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

Randolph, Randall Blaine; Oertel, John A.; Schmidt, Derek William

For this study, machined CH hemi-shell ablator capsules have been successfully produced by the MST-7 Target Fabrication Team at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Process development and micro-machining techniques have been developed to produce capsules for both the Omega and National Ignition Facility (NIF) campaigns. These capsules are gas filled up to 10 atm and consist of a machined plastic hemi-shell outer layer that accommodates various specially engineered low-density polystyrene foam cores. Machining and assembly of the two-part, step-jointed plastic hemi-shell outer layer required development of new techniques, processes, and tooling while still meeting very aggressive shot schedules for both campaigns.more » Finally, problems encountered and process improvements will be discussed that describe this very unique, complex capsule design approach through the first Omega proof-of-concept version to the larger NIF version.« less

Hierarchically assembled theranostic nanostructures for siRNA delivery and imaging applications.

PubMed

Shrestha, Ritu; Elsabahy, Mahmoud; Luehmann, Hannah; Samarajeewa, Sandani; Florez-Malaver, Stephanie; Lee, Nam S; Welch, Michael J; Liu, Yongjian; Wooley, Karen L

2012-10-24

Dual functional hierarchically assembled nanostructures, with two unique functions of carrying therapeutic cargo electrostatically and maintaining radiolabeled imaging agents covalently within separate component building blocks, have been developed via the supramolecular assembly of several spherical cationic shell cross-linked nanoparticles clustered around a central anionic shell cross-linked cylinder. The shells of the cationic nanoparticles and the hydrophobic core domain of the anionic central cylindrical nanostructure of the assemblies were utilized to complex negatively charged nucleic acids (siRNA) and to undergo radiolabeling, respectively, for potential theranostic applications. The assemblies exhibited exceptional cell transfection and radiolabeling efficiencies, providing an overall advantage over the individual components, which could each facilitate only one or the other of the functions.

Alternating current dielectrophoresis of core-shell nanoparticles: Experiments and comparison with theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chungja

Nanoparticles are fascinating where physical and optical properties are related to size. Highly controllable synthesis methods and nanoparticle assembly are essential for highly innovative technological applications. Well-defined shaped and sized nanoparticles enable comparisons between experiments, theory and subsequent new models to explain experimentally observed phenomena. Among nanoparticles, nonhomogeneous core-shell nanoparticles (CSnp) have new properties that arise when varying the relative dimensions of the core and the shell. This CSnp structure enables various optical resonances, and engineered energy barriers, in addition to the high charge to surface ratio. Assembly of homogeneous nanoparticles into functional structures has become ubiquitous in biosensors (i.e. optical labeling), nanocoatings, and electrical circuits. Limited nonhomogenous nanoparticle assembly has only been explored. Many conventional nanoparticle assembly methods exist, but this work explores dielectrophoresis (DEP) as a new method. DEP is particle polarization via non-uniform electric fields while suspended in conductive fluids. Most prior DEP efforts involve microscale particles. Prior work on core-shell nanoparticle assemblies and separately, nanoparticle characterizations with dielectrophoresis and electrorotation, did not systematically explore particle size, dielectric properties (permittivity and electrical conductivity), shell thickness, particle concentration, medium conductivity, and frequency. This work is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to systematically examine these dielectrophoretic properties for core-shell nanoparticles. Further, we conduct a parametric fitting to traditional core-shell models. These biocompatible core-shell nanoparticles were studied to fill a knowledge gap in the DEP field. Experimental results (chapter 5) first examine medium conductivity, size and shell material dependencies of dielectrophoretic behaviors of spherical CSnp into 2D and 3D particle-assemblies. Chitosan (amino sugar) and poly-L-lysine (amino acid, PLL) CSnp shell materials were custom synthesized around a hollow (gas) core by utilizing a phospholipid micelle around a volatile fluid templating for the shell material; this approach proves to be novel and distinct from conventional core-shell models wherein a conductive core is coated with an insulative shell. Experiments were conducted within a 100 nl chamber housing 100 um wide Ti/Au quadrapole electrodes spaced 25 um apart. Frequencies from 100kHz to 80MHz at fixed local field of 5Vpp were tested with 10-5 and 10-3 S/m medium conductivities for 25 seconds. Dielectrophoretic responses of ~220 and 340(or ~400) nm chitosan or PLL CSnp were compiled as a function of medium conductivity, size and shell material. Experiments further examined shell thickness and particle concentration (chapter 6) dependencies on ~530 nm CSnp dielectrophoretic and electrorotational responses with ~30nm and ~80 nm shell thicknesses and at particle concentration count rates of 5000 +/- 500, 10000 +/- 500, and 15000 +/- 500 counts per second. Using similar experimental conditions, both dielectrophoretic and electrorotational CSnp responses were compiled versus frequency, shell thickness, and particle concentration. Knowledge gained from this study includes a unique resonance-like dielectrophoretic and electrorotational spectrum, which is significantly distinct from other cells and particles. CSnp dielectric properties were then calculated by parametrically fitting parameters to an existing core-shell model. The optimum conductivity and relative permittivity for the core and the shell are 1E-15 S/m, 1, 0.6 S/m, and 90, respectively. These properties can be exploited to rapidly assemble these unique core-shell particles for future structural color production in fabrics, vehicle, and wall painting.

The mathematics of virus shell assembly. Progress report 1995--1996

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

Berger, B.

1996-08-01

This research focuses on applying computational and mathematical techniques to problems in biology, and more specifically to problems in protein folding. Significant progress has been made in the following areas relating to virus shell assembly: the local rules theory has been further developed; development has begun on a second-generation simulator which provides a more physically realistic model of assembly, collaborative efforts have continued with an experimental biologist to verify and inspire the local rules theory; an investigation has been initiated into the mechanics of virus shell assembly; laboratory experiments have been conducted on bacteriophage T4 which verify that the previouslymore » believed structure for the core may be incorrect.« less

Allosteric Control of Icosahedral Capsid Assembly

PubMed Central

Lazaro, Guillermo R.

2017-01-01

During the lifecycle of a virus, viral proteins and other components self-assemble to form an ordered protein shell called a capsid. This assembly process is subject to multiple competing constraints, including the need to form a thermostable shell while avoiding kinetic traps. It has been proposed that viral assembly satisfies these constraints through allosteric regulation, including the interconversion of capsid proteins among conformations with different propensities for assembly. In this article we use computational and theoretical modeling to explore how such allostery affects the assembly of icosahedral shells. We simulate assembly under a wide range of protein concentrations, protein binding affinities, and two different mechanisms of allosteric control. We find that, above a threshold strength of allosteric control, assembly becomes robust over a broad range of subunit binding affinities and concentrations, allowing the formation of highly thermostable capsids. Our results suggest that allostery can significantly shift the range of protein binding affinities that lead to successful assembly, and thus should be accounted for in models that are used to estimate interaction parameters from experimental data. PMID:27117092

Problems in understanding the structure and assembly of viruses

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

King, J.

1997-12-01

Though viruses infect the cells of all groups of animals, plants, and microorganisms, their structures follow a limited number of general themes; spherical or cylindrical shells built of hundreds of repeated protein subunits enclosing a nucleic acid - DNA or RNA - genome. Since the 1960s it has been known that the protein shells of spherical viruses in fact conform to icosahedral symmetry or to subtle deviations from icosahedral symmetry. The construction of the shell lattices and the transformations they go through in the different stages of the viral life cycle are not fully understood. The shells contain the nucleicmore » in a highly condensed state, of unknown coiling/organization. Features of the well studied bacterial viruses will be reviewed, with examples from adenoviruses, herpesviruses, poliovirus, and HIV. The emergence of new viral disease has led to increased interest in the development of agents which interfere with virus reproduction at the level of the assembly or function of the organized particle. Recently computational approaches to the problem of virus assembly have made important contributions to clarifying shell assembly processes. 1 ref.« less

Monodisperse self-assembly in a model with protein-like interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilber, Alex W.; Doye, Jonathan P. K.; Louis, Ard A.; Lewis, Anna C. F.

2009-11-01

We study the self-assembly behavior of patchy particles with "proteinlike" interactions that can be considered as a minimal model for the assembly of viral capsids and other shell-like protein complexes. We thoroughly explore the thermodynamics and dynamics of self-assembly as a function of the parameters of the model and find robust assembly of all target structures considered. Optimal assembly occurs in the region of parameter space where a free energy barrier regulates the rate of nucleation, thus preventing the premature exhaustion of the supply of monomers that can lead to the formation of incomplete shells. The interactions also need to be specific enough to prevent the assembly of malformed shells, but while maintaining kinetic accessibility. Free energy landscapes computed for our model have a funnel-like topography guiding the system to form the target structure and show that the torsional component of the interparticle interactions prevents the formation of disordered aggregates that would otherwise act as kinetic traps.

New insights into micro/nanoscale combined probes (nanoAuger, μXPS) to characterize Ag/Au@SiO2 core-shell assemblies.

PubMed

Ledeuil, J B; Uhart, A; Soulé, S; Allouche, J; Dupin, J C; Martinez, H

2014-10-07

This work has examined the elemental distribution and local morphology at the nanoscale of core@shell Ag/Au@SiO2 particles. The characterization of such complex metal/insulator materials becomes more efficient when using an initial cross-section method of preparation of the core@shell nanoparticles (ion milling cross polisher). The originality of this route of preparation allows one to obtain undamaged, well-defined and planar layers of cross-cut nano-objects. Once combined with high-resolution techniques of characterization (XPS, Auger and SEM), the process appears as a powerful way to minimize charging effects and enhance the outcoming electron signal (potentially affected by the topography of the material) during analysis. SEM experiments have unambiguously revealed the hollow-morphology of the metal core, while Auger spectroscopy observations showed chemical heterogeneity within the particles (as silver and gold are randomly found in the core ring). To our knowledge, this is the first time that Auger nano probe spectroscopy has been used and successfully optimized for the study of some complex metal/inorganic interfaces at such a high degree of resolution (≈12 nm). Complementarily, XPS Au 4f and Ag 3d peaks were finally detected attesting the possibility of access to the whole chemistry of such nanostructured assemblies.

Fast self-assembly of silver nanoparticle monolayer in hydrophobic environment and its application as SERS substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leiterer, Christian; Zopf, David; Seise, Barbara; Jahn, Franka; Weber, Karina; Popp, Jürgen; Cialla-May, Dana; Fritzsche, Wolfgang

2014-09-01

We present a method which allows the straightforward wet-chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), hydrophobic coating assembling into monolayer, and their utilization as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In order to fabricate the SERS-active substrates, AgNPs were synthesized in water by chemical reduction of Ag+, coated with a hydrophobic shell (dodecanethiol), transferred to a non-polar solvent, and finally assembled through precipitation into a SERS-active self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Simple approaches for concentration and purification of the coated AgNPs are shown. The synthesized particles and SAMs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, optical imaging, and spectroscopic measurements. This manuscript can be used as a do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorial which allows making SAMs from coated AgNPs (<15 nm) in every laboratory within less than 1 h and their utilization as potential low-cost SERS substrates (movie 1-4).

Multiple lead seal assembly for a liquid-metal-cooled fast-breeder nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Hutter, Ernest; Pardini, John A.

1977-03-15

A reusable multiple lead seal assembly provides leak-free passage of stainless-steel-clad instrument leads through the cover on the primary tank of a liquid-metal-cooled fast-breeder nuclear reactor. The seal isolates radioactive argon cover gas and sodium vapor within the primary tank from the exterior atmosphere and permits reuse of the assembly and the stainless-steel-clad instrument leads. Leads are placed in flutes in a seal body, and a seal shell is then placed around the seal body. Circumferential channels in the body and inner surface of the shell are contiguous and together form a conduit which intersects each of the flutes, placing them in communication with a port through the wall of the seal shell. Liquid silicone rubber sealant is injected into the flutes through the port and conduit; the sealant fills the space in the flutes not occupied by the leads themselves and dries to a rubbery hardness. A nut, threaded onto a portion of the seal body not covered by the seal shell, jacks the body out of the shell and shears the sealant without damage to the body, shell, or leads. The leads may then be removed from the body. The sheared sealant is cleaned from the body, leads, and shell and the assembly may then be reused with the same or different leads.

Progress Toward Fabrication of Machined Metal Shells for the First Double-Shell Implosions at the National Ignition Facility

DOE PAGES

Cardenas, Tana; Schmidt, Derek W.; Loomis, Eric N.; ...

2018-01-25

The double-shell platform fielded at the National Ignition Facility requires developments in new machining techniques and robotic assembly stations to meet the experimental specifications. Current double-shell target designs use a dense high-Z inner shell, a foam cushion, and a low-Z outer shell. The design requires that the inner shell be gas filled using a fill tube. This tube impacts the entire machining and assembly design. Other intermediate physics designs have to be fielded to answer physics questions and advance the technology to be able to fabricate the full point design in the near future. One of these intermediate designs ismore » a mid-Z imaging design. The methods of designing, fabricating, and characterizing each of the major components of an imaging double shell are discussed with an emphasis on the fabrication of the machined outer metal shell.« less

Progress Toward Fabrication of Machined Metal Shells for the First Double-Shell Implosions at the National Ignition Facility

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

Cardenas, Tana; Schmidt, Derek W.; Loomis, Eric N.

The double-shell platform fielded at the National Ignition Facility requires developments in new machining techniques and robotic assembly stations to meet the experimental specifications. Current double-shell target designs use a dense high-Z inner shell, a foam cushion, and a low-Z outer shell. The design requires that the inner shell be gas filled using a fill tube. This tube impacts the entire machining and assembly design. Other intermediate physics designs have to be fielded to answer physics questions and advance the technology to be able to fabricate the full point design in the near future. One of these intermediate designs ismore » a mid-Z imaging design. The methods of designing, fabricating, and characterizing each of the major components of an imaging double shell are discussed with an emphasis on the fabrication of the machined outer metal shell.« less

One-piece transparent shell improves design of helmet assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, R. L.; Okane, J. H.

1966-01-01

One-piece transparent helmet shell made of polycarbonate is equipped with a helmet protection pad, a visor assembly, a communications skull cap, and an emergency oxygen supply. This design offers improvements over previous designs in weight, visual field, comfort and protection.

