthew H.; Richter, Carl

2006-01-01

Knowledge of seismic velocities is necessary to constrain the lithologies encountered in seismic studies. We measured the seismic velocities, both compressional and shear wave, of clasts recovered during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 195 from a serpentine mud volcano, the South Chamorro Seamount. The compressional wave velocities of these clasts vary from a lower value of 5.5 km/s to an upper value of 6.1 km/s at a confining stress of 200 MPa. The shear wave velocities vary from a lower value of 2.8 km/s to an upper value of 3.3 km/s at a confining stress of 200 MPa. The densities of the samples vary from 2548 to 2701 kg/m3. These velocities and densities are representative of the highly serpentinized harzburgite and dunite mineralogy of the clasts. Velocities from a seismic study of the Izu-Bonin forearc wedge were used to calculate the degree of serpentinization in the forearc wedge. The seismic velocities of the forearc wedge are higher than the velocities of the clasts recovered from the South Chamorro Seamount, suggesting that the clasts are more serpentinized than the forearc wedge.

Microcracks induced during dilatancy and compaction in a porous oolithic carbonate rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortin, Jérôme; Stanchits, Sergei; Dresen, Georg; Guéguen, Yves

2010-05-01

Reservoir rocks can undergo irreversible deformation (dilatancy or compaction) as a result of a change in effective stress during production of hydrocarbon or during CO2 storage; and whether deformation occurs in conjunction with dilatation or compaction, it has important implications on fluid transport processes. In this study, we investigated the mechanical behavior of the Chauvigny limestone. This porous limestone is one of the rocks, which constitutes the Dogger, a deep saline aquifer, one of the favorable geological reservoirs for CO2 storage in France. This limestone is an oolithic one and is characterized by a dual porosity: a micro-porosity (inside the ooliths) of ~13% and a macro-porosity of ~4%. The total porosity is ~17%. Previous studies performed on limestone, even the ones with very low porosity like Carrara marble, show at room temperature, a transition with increasing pressure from brittle regime to catalastic flow. Two mechanisms are involved during failure of limestone: cracking, and crystal plasticity, which can be activated at room temperature. To investigate the brittle-ductile transition in this porous limestone, we performed 8 conventional triaxial experiments, at confining pressure in the range of 5-100 MPa, at room temperature and at a constant strain rate of 2.10-4s-1. In addition, the evolutions of elastic wave velocities were measured periodically with loading. The elastic wave velocities are affected by two competing mechanisms: porosity reduction -which increases the velocities-, and cracking -which decreases the velocities-. However the elastic wave velocities are much more sensitive to cracking than to porosity reduction. Our results show that diltatant (nucleation and propagation of cracks) and compaction micro-mechanisms (plastic pore collapse) compete. Two limit cases can be distinguished. During hydrostatic compression, the inelastic volumetric strain seems to be mainly associated with plastic pore collapse, whereas for the triaxial experiments at confining pressure < 30 MPa, the inelastic volumetric strain seems to be mainly associated with the development of shear-induced cracks. For the triaxial experiments at confining pressure > 30 MPa, we are able to distinguish a first critical stress state where plastic pore collapse occurs, and a second stress state where shear-induced cracks are initiated. Reference: J. Fortin, S. Stanchits, G. Dresen and Y. Gueguen, 2009. Micro-mechanisms involved during inelastic deformation of porous carbonate rocks. Poromechanics IV, Proceedings of the fourth Biot conference, edited by H. Ling, A. Smyth, and R. Betti, 378-38

Stress remagnetization in pyrrhotite-calcite synthetic aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robion, Philippe; Borradaile, Graham J.

2001-01-01

Stress-induced remagnetization has been applied to multidomain pyrrhotite-calcite synthetic aggregates in a triaxial rig. Experimental deformation used 150MPa confining pressure, a constant strain rate of 10-5 s-1 and applied differential stresses of up to 70MPa. New components of magnetization, parallel to the direction of the pressure vessel field, were added to the pre-deformational magnetization. The intensity of remagnetization (M'-M0) increases with the intensity of the applied differential stress and affects the coercivity fraction below 15mT. Bulk shortening is less than 8 per cent, thus grain rotation cannot explain selective remagnetization of the low-coercivity fraction. Remagnetization is thus attributed to deformational viscous remanent magnetization (DVRM). It is observed that high-coercivity (>15mT) grains do not remagnetize. There is, however, slight progressive rotation of pre-deformational magnetization with increasing strain up to 8 per cent of bulk shortening. The lack of piezoremanent magnetization in the high-coercivity range may be due to defects introduced in pyrrhotite during sample preparation. Experiments using synthetic pyrrhotite, expected to show low dislocation densities, would be necessary to test this effect.

Burning rate for steel-cased, pressed binderless HMX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fifer, R. A.; Cole, J. E.

1980-01-01

The burning behavior of pressed binderless HMX laterally confined in 6.4 mm i.d. steel cases was measured over the pressure range 1.45 to 338 MPa in a constant pressure strand burner. The measured regression rates are compared to those reported previously for unconfined samples. It is shown that lateral confinement results in a several-fold decrease in the regression rate for the coarse particle size HMX above the transition to super fast regression. For class E samples, confinement shifts the transition to super fast regression from low pressure to high pressure. These results are interpreted in terms of the previously proposed progressive deconsolidation mechanism. Preliminary holographic photography and closed bomb tests are also described. Theoretical one dimensional modeling calculations were carried out to predict the expected flame height (particle burn out distance) as a function of particle size and pressure for binderless HMX burning by a progressive deconsolidation mechanism.

Micromechanics of pressure-induced grain crushing in porous rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Daniel M.

1990-01-01

The hydrostatic compaction behavior of a suite of porous sandstones was investigated at confining pressures up to 600 MPa and constant pore pressures ranging up to 50 MPa. These five sandstones (Boise, Kayenta, St. Peter, Berea, and Weber) were selected because of their wide range of porosity (5-35%) and grain size (60-460 μm). We tested the law of effective stress for the porosity change as a function of pressure. Except for Weber sandstone (which has the lowest porosity and smallest grain size), the hydrostat of each sandstone shows an inflection point corresponding to a critical effective pressure beyond which an accelerated, irrecoverable compaction occurs. Our microstructural observations show that brittle grain crushing initiates at this critical pressure. We also observed distributed cleavage cracking in calcite and intensive kinking in mica. The critical pressures for grain crushing in our sandstones range from 75 to 380 MPa. In general, a sandstone with higher porosity and larger grain size has a critical pressure which is lower than that of a sandstone with lower porosity and smaller grain size. We formulate a Hertzian fracture model to analyze the micromechanics of grain crushing. Assuming that the solid grains have preexisting microcracks with dimensions which scale with grain size, we derive an expression for the critical pressure which depends on the porosity, grain size, and fracture toughness of the solid matrix. The theoretical prediction is in reasonable agreement with our experimental data as well as other data from soil and rock mechanics studies for which the critical pressures range over 3 orders of magnitude.

Examining the microtexture evolution in a hole-edge punched into 780 MPa grade hot-rolled steel

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

Shin, J.H.; Kim, M.S.

The deformation behavior in the hole-edge of 780 MPa grade hot-rolled steel during the punching process was investigated via microstructure characterization and computational simulation. Microstructure characterization was conducted to observe the edges of punched holes through the thickness direction, and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) was used to analyze the heterogeneity of the deformation. Finite element analysis (FEA) that could account for a ductile fracture criterion was conducted to simulate the deformation and fracture behaviors of 780 MPa grade hot-rolled steel during the punching process. Calculation of rotation rate fields at the edges of the punched holes during the punching processmore » revealed that metastable orientations in Euler space were confined to specific orientation groups. Rotation-rate fields effectively explained the stability of the initial texture components in the hole-edge region during the punching process. A visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) polycrystal model was used to calculate the microtexture evolution in the hole-edge region during the punching process. FEA revealed that the heterogeneous effective strain was closely related to the heterogeneity of the Kernel average misorientation (KAM) distribution in the hole-edge region. A simulation of the deformation microtexture evolution in the hole-edge region using a VPSC model was in good agreement with the experimental results. - Highlights: •We analyzed the microstructure in a hole-edge punched in HR 780HB steel. •Rotation rate fields revealed the stability of the initial texture components. •Heterogeneous effective stain was closely related to the KAM distribution. •VPSC model successfully simulated the deformation microtexture evolution.« less

Gas and Liquid Permeability Measurements in Wolfcamp Samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhandari, A. R.; Flemings, P. B.; Ramiro-Ramirez, S.; Polito, P. J.

2017-12-01

Argon gas and liquid (dodecane) permeability measurements in three mixed quality Wolfcamp samples demonstrate it is possible to close multiple bedding parallel open artificial micro-fractures and obtain representative matrix permeability by applying two confining stress cycles at a constant pore pressure under effective stresses ranging from 6.9 MPa to 59.7 MPa. The fractured sample (with no bridging-cement in fractures) exhibited a three order decrease in permeability from 4.4×10-17 m2 to 2.1×10-20 m2. In contrast, the most intact sample exhibited initial liquid permeability of 1.61×10-19 m2 that declined gradually to 2.0×10-20 m2 over the same effective stress range. A third sample, that contained a bridging-cement (gypsum) fracture, exhibited much higher initial liquid permeability of 2.8×10-15 m2 and declined gradually to 1.3×10-17 m2 with stress; this suggested that it is difficult to close partially cemented fractures and that the permeability we measured was impacted by the presence of a propped-fracture and not the matrix. We developed a new permeability testing protocol and analytical approaches to interpret the evolution of fractures and resolve the matrix permeability using matrix permeability estimates based on initial pulse decay gas permeability measurements at effective stress of 6.9 MPa. The tested samples are an argillaceous siliceous siltstone facies within the Wolfcamp Formation. A better understanding of permeability will lead to new approaches to determine the best completion and production strategies and, more importantly, to reduce the high water cut problem in Wolfcamp reservoirs.

Time-dependent brittle deformation (creep) at Mt. Etna volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heap, M. J.; Baud, P.; Meredith, P. G.; Vinciguerra, S.; Bell, A. F.; Main, I. G.

2009-04-01

Mt. Etna is the largest and most active volcano in Europe. Time-dependent weakening mechanisms, leading to slow fracturing, have been shown to act during pre-eruptive patterns of flank eruptions at Mt. Etna volcano. Due to the high permeability of its volcanic rocks, the volcanic edifice hosts one of the biggest hydrogeologic reservoirs of Sicily (Ogniben, 1966). The presence of a fluid phase in cracks within rock has been shown to dramatically affect both mechanical and chemical interactions. Chemically, it promotes time-dependent brittle deformation through such mechanisms as stress corrosion cracking that allows rocks to deform at stresses far below their short-term failure strength. Such crack growth is highly non-linear and accelerates towards dynamic failure over extended periods of time, even under constant applied stress; a phenomenon known as ‘brittle creep'. Here we report results from a study of time-dependent brittle creep in water-saturated samples of Etna basalt (EB) under triaxial stress conditions (confining pressure of 50 MPa and pore fluid pressure of 20 MPa). Samples of EB were loaded at a constant strain rate of 10-5 s-1 to a pre-determined percentage of the short-term strength and left to deform under constant stress until failure. Crack damage evolution was monitored throughout each experiment by measuring the independent damage proxies of axial strain, pore volume change and output of acoustic emission (AE) energy, during brittle creep of creep strain rates ranging over four orders of magnitude. Our data not only demonstrates that basalt creeps in the brittle regime but also that the applied differential stress exerts a crucial influence on both time-to-failure and creep strain rate in EB. Furthermore, stress corrosion is considered to be responsible for the acceleratory cracking and seismicity prior to volcanic eruptions and is invoked as an important mechanism in forecasting models. Stress-stepping creep experiments were then performed to allow the influence of the effective confining stress to be studied in detail. Experiments were performed under effective stress conditions of 10, 30 and 50 MPa (whilst maintaining a constant pore fluid pressure of 20 MPa). In addition to the purely mechanical influence of water, governed by the effective stress, which results in a shift of the creep strain rate curves to lower strain rates at higher effective stresses. Our results also demonstrate that the chemically-driven process of stress corrosion cracking appears to be inhibited at higher effective stress. This results in an increase in the gradient of the creep strain rate curves with increasing effective stress. We suggest that the most likely cause of this change is a decrease in water mobility due to a reduction in crack aperture and an increase in water viscosity at higher pressure. Finally, we show that a theoretical model based on mean-field damage mechanics creep laws is able to reproduce the experimental strain-time relations. Our results indicate that the local changes in the stress field and fluid circulation can have a profound impact in the time-to-failure properties of the basaltic volcanic pile.

Time-dependent Brittle Deformation in Etna Basalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heap, M. J.; Baud, P.; Meredith, P. G.; Vinciguerra, S.; Bell, A. F.; Main, I. G.

2008-12-01

Mt Etna is the largest and most active volcano in Europe. Due to the high permeability of its volcanic rocks, the volcanic edifice hosts one of the biggest hydrogeologic reservoirs of Sicily (Ogniben, 1966). Pre-eruptive patterns of flank eruptions, closely monitored by means of ground deformation and seismicity, revealed the slow development of fracture systems at different altitudes, marked by repeated bursts of seismicity and accelerating/decelerating deformation patterns acting over the scale of months to days. The presence of a fluid phase in cracks within rock has been shown to dramatically affect both mechanical and chemical interactions. Chemically, it promotes time-dependent brittle deformation through such mechanisms as stress corrosion cracking that allows rocks to deform at stresses far below their short-term failure strength. Such crack growth is highly non-linear and accelerates towards dynamic failure over extended periods of time, even under constant applied stress; a phenomenon known as 'brittle creep'. Stress corrosion is considered to be responsible for the acceleratory cracking and seismicity prior to volcanic eruptions and is invoked as an important mechanism in forecasting models. Here we report results from a study of time-dependent brittle creep in water-saturated samples of Etna basalt (EB) under triaxial stress conditions (confining pressure of 50 MPa and pore fluid pressure of 20 MPa). Samples of EB were loaded at a constant strain rate of 10-5 s-1 to a pre-determined percentage of the short- term strength and left to deform under constant stress until failure. Crack damage evolution was monitored throughout each experiment by measuring the independent damage proxies of axial strain, pore volume change and output of acoustic emission (AE) energy, during brittle creep of creep strain rates ranging over four orders of magnitude. Our data demonstrate that the applied differential stress exerts a crucial influence on both time-to-failure and creep strain rate in EB. Stress-stepping creep experiments were then performed to allow the influence of the effective confining stress to be studied in detail. Experiments were performed under effective stress conditions of 10, 30 and 50 MPa (whilst maintaining a constant pore fluid pressure of 20 MPa). In addition to the purely mechanical influence of water, governed by the effective stress, which results in a shift of the creep strain rate curves to lower strain rates at higher effective stresses. Our results also demonstrate that the chemically-driven process of stress corrosion cracking appears to be inhibited at higher effective stress. This results in an increase in the gradient of the creep strain rate curves with increasing effective stress. We suggest that the most likely cause of this change is a decrease in water mobility due to a reduction in crack aperture and an increase in water viscosity at higher pressure. Finally, we show that a theoretical model based on mean-field damage mechanics creep laws is able to reproduce the experimental strain-time relations. Our results indicate that the local changes in the stress field and fluid circulation can have a profound impact in the time- to-failure properties of the basaltic volcanic pile.

Time-dependent brittle deformation at Mt. Etna volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baud, Patrick; Heap, Michael; Meredith, Philip; Vinciguerra, Sergio; Bell, Andrew; Main, Ian

2010-05-01

Time-dependent weakening mechanisms, leading to slow fracturing, are likely to act during the build up to flank eruptions at Mt. Etna volcano and are potentially a primary control on pre-eruptive patterns of seismicity and deformation. Due to the high permeability of its volcanic rocks, the volcanic edifice hosts a large water reservoir (Ogniben, 1966). The presence of a fluid phase in cracks within rock has been shown to dramatically affect both mechanical and chemical interactions. Chemically, it promotes time-dependent brittle deformation through such mechanisms as stress corrosion cracking that allows rocks to deform at stresses far below their short-term failure strength. Such crack growth is highly non-linear and accelerates towards dynamic failure over extended periods of time, even under constant applied stress; a phenomenon known as ‘brittle creep'. Here we report results from a study of time-dependent brittle creep in water-saturated samples of Etna basalt (EB) under triaxial stress conditions (confining pressure of 50 MPa and pore fluid pressure of 20 MPa). Samples of EB were loaded at a constant strain rate of 10-5 s-1 to a pre-determined percentage of the short-term strength and left to deform under constant stress until failure. Crack damage evolution was monitored throughout each experiment by measuring the independent damage proxies of axial strain, pore volume change and output of acoustic emission (AE) energy, during brittle creep of creep strain rates ranging over four orders of magnitude. Our data not only demonstrates that basalt creeps in the brittle regime but also that the applied differential stress exerts a crucial influence on both time-to-failure and creep strain rate in EB. Furthermore, stress corrosion is considered to be responsible for the acceleratory cracking and seismicity prior to volcanic eruptions and is invoked as an important mechanism in forecasting models. Stress-stepping creep experiments were then performed to allow the influence of the effective confining stress to be studied in detail. Experiments were performed under effective stress conditions of 10, 30 and 50 MPa (whilst maintaining a constant pore fluid pressure of 20 MPa). In addition to the purely mechanical influence of water, governed by the effective stress, which results in a shift of the creep strain rate curves to lower strain rates at higher effective stresses. Our results also demonstrate that the chemically-driven process of stress corrosion cracking appears to be inhibited at higher effective stress. This results in an increase in the gradient of the creep strain rate curves with increasing effective stress. We suggest that the most likely cause of this change is a decrease in water mobility due to a reduction in crack aperture and an increase in water viscosity at higher pressure. Finally, we show that a theoretical model based on mean-field damage mechanics creep laws is able to reproduce the experimental strain-time relations and inverse seismicity plots using our experimental AE data. Our results indicate that the local changes in the stress field and fluid circulation can have a profound impact in the time-to-failure properties of the basaltic volcanic pile.

Transient and steady state creep response of ice I and magnesium sulfate hydrate eutectic aggregates

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCarthy, C.; Cooper, R.F.; Goldsby, D.L.; Durham, W.B.; Kirby, S.H.

2011-01-01

Using uniaxial compression creep experiments, we characterized the transient and steady state deformation behaviors of eutectic aggregates of system ice I and MgSO4 11H2O (MS11; meridianiite), which has significance because of its likely presence on moons of the outer solar system. Synthetic samples of eutectic liquid bulk composition, which produce eutectic colonies containing 0.35-0.50 volume fraction MS11, were tested as functions of colony size and lamellar spacing, temperature (230-250 K), and confining pressure (0.1 and 50 MPa) to strains ???0.2. Up to a differential stress of 6 MPa, the ice I-MS11 aggregates display an order of magnitude higher effective viscosity and higher stress sensitivity than do aggregates of pure polycrystalline ice at the same conditions. The creep data and associated microstructural observations demonstrate, however, that the aggregates are additionally more brittle than pure ice, approaching rate-independent plasticity that includes rupture of the hydrate phase at 6-8 MPa, depending on the scale of the microstructure. Microstructures of deformed samples reveal forms of semibrittle flow in which the hydrate phase fractures while the ice phase deforms plastically. Semibrittle flow in the icy shell of a planetary body would truncate the lithospheric strength envelope and thereby decrease the depth to the brittle-ductile transition by 55% and reduce the failure limit for compressional surface features from 10 to ???6 MPa. A constitutive equation that includes eutectic colony boundary sliding and intracolony flow is used to describe the steady state rheology of the eutectic aggregates. Copyright ?? 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

Mechanical response and microprocesses of reconsolidating crushed salt at elevated temperature

DOE PAGES

Broome, S. T.; Bauer, S. J.; Hansen, F. D.; ...

2015-09-14

Design, analysis and performance assessment of potential salt repositories for heat-generating nuclear waste require knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and fluid transport properties of reconsolidating granular salt. So, to inform salt repository evaluations, we have undertaken an experimental program to determine Bulk and Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratio of reconsolidated granular salt as a function of porosity and temperature and to establish the deformational processes by which the salt reconsolidates. Our tests were conducted at 100, 175, and 250 °C. In hydrostatic tests, confining pressure is increased to 20 MPa with periodic unload/reload loops to determine K. Volume strain increases withmore » increasing temperature. In shear tests at 2.5 and 5 MPa confining pressure, after confining pressure is applied, the crushed salt is subjected to a differential stress, with periodic unload/reload loops to determine E and ν. At predetermined differential stress levels the stress is held constant and the salt consolidates. Displacement gages mounted on the samples show little lateral deformation until the samples reach a porosity of ~10 %. Interestingly, vapor is vented only for 250 °C tests and condenses at the vent port. It is hypothesized that the brine originates from fluid inclusions, which were made accessible by heating and intragranular deformational processes including decrepitation. Furthermore, identification and documentation of consolidation processes are inferred from optical and scanning electron microstructural observations. As a result, densification at low porosity is enhanced by water film on grain boundaries that enables solution-precipitation phenomena.« less

Development of Discrete Compaction Bands in Two Porous Sandstones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tembe, S.; Baud, P.; Wong, T.

2003-12-01

Compaction band formation has been documented by recent field and laboratory studies as a localized failure mode occurring in porous sandstones. The coupling of compaction and localization may significantly alter the stress field and strain partitioning, and act as barriers within reservoirs. Two end-members of this failure mode that develop subperpendicular to the maximum principal stress have been identified: numerous discrete compaction bands with a thickness of only several grains, or a few diffuse bands that are significantly thicker. Much of what is known about discrete compaction bands derives from laboratory experiments performed on the relatively homogeneous Bentheim sandstone with 23% porosity. In this study we observe similar compaction localization behavior in the Diemelstadt sandstone, that has an initial porosity of 24.4% and a modal composition of 68% quartz, 26% feldspar, 4% oxides, and 2% micas. CT scans of the Diemelstadt sandstone indicate bedding corresponding to low porosity laminae. Saturated samples cored perpendicular to bedding were deformed at room temperature under drained conditions at a constant pore pressure of 10 MPa and a confining pressure range of 20-175 MPa. Acoustic emission activity and pore volume change were recorded continuously. Samples were deformed to axial strains of 1-4% and recovered from the triaxial cell for microstructural analysis. The mechanical data map the transition in failure mode from brittle faulting to compactive cataclastic flow. The brittle regime occurred at effective pressures up to 40 MPa, associated with failure by conjugate shear bands. At an effective pressure range of 60-175 MPa strain hardening and shear-enhanced compaction were accompanied by the development of discrete compaction bands, that was manifested by episodic surges of acoustic emission. Preliminary microstructural observations of the failed samples suggest that bedding influenced the band orientations which varies between 75-90\\deg relative to the maximum principle stress. Our study demonstrates that despite their different mineralogy, failure modes and development of the compaction localization are similar in the Diemelstadt and Benthiem sandstones.

Strain partitioning and deformation mode analysis of the normal faults at Red Mountain, Birmingham, Alabama

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Schuman

1989-12-01

In a low-temperature environment, the thin-section scale rock-deformation mode is primarily a function of confining pressure and total strain at geological strain rates. A deformation mode diagram is constructed from published experimental data by plotting the deformation mode on a graph of total strain versus the confining pressure. Four deformation modes are shown on the diagram: extensional fracturing, mesoscopic faulting, incipient faulting, and uniform flow. By determining the total strain and the deformation mode of a naturally deformed sample, the confining pressure and hence the depth at which the rock was deformed can be evaluated. The method is applied to normal faults exposed on the gently dipping southeast limb of the Birmingham anticlinorium in the Red Mountain expressway cut in Birmingham, Alabama. Samples of the Ordovician Chickamauga Limestone within and adjacent to the faults contain brittle structures, including mesoscopic faults and veins, and ductile deformation features including calcite twins, intergranular and transgranular pressure solution, and deformed burrows. During compaction, a vertical shortening of about 45 to 80% in shale is indicated by deformed burrows and relative compaction of shale to burrows, about 6% in limestone by stylolites. The normal faults formed after the Ordovician rocks were consolidated because the faults and associated veins truncate the deformed burrows and stylolites, which truncate the calcite cement. A total strain of 2.0% was caused by mesoscopic faults during normal faulting. A later homogenous deformation, indicated by the calcite twins in veins, cement and fossil fragments, has its major principal shortening strain in the dip direction at a low angle (about 22°) to bedding. The strain magnitude is about 2.6%. By locating the observed data on the deformation mode diagram, it is found that the normal faulting characterized by brittle deformation occurred under low confining pressure (< 18 MPa) at shallow depth (< 800 m), and the homogenous horizontal compression characterized by uniform flow occurred under higher confining pressure (at least 60 MPa) at greater depth (> 2.5 km).

Fabric symmetry of low anisotropic rocks inferred from ultrasonic sounding: Implications for the geomechanical models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Přikryl, Richard; Lokajíček, Tomáš; Pros, Zdeněk; Klíma, Karel

2007-02-01

The geomechanical models were established based on the absence or presence of certain rock fabric elements — texture (crystallographic preferred orientation), microstructure (shape preferred orientation) and microcracks (flat voids). The proposed models include both (i) the ideal material showing random texture and structure but no microcracks, i.e. the material which is hardly to be found in nature, and (ii) the materials possessing various combinations of fabric elements that show different spatial arrangements. The mutual relationship between those parameters and seismic and geomechanical properties are discussed. Selected models were experimentally verified during laboratory experiments. These consist of measurement of P-wave velocities in 132 independent directions under several confining pressures in the range 0.1-400 MPa. From measured data 3D P-wave patterns can be constructed and the influence of microcracks and of texture and structure on the rock seismic anisotropy can be determined. The seismic anisotropy established at different levels of confining pressure can be used for the interpretation of rock fabric symmetry of rocks showing low anisotropy in macroscale and for the selection of directions in which the geomechanical test can be performed. The measured P-wave velocities were then mathematically processed by using a fitting function V=V+k·P-v·10 which reflects contribution of P-wave velocity in the mineral skeleton of an ideal sample without microcracks extrapolated to the atmospheric pressure level from high confining pressure interval (ca. 200-400 MPa) ( v0), linear compressibility of the samples ( kv), and confining pressure during which most of the cracks are closed ( P0). These parameters improve the understanding of the response of various rock fabric elements on increasing confinement and corresponding changes in elasticity. The observed seismic and geomechanical anisotropies reflect intensity of the fabric of rock-forming minerals and microcracks. The magnitude of seismic anisotropy measured at atmospheric pressure corresponds to the anisotropy of static elastic modulus and is governed by the spatial arrangement of microcracks. The magnitude of strength anisotropy (uniaxial compressive strength) correlates more likely to the seismic anisotropy determined at high confining pressure and is connected to the preferred orientations (either CPO or SPO or both) of rock-forming minerals.

Mode I Fracture Toughness of Rock - Intrinsic Property or Pressure-Dependent?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoeckhert, F.; Brenne, S.; Molenda, M.; Alber, M.

2016-12-01

The mode I fracture toughness of rock is usually regarded as an intrinsic material parameter independent of pressure. However, most fracture toughness laboratory tests are conducted only at ambient pressure. To investigate fracture toughness of rock under elevated pressures, sleeve fracturing laboratory experiments were conducted with various rock types and a new numerical method was developed for the evaluation of these experiments. The sleeve fracturing experiments involve rock cores with central axial boreholes that are placed in a Hoek triaxial pressure cell to apply an isostatic confining pressure. A polymere tube is pressurized inside these hollow rock cylinders until they fail by tensile fracturing. Numerical simulations incorporating fracture mechanical models are used to obtain a relation between tensile fracture propagation and injection pressure. These simulations indicate that the magnitude of the injection pressure at specimen failure is only depending on the fracture toughness of the tested material, the specimen dimensions and the magnitude of external loading. The latter two are known parameters in the experiments. Thus, the fracture toughness can be calculated from the injection pressure recorded at specimen breakdown. All specimens had a borehole diameter to outer diameter ratio of about 1:10 with outer diameters of 40 and 62 mm. The length of the specimens was about two times the diameter. Maximum external loading was 7.5 MPa corresponding to maximum injection pressures at specimen breakdown of about 100 MPa. The sample set tested in this work includes Permian and Carboniferous sandstones, Jurassic limestones, Triassic marble, Permian volcanic rocks and Devonian slate from Central Europe. The fracture toughness values determined from the sleeve fracturing experiments without confinement using the new numerical method were found to be in good agreement with those from Chevron bend testing according to the ISRM suggested methods. At elevated confining pressures, the results indicate a significant positive correlation between fracture toughness and confining pressure for most tested rock types.

High pressure system for 3-D study of elastic anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lokajicek, T.; Pros, Z.; Klima, K.

2003-04-01

New high pressure system was designed for the study of elastic anisotropy of condensed matter under high confining pressure up to 700 MPa. Simultaneously could be measured dynamic and static parameters: a) dynamic parameters by ultrasonic sounding, b) static parameters by measuring of spherical sample deformation. The measurement is carried out on spherical samples diameter 50 +/- 0.01 mm. Higher value of confining pressure was reached due to the new construction of sample positioning unit. The positioning unit is equipped with two Portecap step motors, which are located inside the vessel and make possible to rotate with the sphere and couple of piezoceramic transducers. Sample deformation is measured in the same direction as ultrasonic signal travel time. Only electric leads connects inner part of high pressure vessel with surrounding environment. Experimental set up enables: - simultaneous P-wave ultrasonic sounding, - measurement of current sample deformation at sounding points, - measurement of current value of confining pressure and - measurement of current stress media temperature. Air driven high pressure pump Haskel is used to produce high value of confining pressure up to 700 MPa. Ultrasonic signals are recorded by digital scope Agilent 54562 with sampling frequency 100 MHz. Control and measuring software was developed under Agilent VEE software environment working under MS Win 2000 operating system. Measuring set up was tested by measurement of monomineral spherical samples of quartz and corundum. Both of them have trigonal symmetry. The measurement showed that the P-wave velocity range of quartz was between 5.7-7.0 km/sec. and velocity range of corundum was between 9.7-10.9 km/sec. High pressure resistant LVDT transducers Mesing together with Intronix electronic unit were used to monitor sample deformation. Sample deformation is monitored with the accuracy of 0.1 micron. All test measurements proved the good accuracy of the whole measuring set up. This project was supported by Grant Agency of the Czech Republic No.: 205/01/1430.

Hydraulic Properties of Fractured Rock Samples at In-Situ Conditions - Insights from Lab Experiments Using X-Ray Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nehler, Mathias; Stöckhert, Ferdinand; Duda, Mandy; Renner, Jörg; Bracke, Rolf

2017-04-01

The hydraulic properties of low-porosity rock formations are controlled by the geometry of open fractures, joints and faults. Aperture, surface roughness, accessible length, and thus, the volume available for fluids associated of such interfaces are strongly affected by their state of stress. Moreover, these properties may evolve with time in particular due to processes involving chemically active fluids. Understanding the physico-chemical interactions of rocks with fluids at reservoir conditions will help to predict the long-term reservoir development and to increase the efficiency of geothermal power plants. We designed an x-ray transparent flow-through cell. Confining pressure can be up to 50 MPa and pore fluid can currently be circulated through the sample with pressures of up to 25 MPa. All wetted parts are made of PEEK to avoid corrosion when using highly saline fluids. Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate hydraulic properties of fractured low-porosity samples under reservoir conditions while x-rays transmit the sample. The cell is placed inside a µCT scanner with a 225 kV multifocal x-ray tube for high resolution x-ray tomography. Samples measure 10 mm in diameter and 25 mm in length resulting in a voxel resolution of approximately 10 µm. Samples with single natural as well as artificial fractures were subjected to various confining pressures ranging from 2.5 MPa to 25 MPa. At each pressure level, effective permeability was determined from steady-state flow relying on Darcy's law. In addition, a full 3D image was recorded by the µCT scanner to gain information on the fracture aperture and geometry. Subvolumes (400x400x400 voxels) of the images were analyzed to reduce computational cost. The subvolumes were filtered in 3D with an edge preserving non-local means filter. Further quantification algorithms were implemented in Matlab. Segmentation into pore space and minerals was done automatically for all datasets by a peak finder algorithm. For all samples, the threshold value was set as a fixed value between the two determined main peaks. A fracture is separated from pores using a connectivity filter. The overall porosity and the fracture volume are calculated. The mean aperture is used to calculate the in-situ fracture permeability according to the cubic law. First results indicate a strong dependency of the calculated permeability on pressure, especially for partly closed fractures, that is associated with an increasing contact area of the fracture.

Experimental Investigation on Poro-Elasto-Plastic Behavior of the Inner Accretionary Wedge Sediments at the Nankai Subduction Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, S. T.; Kitamura, M.; Kitajima, H.

2017-12-01

The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) have installed borehole observatories to monitor the evolution of physical and hydrological properties caused by crustal deformation at various strain rates within earthquake cycles. The observatories have been installed at the base of a forearc basin above the megathrust fault (Site C0002) and near the shallow tip of the megasplay fault (Site C0010), and will be installed near the frontal thrust (Site C0006) next year. The observatory pore pressure data have shown the dynamic and post-seismic responses and are used to estimate volumetric strain (deformation) with poroelastic parameters (e.g., Wallace et al. 2016). The parameters of submarine sediments are often computed theoretically from the porosity, compressibilities of matrix, solid, and pore fluid; however, few direct constraints on core samples have been made. To investigate the poro-elasto-plastic behavior of submarine sediments, triaxial experiments with stress relaxation were conducted on the claystone cores (20% porosity) from 2185 meters below sea floor at Site C0002. Triaxial tests were conducted by applying an axial load at a constant displacement rate of 5×10-9m/s, while keeping confining pressure (Pc) at 42, 48, or 78 MPa and pore pressure (Pp) at 20 MPa. Stress relaxation tests were conducted periodically, in which neither axial displacement nor pore volume change was allowed. At lower effective pressure (Pe=Pc-Pp) of 22 and 28 MPa, the samples deform in a brittle manner, with a peak strength of 50 and 55 MPa and a residual strength of 36 and 46 MPa, respectively. At higher Pe of 58 MPa, the sample exhibits strain hardening. The relaxation tests at Pe = 22 MPa show an increase in Pp before yield and a decrease in Pp after yield, suggesting a transition from compaction to dilation. All of the relaxation tests at Pe = 58 MPa show an increase in Pp, suggesting compaction throughout the deformation. The ratio of Pp to volumetric strain determined from the relaxation tests ranges 0.4 - 2.0 kPa/μstrain and is lower than the value of 8.7 kPa/μstrain for sediments with 20% porosity computed based on the poroelasticity theory (Davis et al., 2009), implying that the volumetric strain during our relaxation tests is mainly due to plastic deformation.

Development of a Spring-Loaded Impact Device to Deliver Injurious Mechanical Impacts to the Articular Cartilage Surface

PubMed Central

Alexander, Peter G.; Song, Yingjie; Taboas, Juan M.; Chen, Faye H.; Melvin, Gary M.; Manner, Paul A.

2013-01-01

Objective: Traumatic impacts on the articular joint surface in vitro are known to lead to degeneration of the cartilage. The main objective of this study was to develop a spring-loaded impact device that can be used to deliver traumatic impacts of consistent magnitude and rate and to find whether impacts cause catabolic activities in articular cartilage consistent with other previously reported impact models and correlated with the development of osteoarthritic lesions. In developing the spring-loaded impactor, the operating hypothesis is that a single supraphysiologic impact to articular cartilage in vitro can affect cartilage integrity, cell viability, sulfated glycosaminoglycan and inflammatory mediator release in a dose-dependent manner. Design: Impacts of increasing force are delivered to adult bovine articular cartilage explants in confined compression. Impact parameters are correlated with tissue damage, cell viability, matrix and inflammatory mediator release, and gene expression 24 hours postimpact. Results: Nitric oxide release is first detected after 7.7 MPa impacts, whereas cell death, glycosaminoglycan release, and prostaglandin E2 release are first detected at 17 MPa. Catabolic markers increase linearly to maximal levels after ≥36 MPa impacts. Conclusions: A single supraphysiologic impact negatively affects cartilage integrity, cell viability, and GAG release in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings showed that 7 to 17 MPa impacts can induce cell death and catabolism without compromising the articular surface, whereas a 17 MPa impact is sufficient to induce increases in most common catabolic markers of osteoarthritic degeneration. PMID:26069650

Understanding the mechanical and acoustical characteristics of sand aggregates compacting under triaxial conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hangx, Suzanne; Brantut, Nicolas

2016-04-01

Mechanisms such as grain rearrangement, coupled with elastic deformation, grain breakage, grain rearrangement, grain rotation, and intergranular sliding, play a key role in determining porosity and permeability reduction during burial of clastic sediments. Similarly, in poorly consolidated, highly porous sands and sandstones, grain rotation, intergranular sliding, grain failure, and pore collapse often lead to significant reduction in porosity through the development of compaction bands, with the reduced porosity and permeability of such bands producing natural barriers to flow within reservoir rocks. Such time-independent compaction processes operating in highly porous water- and hydrocarbon-bearing clastic reservoirs can exert important controls on production-related reservoir deformation, subsidence, and induced seismicity. We performed triaxial compression experiments on sand aggregates consisting of well-rounded Ottawa sand (d = 300-400 μm; φ = 36.1-36.4%) at room temperature, to systematically investigate the effect of confining pressure (Pceff = 5-100 MPa), strain rate (10-6-10-4 s-1) and chemical environment (decane vs. water; Pf = 5 MPa) on compaction. For a limited number of experiments grain size distribution (d = 180-500 μm) and grain shape (subangular Beaujean sand; d = 180-300 μm) were varied to study their effect. Acoustic emission statistics and location, combined with microstructural and grain size analysis, were used to verify the operating microphysical compaction mechanisms. All tests showed significant pre-compaction during the initial hydrostatic (set-up) phase, with quasi-elastic loading behaviour accompanied by permanent deformation during the differential loading stage. This permanent volumetric strain involved elastic grain contact distortion, particle rearrangement, and grain failure. From the acoustic data and grain size analysis, it was evident that at low confining pressure grain rearrangement controlled compaction, with grain failure being present but occurring to a relatively limited extent. Acoustic emission localization showed that failure was focussed along a broad shear plane. At higher confining pressure pervasive grain failure clearly accommodated compaction, though no strain localization was observed and failure appeared to be through cataclastic flow. Chemical environment, i.e. chemically inert decane vs. water as a pore fluid, had no significant effect on compaction in the strain rate range tested. Grain size distribution or grain shape also appeared to not affect the observed mechanical behaviour. Our results can be used to better understand the compaction behaviour of poorly consolidated sandstones. Future research will focus on understanding the effect of cementation on strain localization in deforming artificial Ottawa sandstone.

Interplay of explosive thermal reaction dynamics and structural confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, W. Lee; Zucker, Jonathan; Dickson, Peter M.; Parker, Gary R.; Asay, Blaine W.

2007-04-01

Explosives play a significant role in human affairs; however, their behavior in circumstances other than intentional detonation is poorly understood. Accidents may have catastrophic consequences, especially if additional hazardous materials are involved. Abnormal ignition stimuli, such as impact, spark, friction, and heat may lead to a very violent outcome, potentially including detonation. An important factor influencing the behavior subsequent to abnormal ignition is the strength and inertia of the vessel confining the explosive, i.e., the near-field structural/mechanical environment, also known as confinement (inertial or mechanical). However, a comprehensive and quantified understanding of how confinement affects reaction violence does not yet exist. In the research discussed here, we have investigated a wide range of confinement conditions and related the explosive response to the fundamentals of the combustion process in the explosive. In our experiments, a charge of an octahydrotetranitrotetrazine-based plastic bonded explosive (PBX 9501) was loaded into a gun assembly having variable confinement conditions and subjected to a heating profile. The exploding charge breached the confinement and accelerated a projectile down the gun barrel. High bandwidth pressure and volume measurements were made and a first-law analysis was used to obtain enthalpy and power from the raw data. These results were then used to quantify reaction violence. Enthalpy change and power ranged from 0-1.8 kJ and 0-12 MW for 300 mg charges, respectively. Below a confinement strength of 20 MPa, violence was found to decline precipitously with decreasing confinement, while the violence for the heaviest confinement experiments was found to be relatively constant. Both pressure and pressurization rate were found to have critical values to induce and sustain violent reaction.

Pressure Dependence of the Liquid-Liquid Phase Transition of Nanopore Water Doped Slightly with Hydroxylamine, and a Phase Behavior Predicted for Pure Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagoe, Atsushi; Iwaki, Shinji; Oguni, Masaharu; Tôzaki, Ken-ichi

2014-09-01

Phase transition behaviors of confined pure water and confined water doped with a small amount of hydroxylamine (HA) with a mole fraction of xHA = 0.03 were examined by high-pressure differential thermal analyses at 0.1, 50, 100, and 150 MPa; the average diameters of silica pores used were 2.0 and 2.5 nm. A liquid-liquid phase transition (LLPT) of the confined HA-doped water was clearly observed and its pressurization effect could be evaluated, unlike in the experiments on undoped water. It was found that pressurization causes the transition temperature (Ttrs) to linearly decrease, indicating that the low-temperature phase has a lower density than the high-temperature one. Transition enthalpy (ΔtrsH) decreased steeply with increasing pressure. Considering the linear decrease in Ttrs with increasing pressure, the steep decrease in ΔtrsH indicates that the LLPT effect of the HA-doped water attenuates with pressure. We present a new scenario of the phase behavior concerning the LLPT of pure water based on the analogy from the behavior of slightly HA-doped water, where a liquid-liquid critical point (LLCP) and a coexistence line are located in a negative-pressure regime but not in a positive-pressure one. It is reasonably understood that doping a small amount of HA into water results in negative chemical pressurization and causes the LLPT to occur even at ambient pressure.

Effects of pressure characteristics on transfection efficiency in laser-induced stress wave-mediated gene delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ando, Takahiro; Sato, Shunichi; Ashida, Hiroshi; Obara, Minoru

2013-07-01

Laser-induced stress waves (LISWs) generated by irradiating a light-absorbing medium with a pulsed laser can transiently increase the permeability of cell membranes for gene delivery. In this study, we investigated the effects of pressure characteristics of LISWs upon gene transfection efficiency using lasers with different pulse durations: a 6-ns pulsed Nd:YAG laser and 20-ns and 200-µs pulsed ruby lasers. LISWs were generated by irradiating a black rubber disk, on which a transparent plastic sheet was adhered for confinement of the laser-produced plasma. Rat dorsal skin was injected with plasmid DNA coding for luciferase, to which LISWs were applied. With nanosecond laser pulses, transfection efficiency increased linearly with increasing positive peak pressure in the range of 35 to 145 MPa, the corresponding impulse ranging from 10 to 40 Paṡs. With 200-µs laser pulses, on the other hand, efficient gene expression was observed by the application of LISWs even with a 10-fold-lower peak pressure (˜5 MPa), the corresponding impulse being as large as 430 Paṡs. These results indicate that even at low peak pressures, efficient transfection can be achieved by extending the pressure duration and hence by increasing the impulse of LISWs, while the averaged expression efficiencies were relatively low.

The Rapid Formation of Localized Compaction Bands Under Hydrostatic Load Leading to Pore-pressure Transients in Compacting Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faulkner, D.; Leclere, H.; Bedford, J. D.; Behnsen, J.; Wheeler, J.

2017-12-01

Compaction of porous rocks can occur uniformly or within localized deformation bands. The formation of compaction bands and their effects on deformation behaviour are poorly understood. Porosity may be primary and compaction can occur with burial, or it can be produced by metamorphic reactions with a solid volume reduction, that can then undergo collapse. We report results from hydrostatic compaction experiments on porous bassanite (CaSO4.0.5H2O) aggregates. Gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) is first dehydrated under low effective pressure, 4 MPa, to produce a bassanite aggregate with a porosity of 27%. Compaction is induced by increasing confining pressure at rates from 0.001 MPa/s to 0.02 MPa/s while the sample is maintained at a temperature of 115°C. At slow compaction rates, porosity collapse proceeds smoothly. At higher compaction rates, sudden increases in the pore-fluid pressure occur with a magnitude of 5 MPa. Microstructural investigations using X-ray microtomography and SEM observations show that randomly oriented localized compaction features occur in all samples, where the bulk porosity of 18% outside the band is reduced to 5% inside the band. Previous work on deformation bands has suggested that localized compactive features only form under an elevated differential stress and not under a hydrostatic stress state. The magnitude of the pore-pressure pulses can be explained by the formation of compaction bands. The results indicate that the compaction bands can form by rapid (unstable) propagation across the sample above a critical strain rate, or quasi-statically at low compaction rates without pore-fluid pressure bursts. The absence of pore-fluid pressure bursts at slow compaction rates can be explained by viscous deformation of the bassanite aggregate around the tip of a propagating compaction band, relaxing stress, and promoting stable propagation. Conversely, at higher compaction rates, viscous deformation cannot relax the stress sufficiently and unstable, brittle propagation occurs. In nature, this type of compaction behaviour might result in a mechanism to produce pulses of pore pressure within porous rocks which might have a significant effect on the deformation behaviour at depth.

Near-Sea Floor Compaction and Shallow Overpressures: Constrains From High Strain Consolidation Tests on ODP Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olgaard, D. L.; Dugan, B. E.; Gooch, M. J.

2001-12-01

Before launching into the title topic, I will share a few ``memories of torsion testing'' that exemplify one of the breakthrough contributions Mervyn Paterson has made to Geodynamics. Mervyn and his machines, the torsion apparatus in particular, have revolutionized structural geology by providing the means to quantify crustal and mantle deformation processes up to and beyond the high shear strains observed in the field. High strain is also important in basin evolution. High strain consolidation tests are used to help understand mechanical and fluid flow processes in deforming sediments on continental slopes. Clay-rich sediments compact from 70% to less than 40% porosity within 1000m below the sea floor [mbsf]. Clay-rich sediments have notoriously low permeabilities and, when combined with rapid deposition rates, can cause pore-fluid pressures greatly in excess of hydrostatic at shallow depths. Such high overpressures are particularly hazardous to slope stability and to deepwater drilling. Recently, Dugan and Flemings [Science, 289, 2000] used forward sedimentation models for the New Jersey continental slope calibrated with ODP data, to predict fluid pressures near lithostatic to depths of 640m. In the current study we use consolidation tests to verify these model predictions. Silty-clay cores were collected from depths of 60 to 650mbsf during ODP Leg 1073. Five samples were tested under drained, uniaxial strain conditions, i.e. zero radial displacement. Cylindrical samples were first subjected to a hydrostatic effective stress of ~0.2MPa, then axially loaded at a constant rate of 0.7kPa/min to maintain drained conditions. Pore pressure [brine] was held constant at 3.5MPa. Confining pressure was increased to maintain the uniaxial strain condition. P-wave velocities and permeabilities were measured at various stress conditions on two samples. The samples compacted rapidly at low stresses, then at decreasing rates as stress increased. A total compaction of 22% volumetric strain was achieved at the maximum axial stress of 22 MPa. The in situ pore pressures for each depth were calculated from the ``maximum effective stress'' determined from the break in slope of the data in log[effective stress] vs. void ratio plots. Test results confirm that pore pressure gradients exceed hydrostatic, approaching lithostatic, from about 60m to the base of the Pleistocene [~550m], then decrease within the underlying Miocene sandy silt. The confining-to-axial effective stress ratio increased asymptotically during loading to a value of 0.6; similar to that expected for silty shales. P-wave velocity-porosity-effective stress trends are used to predict overpressures, and thus anticipate hazards in near-seafloor sediments.

An experimental approach to non - extensive statistical physics and Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) modeling. The case of triaxially deformed sandstones using acoustic emissions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stavrianaki, K.; Vallianatos, F.; Sammonds, P. R.; Ross, G. J.

2014-12-01

Fracturing is the most prevalent deformation mechanism in rocks deformed in the laboratory under simulated upper crustal conditions. Fracturing produces acoustic emissions (AE) at the laboratory scale and earthquakes on a crustal scale. The AE technique provides a means to analyse microcracking activity inside the rock volume and since experiments can be performed under confining pressure to simulate depth of burial, AE can be used as a proxy for natural processes such as earthquakes. Experimental rock deformation provides us with several ways to investigate time-dependent brittle deformation. Two main types of experiments can be distinguished: (1) "constant strain rate" experiments in which stress varies as a result of deformation, and (2) "creep" experiments in which deformation and deformation rate vary over time as a result of an imposed constant stress. We conducted constant strain rate experiments on air-dried Darley Dale sandstone samples in a variety of confining pressures (30MPa, 50MPa, 80MPa) and in water saturated samples with 20 MPa initial pore fluid pressure. The results from these experiments used to determine the initial loading in the creep experiments. Non-extensive statistical physics approach was applied to the AE data in order to investigate the spatio-temporal pattern of cracks close to failure. A more detailed study was performed for the data from the creep experiments. When axial stress is plotted against time we obtain the trimodal creep curve. Calculation of Tsallis entropic index q is performed to each stage of the curve and the results are compared with the ones from the constant strain rate experiments. The Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence model (ETAS) is also applied to each stage of the creep curve and the ETAS parameters are calculated. We investigate whether these parameters are constant across all stages of the curve, or whether there are interesting patterns of variation. This research has been co-funded by the European Union (European Social Fund) and Greek national resources under the framework of the "THALES Program: SEISMO FEAR HELLARC" project of the "Education & Lifelong Learning" Operational Programme.

The generation and evolution of anisotropic gas-permeability during viscous deformation in conduit-filling ignimbrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolzenburg, Stephan; Russell, Kelly

2015-04-01

Gas-permeability plays a governing role in the pre-explosive pressurization of volcanic edifices. Pressurization may only occur once the total volume flux of gases emitted by an underlying magmatic or hydrothermal source exceeds the flow capacity of the permeable pathways present in the edifice. We have measured the physical properties (strain, porosity, permeability and ultrasonic wave velocities) of breadcrust bombs recovered from the deposits of the 2350 B.P. eruption of Mt Meager, BC, Canada. These rocks represent a conduit-infilling pyroclastic breccia that underwent various degrees of welding and deformation and present a remarkable opportunity to constrain the nature and timescale of mechanical processes operating within explosive volcanic conduits during repose periods between eruptive cycles. Here we present data from permeability measurements along the directions of maximum and minimum shortening which help quantifying the effect of vesicle microstructure on permeability. Permeability is measured by applying a range of confining pressures (between 3.4 and 17.2 MPa) to each sample and imposing a constant head (of 0.2 to 3.5 MPa) across the sample. The permeability is then determined using a modified version of Darcy's law applicable to compressible fluids. These rocks display a profound directionality in the measured physical properties resulting from the deformation-induced fabric. For all samples the permeability across the elongation fabric is highly correlated to the sample porosity whereas along the elongation fabric there is little effect of porosity on permeability. At porosity values of about 20% the permeability seems to reach a minimum at 10-16 m2 and does not change significantly with further reduction of porosity. Further, the effect of confining pressure on the permeability of these samples appears to be more pronounced across the elongation fabric than along the elongation fabric. The deformation fabric has a significant effect on the gas-permeability of the deposit. Porosity, on the other hand, appears to play a secondary role. This, fabric dependent, anisotropic permeability evolution of fragmental deposits during welding directly affects the gas escape from, and transport through the deposit and, therewith, plays a key role in the gas-pressure distribution and evolution within the volcano.

Engineering zonal cartilaginous tissue by modulating oxygen levels and mechanical cues through the depth of infrapatellar fat pad stem cell laden hydrogels.

PubMed

Luo, Lu; O'Reilly, Adam R; Thorpe, Stephen D; Buckley, Conor T; Kelly, Daniel J

2017-09-01

Engineering tissues with a structure and spatial composition mimicking those of native articular cartilage (AC) remains a challenge. This study examined if infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (FPSCs) can be used to engineer cartilage grafts with a bulk composition and a spatial distribution of matrix similar to the native tissue. In an attempt to mimic the oxygen gradients and mechanical environment within AC, FPSC-laden hydrogels (either 2 mm or 4 mm in height) were confined to half of their thickness and/or subjected to dynamic compression (DC). Confining FPSC-laden hydrogels was predicted to accentuate the gradient in oxygen tension through the depth of the constructs (higher in the top and lower in the bottom), leading to enhanced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen synthesis in 2 mm high tissues. When subjected to DC alone, both GAG and collagen accumulation increased within 2 mm high unconfined constructs. Furthermore, the dynamic modulus of constructs increased from 0.96 MPa to 1.45 MPa following the application of DC. There was no synergistic benefit of coupling confinement and DC on overall levels of matrix accumulation; however in all constructs, irrespective of their height, the combination of these boundary conditions led to the development of engineered tissues that spatially best resembled native AC. The superficial region of these constructs mimicked that of native tissue, staining weakly for GAG, strongly for type II collagen, and in 4 mm high tissues more intensely for proteoglycan 4 (lubricin). This study demonstrated that FPSCs respond to joint-like environmental conditions by producing cartilage tissues mimicking native AC. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Geologic, geotechnical, and geophysical properties of core from the Acme Fire-Pit-1 drill hole, Sheridan County, Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Collins, Donley S.

1983-01-01

A preliminary core study from the Acme Fire-Pit-1 drill hole, Sheridan County, Wyoming, revealed that the upper portion of the core had been baked by a fire confined to the underlying Monarch coal bed. The baked (clinkered) sediment above the Monarch coal bed was determined to have higher point-load strength values (greater than 2 MPa) than the sediment under the burned coal

Direct Evidence for Solid-like Hydrogen in a Nanoporous Carbon Hydrogen Storage Material at Supercritical Temperatures

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

Ting, Valeska P.; Ramirez-Cuesta, Anibal J.; Bimbo, Nuno

Here in this paper we report direct physical evidence that confinement of molecular hydrogen (H 2) in an optimized nanoporous carbon results in accumulation of hydrogen with characteristics commensurate with solid H 2 at temperatures up to 67 K above the liquid vapor critical temperature of bulk H 2. This extreme densification is attributed to confinement of 112 molecules in the optimally sized micropores, and occurs at pressures as low as 0.02 MPa. The quantities of contained, solid-like H 2 increased with pressure and were directly evaluated using in situ inelastic neutron scattering and confirmed by analysis of gas sorptionmore » isotherms. The demonstration of the existence of solid-like H 2 challenges the existing assumption that supercritical hydrogen confined in nanopores has an upper limit of liquid H 2 density. Thus, this insight offers opportunities for the development of more accurate models for the evaluation and design of nanoporous materials for high capacity adsorptive hydrogen storage.« less

Direct Evidence for Solid-like Hydrogen in a Nanoporous Carbon Hydrogen Storage Material at Supercritical Temperatures

DOE PAGES

Ting, Valeska P.; Ramirez-Cuesta, Anibal J.; Bimbo, Nuno; ...

2015-07-14

Here in this paper we report direct physical evidence that confinement of molecular hydrogen (H 2) in an optimized nanoporous carbon results in accumulation of hydrogen with characteristics commensurate with solid H 2 at temperatures up to 67 K above the liquid vapor critical temperature of bulk H 2. This extreme densification is attributed to confinement of 112 molecules in the optimally sized micropores, and occurs at pressures as low as 0.02 MPa. The quantities of contained, solid-like H 2 increased with pressure and were directly evaluated using in situ inelastic neutron scattering and confirmed by analysis of gas sorptionmore » isotherms. The demonstration of the existence of solid-like H 2 challenges the existing assumption that supercritical hydrogen confined in nanopores has an upper limit of liquid H 2 density. Thus, this insight offers opportunities for the development of more accurate models for the evaluation and design of nanoporous materials for high capacity adsorptive hydrogen storage.« less

Texture and Elastic Anisotropy of Mantle Olivine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikitin, A. N.; Ivankina, T. I.; Bourilitchev, D. E.; Klima, K.; Locajicek, T.; Pros, Z.

Eight olivine rock samples from different European regions were collected for neu- tron texture analyses and for P-wave velocity measurements by means of ultrasonic sounding at various confining pressures. The orientation distribution functions (ODFs) of olivine were determined and pole figures of the main crystallographic planes were calculated. The spatial P-wave velocity distributions were determined at confining pressures from 0.1 to 400 MPa and modelled from the olivine textures. In dependence upon the type of rock (xenolith or dunite) different behavior of both the P-wave veloc- ity distributions and the anisotropy coefficients with various confining pressures was observed. In order to explain the interdependence of elastic anisotropy and hydrostatic pressure, a model for polycrystalline olivine rocks was suggested, which considers the influence of the crystallographic and the mechanical textures on the elastic behaviour of the polycrystal. Since the olivine texture depends upon the active slip systems and the deformation temperature, neutron texture analyses enable us to estimate depth and thermodynamical conditions during texture formation.

Thermal conductivity, bulk properties, and thermal stratigraphy of silicic tuffs from the upper portion of hole USW-G1, Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada

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

Lappin, A.R.; VanBuskirk, R.G.; Enniss, D.O.

1982-03-01

Thermal-conductivity and bulk-property measurements were made on welded and nonwelded silicic tuffs from the upper portion of Hole USW-G1, located near the southwestern margin of the Nevada Test Site. Bulk-property measurements were made by standard techniques. Thermal conductivities were measured at temperatures as high as 280{sup 0}C, confining pressures to 10 MPa, and pore pressures to 1.5 MPa. Extrapolation of measured saturated conductivities to zero porosity suggests that matrix conductivity of both zeolitized and devitrified tuffs is independent of stratigraphic position, depth, and probably location. This fact allows development of a thermal-conductivity stratigraphy for the upper portion of Hole G1.more » Estimates of saturated conductivities of zeolitized nonwelded tuffs and devitrified tuffs below the water table appear most reliable. Estimated conductivities of saturated densely welded devitrified tuffs above the water table are less reliable, due to both internal complexity and limited data presently available. Estimation of conductivity of dewatered tuffs requires use of different air thermal conductivities in devitrified and zeolitized samples. Estimated effects of in-situ fracturing generally appear negligible.« less

Effect of iron content on the creep behavior of Olivine: 2. Hydrous conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yong-Hong; Zimmerman, Mark E.; Kohlstedt, David L.

2018-05-01

We have undertaken an experimental investigation of the effect of iron content on the viscosity of Fe-Mg olivine aggregates deformed under hydrous conditions in order to provide a basis for comparing convection models for the mantle of Earth with those for the more iron-rich mantle of Mars. Fine-grained samples of Fe-bearing olivine with fayalite contents, Fax, of x = 100, 75, 50, 30 and 10 were deformed in triaxial compressive creep primarily in the dislocation creep regime under water-saturated conditions at temperatures of 1273 to 1473 K and a confining pressure of 300 MPa. Nickel sleeves around the samples of Fa10, Fa30 and Fa50 set the oxygen fugacity at the Ni:NiO buffer and thus the water fugacity at ≲300 MPa, while Fe sleeves around samples of Fa75 and Fa100 set the oxygen fugacity at the Fe:FeO buffer and thus the water fugacity at ≲200 MPa. Samples were deformed in triaxial compression to a maximum strain of 0.2 at differential stresses from 10 to 300 MPa and strain rates from 10-7 to 10-3 s-1. In the dislocation creep field at a given temperature, the viscosity of samples of Fa50 is a factor of ∼10 smaller than the viscosity of samples of Fa30, while the viscosity of samples of Fa30 is a factor of ∼10 smaller than that of samples of Fa10. Our experimental results can be described by the flow law ε˙disl =Cdisl(σ/μ) ndisl XFa pdisl exp(-(Qdisl0 +αdislXFa)/RT) fH2Omdisl with Cdisl = 99.7 MPa-5/4 s-1, ndisl = 3.7, pdisl = 0.5, Qdisl0 = 510 kJ/mol, αdisl = -120 kJ/mol, and mdisl = 5/4. This flow law indicates that the viscosity of olivine of a specific Fe:Mg ratio is a factor of ∼10 smaller than its counterpart deformed under anhydrous conditions. In a hydrous environment at the same thermodynamic conditions, the viscosity of the more Fe-rich mantle (∼Fa19) of Mars is a factor of ∼5 lower than that of the mantle (∼Fa8) of Earth.

Permeability of rock samples from Cajon Pass, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morrow, C.; Byerlee, J.

1988-01-01

Room temperature, steady-state flow measurements of permeability were conducted on 15 unfractured core samples collected at depths between 270 and 2100 m in the Cajon Pass drillhole. Confining and pore pressures were set to the lithostat and hydrostat for each depth. The first 500 m encountered in the drill hole is composed of sandstones with typically high permeabilities of around 10-17m2. The crystalline rocks between 500 and 2100 m show a systematic decrease in permeability with depth from 10-19 to less than 10-21m2. These values are particularly low relative to the applied effective stresses of only 10-30 MPa, and may be a result of the extensive crack healing that was observed in most samples. -Authors

The failure of brittle materials under overall compression: Effects of loading rate and defect distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paliwal, Bhasker

The constitutive behaviors and failure processes of brittle materials under far-field compressive loading are studied in this work. Several approaches are used: experiments to study the compressive failure behavior of ceramics, design of experimental techniques by means of finite element simulations, and the development of micro-mechanical damage models to analyze and predict mechanical response of brittle materials under far-field compression. Experiments have been conducted on various ceramics, (primarily on a transparent polycrystalline ceramic, aluminum oxynitride or AlON) under loading rates ranging from quasi-static (˜ 5X10-6) to dynamic (˜ 200 MPa/mus), using a servo-controlled hydraulic test machine and a modified compression Kolsky bar (MKB) technique respectively. High-speed photography has also been used with exposure times as low as 20 ns to observe the dynamic activation, growth and coalescence of cracks and resulting damage zones in the specimen. The photographs were correlated in time with measurements of the stresses in the specimen. Further, by means of 3D finite element simulations, an experimental technique has been developed to impose a controlled, homogeneous, planar confinement in the specimen. The technique can be used in conjunction with a high-speed camera to study the in situ dynamic failure behavior of materials under confinement. AlON specimens are used for the study. The statically pre-compressed specimen is subjected to axial dynamic compressive loading using the MKB. Results suggest that confinement not only increases the load carrying capacity, it also results in a non-linear stress evolution in the material. High-speed photographs also suggest an inelastic deformation mechanism in AlON under confinement which evolves more slowly than the typical brittle-cracking type of damage in the unconfined case. Next, an interacting micro-crack damage model is developed that explicitly accounts for the interaction among the micro-cracks in brittle materials. The model incorporates pre-existing defect distributions and a crack growth law. The damage is defined as a scalar parameter which is a function of the micro-crack density, the evolution of which is a function of the existing defect distribution and the crack growth dynamics. A specific case of a uniaxial compressive loading under constant strain-rate has been studied to predict the effects of the strain-rate, defect distribution and the crack growth dynamics on the constitutive response and failure behavior of brittle materials. Finally, the effects of crack growth dynamics on the strain-rate sensitivity of brittle materials are studied with the help of the micro-mechanical damage model. The results are compared with the experimentally observed damage evolution and the rate-sensitive behavior of the compressive strength of several engineering ceramics. The dynamic failure of armor-grade hot-pressed boron carbide (B 4C) under loading rates of ˜ 5X10-6 to 200 MPa/mus is also discussed.

Pre-ignition confinement and deflagration violence in LX-10 and PBX 9501

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

Tringe, J. W., E-mail: tringe2@llnl.gov; Glascoe, E. A.; McClelland, M. A.

In thermal explosions of the nitramine octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX)-based explosives LX-10 and PBX-9501, the pre-ignition spatial and temporal heating profile defines the ignition location. The ignition location then determines the extent of inertial confinement and the violence of the resulting deflagration. In this work, we present results of experiments in which ∼23 g cylinders of LX-10 and PBX 9501 in thin-walled aluminum confinement vessels were subjected to identical heating profiles but which presented starkly different energy release signatures. Post-explosion LX-10 containment vessels were completely fragmented, while the PBX 9501 vessels were merely ruptured. Flash x-ray radiography images show that the initiation locationmore » for the LX-10 is a few mm farther from the end caps of the vessel relative to the initiation location of PBX 9501. This difference increases deflagration confinement for LX-10 at the time of ignition and extends the pressurization time during which the deflagration front propagates in the explosive. The variation in the initiation location, in turn, is determined by the thermal boundary conditions, which differ for these two explosives because of the larger coefficient of thermal expansion and greater thermal stability of the Viton binder in LX-10 relative to the estane and bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) acetal/formal binder of the PBX 9501. The thermal profile and initiation location were modeled for LX-10 using the hydrodynamics and structures code ALE3D; results indicate temperatures in the vicinity of the ignition location in excess of 274 °C near the time of ignition. The conductive burn rates for these two explosives, as determined by flash x-ray radiography, are comparable in the range 0.1–0.2 mm/μs, somewhat faster than rates observed by strand burner experiments for explosives in the temperature range 150–180 °C and pressures up to 100 MPa. The thinnest-wall aluminum containment vessels presented here rupture at lower pressures, in the range 10 MPa, suggesting that moderately higher temperatures and pressures are present near the deflagration front. For these explosives, however the most important property for determining deflagration violence is the degree of inertial confinement.« less

Assessment of basin-scale hydrologic impacts of CO2 sequestration, Illinois basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Person, M.; Banerjee, A.; Rupp, J.; Medina, C.; Lichtner, P.; Gable, C.; Pawar, R.; Celia, M.; McIntosh, J.; Bense, V.

2010-01-01

Idealized, basin-scale sharp-interface models of CO2 injection were constructed for the Illinois basin. Porosity and permeability were decreased with depth within the Mount Simon Formation. Eau Claire confining unit porosity and permeability were kept fixed. We used 726 injection wells located near 42 power plants to deliver 80 million metric tons of CO2/year. After 100 years of continuous injection, deviatoric fluid pressures varied between 5.6 and 18 MPa across central and southern part of the Illinois basin. Maximum deviatoric pressure reached about 50% of lithostatic levels to the south. The pressure disturbance (>0.03 MPa) propagated 10-25 km away from the injection wells resulting in significant well-well pressure interference. These findings are consistent with single-phase analytical solutions of injection. The radial footprint of the CO2 plume at each well was only 0.5-2 km after 100 years of injection. Net lateral brine displacement was insignificant due to increasing radial distance from injection well and leakage across the Eau Claire confining unit. On geologic time scales CO2 would migrate northward at a rate of about 6 m/1000 years. Because of paleo-seismic events in this region (M5.5-M7.5), care should be taken to avoid high pore pressures in the southern Illinois basin. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Pseudotachylyte increases the post-slip strength of faults

USGS Publications Warehouse

Proctor, Brooks; Lockner, David A.

2016-01-01

Solidified frictional melts, or pseudotachylytes, are observed in exhumed faults from across the seismogenic zone. These unique fault rocks, and many experimental studies, suggest that frictional melting can be an important process during earthquakes. However, it remains unknown how melting affects the post-slip strength of the fault and why many exhumed faults do not contain pseudotachylyte. Analyses of triaxial stick-slip events on Westerly Granite (Rhode Island, USA) sawcuts at confining pressures from 50 to 400 MPa show evidence for frictional heating, including some events energetic enough to generate surface melt. Total and partial stress drops were observed with slip as high as 6.5 mm. We find that in dry samples following melt-producing stick slip, the shear failure strength increased as much as 50 MPa, while wet samples had <10 MPa strengthening. Microstructural analysis indicates that the strengthening is caused by welding of the slip surface during melt quenching, suggesting that natural pseudotachylytes may also strengthen faults after earthquakes. These results predict that natural pseudotachylyte will inhibit slip reactivation and possibly generate stress heterogeneities along faults. Wet samples do not exhibit melt welding, possibly because of thermal pressurization of water reducing frictional heating during slip.

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

Hansen, Francis D.

Observational petrofabrics, thermal, mechanical, and hydrological measurements were made on reconsolidated salt samples extracted from the field site in which a study called Backfilling and Sealing of Underground Repositories for Radioactive Waste in Salt was conducted. Similar characterization was completed more than a decade ago, so this work furthers previous measurements after sustained consolidation in situ . Porosity determined by traditional point-counting on polished sections and helium porosimeter methods ranged from 20-25% with consolidation governed by brittle processes, as evidence of fluid-aided, grain-boundary processes was rarely observed. Thermal conductivity in the range of 2.3 W /( m * K )more » is consistent for granular halite in this porosity range. Gas flow measurements yielded permeability of the order of 5e -13 m 2 . Pressure-sensitive compressive strengths at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 MPa confining pressure were 8, 9, and 14 MPa, respectively, with apparent elastic moduli increase with deformation.« less

Fluid Pocket Generation in Response to Heterogeneous Reactivity of a Rock Fracture Under Hydrothermal Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, A.; Tanaka, H.; Watanabe, N.; Saishu, H.; Tsuchiya, N.

2017-10-01

Fractures are the location of various water-rock interactions within the Earth's crust; however, the impact of the chemical heterogeneity of fractures on hydraulic properties is poorly understood. We conducted flow-through experiments on the dissolution of granite with a tensile fracture at 350°C and fluid pressure of 20 MPa with confining pressure of 40 MPa. The aperture structures were evaluated by X-ray computed tomography before and after the experiments. Under the experimental conditions, quartz grains dissolve rapidly to produce grain-scale pockets on the fracture surface, whereas altered feldspar grains act as asperities to sustain the open cavities. The fracture contained gouge with large surface area. The feedback between fluid flow and the rapid dissolution of gouge material produced large fluid pockets, whereas permeability did not always increase significantly. Such intense hydrological-chemical interactions could strongly influence the porosity-permeability relationship of fractured reservoirs in the crust.

Quantitative evaluation of the mechanical strength of titanium/composite bonding using laser-generated shock waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ducousso, M.; Bardy, S.; Rouchausse, Y.; Bergara, T.; Jenson, F.; Berthe, L.; Videau, L.; Cuvillier, N.

2018-03-01

Intense acoustic shock waves were applied to evaluate the mechanical strength of structural epoxy bonds between a TA6V4 titanium alloy and a 3D woven carbon/epoxy composite material. Two bond types with different mechanical strengths were obtained from two different adhesive reticulations, at 50% and 90% of conversion, resulting in longitudinal static strengths of 10 and 39 MPa and transverse strengths of 15 and 35 MPa, respectively. The GPa shock waves were generated using ns-scale intense laser pulses and reaction principles to a confined plasma expansion. Simulations taking into account the laser-matter interaction, plasma relaxation, and non-linear shock wave propagation were conducted to aid interpretation of the experiments. Good correlations were obtained between the experiments and the simulation and between different measurement methods of the mechanical strength (normalized tests vs laser-generated shock waves). Such results open the door toward certification of structural bonding.

Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Strength and Deformation Behavior of Cataclastic Sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y.; Shao, J. F.; Xu, W. Y.; Zhao, H. B.; Wang, W.

2015-05-01

This work is devoted to characterization of the deformation and strength properties of cataclastic sandstones. Before conducting mechanical tests, the physical properties were first examined. These sandstones are characterized by a loose damaged microstructure and poorly cemented contacts. Then, a series of mechanical tests including hydrostatic, uniaxial, and triaxial compression tests were performed to study the mechanical strength and deformation of the sandstones. The results obtained show nonlinear stress-strain responses. The initial microcracks are closed at hydrostatic stress of 2.6 MPa, and the uniaxial compressive strength is about 0.98 MPa. Under triaxial compression, there is a clear transition from volumetric compressibility to dilatancy and a strong dependency on confining pressure. Based on the experimental evidence, an elastoplastic model is proposed using a linear yield function and a nonassociated plastic potential. There is good agreement between numerical results and experimental data.

An experimental study of the effects of adsorbing and non-adsorbing gases on friction and permeability evolution in clay-rich fault gouge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisabeth, H. P.; Zoback, M. D.

2017-12-01

Understanding the flow of fluids through fractures in clay-rich rocks is fundamental to a number of geoengineering enterprises, including development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, nuclear waste storage and geological carbon sequestration. High clay content tends to make rocks plastic, low-porosity and anisotropic. In addition, some gasses adsorb to clay mineral surfaces, resulting in swelling and concomitant changes in physical properties. These complexities can lead to coupled behaviors that render prediction of fluid behavior in the subsurface difficult. We present the results of a suite of triaxial experiments on binary mixtures of quartz and illite grains to separate and quantify the effects of hydrostatic pressure, differential stress, clay content and gas chemistry on the evolution of mechanical and hydraulic characteristics of the gouge material during deformation. Tests are run on saw-cut samples prepared with gouge at 20 MPa confining pressure, 10 MPa pore pressure and at room temperature. Argon or carbon dioxide is used as pore fluid. Sample permeability, stress and strain are monitored continuously during hydrostatic and axial deformation. We find that pressure and shearing both lead to reductions in permeability. Adsorbing gas leads to swelling and promotes permeability reduction, but appears to have no effect on frictional properties. These results indicate that the seal integrity of clay-rich caprocks may not be compromised by shear deformation, and that depletion and shear deformation of unconventional reservoirs is expected to result in production declines.

Experimental Investigation on Deformation Failure Characteristics of Crystalline Marble Under Triaxial Cyclic Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Sheng-Qi; Tian, Wen-Ling; Ranjith, P. G.

2017-11-01

The deformation failure characteristics of marble subjected to triaxial cyclic loading are significant when evaluating the stability and safety of deep excavation damage zones. To date, however, there have been notably few triaxial experimental studies on marble under triaxial cyclic loading. Therefore, in this research, a series of triaxial cyclic tests was conducted to analyze the mechanical damage characteristics of a marble. The post-peak deformation of the marble changed gradually from strain softening to strain hardening as the confining pressure increased from 0 to 10 MPa. Under uniaxial compression, marble specimens showed brittle failure characteristics with a number axial splitting tensile cracks; in the range of σ 3 = 2.5-7.5 MPa, the marble specimens assumed single shear fracture characteristics with larger fracture angles of about 65°. However, at σ 3 = 10 MPa, the marble specimens showed no obvious shear fracture surfaces. The triaxial cyclic experimental results indicate that in the range of the tested confining pressures, the triaxial strengths of the marble specimens under cyclic loading were approximately equal to those under monotonic loading. With the increase in cycle number, the elastic strains of the marble specimens all increased at first and later decreased, achieving maximum values, but the plastic strains of the marble specimens increased nonlinearly. To evaluate quantitatively the damage extent of the marble under triaxial cyclic loading, a damage variable is defined according to the irreversible deformation for each cycle. The evolutions of the elastic modulus for the marble were characterized by four stages: material strengthening, material degradation, material failure and structure slippage. Based on the experimental results of the marble specimens under complex cyclic loading, the cohesion of the marble decreased linearly, but the internal friction angles did not depend on the damage extent. To describe the peak strength characteristics of the marble specimens under complex cyclic loadings with various deformation positions, a revised strength criterion for damaged rocks is offered.

Extrapolation of bulk rock elastic moduli of different rock types to high pressure conditions and comparison with texture-derived elastic moduli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullemeyer, Klaus; Lokajíček, Tomás; Vasin, Roman N.; Keppler, Ruth; Behrmann, Jan H.

2018-02-01

In this study elastic moduli of three different rock types of simple (calcite marble) and more complex (amphibolite, micaschist) mineralogical compositions were determined by modeling of elastic moduli using texture (crystallographic preferred orientation; CPO) data, experimental investigation and extrapolation. 3D models were calculated using single crystal elastic moduli, and CPO measured using time-of-flight neutron diffraction at the SKAT diffractometer in Dubna (Russia) and subsequently analyzed using Rietveld Texture Analysis. To define extrinsic factors influencing elastic behaviour, P-wave and S-wave velocity anisotropies were experimentally determined at 200, 400 and 600 MPa confining pressure. Functions describing variations of the elastic moduli with confining pressure were then used to predict elastic properties at 1000 MPa, revealing anisotropies in a supposedly crack-free medium. In the calcite marble elastic anisotropy is dominated by the CPO. Velocities continuously increase, while anisotropies decrease from measured, over extrapolated to CPO derived data. Differences in velocity patterns with sample orientation suggest that the foliation forms an important mechanical anisotropy. The amphibolite sample shows similar magnitudes of extrapolated and CPO derived velocities, however the pattern of CPO derived velocity is closer to that measured at 200 MPa. Anisotropy decreases from the extrapolated to the CPO derived data. In the micaschist, velocities are higher and anisotropies are lower in the extrapolated data, in comparison to the data from measurements at lower pressures. Generally our results show that predictions for the elastic behavior of rocks at great depths are possible based on experimental data and those computed from CPO. The elastic properties of the lower crust can, thus, be characterized with an improved degree of confidence using extrapolations. Anisotropically distributed spherical micro-pores are likely to be preserved, affecting seismic velocity distributions. Compositional variations in the polyphase rock samples do not significantly change the velocity patterns, allowing the use of RTA-derived volume percentages for the modeling of elastic moduli.

Experiments on the Effects of Confining Pressure During Reaction-Driven Cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skarbek, R. M.; Savage, H. M.; Kelemen, P. B.; Lambart, S.; Robinson, B.

2016-12-01

Cracking caused by reaction-driven volume increase is an important process in many geological settings. In particular, the interaction of brittle rocks with reactive fluids can create fractures that modify the permeability and reactive surface area, leading to a large variety of feedbacks. The conditions controlling reaction-driven cracking are poorly understood, especially at geologically relevant confining pressures. We conducted two sets of experiments to study the effects of confining pressure on cracking during the formation of gypsum from anhydrite CaSO4 + 2H2O = CaSO4•2H2O, and portlandite from calcium oxide CaO + H2O = Ca(OH)2. In the first set of experiments, we cold-pressed CaSO4, or CaO powder to form cylinders. Samples were confined in steel, and compressed with an axial load of 0.1 to 4 MPa. Water was allowed to infiltrate the initially unsaturated samples through the bottom face via capillary and Darcian flow across a micro-porous frit. The height of the sample was recorded during the experiment, and serves as a measure of volume change due to the hydration reaction. We also recorded acoustic emissions (AEs) using piezoelectric transducers (PZTs), to serve as a measure of cracking during an experiment. Experiments were stopped when the recorded volume change reached 80% - 100% of the stoichiometrically calculated volume change of the reaction. In a second set of experiments, we pressed CaSO4 powder to form cylinders 8.9 cm in length and 3.5 cm in diameter for testing in a tri-axial press with ports for fluid input and output, across the top and bottom faces of the sample. The tri-axial experiments were set up to investigate the reaction-driven cracking process for a range of confining pressures. Cracking during experiments was monitored using strain gauges and PZTs attached to the sample. We measured permeability during experiments by imposing a fluid pressure gradient across the sample. These experiments elucidate the role of cracking caused by crystallization pressure in many important hydration reactions.

Viscous Creep in Dry Unconsolidated Gulf of Mexico Shale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, C.; Zoback, M. D.

2002-12-01

We conducted laboratory experiments to investigate creep characteristics of dry unconsolidated shale recovered from the pathfinder well, Gulf of Mexico (GOM). We subjected jacketed cylindrical specimens (25.4 mm diameter) to hydrostatic pressure that increased from 10 to 50 MPa in steps of 5 MPa. We kept the pressure constant in each step for at least 6 hours and measured axial and lateral strains (provided by LVDTs) and ultrasonic velocities (provided by seismic-wave transducers). The dry shale exhibited pronounced creep strain at all pressure levels, indicating that the dry frame of the shale possesses an intrinsic viscous property. Interestingly, the creep behavior of the shale is different above and below 30 MPa confining pressure. Above 30 MPa, the amount of creep strain in 6 hours is nearly constant with equal pressurization steps, indicating a linear viscous rheology. Below 30 MPa, the amount of creep increases linearly as pressure is raised in constant incremental steps, suggesting that the creep deformation accelerates as pressure increases within this pressure range. Thus, the general creep behavior of the GOM shale is characterized by a bilinear dependence on pressure magnitude. This creep characteristic is quite different from that observed in unconsolidated reservoir sands (Hagin and Zoback, 2002), which exhibited nearly constant amount of creep regardless of the pressure magnitude for equal increasing steps of pressure. The shale exhibits a lack of creep (and nearly negligible strain recovery) when unloaded, suggesting that the creep strain is irrecoverable and can be considered viscoplastic deformation. SEM observations show that the major mechanism of compaction of the dry shale appears to be packing of clay and a progressive collapse of pore (void) spaces. Creep compaction is considerably more significant than compaction that occurs instantaneously, indicating that the process of shale compaction is largely time-dependent.

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

Casco, Mirian E.; Silvestre-Albero, Joaquín; Ramírez-Cuesta, Anibal J.

Natural methane hydrates are believed to be the largest source of hydrocarbons on Earth. These structures are formed in specific locations such as deep-sea sediments and the permafrost based on demanding conditions of high pressure and low temperature. We report that, by taking advantage of the confinement effects on nanopore space, synthetic methane hydrates grow under mild conditions (3.5 MPa and 2 degrees C), with faster kinetics (within minutes) than nature, fully reversibly and with a nominal stoichiometry that mimics nature. Furthermore, the formation of the hydrate structures in nanospace and their similarity to natural hydrates is confirmed using inelasticmore » neutron scattering experiments and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Our findings may be a step towards the application of a smart synthesis of methane hydrates in energy-demanding applications (for example, transportation).« less

Dissociation of Laboratory-Synthesized Methane Hydrate in Coarse-Grained Sediments by Slow Depressurization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, S. C.; You, K.; Borgfeldt, T.; Meyer, D.; Dong, T.; Flemings, P. B.