Nanoformulation for anticancer drug delivery: Enhanced pharmacokinetics and circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parekh, Gaurav

In this study, we have explored the application of the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly technique for improving injectable drug delivery systems of low soluble anticancer drugs (e.g. Camptothecin (CPT), Paclitaxel (PTX) or Doxorubicin (DOX)). For this study, a polyelectrolyte shell encapsulates different types of drug nanocores (e.g. soft core, nanomicelle or solid lipid nanocores).The low soluble drugs tend to crystallize and precipitate in an aqueous medium. This is the reason they cannot be injected and may have low concentrations and low circulation time in the blood. Even though these drugs when present in the cancer microenvironment have high anti-tumor inhibition, the delivery to the tumor site after intravenous administration is a challenge. We have used FDA-approved biopolymers for the process and elaborated formation of 60-90 nm diameter initial cores, which was stabilized by multilayer LbL shells for controlled release and longer circulation. A washless LbL assembly process was applied as an essential advancement in nano-assembly technology using low density nanocore (lipids) and preventing aggregation. This advancement reduced the number of process steps, enhanced drug loading capacity, and prevented the loss of expensive polyelectrolytes. Finally, we elaborated a general nano-encapsulation process, which allowed these three important anticancer drug core-shell nanocapsules with diameters of ca. 100-130 nm (this small size is a record for LbL encapsulation technique) to be stable in the serum and the blood for at least one week, efficient for cancer cell culture studies, injectable to mice with circulation for 4 hrs, and effective in suppressing tumors. This work is divided into three studies. The first study (CHAPTER 4) explores the application of LbL assembly for encapsulating a soft core of albumin protein and CPT anticancer drug. In order to preserve the activity of drug in the core, a unique technique of pH reversal is employed where the first few layers of the LbL shell are assembled at acidic pH 3, and the final layers (2-3) are assembled at a slightly basic pH of 7.4. These LbL-encapsulated nanocores are not stable and immediately aggregate in water or the serum. A final layer of 5 kDa PEG was assembled to improve circulation time. It showed higher colloidal stability in PBS, high drug loading concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, and an improved drug chemical stability in Fetal Bovine Serum with high lactone fraction of 99%. It also showed 3 times improved cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cancer cells. For the first time we applied a new method of the LbL capsule assembly at different pH values, the first 4 bilayers at pH 3, and the following 3 bilayers at pH 7.4. In the second study (CHAPTER 5), the developed LbL assembly for low solubility drug encapsulation was extended for the delivery of PTX loaded in nanomicelle cores. PTX, as a nanomicelle core, is encapsulated with fewer layers of LbL assembly, followed by an extra layer of PEG (PEGylation). A significant improvement was seen in reducing the process steps through reduction in the number of LbL layers, while smaller nano-colloids, ~100 nm, were produced with improved drug loading capacity, higher cytotoxicity, and high mice survival rate. In the third study (CHAPTER 6), we have applied the concepts learned and the techniques developed from the previous two studies to modify the surface of the nanostructured solid lipid carriers (NLC) with LbL architecture, plus extra PEGylation. The NLC are co-loaded with DOX and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This study is an attempt to further increase drug circulation time in the blood. We improved the colloidal stability with a narrow distribution size, 128 nm, polydispersity of 0.098, a higher longevity in the blood, a 1.5 times lower accumulation in the liver, a 2.25 times higher accumulation in tumors, and a significant ~3.5 times greater tumor growth inhibition in 4T1 murine tumor model in mice. In conclusion, we developed a general model of an LbL nanoassembly core-shell drug delivery system of three anticancer drugs. The capsules had diameters of ca. 100170 nm, were stable in the serum and the blood for three weeks, were injectable to small animals with a circulation time of 1-4 hrs., and effectively suppressed cancerous tumors in mice.

Structure and assembly of scalable porous protein cages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Eita; Böhringer, Daniel; van de Waterbeemd, Michiel; Leibundgut, Marc; Zschoche, Reinhard; Heck, Albert J. R.; Ban, Nenad; Hilvert, Donald

2017-03-01

Proteins that self-assemble into regular shell-like polyhedra are useful, both in nature and in the laboratory, as molecular containers. Here we describe cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of two versatile encapsulation systems that exploit engineered electrostatic interactions for cargo loading. We show that increasing the number of negative charges on the lumenal surface of lumazine synthase, a protein that naturally assembles into a ~1-MDa dodecahedron composed of 12 pentamers, induces stepwise expansion of the native protein shell, giving rise to thermostable ~3-MDa and ~6-MDa assemblies containing 180 and 360 subunits, respectively. Remarkably, these expanded particles assume unprecedented tetrahedrally and icosahedrally symmetric structures constructed entirely from pentameric units. Large keyhole-shaped pores in the shell, not present in the wild-type capsid, enable diffusion-limited encapsulation of complementarily charged guests. The structures of these supercharged assemblies demonstrate how programmed electrostatic effects can be effectively harnessed to tailor the architecture and properties of protein cages.

Valve assembly for use with high temperature and high pressure fluids

DOEpatents

De Feo, Angelo

1982-01-01

The valve assembly for use with high temperature and high pressure fluids has inner and outer spaced shells and a valve actuator support of inner and outer spaced members which are connected at their end portions to the inner and outer shells, respectively, to extend substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the inner shell. A layer of resilient heat insulating material covers the outer surfaces of the inner shell and the inner actuator support member and is of a thickness to only occupy part of the spaces between the inner and outer shells and inner and outer actuator support members. The remaining portion of the space between the inner and outer shells and the space between the inner and outer members is substantially filled with a body of castable, rigid refractory material. A movable valve member is disposed in the inner shell. A valve actuator assembly is supported in the valve actuator support to extend into the inner shell for connection with the movable valve member for movement of the movable valve member to positions from a fully open to a fully closed position to control flow of fluid through the inner shell. An anchor mneans is disposed adjacent opposite sides of the axis of the valve actuator support and attached to the inner shell so that relative radial movement between the inner and outer shell is permitted by the layer of resilient heat insulating material and relative longitudinal movement of the inner shell to the outer shell is permitted in opposite directions from the anchor means to thereby maintain the functional integrity of the movable valve member by providing an area of the inner shell surrounding the movable valve member longitdinally stationary, but at the same time allowing radial movement.

Fabrication of Hierarchical Layer-by-Layer Assembled Diamond-based Core-Shell Nanocomposites as Highly Efficient Dye Absorbents for Wastewater Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xinna; Ma, Kai; Jiao, Tifeng; Xing, Ruirui; Ma, Xilong; Hu, Jie; Huang, Hao; Zhang, Lexin; Yan, Xuehai

2017-03-01

The effective chemical modification and self-assembly of diamond-based hierarchical composite materials are of key importance for a broad range of diamond applications. Herein, we report the preparation of novel core-shell diamond-based nanocomposites for dye adsorption toward wastewater treatment through a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled strategy. The synthesis of the reported composites began with the carboxyl functionalization of microdiamond by the chemical modification of diamond@graphene oxide composite through the oxidation of diamond@graphite. The carboxyl-terminated microdiamond was then alternatively immersed in the aqueous solution of amine-containing polyethylenimine and carboxyl-containing poly acrylic acid, which led to the formation of adsorption layer on diamond surface. Alternating (self-limiting) immersions in the solutions of the amine-containing and carboxyl-containing polymers were continued until the desired number of shell layers were formed around the microdiamond. The obtained core-shell nanocomposites were successfully synthesized and characterized by morphological and spectral techniques, demonstrating higher surface areas and mesoporous structures for good dye adsorption capacities than nonporous solid diamond particles. The LbL-assembled core-shell nanocomposites thus obtained demonstrated great adsorption capacity by using two model dyes as pollutants for wastewater treatment. Therefore, the present work on LbL-assembled diamond-based composites provides new alternatives for developing diamond hybrids as well as nanomaterials towards wastewater treatment applications.

Design and Analysis of an X-Ray Mirror Assembly Using the Meta-Shell Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClelland, Ryan S.; Bonafede, Joseph; Saha, Timo T.; Solly, Peter M.; Zhang, William W.

2016-01-01

Lightweight and high resolution optics are needed for future space-based x-ray telescopes to achieve advances in high-energy astrophysics. Past missions such as Chandra and XMM-Newton have achieved excellent angular resolution using a full shell mirror approach. Other missions such as Suzaku and NuSTAR have achieved lightweight mirrors using a segmented approach. This paper describes a new approach, called meta-shells, which combines the fabrication advantages of segmented optics with the alignment advantages of full shell optics. Meta-shells are built by layering overlapping mirror segments onto a central structural shell. The resulting optic has the stiffness and rotational symmetry of a full shell, but with an order of magnitude greater collecting area. Several meta-shells so constructed can be integrated into a large x-ray mirror assembly by proven methods used for Chandra and XMM-Newton. The mirror segments are mounted to the meta-shell using a novel four point semi-kinematic mount. The four point mount deterministically locates the segment in its most performance sensitive degrees of freedom. Extensive analysis has been performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the four point mount and meta-shell approach. A mathematical model of a meta-shell constructed with mirror segments bonded at four points and subject to launch loads has been developed to determine the optimal design parameters, namely bond size, mirror segment span, and number of layers per meta-shell. The parameters of an example 1.3 m diameter mirror assembly are given including the predicted effective area. To verify the mathematical model and support opto-mechanical analysis, a detailed finite element model of a meta-shell was created. Finite element analysis predicts low gravity distortion and low sensitivity to thermal gradients.

Detection of Intermediates And Kinetic Control During Assembly of Bacteriophage P22 Procapsid

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

Tuma, R.; Tsuruta, H.; French, K.H.

2009-05-26

Bacteriophage P22 serves as a model for the assembly and maturation of other icosahedral double-stranded DNA viruses. P22 coat and scaffolding proteins assemble in vitro into an icosahedral procapsid, which then expands during DNA packaging (maturation). Efficient in vitro assembly makes this system suitable for design and production of monodisperse spherical nanoparticles (diameter {approx} 50 nm). In this work, we explore the possibility of controlling the outcome of assembly by scaffolding protein engineering. The scaffolding protein exists in monomer-dimer-tetramer equilibrium. We address the role of monomers and dimers in assembly by using three different scaffolding proteins with altered monomer-dimer equilibriummore » (weak dimer, covalent dimer, monomer). The progress and outcome of assembly was monitored by time-resolved X-ray scattering, which allowed us to distinguish between closed shells and incomplete assembly intermediates. Binding of scaffolding monomer activates the coat protein for assembly. Excess dimeric scaffolding protein resulted in rapid nucleation and kinetic trapping yielding incomplete shells. Addition of monomeric wild-type scaffold with excess coat protein completed these metastable shells. Thus, the monomeric scaffolding protein plays an essential role in the elongation phase by activating the coat and effectively lowering its critical concentration for assembly.« less

Technicians assembly the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) mockup at JSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

At JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A, technicians install a high gain antenna (HGA) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) mockup. On the ground a technician operates the controls for the overhead crane that is lifting the HGA into place on the Support System Module (SSM) forward shell. Others in a cherry picker basket wait for the HGA to near its final position so they can secure it on the mockup.

Mechanisms of Virus Assembly

PubMed Central

Perlmutter, Jason D.; Hagan, Michael F.

2015-01-01

Viruses are nanoscale entities containing a nucleic acid genome encased in a protein shell called a capsid, and in some cases surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane. This review summarizes the physics that govern the processes by which capsids assembles within their host cells and in vitro. We describe the thermodynamics and kinetics for assembly of protein subunits into icosahedral capsid shells, and how these are modified in cases where the capsid assembles around a nucleic acid or on a lipid bilayer. We present experimental and theoretical techniques that have been used to characterize capsid assembly, and we highlight aspects of virus assembly which are likely to receive significant attention in the near future. PMID:25532951

Simulating Self-Assembly with Simple Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapaport, D. C.

Results from recent molecular dynamics simulations of virus capsid self-assembly are described. The model is based on rigid trapezoidal particles designed to form polyhedral shells of size 60, together with an atomistic solvent. The underlying bonding process is fully reversible. More extensive computations are required than in previous work on icosahedral shells built from triangular particles, but the outcome is a high yield of closed shells. Intermediate clusters have a variety of forms, and bond counts provide a useful classification scheme

Spherical silicon-shell photonic band gap structures fabricated by laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Yang, Z. Y.; Lu, Y. F.

2007-02-01

Laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition was applied in fabricating three-dimensional (3D) spherical-shell photonic band gap (PBG) structures by depositing silicon shells covering silica particles, which had been self-assembled into 3D colloidal crystals. The colloidal crystals of self-assembled silica particles were formed on silicon substrates using the isothermal heating evaporation approach. A continuous wave Nd:YAG laser (1064nm wavelength) was used to deposit silicon shells by thermally decomposing disilane gas. Periodic silicon-shell/silica-particle PBG structures were obtained. By removing the silica particles enclosed in the silicon shells using hydrofluoric acid, hollow spherical silicon-shell arrays were produced. This technique is capable of fabricating structures with complete photonic band gaps, which is predicted by simulations with the plane wave method. The techniques developed in this study have the potential to flexibly engineer the positions of the PBGs by varying both the silica particle size and the silicon-shell thickness. Ellipsometry was used to investigate the specific photonic band gaps for both structures.

Tank tread assemblies with track-linking mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Earl R., Jr. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

The proposed tank tread assembly has adjacent tank tread segments joined by a link bearing tapered pins retained by clips inserted through the tread shells perpendicular to the axes of the pin. It also has highway pads attached by a release rod bearing tapered, grooved cams which interlockingly engage tabs inserted into the tread shells.

New insights into micro/nanoscale combined probes (nanoAuger, μXPS) to characterize Ag/Au@SiO2 core-shell assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ledeuil, J. B.; Uhart, A.; Soulé, S.; Allouche, J.; Dupin, J. C.; Martinez, H.

2014-09-01

This work has examined the elemental distribution and local morphology at the nanoscale of core@shell Ag/Au@SiO2 particles. The characterization of such complex metal/insulator materials becomes more efficient when using an initial cross-section method of preparation of the core@shell nanoparticles (ion milling cross polisher). The originality of this route of preparation allows one to obtain undamaged, well-defined and planar layers of cross-cut nano-objects. Once combined with high-resolution techniques of characterization (XPS, Auger and SEM), the process appears as a powerful way to minimize charging effects and enhance the outcoming electron signal (potentially affected by the topography of the material) during analysis. SEM experiments have unambiguously revealed the hollow-morphology of the metal core, while Auger spectroscopy observations showed chemical heterogeneity within the particles (as silver and gold are randomly found in the core ring). To our knowledge, this is the first time that Auger nano probe spectroscopy has been used and successfully optimized for the study of some complex metal/inorganic interfaces at such a high degree of resolution (~12 nm). Complementarily, XPS Au 4f and Ag 3d peaks were finally detected attesting the possibility of access to the whole chemistry of such nanostructured assemblies.This work has examined the elemental distribution and local morphology at the nanoscale of core@shell Ag/Au@SiO2 particles. The characterization of such complex metal/insulator materials becomes more efficient when using an initial cross-section method of preparation of the core@shell nanoparticles (ion milling cross polisher). The originality of this route of preparation allows one to obtain undamaged, well-defined and planar layers of cross-cut nano-objects. Once combined with high-resolution techniques of characterization (XPS, Auger and SEM), the process appears as a powerful way to minimize charging effects and enhance the outcoming electron signal (potentially affected by the topography of the material) during analysis. SEM experiments have unambiguously revealed the hollow-morphology of the metal core, while Auger spectroscopy observations showed chemical heterogeneity within the particles (as silver and gold are randomly found in the core ring). To our knowledge, this is the first time that Auger nano probe spectroscopy has been used and successfully optimized for the study of some complex metal/inorganic interfaces at such a high degree of resolution (~12 nm). Complementarily, XPS Au 4f and Ag 3d peaks were finally detected attesting the possibility of access to the whole chemistry of such nanostructured assemblies. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr03211j

Shell structures of assemblies of equicharged particles subject to radial power-law confining potentials.

PubMed

Cioslowski, Jerzy

2010-12-21

Constituting the simplest generalization of spherical Coulomb crystals, assemblies of N equicharged particles confined by radial potentials proportional to the λth power of distance are amenable to rigorous analysis within the recently introduced shell model. Thanks to the power scaling of the confining potential and the resulting pruning property of the shell configurations (i.e., the lists of shell occupancies), the shell-model estimates of the energies and the mean radii of such assemblies at equilibrium geometries follow simple recursive formulas. The formulas greatly facilitate derivations of the first two leading terms in the large-N asymptotics of these estimates, which are given by power series in ξ(4/3) N(-2/3), where -(ξ/2) n(3/2) is the leading angular-correlation correction to the minimum energy of n electrons on the surface of a sphere with a unit radius (the solution of the Thomson problem). Although the scaled occupancies of the outermost shells conform to a universal scaling law, the actual filling of the shells tends to follow rather irregular patterns that vary strongly with λ. However, the number of shells K(N) for a given N decreases in general upon an increase in the power-law exponent, which is due to the (λ + 1)(2) ξ(2) dependence of shell capacities that roughly measure the maximum numbers of particles sustainable within individual shells. Several types of configuration transitions (i.e., the changes in the number of shells upon addition of one particle) are observed in the crystals with up to 10,000 particles and integer values of λ between 1 and 10, but the rule |K(N + 1)-K(N)| ≤ 1 is found to be strictly obeyed.

Magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures of ferrite-ferroelectric core-shell nanoparticles and studies on magneto-electric interactions

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

Srinivasan, G., E-mail: srinivas@oakland.edu; Sreenivasulu, G.; Benoit, Crystal

2015-05-07

Composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric are of interest for studies on mechanical strain mediated magneto-electric (ME) interactions and for useful technologies. Here, we report on magnetic-field-assisted-assembly of barium titanate (BTO)-nickel ferrite (NFO) core-shell particles into linear chains and 2D/3D arrays and measurements of ME effects in such assemblies. First, we synthesized the core-shell nano-particles with 50–600 nm BTO and 10–200 nm NFO by chemical self-assembly by coating the ferroic particles with complementary coupling groups and allowing them to self-assemble in the presence of a catalyst via the “click” reaction. The core-shell structure was confirmed with electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. Wemore » obtained superstructure of the core-shell particles by subjecting them to a magnetic field gradient that exerts an attractive force on the particles and align them toward the regions of high field strengths. At low particle concentration, linear chains were formed and they evolved into 2D and 3D arrays at high particle concentrations. Magnetoelectric characterization on unassembled films and assembled arrays has been performed through measurements of low-frequency ME voltage coefficient (MEVC) by subjecting the sample to a bias magnetic field and an ac magnetic field. The MEVC is higher for field-assembled samples than for unassembled films and is found to be sensitive to field orientation with a higher MEVC for magnetic fields parallel to the array direction than for magnetic fields perpendicular to the array. A maximum MEVC of 20 mV/cm Oe, one of the highest reported for any bulk nanocomposite, is measured across the array thickness. A model is provided for ME coupling in the superstructures of BTO-NFO particulate composites. First, we estimated the MEVC for a free-standing BTO-NFO core-shell particle and then extended the model to include an array of linear chains of the particles. The theoretical estimates are in qualitative agreement with the data.« less

Magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures of ferrite-ferroelectric core-shell nanoparticles and studies on magneto-electric interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, G.; Sreenivasulu, G.; Benoit, Crystal; Petrov, V. M.; Chavez, F.

2015-05-01

Composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric are of interest for studies on mechanical strain mediated magneto-electric (ME) interactions and for useful technologies. Here, we report on magnetic-field-assisted-assembly of barium titanate (BTO)-nickel ferrite (NFO) core-shell particles into linear chains and 2D/3D arrays and measurements of ME effects in such assemblies. First, we synthesized the core-shell nano-particles with 50-600 nm BTO and 10-200 nm NFO by chemical self-assembly by coating the ferroic particles with complementary coupling groups and allowing them to self-assemble in the presence of a catalyst via the "click" reaction. The core-shell structure was confirmed with electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. We obtained superstructure of the core-shell particles by subjecting them to a magnetic field gradient that exerts an attractive force on the particles and align them toward the regions of high field strengths. At low particle concentration, linear chains were formed and they evolved into 2D and 3D arrays at high particle concentrations. Magnetoelectric characterization on unassembled films and assembled arrays has been performed through measurements of low-frequency ME voltage coefficient (MEVC) by subjecting the sample to a bias magnetic field and an ac magnetic field. The MEVC is higher for field-assembled samples than for unassembled films and is found to be sensitive to field orientation with a higher MEVC for magnetic fields parallel to the array direction than for magnetic fields perpendicular to the array. A maximum MEVC of 20 mV/cm Oe, one of the highest reported for any bulk nanocomposite, is measured across the array thickness. A model is provided for ME coupling in the superstructures of BTO-NFO particulate composites. First, we estimated the MEVC for a free-standing BTO-NFO core-shell particle and then extended the model to include an array of linear chains of the particles. The theoretical estimates are in qualitative agreement with the data.

Assembly of metals and nanoparticles into novel nanocomposite superstructures

PubMed Central

Xu, Jiaquan; Chen, Lianyi; Choi, Hongseok; Konish, Hiromi; Li, Xiaochun

2013-01-01

Controlled assembly of nanoscale objects into superstructures is of tremendous interests. Many approaches have been developed to fabricate organic-nanoparticle superstructures. However, effective fabrication of inorganic-nanoparticle superstructures (such as nanoparticles linked by metals) remains a difficult challenge. Here we show a novel, general method to assemble metals and nanoparticles rationally into nanocomposite superstructures. Novel metal-nanoparticle superstructures are achieved by self-assembly of liquid metals and nanoparticles in immiscible liquids driven by reduction of free energy. Superstructures with various architectures, such as metal-core/nanoparticle-shell, nanocomposite-core/nanoparticle-shell, network of metal-linked core/shell nanostructures, and network of metal-linked nanoparticles, were successfully fabricated by simply tuning the volume ratio between nanoparticles and liquid metals. Our approach provides a simple, general way for fabrication of numerous metal-nanoparticle superstructures and enables a rational design of these novel superstructures with desired architectures for exciting applications.

Ceramic-ceramic shell tile thermal protection system and method thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riccitiello, Salvatore R. (Inventor); Smith, Marnell (Inventor); Goldstein, Howard E. (Inventor); Zimmerman, Norman B. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A ceramic reusable, externally applied composite thermal protection system (TPS) is proposed. The system functions by utilizing a ceramic/ceramic upper shell structure which effectively separates its primary functions as a thermal insulator and as a load carrier to transmit loads to the cold structure. The composite tile system also prevents impact damage to the atmospheric entry vehicle thermal protection system. The composite tile comprises a structurally strong upper ceramic/ceramic shell manufactured from ceramic fibers and ceramic matrix meeting the thermal and structural requirements of a tile used on a re-entry aerospace vehicle. In addition, a lightweight high temperature ceramic lower temperature base tile is used. The upper shell and lower tile are attached by means effective to withstand the extreme temperatures (3000 to 3200F) and stress conditions. The composite tile may include one or more layers of variable density rigid or flexible thermal insulation. The assembly of the overall tile is facilitated by two or more locking mechanisms on opposing sides of the overall tile assembly. The assembly may occur subsequent to the installation of the lower shell tile on the spacecraft structural skin.

Facile fabrication of dual emissive nanospheres via the self-assembling of CdSe@CdS and zinc phthalocyanine and their application for silver ion detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shuning; Liu, Chenchen; Luan, Xinying; Yao, Rui; Feng, Yakai

2017-09-01

The far-red/near infrared photoluminescence of zinc phthalocyanines would be strongly quenched once they are aggregated, which will obviously hinder their wide applications in environmental, energy related and biomedical fields. Herein, the ultra-small sized semiconductor quantum dots with core-shell structures (CdSe@CdS) have been firstly synthesized and then assembled with a dendritic zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) in the H2O/DMF mixed solvent to obtain monodispersed nanospheres. Finally, it was found that the resultant ethanolic colloids can be employed as a sensitive and specific fluorescent nanoprobe for silver ions discrimination with a limit of detection (LOD) approaching to 10-8 mol/L.

Facile synthesis of nanorod-assembled multi-shelled Co3O4 hollow microspheres for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yaping; Pan, Anqiang; Zhu, Qinyu; Nie, Zhiwei; Zhang, Yifang; Tang, Yan; Liang, Shuquan; Cao, Guozhong

2014-12-01

In this work, we report a novel strategy for the controlled synthesis of nanorod assembled multi-shelled cobalt oxide (Co3O4) hollow microspheres (HSs). The Co2CO3(OH)2 NRs are first vertically grown on the carbon microspheres (CS) to form the core-shelled composites by a low-temperature solution route. The multi-shelled hollow interiors within the Co3O4 microspheres are unconventionally obtained by annealing the as-prepared core-shell structured CS@Co2CO3(OH)2 composite in air. When evaluated for supercapacitive performance, the multi-shelled Co3O4 hollow microspheres exhibit high capacitance of 394.4 and 360 F g-1 at the current densities of 2 A g-1 and 10 A g-1, respectively. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to the multi-shelled hollow structures, which facilitate the electrolyte penetration and provide more active sites for the electrochemical reactions.

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

Shang Yazhuo; Hu Jun; Liu Honglai, E-mail: yazhuoshang@ecust.edu.c

Novel large-scale hollow ZnO spherical shells were synthesized by ionic liquids assisted hydrothermal oxidization of pure zinc powder without any catalyst at a relatively low temperature of 160 deg. C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) patterns show that the shells are composed of ZnO and the structure of the shells is very unique. Textured flower-like ZnO consisting of ZnO rods is grown on the outer surfaces of shells forming a triple assembly. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra of the oxidized material show a sharp peak at 379 nm and a wider broad peak centeredmore » at 498 nm. The possible growth mechanism of the triple assembly of ZnO is discussed in detail. - Graphical abstract: A proposed growth mechanism of large scale hollow ZnO. Bubbles provide the aggregation center for ionic liquids that leads to the formation of hollow Zn particle-dotted shells, buoyancy promotes shells to go upward, the breach occurs when shells are subjected to overpressure.« less

Carrier relaxation mechanisms in self-assembled (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots: Efficient P→S Auger relaxation of electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narvaez, Gustavo A.; Bester, Gabriel; Zunger, Alex

2006-08-01

We calculate the P -shell-to- S -shell decay lifetime τ(P→S) of electrons in lens-shaped self-assembled (In,Ga)As/GaAs dots due to Auger electron-hole scattering within an atomistic pseudopotential-based approach. We find that this relaxation mechanism leads to fast decay of τ(P→S)˜1-7ps for dots of different sizes. Our calculated Auger-type P -shell-to- S -shell decay lifetimes τ(P→S) compare well to data in (In,Ga)As/GaAs dots, showing that as long as both electrons and holes are present there is no need for an alternative polaron mechanism.

Capsid expansion mechanism of bacteriophage T7 revealed by multistate atomic models derived from cryo-EM reconstructions

PubMed Central

Guo, Fei; Liu, Zheng; Fang, Ping-An; Zhang, Qinfen; Wright, Elena T.; Wu, Weimin; Zhang, Ci; Vago, Frank; Ren, Yue; Jakana, Joanita; Chiu, Wah; Serwer, Philip; Jiang, Wen

2014-01-01

Many dsDNA viruses first assemble a DNA-free procapsid, using a scaffolding protein-dependent process. The procapsid, then, undergoes dramatic conformational maturation while packaging DNA. For bacteriophage T7 we report the following four single-particle cryo-EM 3D reconstructions and the derived atomic models: procapsid (4.6-Å resolution), an early-stage DNA packaging intermediate (3.5 Å), a later-stage packaging intermediate (6.6 Å), and the final infectious phage (3.6 Å). In the procapsid, the N terminus of the major capsid protein, gp10, has a six-turn helix at the inner surface of the shell, where each skewed hexamer of gp10 interacts with two scaffolding proteins. With the exit of scaffolding proteins during maturation the gp10 N-terminal helix unfolds and swings through the capsid shell to the outer surface. The refolded N-terminal region has a hairpin that forms a novel noncovalent, joint-like, intercapsomeric interaction with a pocket formed during shell expansion. These large conformational changes also result in a new noncovalent, intracapsomeric topological linking. Both interactions further stabilize the capsids by interlocking all pentameric and hexameric capsomeres in both DNA packaging intermediate and phage. Although the final phage shell has nearly identical structure to the shell of the DNA-free intermediate, surprisingly we found that the icosahedral faces of the phage are slightly (∼4 Å) contracted relative to the faces of the intermediate, despite the internal pressure from the densely packaged DNA genome. These structures provide a basis for understanding the capsid maturation process during DNA packaging that is essential for large numbers of dsDNA viruses. PMID:25313071

Preparation of paclitaxel/chitosan co-assembled core-shell nanofibers for drug-eluting stent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jing; Liu, Yongjia; Zhu, Bangshang; Su, Yue; Zhu, Xinyuan

2017-01-01

The paclitaxel/chitosan (PTX/CS) core-shell nanofibers (NFs) are easily prepared by co-assembly of PTX and CS and used in drug-eluting stent. The mixture solution of PTX (dissolved in ethanol) and CS (dissolved in 1% acetic acid water solution) under sonication will make the formation of NFs, in which small molecule PTX co-assembles with biomacromolecular CS through non-covalent interactions. The obtained NFs are tens to hundreds nanometers in diameter and millimeter level in length. Furthermore, the structure of PTX/CS NFs was characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nanoscale infra-red (nanoIR), which provided evidences demonstrated that PTX/CS NFs are core-shell structures. The 'shell' of CS wrapped outside of the NFs, while PTX is located in the core. Thus it resulted in high drug loading content (>40 wt.%). The well-controlled drug release, low cytotoxicity and good haemocompatibility were also found in drug carrier system of PTX/CS NFs. In addition, the hydrophilic and flexible properties of NFs make them easily coating and filming on stent to prepare drug-eluting stent (DES). Therefore, this study provides a convenient method to prepare high PTX loaded NFs, which is a promising nano-drug carrier used for DES and other biomedical applications. The possible molecular mechanism of PTX and CS co-assembly and core-shell nanofiber formation is also explored.

Multiferroic Core-Shell Nanofibers, Assembly in a Magnetic Field, and Studies on Magneto-Electric Interactions

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jitao; Zhang, Ru; Popov, Maksym

2017-01-01

Ferromagnetic–ferroelectric nanocomposites are of interest for realizing strong strain-mediated coupling between electric and magnetic subsystems due to a high surface area-to-volume ratio. This report is on the synthesis of nickel ferrite (NFO)–barium titanate (BTO) core–shell nanofibers, magnetic field assisted assembly into superstructures, and studies on magneto-electric (ME) interactions. Electrospinning techniques were used to prepare coaxial fibers of 0.5–1.5 micron in diameter. The core–shell structure of annealed fibers was confirmed by electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. The fibers were assembled into discs and films in a uniform magnetic field or in a field gradient. Studies on ME coupling in the assembled films and discs were done by magnetic field (H)-induced polarization, magneto–dielectric effects at low frequencies and at 16–24 GHz, and low-frequency ME voltage coefficients (MEVC). We measured ~2–7% change in remnant polarization and in the permittivity for H = 7 kOe, and a MEVC of 0.4 mV/cm Oe at 30 Hz. A model has been developed for low-frequency ME effects in an assembly of fibers and takes into account dipole–dipole interactions between the fibers and fiber discontinuity. Theoretical estimates for the low-frequency MEVC have been compared with the data. These results indicate strong ME coupling in superstructures of the core–shell fibers. PMID:29295512

HIV-1 maturation inhibitor bevirimat stabilizes the immature Gag lattice.

PubMed

Keller, Paul W; Adamson, Catherine S; Heymann, J Bernard; Freed, Eric O; Steven, Alasdair C

2011-02-01

Maturation of nascent virions, a key step in retroviral replication, involves cleavage of the Gag polyprotein by the viral protease into its matrix (MA), capsid (CA), and nucleocapsid (NC) components and their subsequent reorganization. Bevirimat (BVM) defines a new class of antiviral drugs termed maturation inhibitors. BVM acts by blocking the final cleavage event in Gag processing, the separation of CA from its C-terminal spacer peptide 1 (SP1). Prior evidence suggests that BVM binds to Gag assembled in immature virions, preventing the protease from accessing the CA-SP1 cleavage site. To investigate this hypothesis, we used cryo-electron tomography to examine the structures of (noninfectious) HIV-1 viral particles isolated from BVM-treated cells. We find that these particles contain an incomplete shell of density underlying the viral envelope, with a hexagonal honeycomb structure similar to the Gag lattice of immature HIV but lacking the innermost, NC-related, layer. We conclude that the shell represents a remnant of the immature Gag lattice that has been processed, except at the CA-SP1 sites, but has remained largely intact. We also compared BVM-treated particles with virions formed by the mutant CA5, in which cleavage between CA and SP1 is also blocked. Here, we find a thinner CA-related shell with no visible evidence of honeycomb organization, indicative of an altered conformation and further suggesting that binding of BVM stabilizes the immature lattice. In both cases, the observed failure to assemble mature capsids correlates with the loss of infectivity.