2016-12-01

We performed four dissociation experiments in which experimentally-formed methane hydrate was dissociated via slow, stepwise depressurization, revealing in situ salinity conditions. Overall, these results suggest the occurrence of local pore water freshening around dissociating hydrate in which bulk equilibrium behavior is limited by salt diffusion. Depressurization was performed at a constant confining temperature over 1 to 3 weeks by releasing small volumes of methane gas from the top of a vertically-oriented sample into an inverted graduated cylinder. We identify three distinct regimes of depressurization based on pressure drop behavior: (1) release of free gas down to initial hydrate dissociation at 3.3 MPa in NaBr or 4.64 MPa in NaCl, (2) dissociation of methane hydrate characterized by a slow, logarithmic increase in pressure after each gas release and (3) residual free gas release. Initial hydrate dissociation in NaCl brine at 4.64 MPa corresponds to the phase boundary for hydrate in 9.6 wt% NaCl. In the NaCl experiment, pressure increases of 0.16 MPa while the sample was shut in over 3 days likely correspond to a recovery in salinity of 0.7 wt. %. Salt ions likely diffuse from brine ahead of the hydrate front, based on a length scale for diffusion of NaCl of 6.3 cm for 3 days. In this experiment dissociation at bulk equilibrium is expected to decline from 4.54 to 4.04 MPa; however actual dissociation during 73 gas releases over 15 days, results in a pressure drop from 4.64 to 3.25 MPa. Hydrate samples were formed by injection of methane gas at 1 ºC and 12.24 MPa within a cylinder packed with medium-grained quartz sand and initially saturated in a 7 wt% NaBr or NaCl solution. In two experiments in which the system was thoroughly leak tested, total methane consumed during formation and recovered during depressurization match within 7% indicating this approach to be relatively accurate for determining total methane in experimental or pressure core samples.

Friction of marble under seismic deformation conditions in the presence of fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Violay, M. E.; Nielsen, S. B.; Cinti, D.; Spagnuolo, E.; Di Toro, G.; Smith, S.

2011-12-01

Physical and chemical fluid/rock interactions control seismic rupture nucleation, propagation, arrest and recurrence. Several experimental studies explored the effects of pore fluid pressure (Pp) on the sliding behavior of faults. Most of them were performed with bi and tri-axial apparatus at high temperature and high confining pressure. However, due to the experimental configuration, laboratory measurements were limited in terms of slip rate (< 1 mm/s) and displacement (< 1 cm) compared to natural earthquakes (e.g., average slip rate about 1 m/s). Insight on the physical and chemical role of fluids during earthquakes can be gained using a rotary shear configuration which allows large displacements (nominally infinite) and seismic slip rates. Here we present results from the tests performed with SHIVA (Slow to HIgh Velocity Apparatus) equipped with a pore fluid vessel designed to reach 15 MPa of pore pressure on Carrara (98% calcite) marble. This rock was selected because most seismic ruptures in Italy propagate in fluid-rich (usually H2O and CO2), calcite-bearing fault zones (e.g. L'Aquila Mw 6.3, 2009 earthquake). Tests were conducted on hollow cylinders (50/30 mm ext/int diameter) at velocities of 1- 6.5 m/s, normal stresses up to 40 MPa and fluid (H2O in chemical equilibrium with the marble) pressure comprised between 0 (room-humidity conditions) and 15 MPa (fluid-saturated conditions). Fluid chemistry (Mg2+, Ca2+, HCO3-, pH, etc.) was determined before and after the experiments. Under these deformation conditions, the friction coefficient decays exponentially from a peak (= static) μp~ 0.8 at the initiation of sliding towards a steady-state μss~ 0.1. Once sliding stops, the friction coefficient recovers almost instantaneously a coefficient of friction μf = 0.2-0.6 (fault healing). The experimental data suggest that: 1) μp and μss are independent of the presence of fluids for a given imposed effective stress (σneff = σn- Pp = 10 MPa); 2) though μp and μss are similar for experiments performed under the same effective normal stress under room-humidity (σneff = σn= 10 MPa) and fluid-saturated conditions (σneff = σn- Pp =10 MPa), a comparison of the friction coefficient vs. slip curves shows that the decay is more abrupt in the case of room-humidity experiments: the presence of H2O slightly buffers dynamic weakening during seismic slip; 3) sample shortens in the presence of fluids and under room-humidity conditions; 4) fault healing is smaller in the case of experiments performed in the presence of fluids; 5) the fluid (H2O) after the experiment is enriched in Mg2+ and HCO3-: this chemical evolution suggest breakdown reactions (decarbonation of calcite) in the presence of H2O as observed in springs after some large earthquakes in carbonate rocks.

Molecular mechanisms of the antiangiogenic and antitumor effects of mycophenolic acid.

PubMed

Domhan, Sophie; Muschal, Stefan; Schwager, Christian; Morath, Christian; Wirkner, Ute; Ansorge, Wilhelm; Maercker, Christian; Zeier, Martin; Huber, Peter E; Abdollahi, Amir

2008-06-01

The relative risk for the development of malignancies following solid organ transplantation seems to be decreased in patients treated with the immunosuppressive agent mycophenolic acid (MPA). However, the molecular mechanisms of the antineoplastic effects of MPA are not completely understood. Here, we report that human endothelial cells and fibroblasts are highly sensitive to MPA treatment. We found that U87 glioblastoma cells were resistant to MPA treatment in vitro. However, U87 tumor growth was markedly inhibited in vivo in BALB/c nude mice, suggesting that MPA exerted its antitumor effects via modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Accordingly, microvascular density and pericyte coverage were markedly reduced in MPA-treated tumors in vivo. Using functional in vitro assays, we showed that MPA potently inhibited endothelial cell and fibroblast proliferation, invasion/migration, and endothelial cell tube formation. To identify the genetic participants governing the antiangiogenic and antifibrotic effects of MPA, we performed genome-wide transcriptional analysis in U87, endothelial and fibroblast cells at 6 and 12 h after MPA treatment. Network analysis revealed a critical role for MYC signaling in endothelial cells treated with MPA. Moreover, we found that the antiangiogenic effects of MPA were organized by coordinated communications between MYC and NDRG1, YYI, HIF1A, HDAC2, CDC2, GSK3B, and PRKACB signaling. The regulation of these "hub nodes" was confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and protein analysis. The critical involvement of MYC in the antiangiogenic signaling of MPA was further shown by gene knockdown experiments. Together, these data provide a molecular basis for the antiangiogenic and antifibrotic effects of MPA, which warrants further clinical investigations.

Permeability of intact and fractured rocks in Krafla geothermal reservoir, Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eggertsson, Gudjon; Lavallée, Yan; Markusson, Sigurdur

2016-04-01

The magmatic-hydrothermal system at Krafla Volcano, North-East Iceland, has been the source of an important geothermal fluids, exploited by Landsvirkjun National Power since 1977 to generate electricity (~60 MW). In the last decade, the energy was extracted from fluids of moderate temperature (200-300°C), but in order to satisfy the demand for sustainable, environmentally-safe energy, Landsvirkjun is aiming to source fluids in the super high-enthalpy hydrothermal system (400°-600°C and <220 bar). In relation to this, IDDP-1 was drilled in 2009. Drilling was terminated at a depth of 2100m when the drill string penetrated rhyolite magma. The rock around this rhyolite magma body shows great potential for production, as its temperatures are very high and it is located at shallow depth. Here, we present the results of mechanical and permeability tests carried out on the main lithologies forming the geothermal reservoir rock. During a field survey in fall 2015, and through information gathered from previous drilling exercises, five main rock types were identified and sampled to carry out this study: that is, basalts (10% to 60% porosity), hyaloclastites (35% to 45% porosity), obsidians (0,25% to 5% porosity), ignimbrites (13% to 18% porosity), and intrusive felsites and microgabbros (10% to 16% porosity). The only rock type not found in outcrops on the surface is the felsite and microgabbros which are thought to be directly above the rhyolite magma (~80m thick). The reason they can be found on the surface is that during the Mývatns-fires, an explosion creating the Víti crater and scattered these rocks around the area. For all these lithologies, the porosity was determined using helium pycnometry. On-going permeability measurements are made using a classic hydrostatic cell. To simulate the stress conditions extant in the hydrothermal field, we performed permeability measurements at a range of confining pressure (1 to 100 MPa), using a pore pressure differential of 0.5 - 1.5 MPa (at an average pore pressure of 1.25 MPa). We present the results of permeability-porosity relationships for each rock as a function of confining pressure and discuss the permeability of the fluid reservoir as a function of effective pressure (i.e., = confining pressure - pore pressure) to constrain fluid flow during different pressurisation events. Complementary Brazilian tests were also performed to induce a fracture in the samples and the permeability of these fractured rocks will be measured to describe the role of macrofractures in controlling fluid flow. Permeability measurements at high temperature (up to ~500 C) will be performed on selected rocks. The aim of these experiments will be to discover the relative role of the various lithologies on the permeability of the reservoir, which will inform us how to improve the geothermal productivity of the proposed deep well through thermo-mechanical stimulations.

An experimental platform for triaxial high-pressure/high-temperature testing of rocks using computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glatz, Guenther; Lapene, Alexandre; Castanier, Louis M.; Kovscek, Anthony R.

2018-04-01

A conventional high-pressure/high-temperature experimental apparatus for combined geomechanical and flow-through testing of rocks is not X-ray compatible. Additionally, current X-ray transparent systems for computed tomography (CT) of cm-sized samples are limited to design temperatures below 180 °C. We describe a novel, high-temperature (>400 °C), high-pressure (>2000 psi/>13.8 MPa confining, >10 000 psi/>68.9 MPa vertical load) triaxial core holder suitable for X-ray CT scanning. The new triaxial system permits time-lapse imaging to capture the role of effective stress on fluid distribution and porous medium mechanics. System capabilities are demonstrated using ultimate compressive strength (UCS) tests of Castlegate sandstone. In this case, flooding the porous medium with a radio-opaque gas such as krypton before and after the UCS test improves the discrimination of rock features such as fractures. The results of high-temperature tests are also presented. A Uintah Basin sample of immature oil shale is heated from room temperature to 459 °C under uniaxial compression. The sample contains kerogen that pyrolyzes as temperature rises, releasing hydrocarbons. Imaging reveals the formation of stress bands as well as the evolution and connectivity of the fracture network within the sample as a function of time.

An experimental platform for triaxial high-pressure/high-temperature testing of rocks using computed tomography.

PubMed

Glatz, Guenther; Lapene, Alexandre; Castanier, Louis M; Kovscek, Anthony R

2018-04-01

A conventional high-pressure/high-temperature experimental apparatus for combined geomechanical and flow-through testing of rocks is not X-ray compatible. Additionally, current X-ray transparent systems for computed tomography (CT) of cm-sized samples are limited to design temperatures below 180 °C. We describe a novel, high-temperature (>400 °C), high-pressure (>2000 psi/>13.8 MPa confining, >10 000 psi/>68.9 MPa vertical load) triaxial core holder suitable for X-ray CT scanning. The new triaxial system permits time-lapse imaging to capture the role of effective stress on fluid distribution and porous medium mechanics. System capabilities are demonstrated using ultimate compressive strength (UCS) tests of Castlegate sandstone. In this case, flooding the porous medium with a radio-opaque gas such as krypton before and after the UCS test improves the discrimination of rock features such as fractures. The results of high-temperature tests are also presented. A Uintah Basin sample of immature oil shale is heated from room temperature to 459 °C under uniaxial compression. The sample contains kerogen that pyrolyzes as temperature rises, releasing hydrocarbons. Imaging reveals the formation of stress bands as well as the evolution and connectivity of the fracture network within the sample as a function of time.

Effects of simulated clay gouges on the sliding behavior of Tennessee sandston

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimamoto, Toshihiko; Logan, John M.

1981-06-01

The effects of simulated fault gouge on the sliding behavior of Tennessee sandstone are studied experimentally with special reference to the stabilizing effect of clay minerals mixed into the gouge. About 30 specimens with gouge composed of pure clays, of homogeneously mixed clay and anhydrite, or of layered clay and anhydrite, along a 35° precut are deformed dry in a triaxial apparatus at a confining pressure of 100 MPa, with a shortening rate of about 5 · 10 -4/sec, and at room temperature. Pure clay gouges exhibit only stable sliding, and the ultimate frictional strength is very low for bentonite (mont-morillonite), intermediate for chlorite and illite, and considerably higher for kaolinite. Anhydrite gouge shows violent stick-slip at 100 MPa confining pressure. When this mineral is mixed homogeneously with clays, the frictional coefficient of the mixed gouge, determined at its ultimate frictional strength, decreases monotonically with an increase in the clay content. The sliding mode changes from stick-slip to stable sliding when the frictional coefficient of the mixed clay-anhydrite gouge is lowered down below 90-95% of the coefficient of anhydrite gouge. The stabilizing effect of clay in mixed gouge is closely related to the ultimate frictional strength of pure clays; that is, the effect is conspicuous only for a mineral with low frictional strength. Only 15-20% of bentonite suppresses the violent stick-slip of anhydrite gouge. In contrast, violent stick-slip occurs even if the gouge contains as much as 75% of kaolinite. The behavior of illite and chlorite is intermediate between that of kaolinite and bentonite. Bentonite—anhydrite two-layer gouge exhibits stable sliding even when the bentonite content is only 5%. Thus, the presence of a thin, clay-rich layer in a fault zone stabilizes the behavior much more effectively than do the clay minerals mixed homogeneously with the gouge. This result brings out the mechanical significance of internal structures of a fault zone in understanding the effects of intrafault materials on the fault motion. Based on the present experimental results incorporated with some other experimental data, it is argued that although the stabilizing effect of montmorillonite and vermiculite is indeed remarkable at room temperature, the effect should be much less pronounced at elevated temperatures, due perhaps to the dewatering of the clays. In most geological environments where shallow earthquakes occur, the stabilizing effect of clays is probably not so conspicuous as to completely suppress the unstable motion of a fault.

Electrical properties of schist and mylonite from the South Island, New Zealand: Exploring the source of the Southern Alps Anomalous Conductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kluge, Katherine; Toy, Virginia; Ohneiser, Chrisitan; Lockner, David

2017-04-01

The Southern Alps Electrical Conductor (SAC), identified from magnetotelluric surveys of the South Island Geophysical Transect (SIGHT) in the South Island, New Zealand, has high electrical conductivity relative to surrounding lithology (0.1 to 1 S/m between 5 and 25 km depth). This phenomenon is spatially coincident with shear zones of the Alpine Fault transform boundary and a region of anomalously low seismic velocity. It has been suggested these geophysical anomalies indicate dynamically linked fluids or graphite networks at depth, but this is unconfirmed. The convergent component of deformation within the Southern Alps orogen exhumes the lower crust. Because of this, we have been able to examine the relationship between electric properties, porosities, and mineral arrangement of hanging wall rock samples across metamorphic and strain gradients approaching the Alpine Fault. These allow us to constrain the roc properties which yield the source of the Southern Alps Electrical Conductor. We measured the electrical properties of 7 hand samples at the USGS Rock Physics Lab in Menlo Park, California. Complex resistivity of samples under confining pressure was measured up to 200 MPa, with a saturating brine of 0.1 M KCl. Laboratory measurements were then converted to complex conductivity. Mylonite conductivities were also averaged at each confining pressure and extrapolated to Alpine Fault conditions at depth (using fluid conductivity, geothermal gradient and effective confining pressure) to find projected in situ values between 0 and 9.4 km depth. Porosity ranges from 1.2 to 5.4% for hanging wall metamorphic schists and 1.0 to 1.9% for Alpine Fault Zone mylonites. Schist porosity substantially decreases with increasing proximity to the Alpine Fault, but mylonite porosity exhibits no systematic trend. Conductivity at 5 MPa effective confining pressure and 20 Hz ranges from 9.70x10-5 to 2.23x10-3 S/m for schists and 1.48x10-3 to 4.33x10-3 S/m for mylonites. Schist conductivity decreases towards the Alpine Fault, likely due to decreases in porosity. Conversely, mylonite conductivity increases towards the Alpine Fault. The latter trend cannot be systematically related to porosity, but may reflect another factor. Projected mylonite conductivities were found to increase from 1.0x10-4 to 1.33x10-2 S/m between equivalent pressures of 0 and 3 km depth and then decrease to 1.0x10-2 S/m at a pressure equivalent to 9.4 km depth. These projected values are less than the expected conductivities found by MT surveys. To explain this inconsistency, we propose that either the input fluid compositions are incorrect or that we have not accounted for a factor such as grain boundary surface conductance or conductive graphite films.

Active Focal Zone Sharpening for High-Precision Treatment Using Histotripsy

PubMed Central

Wang, Tzu-Yin; Xu, Zhen; Hall, Timothy L.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Roberts, William W.; Cain, Charles A.

2011-01-01

The goal of this study is to develop a focal zone sharpening strategy that produces more precise lesions for pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy, or histotripsy. Precise and well-confined lesions were produced by locally suppressing cavitation in the periphery of the treatment focus without affecting cavitation in the center. The local suppression of cavitation was achieved using cavitation nuclei preconditioning pulses to actively control cavitation in the periphery of the focus. A 1-MHz 513-element therapeutic array was used to generate both the therapy and the nuclei preconditioning pulses. For therapy, 10-cycle bursts at 100-Hz pulse repetition frequency with P−/P+ pressure of 21/76 MPa were delivered to the geometric focus of the therapeutic array. For nuclei preconditioning, a different pulse was delivered to an annular region immediately surrounding the focus before each therapy pulse. A parametric study on the effective pressure, pulse duration, and delivery time of the preconditioning pulse was conducted in red blood cell-gel phantoms, where cavitational damage was indicated by the color change resulting from local cell lysis. Results showed that a short-duration (20 µs) preconditioning pulse at a medium pressure (P−/P+ pressure of 7.2/13.6 MPa) delivered shortly before (30 µs) the therapy pulse substantially suppressed the peripheral damage by 77 ± 13% while complete fractionation in the focal center was maintained. High-speed imaging of the bubble cloud showed a substantial decrease in the maximum width of the bubble cloud by 48 ± 24% using focal zone sharpening. Experiments in ex vivo livers confirmed that highly confined lesions were produced in real tissues as well as in the phantoms. This study demonstrated the feasibility of active focal zone sharpening using cavitation nuclei preconditioning, allowing for increased treatment precision compared with the natural focal width of the therapy transducer. PMID:21342816

Active focal zone sharpening for high-precision treatment using histotripsy.

PubMed

Wang, Tzu-Yin; Xu, Zhen; Hall, Timothy; Fowlkes, J; Roberts, William; Cain, Charles

2011-02-01

The goal of this study is to develop a focal zone sharpening strategy that produces more precise lesions for pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy, or histotripsy. Precise and well-confined lesions were produced by locally suppressing cavitation in the periphery of the treatment focus without affecting cavitation in the center. The local suppression of cavitation was achieved using cavitation nuclei preconditioning pulses to actively control cavitation in the periphery of the focus. A 1-MHz 513-element therapeutic array was used to generate both the therapy and the nuclei preconditioning pulses. For therapy, 10-cycle bursts at 100-Hz pulse repetition frequency with P-/P+ pressure of 21/76 MPa were delivered to the geometric focus of the therapeutic array. For nuclei preconditioning, a different pulse was delivered to an annular region immediately surrounding the focus before each therapy pulse. A parametric study on the effective pressure, pulse duration, and delivery time of the preconditioning pulse was conducted in red blood cell-gel phantoms, where cavitational damage was indicated by the color change resulting from local cell lysis. Results showed that a short-duration (20 μs) preconditioning pulse at a medium pressure (P-/P+ pressure of 7.2/13.6 MPa) delivered shortly before (30 μs) the therapy pulse substantially suppressed the peripheral damage by 77 ± 13% while complete fractionation in the focal center was maintained. High-speed imaging of the bubble cloud showed a substantial decrease in the maximum width of the bubble cloud by 48 ± 24% using focal zone sharpening. Experiments in ex vivo livers confirmed that highly confined lesions were produced in real tissues as well as in the phantoms. This study demonstrated the feasibility of active focal zone sharpening using cavitation nuclei preconditioning, allowing for increased treatment precision compared with the natural focal width of the therapy transducer.

Damage Recovery in Carrara Marble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, G.; Brantut, N.; Mitchell, T. M.; Meredith, P. G.

2017-12-01

We investigate the effect of confining pressure on the recovery of elastic wave velocities following deformation episodes in Carrara Marble. Dry Carrara Marble cores were deformed in the ductile regime (Pc = 40 MPa) up to 3% axial strain. After deformation, samples were held at constant stress conditions for extended periods of time (5-8 days) whilst continuously recording volumetric strain and seismic wave velocities. The velocity data were used to invert for microcrack densities using an effective medium approach. Finally, thin sections were produced to characterise the microstructures after recovery. During deformation, elastic wave speeds decreased with increasing strain by more than 30% of the value for the intact rock due to the formation of distributed microcracks. Under constant hydrostatic pressure, wave speeds progressively recovered 12-90% of the initial drop, depending on the applied confining pressure. In contrast, the strain recovery (deformation towards the initial shape of the sample) during holding time is negligible (of the order of 10-4). Tests performed under nonhydrostatic (triaxial) stress conditions during recovery showed some time-dependent creep deformation together with very significant recovery of wave velocities. The recovery is interpreted as a progressive reduction in crack density within the sample. The process is highly dependent on confining pressure, which favours it. We propose that the driving process for wave speed recovery is the time-dependent increase of contact area between crack surfaces due to the formation and growth of asperity contacts. We develop a micromechanical model for crack closure driven by asperity creep, which shows a good fit to the experimental data. Most of the recovery is achieved in the initial few hours, implying it is the fastest recovery or healing process, and thus occurs prior to any chemical healing or mineral precipitation. Our data corroborate field observations of post-seismic fault behavior.

The Time-Dependency of Deformation in Porous Carbonate Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibikas, W. M.; Lisabeth, H. P.; Zhu, W.

2016-12-01

Porous carbonate rocks are natural reservoirs for freshwater and hydrocarbons. More recently, due to their potential for geothermal energy generation as well as carbon sequestration, there are renewed interests in better understanding of the deformation behavior of carbonate rocks. We conducted a series of deformation experiments to investigate the effects of strain rate and pore fluid chemistry on rock strength and transport properties of porous limestones. Indiana limestone samples with initial porosity of 16% are deformed at 25 °C under effective pressures of 10, 30, and 50 MPa. Under nominally dry conditions, the limestone samples are deformed under 3 different strain rates, 1.5 x 10-4 s-1, 1.5 x 10-5 s-1 and 1.5 x 10-6 s-1 respectively. The experimental results indicate that the mechanical behavior is both rate- and pressure-dependent. At low confining pressures, post-yielding deformation changes from predominantly strain softening to strain hardening as strain rate decreases. At high confining pressures, while all samples exhibit shear-enhanced compaction, decreasing strain rate leads to an increase in compaction. Slower strain rates enhance compaction at all confining pressure conditions. The rate-dependence of deformation behaviors of porous carbonate rocks at dry conditions indicates there is a strong visco-elastic coupling for the degradation of elastic modulus with increasing plastic deformation. In fluid saturated samples, inelastic strain of limestone is partitioned among low temperature plasticity, cataclasis and solution transport. Comparison of inelastic behaviors of samples deformed with distilled water and CO2-saturated aqueous solution as pore fluids provide experimental constraints on the relative activities of the various mechanisms. Detailed microstructural analysis is conducted to take into account the links between stress, microstructure and the inelastic behavior and failure mechanisms.

Reconsolidation of Crushed Salt to 250°C Under Hydrostatic and Shear Stress Conditions Scott Broome, Frank Hansen, and SJ Bauer Sandia National Laboratories, Geomechanics Department

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broome, S. T.

2012-12-01

Design, analysis and performance assessment of potential salt repositories for heat-generating nuclear waste require knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and fluid transport properties of reconsolidating granular salt. Mechanical properties, Bulk (K) and Elastic (E) Moduli and Poisson's ratio (ν) are functions of porosity which decreases as the surrounding salt creeps inward and compresses granular salt within the rooms, drifts or shafts. To inform salt repository evaluations, we have undertaken an experimental program to determine K, E, and ν of reconsolidated granular salt as a function of porosity and temperature and to establish the deformational processes by which the salt reconsolidates. The experiments will be used to populate the database used in the reconsolidation model developed by Callahan (1999) which accounts for the effects of moisture through pressure solution and dislocation creep, with both terms dependent on effective stress to account for the effects of porosity. Mine-run salt from the Waste Isolation Pilot Program (WIPP) was first dried at 105 °C for a few days. Undeformed right-circular cylindrical sample assemblies of unconsolidated granular salt with an initial porosity of ~ 40%, nominally 10 cm in diameter and 17.5 cm in length, are jacketed in lead. Samples are placed in a pressure vessel and kept at test temperatures of 100, 175 or 250 °C; samples are vented to the atmosphere during the entire test procedure. At these test conditions the consolidating salt is always creeping, the creep rate increases with increasing temperature and stress and decreases as porosity decreases. In hydrostatic tests, confining pressure is increased to 20 MPa with periodic unload/reload loops to determine K. Volume strain increases with increasing temperature. In shear tests at 2.5 and 5 MPa confining pressure, after confining pressure is applied, the crushed salt is subjected to a differential stress, with periodic unload/reload loops to determine E and ν. At predetermined differential stress levels the stress is held constant and the salt consolidates. Displacement gages mounted on the samples show little lateral deformation until the samples reach a porosity of ~10%. Interestingly, vapor is vented in tests at 250°C and condenses at the vent port. Release of water is not observed in the lower two test temperatures. It is hypothesized that the water originates from fluid inclusions, which were made accessible by intragranular deformational processes including decrepitation. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Laboratory Studies of High Temperature Deformation and Fracture of Lava Domes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, R.; Sammonds, P.; Tuffen, H.; Meredith, P.

2007-12-01

The high temperature fracture mechanics of magma at high temperatures exerts a fundamental control on the stability of lava domes and the timing and style of eruptions at andesitic to dacitic volcanoes. This is evidenced in the pervasive fracturing seen in both ancient and active magma conduits and lava domes; in addition to the volcanic earthquakes that occur before and during episodes of dome growth and dome collapse. Uniaxial and triaxial deformation experiments have been performed on crystal rich and crystal free magmas (andesite from Ancestral Mount Shasta, California, USA and a rhyolitic obsidian from Krafla, Iceland) at a range of temperatures (up to 900°C), confining pressures (up to 50 MPa) and strain rates (10-5s-1) to 10-3s-1) whilst recording acoustic emissions (AE). Results from these experiments provide useful inputs into models of lava dome stability, extrusion mechanisms, and source mechanisms for volcanic earthquakes. However, the large sample sizes used to ensure valid results (25mm diameter and 75mm length) made it difficult to maintain stable high temperatures under confined conditions. Also, only rudimentary AE data could be obtained, due to the distance of the transducers from the samples to keep them away from the high temperatures. Here, we present modifications to this apparatus, which include a new furnace, improved loading system, additional pore pressure and permeability measurement capability, and vastly improved acoustic monitoring. This allows (1)stable higher temperatures (up to 1000°C) to be achieved under confined conditions, (2) high temperature and moderate pressure (up to 70 MPa) hydrostatic measurements of permeability and acoustic velocities, (3) high temperature triaxial deformation under different pore fluid and pressure conditions, and (4) full waveform AE monitoring for all deformation experiments. This system can thus be used to measure the physical properties and strength of rocks under volcanic conditions and to simulate volcanic earthquakes.

A numerical and experimental investigation on seismic anisotropy of Finero Peridotite, Ivrea-Verbano Zone, northern Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Xin; Frehner, Marcel; Zappone, Alba; Kunze, Karsten

2014-05-01

We present a combined experimental and numerical study on Finero Peridotite to investigate the major factors creating its seismic anisotropy. We extrapolate the ultrasonic seismic wave velocity measured in a hydrostatic pressure vessel to 0 MPa and 250 MPa confining pressure to compare with numerical simulations at atmospheric pressure and to restore the velocity at in-situ lower crustal conditions, respectively. A linear relation between confining pressure and seismic velocity above 80 MPa reveals the intrinsic mechanical property of the bulk rock without the interference of cracks. To visualize the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) we use the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) method and create crystallographic orientation maps and pole figures. The first also reveals the shape preferred orientation (SPO). We found that very weak CPO but significant SPO exist in most of the peridotite. The Voigt and Reuss bounds as well as the Hill average (VRH) are calculated from EBSD data to visualize seismic velocity and to calculate anisotropy in the form of velocity pole figures. We perform finite element (FE) simulations of wave propagation on the EBSD crystallographic orientation maps to calculate the effective wave velocity at different propagation angles, hence estimate the anisotropy numerically. In fracture-free models the FE simulation results agree well with the Hill average. In one case of a sample containing fractures the FE simulation yields similar minimal velocity as the laboratory measurement, which lies outside the VR bounds. This is a warning that care has to be taken when using VRH averages in fractured rocks. All three velocity estimates (hydrostatic pressure vessel, VRH average, and FE simulation) result in equally weak seismic anisotropy. This is mainly the consequence of weak CPO. Although SPO is significantly stronger it has minor influence on anisotropy. Hydrous minerals influence the seismic anisotropy only when their modal composition is large enough to allow waves to propagate preferentially through them. Unlike hornblende, phlogopite is not proven to be a major source for the seismic anisotropy due to its small modal composition. Seismic velocity is also influenced by the source frequency distribution. A lower-frequency source in the FE simulations results in lower effective velocity regardless of sample orientation. The frequency spectrum of the propagating wave is modified from source to receiver due to scattering at the mineral grains, thus leading to effective negative attenuation factors peaked at around 1-3 MHz depending on the source spectrum. However, compared with other factors, such as CPO, SPO, fractures, or hydrous mineral phases, the effect of the source frequency distribution is minor, but may be influential when extrapolated to seismic frequencies (Hz-kHz). This study provides a comprehensive method combining laboratory measurements, EBSD data, and numerical simulations to estimate seismic anisotropy. Future work may focus on modeling the influence of different pore fluids or more complex fracture geometries on seismic velocity and anisotropy. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (project UPseis, 200021_143319).

The progestational and androgenic properties of medroxyprogesterone acetate: gene regulatory overlap with dihydrotestosterone in breast cancer cells

PubMed Central

Ghatge, Radhika P; Jacobsen, Britta M; Schittone, Stephanie A; Horwitz, Kathryn B

2005-01-01

Introduction Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the major progestin used for oral contraception and hormone replacement therapy, has been implicated in increased breast cancer risk. Is this risk due to its progestational or androgenic properties? To address this, we assessed the transcriptional effects of MPA as compared with those of progesterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in human breast cancer cells. Method A new progesterone receptor-negative, androgen receptor-positive human breast cancer cell line, designated Y-AR, was engineered and characterized. Transcription assays using a synthetic promoter/reporter construct, as well as endogenous gene expression profiling comparing progesterone, MPA and DHT, were performed in cells either lacking or containing progesterone receptor and/or androgen receptor. Results In progesterone receptor-positive cells, MPA was found to be an effective progestin through both progesterone receptor isoforms in transient transcription assays. Interestingly, DHT signaled through progesterone receptor type B. Expression profiling of endogenous progesterone receptor-regulated genes comparing progesterone and MPA suggested that although MPA may be a somewhat more potent progestin than progesterone, it is qualitatively similar to progesterone. To address effects of MPA through androgen receptor, expression profiling was performed comparing progesterone, MPA and DHT using Y-AR cells. These studies showed extensive gene regulatory overlap between DHT and MPA through androgen receptor and none with progesterone. Interestingly, there was no difference between pharmacological MPA and physiological MPA, suggesting that high-dose therapeutic MPA may be superfluous. Conclusion Our comparison of the gene regulatory profiles of MPA and progesterone suggests that, for physiologic hormone replacement therapy, the actions of MPA do not mimic those of endogenous progesterone alone. Clinically, the complex pharmacology of MPA not only influences its side-effect profile; but it is also possible that the increased breast cancer risk and/or the therapeutic efficacy of MPA in cancer treatment is in part mediated by androgen receptor. PMID:16457685

Gallery of melt textures developed in Westerly Granite during high-pressure triaxial friction experiments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moore, Diane E.; Lockner, David A.; Kilgore, Brian D.; Beeler, Nicholas M.

2016-09-23

IntroductionMelting occurred during stick-slip faulting of granite blocks sheared at room-dry, room-temperature conditions in a triaxial apparatus at 200–400 megapascals (MPa) confining pressure. Petrographic examinations of melt textures focused largely on the 400-MPa run products. This report presents an overview of the petrographic data collected on those samples, followed by brief descriptions of annotated versions of all the images.Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the starting materials and the three examined 400-MPa samples are presented in this report. Secondary-electron (SE) and backscattered-electron (BSE) imaging techniques were used on different samples. The SE images look down on the sawcut surfaces, yielding topographic and three-dimensional textural information. The BSE imaging was done on samples cut to provide cross-sectional views of the glass-filled shear band (or zone) that developed along the sawcut. Brightness in the BSE images increases with increasing mean atomic number of the material. Additional chemical information about the quenched melt and adjoining minerals was obtained using the energy dispersive system of the SEM during BSE examinations. However, the very narrow shear-band thicknesses and common occurrence of very fine lamellar compositional layering limited the usefulness of this technique for estimating melt chemistry.

High Stress Consolidation, Ultrasonic, and Permeability Measurements: Constraints on Physical Properties and In Situ Stress along the Costa Rica Subduction Plate Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winner, A.; Saffer, D. M.; Valdez, R. D.

2014-12-01

Sediment permeability and consolidation behavior are key parameters in governing the drainage state and thus potential for excess pore fluid pressure in subduction zones. Elevated pore pressure, in turn, is one important control on the strength and sliding behavior of faults. Along many subduction margins, evidence of elevated, near-lithostatic, in situ pore pressure comes from high seismic reflectivity, low P-wave velocity (Vp), and high Vp/Vs ratios. This inference is broadly supported by numerical modeling studies that indicate elevated pore pressures are likely given high rates of burial and tectonic loading, combined with the low permeability of marine mudstones. Here, we report on a series of high-stress consolidation experiments on sediment core samples from the incoming Cocos plate obtained as part of Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 344. Our experiments were designed to measure the consolidation behavior, permeability, and P-wave velocity of the incoming sediments over a range of confining stresses from .5 to 90 MPa. We explore a range of paths,including isostatic loading (σ1=σ2=σ3), K0 consolidation, in which the ratio of σ3/σ1 is maintained at ~0.6, and the trixial loading paths designed to maintain a near critical-state failure condition. In our tests, load is increased in a series of steps. After equilibration at each step, we conduct constant head permeability tests, and measure P-wave velocities in a "time of flight" mode. Initial results from isostatic loading tests on hemipelagic mudstone samples from 34 mbsf document consolidation and permeability-porosity trends, in which porosity decreases from 69% to 54% as stress in increased from .5 MPa to 15 MPa, and permeability decreases from 8.1 X 10-18 m2 at 1 MPa to 1.1 X 10-19 m2 at 15 MPa. P-wave velocity increases by 486-568 km/s over this effective stress range. Ultimately, data from our experiments will provide a robust basis for quantifying fluid content and pressure from seismic velocity and fault plane reflectivity at this margin, and provide data to parameterize forward models of fluid flow and consolidation.

Non-invasive measurement using cardiovascular magnetic resonance of changes in pulmonary artery stiffness with exercise.

PubMed

Forouzan, Omid; Warczytowa, Jared; Wieben, Oliver; François, Christopher J; Chesler, Naomi C

2015-12-13

Exercise stress tests are commonly used in clinical settings to monitor the functional state of the heart and vasculature. Large artery stiffness is one measure of arterial function that can be quantified noninvasively during exercise stress. Changes in proximal pulmonary artery stiffness are especially relevant to the progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH), since pulmonary artery (PA) stiffness is the best current predictor of mortality from right ventricular failure. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was used to investigate the effect of exercise stress on PA pulse wave velocity (PWV) and relative area change (RAC), which are both non-invasive measures of PA stiffness, in healthy subjects. All 21 subjects (average age 26 ± 4 years; 13 female and 8 male) used a custom-made MR-compatible stepping device to exercise (two stages of mild-to-moderate exercise of 3-4 min duration each) in a supine position within the confines of the scanner. To measure the cross-sectional area and blood flow velocity in the main PA (MPA), two-dimensional phase-contrast (2D-PC) CMR images were acquired. To measure the reproducibility of metrics, CMR images were analyzed by two independent observers. Inter-observer agreements were calculated using the intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. From rest to the highest level of exercise, cardiac output increased from 5.9 ± 1.4 L/min to 8.2 ± 1.9 L/min (p < 0.05), MPA PWV increased from 1.6 ± 0.5 m/s to 3.6 ± 1.4 m/s (p < 0.05), and MPA RAC decreased from 0.34 ± 0.11 to 0.24 ± 0.1 (p < 0.05). While PWV also increased from the first to second exercise stage (from 2.7 ± 1.0 m/s to 3.6 ± 1.4 m/s, p < 0.05), there was no significant change in RAC between the two exercise stages. We found good inter-observer agreement for quantification of MPA flow, RAC and PWV. These results demonstrate that metrics of MPA stiffness increase in response to acute moderate exercise in healthy subjects and that CMR exercise stress offers great potential in clinical practice to noninvasively assess vascular function.

Critical factors in displacement ductility assessment of high-strength concrete columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taheri, Ali; Moghadam, Abdolreza S.; Tasnimi, Abass Ali

2017-12-01

Ductility of high-strength concrete (HSC) columns with rectangular sections was assessed in this study by reviewing experimental data from the available literature. Up to 112 normal weights concrete columns with strength in the range of 50-130 MPa were considered and presented as a database. The data included the results of column testes under axial and reversed lateral loading. Displacement ductility of HSC columns was evaluated in terms of their concrete and reinforcement strengths, bar arrangement, volumetric ratio of transverse reinforcement, and axial loading. The results indicated that the confinement requirements and displacement ductility in HSC columns are more sensitive than those in normal strength concrete columns. Moreover, ductility is descended by increasing concrete strength. However, it was possible to obtain ductile behavior in HSC columns through proper confinement. Furthermore, this study casts doubt about capability of P/ A g f c' ratio that being inversely proportional to displacement ductility of HSC columns.

Physical and Transport Properties of the carbonate-bearing faults: experimental insights from the Monte Maggio Fault zone (Central Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trippetta, Fabio; Scuderi, Marco Maria; Collettini, Cristiano

2015-04-01

Physical properties of fault zones vary with time and space and in particular, fluid flow and permeability variations are strictly related to fault zone processes. Here we investigate the physical properties of carbonate samples collected along the Monte Maggio normal Fault (MMF), a regional structure (length ~10 km and displacement ~500 m) located within the active system of the Apennines. In particular we have studied an exceptionally exposed outcrop of the fault within the Calcare Massiccio formation (massive limestone) that has been recently exposed by new roadworks. Large cores (100 mm in diameter and up to 20 cm long) drilled perpendicular to the fault plane have been used to: 1) characterize the damage zone adjacent to the fault plane and 2) to obtain smaller cores, 38 mm in diameter both parallel and perpendicular to the fault plane, for rock deformation experiments. At the mesoscale two types of cataclastic damage zones can be identified in the footwall block (i) a Cemented Cataclasite (CC) and (ii), a Fault Breccia (FB). Since in some portions of the fault the hangingwall (HW) is still preserved we also collected HW samples. After preliminary porosity measurements at ambient pressure, we performed laboratory measurements of Vp, Vs, and permeability at effective confining pressures up to 100 MPa in order to simulate crustal conditions. The protolith has a primary porosity of about 7 %, formed predominantly by isolated pores since the connected porosity is only 1%. FB samples are characterized by 10% and 5% of bulk and connected porosity respectively, whilst CC samples show lower bulk porosity (7%) and a connected porosity of 2%. From ambient pressure to 100 MPa, P-wave velocity is about 5,9-6,0 km/s for the protolith, ranges from 4,9 km/s to 5,9 km/s for FB samples, whereas it is constant at 5,9 km/s for CC samples and ranges from 5,4 to 5,7 for HW sample. Vs shows the same behaviour resulting in a constant Vp/Vs ratio from 0 to 100 MPa that ranges from 1,5 to 1,98 where the lower values are recorded for FB samples. Permeability of FB samples is pressure dependent starting from 10-17 m2 at ambient pressure to 10-18 m2 at 100 MPa confining pressure. In contrast, for CC samples, permeability is about 10-19 m2 and is pressure independent. In conclusion, our dataset depicts a fault zone structure with heterogeneous static physical and transport properties that are controlled by the occurrence of different deformation mechanisms related to different protolites. At the moment we have been conducting experiments during loading/unloading stress cycles in order to characterize possible permeability and acoustic properties evolution induced by differential stress.

The Effect of Large Melt Fraction on the Deformation Behavior of Peridotite: Implications for the Rheology of Io' Mantle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, T.; Kohlstedt, D. L.

2004-01-01

One key constraint needed for refinement of the interior geochemical and geodynamic models of Io is the viscosity of the convecting partially- molten silicate mantle. To date, laboratory studies of partially molten mantle rocks have reached melt fractions up to approx.0.12, a value much smaller than thought to be appropriate for the asthenosphere of Io where the degree of partial melting may be 0.15 0.40 or higher. Therefore, we have performed a series of high temperature, triaxial compressive creep experiments on dry synthetic peridotites in a gas medium apparatus at a confining pressure of 300 MPa and temperatures from 1473 to 1573 K in order to understand the influence of large amounts of melt (0.15 < phi < 0.40) on the rheological behavior of partially molten rocks.

Mechanical properties and processes of deformation in shallow sedimentary rocks from subduction zones: An experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gadenne, Leslie; Raimbourg, Hugues; Champallier, Rémi; Yamamoto, Yuzuru

2014-12-01

To better constrain the mechanical behavior of sediments accreted to accretionary prism, we conducted triaxial mechanical tests on natural samples from the Miura-Boso paleo-accretionary prism (Japan) in drained conditions with confining pressures up to 200 MPa as well as postexperiments P-wave velocity (Vp) measurements. During experiments, deformation is principally noncoaxial and accommodated by two successive modes of deformation, both associated with strain-hardening and velocity-strengthening behavior: (1) compaction-assisted shearing, distributed in a several mm-wide shear zone and (2) faulting, localized within a few tens of μm-wide, dilatant fault zone. Deformation is also associated with (1) a decrease in Young's modulus all over the tests, (2) anomalously low Vp in the deformed samples compared to their porosity and (3) an increase in sensitivity of Vp to effective pressure. We interpret this evolution of the poroelastic properties of the material as reflecting the progressive breakage of intergrain cement and the formation of microcracks along with macroscopic deformation. When applied to natural conditions, these results suggest that the deformation style (localized versus distributed) of shallow (z < a few km) sediments is mainly controlled by the variations in stress/strain rate during the seismic cycle and is therefore independent of the porosity of sediments. Finally, we show that the effect of strain, through cement breakage and microcracks formation, may lower Vp for effective pressure up to 40 MPa. As a consequence, the low Vp anomalies observed in Nankai accretionary prisms by seismic imaging between 2 and 4 km depth could reflect sediment deformation rather than porosity anomalies.

Modifications to a Laboratory-Scale Confined Laser Ignition Chamber for Pressure Measurements to 70 MPa

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

which is then turned over and pressed by hand against a flat surface. The solder ring is removed from the flange using a flat blade mini screwdriver...densities of M10 propellant. This series of experiments was conducted to get an indication of how many experiments could be run with the same window...While we were able to run 6 experiments with a pair of solder rings as the window seat, we typically replace the seat after 4 experiments have been

Tracking mechanical Dauphiné twin evolution with applied stress in axial compression experiments on a low-grade metamorphic quartzite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minor, Alexander; Rybacki, Erik; Sintubin, Manuel; Vogel, Sven; Wenk, Hans-Rudolf

2018-07-01

The stress-dependent evolution of mechanical Dauphiné twinning has been investigated in axial compression experiments on a low-grade metamorphic quartzite, applying both time-of-flight neutron diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction. The data of the experimentally stressed quartzite samples were compared with those of the naturally deformed starting material to monitor Dauphiné twinning in relation to different experimental stress states. This comparison shows that in the experimental conditions of 500 °C temperature and 300 MPa confining pressure, Dauphiné twinning initiates below 145 MPa differential stress and saturates between 250 MPa and 460 MPa differential stress. A single grain orientation analysis (SGOA) has been developed based on the distinction of quartz grains free of Dauphiné twin boundaries (DTBs) and containing Dauphiné twin boundaries. Comparing pole figures and inverse pole figures of DTB-free grains of the starting material with those of the experimentally stressed samples shows a significantly different orientation distribution of the positive {10 1 bar 1} (r) and the negative {01 1 bar 1} (z) rhombs. In DTB-containing grains, the SGOA allows to distinguish between host and twin domains. Using DTB-free grains, the SGOA furthermore reveals a particular pattern, with one of the r rhomb maxima parallel to the axial compressive stress direction and a girdle with two r rhomb submaxima perpendicular to it. We believe that this relationship between the axial compressive stress direction and the rhomb orientation distribution shows the potential of the SGOA in the reconstruction of the paleostress state in naturally stressed quartz-bearing rocks.

Inhibitory effect of ciprofloxacin on β-glucuronidase-mediated deconjugation of mycophenolic acid glucuronide.

PubMed

Kodawara, Takaaki; Masuda, Satohiro; Yano, Yoshitaka; Matsubara, Kazuo; Nakamura, Toshiaki; Masada, Mikio

2014-07-01

The interaction between mycophenolate (MPA) and quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin is considered to reduce the enterohepatic recycling of MPA, which is biotransformed in the intestine from MPA glucuronide (MPAG) conjugate excreted via the biliary system; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this biotransformation of MPA is still unclear. In this study, an in vitro system was established to evaluate β-glucuronidase-mediated deconjugation and to examine the influence of ciprofloxacin on the enzymatic deconjugation of MPAG and MPA resynthesis. Resynthesis of MPA via deconjugation of MPAG increased in a time-dependent manner from 5 to 60 min in the presence of β-glucuronidase. Ciprofloxacin and phenolphthalein-β-d-glucuronide (PhePG), a typical β-glucuronidase substrate, significantly decreased the production of MPA from MPAG in the β-glucuronidase-mediated deconjugation system. In addition, enoxacin significantly inhibited the production of MPA from MPAG, while levofloxacin and ofloxacin had no inhibitory effect on MPA synthesis. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that ciprofloxacin showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MPA production from MPAG via β-glucuronidase with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value of 30.4 µm. While PhePG inhibited the β-glucuronidase-mediated production of MPA from MPAG in a competitive manner, ciprofloxacin inhibited MPA synthesis via noncompetitive inhibition. These findings suggest that the reduction in the serum MPA concentration during the co-administration of ciprofloxacin is at least in part due to the decreased enterohepatic circulation of MPA because of noncompetitive inhibition of deconjugation of MPAG by intestinal β-glucuronidase. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The combined effect of high pressure and nisin or lysozyme on the inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores in apple juice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokołowska, B.; Skąpska, S.; Fonberg-Broczek, M.; Niezgoda, J.; Chotkiewicz, M.; Dekowska, A.; Rzoska, S.

2012-03-01

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, a thermoacidophilic and spore-forming bacterium is one of the important target micro-organisms in the quality control of acidic canned foods. High pressure pasteurization (HPP) at 50°C was used for the inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores in apple juice. Pressure applied both in a continuous and oscillatory mode gave the best results when 200 MPa was used. Increasing the pressure to 500 MPa, as well as lowering its value to 100 MPa, had an adverse effect on the effectiveness of the process. The best results were achieved with the use of a combined treatment, involving oscillatory pressurization at 200 MPa, followed by holding the sample for 60 min at atmospheric pressure and subsequent pressurization at 500 MPa, resulting in a reduction in the spore count of 6.15 log. Nisin significantly enhanced the effect of HPP at 300 MPa. Using pressure of 200 MPa for 45 min with a nisin concentration of 250 IU/mL enabled total spore inactivation (over 6 log). No significant effect of lysozyme at a concentration of 0.05 and 0.1 mg/L at 300 MPa was observed.

Changes in crack shape and saturation during water penetration into stressed rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuda, K.; Nishizawa, O.

2012-12-01

Open cracks and cavities in rocks play important roles in fluid transport. Water penetration induced microcrack activities and caused the failure of rocks. Fluids in cracks affect earthquake generation mechanism through physical and physicochemical effects. Methods of characterizing crack shape and water saturation of rocks underground are needed for many scientific and industrial applications. It would be desirable to estimate the status of cracks using readily observable data such as elastic-wave velocities. We demonstrate a laboratory method for estimating crack status inside a cylindrical rock sample based on least-squares fitting of a cracked solid model to measured P- and S-wave velocities, and porosity derived from strain data. We used a cylinder (50 mm in diameter and 100 mm in length) of medium-grained granite. We applied a differential stress of 370 MPa, which corresponds to about 70% of fracture strength, to the rock sample under 30 MPa confining pressure and held it constant throughout the experiment. When the primary creep stage and acoustic emission (AE) caused by the initial loading had ceased, we injected distilled water into the bottom end of the sample at a constant pressure of 25 MPa until macroscopic fracture occurred. During water migration, we measured P waves and S waves (Sv and Sh), in five directions parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the sample. We also measured strains of the sample surface and monitored AE. We created X-ray computer tomography (CT) images of the rock sample after the experiment in order to recognize the location and shape of fractured surfaces. We observed the different patterns of velocity changes in the upper and lower portions of the rock sample. Changes in P-wave velocities can be interpreted based on the crack density. S-waves showed the splitting with Vsv being faster than Vsh, corresponding to the second kind of anisotropy. We estimated two crack characteristics, crack shape and the degree of water saturation, and their changes during the loading and water migration into a granitic rock subjected to confining pressure and differential stress. We found that during injection of water to induce failure of a stressed rock sample, the aspect ratio of cracks increased and the degree of water saturation increased to about 70%. Laboratory derived method can be applicable for the well-planned observation in the field experiments. Monitoring in situ crack situations with seismic waves are useful for industrial and scientific applications such as sequestrations of carbon dioxide and waste, and measuring the regional stress field.

Cavitation in confined water: ultra-fast bubble dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vincent, Olivier; Marmottant, Philippe

2012-02-01

In the hydraulic vessels of trees, water can be found at negative pressure. This metastable state, corresponding to mechanical tension, is achieved by evaporation through a porous medium. It can be relaxed by cavitation, i.e. the sudden nucleation of vapor bubbles. Harmful for the tree due to the subsequent emboli of sap vessels, cavitation is on the contrary used by ferns to eject spores very swiftly. We will focus here on the dynamics of the cavitation bubble, which is of primary importance to explain the previously cited natural phenomena. We use the recently developed method of artificial tress, using transparent hydrogels as the porous medium. Our experiments, on water confined in micrometric hydrogel cavities, show an extremely fast dynamics: bubbles are nucleated at the microsecond timescale. For cavities larger than 100 microns, the bubble ``rings'' with damped oscillations at MHz frequencies, whereas for smaller cavities the oscillations become overdamped. This rich dynamics can be accounted for by a model we developed, leading to a modified Rayleigh-Plesset equation. Interestingly, this model predicts the impossibility to nucleate bubbles above a critical confinement that depends on liquid negative pressure and corresponds to approximately 100 nm for 20 MPa tensions.

Semi-brittle flow of granitoid fault rocks in experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pec, Matej; Stünitz, Holger; Heilbronner, Renée.; Drury, Martyn

2016-03-01

Field studies and seismic data show that semi-brittle flow of fault rocks probably is the dominant deformation mechanism at the base of the seismogenic zone at the so-called frictional-viscous transition. To understand the physical and chemical processes accommodating semi-brittle flow, we have performed an experimental study on synthetic granitoid fault rocks exploring a broad parameter space (temperature, T = 300, 400, 500, and 600°C, confining pressure, Pc ≈ 300, 500, 1000, and 1500 MPa, shear strain rate, γṡ ≈ 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, and 10-6 s-1, to finite shear strains, γ = 0-5). The experiments have been carried out using a granular material with grain size smaller than 200 µm with a little H2O added (0.2 wt %). Only two experiments (performed at the fastest strain rates and lowest temperatures) have failed abruptly right after reaching peak strength (τ ~ 1400 MPa). All other samples reach high shear stresses (τ ~ 570-1600 MPa) then weaken slightly (by Δτ ~ 10-190 MPa) and continue to deform at a more or less steady state stress level. Clear temperature dependence and a weak strain rate dependence of the peak as well as steady state stress levels are observed. In order to express this relationship, the strain rate-stress sensitivity has been fit with a stress exponent, assuming γ˙ ∝ τn and yields high stress exponents (n ≈ 10-140), which decrease with increasing temperature. The microstructures show widespread comminution, strain partitioning, and localization into slip zones. The slip zones contain at first nanocrystalline and partly amorphous material. Later, during continued deformation, fully amorphous material develops in some of the slip zones. Despite the mechanical steady state conditions, the fabrics in the slip zones and outside continue to evolve and do not reach a steady state microstructure below γ = 5. Within the slip zones, the fault rock material progressively transforms from a crystalline solid to an amorphous material. We present and interpret the experimental results both in terms of sliding friction and viscous flow, and we discuss the possible effect that the formation of nanocrystalline and amorphous layers may have on earthquake nucleation.

Influence of the confining pressure on precursory and rupture processes of Westerly granite.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passelegue, Francois; Nicolas, Aurelien; Madonna, Claudio; Schubnel, Alexandre

2016-04-01

In the shallow crust, brittle deformation mechanisms lead to damage and rupture of rocks. These mechanisms are generally described by non-linear stress relations and decrease of the elastic moduli due to microcrak opening and sliding. However, failure mode depends on confining pressure and ranges from axial splitting to shear localization. Here we report experiments on Westerly granite samples deformed under controlled upper crustal stress conditions in the laboratory. Experiments were conducted under triaxial loading (σ1>σ2=σ3) at confining pressures (σ3) ranging from 2 to 50 MPa (similar to upper crustal stress conditions) and at constant axial strain rate 10-5/s. Usual a dual gain system, a high frequency acoustic monitoring array recorded particles acceleration during macroscopic rupture of the intact specimen and premonitory background microseismicity. Secondly, acoustic sensors were used in an active way to measure the evolution of elastic wave velocities. In addition, we used an amplified strain gage to record the dynamic stress change during the dynamic rupture. Our preliminary results show that increasing confining pressure leads to the transition between axial cracks opening to shear localization. This result is supported by the moment tensor solutions of acoustic emissions and CT scan imaging of the post mortem sample. In addition, we systematically observe an exponential increase of the premonitory activity up to the shear failure of the sample. While the intensity of this precursory activity increase with the confining pressure in term of energy, the crack density leading to the failure of the sample is independent of the confinement. We show that the dynamic rupture occurs in only few microseconds, suggesting a rupture speed close to the shear wave velocity. In addition, the ratio between the stress drop and the peak of stress increases with the confinement. This result suggest that the weakening of faulting increases with the confinement. Finally, using both dynamic stress drop and axial displacement measurement, we show that the fracture energy increases with both confining pressure and seismic slip.

Effect of tempering treatment upon the residual stress of bimetallic roll

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano, Y.; Noda, N.-A.; Takase, Y.; Torigoe, R.; Tsuboi, K.; Aridi, M. R.; Sanada, Y.; Lan, L. Y.

2018-06-01

Bimetallic rolls are widely used in steel rolling industries because of the excellent hardness, wear resistance, and high temperature properties. However, thermal stress is produced by heating-cooling thermal cycles, which is a great challenge for their practical application. Indeed, if severe thermal tensile stress is introduced into these rolls, it can assist the thermal cracks to propagate, even lead to the overall failure of rolls. In this paper, we investigated the effect of tempering treatment on the residual stress after the bimetallic rolls were subjected to quenching. Compared with the non-uniform heating-quenching process, the tempering process makes the maximum stress at the core decreased by 15% (from 275 MPa to 234 MPa) with considering martensite transformation but decreased by 26% (from 275 MPa to 201 MPa) without considering martensite transformation. For tempering process after uniform heating quenching, the maximum stress at the core decreases by 24% from 357 MPa to 273 MPa with considering martensite transformation but decreases by 30% from 357 MPa to 246 MPa without considering martensite transformation. And compared with the non-uniform heating-quenching process, the double tempering process makes the maximum stress at the core decreased by 8% (from 275 MPa to 253 MPa) with considering martensite transformation but decreased by 27% (from 275 MPa to 200 MPa) without considering martensite transformation.

Effect of Dehydration Reaction on Serpentinite Deformation in Torsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinciguerra, S.; Trovato, C.; Meredith, P. G.; Benson, P. M.; Hirose, T.; Bystricky, M.; Stünitz, H.; Kunze, K.

2003-12-01

Dehydration of serpentine to olivine, talc and water during deformation is critical for understanding the possible localization of deformation into shear zones and the generation of earthquakes along subduction zones. In order to investigate the effect of the dehydration reaction on the strength and ductility of serpentinite, torsion experiments were performed using a Paterson high PT torsion rig at constant shear strain rates of 10-4 to 10-5 s-1, temperatures of 550 to 750 ° C and a confining pressure of 300 MPa, to local shear strains up to γ = 3. We deformed two types of serpentinite: antigorite from Val Malenco, Italy, a high-temperature phase of serpentine (stable at T <500 ° C), and lizardite from Elba, Italy, a low-temperature phase of serpentine (stable at T <400 ° C). Most of the samples were shaped in dog-bone geometry with a central hole along their axial direction which acted as a fluid conduit, enabling an easy escape for any released fluid during the dehydration reaction. We also deformed solid bone-shaped specimens to compare the mechanical behavior of solid and hollow specimens. In both cases, porous alumina spacers were placed on both end sides of specimen and led to the atmosphere through the pore pressure line. Thus our experiments were performed under drained conditions. Antigorite deformed in the semi-brittle field at the run conditions. Visible faults formed probably due to reaction-induced fracturing, and the stress started to drop just after the initial peak stress ( ˜350 MPa at 650 to 700 ° C and ˜280 MPa at 750 ° C). Highly comminuted grains with various sizes along the faults were identified as partially dehydrated antigorite (H2O ˜6 wt%) at 650 ° C and olivine and talc at >700 ° C. Mechanical behavior after the peak stress is thought to occur by cataclastic flow, possibly assisted by diffusion mass transfer processes of these fine-grained reactant minerals. We have also investigated the effect of pre-heating on the strength of antigorite. The peak strength of a sample pre-heated at 750 ° C for 3 hr and then deformed at 700 ° C is 70 MPa lower than a sample deformed directly at 700 ° C. This stress reduction occurred due to the presence of a mechanically weaker reaction product (talc) rather than elevated pore pressure because the sample was deformed under completely drained conditions. By contrast, a solid sample was weaker than hollow ones by ˜100 MPa, mainly due to low permeability of the serpentinite. Excess fluid pressure in solid specimens leads to a drop in the effective pressure and appears to have enhanced the dehydration reaction along micro-fractures. Our data shows that dehydration weakening of serpentinite is caused not as much because of excess pore pressure but more because of the weaker mineral assemblages from the reaction. In contrast to semi-brittle faulting in antigorite, deformation of lizardite at 550 ° C to a bulk shear strain of 0.9 was widely distributed, showing typical ductile microstructures such as boudinage and S-C fabric. A well developed secondary foliation (C-plane) and strong lattice preferred orientations of lizardite grains were observed close to the localized shear zones. After the initial peak stress, steady stress values of 250 MPa were measured. We intend to focus on how the localized zones evolve and how the mechanical response changes with increasing shear strain during the reaction.

Evolution of fracture permeability of ultramafic rocks undergoing serpentinization at hydrothermal conditions: An experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farough, A.; Moore, D. E.; Lockner, D. A.; Lowell, R. P.

2016-01-01

We performed flow-through laboratory experiments on five cylindrically cored samples of ultramafic rocks, in which we generated a well-mated through-going tensile fracture, to investigate evolution of fracture permeability during serpentinization. The samples were tested in a triaxial loading machine at a confining pressure of 50 MPa, pore pressure of 20 MPa, and temperature of 260°C, simulating a depth of 2 km under hydrostatic conditions. A pore pressure difference of up to 2 MPa was imposed across the ends of the sample. Fracture permeability decreased by 1-2 orders of magnitude during the 200-330 h experiments. Electron microprobe and SEM data indicated the formation of needle-shaped crystals of serpentine composition along the walls of the fracture, and chemical analyses of sampled pore fluids were consistent with dissolution of ferro-magnesian minerals. By comparing the difference between fracture permeability and matrix permeability measured on intact samples of the same rock types, we concluded that the contribution of the low matrix permeability to flow is negligible and essentially all of the flow is focused in the tensile fracture. The experimental results suggest that the fracture network in long-lived hydrothermal circulation systems can be sealed rapidly as a result of mineral precipitation, and generation of new permeability resulting from a combination of tectonic and crystallization-induced stresses is required to maintain fluid circulation.

Evolution of fracture permeability of ultramafic rocks undergoing serpentinization at hydrothermal conditions: An experimental study

USGS Publications Warehouse

Farough, Aida; Moore, Diane E.; Lockner, David A.; Lowell, R.P.

2016-01-01

We performed flow-through laboratory experiments on five cylindrically cored samples of ultramafic rocks, in which we generated a well-mated through-going tensile fracture, to investigate evolution of fracture permeability during serpentinization. The samples were tested in a triaxial loading machine at a confining pressure of 50 MPa, pore pressure of 20 MPa, and temperature of 260°C, simulating a depth of 2 km under hydrostatic conditions. A pore pressure difference of up to 2 MPa was imposed across the ends of the sample. Fracture permeability decreased by 1–2 orders of magnitude during the 200–330 h experiments. Electron microprobe and SEM data indicated the formation of needle-shaped crystals of serpentine composition along the walls of the fracture, and chemical analyses of sampled pore fluids were consistent with dissolution of ferro-magnesian minerals. By comparing the difference between fracture permeability and matrix permeability measured on intact samples of the same rock types, we concluded that the contribution of the low matrix permeability to flow is negligible and essentially all of the flow is focused in the tensile fracture. The experimental results suggest that the fracture network in long-lived hydrothermal circulation systems can be sealed rapidly as a result of mineral precipitation, and generation of new permeability resulting from a combination of tectonic and crystallization-induced stresses is required to maintain fluid circulation.

Fault gouge rheology under confined, high-velocity conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reches, Z.; Madden, A. S.; Chen, X.

2012-12-01

We recently developed the experimental capability to investigate the shear properties of fine-grain gouge under confined conditions and high-velocity. The experimental system includes a rotary apparatus that can apply large displacements of tens of meters, slip velocity of 0.001- 2.0 m/s, and normal stress of 35 MPa (Reches and Lockner, 2010). The key new component is a Confined ROtary Cell (CROC) that can shear a gouge layer either dry or under pore-pressure. The pore pressure is controlled by two syringe pumps. CROC includes a ring-shape gouge chamber of 62.5 mm inner diameter, 81.25 mm outer diameter, and up to 3 mm thick gouge sample. The lower, rotating part of CROC contains the sample chamber, and the upper, stationary part includes the loading, hollow cylinder and setting for temperature, and dilation measurements, and pore-pressure control. Each side of the gouge chamber has two pairs of industrial, spring-energized, self-lubricating, teflon-graphite seals, built for particle media and can work at temperature up to 250 ded C. The space between each of the two sets of seals is pressurized by nitrogen. This design generates 'zero-differential pressure' on the inner seal (which is in contact with the gouge powder), and prevents gouge leaks. For the preliminary dry experiments, we used ~2.0 mm thick layers of room-dry kaolinite powder. Total displacements were on the order of meters and normal stress up to 4 MPa. The initial shear was accommodated by multiple internal slip surfaces within the kaolinite layer accommodated as oriented Riedel shear structures. Later, the shear was localized within a thin, plate-parallel Y-surface. The kaolinite layer was compacted at a quasi-asymptotic rate, and displayed a steady-state friction coefficient of ~ 0.5 with no clear dependence on slip velocity up to 0.15 m/s. Further experiments with loose quartz sand (grain size ~ 125 micron) included both dry runs and pore-pressure (distilled water) controlled runs. The sand was pressurized through a porous metal (Mott) plug. Comparison with effective stress calculations indicates the same friction coefficient of ~ 1.0 for the sand layer under dry and pressurized conditions. Both kaolinite and quartz sand experiments developed localized shear zones that were examined at the nano- and micro- scales with AFM, SEM and TEM. These zones displayed reduced grain sizes and cementation by local agglomeration. Kaolinite grains sheared in CROC experiment; scale bar = 1 micron.

The transition from frictional sliding to shear melting in laboratory experiments and the implications for scale dependent earthquake source properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beeler, N. M.; Lockner, D. A.; Kilgore, B. D.; Moore, D. E.

2011-12-01

Localized slip during earthquakes, e.g., at 1 m/s for a few seconds, should produce enough thermal energy to melt rock or pressurize pore fluid and drastically reduce fault strength (Sibson, Nature Phys. Sci., 1973. Sibson, Geophys. J. R. Astr. Soc., 1975). Expected changes in earthquake source properties for events with large enough temperature change to induce melting or fluid pressurization include an increase in stress drop, a possible increase in low frequency content of the radiated energy and an increase in the ratio of radiated energy to seismic moment. Such changes with increasing moment, while expected, are not observed seismologically and the role of thermal weakening during large earthquakes remains unknown. To investigate the effect of the onset of thermal weakening on earthquake source properties such as stress drop, slip velocity, weakening distance, and apparent stress, we have conducted stick-slip experiments at confining pressures between 50 and 400 MPa on initially bare rock surfaces of Westerly granite (Lockner et al., Eos Trans. Am. Geophys. Un. T23A-2245, 2010). These conditions span a transition from frictional sliding, producing dry comminuted fault gouge and fractional stress drops at lower confining pressure, to shear induced melting with complete stress drop at the highest pressures. The confining pressure, axial stress and displacement, are measured as in standard faulting tests. Temperature is monitored with a thermocouple ~2.5 mm from the fault. Rapid motions of the fault are inferred from independent recordings of the acceleration and velocity of the loading piston using an accelerometer and a laser Doppler vibrometer. Slip velocity, and event duration increase with stress drop. Stress drops vary from less than 10 to greater than 400 MPa. Durations are between 0.1 and 0.5 ms and average sliding velocities range from <1 to > 10 m/s. Total stress drop is associated with slip and shear stress sufficient to increase the entire shear zone temperature to the melting point of feldspar, but melt is also found in samples subjected to smaller stress drops, suggesting heating to somewhat lower temperature. Stress and slip constrain the total energy; the temperature measurements constrain the energy associated with frictional heating and the heat of fusion, while the velocity measurements allow an estimate of the radiated energy. Using these constraints and models of shear-induced melting we examine changes in event source properties across the transition to shear melting.

Effect of high pressures on the enzymatic activity of commercial milk protein coagulants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiśniewska, Krystyna; Reps, Arnold; Jankowska, Agnieszka

2014-04-01

This study was aimed at determining the effect of high pressures in the range of 100-1000 MPa/15 min, applied in 100 MPa increments, on the coagulating and proteolytic activity of commercial coagulants produced with genetic engineering methods: Maxiren, Chymogen, Chymax and of a natural rennin preparation, Hala. The coagulating activity of Hala preparation differed compared with the other preparations, due to greater resistance to high pressures, especially in the range of 500-600 MPa. The preparations produced with genetic engineering methods lost their capability for milk protein coagulation by 500 MPa. Pressurization at 200 MPa contributed to their reduced capability for casein macroproteolysis. In contrast, an increase in Chymax, Chymogen, Maxiren and Hala preparations' hydrolytic capability for the macroproteolysis of isoelectric casein was observed upon pressure treatment at 100 and 400 MPa and for microproteolysis after pressure treatment at 200 MPa. Storage (48 h/5°C) of the pressurized preparations had an insignificant effect on their coagulating and proteolytic activities.

Laboratory Simulation of Flow through Single Fractured Granite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, K. K.; Singh, D. N.; Ranjith, P. G.

2015-05-01

Laboratory simulation on fluid flow through fractured rock is important in addressing the seepage/fluid-in-rush related problems that occur during the execution of any civil or geological engineering projects. To understand the mechanics and transport properties of fluid through a fractured rock in detail and to quantify the sources of non-linearity in the discharge and base pressure relationship, fluid flow experiments were carried out on a cylindrical sample of granite containing a `single rough walled fracture'. These experiments were performed under varied conditions of confining pressures, σ 3 (5-40 MPa), which can simulate the condition occurring about 1,000 m below in the earth crust, with elevated base pressure, b p (up to 25 MPa) and by changing fracture roughness. The details of the methodologies involved and the observations are discussed here. The obtained results indicate that most of the data in the Q verses b p plot, fall on the straight line and the flow through the single fracture in granite obeys Darcy's law or the well-known "cubic law" even at high value of b p (=4 MPa) and σ 3 (=5 MPa) combination. The Reynolds number is quite sensitive to the b p, σ 3 and fracture roughness, and there is a critical b p, beyond which transition in flow occurs from laminar to turbulent. It is believed that such studies will be quite useful in identifying the limits of applicability of well know `cubic law', which is required for precise calculation of discharge and/or aperture in any practical issues and in further improving theoretical/numerical models associated with fluid flow through a single fracture.

Mechanical Twinning and Microstructures in Experimentally Stressed Quartzite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minor, A.; Sintubin, M.; Wenk, H. R.; Rybacki, E.

2015-12-01

Since Dauphiné twins in quartz have been identified as a stress-related intracrystalline microstructure, several electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) studies revealed that Dauphiné twins are present in naturally deformed quartz-bearing rocks in a wide range of tectono-metamorphic conditions. EBSD studies on experimentally stressed quartzite showed that crystals with particular crystallographic orientations contain many Dauphiné twin boundaries, while neighboring crystals with different orientations are largely free of twin boundaries. To understand the relationship between stress direction and orientation of Dauphiné twinned quartz crystals, a detailed EBSD study was performed on experimentally stressed quartzite samples and compared with an undeformed reference sample. We stressed 4 cylindrical samples in triaxial compression in a Paterson type gas deformation apparatus at GFZ Potsdam. Experimental conditions were 300MPa confining pressure, 500°C temperature and axial stresses of 145MPa, 250MPa and 460MPa for about 30 hours, resulting in a minor strain <0.04%. EBSD scans were obtained with a Zeiss Evo scanning electron microscope and TSL software at UC Berkeley. The EBSD maps show that Dauphiné twinning is present in the starting material as well as in experimentally stressed samples. Pole figures of the bulk orientation of the reference sample compared with stressed samples show a significant difference regarding the distribution for the r and z directions. The reference sample shows an indistinct maximum for r and z, whereas the stressed samples show a maximum for r poles and a minimum for z poles in the axial stress direction. EBSD scans of the reference and stressed samples were further analyzed manually to identify the orientations of single grains, which are free of twin boundaries and those, which contain twin boundaries. This analysis aims to quantify the relationship of crystal orientation and stress magnitude to initiate mechanical twinning.

Time-dependent recovery of microcrack damage and seismic wave speeds in deformed limestone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brantut, Nicolas

2015-12-01

Limestone samples were deformed up to 5% inelastic axial strain at an effective confining pressure Peff=50 MPa in the cataclastic flow regime and subsequently maintained under constant static stress conditions (either isostatic of triaxial) for extended periods of time while elastic wave speeds and permeability were continuously monitored. During deformation, both seismic wave speeds and permeability decrease with increasing strain, due to the growth of subvertical microcracks and inelastic porosity reduction. During the static hold period under water-saturated conditions, the seismic wave speeds recovered gradually, typically by around 5% (relative to their initial value) after 2 days, while permeability remained constant. The recovery in wave speed increases with increasing confining pressure but decreases with increasing applied differential stress. The recovery is markedly lower when the samples are saturated with an inert fluid as opposed to water. The evolution in wave speed is interpreted quantitatively in terms of microcrack density, which shows that the post-deformation recovery is associated with a decrease in effective microcrack length, typically of the order to 10% after 2 days. The proposed mechanism for the observed damage recovery is microcrack closure due to a combination of backsliding on wing cracks driven by time-dependent friction and closure due to pressure solution at contacts between propping particles or asperities and microcrack walls. The recovery rates observed in the experiments, and the proposed underlying mechanisms, are compatible with seismological observations of seismic wave speed recovery along faults following earthquakes.

The role of water in the recovery of microcrack damage, permeability and seismic wave speeds in limestone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brantut, N.

2015-12-01

Limestone samples were deformed up to 5% inelastic axial strain at an effective confining pressure P_{eff}=50 MPa, in the cataclastic flow regime, and subsequently maintained under constant static stress conditions for extended periods of time while elastic wave speeds and permeability were continously monitored. During deformation, both seismic wave speeds and permeability decrease with increasing strain, due to the growth of sub-vertical microcracks and inelastic porosity reduction. During the static hold period under water-satured conditions, the seismic wave speeds recovered gradually, typically by around 5% (relative to their initial value) after two days, while permeability remained constant. The recovery in wave speed increases with increasing confining pressure, but decreases with increasing applied differential stress. The recovery is markedly lower when the samples are saturated with an inert fluid as opposed to water. The evolution in wave speed is interpreted quantitatively in terms of microcrack density, which shows that the post-deformation recovery is associated with an decrease in effective microcrack length, typically of the order to 10% after two days. The proposed mechanism for the observed damage recovery is microcrack closure due to a combination of backsliding on wing cracks driven by time-dependent friction and closure due to pressure-solution at contacts between propping particles or asperities and microcrack walls. The recovery rates observed in the experiments, and the proposed underlying mechanisms, are compatible with seismological observations of seismic wave speed recovery along faults following earthquakes.

Olivine friction at the base of oceanic seismogenic zones

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boettcher, M.S.; Hirth, G.; Evans, B. M.

2007-01-01

We investigate the strength and frictional behavior of olivine aggregates at temperatures and effective confining pressures similar to those at the base of the seismogenic zone on a typical ridge transform fault. Triaxial compression tests were conducted on dry olivine powder (grain size ???60 ??m) at effective confining pressures between 50 and 300 MPa (using Argon as a pore fluid), temperatures between 600??C and 1000??C, and axial displacement rates from 0.06 to 60 ??m/s (axial strain rates from 3 ?? 10-6 to 3 ?? 10-3 s-1). Yielding shows a negative pressure dependence, consistent with predictions for shear enhanced compaction and with the observation that samples exhibit compaction during the initial stages of the experiments. A combination of mechanical data and microstructural observations demonstrate that deformation was accommodated by frictional processes. Sample strengths were pressure-dependent and nearly independent of temperature. Localized shear zones formed in initially homogeneous aggregates early in the experiments. The frictional response to changes in loading rate is well described by rate and state constitutive laws, with a transition from velocity-weakening to velocity-strengthening at 1000??C. Microstructural observations and physical models indicate that plastic yielding of asperities at high temperatures and low axial strain rates stabilizes frictional sliding. Extrapolation of our experimental data to geologic strain rates indicates that a transition from velocity weakening to velocity strengthening occurs at approximately 600??C, consistent with the focal depths of earthquakes in the oceanic lithosphere. Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union.

Permeability Changes of Coal Cores and Briquettes under Tri-Axial Stress Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wierzbicki, Mirosław; Konečný, Pavel; Kožušníková, Alena

2014-12-01

The paper is dealing with the permeability of coal in triaxial state of stress. The permeability of coal, besides coal's methane capacity, is the main parameter determining the quantity of methane inflow into underground excavations. The stress in a coal seam is one of the most important factors influencing coal permeability therefore the permeability measurements were performed in tri-axial state of stress. The hydrostatic three-axial state of stress was gradually increased from 5 MPa with steps of 5 MPa up to a maximum of 30 MPa. Nitrogen was applied as a gas medium in all experiments. The results of the permeability measurements of coal cores from the "Zofiówka" mine, Poland, and three mines from the Czech Republic are presented in this paper. As a "reference", permeability measurements were also taken for coal briquettes prepared from coal dust with defined porosity. It was confirmed that the decreasing porosity of coal briquettes affects the decreasing permeability. The advantage of experimentation on coal briquettes is its good repeatability. From the experimental results, an empirical relation between gas permeability and confining pressure has also been identified. The empirical relation for coal briquettes is in good correspondence with published results. However, for coal cores, the character of change differs. The influence of confining pressure has a different character and the decrease in permeability is stronger due to the increasing confining pressure Przepuszczalność węgla, oprócz pojemności sorpcyjnej względem metanu jest głównym parametrem określającym dopływ metanu do podziemnych wyrobiskach górniczych. W warunkach naturalnych wartość przepuszczalności jest ściśle związana ze stanem naprężenia w pokładzie węgla. W pracy przedstawiono wyniki pomiarów przepuszczalności wykonanych w trójosiowym stanie naprężenia. Hydrostatyczny trójosiowy stan naprężenia stopniowo zwiększano od 5 MPa do maksymalnie 30 MPa z krokiem wynoszącym 5 MPa. Maksymalne ciśnienie hydrostatyczne odpowiada ciśnieniu hydrostatycznemu jakie występuje w górotworze nienaruszonym na głębokości około 1200 m. Pomiary przeprowadzono z zastosowaniem azotu na czterech rodzajach rdzeni węglowych. Trzy z nich pochodziły z kopalń czeskich (ČSM, Paskov, František) a czwarty z polskiej kopalni "Zofiówka". Własności węgli i miejsca ich pobrania zestawiono w tablicy 1. Dodatkowo, dla celów porównawczych wykonano pomiary przepuszczalności na materiale "wzorcowym" jakim są brykiety węglowe. Brykiety te wykonano metodą prasowania w urządzeniu pokazanym schematycznie na rys. 2. Własności brykietów zestawiono w tablicy 2, gdzie podano ich gęstości helowe, objętościowe oraz porowatości. Zmienność przepuszczalności wywołana zmianą naprężenia hydrostatycznego może być opisana równaniem empirycznym (3). Wartości przepuszczalności początkowej (dla σ = 0) oraz współczynników B z równania 3, dla różnych porowatości brykietów zestawiono w tablicy 3. Zaletą eksperymentów na brykietach węglowych jest ich powtarzalność. Zmienności przepuszczalności wywołane obciążeniem hydrostatycznym próbek, dla brykietów węglowych oraz rdzeni pokazano na wykresach z rysunku 4. W przypadku rdzeni węglowych zmienność przepuszczalności jest znacznie większa, co wynika prawdopodobnie z występowania szczelin i spękań widocznych na rys 1. Szczeliny te, jako główne drogi transportowe dla gazu przy niskich obciążeniach ulegają zaciśnięciu i część transportu gazu przenosi się do przestrzeni porowej.

Antiandrogenic actions of medroxyprogesterone acetate on epithelial cells within normal human breast tissues cultured ex vivo.

PubMed

Ochnik, Aleksandra M; Moore, Nicole L; Jankovic-Karasoulos, Tanja; Bianco-Miotto, Tina; Ryan, Natalie K; Thomas, Mervyn R; Birrell, Stephen N; Butler, Lisa M; Tilley, Wayne D; Hickey, Theresa E

2014-01-01

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a component of combined estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT), has been associated with increased breast cancer risk in EPT users. MPA can bind to the androgen receptor (AR), and AR signaling inhibits cell growth in breast tissues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of MPA to disrupt AR signaling in an ex vivo culture model of normal human breast tissue. Histologically normal breast tissues from women undergoing breast surgical operation were cultured in the presence or in the absence of the native AR ligand 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), MPA, or the AR antagonist bicalutamide. Ki67, bromodeoxyuridine, B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2), AR, estrogen receptor α, and progesterone receptor were detected by immunohistochemistry. DHT inhibited the proliferation of breast epithelial cells in an AR-dependent manner within tissues from postmenopausal women, and MPA significantly antagonized this androgenic effect. These hormonal responses were not commonly observed in cultured tissues from premenopausal women. In tissues from postmenopausal women, DHT either induced or repressed BCL2 expression, and the antiandrogenic effect of MPA on BCL2 was variable. MPA significantly opposed the positive effect of DHT on AR stabilization, but these hormones had no significant effect on estrogen receptor α or progesterone receptor levels. In a subset of postmenopausal women, MPA exerts an antiandrogenic effect on breast epithelial cells that is associated with increased proliferation and destabilization of AR protein. This activity may contribute mechanistically to the increased risk of breast cancer in women taking MPA-containing EPT.

Overview of LDX Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kesner, J.; Boxer, A. C.; Ellsworth, J. L.; Karim, I.; Garnier, D. T.; Hansen, A. K.; Mauel, M. E.; Ortiz, E. E.

2006-10-01

The levitated dipole experiment (LDX) is a new research facility that is investigating plasma confinement and stability in a dipole magnetic field configuration as a possible catalyzed DD fusion power source that would avoid the burning of tritium. We report the production of high beta plasma confined by a laboratory superconducting dipole using neutral gas fueling and electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH). The pressure results from a population of anisotropic energetic trapped electrons that is sustained by microwave heating provided sufficient neutral gas is supplied to the plasma. The trapped electron beta was observed to be limited by the hot electron interchange (HEI) instability, but when the neutral gas was programmed so as to maintain the deuterium gas pressure near 0.2 mPa, the fast electron pressure increased by more than a factor of ten and the resulting stable high beta plasma was maintained quasi-continuously for up to 14 seconds. Low frequency (<10 kHz) fluctuations are sometimes observed at low neutral base pressure.

Psychological intervention reduces self-reported performance anxiety in high school music students

PubMed Central

Braden, Alice M.; Osborne, Margaret S.; Wilson, Sarah J.

2015-01-01

Music performance anxiety (MPA) can be distressing for many young people studying music, and may negatively impact upon their ability to cope with the demands and stressors of music education. It can also lead young people to give up music or to develop unhealthy coping habits in their adult music careers. Minimal research has examined the effectiveness of psychological programs to address MPA in young musicians. Sixty-two adolescents were pseudo-randomized to a cognitive behavioral (CB) group-delivered intervention or a waitlist condition. The intervention consisted of psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques, identification of strengths, goal-setting, imagery and visualization techniques to support three solo performances in front of judges. Significant reductions in self-rated MPA were found in both groups following the intervention and compared to their baseline MPA. This reduction was maintained at 2-months follow-up. There appeared to be inconsistent effects of the intervention upon judge-rated MPA, however the presence of floor effects precluded meaningful reductions in MPA. There appeared to be no effect of the intervention upon judge-rated performance quality. This study highlights the potential for group-based CB programs to be delivered within school music curricula to help young musicians develop skills to overcome the often debilitating effects of MPA. PMID:25784885

Geometry of the Nojima fault at Nojima-Hirabayashi, Japan - I. A simple damage structure inferred from borehole core permeability

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lockner, David A.; Tanaka, Hidemi; Ito, Hisao; Ikeda, Ryuji; Omura, Kentaro; Naka, Hisanobu

2009-01-01

The 1995 Kobe (Hyogo-ken Nanbu) earthquake, M = 7.2, ruptured the Nojima fault in southwest Japan. We have studied core samples taken from two scientific drillholes that crossed the fault zone SW of the epicentral region on Awaji Island. The shallower hole, drilled by the Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ), was started 75 m to the SE of the surface trace of the Nojima fault and crossed the fault at a depth of 624 m. A deeper hole, drilled by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) was started 302 m to the SE of the fault and crossed fault strands below a depth of 1140 m. We have measured strength and matrix permeability of core samples taken from these two drillholes. We find a strong correlation between permeability and proximity to the fault zone shear axes. The half-width of the high permeability zone (approximately 15 to 25 m) is in good agreement with the fault zone width inferred from trapped seismic wave analysis and other evidence. The fault zone core or shear axis contains clays with permeabilities of approximately 0.1 to 1 microdarcy at 50 MPa effective confining pressure (10 to 30 microdarcy at in situ pressures). Within a few meters of the fault zone core, the rock is highly fractured but has sustained little net shear. Matrix permeability of this zone is approximately 30 to 60 microdarcy at 50 MPa effective confining pressure (300 to 1000 microdarcy at in situ pressures). Outside this damage zone, matrix permeability drops below 0.01 microdarcy. The clay-rich core material has the lowest strength with a coefficient of friction of approximately 0.55. Shear strength increases with distance from the shear axis. These permeability and strength observations reveal a simple fault zone structure with a relatively weak fine-grained core surrounded by a damage zone of fractured rock. In this case, the damage zone will act as a high-permeability conduit for vertical and horizontal flow in the plane of the fault. The fine-grained core region, however, will impede fluid flow across the fault.

Modelling polymeric deformable granular materials - from experimental data to numerical models at the grain scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teil, Maxime; Harthong, Barthélémy; Imbault, Didier; Peyroux, Robert

2017-06-01

Polymeric deformable granular materials are widely used in industry and the understanding and the modelling of their shaping process is a point of interest. This kind of materials often presents a viscoelasticplastic behaviour and the present study promotes a joint approach between numerical simulations and experiments in order to derive the behaviour law of such granular material. The experiment is conducted on a polystyrene powder on which a confining pressure of 7MPa and an axial pressure reaching 30MPa are applied. Between different steps of the in-situ test, the sample is scanned in an X-rays microtomograph in order to know the structure of the material depending on the density. From the tomographic images and by using specific algorithms to improve the images quality, grains are automatically identified, separated and a finite element mesh is generated. The long-term objective of this study is to derive a representative sample directly from the experiments in order to run numerical simulations using a viscoelactic or viscoelastic-plastic constitutive law and compare numerical and experimental results at the particle scale.

In Situ Triaxial Testing To Determine Fracture Permeability and Aperture Distribution for CO2 Sequestration in Svalbard, Norway.

PubMed

Van Stappen, Jeroen F; Meftah, Redouane; Boone, Marijn A; Bultreys, Tom; De Kock, Tim; Blykers, Benjamin K; Senger, Kim; Olaussen, Snorre; Cnudde, Veerle

2018-04-17

On Svalbard, Arctic Norway, an unconventional siliciclastic reservoir, relying on (micro)fractures for enhanced fluid flow in a low-permeable system, is investigated as a potential CO 2 sequestration site. The fractures' properties at depth are, however, poorly understood. High resolution X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging allows one to visualize such geomaterials at reservoir conditions. We investigated reservoir samples from the De Geerdalen Formation on Svalbard to understand the influence of fracture closure on the reservoir fluid flow behavior. Small rock plugs were brought to reservoir conditions, while permeability was measured through them during micro-CT imaging. Local fracture apertures were quantified down to a few micrometers wide. The permeability measurements were complemented with fracture permeability simulations based on the obtained micro-CT images. The relationship between fracture permeability and the imposed confining pressure was determined and linked to the fracture apertures. The investigated fractures closed due to the increased confining pressure, with apertures reducing to approximately 40% of their original size as the confining pressure increased from 1 to 10 MPa. This coincides with a permeability drop of more than 90%. Despite their closure, fluid flow is still controlled by the fractures at pressure conditions similar to those at the proposed storage depth of 800-1000 m.

Rheology of ice I at low stress and elevated confining pressure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Durham, W.B.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

2001-01-01

Triaxial compression testing of pure, polycrystalline water ice I at conditions relevant to planetary interiors and near-surface environments (differential stresses 0.45 to 10 MPa, temperatures 200 to 250 K, confining pressure 50 MPa) reveals that a complex variety of rheologies and grain structures may exist for ice and that rheology of ice appears to depend strongly on the grain structures. The creep of polycrystalline ice I with average grain size of 0.25 mm and larger is consistent with previously published dislocation creep laws, which are now extended to strain rates as low as 2 ?? 10-8s-1. When ice I is reduced to very fine and uniform grain size by rapid pressure release from the ice II stability field, the rheology changes dramatically. At 200 and 220 K the rheology matches the grain-size-sensitive rheology measured by Goldsby and Kohlstedt [1997, this issue] at 1 atm. This finding dispels concerns that the Goldsby and Kohlstedt results were influenced by mechanisms such as microfracturing and cavitation, processes not expected to operate at elevated pressures in planetary interiors. At 233 K and above, grain growth causes the fine-grained ice to become more creep resistant. Scanning electron microscopy investigation of some of these deformed samples shows that grains have markedly coarsened and the strain hardening can be modeled by normal grain growth and the Goldsby and Kohlstedt rheology. Several samples also displayed very heterogeneous grain sizes and high aspect ratio grain shapes. Grain-size-sensitive creep and dislocation creep coincidentally contribute roughly equal amounts of strain rate at conditions of stress, temperature, and grain size that are typical of terrestrial and planetary settings, so modeling ice dynamics in these settings must include both mechanisms. Copyright 2001 by the American Geophysical Union.

Effect of Different Loading Conditions on the Nucleation and Development of Shear Zones Around Material Heterogeneities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rybacki, E.; Nardini, L.; Morales, L. F.; Dresen, G.

2017-12-01

Rock deformation at depths in the Earth's crust is often localized in high temperature shear zones, which occur in the field at different scales and in a variety of lithologies. The presence of material heterogeneities has long been recognized to be an important cause for shear zones evolution, but the mechanisms controlling initiation and development of localization are not fully understood, and the question of which loading conditions (constant stress or constant deformation rate) are most favourable is still open. To better understand the effect of boundary conditions on shear zone nucleation around heterogeneities, we performed a series of torsion experiments under constant twist rate (CTR) and constant torque (CT) conditions in a Paterson-type deformation apparatus. The sample assemblage consisted of copper-jacketed Carrara marble hollow cylinders with one weak inclusion of Solnhofen limestone. The CTR experiments were performed at maximum bulk strain rates of 1.8-1.9*10-4 s-1, yielding shear stresses of 19-20 MPa. CT tests were conducted at shear stresses between 18.4 and 19.8 MPa resulting in shear strain rates of 1-2*10-4 s-1. All experiments were run at 900 °C temperature and 400 MPa confining pressure. Maximum bulk shear strains (γ) were ca. 0.3 and 1. Strain localized within the host marble in front of the inclusion in an area termed process zone. Here grain size reduction is intense and local shear strain (estimated from markers on the jackets) is up to 8 times higher than the applied bulk strain, rapidly dropping to 2 times higher at larger distance from the inclusion. The evolution of key microstructural parameters such as average grain size and average grain orientation spread (GOS, a measure of lattice distortion) within the process zone, determined by electron backscatter diffraction analysis, differs significantly as a function of loading conditions. Both parameters indicate that, independent of bulk strain and distance from the inclusion, the contribution of small strain-free recrystallized grains is larger in CTR than in CT samples. Our results suggest that loading conditions substantially affect material heterogeneity-induced localization in its nucleation and transient stages.

The effect of the pore-fluid factor on strength and failure mechanism of Wilkeson sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kätker, A. K.; Rempe, M.; Renner, J.

2016-12-01

The effective stress law, σn,eff = σn - αpf, is a central tool in analysing phenomena related to hydromechanical coupling, such as fluid-induced seismicity or aftershock activity. The effective-stress coefficient α assumes different values for specific physical properties and may deviate from 1. The limited number of studies suggest that brittle compressive strength obeys an effective-stress law when effective drainage is achieved. Yet, open questions remain regarding, e.g., the role of the loading path. We performed suites of triaxial compression tests on samples of Wilkeson sandstone at a range of pore-fluid pressures but identical effective confining pressure (60, 100, and 120 MPa) maintaining the pore-fluid factor λ = pf / pc constant (0.05, 0.2, 0.4, 0.55) during the isostatic loading stage to ensure uniform loading paths. Samples were shortened with a strain rate of 4×10-7 s-1 yielding drained conditions. All tests were terminated at a total axial strain of 4.5% for comparability of microstructures. The tests also included continuous permeability determination and ultrasonic p-wave-velocity measurements to monitor microstructural evolution. Results from experiments conducted at peff = 100 MPa show that dry samples exhibit a higher peak strength and brittle failure while water-saturated samples tend to deform at lower stress by cataclastic flow indicating physico-chemical weakening. Regardless of pore-fluid factor, the saturated experiments exhibit similar peak and residual strength. Differences in failure mechanism (degree of macroscopic localization) and volumetric strain evolution are however noticed, albeit without systematic relation to pore-fluid factor. Microstructure analyses by optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed an evolution from localized shear zones in dry experiments and experiments with a low pore-fluid factor to rather distributed cataclastic flow for experiments with high pore fluid factors. Yet, mechanical and structural differences observed so far may result from sample-to-sample variability and the proximity of the experimental conditions to the brittle-ductile transition.

Experimental analysis of compaction of concrete and mortar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burlion, Nicolas; Pijaudier-Cabot, Gilles; Dahan, Noël

2001-12-01

Compaction of concrete is physically a collapse of the material porous microstructure. It produces plastic strains in the material and, at the same time, an increase of its bulk modulus. This paper presents two experimental techniques aimed at obtaining the hydrostatic response of concrete and mortar. The first one is a uniaxial confined compression test which is quite simple to implement and allows to reach hydrostatic pressures of about 600 MPa. The specimen size is large enough so that concrete with aggregate sizes up to 16 mm can be tested. The second one is a true hydrostatic test performed on smaller (mortar) specimens. Test results show that the hydrostatic response of the material is elasto-plastic with a stiffening effect on both the tangent and unloading bulk moduli. The magnitude of the irreversible volumetric strains depends on the initial porosity of the material. This porosity can be related in a first approximation to the water/cement ratio. A comparison of the hydrostatic responses obtained from the two testing techniques on the same material show that the hydrostatic response of cementitious materials cannot be uncoupled from the deviatoric response, as opposed to the standard assumption in constitutive relations for metal alloys. This feature should be taken into account in the development of constitutive relations for concrete subjected to high confinement pressures which are needed in the modelling of impact problems.

{Linking permeability and mechanical damage for basalt from Mt Etna Volcano, Italy}

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faoro, I.; Vinciguerra, S.; Marone, C.; Elsworth, D.

2009-04-01

Volcanic edifices, such as Mt. Etna volcano (Italy), are affected from repeated episodes of pressurisation due to magma emplacement from deep reservoirs to shallow depths. This mechanism pressurizes the large aquifers within the edifice and increases the level of crack damage within the rocks of the edifice over extended periods of times. In order to improve our understanding of the complex coupling between circulating fluids and the development of crack damage, we performed flow-through tests using cylindrical cores of Etna Basalt (Etna, Italy) to evaluate permeabilty changes as a function of approach to failure under non-hydrostatic stresses at confining pressures from 5 to 60 MPa. Samples were loaded to failure by increasing increments of axial stress or by cyclic stresses of increasing amplitude. Both intact samples and pre-drilled samples (1.18mm) were tested. Under hydrostatic stresses, the permeability values of the intact sample decrease linearly with the increments of pressure and range between 5.2*10-17 m2and 1.5*10-17m2Under non-hydrostatic conditions, at low deviatoric stresses from (up to 18 MPa), the permeability values ranged between 5.5*10-17 m2and 4*10-17m2 and tended to completely recover the initial value each time the sample was unloaded, indicating an elastic regime. At higher deviatoric stresses (up to 60 MPa) the permeability values range between 2*10-17 m2 and 0.6*10-17m2. We hypothesize that from 5MPa to 40MPa axial stress, anelastic deformation mechanisms start to occur, with progressive pore collapse and opening of microfractures, resulting in a change of permeability. Under incremental uniaxial cyclic loading up to peak stresses of 160 MPa permeability decreases up to 2 orders of magnitude from initial values of 1*10-15 m2 to 2*10-14m2 Higher initial permeability values are related to the presence of an open fracture in the sample. We interpreted the reduction as a result of progressive closure of the voids space, as the axial load is incremented. Overall it is shown that permeability on Etna basalt rocks is strongly dependent on the loading conditions. Ongoing work is expected to elucidate the mechanisms relating increasing damage mechanical damage to changes of permeability.

Damage and cracking of synthetic and natural glasses subjected to triaxial deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ougier-Simonin, Audrey; Fortin, Jérôme; Guéguen, Yves; Schubnel, Alexandre; Bouyer, Frédéric

2010-05-01

Glass is an ideal elastic-brittle material. Although cracking in glass has been much investigated, going back to the pioneer work of Griffith, investigations under confining pressure have not been done so far. Besides, as glass results of the solidification of variable fused silicate mix, the impact of thermal cracking in this material cannot be neglected. Our study aims at investigating thermo-mechanical cracking effects on elastic wave velocities and mechanical strength, both under pressure, to document damage evolution on glass. We performed the experiments on a triaxial cell at room temperature, with and without pore fluid pressure, on borosilicate glass. The crack evolution has been monitored with: (i) elastic wave velocity measurements and (ii) acoustic emissions (MiniRichter system). We also measured the global mechanical behavior of our synthetic glass samples with strain gages. The original glass, produced in ideal conditions of slow cooling that prevent from any crack formation, exhibits a linear and reversible mechanical behavior and isotropic elastic velocities, as expected. It also presents a high strength as it fails at about 700 MPa of deviatoric stress for a confining pressure of 15 MPa. The damage develops progressively, with increasing acoustic emission rate, parallel to the deviatoric stress orientation and probably starts on the rare air bubbles trapped in the amorphous matrix. We choose to apply to some original glass samples a reproducible method (thermal treatment with a thermal shock of ?T = 100, 200 and 300°C) which creates cracks with a homogeneous distribution. The impact of the thermal treatment is clearly visible through the elastic wave velocity measurements as we observe crack closure under hydrostatic conditions (at about 30 MPa). Anisotropy is also observed for increasing deviatoric stress. For ?T higher than 200°C, the glass mechanical behavior becomes non linear and records an irreversible damage. The total damage observed with the acoustic emissions in these samples underlines the combination of the thermal and the mechanical cracks which drive to the sample failure. The preliminary results obtained with pore fluid pressure show a very small permeability even for a high damage level (10-21 ≤ φ ≤ 10-17). However, the glass amorphous structure makes it very different from any rock structure. In order to quantify these differences and to compare glass to rock, we managed to find a micro-crystallized basalt (Seljadur basalt, Iceland) with very low porosity (k ≤ 2%) and close chemical composition, and studied its behavior in the same experimental conditions. We show that a micro-crystallized rock remains different from a glass in terms of mechanical behavior but exhibits dynamical elastic parameters close from the glass ones.

Lymphatic Transport and Lymphocyte Targeting of a Triglyceride Mimetic Prodrug Is Enhanced in a Large Animal Model: Studies in Greyhound Dogs.

PubMed

Han, Sifei; Hu, Luojuan; Gracia; Quach, Tim; Simpson, Jamie S; Edwards, Glenn A; Trevaskis, Natalie L; Porter, Christopher J H

2016-10-03

In previous studies, a triglyceride (TG) mimetic prodrug of the model immunomodulator mycophenolic acid (MPA) was shown to significantly enhance lymphatic transport of MPA-related species in the rat. The rat gastrointestinal tract, however, is somewhat different from that in higher order species such as dogs and humans and may underestimate lymphatic transport. Here the effectiveness of the prodrug strategy has been examined in conscious greyhound dogs, the GI physiology of which is more representative of that in humans. The bioavailability and lymphatic transport of free MPA and total MPA related materials were examined following oral administration of the parent drug (MPA) and the prodrug (2-MPA-TG) to both thoracic lymph duct cannulated and intact (noncannulated) greyhound dogs. The enrichment of free MPA in lymph nodes and lymph-derived lymphocytes was also determined to examine the efficiency of drug targeting to potential sites of action within the lymph. Via biochemical integration into a series of site-specific metabolic processes, the prodrug markedly increased (288-fold) lymphatic transport of total MPA related material (present as re-esterified 2-MPA-TG) when compared to the parent MPA and the extent of lymphatic transport was significantly greater in the dog (36.4% of the dose recovered in lymph) when compared to the previous data in the rat (13.4% of the dose). Conversion from 2-MPA-TG derivatives to parent MPA occurred in vivo, resulting in a marked increase in MPA concentrations in lymph nodes (5-6-fold) and lymph lymphocytes (21-fold), when compared to animals administered the parent drug. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that the TG prodrug of MPA facilitates efficient delivery of MPA to the lymphatic system in dogs and suggest that the TG prodrug strategy may more effectively facilitate targeted delivery in large animals than in rats.

Effect of tamoxifen, methoxyprogesterone acetate and combined treatment on cellular proliferation and apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP cells via the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor.

PubMed

Wen, Lv; Hong, Ding; Yanyin, Wu; Mingyue, Zhang; Baohua, Li

2013-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tamoxifen (TAM), methoxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and their combined treatment on cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer SKOV3/DDP cells, as well as the potential mechanisms. MTT assay was used to investigate the effect of different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μM) of TAM, MPA and their combined treatment on the proliferation of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer SKOV3/DDP cells. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the cell cycle and apoptosis rate of SKOV3/DDP cells treated with medium concentration (10 μM) of TAM, MPA and their combined treatment. Change in the protein level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to drug treatments was measured using Western-blot. The proliferation of SKOV3/DDP cells was inhibited by 1, 10 and 100 μM of TAM or MPA in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the control group, 10 μM TAM could significantly arrest SKOV3/DDP cells in the G0/G1 stage and induce apoptosis (p < 0.01). However, 10 μM MPA only promoted cell apoptosis, while exhibited little effect on the cell cycle. We further found that 10 μM TAM could remarkably reduce the protein expression of VEGF, while 10 μM MPA only induce a slight reduction. Strikingly, the combined treatment of TAM and MPA exhibited additive effect on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis rate and VEGF expression of SKOV3/DDP cells. We found that TAM, MPA and their combined treatment exhibited significant inhibitory effect on the cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer SKOV3/DDP cells. Hence, TAM and MPA could be potential cytotoxic drugs to treat cisplatin-resistant patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

High specificity ZnO quantum dots for diagnosis and treatment in bacterial infection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; Qian, Zhiyu; Gu, Yueqing

2016-03-01

Early diagnosis and effective treatment of bacterial infection has become increasingly important. Herein, we developed a fluorescent nano-probe MPA@ZnO-PEP by conjugating SiO2-stabilized ZnO quantum dot (ZnO@SiO2) with bacteria-targeting peptide PEP, which was encapsulated with MPA, a near infrared (NIR) dye. The nanoprobe MPA@ZnO-PEP showed excellent fluorescence property and could specifically distinguish bacterial infection from sterile inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. The favorable biocompatability of MPA@ZnO-PEP was verified by MTT assay. This probe was further modified with antibiotic methicillin to form the theranostic nanoparticle MPA/Met@ZnO-PEP with amplified antibacterial activity. These results promised the great potential of MPA@ZnO-PEP for efficient non-invasive early diagnosis of bacterial infections and effective bacterial-targeting therapy.

Influence of stress, temperature, and strain on calcite twins constrained by deformation experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rybacki, E.; Evans, B.; Janssen, C.; Wirth, R.; Dresen, G.

2013-08-01

A series of low-strain triaxial compression and high-strain torsion experiments were performed on marble and limestone samples to examine the influence of stress, temperature, and strain on the evolution of twin density, the percentage of grains with 1, 2, or 3 twin sets, and the twin width—all parameters that have been suggested as either paleopiezometers or paleothermometers. Cylindrical and dog-bone-shaped samples were deformed in the semibrittle regime between 20 °C and 350 °C, under confining pressures of 50-400 MPa, and at strain rates of 10- 4-10- 6 s- 1. The samples sustained shear stresses, τ, up to 280 MPa, failing when deformed to shear strains γ > 1. The mean width of calcite twins increased with both temperature and strain, and thus, measurement of twin width provides only a rough estimation of peak temperature, unless additional constraints on deformation are known. In Carrara marble, the twin density, NL (no of twins/mm), increased as the rock hardened with strain and was approximately related to the peak differential stress, σ (MPa), by the relation σ=19.5±9.8√{N}. Dislocation tangles occurred along twin boundaries, resulting in a complicated cell structure, which also evolved with stress. As previously established, the square root of dislocation density, observed after quench, also correlated with peak stress. Apparently, both twin density and dislocation cell structure are important state variables for describing the strength of these rocks.

Effects of high pressure application (400 and 900 MPa) and refrigerated storage time on the oxidative stability of sliced skin vacuum packed dry-cured ham.

PubMed

Clariana, Maria; Guerrero, Luis; Sárraga, Carmen; Garcia-Regueiro, José A

2012-02-01

The effect of high pressure processing at 400 MPa and 900 MPa on the oxidative stability of sliced and vacuum packaged commercial dry-cured ham was determined by analyzing the antioxidant enzyme activities, TBARS levels (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), vitamin E content and physicochemical characteristics during refrigerated storage for 50 days in different light conditions. In dry-cured ham pressurized at 400 MPa color changes and sensory analyses were also assessed. The high pressure process at 900 MPa produced a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities and increased vitamin E content. In contrast, pressurization at 400 MPa, increased SOD activity, and showed no effect on vitamin E content and GSHPx activity. In general the physicochemical parameters determined (fat, moisture and collagen) were unaffected by pressurization. Treatment at 400 MPa increased the instrumental color measurement of lightness (L* values, CIELAB). This level of pressure also modified the hardness, chewiness, saltiness and color intensity. These changes of the sensory attributes in dry-cured ham were significant, but small. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fluid Flow Patterns During Production from Gas Hydrates in the Laboratory compared to Field Settings: LARS vs. Mallik

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strauch, B.; Heeschen, K. U.; Priegnitz, M.; Abendroth, S.; Spangenberg, E.; Thaler, J.; Schicks, J. M.

2015-12-01

The GFZ's LArge Reservoir Simulator LARS allows for the simulation of the 2008 Mallik gas hydrate production test and the comparison of fluid flow patterns and their driving forces. Do we see the gas flow pattern described for Mallik [Uddin, M. et al., J. Can. Petrol Tech, 50, 70-89, 2011] in a pilot scale test? If so, what are the driving forces? LARS has a network of temperature sensors and an electric resistivity tomography (ERT) enabling a good spatial resolution of gas hydrate occurrences, water and gas distribution, and changes in temperature in the sample. A gas flow meter and a water trap record fluid flow patterns and a backpressure valve has controlled the depressurization equivalent to the three pressure stages (7.0 - 5.0 - 4.2 MPa) applied in the Mallik field test. The environmental temperature (284 K) and confining pressure (13 MPa) have been constant. The depressurization induced immediate endothermic gas hydrate dissociation until re-establishment of the stability conditions by a consequent temperature decrease. Slight gas hydrate dissociation continued at the top and upper lateral border due to the constant heat input from the environment. Here transport pathways were short and permeability higher due to lower gas hydrate saturation. At pressures of 7.0 and 5.0 MPa the LARS tests showed high water flow rates and short irregular spikes of gas production. The gas flow patterns at 4.2 MPa and 3.0MPa resembled those of the Mallik test. In LARS the initial gas surges overlap with times of hydrate instability while water content and lengths of pathways had increased. Water production was at a minimum. A rapidly formed continuous gas phase caused the initial gas surges and only after gas hydrate dissociation decreased to a minimum the single gas bubbles get trapped before slowly coalescing again. In LARS, where pathways were short and no additional water was added, a transport of microbubbles is unlikely to cause a gas surge as suggested for Mallik.

Using community-level metrics to monitor the effects of marine protected areas on biodiversity.

PubMed

Soykan, Candan U; Lewison, Rebecca L

2015-06-01

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are used to protect species, communities, and their associated habitats, among other goals. Measuring MPA efficacy can be challenging, however, particularly when considering responses at the community level. We gathered 36 abundance and 14 biomass data sets on fish assemblages and used meta-analysis to evaluate the ability of 22 distinct community diversity metrics to detect differences in community structure between MPAs and nearby control sites. We also considered the effects of 6 covariates-MPA size and age, MPA size and age interaction, latitude, total species richness, and level of protection-on each metric. Some common metrics, such as species richness and Shannon diversity, did not differ consistently between MPA and control sites, whereas other metrics, such as total abundance and biomass, were consistently different across studies. Metric responses derived from the biomass data sets were more consistent than those based on the abundance data sets, suggesting that community-level biomass differs more predictably than abundance between MPA and control sites. Covariate analyses indicated that level of protection, latitude, MPA size, and the interaction between MPA size and age affect metric performance. These results highlight a handful of metrics, several of which are little known, that could be used to meet the increasing demand for community-level indicators of MPA effectiveness. © 2015 Society for Conservation Biology.

Quantitative Characterization of Chicxulub Impact Basin Peak Ring Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, B.; Nixon, C.; Kofman, R.; Schmitt, D. R.

2017-12-01

The exceptionally low seismic wave speeds determined by tomographic image models of the upper portions of the peak ring of the Chicxulub Impact Structure were largely confirmed by sonic and seismic borehole measurements from the IODP/ICDP Expedition 364 scientific drilling campaign. These low wave speeds result from the extensive damage to the peak ring rocks that, based on the results of numerical modelling, were likely displaced 20 km outwards and 10 km upwards after being subject to initial shock pressures as high as 60 GPa. Here, we describe a series of detailed petrophysical and wave speed measurements on select `granite' and `impact melt' cores from the borehole in order to better understand the nature of this damage To date, two granite and two impact melt samples have been studied. X-ray CT scans (30 mm voxel) reveal extensive micro-fracturing between and within the mineral grains in the granites (Fig. 1a) while highlighting the existence of relatively large, 1000 mm3, occluded pores (Fig. 1b). The porosities, as determined using a Hg-injection porosimeter, were also remarkably high with values of <10% and <25% observed in the granites and the melts, respectively. Grain densities, measured using a helium pycnometer, were similar between both samples ranging between 2.581-2.654 g/cc. Both VP and VS were determined under hydrostatic confining pressures between 3 MPa and 200 MPa by ultrasonic transit time measurements (Fig. 1c). The velocities increase linearly with pressure in the impact melt rock suggesting this material lacks microcrack porosity. In contrast, the velocities in the granites depend strongly on pressure further indicating the existence of pervasive microcracking. Even at the highest confining pressure of 200 MPa available to us, the observed VP is 4.5 km/s, a value much below the 6.0 km/s expected for the same nonporous rock. These observations suggest that the low wave speeds and densities within the peak ring differ based on whether the material is the original displaced granite or the intruded impact melt. Samples and data provided by IODP. Samples can be requested at http://web.iodp.tamu.edu/sdrm after 19 October 2017. Expedition 364 was funded by ECORD, IODP and ICDP with contributions and logistical support from the Yucatan State Government and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

Stress evolution and associated microstructure during transient creep of olivine at 1000-1200 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thieme, M.; Demouchy, S.; Mainprice, D.; Barou, F.; Cordier, P.

2018-05-01

We study the mechanical response and correlated microstructure of axial deformed fine-grained olivine aggregates as a function of incremental finite strains. Deformation experiments were conducted in uniaxial compression in an internally heated gas-medium deformation apparatus at temperatures of 1000 and 1200 °C, at strain rates of 10-6 s-1 to 10-5 s-1 and at confining pressure of 300 MPa. Sample volumes are around 1.2 cm3. Finite strains range from 0.1 to 8.6% and corresponding maximal (final) differential stresses range from 80 to 1073 MPa for deformation at 1000 °C and from 71 to 322 MPa for deformation at 1200 °C. At 1200 °C, samples approach steady state deformation after about 8% of strain. At 1000 °C, significant strain hardening leads to stresses exceeding the confining pressure by a factor of 3.5 with brittle deformation after 3% of strain. Deformed samples were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EBSD maps with step sizes as low as 50 nm were acquired without introducing analytical artifacts for the first time. The grain size of deformed samples ranges from 2.1 to 2.6 μm. Despite clear strain hardening, texture or microstructure do not change as a function of stress or finite strain. This observation is supported by a constant texture strength (J-index) and symmetry (BA-index), constant grain shape and aspect ratio, constant density of geometrically necessary dislocations, grain orientation spread, and constant subgrain boundary spacing and misorientation in between samples. TEM shows that all samples exhibit unambiguous dislocation activity but with a highly heterogeneous dislocation distribution. Olivine grains display evidence of [1 0 0] and [0 0 1] slip activity, but there is no evidence of interaction between the dislocations from the different slip systems. Several observations of grain boundaries acting as dislocation sources have been found. We find no confirmation of increasing dislocation densities as the cause for strain hardening during transient creep. This suggests other, yet not fully understood mechanisms affecting the strength of deformed olivine. These mechanisms could possibly involve grain boundaries. Such mechanisms are relevant for the deformation of uppermost mantle rocks, where the Si diffusion rate is too slow and dislocation glide must be accommodated in another way to fulfill the von Mises criterion.

The action of water films at Å-scales in the Earth: Implications for the Nankai subduction system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Kevin M.; Poeppe, Dean; Josh, Matthew; Sample, James; Even, Emilie; Saffer, Demian; Tobin, Harold; Hirose, Takehiro; Kulongoski, J. T.; Toczko, Sean; Maeda, Lena; IODP Expedition 348 Shipboard Party

2017-04-01

Water properties change with confinement within nanofilms trapped between natural charged clay particles. We investigated nanofilm characteristics through high-stress laboratory compression tests in combination with analyses of expelled pore fluids. We utilized sediments obtained from deep drilling of the Nankai subduction zone at Site C0002 of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). We show that below 1-2 km, there should be widespread ultrafiltration of migrating fluids. Experiments to > ∼ 100 MPa normal compression collapse pores below a few ion monofilm thicknesses. A reduction towards a single condensing/dehydrating ion monofilm occurs as stresses rise >100-200 MPa and clay separations are reduced to <10-20 Å. Thus, porosity in high mineral surface area systems only consists of double and single monofilms at depths below a few km leaving little room for either bulk water or the deep biosphere. The resulting semipermeable properties result in variable segregation of ions and charged isotopes and water during active flow. The ultrafiltration and ion dehydration processes are coupled in that both require the partial immobilization of ions between the charged clay surfaces. The general effect is to increase salinities in residual pore fluids at depth and freshen fluids expelled during consolidation. Cessation of nanofilm collapse to a near constant ∼17 Å below 2 km depth at Nankai supports the contention for the onset of substantial geopressuring on the deeper seismogenic fault. The properties of monofilm water, thus, have considerable implications for the deep water properties of subduction zones generating major tremor and Mw 8+ earthquakes. Indeed, the combined effects of advective flow, ultrafiltration, diffusion, and diagenesis could provide a unifying explanation for the origins of overpressuring and pore water geochemical signals observed in many natural systems.

Molecular screening of xerophilic Aspergillus strains producing mycophenolic acid.

PubMed

Mouhamadou, Bello; Sage, Lucile; Périgon, Sophie; Séguin, Virginie; Bouchart, Valérie; Legendre, Patrick; Caillat, Mathilde; Yamouni, Hayet; Garon, David

2017-02-01

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the fungal secondary metabolite displaying several biological properties. Up to now, screening of fungal strains producing MPA has mainly been the result of the search of this molecule in their culture medium by chemical methods. Here we developed a molecular approach by targeting the expression level of the MpaC gene encoding the polyketide synthase, one of the key enzymes involved in the MPA synthesis. Thirty xerophilic Aspergillus strains were identified using the RNA polymerase II subunit and the β-tubulin genes. Seven Aspergillus species were evidenced. The expression level of the MpaC gene was quantified and compared to the MPA production rate. Only Aspergillus pseudoglaucus and all the eight strains of this species produced MPA. While the MpaC gene was not expressed or weakly expressed in the MPA non-producing strains, all the A. pseudoglaucus strains presented a high level of expression of this gene. The highest expression level of the MpaC gene among the MPA non-producing strains was significantly lower than the lowest expression level of this gene in the MPA producing strains. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the effectiveness of molecular approach for the screening of MPA-producing species. Copyright © 2016 British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High pressure applied to frozen ham at different process stages. 2. Effect on the sensory attributes and on the colour characteristics of dry-cured ham.

PubMed

Serra, X; Grèbol, N; Guàrdia, M D; Guerrero, L; Gou, P; Masoliver, P; Gassiot, M; Sárraga, C; Monfort, J M; Arnau, J

2007-01-01

This paper describes the effect of high pressure (400MPa and 600MPa) applied to frozen hams at early stages of the dry-cured ham process: green hams (GH) and hams at the end of the resting stage (ERS), on the appearance, some texture and flavour parameters and on the instrumental colour characteristics of dry-cured hams. Pressurized hams showed slightly lower visual colour intensity than the control ones. In general, pressurization did not have a significant effect on the flavour characteristics of the final product. The 600-MPa hams from the ERS process showed significantly lower crumbliness and higher fibrousness scores than the control and the 400-MPa hams. However, none of these differences were enough to affect the overall sensory quality of the hams negatively. Regarding instrumental colour characteristics (L(∗)a(∗)b(∗)), an increase in lightness was observed in the biceps femoris muscle from GH hams pressurized at 400MPa and 600MPa but not in the ERS hams.

A meta-analysis of the effects of shockwave and high pressure processing on color and cook loss of fresh meat.

PubMed

Ha, Minh; Dunshea, Frank R; Warner, Robyn D

2017-10-01

Meta-analysis is a statistical approach for investigating experimental differences across studies. Meta-analyses were performed to examine the effects of hydrodynamic processing (shockwave; n=12 papers) and high pressure processing (HPP; n=8 papers) on the color and cook loss of fresh meat. Shockwave did not affect color (L*, a*), whereas cook loss was increased by 0.6% relative to untreated meat. HPP resulted in an increase in lightness (L*) and a decrease in redness (a*), with the effect being greater at higher pressures (>300MPa vs <300MPa). In addition, HPP applied at moderate pressure (<300MPa) reduced cook loss but at high pressure (>300MPa) the cook loss was increased (-1.5% vs 3.0% respectively). The increased cook loss with shockwave and high pressure (>300MPa) processing needs to be balanced against benefits in texture if this technology is applied to meat. The reduced cook loss of meat treated at moderate pressures (<300MPa) is an advantage which would likely improve sensory traits. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of high pressure freezing (HPF) on denaturation of natural actomyosin extracted from prawn (Metapenaeus ensis).

PubMed

Cheng, Lina; Sun, Da-Wen; Zhu, Zhiwei; Zhang, Zhihang

2017-08-15

Effects of protein denaturation caused by high pressure freezing, involving Pressure-Factors (pressure, time) and Freezing-Factors (temperature, phase transition, recrystallization, ice crystal types), are complicated. In the current study, the conformation and functional changes of natural actomyosin (NAM) under pressure assisted freezing (PAF, 100,150,300,400,500MPa P -20°C/25min ), pressure shift freezing (PSF, 200MPa P -20°C/25min ), and immersion freezing ( 0.1MPa P -20°C/5min ) after pressure was released to 0.1MPa, as compared to normal immersion freezing process (IF, 0.1MPa P -20°C/30min ). Results indicated that PSF ( 200MPa P -20°C/30min ) could reduce the denaturation of frozen NAM and a pressure of 300MPa was the critical point to induce such a denaturation. During the periods of B→D in PSF or B→C→D in PAF, the generation and growth of ice crystals played an important role on changing the secondary and tertiary structure of the treated NAM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of the ( p, , T) Properties for Pure Hydrocarbons at Temperatures up to 600 K and Pressures up to 200 MPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, T.; Nagata, Y.; Miyamoto, H.

2014-10-01

The data available for the thermodynamic properties of propane, -butane, and isobutane at temperatures above 440 K are outdated and show significant discrepancies with each other. The ambiguity associated with these data could be limiting to the development of any understanding related to the effects of mixing of these substances with other materials such as , ammonia, and non-flammable or lower-flammable HFC refrigerants. In this study, the ( p, , T) properties of propane, -butane, and isobutane were measured at temperatures ranging from (360 to 600) K and pressures ranging from (50 to 200) MPa. Precise measurements were carried out using a metal-bellows variable volumometer with a thermostatted air bath. The expanded uncertainties in the temperature, pressure, and density measurements were estimated to be 5 mK, 0.02 MPa, and 0.88 kg m ( K, MPa), 0.76 kg ( K, MPa), 0.76 kg ( K, MPa), and 2.94 kg ( K, MPa), respectively. The data obtained throughout this study were systematically compared with the calculated values derived from the available equations of state. These models agree well with the measured data at higher temperatures up to 600 K, demonstrating their suitability for an effective and precise examination of the mixing effects of potential alternative mixtures.

Effective stress law for the permeability and deformation of four porous limestones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Meng, F.; Wang, X.; Baud, P.; Wong, T. F.

2017-12-01

The effective stress behavior of a rock is related to the geometric of its pore space. In a microscopically homogeneous assemblage, effective stress coefficients for permeability, volumetric strain and porosity change are predicted to be equal to or less than unity. Experimental measurements are in basic agreement with this prediction, with exceptions particularly in clay-rich sandstones, for which effective stress coefficient for permeability up to 7 was documented. Little is known about carbonates, but Ghabezloo et al. [2009] studied the permeability of an oolitic limestone (from Nimes, France) with 17% porosity and reported effective stress coefficients up to 2.4. We investigated this phenomenon in Indiana, Leitha, Purbeck, and Thala limestones with porosities of 13-30%. Measurements were made at room temperature on water-saturated samples at confining and pore pressures of 7-15 MPa and 1-3 MPa, respectively. Unlike previous studies limited to the permeability, we also determined the effective stress coefficients for volumetric strain and porosity change. Indiana limestone is oolitic, and not surprisingly its behaviour was similar to Nimes limestone, with an effective stress coefficient for permeability of 2.5. Our Indiana limestone data showed that whereas the effective stress coefficient for volumetric strain was <1, that for porosity change was >1. Measurements on Purbeck and Thala limestones are consistent with these inequalities, with effective stress coefficients for permeability and porosity change >1 and that for volumetric strain <1. Even though Purbeck and Thala limestones are micritic with appreciable amount of quartz and dolomite, microstructural and mercury porosimetry data showed that their pore spaces are similar to the oolitic limestones, in that the pore size distribution is bimodal with significant fractions of both macropores and micropores. Berryman [1992] analyzed theoretically a rock made up of two porous constituents. Our new data are in agreement with inequalities he derived for these effective stress coefficients. For comparison, we also studied Leitha limestone predominately made up of macropores. Our measurements showed that in this case all three effective stress coefficients were <1, as predicted for a microscopically homogeneous assemblage.

Permeability anisotropy of serpentinite and fluid pathways in a subduction zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katayama, I.; Kawano, S.; Okazaki, K.

2011-12-01

Subduction zones are the only sites where water is transported into the Earth's deep interior. Although the fluid released into the mantle wedge is generally believed to ascend under buoyancy, it is possible that fluid movement is influenced by anisotropic permeability in localized shear zones. The mantle rocks at the plate interface of a subducting slab are subjected to non-coaxial stress and commonly develop a strong foliation. Indeed, the existence of foliated serpentinite is indicated by strong seismic anisotropy in the forearc mantle wedge (e.g., Katayama et al., 2009; Bezacier et al., 2010). Therefore, fluid pathways in the mantle wedge may be controlled by the preferred orientation of highly anisotropic minerals. In this study, we measured the permeability of highly foliated natural serpentinite, in directions parallel and perpendicular to the foliation, and we discuss the influence of permeability anisotropy on fluid flow in subduction zones. The permeability was measured by an intra-vessel deformation and fluid flow apparatus housed at Hiroshima University. In the measurements, we used nitrogen gas as a pore fluid and maintained constant pore pressure during the measurements (Pp < 6 MPa). The obtained gas permeability was then converted to intrinsic permeability using the Klinkenberg effect, which is known to be insensitive to the type of pore fluid. Under low confining pressure, all the experiments show similar permeability, in the order of 10-19 m2. However, permeability anisotropy appears under high confining pressures, with the specimens oriented parallel to the foliation having higher permeability than those oriented normal to the foliation. At a confining pressure of 50 MPa, the difference in permeability between the samples with contrasting orientations reaches several orders of magnitude, possibly reflecting the pore tortuosity of the highly sheared serpentinite, as indicated by the Kozeny-Carman relation. The present experimental data show that the highly foliated serpentinites have a marked permeability anisotropy: consequently, fluid migration is strongly influenced by the orientation of the foliation in the mantle wedge. Serpentine forms in the mantle wedge because of the infiltration of water expelled from the subducting plate, above which deformation is concentrated in a relatively thin layer (e.g., Hilairet and Reynard, 2009). In such a case, the water released from the subducting plate migrates along the plate interface. The total flux of fluid expelled from the subducting plate would be expected to result in a thick layer of serpentinized mantle, if the water migrates vertically in the mantle wedge. However, geophysical observations, including seismic tomography and reflection data, have shown that the serpentinized layer is limited to a narrow zone above the subducting plate. These data are consistent with our hypothesis that fluid tends to migrate within the highly sheared serpentinite layer, along the plate interface, rather than vertically upward.

Lessons from Philippines MPA Management: Social Ecological Interactions, Participation, and MPA Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Twichell, Julia; Pollnac, Richard; Christie, Patrick

2018-06-01

International interest in increasing marine protected area (MPA) coverage reflects broad recognition of the MPA as a key tool for marine ecosystems and fisheries management. Nevertheless, effective management remains a significant challenge. The present study contributes to enriching an understanding of best practices for MPA management through analysis of archived community survey data collected in the Philippines by the Learning Project (LP), a collaboration with United States Coral Triangle Initiative (USCTI), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and partners. We evaluate stakeholder participation and social ecological interactions among resource users in MPA programs in the Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Batangas provinces in the Philippines. Analysis indicates that a complex suite of social ecological factors, including demographics, conservation beliefs, and scientifically correct knowledge influence participation, which in turn is related to perceived MPA performance. Findings indicate positive feedbacks within the system that have potential to strengthen perceptions of MPA success. The results of this evaluation provide empirical reinforcement to current inquiries concerning the role of participation in influencing MPA performance.

Effect of Pressures on the Corrosion Behaviours of Materials at 625°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, W.; Huang, X.; Li, J.; Woo, O. T.; Sanchez, R.; Bibby, C. D.

2017-02-01

The corrosion behaviors of austenitic stainless steels (SS) 310, 304 and Ni- and Fe-based A-286 exposed to 0.1 MPa, 8 MPa and 29 MPa at 625°C for 1000 h were investigated. These represent exposure to superheated steam, subcritical and supercritical water (SCW) at 625°C, respectively. As SS 310 showed the smallest weight change, the oxide cross-sections made from 310 samples were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed a single-layer oxide at 0.1 MPa and dual-layer oxides at 8 MPa and 29 MPa, followed by a Cr-depleted region into the austenite substrate. The compositions of the inner oxides at 8 MPa and 29 MPa are Cr-rich and largely similar to those of the single-layer oxides at 0.1 MPa exposure. These results suggest that corrosion testing in superheated steam may be a suitable surrogate for scoping tests of materials under SCW conditions at >650°C.

Microstructures and Crystallographic Misorientation in Experimentally Deformed Natural Quartz Single Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thust, Anja; Heilbronner, Renée.; Stünitz, Holger

2010-05-01

Samples of natural milky quartz were deformed in a Griggs deformation apparatus at different confining pressures (700 MPa, 1000 MPa, 1500 MPa), with constant displacement rates of 1 * 10-6s-1, axial strains of 3 - 19%, and at a temperature of 900° C. The single crystal starting material contains a large number of H2O-rich fluid inclusions. Directly adjacent to the fluid inclusions the crystal is essentially dry (50-150H/106Si, determined by FTIR). The samples were cored from a narrow zone of constant 'milkyness' (i.e. same density of fluid inclusions) in a large single crystal in two different orientations (1) normal to one of the prism planes (⊥{m} orientation) and (2) 45° to and to (O+ orientation).During attaining of the experimental P and T conditions, numerous fluid inclusions decrepitate by cracking. Rapid crack healing produces regions of very small fluid inclusions ('wet' quartz domains). Only these regions are subsequently deformed by dislocation glide, dry quartz domains without cracking and decrepitation of fluid inclusions remain undeformed. Sample strain is not sufficient to cause recrystallization, so that deformation is restricted to dislocation glide. In experiments at lower temperatures (800, 700° C) or at lower strain rate (10-5s-1) there is abundant cracking and semi-brittle deformation, indicating that 900° C, (10-6s-1) represents the lower temperature end of crystal plastic deformation in these single crystals. Peak strengths (at 900° C) range between 150 and 250 MPa for most samples of both orientations. There is a trend of decreasing strength with increasing confining pressure, as described by Kronenberg and Tullis (1984) for quartzites, but the large variation in strength due to inhomogeneous sample strain precludes a definite analysis of the strength/pressure dependence in our single crystals. In the deformed samples, we can distinguish a number of microstructures and inferred different slip systems. In both orientations, deformation lamellae with a high optical relief appear in the usual sub-basal orientation; often they are associated with 'fluid inclusions trails', cracks or en echelon arrays. In ⊥{m} orientation, conjugate misorientation bands sub-parallel to the prism planes can be observed. The barreled shape of the samples can be explained by prism glide. Unfortunately, since prism glide does not affect the c-axis orientation it cannot be recognized on a c-axis orientation image. Nevertheless, changes in the c-axis orientation are observed locally, indicating either the activity of an additional slip system or a different deformation process (not specified yet). In O+ orientation, we observe the formation of internally kinked shear bands. They are up to 100 μm wide and oriented at α 90° w/r to the host c-axis, slightly oblique to the sense of shear. The width of the kinked domains is 20-40 μm and the average misorientation (β) is 5° . The dispersion of c-axis orientation with synthetic rotation of the c-axis is evidence of basal glide. References: Kronenberg, A.K. & Tullis, J. (1984): Flow strength of quartz aggregates: grain size and pressure effects due to hydrolytic weakening. JGR Vol. 89, 4281-4281.

Strengthening of synthetic quartz-rich sediments during time-dependent compaction due to pressure solution-precipitation compaction creep

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noda, H.; Okazaki, K.; Katayama, I.

2013-12-01

During diagenesis, incohesive sediments are compacted and gain strength against shear deformation for a geologically long time scale. The evolution of shear strength as well as the change in the mechanical and hydraulic characteristics under shear deformation is of significant importance in considering deformation at shallow part of the subduction zones and in accretionary prisms. Sediments after induration due to time-dependent diagenesis process probably deform with increases in porosity and permeability much more significantly than normally compacted incohesive sediments. An active fault in a shallow incohesive medium may favor thermal pressurization of pore fluid when slid rapidly, while the lack of time-dependent healing effect may cause stable (e.g., rate-strengthening) frictional property there. On the other hand, indurated sediments may deform with significant post-failure weakening, and thus exhibit localization of deformation or unstable behavior. In order to investigate how the time-dependent compaction and induration affect the mechanical and hydraulic characteristics of sediments under deformation, we have conducted a series of compaction experiments under hydrothermal conditions (at temperatures from R.T. to 500 °C, 200 MPa confining pressure, 100 MPa pore water pressure, and for various time), and following triaxial deformation experiments for the compacted samples, with monitoring permeability and storage capacity with pore pressure oscillation method [Fischer and Paterson, 1992]. Previous work [e.g., Niemeijer et at., 2003] reported that under the adopted conditions, quartz aggregate deforms by pressure solution-precipitation creep. The initial synthetic sediments have been prepared by depositing commercially available crushed quartzite the grain size of which is about 6 μm on average. 4 cm long samples have been extracted from the middle of 10 cm long deposited columns. The experiments have been performed with a gas-medium apparatus in Hiroshima University. As the compaction time and temperature increases, compressional strain increases and the synthetic sediments gain shear strength, flow stress during triaxial deformation tests. An uncooked sample yielded immediately on application of differential stress, and showed strengthening during triaxial deformation test with σ1-σ3 about 150 MPa at 0.1 compressional strain. On the other hand, a sample compacted at 500 °C for 5 hours (about 0.1 of isotropic compressional strain) deformed mainly elastically up to about 100 MPa differential stress. At 0.02 compressional strain σ1-σ3 reached 200 MPa which is the experimental limitation due to compressional strength of porous alumina spacers. In the presentation, we will focus on the relation between mechanical behavior under shear and the compressional strain during preceding compaction experiments.

Prolonged performance-related neuroendocrine activation and perseverative cognition in low- and high-anxious university music students.

PubMed

Gomez, Patrick; Nielsen, Carole; Studer, Regina K; Hildebrandt, Horst; Klumb, Petra L; Nater, Urs M; Wild, Pascal; Danuser, Brigitta

2018-05-14

Music performances are social-evaluative situations that can elicit marked short-term neuroendocrine activation and anxious thoughts especially in musicians suffering from music performance anxiety (MPA). The temporal patterns of neuroendocrine activity and concert-related worry and rumination (perseverative cognition, PC) days before and after a concert in low- and high-anxious musicians are unknown. The first goal of the present study was to investigate the prolonged effects of a solo music performance and the effects of trait MPA on salivary cortisol (sC), alpha-amylase (sAA), and concert-related PC. The second goal was to investigate whether concert-related PC is associated with neuroendocrine activity and mediates the effects of measurement day and trait MPA on neuroendocrine responses. Seventy-two university music students collected saliva samples and reported their PC for seven consecutive days. On the fifth day, they performed solo. Measurement day and trait MPA were tested as main predictors of the diurnal area under the curve with respect to ground (sC AUCg, sAA AUCg), awakening responses, and PC. SC AUCg, sAA AUCg, and concert-related PC were highest on concert day. SC AUCg decreased only partially on post-concert days. SAA AUCg remained elevated on the first post-concert day among students with moderate to very high trait MPA. Throughout the assessment period, trait MPA was associated with smaller sC AUCg and higher concert-related PC. Concert-related PC showed significant positive associations with sC AUCg and sAA AUCg but did not mediate the effects of measurement day and trait MPA on these measures. These findings suggest that solo music performances have prolonged neuroendocrine effects and that trait MPA is an important factor having specific effects on university music students' hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and cognitive activity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulations of water transport through carbon nanotubes: how different water models influence the conduction rate.

PubMed

Liu, L; Patey, G N

2014-11-14

The conduction rate of water through (8,8) and (9,9) carbon nanotubes at 300 K and a pressure difference of 220 MPa is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The TIP3P, SPC/E, and TIP4P/2005 water models are considered. The pressure-driven flow rate is found to be strongly model dependent for both nanotubes. The fastest model (TIP3P) has a flow rate that is approximately five times faster than the slowest (TIP4P/2005). It is shown that the flow rate is significantly influenced by the structure taken on by the water molecules confined in the nanotube channels. The slower models, TIP4P/2005 and SPC/E, tend to favor stacked ring arrangements, with the molecules of a ring moving together through the nanotube, in what we term a "cluster-by-cluster" conduction mode. Confined TIP3P water has a much weaker tendency to form ring structures, and those that do form are fragile and break apart under flow conditions. This creates a much faster "diffusive" conduction mode where the water molecules mainly move through the tube as individual particles, rather than as components of a larger cluster. Our results demonstrate that water models developed to describe the properties of bulk water can behave very differently in confined situations.

Development of Lateral Prestress in High-Strength Concrete-Filled FRP Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vincent, T.; Ozbakkaloglu, T.

2018-02-01

This paper reports on an experimental investigation into the axial and lateral strain development of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) confined high-strength concrete (HSC) with prestressed FRP shells. A total of 24 aramid FRP (AFRP)-confined concrete specimens were manufactured as concrete-filled FRP tubes (CFFTs) with instrumentation to measure the strain variations during application of prestress, removal of end constraints and progressive prestress losses. Prestressed CFFT specimens were prepared with three different dose rates of expansive mineral admixture to create a range of lateral prestress applied to AFRP tubes manufactured with sheet thicknesses of 0.2 or 0.3 mm/ply and referred to as lightly- or well-confined, respectively. In addition to these three levels of prestress, non-prestressed companion specimens were manufactured and tested to determine baseline performance. The experimental results from this study indicate that lateral prestressing of CFFTs manufactured with HSC can be achieved by varying the expansive mineral admixture dose rate with a lateral prestress of up to 7.3 MPa recorded in this study. Significant strain variations were measured during removal of the end constraints with up to 700 microstrain recorded in the axial direction. Finally, the measurement of prestress losses for the month following prestress application revealed minimal progressive losses, with only 250 and 100 με recorded for the axial and hoop strains, respectively.

Estimation of Crack Initiation and Propagation Thresholds of Confined Brittle Coal Specimens Based on Energy Dissipation Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Jianguo; Wang, Jun; Jiang, Jinquan; Hu, Shanchao; Jiang, Lishuai; Liu, Xuesheng

2018-01-01

A new energy-dissipation method to identify crack initiation and propagation thresholds is introduced. Conventional and cyclic loading-unloading triaxial compression tests and acoustic emission experiments were performed for coal specimens from a 980-m deep mine with different confining pressures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 MPa. Stress-strain relations, acoustic emission patterns, and energy evolution characteristics obtained during the triaxial compression tests were analyzed. The majority of the input energy stored in the coal specimens took the form of elastic strain energy. After the elastic-deformation stage, part of the input energy was consumed by stable crack propagation. However, with an increase in stress levels, unstable crack propagation commenced, and the energy dissipation and coal damage were accelerated. The variation in the pre-peak energy-dissipation ratio was consistent with the coal damage. This new method demonstrates that the crack initiation threshold was proportional to the peak stress ( σ p) for ratios that ranged from 0.4351 to 0.4753 σ p, and the crack damage threshold ranged from 0.8087 to 0.8677 σ p.

Cellular characterization of compression-induceddamage in live biological samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bo, Chiara; Balzer, Jens; Hahnel, Mark; Rankin, Sara M.; Brown, Katherine A.; Proud, William

2012-03-01

Understanding the damage that high intensity compression waves induce in human tissues is critical for developing improved therapies for patients suffering from blast injuries. Experimentally based models of blast injury using live biological samples are needed. In this study we have developed a system to directly assess the effects of dynamic loading conditions on live cells. Here, we describe a confinement chamber designed to subject live cell cultures in a liquid environment to high intensity compression waves using a split Hopkinson pressure bar system. Signals from the strain gauges mounted on the bars and the chamber allow the measurement of parameters such as pressure and duration of the stimulus. The chamber itself also allows recovery of cells subjected to compression for assessment of cellular damage. In these studies we present evidence of increased levels of damage and loss of cellular integrity in cultured mouse mesenchymal stem cells subjected to a high-intensity compression wave with a peak pressure of 7.6 ± 0.8 MPa.

Rheology of water-silicate mixtures at low temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durham, William B.

1992-01-01

Lab studies of the effects of hard particulates on the rheology of ice have been mainly directed at the evolution of the Galilean satellites, but yield results that may be applicable to the rheology of the Martian polar caps. The experiments have explored the ductile rheology as well as brittle behavior of water + particulate (mainly quartz) mixtures in particulate volume fractions ranging from 0.001 to 0.56, particulate sizes 1 to 150 microns, temperatures 77 to 224 K, and deformation rates 3.5 x 10(exp -7) to 3.5 x 10(exp -4)/s, under confining pressures of 50 to 100 MPa. Particulates act mainly to strengthen the material in the ductile field, although work by others has shown that very close to the melting temperature hard particulates can actually cause softening. So called dispersion hardening by the Orowan mechanism of pinning glide dislocations, often exploited in metallurgy for strengthening materials, appears not to be an issue in ice except at very low temperatures, less than approx. 135 K.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure or hydrophobic modification on thermal stability of xanthine oxidase.

PubMed

Halalipour, Ali; Duff, Michael R; Howell, Elizabeth E; Reyes-De-Corcuera, José I

2017-08-01

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the kinetics of thermal inactivation of xanthine oxidase (XOx) from bovine milk was studied. Inactivation of XOx followed pseudo-first-order kinetics at 0.1-300MPa and 55.0-70.0°C. High pressure up to at least 300MPa stabilized XOx at all the studied temperatures. The highest stabilization effect of HHP on XOx was at 200-300MPa at 55.0 and 58.6°C, and at 250-300MPa at 62.3-70.0°C. The stability of XOx increased 9.5 times at 300MPa and 70.0°C compared to atmospheric pressure at the same temperature. The activation energy of inactivation of XOx decreased with pressure and was 1.9 times less at 300MPa (97.0±8.2kJmol -1 ) than at 0.1MPa (181.7±12.1kJmol -1 ). High pressure decreased the dependence of the rate constant of inactivation to temperature effects compared to atmospheric pressure. The stabilizing effect of HHP on XOx was highest at 70.0°C where the activation volume of inactivation of XOx was 28.9±2.9cm 3 mol -1 . A second approach to try to increase XOx stability involved hydrophobic modification using aniline or benzoate. However, the thermal stability of XOx remained unaffected after 8-14 modifications of carboxyl side groups per XOx monomer with aniline, or 12-17 modifications of amino side groups per XOx monomer with benzoate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

THE EFFECT OF HORMONE THERAPY ON MEAN BLOOD PRESSURE AND VISIT-TO-VISIT BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: RESULTS FROM THE WOMEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

PubMed Central

Shimbo, Daichi; Wang, Lu; Lamonte, Michael J.; Allison, Matthew; Wellenius, Gregory A.; Bavry, Anthony A.; Martin, Lisa W.; Aragaki, Aaron; Newman, Jonathan D.; Swica, Yael; Rossouw, Jacques E.; Manson, JoAnn E.; Wassertheil-Smoller, Sylvia

2014-01-01

Objectives Mean and visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure are associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. We examined the effect of hormone therapy on mean and VVV of blood pressure in postmenopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) randomized controlled trials. Methods Blood pressure was measured at baseline and annually in the two WHI hormone therapy trials in which 10,739 and 16,608 postmenopausal women were randomized to conjugated equine estrogens (CEE, 0.625 mg/day) or placebo, and CEE plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 2.5 mg/day) or placebo, respectively. Results At the first annual visit (Year 1), mean systolic blood pressure was 1.04 mmHg (95% CI 0.58, 1.50) and 1.35 mmHg (95% CI 0.99, 1.72) higher in the CEE and CEE+MPA arms respectively compared to corresponding placebos. These effects remained stable after Year 1. CEE also increased VVV of systolic blood pressure (ratio of VVV in CEE vs. placebo, 1.03, P<0.001), whereas CEE+MPA did not (ratio of VVV in CEE+MPA vs. placebo, 1.01, P=0.20). After accounting for study drug adherence, the effects of CEE and CEE+MPA on mean systolic blood pressure increased at Year 1, and the differences in the CEE and CEE+MPA arms vs. placebos also continued to increase after Year 1. Further, both CEE and CEE+MPA significantly increased VVV of systolic blood pressure (ratio of VVV in CEE vs. placebo, 1.04, P<0.001; ratio of VVV in CEE+MPA vs. placebo, 1.05, P<0.001). Conclusions Among postmenopausal women, CEE and CEE+MPA at conventional doses increased mean and VVV of systolic blood pressure. PMID:24991872

Effects of pressure and temperature on the survival rate of adherent A-172 cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuhara, Ryo; Kushida, Ryo; Ishii, Shiwori; Yamanoha, Banri; Shimizu, Akio

2013-06-01

Preservation of cells under high pressure is an important alternative to cryopreservation. We studied the effect of temperature (4, 25, 37°C) and pressure (0.1-350 MPa) on the survival rate of A-172 glioblastoma cells. The survival rate was not changed by brief (10 min) pressurization of up to 150 MPa, but the survival rate began to decrease from 150 MPa, and most of the A-172 cells died when treated with over 200 MPa. Lengthy pressurization (4 days) at lower pressure (upto 20.1 MPa) without medium exchange showed complex results. The survival rate of cells preserved at 25°C showed two maxima at 1.6 and 20.1 MPa. After preservation, cells adhered and proliferated in the same way as normal cells when cultured at 37°C in a CO2 incubator. The other two temperatures, 4° and 37°C, showed no maximum survival rate. Therefore, a high survival rate can be maintained with high pressure treatment.

Stress-dependent permeability and wave dispersion in tight cracked rocks: Experimental validation of simple effective medium models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarout, Joel; Cazes, Emilie; Delle Piane, Claudio; Arena, Alessio; Esteban, Lionel

2017-08-01

We experimentally assess the impact of microstructure, pore fluid, and frequency on wave velocity, wave dispersion, and permeability in thermally cracked Carrara marble under effective pressure up to 50 MPa. The cracked rock is isotropic, and we observe that (1) P and S wave velocities at 500 kHz and the low-strain (<10-5) mechanical moduli at 0.01 Hz are pressure-dependent, (2) permeability decreases asymptotically toward a small value with increasing pressure, (3) wave dispersion between 0.01 Hz and 500 MHz in the water-saturated rock reaches a maximum of 26% for S waves and 9% for P waves at 1 MPa, and (4) wave dispersion virtually vanishes above 30 MPa. Assuming no interactions between the cracks, effective medium theory is used to model the rock's elastic response and its permeability. P and S wave velocity data are jointly inverted to recover the crack density and effective aspect ratio. The permeability data are inverted to recover the cracks' effective radius. These parameters lead to a good agreement between predicted and measured wave velocities, dispersion and permeability up to 50 MPa, and up to a crack density of 0.5. The evolution of the crack parameters suggests that three deformation regimes exist: (1) contact between cracks' surface asperities up to 10 MPa, (2) progressive crack closure between 10 and 30 MPa, and (3) crack closure effectively complete above 30 MPa. The derived crack parameters differ significantly from those obtained by analysis of 2-D electron microscope images of thin sections or 3-D X-ray microtomographic images of millimeter-size specimens.

Intra-articular steroids in knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study of triamcinolone hexacetonide and methylprednisolone acetate.

PubMed

Pyne, Debasish; Ioannou, Yiannakis; Mootoo, Ramesh; Bhanji, Asgar

2004-04-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of triamcinolone hexacetonide (THA) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), given via the intra-articular route at equipotent dosage to patients with symptomatic knee OA with effusion, in a double-blind randomized comparative trial. Consecutive hospital-referred patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee OA (clinical and radiographic) were randomly allocated to receive either THA 20 mg (1 ml) or MPA 40 mg (1 ml). All patients had synovial fluid aspirated from their knee joint at the time of injection. Assessments were made at 0, 3 and 8 weeks by a second operator, thus blinding both patient and assessor. Outcomes measured at each visit were: knee pain in the previous 48 h (expressed on a 100 mm visual analog scale; VAS), stair climb time (SCT) and Lequesne index score (LEQ). Changes in VAS, SCT and LEQ were compared between the groups using a Student's paired t test. Fifty-seven patients were studied (44 female, 13 male) with a mean age of 62.5 years. Both steroids gave significant pain relief (VAS) at week 3 ( p<0.01) but only MPA showed an effect on VAS and LEQ scores at week 8 compared to baseline ( p<0.05). THA was more effective than MPA at pain reduction at week 3 ( p<0.01); this difference was lost at week 8 ( p=0.17). There was no significant difference between the two drugs in functional endpoints (SCT, LEQ) at either 3 or 8 weeks. Both THA and MPA offer at least temporary symptomatic benefit in knee OA. THA is more effective than MPA at week 3, but its effect is lost by week 8. MPA still has an effect at week 8.

Fracturing of porous rock induced by fluid injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanchits, Sergei; Mayr, Sibylle; Shapiro, Serge; Dresen, Georg

2011-04-01

We monitored acoustic emission (AE) activity and brittle failure initiated by water injection into initially dry critically stressed cylindrical specimens of Flechtingen sandstone of 50 mm diameter and 105-125 mm length. Samples were first loaded in axial direction at 40-50 MPa confining pressure at dry conditions close to peak stress. Subsequently distilled water was injected either at the bottom of specimen or via a central borehole at pore pressures of 5-30 MPa. Water injection into stressed porous sandstone induced a cloud of AE events located close to the migrating water front. Water injection was monitored by periodic ultrasonic velocity measurements across the sample. Propagation of the induced cloud of AE was faster in the direction parallel to bedding than normal to it, indicating permeability anisotropy. Water injection was associated with significant AE activity demonstrating increased contribution of tensile source type. Brittle failure was accompanied by increased contribution of shear and pore collapse source types. At a critical pore pressure, a brittle fault nucleated from a cloud of induced AE events in all samples. Microstructural analysis of fractured samples shows excellent agreement between location of AE hypocenters and macroscopic faults.

Poisson's Ratio and Auxetic Properties of Natural Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Shaocheng; Li, Le; Motra, Hem Bahadur; Wuttke, Frank; Sun, Shengsi; Michibayashi, Katsuyoshi; Salisbury, Matthew H.

2018-02-01

Here we provide an appraisal of the Poisson's ratios (υ) for natural elements, common oxides, silicate minerals, and rocks with the purpose of searching for naturally auxetic materials. The Poisson's ratios of equivalently isotropic polycrystalline aggregates were calculated from dynamically measured elastic properties. Alpha-cristobalite is currently the only known naturally occurring mineral that has exclusively negative υ values at 20-1,500°C. Quartz and potentially berlinite (AlPO4) display auxetic behavior in the vicinity of their α-β structure transition. None of the crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks (e.g., amphibolite, gabbro, granite, peridotite, and schist) display auxetic behavior at pressures of >5 MPa and room temperature. Our experimental measurements showed that quartz-rich sedimentary rocks (i.e., sandstone and siltstone) are most likely to be the only rocks with negative Poisson's ratios at low confining pressures (≤200 MPa) because their main constituent mineral, α-quartz, already has extremely low Poisson's ratio (υ = 0.08) and they contain microcracks, micropores, and secondary minerals. This finding may provide a new explanation for formation of dome-and-basin structures in quartz-rich sedimentary rocks in response to a horizontal compressional stress in the upper crust.

Crystal plastic earthquakes in dolostones: from slow to fast ruptures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passelegue, F. X.; Aubry, J.; Nicolas, A.; Fondriest, M.; Schubnel, A.; Di Toro, G.

2017-12-01

Dolostone is the most dominant lithology of the seismogenic upper crust around the Mediterranean Sea. Understanding the internal mechanisms controlling fault friction is crucial for understanding seismicity along active faults. Displacement in such fault zones is frequently highlighted by highly reflective (mirror-like) slip surfaces, created by thin films of nanogranular fault rock. Using saw-cut dolostone samples coming from natural fault zones, we conducted stick-slip experiments under triaxial loading conditions at 30, 60 and 90 MPa confining pressure and temperature ranging from 30 to 100 degrees C. At 30 and 65 degrees C, only slow rupture was observed and the experimental fault exhibits frictional behaviour, i.e. a dependence of normal stress on peak shear stress. At 65 degrees C, a strengthening behaviour is observed after the main rupture, leading to a succession of slow rupture. At 100 degrees C, the macroscopic behaviour of the fault becomes ductile, and no dependence of pressure on the peak shear stress is observed. In addition, the increase of the confining pressure up to 60 and 90 MPa allow the transition from slow to fast rupture, highlighted by the records of acoustic activity and by dynamic stress drop occurring in a few tens of microseconds. Using strain gages located along the fault surface and acoustic transducers, we were able to measure the rupture velocities during slow and fast rupture. Slow ruptures propagated around 0.1 m/s, in agreement with natural observations. Fast ruptures propagated up to supershear velocities, i.e. faster than the shear wave speed (>3500 m/s). A complete study of the microstructures was realized before and after ruptures. Slow ruptures lead to the production of mirror-like surface driven by the production of nanograins due to dislocation processes. Fast ruptures induce the production of amorphous material along the fault surface, which may come from decarbonation and melting processes. We demonstrate that the transition from slow to fast instabilities is observed due to an increase of the fault stiffness with increasing both temperature and confining pressure. This increase in the stiffness leads to an increase of the slip velocity during the main instability, which allow flash weakening processes and fast propagation of the seismic rupture.

Music performance anxiety-part 2. a review of treatment options.

PubMed

Brugués, Ariadna Ortiz

2011-09-01

Music performance anxiety (MPA) affects many individuals independent of age, gender, experience, and hours of practice. In order to prevent MPA from happening or to alleviate it when it occurs, a review of the literature about its prevention and treatment was done. Forty-four articles, meeting evidence-based medicine (EBM) criteria, were identified and analyzed. Performance repertoire should be chosen based on the musician's skill level, and it should be practiced to the point of automaticity. Because of this, the role of music teachers is essential in preventing MPA. Prevention is the most effective method against MPA. Several treatments (psychological as well as pharmacological) have been studied on subjects in order to determine the best treatment for MPA. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) seems to be the most effective, but further investigation is desired. Some musicians, in addition to CBT, also take beta-blockers; however, these drugs should only be prescribed occasionally after analyzing the situation and considering the contraindications and possible side effects. Despite these conclusions, more randomized studies with larger, homogeneous groups of subjects would be desirable (according to the EBM criteria), as well as support for the necessity of both MPA prevention and optimized methods of treatment when it does occur.

The strength and rheology of methane clathrate hydrate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Durham, W.B.; Kirby, S.H.; Stern, L.A.; Zhang, W.

2003-01-01

Methane clathrate hydrate (structure I) is found to be very strong, based on laboratory triaxial deformation experiments we have carried out on samples of synthetic, high-purity, polycrystalline material. Samples were deformed in compressional creep tests (i.e., constant applied stress, ??), at conditions of confining pressure P = 50 and 100 MPa, strain rate 4.5 ?? 10-8 ??? ?? ??? 4.3 ?? 10-4 s-1, temperature 260 ??? T ??? 287 K, and internal methane pressure 10 ??? PCH4 ??? 15 MPa. At steady state, typically reached in a few percent strain, methane hydrate exhibited strength that was far higher than expected on the basis of published work. In terms of the standard high-temperature creep law, ?? = A??ne-(E*+PV*)/RT the rheology is described by the constants A = 108.55 MPa-n s-1, n = 2.2, E* = 90,000 J mol-1, and V* = 19 cm3 mol-1. For comparison at temperatures just below the ice point, methane hydrate at a given strain rate is over 20 times stronger than ice, and the contrast increases at lower temperatures. The possible occurrence of syntectonic dissociation of methane hydrate to methane plus free water in these experiments suggests that the high strength measured here may be only a lower bound. On Earth, high strength in hydrate-bearing formations implies higher energy release upon decomposition and subsequent failure. In the outer solar system, if Titan has a 100-km-thick near-surface layer of high-strength, low-thermal conductivity methane hydrate as has been suggested, its interior is likely to be considerably warmer than previously expected.

An Observation of Repeating Events at local asperities during a Laboratory Stick-slip Experiment of a Saw-cut Cylindrical Lucite Sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, C.; Mighani, S.; Prieto, G. A.; Mok, U.; Evans, J. B.; Hager, B. H.; Toksoz, M. N.

2017-12-01

Repeating earthquakes have been found in subduction zones and interpreted as repeated ruptures of small local asperities. Repeating earthquakes have also been found in oil/gas fields, interpreted as the reactivation of pre-existing faults due to fluid injection/extraction. To mimic the fault rupture of a fault with local asperities, we designed a "stick-slip" experiment using a saw-cut cylindrical Lucite sample, which had sharp localized ridges parallel to the strike of the fault plane. The sample was subjected to conventional triaxial loading with a constant confining pressure of 10 MPa. The axial load was then increased to 6 MPa at a constant rate of 0.12 MPa/sec until the sliding occurred along the fault plane. Ultrasonic acoustic emissions (AEs) were monitored with eight PZT sensors. Two cycles of AEs were detected with the occurrence rate that decreased from the beginning to the end of each cycle, while the relative magnitudes increased. Correlation analysis indicated that these AEs were clustered into two groups - those with frequency content between 200-300kHz and a second group with frequency content between 10-50kHz. The locations of the high-frequency events, with almost identical waveforms, show that these events are from the sharp localized ridges on the saw-cut plane. The locations of the low-frequency events show an approaching process to the high-frequency events for each cycle. In this single experiment, there was a correlation of the proximity of the low-frequency events with the subsequent triggering of large high-frequency repeating events.

High-performance coaxial EPR cavity for investigations at elevated temperatures and pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldberg, Ira B.; McKinney, Ted M.

1984-07-01

A microwave cavity suitable for heating a sample to temperatures above 800 °C within 15 s at gas pressures above 17.5 MPa is reported. The cavity is coaxial and operates in the TE011 mode at frequencies between 9 and 10 GHz. The heating element is constructed of nickel-chromium (i.e., Chromel) wire. It consists of two concentric helices wound in opposite senses (directions) and connected in series so as to minimize the magnetic field generated by the heater current. The heater is potted in magnesium oxide-phosphate ceramic and placed inside of a cylinder made from 50-μm copper foil which provides uniform temperature distribution and shields the heater from the microwave field. This assembly then serves as the heating element and the coaxial conductor of the cavity. The diameter of the coaxial heater assembly is approximately 7 mm. The sample is confined by a cylindrical quartz cuvette which surrounds the coaxial conductor. Sample thicknesses of 0.2 to 1.0 mm can be used. Heating from room temperature to 800 °C requires between 15 and 20 s. Operating pressures up to 17 MPa have been used, although the structural design limit of the brass or beryllium copper walls is greater than 22 MPa. Modulation coils are placed in recessed areas of the cavity walls and covered with a thin layer of copper. Cooling water flows through channels cut into the walls to maintain constant microwave parameters. Q factors of 8000 -12 000 can be obtained depending on the sample.

Effects of different hydrostatic pressure on lesions in ex vivo bovine livers induced by high intensity focused ultrasound.

PubMed

He, Min; Zhong, Zhiqiang; Li, Xing; Gong, Xiaobo; Wang, Zhibiao; Li, Faqi

2017-05-01

It is well-known that acoustic cavitation associated with the high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment often would change the morphology and size of lesions in its treatment. In most studies reported in literature, high ambient hydrostatic pressure was used to suppress the cavitation completely. Investigation of the effects by varying the ambient hydrostatic pressure (P stat ) is still lacking. In this paper, the effects of HIFU on lesions in ex vivo bovine liver specimens under various P stat are systematically investigated. A 1MHz HIFU transducer, with an aperture diameter of 70mm and a focal length of 55mm, was used to generate two groups US exposure of different acoustic intensities and exposure time (6095W/cm 2 ×8s and 9752W/cm 2 ×5s), while keeping the same acoustic energies per unit area (48760J/cm 2 ). The peak acoustic negative pressures (p - ) of the two groups were p 1 - =9.58MPa and p 2 - =10.82MPa, respectively, with the difference p d - =p 2 - -p 1 - =1.24MPa. A passive cavitation detection (PCD) was used to monitor the ultrasonic cavitation signal during exposure of the two groups. The US exposures were done under the following ambient hydrostatic pressures, P stat : atmospheric pressure, 0.5MPa, 1.0MPa, 1.5MPa, 2.0MPa, 2.5MPa and3.0MPa, respectively. The result of PCD showed that there was a statistically significant increase above background noise level in broadband emissions at dose of 9752W/cm 2 ×5s, but not at dose of 6095W/cm 2 ×8s under atmospheric pressure; i.e., the acoustic cavitation took place for p 2 - but not for p 1 - when under atmospheric pressure. The results also showed that there was no statistically difference of the morphology and size of lesions for 6095W/cm 2 ×8s exposure under the aforementioned different ambient hydrostatic pressures. But the lesions generated at 9752W/cm 2 ×5s exposure under P stat =atmospheric pressure, 0.5MPa, 1.0MPa (all of them are less than p d - ), were larger than those under 1.5MPa, 2.0MPa, 2.5MPa and 3.0MPa (all of them are over than p d - ) which were consistence with 6095W/cm 2 ×8s group. It was concluded that when P stat >p d - , the acoustic cavitation was suppressed and prompted that there was no need to elevate P stat higher than p - to suppress the acoustic cavitation in tissue, just need P stat higher than p d - . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance of raw bovine meat preservation by hyperbaric storage (quasi energetically costless) compared to refrigeration.

PubMed

Freitas, Paulo; Pereira, Sofia A; Santos, Mauro D; Alves, Susana P; Bessa, Rui J B; Delgadillo, Ivonne; Saraiva, Jorge A

2016-11-01

Hyperbaric storage at room temperature (without temperature control) of raw bovine meat was studied and compared to refrigeration. Samples were first stored for 12h at 50, 100 and 150MPa, and in a second set of experiments, for a longer period of 10days at 50MPa. For the 12h storage, refrigeration and 50MPa had a similar microbial growth inhibition effect and, at 100 and 150MPa an additional microbial inactivation effect was found. For the longer experiment (10days at 50MPa) results pointed for a shelf-life increase of raw beef compared to samples stored under refrigeration. For both tests (12h and 10days) samples preserved under pressure showed no detrimental effect on physicochemical parameters comparatively to the initial and refrigerated samples. These results indicate that hyperbaric storage at room temperature not only allows high energy savings, but additionally has potential to extend the shelf-life of a perishable food product compared to refrigeration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermo-mechanical Properties of Upper Jurassic (Malm) Carbonate Rock Under Drained Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Liang; Blöcher, Guido; Milsch, Harald; Zimmermann, Günter; Sass, Ingo; Huenges, Ernst

2018-01-01

The present study aims to quantify the thermo-mechanical properties of Neuburger Bankkalk limestone, an outcrop analog of the Upper Jurassic carbonate formation (Germany), and to provide a reference for reservoir rock deformation within future enhanced geothermal systems located in the Southern German Molasse Basin. Experiments deriving the drained bulk compressibility C were performed by cycling confining pressure p c between 2 and 50 MPa at a constant pore pressure p p of 0.5 MPa after heating the samples to defined temperatures between 30 and 90 °C. Creep strain was then measured after each loading and unloading stage, and permeability k was obtained after each creep strain measurement. The drained bulk compressibility increased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing differential pressure p d = p c - p p showing hysteresis between the loading and unloading stages above 30 °C. The apparent values of the indirectly calculated Biot coefficient α ind containing contributions from inelastic deformation displayed the same temperature and pressure dependencies. The permeability k increased immediately after heating and the creep rates were also temperature dependent. It is inferred that the alteration of the void space caused by temperature changes leads to the variation of rock properties measured under isothermal conditions while the load cycles applied under isothermal conditions yield additional changes in pore space microstructure. The experimental results were applied to a geothermal fluid production scenario to constrain drawdown and time-dependent effects on the reservoir, overall, to provide a reference for the hydromechanical behavior of geothermal systems in carbonate, and more specifically, in Upper Jurassic lithologies.

Effect of high-pressure treatment at various temperatures on indigenous proteolytic enzymes and whey protein denaturation in bovine milk.

PubMed

Moatsou, Golfo; Bakopanos, Constantinos; Katharios, Dimitis; Katsaros, George; Kandarakis, Ioannis; Taoukis, Petros; Politis, Ioannis

2008-08-01

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of high pressure (HP) processing (200, 450 and 650 MPa) at various temperatures (20, 40 and 55 degrees C) on the total plasmin plus plasminogen-derived activity (PL), plasminogen activator(s) (PA) and cathepsin D activities and on denaturation of major whey proteins in bovine milk. Data indicated that transfer of both PL and PA from the casein micelles to milk serum occurred at all pressures utilized at room temperature (20 degrees C). In addition to the transfer of PL and PA from micelles, there were reductions in activities of PL (16-18%) and PA (38-62%) for the pressures 450 and 650 MPa, at room temperature. There were synergistic negative effects between pressure and temperature on residual PL activity at 450 and 650 MPa and on residual PA activity only at 450 MPa. Cathepsin D activity in the acid whey from HP-treated milk was in general baroresistant at room temperature. The residual activity of cathepsin D decreased significantly at 650 MPa and 40 degrees C and at the pressures 450 and 650 MPa at 55 degrees C. Synergistic negative effects on the amount of native beta-lactoglobulin were observed at 450 and 650 MPa and on the amount of native alpha-lactalbumin at 650 MPa. There were significant correlations between enzymatic activities (PL, PA and cathepsin D) and the residual native beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin in bovine milk. In conclusion, HP significantly affected the activity of indigenous proteolytic enzymes and whey protein denaturation in bovine milk. Reduction in activity of indigenous enzymes (PL, PA and cathepsin D) and transfer of PL and PA from the casein to milk serum induced by HP is expected to have a profound effect on cheese yield, proteolysis during cheese ripening and quality of UHT milk during storage.

Strain-dependent permeability of volcanic rocks.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farquharson, Jamie; Heap, Michael; Baud, Patrick

2016-04-01

We explore permeability evolution during deformation of volcanic materials using a suite of rocks with varying compositions and physical properties (such as porosity ϕ). 40 mm × 20 mm cylindrical samples were made from a range of extrusive rocks, including andesites from Colima, Mexico (ϕ˜0.08; 0.18; 0.21), Kumamoto, Japan (ϕ˜0.13), and Ruapehu, New Zealand (ϕ˜0.15), and basalt from Mt Etna, Italy (ϕ˜0.04). Gas permeability of each sample was measured before and after triaxial deformation using a steady-state benchtop permeameter. To study the strain-dependence of permeability in volcanic rocks, we deformed samples to 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 % axial strain at a constant strain rate of 10-5 s-1. Further, the influence of failure mode - dilatant or compactant - on permeability was assessed by repeating experiments at different confining pressures. During triaxial deformation, porosity change of the samples was monitored by a servo-controlled pore fluid pump. Below an initial porosity of ˜0.18, and at low confining pressures (≤ 20 MPa), we observe a dilatant failure mode (shear fracture formation). With increasing axial strain, stress is accommodated by fault sliding and the generation of ash-sized gouge between the fracture planes. In higher-porosity samples, or at relatively higher confining pressures (≥ 60 MPa), we observe compactant deformation characterised by a monotonous decrease in porosity with increasing axial strain. The relative permeability k' is given by the change in permeability divided by the initial reference state. When behaviour is dilatant, k' tends to be positive: permeability increases with progressive deformation. However, results suggest that after a threshold amount of strain, k' can decrease. k' always is negative (permeability decreases during deformation) when compaction is the dominant behaviour. Our results show that - in the absence of a sealing or healing process - the efficiency of a fault to transmit fluids is correlated to the degree of strain to which is subjected. Volcanic processes such as dome extrusion, which involve progressive strain on complex fault systems, have been seen to cause fault sliding and the prolific generation of fault gouge. Our results indicate that the permeability of these faults will tend to remain constant or increase during continued extrusion, allowing magmatic gases to readily outgas through permeable fault architectures despite the generation and accumulation of gouge. On the other hand, deeper regions of the edifice that will typically be compacting due to the relatively higher confining pressures, will exhibit a continuous decrease in permeability. The interplay between permeability-increasing and permeability-decreasing processes within the edifice is likely to influence outgassing and eruptive cycles at active volcanoes.