Electrostatically assisted fabrication of silver-dielectric core/shell nanoparticles thin film capacitor with uniform metal nanoparticle distribution and controlled spacing.

PubMed

Li, Xue; Niitsoo, Olivia; Couzis, Alexander

2016-03-01

An electrostatically-assisted strategy for fabrication of thin film composite capacitors with controllable dielectric constant (k) has been developed. The capacitor is composed of metal-dielectric core/shell nanoparticle (silver/silica, Ag@SiO2) multilayer films, and a backfilling polymer. Compared with the simple metal particle-polymer mixtures where the metal nanoparticles (NP) are randomly dispersed in the polymer matrix, the metal volume fraction in our capacitor was significantly increased, owing to the densely packed NP multilayers formed by the electrostatically assisted assembly process. Moreover, the insulating layer of silica shell provides a potential barrier that reduces the tunneling current between neighboring Ag cores, endowing the core/shell nanocomposites with a stable and relatively high dielectric constant (k) and low dielectric loss (D). Our work also shows that the thickness of the SiO2 shell plays a dominant role in controlling the dielectric properties of the nanocomposites. Control over metal NP separation distance was realized not only by variation the shell thickness of the core/shell NPs but also by introducing a high k nanoparticle, barium strontium titanate (BST) of relatively smaller size (∼8nm) compared to 80-160nm of the core/shell Ag@SiO2 NPs. The BST assemble between the Ag@SiO2 and fill the void space between the closely packed core/shell NPs leading to significant enhancement of the dielectric constant. This electrostatically assisted assembly method is promising for generating multilayer films of a large variety of NPs over large areas at low cost. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Layer-by-layer assembly of patchy particles as a route to nontrivial structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Niladri; Tkachenko, Alexei V.

2017-08-01

We propose a strategy for robust high-quality self-assembly of nontrivial periodic structures out of patchy particles and investigate it with Brownian dynamics simulations. Its first element is the use of specific patch-patch and shell-shell interactions between the particles, which can be implemented through differential functionalization of patched and shell regions with specific DNA strands. The other key element of our approach is the use of a layer-by-layer protocol that allows one to avoid the formation of undesired random aggregates. As an example, we design and self-assemble in silico a version of a double diamond lattice in which four particle types are arranged into bcc crystal made of four fcc sublattices. The lattice can be further converted to cubic diamond by selective removal of the particles of certain types. Our results demonstrate that by combining the directionality, selectivity of interactions, and the layer-by-layer protocol, a high-quality robust self-assembly can be achieved.

Layer-by-layer assembly of patchy particles as a route to nontrivial structures

DOE PAGES

Patra, Niladri; Tkachenko, Alexei V.

2017-08-02

Here, we propose a strategy for robust high-quality self-assembly of nontrivial periodic structures out of patchy particles and investigate it with Brownian dynamics simulations. Its first element is the use of specific patch-patch and shell-shell interactions between the particles, which can be implemented through differential functionalization of patched and shell regions with specific DNA strands. The other key element of our approach is the use of a layer-by-layer protocol that allows one to avoid the formation of undesired random aggregates. As an example, we design and self-assemble in silico a version of a double diamond lattice in which four particlemore » types are arranged into bcc crystal made of four fcc sublattices. The lattice can be further converted to cubic diamond by selective removal of the particles of certain types. These results demonstrate that by combining the directionality, selectivity of interactions, and the layer-by-layer protocol, a high-quality robust self-assembly can be achieved.« less

Test results of the LARP Nb$$_3$$Sn quadrupole HQ03a

DOE PAGES

DiMarco, J.; G. Ambrosio; Chlachidze, G.; ...

2016-03-09

The US LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP) has been developingmore » $$Nb_3Sn$$ quadrupoles of progressively increasing performance for the high luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider. The 120 mm aperture High-field Quadrupole (HQ) models are the last step in the R&D phase supporting the development of the new IR Quadrupoles (MQXF). Three series of HQ coils were fabricated and assembled in a shell-based support structure, progressively optimizing the design and fabrication process. The final set of coils consistently applied the optimized design solutions, and was assembled in the HQ03a model. Furthermore, this paper reports a summary of the HQ03a test results, including training, mechanical performance, field quality and quench studies.« less

Inferences of Shell Asymmetry in ICF Implosions using Fluence Compensated Neutron Images at the NIF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casey, D.; Fittinghoff, D.; Bionta, R.; Smalyuk, V.; Grim, G.; Munro, D.; Spears, B.; Raman, K.; Clark, D.; Kritcher, A.; Hinkel, D.; Hurricane, O.; Callahan, D.; Döppner, T.; Landen, O.; Ma, T.; Le Pape, S.; Ross, S.; Meezan, N.; Pak, A.; Park, H.-S.; Volegov, P.; Merill, F.

2016-10-01

In ICF experiments, a dense shell is imploded and used to compress and heat a hotspot of DT fuel. Controlling the symmetry of this process is both important and challenging. It is therefore important to observe the symmetry of the stagnated shell assembly. The Neutron Imaging System at the NIF is used to observe the primary 14 MeV neutrons from the hotspot and the down-scattered neutrons (6-12 MeV), from the assembled shell but with a strong imprint from the primary-neutron fluence. Using a characteristic scattering angle approximation, we have compensated the image for this fluence effect, revealing information about shell asymmetry that is otherwise difficult to extract without models. Preliminary observations with NIF data show asymmetries in imploded shell, which will be compared with other nuclear diagnostics and postshot simulations. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Generation of colloidal granules and capsules from double emulsion drops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hess, Kathryn S.

Assemblies of colloidal particles are extensively used in ceramic processing, pharmaceuticals, inks and coatings. In this project, the aim was to develop a new technique to fabricate monodispersed colloidal assemblies. The use of microfluidic devices and emulsion processing allows for the fabrication of complex materials that can be used in a variety of applications. A microfluidic device is used to create monodispersed water/oil/water (w/o/w) double emulsions with interior droplets of colloidal silica suspension ranging in size from tens to hundreds of microns. By tailoring the osmotic pressure using glycerol as a solute in the continuous and inner phases of the emulsion, we can control the final volume size of the monodispersed silica colloidal crystals that form in the inner droplets of the double emulsion. Modifying the ionic strength in the colloidal dispersion can be used to affect the particle-particle interactions and crystal formation of the final colloidal particle. This w/o/w technique has been used with other systems of metal oxide colloids and cellulose nanocrystals. Encapsulation of the colloidal suspension in a polymer shell for the generation of ceramic-polymer core-shell particles has also been developed. These core-shell particles have spawned new research in the field of locally resonant acoustic metamaterials. Systems and chemistries for creating cellulose hydrogels within the double emulsions have also been researched. Water in oil single emulsions and double emulsions have been used to create cellulose hydrogel spheres in the sub-100 micron diameter range. Oil/water/oil double emulsions allow us to create stable cellulose capsules. The addition of a second hydrogel polymer, such as acrylate or alginate, further strengthens the cellulose gel network and can also be processed into capsules and particles using the microfluidic device. This work could have promising applications in acoustic metamaterials, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural applications, among others.

Germanium Nanowires-in-Graphite Tubes via Self-Catalyzed Synergetic Confined Growth and Shell-Splitting Enhanced Li-Storage Performance.

PubMed

Sun, Yong; Jin, Shuaixing; Yang, Guowei; Wang, Jing; Wang, Chengxin

2015-04-28

Despite the high theoretical capacity, pure Ge has various difficulties such as significant volume expansion and electron and Li(+) transfer problems, when applied as anode materials in lithium ion battery (LIB), for which the solution would finally rely on rational design like advanced structures and available hybrid. Here in this work, we report a one-step synthesis of Ge nanowires-in-graphite tubes (GNIGTs) with the liquid Ge/C synergetic confined growth method. The structure exhibits impressing LIB behavior in terms of both cyclic stability and rate performance. We found the semiclosed graphite shell with thickness of ∼50 layers experience an interesting splitting process that was driven by electrolyte diffusion, which occurs before the Ge-Li alloying plateau begins. Two types of different splitting mechanism addressed as "inside-out"/zipper effect and "outside-in" dominate this process, which are resulted from the SEI layer growing longitudinally along the Ge-graphite interface and the lateral diffusion of Li(+) across the shell, respectively. The former mechanism is the predominant way driving the initial shell to split, which behaves like a zipper with SEI layer as invisible puller. After repeated Li(+) insertion/exaction, the GNIGTs configuration is finally reconstructed by forming Ge nanowires-thin graphite strip hybrid, both of which are in close contact, resulting in enormous enchantment to the electrons/Li(+) transport. These features make the structures perform well as anode material in LIB. We believe both the progress in 1D assembly and the structure evolution of this Ge-C composite would contribute to the design of advanced LIB anode materials.

PLGA-lecithin-PEG core-shell nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery.

PubMed

Chan, Juliana M; Zhang, Liangfang; Yuet, Kai P; Liao, Grace; Rhee, June-Wha; Langer, Robert; Farokhzad, Omid C

2009-03-01

Current approaches to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic compounds have focused on developing liposomal and biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in clinically approved therapeutics such as Doxil/Caelyx and Genexol-PM, respectively. Our group recently reported the development of biodegradable core-shell NP systems that combined the beneficial properties of liposomal and polymeric NPs for controlled drug delivery. Herein we report the parameters that alter the biological and physicochemical characteristics, stability, drug release properties and cytotoxicity of these core-shell NPs. We further define scalable processes for the formulation of these NPs in a reproducible manner. These core-shell NPs consist of (i) a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) hydrophobic core, (ii) a soybean lecithin monolayer, and (iii) a poly(ethylene glycol) shell, and were synthesized by a modified nanoprecipitation method combined with self-assembly. Preparation of the NPs showed that various formulation parameters such as the lipid/polymer mass ratio and lipid/lipid-PEG molar ratio controlled NP physical stability and size. We encapsulated a model chemotherapy drug, docetaxel, in the NPs and showed that the amount of lipid coverage affected its drug release kinetics. Next, we demonstrated a potentially scalable process for the formulation, purification, and storage of NPs. Finally, we tested the cytotoxicity using MTT assays on two model human cell lines, HeLa and HepG2, and demonstrated the biocompatibility of these particles in vitro. Our data suggest that the PLGA-lecithin-PEG core-shell NPs may be a useful new controlled release drug delivery system.

Photoelectrodes based on 2D opals assembled from Cu-delafossite double-shelled microspheres for an enhanced photoelectrochemical response.

PubMed

Oh, Yunjung; Yang, Wooseok; Tan, Jeiwan; Lee, Hyungsoo; Park, Jaemin; Moon, Jooho

2018-02-22

Although a unique light-harvesting property was recently demonstrated in a photocathode based on 2-dimensional (2D) opals of CuFeO 2 -shelled SiO 2 microspheres, the performance of a monolayer of ultra-thin CuFeO 2 -shelled microspheres is limited by ineffective charge separation. Herein, we propose an innovative design rule, in which an inner CuFeO 2 /outer CuAlO 2 double-shelled heterojunction is formed on each partially etched microsphere to obtain a hexagonally assembled 2D opal photoelectrode. Our Cu-delafossite double-shelled photocathode shows a dramatically improved charge separation capability, with a 9-fold increase in the photocurrent compared to that of the single-shelled counterpart. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy clearly confirms the reduced charge transport/transfer resistance associated with the Cu-delafossite double-shelled photocathode, while surface photovoltage spectra reveal enhanced polarization of the photogenerated carrier, indicating improved charge separation capability with the aid of the heterojunction. Our finding sheds light on the importance of heterojunction interfaces in achieving optimal charge separation in opal architectures as well as the inner-shell/electrolyte interface to expedite charge separation/transport.

Phenomenology and control of buckling dynamics in multicomponent colloidal droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathak, Binita; Basu, Saptarshi

2015-06-01

Self-assembly of nano sized particles during natural drying causes agglomeration and shell formation at the surface of micron sized droplets. The shell undergoes sol-gel transition leading to buckling at the weakest point on the surface and produces different types of structures. Manipulation of the buckling rate with inclusion of surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) and salt (anilinium hydrochloride, AHC) to the nano-sized particle dispersion (nanosilica) is reported here in an acoustically levitated single droplet. Buckling in levitated droplets is a cumulative, complicated function of acoustic streaming, chemistry, agglomeration rate, porosity, radius of curvature, and elastic energy of shell. We put forward our hypothesis on how buckling occurs and can be suppressed during natural drying of the droplets. Global precipitation of aggregates due to slow drying of surfactant-added droplets (no added salts) enhances the rigidity of the shell formed and hence reduces the buckling probability of the shell. On the contrary, adsorption of SDS aggregates on salt ions facilitates the buckling phenomenon with an addition of minute concentration of the aniline salt to the dispersion. Variation in the concentration of the added particles (SDS/AHC) also leads to starkly different morphologies and transient behaviour of buckling (buckling modes like paraboloid, ellipsoid, and buckling rates). Tuning of the buckling rate causes a transition in the final morphology from ring and bowl shapes to cocoon type of structure.

Cooling of weapons with graphite foam

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

Klett, James W.; Trammell, Michael P.

Disclosed are examples of an apparatus for cooling a barrel 12 of a firearm 10 and examples of a cooled barrel assembly 32 for installation into an existing firearm 10. When assembled with the barrel 12, a contact surface 16 of a shell 14 is proximate to, and in thermal communication with, the outer surface of the barrel 18. The shell 14 is formed of commercially available or modified graphite foam.

Bio-assembled, piezoelectric prawn shell made self-powered wearable sensor for non-invasive physiological signal monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Sujoy Kumar; Mandal, Dipankar

2017-03-01

A human interactive self-powered wearable sensor is designed using waste by-product prawn shells. The structural origin of intrinsic piezoelectric characteristics of bio-assembled chitin nanofibers has been investigated. It allows the prawn shell to make a tactile sensor that performs also as a highly durable mechanical energy harvester/nanogenerator. The feasibility and fundamental physics of self-powered consumer electronics even from human perception is highlighted by prawn shells made nanogenerator (PSNG). High fidelity and non-invasive monitoring of vital signs, such as radial artery pulse wave and coughing actions, may lead to the potential use of PSNG for early intervention. It is presumed that PSNG has enormous future aspects in real-time as well as remote health care assessment.

Magnetoelastoelectric coupling in core-shell nanoparticles enabling directional and mode-selective magnetic control of THz beam propagation

DOE PAGES

Dutta, Moumita; Prasankumar, Rohit Prativadi; Natarajan, Kamaraju; ...

2017-08-07

Magnetoelastoelectric coupling in an engineered biphasic multiferroic nanocomposite enables a novel magnetic field direction-defined propagation control of terahertz (THz) waves. These core–shell nanoparticles are comprised of a ferromagnetic cobalt ferrite core and a ferroelectric barium titanate shell. Furthermore, an assembly of these nanoparticles, when operated in external magnetic fields, exhibits a controllable amplitude modulation when the magnetic field is applied antiparallel to the THz wave propagation direction; yet the same assembly displays an additional phase modulation when the magnetic field is applied along the propagation direction. And while field-induced magnetostriction of the core leads to amplitude modulation, phase modulation ismore » a result of stress-mediated piezoelectricity of the outer ferroelectric shell.« less

Method of producing silicon. [gas phase reactor multiple injector liquid feed system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolf, C. B.; Meyer, T. N. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A liquid reactant injector assembly suited for the injection of liquid reactant into a high temperature metal reductant vapor and carrier gas stream for the production of metal is presented. The assembly is especially adapted for the continuous production of high purity silicon by the reduction of SiCl4 with sodium. The assembly includes a refractory-lined, hollow metal shell having ten equally-spaced, concentric, radially directed ports provided in the shell and wall. A hydraulic, atomizing type spray nozzle is mounted in each of the ports recessed from the inner wall surface.