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Antagonizes Estrogen Up-Regulation of Brain Mitochondrial Function

PubMed Central

Irwin, Ronald W.; Yao, Jia; Ahmed, Syeda S.; Hamilton, Ryan T.; Cadenas, Enrique

2011-01-01

The impact of clinical progestins used in contraception and hormone therapies on the metabolic capacity of the brain has long-term implications for neurological health in pre- and postmenopausal women. Previous analyses indicated that progesterone and 17β-estradiol (E2) sustain and enhance brain mitochondrial energy-transducing capacity. Herein we determined the impact of the clinical progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), on glycolysis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function in brain. Ovariectomized female rats were treated with MPA, E2, E2+MPA, or vehicle with ovary-intact rats serving as a positive control. MPA alone and MPA plus E2 resulted in diminished mitochondrial protein levels for pyruvate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, ATP synthase, manganese-superoxide dismutase, and peroxiredoxin V. MPA alone did not rescue the ovariectomy-induced decrease in mitochondrial bioenergetic function, whereas the coadministration of E2 and MPA exhibited moderate efficacy. However, the coadministration of MPA was detrimental to antioxidant defense, including manganese-superoxide dismutase activity/expression and peroxiredoxin V expression. Accumulated lipid peroxides were cleared by E2 treatment alone but not in combination with MPA. Furthermore, MPA abolished E2-induced enhancement of mitochondrial respiration in primary cultures of the hippocampal neurons and glia. Collectively these findings indicate that the effects of MPA differ significantly from the bioenergetic profile induced by progesterone and that, overall, MPA induced a decline in glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation protein and activity. These preclinical findings on the basis of acute exposure to MPA raise concerns regarding neurological health after chronic use of MPA in contraceptive and hormone therapy. PMID:21159850

Effect of gamma radiation on the mechanical properties of natural silk fiber and synthetic E-glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composites: A comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shubhra, Quazi T. H.; Alam, A. K. M. M.

2011-11-01

Silk is a strong natural proteinous fiber and E-glass is a very strong synthetic fiber. Compression molding method was used to fabricate B. mori silk fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) matrix composites. The tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), bending strength (BS), bending modulus (BM) and impact strength (IS) of prepared composites were 55.1 MPa, 780 MPa, 56.3 MPa, 3450 MPa and 17 kJ/m 2, respectively. Synthetic E-glass fiber reinforced PP based composites were fabricated in the same way and TS, TM, BS, BM, IS of E-glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composites were found to be 128.7 MPa, 4350 MPa, 141.6 MPa, 6300 MPa and 19 kJ/m 2, respectively. Gamma radiation is high energy ionizing radiation and was applied to increase the mechanical properties of the composites. Application of gamma ray increases the mechanical properties of silk/PP composites to a greater extent than that of E-glass/PP composites.

Cytotoxic effect of commercially available methylprednisolone acetate with and without reduced preservatives on dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons in rats.

PubMed

Knezevic, Nebojsa Nick; Candido, Kenneth D; Cokic, Ivan; Krbanjevic, Aleksandar; Berth, Sarah L; Knezevic, Ivana

2014-01-01

Epidural and intrathecal injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) have become the most commonly performed interventional procedures in the United States and worldwide in the last 2 decades. However neuraxial MPA injection has been dogged by controversy regarding the presence of different additives used in commercially prepared glucocorticoids. We previously showed that MPA could be rendered 85% free of polyethylene glycol (PEG) by a simple physical separation of elements in the suspension. The objective of the present study was to explore a possible cytotoxic effect of commercially available MPA (with intact or reduced preservatives) on rat sensory neurons. We exposed primary dissociated rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons to commercially available MPA for 24 hours with either the standard (commercial) concentration of preservatives or to different fractions following separation (MPA suspension whose preservative concentration had been reduced, or fractions containing higher concentrations of preservatives). Cells were stained with the TUNEL assay kit to detect apoptotic cells and images were taken on the Bio-Rad Laser Sharp-2000 system. We also detected expression of caspase-3, as an indicator of apoptosis in cell lysates. We exposed sensory neurons from rat DRG to different concentrations of MPA from the original commercially prepared vial. TUNEL assay showed dose-related responses and increased percentages of apoptotic cells with increasing concentrations of MPA. Increased concentrations of MPA caused 1.5 - 2 times higher caspase-3 expression in DRG sensory neurons than in control cells (ANOVA, P = 0.001). Our results showed that MPA with reduced preservatives caused significantly less apoptosis observed with TUNEL assay labeling (P < 0.001) and caspase-3 immunoblotting (P = 0.001) than in neurons exposed to MPA from a commercially prepared vial or "clear phase" that contained higher concentrations of preservatives. Even though MPA with reduced preservatives caused 12.5% more apoptosis in DRG sensory neurons than in control cells, post hoc analysis showed no differences between these 2 groups. Our data was collected from in vitro isolated rat DRG neurons. There is a possibility that in vivo neurons have different extents of vulnerability compared to isolated neurons. Results of the present study identified a cytotoxic effect of commercially available MPA with preservatives or with a "clear phase" containing higher concentrations of preservatives on primary isolated rat DRG sensory neurons. This was shown by TUNEL positive assay and by increased caspase-3 expression as one of the final executing steps in apoptotic pathways in DRG neurons. However, our results showed no statistically significant difference between the control cells (saline-treated) and cells treated with MPA with reduced concentrations of preservatives, pointing out that either PEG or myristylgamma-picolinium chloride (MGPC) or their combination have harmful effects on these cells. Reduction of concentrations of preservatives from commercially available MPA suspensions by using the simple method of inverting vials for 2 hours could be considered useful in clinical practice to enhance the safety of this depot steroid when injected neuraxially.

Plastic Faulting in Ice: Shear Localization under Elevated Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golding, N.; Durham, W. B.

2013-12-01

Ice exhibits, at least, two distinct kinds of shear faults when loaded triaxially under compression. Under moderate levels of confinement, brittle failure follows crack growth, crack coalescence and the development of a fault oriented about 30 degrees from the direction of maximum compression. The mechanism governing this mode of failure, termed frictional or Coulombic faulting, has previously been discussed for ice and rocks in connection with the comb-crack model. Under higher levels of confinement, where frictional sliding is suppressed by confining pressure, failure is characterized by sudden brittle-like loss in load bearing capacity and the development of a narrow shear band, comprised of recrystallized grains, oriented about 45 degrees from the direction of maximum compression, i.e. along the direction of maximum shear. This mode of failure, referred to here as plastic faulting, has previously been discussed for warm ice, T = 233 - 263 K, in connection with adiabatic shear heating and has been discussed for cold ice, T = 77 - 163 K, in connection with phase transformation. Here, new results are presented that examine the mechanical behavior and microstructural properties of plastic faulting in polycrystalline ice loaded at temperatures from T = 175 - 210 K and confining pressures up to P = 200 MPa. The results are reviewed in context of previous work and possible mechanisms to account for shear localization in ice under high pressure, including 1) adiabatic shear heating, 2) grain refinement and 3) phase transformation, are discussed. The present observations highlight the similarities in the behavior of plastic faulting under both warm and cold conditions and suggest adiabatic shear heating as a possible mechanism to account for shear instability and plastic faulting at temperatures ranging from T = 77 - 263 K.

Study on service performance of 880 MPa-grade and 980 MPa-grade rail steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, M.; Xu, G.; Zhou, J. H.; Wang, R. M.; Gan, X. L.

2017-09-01

With the rapid development of economy in China, the requirement for railway passenger and cargo transportation becomes higher and higher. Increasing speed and developing heavy-haul transportation can effectively improve the transportation capacity of railway. The requirement for rail steels with higher ability of abrasion resistance becomes urgent. Two kinds of rails, i.e., 880 MPa-grade and 980 MPa-grade rail steels, were laid on cargo line with 500 m short radius curve. The service performances of the tested steels were continuously tracked and analyzed during operation of total 22.5 million tons loads. Macro morphology, light band width, surface hardness and profile of rails were investigated. The results show that the performance of 980 MPa-grade rail steel is superior to that of 880 MPa-grade rail steel at same circumstance. Therefore, 980 MPa-grade rail should be selected in the cargo line with small radius curve.

Frictional heating processes during laboratory earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aubry, J.; Passelegue, F. X.; Deldicque, D.; Lahfid, A.; Girault, F.; Pinquier, Y.; Escartin, J.; Schubnel, A.

2017-12-01

Frictional heating during seismic slip plays a crucial role in the dynamic of earthquakes because it controls fault weakening. This study proposes (i) to image frictional heating combining an in-situ carbon thermometer and Raman microspectrometric mapping, (ii) to combine these observations with fault surface roughness and heat production, (iii) to estimate the mechanical energy dissipated during laboratory earthquakes. Laboratory earthquakes were performed in a triaxial oil loading press, at 45, 90 and 180 MPa of confining pressure by using saw-cut samples of Westerly granite. Initial topography of the fault surface was +/- 30 microns. We use a carbon layer as a local temperature tracer on the fault plane and a type K thermocouple to measure temperature approximately 6mm away from the fault surface. The thermocouple measures the bulk temperature of the fault plane while the in-situ carbon thermometer images the temperature production heterogeneity at the micro-scale. Raman microspectrometry on amorphous carbon patch allowed mapping the temperature heterogeneities on the fault surface after sliding overlaid over a few micrometers to the final fault roughness. The maximum temperature achieved during laboratory earthquakes remains high for all experiments but generally increases with the confining pressure. In addition, the melted surface of fault during seismic slip increases drastically with confining pressure. While melting is systematically observed, the strength drop increases with confining pressure. These results suggest that the dynamic friction coefficient is a function of the area of the fault melted during stick-slip. Using the thermocouple, we inverted the heat dissipated during each event. We show that for rough faults under low confining pressure, less than 20% of the total mechanical work is dissipated into heat. The ratio of frictional heating vs. total mechanical work decreases with cumulated slip (i.e. number of events), and decreases with increasing confining pressure and normal stress. Our results suggest that earthquakes are less dispersive under large normal stress. We linked this observation with fault roughness heterogeneity, which also decreases with applied normal stress. Keywords: Frictional heating, stick-slip, carbon, dynamic rupture, fault weakening.

Effects of the ultra-high pressure on structure and α-glucosidase inhibition of polysaccharide from Astragalus.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhen-Yuan; Luo, You; Dong, Guo-Ling; Ren, Yuan-Yuan; Chen, Li-Jing; Guo, Ming-Zhu; Wang, Xiao-Ting; Yang, Xue-Ying; Zhang, Yongmin

2016-06-01

A novel homogeneous polysaccharide fraction (APS) was extracted from Astragalus by hot water and purified by Sephadex G-100 and G-75 column. Its molecular weight was 693kDa. APS and APS with ultra-high pressure treatment exhibited significant inhibitory abilities on a-glucosidase, inhibition rate from high to low in order was 400MPa-APS, 300MPa-APS, 500MPa-APS and APS. The inhibition ​percentage of 400MPa-APS (1.5mg/mL) was 49% (max.). This suggested that the inhibitory activity of APS on a-glucosidase was improved by ultra-high pressure treatment. FT-IR, SEM, CD spectra, atomic force microscope and Congo red test analysis of APS and 400MPa-APS showed ultra-high pressure treatment didn't change the preliminary structure but had an effect on its advanced structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate inhibits CD8+ T cell viral specific effector function and induces herpes simplex virus type 1 reactivation

PubMed Central

Cherpes, Thomas L.; Busch, James L.; Sheridan, Brian S.; Harvey, Stephen A. K.; Hendricks, Robert L.

2008-01-01

Clinical research suggests hormonal contraceptive use is associated with increased frequencies of herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation and shedding. We examined the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the compound most commonly used for injectable hormonal contraception, on HSV-1 reactivation and CD8+ T cell function in murine trigeminal ganglia (TG). In ex vivo TG cultures, MPA dramatically inhibited canonical CD8+ T cell effector functions, including IFN-γ production and lytic granule release, and increased HSV-1 reactivation from latency. In vivo, MPA treatment of latently infected ovariectomized mice inhibited IFN-γ production and lytic granule release by TG resident CD8+ T cells stimulated directly ex vivo. RNA specific for the essential immediate early viral gene ICP4 as well as viral genome DNA copy number were increased in mice that received MPA during latency, suggesting that treatment increased in vivo reactivation. The increase in HSV-1 copy number appeared to be the result of a two-tine effect, as MPA induced higher reactivation frequencies from latently infected explanted TG neurons in the presence or absence of CD45+ cells. Our data suggest hormonal contraceptives that contain MPA may promote increased frequency of HSV reactivation from latency through the combinatory effects of inhibiting protective CD8+ T cell responses and by a leukocyte-independent effect on infected neurons. PMID:18606648

Optical monitoring of ultrasound-induced bioeffects in glass catfish.

PubMed

Maruvada, Subha; Hynynen, Kullervo

2004-01-01

This study is an investigation of the therapeutic ultrasound (US) effects on the blood vessels of optically transparent fish in vivo. Although many investigators have characterized cavitation in vivo using remote-sensing methods (i.e., measuring the acoustic emissions caused by oscillating bubbles) very few have made direct observations of cavitation-induced damage. Anesthetized glass catfish, which are optically transparent, was injected with the contrast agent, Optison, and then insonified at pressures that ranged from 0.5-10 MPa (peak negative pressures). Two focused transducers were used in these experiments to cover a frequency range of 0.7-3.3 MHz. Sonications were pulsed with pulse durations of 100, 10, 1, 0.1 and 0.01 ms and a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 1 Hz. The entire length of one sonication at a specific pressure level was 20 s. An inverted microscope combined with a digital camera and video monitor were used optically to monitor and record US interaction with the blood vessels in the tail of the anesthetized fish at 200x magnification. The effects of the burst sonication were analyzed visually at each pressure level. For the 1.091-MHz sonications, the first type of damage that occurred due to the US interaction was structural damage to the cartilage rods that comprise the tail of the fish, and was characterized by a disintegration of the lining of the rod. Damage to the rods occurred, starting at 3.5 MPa, 3.1 MPa, 4.1 MPa and 5.5 MPa for the 100-ms, 10-ms, 1-ms and 100-micros sonications, respectively. The formation of large gas bubbles was observed in the blood vessels of the fish at threshold values of 3.8 MPa, 3.8 MPa and 5.3 MPa, for the 100-ms, 10-ms and 1-ms sonications, respectively. Neither gas bubble formation nor hemorrhaging was observed during 100-micros sonications. Bubble formation was always accompanied by an increase of damage to the rods at the area surrounding the bubble. At 1.091 MHz, petechial hemorrhage thresholds were observed at 4.1 MPa, 4.1 MPa and 6.1 MPa, respectively, for the three pulse durations. The thresholds for damage were the lowest for the 0.747-MHz sonications: they were 2.6 MPa for damage to the rods, 3.7 MPa for gas bubble formation and 2.4 MPa for hemorrhaging.

Effect of Shock Loading on Rock Properties and in situ States.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

site to contain a nuclear event, con- siderable effort was spent in obtaining the stresses, via the overcore technique and hydraulic fracturing . The...Dining Car region indicated, via hydraulic fracturing , a minimum in situ stress of about 3.8 MPa and via the overcore technique, approximately 2.8 MPa...decreased to about 1.2 MPa, as compared to a pre-Dining Car stress of 3-3.5 MPa. These measurements were obtained via a combina- tion of hydraulic

Metabolic costs imposed by hydrostatic pressure constrain bathymetric range in the lithodid crab Lithodes maja.

PubMed

Brown, Alastair; Thatje, Sven; Morris, James P; Oliphant, Andrew; Morgan, Elizabeth A; Hauton, Chris; Jones, Daniel O B; Pond, David W

2017-11-01

The changing climate is shifting the distributions of marine species, yet the potential for shifts in depth distributions is virtually unexplored. Hydrostatic pressure is proposed to contribute to a physiological bottleneck constraining depth range extension in shallow-water taxa. However, bathymetric limitation by hydrostatic pressure remains undemonstrated, and the mechanism limiting hyperbaric tolerance remains hypothetical. Here, we assess the effects of hydrostatic pressure in the lithodid crab Lithodes maja (bathymetric range 4-790 m depth, approximately equivalent to 0.1 to 7.9 MPa hydrostatic pressure). Heart rate decreased with increasing hydrostatic pressure, and was significantly lower at ≥10.0 MPa than at 0.1 MPa. Oxygen consumption increased with increasing hydrostatic pressure to 12.5 MPa, before decreasing as hydrostatic pressure increased to 20.0 MPa; oxygen consumption was significantly higher at 7.5-17.5 MPa than at 0.1 MPa. Increases in expression of genes associated with neurotransmission, metabolism and stress were observed between 7.5 and 12.5 MPa. We suggest that hyperbaric tolerance in L maja may be oxygen-limited by hyperbaric effects on heart rate and metabolic rate, but that L maja 's bathymetric range is limited by metabolic costs imposed by the effects of high hydrostatic pressure. These results advocate including hydrostatic pressure in a complex model of environmental tolerance, where energy limitation constrains biogeographic range, and facilitate the incorporation of hydrostatic pressure into the broader metabolic framework for ecology and evolution. Such an approach is crucial for accurately projecting biogeographic responses to changing climate, and for understanding the ecology and evolution of life at depth. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

High Pressure Burn Rate Measurements on an Ammonium Perchlorate Propellant

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

Glascoe, E A; Tan, N

2010-04-21

High pressure deflagration rate measurements of a unique ammonium perchlorate (AP) based propellant are required to design the base burn motor for a Raytheon weapon system. The results of these deflagration rate measurements will be key in assessing safety and performance of the system. In particular, the system may experience transient pressures on the order of 100's of MPa (10's kPSI). Previous studies on similar AP based materials demonstrate that low pressure (e.g. P < 10 MPa or 1500 PSI) burn rates can be quite different than the elevated pressure deflagration rate measurements (see References and HPP results discussed herein),more » hence elevated pressure measurements are necessary in order understand the deflagration behavior under relevant conditions. Previous work on explosives have shown that at 100's of MPa some explosives will transition from a laminar burn mechanism to a convective burn mechanism in a process termed deconsolidative burning. The resulting burn rates that are orders-of-magnitude faster than the laminar burn rates. Materials that transition to the deconsolidative-convective burn mechanism at elevated pressures have been shown to be considerably more violent in confined heating experiments (i.e. cook-off scenarios). The mechanisms of propellant and explosive deflagration are extremely complex and include both chemical, and mechanical processes, hence predicting the behavior and rate of a novel material or formulation is difficult if not impossible. In this work, the AP/HTPB based material, TAL-1503 (B-2049), was burned in a constant volume apparatus in argon up to 300 MPa (ca. 44 kPSI). The burn rate and pressure were measured in-situ and used to calculate a pressure dependent burn rate. In general, the material appears to burn in a laminar fashion at these elevated pressures. The experiment was reproduced multiple times and the burn rate law using the best data is B = (0.6 {+-} 0.1) x P{sup (1.05{+-}0.02)} where B is the burn rate in mm/s and P is the pressure in units of MPa. Details of the experimental method, results and data analysis are discussed herein and briefly compared to other AP based materials that have been measured in this apparatus.« less

Cyclic formation and dissociation of methane hydrate within partially water saturated sand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kneafsey, T. J.; Nakagawa, S.

2010-12-01

For partially water-saturated sediments, laboratory experiments have shown that methane hydrate forms heterogeneously within a sample at the core scale. The heterogeneous distribution of hydrate in combination with grain-scale hydrate location (eg. grain cementing, load bearing, and pore filling), determines the overall mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments including shear strength and seismic properties. For this reason, understanding the heterogeneity of hydrate-bearing sample is essential when the bulk properties of the sample are examined in the laboratory. We present a series of laboratory methane hydrate formation and dissociation experiments with concurrent x-ray CT imaging and low-frequency (near 1 kHz) seismic measurements. The seismic measurements were conducted using a new acoustic resonant bar technique called the Split Hopkinson Resonant Bar method, which allows using a small sediment core (3.75 cm diameter, 7.5 cm length). The experiment was conducted using a jacketed, pre-compacted, fine-grain silica sand sample with a 40% distilled water saturation. Under isotropic confining stress of 6.9 MPa and a temperature 4 oC, the hydrate was formed in the sample by injecting pure methane gas at 5.6 MPa. Once the hydrate formed, it was dissociated by reducing the pore pressure to 2.8 MPa. This cycle was repeated by three times (dissociation test for the third cycle was not done) to examine the resulting changes in the hydrate distribution and seismic signatures. The repeated formation of hydrate resulted in significant changes in its distribution, which resulted in differences in the overall elastic properties of the sample, determined from the seismic measurements. Interestingly, the time intervals between the dissociation and subsequent formation of hydrate affected the rate of hydrate formation, shorter intervals resulting in faster formation. This memory effect, possibly caused by the presence of residual “seed crystals” in the pore water providing nucleation points for hydrate formation, did not result in rapid formation at all locations in the sample. In spite of heterogeneity, observed seismic properties were very similar for the two measurements during dissociation.

Effects of topically applied rapamycin and mycophenolic acid on TNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

PubMed

Jung, Kyung Eun; Lee, Ye Jin; Ryu, Yun Hee; Kim, Jung Eun; Kim, Hei Sung; Kim, Beom Joon; Kang, Hoon; Park, Young Min

2015-06-01

Rapamycin (RPM) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) are immunosuppressive drugs approved for use in preventing transplant rejection. These drugs have also been used in the field of dermatology as glucocorticoid sparing agents for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of topically applied RPM and/or MPA on AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. RPM (0.04% - 4%), MPA (0.2% - 5%), and formulations of both agents at various ratios were administrated topically to NC/Nga mice with 2-chloro-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions. The therapeutic effects of topical RPM, MPA, and the mixed formulations in TNCB-treated NC/Nga mice were assessed by measuring skin severity scores, ear thickness, and histological changes in the lesioned skin including mast cell count and total serum IgE levels. Expression of interleukin (IL)-4, and interferon (IFN)-γ was also assessed. Topical 4% RPM and/or 1% MPA treatment significantly improved clinical signs of AD such as erythema, edema, excoriation, and dryness on day 29 (P<0.05). In addition, 4% RPM, 1% MPA, and the mixed formulations significantly decreased epidermal thickening, dermal edema, and cellular infiltration into the dermis compared with the vehicle. RPM (4%) and/or MPA (1%) significantly reduced the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ mRNA and protein levels compared with the vehicle (P<0.05). No significant change in the levels of total serum IgE was induced by topical 4% RPM and/or 1% MPA. The present results demonstrated that topical 4% RPM and/or 1% MPA improved TNCB-induced AD-like lesions of NC/Nga mice by suppressing expression of Th2-related cytokines (IL-4) and Th1-related cytokines (IFN-γ). These findings suggest that RPM and/or MPA may be promising topical therapeutic candidates for the treatment of AD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in hard clams (Mercanaria mercanaria) by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and the effect of HHP on the physical characteristics of hard clam meat.

PubMed

Mootian, Gabriel K; Flimlin, George E; Karwe, Mukund V; Schaffner, Donald W

2013-02-01

Shellfish may internalize dangerous pathogens during filter feeding. Traditional methods of depuration have been found ineffective against certain pathogens. The objective was to explore high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) as an alternative to the traditional depuration process. The effect of HHP on the survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in live clams (Mercanaria mercanaria) and the impact of HHP on physical characteristics of clam meat were investigated. Clams were inoculated with up to 7 log CFU/g of a cocktail of V. parahaemolyticus strains via filter feeding. Clams were processed at pressures ranging from 250 to 552 MPa for hold times ranging between 2 and 6 min. Processing conditions of 450 MPa for 4 min and 350 MPa for 6 min reduced the initial concentration of V. parahaemolyticus to a nondetectable level (<10(1) CFU/g), achieving >5 log reductions. The volume of clam meat (processed in shell) increased with negligible change in mass after exposure to pressure at 552 MPa for 3 min, while the drip loss was reduced. Clams processed at 552 MPa were softer compared to those processed at 276 MPa. However, all HHP processed clams were found to be harder compared to unprocessed. The lightness (L*) of the meat increased although the redness (a*) decreased with increasing pressure. Although high pressure-processed clams may pose a significantly lower risk from V. parahaemolyticus, the effect of the accompanied physical changes on the consumer's decision to purchase HHP clams remains to be determined. Shellfish may contain dangerous foodborne pathogens. Traditional methods of removing those pathogen have been found ineffective against certain pathogens. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of high hydrostatic pressure on V. parahaemolyticus in clams. Processing conditions of 450 MPa for 4 min and 350 MPa for 6 min reduced the initial concentration of V. parahaemolyticus to a nondetectable level, achieving >5 log reductions. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Mycophenolic acid induces ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression through the PPAR{gamma}-LXR{alpha}-ABCA1 pathway

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

Xu, Yanni; Lai, Fangfang; Xu, Yang

2011-11-04

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Using an ABCA1p-LUC HepG2 cell line, we found that MPA upregulated ABCA1 expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MPA induced ABCA1 and LXR{alpha} protein expression in HepG2 cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PPAR{gamma} antagonist GW9662 markedly inhibited MPA-induced ABCA1 and LXR{alpha} protein expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The effect of MPA upregulating ABCA1 was due mainly to activation of the PPAR{gamma}-LXR{alpha}-ABCA1 pathway. -- Abstract: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) promotes cholesterol and phospholipid efflux from cells to lipid-poor apolipoprotein A-I and plays an important role in atherosclerosis. In a previous study, we developed a high-throughput screening method using an ABCA1p-LUC HepG2 cell line to find upregulators of ABCA1.more » Using this method in the present study, we found that mycophenolic acid (MPA) upregulated ABCA1 expression (EC50 = 0.09 {mu}M). MPA upregulation of ABCA1 expression was confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analysis in HepG2 cells. Previous work has indicated that MPA is a potent agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR{gamma}; EC50 = 5.2-9.3 {mu}M). Liver X receptor {alpha} (LXR{alpha}) is a target gene of PPAR{gamma} and may directly regulate ABCA1 expression. Western blot analysis showed that MPA induced LXR{alpha} protein expression in HepG2 cells. Addition of PPAR{gamma} antagonist GW9662 markedly inhibited MPA-induced ABCA1 and LXR{alpha} protein expression. These data suggest that MPA increased ABCA1 expression mainly through activation of PPAR{gamma}. Thus, the effects of MPA on upregulation of ABCA1 expression were due mainly to activation of the PPAR{gamma}-LXR{alpha}-ABCA1 signaling pathway. This is the first report that the antiatherosclerosis activity of MPA is due to this mechanism.« less

Combined effects of high pressure and sodium hydrogen carbonate treatment on beef: improvement of texture and color

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnuma, Shun; Kim, Yun-Jung; Suzuki, Atsushi; Nishiumi, Tadayuki

2013-06-01

We investigated the effect of combined high pressure and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) treatment on the physical properties and color of silverside Australian beef. Meat samples were pressurized at 100-500 MPa and the water content, weight reduction, rupture stress, and meat color were determined. The water content of meat treated with NaHCO3 and high pressure (300 MPa) reached a maximum of 70.1%. Weight reduction tended to decrease with high pressure treatment at 300 MPa. Meats treated with NaHCO3 and high pressure at 400 MPa showed a>50% decrease in hardness. Whitening of the meat was reduced by the combined high pressure and NaHCO3 treatment. Therefore, the combined high pressure and NaHCO3 treatment is effective for improvement of beef quality.

Energy Dissipation in Calico Hills Tuff due to Pore Collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lockner, D. A.; Morrow, C. A.

2008-12-01

Laboratory tests indicate that the weakest portions of the Calico Hills tuff formation are at or near yield stress under in situ conditions and that the energy expended during incremental loading can be more than 90 percent irrecoverable. The Calico Hills tuff underlies the Yucca Mountain waste repository site at a depth of 400 to 500 m within the unsaturated zone. The formation is highly variable in the degree of both vitrification and zeolitization. Since 1980, a number of boreholes penetrated this formation to provide site characterization for the YM repository. In the past, standard strength measurements were conducted on core samples from the drillholes. However, a significant sampling bias occurred in that tests were preferentially conducted on highly vitrified, higher-strength samples. In fact, the most recent holes were drilled with a dry coring technique that would pulverize the weakest layers, leaving none of this material for testing. We have re-examined Calico Hills samples preserved at the YM Core Facility and selected the least vitrified examples (some cores exceeded 50 percent porosity) for mechanical testing. Three basic tests were performed: (i) hydrostatic crushing tests (to 350 MPa), (ii) standard triaxial deformation tests at constant effective confining pressure (to 70 MPa), and (iii) plane strain tests with initial conditions similar to in situ stresses. In all cases, constant pore pressure of 10 MPa was maintained using argon gas as a pore fluid and pore volume loss was monitored during deformation. The strongest samples typically failed along discrete fractures in agreement with standard Mohr-Coulomb failure. The weaker, high porosity samples, however, would fail by pure pore collapse or by a combined shear-induced compaction mechanism similar to failure mechanisms described for porous sandstones and carbonates. In the plane-strain experiments, energy dissipation due to pore collapse was determined for eventual input into dynamic wave calculations. These calculations will simulate ground accelerations at the YM repository due to propagation of high-amplitude compressional waves generated by scenario earthquakes. As an example, in one typical test on a sample with 43 percent starting porosity, an axial stress increase of 25 MPa resulted from 6 percent shortening and energy dissipation (due to grain crushing and pore collapse) of approximately 1.5x106 J/m3. Under proper conditions, this dissipation mechanism could represent a significant absorption of radiated seismic energy and the possible shielding of the repository from extreme ground shaking.

Effect of surface modifications on the bond strength of zirconia ceramic with resin cement resin.

PubMed

Hallmann, Lubica; Ulmer, Peter; Lehmann, Frank; Wille, Sebastian; Polonskyi, Oleksander; Johannes, Martina; Köbel, Stefan; Trottenberg, Thomas; Bornholdt, Sven; Haase, Fabian; Kersten, Holger; Kern, Matthias

2016-05-01

Purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface modifications on the tensile bond strength between zirconia ceramic and resin. Zirconia ceramic surfaces were treated with 150-μm abrasive alumina particles, 150-μm abrasive zirconia particles, argon-ion bombardment, gas plasma, and piranha solution (H2SO4:H2O2=3:1). In addition, slip casting surfaces were examined. Untreated surfaces were used as the control group. Tensile bond strengths (TBS) were measured after water storage for 3 days or 150 days with additional 37,500 thermal cycling for artificial aging. Statistical analyses were performed with 1-way and 3-way ANOVA, followed by comparison of means with the Tukey HSD test. After storage in distilled water for three days at 37 °C, the highest mean tensile bond strengths (TBS) were observed for zirconia ceramic surfaces abraded with 150-μm abrasive alumina particles (TBS(AAP)=37.3 MPa, TBS(CAAP)=40.4 MPa), and 150-μm abrasive zirconia particles (TBS(AZP)=34.8 MPa, TBS(CAZP)=35.8 MPa). Also a high TBS was observed for specimens treated with argon-ion bombardment (TBS(BAI)=37.8 MPa). After 150 days of storage, specimens abraded with 150-μm abrasive alumina particles and 150-μm abrasive zirconia particles revealed high TBS (TBS(AAP)=37.6 MPa, TBS(CAAP)=33.0 MPa, TBS(AZP)=22.1 MPa and TBS(CAZP)=22.8 MPa). A high TBS was observed also for specimens prepared with slip casting (TBS(SC)=30.0 MPa). A decrease of TBS was observed for control specimens (TBS(UNT)=12.5 MPa, TBS(CUNT)=9.0 MPa), specimens treated with argon-ion bombardment (TBS(BAI)=10.3 MPa) and gas plasma (TBS(GP)=11.0 MPa). A decrease of TBS was observed also for specimens treated with piranha solution (TBS(PS)=3.9 MPa, TBS(CPS)=4.1 MPa). A significant difference in TBS after three days storage was observed for specimens treated with different methods (p<0.001). Thermal cycling significantly reduced TBS for all groups (p<0.001) excluding groups: AAP(p>0.05), CAAP(p>0.05) and SC(p>0.05). However, the failure patterns of debonded specimens prepared with 150-μm abrasive zirconia particles were 96.7% cohesive. Treatment of zirconia ceramic surfaces with abrasive zirconia particles is a promising method to increase the tensile bond strength without significant damage of the ceramic surface itself. An alternative promising method is slip casting. Copyright © 2016 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synergistic Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure, Mild Heating, and Amino Acids on Germination and Inactivation of Clostridium sporogenes Spores

PubMed Central

Ishimori, Takateru; Takahashi, Katsutoshi; Goto, Masato; Nakagawa, Suguru; Kasai, Yoshiaki; Konagaya, Yukifumi; Batori, Hiroshi; Kobayashi, Atsushi

2012-01-01

The synergistic effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), mild heating, and amino acids on the germination of Clostridium sporogenes spores were examined by determining the number of surviving spores that returned to vegetative growth after pasteurization following these treatments. Pressurization at 200 MPa at a temperature higher than 40°C and treatment with some of the 19 l-amino acids at 10 mM or higher synergistically facilitated germination. When one of these factors was omitted, the level of germination was insignificant. Pressures of 100 and 400 MPa were less effective than 200 MPa. The spores were effectively inactivated by between 1.8 and 4.8 logs by pasteurization at 80°C after pressurization at 200 MPa at 45°C for 120 min with one of the amino acids with moderate hydrophobicity, such as Leu, Phe, Cys Met, Ala, Gly, or Ser. However, other amino acids showed poor inactivation effects of less than 0.9 logs. Spores in solutions containing 80 mM of either Leu, Phe, Cys, Met, Ala, Gly, or Ser were successfully inactivated by pasteurization by more than 5.4 logs after pressurization at 200 MPa at 70°C for 15 to 120 min. Ala and Met reduced the spore viability by 2.8 and 1.8 logs, respectively, by pasteurization at a concentration of 1 mM under 200 MPa at 70°C. These results indicate that germination of the spores is facilitated by a combination of high hydrostatic pressure, mild heating, and amino acids. PMID:22983975

Prescription of medroxyprogesterone acetate to a patient with pedophilia, resulting in Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.

PubMed

Krueger, Richard B; Hembree, Wylie; Hill, Michael

2006-04-01

This article provides a case report of a patient with pedophilia who was treated over a 4-year period with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) at a dose of 300 mg/day and as a consequence developed Cushing's Syndrome and adrenal insufficiency, for which he was treated and from which he recovered. He also reported a hypersexual reaction to his own past cessation of MPA. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, which have a more benign side-effect profile than MPA, are suggested as an alternative to MPA.

Competitive FRET-aptamer-based detection of methylphosphonic acid, a common nerve agent metabolite.

PubMed

Bruno, John G; Carrillo, Maria P; Phillips, Taylor; Vail, Neal K; Hanson, Douglas

2008-09-01

Competitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-aptamer-based assay formats are described for one-step detection of methylphosphonic acid (MPA; a metabolite of several organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents). AminoMPA was attached to tosyl-magnetic beads and used for DNA aptamer selection from which one dominant aptamer sequence emerged. Two different FRET approaches were attempted. In one approach, the complementary DNA sequence was used as a template for labeling the aptamer with Alexa Fluor 546 (AF 546)-14-dUTP by asymmetric PCR. Following 3-dimensional (3-D), molecular modeling of the aptamer-MPA complex, a series of three fluoresceinated aptamers labeled at positions 50, 51, and 52 in the putative optimal binding pocket were synthesized. In both FRET formats, aminoMPA was linked to Black Hole Quencher (BHQ-1 or BHQ-2)-succinimides and allowed to bind the fluorescein or AF 546-labeled MPA aptamer. Following gel filtration to purify the labeled MPA aptamer-BHQ-aminoMPA FRET complexes, the complexes were competed against various concentrations of unlabeled MPA, MPA derivatives, and unrelated compounds in titration and cross-reactivity studies. Both approaches yielded low microgram per milliliter detection limits for MPA with generally low levels of cross-reactivity for unrelated compounds. However, the data suggest a pattern of traits that may effect the direction (lights on or off) and intensity of the FRET.

Influence of porosity and groundmass crystallinity on dome rock strength: a case study from Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zorn, Edgar U.; Rowe, Michael C.; Cronin, Shane J.; Ryan, Amy G.; Kennedy, Lori A.; Russell, James K.

2018-04-01

Lava domes pose a significant hazard to infrastructure, human lives and the environment when they collapse. Their stability is partly dictated by internal mechanical properties. Here, we present a detailed investigation into the lithology and composition of a < 250-year-old lava dome exposed at the summit of Mt. Taranaki in the western North Island of New Zealand. We also examined samples from 400 to 600-year-old block-and-ash flow deposits, formed by the collapse of earlier, short-lived domes extruded at the same vent. Rocks with variable porosity and groundmass crystallinity were compared using measured compressive and tensile strength, derived from deformation experiments performed at room temperature and low (3 MPa) confining pressures. Based on data obtained, porosity exerts the main control on rock strength and mode of failure. High porosity (> 23%) rocks show low rock strength (< 41 MPa) and dominantly ductile failure, whereas lower porosity rocks (5-23%) exhibit higher measured rock strengths (up to 278 MPa) and brittle failure. Groundmass crystallinity, porosity and rock strength are intercorrelated. High groundmass crystal content is inversely related to low porosity, implying crystallisation and degassing of a slowly undercooled magma that experienced rheological stiffening under high pressures deeper within the conduit. This is linked to a slow magma ascent rate and results in a lava dome with higher rock strength. Samples with low groundmass crystallinity are associated with higher porosity and lower rock strength, and represent magma that ascended more rapidly, with faster undercooling, and solidification in the upper conduit at low pressures. Our experimental results show that the inherent strength of rocks within a growing dome may vary considerably depending on ascent/emplacement rates, thus significantly affecting dome stability and collapse hazards.

Micro- and macro-behaviour of fluid flow through rock fractures: an experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenyu; Nemcik, Jan; Ma, Shuqi

2013-12-01

Microscopic and macroscopic behaviour of fluid flow through rough-walled rock fractures was experimentally investigated. Advanced microfluidic technology was introduced to examine the microscopic viscous and inertial effects of water flow through rock fractures in the vicinity of voids under different flow velocities, while the macroscopic behaviour of fracture flow was investigated by carrying out triaxial flow tests through fractured sandstone under confining stresses ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 MPa. The flow tests show that the microscopic inertial forces increase with the flow velocity with significant effects on the local flow pattern near the voids. With the increase in flow velocity, the deviation of the flow trajectories is reduced but small eddies appear inside the cavities. The results of the macroscopic flow tests show that the linear Darcy flow occurs for mated rock fractures due to small aperture, while a nonlinear deviation of the flow occurs at relatively high Reynolds numbers in non-mated rock fracture (Re > 32). The microscopic experiments suggest that the pressure loss consumed by the eddies inside cavities could contribute to the nonlinear fluid flow behaviour through rock joints. It is found that such nonlinear flow behaviour is best matched with the quadratic-termed Forchheimer equation.

Analysis of the Effect of Injection Pressure on Ignition Delay and Combustion Process of Biodiesel from Palm Oil, Algae and Waste Cooking Oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irham Anas, Mohd; Khalid, Amir; Hakim Zulkifli, Fathul; Jaat, Norrizam; Faisal Hushim, Mohd; Manshoor, Bukhari; Zaman, Izzuddin

2017-10-01

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease for use in diesel engines. The objective of this research is investigation the effects of the variant injection pressure on ignition delay and emission for different biodiesel using rapid compression machine. Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) is used to simulate a single compression stroke of an internal combustion engine as a real engine. Four types of biodiesel which are waste cooking oil, crude palm oil, algae and jatropha were tested at injection pressure of 80 MPa, 90 MPa and 130 MPa under constant ambient temperature at 950 K. Increased in injection pressure resulted shorter ignition delay proven by WCO5 which decreased from 1.3 ms at 80 MPa to 0.7 ms at 130 MPa. Meanwhile, emission for CO2 increased due to better fuel atomization for fuel-air mixture formation lead to completed combustion.

Statistical Characterization of the Mechanical Parameters of Intact Rock Under Triaxial Compression: An Experimental Proof of the Jinping Marble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Quan; Zhong, Shan; Cui, Jie; Feng, Xia-Ting; Song, Leibo

2016-12-01

We investigated the statistical characteristics and probability distribution of the mechanical parameters of natural rock using triaxial compression tests. Twenty cores of Jinping marble were tested under each different levels of confining stress (i.e., 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 MPa). From these full stress-strain data, we summarized the numerical characteristics and determined the probability distribution form of several important mechanical parameters, including deformational parameters, characteristic strength, characteristic strains, and failure angle. The statistical proofs relating to the mechanical parameters of rock presented new information about the marble's probabilistic distribution characteristics. The normal and log-normal distributions were appropriate for describing random strengths of rock; the coefficients of variation of the peak strengths had no relationship to the confining stress; the only acceptable random distribution for both Young's elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio was the log-normal function; and the cohesive strength had a different probability distribution pattern than the frictional angle. The triaxial tests and statistical analysis also provided experimental evidence for deciding the minimum reliable number of experimental sample and for picking appropriate parameter distributions to use in reliability calculations for rock engineering.

A Gas Pressure Scale Based on Primary Standard Piston Gauges

PubMed Central

Olson, Douglas A.; Driver, R. Greg; Bowers, Walter J.

2010-01-01

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has redefined its gas pressure scale, up to 17 MPa, based on two primary standard piston gauges. The primary standard piston gauges are 35.8 mm in diameter and operate from 20 kPa to 1 MPa. Ten secondary standard piston gauges, two each of five series of the Ruska 2465 type, with successively smaller diameters form the scale extending up to 17 MPa. Six of the piston gauges were directly compared to the primary standards to determine their effective area and expanded (k = 2) uncertainty. Two piston gauges operating to 7 MPa were compared to the 1.4 MPa gauges, and two piston gauges operating to 17 MPa were compared to the 7 MPa gauges. Distortion in the 7 MPa piston gauges was determined by comparing those gauges to a DH Instruments PG7601 type piston gauge, whose distortion was calculated using elasticity theory. The relative standard uncertainties achieved by the primary standards range from 3.0 × 10−6 to 3.2 × 10−6. The relative standard uncertainty of the secondary standards is as low as 4.2 × 10−6 at 300 kPa. The effective areas and uncertainties were validated by comparison to standards of other National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). Results show agreement in all cases to better than the expanded (k = 2) uncertainty of the difference between NIST and the other NMIs, and in most cases to better than the standard (k = 1) uncertainty of the difference. PMID:27134793

Caprock integrity susceptibility to permeable fracture creation

DOE PAGES

Frash, Luke; Carey, James William; Ickes, Timothy Lee; ...

2017-07-14

Caprock leakage is of crucial concern for environmentally and economically sustainable development of carbon dioxide sequestration and utilization operations. One potential leakage pathway is through fractures or faults that penetrate the caprock. In this study, we investigate the permeability induced by fracturing initially intact Marcellus shale outcrop specimens at stressed conditions using a triaxial direct-shear method. Measurements of induced permeability, fracture geometry, displacement, and applied stresses were all obtained at stressed conditions to investigate the coupled processes of fracturing and fluid flow as may occur in the subsurface. Fracture geometry was directly observed at stressed conditions using X-ray radiography video.more » Numerical simulation was performed to evaluate the stress distribution developed in the experiments. Our experiments show that permeability induced by fracturing is strongly dependent on the stresses at which the fractures are created, the magnitude of shearing displacement, and the duration of flow. The strongest permeability contrast was observed when comparing specimens fractured at low stress to others fractured at higher stress. Measureable fracture permeability decreased by up to 7 orders of magnitude over a corresponding triaxial confining stress range of 3.5 MPa to 30 MPa. These results show that increasing stress, depth, and time are all significant permeability inhibitors that may limit potential leakage through fractured caprock.« less

Caprock integrity susceptibility to permeable fracture creation

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

Frash, Luke; Carey, James William; Ickes, Timothy Lee

Caprock leakage is of crucial concern for environmentally and economically sustainable development of carbon dioxide sequestration and utilization operations. One potential leakage pathway is through fractures or faults that penetrate the caprock. In this study, we investigate the permeability induced by fracturing initially intact Marcellus shale outcrop specimens at stressed conditions using a triaxial direct-shear method. Measurements of induced permeability, fracture geometry, displacement, and applied stresses were all obtained at stressed conditions to investigate the coupled processes of fracturing and fluid flow as may occur in the subsurface. Fracture geometry was directly observed at stressed conditions using X-ray radiography video.more » Numerical simulation was performed to evaluate the stress distribution developed in the experiments. Our experiments show that permeability induced by fracturing is strongly dependent on the stresses at which the fractures are created, the magnitude of shearing displacement, and the duration of flow. The strongest permeability contrast was observed when comparing specimens fractured at low stress to others fractured at higher stress. Measureable fracture permeability decreased by up to 7 orders of magnitude over a corresponding triaxial confining stress range of 3.5 MPa to 30 MPa. These results show that increasing stress, depth, and time are all significant permeability inhibitors that may limit potential leakage through fractured caprock.« less

The influence of water and redox conditions on the seismic properties of olivine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cline, C. J., II; Jackson, I.; Faul, U.; David, E. C.; Berry, A.

2017-12-01

Eight polycrystalline olivine specimens of both synthetic (solution-gelation derived) and natural (San Carlos) origins were fabricated by hot-pressing at 1200°C and 300 MPa. Amongst these specimens, six contained varying concentrations of Ti, allowing control of hydroxyl (or `water') content through the creation of the energetically favored Ti-clinohumite-like defect (doubly protonated Si vacancy associated with a Ti/Mg substitution). Along with a Ti-free Fo90 specimen, these materials have Ti contents ranging between 0 and 802 atom ppm Ti/Si and associated chemically bound `water' contents between 0 and 1150 atom ppm H/Si, along with molecular water concentrations between 0 and 245 atom ppm H/Si. Each hot-pressed specimen was then subsequently wrapped in Pt, Ni or NiFe foil to control oxygen fugacity (fO2), and interrogated under water-undersaturated conditions via forced torsional oscillation. Testing was conducted at seismic periods of 1 - 1000 s and 200 MPa confining pressure during slow staged cooling from 1200 to 25°C. All specimens, regardless of water content or metal sleeving, exhibit high temperature background behavior, involving monotonically increasing levels of dissipation and concomitantly decreasing shear modulus with increasing oscillation period and increasing temperature. Our experimental results demonstrate unambiguously that water content (and water fugacity) has a negligible effect on the measured seismic properties olivine. Rather, a relationship between the prevailing redox conditions set by the metal sleeving and the magnitude of anelastic relaxation was observed. These results suggest that low velocity and high attenuation anomalies in the upper mantle are not due to elevated water contents. Instead, in oxidized and hydrous regions above subducting slabs and perhaps in the oceanic asthenosphere, high attenuation may reflect elevated fO2 conditions.

Mechanical-Stratigraphic Characterization of the Eagle Ford Formation in Outcrop and Core, McMullen and Terrell Counties, Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, G.; Chester, J. S.; Chester, F. M.

2017-12-01

The objective of this project is to characterize the geomechanical properties of individual and composite lithologic units over length scales of decimeter to tens of meters. We have characterized the stratigraphy and lithology of the Eagle Ford Formation in outcrops at Lozier and Antonio Canyons of West TX, and in core taken at 3.2 km depth in McMullen County, TX. Dominant lithologies examined include reworked ash layers, argillaceous mudstone, organic-rich mudstone, foraminifera wackestone, packstone, pyritic packstone, and foraminifera/dolomitic packstone-grainstone. Samples of these units are deformed in triaxial compression at 1- 40 MPa confining pressure (Pc), and room temperature and humidity. The elastic properties, pre-fracture yielding (ductility), and fracture strength are primarily a function of particle size, texture (degree of mud versus grain support), and composition. Young's Modulus (YM) and Poison's Ratio (PR) increase similarly with an increase in grain-support and carbonate content, and a decrease in organic matter and clay. The greatest change occurs at the transition from mud-supported to grain-supported textures where YM and PR increase by a factor of 3 and 1.5, respectively. Both YM and PR can display anisotropy with directional variation of 30%, most notably in micro-laminated units, but also in the more massive pyritic packstones. Overall, pre-fracture ductility decreases with an increase in carbonate content; ductile strain in the argillaceous- and organic-rich-mudstones is 1.4%, 3-4 times greater than that in the packstone/grainstone. Fracture strength increases with an increase in carbonate content and a decrease in clay content. The organic rich mudstone fails at 130 MPa, is nearly 2 times stronger than argillaceous mudstones, and 50% weaker than packstone/grainstones at 1 MPa Pc. The angle of internal friction is 45 degrees for all lithologies, consistent with a transition in fracture from opening- to shear-mode between 1 to 15 MPa Pc. These data indicate that the Eagle Ford Formation is mechanically anisotropic at all length scales, and although elastic and inelastic properties correlate overall, significant variations between properties reflect differences in dependence on composition and texture.

Hydrostatic pressure modifies the action of octanol and atropine on frog endplate conductance.

PubMed Central

Ashford, M. L.; Macdonald, A. G.; Wann, K. T.

1984-01-01

The effects of octanol, ethanol and atropine were examined on the time course of decay (tau D) of miniature endplate currents (m.e.p.cs) in the frog neuromuscular junction at normal and high pressure. Octanol (25-100 microM) decreased reversibly the tau D of m.e.p.cs in a dose-dependent manner, 100 microM reducing tau D to 0.39 of the control value. Higher concentrations (200-500 microM) additionally depressed the amplitude of m.e.p.cs. Hydrostatic pressure (3.19 and 5.25 MPa) reduced the tau D of octanol (25-100 microM)-shortened m.e.p.cs. Thus 3.19 MPa and 5.25 MPa reduced the tau D in the presence of 100 microM octanol to 0.75 and 0.78 of the octanol treated values. This effect was not completely reversed on decompression. The m.e.p.c. amplitude is reversibly decreased by pressure in the presence of octanol. Hydrostatic pressure (3.19-15.55 MPa) did not modify the effect of ethanol on tau D. At 10.40 and 15.55 MPa the tau D was increased equally in the absence or presence of ethanol. Atropine (60 microM) reduced the tau D and amplitude of m.e.p.cs to 0.33 and 0.63 of the control values. These effects were completely reversible. Hydrostatic pressure (3.19 and 5.25 MPa) reduced the tau D of atropine-shortened m.e.p.cs to 0.82 and 0.77 of the atropine-treated values respectively. This effect was not completely reversed on decompression. Hydrostatic pressure also reversibly depressed the amplitude of atropine-treated m.e.p.cs. The implications of these drug-hydrostatic pressure interactions are discussed. PMID:6333262

Development and testing of a new framework for rapidly assessing legal and managerial protection afforded by marine protected areas: Mediterranean Sea case study.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D; Rodríguez, J; Abdul Malak, D

2016-02-01

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) states the need to effectively conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas of particular importance for biodiversity by 2020. Here, a new indicator-based methodological framework to assess biodiversity protection afforded by marine protected areas' (MPA) was developed as a quick surrogate for MPAs' potential conservation effectiveness: the Marine Protected Area Protection Assessment Framework (MaPAF). The MaPAF consists of a limited number of headline indicators that are integrated in two indexes: Legal protection and Management effort, which eventually integrate in the overall MPA Protection super-index. The MaPAF was then tested in the Mediterranean MPA network as a case study. Spatial analyses were performed at three meaningful scales: the whole Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean ecoregions and countries. The results of this study suggest that: 1) The MaPAF can serve as a useful tool for consistent, adaptive, quick and cost-effective MPA effectiveness assessments of MPAs and MPA networks in virtually any marine region, as the headline indicators used are commonly compiled and easy to retrieve; 2) The MaPAF proved usable and potentially relevant in the Mediterranean Sea where most indicators in the framework can be publicly accessed through the MAPAMED database and are planned to be regularly updated; 3) Protection afforded by MPAs is low across the whole Mediterranean, with only few MPAs having relatively high legal and managerial protection; and 4) Most Mediterranean countries need to devote substantially more work to improve MPA effectiveness mainly through increased management effort. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High pressure processing of meat: effects on ultrastructure and protein digestibility.

PubMed

Kaur, Lovedeep; Astruc, Thierry; Vénien, Annie; Loison, Olivier; Cui, Jian; Irastorza, Marion; Boland, Mike

2016-05-18

The effects of high pressure processing (HPP, at 175 and 600 MPa) on the ultrastructure and in vitro protein digestion of bovine longissimus dorsi muscle meat were studied. HPP caused a significant change in the visual appearance and texture of the meat subjected to HPP at 600 MPa so that it appeared similar to cooked meat, unlike the meat subjected to HPP at 175 MPa that showed no significant visible change in the colour and texture compared to the raw meat. The muscles were subjected to digestion under simulated gastric conditions for 1 h and then under simulated small-intestinal conditions for a further 2 h. The digests were analysed using gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and ninhydrin assay for amino N. The effect of the acid conditions of the stomach alone was also investigated. Reduced SDS-PAGE results showed that pepsin-digested (60 min) HPP meats showed fewer proteins or peptides of high molecular weight than the pepsin-digested untreated meat, suggesting more breakdown of the parent proteins in HPP-treated meats. This effect was more pronounced in the muscles treated at 600 MPa. These results are in accordance with microscopy results, which showed greater changes in the myofibrillar structure after simulated gastric digestion of the sample processed at 600 MPa than at 175 MPa. Transmission electron microscopy also showed the presence of protein aggregates in the former sample, resulting probably from protein denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins, in the subcellular space and between myofibrils; along with cell contraction (similar to that caused by heating) in the former.

Facile Synthesis and Optical Properties of Small Selenium Nanocrystals and Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Fengrui; Cai, Weiquan; Tan, Guolong

2017-06-01

Selenium is an important element for human's health, small size is very helpful for Se nanoparticles to be absorbed by human's body. Here, we present a facile approach to fabrication of small selenium nanoparticles (Nano-Se) as well as nanorods by dissolving sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) in glycerin and using glucose as the reduction agent. The as-prepared selenium nanoparticles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The morphology of small Se nanoparticles and nanorods have been demonstrated in the TEM images. A small amount of 3-mercaptoproprionic acid (MPA) and glycerin play a key role on controlling the particle size and stabilize the dispersion of Nano-Se in the glycerin solution. In this way, we obtained very small and uniform Se nanoparticles; whose size ranges from 2 to 6 nm. This dimension is much smaller than the best value (>20 nm) ever reported in the literatures. Strong quantum confinement effect has been observed upon the size-dependent optical spectrum of these Se nanoparticles.

Effects of fish movement assumptions on the design of a marine protected area to protect an overfished stock.

PubMed

Cornejo-Donoso, Jorge; Einarsson, Baldvin; Birnir, Bjorn; Gaines, Steven D

2017-01-01

Marine Protected Areas (MPA) are important management tools shown to protect marine organisms, restore biomass, and increase fisheries yields. While MPAs have been successful in meeting these goals for many relatively sedentary species, highly mobile organisms may get few benefits from this type of spatial protection due to their frequent movement outside the protected area. The use of a large MPA can compensate for extensive movement, but testing this empirically is challenging, as it requires both large areas and sufficient time series to draw conclusions. To overcome this limitation, MPA models have been used to identify designs and predict potential outcomes, but these simulations are highly sensitive to the assumptions describing the organism's movements. Due to recent improvements in computational simulations, it is now possible to include very complex movement assumptions in MPA models (e.g. Individual Based Model). These have renewed interest in MPA simulations, which implicitly assume that increasing the detail in fish movement overcomes the sensitivity to the movement assumptions. Nevertheless, a systematic comparison of the designs and outcomes obtained under different movement assumptions has not been done. In this paper, we use an individual based model, interconnected to population and fishing fleet models, to explore the value of increasing the detail of the movement assumptions using four scenarios of increasing behavioral complexity: a) random, diffusive movement, b) aggregations, c) aggregations that respond to environmental forcing (e.g. sea surface temperature), and d) aggregations that respond to environmental forcing and are transported by currents. We then compare these models to determine how the assumptions affect MPA design, and therefore the effective protection of the stocks. Our results show that the optimal MPA size to maximize fisheries benefits increases as movement complexity increases from ~10% for the diffusive assumption to ~30% when full environment forcing was used. We also found that in cases of limited understanding of the movement dynamics of a species, simplified assumptions can be used to provide a guide for the minimum MPA size needed to effectively protect the stock. However, using oversimplified assumptions can produce suboptimal designs and lead to a density underestimation of ca. 30%; therefore, the main value of detailed movement dynamics is to provide more reliable MPA design and predicted outcomes. Large MPAs can be effective in recovering overfished stocks, protect pelagic fish and provide significant increases in fisheries yields. Our models provide a means to empirically test this spatial management tool, which theoretical evidence consistently suggests as an effective alternative to managing highly mobile pelagic stocks.

The kinetics of dolomite reaction rim growth under isostatic and non-isostatic pressure conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helpa, V.; Rybacki, E.; Morales, L. G.; Abart, R.; Dresen, G. H.

2013-12-01

During burial and exhumation, rocks are simultaneously exposed to metamorphic reactions and tectonic stresses. Therefore, the reaction rate of newly formed minerals may depend on chemical and mechanical driving forces. Here, we investigate the reaction kinetics of dolomite (CaMg[CO3]2) rim growth by solid-state reactions experiments on oriented calcite (CaCO3) and magnesite (MgCO3) single crystals under isostatic and non-isostatic pressure conditions. Cylindrical samples of 3-5 mm length and 7 mm diameter were drilled and polished perpendicular to the rhombohedral cleavage planes of natural clear crystals. The tests were performed using a Paterson-type deformation apparatus at P = 400 MPa confining pressure, temperatures, T, between 750 and 850°C, and reaction durations, t, of 2 - 146 h to calculate the kinetic parameters of dolomite rim growth under isostatic stress conditions. For non-isostatic reaction experiments we applied in addition differential stresses, σ, up to 40 MPa perpendicular to the contact interface at T = 750°C for 4 - 171 h duration, initiating minor inelastic deformation of calcite. The thickness of the resulting dolomite reaction rims increases linearly with the square root of time, indicating a diffusion-controlled reaction. The rims consist of two different textural domains. Granular dolomite grains (≈ 2 -5 μm grain size) form next to calcite and elongated palisade-shaped grains (1-6 μm diameter) grow perpendicular to the magnesite interface. Texture measurements with the electron backscatter diffraction technique indicate that the orientations of dolomite grains are mainly influenced by the orientation of the calcite educt crystal, in particular in the granular rim. To some extent, the texture of dolomite palisades is also influenced by the orientation of magnesite. The thickness of the two individual layers increases with temperature. At 400 MPa isostatic pressure, T = 750°C and t = 29 hours, a 5 μm thick granular dolomite layer and a 7 μm thick palisade-shaped layer evolve. At similar conditions and a differential stress of 30 MPa, the rim thickness remains similar; consequently the effect of non-isostatic stress on dolomite rim growth is negligible. Platinum markers show that the initial calcite-magnesite interface is located between granular and palisade-forming dolomite, indicating that rim growth occurs by counter diffusion of MgO and CaO. Diffusion of MgO across the dolomite reaction rim into calcite forms additionally magnesio-calcite grains with diameters of ≈ 13 - 46 μm, depending on the experimental conditions and increasing with increasing distance to the dolomite boundary. At T = 750°C, t = 29 hours, the thickness of the magnesio-calcite layer is 32 μm (isostatic) - 35 μm (σ = 30 MPa). The experiments indicate that solid-state reaction rim growth of dolomite between calcite and magnesite is primarily controlled by diffusion of MgO and CaO, forming layers with different microstructures during growth into the educt phases. The kinetics of the reaction in the carbonate system are not significantly changed by differential stresses up to 40 MPa. We suggest that volume diffusion is the dominant transport mechanism, which is presumably less affected by non-isostatic stresses than grain boundary diffusion.

Differential Sensitivities of Fast- and Slow-Cycling Cancer Cells to Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase 2 Inhibition by Mycophenolic Acid

PubMed Central

Chen, Kan; Cao, Wanlu; Li, Juan; Sprengers, Dave; Hernanda, Pratika Y; Kong, Xiangdong; van der Laan, Luc JW; Man, Kwan; Kwekkeboom, Jaap; Metselaar, Herold J; Peppelenbosch, Maikel P; Pan, Qiuwei

2015-01-01

As uncontrolled cell proliferation requires nucleotide biosynthesis, inhibiting enzymes that mediate nucleotide biosynthesis constitutes a rational approach to the management of oncological diseases. In practice, however, results of this strategy are mixed and thus elucidation of the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade the effect of nucleotide biosynthesis restriction is urgently needed. Here we explored the notion that intrinsic differences in cancer cell cycle velocity are important in the resistance toward inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) by mycophenolic acid (MPA). In short-term experiments, MPA treatment of fast-growing cancer cells effectively elicited G0/G1 arrest and provoked apoptosis, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation. Forced expression of a mutated IMPDH2, lacking a binding site for MPA but retaining enzymatic activity, resulted in complete resistance of cancer cells to MPA. In nude mice subcutaneously engrafted with HeLa cells, MPA moderately delayed tumor formation by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Importantly, we developed a lentiviral vector–based Tet-on label-retaining system that enables to identify, isolate and functionally characterize slow-cycling or so-called label-retaining cells (LRCs) in vitro and in vivo. We surprisingly found the presence of LRCs in fast-growing tumors. LRCs were superior in colony formation, tumor initiation and resistance to MPA as compared with fast-cycling cells. Thus, the slow-cycling compartment of cancer seems predominantly responsible for resistance to MPA. PMID:26467706

Grain-Refined AZ92 Alloy with Superior Strength and Ductility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jong Un; Kim, Sang-Hoon; Jo, Wan-Kuen; Hong, Won-Hwa; Kim, Woong; Bae, Jun Ho; Park, Sung Hyuk

2018-03-01

Grain-refined AZ92 (GR-AZ92) alloy with superior tensile properties is developed by adding 1 wt% Zn and a very small amount of SiC (0.17 wt%) to commercial AZ91 alloy for enhancing the solid-solution strengthening effect and refining the crystal grains, respectively. The homogenized GR-AZ92 alloy with an average grain size of 91 μm exhibits a tensile yield strength (TYS) of 125 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 281 MPa, and elongation of 12.1%, which are significantly higher than those of AZ91 alloy with a grain size of 420 μm (TYS of 94 MPa, UTS of 192 MPa, and elongation of 7.0%). The peak-aging time of GR-AZ92 alloy (8 h) is significantly shorter than that of AZ91 alloy (32 h) owing to a larger amount of grain boundaries in the former, which serve as nucleation sites of Mg17Al12 precipitates. A short-aging treatment for less than 1 h of the GR-AZ92 alloy causes an effective improvement in its strength without a significant reduction in its ductility. The 30-min-aged GR-AZ92 alloy has an excellent combination of strength and ductility, with a TYS of 142 MPa, UTS of 304 MPa, and elongation of 8.0%.

Effect of high-pressure homogenization on droplet size distribution and rheological properties of ice cream mixes.

PubMed

Innocente, N; Biasutti, M; Venir, E; Spaziani, M; Marchesini, G

2009-05-01

The effect of different homogenization pressures (15/3 MPa and 97/3 MPa) on fat globule size and distribution as well as on structure-property relationships of ice cream mixes was investigated. Dynamic light scattering, steady shear, and dynamic rheological analyses were performed on mixes with different fat contents (5 and 8%) and different aging times (4 and 20 h). The homogenization of ice cream mixes determined a change from bimodal to monomodal particle size distributions and a reduction in the mean particle diameter. Mean fat globule diameters were reduced at higher pressure, but the homogenization effect on size reduction was less marked with the highest fat content. The rheological behavior of mixes was influenced by both the dispersed and the continuous phases. Higher fat contents caused greater viscosity and dynamic moduli. The lower homogenization pressure (15/3 MPa) mainly affected the dispersed phase and resulted in a more pronounced viscosity reduction in the higher fat content mixes. High-pressure homogenization (97/3 MPa) greatly enhanced the viscoelastic properties and the apparent viscosity. Rheological results indicated that unhomogenized and 15/3 MPa homogenized mixes behaved as weak gels. The 97/3 MPa treatment led to stronger gels, perhaps as the overall result of a network rearrangement or interpenetrating network formation, and the fat globules were found to behave as interactive fillers. High-pressure homogenization determined the apparent viscosity of 5% fat to be comparable to that of 8% fat unhomogenized mix.

Cement/caprock fracture healing experiments to assess the integrity of CO2 injection wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du Frane, W. L.; Mason, H. E.; Walsh, S. D.; Ruddle, D. G.; Carroll, S.

2012-12-01

It has been speculated that fractures along wellbore cement/caprock interfaces may provide a path for release of carbon from both long-term sequestration-sites and CO2-based enhanced oil recovery operations. The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential for fracture growth and healing in the wellbore environment, and its impact on wellbore permeability. A series of flow-through experiments was conducted, in which sample cores containing a planar fracture between impermeable caprock (compacted quartz, from 13,927' depth in Kern County) and cement (Portland G cured by ATSM standards) were reacted with brine containing variable amounts of carbonic acid (pCO2 between 0 and 3 MPa). The initial fracture geometry was controlled by grinding the caprock and cement pieces flat, and then bead blasting topography into the cement surfaces. Runs lasted 4-8 days with cores and brine maintained at constant temperature (60 °C). Constant confining pressure (24.8 MPa) was applied to cores, while brine was flowed with constant rates (0.05-0.10 mL/min) and pore pressure (12.4 MPa). Geomechanical and geochemical responses of the fractures were monitored by in situ measurements of differential pressure, and by periodically sampling output brine to analyze compositional changes. In every experiment the total permeability of samples cores decreased substantially. For runs using brine with pCO2 = 3 MPa, sample permeability continually decreased by over a factor of 200. Sample permeability also decreased by a factor of 50 having stabilized after ~3 days in a run using brine without CO2 (pCO2 = 0 MPa). These reductions in permeability appear to be the result of chemically-induced changes to the mechanical properties of the cement surface. Prior to reaction, the cement-caprock samples had high strength and elastic response to changes in stress during loading. After the experiments, the samples were weaker, and showed inelastic response to changes in stress during unloading. All cement surfaces exposed to CO2-rich brine were heavily reacted, as evidenced by coatings of rust-colored amorphous material. X-ray micro-tomography images revealed a series of reaction zones consistent with the results of related experiments by other researchers [e.g. Kutchko et al. 2007]. The mechanical properties of the individual reaction zones were evaluated by nano-indentation. Sampling during runs indicated that brine with pCO2 = 3 MPa became substantially enriched in Ca, Si, and Al, whereas composition of output brine with pCO2 = 0 MPa had little change over the run duration. The enrichment of Al in the brine with pCO2 = 3 MPa indicates that both Al -bearing minerals and amorphous calcium-silicate-hydrate (CSH) dissolved from the cement. Geochemical reaction pathways were further characterized in the reacted zones with the cement by scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, and solid state NMR spectroscopy. These results suggest that the evolution of fractures in our experiments are determined by 3 competing factors: 1) swelling of CSH through hydration from the brine, 2) dissolution of cement into brine containing CO2, and 3) mechanical weakening of cement by chemical reaction with CO2. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract W-7405-Eng-48 and Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Spatial, socio-economic, and ecological implications of incorporating minimum size constraints in marine protected area network design.

PubMed

Metcalfe, Kristian; Vaughan, Gregory; Vaz, Sandrine; Smith, Robert J

2015-12-01

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are the cornerstone of most marine conservation strategies, but the effectiveness of each one partly depends on its size and distance to other MPAs in a network. Despite this, current recommendations on ideal MPA size and spacing vary widely, and data are lacking on how these constraints might influence the overall spatial characteristics, socio-economic impacts, and connectivity of the resultant MPA networks. To address this problem, we tested the impact of applying different MPA size constraints in English waters. We used the Marxan spatial prioritization software to identify a network of MPAs that met conservation feature targets, whilst minimizing impacts on fisheries; modified the Marxan outputs with the MinPatch software to ensure each MPA met a minimum size; and used existing data on the dispersal distances of a range of species found in English waters to investigate the likely impacts of such spatial constraints on the region's biodiversity. Increasing MPA size had little effect on total network area or the location of priority areas, but as MPA size increased, fishing opportunity cost to stakeholders increased. In addition, as MPA size increased, the number of closely connected sets of MPAs in networks and the average distance between neighboring MPAs decreased, which consequently increased the proportion of the planning region that was isolated from all MPAs. These results suggest networks containing large MPAs would be more viable for the majority of the region's species that have small dispersal distances, but dispersal between MPA sets and spill-over of individuals into unprotected areas would be reduced. These findings highlight the importance of testing the impact of applying different MPA size constraints because there are clear trade-offs that result from the interaction of size, number, and distribution of MPAs in a network. © 2015 Society for Conservation Biology.

High hydrostatic pressure inactivation of murine norovirus and human noroviruses on green onions and in salsa.

PubMed

Sido, Robert F; Huang, Runze; Liu, Chuhan; Chen, Haiqiang

2017-02-02

In this study, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) was evaluated as an intervention for human noroviruses (HuNoVs) in green onions and salsa. To determine the effect of water during HHP treatment on virus inactivation, a HuNoV surrogate, murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1), was inoculated onto green onions and then HHP-treated at 350MPa with or without water at 4 or 20°C. The presence of water enhanced HHP inactivation of MNV-1 on green onions at 4°C but not at 20°C. To test the temperature effect on HHP inactivation of MNV-1, inoculated green onions were HHP-treated at 300MPa at 1, 4 and 10°C. As the temperature decreased, MNV-1 became more sensitive to HHP treatment. HHP inactivation curves of MNV-1 on green onions and salsa were obtained at 300 or 350MPa for 0.5-3min at 1°C. All three inactivation curves showed a linear relationship between log reduction of MNV-1 and time. D values of HHP inactivation of MNV-1 on green onions were 1.10 and 0.61min at 300 and 350MPa, respectively. The D value of HHP inactivation of MNV-1 in salsa at 300MPa was 0.63min. HHP inactivation of HuNoV GI.1 and GII.4 on green onions and salsa was also conducted. To achieve >3 log reduction of HuNoV GI.1, HHP treatments for 2min at 1°C should be conducted at 600MPa and 500MPa for green onions and salsa, respectively. To achieve >3 log reduction of HuNoV GII.4, HHP treatments for 2min at 1°C should be conducted at 500MPa and 300MPa for green onions and salsa, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) effects on antigenicity and structural properties of soybean β-conglycinin.

PubMed

Xi, Jun; He, Mengxue

2018-02-01

In this study, the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on antigenicity, free sulfhydryl group (SH) content, hydrophobicity (Ho), fluorescence intensity and circular dichroism data of soybean β-conglycinin was studied. The antigenicity of soybean β-conglycinin was decreased significantly at pressures 200-400 MPa. The antigenicity inhibition rate of β-conglycinin declined from 92.72 to 55.15%, after being treated at 400 MPa for 15 min. Results indicated that free sulphydryl (SH) groups and surface Ho of β-conglycinin were significantly increased at pressures 200-400 MPa and 5-15 min, whereas these properties decreased at the treatments above 400 MPa and 15 min. The maximum fluorescence intensity was noticed at 400 MPa and 15 min. The circular dichroism data analysis revealed that the amount of β-turns and unordered structure significantly increased, while the content of α-helix1 and β-strand1 noticeably decreased. These results provide evidence that HHP-induced the structural modification of β-conglycinin and could alter the antigenicity of β-conglycinin.

Immobilization technique for enhanced production of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid by ultraviolet and gamma-irradiated Penicillium roqueforti.

PubMed

Ismaiel, A A; Ahmed, A S; El-Sayed, E R

2015-07-01

Different entrapment matrices were screened to immobilize two strains of Penicillium roqueforti (AG101 and LG109) for more effective production of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Further improvement in the MPA productivity from immobilization of spores and mycelia was adopted by UV and gamma irradiation. Penicillium roqueforti strains were immobilized in different entrapping carriers and used for MPA production in shake flask cultures. Maximum MPA production was achieved on using an alginate concentration of 3·0% (w/v) and a mycelial fresh weight of 10% (w/v). MPA produced by alginate-immobilized spores and mycelia was almost double in comparison to the free system. The MPA-producing ability of immobilized AG101 and LG109 strain was significantly enhanced by mutagenesis through irradiation by UV (254 nm) for 120 and 90 min, respectively and gamma rays at 0·75 KGy. The feasibility of MPA production in a semi-continuous form by immobilized cells as affected by irradiation was adopted. MPA production by immobilized spores and mycelia was more intensified by UV and gamma irradiation. Moreover, the immobilized cell culture was superior to free-cell culture. These findings indicate the future possibility to reduce the cost of producing fermentation-based drugs. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Effect of ultraviolet light irradiation and sandblasting treatment on bond strengths between polyamide and chemical-cured resin.

PubMed

Asakawa, Yuya; Takahashi, Hidekazu; Iwasaki, Naohiko; Kobayashi, Masahiro

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation and sandblasting treatment on the shear bond strength between polyamide and chemical-cured resin. Three types of commercial polyamides were treated using UV irradiation, sandblasting treatment, and a combining sandblasting and UV irradiation. The shear bond strength was measured and analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05). Comparing shear bond strengths without surface treatment, from 4.1 to 5.7 MPa, the UV irradiation significantly increased the shear bond strengths except for Valplast, whose shear bond strengths ranged from 5.2 to 9.3 MPa. The sandblasting treatment also significantly increased the shear bond strengths (8.0 to 11.4 MPa). The combining sandblasting and UV irradiation significantly increased the shear bond strengths (15.2 to 18.3 MPa) comparing without surface treatment. This combined treatment was considered the most effective at improving the shear bond strength between polyamide and chemical-cured resin.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the color and texture parameters of refrigerated Caiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare) tail meat.

PubMed

Canto, A C V C S; Lima, B R C C; Cruz, A G; Lázaro, C A; Freitas, D G C; Faria, Jose A F; Torrezan, R; Freitas, M Q; Silva, T P J

2012-07-01

The effect of applying high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the instrumental parameters of color and texture and sensory characteristics of alligator meat were evaluated. Samples of alligator tail meat were sliced, vacuum-packed, pressurized and distributed into four groups: control, treated with 200 MPa/10 min, 300 MPa/10 min and 400 MPa/10 min, then stored at 4°C±1°C for 45 days. Instrumental color, texture profile and a sensory profiling using quantitative descriptive analysis were carried out on the 1st, 15th, 30th and 45th days of storage. HHP was shown to affect the color and texture of the product, and the sensory descriptors (p<0.05). The results suggest that high pressure is a promising technology for the processing of alligator meat, especially low pressures (200 MPa) which can have positive effects on the quality of the product. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydromechanical Behaviour of Unconsolidated Granular Materials under Proportional Triaxial Compression Tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, V.; Gland, N. F.; Dautriat, J.; Guelard, J.; David, C.

2010-12-01

During the production of petroleum reservoirs, compaction due to depletion (pore fluid pressure reduction) can lead to emphasis of natural permeability anisotropy and significant permeability reduction. Under such effective stress increase, weakly consolidated reservoirs will undergo strong deformation inducing important modifications of the transport properties, which control the fluid flows in the reservoir and the productivity of the wells. Classically the mechanical loadings applied in the laboratory are either hydrostatic or deviatoric at constant confining pressure; however the 'in-situ' stress paths experienced by the reservoirs differ; it is thus important to perform loading tests with more appropriate conditions such as ‘proportional triaxial’ and ‘oedometric’. This study focuses on the elastoplatic behaviour of non to weakly consolidated reservoir rocks (analogues) and the influence of the stress path (K=ΔσH/ΔσV) on the evolutions of porosity and permeability. Generally, permeability of pourous rocks evolves in three stages: (1) initial decrease related to compaction (soft rocks) or closing of pre-existing microflaws (compact rocks), (2) small reduction associated to the 'linear' deformation regime, (3) drop due to a strong compaction linked to porosity collapse and grain crushing mechanisms. The intensity of this reduction depends on the stress path coefficient, the grain sharpness and the granular texture. We use a triaxial cell (maximum axial load of 80kN and maximum confinement of 69MPa) to perform proportional triaxial compression tests (0

Progestins Upregulate FKBP51 Expression in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells to Induce Functional Progesterone and Glucocorticoid Withdrawal: Implications for Contraceptive- Associated Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

PubMed

Guzeloglu Kayisli, Ozlem; Kayisli, Umit A; Basar, Murat; Semerci, Nihan; Schatz, Frederick; Lockwood, Charles J

2015-01-01

Use of long-acting progestin only contraceptives (LAPCs) offers a discrete and highly effective family planning method. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is the major side effect of, and cause for, discontinuation of LAPCs. The endometria of LAPC-treated women display abnormally enlarged, fragile blood vessels, decreased endometrial blood flow and oxidative stress. To understanding to mechanisms underlying AUB, we propose to identify LAPC-modulated unique gene cluster(s) in human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). Protein and RNA isolated from cultured HESCs treated 7 days with estradiol (E2) or E2+ medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or E2+ etonogestrel (ETO) or E2+ progesterone (P4) were analyzed by quantitative Real-time (q)-PCR and immunoblotting. HSCORES were determined for immunostained-paired endometria of pre-and 3 months post-Depot MPA (DMPA) treated women and ovariectomized guinea pigs (GPs) treated with placebo or E2 or MPA or E2+MPA for 21 days. In HESCs, whole genome analysis identified a 67 gene group regulated by all three progestins, whereas a 235 gene group was regulated by E2+ETO and E2+MPA, but not E2+P4. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation as one of upstream regulators of the 235 MPA and ETO-specific genes. Among these, microarray results demonstrated significant enhancement of FKBP51, a repressor of PR/GR transcriptional activity, by both MPA and ETO. q-PCR and immunoblot analysis confirmed the microarray results. In endometria of post-DMPA versus pre-DMPA administered women, FKBP51 expression was significantly increased in endometrial stromal and glandular cells. In GPs, E2+MPA or MPA significantly increased FKBP51 immunoreactivity in endometrial stromal and glandular cells versus placebo- and E2-administered groups. MPA or ETO administration activates GR signaling and increases endometrial FKBP51 expression, which could be one of the mechanisms causing AUB by inhibiting PR and GR-mediated transcription. The resultant PR and/or GR-mediated functional withdrawal may contribute to associated endometrial inflammation, aberrant angiogenesis, and bleeding.

Inactivation of Anisakis simplex L3 in the flesh of white spotted conger (Conger myriaster) by high hydrostatic pressure and its effect on quality.

PubMed

Lee, Ki-Hoon; Park, Shin Young; Ha, Sang-Do

2016-06-01

Koreans consume much seafood; the country is surrounded on the east, west and south by the sea. Koreans have eaten raw sashimi for a long time. However, a concern in the raw sea food industry is that the parasitic nematode Anisakis simplex L3 occurs naturally in marine fish. Thus, the fishery industry needs a non-thermal processing method. High hydrostatic pressure (HPP) has been demonstrated to be effective. White spotted conger flesh containing 20 live larvae was exposed to different pressures (150 and 200 MPa for 1 and 5 min; 250 and 300 MPa each for 1 min). The viability of A. simplex L3 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the flesh of white spotted conger by the stepwise increase of high pressure and time. The conditions required to eliminate A. simplex L3 were as follows: 200 MPa for 5 min or 300 MPa for 1 min. The flesh of the white spotted conger treated at 300 MPa for 1 min was whiter and yellower than untreated controls or that treated at 200 MPa for 5 min. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in any of the Hunter colour ('L', 'a' and 'b') values were found after HPP at 200 MPa for 5 min. The fresh treated at 300 MPa for 1 min scored < 4.0 (the defect limit of quality) of flavour, texture and overall acceptability in untrained sensory evaluation using a seven-point hedonic scale. However, the flesh treated at 200 MPa for 5 min scored > 5.0 ('like') for all sensory parameters. This study suggested that HPP at 200 MPa for 5 min could potentially be used for the inactivation of A. simplex L3 in raw fishery food products without any concomitant changes in their colour or sensory qualities.

Premonitory slip and tidal triggering of earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lockner, D.A.; Beeler, N.M.

1999-01-01

We have conducted a series of laboratory simulations of earthquakes using granite cylinders containing precut bare fault surfaces at 50 MPa confining pressure. Axial shortening rates between 10-4 and 10-6 mm/s were imposed to simulate tectonic loading. Average loading rate was then modulated by the addition of a small-amplitude sine wave to simulate periodic loading due to Earth tides or other sources. The period of the modulating signal ranged from 10 to 10,000 s. For each combination of amplitude and period of the modulating signal, multiple stick-slip events were recorded to determine the degree of correlation between the timing of simulated earthquakes and the imposed periodic loading function. Over the range of parameters studied, the degree of correlation of earthquakes was most sensitive to the amplitude of the periodic loading, with weaker dependence on the period of oscillations and the average loading rate. Accelerating premonitory slip was observed in these experiments and is a controlling factor in determining the conditions under which correlated events occur. In fact, some form of delayed failure is necessary to produce the observed correlations between simulated earthquake timing and characteristics of the periodic loading function. The transition from strongly correlated to weakly correlated model earthquake populations occurred when the amplitude of the periodic loading was approximately 0.05 to 0.1 MPa shear stress (0.03 to 0.06 MPa Coulomb failure function). Lower-amplitude oscillations produced progressively lower correlation levels. Correlations between static stress increases and earthquake aftershocks are found to degrade at similar stress levels. Typical stress variations due to Earth tides are only 0.001 to 0.004 MPa, so that the lack of correlation between Earth tides and earthquakes is also consistent with our findings. A simple extrapolation of our results suggests that approximately 1% of midcrustal earthquakes should be correlated with Earth tides. Triggered seismicity has been reported resulting from the passage of surface waves excited by the Landers earthquake. These transient waves had measured amplitudes in excess of 0.1 MPa at frequencies of 0.05 to 0.2 Hz in regions of notable seismicity increase. Similar stress oscillations in our laboratory experiments produced strongly correlated stick-slip events. We suggest that seemingly inconsistent natural observations of triggered seismicity and absence of tidal triggering indicate that failure is amplitude and frequency dependent. This is the expected result if, as in our laboratory experiments, the rheology of the Earth's crust permits delayed failure.

[Effect of thermal cycling on the composite- composite repair bond strength].

PubMed

Liu, Chang; Lin, Fei; Yue, Lin

2015-08-01

To evaluate the effect of aging of the composite and the adhesive interface on composite-composite repair bond strength. Methacrylate-based composite resin (Clearfil AP-X, composite A) and silorane-based composite resin (Filtek P90, composite B) and their corresponding adhesive, Clearfil SE Bond (adhesive a) and Filtek P90 System Adhesive (adhesive b), were selected in this study. Twenty-four substrates were prepared from composite A or B separately and divided into three groups, each group had 8 substrates: group one, new composites were adhered to the substrates with the use of adhesive a or b, followed by cutting the blocks into sticks; group two, new composites were adhered to the substrates using adhesive a or b, followed by cutting into sticks and thermal cycling; group three, substrates were thermocycled, then polished and adhered new composites using adhesive a or b, followed by cutting into sticks. Each group had 8 combinations of substrate(A, B)-adhesive(a, b)-repair composite (A, B). Fifteen sticks without flaws in each combination of 3 groups were selected utilizing stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed by independent samples t test. In group two, the microtensile strength(MS) of combinations using adhesive a and composite A or B to repair [A-a-A: (45.0 ± 3.2) MPa, B-a-A: (41.7 ± 3.3) MPa, A-a-B: (28.6 ± 3.9) MPa, B-a-B: (47.7 ± 6.6) MPa], and using adhesive b and composite A to repair [A-b-A: (44.2 ± 4.7) MPa, B-b-A: (38.0 ± 3.2) MPa] decreased significantly compared with corresponding combinations in group 1[A-a-A: (70.7 ± 5.5) MPa, B-a-A: (60.3 ± 5.1) MPa, A-a-B: (44.2 ± 1.6) MPa, B-a-B: (54.1 ± 3.2) MPa, A-b-A: (65.6 ± 7.2) MPa, B-b-A: (59.1 ± 4.1) MPa] (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the MS of combinations using adhesive b and composite B to repair in group one and the MS of combinations in group two (P>0.05). The MS of all combinations in group three decreased significantly (P<0.05). Aging of the composite and the adhesive interface might affect the composite-composite repair bond strength.

Colorimetric detection of mercury(II) in a high-salinity solution using gold nanoparticles capped with 3-mercaptopropionate acid and adenosine monophosphate.

PubMed

Yu, Cheng-Ju; Tseng, Wei-Lung

2008-11-04

A new colorimetric sensor for sensing Hg2+ in a high-salinity solution has been developed using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated with 3-mercaptopropionate acid (MPA) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Because of the high negative charge density of AMP on each AuNP surface, MPA/AMP-capped AuNPs are well dispersed in a high-salt solution. In contrast, the aggregation of MPA-capped AuNPs was induced by sodium ions, which shield the negative charges of the carboxylic groups of MPA. Through the coordination between the carboxylic group of MPA and Hg2+, the selectivity of MPA/AMP-capped AuNPs for Hg2+ in a high-salt solution is remarkably high over that of the other metals without the addition of a masking agent or a change in the temperature. We have carefully investigated the effect of the AMP concentration on the stability and sensitivity of MPA/AMP-capped AuNPs. Under optimum conditions, the lowest detectable concentration of Hg2+ using this probe was 500 nM on the basis of the measurement of the ratio of absorption at 620 nm to that at 520 nm. The sensitivity to Hg2+ can be further improved by modifying the MPA/AMP-capped AuNPs with highly fluorescent rhodamine 6G (R6G). By monitoring the fluorescence enhancement, the lowest detectable concentration of Hg2+ using R6G/MPA/AMP-capped AuNPs was 50 nM.

Effects of high pressure treatment and temperature on lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition of yak (Poephagus grunniens) body fat.

PubMed

Wang, Qiang; Zhao, Xin; Ren, Yanrong; Fan, Enguo; Chang, Haijun; Wu, Hongbin

2013-08-01

Effects of high-pressure treatment (100 MPa to 600 MPa) on lipid oxidation and composition of fatty acids in yak body fat at 4 °C and 15 °C were investigated for up to 20 days storage. 400 and 600 MPa treatments increase the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) 335% and 400% (p<0.05), respectively. Composition analysis shows that 600 MPa treatment induces a lower (p<0.05) percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and C22:6 decreased significantly. A significant decrease in PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 PUFA values was observed at the end of storage. Samples treated at the lower pressures gave good sensory acceptability. It is concluded that a higher-pressure treatment is important in catalyzing lipid oxidation and the evolution of fatty acids in pressure-treated yak body fat. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of the effect of surface treatment of kenaf fibre on mechanical properties of kenaf filled unsaturated polyester composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salem, I. A. S.; Rozyanty, A. R.; Betar, B. O.; Adam, T.; Mohammed, M.; Mohammed, A. M.

2017-10-01

In this research, unsaturated polyester/kenaf fiber (UP/KF) composites was prepared by using hand lay-up process. The effect of surface treatment of kenaf fiber on mechanical properties of kenaf filled unsaturated polyester composites were studied. Different concentrationsof stearic acid (SA) were applied, i.e. 0, 0.4, and 0.8 wt%. Tensile strength of untreated UP/KF composites was found to be higher for 40 wt% loading of kenaf fiber. The highest tensile strength value was obtained after treatment with 0.4 wt% concentration of stearic acid at 56 MPa and tensile modulus was at 2409 MPa. From the flexural strength result obtained, it is clearly seen that 40 wt% loading of kenaf fiber and treatment with 0.4 wt% concentration of stearic acid give the highest value at 72 MPa and flexural modulus at 3929 MPa.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate-treated human, primary endometrial epithelial cells reveal unique gene expression signature linked to innate immunity and HIV-1 susceptibility.

PubMed

Woods, Matthew W; Zahoor, Muhammad Atif; Dizzell, Sara; Verschoor, Chris P; Kaushic, Charu

2018-01-01

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a progestin-based hormonal contraceptive designed to mimic progesterone, has been linked to increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) susceptibility. Genital epithelial cells (GECs) form the mucosal lining of the female genital tract (FGT) and provide the first line of protection against HIV-1. The impact of endogenous sex hormones or MPA on the gene expression profile of GECs has not been comprehensively documented. Using microarray analysis, we characterized the transcriptional profile of primary endometrial epithelial cells grown in physiological levels of E2, P4, and MPA. Each hormone treatment altered the gene expression profile of GECs in a unique manner. Interestingly, although MPA is a progestogen, the gene expression profile induced by it was distinct from P4. MPA increased gene expression of genes related to inflammation and cholesterol synthesis linked to innate immunity and HIV-1 susceptibility. The analysis of gene expression profiles provides insights into the effects of sex hormones and MPA on GECs and allows us to posit possible mechanisms of the MPA-mediated increase in HIV-1 acquisition. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cross-sectional interactions between quality of the physical and social environment and self-reported physical activity in adults living in income-deprived communities

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Background Understanding the environmental determinants of physical activity in populations at high risk of inactivity could contribute to the development of effective interventions. Socioecological models of activity propose that environmental factors have independent and interactive effects of physical activity but there is a lack of research into interactive effects. Objectives This study aimed to explore independent and interactive effects of social and physical environmental factors on self-reported physical activity in income-deprived communities. Methods Participants were 5,923 adults in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Features of the social environment were self-reported. Quality of the physical environment was objectively-measured. Neighbourhood walking and participation in moderate physical activity [MPA] on ≥5 days/week was self-reported. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression models tested independent and interactive effects of environmental factors on activity. Results ‘Social support’ (walking: OR:1.22,95%CI = 1.06–1.41,p<0.01; MPA: OR:0.79,95%CI = 0.67–0.94,p<0.01), ‘social interaction’ (walking: OR:1.25,95%CI = 1.10–1.42,p<0.01; MPA: OR:6.16,95%CI = 5.14–7.37,p<0.001) and ‘cohesion and safety’ (walking: OR:1.78,95%CI = 1.56–2.03,p<0.001; MPA: OR:1.93,95%CI = 1.65–2.27,p<0.001), but not ‘trust and empowerment’, had independent effects on physical activity. ‘Aesthetics of built form’ (OR:1.47,95%CI = 1.22–1.77,p<0.001) and ‘aesthetics and maintenance of open space’ (OR:1.32, 95%CI = 1.13–1.54,p<0.01) were related to walking. ‘Physical disorder’ (OR:1.63,95%CI = 1.31–2.03,p<0.001) had an independent effect on MPA. Interactive effects of social and physical factors on walking and MPA were revealed. Conclusions Findings suggest that intervening to create activity-supportive environments in deprived communities may be most effective when simultaneously targeting the social and physical neighbourhood environment. PMID:29240791

Cross-sectional interactions between quality of the physical and social environment and self-reported physical activity in adults living in income-deprived communities.

PubMed

Sawyer, Alexia D M; Jones, Russell; Ucci, Marcella; Smith, Lee; Kearns, Ade; Fisher, Abi

2017-01-01

Understanding the environmental determinants of physical activity in populations at high risk of inactivity could contribute to the development of effective interventions. Socioecological models of activity propose that environmental factors have independent and interactive effects of physical activity but there is a lack of research into interactive effects. This study aimed to explore independent and interactive effects of social and physical environmental factors on self-reported physical activity in income-deprived communities. Participants were 5,923 adults in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Features of the social environment were self-reported. Quality of the physical environment was objectively-measured. Neighbourhood walking and participation in moderate physical activity [MPA] on ≥5 days/week was self-reported. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression models tested independent and interactive effects of environmental factors on activity. 'Social support' (walking: OR:1.22,95%CI = 1.06-1.41,p<0.01; MPA: OR:0.79,95%CI = 0.67-0.94,p<0.01), 'social interaction' (walking: OR:1.25,95%CI = 1.10-1.42,p<0.01; MPA: OR:6.16,95%CI = 5.14-7.37,p<0.001) and 'cohesion and safety' (walking: OR:1.78,95%CI = 1.56-2.03,p<0.001; MPA: OR:1.93,95%CI = 1.65-2.27,p<0.001), but not 'trust and empowerment', had independent effects on physical activity. 'Aesthetics of built form' (OR:1.47,95%CI = 1.22-1.77,p<0.001) and 'aesthetics and maintenance of open space' (OR:1.32, 95%CI = 1.13-1.54,p<0.01) were related to walking. 'Physical disorder' (OR:1.63,95%CI = 1.31-2.03,p<0.001) had an independent effect on MPA. Interactive effects of social and physical factors on walking and MPA were revealed. Findings suggest that intervening to create activity-supportive environments in deprived communities may be most effective when simultaneously targeting the social and physical neighbourhood environment.

Limited differences in fish and benthic communities and possible cascading effects inside and outside a protected marine area in Sagres (SW Portugal).

PubMed

Gil Fernández, C; Paulo, D; Serrão, E A; Engelen, A H

2016-03-01

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a relatively recent fisheries management and conservation tool for conservation of marine ecosystems and serve as experimental grounds to assess trophic cascade effects in areas were fishing is restricted to some extent. A series of descriptive field studies were performed to assess fish and benthic communities between two areas within a newly established MPA in SW Portugal. We characterized benthic macroalgal composition and determined the size, density and biomass of the main benthic predatory and herbivorous fish species as well as the main benthic herbivorous invertebrates to assess indications of top-down control on the phytobenthic assemblages. Fish species were identical inside and outside the MPA, in both cases Sarpa salpa was the most abundant fish herbivore and Diplodus spp. accounted for the great majority of the benthic predators. However, size and biomass of D. spp. were higher inside than outside the MPA. The main herbivorous invertebrate was the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, which was smaller and predominantly showing a crevice-dwelling behaviour in the MPA. In addition, P. lividus size frequency distribution showed a unimodal pattern outside and a bimodal pattern inside the MPA. We found significant differences in the algal assemblages between inside and outside the MPA, with higher abundance of turf and foliose algae inside, and articulated calcareous and corticated macrophytes outside the MPA, but no differences in the invasive Asparagopsis spp. The obtained results show differences in predatory fish and benthic community structure, but not in species richness, inside and outside the MPA. We hypothesize these differences lead to variation in species interactions: directly through predation and indirectly via affecting sea urchins behavioural patterns, predators might drive changes in macroalgal assemblages via trophic cascade in the study area. However due to non-biological differences between the two areas it is difficult to suggest that the MPA causes increased biological parameters of targeted species and to assess predatory control and trophic cascade effects in areas where fishing pressure is reduced. It is therefor advisable to design MPAs so that their impacts can be scientifically evaluated in a proper fashion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lung, liver and bone cancer mortality after plutonium exposure in beagle dogs and nuclear workers.

PubMed

Wilson, Dulaney A; Mohr, Lawrence C; Frey, G Donald; Lackland, Daniel; Hoel, David G

2010-01-01

The Mayak Production Association (MPA) worker registry has shown evidence of plutonium-induced health effects. Workers were potentially exposed to plutonium nitrate [(239)Pu(NO(3))(4)] and plutonium dioxide ((239)PuO(2)). Studies of plutonium-induced health effects in animal models can complement human studies by providing more specific data than is possible in human observational studies. Lung, liver, and bone cancer mortality rate ratios in the MPA worker cohort were compared to those seen in beagle dogs, and models of the excess relative risk of lung, liver, and bone cancer mortality from the MPA worker cohort were applied to data from life-span studies of beagle dogs. The lung cancer mortality rate ratios in beagle dogs are similar to those seen in the MPA worker cohort. At cumulative doses less than 3 Gy, the liver cancer mortality rate ratios in the MPA worker cohort are statistically similar to those in beagle dogs. Bone cancer mortality only occurred in MPA workers with doses over 10 Gy. In dogs given (239)Pu, the adjusted excess relative risk of lung cancer mortality per Gy was 1.32 (95% CI 0.56-3.22). The liver cancer mortality adjusted excess relative risk per Gy was 55.3 (95% CI 23.0-133.1). The adjusted excess relative risk of bone cancer mortality per Gy(2) was 1,482 (95% CI 566.0-5686). Models of lung cancer mortality based on MPA worker data with additional covariates adequately described the beagle dog data, while the liver and bone cancer models were less successful.

[Effect of sandblasting particle sizes on bonding strength between porcelain and titanium fabricated by rapid laser forming].

PubMed

Zhang, Li-jun; Wang, Zhong-yi; Gao, Bo; Gao, Yang; Zhang, Chun-bao

2009-11-01

To evaluate the effect of sandblasting particle sizes of Al2O3 on the bonding strength between porcelain and titanium fabricated by laser rapid forming (LRF). The thermal expansion coefficient, roughness (Ra), contact angle, surface morphology of titanium surface and the bonding strength between titanium and porcelain were evaluated after the titanium surface being sandblasted using different sizes of Al2O3 (50 microm, 120 microm, 250 microm) at a pressure of 0.5 MPa. The cast titanium specimens were used as control, and were sandblasted with 50 microm Al2O3 at the same pressure. The thermal expansion coefficient of cast titanium [(9.84 +/- 0.42) x 10(-6)/ degrees C] and LRF Ti [(9.79 +/- 0.31) x 10(-6)/ degrees C) matched that of Noritake Ti-22 dentin porcelain [(8.93 +/- 0.36) x 10(-6)/ degrees C). When larger size of Al2O3 was used, the value of Ra and contact angle increased as well. There was no significant difference in bonding strength between the LRF Ti-50 microm [(25.91 +/- 1.02) MPa] and cast titanium [(26.42 +/- 1.65) MPa]. Significantly lower bonding strength was found in LRF Ti-120 microm [(21.86 +/- 1.64) MPa] and LRF Ti-250 microm [(19.96 +/- 1.03) MPa]. The bond strength between LRF Ti and Noritake Ti-22 dentin porcelain was above the lower limit value in the ISO 9693 (25 MPa) after using 50 microm Al2O3 sandblasting in 0.5MPa air pressure.

Laser quench hardening of steel: Effects of superimposed elastic pre-stress on the hardness and residual stress distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meserve, Justin

Cold drawn AISI 4140 beams were LASER surface hardened with a 2 kW CO2 LASER. Specimens were treated in the free state and while restrained in a bending fixture inducing surface tensile stresses of 94 and 230 MPa. Knoop hardness indentation was used to evaluate the through thickness hardness distribution, and a layer removal methodology was used to evaluate the residual stress distribution. Results showed the maximum surface hardness attained was not affected by pre-stress during hardening, and ranged from 513 to 676 kg/mm2. The depth of effective hardening varied at different magnitudes of pre-stress, but did not vary proportionately to the pre-stress. The surface residual stress, coinciding with the maximum compressive residual stress, increased as pre-stress was increased, from 1040 MPa for the nominally treated specimens to 1270 MPa for specimens pre-stressed to 230 MPa. The maximum tensile residual stress observed in the specimens decreased from 1060 MPa in the nominally treated specimens to 760 MPa for specimens pre-stressed to 230 MPa. Similarly, thickness of the compressive residual stress region increased and the depth at which maximum tensile residual stress occurred increased as the pre-stress during treatment was increased Overall, application of tensile elastic pre-stress during LASER hardening is beneficial to the development of compressive residual stress in AISI 4140, with minimal impact to the hardness attained from the treatment. The newly developed approach for LASER hardening may support efforts to increase both the wear and fatigue resistance of parts made from hardenable steels.

Effects of matrix stabilization when using glutaraldehyde on the material properties of porcine meniscus.

PubMed

Hunter, Shawn A; Noyes, Frank R; Haridas, Balakrishna; Levy, Martin S; Butler, David L

2003-12-15

Meniscus transplantation frequently is one of the only options available for treating symptomatic younger patients with tibiofemoral pain and early arthrosis after a prior meniscectomy. However, clinical results indicate that current meniscal allografts may undergo degenerative changes due to enzymatic degradation during the remodeling phase. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of glutaraldehyde-induced matrix stabilization on the material properties of porcine meniscus prior to surgical implantation. Protocols for fabricating heart-valve replacements were examined, followed by an exploration of the effects of reducing glutaraldehyde concentration and exposure time. Cylindrical meniscus specimens were tested in uniaxial confined compression under a 0.196 MPa compressive stress, and aggregate modulus (H(A)), permeability (k), and compressive strains at equilibrium (epsilon(eq)) were calculated from the creep response. Compared to controls, the mean values for H(A) and k increased, on average, by 213 and 709%, respectively, and epsilon(eq) decreased by 57% for all "heart-valve" treatments. Reducing tissue exposure time to glutaraldehyde had little effect, but decreasing glutaraldehyde concentration to 0.02% resulted in tissues with material properties no different from the untreated controls. We conclude that minimal concentrations of glutaraldehyde (less than 0.2%) should be used in future studies to preserve normal meniscus properties. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 1245-1254, 2003

Elastic anisotropy of Opalinus Clay under variable saturation and triaxial stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarout, Joel; Esteban, Lionel; Delle Piane, Claudio; Maney, Bruce; Dewhurst, David N.

2014-09-01

A novel experimental method is introduced to estimate the Thomsen's elastic anisotropy parameters ɛ and δ of a transversely isotropic shale under variable stress and saturation conditions. The method consists in recording P-wave velocities along numerous paths on a cylindrical specimen using miniature ultrasonic transducers. Such an overdetermined set of measurements is specifically designed to reduce the uncertainty associated with the determination of Thomsen's δ parameter compared to the classical method for which a single off-axis measurement is used (usually at 45° to the specimen's axis). This method is applied to a specimen of Opalinus Clay recovered from the Mont-Terri Underground Research Laboratory in Switzerland. The specimen is first saturated with brine at low effective pressure and then subjected to an effective pressure cycle up to 40 MPa, followed by a triaxial loading up to failure. During saturation and deformation, the evolution of P-wave velocities along a maximum of 240 ray paths is monitored and Thomsen's parameters α, ɛ and δ are computed by fitting Thomsen's weak anisotropy model to the data. The values of ɛ and δ obtained at the highest confining pressures reached during the experiment are comparable with those predicted from X-ray diffraction texture analysis and modelling for Opalinus Clay reported in the literature. These models neglect the effect of soft-porosity on elastic properties, but become relevant when soft porosity is closed at high effective pressure.

The effect of hormone therapy on plasma homocysteine levels: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Tutuncu, Levent; Ergur, Ali Rustu; Mungen, Ercument; Gun, Ismet; Ertekin, Aktug; Yergok, Yusuf Ziya

2005-03-01

An elevated plasma homocysteine level is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Hormone therapy (HT) may reduce fasting plasma homocysteine levels. We studied 80 postmenopausal women to determine the effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) combined with conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on fasting plasma homocysteine levels. In a randomized, double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study, we randomly assigned 80 healthy postmenopausal women between CEE 0.625 mg/d combined with MPA 2.5 mg/d (n = 20), CEE 0.625 mg/d combined with MPA 5 mg/d (n = 20), unopposed CEE 0.625 mg/d (n = 20), and placebo (n = 20) all given for a duration of 6 months. Fasting plasma homocysteine levels were measured before and at the end of the treatment. Before treatment, plasma homocysteine concentrations were similar in all groups. After 6 months of unopposed CEE, the mean fasting plasma homocysteine levels decreased by 19.02% when compared with baseline levels (P < 0.05). The mean fasting plasma homocysteine concentrations decreased by 17.63% and 19.56% from baseline in both the CEE plus MPA 2.5 mg/d and CEE plus MPA 5 mg/d groups, respectively (P < 0.05 for each group). In contrast, plasma homocysteine levels increased by 11.66% in the placebo group. The homocysteine lowering effect did not differ significantly among the three groups of women receiving unopposed CEE alone and CEE plus MPA at two different doses. Six months of estrogen therapy (ET) and combined estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT) significantly lower fasting plasma homocysteine levels in healthy postmenopausal women with equal efficacy.

Final report on bilateral supplementary comparison APMP.M.P-S5 in hydraulic gauge pressure from 1 MPa to 10 MPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, J.; Yang, Y.; Sabuga, W.

2016-01-01

This report summarizes the results of the Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP) supplementary comparison APMP.M.P-S5 for hydraulic gauge pressure in the range of 1 MPa to 10 MPa, which is a bilateral comparison carried out at the National Institute of Metrology, China (NIM) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany (PTB) during the period June 2014 to June 2015. NIM piloted the comparison and provided the transfer standard, which was a piston-cylinder assembly (PCA) of 1 cm2 nominal effective area built in a hydraulic pressure balance manufactured by Fluke Corporation. The laboratory standards of NIM and PTB are both hydraulic pressure balances equipped with PCAs, of which the nominal effective area is 1 cm2 for NIM and 5 cm2 for PTB. The results of the comparison successfully demonstrated that the hydraulic gauge pressure standards of NIM and PTB in the range of 1 MPa to 10 MPa are equivalent within their claimed uncertainties. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

The effect of the addition of sorbitol and glycerol towards the edible film characteristics of the belitung taro starch and the lime leaves as antimicrobial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asria, Merry; Elizarni, Samah, dan Selfa Dewati

2015-12-01

Plastics have been generally used for food packaging, but plastics using causing environmental problem for as non biodegradable. Resolving the problem need another alternative packaging that environmental friendly such as the edible film as biodegradable packing material. This research intend to determination the effects of sorbitol and glycerol (concentration of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) as addition to the edible film characteristics from the belitung taro starch (Xanthosoma sagitifolium). Lime leaves (Citrus aurantifolia) extract used as an antimicrobial film (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% respectively). From the research obtained that using sorbitol has given more rigid and hard film texture, while glycerol provides more elastic and flexible texture. Sorbitol give best performance at 2% where thickness 0.17 mm; tensile strength 41.60 MPa; yield strength 34.28 MPa; modulus of elasticity 7983.71 MPa; and maximum strain 29,8%. While, glycerol (2%) provides thickness 0.18 mm; tensile strength 35.72 MPa; yield strength 30.78 MPa; modulus of elasticity 9065.90 MPa; and maximum strain 14.4% for best performance. SEM and FTIR analysis applied to determine film surface morphology's characterization and determine the functional groups of the film materials. The addition of lime leaves extract as antimicrobial gives the growth inhibition activity against the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

A Study of the Effect of Adhesive and Matrix Stiffnesses on the Axial, Normal, and Shear Stress Distributions of a Boron-epoxy Reinforced Composite Joint. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howell, W. E.

1974-01-01

The mechanical properties of a symmetrical, eight-step, titanium-boron-epoxy joint are discussed. A study of the effect of adhesive and matrix stiffnesses on the axial, normal, and shear stress distributions was made using the finite element method. The NASA Structural Analysis Program (NASTRAN) was used for the analysis. The elastic modulus of the adhesive was varied from 345 MPa to 3100 MPa with the nominal value of 1030 MPa as a standard. The nominal values were used to analyze the stability of the joint. The elastic moduli were varied to determine their effect on the stresses in the joint.

Force of crystallisation-development during CaO hydration: theory vs. experiment and the role of fluid transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolterbeek, Tim; van Noort, Reinier; Spiers, Chris

2017-04-01

When chemical reactions that involve an increase in solid volume proceed in a confined space, this may under certain conditions lead to the development of a so-called force of crystallisation (FoC). In other words, reaction can result in stress being exerted on the confining boundaries of the system. In principle, any thermodynamic driving force that is able to produce a supersaturation with respect to a solid product can generate a FoC, as long as precipitation can occur under confined conditions, i.e. within load-bearing grain contacts. Well-known examples of such reactions include salt damage, where supersaturation is caused by evaporation and surface curvature effects, and a wide range of mineral reactions where the solid products comprise a larger volume than the solid reactants. Frost heave, where crystallisation is driven by fluid under-cooling, i.e. temperature change, is a similar process. In a geological context, FoC-development is widely considered to play an important role in pseudomorphic replacement, vein formation, and reaction-driven fracturing. Chemical reactions capable of producing a FoC such as the hydration of CaO (lime), which is thermodynamically capable of producing stresses in the GPa range, also offer obvious engineering potential. Despite this, relatively few studies have been conducted where the magnitude of the FoC is determined directly. Indeed, the maximum stress obtainable by CaO hydration has not been validated or determined experimentally. Here we report uni-axial compaction/expansion experiments performed in an oedometer-type apparatus on pre-compacted CaO powder, at 65 °C and at atmospheric pore fluid pressure. Using this set-up, the FoC generated during CaO hydration could be measured directly. Our results show FoC-induced stresses reaching up to 153 MPa, with the hydration reaction stopping or slowing down significantly before completion. Failure to achieve the GPa stresses predicted by thermodynamic theory is attributed to competition between FoC development and its inhibiting effect on reaction progress. Our microstructural observations indicate that hydration-induced stresses caused the shut-down of pathways for water into the sample, thereby hampering ongoing reaction and limiting the magnitude of stress build-up to the values observed.

Assessing Dispersal Patterns of Fish Propagules from an Effective Mediterranean Marine Protected Area

PubMed Central

Di Franco, Antonio; Coppini, Giovanni; Pujolar, José Martin; De Leo, Giulio A.; Gatto, Marino; Lyubartsev, Vladyslav; Melià, Paco; Zane, Lorenzo; Guidetti, Paolo

2012-01-01

Successfully enforced marine protected areas (MPAs) have been widely demonstrated to allow, within their boundaries, the recovery of exploited species and beyond their boundaries, the spillover of juvenile and adult fish. Little evidence is available about the so-called ‘recruitment subsidy’, the augmented production of propagules (i.e. eggs and larvae) due to the increased abundance of large-sized spawners hosted within effective MPAs. Once emitted, propagules can be locally retained and/or exported elsewhere. Patterns of propagule retention and/or export from MPAs have been little investigated, especially in the Mediterranean. This study investigated the potential for propagule production and retention/export from a Mediterranean MPA (Torre Guaceto, SW Adriatic Sea) using the white sea bream, Diplodus sargus sargus, as a model species. A multidisciplinary approach was used combining 1) spatial distribution patterns of individuals (post-settlers and adults) assessed through visual census within Torre Guaceto MPA and in northern and southern unprotected areas, 2) Lagrangian simulations of dispersal based on an oceanographic model of the region and data on early life-history traits of the species (spawning date, pelagic larval duration) and 3) a preliminary genetic study using microsatellite loci. Results show that the MPA hosts higher densities of larger-sized spawners than outside areas, potentially guaranteeing higher propagule production. Model simulations and field observation suggest that larval retention within and long-distance dispersal across MPA boundaries allow the replenishment of the MPA and of exploited populations up to 100 km down-current (southward) from the MPA. This pattern partially agrees with the high genetic homogeneity found in the entire study area (no differences in genetic composition and diversity indices), suggesting a high gene flow. By contributing to a better understanding of propagule dispersal patterns, these findings provide crucial information for the design of MPAs and MPA networks effective to replenish fish stocks and enhance fisheries in unprotected areas. PMID:23284887

Effects of different heat-moisture treatments on the physicochemical properties of brown rice flour.

PubMed

Nakamura, Sumiko; Okumura, Hisako; Sugawara, Masayoshi; Noro, Wataru; Homma, Noriyuki; Ohtsubo, Ken'ichi

2017-12-01

We evaluated the effect of heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on the main chemical components, physical properties, and enzyme activities of two types of brown rice flour: high-amylose Koshinokaori and normal-quality Koshiibuki. Five different HMTs using brown rice (moisture content was 12.0%) were assessed: 0.1 MPa/120 °C for 5 or 10 min, 0.2 MPa/134 °C for 5 or 10 min and 0.3 MPa/144 °C for 10 min. HMT, decreased the α-amylase and lipase activities, and fat acidity, and slightly increased the dietary fiber and resistant starch levels. After 2 months' storage at 35 °C, rice samples that were treated with 0.2 MPa/134 °C or 0.3 MPa/144 °C for 10 min had a lower fat acidity than untreated samples, which would be useful for long-term storage and export of rice flour. And HMT exhibited inhibition of retrogradation in the pasting and physical properties, which is profitable to promote the qualities of the rice products.

Ecological effects of full and partial protection in the crowded Mediterranean Sea: a regional meta-analysis.

PubMed

Giakoumi, Sylvaine; Scianna, Claudia; Plass-Johnson, Jeremiah; Micheli, Fiorenza; Grorud-Colvert, Kirsten; Thiriet, Pierre; Claudet, Joachim; Di Carlo, Giuseppe; Di Franco, Antonio; Gaines, Steven D; García-Charton, José A; Lubchenco, Jane; Reimer, Jessica; Sala, Enric; Guidetti, Paolo

2017-08-21

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone of marine conservation. Globally, the number and coverage of MPAs are increasing, but MPA implementation lags in many human-dominated regions. In areas with intense competition for space and resources, evaluation of the effects of MPAs is crucial to inform decisions. In the human-dominated Mediterranean Sea, fully protected areas occupy only 0.04% of its surface. We evaluated the impacts of full and partial protection on biomass and density of fish assemblages, some commercially important fishes, and sea urchins in 24 Mediterranean MPAs. We explored the relationships between the level of protection and MPA size, age, and enforcement. Results revealed significant positive effects of protection for fisheries target species and negative effects for urchins as their predators benefited from protection. Full protection provided stronger effects than partial protection. Benefits of full protection for fish biomass were only correlated with the level of MPA enforcement; fish density was higher in older, better enforced, and -interestingly- smaller MPAs. Our finding that even small, well-enforced, fully protected areas can have significant ecological effects is encouraging for "crowded" marine environments. However, more data are needed to evaluate sufficient MPA sizes for protecting populations of species with varying mobility levels.

Lesion Generation Through Ribs Using Histotripsy Therapy Without Aberration Correction

PubMed Central

Kim, Yohan; Wang, Tzu-Yin; Xu, Zhen; Cain, Charles A.

2012-01-01

This study investigates the feasibility of using high-intensity pulsed therapeutic ultrasound, or histotripsy, to non-invasively generate lesions through the ribs. Histotripsy therapy mechanically ablates tissue through the generation of a cavitation bubble cloud, which occurs when the focal pressure exceeds a certain threshold. We hypothesize that histotripsy can generate precise lesions through the ribs without aberration correction if the main lobe retains its shape and exceeds the cavitation initiation threshold and the secondary lobes remain below the threshold. To test this hypothesis, a 750-kHz focused transducer was used to generate lesions in tissue-mimicking phantoms with and without the presence of rib aberrators. In all cases, 8000 pulses with 16 to 18 MPa peak rarefactional pressure at a repetition frequency of 100 Hz were applied without aberration correction. Despite the high secondary lobes introduced by the aberrators, high-speed imaging showed that bubble clouds were generated exclusively at the focus, resulting in well-confined lesions with comparable dimensions. Collateral damage from secondary lobes was negligible, caused by single bubbles that failed to form a cloud. These results support our hypothesis, suggesting that histotripsy has a high tolerance for aberrated fields and can generate confined focal lesions through rib obstacles without aberration correction. PMID:22083767

Lesion generation through ribs using histotripsy therapy without aberration correction.

PubMed

Kim, Yohan; Wang, Tzu-Yin; Xu, Zhen; Cain, Charles A

2011-11-01

This study investigates the feasibility of using high-intensity pulsed therapeutic ultrasound, or histotripsy, to non-invasively generate lesions through the ribs. Histotripsy therapy mechanically ablates tissue through the generation of a cavitation bubble cloud, which occurs when the focal pressure exceeds a certain threshold. We hypothesize that histotripsy can generate precise lesions through the ribs without aberration correction if the main lobe retains its shape and exceeds the cavitation initiation threshold and the secondary lobes remain below the threshold. To test this hypothesis, a 750-kHz focused transducer was used to generate lesions in tissue-mimicking phantoms with and without the presence of rib aberrators. In all cases, 8000 pulses with 16 to 18 MPa peak rarefactional pressure at a repetition frequency of 100 Hz were applied without aberration correction. Despite the high secondary lobes introduced by the aberrators, high-speed imaging showed that bubble clouds were generated exclusively at the focus, resulting in well-confined lesions with comparable dimensions. Collateral damage from secondary lobes was negligible, caused by single bubbles that failed to form a cloud. These results support our hypothesis, suggesting that histotripsy has a high tolerance for aberrated fields and can generate confined focal lesions through rib obstacles without aberration correction.

Development of a Dual Windowed Test Vehicle for Live Streaming of Cook-Off in Energetic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheese, Phil; Reeves, Tom; White, Nathan; Stennett, Christopher; Wood, Andrew; Cook, Malcolm; Syanco Ltd Team; Cranfield University Team; DE&S, MoD Abbey Wood Team

2017-06-01

A modular, axially connected test vehicle for researching the influence of various heating rates (cook-off) on energetic materials and how they fundamentally decompose, leading to a violent reaction has been developed and tested. The vehicle can accommodate samples measuring up to 50 mm in diameter, with thicknesses variable from 0.5 mm up to 50 mm long. A unique feature of this vehicle is the ability to have a live high speed camera view, without compromising confinement during the cook-off process. This is achieved via two special windows that allow artificial backlighting to be provided at one end for clear observation of the test sample; this has allowed unprecedented views of how explosives decompose and runaway to violent reactions, and has given insight into the reaction mechanisms operating, and challenges current theories. Using glass windows, a burst pressure of 20 MPa has been measured. The heating rate is fully adjustable from slow to fast rates, and its design allows for confinement to be varied to study the influence on the violence of reaction during cook-off. In addition to being able to view the test sample during cook-off, embedded thermocouples provide detailed temperature records and the ability to use PDV instrumentation is also incorporated.

Hydraulic fracture development in granite during cyclic injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaz, M.; Jung, S. G.; Nam, Y. J.; Yeom, S.; Zhuang, L.; Kim, K. Y.

2017-12-01

The concept of fatigue hydraulic fracturing was introduced by Zang et al. (2013) as an alternative stimulation scheme to mitigate seismicity during hydraulic stimulation. In situ experiments in hard rock, and laboratory tests in granite have shown a decrease in breakdown pressure during cyclic injection. However, little work has been done in relation to the study of fracture evolution with increasing number of injection cycles. This study uses cylindrical granite specimens to observe induced fractures under continuous injection and fracture development during cyclic injection, aided by X-ray CT technology and AE monitoring. The rock specimens have 30 mm in diameter, 48 mm in height, and a 5 mm diameter central borehole drilled along its axis. Each specimen was axially loaded with 10 MPa, and without confining pressure. The first specimen was continuously injected with water at a rate of 50 mm3/s. For the second specimen, the same injection rate was used, but it was stopped multiple times when the pressure reached a value of 4 MPa in order to create cycles. The time during each injection peak was 2 min. The results show how induced fractures are likely to initiate at the borehole wall and between grain mineral boundaries. Also, the fractures increase true length and height with increasing number of cycles, and mineral distribution affected fracture orientation during its development. These observations could shed light into the physics involved behind this process

Active and Repressive Chromatin-Associated Proteome after MPA Treatment and the Role of Midkine in Epithelial Monolayer Permeability

PubMed Central

Khan, Niamat; Lenz, Christof; Binder, Lutz; Pantakani, Dasaradha Venkata Krishna; Asif, Abdul R.

2016-01-01

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is prescribed to maintain allografts in organ-transplanted patients. However, gastrointestinal (GI) complications, particularly diarrhea, are frequently observed as a side effect following MPA therapy. We recently reported that MPA altered the tight junction (TJ)-mediated barrier function in a Caco-2 cell monolayer model system. This study investigates whether MPA induces epigenetic changes which lead to GI complications, especially diarrhea. Methods: We employed a Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-O-Proteomics (ChIP-O-Proteomics) approach to identify proteins associated with active (H3K4me3) as well as repressive (H3K27me3) chromatin histone modifications in MPA-treated cells, and further characterized the role of midkine, a H3K4me3-associated protein, in the context of epithelial monolayer permeability. Results: We identified a total of 333 and 306 proteins associated with active and repressive histone modification marks, respectively. Among them, 241 proteins were common both in active and repressive chromatin, 92 proteins were associated exclusively with the active histone modification mark, while 65 proteins remained specific to repressive chromatin. Our results show that 45 proteins which bind to the active and seven proteins which bind to the repressive chromatin region exhibited significantly altered abundance in MPA-treated cells as compared to DMSO control cells. A number of novel proteins whose function is not known in bowel barrier regulation were among the identified proteins, including midkine. Our functional integrity assays on the Caco-2 cell monolayer showed that the inhibition of midkine expression prior to MPA treatment could completely block the MPA-mediated increase in barrier permeability. Conclusions: The ChIP-O-Proteomics approach delivered a number of novel proteins with potential implications in MPA toxicity. Consequently, it can be proposed that midkine inhibition could be a potent therapeutic approach to prevent the MPA-mediated increase in TJ permeability and leak flux diarrhea in organ transplant patients. PMID:27104530

Hyper-localized carbon mineralization in diffusion-limited basalt fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menefee, A. H.; Giammar, D.; Ellis, B. R.

2017-12-01

Basalt formations could enable secure carbon sequestration through mineral trapping. CO2 injection acidifies formation brines and drives dissolution of the host rock, which releases divalent metal cations that combine with dissolved carbonate ions to form stable carbonate minerals. Here, a series of high-pressure flow-through experiments was conducted to evaluate how transport limitations and geochemical gradients drive microscale carbonation reactions in fractured basalts. To isolate advection- and diffusion-controlled zones, surfaces of saw-cut basalt cores were milled to create one primary flow channel adjoined by four dead-end fracture pathways. In the first experiment, a representative basalt brine (6.3 mM NaHCO3) equilibrated with CO2 (100ºC, 10 MPa) was injected at 1 mL/h under 20 MPa confining stress. The second experiment was conducted under the same physical conditions but [NaHCO3] was elevated to 640 mM, and in the third, temperature was also raised to 150ºC. Effluent chemistry was monitored via ICP-MS to infer dissolution trends and calibrate reactive transport models. Reacted cores were characterized using x-ray computed tomography (xCT), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Carbonation occurred in all experiments but increased in experiments with higher alkalinity and higher temperature. At low [NaHCO3], secondary precipitate coatings formed distinct reaction fronts that varied with distance into dead-end fractures. Reactive transport modeling demonstrated that these reactions fronts were due to sharp gradients in pH and dissolved inorganic carbon. Carbonation was restricted to transport-limited vugs and pores between the confined core surfaces and was highly localized on reactive primary mineral grains (e.g. pyroxene) that contributed major divalent cations. Increasing [NaHCO3] by two orders of magnitude significantly enhanced carbonation and promoted Mg and Fe uptake into carbonates. While xCT scans revealed clays filling the advective path, no permeability changes were measured. Our coupled experiment-modeling approach further elucidates the geochemical conditions controlling carbonation reactions and extends unique microstructural observations to implications for long-term CO2 mineralization in basalt reservoirs.

Crystal plastic earthquakes in dolostones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passelegue, Francois; Aubry, Jerome; Nicolas, Aurelien; Fondriest, Michele; Schubnel, Alexandre; Di Toro, Giulio

2017-04-01

Dolostone is the most dominant lithology of the seismogenic upper crust around the Mediterranean Sea. Understanding the internal mechanisms controlling fault friction is crucial for understanding seismicity along active faults. Displacement in such fault zones is frequently highlighted by highly reflective (mirror-like) slip surfaces, created by thin films of nanogranular fault rock. Using saw-cut dolostone samples coming from natural fault zones, we conducted friction experiments under triaxial loading conditions. To reproduce the natural conditions, experiments were conducted at 30, 60 and 90 MPa confining pressure at respectively 30, 65 and 100 degrees C. At 30 and 65 degrees C, only slow rupture was observed and the experimental fault exhibits frictional behaviour, i.e. a dependence of normal stress on peak shear stress. At 65 degrees C, a strengthening behaviour is observed after the main rupture, leading to a succession of slow rupture. At 100 degrees C, the macroscopic behaviour of the fault becomes ductile, and no dependence of pressure on the peak shear stress is observed. In addition, the increase of the confining pressure up to 60 and 90 MPa allow the transition from slow to fast rupture, highlighted by the records of acoustic activity and by dynamic stress drop occurring in a few tens of microseconds. Using strain gages located along the fault surface and acoustic transducers, we were able to measure the rupture velocities during slow and fast rupture. Slow ruptures propagated around 0.1 m/s, in agreement with natural observations. Fast ruptures propagated up the supershear velocities, i.e. faster than the shear wave speed (>3500 m/s). A complete study of the microstructures was realized before and after ruptures. Slow ruptures lead to the production of mirror-like surface driven by the production of nanograins due to dislocation processes. Fast ruptures induce the production of amorphous material along the fault surface, which may come from melting processes. We demonstrate that the transition from slow to dynamic instabilities is observed when the entire fault exhibits plastic processes, which increase the stiffness of the fault.

Permeability Development at Layer Interfaces in Bedded Rocksalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhammad, N.; Spiers, C. J.; Peach, C. J.; De Bresser, J. H. P.; Liu, W.

2016-12-01

Solution mined salt caverns are of great interest for storage of fluids such as compressed air, natural gas or hydrogen fuel, and are expected to show excellent healing and sealing capacity. However, it is of utmost importance to be able to reliably quantify the permeability of salt cavern walls, so that potential loss of the stored asset may be assessed. Data on dilatancy, permeability and damage development are readily available for pure rocksalt undergoing deformation, but little is known about the permeability development at the bedding interfaces within layered salt under varying differential stresses. Layered salt samples were obtained from the walls of a pilot well in Hubei province China. The natural salt shows alternating layers of rock salt, anhydrite, mudstone and glauberite. Cylindrical samples, 50 mm diameter and 85 mm long, were prepared with layer interfaces oriented vertical, horizontal or obliquely to the core axis. Tests were conducted at room temperature and a confining pressure of 20 and (for shallower depth) 10 MPa, representing in-situ conditions. Axial deformation was performed using a triaxial machine in the HPT-laboratory at Utrecht. Compaction/dilation was measured using a servo control dilatometer for confining pressure control, and, in conjunction, the permeability was measured using Argon gas transient step permeameter. The samples were deformed at a constant displacement rate of 1 µm/s. After reaching 10, 20 and 30 MPa differential stress, deformation was halted and permeability was measured parallel to the compositional interfaces for each of the three geometries. Overall, it was found that during deformation, no shear slippage occurred at interface and the bulk permeability of most specimens decreased, where the absolute permeability value (found in the range 10-15 to <10-21 m2) depending upon the orientation of the bedding interface and composition of the sample. All samples showed a decrease in volume with axial strain, demonstrating progressive compaction with increasing stress values. The microstructural observation revealed local dilatancy near the interface, but this was masked by the bulk compaction as measured by the dilatometer. The results imply that the formation can be a potential candidate for gas storage, with anticipation that deep walls will be lesser permeable.

The application of high-pressure treatment in the reduction of phosphate levels in breakfast sausages.

PubMed

O'Flynn, C C; Cruz-Romero, M C; Troy, D J; Mullen, A M; Kerry, J P

2014-01-01

This study investigated effects of high pressure (HP) treatment of pork meat at 150 or 300 MPa for 5 min before manufacturing sausages on the reduction of phosphate levels and compared to sausages manufactured with untreated pork meat (control sausages). Improvement in perceived saltiness, juiciness and overall flavour was observed in sausages manufactured using HP-treated meat at 150 MPa and 0% phosphate, compared to control sausages. Sausages manufactured using meat HP-treated at 150 MPa and 0.25% phosphate (P<0.05) improved hardness of sausages. HP-treated meat at 300 MPa and 0% phosphate decreased juiciness and adhesiveness, while at 0.25% phosphate, adversely affected emulsion stability and sensory attributes. HP treatment did not affect significantly the lightness of the sausages; however, elimination of phosphate reduced (P<0.05) the yellowness, while HP treatment at 150 MPa with 0.25 or 0.5% phosphate increased (P<0.05) redness. HP reatment at 150 MPa has potential for reducing phosphate levels in sausages without significant changes in their functionality and improved acceptability. © 2013.

Physical and Transport Property Variations Within Carbonate-Bearing Fault Zones: Insights From the Monte Maggio Fault (Central Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trippetta, F.; Carpenter, B. M.; Mollo, S.; Scuderi, M. M.; Scarlato, P.; Collettini, C.

2017-11-01

The physical characterization of carbonate-bearing normal faults is fundamental for resource development and seismic hazard. Here we report laboratory measurements of density, porosity, Vp, Vs, elastic moduli, and permeability for a range of effective confining pressures (0.1-100 MPa), conducted on samples representing different structural domains of a carbonate-bearing fault. We find a reduction in porosity from the fault breccia (11.7% total and 6.2% connected) to the main fault plane (9% total and 3.5% connected), with both domains showing higher porosity compared to the protolith (6.8% total and 1.1% connected). With increasing confining pressure, P wave velocity evolves from 4.5 to 5.9 km/s in the fault breccia, is constant at 5.9 km/s approaching the fault plane and is low (4.9 km/s) in clay-rich fault domains. We find that while the fault breccia shows pressure sensitive behavior (a reduction in permeability from 2 × 10-16 to 2 × 10-17 m2), the cemented cataclasite close to the fault plane is characterized by pressure-independent behavior (permeability 4 × 10-17 m2). Our results indicate that the deformation processes occurring within the different fault structural domains influence the physical and transport properties of the fault zone. In situ Vp profiles match well the laboratory measurements demonstrating that laboratory data are valuable for implications at larger scale. Combining the experimental values of elastic moduli and frictional properties it results that at shallow crustal levels, M ≤ 1 earthquakes are less favored, in agreement with earthquake-depth distribution during the L'Aquila 2009 seismic sequence that occurred on carbonates.

Anisotropy of permeability of reservoir rocks over Miaoli area, NW Taiwan.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bo-Siang, Xiong; Loung-Yie, Tsai

2013-04-01

The amount of the CO2 has risen since the Industrial Evolution. In order to reduce the amount of CO2 in atmosphere, CO2 sequestration is considered to be the most effective way. In recent years, research about subsurface storage of CO2 into geological formations has increased rapidly. Assessment of storage capability is needed before selecting a site for sequestration. Porosity and permeability are important assessment factors for CO2 sequestration in reservoir rocks. In order to improve the assessment, reservoir rock properties are important and need to be evaluated in advance. Porosity of sandstone is controlled by texture and degree of cementation, whereas permeability is controlled by pore-throat size, pore types and connectivity of pore throat. Sandstones of Miocene to Pleistocene in Miaoli area, NW Taiwan, were collected in this study. YOKO2 porosity/permeability detector is used to measure their permeability perpendicular and parallel to bedding planes under 3 to 60MPa confining pressure with Helium as media. Optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were then used to observe the mineral composition, lithology, texture and pore type of sandstones, so as to explore the influence of rock properties on porosity and anisotropy of permeability, as well as the storage potential for CO2 sequestration in the future. The experimental results show that most of the horizontal permeability exceeds the vertical permeability and the anisotropy increases with increasing confining pressure. Mineral composition of sandstones studied were mainly quartz and lithic with little feldspar content. The pore types were mainly primary pores and micropores in this study. The correlation between quantity of macropores and permeability were higher than total porosity and permeability, mainly due to total porosity contains micropores which contribute little to permeability.

Casein micelle dissociation in skim milk during high-pressure treatment: effects of pressure, pH, and temperature.

PubMed

Orlien, V; Boserup, L; Olsen, K

2010-01-01

The effect of pH (from 5.5 to 7.5) and temperature (from 5 to 40 degrees C) on the turbidity of reconstituted skim milk powder was investigated at ambient pressure and in situ under pressure (up to 500MPa) by measurement of light scattering. High-pressure treatment reduced the turbidity of milk for all combinations of pH and temperature due to micelle dissociation. The turbidity profiles had a characteristic sigmoidal shape in which almost no effect on turbidity was observed at low pressures (100MPa), followed by a stronger pressure dependency over a pressure range of 150MPa during which turbidity decreased extremely. From the turbidity profiles, the threshold pressure for disruption of micelle integrity was determined and ranged from 150MPa at low pH to 350-400MPa at high pH. The threshold pressure diagram clearly showed a relationship between the barostability of casein micelles and pH, whereas almost no effect of temperature was shown. This remarkable pH effect was a consequence of pressure-induced changes in the electrostatic interactions between colloidal calcium phosphate and the caseins responsible for maintaining micellar structure and was explained by a shift in the calcium phosphate balance in the micelle-serum system. Accordingly, a mechanism for high pressure-induced disruption of micelle integrity is suggested in which the state of calcium plays a crucial role in the micelle dissociation process. Copyright 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genes Required for Growth at High Hydrostatic Pressure in Escherichia coli K-12 Identified by Genome-Wide Screening

PubMed Central

Black, S. Lucas; Dawson, Angela; Ward, F. Bruce; Allen, Rosalind J.

2013-01-01

Despite the fact that much of the global microbial biosphere is believed to exist in high pressure environments, the effects of hydrostatic pressure on microbial physiology remain poorly understood. We use a genome-wide screening approach, combined with a novel high-throughput high-pressure cell culture method, to investigate the effects of hydrostatic pressure on microbial physiology in vivo. The Keio collection of single-gene deletion mutants in Escherichia coli K-12 was screened for growth at a range of pressures from 0.1 MPa to 60 MPa. This led to the identification of 6 genes, rodZ, holC, priA, dnaT, dedD and tatC, whose products were required for growth at 30 MPa and a further 3 genes, tolB, rffT and iscS, whose products were required for growth at 40 MPa. Our results support the view that the effects of pressure on cell physiology are pleiotropic, with DNA replication, cell division, the cytoskeleton and cell envelope physiology all being potential failure points for cell physiology during growth at elevated pressure. PMID:24040140

Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure Combined with Moderate Heat to Inactivate Pressure-Resistant Bacteria in Water-Boiled Salted Duck.

PubMed

Ye, Keping; Feng, Yulin; Wang, Kai; Bai, Yun; Xu, Xinglian; Zhou, Guanghong

2015-06-01

The objective of this work was to study the effect of high hydrostatic pressure combined with moderate heat to inactivate pressure-resistant bacteria in water-boiled salted duck meat (WBSDM), and to establish suitable procedures to improve the quality of WBSDM. The conditions (300 MPa/60 °C, 400 MPa/60 °C, and 500 MPa/50 °C) effectively inactivated the pressure-resistant bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus warneri) in WBSDM. Although more pressure-resistant than S. warneri, the above treatment conditions inactivated B. cereus more than 10(7) CFU/mL in buffer, and more than 10(6) CFU/g in WBSDM, and did not cause any changes in color, texture, or moisture content of products. The interaction between pressure and temperature is a more significant factor than only pressure in inactivating both B. cereus and S. warneri, the treatment of WBSDM at 400 MPa/ 60 °C/ 10 min is the most practical condition for postprocess of WBSDM after cooking. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Hormonal Contraceptives Differentially Suppress TFV and TAF Inhibition of HIV Infection and TFV-DP in Blood and Genital Tract CD4+ T cells.

PubMed

Shen, Zheng; Rodriguez-Garcia, Marta; Patel, Mickey V; Bodwell, Jack; Kashuba, Angela D M; Wira, Charles R

2017-12-18

HIV prevention research is focused on combining antiretrovirals (ARV) and progestin contraceptives to prevent HIV infection and pregnancy. The possibility that progestins compromise ARV anti-HIV activity prompted us to evaluate the effects of progestins on tenofovir (TFV) and TFV-alafenamide (TAF) on HIV infection and intracellular TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations in blood and genital CD4+ T cells. Following incubation of blood CD4+ T cells with TFV or TAF, Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), but not Levonorgestrel, Norethisterone or progesterone, suppressed the anti-HIV effect of TFV by reducing intracellular TFV-DP, but had no effect on TAF inhibition of infection or TFV-DP. In contrast, with genital CD4+ T cells, MPA suppressed TAF inhibition of HIV infection and lowered of TFV-DP concentrations without affecting TFV protection. These findings demonstrate that MPA selectively compromises TFV and TAF protection in blood and genital CD4+ T cells and suggests that MPA may decrease ARV protection in individuals who use ARV intermittently for prevention.

[The Study of Decitabine Effect on the Endometrial Carcinoma Xenografted in Nude Mice.

PubMed

Li, Ran-Hong; Wang, Xue-Ping; Liu, Hui

2016-11-01

To explore the effect of the demethylation drug 5-Aza-CdR on endometrial carcinoma xenografted in nude mice. Randomly assigned the mice into decitabine (AZA),cisplatin (DDP),medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA),AZA+DDP,AZA+MPA,DDP+MPA and model groups (three in each group) after building the models of xenografted tumor by transplanting the HEC-1B cells on nude mice,and dealt them respectively with corresponding drugs (1 μg/g,single or combination) in the experiment groups and normal saline in model group (injected per 3 d,8 injections in total).Then the tumor inhibitory rates in different groups were calculated.The methylation and protein expression of RASSF1A gene was estimated by methylation specific PCR (MSP) and Western blot respectively,and apoptosis situation of carcinoma cell was estimated by tunel. Inhibitory rate in AZA+DDP group was the highest,and the lowest was AZA group. RASSF1A gene promoter region methylation levels of AZA,AZA+DDP and AZA+MPA groups significantly reduced and showed obvious demethylation stripes while other groups mainly showed the methylation stripes.The differences of RASSF1A protein expression between AZA,AZA+DDP and AZA+MPA groups were not statistical significant ( P >0.05),but the three were higher than model group ( P <0.05);there was no statistically significant difference respectively in the DDP,MPA,DDP+ MPA groups compared with that of model group ( P >0.05).In the comparison of apoptosis index,model group was the lowest,followed by the three single medicine groups,and the highest was three combination groups ( P <0.05). Demethylation drug 5-Aza-CdR in endometrial cancer treatment has a great potential clinical application value by reversing the abnormal methylation of RASSF1A gene,restoring biological functions of RASSF1A protein and strengthening the efficacy of DDP and MPA.

Influence of xanthan gum on the structural characteristics of myofibrillar proteins treated by high pressure.

PubMed

Villamonte, Gina; Jury, Vanessa; Jung, Stéphanie; de Lamballerie, Marie

2015-03-01

The effects of xanthan gum on the structural modifications of myofibrillar proteins (0.3 M NaCl, pH 6) induced by high pressure (200, 400, and 600 MPa, 6 min) were investigated. The changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of myofibrillar proteins were analyzed by circular dichroism. The protein denaturation was also evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. Likewise, the protein surface hydrophobicity and the solubility of myofibrillar proteins were measured. High pressure (600 MPa) induced the loss of α-helix structures and an increase of β-sheet structures. However, the presence of xanthan gum hindered the former mechanism of protein denaturation by high pressure. In fact, changes in the secondary (600 MPa) and the tertiary structure fingerprint of high-pressure-treated myofibrillar proteins (400 to 600 MPa) were observed in the presence of xanthan gum. These modifications were confirmed by the thermal analysis, the thermal transitions of high-pressure (400 to 600 MPa)-treated myofibrillar proteins were modified in systems containing xanthan gum. As consequence, the high-pressure-treated myofibrillar proteins with xanthan gum showed increased solubility from 400 MPa, in contrast to high-pressure treatment (600 MPa) without xanthan gum. Moreover, the surface hydrophobicity of high-pressure-treated myofibrillar proteins was enhanced in the presence of xanthan gum. These effects could be due to the unfolding of myofibrillar proteins at high-pressure levels, which exposed sites that most likely interacted with the anionic polysaccharide. This study suggests that the role of food additives could be considered for the development of meat products produced by high-pressure processing. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

The effect of elevated methane pressure on methane hydrate dissociation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Circone, S.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

2004-01-01

Methane hydrate, equilibrated at P, T conditions within the hydrate stability field, was rapidly depressurized to 1.0 or 2.0 MPa and maintained at isobaric conditions outside its stability field, while the extent and rate of hydrate dissociation was measured at fixed, externally maintained temperatures between 250 and 288 K. The dissociation rate decreases with increasing pressure at a given temperature. Dissociation rates at 1.0 MPa parallel the complex, reproducible T-dependence previously observed between 250 and 272 K at 0.1 MPa. The lowest rates were observed near 268 K, such that >50% of the sample can persist for more than two weeks at 0.1 MPa to more than a month at 1 and 2 MPa. Varying the pressure stepwise in a single experiment increased or decreased the dissociation rate in proportion to the rates observed in the isobaric experiments, similar to the rate reversibility previously observed with stepwise changes in temperature at 0.1 MPa. At fixed P, T conditions, the rate of methane hydrate dissociation decreases monotonically with time, never achieving a steady rate. The relationship between time (t) and the extent of hydrate dissociation is empirically described by: Evolved gas (%) = A??tB where the pre-exponential term A ranges from 0 to 16% s-B and the exponent B is generally <1. Based on fits of the dissociation results to Equation 1 for the full range of temperatures (204 to 289 K) and pressures (0.1 to 2.0 MPa) investigated, the derived parameters can be used to predict the methane evolution curves for pure, porous methane hydrate to within ??5%. The effects of sample porosity and the presence of quartz sand and seawater on methane hydrate dissociation are also described using Equation 1.

The effect of three variables on shear bond strength when luting a resin inlay to dentin.

PubMed

Lee, Jae-Ik; Park, Sung-Ho H

2009-01-01

The current study evaluated the effects of three variables on the shear bond strength of indirect composite restorations to human dentin. The three variables examined included immediate dentin sealing (IDS), the thinning of dentin adhesives by air-blowing before cementation and light-curing the dentin adhesive before cementation. One-hundred and eighty cylinder composite inlays, 2 mm in diameter and 3 mm in length, were made using a Tescera ATL system (BISCO Inc). Tooth disks 2-mm thick were obtained from 90 freshly-extracted human premolars. Two indirect composite cylinders were assigned to a single tooth disk. The discs were randomly divided into six groups according to the luting methods. AdheSE (Ivoclar Vivadent) was used as the dentin-bonding agent (DBA) for all groups. In Groups 1, 2 and 3, the dentin was sealed with AdheSE before taking the impression. After priming, the adhesive was lightly air-blown, then light-cured. On the other hand, the dentin was not sealed before taking the impression in Groups 4, 5 and 6. Regarding the application of DBA before cementation, it was gently air-blown and light-cured before cementation in Groups 1 and 4; whereas, it was heavily air-blown and light-cured in Groups 2 and 5 and gently air-blown but not light-cured in Groups 3 and 6. Z-250 and Duo-Link were used as luting materials. After 24-hours of storage, the bonded inlays were subjected to a shear bond test. For each luting material, one-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test were used to compare the shear bond strength. Paired t-tests were also performed to compare the shear strength between the two luting materials. All the statistical tests were carried out at the 95% confidence level. In Z-250, the results of the shear bond strength were as follows: Group 1(14.90MPa) > Group 2(12.22MPa), Group 4(12.16MPa) Group 5(9.61MPa), Group 3(9.60MPa) Group 6(3.54MPa)(p<0.05). In Duo-Link, the following shear bond strengths were obtained: Group 1(14.65MPa) > Group 2(13.04MPa), Group 4(12.66MPa) > Group 5(10.10MPa) > Group 3(8.40MPa) > Group 6(2.88MPa) (p<0.05). The mean shear bond strength of Z-250 and Duo-Link were not statistically different with the exception of Group 5. In conclusion, the shear bond strength of the indirect composite restoration to dentin can be improved by dentin sealing with DBA before taking an impression, gently air drying and light curing the DBA before the luting procedure.

Mycophenolic acid attenuates tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced endothelin-1 production in human aortic endothelial cells.

PubMed

Yang, Won Seok; Lee, Joo Mi; Han, Nam Jeong; Kim, Yoon Ji; Chang, Jai Won; Park, Su-Kil

2010-07-01

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is one of the potential therapeutic targets. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mycophenolic acid (MPA), an immunosuppressant for the transplant recipients, on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced ET-1 production in aortic endothelial cells. In cultured human aortic endothelial cells, TNF-alpha increased ET-1 through AP-1 and NF-kappaB, whereas MPA attenuated it by reducing both AP-1 and NF-kappaB DNA-binding activities. TNF-alpha increased ET-1 via c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase. N-acetylcysteine that downregulated TNF-alpha-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibited JNK activation, but not p38 MAPK. N-acetylcysteine, SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) attenuated TNF-alpha-induced DNA-binding activities of both AP-1 and NF-kappaB. MPA inhibited JNK and p38 MAPK activations as well as ROS generation. N-acetylcysteine, SP600125, SB203580 and MPA had no effect on either TNF-alpha-induced IkappaBalpha degradation or p65 nuclear translocation, but attenuated p65 Ser276 phosphorylation. MPA attenuated TNF-alpha-induced ET-1 production through inhibitions of ROS-dependent JNK and ROS-independent p38 MAPK that regulated NF-kappaB as well as AP-1. These findings suggest that MPA could have an effect of amelioration of atherosclerosis. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of deformation mechanics for two different carbonates: oolitic limestone and laminites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zihms, Stephanie; Lewis, Helen; Couples, Gary; Hall, Stephen; Somerville, Jim

2016-04-01

Carbonate rocks form under a range of conditions which leads to a diverse rock group. Even though carbonates are overall mineralogically simple, the solid-space distribution ranges from simple compositions such as oolitic limestones to highly complex networks of pores and solids as seen in coquinas. Their fundamental mechanical behaviour has been identified to be like clastic rocks (Vajdova 2004, Brantut, Heap et al. 2014). However it is very likely that this observation is not true for more complex carbonates. Triaxial tests were performed on cylindrical samples of two different carbonates; a) oolitic limestone (Bicqueley quarry, France) and b) laminite (Ariripe basin, Brazil). The samples were deformed under confining pressures of 8, 12 and 20MPa, and 20, 30 and 40MPa, respectively. All tests were stopped as soon as peak load was observed to preserve as many deformation characteristics as possible. Photographs of the samples were taken before and after deformation to allow surface analysis of deformation features. Additionally, samples were analysed post-deformation with X-ray tomography (XRT) (using the Zeiss XRadia XRM 520 at the 4D Imaging Lab at Lund University). The 3D tomography images represent the post-deformation samples' density distribution, allowing detailed, non-destructive, 3D analysis of the deformation features that developed in the triaxial testing, including the complex geometries and interactions of fractures, deformation bands and sedimentary layering. They also provide an insight into the complexity of deformation features produced due to the carbonate response. Initial results show that the oolitic limestone forms single shear bands almost the length of the sample, exhibiting similar characteristics to sandstones deformed under similar conditions. These features are observed for all three applied loads. The laminate sample deformed at the lowest confining pressure exhibits compactive features. However, the laminite samples deformed at the two higher confining pressures both show highly complex fracture networks comprising open fractures and fracture propagation. This suggests that the laminate changes from compactive to dilational responses over the selected confining conditions. The XRT analysis indicates that a more complex fracture distribution could be linked to rock component properties e.g. grain size and composition. For the laminite these are variable with the layers. This is in agreement with field observations of laminite microfabrics (Calvo, Rodriguez-Pascua et al. 1998). Additionally, the typical grain size of the laminate (μm) is much smaller than the oolitic limestone (mm), which suggests that fracture network complexity can also be linked to bulk system complexity i.e. pore & grain network. These deformation experiments show that, as previously observed, oolitic limestones seem to behave similarly to sandstones. However this observation is not true for laminites and it is very likely that more complex carbonates will develop even more complicated deformation behaviour. It is therefore necessary to systematically test different carbonate rocks to understand the impact of geometry and composition, as well as the interplay with the pore network. Brantut, N., et al. (2014). Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 119(7): 5444-5463. Calvo, J. P., et al. (1998). Sedimentology 45: 279-292. Vajdova, V. (2004). Journal of Geophysical Research 109(B5).

Tensile Properties of Under-Matched Weld Joints for 950 MPa Steel.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Kouji; Arakawa, Toshiaki; Akazawa, Nobuki; Yamamoto, Kousei; Matsuo, Hiroki; Nakagara, Kiyoyuki; Suita, Yoshikazu

In welding of 950 MPa-class high tensile strength steel, preheating is crucial in order to avoid cold cracks, which, however, eventually increases welding deformations. One way to decrease welding deformations is lowering preheating temperature by using under-matched weld metal. Toyota and others clarify that although breaking elongation can decrease due to plastic constraint effect under certain conditions, static tensile of under-matched weld joints is comparable to that of base metal. However, there has still been no report about joint static tensile of under-matched weld joints applied to 950 MPa-class high tensile strength steel. In this study, we aim to research tensile strength and fatigue strength of under-matched weld joints applied to 950 MPa-class high tensile steel.

Trace Detection of Organophosphorus Chemical Warfare Agents in Wastewater and Plants by Luminescent UIO-67(Hf) and Evaluating the Bioaccumulation of Organophosphorus Chemical Warfare Agents.

PubMed

Lian, Xiao; Yan, Bing

2018-05-02

Organophosphorus chemical warfare agents (OPCWAs) are a group of organic pollutants characterized by high toxicity and chemical stability, and they are very difficult to be degraded. The trace quality of OPCWAs in water and food will cause great harm to the human body. Therefore, the detection of OPCWAs is a difficult challenge, which has become the research hotspot over the world. In this work, a Hf-based luminescent metal-organic framework (Eu@1) is prepared, and the reactivity of Hf 12 results in a methanephosphonic acid (MPA)-induced luminescence quenching and the charge transfer from MPA to Hf(IV) and generated exciplexes which are responsible for this quenching effect. The excellent performance of Eu@1 in the detection of MPA, with its finer selectivity, high sensitivity (LOD = 0.4 ppm), and large linear range (10 -7 to 10 -3 M), is encouraging for application in wastewater detection. Importantly, MPA is a pollutant that can be absorbed by plants and causes the bioaccumulation effect, and thus, the detection of MPA in real plant samples is a purposeful topic. Eu@1 also achieved satisfactory results in actual plant sample testing, and the bioaccumulation of MPA in onions, turnips, and cabbages is determined via our sensor. This fabricated detector provides a feasible path for the detection of ppm-level OPCWAs in a complex environment, which will help humans to avoid OPCWA-contaminated foods.

Short communication: Effects of high-pressure processing on the inactivity of Cronobacter sakazakii in whole milk and skim milk samples.

PubMed

Jiao, Rui; Gao, Jina; Li, Yinxiang; Zhang, Xiyan; Zhang, Maofeng; Ye, Yingwang; Wu, Qingping; Fan, Hongying

2016-10-01

Powdered infant formula is considered as the main transmission vehicle for Cronobacter sakazakii infections including meningitis, septicemia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The effects of high-pressure processing treatment on inactivation of C. sakazakii ranging from 100 to 400 MPa for 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 min in whole milk and skim milk were studied. Significant differences in inactivation of C. sakazakii were observed in milk samples under different pressures for 3 to 7 min compared with untreated samples, and C. sakazakii was not detected after 400 MPa for 3 min. The lethality rates of C. sakazakii cells in whole and skim milk with an initial level of 10(4) cfu/mL after 100 and 200 MPa treatments were not significantly different, but relatively higher lethality rates were found in whole milk after 300 MPa treatment than in skim milk. Finally, the scanning electron micrographs indicated that cellular envelope and intracellular damage of C. sakazakii cells were apparent after 300 and 400 MPa for 5.0 min compared with the untreated cells, and a progressive increase of injured cells with increased pressure treatment was found. It was concluded that C. sakazakii was sensitive to high-pressure processing treatment and that high-pressure processing treatment with 400 MPa for 3.0 min can be used to control C. sakazakii contamination in milk samples. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spectra of confined positronium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munjal, D.; Silotia, P.; Prasad, V.

2017-12-01

Positronium is studied under the effect of spherically confined plasma environment. Exponentially Cosine Screened Coulomb potential (ECSC) has been used to include the dense plasma screening effect on positronium. Time independent Schrodinger equation is solved numerically. Various physical parameters such as energy eigenvalues, radial matrix elements, oscillator strengths, and polarizability are well explored as a function of confinement parameters. Oscillator strength gets drastically modified under confinement. We have also obtained the results for Ps confined under spherically confined Debye potential and compared with results of ECSC potential. Also incidental degeneracy for different values of confinement parameters has been reported for the first time for positronium.

Epoxy Resins Toughened with Surface Modified Epoxidized Natural Rubber Fibers by One-Step Electrospinning.

PubMed

Kim, Joo Ran; Kim, Jung J

2017-04-27

Epoxidized natural rubber fibers (ERFs) are developed through one-step electrospinning and directly deposited into epoxy resins without collecting and distributing of fibers. The shape of ERFs shows rough surface due to different evaporation rate of solvent mixture consisting of chloroform and dichloromethane and the average diameter of ERFs is 6.2 µm. The increase of ERFs loading from 0 to 20 wt % into the epoxy resin increases the fracture strain significantly from 1.2% to 13% and toughness from 0.3 MPa to 1.9 MPa by a factor of 7. However, the tensile strength and Young's modulus decrease about 34% from 58 MPa to 34 MPa and from 1.4 GPa to 0.9 GPa, respectively. Due to the crosslinking reactions between oxirane groups of ERFs and amine groups in the resin, surface roughness and the high aspect ratio of ERFs, ERFs result in more effective toughening effect with the minimum loss of tensile properties in epoxy resins.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on functional properties and quality characteristics of Aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis Miller).

PubMed

Vega-Gálvez, Antonio; Miranda, Margarita; Aranda, Mario; Henriquez, Karem; Vergara, Judith; Tabilo-Munizaga, Gipsy; Pérez-Won, Mario

2011-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure treatment at three pressure levels (300, 400 and 500Mpa) on the functional and quality characteristics of Aloe vera gel including vitamin C and E, aloin, minerals, phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The results show that HHP exerted a clear influence on minerals content, vitamin C and E content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and aloin content. After 35days of storage all treated samples presented a decrease in mineral content, except for phosphorus. Total phenolic content and vitamin C and E content decreased at high pressures (500MPa), while all pressurised samples showed a higher antioxidant activity and aloin content than untreated sample after 35days of storage. The maximum values of antioxidant activity and aloin were 6.55±1.26μg/ml at 300MPa and 24.23±2.27mg/100g d.m. at 400MPa. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epoxy Resins Toughened with Surface Modified Epoxidized Natural Rubber Fibers by One-Step Electrospinning

PubMed Central

Kim, Joo Ran; Kim, Jung J.

2017-01-01

Epoxidized natural rubber fibers (ERFs) are developed through one-step electrospinning and directly deposited into epoxy resins without collecting and distributing of fibers. The shape of ERFs shows rough surface due to different evaporation rate of solvent mixture consisting of chloroform and dichloromethane and the average diameter of ERFs is 6.2 µm. The increase of ERFs loading from 0 to 20 wt % into the epoxy resin increases the fracture strain significantly from 1.2% to 13% and toughness from 0.3 MPa to 1.9 MPa by a factor of 7. However, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus decrease about 34% from 58 MPa to 34 MPa and from 1.4 GPa to 0.9 GPa, respectively. Due to the crosslinking reactions between oxirane groups of ERFs and amine groups in the resin, surface roughness and the high aspect ratio of ERFs, ERFs result in more effective toughening effect with the minimum loss of tensile properties in epoxy resins. PMID:28772822

Clinical and metabolic effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol plus drospirenone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Ozdemir, Suna; Görkemli, Hüseyin; Gezginç, Kazim; Ozdemir, Mustafa; Kiyici, Aysel

2008-10-01

To investigate the effects of treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 10 days per month for 6 months, on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sixty-three women with PCOS were randomized to receive MPA or ethinyl estradiol plus drospirenone. There were no changes in lipid or carbohydrate metabolism in the MPA group, but serum levels of luteinizing hormone (P<0.001) and total testosterone (P<0.003) significantly decreased, as did the free androgen index (P<0.02) and acne (P<0.03) and seborrhea (P<0.04) scores. In the ethinyl estradiol plus drospirenone group lipid and hormone values significantly increased whereas acne, seborrhea, hair loss, and Ferriman-Gallwey scores decreased. There was no statistically significant change in the total cholesterol to high-density cholesterol ratio in either group. Treatment of PCOS patients with MPA provided good menstrual cycle control, beneficial changes in hormonal values associated with hyperandrogenism, and no significant changes in lipid or carbohydrate metabolism.

Genetic basis for mycophenolic acid production and strain-dependent production variability in Penicillium roqueforti.

PubMed

Gillot, Guillaume; Jany, Jean-Luc; Dominguez-Santos, Rebeca; Poirier, Elisabeth; Debaets, Stella; Hidalgo, Pedro I; Ullán, Ricardo V; Coton, Emmanuel; Coton, Monika

2017-04-01

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a secondary metabolite produced by various Penicillium species including Penicillium roqueforti. The MPA biosynthetic pathway was recently described in Penicillium brevicompactum. In this study, an in silico analysis of the P. roqueforti FM164 genome sequence localized a 23.5-kb putative MPA gene cluster. The cluster contains seven genes putatively coding seven proteins (MpaA, MpaB, MpaC, MpaDE, MpaF, MpaG, MpaH) and is highly similar (i.e. gene synteny, sequence homology) to the P. brevicompactum cluster. To confirm the involvement of this gene cluster in MPA biosynthesis, gene silencing using RNA interference targeting mpaC, encoding a putative polyketide synthase, was performed in a high MPA-producing P. roqueforti strain (F43-1). In the obtained transformants, decreased MPA production (measured by LC-Q-TOF/MS) was correlated to reduced mpaC gene expression by Q-RT-PCR. In parallel, mycotoxin quantification on multiple P. roqueforti strains suggested strain-dependent MPA-production. Thus, the entire MPA cluster was sequenced for P. roqueforti strains with contrasted MPA production and a 174bp deletion in mpaC was observed in low MPA-producers. PCRs directed towards the deleted region among 55 strains showed an excellent correlation with MPA quantification. Our results indicated the clear involvement of mpaC gene as well as surrounding cluster in P. roqueforti MPA biosynthesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hormone replacement therapy in women with epilepsy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Harden, Cynthia L; Herzog, Andrew G; Nikolov, Blagovest G; Koppel, Barbara S; Christos, Paul J; Fowler, Kristen; Labar, Douglas R; Hauser, W Allen

2006-09-01

Previous reports have suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could increase seizure activity in women with epilepsy. We sought to determine whether adding HRT to the medication regimen of postmenopausal women with epilepsy was associated with an increase in seizure frequency. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of HRT on seizure frequency in postmenopausal women with epilepsy, taking stable doses of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and within 10 years of their last menses. After a 3-month prospective baseline, subjects were randomized to placebo, Prempro (0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate or CEE/MPA) daily, or double-dose CEE/MPA daily for a 3-month treatment period. Twenty-one subjects were randomized after completing baseline. The subjects' ages ranged from 45 to 62 years (mean, 53 years; SD, +/-5), and the number of AEDs used ranged from none to three (median, one). Five (71%) of seven subjects taking double-dose CEE/MPA had a worsening seizure frequency of at least one seizure type, compared with four (50%) of eight taking single-dose CEE/MPA and one (17%) of six taking placebo (p = 0.05). An increase in seizure frequency of the subject's most severe seizure type was associated with increasing CEE/MPA dose (p = 0.008). An increase in complex partial seizure frequency also was associated with increasing CEE/MPA dose (p = 0.05). Two subjects taking lamotrigine had a decrease in lamotrigine levels of 25-30% while taking CEE/MPA. CEE/MPA is associated with a dose-related increase in seizure frequency in postmenopausal women with epilepsy. CEE/MPA may decrease lamotrigine levels.

Neutron Radiography of Fluid Flow for Geothermal Energy Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bingham, P.; Polsky, Y.; Anovitz, L.; Carmichael, J.; Bilheux, H.; Jacobsen, D.; Hussey, D.

Enhanced geothermal systems seek to expand the potential for geothermal energy by engineering heat exchange systems within the earth. A neutron radiography imaging method has been developed for the study of fluid flow through rock under environmental conditions found in enhanced geothermal energy systems. For this method, a pressure vessel suitable for neutron radiography was designed and fabricated, modifications to imaging instrument setups were tested, multiple contrast agents were tested, and algorithms developed for tracking of flow. The method has shown success for tracking of single phase flow through a manufactured crack in a 3.81 cm (1.5 inch) diameter core within a pressure vessel capable of confinement up to 69 MPa (10,000 psi) using a particle tracking approach with bubbles of fluorocarbon-based fluid as the ;particles; and imaging with 10 ms exposures.

Biological CO2 conversion to acetate in subsurface coal-sand formation using a high-pressure reactor system.

PubMed

Ohtomo, Yoko; Ijiri, Akira; Ikegawa, Yojiro; Tsutsumi, Masazumi; Imachi, Hiroyuki; Uramoto, Go-Ichiro; Hoshino, Tatsuhiko; Morono, Yuki; Sakai, Sanae; Saito, Yumi; Tanikawa, Wataru; Hirose, Takehiro; Inagaki, Fumio

2013-01-01

Geological CO2 sequestration in unmineable subsurface oil/gas fields and coal formations has been proposed as a means of reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. However, the feasibility of injecting CO2 into subsurface depends upon a variety of geological and economic conditions, and the ecological consequences are largely unpredictable. In this study, we developed a new flow-through-type reactor system to examine potential geophysical, geochemical and microbiological impacts associated with CO2 injection by simulating in-situ pressure (0-100 MPa) and temperature (0-70°C) conditions. Using the reactor system, anaerobic artificial fluid and CO2 (flow rate: 0.002 and 0.00001 ml/min, respectively) were continuously supplemented into a column comprised of bituminous coal and sand under a pore pressure of 40 MPa (confined pressure: 41 MPa) at 40°C for 56 days. 16S rRNA gene analysis of the bacterial components showed distinct spatial separation of the predominant taxa in the coal and sand over the course of the experiment. Cultivation experiments using sub-sampled fluids revealed that some microbes survived, or were metabolically active, under CO2-rich conditions. However, no methanogens were activated during the experiment, even though hydrogenotrophic and methylotrophic methanogens were obtained from conventional batch-type cultivation at 20°C. During the reactor experiment, the acetate and methanol concentration in the fluids increased while the δ(13)Cacetate, H2 and CO2 concentrations decreased, indicating the occurrence of homo-acetogenesis. 16S rRNA genes of homo-acetogenic spore-forming bacteria related to the genus Sporomusa were consistently detected from the sandstone after the reactor experiment. Our results suggest that the injection of CO2 into a natural coal-sand formation preferentially stimulates homo-acetogenesis rather than methanogenesis, and that this process is accompanied by biogenic CO2 conversion to acetate.