Mounting for Fabrication, Metrology, and Assembly of Full Shell Grazing Incidence Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roche, Jacqueline M.; Gubarev, Mikhail V.; O'Dell, Stephen L.; Kolodziejczak, Jeffery; Weisskopf, Martin C.; Ramsey, Brian D.; Elsner, Ronald F.

2014-01-01

Future x-ray telescopes will likely require lightweight mirrors to attain the large collecting areas needed to accomplish the science objectives. Understanding and demonstrating processes now is critical to achieving sub-arcsecond performance in the future. Consequently, designs not only of the mirrors but of fixtures for supporting them during fabrication, metrology, handling, assembly, and testing must be adequately modeled and verified. To this end, MSFC is using finite-element modeling to study the effects of mounting on full-shell grazing-incidence mirrors, during all processes leading to flight mirror assemblies. Here we report initial results of this study.

Self-Assembled Core-Shell CdTe/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanoensembles as Novel Donor-Acceptor Light-Harvesting Systems.

PubMed

Istif, Emin; Kagkoura, Antonia; Hernandez-Ferrer, Javier; Stergiou, Anastasios; Skaltsas, Theodosis; Arenal, Raul; Benito, Ana M; Maser, Wolfgang K; Tagmatarchis, Nikos

2017-12-27

The self-assembly of novel core-shell nanoensembles consisting of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles (P3HT NPs ) of 100 nm as core and semiconducting CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs ) as shell with a thickness of a few tens of nanometers was accomplished by employing a reprecipitation approach. The structure, morphology, and composition of CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs nanoensembles were confirmed by high-resolution scanning transmission microscopy and dynamic light-scattering studies. Intimate interface contact between the CdTe QDs shell and the P3HT NPs core leads to the stabilization of the CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs nanoensemble as probed by the steady-state absorption spectroscopy. Effective quenching of the characteristic photoluminescence of CdTe QDs at 555 nm, accompanied by simultaneous increase in emission of P3HT NPs at 660 and 720 nm, reveals photoinduced charge-transfer processes. Probing the redox properties of films of CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs further proves the formation of a stabilized core-shell system in the solid state. Photoelectrochemical assays on CdTe QDs /P3HT NPs films show a reversible on-off photoresponse at a bias voltage of +0.8 V with a 3 times increased photocurrent compared to CdTe QDs . The improved charge separation is directly related to the unique core-shell configuration, in which the outer CdTe QDs shell forces the P3HT NPs core to effectively act as electron acceptor. The creation of novel donor-acceptor core-shell hybrid materials via self-assembly is transferable to other types of conjugated polymers and semiconducting nanoparticles. This work, therefore, opens new pathways for the design of improved optoelectronic devices.

Nanoscale assembly processes revealed in the nacroprismatic transition zone of Pinna nobilis mollusc shells

PubMed Central

Hovden, Robert; Wolf, Stephan E.; Holtz, Megan E.; Marin, Frédéric; Muller, David A.; Estroff, Lara A.

2015-01-01

Intricate biomineralization processes in molluscs engineer hierarchical structures with meso-, nano- and atomic architectures that give the final composite material exceptional mechanical strength and optical iridescence on the macroscale. This multiscale biological assembly inspires new synthetic routes to complex materials. Our investigation of the prism–nacre interface reveals nanoscale details governing the onset of nacre formation using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. A wedge-polishing technique provides unprecedented, large-area specimens required to span the entire interface. Within this region, we find a transition from nanofibrillar aggregation to irregular early-nacre layers, to well-ordered mature nacre suggesting the assembly process is driven by aggregation of nanoparticles (∼50–80 nm) within an organic matrix that arrange in fibre-like polycrystalline configurations. The particle number increases successively and, when critical packing is reached, they merge into early-nacre platelets. These results give new insights into nacre formation and particle-accretion mechanisms that may be common to many calcareous biominerals. PMID:26631940

Self-Assembled Upconversion Nanoparticle Clusters for NIR-controlled Drug Release and Synergistic Therapy after Conjugation with Gold Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Cai, Huijuan; Shen, Tingting; Kirillov, Alexander M; Zhang, Yu; Shan, Changfu; Li, Xiang; Liu, Weisheng; Tang, Yu

2017-05-01

Fabricated three-dimensional (3D) upconversion nanoclusters (abbreviated as EBSUCNPs) are obtained via an emulsion-based bottom-up self-assembly of NaGdF 4 :Yb/Er@NaGdF 4 nanoparticles (abbreviated as UCNPs), which comprise a NaGdF 4 :Yb/Er core and a NaGdF 4 shell. The EBSUCNPs were then coated with a thin mesoporous amino-functionalized SiO 2 shell (resulting in EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 precursor) and further conjugated with gold nanoparticles to give the novel EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 @Au material. Finally, EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 @Au was applied as a biocompatible and efficient drug carrier for doxorubicin (DOX), thus giving rise to a multifunctional EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 -DOX@Au nanocomposite. This final material, EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 -DOX@Au, and the precursor nanoparticles, EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 @Au, were both fully characterized and their luminescence was investigated in detail. In addition, the drug release properties and photothermal effects of EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 -DOX@Au were also discussed. Interestingly, when under NIR irradiation, an increasing DOX release was achieved owing to the thermal effect of the Au NPs after absorbing the green light from the upconversion nanoclusters based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect. Thus, a near-infrared (NIR)-controlled "on-off" pattern of drug release behavior can be achieved. Moreover, compared with a single therapy method, the assembled nanocomposites exhibit a good synergistic therapy against cancer cells that combines chemotherapy with photothermal therapy. In addition, the in vitro fluorescence microscopy images of EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 -DOX@Au show a higher enhancement in the red region due to the loading of DOX molecules with respect to EBSUCNPs@SiO 2 @Au. Therefore, this novel multifunctional 3D cluster architecture can be used in the biomedical field after modification and may pave a new way in other application areas of UCNPs clusters.

Connector acts as quick coupling in coaxial cable application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brejcha, A. G., Jr.

1966-01-01

Quick-coupling connector whose inner shells are threaded to the cable ends and whose outer shells have tracks that register in channels machined in the inner shells are rotated 45 deg to effect a locking of the coupling. This connector faithfully reproduces excellent electrical characteristics no matter how frequently assembled and disassembled.

Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis Identifies an Asparagine–Arginine–Lysine Triad Essential to Assembly of the Shell of the Pdu Microcompartment

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

Sinha, Sharmistha; Cheng, Shouqiang; Sung, Yea Won

2014-06-01

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are the simplest organelles known. They function to enhance metabolic pathways by confining several related enzymes inside an all-protein envelope called the shell. In this study, we investigated the factors that govern MCP assembly by performing scanning mutagenesis on the surface residues of PduA, a major shell protein of the MCP used for 1,2-propanediol degradation. Biochemical, genetic, and structural analysis of 20 mutants allowed us to determine that PduA K26, N29, and R79 are crucial residues that stabilize the shell of the 1,2-propanediol MCP. In addition, we identify two PduA mutants (K37A and K55A) that impair MCPmore » function most likely by altering the permeability of its protein shell. These are the first studies to examine the phenotypic effects of shell protein structural mutations in an MCP system. The findings reported here may be applicable to engineering protein containers with improved stability for biotechnology applications.« less

Electrostatics-driven assembly of uni-lamellar catanionic facetted vesicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Cheuk-Yui; Palmer, Liam; Kewalramani, Sumit; Sknepnek, Rastko; Vernizzi, Graziano; Greenfield, Megan; Stupp, Samuel; Bedzyk, Michael; Olvera de La Cruz, Monica

2012-02-01

Nature utilizes shape to generate function. Organelle and halophilic bacteria wall envelopes, for example, adopt various polyhedral shapes to compartmentalize matter. The origin of these shapes is unknown. A large variety of shell geometries, either fully faceted polyhedra or mixed Janus-like vesicles with faceted and curved domains that resemble cellular shells can be generated by coassembling water-insoluble anionic (--1) amphiphiles with high valence cationic (+2 and +3) amphiphiles. Electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, theory and simulations demonstrate that the resulting faceted ionic shells are crystalline, and stable at high salt concentrations. The crystallization of the co-assembled single tail amphiphiles is induced by ionic correlations, and modified by the solution pH. This work promotes the design of faceted shapes for various applications and improves our understanding of the origin of polyhedral shells in nature.

Imaging and Quantitation of a Succession of Transient Intermediates Reveal the Reversible Self-Assembly Pathway of a Simple Icosahedral Virus Capsid.

PubMed

Medrano, María; Fuertes, Miguel Ángel; Valbuena, Alejandro; Carrillo, Pablo J P; Rodríguez-Huete, Alicia; Mateu, Mauricio G

2016-11-30

Understanding the fundamental principles underlying supramolecular self-assembly may facilitate many developments, from novel antivirals to self-organized nanodevices. Icosahedral virus particles constitute paradigms to study self-assembly using a combination of theory and experiment. Unfortunately, assembly pathways of the structurally simplest virus capsids, those more accessible to detailed theoretical studies, have been difficult to study experimentally. We have enabled the in vitro self-assembly under close to physiological conditions of one of the simplest virus particles known, the minute virus of mice (MVM) capsid, and experimentally analyzed its pathways of assembly and disassembly. A combination of electron microscopy and high-resolution atomic force microscopy was used to structurally characterize and quantify a succession of transient assembly and disassembly intermediates. The results provided an experiment-based model for the reversible self-assembly pathway of a most simple (T = 1) icosahedral protein shell. During assembly, trimeric capsid building blocks are sequentially added to the growing capsid, with pentamers of building blocks and incomplete capsids missing one building block as conspicuous intermediates. This study provided experimental verification of many features of self-assembly of a simple T = 1 capsid predicted by molecular dynamics simulations. It also demonstrated atomic force microscopy imaging and automated analysis, in combination with electron microscopy, as a powerful single-particle approach to characterize at high resolution and quantify transient intermediates during supramolecular self-assembly/disassembly reactions. Finally, the efficient in vitro self-assembly achieved for the oncotropic, cell nucleus-targeted MVM capsid may facilitate its development as a drug-encapsidating nanoparticle for anticancer targeted drug delivery.

Inlet nozzle assembly

DOEpatents

Christiansen, David W.; Karnesky, Richard A.; Precechtel, Donald R.; Smith, Bob G.; Knight, Ronald C.

1987-01-01

An inlet nozzle assembly for directing coolant into the duct tube of a fuel assembly attached thereto. The nozzle assembly includes a shell for housing separable components including an orifice plate assembly, a neutron shield block, a neutron shield plug, and a diffuser block. The orifice plate assembly includes a plurality of stacked plates of differently configurated and sized openings for directing coolant therethrough in a predesigned flow pattern.

Inlet nozzle assembly

DOEpatents

Christiansen, D.W.; Karnesky, R.A.; Knight, R.C.; Precechtel, D.R.; Smith, B.G.

1985-09-09

An inlet nozzle assembly for directing coolant into the duct tube of a fuel assembly attached thereto. The nozzle assembly includes a shell for housing separable components including an orifice plate assembly, a neutron shield block, a neutron shield plug, and a diffuser block. The orifice plate assembly includes a plurality of stacked plates of differently configurated and sized openings for directing coolant therethrough in a predesigned flow pattern.

Shell Martinez Refinery, Martinez, CA: Consent Agreement and Final Order

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Final executed Consent Agreement and Final Order (CA/FO) negotiated between EPA Region 9, and Shell Oil Products US relating to violations discovered during routine compliance evaluation inspections at the Shell Martinez Refinery in Martinez, California.

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

Nick Cannell; Dr. Mark Samonds; Adi Sholapurwalla

The investment casting process is an expendable mold process where wax patterns of the part and rigging are molded, assembled, shelled and melted to produce a ceramic mold matching the shape of the component to be cast. Investment casting is an important manufacturing method for critical parts because of the ability to maintain dimensional shape and tolerances. However, these tolerances can be easily exceeded if the molding components do not maintain their individual shapes well. In the investment casting process there are several opportunities for the final casting shape to not maintain the intended size and shape, such as shrinkagemore » of the wax in the injection tool, the modification of the shape during shell heating, and with the thermal shrink and distortion in the casting process. Studies have been completed to look at the casting and shell distortions through the process in earlier phases of this project. Dr. Adrian Sabau at Oak Ridge National Labs performed characterizations and validations of 17-4 PH stainless steel in primarily fused silica shell systems with good agreement between analysis results and experimental data. Further tasks provided material property measurements of wax and methodology for employing a viscoelastic definition of wax materials into software. The final set of tasks involved the implementation of the findings into the commercial casting analysis software ProCAST, owned and maintained by ESI Group. This included: o the transfer of the wax material property data from its raw form into separate temperature-dependent thermophysical and mechanical property datasets o adding this wax material property data into an easily viewable and modifiable user interface within the pre-processing application of the ProCAST suite, namely PreCAST o and validating the data and viscoelastic wax model with respect to experimental results« less

Nondestructive pasteurization of shell eggs using radio frequency energy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Shell eggs are on the top of the list of the 10 riskiest foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and 352 outbreaks from 1990 to 2006 were linked to eggs. The goals of this study were to design and assemble an apparatus to apply RF energy to shell eggs and to develop a process for pasteur...

Aerodynamic flail for a spinning projectile

DOEpatents

Cole, James K.

1990-05-01

A flail is provided which reduces the spin of a projectile in a recovery system which includes a parachute, a cable connected to the parachute, a swivel, and means for connecting the swivel to the projectile. The flail includes a plurality of flexible filaments and a rotor for attaching the filaments to the front end of the projectile. The rotor is located radially with respect to the spinning axis of the projectile. In one embodiment, the projectile includes a first nose cone section housing a deployable spin damping assembly; a second nose cone section, housing a deployable parachute assembly; a shell section, supporting the first and second nose cone sections during flight of the projectile; a mechanism for releasing the first nose cone section from the second cone section; and a mechanism for releasing the second nose cone section from the shell section. In operation of this embodiment, the deployable spin damping assembly deploys during flight of the projectile when the mechanism for releasing the first nose cone section from the second nose cone section are actuated. Then, upon actuation of the mechanism for releasing the second nose cone section from the shell section, two things happen: the spin damping assembly separates from the projectile; and the deployable parachute assembly is deployed.

Aerodynamic flail for a spinning projectile

DOEpatents

Cole, James K.

1990-01-01

A flail is provided which reduces the spin of a projectile in a recovery system which includes a parachute, a cable connected to the parachute, a swivel, and means for connecting the swivel to the projectile. The flail includes a plurality of flexible filaments and a rotor for attaching the filaments to the front end of the projectile. The rotor is located radially with respect to the spinning axis of the projectile. In one embodiment, the projectile includes a first nose cone section housing a deployable spin damping assembly; a second nose cone section, housing a deployable parachute assembly; a shell section, supporting the first and second nose cone sections during flight of the projectile; a mechanism for releasing the first nose cone section from the second cone section; and a mechanism for releasing the second nose cone section from the shell section. In operation of this embodiment, the deployable spin damping assembly deploys during flight of the projectile when the mechanism for releasing the first nose cone section from the second nose cone section are actuated. Then, upon actuation of the mechanism for releasing the second nose cone section from the shell section, two things happen: the spin damping assembly separates from the projectile; and the deployable parachute assembly is deployed.