Biological CO2 conversion to acetate in subsurface coal-sand formation using a high-pressure reactor system

PubMed Central

Ohtomo, Yoko; Ijiri, Akira; Ikegawa, Yojiro; Tsutsumi, Masazumi; Imachi, Hiroyuki; Uramoto, Go-Ichiro; Hoshino, Tatsuhiko; Morono, Yuki; Sakai, Sanae; Saito, Yumi; Tanikawa, Wataru; Hirose, Takehiro; Inagaki, Fumio

2013-01-01

Geological CO2 sequestration in unmineable subsurface oil/gas fields and coal formations has been proposed as a means of reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. However, the feasibility of injecting CO2 into subsurface depends upon a variety of geological and economic conditions, and the ecological consequences are largely unpredictable. In this study, we developed a new flow-through-type reactor system to examine potential geophysical, geochemical and microbiological impacts associated with CO2 injection by simulating in-situ pressure (0–100 MPa) and temperature (0–70°C) conditions. Using the reactor system, anaerobic artificial fluid and CO2 (flow rate: 0.002 and 0.00001 ml/min, respectively) were continuously supplemented into a column comprised of bituminous coal and sand under a pore pressure of 40 MPa (confined pressure: 41 MPa) at 40°C for 56 days. 16S rRNA gene analysis of the bacterial components showed distinct spatial separation of the predominant taxa in the coal and sand over the course of the experiment. Cultivation experiments using sub-sampled fluids revealed that some microbes survived, or were metabolically active, under CO2-rich conditions. However, no methanogens were activated during the experiment, even though hydrogenotrophic and methylotrophic methanogens were obtained from conventional batch-type cultivation at 20°C. During the reactor experiment, the acetate and methanol concentration in the fluids increased while the δ13Cacetate, H2 and CO2 concentrations decreased, indicating the occurrence of homo-acetogenesis. 16S rRNA genes of homo-acetogenic spore-forming bacteria related to the genus Sporomusa were consistently detected from the sandstone after the reactor experiment. Our results suggest that the injection of CO2 into a natural coal-sand formation preferentially stimulates homo-acetogenesis rather than methanogenesis, and that this process is accompanied by biogenic CO2 conversion to acetate. PMID:24348470

Measuring the DC electrokinetic coupling coefficient of porous rock samples in the laboratory : a new apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, E.; Tardif, E.; Glover, P. W.; Ruel, J.; Hadjigeorgiou, J.

2009-12-01

Electro-kinetic properties of rocks allow the generation of an electric potential by the flow of an aqueous fluid through a porous media. The electrical potential is called the streaming potential, and the streaming potential coupling coefficient Cs is the ratio of the generated electric potential to the pressure difference that causes the fluid flow. The streaming potential coupling coefficient for rocks is described in the steady-state regime by the well known Helmholtz-Smoluchowski equation, and is supported by a relatively small body of experimental data. However, the electrokinetic coupling coefficient measurement is important for the further development of different area of expertise such as reservoir prospection and monitoring, volcano and earthquake monitoring and the underground sequestration of CO2. We have designed, constructed and tested a new experimental cell that is capable of measuring the DC streaming potential of consolidated and unconsolidated porous media. The new cell is made from stainless steel, perspex and other engineering polymers. Cylindrical samples of 25.4 mm can be placed in a deformable rubber sleeve and subjected to a radial confining pressure of compressed nitrogen up to 4.5 MPa. Actively degassed aqueous fluids can be flowed by an Agilent 1200 series binary pump (2 to 10 mL/min). A maximum input fluid pressure of 2.5 MPa can be applied, with a maximum exit pressure of 1 MPa to ensure sample saturation is stable and to reduce gas bubbles. The pressures each side of the sample are measured by high stability pressure transducers (Omega PX302-300GV), previously calibrated by a high precision differential pressure transducer Endress and Hauser Deltabar S PMD75. The streaming potentials are measured with Harvard Apparatus LF-1 and LF-2 Ag/AgCl non-polarising miniature electrodes. An axial pressure is applied (1 to 6.5 MPa) to counteract the radial pressure and provide additional axial load with a hydraulic piston. It is our intention to complete the testing of the cell and to use it to measure the electrokinetic properties of porous rocks in the DC regime in order to provide sufficient data to improve the theories and models of DC streaming potentials.

Measuring the DC electrokinetic coupling coefficient of porous rock samples in the laboratory : A new apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, Emilie; Tardif, Eric; Glover, Paul; Ruel, Jean; Lalande, Guillaume; Hadjigeorgiou, John

2010-05-01

Electro-kinetic properties of rocks allow the generation of an electric potential by the flow of an aqueous fluid through a porous media. The electrical potential is called the streaming potential, and the streaming potential coupling coefficient is the ratio of the generated electric potential to the pressure difference that causes the fluid flow. The streaming potential coupling coefficient for rocks is described in the steady-state regime by the well known Helmholtz-Smoluchowski equation, and is supported by a relatively small body of experimental data. However, the electrokinetic coupling coefficient measurement is important for the further development of different area of expertise such as reservoir prospection and monitoring, volcano and earthquake monitoring and the underground sequestration of carbon dioxide. We have designed, constructed and tested a new experimental cell that is capable of measuring the DC streaming potential of consolidated and unconsolidated porous media. The new cell is made from stainless steel, perspex and other engineering polymers. Cylindrical samples of 25.4 mm can be placed in a deformable rubber sleeve and subjected to a radial confining pressure of compressed nitrogen up to 4.5 MPa. Actively degassed aqueous fluids can be flowed by an Agilent 1200 series binary pump (2 to 10 mL/min). A maximum input fluid pressure of 2.5 MPa can be applied, with a maximum exit pressure of 1 MPa to ensure sample saturation is stable and to reduce gas bubbles. The pressures each side of the sample are measured by high stability pressure transducers (Omega PX302-300GV), previously calibrated by a high precision differential pressure transducer Endress and Hauser Deltabar S PMD75. The streaming potentials are measured with Harvard Apparatus LF-1 and LF-2 Ag/AgCl non-polarising miniature electrodes. An axial pressure is applied (1 to 6.5 MPa) to counteract the radial pressure and provide additional axial load with a hydraulic piston. It is our intention to complete the testing of the cell and to use it to measure the electrokinetic properties of porous rocks in the DC regime in order to provide sufficient data to improve the theories and models of DC streaming potentials.

Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Bacterial Growth on Human Ossicles Explanted from Cholesteatoma Patients

PubMed Central

Ostwald, Jürgen; Lindner, Tobias; Zautner, Andreas Erich; Arndt, Kathleen; Pau, Hans Wilhelm; Podbielski, Andreas

2012-01-01

Background High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment can eliminate cholesteatoma cells from explanted human ossicles prior to re-insertion. We analyzed the effects of HHP treatment on the microbial flora on ossicles and on the planktonic and biofilm states of selected isolates. Methodology Twenty-six ossicles were explanted from cholesteatoma patients. Five ossicles were directly analyzed for microbial growth without further treatment. Fifteen ossicles were cut into two pieces. One piece was exposed to HHP of 350 MPa for 10 minutes. Both the treated and untreated (control) pieces were then assessed semi-quantitatively. Three ossicles were cut into two pieces and exposed to identical pressure conditions with or without the addition of one of two different combinations of antibiotics to the medium. Differential effects of 10-minute in vitro exposure of planktonic and biofilm bacteria to pressures of 100 MPa, 250 MPa, 400 MPa and 540 MPa in isotonic and hypotonic media were analyzed using two patient isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Neisseria subflava. Bacterial cell inactivation and biofilm destruction were assessed by colony counting and electron microscopy. Principal Findings A variety of microorganisms were isolated from the ossicles. Irrespective of the medium, HHP treatment at 350 MPa for 10 minutes led to satisfying but incomplete inactivation especially of Gram-negative bacteria. The addition of antibiotics increased the efficacy of elimination. A comparison of HHP treatment of planktonic and biofilm cells showed that the effects of HPP were reduced by about one decadic logarithmic unit when HPP was applied to biofilms. High hydrostatic pressure conditions that are suitable to inactivate cholesteatoma cells fail to completely sterilize ossicles even if antibiotics are added. As a result of the reduced microbial load and the viability loss of surviving bacteria, however, there is a lower risk of re-infection after re-insertion. PMID:22291908

High Pressure Homogenization of Porcine Pepsin Protease: Effects on Enzyme Activity, Stability, Milk Coagulation Profile and Gel Development

PubMed Central

Leite Júnior, Bruno Ricardo de Castro; Tribst, Alline Artigiani Lima; Cristianini, Marcelo

2015-01-01

This study investigated the effect of high pressure homogenization (HPH) (up to 190 MPa) on porcine pepsin (proteolytic and milk-clotting activities), and the consequences of using the processed enzyme in milk coagulation and gel formation (rheological profile, proteolysis, syneresis, and microstructure). Although the proteolytic activity (PA) was not altered immediately after the HPH process, it reduced during enzyme storage, with a 5% decrease after 60 days of storage for samples obtained with the enzyme processed at 50, 100 and 150 MPa. HPH increased the milk-clotting activity (MCA) of the enzyme processed at 150 MPa, being 15% higher than the MCA of non-processed samples after 60 days of storage. The enzyme processed at 150 MPa produced faster aggregation and a more consistent milk gel (G’ value 92% higher after 90 minutes) when compared with the non-processed enzyme. In addition, the gels produced with the enzyme processed at 150 MPa showed greater syneresis after 40 minutes of coagulation (forming a more compact protein network) and lower porosity (evidenced by confocal microscopy). These effects on the milk gel can be associated with the increment in MCA and reduction in PA caused by the effects of HPH on pepsin during storage. According to the results, HPH stands out as a process capable of changing the proteolytic characteristics of porcine pepsin, with improvements on the milk coagulation step and gel characteristics. Therefore, the porcine pepsin submitted to HPH process can be a suitable alternative for the production of cheese. PMID:25938823

Effects of different nitrite concentrations from a vegetable source with and without high hydrostatic pressure on the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat restructured ham.

PubMed

Lavieri, Nicolas A; Sebranek, Joseph G; Cordray, Joseph C; Dickson, James S; Horsch, Ashley M; Jung, Stephanie; Manu, David K; Brehm-Stecher, Byron F; Mendonça, Aubrey F

2014-05-01

Sodium nitrite exerts an inhibitory effect on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of various nitrite concentrations from a vegetable source with and without high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the recovery and growth of L. monocytogenes on ready-to-eat restructured ham. A preconverted celery powder was used as the vegetable source of nitrite. Targeted concentrations of natural nitrite investigated were 0, 50, and 100 mg/kg. HHP treatments evaluated were 400 MPa for 4 min and 600 MPa for 1 or 4 min at 12 ± 2 °C (initial temperature of the pressurization fluid). Viable L. monocytogenes populations were monitored on modified Oxford medium and thin agar layer medium through 98 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C. Populations on both media did not differ. The HHP treatment at 600 MPa for 4 min resulted in L. monocytogenes populations below the detection limit of our sampling protocols throughout the storage period regardless of the natural nitrite concentration. The combination of HHP at 400 MPa for 4 min or 600 MPa for 1 min with natural nitrite resulted in initial inhibition of viable L. monocytogenes. Ham formulations that did not contain natural nitrite allowed faster growth of L. monocytogenes than did those with nitrite, regardless of whether they were treated with HHP. The results indicate that nitrite from a vegetable source at the concentrations used in this study resulted in slower growth of this microorganism. HHP treatments enhanced the inhibitory effects of natural nitrite on L. monocytogenes growth. Thus, the combination of natural nitrite plus HHP appears to have a synergistic inhibitory effect on L. monocytogenes growth.

Assessment of fish communities in a Mediterranean MPA: Can a seasonal no-take zone provide effective protection?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimitriadis, Charalampos; Sini, Maria; Trygonis, Vasilis; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Sourbès, Laurent; Koutsoubas, Drosos

2018-07-01

The efficacy of a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area (National Marine Park of Zakynthos - NMPZ, Ionian Sea, Greece) that implements a seasonal no-take zone as part of its management scheme was assessed using fish data collected in situ with underwater visual census. Sampling was conducted at two habitat types (Posidonia oceanica meadows and rocky reefs) that occur at sites of different protection level with respect to fisheries (high protection: seasonal no-take zone within the MPA; intermediate: zones within the MPA where small-scale fishing is allowed; none: areas outside the MPA, where all types of fishing are allowed, including trawlers, purse seiners, and recreational fishing). The data were used to examine the effects of protection level and habitat type on community parameters, trophic structure and functional diversity of fish populations that occupy the upper sublittoral zone. Overall, habitat type had a more pronounced effect than protection level on all investigated parameters. Biomass, density and number of fish species with low commercial value were higher in sites of intermediate protection, but no substantial fisheries-related ecological benefits were detected for targeted fish in the seasonal no-take zone. Conducted 8 years after the initial implementation of the seasonal no-take management scheme, our study suggests that existing fishing regulations in the NMPZ provide some measurable effects, but fall short of maintaining sufficient protection for the recovery of apex predators or other commercially important fish species. A revision of the existing zoning system to include permanent no-take zones, alongside the regulation of professional fishing and all extractive activities in the rest of the MPA, are strongly encouraged in order to enhance the effectiveness of fisheries management.

Different responses to treatment across classified diseases and severities in Japanese patients with microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a nationwide prospective inception cohort study.

PubMed

Sada, Ken-ei; Yamamura, Masahiro; Harigai, Masayoshi; Fujii, Takao; Takasaki, Yoshinari; Amano, Koichi; Fujimoto, Shouichi; Muso, Eri; Murakawa, Yohko; Arimura, Yoshihiro; Makino, Hirofumi

2015-11-02

This study aims to elucidate the prognosis and the effectiveness of current treatments for Japanese patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Patients with newly diagnosed MPA and GPA were enrolled in a nationwide, prospective, inception cohort study from 22 tertiary Japanese institutions, and treatment patterns and responses were evaluated for 24 months. Primary outcome measures were rates of remission (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, 0) and remission with low-dose glucocorticoids (GC) (prednisolone ≤ 10 mg) (GC remission). Of 156 enrolled patients, 78 MPA patients and 33 GPA patients were included. Concomitant cyclophosphamide (CY) was used in 24 MPA (31 %) and 20 GPA (60 %) patients during the initial 3 weeks of treatment. After 6 months, remission was achieved in 66 MPA (85 %) and 29 GPA (87 %) patients, while GC remission was obtained in only 31 MPA (40 %) and 13 GPA (39 %) patients. During the 24-month period, 14 MPA patients and 2 GPA patients died; end stage renal disease (ESRD) was noted in 13 MPA patients but no GPA patients. Patients with severe disease, according to the European Vasculitis Study Group (EUVAS) classification, showed poorer ESRD-free and overall survival rates than those with generalized disease (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in relapse-free survival rates between GPA and MPA, among EUVAS-defined disease severity categories, and between anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody subspecialties. The majority of Japanese patients with MPA and GPA received treatment with high-dose GC and limited CY use, and showed high remission and relapse-free survival rates but low GC remission rates in clinical practice. University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000001648 . Registered 28 February 2009.

Plant water use characteristics of five dominant shrub species of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA: implications for shrubland restoration and conservation.

PubMed

Adhikari, Arjun; White, Joseph D

2014-01-01

The biogeographic distribution of plant species is inherently associated with the plasticity of physiological adaptations to environmental variation. For semi-arid shrublands with a legacy of saline soils, characterization of soil water-tolerant shrub species is necessary for habitat restoration given future projection of increased drought magnitude and persistence in these ecosystems. Five dominant native shrub species commonly found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA, were studied, namely Acacia farnesiana, Celtis ehrenbergiana, Forestiera angustifolia, Parkinsonia aculeata and Prosopis glandulosa. To simulate drought conditions, we suspended watering of healthy, greenhouse-grown plants for 4 weeks. Effects of soil salinity were also studied by dosing plants with 10% NaCl solution with suspended watering. For soil water deficit treatment, the soil water potential of P. glandulosa was the highest (-1.20 MPa), followed by A. farnesiana (-4.69 MPa), P. aculeata (-5.39 MPa), F. angustifolia (-6.20 MPa) and C. ehrenbergiana (-10.02 MPa). For the soil salinity treatment, P. glandulosa also had the highest soil water potential value (-1.60 MPa), followed by C. ehrenbergiana (-1.70 MPa), A. farnesiana (-1.84 MPa), P. aculeata (-2.04 MPa) and F. angustifolia (-6.99 MPa). Within the species, only C. ehrenbergiana and F. angustifolia for soil water deficit treatment and A. farnesiana for the salinity treatment had significantly lower soil water potential after 4 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). We found that soil water potential, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis of the species significantly reduced over time for both treatments (P < 0.05). We conclude that while all species exhibited capacities to withstand current water availability, some species demonstrated limited tolerance for extreme water stress that may be important for management of future shrub diversity in Lower Rio Grande Valley.

[High-dosed gestagen therapy of the metastatic mammary carcinoma (author's transl)].

PubMed

Firusian, N; Becher, R

1981-12-01

Thirty patients with histologically proven metastatic mammary carcinoma were treated, after exhaustion of hormonal and cytostatic therapeutic means, with high-dosed medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) during a ten-day induction phase with 1000 mg MPAi.m. per day and then with 600 mg oral MPA per day. In eleven patients a complete or partial remission was achieved. The median period of remission comprised ten months. A positive relationship was found between the response to high-dosed MPA therapy and the length of free intervals. Side effects were tolerable.

Functional properties and in vitro trypsin digestibility of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein isolate: Effect of high-pressure treatment.

PubMed

Yin, Shou-Wei; Tang, Chuan-He; Wen, Qi-Biao; Yang, Xiao-Quan; Li, Lin

2008-10-15

The effects of high-pressure (HP) treatment at 200-600MPa, prior to freeze-drying, on some functional properties and in vitro trypsin digestibility of vicilin-rich red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein isolate (KPI) were investigated. Surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl (SH) and disulfide bond (SS) contents were also evaluated. HP treatment resulted in gradual unfolding of protein structure, as evidenced by gradual increases in fluorescence strength and SS formation from SH groups, and decrease in denaturation enthalpy change. The protein solubility of KPI was significantly improved at pressures of 400MPa or higher, possibly due to formation of soluble aggregate from insoluble precipitate. HP treatment at 200 and 400MPa significantly increased emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI); however, EAI was significantly decreased at 600MPa (relative to untreated KPI). The thermal stability of the vicilin component was not affected by HP treatment. Additionally, in vitro trypsin digestibility of KPI was decreased only at a pressure above 200MPa and for long incubation time (e.g., 120min). The data suggest that some physiochemical and functional properties of vicilin-rich kidney proteins can be improved by means of high-pressure treatment. Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of high pressure on growth and bacteriocin production of Pediococcus acidilactici HA-6111-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, S. M.; Kolomeytseva, M.; Casquete, R.; Silva, J.; Saraiva, J. A.; Teixeira, P.

2015-10-01

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of high pressure processing (HPP, 200-600 MPa) on the (i) survival of Listeria innocua and Pediococcus acidilactici HA-6111-2; (ii) production of bacteriocin bacHA-6111-2 and (iii) activity of bacteriocin against untreated and pressure-treated L. innocua cells. Inactivation of P. acidilactici was observed for pressures of >300 MPa. However, at this pressure level, L. innocua was more sensitive. Bacteriocin crude extract was pressure stable, with a decrease for pressures of ≥400 MPa. Pressures of ≤200 MPa did not affect bacteriocin production when compared with non-pressure-treated cells, whereas higher pressures caused a 2- to 4-fold decrease on the maximum level of bacteriocin production. Growth curves of P. acidilactici were fitted with the modified Gompertz model. The lag phase period depended on the magnitude of the pressure applied: there was a delay in the exponential phase as pressure increased and, as a consequence, in the beginning of bacteriocin production. Since P. acidilactici HA-6111-2 and its bacteriocin have shown resistance to pressures up to 300-400 MPa, they could be used in combination with HPP in order to improve food safety.

Effects of high sound speed confiners on ANFO detonations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiyanda, Charles; Jackson, Scott; Short, Mark

2011-06-01

The interaction between high explosive (HE) detonations and high sound speed confiners, where the confiner sound speed exceeds the HE's detonation speed, has not been thoroughly studied. The subsonic nature of the flow in the confiner allows stress waves to travel ahead of the main detonation front and influence the upstream HE state. The interaction between the detonation wave and the confiner is also no longer a local interaction, so that the confiner thickness now plays a significant role in the detonation dynamics. We report here on larger scale experiments in which a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) is detonated in aluminium confiners with varying charge diameter and confiner thickness. The results of these large-scale experiments are compared with previous large-scale ANFO experiments in cardboard, as well as smaller-scale aluminium confined ANFO experiments, to characterize the effects of confiner thickness.

Permeability of volcanic rocks to gas and water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heap, M. J.; Reuschlé, T.; Farquharson, J. I.; Baud, P.

2018-04-01

The phase (gas or liquid) of the fluids within a porous volcanic system varies in both time and space. Laboratory experiments have shown that gas and water permeabilities can differ for the same rock sample, but experiments are biased towards rocks that contain minerals that are expected react with the pore fluid (such as the reaction between liquid water and clay). We present here the first study that systematically compares the gas and water permeability of volcanic rocks. Our data show that permeabilities to argon gas and deionised water can differ by a factor between two and five in two volcanic rocks (basalt and andesite) over a confining pressure range from 2 to 50 MPa. We suggest here that the microstructural elements that offer the shortest route through the sample-estimated to have an average radius 0.1-0.5 μm using the Klinkenberg slip factor-are accessible to gas, but restricted or inaccessible to water. We speculate that water adsorption on the surface of these thin microstructural elements, assumed here to be tortuous/rough microcracks, reduces their effective radius and/or prevents access. These data have important implications for fluid flow and therefore the distribution and build-up of pore pressure within volcanic systems.

Relationships Among Performance Anxiety, Agari Experience, and Depressive Tendencies in Japanese Music Students.

PubMed

Bannai, Kurara; Kase, Takayoshi; Endo, Shintaro; Oishi, Kazou

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among anxiety prior to actual performance (music performance anxiety, MPA), mental and physical negative responses during performance (agari), and depressive tendencies in Japanese college students majoring in music. Participants were 171 music majors (33 males, 138 females, 20.6±1.7 yrs). They rated the degree of self-perceived MPA before their performance on a scale ranging from 0-100%. The Features of Agari Experience Questionnaire was used to assess agari response levels during standard performances, and the Japanese version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD) was used to measure depressive tendencies. Path analysis showed that MPA levels were positively related to agari scores, which were positively related to CES-D scores. Mediation analysis found a significant indirect effect of MPA scores on CES-D scores via the agari scores. These results suggest that MPA first occurs before an actual music performance and evokes agari, which in turn may cause an increase in depressive tendencies.

The YPR153W gene is essential for the pressure tolerance of tryptophan permease Tat2 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurosaka, Goyu; Abe, Fumiyoshi

2018-01-01

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, hydrostatic pressure at 25 MPa is known to be nonlethal but significantly impairs the uptake of tryptophan by the permease Tat2, thereby inhibiting the growth of strains that require tryptophan from the medium. Here, we found that the lack of the YPR153W gene, so far poorly characterized for its role in yeast, caused a serious adverse effect on the growth at 10-25 MPa in the strain that required tryptophan. Deletion for YPR153W resulted in an increased rate of pressure-induced degradation of Tat2, suggesting that Tat2 is destabilized in the YPR153W deletion mutant at 25 MPa. Overexpression of the TAT2 gene enabled the deletion mutant to grow at 25 MPa. These results suggest that Ypr153w is essential for the stability and proper transport function of Tat2 under pressure at 10-25 MPa.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the functional and rheological properties of the protein fraction extracted from pine nuts.

PubMed

Cao, Baiying; Fang, Li; Liu, Chunlei; Min, Weihong; Liu, Jingsheng

2018-01-01

High hydrostatic pressure treatments could increase the protein solubility (200 MPa), water holding capacity (400 MPa), and oil holding capacity (400 MPa) of pine nuts protein fractions, respectively. The exposed sufhydryl content for albumin was highest at 100 MPa while for other fractions it was 400 MPa, contrary for total sufhydryl content-generally it was at 100 MPa, except glutelin (400 MPa). Pine nuts protein fractions demonstrated the typical behavior of weak gels (G' > G″). After the treatments of high hydrostatic pressure the specific surface area of pine nuts protein particle was increased upon pressure, and the surface of protein became rough which increased the particle size. The functional groups of protein were found to be unchanged, but the characteristic peaks of pine nuts protein moved to a low-band displacement and the value of peaks was amplified accordingly to the pressure. The high hydrostatic pressure treatments were found to improve the functional properties of pine nuts protein isolates by enhancing the heat-induced gel strength of pine nuts protein isolates which make proteins more stretchable. These results suggest that high hydrostatic pressure treatments can increase the functional properties and alter the rheological properties of pine nuts protein fractions which will broaden its applications in food industry.

Effect of different root canal obturating materials on push-out bond strength of a fiber dowel.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Vivek; Singla, Mamta; Miglani, Sanjay; Kohli, Sarita

2012-07-01

During dowel space preparation, the instrumentation forms a thick smear layer along with sealer-occluded dentinal tubules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different obturating materials on push-out bond strength of a fiber dowel. Fifty human uniradicular teeth were decoronated and prepared using the step-back technique. The specimens were divided into five groups on the basis of obturating materials: group I received no obturation; group II (ZOE) gutta-percha and zinc oxide eugenol sealer; group III (ZOAH) gutta-percha and AH plus sealer; group IV (GF) GuttaFlow; and group V (RE) with Resilon Epiphany system. Dowel spaces were made with manufacturer's provided drills, and a fiber dowel was luted. Horizontal slices were obtained from the middle third, and push-out bond strength (S) was evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test. The push-out bond strength values in the control group, ZOE, ZOAH, GF, and RE were 9.303 ± 0.565 MPa, 8.859 ± 0.539 MPa, 8.356 ± 0.618 MPa, 9.635 ± 0.435 MPa, and 8.572 ± 0.256 MPa, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the S values of all the groups (p > 0.05). There was no effect of different tested obturating materials on the push-out bond strength of fiber dowels; however, further studies should be conducted. © 2012 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Applying organization science to assess the management performance of Marine Protected Areas: An exploratory study.

PubMed

Scianna, Claudia; Niccolini, Federico; Bianchi, Carlo Nike; Guidetti, Paolo

2018-06-18

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are important tools to achieve marine conservation and resources management goals. The management effectiveness of MPAs (the degree to which MPAs achieve their goals) is highly variable and can be affected by many MPA attributes, for example their design, enforcement and age. Another key factor possibly affecting MPA management effectiveness is the management performance, here conceived according to Horigue et al. definition (2014) as the "level of effort exerted to enhance and sustain management of MPAs". Organization Science (OS), the discipline that studies organizations, can offer a useful framework to assess and interpret MPA management performance. Using an exploratory multiple case study approach, we applied OS principles to 11 Mediterranean MPAs in order to: i) characterize several MPA organizational features; ii) assess MPA management performance (evaluated as the effort deployed in, for example, planning the future, formalizing measurable goals, and implementing specific strategies). Results show that a number of organizational features and networking attributes are highly variable among the MPAs we have studied. For instance, goals are seldom measurable and the strategy to achieve goals is not systematically pursued. Two relevant outcomes emerge from this exploratory study: i) the management performance of the MPAs considered needs considerable improvements; ii) the methods and the approach proposed could help MPAs' managers and policy makers to understand how to improve their management performance and, consequently, their effectiveness. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Coresidence duration and cues of maternal investment regulate sibling altruism across cultures.

PubMed

Sznycer, Daniel; De Smet, Delphine; Billingsley, Joseph; Lieberman, Debra

2016-08-01

Genetic relatedness is a fundamental determinant of social behavior across species. Over the last few decades, researchers have been investigating the proximate psychological mechanisms that enable humans to assess their genetic relatedness to others. Much of this work has focused on identifying cues that predicted relatedness in ancestral environments and examining how they regulate kin-directed behaviors. Despite progress, many basic questions remain unanswered. Here we address three of these questions. First, we examine the replicability of the effect of two association-based cues to relatedness-maternal perinatal association (MPA) and coresidence duration-on sibling-directed altruism. MPA, the observation of a newborn being cared for by one's mother, strongly signals relatedness, but is only available to the older sibling in a sib-pair. Younger siblings, to whom the MPA cue is not available, appear to fall back on the duration of their coresidence with an older sibling. Second, we determine whether the effects of MPA and coresidence duration on sibling-directed altruism obtain across cultures. Last, we explore whether paternal perinatal association (PPA) informs sibship. Data from six studies conducted in California, Hawaii, Dominica, Belgium, and Argentina support past findings regarding the role of MPA and coresidence duration as cues to siblingship. By contrast, PPA had no effect on altruism. We report on levels of altruism toward full, half, and step siblings, and discuss the role alternate cues might play in discriminating among these types of siblings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

High pressure extraction of phenolic compounds from citrus peels†

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casquete, R.; Castro, S. M.; Villalobos, M. C.; Serradilla, M. J.; Queirós, R. P.; Saraiva, J. A.; Córdoba, M. G.; Teixeira, P.

2014-10-01

This study evaluated the effect of high pressure processing on the recovery of high added value compounds from citrus peels. Overall, the total phenolic content in orange peel was significantly (P < .05) higher than that in lemon peel, except when pressure treated at 500 MPa. However, lemon peel demonstrated more antioxidant activity than orange peel. Pressure-treated samples (300 MPa, 10 min; 500 MPa, 3 min) demonstrated higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity comparatively to the control samples. For more severe treatments (500 MPa, 10 min), the phenolic content and antioxidant activity decreased in both lemon and orange peels. This paper was presented at the 8th International Conference on High Pressure Bioscience & Biotechnology (HPBB 2014), in Nantes (France), 15-18 July 2014.

[The effects of different welding wires on the mechanical properties of laser welding joints].

PubMed

Huang, Qing-feng; Zhang, Jian-zhong; Jiang, Wei-dong; Li, Quan; Yu, Jin-xing

2006-08-01

To evaluate the mechanical properties and microstructure of laser-welded joints with different welding wires for clinical use of welding wire. The standard tensile test and three-point bending test rods were made from Co-Cr and Ni-Cr alloy, and were laser-welded with different welding wire (commercially welding wire and casting wire). Then the tensile rods were tested for the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and the bending rods for the ultimate bending strength (UBS). The results was analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The tensile fracture surface were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Metallurgical analysis were also performed on polished longitudinal sectioned samples. For Co-Cr alloy, the UTS of casting wire group and commercially welding wire group was respectively (606.40+/-82.53)MPa and (693.61+/-47.68)MPa; the UBS was respectively (997.95+/-88.89)MPa and (1160.76+/-91.59)MPa. ANOVA showed a significant difference of UTS and UBS between the two groups at the 0.05 level (P<0.05). For Ni-Cr alloy, the UTS of casting wire group and commercially welding wire group was respectively (558.14+/-46.75)MPa and (582.32+/-35.43)MPa; the UBS was respectively (1084.75+/-46.02)MPa and (1078.29+/-36.25)MPa. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). SEM and metallurgical examination showed the welded zone exhibiting more cracks in the casting wire group than in the commercially welding wire group. It would be advisable to work with commercially welding wire for the joints that need better strength.

Mycophenolic acid potently inhibits rotavirus infection with a high barrier to resistance development.

PubMed

Yin, Yuebang; Wang, Yijin; Dang, Wen; Xu, Lei; Su, Junhong; Zhou, Xinying; Wang, Wenshi; Felczak, Krzysztof; van der Laan, Luc J W; Pankiewicz, Krzysztof W; van der Eijk, Annemiek A; Bijvelds, Marcel; Sprengers, Dave; de Jonge, Hugo; Koopmans, Marion P G; Metselaar, Herold J; Peppelenbosch, Maikel P; Pan, Qiuwei

2016-09-01

Rotavirus infection has emerged as an important cause of complications in organ transplantation recipients. Immunosuppressants used to prevent alloreactivity can also interfere with virus infection, but the direct effects of the specific type of immunosuppressants on rotavirus infection are still unclear. Here we profiled the effects of different immunosuppressants on rotavirus using a 2D culture model of Caco2 human intestinal cell line and a 3D model of human primary intestinal organoids inoculated with laboratory and patient-derived rotavirus strains. We found that the responsiveness of rotavirus to Cyclosporine A treatment was moderate and strictly regulated in an opposite direction by its cellular targets cyclophilin A and B. Treatment with mycophenolic acid (MPA) resulted in a 99% inhibition of viral RNA production at the clinically relevant concentration (10 μg/ml) in Caco2 cells. This effect was further confirmed in organoids. Importantly, continuous treatment with MPA for 30 passages did not attenuate its antiviral potency, indicating a high barrier to drug resistance development. Mechanistically, the antiviral effects of MPA act via inhibiting the IMPDH enzyme and resulting in guanosine nucleotide depletion. Thus for transplantation patients at risk for rotavirus infection, the choice of MPA as an immunosuppressive agent appears rational. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Yoga reduces performance anxiety in adolescent musicians.

PubMed

Khalsa, Sat Bir S; Butzer, Bethany; Shorter, Stephanie M; Reinhardt, Kristen M; Cope, Stephen

2013-01-01

Professional musicians often experience high levels of stress, music performance anxiety (MPA), and performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). Given the fact that most professional musicians begin their musical training before the age of 12, it is important to identify interventions that will address these issues from an early age. This study intended to replicate and expand upon adult research in this area by evaluating the effects of a yoga intervention on MPA and PRMDs in a population of adolescent musicians. The present study was the first to examine these effects. The research team assigned participants, adolescent musicians, into two groups. The intervention group (n = 84) took part in a 6-wk yoga program, and the control group (n = 51) received no treatment. The team evaluated the effects of the yoga intervention by comparing the scores of the intervention group to those of the control group on a number of questionnaires related to MPA and PRMDs. The study was conducted at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI). BUTI is a training academy for advanced adolescent musicians, located in Lenox, Massachusetts. Participants were adolescent, residential music students (mean age = 16 y) in a 6-wk summer program at the BUTI in 2007 and 2008. Participants in the yoga intervention group were requested to attend three, 60-min, Kripalustyle yoga classes each wk for 6 wk. MPA was measured using the Performance Anxiety Questionnaire (PAQ) and the Music Performance Anxiety Inventory for Adolescents (MPAI-A). PRMDs were measured using the Performance-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (PRMD-Q). RESULTS • Yoga participants showed statistically significant reductions in MPA from baseline to the end of the program compared to the control group, as measured by several subscales of the PAQ and MPAI-A; however, the results for PRMDs were inconsistent. The findings suggest that yoga may be a promising way for adolescents to reduce MPA and perhaps even prevent it in the future. These findings also suggest a novel treatment modality that potentially might alleviate MPA and prevent the early disruption and termination of musical careers.

Interaction between fed gastric media (Ensure Plus®) and different hypromellose based caffeine controlled release tablets: comparison and mechanistic study of caffeine release in fed and fasted media versus water using the USP dissolution apparatus 3.

PubMed

Franek, Frans; Holm, Per; Larsen, Frank; Steffansen, Bente

2014-01-30

The aim of the study was to investigate caffeine release in fed and fasted state media from three controlled release matrix tablets containing different HPMC viscosity grades. The biorelevant in vitro dissolution methods utilize the USP 3 dissolution apparatus and biorelevant media to simulate fed and fasted gastro-intestinal dissolution conditions. The effect of tablet reciprocation rate (dip speed) in dissolution media (10 and 15 dips per minute) and media (water, fed and fasted) on caffeine release rate from - and erosion rate of - 100, 4000 and 15,000 mPa s HPMC viscosity tablets was investigated using factorial designed experiments. Furthermore, the mechanism of release in Ensure Plus(®), a nutrition drink similar in composition to the FDA standard meal, was investigated by studying tablet swelling using texture analysis. Altering dip speed has negligible effect on release and erosion rates. Using fasted media instead of water slightly decreases caffeine release from 100 and 4000 mPa s HPMC viscosity tablets as well as erosion rates, while 15,000 mPa s tablets remain unaffected. Fed compared to fasted media decreases caffeine release rate, and the food effect is greater for the 100 mPa s viscosity tablets compared to the 4000 and 15,000 mPa s viscosity tablets. The investigation using texture analysis indicates that Ensure Plus(®) becomes rate-limiting for caffeine release from HPMC tablets by forming a hydrophobic barrier around the tablets. The barrier decreases tablet water permeation, which decreases erosion rate in 100 mPa s viscosity tablets, swelling in 15,000 mPa s viscosity tablets and caffeine release from both tablets. This observed interaction between Ensure Plus(®) and the HPMC tablets may translate into decreased drug release rate in the fed stomach, which may decrease the amount of drug available for absorption in the small intestine and thus reduce systemic drug exposure and maximum plasma concentration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 semiconductor prepared from low toxicity ethanol-based precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munir, Badrul; Prastyo, Bayu Eko; Nurjaya, Dwi Marta; Muslih, Ersan Yudhapratama; Alfauzan, Sahri Karim

2017-01-01

At this moment, we present a new, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method of preparing a high crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) absorber layer for thin film solar cells using ethanol-based solutions. Ethanolamine (ETA) and 2-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were studied as a stabilizer and to improve wetting ability of the precursors during the deposition process. Cu2ZnSnS4 precursors are deposited onto soda lime glass using spin coater in different molar of cations in the precursor. The effects of a precursor system, ethanol-ETA-MPA, and ethanol-MPA, on the structure, morphology, composition and optical properties of CZTS thin films have been investigated in details. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses confirmed the successful fabrication of high crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 kesterite phase. The crystallinity of CZTS is continue increasing before reaching 2.2 molar cations of the ethanol-MPA precursors. The crystallinity of ethanol-ETA-MPA precursors remains similar in the experiment using 1.2 molar and 1.6 molars. The highest crystallinity was achieved using 2 molar cations of the ethanol-MPA precursor. Its band gap energy is found to be around 1.4 eV. The SEM micrographs of CZTS film shows the average grain size around 1.5 µm and some porosity which indicated the room of improvement. The high-crystallinity CZTS achieved in the present study brings a low-cost absorber semiconductor one step closer to practical use.

Influence of surface conditions and silane agent on the bond of resin to IPS Empress 2 ceramic.

PubMed

Spohr, Ana Maria; Sobrinho, Lourenço Correr; Consani, Simonides; Sinhoreti, Mario Alexandre Coelho; Knowles, Jonathan C

2003-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different ceramic surface treatments on the tensile bond strength between IPS Empress 2 ceramic framework and Rely X adhesive resin cement, with or without the application of a silane coupling agent. One hundred twenty disks were made, embedded in resin, and randomly divided into six groups: group 1 = sandblasting (100 microm), no silanation; group 2 = sandblasting (100 microm), silane treatment; group 3 = sandblasting (50 microm), no silanation; group 4 = sandblasting (50 microm), silane treatment; group 5 = hydrofluoric acid etching, no silanation; and group 6 = hydrofluoric acid etching, silane treatment. The disks were bonded into pairs with adhesive resin cement. All samples were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and then thermocycled. The samples were submitted to tensile testing. The use of silane improved the bond strength in relation to the groups in which silane was not applied (P < .05). The most effective surface treatment was etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid, both with (25.6 MPa) and without silane application (16.4 MPa); these values showed a statistically significant difference compared to sandblasting with 50- and 100-microm Al2O3. Sandblasting with 50-microm Al2O3, with (11.8 MPa) and without silane (5.4 MPa), demonstrated significantly higher tensile bond strength than sandblasting with 100-microm Al2O3, with (8.3 MPa) and without silane (3.8 MPa). Combined application of 10% hydrofluoric acid and silane enhanced the bond strength between the IPS Empress 2 ceramic framework and resin agent.

Effects of tributylborane-activated adhesive and two silane agents on bonding computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin composite.

PubMed

Shinohara, Ayano; Taira, Yohsuke; Sawase, Takashi

2017-10-01

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an experimental adhesive agent [methyl methacrylate-tributylborane liquid (MT)] and two adhesive agents containing silane on the bonding between a resin composite block of a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system and a light-curing resin composite veneering material. The surfaces of CAD/CAM resin composite specimens were ground with silicon-carbide paper, treated with phosphoric acid, and then primed with either one of the two silane agents [Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SC) and GC Ceramic Primer II (GC)], no adhesive control (Cont), or one of three combinations (MT/SC, MT/GC, and MT/Cont). A light-curing resin composite was veneered on the primed CAD/CAM resin composite surface. The veneered specimens were subjected to thermocycling between 4 and 60 °C for 10,000 cycles, and the shear bond strengths were determined. All data were analyzed using analysis of variance and a post hoc Tukey-Kramer HSD test (α = 0.05, n = 8). MT/SC (38.7 MPa) exhibited the highest mean bond strengths, followed by MT/GC (30.4 MPa), SC (27.9 MPa), and MT/Cont (25.7 MPa), while Cont (12.9 MPa) and GC (12.3 MPa) resulted in the lowest bond strengths. The use of MT in conjunction with a silane agent significantly improved the bond strength. Surface treatment with appropriate adhesive agents was confirmed as a prerequisite for veneering CAD/CAM resin composite restorations.

On the AlGaInP-bulk and AlGaInP/GaAs-superlattice confinement effects for heterostructure-emitter bipolar transistors

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

Tsai, Jung-Hui, E-mail: jhtsai@nknucc.nknu.edu.tw

2015-02-09

The confinement effect and electrical characteristics of heterostructure-emitter bipolar transistors with an AlGaInP bulk-confinement layer and an AlGaInP/GaAs superlattice-confinement layer are first demonstrated and compared by experimentally results. In the two devices, the relatively large valence band discontinuity at AlGaInP/GaAs heterojunction provides excellent confinement effect for holes to enhance current gain. As to the AlGaInP/GaAs superlattice-confinement device, part of thermionic-emission electrons will be trapped in the GaAs quantum wells of the superlattice. This will result in lower collector current and current gain as compared with the bulk-confinement device. Nevertheless, the superlattice-confinement device exhibits a larger current-gain cutoff frequency, which canmore » be attributed that the tunneling behavior is included in the carrier transportation and transporting time across the emitter region could be substantially reduced.« less

Preservation of rat hearts in subfreezing temperature isochoric conditions to - 8 °C and 78 MPa.

PubMed

Wan, Lili; Powell-Palm, Matthew J; Lee, Charles; Gupta, Anshal; Weegman, Bradley P; Clemens, Mark G; Rubinsky, Boris

2018-02-12

Isochoric (constant volume) preservation at subfreezing temperatures is being investigated as a novel method for preserving cells and organs. This study is a first initial effort to evaluate the efficacy of this method for heart preservation, and to provide a preliminary outline of appropriate preservation parameters. To establish a baseline for further studies, rat hearts were preserved in a University of Wisconsin (UW) intracellular solution for one hour under isochoric conditions at: 0 °C (atmospheric pressure - 0.1 MPa), - 4 °C (41 MPa), - 6 °C (60 MPa) and - 8 °C (78 MPa). The viability of the heart was evaluated using Langendorff perfusion and histological examination. The physiological performance of hearts preserved at - 4 °C (41 MPa) was comparable to that of a heart preserved on ice at atmospheric pressure, with no statistically significant difference in histological injury score. However, hearts preserved at -4 °C displayed substantially reduced interstitial edema compared to hearts preserved by conventional hypothermic preservation in UW on ice at atmospheric pressure, suggesting significant protection from increased vascular permeability following preservation. Hearts preserved at - 6 °C (60 MPa) suffered injury from cellular swelling and extensive edema, and at - 8 °C (78 MPa) hearts experienced significant morphological disruption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first publication showing that a mammalian organ can survive low subfreezing temperatures without the use of a cryoprotective additive. Lowering the preservation temperature reduces metabolism and improves preservation quality, and these results suggest that improvements in preservation are possible at subzero temperatures with low to moderate pressures observed at -4 °C. Notably, tissue damage was observed at lower temperatures (-6 °C or below) accompanying further elevation of pressure associated with isochoric preservation that may prove detrimental. Therefore, subfreezing temperature isochoric preservation protocols should optimize, a combination of temperature and pressure that will minimize the negative effects of elevated pressure while retaining the beneficial effect of lower temperatures and reduced metabolism. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effect of high-pressure processing of bovine colostrum on immunoglobulin G concentration, pathogens, viscosity, and transfer of passive immunity to calves.

PubMed

Foster, Derek M; Poulsen, Keith P; Sylvester, Hannah J; Jacob, Megan E; Casulli, Kaitlyn E; Farkas, Brian E

2016-11-01

This study aimed to determine the effects of high-pressure processing on the immunoglobulin concentration, microbial load, viscosity, and transfer of passive immunity to calves when applied to bovine colostrum as an alternative to thermal pasteurization. A pilot study using Staphylococcus aureus was conducted to determine which pressure-time treatments are most appropriate for use with bovine colostrum, with the goals of maximizing bacterial inactivation while minimizing IgG content and viscosity changes. Following the pilot study, an inoculation study was conducted in which first-milking colostrum samples from Holstein-Friesian cows were inoculated with known concentrations of various bacteria or viruses and pressure processed at either 300 MPa for up to 60min or at 400MPa for up to 30min. The recovery of total native aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Dublin, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, bovine herpesvirus type 1, and feline calicivirus were determined after processing. Colostrum IgG content was measured before and after pressure processing. Shear stress and viscosity for each treatment was determined over shear rates encompassing those found during calf feeding and at normal bovine body temperature (37.8°C). Following a calf trial, serum IgG concentration was measured in 14 calves fed 4 L of colostrum pressure processed at 400MPa for 15min. In the pilot study, S. aureus was effectively reduced with pressure treatment at 300 and 400MPa (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45min), with 2 treatments at 400MPa (30, 45min) determined to be inappropriate for use with bovine colostrum due to viscosity and IgG changes. High-pressure processing at 300MPa (30, 45, and 60min) and 400MPa (10, 15, and 20min) was shown to effectively reduce total native aerobic bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella Dublin, bovine herpesvirus type 1, and feline calicivirus populations in bovine colostrum, but no decrease occurred in Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis. All inoculation study pressure treatments insignificantly decreased IgG content of colostrum. Treatment of colostrum at 400MPa for 15min during the calf trial decreased IgG content of colostrum. Treatment at 400MPa for 15min increased colostrum viscosity, with 2 of 14 samples requiring dilution with water for calf feeding. Calves fed pressure-processed colostrum had similar serum IgG but lower efficiency of absorption than calves fed heat-treated colostrum. The results of this study suggest that high-pressure processing of bovine colostrum maintains an acceptable IgG level while decreasing bacterial and viral counts. Changes in viscosity sometimes made calf feeding more difficult, but still feasible. Additional research to optimize this technology for on-farm use is necessary. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bimetallic Microswimmers Speed Up in Confining Channels.

PubMed

Liu, Chang; Zhou, Chao; Wang, Wei; Zhang, H P

2016-11-04

Synthetic microswimmers are envisioned to be useful in numerous applications, many of which occur in tightly confined spaces. It is therefore important to understand how confinement influences swimmer dynamics. Here we study the motility of bimetallic microswimmers in linear and curved channels. Our experiments show swimmer velocities increase, up to 5 times, with the degree of confinement, and the relative velocity increase depends weakly on the fuel concentration and ionic strength in solution. Experimental results are reproduced in a numerical model which attributes the swimmer velocity increase to electrostatic and electrohydrodynamic boundary effects. Our work not only helps to elucidate the confinement effect of phoretic swimmers, but also suggests that spatial confinement may be used as an effective control method for them.

Mechanical Behavior and Microcrack Development in Nominally Dry Synthetic Salt-rock During Cyclic Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, J.; Chester, F. M.; Chester, J. S.; Zhu, C.; Shen, X.; Arson, C. F.

2016-12-01

Synthetic salt-rock is produced through uniaxial consolidation of sieved granular salt (0.3-0.355 mm grain diam.) at 75-107 MPa pressure and 100-200 0 C for 15 min duration, to produce low porosity (3%-6%) aggregates. Based on microstructural observations, consolidation mechanisms are grain rearrangement, intragranular plastic flow, and minor microfracture and recrystallization. Following consolidation, the salt-rock is deformed by cyclic, triaxial loading at room temperature and 4 MPa confining pressure to investigate microfracture development, closure and healing effects on elastic properties and flow strength. Load cycles are performed within the elastic regime, up to yielding, and during steady ductile flow. The mechanical properties are determined using an internal load cell and strain gages bonded to the samples. Elastic properties vary systematically during deformation reflecting cracking and pore and grain shape changes. Between triaxial load cycles, samples are held at isostatic loads for durations up to one day to determine healing rates and strength recovery; a change in mechanical behavior is observed when significant healing is induced. The microstructures of all samples are characterized before and after cyclic loading using optical microscopy. The consolidation and cyclic triaxial tests, and optical microscopy investigations, are conducted in a controlled low-humidity environment to ensure nominally dry conditions. The microstructures of samples from different stages of cyclic triaxial deformation indicate that intracrystalline plasticity, accompanied by minor recovery by recrystallization, is dominant; but, grain-boundary crack opening also becomes significant. Grain-boundary microcracks have preferred orientations that are sub-parallel to the load axis. The stress-strain behavior correlates with microcrack fabrics and densities during cyclic loading. These experiments are used to both inform and test continuum damage mechanics models of salt-rock deformation in the semibrittle domain, as well as to help design and optimize salt-rock storage facilities.

Shock-induced collapse of a bubble inside a deformable vessel

PubMed Central

Coralic, Vedran; Colonius, Tim

2013-01-01

Shockwave lithotripsy repeatedly focuses shockwaves on kidney stones to induce their fracture, partially through cavitation erosion. A typical side effect of the procedure is hemorrhage, which is potentially the result of the growth and collapse of bubbles inside blood vessels. To identify the mechanisms by which shock-induced collapse could lead to the onset of injury, we study an idealized problem involving a preexisting bubble in a deformable vessel. We utilize a high-order accurate, shock- and interface-capturing, finite-volume scheme and simulate the three-dimensional shock-induced collapse of an air bubble immersed in a cylindrical water column which is embedded in a gelatin/water mixture. The mixture is a soft tissue simulant, 10% gelatin by weight, and is modeled by the stiffened gas equation of state. The bubble dynamics of this model configuration are characterized by the collapse of the bubble and its subsequent jetting in the direction of the propagation of the shockwave. The vessel wall, which is defined by the material interface between the water and gelatin/water mixture, is invaginated by the collapse and distended by the impact of the jet. The present results show that the highest measured pressures and deformations occur when the volumetric confinement of the bubble is strongest, the bubble is nearest the vessel wall and/or the angle of incidence of the shockwave reduces the distance between the jet tip and the nearest vessel surface. For a particular case considered, the 40 MPa shockwave utilized in this study to collapse the bubble generated a vessel wall pressure of almost 450 MPa and produced both an invagination and distention of nearly 50% of the initial vessel radius on a 𝒪(10) ns timescale. These results are indicative of the significant potential of shock-induced collapse to contribute to the injury of blood vessels in shockwave lithotripsy. PMID:24015027

Localized Versus Distributed Deformation as a Control on the Evolution of Permeability in Anhydrite Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collettini, C.; de Paola, N.; Faulkner, D.

2007-12-01

We have taken an experimental approach to understand and quantify the deformation processes and fluid flow within anhydrite-bearing fault damage zones during the seismic cycle. Triaxial loading tests have been performed on borehole samples of anhydrites at room temperature, 100 MPa confining pressure (Pc), and range of pore fluid pressures (Pf). Permeability and porosity development was continuously measured throughout the deformation experiments. The tests were conducted on samples with different grain sizes (10 microns to 1 mm) that were cored in different directions relative to the macroscopic foliation. Static permeability measurements have been carried out to determine the permeability anisotropy and sensitivity of the permeability on the effective pressure (Pc - Pf). Our results show that the brittle-ductile transition occurs for effective pressures (Pe) between 20 to 40 MPa and is almost independent of fabric orientation and grain size. Brittle failure is localized along discrete fractures and is always associated with a sudden stress drop. Conversely, ductile failure occurs by distributed deformation along cataclastic bands. In this case no stress drop is observed. Static permeability measurements show increasing values of permeability for decreasing values of Pe, (k = 10E-20 - 10E-22 m2). During single cycle loading tests, the evolution of the permeability is controlled by the failure mode: permeability begins to increase significantly at 40% and 80% of the max load for samples displaying brittle and ductile behaviour, respectively. The permeability values, immediately prior to failure, are about three orders of magnitude higher than the initial values. Multiple cycling tests, within the ductile field, show that permeability starts increasing at only 40% and 30% of the max load during the second and third loading cycle, respectively. Our results show that the history of deformation and the mode of deformation can control the evolution of the permeability, and that they are more significant than other factors such as fabric and grain size. In natural environments, fluid pressure fluctuations, such as might be experienced during the seismic cycle, can promote a switch from localized (brittle behaviour) to more distributed (ductile behaviour) deformation, leading to complex permeability patterns.

Stability of fault submitted to fluid injections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brantut, N.; Passelegue, F. X.; Mitchell, T. M.

2017-12-01

Elevated pore pressure can lead to slip reactivation on pre-existing fractures and faults when the coulomb failure point is reached. From a static point of view, the reactivation of fault submitted to a background stress (τ0) is a function of the peak strength of the fault, i.e. the quasi-static effective friction coefficient (µeff). However, this theory is valid only when the entire fault is affected by fluid pressure, which is not the case in nature, and during human induced-seismicity. In this study, we present new results about the influence of the injection rate on the stability of faults. Experiments were conducted on a saw-cut sample of westerly granite. The experimental fault was 8 cm length. Injections were conducted through a 2 mm diameter hole reaching the fault surface. Experiments were conducted at four different order magnitudes fluid pressure injection rates (from 1 MPa/minute to 1 GPa/minute), in a fault system submitted to 50 and 100 MPa confining pressure. Our results show that the peak fluid pressure leading to slip depends on injection rate. The faster the injection rate, the larger the peak fluid pressure leading to instability. Wave velocity surveys across the fault highlighted that decreasing the injection-rate leads to an increase of size of the fluid pressure perturbation. Our result demonstrate that the stability of the fault is not only a function of the fluid pressure requires to reach the failure criterion, but is mainly a function of the ratio between the length of the fault affected by fluid pressure and the total fault length. In addition, we show that the slip rate increases with the background effective stress and with the intensity of the fluid pressure pertubation, i.e. with the excess shear stress acting on the part of the fault pertubated by fluid injection. Our results suggest that crustal fault can be reactivated by local high fluid overpressures. These results could explain the "large" magnitude human-induced earthquakes recently observed in Oklahoma (Mw 5.6, 2016).

Effects of botanicals and combined hormone therapy on cognition in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Maki, Pauline M; Rubin, Leah H; Fornelli, Deanne; Drogos, Lauren; Banuvar, Suzanne; Shulman, Lee P; Geller, Stacie E

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of red clover, black cohosh, and combined hormone therapy on cognitive function in comparison to placebo in women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. In a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 midlife women (of 89 from a parent study; mean age, 53 y) with 35 or more weekly hot flashes were randomized to receive red clover (120 mg), black cohosh (128 mg), 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA), or placebo. Participants completed measures of verbal memory (primary outcome) and other cognitive measures (secondary outcomes) before and during the 12th treatment month. A subset of 19 women completed objective, physiological measures of hot flashes using ambulatory skin conductance monitors. Neither of the botanical treatments had an impact on any cognitive measure. Compared with placebo, CEE/MPA led to a greater decline in verbal learning (one of five verbal memory measures). This effect just missed statistical significance (P = 0.057) in unadjusted analyses but reached significance (P = 0.02) after adjusting for vasomotor symptoms. Neither of the botanical treatment groups showed a change in verbal memory that differed from the placebo group (Ps > 0.28), even after controlling for improvements in hot flashes. In secondary outcomes, CEE/MPA led to a decrease in immediate digit recall and an improvement in letter fluency. Only CEE/MPA significantly reduced objective hot flashes. Results indicate that a red clover (phytoestrogen) supplement or black cohosh has no effects on cognitive function. CEE/MPA reduces objective hot flashes but worsens some aspects of verbal memory.

Effects of Botanicals and Combined Hormone Therapy on Cognition in Postmenopausal Women

PubMed Central

Maki, Pauline M.; Rubin, Leah H.; Fornelli, Deanne; Drogos, Lauren; Banuvar, Suzanne; Shulman, Lee P.; Geller, Stacie E.

2009-01-01

Objective To characterize the effects of red clover, black cohosh, and combined hormone therapy on cognitive function in comparison to placebo in women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Design In a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 66 midlife women (out of 89 from a parent study; mean age=53 y) with ≥ 35 weekly hot flashes were randomized to receive red clover (120 mg), black cohosh (128 mg), CEE/MPA (0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate), or placebo. Participants completed measures of verbal memory (primary outcome) and other cognitive measures (secondary outcomes) before and during the 12th treatment month. A subset of 19 women completed objective, physiological measures of hot flashes using ambulatory skin conductance monitors. Results There was no impact of either of the botanical treatments on any cognitive measure. Compared to placebo, CEE/MPA led to greater decline in verbal learning (one of five verbal memory measures). This effect just missed statistical significance (p=0.057) in unadjusted analyses, but reached significance (p=.02) after adjusting for vasomotor symptoms. Neither botanical treatment group showed a change in verbal memory that differed from the placebo group (ps>0.28), even after controlling for improvements in hot flashes. In secondary outcomes, CEE/MPA led to a decrease in immediate digit recall and an improvement in letter fluency. Only CEE/MPA significantly reduced objective hot flashes. Conclusions Results indicate no effects of a red clover (phytoestrogen) supplement or black cohosh on cognitive function. CEE/MPA reduces objective hot flashes but worsens some aspects of verbal memory. PMID:19590458

High isostatic pressure and thermal processing of açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius): Effect on pulp color and inactivation of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase.

PubMed

Jesus, Ana Laura Tibério de; Leite, Thiago Soares; Cristianini, Marcelo

2018-03-01

The present study evaluated the effect of high isostatic pressure (HIP) on the activity of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from açaí. Açaí pulp was submitted to several combinations of pressure (400, 500, 600MPa), temperature (25 and 65°C) for 5 and 15min. The combined effect of HIP technology and high temperatures (690MPa by 2 and 5min at 80°C) was also investigated and compared to the conventional thermal treatment (85°C/1min). POD and PPO enzyme activity and instrumental color were examined after processing and after 24h of refrigerated storage. Results showed stability of POD for all pressures at 25°C, which proved to be heat-resistant and baro-resistant at 65°C. For PPO, the inactivation at 65°C was 71.7% for 600MPa after 15min. In general, the increase in temperature from 25°C to 65°C reduced the PPO relative activity with no changes in color. Although the thermal treatment and the HIP (690MPa) along with high temperature (80°C) reduced the PPO relative activity, and relevant darkening was observed in the processed samples. Thus, it can be concluded that POD is more baro-resistant than PPO in açaí pulp subjected to the same HIP processing conditions and processing at 600MPa/65°C for 5min may be an effective alternative for thermal pasteurization treatments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing genotoxic effects in fish from a marine protected area influenced by former mining activities and other stressors.

PubMed

Gusso-Choueri, Paloma Kachel; Choueri, Rodrigo Brasil; Santos, Gustavo Souza; de Araújo, Giuliana Seraphim; Cruz, Ana Carolina Feitosa; Stremel, Tatiana; de Campos, Sandro Xavier; Cestari, Marta Margarete; Ribeiro, Ciro Alberto Oliveira; Abessa, Denis Moledo de Sousa

2016-03-15

The goal of the current study was to evaluate different genotoxicity tools in order to assess a marine protected area (MPA) affected by former mining activities and urban settlements. A catfish (Cathorops spixii) was analyzed for genotoxic effects at the (i) molecular and at the (ii) chromosomal levels. Through factor analysis, genotoxicity was found to be linked to levels of metals bioaccumulated and PAH metabolites in the bile. Micronucleus and nuclear alteration were less vulnerable to the effects of confounding factors in mildly contaminated areas since they were more frequently associated with bioaccumulated metals than the DNA analysis. The different genotoxicity responses allowed for the identification of sources of pollution in the MPA. This approach was important for detecting environmental risks related to genotoxic contaminants in a mildly contaminated MPA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of High Injection Pressure Blended Biodiesel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalid, Amir; Jaat, Norrizam; Faisal Hushim, Mohd; Manshoor, Bukhari; Zaman, Izzuddin; Sapit, Azwan; Razali, Azahari

2017-08-01

Biodiesel have great potential for substitution with petrol fuel for the purpose of achieving clean energy production and emission reduction. Among the methods that can control the combustion properties, controlling of the fuel injection conditions is one of the successful methods. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of high injection pressure of biodiesel blends on spray characteristics using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Injection pressure was observed at 220 MPa, 250 MPa and 280 MPa. The ambient temperature was kept held at 1050 K and ambient pressure 8 MPa in order to simulate the effect of boost pressure or turbo charger during combustion process. Computational Fluid Dynamics were used to investigate the spray characteristics of biodiesel blends such as spray penetration length, spray angle and mixture formation of fuel-air mixing. The results shows that increases of injection pressure, wider spray angle is produced by biodiesel blends and diesel fuel. The injection pressure strongly affects the mixture formation, characteristics of fuel spray, longer spray penetration length thus promotes the fuel and air mixing.

Effect of Solidification Behavior on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Ni-Cr-Fe Superalloy Investment Casting

PubMed Central

Kang, Maodong; Wang, Jun; Gao, Haiyan; Han, Yanfeng; Wang, Guoxiang; He, Shuxian

2017-01-01

The effect of solidification behavior on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Ni-Cr-Fe superalloy investment casting is given. Metallographic and image analysis have been used to quantitatively examine the microstructures’ evolution. For the parts with the thickness of 3 mm and 24 mm, the volume fraction and maximum equivalent radius of the Laves phase increases from 0.3% to 1.2%, from 11.7 μm to 23.4 μm, respectively. Meanwhile, the volume fraction and maximum equivalent radius of carbides increase from 0.3% to 0.5%, from 8.1 μm to 9.9 μm, respectively. In addition, the volume fraction of microporosity increases from 0.3% to 2.7%. As a result, the ultimate tensile strength is reduced from 1125.5 MPa to 820.9 MPa, the elongation from 13.3% to 7.7%, and the quality index from 1294.2 MPa to 954.0 MPa, respectively. A typical brittle fracture is observed on the tensile fracture. As the cooling rate decreases, the microstructures become coarser. PMID:28772611

Effects of high-pressure extruding pretreatment on MSW upgrading and hydrolysis enhancement.

PubMed

Xu, Shuang; Kong, Xin; Liu, Jianguo; Zhao, Ke; Zhao, Guangqi; Bahdolla, Amanjol

2016-12-01

High-pressure extruding (HPE) is an efficient technology used to separate municipal solid waste (MSW) into wet (biodegradable) and dry (combustible) fractions. Effects of pressure, 10, 20, 30, and 40MPa on quality upgrading of the MSW and hydrolysis of the wet fraction were examined. TS of the dry fraction increased from 48.5% to 59.4% when the extruding pressure increased from 10 to 40MPa, meanwhile the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of the wet fraction extruded under 40MPa was 674mL CH 4 /g·VS, 33% higher than that of the organic fraction of the MSW (OFMSW) control. Furthermore, in the initial stage of hydrolysis experiment, the extruded wet fractions had lower pH and higher COD, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and COD/VFA than those of the OFMSW control. The results confirmed that HPE upgraded the MSW and enhanced hydrolysis of the wet fractions. However, high extruding pressure as 40MPa aggravated the excessive acidification of the wet fractions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction of essential oil from Swietenia mahagoni seeds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norodin, N. S. M.; Salleh, L. M.; Hartati; Mustafa, N. M.

2016-11-01

Swietenia mahagoni (Mahogany) is a traditional plant that is rich with bioactive compounds. In this study, process parameters such as particle size, extraction time, solvent flowrate, temperature and pressure were studied on the extraction of essential oil from Swietenia mahagoni seeds by using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction. Swietenia mahagoni seeds was extracted at a pressure of 20-30 MPa and a temperature of 40-60°C. The effect of particle size on overall extraction of essential oil was done at 30 MPa and 50°C while the extraction time of essential oil at various temperatures and at a constant pressure of 30 MPa was studied. Meanwhile, the effect of flowrate CO2 was determined at the flowrate of 2, 3 and 4 ml/min. From the experimental data, the extraction time of 120 minutes, particle size of 0.5 mm, the flowrate of CO2 of 4 ml/min, at a pressure of 30 MPa and the temperature of 60°C were the best conditions to obtain the highest yield of essential oil.

KEY COMPARISON: Final report on Key Comparison APMP.SIM.M.P-K1c: Bilateral comparison between NIST (USA) and NPLI (India) in the pneumatic pressure region 0.4 MPa to 4.0 MPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driver, R. Gregory; Olson, Douglas A.; Dilawar, Nita; Bandyopadhyay, A. K.

2007-01-01

We report the results of a bilateral comparison of pressure measurement between NIST and NPLI using a piston gauge transfer standard (TS), designated as NPLI-4, over the range of nominal applied pressure 0.4 MPa to 4.0 MPa. This TS was cross-floated against the laboratory secondary standard designated as PG13 at NIST, USA and against NPLI-8 at NPLI, India. The nominal pressure points of the bilateral comparison were (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8, 3.2, 3.6 and 4.0) MPa, respectively. The comparison was performed in both the institutes in identical pressure cycles in increasing pressures. The comparison data were analysed in terms of the effective area [Ap (mm2)] as a function pressure [p (MPa)] of the TS at the above-mentioned pressures. We have also estimated the zero-pressure effective area [A0 (mm2)] and the pressure distortion coefficient [λ (MPa-1)] of the transfer standard. The consistency of the results at every pressure in the range indicates that the laboratory standards used in this comparison are compatible, uniform and can be considered traceable to each other. Finally, the degree of equivalence between NPLI and NIST is 11.4 × 10-6 or better, which is always less than the relative standard uncertainty of the difference (33.6 × 10-6). Main text. To reach the main text of this Paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

Determination of the mitigating effect of colon-specific bioreversible codrugs of mycophenolic acid and aminosugars in an experimental colitis model in Wistar rats

PubMed Central

Chopade, Shakuntala Santosh; Dhaneshwar, Suneela Sunil

2018-01-01

AIM To design colon-targeted codrugs of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and aminosugars as a safer option to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS Codrugs were synthesized by coupling MPA with aminosugars (D-glucosamine and D-galactosamine) using EDCI coupling. The structures were confirmed by infrared radiation, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The release profile of codrugs was extensively studied in aqueous buffers, upper gastrointestinal homogenates, faecal matter and caecal homogenates (in vitro) and rat blood (in vitro). Anti-colitic activity was assessed in 2,4,6-trinitrobezenesulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats by the estimation of various demarcating parameters. Statistical evaluation was performed by applying one-way and two-way ANOVA when compared with the disease control. RESULTS The prodrugs resisted activation in HCl buffer (pH 1.2) and stomach homogenates of rats with negligible hydrolysis in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and intestinal homogenates. Incubation with colon homogenates (in vitro) produced 76% to 89% release of MPA emphasizing colon-specific activation of codrugs and the release of MPA and aminosugars at the site of action. In the in vitro studies, the prodrug of MPA with D-glucosamine (MGLS) was selected which resulted in 68% release of MPA in blood. in vitro studies on MGLS revealed its colon-specific activation after a lag time of 8 h which could be ascribed to the hydrolytic action of N-acyl amidases found in the colon. The synthesized codrugs markedly diminished disease activity score and revived the disrupted architecture of the colon that was comparable to MMF but superior to MPA. CONCLUSION The significant attenuating effect of prodrugs and individual aminosugars on colonic inflammation proved that the rationale of the codrug approach is valid. PMID:29563754

Development of 780MPa grade gal annealed dual phase steel sheets for automobile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yinghua; Xie, Chunqian; Kuang, Shuang

2018-01-01

As the weight reduction of automotive body and crash safety become much more important factors, in an effort to satisfy these requirements, Shougang has developed 780MPa grade galvannealed dual phase steel sheet. Steel chemistry with low C and low Si was designed for good zinc wettability and spot weldability. And some of elements were added to improve the hole expansibility and work hardening capacity of steel as these effectively refine the microstructure and introduce retained austenite. Newly developed 780MPa grade galvannealed dual phase steels have a high yield strength and a good hole expansibility.

Accelerated aging characteristics of three yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline dental materials.

PubMed

Flinn, Brian D; deGroot, Dirk A; Mancl, Lloyd A; Raigrodski, Ariel J

2012-10-01

Concerns have been expressed about the effect of aging on the mechanical properties of zirconia. The purpose of this study was to assess the accelerated aging characteristics of 3 commercially available yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) materials by exposing specimens to hydrothermal treatments at 134°C, 0.2 MPa and 180°C, 1.0 MPa in steam. Thin bars of Y-TZP from 3 manufacturers, Lava, Zirkonzahn, and Zirprime, n=30 for each brand (22 × 3 × 0.2 mm), were cut and ground from blocks and sintered according to the manufacturer's specifications. Control specimens (n=10) for each brand were evaluated in the as-received condition. Experimental specimens were artificially aged at standard autoclave sterilization conditions,134°C at 0.2 MPa (n=5 per group at 50, 100, 150, and 200 hours) and standard industrial ceramic aging conditions, 180°C at 1.0 MPa (n=5 per group at 8, 16, 24, 28, and 48 hours). Tetragonal to monoclinic transformation was measured by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) for all groups. Flexural strength was measured in 4-point bending (ASTM1161-B) for all groups. Fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed as a function of aging time. The statistical comparisons were based on the log value and 2-way ANOVA with heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors used to compare mean strength among conditions (α=.05). After 200 hours at 134°C and 0.2 MPa, flexural strength (SD) decreased significantly from 1156 (87.6) MPa to 829.5 (71) MPa for Lava; 1406 (243) MPa to 882.7 (91) MPa for Zirkonzahn; and 1126 (92.4) MPa to 976 (36.4) MPa for Zirprime with P<.001 for all 3 comparisons. After 200 hours at 134°C and 0.2 MPa, some tetragonal crystals transformed to the monoclinic phase. The relative XRD peak intensity of the monoclinic to tetragonal crystal phases increased from 0.07 to 1.82 for Lava, from 0.06 to 2.43 for Zirkonzahn, and from 0.05 to 0.53 for Zirprime. After 28 hours at 180°C and 1.0 MPa, all Lava and Zirkonzahn specimens spontaneously fractured during aging. The Noritake specimens were intact after 48 hours, and the flexural strength showed no significant change, 1156 (87.6) MPa to 1122 (108) MPa. The flexural strength decreased with an increase in the monoclinic phase. SEM micrographs revealed a transformed layer on the fracture surfaces. Hydrothermal aging of Y-TZP can cause significant transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic crystal structure, which results in a statistically significant decrease in the flexural strength of thin bars. Although the strengths of all 3 Y-TZP materials are higher than other materials used for ceramic restorations, there are notable differences among them. Copyright © 2012 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of high pressure processing for shelf life extension of litchi fruits (Litchi chinensis cv. Bombai) during refrigerated storage.

PubMed

Kaushik, Neelima; Kaur, Barjinder P; Rao, P Srinivasa

2014-10-01

This study attempts to report the effect of high pressure processing (100, 200 and 300 MPa for 5, 10 and 15 min at 27 ± 2 ℃) on quality and shelf life extension of 'Bombai' variety peeled litchi fruits during refrigerated storage (5 ℃). High pressure processing significantly increased total colour difference, browning index, drip loss and total soluble solids, whereas pH decreased after processing. Also, ascorbic acid content significantly decreased after high pressure processing and retention of 83.5% was observed. Texture profile analysis showed that pressurization significantly affected firmness and increased cohesiveness, gumminess, springiness and chewiness of litchi fruits. Pressure-induced firming effect was observed at 100 and 200 MPa pressure. A maximum of 3.29, 3.24 and 3.77 log10 cycles reduction in aerobic mesophiles, yeast & mold and psychrotrophs count, respectively, was achieved after pressurization of 300 MPa for 10 and 15 min treatments. During storage, samples treated at 300 MPa for 10 and 15 min showed relatively minimal changes in physico-chemical attributes, textural parameters and maintained lower viable microbial counts. Treatments at 300 MPa for 10 min and 15 min were found to enhance the shelf life of litchi fruits up to 32 days as compared to 12 days of untreated during refrigerated storage (5 ℃). © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Effect of Aluminium Confinement on ANFO Detonation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Short, Mark; Jackson, Scott; Kiyanda, Charles; Shinas, Mike; Hare, Steve; Briggs, Matt

2013-06-01

Detonations in confined non-ideal high explosives often have velocities below the confiner sound speed. The effect on detonation propagation of the resulting subsonic flow in the confiner (such as confiner stress waves traveling ahead of the main detonation front or upstream wall deflection into the HE) has yet to be fully understood. Previous work by Sharpe and Bdzil (J. Eng. Math, 2006) has shown that for subsonic confiner flow, there is no limiting thickness for which the detonation dynamics are uninfluenced by further increases in wall thickness. The critical parameters influencing detonation behavior are the wall thickness relative to the HE reaction zone size, and the difference in the detonation velocity and confiner sound speed. Additional possible outcomes of subsonic flow are that for increasing thickness, the confiner is increasingly deflected into the HE upstream of the detonation, and that for sufficiently thick confiners, the detonation speed could be driven up to the sound speed in the confiner. We report here on a further series of experiments in which a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) is detonated in aluminum confiners with varying HE charge diameter and confiner thickness, and compare the results with the outcomes suggested by Sharpe and Bdzil.

Measured Biaxial Residual Stress Maps in a Stainless Steel Weld

DOE PAGES

Olson, Mitchell D.; Hill, Michael R.; Patel, Vipul I.; ...

2015-09-16

Here, this paper describes a sequence of residual stress measurements made to determine a two-dimensional map of biaxial residual stress in a stainless steel weld. A long stainless steel (316L) plate with an eight-pass groove weld (308L filler) was used. The biaxial stress measurements follow a recently developed approach, comprising a combination of contour method and slitting measurements, with a computation to determine the effects of out-of-plane stress on a thin slice. The measured longitudinal stress is highly tensile in the weld- and heat-affected zone, with a maximum around 450 MPa, and compressive stress toward the transverse edges around ₋250more » MPa. The total transverse stress has a banded profile in the weld with highly tensile stress at the bottom of the plate (y = 0) of 400 MPa, rapidly changing to compressive stress (at y = 5 mm) of ₋200 MPa, then tensile stress at the weld root (y = 17 mm) and in the weld around 200 MPa, followed by compressive stress at the top of the weld at around ₋150 MPa. Finally, the results of the biaxial map compare well with the results of neutron diffraction measurements and output from a computational weld simulation.« less

Estimation of abbreviated mycophenolic acid area under the concentration-time curve during early posttransplant period by limited sampling strategy.

PubMed

Mohammadpour, A-H; Nazemian, F; Abtahi, B; Naghibi, M; Gholami, K; Rezaee, S; Nazari, M-R A; Rajabi, O

2008-12-01

Area under the concentration curve (AUC) of mycophenolic acid (MPA) could help to optimize therapeutic drug monitoring during the early post-renal transplant period. The aim of this study was to develop a limited sampling strategy to estimate an abbreviated MPA AUC within the first month after renal transplantation. In this study we selected 19 patients in the early posttransplant period with normal renal graft function (glomerular filtration rate > 70 mL/min). Plasma MPA concentrations were measured using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. MPA AUC(0-12h) was calculated using the linear trapezoidal rule. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the minimal and convenient time points of MPA levels that could be used to derive model equations best fitted to MPA AUC(0-12h). The regression equation for AUC estimation that gave the best performance was AUC = 14.46 C(10) + 15.547 (r(2) = .882). The validation of the method was performed using the jackknife method. Mean prediction error of this model was not different from zero (P > .05) and had a high root mean square prediction error (8.06). In conclusion, this limited sampling strategy provided an effective approach for therapeutic drug monitoring during the early posttransplant period.

Bacterial communities in sediment of a Mediterranean marine protected area.

PubMed

Catania, Valentina; Sarà, Gianluca; Settanni, Luca; Quatrini, Paola

2017-04-01

Biodiversity is crucial in preservation of ecosystems, and bacterial communities play an indispensable role for the functioning of marine ecosystems. The Mediterranean marine protected area (MPA) "Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine" was instituted to preserve marine biodiversity. The bacterial diversity associated with MPA sediment was compared with that from sediment of an adjacent harbour exposed to intense nautical traffic. The MPA sediment showed higher diversity with respect to the impacted site. A 16S rDNA clone library of the MPA sediment allowed the identification of 7 phyla: Proteobacteria (78%), Firmicutes (11%), Acidobacteria (3%), Actinobacteria (3%), Bacteroidetes (2%), Planctomycetes (2%), and Cyanobacteria (1%). Analysis of the hydrocarbon (HC)-degrading bacteria was performed using enrichment cultures. Most of the MPA sediment isolates were affiliated with Gram-positive G+C rich bacteria, whereas the majority of taxa in the harbour sediment clustered with Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria; no Gram-positive HC degraders were isolated from the harbour sediment. Our results show that protection probably has an influence on bacterial diversity, and suggest the importance of monitoring the effects of protection at microbial level as well. This study creates a baseline of data that can be used to assess changes over time in bacterial communities associated with a Mediterranean MPA.

Strength anisotropy of shales deformed under uppermost crustal conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnelye, Audrey; Schubnel, Alexandre; David, Christian; Henry, Pierre; Guglielmi, Yves; Gout, Claude; Fauchille, Anne-Laure; Dick, Pierre

2017-01-01

Conventional triaxial tests were performed on three sets of samples of Tournemire shale along different orientations relative to bedding (0°, 45°, and 90°). Experiments were carried out up to failure at increasing confining pressures ranging from 2.5 to 160 MPa, at strain rates ranging between 3 × 10-7s-1 and 3 × 10-5s-1. This allowed us to determine the entire anisotropic elastic compliance matrix as a function of confining pressure. Results show that the orientation of principal stress relative to bedding plays an important role on the brittle strength, with 45° orientation being the weakest. We fit our results with a wing crack micromechanical model and an anisotropic fracture toughness. We found low values of internal friction coefficient and apparent friction coefficient in agreement with friction coefficient of clay minerals (between 0.2 and 0.3) and values of KIc comparable to that already published in the literature. We also showed that strain rate has a strong impact on peak stress and that dilatancy appears right before failure and hence highlighting the importance of plasticity mechanisms. Although brittle failure was systematically observed, stress drops and associated slips were slow and deformation always remained aseismic (no acoustic emission were detected). This confirms that shales are good lithological candidates for shallow crust aseismic creep and slow slip events.

Mechanical properties of ZrB2- and HfB2-based ultra-high temperature ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering

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

Zapata-Solvas, E.; Jayaseelan, D.; Lin, Hua-Tay

2013-01-01

Flexural strengths at room temperature, at 1400 C in air and at room temperature after 1 h oxidation at 1400 C were determined for ZrB2- and HfB2-based ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs). Defects caused by electrical discharge machining (EDM) lowered measured strengths significantly and were used to calculate fracture toughness via a fracture mechanics approach. ZrB2 with 20 vol.% SiC had room temperature strength of 700 90 MPa, fracture toughness of 6.4 0.6 MPa, Vickers hardness at 9.8 N load of 21.1 0.6 GPa, 1400 C strength of 400 30 MPa and room temperature strength after 1 h oxidation at 1400more » C of 678 15 MPa with an oxide layer thickness of 45 5 m. HfB2 with 20 vol.% SiC showed room temperature strength of 620 50 MPa, fracture toughness of 5.0 0.4 MPa, Vickers hardness at 9.8 N load of 27.0 0.6 GPa, 1400 C strength of 590 150 MPa and room temperature strength after 1 h oxidation at 1400 C of 660 25 MPa with an oxide layer thickness of 12 1 m. 2 wt.% La2O3 addition to UHTCs slightly reduced mechanical performance while increasing tolerance to property degradation after oxidation and effectively aided internal stress relaxation during spark plasma sintering (SPS) cooling, as quantified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Slow crack growth was suggested as the failure mechanism at high temperatures as a consequence of sharp cracks formation during oxidation.« less

Welding polarity effects on weld spatters and bead geometry of hyperbaric dry GMAW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Long; Wu, Jinming; Huang, Junfen; Huang, Jiqiang; Zou, Yong; Liu, Jian

2016-03-01

Welding polarity has influence on welding stability to some extent, but the specific relationship between welding polarity and weld quality has not been found, especially under the hyperbaric environment. Based on a hyperbaric dry welding experiment system, gas metal arc welding(GMAW) experiments with direct current electrode positive(DCEP) and direct current electrode negative(DCEN) operations are carried out under the ambient pressures of 0.1 MPa, 0.4 MPa, 0.7 MPa and 1.0 MPa to find the influence rule of different welding polarities on welding spatters and weld bead geometry. The effects of welding polarities on the weld bead geometry such as the reinforcement, the weld width and the penetration are discussed. The experimental results show that the welding spatters gradually grow in quantity and size for GMAW with DCEP, while GMAW with DCEN can produce fewer spatters comparatively with the increase of the ambient pressure. Compared with DCEP, the welding current and arc voltage waveforms for DCEN is more stable and the distribution of welding current probability density for DCEN is more concentrated under the hyperbaric environment. When the ambient pressure is increased from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa, the effects of welding polarities on the reinforcement, the weld width and the penetration are as follows: an increase of 0.8 mm for the weld reinforcement is produced by GMAW with DCEN and 1.3 mm by GMAW with DCEP, a decrease of 7.2 mm for the weld width is produced by DCEN and 6.1 mm by DCEP; and an increase of 3.9 mm for the penetration is produced by DCEN and 1.9 mm by DCEP. The proposed research indicates that the desirable stability in the welding procedure can be achieved by GMAW with DCEN operation under the hyperbaric environment.

Predicting S-wave velocities for unconsolidated sediments at low effective pressure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Myung W.

2010-01-01

Accurate S-wave velocities for shallow sediments are important in performing a reliable elastic inversion for gas hydrate-bearing sediments and in evaluating velocity models for predicting S-wave velocities, but few S-wave velocities are measured at low effective pressure. Predicting S-wave velocities by using conventional methods based on the Biot-Gassmann theory appears to be inaccurate for laboratory-measured velocities at effective pressures less than about 4-5 megapascals (MPa). Measured laboratory and well log velocities show two distinct trends for S-wave velocities with respect to P-wave velocity: one for the S-wave velocity less than about 0.6 kilometer per second (km/s) which approximately corresponds to effective pressure of about 4-5 MPa, and the other for S-wave velocities greater than 0.6 km/s. To accurately predict S-wave velocities at low effective pressure less than about 4-5 MPa, a pressure-dependent parameter that relates the consolidation parameter to shear modulus of the sediments at low effective pressure is proposed. The proposed method in predicting S-wave velocity at low effective pressure worked well for velocities of water-saturated sands measured in the laboratory. However, this method underestimates the well-log S-wave velocities measured in the Gulf of Mexico, whereas the conventional method performs well for the well log velocities. The P-wave velocity dispersion due to fluid in the pore spaces, which is more pronounced at high frequency with low effective pressures less than about 4 MPa, is probably a cause for this discrepancy.

Effect of high pressure on rheological and thermal properties of quinoa and maize starches.

PubMed

Li, Guantian; Zhu, Fan

2018-02-15

Quinoa starch has small granules with relatively low gelatinization temperatures and amylose content. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is a non-thermal technique for food processing. In this study, effects of HHP up to 600MPa on physical properties of quinoa starch were studied and compared with those of a normal maize starch. Both starches gelatinized at 500 and 600MPa. The pressure of 600MPa completely gelatinized quinoa starch as revealed by thermal analysis. Dynamic rheological analysis showed that HHP improved the gel stability of both starches during cooling. HHP had little effects on amylopectin recrystallization and gel textural properties of starch. Overall, quinoa starch was more susceptible to HHP than maize starch. The effects of HHP on some rheological properties such as frequency dependence were different between these two types of starches. The differences could be attributed to the different composition, granular and chemical structures of starch, and the presence of granule remnants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flat growth of 7075, 7475, 7050 and 7049 aluminum alloy plate in stress corrosion environments: 2-year marine atmosphere results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorward, R. C.; Hasse, K. R.

1978-01-01

Marine atmospheric exposure of smooth and precracked specimens from 7075, 7475, 7050 and 7049 plates support the conclusion that for a given strength level, the short transverse stress corrosion resistance of 7050-T7X and 7049-T7X is superior to that of 7075-T7X. The threshold stress intensity (K sub Iscc) for these alloys is about 25 MPa square root m at a yield strength of about 460 MPa; the corresponding yield strength level for 7075-T7X at this SCR level is about 425 MPa. Additional tests on two lots of high-toughness 7475 plate indicate that this alloy is capable of achieving K sub Iscc values of about 35 MPa square root m at yield strengths of 400-450 MPa. Precracked specimens from all these 7XXX-series alloys are subject to self loading from corrosion product wedging. This effect causes stress corrosion cracks to continue growing at very low apparent stress intensities, and should therefore be considered a potential driving force for stress corrosion in design and materials selection.

Hyperbaric storage of melon juice at and above room temperature and comparison with storage at atmospheric pressure and refrigeration.

PubMed

Queirós, Rui P; Santos, Mauro D; Fidalgo, Liliana G; Mota, Maria J; Lopes, Rita P; Inácio, Rita S; Delgadillo, Ivonne; Saraiva, Jorge A

2014-03-15

Hyperbaric storage (8h) of melon juice (a highly perishable food) at 25, 30 and 37°C, under pressure at 25-150 MPa was compared with atmospheric pressure storage (0.1 MPa) at the same temperatures and under refrigeration (4°C). Comparatively to the refrigerated condition, hyperbaric storage at 50/75 MPa resulted in similar or lower microbial counts (total aerobic mesophiles, enterobacteriaceae, and yeasts/moulds) while at 100/150 MPa, the counts were lower for all the tested temperatures, indicating in the latter case, in addition to microbial growth inhibition, a microbial inactivation effect. At 25 MPa no microbial inhibition was observed. Physicochemical parameters of all samples stored under pressure (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, browning degree and cloudiness) did not show a clear variation trend with pressure, being the results globally similar to refrigeration storage. These results show the potential of hyperbaric storage, at and above room temperature and with potential energy savings, comparatively to refrigeration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fluid-flow measurements in low permeability media with high pressure gradients using neutron imaging: Application to concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yehya, Mohamad; Andò, Edward; Dufour, Frédéric; Tengattini, Alessandro

2018-05-01

This article focuses on a new experimental apparatus for investigating fluid flow under high pressure gradients within low-permeability porous media by means of neutron imaging. A titanium Hassler cell which optimises neutron transparency while allowing high pressure confinement (up to 50 MPa) and injection is designed for this purpose and presented here. This contribution focuses on the development of the proposed methodology thanks to some preliminary results obtained using a new neutron imaging facility named NeXT on the D50 beamline at the Institute Laue Langevin (Grenoble). The preliminary test was conducted by injecting normal water into concrete sample prepared and saturated with heavy water to take advantage of the isotope sensitivity of neutrons. The front between these two types of water is tracked in space and time with a combination of neutron radiography and tomography.

Ultrasensitive plano-concave optical microresonators for ultrasound sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guggenheim, James A.; Li, Jing; Allen, Thomas J.; Colchester, Richard J.; Noimark, Sacha; Ogunlade, Olumide; Parkin, Ivan P.; Papakonstantinou, Ioannis; Desjardins, Adrien E.; Zhang, Edward Z.; Beard, Paul C.

2017-11-01

Highly sensitive broadband ultrasound detectors are needed to expand the capabilities of biomedical ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging and industrial ultrasonic non-destructive testing techniques. Here, a generic optical ultrasound sensing concept based on a novel plano-concave polymer microresonator is described. This achieves strong optical confinement (Q-factors > 105) resulting in very high sensitivity with excellent broadband acoustic frequency response and wide directivity. The concept is highly scalable in terms of bandwidth and sensitivity. To illustrate this, a family of microresonator sensors with broadband acoustic responses up to 40 MHz and noise-equivalent pressures as low as 1.6 mPa per √Hz have been fabricated and comprehensively characterized in terms of their acoustic performance. In addition, their practical application to high-resolution photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging is demonstrated. The favourable acoustic performance and design flexibility of the technology offers new opportunities to advance biomedical and industrial ultrasound-based techniques.

Ductile flow of methane hydrate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Durham, W.B.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

2003-01-01

Compressional creep tests (i.e., constant applied stress) conducted on pure, polycrystalline methane hydrate over the temperature range 260-287 K and confining pressures of 50-100 MPa show this material to be extraordinarily strong compared to other icy compounds. The contrast with hexagonal water ice, sometimes used as a proxy for gas hydrate properties, is impressive: over the thermal range where both are solid, methane hydrate is as much as 40 times stronger than ice at a given strain rate. The specific mechanical response of naturally occurring methane hydrate in sediments to environmental changes is expected to be dependent on the distribution of the hydrate phase within the formation - whether arranged structurally between and (or) cementing sediments grains versus passively in pore space within a sediment framework. If hydrate is in the former mode, the very high strength of methane hydrate implies a significantly greater strain-energy release upon decomposition and subsequent failure of hydrate-cemented formations than previously expected.

Cavitation propagation in water under tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noblin, Xavier; Yip Cheung Sang, Yann; Pellegrin, Mathieu; Materials and Complex Fluids Team

2012-11-01

Cavitation appears when pressure decreases below vapor pressure, generating vapor bubbles. It can be obtain in dynamical ways (acoustic, hydraulic) but also in quasi-static conditions. This later case is often observed in nature, in trees, or during the ejection of ferns spores. We study the cavitation bubbles nucleation dynamics and its propagation in a confined microfabricated media. This later is an ordered array of microcavities made in hydrogel filled with water. When the system is put into dry air, it dehydrates, water leaves the cavities and tension (negative pressure) builds in the cavities. This can be sustained up to a critical pressure (of order -20 MPa), then cavitation bubbles appear. We follow the dynamics using ultra high speed imaging. Events with several bubbles cavitating in a few microseconds could be observed along neighboring cells, showing a propagation phenomenon that we discuss. ANR CAVISOFT 2010-JCJC-0407 01.

Microstructure, Pitting Corrosion Resistance and Impact Toughness of Duplex Stainless Steel Underwater Dry Hyperbaric Flux-Cored Arc Welds

PubMed Central

Hu, Yu; Shen, Xiao-Qin; Wang, Zhong-Min

2017-01-01

Duplex stainless steel multi-pass welds were made at 0.15 MPa, 0.45 MPa, and 0.75 MPa pressure, simulating underwater dry hyperbaric welding by the flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) method, with welds of normal pressure as a benchmark. The purpose of this work was to estimate the effect of ambient pressure on the microstructure, pitting corrosion resistance and impact toughness of the weld metal. The microstructure measurement revealed that the ferrite content in the weld metal made at 0.45 MPa is the lowest, followed by that of 0.75 MPa and 0.15 MPa. The analysis of potentiodynamic polarization tests at 30 °C and 50 °C demonstrated that the pitting corrosion resistance depends on the phases of the lower pitting resistance equivalent numbers (PREN), secondary austenite and ferrite. The weld metal made at 0.45 MPa had the best resistance to pitting corrosion at 30 °C and 50 °C with the highest PRENs of secondary austenite and ferrite. The weld metal made at 0.15 MPa displayed the lowest pitting corrosion resistance at 30 °C with the lowest PREN of secondary austenite, while the weld metal made at 0.75 MPa was the most seriously eroded after being tested at 50 °C for the lowest PREN of ferrite, with large cluster pits seen in ferrite at 50 °C. The impact tests displayed a typical ductile-brittle transition because of the body-centered cubic (BCC) structure of the ferrite when the test temperature was lowered. All the weld metals met the required value of 34 J at −40 °C according to the ASTM A923. The highest ferrite content corresponded to the worst impact toughness, but the highest toughness value did not correspond to the greatest austenite content. With the decreasing of the test temperature, the drop value of absorbed energy was correlated to the ferrite content. Additionally, in this work, the weld metal made at 0.45 MPa had the best combined properties of pitting resistance and impact toughness. PMID:29258262

Microstructure, Pitting Corrosion Resistance and Impact Toughness of Duplex Stainless Steel Underwater Dry Hyperbaric Flux-Cored Arc Welds.

PubMed

Hu, Yu; Shi, Yong-Hua; Shen, Xiao-Qin; Wang, Zhong-Min

2017-12-18

Duplex stainless steel multi-pass welds were made at 0.15 MPa, 0.45 MPa, and 0.75 MPa pressure, simulating underwater dry hyperbaric welding by the flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) method, with welds of normal pressure as a benchmark. The purpose of this work was to estimate the effect of ambient pressure on the microstructure, pitting corrosion resistance and impact toughness of the weld metal. The microstructure measurement revealed that the ferrite content in the weld metal made at 0.45 MPa is the lowest, followed by that of 0.75 MPa and 0.15 MPa. The analysis of potentiodynamic polarization tests at 30 °C and 50 °C demonstrated that the pitting corrosion resistance depends on the phases of the lower pitting resistance equivalent numbers (PREN), secondary austenite and ferrite. The weld metal made at 0.45 MPa had the best resistance to pitting corrosion at 30 °C and 50 °C with the highest PRENs of secondary austenite and ferrite. The weld metal made at 0.15 MPa displayed the lowest pitting corrosion resistance at 30 °C with the lowest PREN of secondary austenite, while the weld metal made at 0.75 MPa was the most seriously eroded after being tested at 50 °C for the lowest PREN of ferrite, with large cluster pits seen in ferrite at 50 °C. The impact tests displayed a typical ductile-brittle transition because of the body-centered cubic (BCC) structure of the ferrite when the test temperature was lowered. All the weld metals met the required value of 34 J at -40 °C according to the ASTM A923. The highest ferrite content corresponded to the worst impact toughness, but the highest toughness value did not correspond to the greatest austenite content. With the decreasing of the test temperature, the drop value of absorbed energy was correlated to the ferrite content. Additionally, in this work, the weld metal made at 0.45 MPa had the best combined properties of pitting resistance and impact toughness.

Microstructures, mechanical properties, and degradation behaviors of heat-treated Mg-Sr alloys as potential biodegradable implant materials.

PubMed

Wang, Yuxiang; Tie, Di; Guan, Renguo; Wang, Ning; Shang, Yingqiu; Cui, Tong; Li, Junqiao

2018-01-01

In previous studies, Mg-Sr alloys exhibited great biocompatibility with regard to test animals, and enhanced peri-implant bone formation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of heat treatments on the mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg-Sr alloys. Various heat-treated Mg-xSr (x = 0.5, 1, and 2wt%, nominal composition) alloys were prepared using homogenization and aging treatments. Mechanical tests were performed at room temperature on the as-cast, homogenized, and peak-aged alloys. As the Sr content increased, the volume fraction of Mg 17 Sr 2 phases within the as-cast alloys increased; in addition, the mechanical strength of the alloys initially increased and subsequently decreased, while the ductility decreased. Following the homogenization treatment, the mechanical strength of the alloys decreased, and the ductility increased. Nano-sized Mg 17 Sr 2 phases were re-precipitated during the aging treatment. The age-hardening response at 160°C was enhanced as the Sr content increased. Following the aging treatment, there was an increase in the mechanical strength of the alloys; however, there was a slight reduction in the ductility. Immersion tests were conducted at 37°C for 360h, using Hank's buffered salt solution (HBSS), to study the degradation behavior of the alloys. As the Sr content of the Mg-Sr alloys increased, the corrosion rate (CR) increased owing to the galvanic effect. The homogenization treatment consequently reduced the CR dramatically, and the aging treatment had a slight effect on the CR. The peak-aged Mg-1Sr (wt%) alloy exhibited the best combination of properties. The tensile yield strength (TYS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation, compressive yield strength (CYS), ultimate compressive strength (UCS), compressibility, and CR of the as-cast Mg-1Sr (wt%) alloy were 56.0MPa, 92.67MPa, 1.27%, 171.4MPa, 243.6MPa, 22.3%, and 1.76mm/year, respectively. The respective results obtained for the peak-aged Mg-1Sr (wt%) alloys were 69.7MPa, 135.6MPa, 3.22%, 183.1MPa, 273.6MPa, 27.6%, and 1.33mm/year. Following immersion in HBSS, the primary corrosion products of the peak-aged Mg-1Sr (wt%) alloy were Mg(OH) 2 , MgO, MgCO 3 , Mg 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , MgHPO 4 , and Mg(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 , which enhanced the corrosion resistance by forming a composite corrosion film. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Grain Structure and Doping on the Deformation and Fracture of Polycrystalline Silicon for MEMS/NEMS

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

electric fields. 0 200 400 600 -15 -5 5 15 S tr es s (M P a) Electric Field ( MVm -1) S. Yagnamurthy, I. Chasiotis, J. Lambros, R. Polcawich, J. Pulskamp, M...0.04 0 5 10 15 F o rc e (N ) Electric Field ( MVm -1) 0 MPa 100 MPa 200 MPa 300 MPa 400 MPa -55 -50 -45 -40 -35 -30 -25 0 5 10 15 e 3 1 ,e ff (N V -1 m...1 ) Electric Field ( MVm -1) 0 MPa 100 MPa 200 MPa 300 MPa 400 MPa S. Yagnamurthy, I. Chasiotis, J. Lambros, R. Polcawich, J. Pulskamp, M. Dubey

Effects of femtosecond laser and other surface treatments on the bond strength of metallic and ceramic orthodontic brackets to zirconia

PubMed Central

García-Sanz, Verónica; Bellot-Arcís, Carlos; Mendoza-Yero, Omel; Doñate-Buendía, Carlos; Montero, Javier; Albaladejo, Alberto

2017-01-01

Femtosecond laser has been proposed as a method for conditioning zirconia surfaces to boost bond strength. However, metallic or ceramic bracket bonding to femtosecond laser-treated zirconia surfaces has not been tested. This study compared the effects of four conditioning techniques, including femtosecond laser irradiation, on shear bond strength (SBS) of metallic and ceramic brackets to zirconia.Three hundred zirconia plates were divided into five groups: 1) control (C); 2) sandblasting (APA); 3) silica coating and silane (SC); 4) femtosecond laser (FS); 5) sandblasting followed by femtosecond laser (APA+SC). A thermal imaging camera measured temperature changes in the zirconia during irradiation. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (metallic vs ceramic brackets). SBS was evaluated using a universal testing machine. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was registered and surfaces were observed under SEM. Surface treatment and bracket type significantly affected the bracket-zirconia bond strength. SBS was significantly higher (p<0.001) for ceramic brackets in all groups (APA+FS > APA > FS > SC > control) than metallic brackets (APA+FS > FS > SC > APA > control). For metallic brackets, groups SC (5.99 ± 1.86 MPa), FS (6.72 ± 2.30 MPa) and APA+FS (7.22 ± 2.73 MPa) reported significantly higher bond strengths than other groups (p < 0.05). For ceramic brackets, the highest bond strength values were obtained in groups APA (25.01 ± 4.45 MPa), FS (23.18 ± 6.51 MPa) and APA+FS (29.22 ± 8.20 MPa).Femtosecond laser enhances bond strength of ceramic and metallic brackets to zirconia. Ceramic brackets provide significantly stronger adhesion than metallic brackets regardless of the surface treatment method. PMID:29049418

Can Static Habitat Protection Encompass Critical Areas for Highly Mobile Marine Top Predators? Insights from Coastal East Africa.

PubMed

Pérez-Jorge, Sergi; Pereira, Thalia; Corne, Chloe; Wijtten, Zeno; Omar, Mohamed; Katello, Jillo; Kinyua, Mark; Oro, Daniel; Louzao, Maite

2015-01-01

Along the East African coast, marine top predators are facing an increasing number of anthropogenic threats which requires the implementation of effective and urgent conservation measures to protect essential habitats. Understanding the role that habitat features play on the marine top predator' distribution and abundance is a crucial step to evaluate the suitability of an existing Marine Protected Area (MPA), originally designated for the protection of coral reefs. We developed species distribution models (SDM) on the IUCN data deficient Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in southern Kenya. We followed a comprehensive ecological modelling approach to study the environmental factors influencing the occurrence and abundance of dolphins while developing SDMs. Through the combination of ensemble prediction maps, we defined recurrent, occasional and unfavourable habitats for the species. Our results showed the influence of dynamic and static predictors on the dolphins' spatial ecology: dolphins may select shallow areas (5-30 m), close to the reefs (< 500 m) and oceanic fronts (< 10 km) and adjacent to the 100 m isobath (< 5 km). We also predicted a significantly higher occurrence and abundance of dolphins within the MPA. Recurrent and occasional habitats were identified on large percentages on the existing MPA (47% and 57% using presence-absence and abundance models respectively). However, the MPA does not adequately encompass all occasional and recurrent areas and within this context, we propose to extend the MPA to incorporate all of them which are likely key habitats for the highly mobile species. The results from this study provide two key conservation and management tools: (i) an integrative habitat modelling approach to predict key marine habitats, and (ii) the first study evaluating the effectiveness of an existing MPA for marine mammals in the Western Indian Ocean.

Effects of mechanical loading on the degradability and mechanical properties of the nanocalcium-deficient hydroxyapatite–multi(amino acid) copolymer composite membrane tube for guided bone regeneration

PubMed Central

Duan, Hong; Yang, Hongsheng; Xiong, Yan; Zhang, Bin; Ren, Cheng; Min, Li; Zhang, Wenli; Yan, Yonggang; Li, Hong; Pei, Fuxing; Tu, Chongqi

2013-01-01

Background and methods Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a new treatment for bone defects, and the property of membrane is critical to the success of GBR. This study focuses on a novel membrane tube for GBR, which was prepared by a nanocalcium-deficient hydroxyapatite–multi(amino acid) copolymer (n-CDHA-MAC) composite. The biomechanical strength and degradability of this membrane tube under mechanical loading after immersion in phosphate-buffered solution were investigated to evaluate the effects of mechanical loading on the membrane tube. The membrane-tube group with no mechanical loading and femora bone were used as controls. Results The compressive strength and bending strength of n-CDHA-MAC membrane tubes were 66.4 ± 10.2 MPa and 840.7 ± 12.1 MPa, which were lower than those of the goats’ femoral bones (69.0 ± 5.5 MPa and 900.2 ± 17.3 MPa), but there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences. In the in vitro degradability experiment, all membrane tubes were degradable and showed a surface-erosion degradation model. The PH of solution fluctuated from 7.2 to 7.5. The weight and mechanical strength of loaded tubes decreased more quickly than nonloaded ones, with significant differences (P < 0.05). However, the strength of the loaded group after degradation achieved 20.4 ± 1.2 MPa, which was greater than the maximum mechanical strength of 4.338 MPa based on goat femoral middle stationary state by three-dimensional finite-element analysis. Conclusions n-CDHA-MAC membrane tubes have good biomechanical strength during degradation under mechanical loading. Therefore, this membrane tube is an ideal GBR membrane for critical size defects of long bones in goats for animal experiments. PMID:23946651

High pressure-induced inactivation of Qbeta coliphage and c2 phage in oysters and in culture media.

PubMed

Smiddy, Mary; Kelly, Alan L; Patterson, Margaret F; Hill, Colin

2006-02-01

High pressure (HP) treatment inactivates bacteria in shellfish, but its effects on viruses in shellfish have not yet been determined, although viral illness is frequently associated with shellfish consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the baroresistance of two bacteriophage viruses, Qbeta coliphage and c2 phage, in oysters and in culture media. High numbers (>or=10(7) ml(-1) or g(-1)) of both phages were obtained in culture media and in oysters. Samples were HP treated at 200-800 MPa at 20 degrees C for up to 30 min. Little or no inactivation of either phage was observed in oysters or in culture media after treatment at

The effect of subpressure on the bond strength of resin to zirconia ceramic.

PubMed

Li, Yong-Mei; Zhuge, Rui-Shen; Zhang, Zu-Tai; Tian, Yue-Ming; Ding, Ning

2017-01-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of subpressure on the bond strength of resin to zirconia ceramic. The subpressure would create a pressure gradient which could clean out the bubbles in the adhesives or bonding interface. Twenty-eight pre-sintered zirconia discs were fabricated. Half of them were polished (group P, n = 14), and the rest were sandblasted (group S, n = 14). After sintered,the surface roughness of the zirconia discs was measured. Then, they were randomly divided into two subgroups (n = 7). The groups were named as follows: PC: P + no additional treatments; PP: P + 0.04 MPa after application of adhesives; SC: S + no additional treatments; and SP: S + 0.04 MPa after application of adhesives. Resin columns were bonded to the zirconia specimens to determine shear bond strength (SBS). The bonding interfaces were observed and the fracture modes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed on all data. The surface roughness of group S was significantly higher than that of group P (P<0.05). The SBS values were PC = 13.48 ± 0.7 MPa, PP = 15.22 ± 0.8 MPa, SC = 17.23 ± 0.7 MPa and SP = 21.68 ± 1.4 MPa. There were significant differences among the groups (P<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the adhesives of group SP and PP were closer and denser to the zirconia ceramic than that of group PC and SC. The proportion of the mixed fracture mode significantly increased after adding subpressure (P< 0.05). Subpressure can improve the shear bond strength of resin to zirconia ceramics and increase micro-infiltration between the adhesives and the zirconia ceramics, especially on the rough surfaces.

Cognitive function variations in postmenopausal women treated with continuous, combined HRT or tibolone. A comparison.

PubMed

Pan, Hsien-An; Wang, Shan-Tair; Pai, Ming-Chyi; Chen, Chih-Hung; Wu, Meng-Hsing; Huang, Ko-En

2003-05-01

To compare cognitive function in postmenopausal women receiving continuous hormone replacement therapy and those receiving tibolone. This was a 6-month, prospective, single-blind, single center, randomized study. A total of 50 healthy, postmenopausal women were enrolled. In the end, 40 women completed the 6-month follow-up. One group (23 subjects) received conjugated equine estrogens (CEE), 0.625 mg/d, and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 5 mg/d. The other group (17 subjects) received tibolone, 2.5 mg/d. Their serum estradiol levels and Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were obtained before starting and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. There was a significant increase in the serum estradiol level in the CEE + MPA group, especially after 3 months of treatment, but there was no increase in the estradiol level in the tibolone group. The CASI and MMSE scores of the CEE + MPA group and the tibolone group after 3 and 6 months of treatment showed no significant difference between the two groups apart from the MMSE at the 3-month follow-up. We saw an increasing trend in CASI and MMSE scores after treatment in both groups; however, the increases were not statistically significant. The rate of increase of both CASI and MMSE scores in the CEE + MPA group was greater than in the tibolone group, though the difference was not significant. This preliminary study demonstrated that both CEE + MPA and tibolone can preserve cognitive function and may be able to prevent cognitive decline in postmenopausal women during short-term treatment. Our results also show that continuous, combined CEE + MPA seems to be marginally more effective than tibolone in improving cognitive processes; however, long-term study is needed to follow-up such effect.

Dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO4·2H2O) precipitation through ortho- or meta-phosphoric acid-etching: effects on the durability and nanoleakage/ultra-morphology of resin-dentine interfaces.

PubMed

Feitosa, Victor Pinheiro; Bazzocchi, Maria Giulia; Putignano, Angelo; Orsini, Giovanna; Luzi, Arlinda Luzi; Sinhoreti, Mário Alexandre Coelho; Watson, Timothy F; Sauro, Salvatore

2013-11-01

To compare the effects of two etching procedures using meta-phosphoric (MPA) or ortho-phosphoric acid (OPA) on dentine demineralisation, resin-dentine bonds durability and interface nanoleakage/ultra-morphology. Middle-dentine specimens were etched using 37% OPA (15s) or 40% MPA (60s) and submitted to infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) or ultra-morphology dye-assisted (calcium-staining) confocal microscopy (Ca-CLSM). A three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive was formulated, applied onto dentine and light-cured for 30s before composite build-up. After 24h, the dentine-bonded specimens were cut into 1mm(2) beams; half were immediately submitted to microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and half stored in DW for six months. The μTBS results were analysed with repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Further teeth were bonded and prepared for interface nanoleakage/ultra-morphology confocal evaluation. FTIR and Ca-CLSM analyses showed dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (Brushite) precipitation in MPA-etched dentine and on the bottom (front of demineralisation) of the OPA-etched dentine. Statistical analysis showed similar μTBS for both etching procedures after 24h. The μTBS of specimens in OPA-group dropped significantly (p<0.05) after six month; the specimens in the MPA group showed no statistically difference (p>0.05). CLSM depicted no evident sign of nanoleakage within the resin-dentine interface of the MPA-treated specimens, while the specimens in OPA-group presented intense nanoleakage and interface degradation. The use of MPA (60s) as an alternative dentine conditioning agent in etch-and-rinse bonding procedures may be a suitable strategy to create more durable resin-dentine bonds. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of femtosecond laser and other surface treatments on the bond strength of metallic and ceramic orthodontic brackets to zirconia.

PubMed

García-Sanz, Verónica; Paredes-Gallardo, Vanessa; Bellot-Arcís, Carlos; Mendoza-Yero, Omel; Doñate-Buendía, Carlos; Montero, Javier; Albaladejo, Alberto

2017-01-01

Femtosecond laser has been proposed as a method for conditioning zirconia surfaces to boost bond strength. However, metallic or ceramic bracket bonding to femtosecond laser-treated zirconia surfaces has not been tested. This study compared the effects of four conditioning techniques, including femtosecond laser irradiation, on shear bond strength (SBS) of metallic and ceramic brackets to zirconia.Three hundred zirconia plates were divided into five groups: 1) control (C); 2) sandblasting (APA); 3) silica coating and silane (SC); 4) femtosecond laser (FS); 5) sandblasting followed by femtosecond laser (APA+SC). A thermal imaging camera measured temperature changes in the zirconia during irradiation. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (metallic vs ceramic brackets). SBS was evaluated using a universal testing machine. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was registered and surfaces were observed under SEM. Surface treatment and bracket type significantly affected the bracket-zirconia bond strength. SBS was significantly higher (p<0.001) for ceramic brackets in all groups (APA+FS > APA > FS > SC > control) than metallic brackets (APA+FS > FS > SC > APA > control). For metallic brackets, groups SC (5.99 ± 1.86 MPa), FS (6.72 ± 2.30 MPa) and APA+FS (7.22 ± 2.73 MPa) reported significantly higher bond strengths than other groups (p < 0.05). For ceramic brackets, the highest bond strength values were obtained in groups APA (25.01 ± 4.45 MPa), FS (23.18 ± 6.51 MPa) and APA+FS (29.22 ± 8.20 MPa).Femtosecond laser enhances bond strength of ceramic and metallic brackets to zirconia. Ceramic brackets provide significantly stronger adhesion than metallic brackets regardless of the surface treatment method.

Effects of the addition of methyltestosterone to combined hormone therapy with estrogens and progestogens on sexual energy and on orgasm in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Penteado, S R Lenharo; Fonseca, A M; Bagnoli, V R; Abdo, C H Najar; Júnior, J M Soares; Baracat, E Chada

2008-02-01

To evaluate the effect of the addition of methyltestosterone to estrogen and progestogen therapy on postmenopausal sexual energy and orgasm. Sixty postmenopausal women in a stable relationship with a partner capable of intercourse, and presenting sexual complaints that appeared after menopause, were randomly divided into two groups: EP (n = 29) received one tablet of equine estrogens (CEE) 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 2.5 mg and one capsule of placebo; EP + A (n = 31) received one tablet of CEE 0.625 mg plus MPA 2.5 mg and one capsule of methyltestosterone 2.0 mg; The treatment period was 12 months. The effects of treatment on sexual energy were assessed using the Sexual Energy Change Scale. The ability to reach orgasm in sexual relations with the partner was verified through monthly calendars and by calculating the ratio between monthly frequency of orgasms in sexual relations and monthly sexual frequency. There was a significant relationship between improvement in level of sexual energy and the addition of methyltestosterone to CEE/MPA treatment (p = 0.021). No significant effect on orgasmic capacity was noted after the treatment period. Addition of methyltestosterone to CEE/MPA therapy may increase sexual energy, but might not affect the ability to obtain orgasm in sexual relations.

High pressure, temperature and time-dependent effects on enzymatic and microbial properties of fresh sugarcane juice.

PubMed

Chauhan, O P; Ravi, N; Roopa, N; Kumar, Sumeet; Raju, P S

2017-11-01

Efficacy of variable high pressure, temperature and time on the browning causing enzymes and microbial activities, which are major spoilage factors during preservation of sugarcane juice, was studied. The juice was processed at 200-600 MPa pressure for 2-8 min at 40 and 60 °C and their effect on polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase as well as microbiological quality in terms of total plate count, yeast and molds and total coliforms was studied. Application of high pressures were found to cause significant decrease in enzymatic and microbial activities. The effects were found to be significantly more pronounced at 60 °C as compared to 40 °C. Process time also caused significant ( p  < 0.05) negative effect on microbial and enzyme activities. The sugarcane juice treated at 600 MPa for 6 min at 60 °C was found sufficient to inactivate the microbial counts completely. Whereas, enzymes were found to be completely inactivated in the samples processed at 600 MPa for 8 min at 60 °C. A pressure of 600 MPa at 60 °C for 8 min could be applied during commercial preservation of sugarcane juice for getting complete inactivation of browning causing enzymes and spoilage causing microorganisms.

High hydrostatic pressure processing affects the phenolic profile, preserves sensory attributes and ensures microbial quality of jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) juice.

PubMed

Inada, Kim Op; Torres, Alexandre G; Perrone, Daniel; Monteiro, Mariana

2018-01-01

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) is a Brazilian fruit rich in phenolic compounds and much appreciated for its sweet and slightly tangy taste. However, the high perishability of this fruit impairs its economic exploitation, creating an opportunity for the development of innovative products, such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processed juices. We investigated the effect of HHP (200, 350 and 500 MPa for 5, 7.5 and 10 min) on phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and microbiological quality of jabuticaba juice and the effect of the most effective HHP condition on its sensory acceptance. Pressurization increased total phenolic compound content (up to 38%) and antioxidant activity by FRAP assay (up to 46%), probably by increasing phenolic compound extractability due to tissue damage. Pressurization progressively decreased microbial counts, and colony growth was undetectable at pressures of 350 MPa or 500 MPa. With the exception of aroma, which was 10% lower in pressurized juice at 350 MPa for 7.5 min in relation to unprocessed juice, HHP did not affect sensory acceptance scores. Our results show that HHP was effective in ensuring microbiological quality, increasing bioactive potential and maintaining overall acceptance of jabuticaba juice, reinforcing the potential application of this processing technology in bioactive-rich foods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study of corrosion-related defects of zirconium alloys with slow positron beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhejie; Yao, Meiyi; Shi, Jianjian; Yao, Chunlong; Lu, Eryang; Cao, Xingzhong; Wang, Baoyi; Wu, Yichu

2018-09-01

The corrosion behavior of Zr-4 and N5 alloy specimens corroded in 0.01 mol/L LiOH aqueous solution at 360 °C/18.6 MPa and in super heated steam at 400 °C/10.3 MPa for 1, 3 and 14 days were investigated by slow positron beam based Doppler broadening spectroscopy. Results showed that there was an evident interfacial layer with pre-existed vacancies and voids in uncorroded Zr-4 specimens, while in uncorroded N5 specimen, the interfacial defect layer can not be identified or a thin interfacial layer was only contained. When the specimens were corroded in super heated steam at 400 °C/10.3 MPa for a few days, the existence of the interface layer in the Zr-4 specimen would delay the diffusion rate of the oxygen atoms and decelerated the oxidation rate of the corrosion process. However, at very early stage of the corrosion, as Zr-4 and N5 specimens were corrded in 0.01 mol/L LiOH aqueous solution at 360 °C/18.6 MPa, the effect of Li+ accelerated the diffusion rate of the oxygen atoms, while the effect of the interface defect layer became a minor effect.

Effect of water on the rheology of enstatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, G.; Mei, S.; Song, M.; Kohlstedt, D. L.

2015-12-01

The influence of water on the rheological properties of enstatite, the second principal constituent of the upper mantle, was investi­gated by performing high-temperature creep experiments under both hydrous and anhydrous conditions. Samples were fabricated from fine powered Bamble enstatite (Mg0.85Fe0.15SiO3) from Norway. Deformation experiments were carried out using a gas-medium apparatus at a confining pressure of 300 MPa and temperatures between 1123 and 1473 K. For experiments conducted under hydrous conditions, samples were encapsulated with a talc sleeve, which supplied water by the dehydration near 1075 K. Under our experimental conditions, deformation was dominated by diffusion creep as indicated by a stress exponent of ~1 for both anhydrous and hydrous conditions. Furthermore, our data yields activation energies of ~200 and ~400 kJ/mol for hydrous and anhydrous conditions, respectively. These values are smaller than those reported for enstatite deformed in the dislocation creep regime (820 kJ/mol, Mackwell, 1992; 600 kJ/mol, Lawlis, 1997). Importantly, our results demonstrate a strong influence of water on the diffusion creep of enstatite. Samples deformed under hydrous conditions crept ~1.5 order of magnitude faster than those deformed under anhydrous conditions at similar differential stresses and temperatures. This water-weakening effect is more than ten times greater than determined for olivine. Such results provide critical constraints needed for understanding the rheological behavior of Earth's interior.

High-pressure Gas Activation for Amorphous Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide Thin-Film Transistors at 100 °C

PubMed Central

Kim, Won-Gi; Tak, Young Jun; Du Ahn, Byung; Jung, Tae Soo; Chung, Kwun-Bum; Kim, Hyun Jae

2016-01-01

We investigated the use of high-pressure gases as an activation energy source for amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs). High-pressure annealing (HPA) in nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) gases was applied to activate a-IGZO TFTs at 100 °C at pressures in the range from 0.5 to 4 MPa. Activation of the a-IGZO TFTs during HPA is attributed to the effect of the high-pressure environment, so that the activation energy is supplied from the kinetic energy of the gas molecules. We reduced the activation temperature from 300 °C to 100 °C via the use of HPA. The electrical characteristics of a-IGZO TFTs annealed in O2 at 2 MPa were superior to those annealed in N2 at 4 MPa, despite the lower pressure. For O2 HPA under 2 MPa at 100 °C, the field effect mobility and the threshold voltage shift under positive bias stress were improved by 9.00 to 10.58 cm2/V.s and 3.89 to 2.64 V, respectively. This is attributed to not only the effects of the pressurizing effect but also the metal-oxide construction effect which assists to facilitate the formation of channel layer and reduces oxygen vacancies, served as electron trap sites. PMID:26972476

High-pressure Gas Activation for Amorphous Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide Thin-Film Transistors at 100 °C.

PubMed

Kim, Won-Gi; Tak, Young Jun; Du Ahn, Byung; Jung, Tae Soo; Chung, Kwun-Bum; Kim, Hyun Jae

2016-03-14

We investigated the use of high-pressure gases as an activation energy source for amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs). High-pressure annealing (HPA) in nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) gases was applied to activate a-IGZO TFTs at 100 °C at pressures in the range from 0.5 to 4 MPa. Activation of the a-IGZO TFTs during HPA is attributed to the effect of the high-pressure environment, so that the activation energy is supplied from the kinetic energy of the gas molecules. We reduced the activation temperature from 300 °C to 100 °C via the use of HPA. The electrical characteristics of a-IGZO TFTs annealed in O2 at 2 MPa were superior to those annealed in N2 at 4 MPa, despite the lower pressure. For O2 HPA under 2 MPa at 100 °C, the field effect mobility and the threshold voltage shift under positive bias stress were improved by 9.00 to 10.58 cm(2)/V.s and 3.89 to 2.64 V, respectively. This is attributed to not only the effects of the pressurizing effect but also the metal-oxide construction effect which assists to facilitate the formation of channel layer and reduces oxygen vacancies, served as electron trap sites.

A Lattice-Misfit-Dependent Damage Model for Non-linear Damage Accumulations Under Monotonous Creep in Single Crystal Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

le Graverend, J.-B.

2018-05-01

A lattice-misfit-dependent damage density function is developed to predict the non-linear accumulation of damage when a thermal jump from 1050 °C to 1200 °C is introduced somewhere in the creep life. Furthermore, a phenomenological model aimed at describing the evolution of the constrained lattice misfit during monotonous creep load is also formulated. The response of the lattice-misfit-dependent plasticity-coupled damage model is compared with the experimental results obtained at 140 and 160 MPa on the first generation Ni-based single crystal superalloy MC2. The comparison reveals that the damage model is well suited at 160 MPa and less at 140 MPa because the transfer of stress to the γ' phase occurs for stresses above 150 MPa which leads to larger variations and, therefore, larger effects of the constrained lattice misfit on the lifetime during thermo-mechanical loading.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure and whey proteins on the disruption of casein micelle isolates.

PubMed

Harte, Federico M; Gurram, Subba Rao; Luedecke, Lloyd O; Swanson, Barry G; Barbosa-Cánovas, Gustavo V

2007-11-01

High hydrostatic pressure disruption of casein micelle isolates was studied by analytical ultracentrifugation and transmission electron microscopy. Casein micelles were isolated from skim milk and subjected to combinations of thermal treatment (85 degrees C, 20 min) and high hydrostatic pressure (up to 676 MPa) with and without whey protein added. High hydrostatic pressure promoted extensive disruption of the casein micelles in the 250 to 310 MPa pressure range. At pressures greater than 310 MPa no further disruption was observed. The addition of whey protein to casein micelle isolates protected the micelles from high hydrostatic pressure induced disruption only when the mix was thermally processed before pressure treatment. The more whey protein was added (up to 5 g/l) the more the protection against high hydrostatic pressure induced micelle disruption was observed in thermally treated samples subjected to 310 MPa.

Effect of non-parabolicity and confinement potential on exciton binding energy in a quantum well

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vignesh, G.; Nithiananthi, P.

2018-04-01

The effect of non-parabolicity(NP) (both conduction and valance band) on the binding energy(EB) of a ground state exciton in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs single Quantum Well(QW) has been calculated using variational method. Confinement of a light hole(LH-CB1-X) and heavy hole(HH-CB1-X) exciton have been numerically evaluated as a function of well width and barrier heights by imposing three different confinement potentials such as square(SQW), parabolic(PQW) and triangular(TQW). Due to NP effects, EB of exciton is increasedin the narrow well region irrespective of the type of exciton, barrier height and nature of the confinement potentials applied. Non-parabolicity effect is prominent in abrupt(SQW) and linearlyvarying(TQW) confinement potentials. All these effects are attributed to be an inter-play between the Coulombic interaction and NP effects among the subband structures.

Effect of laser peening with glycerol as plasma confinement layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuyama, Miho; Ehara, Naoya; Yamashita, Kazuma; Heya, Manabu; Nakano, Hitoshi

2018-03-01

The effects of controlling the plasma confinement layer on laser peening were investigated by measuring the hardness and residual stress of laser-peened stainless steels. The plasma confinement layer contributes to increasing the pressure of shock waves by suppressing the expansion of the laser-produced plasma. Most previous studies on laser peening have employed water as the plasma confinement layer. In this study, a glycerol solution is used in the context of a large acoustic impedance. It is found that this glycerol solution is superior to water in its ability to confine plasma and that suitable conditions exist for the glycerol solution to act as a plasma confinement layer to achieve efficient laser peening.

A Plasticity Model to Predict the Effects of Confinement on Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Julie

A plasticity model to predict the behavior of confined concrete is developed. The model is designed to implicitly account for the increase in strength and ductility due to confining a concrete member. The concrete model is implemented into a finite element (FE) model. By implicitly including the change in the strength and ductility in the material model, the confining material can be explicitly included in the FE model. Any confining material can be considered, and the effects on the concrete of failure in the confinement material can be modeled. Test data from a wide variety of different concretes utilizing different confinement methods are used to estimate the model parameters. This allows the FE model to capture the generalized behavior of concrete under multiaxial loading. The FE model is used to predict the results of tests on reinforced concrete members confined by steel hoops and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets. Loading includes pure axial load and axial load-moment combinations. Variability in the test data makes the model predictions difficult to compare but, overall, the FE model is able to capture the effects of confinement on concrete. Finally, the FE model is used to compare the performance of steel hoop to FRP confined sections, and of square to circular cross sections. As expected, circular sections are better able to engage the confining material, leading to higher strengths. However, higher strains are seen in the confining material for the circular sections. This leads to failure at lower axial strain levels in the case of the FRP confined sections. Significant differences are seen in the behavior of FRP confined members and steel hoop confined members. Failure in the FRP members is always determined by rupture in the composite jacket. As a result, the FRP members continue to take load up to failure. In contrast, the steel hoop confined sections exhibit extensive strain softening before failure. This comparison illustrates the usefulness of the concrete model as a tool for designers. Overall, the concrete model provides a flexible and powerful method to predict the performance of confined concrete.

Effects of High-Pressure Treatment on the Muscle Proteome of Hake by Bottom-Up Proteomics.

PubMed

Carrera, Mónica; Fidalgo, Liliana G; Saraiva, Jorge A; Aubourg, Santiago P

2018-05-02

A bottom-up proteomics approach was applied for the study of the effects of high-pressure (HP) treatment on the muscle proteome of fish. The performance of the approach was established for a previous HP treatment (150-450 MPa for 2 min) on frozen (up to 5 months at -10 °C) European hake ( Merluccius merluccius). Concerning possible protein biomarkers of quality changes, a significant degradation after applying a pressure ≥430 MPa could be observed for phosphoglycerate mutase-1, enolase, creatine kinase, fructose bisphosphate aldolase, triosephosphate isomerase, and nucleoside diphosphate kinase; contrary, electrophoretic bands assigned to tropomyosin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and beta parvalbumin increased their intensity after applying a pressure ≥430 MPa. This repository of potential protein biomarkers may be very useful for further HP investigations related to fish quality.

Nonenzymatic modification of Ubiquitin under high-pressure and -temperature treatment: mass spectrometric studies.

PubMed

Kijewska, Monika; Radziszewska, Karolina; Kielmas, Martyna; Stefanowicz, Piotr; Szewczuk, Zbigniew

2015-01-21

The effect of high-pressure and/or high-temperature on the glycation of a model protein (ubiquitin) was investigated by mass spectrometry. This paper reports the impact of high pressure (up to 1200 MPa) on the modification of a ubiquitin using ESI-MS measurements. The application of glucose labeled with stable isotope allows a quantitative assessment of modification under the conditions of high-pressure (HPG) and high-temperature (HTG) glycation. A higher degree of modification was observed for the sample heated at 80 °C for 25 min under atmospheric pressure than for sample treated under high pressure. In samples treated at pressure below 400 MPa an insignificant increase of glycation level was observed, whereas high pressure (>600 MPa) has only a minor effect on the number of hexose moieties (Fru) attached to the lysine residue side chain.

Fracture Flow Characterization from Seismic and Electric Properties: Insight from Experimental and Numerical Approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawayama, K.; Kitamura, K.; Tsuji, T.; Fujimitsu, Y.

2017-12-01

The estimation of fluid flow and its distribution in the fracture is essential to evaluate subsurface fluid (e.g., geothermal water, ground water, oil and gas). Recently, fluid flow in the geothermal reservoir has been attracting attention to develop EGS (enhanced geothermal system) technique. To detect the fluid distribution under the ground, geophysical exploration such as seismic and electromagnetic methods have been broadly applied. For better interpretation of these exploration data, more detailed investigation about the effect of fluid on seismic and electric properties of fracture is required. In this study, we measured and calculated seismic and electric properties of a cracked rock to discuss the effect of water distribution and saturation on them as well as fluid flow. For the experimental observation, we developed the technique to measure electrical impedance, P-wave velocity and water saturation simultaneously during the fluid-flow test. The test has been conducted as follows; a cracked andesite core sample was filled with nitrogen gas (Pp = 10 MPa) under 20 MPa of confining pressure and then, brine (1wt.%-KCl, 1.75 S/m) was injected into the sample to replace the gas. During the test, water saturation, permeability, electrical impedance and P-wave velocity were measured. As a result of this experimental study, electrical impedance dramatically decreased from 105 to 103 Ω and P-wave velocity increased by 2% due to the brine injection. This remarkable change of the electrical impedance could be due to the replacement of pre-filled nitrogen gas to the brine in the broad fracture. After the brine injection, electrical impedance decreased with injection pressure by up to 40% while P-wave velocity was almost constant. This decrease of electrical impedance could be related to the flow to the narrow path (microcrack) which cannot be detected by P-wave velocity. These two types of fluid flow mechanism were also suggested from other parameters such as permeability, water saturation and saturation exponent of Archie's law. To quantify the fluid flow and its distribution in the fracture, we applied fluid flow simulation by LBM (Lattice Boltzmann Method). From this result, we calculate physical parameters by FEM and FDM and then discuss effect of fluid on them as well as their comparison with experimental results.

Smooth interface effects on the confinement properties of GaSb/Al xGa 1- xSb quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adib, Artur B.; de Sousa, Jeanlex S.; Farias, Gil A.; Freire, Valder N.

2000-10-01

A theoretical investigation on the confinement properties of GaSb/Al xGa 1- xSb single quantum wells (QWs) with smooth interfaces is performed. Error function ( erf)-like interfacial aluminum molar fraction variations in the QWs, from which it is possible to obtain the carriers effective masses and confinement potential profiles, are assumed. It is shown that the existence of smooth interfaces blue shifts considerably the confined carriers and exciton energies, an effect which is stronger in thin QWs.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Mytilus coruscus α-d-Glucan (MP-A) in Activated Macrophage Cells via TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK Pathway Inhibition

PubMed Central

Liu, Fuyan; Zhang, Xiaofeng; Li, Yuqiu; Chen, Qixin; Liu, Fei; Zhu, Xiqiang; Mei, Li; Song, Xinlei; Liu, Xia; Song, Zhigang; Zhang, Jinhua; Zhang, Wen; Ling, Peixue

2017-01-01

The hard-shelled mussel (Mytilus coruscus) has been used as Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years; however, to date the ingredients responsible for the various beneficial health outcomes attributed to Mytilus coruscus are still unclear. An α-d-Glucan, called MP-A, was isolated from Mytilus coruscus, and observed to exert anti-inflammatory activity in THP-1 human macrophage cells. Specifically, we showed that MP-A treatment inhibited the production of inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, NO, and PGE2, inducible NOS (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), in LPS-activated THP-1 cells. It was also shown to enhance phagocytosis in the analyzed cells, but to severely inhibit the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB P65. Finally, MP-A was found to exhibit a high binding affinity for the cell surface receptor TLR4, but a low affinity for TLR2 and dectin-1, via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The study indicates that MP-A suppresses LPS-induced TNF-α, NO and PEG2 production via TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway inhibition, and suggests that MP-A may be a promising therapeutic candidate for diseases associated with TNF-α, NO, and/or PEG2 overproduction. PMID:28930149

HHP treatment of liquid egg at 200-350 MPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tóth, A.; Németh, Cs; Palotás, P.; Surányi, J.; Zeke, I.; Csehi, B.; Castillo, L. A.; Friedrich, L.; Balla, Cs

2017-10-01

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment of egg proteins partially limits their sensitivity to pressure. According to the literature, at the 450 MPa level, denaturation of some proteins sets in to the extent that sensory and functional characteristics are impacted. This study involved treating liquid egg (egg white, yolk, and melange) at less than the above-mentioned value, after which the microbiological effect was examined. For the study, pressure pouches were filled with 100ml of raw liquid egg per pouch. Then the samples were treated at 200, 250, 300 and 350 MPa. In each case, the level was reached by increasing pressure at a rate of 100 MPa/min. Measurements were taken at the Corvinus University of Budapest, Faculty of Food Science, Dept. of Refrigeration and Livestock Products Technology RESATO FPU 100-2000 equipment. Denaturation was determined with calorimetric (DSC) tests. From our results, it appears that even at 250 MPa pressure treatment, the viable cell count decreases. Further, it can be said that microbe count went down in the egg white samples at 300-350 MPa, below the impact level. Significant denaturation was not detected during our examinations. In summary, we state that the most HHP-sensitive liquid egg type, egg white, can be pressure treated to reduce microbe count at a level less than that which causes denaturation. Microbe reduction was smaller in yolk and melange, so higher pressure values are appropriate for these products.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Mytilus coruscus α-d-Glucan (MP-A) in Activated Macrophage Cells via TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK Pathway Inhibition.

PubMed

Liu, Fuyan; Zhang, Xiaofeng; Li, Yuqiu; Chen, Qixin; Liu, Fei; Zhu, Xiqiang; Mei, Li; Song, Xinlei; Liu, Xia; Song, Zhigang; Zhang, Jinhua; Zhang, Wen; Ling, Peixue; Wang, Fengshan

2017-09-20

The hard-shelled mussel ( Mytilus coruscus ) has been used as Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years; however, to date the ingredients responsible for the various beneficial health outcomes attributed to Mytilus coruscus are still unclear. An α-d-Glucan, called MP-A, was isolated from Mytilus coruscus , and observed to exert anti-inflammatory activity in THP-1 human macrophage cells. Specifically, we showed that MP-A treatment inhibited the production of inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, NO, and PGE2, inducible NOS (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), in LPS-activated THP-1 cells. It was also shown to enhance phagocytosis in the analyzed cells, but to severely inhibit the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB P65. Finally, MP-A was found to exhibit a high binding affinity for the cell surface receptor TLR4, but a low affinity for TLR2 and dectin-1, via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The study indicates that MP-A suppresses LPS-induced TNF-α, NO and PEG2 production via TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway inhibition, and suggests that MP-A may be a promising therapeutic candidate for diseases associated with TNF-α, NO, and/or PEG2 overproduction.

Effects of Jet Pressure on the Ground Surface Quality and CBN Wheel Wear in Grinding AISI 690 Nickel-Based Superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guitouni, Ahmed; Chaieb, Iheb; Rhouma, Amir Ben; Fredj, Nabil Ben

2016-11-01

Fluid application in grinding is getting attention as higher stock removal rates, higher surface integrity and longer wheel life are required. It is necessary to define proper conditions of application for meeting high productivity goals by lowering the specific grinding energy and reducing the temperature of the contact zone. The present study investigated the capacity of the jet pressure of a spot nozzle to improve the wear of a CBN wheel when grinding the AISI 690 superalloy. Grinding experiments were conducted with an emulsion-type cooling fluid delivered at pressure ranging from 0.1 to 4 MPa. Results show that the maximum stock removal, reached at 4 MPa, is 5 times the stock removal obtained at 0.1 MPa, while the grinding ratio at 4 MPa is 8 times that at 0.1 MPa, and there is a critical pressure ( P c) around 1.5 MPa corresponding to the minimum specific grinding energy. Scanning electron microscopy of the grain tips showed that the wear mechanism shifts from breaking and dislodgment at low jet pressure to micro-fracture resulting in continuous self-sharpening of the abrasive grains. By lubricating at jet pressure close to P c, there is less thermal damage due to plowing and sliding and the resulting lower loading of the abrasive grains favors the micro-fracture of grains and thus a longer wheel life.

[Effect of two-step sintering method on properties of zirconia ceramic].

PubMed

Huang, Hui; Wei, Bin; Zhang, Fu-Qiang; Sun, Jing; Gao, Lian

2008-04-01

To study the influence of two-step sintering method on the sintering property, mechanical properties and microstructure of zirconia ceramic. The nano-size zirconia powder were compacted and divided into two groups, one group for one-step sintering method, another group for two-step sintering method. All samples sintered at different temperature. The relative density, three-bend strength, HV hardness, fracture toughness and microstructure of sintered block were investigated. Two-step sintering method influenced the sintering property and mechanical properties of zirconia ceramic. The maximal relative density was 98.49% at 900 degrees C/1,450 degrees C sintering temperature. There were significant difference of mechanical properties between one-step sintering and two-step sintering, the three-bend strength and fracture toughness declined, hardness increased at two-step sintering. The three-bend strength, HV hardness and fracture toughness reached to maximum value as 1,059.08 MPa +/- 75.24 MPa, 1,377.00 MPa +/- 16.37 MPa and 5.92 MPa x m1/2 +/- 0.37 MPa x m1/2 at 900 degrees C/1,450 degrees C sintering temperature respectively. Microscopy revealed the relationship between the porosity and shapes of grains was correlated to strength of the zirconia ceramics. Despite of the two-step sintering method influences the properties of zirconia, it also is a promising esthetic all-ceramic dental material.

Partial Discharge Characteristics in Composite Insulation Systems with PPLP for HTS Cable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Y.; Yamashita, K.; Kumada, A.; Hidaka, K.; Tatamidani, K.; Masuda, T.

2014-05-01

The electrical insulation system of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cable consists of liquid nitrogen (N2(l)) and polypropylene laminated paper (PPLP). Partial discharge (PD) may occur in butt gaps of the insulation layers and its characteristics imply the insulation performance of HTS cables. N2(l) cooling system is installed in the power system and N2(l) will flow through the cables during the system operation. Filling the HTS cable with N2(l) in order to perform pre-shipment inspection is time-consuming and costly for cable manufacturers. Therefore, they are trying to find a cost effective method for pre-shipment inspections. One alternative is to use high pressure gaseous nitrogen (N2(g)) instead of N2(l). This article investigates PD characteristics such as PD inception electric field (PDIE) and PD extinction electric field (PDEE) in butt gaps of HTS cables in 0.1 to 0.3 MPa and 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa N2(g) environments. For assessing the surface/volume effects, PD characteristics are measured with changing the size of butt gaps. It turns out that PDIE and PDEE in N2(g) are linearly correlated with those in N2(l) at any gas pressure in our testing, and PDIE in 1.0 MPa N2(g) is almost 30% of that in 0.2 MPa It suggests that PD characteristics in N2(l) can be extrapolated from those in N2(g).

Inactivation of Geobacillus stearothermophilus Spores by High-Pressure Carbon Dioxide Treatment

PubMed Central

Watanabe, Taisuke; Furukawa, Soichi; Hirata, Junichi; Koyama, Tetsuya; Ogihara, Hirokazu; Yamasaki, Makari

2003-01-01

High-pressure CO2 treatment has been studied as a promising method for inactivating bacterial spores. In the present study, we compared this method with other sterilization techniques, including heat and pressure treatment. Spores of Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus were subjected to CO2 treatment at 30 MPa and 35°C, to high-hydrostatic-pressure treatment at 200 MPa and 65°C, or to heat treatment at 0.1 MPa and 85°C. All of the bacterial spores except the G. stearothermophilus spores were easily inactivated by the heat treatment. The highly heat- and pressure-resistant spores of G. stearothermophilus were not the most resistant to CO2 treatment. We also investigated the influence of temperature on CO2 inactivation of G. stearothermophilus. Treatment with CO2 and 30 MPa of pressure at 95°C for 120 min resulted in 5-log-order spore inactivation, whereas heat treatment at 95°C for 120 min and high-hydrostatic-pressure treatment at 30 MPa and 95°C for 120 min had little effect. The activation energy required for CO2 treatment of G. stearothermophilus spores was lower than the activation energy for heat or pressure treatment. Although heat was not necessary for inactivationby CO2 treatment of G. stearothermophilus spores, CO2 treatment at 95°C was more effective than treatment at 95°C alone. PMID:14660357

Inactivation of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores by high-pressure carbon dioxide treatment.

PubMed

Watanabe, Taisuke; Furukawa, Soichi; Hirata, Junichi; Koyama, Tetsuya; Ogihara, Hirokazu; Yamasaki, Makari

2003-12-01

High-pressure CO2 treatment has been studied as a promising method for inactivating bacterial spores. In the present study, we compared this method with other sterilization techniques, including heat and pressure treatment. Spores of Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus were subjected to CO2 treatment at 30 MPa and 35 degrees C, to high-hydrostatic-pressure treatment at 200 MPa and 65 degrees C, or to heat treatment at 0.1 MPa and 85 degrees C. All of the bacterial spores except the G. stearothermophilus spores were easily inactivated by the heat treatment. The highly heat- and pressure-resistant spores of G. stearothermophilus were not the most resistant to CO2 treatment. We also investigated the influence of temperature on CO2 inactivation of G. stearothermophilus. Treatment with CO2 and 30 MPa of pressure at 95 degrees C for 120 min resulted in 5-log-order spore inactivation, whereas heat treatment at 95 degrees C for 120 min and high-hydrostatic-pressure treatment at 30 MPa and 95 degrees C for 120 min had little effect. The activation energy required for CO2 treatment of G. stearothermophilus spores was lower than the activation energy for heat or pressure treatment. Although heat was not necessary for inactivationby CO2 treatment of G. stearothermophilus spores, CO2 treatment at 95 degrees C was more effective than treatment at 95 degrees C alone.

Effect of surface treatment on bond strength between an indirect composite material and a zirconia framework.

PubMed

Komine, Futoshi; Fushiki, Ryosuke; Koizuka, Mai; Taguchi, Kohei; Kamio, Shingo; Matsumura, Hideo

2012-03-01

The present study evaluated the effect of various surface treatments for zirconia ceramics on shear bond strength between an indirect composite material and zirconia ceramics. In addition, we investigated the durability of shear bond strength by using artificial aging (20,000 thermocycles). A total of 176 Katana zirconia disks were randomly divided into eight groups according to surface treatment, as follows: group CON (as-milled); group GRD (wet-ground with 600-grit silicon carbide abrasive paper); groups 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 MPa (airborne-particle abrasion at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 MPa, respectively); and group HF (9.5% hydrofluoric acid etching). Shear bond strength was measured at 0 thermocycles in half the specimens after 24-h immersion. The remaining specimens were subjected to 20,000 thermocycles before shear bond strength testing. Among the eight groups, the 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 MPa airborne-particle abraded groups had significantly higher bond strengths before and after thermocycling. The Mann-Whitney U-test revealed no significant difference in shear bond strength between 0 and 20,000 thermocycles, except in the 0.2 MPa group (P = 0.013). From the results of this study, use of airborne-particle abrasion at a pressure of 0.1 MPa or higher increases initial and durable bond strength between an indirect composite material and zirconia ceramics.

Constant-torque thermal cycling and two-way shape memory effect in Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 torque tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benafan, O.; Gaydosh, D. J.

2018-07-01

Ni-rich Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 (at%) high-temperature shape memory alloy tubes were thermomechanically cycled under constant torques. Four loading configurations were examined that consisted of a series of ascending stresses (low-to-high stress from 0 to 500 MPa outer fiber shear stress), a series of descending stresses (high-to-low stress from 500 to 0 MPa), and a series of thermal cycles at a constant stress of 500 MPa, all using an upper cycle temperature (UCT) of 300 °C. The last configuration consisted of another series of ascending stress levels using a lesser UCT of 250 °C. It was found that the descending series trial stabilized the material response in fewer cycles than the other loading paths. Similarly, cycling at a constant stress of 500 MPa for approximately 100 cycles reached near stabilization (<0.05% residual strain accumulation). Transformation shear strains were the highest and most stable when cycled from lower-to-higher stresses (ascending series), reaching 5.78% at 400 MPa. Cycling to lesser UCTs of 250 °C (versus 300 °C) resulted in the highest two-way shape memory effect (TWSME), measuring over 3.25%. This was attributed to the effect of retained martensite and any transformation dislocations that served to stabilize the TWSME at the lower UCT. Results of this study suggest that different training paths might be used, depending on actuator performance requirements, whether the principal need is to maximize transformation strain, maximize the two-way shear strain, or stabilize the response in fewer cycles.

A comparison of progestins within three classes: Differential effects on learning and memory in the aging surgically menopausal rat.

PubMed

Braden, B Blair; Andrews, Madeline G; Acosta, Jazmin I; Mennenga, Sarah E; Lavery, Courtney; Bimonte-Nelson, Heather A

2017-03-30

For decades, progestins have been included in hormone therapies (HT) prescribed to women to offset the risk of unopposed estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. However, the potential effects on cognition of subcategories of clinically used progestins have been largely unexplored. In two studies, the present investigation evaluated the cognitive effects of norethindrone acetate (NETA), levonorgestrel (LEVO), and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the water radial-arm maze (WRAM) and Morris water maze (MM) in middle-aged ovariectomized rats. In Study 1, six-weeks of a high-dose NETA treatment impaired learning and delayed retention on the WRAM, and impaired reference memory on the MM. Low-dose NETA treatment impaired delayed retention on the WRAM. In Study 2, high-dose NETA treatment was reduced to four-weeks and compared to MPA and LEVO. As previously shown, MPA impaired working memory performance during the lattermost portion of testing, at the highest working memory load, impaired delayed retention on the WRAM, and impaired reference memory on the MM. NETA also impaired performance on these WRAM and MM measures. Interestingly, LEVO did not impair performance, but instead enhanced learning on the WRAM. The current study corroborates previous evidence that the most commonly prescribed FDA-approved progestin for HT, MPA, impairs learning and memory in the ovariectomized middle-aged rat. When progestins from two different additional subcategories were investigated, NETA impaired learning and memory similarly to MPA, but LEVO enhanced learning. Future research is warranted to determine LEVO's potential as an ideal progestin for optimal health in women, including for cognition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of air-blowing duration on all-in-one systems.

PubMed

Fu, Jiale; Pan, Feng; Kakuda, Shinichi; Sharanbir, K Sidhu; Ikeda, Takatsumi; Nakaoki, Yasuko; Selimovic, Denis; Sano, Hidehiko

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of air-blowing duration on the bonding performance of all-in-one systems using the same pressure (0.25 MPa). Three all-in-one systems were: EB (Easy Bond, 3M ESPE, USA), BB (BeautiBond, Shofu Inc., Japan) and GBp (G-Bond plus, GC Corporation, Japan). After adhesive application, the 3 systems were air-blown thereafter using 7 different durations (5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 25 s, 30 s and 35 s). Bond strengths to dentin were determined using µTBS test after 24 h water storage. In addition, evaluation of both the resin-dentin interface and the fractured surface on the dentin side were performed by SEM. The maximum µTBS for each system, BB (40.4±14.8 MPa), EB (79.8±16.5 MPa), and GBp (47.3±17.6 MPa), were recorded with 15 s, 15 s and 25 s air-blowing duration respectively. Under the same air-pressure, the air-blowing duration could affect evaporation and the thickness of the adhesive layer, which contributed to the different bond strengths.

Effect of a heat treatment on the precipitation behavior and tensile properties of alloy 690 steam generator tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Tae-Hyuk; Suh, Ho-Young; Han, Seul-Ki; Noh, Jae-Soo; Lee, Jong-Hyeon

2016-10-01

The intergranular carbide precipitation behavior and its effect on the tensile properties were investigated in alloy 690. The precipitation of intergranular carbides, identified as Cr-rich M23C6, was retarded on the low-angle grain boundaries and the coincidence-site lattice boundaries. The M23C6 carbides have a cube-cube orientation relationship with the matrix. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the solution annealed alloy 690 are 648.2 ± 8.2 MPa, 242.8 ± 10.5 MPa and 44.9 ± 2.3%, respectively. The ultimate tensile strength and the yield strength increased to 764.8 ± 7.8 MPa and 364.8 ± 10.2 MPa until the aging time reached 16 h. This increase is ascribed to the M23C6 carbide acting as reinforcements. However, when the aging time exceed 16 h, these properties gradually decreased with increasing aging time. The decrease in ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation were mainly caused by the intergranular cracking due to the low bond strength between the carbide and the matrix.

Confinement Driven by Scalar Field in 4d Non Abelian Gauge Theories

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

Chabab, Mohamed

2007-01-12

We review some of the most recent work on confinement in 4d gauge theories with a massive scalar field (dilaton). Emphasis is put on the derivation of confining analytical solutions to the Coulomb problem versus dilaton effective couplings to gauge terms. It is shown that these effective theories can be relevant to model quark confinement and may shed some light on confinement mechanism. Moreover, the study of interquark potential, derived from Dick Model, in the heavy meson sector proves that phenomenological investigation of tmechanism is more than justified and deserves more efforts.

Enhancing Kondo coupling in alkaline-earth-metal atomic gases with confinement-induced resonances in mixed dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yanting; Zhang, Ren; Zhang, Peng; Zhai, Hui

2017-12-01

The Kondo effect describes the spin-exchange interaction between localized impurities and itinerant fermions. The ultracold alkaline-earth atomic gas provides a natural platform for quantum simulation of the Kondo model, utilizing its long-lived clock state and the nuclear-spin exchange interaction between clock state and ground state. One of the key issue now is whether the Kondo temperature can be high enough to be reached in current experiments, for which we have proposed to use transverse confinement to confine atoms into a one-dimensional tube and to use the confinement-induced resonance to enhance Kondo coupling. In this work, we further consider the (1 +0 ) -dimensional scattering problem when the clock state is further confined by an axial harmonic confinement. We show that this axial confinement for the clock-state atoms not only plays a role for localizing them, but can also act as an additional control knob to reach the confinement-induced resonance. We show that, in the presence of both the transverse and the axial confinements, the confinement-induced resonance can be reached in the practical conditions and the Kondo effect can be attainable in this system.

Origin of Pseudotachylites during slow creep experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peč, M.; Stünitz, H.; Heilbronner, R.; Drury, M.; De Capitani, C.

2012-04-01

Pseudotachylites are interpreted as solidified friction induced melts which form exclusively during seismic or impact events and are thus accepted as 'unequivocal evidence' of paleo-earthquakes on exhumed faults. However, we found in experiments that pseudotachylites can form under clearly aseismic conditions at confining pressures and temperatures typical of mid crustal levels (Pc = 500 MPa, T = 300° C). The starting material consists of granitoid powder crushed to a size of ≤ 200 μm in diameter. This material (0.1 g), with 0.2 wt% water added, is placed between alumina forcing blocks pre-cut at 45° , weld-sealed in platinum jackets with an inner nickel foil insert and deformed in a solid medium deformation apparatus (modified Griggs rig). We applied displacement rates of (10-8 ms-1 < dotγ < 10-6 ms-1) which approximate typical tectonic plate velocities of a few cm/a. In the 0.7 mm thick layer of fault rock, this produces a bulk shear strain rate of ( 10-5s-1 < γdot < 10-3s-1). The samples reach a peak shear strength of ( 1200 MPa < τ < 1500 MPa) at bulk sample strains of (1.5 < γ < 2.3). Only at the highest displacement rates ( 10-6ms-1), the samples fail abruptly shortly after reaching peak strength, possibly due to fracturing of the forcing blocks. However, at slower displacement rates (10-7ms-1 to 10-8ms-1) the samples reach a peak strength of 1200 - 1400 MPa, then weaken slightly (by 30 MPa), and continue to deform at approximately constant stress without any abrupt stress drops. The weakening is accompanied by a transient increase of the measured displacement rate of the forcing piston by 25%. The friction coefficient, μ, on the 45° pre-cut is 0.6, which is in the range of values typical of intact rock materials. After the experiment, the fault rock consists of a S-C-C' fabric with a percolating, multiply connected layer of pseudotachylites decorating the C'- C shears. Microstructures indicative for pseudotachylites are: injection veins, flow structures, bubbles, and bubble trains following the local flow pattern, corroded clasts and amorphous glass identified by TEM. The chemical composition of the pseudotachylites varies depending on the precursor material and is in general more ferromagnesian and basic compared to the bulk rock indicating preferred melting of biotite. The calculated temperature increase due to shear heating is at the most 5°C. High stresses cause pervasive comminution: the smallest crystalline fragments within the bubbly melt have a grain diameter of 10 nm. Nanomaterials exhibit a 'melting point depression' (dependence of melting point on grain size) which allows melting well below bulk melting temperatures. Thus, it seems that melting is a continuation of the comminution once the rock has reached small enough grain size. We therefore suggest that pseudotachylites may also form as 'mechanical melts' at slow displacement rates without the necessity of reaching high temperatures.

The shear fracture toughness, KIIc, of graphite

DOE PAGES

Burchell, Timothy D.; Erdman, III, Donald L.

2015-11-05

In this study, the critical shear stress intensity factor, KIIc, here-in referred to as the shear fracture toughness, KIIc (MPa m), of two grades of graphite are reported. The range of specimen volumes was selected to elucidate any specimen size effect, but smaller volume specimen tests were largely unsuccessful, shear failure did not occur between the notches as expected. This was probably due to the specimen geometry causing the shear fracture stress to exceed the compressive failure stress. In subsequent testing the specimen geometry was altered to reduce the compressive footprint and the notches (slits) made deeper to reduce themore » specimen's ligament length. Additionally, we added the collection of Acoustic Emission (AE) during testing to assist with the identification of the shear fracture load. The means of KIIc from large specimens for PCEA and NBG-18 are 2.26 MPa m with an SD of 0.37 MPa m and 2.20 MPa m with an SD of 0.53 MPa m, respectively. The value of KIIc for both graphite grades was similar, although the scatter was large. In this work we found the ratio of KIIc/ KIc ≈ 1.6. .« less

A fast tumor-targeting near-infrared fluorescent probe based on bombesin analog for in vivo tumor imaging.

PubMed

Chen, Haiyan; Wan, Shunan; Zhu, Fenxia; Wang, Chuan; Cui, Sisi; Du, Changli; Ma, Yuxiang; Gu, Yueqing

2014-01-01

Bombesin (BBN), an analog of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), of which the receptors are over-expressed on various tumor cells, is able to bind to GRP receptor specifically. In this study, a near-infrared fluorescent dye (MPA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were conjugated to BBN analog to form BBN[7-14]-MPA and BBN[7-14]-SA-PEG-MPA. The successful synthesis of the two probes was proved by the characterization via sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, infrared and optical spectra. Cellular uptakes studies indicated that BBN-based probes were mediated by gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPR) on tumor cells and the PEG modified probe had higher affinity. The dynamic distribution and clearance investigations showed that the BBN-based probes were eliminated by the liver-kidney pathway. Furthermore, both of the BBN-based probes displayed tumor-targeting ability in GRPR over-expressed tumor-bearing mice. The PEG modified probe exhibited faster and higher tumor targeting capability than BBN[7-14]-MPA. The results implied that BBN[7-14]-SA-PEG-MPA could act as an effective fluorescence probe for tumor imaging. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effects of pressure, temperature, and pore water on velocities in Westerly granite. [for seismic wave propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spencer, J. W., Jr.; Nur, A. M.

1976-01-01

A description is presented of an experimental assembly which has been developed to conduct concurrent measurements of compressional and shear wave velocities in rocks at high temperatures and confining pressures and with independent control of the pore pressure. The apparatus was used in studies of the joint effects of temperature, external confining pressure, and internal pore water on sonic velocities in Westerly granite. It was found that at a given temperature, confining pressure has a larger accelerating effect on compressional waves in dry rock, whereas at a given confining pressure, temperature has a larger retarding effect on shear waves.

Inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in oysters by high-hydrostatic pressure and mild heat.

PubMed

Ye, Mu; Huang, Yaoxin; Chen, Haiqiang

2012-10-01

Several recent outbreaks associated with oysters have heightened safety concerns of raw shellfish consumptions, with the majority being attributed to Vibrio spp. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) followed by mild heating on the inactivation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in live oysters. Inoculated oysters were randomly subjected to: a) pressurization at 200-300 MPa for 2 min at 21 °C, b) mild heat treatment at 40, 45 or 50 °C for up to 20 min and c) pressure treatment of 200-300 MPa for 2 min at 21 °C followed by heat treatment at 40-50 °C. Counts of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were then determined using the most probable number (MPN) method. Pressurization at 200-300 MPa for 2 min resulted in various degrees of inactivation, from 1.2 to >7 log MPN/g reductions. Heat treatment at 40 and 45 °C for 20 min only reduced V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus by 0.7-2.5 log MPN/g while at 50 °C for 15 min achieved >7 log MPN/g reduction. HHP and mild heat had synergistic effects. Combinations such as HHP at 250 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 45 °C for 15 min and HHP at 200 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 50 °C for 5 min reduced both V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus to non-detectable levels by the MPN method (<3 MPN/g). HHP at ≥275 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 45 °C for 20 min and HHP at ≥200 MPa for 2 min followed by heat treatment at 50 °C for 15 min completely eliminated both pathogens in oysters (negative enrichment results). This study demonstrated the efficiency of HHP followed by mild heat treatments on inactivation of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus and could help the industry to establish parameters for processing oysters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots trigger DNA repair and antioxidant enzyme systems in Medicago sativa cells in suspension culture

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Nanoparticles appear to be promising devices for application in the agriculture and food industries, but information regarding the response of plants to contact with nano-devices is scarce. Toxic effects may be imposed depending on the type and concentration of nanoparticle as well as time of exposure. A number of mechanisms may underlie the ability of nanoparticles to cause genotoxicity, besides the activation of ROS scavenging mechanisms. In a previous study, we showed that plant cells accumulate 3-Mercaptopropanoic acid-CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD) in their cytosol and nucleus and increased production of ROS in a dose dependent manner when exposed to QD and that a concentration of 10 nM should be cyto-compatible. Results When Medicago sativa cells were exposed to 10, 50 and 100 nM MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD a correspondent increase in the activity of Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione reductase was registered. Different versions of the COMET assay were used to assess the genotoxicity of MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD. The number of DNA single and double strand breaks increased with increasing concentrations of MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD. At the highest concentrations, tested purine bases were more oxidized than the pyrimidine ones. The transcription of the DNA repair enzymes Formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I and DNA Topoisomerase I was up-regulated in the presence of increasing concentrations of MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD. Conclusions Concentrations as low as 10 nM MPA-CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots are cytotoxic and genotoxic to plant cells, although not lethal. This sets a limit for the concentrations to be used when practical applications using nanodevices of this type on plants are being considered. This work describes for the first time the genotoxic effect of Quantum Dots in plant cells and demonstrates that both the DNA repair genes (Tdp1β, Top1β and Fpg) and the ROS scavenging mechanisms are activated when MPA-CdSe/ZnS QD contact M. sativa cells. PMID:24359290

Bonding of composite resins to PEEK: the influence of adhesive systems and air-abrasion parameters.

PubMed

Stawarczyk, Bogna; Taufall, Simon; Roos, Malgorzata; Schmidlin, Patrick R; Lümkemann, Nina

2018-03-01

The objective of the study was to investigate the tensile bond strength (TBS) to polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK) after different pretreatment and conditioning methods. Four hundred PEEK specimens were fabricated and allocated to the following air-abrasion methods (n 1  = 80/pretreatment): (i) 50 μm Al 2 O 3 (0.05 MPa); (ii) 50 μm Al 2 O 3 (0.35 MPa); (iii) 110 μm Al 2 O 3 (0.05 MPa); (iv) 110 μm Al 2 O 3 (0.35 MPa); and (v) Rocatec 110 μm (0.28 MPa). These pretreatments were combined with the following conditioning methods (n 2  = 20/pretreatment/conditioning): (a) visio.link (VL); (b) Monobond Plus/Heliobond (MH); (c) Scotchbond Universal (SU); and (d) dialog bonding fluid (DB). After veneering of all specimens with dialog occlusal and aging (28 days H 2 O, 37 °C + 20,000 thermal cycles, 5/55 °C), TBS was measured. Data was analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with Breslow-Gehan test and Cox-regressions. The major impact on TBS showed the conditioning, followed by the air-abrasion-pressure, while the grain size of the air-abrasion powder did not show any effect. Specimens air-abraded at 0.35 MPa showed the highest survival rates. However, within VL groups, this observation was not statistically significant. Within MH groups, pretreatment using 110 μm Al 2 O 3 and 0.05 MPa resulted in higher survival rates compared to groups treated with 50 and 110 μm Al 2 O 3 using a pressure of 0.35 MPa. The use of VL showed the highest survival rates between the adhesive systems and the TBS values higher than 25 MPa independent of the pretreatment method. As an exception, only VL showed significantly higher survival rates when compared to MH. The adequate choice of the adhesive system and higher pressures improved the TBS between PEEK and veneering resin composite. The particle size had no major impact. According to this study, best veneering of PEEK with dialog occlusal can be achieved by conditioning with visio.link in combination with the pretreatment of airborne particle abrasion at a pressure of 0.35 MPa.

Hydrogen-alkali exchange between silicate melts and two-phase aqueous mixtures: an experimental investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Thomas J.; Candela, Philip A.; Piccoli, Philip M.

Experiments were performed in the three-phase system high-silica rhyolite melt + low-salinity aqueous vapor + hydrosaline brine, to investigate the exchange equilibria for hydrogen, potassium, and sodium in magmatic-hydrothermal systems at 800 °C and 100 MPa, and 850 °C and 50 MPa. The Kaqm/meltH,Na and Kaqm/meltH,K for hydrogen-sodium exchange between a vapor + brine mixture and a silicate melt are inversely proportional to the total chloride concentration (ΣCl) in the vapor + brine mixture indicating that HCl/NaCl and HCl/KCl are higher in the low-salinity aqueous vapor relative to high-salinity brine. The equilibrium constants for vapor/melt and brine/melt exchange were extracted from regressions of Kaqm/meltH,Na and Kaqm/meltH,K versus the proportion of aqueous vapor relative to brine in the aqueous mixture (Faqv) at P and T, expressed as a function of ΣCl. No significant pressure effect on the empirically determined exchange constants was observed for the range of pressures investigated. Model equilibrium constants are: Kaqv/meltH,Na(vapor/melt)=26(+/-1.3) at 100 MPa (800 °C), and 19( +/- 7.0) at 50 MPa (850 °C) Kaqv/meltH,K=14(+/-1.1) at 100 MPa (800 °C), and 24(+/-12) at 50 MPa (850 °C) Kaqb/meltH,b(brine/melt)= 1.6(+/-0.7) at 100 MPa (800 °C), and 3.9(+/-2.3) at 50 MPa (850 °C) and Kaqb/meltH,K=2.7(+/-1.2) at 100 MPa (800 °C) and 3.8(+/-2.3) at 50 MPa (850 °C). Values for Kaqv/meltH,K and Kaqb/meltH,K were used to calculate KCl/HCl in the aqueous vapor and brine as a function of melt aluminum saturation index (ASI: molar Al2O3/(K2O+Na2O+CaO) and pressure. The model log KCl/HCl values show that a change in melt ASI from peraluminous (ASI = 1.04) to moderately metaluminous (ASI = 1.01) shifts the cooling pathway (in temperature-log KCl/HCl space) of the aqueous vapor toward the andalusite+muscovite+K-feldspar reaction point.

Dissolution and time-dependent compaction of albite sand: experiments at 100°C and 160°C in pH-buffered organic acids and distilled water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajash, Andrew; Carpenter, Thomas D.; Dewers, Thomas A.

1998-09-01

Aqueous fluids are important in the diagenesis and deformation of crustal rocks. Both chemical and physical interactions are involved and often they are strongly coupled. For example, pore waters not only dissolve, transport, and precipitate chemical species, but they also substantially affect the mechanical behavior of the rocks that contain them. Stresses magnified at grain contacts by differences in pore-fluid pressure ( Pp) and confining pressure ( Pc) can, in turn, influence the rate and extent of chemical exchange. To begin investigation of these coupled systems, compaction experiments were conducted using albite sand (250-500 μm) and distilled water (pH 5.8), 0.07 M acetate (pH 4.7), and 0.07 M acetate + 0.005 M citrate (pH 4.4) solutions in a hydrothermal flow-through system at conditions that simulate diagenesis. Pore-fluid chemistry and pore-volume loss were monitored to quantify the effects of organic acids on time-dependent compaction rates. The effects of stress and fluid chemistry on the dissolution kinetics were also examined. Albite dissolution rates, monitored by steady-state fluid chemistry, increased when an effective pressure ( Pe= Pc- Pp) was applied, probably due to increases in total surface area caused by grain breakage at contacts. These effects were transient in distilled water, however, Si and Al concentrations remained elevated in the acetate pore fluid. The average Si-based release rates indicate ≈35% increase in reactive surface area by application of Pe=34.5 MPa. At 100°C with Pe=34.5 MPa, steady-state Si concentrations were ≈2.3 times higher in 0.07 M acetate and 5.8 times higher in 0.07 M acetate + 0.005 M citrate than in distilled water. Al increased by even larger factors (3× in the acetate buffer and 10× in the citrate solution). These changes in fluid chemistry are attributed to both pH and ligand-enhanced reactions. Albite dissolution appears to be controlled by surface complexation reactions at Al sites. Rapid dissolution of albite in the organic acid solutions is probably due to the ability of organic acid ligands to selectively complex with aluminum. Time-dependent compaction was observed at 100 and 160°C with Pe=34.5 MPa. Strain rates increased with temperature from ≈10 -9 s -l at 100°C to ≈10 -8 s -l at 160°C and decreased with strain in all pore fluids, especially at 100°C. Compaction rates in distilled water and in the acetate solution had similar magnitudes and strain dependencies; however, small amounts of citrate species apparently enhance compaction compared to the other fluids at similar strains. Textural data indicate that time-dependent compaction of the albite sand occurred primarily by brittle mechanisms at these temperatures. However, the deformation is clearly thermally activated and may be chemically assisted by the aqueous pore fluid.