Dynamic Stiffness Modeling of Composite Plate and Shell Assemblies

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-09

FA8655-10-1-3084 Report 6 Dynamic Stiffness Modelling of Plate and Shell Assemblies 4 Introduction Aerospace structures are generally made up of thin ...Sound and Vibration, 294(1- 2):131–161, 2006. [23] Y. F. Xing and B. Liu. New exact solutions for free vibrations of thin orthotropic rectangular plates ...Structures, 89(5–6):467–475, 2011. [80] A.Y.T. Leung. Dynamic stiffness analysis of laminated composite plates . Thin - Walled Structures, 25:109–133, 1996

Visible photoelectrochemical water splitting into H 2 and O 2 in a dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell

DOE PAGES

Alibabaei, Leila; Sherman, Benjamin D.; Norris, Michael R.; ...

2015-04-27

A hybrid strategy for solar water splitting is exploited here based on a dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell (DSPEC) with a mesoporous SnO 2/TiO 2 core/shell nanostructured electrode derivatized with a surface-bound Ru(II) polypyridyl-based chromophore–catalyst assembly. The assembly, [(4,4’-(PO 3H 2) 2bpy) 2Ru(4-Mebpy-4’-bimpy)Ru(tpy)(OH 2)] 4+ ([RuaII-RubII-OH 2] 4+, combines both a light absorber and a water oxidation catalyst in a single molecule. It was attached to the TiO 2 shell by phosphonate-surface oxide binding. The oxide-bound assembly was further stabilized on the surface by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of either Al 2O 3 or TiO 2 overlayers. Illumination of the resulting fluorine-dopedmore » tin oxide (FTO)|SnO 2/TiO 2|-[Ru a II-Ru b II-OH 2] 4+(Al 2O 3 or TiO 2) photoanodes in photoelectrochemical cells with a Pt cathode and a small applied bias resulted in visible-light water splitting as shown by direct measurements of both evolved H 2 and O 2. The performance of the resulting DSPECs varies with shell thickness and the nature and extent of the oxide overlayer. Use of the SnO 2/TiO 2 core/shell compared with nanoITO/TiO 2 with the same assembly results in photocurrent enhancements of ~5. In conclusion, systematic variations in shell thickness and ALD overlayer lead to photocurrent densities as high as 1.97 mA/cm 2 with 445-nm, ~90-mW/cm 2 illumination in a phosphate buffer at pH 7.« less

Hollow spheres: crucial building blocks for novel nanostructures and nanophotonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Kuo; Song, Kai; Clays, Koen

2018-03-01

In this review, we summarize the latest developments in research specifically derived from the unique properties of hollow microspheres, in particular, hollow silica spheres with uniform shells. We focus on applications in nanosphere (colloidal) lithography and nanophotonics. The lithography from a layer of hollow spheres can result in nanorings, from a multilayer in unique nano-architecture. In nanophotonics, disordered hollow spheres can result in antireflection coatings, while ordered colloidal crystals (CCs) of hollow spheres exhibit unique refractive index enhancement upon infiltration, ideal for optical sensing. Furthermore, whispering gallery mode (WGM) inside the shell of hollow spheres has also been demonstrated to enhance light absorption to improve the performance of solar cells. These applications differ from the classical applications of hollow spheres, based only on their low density and large surface area, such as catalysis and chemical sensing. We provide a brief overview of the synthesis and self-assembly approaches of the hollow spheres. We elaborate on their unique optical features leading to defect mode lasing, optomicrofluidics, and the existence of WGMs inside shell for light management. Finally, we provide a perspective on the direction towards which future research relevant to hollow spheres might be directed.

A facile method for synthesis of well-coated ZnO@graphene core/shell structure by self-assembly of amine-functionalized ZnO and graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yunlong; Song, Lixin; Zhang, Yuzhi; Wang, Panpan; Liu, Yangqiao; Wu, Lingnan; Zhang, Tao

2016-06-01

The core/shell structure was formed by GO self-assembled with amine-functionalized commercial ZnO (CZO) and preparative hexagonal ZnO (HZO), respectively. Graphene-coated CZO and HZO were obtained after being reduced in Ar at 500 °C. The mechanism of the coating procedure was investigated by measuring their respective zeta potential values. Our characterizations demonstrate that graphene on HZO has better quality and fewer layers. An obvious band gap decrease of ZnO was observed for coating with graphene. Photoluminescence spectra of ZnO@graphene core/shell composites display the fluorescence quenching property, which indicates its good application prospect in optoelectronics, photocatalytic and other fields.

Core-shell-corona polymeric micelles as a versatile template for synthesis of inorganic hollow nanospheres.

PubMed

Sasidharan, Manickam; Nakashima, Kenichi

2014-01-21

Hollow, inorganic nanoscale capsules have many applications, from the delivery of encapsulated products for cosmetic and medicinal purposes to use as lightweight composite materials. Early methods for producing inorganic hollow nanospheres using hard templates suffered from low product yield and shell weakness upon template removal. In the past decade, researchers have turned to amphiphilic copolymers to synthesize hollow nanostructures and ordered mesoporous materials. Amphiphilic molecules self-assemble into well-defined nanostructures including spherical micelles. Micelles formed from simple, two-component AB diblock and ABA triblock copolymers, however, have been difficult to work with to construct inorganic hollow nanoparticles, because the corona of the micelle, which serves as the template for the shell, becomes unstable as it absorbs inorganic shell precursors, causing aggregates to form. Newly developed, three-component ABC triblock copolymers may solve this problem. They provide nanoassemblies with more diverse morphological and functional features than AB diblock and ABA triblock copolymers. Micelles formed from ABC triblock copolymers in selective solvents that dissolve only one or two of the blocks provide templates for these improved nanoassemblies. By manipulating individual polymer blocks, one can "encode" additional features at the molecular level. For instance, modifying the functional groups or substitution patterns of the blocks allows better morphological and size control. Insights into polymer self-assembly gained over years of work in our group have set the stage to systematically engineer inorganic spherical hollow nanoparticles using ABC triblock copolymers. In this Account, we report our recent progress in producing diverse, inorganic hollow spherical nanospheres from asymmetric triblock copolymeric micelles with core-shell-corona architecture as templates. We discuss three classes of polymeric micelles-with neutral, cationic, and anionic shell structures-that allow fabrication of a variety of hollow nanoparticles. Importantly, we synthesized all of these particles in water, avoiding use of hazardous organic solvents. We have designed the precursor of the inorganic material to be selectively sorbed into the shell domain, leaving the corona free from the inorganic precursors that would destabilize the micelle. The core, meanwhile, is the template for the formation of the hollow void. By rationally tailoring experimental parameters, we readily and selectively obtained a variety of hollow nanoparticles including silica, hybrid silicas, metal-oxides, metal-carbonates, metal-sulfates, metal-borates, and metal-phosphates. Finally, we highlight the state-of-the-art techniques we used to characterize these nanoparticles, and describe experiments that demonstrate the potential of these hollow particles in drug delivery, and as anode and cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Shell tile thermal protection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macconochie, I. O.; Lawson, A. G.; Kelly, H. N. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A reusable, externally applied thermal protection system for use on aerospace vehicles subject to high thermal and mechanical stresses utilizes a shell tile structure which effectively separates its primary functions as an insulator and load absorber. The tile consists of structurally strong upper and lower metallic shells manufactured from materials meeting the thermal and structural requirements incident to tile placement on the spacecraft. A lightweight, high temperature package of insulation is utilized in the upper shell while a lightweight, low temperature insulation is utilized in the lower shell. Assembly of the tile which is facilitated by a self-locking mechanism, may occur subsequent to installation of the lower shell on the spacecraft structural skin.

Prediction of the vibroacoustic behavior of a submerged shell with non-axisymmetric internal substructures by a condensed transfer function method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, V.; Maxit, L.; Guyader, J.-L.; Leissing, T.

2016-01-01

The vibroacoustic behavior of axisymmetric stiffened shells immersed in water has been intensively studied in the past. On the contrary, little attention has been paid to the modeling of these shells coupled to non-axisymmetric internal frames. Indeed, breaking the axisymmetry couples the circumferential orders of the Fourier series and considerably increases the computational costs. In order to tackle this issue, we propose a sub-structuring approach called the Condensed Transfer Function (CTF) method that will allow assembling a model of axisymmetric stiffened shell with models of non-axisymmetric internal frames. The CTF method is developed in the general case of mechanical subsystems coupled along curves. A set of orthonormal functions called condensation functions, which depend on the curvilinear abscissa along the coupling line, is considered. This set is then used as a basis for approximating and decomposing the displacements and the applied forces at the line junctions. Thanks to the definition and calculation of condensed transfer functions for each uncoupled subsystem and by using the superposition principle for passive linear systems, the behavior of the coupled subsystems can be deduced. A plane plate is considered as a test case to study the convergence of the method with respect to the type and the number of condensation functions taken into account. The CTF method is then applied to couple a submerged non-periodically stiffened shell described using the Circumferential Admittance Approach (CAA) with internal substructures described by Finite Element Method (FEM). The influence of non-axisymmetric internal substructures can finally be studied and it is shown that it tends to increase the radiation efficiency of the shell and can modify the vibrational and acoustic energy distribution.

Assembly Tests of the First Nb 3 Sn Low-Beta Quadrupole Short Model for the Hi-Lumi LHC

DOE PAGES

Pan, H.; Felice, H.; Cheng, D. W.; ...

2016-01-18

In preparation for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP) in collaboration with CERN is pursuing the development of MQXF: a 150-mm-aperture high-field Nb3Sn quadrupole magnet. Moreover, the development phase starts with the fabrication and test of several short models (1.2-m magnetic length) and will continue with the development of several long prototypes. All of them are mechanically supported using a shell-based support structure, which has been extensively demonstrated on several R&D models within LARP. The first short model MQXFS-AT has been assembled at LBNL with coils fabricated by LARP and CERN.more » In our paper, we summarize the assembly process and show how it relies strongly on experience acquired during the LARP 120-mm-aperture HQ magnet series. We also present comparison between strain gauges data and finite-element model analysis. Finally, we present the implication of the MQXFS-AT experience on the design of the long prototype support structure.« less

Meta-shell Approach for Constructing Lightweight and High Resolution X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClelland, Ryan S.

2016-01-01

Lightweight and high resolution optics are needed for future space-based x-ray telescopes to achieve advances in high-energy astrophysics. Past missions such as Chandra and XMM-Newton have achieved excellent angular resolution using a full shell mirror approach. Other missions such as Suzaku and NuSTAR have achieved lightweight mirrors using a segmented approach. This paper describes a new approach, called meta-shells, which combines the fabrication advantages of segmented optics with the alignment advantages of full shell optics. Meta-shells are built by layering overlapping mirror segments onto a central structural shell. The resulting optic has the stiffness and rotational symmetry of a full shell, but with an order of magnitude greater collecting area. Several meta-shells so constructed can be integrated into a large x-ray mirror assembly by proven methods used for Chandra and XMM-Newton. The mirror segments are mounted to the meta-shell using a novel four point semi-kinematic mount. The four point mount deterministically locates the segment in its most performance sensitive degrees of freedom. Extensive analysis has been performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the four point mount and meta-shell approach. A mathematical model of a meta-shell constructed with mirror segments bonded at four points and subject to launch loads has been developed to determine the optimal design parameters, namely bond size, mirror segment span, and number of layers per meta-shell. The parameters of an example 1.3 m diameter mirror assembly are given including the predicted effective area. To verify the mathematical model and support opto-mechanical analysis, a detailed finite element model of a meta-shell was created. Finite element analysis predicts low gravity distortion and low thermal distortion. Recent results are discussed including Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis as well as vibration and shock testing of prototype meta-shells.

Preparation of K+-Doped Core-Shell NaYF4:Yb, Er Upconversion Nanoparticles and its Application for Fluorescence Immunochromatographic Assay of Human Procalcitonin.

PubMed

Tang, Jie; Lei, Lijiang; Feng, Hui; Zhang, Hongman; Han, Yuwang

2016-11-01

In the present study, we reported a convenient route to prepare well dispersed and functionalized K + -doped core-shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCP) by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of polyelectrolytes. UCP was firstly transferred to aqueous phase using cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) via hydrophobic interaction without removing the existing oleic acid (OA). Then the positively charged hydrophilic UCP@CTAB was further alternately deposited with negatively charged [poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)] (PSS), positively charged [poly (allylamine hydrochloride)] (PAH) and negatively charged [poly (acrylic acid)] (PAA). The final carboxyl functionalized UCP@CTAB@PSS@PAH@PAA was then conjugated with monoclonal antibody1 (AB1) of procalcitonin (PCT), resulting in successful detection of PCT antigens based on the immunochromatographic assay (ICA). Linear response was achieved from 0 to 10 ng/mL, and the lowest limit of detection (LLD) was 0.18 ng/mL.

Ultrathin MnO2 nanoflakes deposited on carbon nanotube networks for symmetrical supercapacitors with enhanced performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Peng; Yi, Huan; Peng, Tianquan; Jing, Yuting; Wang, Ruijing; Wang, Huanwen; Wang, Xuefeng

2017-02-01

Manganese dioxide is a promising electrode material for electrochemical supercapacitors, but its poor electronic conductivity (10-5∼10-6 S cm-1) limits the fast charge/discharge rate for practical applications. In the present work, we use the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to grow highly conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) networks on flexible Ni mesh, on which MnO2 nanoflake layers are deposited by a simple solution method, forming a hierarchical core-shell structure. Under the optimized mass loading, the as-fabricated MnO2 nanoflake@CNTs/Ni mesh electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1072 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 in three-electrode configuration. Due to advantageous features of these core-shell electrodes (e.g., high conductivity, direct current path, structure stability), the as-assembled symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) based on MnO2@CNTs/Ni mesh has a wide working voltage (2.0 V) in 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Finally an impressive energy density of 94.4 Wh kg-1 at 1000 W kg-1 and a high power density of 30.2 kW kg-1 at 33.6 Wh kg-1 have been achieved for the as-assembled SSC, which exhibits a great potential as a low-cost, high energy density and attractive wearable energy storage device.

Methodologies for Verification and Validation of Space Launch System (SLS) Structural Dynamic Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coppolino, Robert N.

2018-01-01

Responses to challenges associated with verification and validation (V&V) of Space Launch System (SLS) structural dynamics models are presented in this paper. Four methodologies addressing specific requirements for V&V are discussed. (1) Residual Mode Augmentation (RMA), which has gained acceptance by various principals in the NASA community, defines efficient and accurate FEM modal sensitivity models that are useful in test-analysis correlation and reconciliation and parametric uncertainty studies. (2) Modified Guyan Reduction (MGR) and Harmonic Reduction (HR, introduced in 1976), developed to remedy difficulties encountered with the widely used Classical Guyan Reduction (CGR) method, are presented. MGR and HR are particularly relevant for estimation of "body dominant" target modes of shell-type SLS assemblies that have numerous "body", "breathing" and local component constituents. Realities associated with configuration features and "imperfections" cause "body" and "breathing" mode characteristics to mix resulting in a lack of clarity in the understanding and correlation of FEM- and test-derived modal data. (3) Mode Consolidation (MC) is a newly introduced procedure designed to effectively "de-feature" FEM and experimental modes of detailed structural shell assemblies for unambiguous estimation of "body" dominant target modes. Finally, (4) Experimental Mode Verification (EMV) is a procedure that addresses ambiguities associated with experimental modal analysis of complex structural systems. Specifically, EMV directly separates well-defined modal data from spurious and poorly excited modal data employing newly introduced graphical and coherence metrics.

Self-assembly of star micelle into vesicle in solvents of variable quality: the star micelle retains its core-shell nanostructure in the vesicle.

PubMed

Liu, Nijuan; He, Qun; Bu, Weifeng

2015-03-03

Intra- and intermolecular interactions of star polymers in dilute solutions are of fundamental importance for both theoretical interest and hierarchical self-assembly into functional nanostructures. Here, star micelles with a polystyrene corona and a small ionic core bearing platinum(II) complexes have been regarded as a model of star polymers to mimic their intra- and interstar interactions and self-assembled behaviors in solvents of weakening quality. In the chloroform/methanol mixture solvents, the star micelles can self-assemble to form vesicles, in which the star micelles shrink significantly and are homogeneously distributed on the vesicle surface. Unlike the morphological evolution of conventional amphiphiles from micellar to vesicular, during which the amphiphilic molecules are commonly reorganized, the star micelles still retain their core-shell nanostructures in the vesicles and the coronal chains of the star micelle between the ionic cores are fully interpenetrated.

Controlled assembly of jammed colloidal shells on fluid droplets.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Anand Bala; Abkarian, Manouk; Stone, Howard A

2005-07-01

Assembly of colloidal particles on fluid interfaces is a promising technique for synthesizing two-dimensional microcrystalline materials useful in fields as diverse as biomedicine, materials science, mineral flotation and food processing. Current approaches rely on bulk emulsification methods, require further chemical and thermal treatments, and are restrictive with respect to the materials used. The development of methods that exploit the great potential of interfacial assembly for producing tailored materials have been hampered by the lack of understanding of the assembly process. Here we report a microfluidic method that allows direct visualization and understanding of the dynamics of colloidal crystal growth on curved interfaces. The crystals are periodically ejected to form stable jammed shells, which we refer to as colloidal armour. We propose that the energetic barriers to interfacial crystal growth and organization can be overcome by targeted delivery of colloidal particles through hydrodynamic flows. Our method allows an unprecedented degree of control over armour composition, size and stability.

Controlled assembly of jammed colloidal shells on fluid droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subramaniam, Anand Bala; Abkarian, Manouk; Stone, Howard A.

2005-07-01

Assembly of colloidal particles on fluid interfaces is a promising technique for synthesizing two-dimensional microcrystalline materials useful in fields as diverse as biomedicine, materials science, mineral flotation and food processing. Current approaches rely on bulk emulsification methods, require further chemical and thermal treatments, and are restrictive with respect to the materials used. The development of methods that exploit the great potential of interfacial assembly for producing tailored materials have been hampered by the lack of understanding of the assembly process. Here we report a microfluidic method that allows direct visualization and understanding of the dynamics of colloidal crystal growth on curved interfaces. The crystals are periodically ejected to form stable jammed shells, which we refer to as colloidal armour. We propose that the energetic barriers to interfacial crystal growth and organization can be overcome by targeted delivery of colloidal particles through hydrodynamic flows. Our method allows an unprecedented degree of control over armour composition, size and stability.

Superstructures of self assembled multiferroic core shell nanoparticles and studies on magneto electric interactions

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-19

Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 Core-shell nanoparticles, frrite, ferroelectric , magnetoelectric REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11...of ferrite- ferroelectric core-shell nanofibers and studies on magneto- electric interactions Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 052910 (2014); 10.1063/1.4864113...1.4893699] A ferromagnetic- ferroelectric composite is a multiferroic in which the magneto-electric (ME) interaction is facilitated by mechanical forces.1–6

The STAR-X X-Ray Telescope Assembly (XTA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClelland, Ryan S.; Bautz, Mark W.; Bonafede, Joseph A.; Miller, Eric D.; Saha, Timo T.; Solly, Peter M.; Zhang, William W.

2017-01-01

The Survey and Time-domain Astrophysical Research eXplorer (STAR-X) science goals are to discover what powers the most violent explosions in the Universe, understand how black holes grow across cosmic time and mass scale, and measure how structure formation heats the majority of baryons in the Universe. To achieve these goals, STAR-X requires a powerful X-ray telescope with a large field of view, large collecting area, and excellent point spread function. The STAR-X instrument, the X-Ray Telescope Assembly (XTA), meets these requirements using a powerful X-ray mirror technology based on precision-polished single crystal silicon and a mature CCD detector technology. The XTA is composed of three major subsystems: an X-ray Mirror Assembly (MA) of high resolution, lightweight mirror segments fabricated out of single crystal silicon; a Focal Plane Assembly (FPA) made of back-illuminated CCD's capable of detecting X-rays with excellent quantum efficiency; and a composite Telescope Tube that structurally links the MA and FPA. The MA consists of 5,972 silicon mirror segments mounted into five subassemblies called meta-shells. A meta-shell is constructed from an annular central structural shell covered with interlocking layers of mirror segments. This paper describes the requirements, design, and analysis of the XTA subsystems with particular focus on the MA.

Optical and Photothermal Behaviors of Colloidal and Self-Assembled Magnetic-Plasmonic Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Kai

This dissertation is based on numerous efforts in exploring the capabilties of numerical simulation for investigating novel optical phenomena in different colloidal plasmonic systems. The dissertation includes five chapters. Chapter 1 contains a general introduction to the fundamentals of plasmonic behaviors in colloidal clusters and bottom-up self-assembly methods for manufacturing colloidal clusters which include magnetic based and DNA-assisted pathways. Chapter 2 presents a systematic comparison of optical and thermodynamic properties of near-infrared colloidal nanoparticles, including SiO2 Au core-shell, Au nanocage and Au nanorod, and an example of the nanobubble-based photothermal therapy application. In Chapter 3, a optical phenomenon named Fano resonance is demonstrated in a colloidal heptamer design which consists of seven Fe 3O4 Au core-shell nanoparticles. The incorporation of the magnetic core enables a magnetic-assisted self-assembly process which will be discussed after the photonic analysis. In Chapter 4, the optical behaviors in a 1D magnetic-plasmonic chain are explored. A demonstration of the magnetic-based self-assembly of this 1D chain is given. Chapter 5 is focused on the study of the chiral optical responses in a helical nanoscale system which follows a 3D helical arrangement of Fe3O4 Au core-shell nanoparticles.

Temperature-responsive nanogel multilayers of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) for topical drug delivery.

PubMed

Zavgorodnya, Oleksandra; Carmona-Moran, Carlos A; Kozlovskaya, Veronika; Liu, Fei; Wick, Timothy M; Kharlampieva, Eugenia

2017-11-15

We report nanothin temperature-responsive hydrogel films of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) nanoparticles (νPVCL) with remarkably high loading capacity for topical drug delivery. Highly swollen (νPVCL) n multilayer hydrogels, where n denotes the number of nanoparticle layers, are produced by layer-by-layer hydrogen-bonded assembly of core-shell PVCL-co-acrylic acid nanoparticles with linear PVPON followed by cross-linking of the acrylic acid shell with either ethylene diamine (EDA) or adipic acid dihydrazide (AAD). We demonstrate that a (νPVCL) 5 film undergoes dramatic and reversible swelling up to 9 times its dry thickness at pH = 7.5, indicating 89v/v % of water inside the network. These hydrogels exhibit highly reversible ∼3-fold thickness changes with temperature variations from 25 to 50°C at pH = 5, the average pH of human skin. We also show that a (νPVCL) 30 hydrogel loaded with ∼120µgcm -2 sodium diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for osteoarthritis pain management, provides sustained permeation of this drug through an artificial skin membrane for up to 24h at 32°C (the average human skin surface temperature). The cumulative amount of diclofenac transported at 32°C from the (νPVCL) 30 hydrogel after 24h is 12 times higher than that from the (νPVCL) 30 hydrogel at 22°C. Finally, we demonstrate that the (νPVCL) hydrogels can be used for multiple drug delivery by inclusion of Nile red, fluorescein and DAPI dyes within the νPVCL nanoparticles prior to hydrogel assembly. Using confocal microscopy we observed the presence of separate dye-loaded νPVCL compartments within the hydrogel matrix with all three dyes confined to the nanogel particles without intermixing between the dyes. Our study provides opportunity for development of temperature-responsive multilayer hydrogel coatings made via the assembly of core-shell nanogel particles which can be used for skin-sensitive materials for topical drug delivery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Isochoric Implosions for Fast Ignition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Daniel; Tabak, Max

2006-10-01

Various gain models have shown the potentially great advantages of Fast Ignition (FI) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) over its conventional hotspot ignition counterpart. These gain models, however, all assume nearly uniform-density fuel assemblies. By contrast, typical ICF implosions yield hollowed fuel assemblies with a high-density shell of fuel surrounding a low-density, high-pressure hotspot. To realize fully the advantages of FI, then, an alternative implosion design must be found which yields nearly isochoric fuel assemblies without substantial hotspots. Here, it is shown that a self-similar spherical implosion of the type originally studied by Guderley [Luftfahrtforschung 19, 302 (1942)] may be employed to yield precisely such quasi-isochoric imploded states. The difficulty remains, however, of accessing these self-similarly imploding configurations from initial conditions representing an actual ICF target, namely a uniform, solid-density shell at rest. Furthermore, these specialized implosions must be realized for practicable drive parameters, i.e., accessible peak pressures, shell aspect ratios, etc. An implosion scheme is presented which meets all of these requirements, suggesting the possibility of genuinely isochoric implosions for FI.

Assembly of ordered carbon shells on semiconducting nanomaterials

DOEpatents

Sutter, Eli Anguelova; Sutter, Peter Werner

2010-05-11

In some embodiments of the invention, encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials are described. In certain embodiments the nanostructures described are semiconducting nanomaterials encapsulated with ordered carbon shells. In some aspects a method for producing encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials is disclosed. In some embodiments applications of encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials are described.

Filament-wound spar shell graphite/epoxy fan blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yao, S.

1976-01-01

The methodology for fabrication of wet filament wound spar shell fan blades is presented. All principal structural elements were filament wound, assembled, formed, bonded and co-cured in a female mold. A pair of blades were fabricated as one integral unit and parted into two after curing.

Assembly of ordered carbon shells on semiconducting nanomaterials

DOEpatents

Sutter, Eli Anguelova; Sutter, Peter Werner

2012-10-02

In some embodiments of the invention, encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials are described. In certain embodiments the nanostructures described are semiconducting nanomaterials encapsulated with ordered carbon shells. In some aspects a method for producing encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials is disclosed. In some embodiments applications of encapsulated semiconducting nanomaterials are described.

Size-Dependent Specific Surface Area of Nanoporous Film Assembled by Core-Shell Iron Nanoclusters

DOE PAGES

Antony, Jiji; Nutting, Joseph; Baer, Donald R.; ...

2006-01-01

Nmore » anoporous films of core-shell iron nanoclusters have improved possibilities for remediation, chemical reactivity rate, and environmentally favorable reaction pathways. Conventional methods often have difficulties to yield stable monodispersed core-shell nanoparticles. We produced core-shell nanoclusters by a cluster source that utilizes combination of Fe target sputtering along with gas aggregations in an inert atmosphere at 7 ∘ C . Sizes of core-shell iron-iron oxide nanoclusters are observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The specific surface areas of the porous films obtained from Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) process are size-dependent and compared with the calculated data.« less

Fluid-flow-templated self-assembly of calcium carbonate tubes in the laboratory and in biomineralization: The tubules of the watering-pot shells, Clavagelloidea.

PubMed

Cardoso, Silvana S S; Cartwright, Julyan H E; Checa, Antonio G; Sainz-Díaz, C Ignacio

2016-10-01

We show with laboratory experiments that self-assembled mineral tube formation involving precipitation around a templating jet of fluid - a mechanism well-known in the physical sciences from the tubular growth of so-called chemical gardens - functions with carbonates, and we analyse the microstructures and compositions of the precipitates. We propose that there should exist biological examples of fluid-flow-templated tubes formed from carbonates. We present observational and theoretical modelling evidence that the complex structure of biomineral calcium carbonate tubules that forms the 'rose' of the watering-pot shells, Clavagelloidea, may be an instance of this mechanism in biomineralization. We suggest that this is an example of self-organization and self-assembly processes in biomineralization, and that such a mechanism is of interest for the production of tubes as a synthetic biomaterial. The work discussed in the manuscript concerns the self-assembly of calcium carbonate micro-tubes and nano-tubes under conditions of fluid flow together with chemical reaction. We present the results of laboratory experiments on tube self-assembly together with theoretical calculations. We show how nature may already be making use of this process in molluscan biomineralization of the so-called watering-pot shells, and we propose that we may be able to take advantage of the formation mechanism to produce synthetic biocompatible micro- and nano-tubes. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-assembly of multiferroic core-shell particulate nanocomposites through DNA-DNA hybridization and magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreenivasulu, Gollapudi; Lochbiler, Thomas A.; Panda, Manashi; Srinivasan, Gopalan; Chavez, Ferman A.

2016-04-01

Multiferroic composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases are of importance for studies on mechanical strain mediated coupling between the magnetic and electric subsystems. This work is on DNA-assisted self-assembly of superstructures of such composites with nanometer periodicity. The synthesis involved oligomeric DNA-functionalized ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanoparticles, 600 nm BaTiO3 (BTO) and 200 nm NiFe2O4 (NFO), respectively. Mixing BTO and NFO particles, possessing complementary DNA sequences, resulted in the formation of ordered core-shell heteronanocomposites held together by DNA hybridization. The composites were imaged by scanning electron microscopy and scanning microwave microscopy. The presence of heteroassemblies along with core-shell architecture is clearly observed. The reversible nature of the DNA hybridization allows for restructuring the composites into mm-long linear chains and 2D-arrays in the presence of a static magnetic field and ring-like structures in a rotating-magnetic field. Strong magneto-electric (ME) coupling in as-assembled composites is evident from static magnetic field H induced polarization and low-frequency magnetoelectric voltage coefficient measurements. Upon annealing the nanocomposites at high temperatures, evidence for the formation of bulk composites with excellent cross-coupling between the electric and magnetic subsystems is obtained by H-induced polarization and low-frequency ME voltage coefficient. The ME coupling strength in the self-assembled composites is measured to be much stronger than in bulk composites with randomly distributed NFO and BTO prepared by direct mixing and sintering.

A self-assembly aptasensor based on thick-shell quantum dots for sensing of ochratoxin A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Xianfeng; Dou, Xiaowen; Liang, Ruizheng; Li, Menghua; Kong, Weijun; Yang, Xihui; Luo, Jiaoyang; Yang, Meihua; Zhao, Ming

2016-02-01

A novel self-assembling aptasensor was fabricated by precisely attaching three phosphorothioate-modified capture aptamers onto a single thick-shell quantum dot in a controllable manner for monitoring of ochratoxin A (OTA), a poisonous contaminant widespread in foodstuffs. Herein, CdSe/CdS QDs coated in ten layer CdS shells were synthesized using a continual precursor injection method. Analysis of the prepared CdSe/CdS QDs showed a zinc-blende structure, high photoluminescence quantum yields (>80%), and a photoemission peak with a narrow full-width at half-maximum (about 29 nm), all qualities that render them as a superior choice for optical applications. By adjusting the number of phosphorothioate bases in the anchor domain, the tunable-valency aptasensor was able to self-assemble. In the sensing strategy, the thick-shell quantum dot was provided as an acceptor while OTA itself was used as a donor. In the presence of OTA, the capture aptamers drive the aptasensor function into a measurable signal through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system. The newly developed aptasensor had a detection limit as low as 0.5 ng mL-1, with a linear concentration in the range of 1 to 30 ng mL-1, and therefore meets the requirements for rapid, effective, and anti-interference sensors for real-world applications. Moreover, the high quality thick-shell QDs provide an ideal alternative for highly sensitive imaging and intensive illumination in the fields of biotechnology and bioengineering.A novel self-assembling aptasensor was fabricated by precisely attaching three phosphorothioate-modified capture aptamers onto a single thick-shell quantum dot in a controllable manner for monitoring of ochratoxin A (OTA), a poisonous contaminant widespread in foodstuffs. Herein, CdSe/CdS QDs coated in ten layer CdS shells were synthesized using a continual precursor injection method. Analysis of the prepared CdSe/CdS QDs showed a zinc-blende structure, high photoluminescence quantum yields (>80%), and a photoemission peak with a narrow full-width at half-maximum (about 29 nm), all qualities that render them as a superior choice for optical applications. By adjusting the number of phosphorothioate bases in the anchor domain, the tunable-valency aptasensor was able to self-assemble. In the sensing strategy, the thick-shell quantum dot was provided as an acceptor while OTA itself was used as a donor. In the presence of OTA, the capture aptamers drive the aptasensor function into a measurable signal through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system. The newly developed aptasensor had a detection limit as low as 0.5 ng mL-1, with a linear concentration in the range of 1 to 30 ng mL-1, and therefore meets the requirements for rapid, effective, and anti-interference sensors for real-world applications. Moreover, the high quality thick-shell QDs provide an ideal alternative for highly sensitive imaging and intensive illumination in the fields of biotechnology and bioengineering. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Table S1. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08284f

Opal shell structures: direct assembly versus inversion approach.