[Effects of dynamic high-pressure microfluidization on the structure of waxy rice starch].

PubMed

Tu, Zong-Cai; Zhu, Xiu-Mei; Chen, Gang; Wang, Hui; Zhang, Bo; Huang, Xiao-Qin; Li, Zhi

2010-03-01

The effects of dynamic ultra high-pressure microfluidization on the structure of waxy rice starch solutions (6%) were analyzed using SEM, UV-Vis spectra, polarized light microscopy, and X-ray diffraction spectra. The results showed that: SEM graphs demonstrated that the crystal structure of waxy rice starch under different pressure treatment was destroyed with different degrees and impacted into flake up to 160 MPa; from the ultraviolet-visible spectrum we know the reduction in the blue iodine value and the decrease in the amylopectin content, which illustrated that the structure of waxy rice starch was fractured; polarized microscopic images showed that the polarization crosses of starch molecules became misty with the pressure increasing, and most of starch molecules lost polarization cross when the pressure reached 160 MPa; X-ray diffraction spectra indicated that relative crystallinity began to decline at 120 MPa with pressure treatment, and the decreased amplitude was slightly lower.

Effect of carbon fiber addition on the electromagnetic shielding properties of carbon fiber/polyacrylamide/wood based fiberboards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dang, Baokang; Chen, Yipeng; Yang, Ning; Chen, Bo; Sun, Qingfeng

2018-05-01

Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyacrylamide/wood fiber composite boards are fabricated by mechanical grind-assisted hot-pressing, and are used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. CF with an average diameter of 150 nm is distributed on wood fiber, which is then encased by polyacrylamide. The CF/polyacrylamide/wood fiber (CPW) composite exhibits an optimal EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 41.03 dB compared to that of polyacrylamide/wood fiber composite (0.41 dB), which meets the requirements of commercial merchandise. Meanwhile, the CPW composite also shows high mechanical strength. The maximum modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of CPW composites are 39.52 MPa and 5823.15 MPa, respectively. The MOR and MOE of CPW composites increased by 38% and 96%, respectively, compared to that of polyacrylamide/wood fiber composite (28.64 and 2967.35 MPa).

Effect of sandblasting on surface roughness of zirconia-based ceramics and shear bond strength of veneering porcelain.

PubMed

He, Min; Zhang, Zutai; Zheng, Dongxiang; Ding, Ning; Liu, Yan

2014-01-01

This study aims to investigate the effect of sandblasting on the surface roughness of zirconia and the shear bond strength of the veneering porcelain. Pre-sintered zirconia plates were prepared and divided into four groups. Group A were not treated at all; group B were first sandblasted under 0.2 MPa pressure and then densely sintered; group C and D were sintered first, and then sandblasted under 0.2 MPa and 0.4 MPa pressures respectively. Surface roughness was measured and 3D roughness was reconstructed for the specimens, which were also analyzed with X-ray diffractometry. Finally after veneering porcelain sintering, shear bond tests were conducted. Sandblasting zirconia before sintering significantly increased surface roughness and the shear bond strength between zirconia and veneering porcelain (p<0.05). Sandblasting zirconia before sintering is a useful method to increase surface roughness and could successfully improve the bonding strength of veneering porcelain.

Effect of carbon fiber addition on the electromagnetic shielding properties of carbon fiber/polyacrylamide/wood based fiberboards.

PubMed

Dang, Baokang; Chen, Yipeng; Yang, Ning; Chen, Bo; Sun, Qingfeng

2018-05-11

Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyacrylamide/wood fiber composite boards are fabricated by mechanical grind-assisted hot-pressing, and are used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. CF with an average diameter of 150 nm is distributed on wood fiber, which is then encased by polyacrylamide. The CF/polyacrylamide/wood fiber (CPW) composite exhibits an optimal EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 41.03 dB compared to that of polyacrylamide/wood fiber composite (0.41 dB), which meets the requirements of commercial merchandise. Meanwhile, the CPW composite also shows high mechanical strength. The maximum modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of CPW composites are 39.52 MPa and 5823.15 MPa, respectively. The MOR and MOE of CPW composites increased by 38% and 96%, respectively, compared to that of polyacrylamide/wood fiber composite (28.64 and 2967.35 MPa).

Effect of Plasticizers on Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan-Gelatin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manshor, N. Mohammed; Rezali, M. I.; Jai, J.; Yahya, A.

2018-05-01

Composite chitosan-gelatin films were produced to investigate the effect of plasticizer and composition of chitosan and gelatin on physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films. The films were prepared according to ratio of chitosan: gelatin of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. For each film, glycerol, sorbitol and sucrose were added as plasticizer. The film forming solution was poured on a glass plate and dried for 12 hours in an oven at 60°C. The highest tensile strength was 4.04 MPa for films of ratio 2:1 plasticized with glycerol compared to sorbitol and sucrose which were 3.94 MPa and 3.84 MPa, respectively. However, films plasticized with sorbitol at ratio of 1:2 had the highest percent elongation which was 68.20%, followed by glycerol and sucrose which were 26.51% and 24.08%, respectively.

Cyclic loading of simulated fault gouge to large strains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Lucile M.

1980-04-01

As part of a study of the mechanics of simulated fault gouge, deformation of Kayenta Sandstone (24% initial porosity) was observed in triaxial stress tests through several stress cycles. Between 50- and 300-MPa effective pressure the specimens deformed stably without stress drops and with deformation occurring throughout the sample. At 400-MPa effective pressure the specimens underwent strain softening with the deformation occurring along one plane. However, the difference in behavior seems to be due to the density variation at different pressures rather than to the difference in pressure. After peak stress was reached in each cycle, the samples dilated such that the volumetric strain and the linear strain maintained a constant ratio (approximately 0.1) at all pressures. The behavior was independent of the number of stress cycles to linear strains up to 90% and was in general agreement with laws of soil behavior derived from experiments conducted at low pressure (below 5 MPa).

[The effect of pineal peptide preparations on proliferative activity in organotypic culture of the preoptic hypothalamus area].

PubMed

Miliutina, Iu P; Kozina, L S; Arutiunian, A V; Chalisova, N I; Lesniak, V V; Morozova, P Iu

2007-01-01

In investigations carried out with organotypic culture of mediobasal preoptic area (MPA) of hypothalamus it was established that pineal peptide preparations epitalon (2 ng/ml) and epithalamin (100 ng/ml) stimulate the development of proliferative activity of explants in 3 month and 24 months female rats. It has been shown that epithalamin is more effective in young rats in comparison with old animals, but epitalon as well as epithalamin have almost the same less pronounced inducing effect on growth zone in MPA explants from young and old animals. This effect is tissue specific and could be dependent on inhibition of apoptosis.

Exposure–effect relationship of mycophenolic acid and prednisolone in adult patients with lupus nephritis

PubMed Central

Abd Rahman, Azrin N; Tett, Susan E; Abdul Gafor, Halim A; McWhinney, Brett C; Staatz, Christine E

2015-01-01

Aims The aim was to examine relationships between total and unbound mycophenolic acid (MPA) and prednisolone exposure and clinical outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis. Methods Six blood samples were drawn pre- and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-dose and total and unbound MPA and prednisolone pre-dose (C0), maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) were determined using non-compartmental analysis in 25 patients. The analyses evaluated drug exposures in relation to treatment response since starting MPA and drug-related adverse events. Results Dose-normalized AUC varied 10-, 8-, 7- and 19-fold for total MPA, unbound MPA, total prednisolone and unbound prednisolone, respectively. Median values (95% CI) of total MPA AUC(0,8 h) (21.5 [15.0, 42.0] vs. 11.2 [4.8, 30.0] mg l–1 h, P= 0.048) and Cmax (11.9 [6.7, 26.3] vs. 6.1 [1.6, 9.2] mg l–1, P = 0.016) were significantly higher in responders than non-responders. Anaemia was significantly associated with higher total (37.8 [14.1, 77.5] vs. 18.5 [11.7, 32.7] mg l–1 h, P = 0.038) and unbound MPA AUC(0,12 h) (751 [214, 830] vs. 227 [151, 389] mg l–1 h, P = 0.004). Unbound prednisolone AUC(0,24 h) was significantly higher in patients with Cushingoid appearance (unbound: 1372 [1242, 1774] vs. 846 [528, 1049] nmol l–1 h, P = 0.019) than in those without. Poorer treatment response was observed in patients with lowest tertile exposure to both total MPA and prednisolone as compared with patients with middle and higher tertile exposure (17% vs. 74%, P = 0.023). Conclusions This study suggests a potential role for therapeutic drug monitoring in individualizing immunosuppressant therapy in patients with lupus nephritis. PMID:25959850

Exposure-effect relationship of mycophenolic acid and prednisolone in adult patients with lupus nephritis.

PubMed

Abd Rahman, Azrin N; Tett, Susan E; Abdul Gafor, Halim A; McWhinney, Brett C; Staatz, Christine E

2015-11-01

The aim was to examine relationships between total and unbound mycophenolic acid (MPA) and prednisolone exposure and clinical outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis. Six blood samples were drawn pre- and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-dose and total and unbound MPA and prednisolone pre-dose (C0 ), maximum concentration (Cmax ) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were determined using non-compartmental analysis in 25 patients. The analyses evaluated drug exposures in relation to treatment response since starting MPA and drug-related adverse events. Dose-normalized AUC varied 10-, 8-, 7- and 19-fold for total MPA, unbound MPA, total prednisolone and unbound prednisolone, respectively. Median values (95% CI) of total MPA AUC(0,8 h) (21.5 [15.0, 42.0] vs. 11.2 [4.8, 30.0] mg l(-1) h, P= 0.048) and Cmax (11.9 [6.7, 26.3] vs. 6.1 [1.6, 9.2] mg l(-1) , P = 0.016) were significantly higher in responders than non-responders. Anaemia was significantly associated with higher total (37.8 [14.1, 77.5] vs. 18.5 [11.7, 32.7] mg l(-1) h, P = 0.038) and unbound MPA AUC(0,12 h) (751 [214, 830] vs. 227 [151, 389] mg l(-1) h, P = 0.004). Unbound prednisolone AUC(0,24 h) was significantly higher in patients with Cushingoid appearance (unbound: 1372 [1242, 1774] vs. 846 [528, 1049] nmol l(-1) h, P = 0.019) than in those without. Poorer treatment response was observed in patients with lowest tertile exposure to both total MPA and prednisolone as compared with patients with middle and higher tertile exposure (17% vs. 74%, P = 0.023). This study suggests a potential role for therapeutic drug monitoring in individualizing immunosuppressant therapy in patients with lupus nephritis. © 2015 The British Pharmacological Society.

Synthetic progestins medroxyprogesterone acetate and dydrogesterone and their binary mixtures adversely affect reproduction and lead to histological and transcriptional alterations in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

PubMed

Zhao, Yanbin; Castiglioni, Sara; Fent, Karl

2015-04-07

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and dydrogesterone (DDG) are synthetic progestins widely used in human and veterinary medicine. Although aquatic organisms are exposed to them through wastewater and animal farm runoff, very little is known about their effects in the environment. Here we provide a comprehensive analysis of the responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to MPA, DDG, and their binary mixtures at measured concentrations between 4.5 and 1663 ng/L. DDG and both mixtures impaired reproductive capacities (egg production) of breeding pairs and led to histological alterations of ovaries and testes and increased gonadosomatic index. Transcriptional analysis of up to 28 genes belonging to different pathways demonstrated alterations in steroid hormone receptors, steroidogenesis enzymes, and specifically, the circadian rhythm genes, in different organs of adult zebrafish and eleuthero-embryos. Alterations occurred even at environmentally relevant concentrations of 4.5-4.8 ng/L MPA, DDG and the mixture in eleuthero-embryos and at 43-89 ng/L in adult zebrafish. Additionally, the mixtures displayed additive effects in most but not all parameters in adults and eleuthero-embryos, suggesting concentration addition. Our data suggest that MPA and DDG and their mixtures induce multiple transcriptional responses at environmentally relevant concentrations and adverse effects on reproduction and gonad histology at higher levels.

Climate change, coral reef ecosystems, and management options for marine protected areas.

PubMed

Keller, Brian D; Gleason, Daniel F; McLeod, Elizabeth; Woodley, Christa M; Airamé, Satie; Causey, Billy D; Friedlander, Alan M; Grober-Dunsmore, Rikki; Johnson, Johanna E; Miller, Steven L; Steneck, Robert S

2009-12-01

Marine protected areas (MPAs) provide place-based management of marine ecosystems through various degrees and types of protective actions. Habitats such as coral reefs are especially susceptible to degradation resulting from climate change, as evidenced by mass bleaching events over the past two decades. Marine ecosystems are being altered by direct effects of climate change including ocean warming, ocean acidification, rising sea level, changing circulation patterns, increasing severity of storms, and changing freshwater influxes. As impacts of climate change strengthen they may exacerbate effects of existing stressors and require new or modified management approaches; MPA networks are generally accepted as an improvement over individual MPAs to address multiple threats to the marine environment. While MPA networks are considered a potentially effective management approach for conserving marine biodiversity, they should be established in conjunction with other management strategies, such as fisheries regulations and reductions of nutrients and other forms of land-based pollution. Information about interactions between climate change and more "traditional" stressors is limited. MPA managers are faced with high levels of uncertainty about likely outcomes of management actions because climate change impacts have strong interactions with existing stressors, such as land-based sources of pollution, overfishing and destructive fishing practices, invasive species, and diseases. Management options include ameliorating existing stressors, protecting potentially resilient areas, developing networks of MPAs, and integrating climate change into MPA planning, management, and evaluation.

Stress drop inferred from dynamic rupture simulations consistent with Moment-Rupture area empirical scaling models: Effects of week shallow zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalguer, L. A.; Miyake, H.; Irikura, K.; Wu, H., Sr.

2016-12-01

Empirical scaling models of seismic moment and rupture area provide constraints to parameterize source parameters, such as stress drop, for numerical simulations of ground motion. There are several scaling models published in the literature. The effect of the finite width seismogenic zone and the free-surface have been attributed to cause the breaking of the well know self-similar scaling (e.g. Dalguer et al, 2008) given origin to the so called L and W models for large faults. These models imply the existence of three-stage scaling relationship between seismic moment and rupture area (e.g. Irikura and Miyake, 2011). In this paper we extend the work done by Dalguer et al 2008, in which these authors calibrated fault models that match the observations showing that the average stress drop is independent of earthquake size for buried earthquakes, but scale dependent for surface-rupturing earthquakes. Here we have developed additional sets of dynamic rupture models for vertical strike slip faults to evaluate the effect of the weak shallow layer (WSL) zone for the calibration of stress drop. Rupture in the WSL zone is expected to operate with enhanced energy absorption mechanism. The set of dynamic models consists of fault models with width 20km and fault length L=20km, 40km, 60km, 80km, 100km, 120km, 200km, 300km and 400km and average stress drop values of 2.0MPa, 2.5MPa, 3.0MPa, 3.5MPa, 5.0MPa and 7.5MPa. For models that break the free-surface, the WSL zone is modeled assuming a 2km width with stress drop 0.0MPa or -2.0 MPa. Our results show that depending on the characterization of the WSL zone, the average stress drop at the seismogenic zone that fit the empirical models changes. If WSL zone is not considered, that is, stress drop at SL zone is the same as the seismogenic zone, average stress drop is about 20% smaller than models with WSL zone. By introducing more energy absorption at the SL zone, that could be the case of large mature faults, the average stress drop in the seismogenic zone increases. Suggesting that large earthquakes need higher stress drop to break the fault than buried and moderate earthquakes. Therefore, the value of the average stress drop for large events that break the free-source depend on the definition of the WSL. Suggesting that the WSL plays an important role on the prediction of final slip and fault displacement.

Effects of CO 2 on mechanical variability and constitutive behavior of the Lower Tuscaloosa formation, Cranfield Injection Site, USA

DOE PAGES

Rinehart, Alex J.; Dewers, Thomas A.; Broome, Scott T.; ...

2016-08-25

We characterize geomechanical constitutive behavior of reservoir sandstones at conditions simulating the “Cranfield” Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership injection program. From two cores of Lower Tuscaloosa Formation, three sandstone lithofacies were identified for mechanical testing based on permeability and lithology. These include: chlorite-cemented conglomeratic sandstone (Facies A); quartz-cemented fine sandstone (Facies B); and quartz- and calcite-cemented very fine sandstone (Facies C). We performed a suite of compression tests for each lithofacies at 100 °C and pore pressure of 30 MPa, including hydrostatic compression and triaxial tests at several confining pressures. Plugs were saturated with supercritical CO 2-saturated brine. Chemical environmentmore » affected the mechanical response of all three lithofacies, which experience initial plastic yielding at stresses far below estimated in situ stress. Measured elastic moduli degradation defines a secondary yield surface coinciding with in situ stress for Facies B and C. Facies A shows measurable volumetric creep strain and a failure envelope below estimates of in situ stress, linked to damage of chlorite cements by acidic pore solutions. Furthermore, the substantial weakening of a particular lithofacies by CO 2 demonstrates a possible chemical-mechanical coupling during injection at Cranfield with implications for CO 2 injection, reservoir permeability stimulation, and enhanced oil recovery.« less

CO2 sequestration potential of Charqueadas coal field in Brazil

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

Romanov, V; Santarosa, C; Crandall, D

2013-02-01

Although coal is not the primary source of energy in Brazil there is growing interest to evaluate the potential of coal from the south of the country for various activities. The I2B coal seamin the Charqueadas coal field has been considered a target for enhanced coal bed methane production and CO2 sequestration. A detailed experimental study of the samples from this seam was conducted at the NETL with assistance from the Pontif?cia Universidade Cat?lica Do Rio Grande Do Sul. Such properties as sorption capacity, internal structure of the samples, porosity and permeability were of primary interest in this characterization study.more » The samples used were low rank coals (high volatile bituminous and sub-bituminous) obtained from the I2B seam. It was observed that the temperature effect on adsorption capacity correlates negatively with as-received water and mineral content. Langmuir CO2 adsorption capacity of the coal samples ranged 0.61?2.09 mmol/g. The upper I2B seam appears to be overall more heterogeneous and less permeable than the lower I2B seam. The lower seam coal appears to have a large amount of micro-fractures that do not close even at 11 MPa of confining pressure.« less

Functional analysis of embolism induced by air injection in Acer rubrum and Salix nigra

PubMed Central

Melcher, Peter J.; Zwieniecki, Maciej A.

2013-01-01

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of induced embolism with air injection treatments on the function of xylem in Acer rubrum L. and Salix nigra Marsh. Measurements made on mature trees of A. rubrum showed that pneumatic pressurization treatments that created a pressure gradient of 5.5 MPa across pit membranes (ΔPpit) had no effect on stomatal conductance or on branch-level sap flow. The same air injection treatments made on 3-year-old potted A. rubrum plants also had no effect on whole plant transpiration. A separate study made on mature A. rubrum trees showed that 3.0 and 5.5 MPa of ΔPpit values resulted in an immediate 100% loss in hydraulic conductance (PLC) in petioles. However, the observed change in PLC was short lived, and significant hydraulic recovery occurred within 5–10 min post air-pressurization treatments. Similar experiments conducted on S. nigra plants exposed to ΔPpit of 3 MPa resulted in a rapid decline in whole plant transpiration followed by leaf wilting and eventual plant death, showing that this species lacks the ability to recover from induced embolism. A survey that measured the effect of air-pressurization treatments on seven other species showed that some species are very sensitive to induction of embolism resulting in leaf wilting and branch death while others show minimal to no effect despite that in each case, the applied ΔPpit of 5.5 MPa significantly exceeded any native stress that these plants would experience naturally. PMID:24069025

Functional analysis of embolism induced by air injection in Acer rubrum and Salix nigra.

PubMed

Melcher, Peter J; Zwieniecki, Maciej A

2013-01-01

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of induced embolism with air injection treatments on the function of xylem in Acer rubrum L. and Salix nigra Marsh. Measurements made on mature trees of A. rubrum showed that pneumatic pressurization treatments that created a pressure gradient of 5.5 MPa across pit membranes (ΔP pit) had no effect on stomatal conductance or on branch-level sap flow. The same air injection treatments made on 3-year-old potted A. rubrum plants also had no effect on whole plant transpiration. A separate study made on mature A. rubrum trees showed that 3.0 and 5.5 MPa of ΔP pit values resulted in an immediate 100% loss in hydraulic conductance (PLC) in petioles. However, the observed change in PLC was short lived, and significant hydraulic recovery occurred within 5-10 min post air-pressurization treatments. Similar experiments conducted on S. nigra plants exposed to ΔP pit of 3 MPa resulted in a rapid decline in whole plant transpiration followed by leaf wilting and eventual plant death, showing that this species lacks the ability to recover from induced embolism. A survey that measured the effect of air-pressurization treatments on seven other species showed that some species are very sensitive to induction of embolism resulting in leaf wilting and branch death while others show minimal to no effect despite that in each case, the applied ΔP pit of 5.5 MPa significantly exceeded any native stress that these plants would experience naturally.

Corrosion fatigue of Inconel 718 and Incoloy 903

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franklin, D. B.; Nelson, E. E.

1981-01-01

Corrosion fatigue tests were conducted on Inconel 718 and Incoloy 903 in distilled water, 500 ppm NaCl, and 3.5% NaCl. Results were compared to the endurance limit in air. For Inconel 718, the corrosion fatigue strength (CFS) IN 3.5% NaCl WAS 328 MPa or 75 percent of the endurance limit. For Incoloy 903, the CFS ranged from 234 MPa in distilled water (68 percent of the endurance limit) to 103 MPa in 3.5% NaCl (30 percent of the endurance limit). Results indicate that, for components which have limited fatigue life, an evaluation of the combined effects of fatigue and the corrosive atmosphere must be considered in projecting useful lifetimes.

Experimental study of the seismic performance of L-shaped columns with 500 MPa steel bars.

PubMed

Wang, Tiecheng; Liu, Xiao; Zhao, Hailong

2014-01-01

Based on tests on six L-shaped RC columns with 500 MPa steel bars, the effect of axial compression ratios and stirrup spacing on failure mode, bearing capacity, displacement, and curvature ductility of the specimens is investigated. Test results show that specimens with lower axial load and large stirrup characteristic value (larger than about 0.35) are better at ductility and seismic performance, while specimens under high axial load or with a small stirrup characteristic value (less than about 0.35) are poorer at ductility; L-shaped columns with 500 MPa steel bars show better bearing capacity and ductility in comparison with specimens with HRB400 steel bars.

The Effects of Environment on the Interlaminar Shear Performance of an Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite at Elevated Temperature

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

of the N720/A specimen tested in creep at –4.0 MPa at 1200 °C in steam for 100 h. This specimen was unloaded, but remained at 1200°C for the...the N720/A specimen tested in creep at –4.0 MPa at 1200 °C in steam for 100 h. This specimen was unloaded, but remained at 1200°C for the duration...tested in creep at –4.0 MPa at 1200 °C in steam for 100 h. This specimen was unloaded, but remained at 1200°C for the duration of the test

Understanding physical rock properties and their relation to fluid-rock interactions under supercritical conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kummerow, Juliane; Raab, Siegfried; Meyer, Romain

2017-04-01

The electrical conductivity of rocks is, in addition to lithological factors (mineralogy, porosity) and physical parameters (temperature, pressure) sensitive to the nature of pore fluids (phase, salinity), and thus may be an indicative measure for fluid-rock interactions. Especially near the critical point, which is at 374.21° C and 22.12 MPa for pure water, the physico-chemical properties of aqueous fluids change dramatically and mass transfer and diffusion-controlled chemical reactivity are enhanced, which in turn leads to the formation of element depletion/ enrichment patterns or cause mineral dissolution. At the same time, the reduction of the dielectric constant of water promotes ion association and consequently mineral precipitation. All this cause changes in the electrical conductivity of geothermal fluids and may have considerable effects on the porosity and hydraulic properties of the rocks with which they are in contact. In order to study the impact of fluid-rock interactions on the physical properties of fluids and rocks in near- and supercritical geological settings in more detail, in the framework of the EU-funded project "IMAGE" (Integrated Methods for Advanced Geothermal Exploration) hydraulic and electrical properties of rock cores from different active and exhumed geothermal areas on Iceland were measured up to supercritical conditions (Tmax = 380° C, pfluid = 23 MPa) during long-term (2-3 weeks) flow-through experiments in an internally heated gas pressure vessel at a maximum confining pressure of 42 MPa. In a second flow-through facility both the intrinsic T-dependent electrical fluid properties as well as the effect of mineral dissolution/ precipitation on the fluid conductivity were measured for increasing temperatures in a range of 24 - 422° C at a constant fluid pressure of 31 MPa. Petro- and fluid physical measurements were supplemented by a number of additional tests, comprising microstructural investigations as well as the chemical analysis of fluid samples, which were taken at every temperature level. Both physical and chemical data indicate only slight fluid-rock interactions at T < 250° C and the increase in bulk conductivity is most probably dominated by a T-dependence of the surface conductance. At higher temperatures, the decreasing fluid density causes the decrease of dielectric constant, which in turn leads to the precipitation of minerals due to a promoted association between oppositely charged ions. This is intensified at the critical point, indicated by a sharp decrease in conductivity, when regarding pure fluids. The opposite was observed in experiments, where fluid-solid interaction was allowed. In this case, the conductivity of the bulk system has increased within seconds nearly by factor 7. This points to a massive release of charge carriers due to an extensive and spontaneous increase in rock solubility, what counterbalances the effect of mineral precipitation. Moreover, the permanent oscillation of conductivities at supercritical conditions may indicate a dynamic interplay of ion depletion by mineral precipitation and the input of new charge carriers due to mineral dissolution. Regarding the permeability we can resolve the influence of mineral precipitation only, which is indicated by a decrease in rock permeability by about 5 % after the sample was exposed to supercritical conditions for 4 hours. Especially, for Si a continuous increase of ion concentration in the fluid samples is revealed for increasing temperatures, indicating a beginning mineral dissolution above 150° C. At near-critical conditions also Al and Pb as well as the rare earth elements (REE) are more intensively dissolved. From SEM analyses it is apparent that the alteration of the solid material is most effective where fresh fluid is continuously flowing around the solid, while stagnant fluids led to a much less pervasive alteration of the material. In this case, solid dissolution seems to slow down considerably or even comes to an end, what can be explained by the adjustment of a chemical equilibrium and the stabilisation of the reaction front.

Markedly Enhanced Skeletal Muscle Transfection Achieved by the Ultrasound-Targeted Delivery of Non-Viral Gene Nanocarriers with Microbubbles

PubMed Central

Burke, Caitlin W.; Suk, Jung Soo; Kim, Anthony J.; Hsiang, Yu-Han J.; Klibanov, Alexander L.; Hanes, Justin; Price, Richard J.

2012-01-01

Our goal was to enhance ultrasound (US)-targeted skeletal muscle transfection through the use of poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG)/polyethylenimine (PEI) nanocomplex gene carriers and adjustments to US and microbubble (MB) parameters. C57BL/6 mice received an intravenous infusion of MBs and either “naked” luciferase plasmid or luciferase plasmid condensed in PEG/PEI nanocomplexes. Pulsed ultrasound (1MHz; 0.6 MPa or 0.8 MPa) was applied to the right hindlimb for 12 mins. Luciferase activity in both hindlimbs was assessed at 3, 5, 7, and 10 days post-treatment by bioluminescent imaging. When targeted to hindlimb using unsorted MBs and 0.6 MPa US, 7 days after treatment, we observed a >60-fold increase in luciferase activity in PEG/PEI nanocomplex treated muscles over muscles treated with “naked” plasmid DNA. Luciferase activity was consistently greater after treatment with PEG/PEI nanocomplexes at 0.6 MPa as compared to 0.8 MPa. The combination of small diameter MBs and 0.6 MPa US also resulted in significantly greater gene expression when compared to concentration matched intramuscular injections, a control condition in which considerably more PEG/PEI nanocomplexes were present in tissue. This result suggests that, in addition to facilitating PEG/PEI nanocomplex delivery from the bloodstream to tissue, US enhances transfection via one or more secondary mechanisms, including increased cellular uptake and/or trafficking to the nucleus of PEG/PEI nanocomplexes. We conclude that PEG/PEI nanocomplexes may be used to markedly enhance the amplitude of US-MB-targeted skeletal muscle transfection and that activating “small” MBs with a moderate level (0.6 MPa) of acoustic pressure can further enhance these effects. PMID:22800583

Proximal pulmonary vascular stiffness as a prognostic factor in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PubMed

Friesen, Richard M; Schäfer, Michal; Ivy, D Dunbar; Abman, Steven H; Stenmark, Kurt; Browne, Lorna P; Barker, Alex J; Hunter, Kendall S; Truong, Uyen

2018-05-16

Main pulmonary artery (MPA) stiffness and abnormal flow haemodynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are strongly associated with elevated right ventricular (RV) afterload and associated with disease severity and poor clinical outcomes in adults with PAH. However, the long-term effects of MPA stiffness on RV function in children with PAH remain poorly understood. This study is the first comprehensive evaluation of MPA stiffness in children with PAH, delineating the mechanistic relationship between flow haemodynamics and MPA stiffness as well as the prognostic ability of these measures regarding clinical outcomes. Fifty-six children diagnosed with PAH underwent baseline cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) acquisition and were compared with 23 control subjects. MPA stiffness and wall shear stress (WSS) were evaluated using phase contrast CMR and were evaluated for prognostic potential along with standard RV volumetric and functional indices. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly increased (2.8 m/s vs. 1.4 m/s, P < 0.0001) and relative area change (RAC) was decreased (25% vs. 37%, P < 0.0001) in the PAH group, correlating with metrics of RV performance. Decreased WSS was associated with a decrease in RAC over time (r = 0.679, P < 0.001). For each unit increase in PWV, there was approximately a 3.2-fold increase in having a moderate clinical event. MPA stiffness assessed by non-invasive CMR was increased in children with PAH and correlated with RV performance, suggesting that MPA stiffness is a major contribution to RV dysfunction. PWV is predictive of moderate clinical outcomes, and may be a useful prognostic marker of disease activity in children with PAH.

Strong Matrix & Weak Blocks: Evolutionary Inversion of Mélange Rheological Relationships During Subduction and Its Implications for Seismogenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, A. P.; Vannucchi, P.; Ougier-Simonin, A.; Morgan, J. P.

2017-12-01

Subduction zone interface layers are often conceived to be heterogeneous, polyrheological zones analogous to exhumed mélanges. Mélanges typically contain mechanically strong blocks within a weaker matrix. However, our geomechanical study of the Osa Mélange, SW Costa Rica shows that this mélange contains blocks of altered basalt which are now weaker in friction than their surrounding indurated volcanoclastic matrix. Triaxial deformation experiments were conducted on samples of both the altered basalt blocks and the indurated volcanoclastic matrix at confining pressures of 60 and 120 MPa. These revealed that the volcanoclastic matrix has a strength 7.5 times that of the altered basalt at 60 MPa and 4 times at 120 MPa, with the altered basalt experiencing multi-stage failure. The inverted strength relationship between weaker blocks and stronger matrix evolved during subduction and diagenesis of the melange unit by dewatering, compaction and diagenesis of the matrix and cataclastic brecciation and hydrothermal alteration of the basalt blocks. During the evolution of this material, the matrix progressively indurated until its plastic yield stress became greater than the brittle yield stress of the blocks. At this point, the typical rheological relationship found within melanges inverts and melange blocks can fail seismically as the weakest links along the subduction plate interface. The Osa Melange is currently in the forearc of the erosive Middle America Trench and is being incorporated into the subduction zone interface at the updip limit of seismogenesis. The presence of altered basalt blocks acting as weak inclusions within this rock unit weakens the mélange as a whole rock mass. Seismic fractures can nucleate at or within these weak inclusions and the size of the block may limit the size of initial microseismic rock failure. However, when fractures are able to bridge across the matrix between blocks, significantly larger rupture areas may be possible. While this mechanism is a promising candidate for the updip limit of the unusually shallow seismogenic zone beneath Osa, it remains to be seen whether analogous evolutionary strength-inversions control the updip limit of other subduction seismogenic zones.

Creep of Bridgmanite Analog, Neighborite (NaMgF3), and Implications for Viscous Flow in the Lower Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaercher, P. M.; Mecklenburgh, J.; Mariani, E.; Wheeler, J.

2016-12-01

The rheology of the lower mantle directly influences mantle viscosity and strength and therefore affects a number of geophysical processes including mantle mixing, formation of mantle plumes and hotspots, slab subduction and stagnation, and plate motion. Experimental flow laws of lower mantle minerals, which quantify rheology of the lower mantle, are needed to help resolve discrepancies in estimates of lower mantle viscosity, better constrain geophysical models, and answer a number of outstanding questions such as, why slabs descend to different depths, and why the lower mantle is mostly isotropic despite large strains predicted by convection models. However, we lack natural lower mantle samples from which to infer deformation history. Furthermore, deformation experiments at lower mantle pressures and temperatures are challenging, and strain rates and stress cannot always be precisely controlled or measured. As a valuable alternative we have synthesized and deformed neighborite (NaMgF3), a low pressure analog of bridgmanite (MgSiO3), the most abundant mineral in the lower mantle and the Earth. Neighborite was deformed at 200 MPa confining pressure and between 500-700°C in compression using a fluid-medium deformation apparatus, and in torsion using a Patterson rig. In these experiments strain rate and stress can be accurately controlled and measured, and flow laws reliably determined. In addition we have recovered samples and examined deformation microstructures in a scanning electron microscope using electron backscatter diffraction. Preliminary mechanical results show a switch from linear-viscous deformation at lower stress (<50 MPa) to power law creep accommodated by grain boundary sliding at higher stress (>50 MPa). We also see strain weakening. Microstructures of samples deformed at a range of stress steps show grain boundary migration recrystallization (likely from lower stress) and crystallographic preferred orientation with poles to (100) planes parallel to compression (likely from higher stress). Further work is in progress to obtain microstructures that can be univocally associated with the observed mechanical behavior. We compare our results to those of other bridgmanite analogs and bridgmanite itself and extrapolate to geologic strain rates.

Hydrogen bonding and transportation properties of water confined in the single-walled carbon nanotube in the pulse-field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Min; Hu, Ying; Liu, Jian-chuan; Cheng, Ke; Jia, Guo-zhu

2017-10-01

In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the transportation and hydrogen bonding dynamics of water confined in (6, 6) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) in the absence and presence of time-dependent pulse-field. The effects of pulse-field range from microwave to ultraviolet frequency on the diffusivity and hydrogen bonding of confined water were analyzed. The significant confinement effect due to the narrow space inside SWCNT was observed.

Mass transfers induced by flow of CO2 rich-brine through fractured cement: experiment and modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habdoulghafour, H.; Luquot, L.; Gouze, P.

2011-12-01

Long-term confinement failure is a key issue in the assessment of the confidence levels of CO2 storage. Evaluating the potential for CO2 leakage through wells (casing, cements and interfaces with the cap-rock) is of primary importance for the analysis of latent and short-range risks of confinement failure. Some controversy remains regarding the risk of conventional cements. While some researchers argue that they may fail, EOR oil industry experience suggests the opposite. The issue is non-trivial. Experimental investigations on cement alteration mechanism triggered by CO2-rich brine show that both carbonation and de-carbonation mechanisms may occur and are the dominant mass exchange processes. It is tempting to conclude from the results of batch experiments that cement carbonation tends to decrease porosity and permeability, whereas de-carbonation increases both, but these assumptions must be tested using realistic flow-through experiments. Here we investigated the effect of CO2 rich-brine flowing through fractured portlandite-rich cement plugs. Experiments were carried out under realistic in situ conditions (T=80°C and P=10 MPa). Monitoring the fluid composition at the outlet allows us to measure the rate at which portlandite and CSH are dissolved and Ca-carbonate (calcite) precipitated. The precipitation of carbonate limits the fluid access to the inner part of cement (by diffusion) but, in the condition of forced flow-through CO2-rich brine in the fracture, this carbonate layer is subsequently dissolved as showed by the X-ray micro tomography performed post-mortem. Despite these coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanisms (and the on-going reaction front displacement), the permeability of the fracture remains almost constant during the experiment because the effective aperture controlled by the undissolved fraction of the cement (i.e. silica-rich minerals) is preserved. For the studied conditions, it can be concluded that the flow properties of the fractured cements are conserved, while the chemical and probably the mechanical properties of the cement are deeply modified.

UCLA Tokamak Program Close Out Report.

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

Taylor, Robert John

2014-02-04

The results of UCLA experimental fusion program are summarized. Starting with smaller devices like Microtor, Macrotor, CCT and ending the research on the large (5 m) Electric Tokamak. CCT was the most diagnosed device for H-mode like physics and the effects of rotation induced radial fields. ICRF heating was also studied but plasma heating of University Type Tokamaks did not produce useful results due to plasma edge disturbances of the antennae. The Electric Tokamak produced better confinement in the seconds range. However, it presented very good particle confinement due to an "electric particle pinch". This effect prevented us from reachingmore » a quasi steady state. This particle accumulation effect was numerically explained by Shaing's enhanced neoclassical theory. The PI believes that ITER will have a good energy confinement time but deleteriously large particle confinement time and it will disrupt on particle pinching at nominal average densities. The US fusion research program did not study particle transport effects due to its undue focus on the physics of energy confinement time. Energy confinement time is not an issue for energy producing tokamaks. Controlling the ash flow will be very expensive.« less

Hydrolytic weakening in olivine single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tielke, Jacob A.; Zimmerman, Mark E.; Kohlstedt, David L.

2017-05-01

Deformation experiments on single crystals of San Carlos olivine under hydrous conditions were performed to investigate the microphysical processes responsible for hydrolytic weakening during dislocation creep. Hydrogen was supplied to the crystals using either talc or brucite sealed in nickel capsules with the crystal. Deformation experiments were carried out using a gas medium apparatus at temperatures of 1050° to 1250°C, a confining pressure of 300 MPa, differential stresses of 45 to 294 MPa, and resultant strain rates of 1.5 × 10-6 to 4.4 × 10-4 s-1. For talc-buffered (i.e., water and orthopyroxene-buffered) samples at high temperatures, the dependence of strain rate on stress follows a power law relationship with a stress exponent (n) of ˜2.5 and an activation energy of ˜490 kJ/mol. Brucite-buffered samples deformed faster than talc-buffered samples but contained similar hydrogen concentrations, demonstrating that strain rate is influenced by orthopyroxene activity under hydrous conditions. The values of n and dependence of strain rate on orthopyroxene activity are consistent with hydrolytic weakening occurring in the climb-controlled dislocation creep regime that is associated with deformation controlled by lattice diffusion under hydrous conditions and by pipe diffusion under anhydrous conditions. Analyses of postdeformation electron-backscatter diffraction data demonstrate that dislocations with [100] Burgers vectors are dominant in the climb-controlled regime and dislocations with [001] are dominant in the glide-controlled regime. Comparison of the experimentally determined constitutive equations demonstrates that under hydrous conditions crystals deform 1 to 2 orders of magnitude faster than under anhydrous conditions.

Premonitory acoustic emissions and stick-slip in natural and smooth-faulted Westerly granite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thompson, B.D.; Young, R.P.; Lockner, David A.

2009-01-01

A stick-slip event was induced in a cylindrical sample of Westerly granite containing a preexisting natural fault by loading at constant confining pressure of 150 MPa. Continuously recorded acoustic emission (AE) data and computer tomography (CT)-generated images of the fault plane were combined to provide a detailed examination of microscale processes operating on the fault. The dynamic stick-slip event, considered to be a laboratory analog of an earthquake, generated an ultrasonic signal that was recorded as a large-amplitude AE event. First arrivals of this event were inverted to determine the nucleation site of slip, which is associated with a geometric asperity on the fault surface. CT images and AE locations suggest that a variety of asperities existed in the sample because of the intersection of branch or splay faults with the main fault. This experiment is compared with a stick-slip experiment on a sample prepared with a smooth, artificial saw-cut fault surface. Nearly a thousand times more AE were observed for the natural fault, which has a higher friction coefficient (0.78 compared to 0.53) and larger shear stress drop (140 compared to 68 MPa). However at the measured resolution, the ultrasonic signal emitted during slip initiation does not vary significantly between the two experiments, suggesting a similar dynamic rupture process. We propose that the natural faulted sample under triaxial compression provides a good laboratory analogue for a field-scale fault system in terms of the presence of asperities, fault surface heterogeneity, and interaction of branching faults. ?? 2009.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Nano-Size Zirconium Carbide Dispersion Strengthened Tungsten Alloys Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Zhuoming; Liu, Rui; Fang, Qianfeng; Zhang, Tao; Jiang, Yan; Wang, Xianping; Liu, Changsong

2015-12-01

W-(0.2, 0.5, 1.0)wt% ZrC alloys with a relative density above 97.5% were fabricated through the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. The grain size of W-1.0wt% ZrC is about 2.7 μm, smaller than that of pure W and W-(0.2, 0.5)wt% ZrC. The results indicated that the W-ZrC alloys exhibit higher hardness at room temperature, higher tensile strength at high temperature, and a lower ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) than pure W. The tensile strength and total elongation of W-0.5wt% ZrC alloy at 700 °C is 535 MPa and 24.8%, which are respectively 59% and 114% higher than those of pure W (337 MPa, 11.6%). The DBTT of W-(0.2, 0.5, 1.0)wt% ZrC materials is in the range of 500°C-600°C, which is about 100 °C lower than that of pure W. Based on microstructure analysis, the improved mechanical properties of the W-ZrC alloys were suggested to originate from the enhanced grain boundary cohesion by ZrC capturing the impurity oxygen in tungsten and nano-size ZrC dispersion strengthening. supported by the Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KJCX2-YW-N35), the National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Science Program of China (No. 2011GB108004), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51301164, 11075177, 11274305), and Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 1408085QE77)

Combined use of infrared and Raman spectra in the characterization of orthoclase under various hydrostatic pressures.

PubMed

Liu, Rui; Wang, Zhi-Hua; Xu, Qiang; Yu, Na; Cao, Miao-Cong

2014-02-01

Colorless and pink orthoclase from Balikun granite body, East Zhunger in Xinjiang, served as the samples for the research on hydrostatic pressure experiment. The in-situ hydrostatic pressure test for orthoclases was conducted at the room temperature and pressures from 100 to 600 MPa using cubic zirconia anvil cell, with quartz as pressure gauge. The water located in the orthoclases for the conditions of different hydrostatic pressures was characterized through the methods of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra. The results showed that there was a linear correlation between the shifting of Raman bands and hydrostatic pressure applied to the feldspar. All of vibration peaks of M-O structural groups in orthoclases, the bending vibration peaks of Si(Al(IV))-O-Si bond and tetrahedron groups of [SiO4] in Raman spectra shifted toward the higher frequency regularly, the drift distance is 2, 2.19 and less than 2 cm(-1) respectively. The spectra of FTIR suggested that there was more water in colorless orthoclases than the pink one under certain conditions of hydrostatic pressure. The intensity and integral area centered at 3420 cm(-1) in FTIR spectra increased with the rising of hydrostatic pressure. The integral area for colorless and pink feldspar in FTIR spectra rose from 120, 1383 cm(-1) under normal pressure to 1570, 2001 cm(-1) at 600 MPa respectively. The experimental results might indicate that the water in the earth crust could enter the orthoclases in certain condition of the aqueous confining pressure.

The effect of improvisation-assisted desensitization, and music-assisted progressive muscle relaxation and imagery on reducing pianists' music performance anxiety.

PubMed

Kim, Youngshin

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two music therapy approaches, improvisation-assisted desensitization, and music-assisted progressive muscle relaxation and imagery on ameliorating the symptoms of music performance anxiety (MPA) among student pianists. Thirty female college pianists (N = 30) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) improvised music-assisted desensitization group (n = 15), or (b) music-assisted progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and imagery group (n = 15). All participants received 6 weekly music therapy sessions according to their assigned group. Two lab performances were provided; one before and one after the 6 music therapy sessions, as the performance stimuli for MPA. All participants completed pretest and posttest measures that included four types of visual analogue scales (MPA, stress, tension, and comfort), the state portion of Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Music Performance Anxiety Questionnaire (MPAQ) developed by Lehrer, Goldman, and Strommen (1990). Participants' finger temperatures were also measured. When results of the music-assisted PMR and imagery condition were compared from pretest to posttest, statistically significant differences occurred in 6 out of the 7 measures-MPA, tension, comfort, STAI, MPAQ, and finger temperature, indicating that the music-assisted PMR and imagery treatment was very successful in reducing MPA. For the improvisation-assisted desensitization condition, the statistically significant decreases in tension and STAI, with increases in finger temperature indicated that this approach was effective in managing MPA to some extent. When the difference scores for the two approaches were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between the two approaches for any of the seven measures. Therefore, no one treatment condition appeared more effective than the other. Although statistically significant differences were not found between the two groups, a visual analysis of mean difference scores revealed that the music-assisted PMR and imagery condition resulted in greater mean differences from pretest to posttest than the improvisation-assisted desensitization condition across all seven measures. This result may be due to the fact that all participants in the music-assisted PMR and imagery condition followed the procedure easily, while two of the 15 participants in the improvisation-assisted desensitization group had difficulty improvising.

Prediction of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in intervertebral disc under mechanical loading.

PubMed

Gao, Xin; Zhu, Qiaoqiao; Gu, Weiyong

2016-09-06

The loss of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content is a major biochemical change during intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Abnormal mechanical loading is one of the major factors causing disc degeneration. In this study, a multiscale mathematical model was developed to quantify the effect of mechanical loading on GAG synthesis. This model was based on a recently developed cell volume dependent GAG synthesis theory that predicts the variation of GAG synthesis rate of a cell under the influence of mechanical stimuli, and the biphasic theory that describes the deformation of IVD under mechanical loading. The GAG synthesis (at the cell level) was coupled with the mechanical loading (at the tissue level) via a cell-matrix unit approach which established a relationship between the variation of cell dilatation and the local tissue dilatation. This multiscale mathematical model was used to predict the effect of static load (creep load) on GAG synthesis in bovine tail discs. The predicted results are in the range of experimental results. This model was also used to investigate the effect of static (0.2MPa) and diurnal loads (0.1/0.3MPa and 0.15/0.25MPa in 12/12 hours shift with an average of 0.2MPa over a cycle) on GAG synthesis. It was found that static load and diurnal loads have different effects on GAG synthesis in a diurnal cycle, and the diurnal load effects depend on the amplitude of the load. The model is important to understand the effect of mechanical loading at the tissue level on GAG synthesis at the cellular level, as well as to optimize the mechanical loading in growing engineered tissue. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Studies on technology of supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction for volatile oils and saikosaponins in Bupleurum chinense DC].

PubMed

Ge, F H; Li, Y; Xie, J M; Li, Q; Ma, G J; Chen, Y H; Lin, Y C; Li, X F

2000-03-01

To study the technology of supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction (SFE-CO2) for the volatile oils and saikosaponins in Bupleurum chinense. Exploring the effects of pressure, temperature, extraction time, flow rate of CO2 and entrainers on the yield of the oils and saikosaponin-contained extracts; determining the optimum conditions for SFE-CO2; analyzing the oils by GC/MS and comparing the technology of SFE-CO2 with that of traditional steam distillation. The optimum extraction conditions turned out to be--for volatile oils: pressure (EP) = 20 MPa, temperature (ET) = 30 degrees C, isolator I pressure (1P-I) = 12 MPa, temperature(1T-I) = 65 degrees C, isolator II pressure (1P-II) = 6 MPa, temperature (1T-II) = 40 degrees C, extraction time = 4 hours, and CO2 flow rate = 10-20 kg.(h.kg)-1 crude drug; for saikosaponins: EP = 30 MPa, ET = 65 degrees C, 1P I = 12 MPa, 1T I = 55 degrees C, 1P II = 6 MPa, 1T II = 43 degrees C, extraction time = 3 hours, entrainer = 60% ethanol, and CO2 flow rate = 20-25 kg.(h.kg)-1 crude drug. SFE-CO2 excels the traditional steam distillation in raising yield and reducing extraction time. The oils are composed of 22 constituents including caproaldehyde, and the saikosaponins can only be extracted with the help of entrainers under higher pressure and temperature.

High Pressure, Earth-storable Rocket Technology. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jassowski, D. M.

1997-01-01

The effect of elevated chamber pressure on combustion efficiency and heat transfer has been determined at the 100 lbf (445 N) thrust level for nitrogen tetroxide propellants. Measurements were made up to 500 psia (3.45 MPa) with testbed hardware; tests at 100 psia (0.690 MPa) and 250 psia (1.72 MPa) were made with radiation-cooled rhenium chambers. The first task of the program served to determine desirable thruster applications and operating conditions: high total impulse, i.e., communication satellite or spacecraft bus axial engines, at chamber pressures up to 250 psia (1.72 MPa) pressure-fed, or up to 500 psia (3.45 MPa) pump-fed. The hardware modifications and testing required to obtain the data were determined in Task 2, which included design-support hot fire tests; supplemental hardware, including a 250 psia (1.72 MPa) Pc rhenium chamber and a 20% fuel-film cooled platelet injector was fabricated in Task 3. Testing showed that satisfactory operation of Ir-Re radiation chambers is assured at pressures up to 250 psia and may be possible up to 500. The heat transfer data obtained show good correlation with throat Reynolds number and are generally under values given by the simplified Bartz equation; chambers equilibrium temperatures match predicted values. Preliminary optimization of trip configuration and mixture ratio were made; Isp performance from thrust measurements was within 1% of predicted values. Stability, compatibility, and front-end thermal management were determined to be satisfactory.

Structural and mechanical implications of PMMA implant shape and interface geometry in cranioplasty--A finite element study.

PubMed

Ridwan-Pramana, Angela; Marcián, Petr; Borák, Libor; Narra, Nathaniel; Forouzanfar, Tim; Wolff, Jan

2016-01-01

This computational study investigates the effect of shape (defect contour curvature) and bone-implant interface (osteotomy angle) on the stress distribution within PMMA skull implants. Using finite element methodology, 15 configurations--combinations of simplified synthetic geometric shapes (circular, square, triangular, irregular) and interface angulations--were simulated under 50N static loads. Furthermore, the implant fixation devices were modelled and analysed in detail. Negative osteotomy configurations demonstrated the largest stresses in the implant (275 MPa), fixation devices (1258 MPa) and bone strains (0.04). The circular implant with zero and positive osteotomy performed well with maximum observed magnitudes of--implant stress (1.2 MPa and 1.2 MPa), fixation device stress (11.2 MPa and 2.2 MPa), bone strain (0.218e-3 and 0.750e-4). The results suggest that the preparation of defect sites is a critical procedure. Of the greatest importance is the angle at which the edges of the defect are sawed. If under an external load, the implant has no support from the interface and the stresses are transferred to the fixation devices. This can endanger their material integrity and lead to unphysiological strains in the adjacent bone, potentially compromising the bone morphology required for anchoring. These factors can ultimately weaken the stability of the entire implant assembly. Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Pressure, Earth-storable Rocket Technology. Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jassowski, D. M.

1997-01-01

The effect of elevated chamber pressure on combustion efficiency and heat transfer has been determined at the 100 lbf (445 N) thrust level for nitrogen tetroxide propellants. Measurements were made up to 500 psia (3.45 Mpa) with testbed hardware; tests at 100 psia (0.690 MPa) and 250 psia (1.72 MPa) were made with radiation-cooled rhenium chambers. The first task of the program served to determine desirable thruster applications and operating conditions: high total impulse, i.e. communication satellite or spacecraft bus axial engines, at chamber pressures up to 250 psia (1.72 MPa) pressure-fed, or up to 500 psia (3.45 MPa) pump-fed. The hardware modifications and testing required to obtain the data were determined in Task 2, which included design-support hot fire tests; supplemental hardware, including a 250 psia (1.72 MPa) Pc rhenium chamber and a 20% fuel-film cooled platelet injector was fabricated in Task 3. Testing showed that satisfactory operation of Ir-Re radiation chambers is assured at pressures up to 250 psia and may be possible up to 500. The heat transfer data obtained show good correlation with throat Reynolds number and are generally under values given by the simplified Bartz equation; chambers equilibrium temperatures match predicted values. Preliminary optimization of trip configuration and mixture ratio were made; Isp performance from thrust measurements was within 1% of predicted values. Stability, compatibility, and front-end thermal management were determined to be satisfactory.

Effect of high pressure processing on dispersive and aggregative properties of almond milk.

PubMed

Dhakal, Santosh; Giusti, M Monica; Balasubramaniam, V M

2016-08-01

A study was conducted to investigate the impact of high pressure (450 and 600 MPa at 30 °C) and thermal (72, 85 and 99 °C at 0.1 MPa) treatments on dispersive and aggregative characteristics of almond milk. Experiments were conducted using a kinetic pressure testing unit and water bath. Particle size distribution, microstructure, UV absorption spectra, pH and color changes of processed and unprocessed samples were analyzed. Raw almond milk represented the mono model particle size distribution with average particle diameters of 2 to 3 µm. Thermal or pressure treatment of almond milk shifted the particle size distribution towards right and increased particle size by five- to six-fold. Micrographs confirmed that both the treatments increased particle size due to aggregation of macromolecules. Pressure treatment produced relatively more and larger aggregates than those produced by heat treated samples. The apparent aggregation rate constant for 450 MPa and 600 MPa processed samples were k450MPa,30°C  = 0.0058 s(-1) and k600MPa,30°C  = 0.0095 s(-1) respectively. This study showed that dispersive and aggregative properties of high pressure and heat-treated almond milk were different due to differences in protein denaturation, particles coagulation and aggregates morphological characteristics. Knowledge gained from the study will help food processors to formulate novel plant-based beverages treated with high pressure. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

High Pressure, Earth-Storable Rocket Technology. Volume 3; Appendices C and D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jassowski, D. M.

1997-01-01

The effect of elevated chamber pressure on combustion efficiency and heat transfer has been determined at the 100 lbf (445 N) thrust level for nitrogen tetroxide propellants. Measurements were made up to 500 psia (3.45 MPa) with testbed hardware; tests at 100 psia (0.690 MPa) and 250 psia (1.72 MPa) were made with radiation-cooled rhenium chambers. The first task of the program served to determine desirable thruster applications and operating conditions: high total impulse, i.e. communication satellite or spacecraft bus axial engines, at chamber pressures up to 250 psia (1.72 MPa) pressure-fed, or up to 500 psia (3.45 MPa) pump-fed. The hardware modifications and testing required to obtain the data were determined in Task 2, which included design-support hot fire tests; supplemental hardware, including a 250 psia (1.72 MPa) Pc rhenium chamber and a 20% fuel-film cooled platelet injector was fabricated in Task 3. Testing showed that satisfactory operation of Ir-Re radiation chambers is assured at pressures up to 250 psia and may be possible up to 500. The heat transfer data obtained show good correlation with throat Reynolds number and are generally under values given by the simplified Bartz equation; chambers equilibrium temperatures match predicted values. Preliminary optimization of trip configuration and mixture ratio were made; Isp performance from thrust measurements was within 1% of predicted values. Stability, compatibility, and front-end thermal management were determined to be satisfactory.

Experimental results of temperature response to stress change: An indication of the physics of earthquake rupture propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, W.; Yang, X.; Tadai, O.; Zeng, X.; Yeh, E. C.; Yu, C.; Hatakeda, K.; Xu, H.; Xu, Z.

2016-12-01

As a result of the earthquake rupture propagation, stress on the earthquake fault and in the hanging wall and in the footwall coseismically drops. Based on the thermo-elasticity theory, the temperature of rocks may change associated with coseismic stress change at the same time as their elastic deformation. This coseismic temperature change is one of the physics of earthquake rupture propagation, however has not been noted and expressly addressed before. To understand this temperature issue, we conducted laboratory experiments to quantitatively investigate temperatures response of rocks to rapid stress change of various typical rocks. Consequently, we developed a hydrostatic compression experimental equipment for rock samples with a high resolution temperature measuring system. This enable us to rapidly load and/or unload the confining pressure. As experimental rock samples, we collected 15 representative rocks from various scientific drilling projects and outcrops of earthquake faults, and quarries in the world. The rock types include sandstone, siltstone, limestone, granite, basalt, tuff etc. Based on the classical thermo-elastic theory, a conventional relationship between the temperature change (dT) of rock samples and the confining pressure change (dP) in the hydrostatic compression system under adiabatic condition can be expressed as a linear function. Therefore, we can measure the adiabatic pressure derivative of temperature (dT/dP) directly by monitoring changes of rock sample temperature and confining pressure during the rapidly loading and unloading processes. As preliminary results of the experiments, the data of 15 rock samples showed that i) the adiabatic pressure derivative of temperature (dT/dP) of most rocks are about 1.5 6.2 mK/MPa; ii) the dT/dP of sedimentary rocks is larger than igneous and metamorphic rocks; iii) a good linear correlation between dT/dP and the rock's bulk modulus was recognized.

Calibrating the Grigg's' Apparatus using Experiments performed at the Quartz-Coesite Transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heilbronner, R.; Stunitz, H.; Richter, B.

2015-12-01

The Griggs deformation apparatus is increasingly used for shear experiments. The tested material is placed on a 45° pre-cut between two forcing blocks. During the experiment, the axial displacement, load, temperature, and confining pressure are recorded as a function of time. From these records, stress, strain, and other mechanical data can be calculated - provided the machine is calibrated. Experimentalists are well aware that calibrating a Griggs apparatus is not easy. The stiffness correction accounts for the elastic extension of the rig as load is applied to the sample. An 'area correction' accounts for the decreasing overlap of the forcing blocks as slip along the pre-cut progresses. Other corrections are sometimes used to account for machine specific behaviour. While the rig stiffness can be measured very accurately, the area correction involves model assumptions. Depending on the choice of the model, the calculated stresses may vary by as much as 100 MPa. Also, while the assumptions appear to be theoretically valid, in practice they tend to over-correct the data, yielding strain hardening curves even in cases where constant flow stress or weakening is expected. Using the results of experiments on quartz gouge at the quartz-coesite transition (see Richter et al. this conference), we are now able to improve and constrain our corrections. We introduce an elastic salt correction based on the assumption that the confining pressure is increased as the piston advances and reduces the volume in the confining medium. As the compressibility of salt is low, the correction is significant and increases with strain. Applying this correction, the strain hardening artefact introduced by the area correction can be counter-balanced. Using a combination of area correction and salt correction we can now reproduce strain weakening, for which there is evidence in samples where coesite transforms back to quartz.

Shear strength of a three-dimensional capillary-porous titanium coating for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalita, V. I.; Komlev, D. I.; Radyuk, A. A.; Ivannikov, A. Yu; Alpatov, A. V.; Komlev, V. S.; Mamonov, V. I.; Sevostyanov, M. A.; Baikin, A. S.

2018-04-01

The effect of pretreatment and plasma preheating of Ti-substrate on shear strength of three-dimensional capillary porous Ti-coating was studied. After sandblasting the shear strength of the plasma sprayed coating was 200 ± 2 MPa, and after additional matting it was 68 ± 4 MPa. The use of plasma preheating of the substrates for 9 seconds decreased difference between values of the shear strength to 249 ± 17 MPa and 229 ± 16 MPa, respectively. After plasma spraying the microhardness of the surface layer of the substrate was 4.34 ± 0.35 GPa, the microhardness of the boundary between the coating and the substrate was 8.08 ± 0.45 GPa, and the microhardness of the coating was 3.48 ± 0.25 GPa. High shear strength of the coating was attributed to the activation of the substrate by means of plasma preheating and hardening of the boundary between the coating and the substrate by oxides and nitrides.

Effect of high pressure processing on textural and microbiological quality of pink perch (Nemipterus japonicus) sausage during chilled storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunnath, Sarika; Panda, Satyen Kumar; Jaganath, Bindu; Gudipati, Venkateshwarlu

2015-10-01

The non-thermal high pressure (HP) processing was studied on fish sausage to enhance the quality during chilled storage. Pink perch (Nemipterus japonicus) sausages, packed in poly amide casing under vacuum were subjected to 400, 500 and 600 MPa pressures (dwell time: 10 min and ramp rate: 300 MPa/min) and compared with heat-set samples for physico-chemical and microbial quality parameters. Pressurized samples formed softer and glossier gels with a slight reduction in water-holding capacity. HP made the texture of sausage softer, cohesive and less chewy and gummier than heat-treated ones. Folding test seen higher acceptance values in samples treated at 500 and 600 MPa, during storage. Maximum log reduction in microbial count was observed in 600 MPa immediately, and significant difference in cooked and pressurized sausages was seen only up to 7th day. This revealed the potential application of HP in replacing conventional heat treatment for sausages preparation with enhanced shelf-life.

Precursor detonation wave development in ANFO due to aluminum confinement

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

Jackson, Scott I; Klyanda, Charles B; Short, Mark

2010-01-01

Detonations in explosive mixtures of ammonium-nitrate-fuel-oil (ANFO) confined by aluminum allow for transport of detonation energy ahead of the detonation front due to the aluminum sound speed exceeding the detonation velocity. The net effect of this energy transport on the detonation is unclear. It could enhance the detonation by precompressing the explosive near the wall. Alternatively, it could decrease the explosive performance by crushing porosity required for initiation by shock compression or destroying confinement ahead of the detonation. At present, these phenomena are not well understood. But with slowly detonating, non-ideal high explosive (NIHE) systems becoming increasing prevalent, proper understandingmore » and prediction of the performance of these metal-confined NIHE systems is desirable. Experiments are discussed that measured the effect of this ANFO detonation energy transported upstream of the front by a 76-mm-inner-diameter aluminum confining tube. Detonation velocity, detonation-front shape, and aluminum response are recorded as a function of confiner wall thickness and length. Detonation shape profiles display little curvature near the confining surface, which is attributed to energy transported upstream modifying the flow. Average detonation velocities were seen to increase with increasing confiner thickness, while wavefront curvature decreased due to the stiffer, subsonic confinement. Significant radial sidewall tube motion was observed immediately ahead of the detonation. Axial motion was also detected, which interfered with the front shape measurements in some cases. It was concluded that the confiner was able to transport energy ahead of the detonation and that this transport has a definite effect on the detonation by modifying its characteristic shape.« less

Elastic anisotropy of core samples from the Taiwan Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project (TCDP): direct 3-D measurements and weak anisotropy approximations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louis, Laurent; David, Christian; Špaček, Petr; Wong, Teng-Fong; Fortin, Jérôme; Song, Sheng Rong

2012-01-01

The study of seismic anisotropy has become a powerful tool to decipher rock physics attributes in reservoirs or in complex tectonic settings. We compare direct 3-D measurements of P-wave velocity in 132 different directions on spherical rock samples to the prediction of the approximate model proposed by Louis et al. based on a tensorial approach. The data set includes measurements on dry spheres under confining pressure ranging from 5 to 200 MPa for three sandstones retrieved at a depth of 850, 1365 and 1394 metres in TCDP hole A (Taiwan Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project). As long as the P-wave velocity anisotropy is weak, we show that the predictions of the approximate model are in good agreement with the measurements. As the tensorial method is designed to work with cylindrical samples cored in three orthogonal directions, a significant gain both in the number of measurements involved and in sample preparation is achieved compared to measurements on spheres. We analysed the pressure dependence of the velocity field and show that as the confining pressure is raised the velocity increases, the anisotropy decreases but remains significant even at high pressure, and the shape of the ellipsoid representing the velocity (or elastic) fabric evolves from elongated to planar. These observations can be accounted for by considering the existence of both isotropic and anisotropic crack distributions and their evolution with applied pressure.

Long-term stability of dentin matrix following treatment with various natural collagen cross-linkers

PubMed Central

Castellan, Carina Strano; Bedran-Russo, Ana Karina; Karol, Sachin; Rodrigues Pereira, Patrícia Nóbrega

2011-01-01

Objectives Collagen disorganization is one of the main degradation patterns found in unsuccessful adhesive restorations. The hypothesis of this study was that pretreatment using natural collagen cross-linking agents rich in proanthocyanidin (PA) would improve mechanical properties and stability over time of the dentin collagen and, thus, confer a more resistant and lasting substrate for adhesive restorations. Methods PA-based extracts, from grape seed (GSE), cocoa seed (CSE), cranberry (CRE), cinnamon (CNE) and açaí berry (ACE) were applied over the demineralized dentin. The apparent elastic modulus (E) of the treated dentin collagen was analyzed over a 12 months period. Specimens were immersed in the respective solution and E values were obtained by a micro-flexural test at baseline, 10, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min. Samples were stored in artificial saliva and re-tested after 3, 6 and 12 months. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test. Results GSE and CSE extracts showed a time-dependant effect and were able to improve [240 min (MPa): GSE=108.96±56.08; CSE=59.21±24.87] and stabilize the E of the organic matrix [12 months (MPa): GSE=40.91±19.69; CSE= 42.11±13.46]. CRE and CNE extracts were able to maintain the E of collagen matrices constant over 12 months [CRE=11.17±7.22; CNE= 9,96±6.11; MPa]. ACE (2.64±1.22 MPa) and control groups immersed in neat distilled water (1.37±0.69 MPa) and ethanol water (0.95±0.33MPa) showed no effect over dentin organic matrix and enable their degradation and reduction of mechanical properties. Significance Some PA-based extracts were capable of improving and stabilizing collagen matrices through exogenous cross-links induction. PMID:21783144

Dynamic culturing of cartilage tissue: the significance of hydrostatic pressure.

PubMed

Correia, Cristina; Pereira, Ana L; Duarte, Ana R C; Frias, Ana M; Pedro, Adriano J; Oliveira, João T; Sousa, Rui A; Reis, Rui L

2012-10-01

Human articular cartilage functions under a wide range of mechanical loads in synovial joints, where hydrostatic pressure (HP) is the prevalent actuating force. We hypothesized that the formation of engineered cartilage can be augmented by applying such physiologic stimuli to chondrogenic cells or stem cells, cultured in hydrogels, using custom-designed HP bioreactors. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of distinct HP regimens on cartilage formation in vitro by either human nasal chondrocytes (HNCs) or human adipose stem cells (hASCs) encapsulated in gellan gum (GG) hydrogels. To this end, we varied the frequency of low HP, by applying pulsatile hydrostatic pressure or a steady hydrostatic pressure load to HNC-GG constructs over a period of 3 weeks, and evaluated their effects on cartilage tissue-engineering outcomes. HNCs (10×10(6) cells/mL) were encapsulated in GG hydrogels (1.5%) and cultured in a chondrogenic medium under three regimens for 3 weeks: (1) 0.4 MPa Pulsatile HP; (2) 0.4 MPa Steady HP; and (3) Static. Subsequently, we applied the pulsatile regimen to hASC-GG constructs and varied the amplitude of loading, by generating both low (0.4 MPa) and physiologic (5 MPa) HP levels. hASCs (10×10(6) cells/mL) were encapsulated in GG hydrogels (1.5%) and cultured in a chondrogenic medium under three regimens for 4 weeks: (1) 0.4 MPa Pulsatile HP; (2) 5 MPa Pulsatile HP; and (3) Static. In the HNC study, the best tissue development was achieved by the pulsatile HP regimen, whereas in the hASC study, greater chondrogenic differentiation and matrix deposition were obtained for physiologic loading, as evidenced by gene expression of aggrecan, collagen type II, and sox-9; metachromatic staining of cartilage extracellular matrix; and immunolocalization of collagens. We thus propose that both HNCs and hASCs detect and respond to physical forces, thus resembling joint loading, by enhancing cartilage tissue development in a frequency- and amplitude-dependant manner.

The biomechanical effects of polytetrafluoroethylene suture augmentations in lateral-row rotator cuff repairs in an ovine model.

PubMed

Beimers, Lijkele; Lam, Patrick H; Murrell, George A C

2014-10-01

This study investigated the biomechanical effects of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) suture augmentation patches in rotator cuff repair constructs. The infraspinatus tendon in 24 cadaveric ovine shoulders was repaired using an inverted horizontal mattress suture with 2 knotless bone anchors (ArthroCare, Austin, TX, USA) in a lateral-row configuration. Four different repair groups (6 per group) were created: (1) standard repair using inverted horizontal mattress sutures, (2) repair with ePTFE suture augmentations on the bursal side of the tendon, (3) repair with ePTFE suture augmentations on the articular side, and, (4) repair with ePTFE suture augmentations on both sides of the tendon. Footprint contact pressure, stiffness, and the load to failure of the repair constructs were measured. Repairs with ePTFE suture augmentations on the bursal side exerted significantly more footprint contact pressure (0.40 ± 0.01 MPa) than those on the articular side (0.34 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .04) and those on both sides (0.33 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .01). At 15 degrees of abduction, ePTFE-augmented repairs on the bursal side had higher footprint contact pressure (0.26 ± 0.03 MPa) compared with standard repairs (0.15 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .01) and with ePTFE-augmented repairs on the articular side (0.18 ± 0.02 MPa, P = .03). The ePTFE-augmented repairs on the bursal side demonstrated significantly higher failure loads (178 ± 18 N) than standard repairs (120 ± 17 N, P = .04). Inverted horizontal mattress sutures augmented with ePTFE patches on the bursal side of the tendon enhanced footprint contact pressures and the ultimate load to failure of lateral-row rotator cuff repairs in an ovine model. Copyright © 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of Ultrasound Pulses Combined with Definity for Targeted Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDannold, Nathan; Vykhodtseva, Natalia; Hynynen, Kullervo

2007-05-01

We have developed a method to combine an ultrasound contrast agent (USCA) with low-intensity focused ultrasound pulses combined to produce temporary blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD), a potential non-invasive means for targeted drug delivery in the brain. All of our previous work used the USCA Optison. The purpose of this work was to test the feasibility of using the USCA Definity for BBBD. Thirty-six non-overlapping locations were sonicated through a craniotomy in experiments in the brains of nine rabbits (4 locations per rabbit; US frequency: 0.69MHz, burst: 10ms, PRF: 1Hz, duration: 20s; pressure amplitude: 0.2-1.5 MPa). Eleven locations were sonicated using Optison at 0.5 MPa. For both agents, the probability for BBBD was estimated to be 50% at 0.4 MPa using probit regression. In histology, small isolated areas of extravasated erythrocytes were observed in some locations. At 0.8 MPa and above, this extravasation was sometimes accompanied by tiny (dimensions of 100 μm or less) regions of damaged brain parenchyma. The magnitude of the BBBD was larger with Optison than with Definity at 0.5 MPa (P=0.04), and more areas with extravasated erythrocytes were observed (P=0.03). We conclude that BBBD is possible using Definity for the dosage of USCA and the acoustic parameters tested in this study. While the probability for BBBD as a function of pressure amplitude and the type of acute tissue effects was similar to findings with Optison, under these experimental conditions, Optison produced a larger effect.

Effect of ceramic thickness and composite bases on stress distribution of inlays--a finite element analysis.

PubMed

Durand, Letícia Brandão; Guimarães, Jackeline Coutinho; Monteiro Junior, Sylvio; Baratieri, Luiz Narciso

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cavity depth, ceramic thickness, and resin bases with different elastic modulus on von Mises stress patterns of ceramic inlays. Tridimensional geometric models were developed with SolidWorks image software. The differences between the models were: depth of pulpal wall, ceramic thickness, and presence of composite bases with different thickness and elastic modulus. The geometric models were constrained at the proximal surfaces and base of maxillary bone. A load of 100 N was applied. The stress distribution pattern was analyzed with von Mises stress diagrams. The maximum von Mises stress values ranged from 176 MPa to 263 MPa and varied among the 3D-models. The highest von Mises stress value was found on models with 1-mm-thick composite resin base and 1-mm-thick ceramic inlay. Intermediate values (249-250 MPa) occurred on models with 2-mm-thick composite resin base and 1-mm-thick ceramic inlay and 1-mm-thick composite resin base and 2-mm-thick ceramic inlay. The lowest values were observed on models restored exclusively with ceramic inlay (176 MPa to 182 MPa). It was found that thicker inlays distribute stress more favorably and bases with low elastic modulus increase stress concentrations on the internal surface of the ceramic inlay. The increase of ceramic thickness tends to present more favorable stress distribution, especially when bonded directly onto the cavity without the use of supporting materials. When the use of a composite base is required, composite resin with high elastic modulus and reduced thickness should be preferred.

Randomized, double-blinded clinical trial for human norovirus inactivation in oysters by high hydrostatic pressure processing.

PubMed

Leon, Juan S; Kingsley, David H; Montes, Julia S; Richards, Gary P; Lyon, G Marshall; Abdulhafid, Gwen M; Seitz, Scot R; Fernandez, Marina L; Teunis, Peter F; Flick, George J; Moe, Christine L

2011-08-01

Contamination of oysters with human noroviruses (HuNoV) constitutes a human health risk and may lead to severe economic losses in the shellfish industry. There is a need to identify a technology that can inactivate HuNoV in oysters. In this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial to assess the effect of high hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) on Norwalk virus (HuNoV genogroup I.1) inactivation in virus-seeded oysters ingested by subjects. Forty-four healthy, positive-secretor adults were divided into three study phases. Subjects in each phase were randomized into control and intervention groups. Subjects received Norwalk virus (8FIIb, 1.0 × 10(4) genomic equivalent copies) in artificially seeded oysters with or without HPP treatment (400 MPa at 25°C, 600 MPa at 6°C, or 400 MPa at 6°C for 5 min). HPP at 600 MPa, but not 400 MPa (at 6° or 25°C), completely inactivated HuNoV in seeded oysters and resulted in no HuNoV infection among these subjects, as determined by reverse transcription-PCR detection of HuNoV RNA in subjects' stool or vomitus samples. Interestingly, a white blood cell (granulocyte) shift was identified in 92% of the infected subjects and was significantly associated with infection (P = 0.0014). In summary, these data suggest that HPP is effective at inactivating HuNoV in contaminated whole oysters and suggest a potential intervention to inactivate infectious HuNoV in oysters for the commercial shellfish industry.

Mustard plant ash: a source of micronutrient and an adsorbent for removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

PubMed

Trivedi, Nikhilesh S; Mandavgane, Sachin A; Kulkarni, Bhaskar D

2016-10-01

The work highlights the utilization of an agricultural waste mustard plant ash (MPA) as a soil additive and an adsorbent. MPA was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), proximate analysis, CHNS analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, zeta potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRF analysis confirmed the presence of CaO (31.35 %), K 2 O (18.55 %), and P 2 O 5 (6.99 %), all of which act as micronutrients to plants. EDX also confirms high amount of elemental O, Ca, K, and P. The adsorptive ability of MPA was investigated using a commonly used herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), as a representative chemical. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the effect of different operational parameters such as adsorbent dose, initial 2,4-D concentration, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption process. Data from experiments were fitted to various kinetic and isothermal models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to show the best fit (R 2  > 0.99), with the highest k 2 value of the order 10 5 . Based on the study results, dosage of MPA/hectare for different crops has been recommended for effective removal of 2,4-D. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which MPA has been characterized in detail and investigated for dual applications (as an adsorbent and as a soil additive).

Effect of sulfur supplements on cellulolytic rumen micro-organisms and microbial protein synthesis in cattle fed a high fibre diet.

PubMed

McSweeney, C S; Denman, S E

2007-11-01

To examine the effect of sulfur-containing compounds on the growth of anaerobic rumen fungi and the fibrolytic rumen bacteria Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes in pure culture and within the cattle rumen. The effect of two reduced sulfur compounds, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid as the sole S source on growth of pure fibroyltic fungal and bacterial cultures showed that these compounds were capable of sustaining growth. An in vivo trial was then conducted to determine the effect of sulfur supplements (MPA and sodium sulfate) on microbial population dynamics in cattle fed the roughage Dichanthium aristatum. Real-time PCR showed significant increases in fibrolytic bacterial and fungal populations when cattle were supplemented with these compounds. Sulfate supplementation leads to an increase in dry matter intake without a change in whole tract dry matter digestibility. Supplementation of low S-containing diets with either sodium sulfate or MPA stimulates microbial growth with an increase in rumen microbial protein supply to the animal. Through the use of real-time PCR monitoring, a better understanding of the effect of S supplementation on discrete microbial populations within the rumen is provided.

High Explosive Detonation-Confiner Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Short, Mark; Quirk, James J.

2018-01-01

The primary purpose of a detonation in a high explosive (HE) is to provide the energy to drive a surrounding confiner, typically for mining or munitions applications. The details of the interaction between an HE detonation and its confinement are essential to achieving the objectives of the explosive device. For the high pressures induced by detonation loading, both the solid HE and confiner materials will flow. The structure and speed of a propagating detonation, and ultimately the pressures generated in the reaction zone to drive the confiner, depend on the induced flow both within the confiner and along the HE-confiner material interface. The detonation-confiner interactions are heavily influenced by the material properties and, in some cases, the thickness of the confiner. This review discusses the use of oblique shock polar analysis as a means of characterizing the possible range of detonation-confiner interactions. Computations that reveal the fluid mechanics of HE detonation-confiner interactions for finite reaction-zone length detonations are discussed and compared with the polar analysis. This includes cases of supersonic confiner flow; subsonic, shock-driven confiner flow; subsonic, but shockless confiner flow; and sonic flow at the intersection of the detonation shock and confiner material interface. We also summarize recent developments, including the effects of geometry and porous material confinement, on detonation-confiner interactions.

Effect of letrozole in carcinogen-plus-estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia in mice.

PubMed

Lara, Alessandra Cerávolo; Cândido, Eduardo Batista; Vidigal, Paula Vieira; Rocha, Ana Luiza Lunardi; Carvalho-Macedo, Alessandra Costa; Carneiro, Márcia Mendonça; Silva-Filho, Agnaldo Lopes

2016-04-01

To evaluate the effects of letrozole (Ltz) in carcinogen+estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. BALB/c female mice were divided into four groups of 12 animals each receiving an intrauterine dose of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) and weekly subcutaneous injections of estradiol hexaidrobenzoate (EHB), except for group I(control). The groups were divided in I (control), II (ENU+EHB), III (ENU+EHB+MPA) and IV (ENU+EHB+Ltz). Group III also received intramuscular injections of MPA (medroxy progesterone acetate) every four weeks, while group IV received oral doses of Ltz daily. At the end of 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Uterine histological sections were made to evaluate the presence of endometrial proliferative lesions. Differences between groups were evaluated with student's t test, ANOVA and chi-square test. Groups ENU+EHB, ENU+EHB+MPA and ENU+EHB+Ltz showed varying degrees of endometrial hyperplasia. The incidence of hyperplasia in groups ENU+EHB and ENU+EHB+Ltz was higher and more severe than in group ENU+EHB+MPA. Control group showed lower levels of serum estradiol than the other groups. There was no evidence that letrozole could act as an antiestrogenic drug in the development of endometrial proliferative lesions.

Effects of hydrostatic pressure on leporine meniscus cell-seeded PLLA scaffolds.

PubMed

Gunja, Najmuddin J; Athanasiou, Kyriacos A

2010-03-01

Hydrostatic pressure (HP) is an important component of the loading environment of the knee joint. Studies with articular chondrocytes and TMJ disc fibrochondrocytes have identified certain benefits of HP for tissue engineering purposes. However, similar studies with meniscus cells are lacking. Thus, in this experiment, the effects of applying 10 MPa of HP at three different frequencies (0, 0.1, and 1 Hz) to leporine meniscus cell-seeded PLLA scaffolds were examined. HP was applied once every 3 days for 1 h for a period of 28 days. Constructs were analyzed for cellular, biochemical, and biomechanical properties. At t = 4 weeks, total collagen/scaffold was found to be significantly higher in the 10 MPa, 0 Hz group when compared with other groups. This despite the fact that the cell numbers/scaffold were found to be lower in all HP groups when compared with the culture control. Additionally, the total GAG/scaffold, instantaneous modulus, and relaxation modulus were significantly increased in the 10 MPa, 0 Hz group when compared with the culture control. In summary, this experiment provides evidence for the benefit of a 10 MPa, 0 Hz stimulus, on both biochemical and biomechanical aspects, for the purposes of meniscus tissue engineering using PLLA scaffolds. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tribological Characteristics of Submicron SiC(p)-GR(p)/Zn-35Al-1Mg Composites in Semisolidification Casting process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, S.; Fang, Z. W.; Li, L. X.

2018-05-01

Uniform SiC(p)-GR(p)/Zn-35Al-1Mg composites were prepared by powder pressing and semisolidification stirring-casting process by adding submicron silicon carbide and graphite reinforcement particles in an aluminum-zinc alloy matrix. Micro Vickers hardness and microstructures of the novel composites were studied, and their wear properties and wear temperature were measured for different load and friction conditions. The results show that silicon carbide and graphite particles homogeneously mix in the matrix, while contained silicon carbide particles improve the matrix hardness to 8.4%, graphite improves the matrix hardness to 16.8%, but two of them, combined, reduce the matrix hardness to 7.6%; the rate of temperature rise of the zinc-aluminum matrix alloy is the highest than the other three composites and is up to 48.5° C/s at 1.69MPa. At 0.56MPa and sliding 26.4km, the graphite composite anti-wear effect is optimal, while at 1.13MPa, the wear resistance of silicon carbide and graphite compound particles is the best; in the other case of only silicon carbide particles, the wear resistance is increased to 35% at 1.69MPa and 26.4km, and its anti-wear effects are excellent.

Total curvature and total torsion of knotted random polygons in confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diao, Yuanan; Ernst, Claus; Rawdon, Eric J.; Ziegler, Uta

2018-04-01

Knots in nature are typically confined spatially. The confinement affects the possible configurations, which in turn affects the spectrum of possible knot types as well as the geometry of the configurations within each knot type. The goal of this paper is to determine how confinement, length, and knotting affect the total curvature and total torsion of random polygons. Previously published papers have investigated these effects in the unconstrained case. In particular, we analyze how the total curvature and total torsion are affected by (1) varying the length of polygons within a fixed confinement radius and (2) varying the confinement radius of polygons with a fixed length. We also compare the total curvature and total torsion of groups of knots with similar complexity (measured as crossing number). While some of our results fall in line with what has been observed in the studies of the unconfined random polygons, a few surprising results emerge from our study, showing some properties that are unique due to the effect of knotting in confinement.