PubMed

Deng, Tian-Song; Sharifi, Parvin; Marlow, Frank

2013-09-16

Opal shell structures can be fabricated in two ways: By direct assembly from hollow spheres (hs-opal) or by infiltration of precursors into opal templates and inversion. The resulting lattice disturbances were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, and transmission spectra. The hs-opal system shows much lower disturbances, for example, a lower number of cracks and lattice deformations. The strong suppression of crack formation in one of these inverse opal structures can be considered as promising candidates for the fabrication of more perfect photonic crystals. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multilayered Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules: Interaction with the Enzyme Cytochrome C Oxidase

PubMed Central

Pastorino, Laura; Dellacasa, Elena; Noor, Mohamed R.; Soulimane, Tewfik; Bianchini, Paolo; D'Autilia, Francesca; Antipov, Alexei; Diaspro, Alberto; Tofail, Syed A. M.; Ruggiero, Carmelina

2014-01-01

Cell-sized polyelectrolyte capsules functionalized with a redox-driven proton pump protein were assembled for the first time. The interaction of polyelectrolyte microcapsules, fabricated by electrostatic layer-by-layer assembly, with cytochrome c oxidase molecules was investigated. We found that the cytochrome c oxidase retained its functionality, that the functionalized microcapsules interacting with cytochrome c oxidase were permeable and that the permeability characteristics of the microcapsule shell depend on the shell components. This work provides a significant input towards the fabrication of an integrated device made of biological components and based on specific biomolecular functions and properties. PMID:25372607

Field-induced self-assembly of iron oxide nanoparticles investigated using small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Fu, Zhendong; Xiao, Yinguo; Feoktystov, Artem; Pipich, Vitaliy; Appavou, Marie-Sousai; Su, Yixi; Feng, Erxi; Jin, Wentao; Brückel, Thomas

2016-11-03

The magnetic-field-induced assembly of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) provides a unique and flexible strategy in the design and fabrication of functional nanostructures and devices. We have investigated the field-induced self-assembly of core-shell iron oxide NPs dispersed in toluene by means of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The form factor of the core-shell NPs was characterized and analyzed using SANS with polarized neutrons. Large-scale aggregates of iron oxide NPs formed above 0.02 T as indicated by very-small-angle neutron scattering measurements. A three-dimensional long-range ordered superlattice of iron oxide NPs was revealed under the application of a moderate magnetic field. The crystal structure of the superlattice has been identified to be face-centred cubic.

The Manufacturing Process for the NASA Composite Crew Module Demonstration Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pelham, Larry; Higgins, John E.

2008-01-01

This paper will describe the approaches and methods selected in fabrication of a carbon composite demonstration structure for the Composite Crew Module (CCM) Program. The program is managed by the NASA Safety and Engineering Center with participants from ten NASA Centers and AFRL. Multiple aerospace contractors are participating in the design development, tooling and fabrication effort as well. The goal of the program is to develop an agency wide design team for composite habitable spacecraft. The specific goals for this development project are: a).To gain hands on experience in design, building and testing a composite crew module. b) To validate key assumptions by resolving composite spacecraft design details through fabrication and testing of hardware. This abstract is based on Preliminary Design data..The final design will continue to evolve through the fall of 2007 with fabrication mostly completed by conference date. From a structures perspective, the.CCM can be viewed as a pressure module with variable pressure time histories and a series of both impact and quasi-static, high intensity point, line, and area distributed loads. The portion of the overall space vehicle being designed and. fabricated by the CCM team is just the pressure module and primary loading points. The heaviest point loads are applied and distributed to the pressure module at.an aluminum Service Module/Alternate Launch Abort System (SM/ALAS) fittings and at Main and Drogue Chute fittings. Significant line loads with metal to metal impact is applied at.the Lids ring. These major external point and line loads as well as pressure impact loads (blast and water landing) are applied to the lobed floor though the reentry shield and crushable materials. The pressure module is divided into upper and lower. shells that mate together with a bonded belly band splice joint to create the completed structural assembly. The benefits of a split CCM far outweigh the risks of a joint. These benefits include lower tooling cost and less manufacturing risk. Assembly of the top and bottom halves of the pressure shell will allow access to the interior of the shell throughout remaining fabrication sequence and can also potentially permit extensive installation of equipment and .crew facilities prior to final assembly of the two shell halves. A Pi pre-form is a woven carbon composite material which is provided in pre-impregnated form and frozen for long term storage. The cross-section shape allows the top of the pi to be bonded to a flat or curved surface with a second flat plate composite section bonded between two upstanding legs of the Pi. One of the regions relying on the merits of the Pi pre-form is the backbone. All connections among plates of the backbone structure, including the upper flanges, and to the lobe base of the pressure shell are currently joined by Pi pre-forms. The intersection of backbone composite plates is formed by application of two Pi pre-forms, top flanges and lobed surfaces are bonded with one Pi pre-form. The process of applying the pre-impregnated pi-preform will be demonstrated to include important steps like surface preparation, forming, application of pressure dams, vacuum bagging for consolidation, and curing techniques. Chopped carbon fiber tooling was selected over other traditional metallic and carbon fiber tooling. The requirement of schedule and cost economy for a moderate reuse cure tool warranted composite tooling options. Composite tooling schedule duration of 18 weeks compared favorably against other metallic tooling including invar tooling. Composite tooling also shows significant cost savings over low CTE metallic options. The composite tooling options were divided into two groups and the final decision was based on the cost, schedule, tolerance, temperature, and reuse requirements.

Method and apparatus for an inflatable shell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Christopher J. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A method of assembling an inflatable shell of a structure comprises folding a plurality of shell sections about a set of fold lines and integrating the plurality of shell sections together with one another to form the shell. In another embodiment, an inflatable shell comprises a plurality of shell sections, each shell section having two pairs of fold lines for folding into stowage comprising a first gore section having a plurality of first gore panels layered and collectively folded about at a first set of fold lines. Each layer of the first gore panels and second gore panels are configured such that, once the first gore panel and second gore panel are attached to one another at the respective side edges of each panel, the lines of attachment forming a second set of fold lines for the shell section. A system and method for fabricating gore panels is also disclosed.

Hierarchically assembled NiCo@SiO2@Ag magnetic core-shell microspheres as highly efficient and recyclable 3D SERS substrates.

PubMed

Zhang, Maofeng; Zhao, Aiwu; Wang, Dapeng; Sun, Henghui

2015-01-21

The hierarchically nanosheet-assembled NiCo@SiO2@Ag (NSA) core-shell microspheres have been synthesized by a layer-by-layer procedure at ambient temperature. The mean particle size of NSA microspheres is about 1.7 μm, which is made up of some nanosheets with an average thickness of ∼20 nm. The outer silver shell surface structures can be controlled well by adjusting the concentration of Ag(+) ions and the reaction times. The obtained NSA 3D micro/nanostructures show a structure enhanced SERS performance, which can be attributed to the special nanoscale configuration with wedge-shaped surface architecture. We find that NSA microspheres with nanosheet-assembled shell structure exhibit the highest enhancement efficiency and high SERS sensitivity to p-ATP and MBA molecules. We show that the detection limits for both p-ATP and MBA of the optimized NSA microsphere substrates can approach 10(-7) M. And the relative standard deviation of the Raman peak maximum is ∼13%, which indicates good uniformity of the substrate. In addition, the magnetic NSA microspheres with high saturation magnetization show a quick magnetic response, good recoverability and recyclability. Therefore, such NSA microspheres may have great practical potential applications in rapid and reproducible trace detection of chemical, biological and environment pollutants with a simple portable Raman instrument.

Controllable Construction of Core-Shell Polymer@Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks Fiber Derived Heteroatom-Doped Carbon Nanofiber Network for Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalysis.

PubMed

Zhao, Yingxuan; Lai, Qingxue; Zhu, Junjie; Zhong, Jia; Tang, Zeming; Luo, Yan; Liang, Yanyu

2018-05-01

Designing rational nanostructures of metal-organic frameworks based carbon materials to promote the bifunctional catalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly desired but still remains a great challenge. Herein, an in situ growth method to achieve 1D structure-controllable zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) core/shell fiber (PAN@ZIFs) is developed. Subsequent pyrolysis of this precursor can obtain a heteroatom-doped carbon nanofiber network as an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst. The electrocatalytic performance of derived carbon nanofiber is dominated by the structures of PAN@ZIFs fiber, which is facilely regulated by efficiently controlling the nucleation and growth process of ZIFs on the surface of polymer fiber as well as optimizing the components of ZIFs. Benefiting from the core-shell structures with appropriate dopants and porosity, as-prepared catalysts show brilliant bifunctional ORR/OER catalytic activity and durability. Finally, the rechargeable Zn-air battery assembled from the optimized catalyst (CNF@Zn/CoNC) displays a peak power density of 140.1 mW cm -2 , energy density of 878.9 Wh kg Zn -1 , and excellent cyclic stability over 150 h, giving a promising performance in realistic application. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Method for shearing spent nuclear fuel assemblies

DOEpatents

Weil, Bradley S.; Watson, Clyde D.

1977-01-01

A method is disclosed for shearing spent nuclear fuel assemblies of the type wherein a plurality of long metal tubes packed with ceramic fuel are supported in a spaced apart relationship within an outer metal shell or shroud which provides structural support to the assembly. Spent nuclear fuel assemblies are first compacted in a stepwise manner between specially designed gag-compactors and then sheared into short segments amenable to chemical processing by shear blades contoured to mate with the compacted surface of the fuel assembly.

Gas turbine engine adapted for use in combination with an apparatus for separating a portion of oxygen from compressed air

DOEpatents

Bland, Robert J [Oviedo, FL; Horazak, Dennis A [Orlando, FL

2012-03-06

A gas turbine engine is provided comprising an outer shell, a compressor assembly, at least one combustor assembly, a turbine assembly and duct structure. The outer shell includes a compressor section, a combustor section, an intermediate section and a turbine section. The intermediate section includes at least one first opening and at least one second opening. The compressor assembly is located in the compressor section to define with the compressor section a compressor apparatus to compress air. The at least one combustor assembly is coupled to the combustor section to define with the combustor section a combustor apparatus. The turbine assembly is located in the turbine section to define with the turbine section a turbine apparatus. The duct structure is coupled to the intermediate section to receive at least a portion of the compressed air from the compressor apparatus through the at least one first opening in the intermediate section, pass the compressed air to an apparatus for separating a portion of oxygen from the compressed air to produced vitiated compressed air and return the vitiated compressed air to the intermediate section via the at least one second opening in the intermediate section.

A change in stripes for cholesteric shells via modulated anchoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Lisa; Lavrentovich, Maxim; Durey, Guillaume; Darmon, Alexandre; Haase, Martin; Li, Ningwei; Lee, Daeyeon; Stebe, Kathleen; Kamien, Randall; Lopez-Leon, Teresa

Many of the patterns found in biological systems are also found to self-assemble into cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) systems. In this work, we probe the effect of varying the perpendicular anchoring strength of a CLC that is confined to a spherical shell. The shell geometry gives the confinement and curvature conditions for the formation of a rich array of meta-stable states, revealing an unexplored region between degenerate parallel anchoring and strong perpendicular anchoring. We modulate the anchoring strength in experiments with two methods: by adjusting the surfactant concentration or, interestingly, by varying the temperature. We find two states not previously reported for CLC shells: a Bouligand arches state, where larger, lateral stripes on the shell can be filled with smaller, longitudinal substripes, and a focal conic domain (FCD) state, where thin stripes wrap into at least two, topologically required, double spirals. We use a Landau-de Gennes model of the CLC to simulate the director configurations of these states. This work identifies the Bouligand arches state in CLC shells and builds upon the existing knowledge of cholesteric FCDs, structures that not only have potential for use as intricate, self-assembly blueprints but are pervasive in biological systems. UPENN MRSEC NSF DMR11-20901; ANR Grant 13-JS08-0006-01; IPGG Program ANR-10-IDEX 0001-02 PSL and ANR-10-EQPX-31.

Self-assembling, protein-based intracellular bacterial organelles: emerging vehicles for encapsulating, targeting and delivering therapeutical cargoes

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Many bacterial species contain intracellular nano- and micro-compartments consisting of self-assembling proteins that form protein-only shells. These structures are built up by combinations of a reduced number of repeated elements, from 60 repeated copies of one unique structural element self-assembled in encapsulins of 24 nm to 10,000-20,000 copies of a few protein species assembled in a organelle of around 100-150 nm in cross-section. However, this apparent simplicity does not correspond to the structural and functional sophistication of some of these organelles. They package, by not yet definitely solved mechanisms, one or more enzymes involved in specific metabolic pathways, confining such reactions and sequestering or increasing the inner concentration of unstable, toxics or volatile intermediate metabolites. From a biotechnological point of view, we can use the self assembling properties of these particles for directing shell assembling and enzyme packaging, mimicking nature to design new applications in biotechnology. Upon appropriate engineering of the building blocks, they could act as a new family of self-assembled, protein-based vehicles in Nanomedicine to encapsulate, target and deliver therapeutic cargoes to specific cell types and/or tissues. This would provide a new, intriguing platform of microbial origin for drug delivery. PMID:22046962

Extension arm for mobile travelers suit case

DOEpatents

Byington, Gerald A.

1999-01-01

The invention is an apparatus for adjusting a luggage handle in relation to a luggage frame utilized to transport luggage by a traveler. The handle is connected to two extendable and retractable slide tube assemblies, the assemblies allow for the telescoping of the luggage handle to multiple positions in relation to a pair of fixed frame tubes connected to a luggage shell with wheels, to accommodate the height and personal stride of traveler. The luggage handle incorporates triggering buttons that allow ambidextrous and single-handed control of the height of the handle and slide tube assembly in relation to the luggage. The handle and slide tube assembly are connected by interior filaments to pulleys and filaments within two concentric light-weight slide tubes, which are inserted respectively into two fixed frame tubes, to allow a multitude of positions for the slide tubes to lock into the fixed frame tubes. The apparatus can be pushed or pulled by the traveler, and the support shell can accommodate multiple pieces of luggage.

Temperature and anion responsive self-assembly of ionic liquid block copolymers coating gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junbo; Zhao, Jianlong; Wu, Wenlan; Liang, Ju; Guo, Jinwu; Zhou, Huiyun; Liang, Lijuan

2016-06-01

In this paper, double hydrophilic ionic liquid block copolymers (ILBCs), poly poly[1-methyl-3-(2-methacryloyloxy propylimidazolium bromine)]- block-(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PMMPImB- b-PNIPAAm) was first synthesized by reversible additionfragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and then attached on the surface of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) via a strong gold-sulfur bonding for preparing hybrid nanoparticles (PMMPImB- b-PNIPAAm-@-Au NPs). The hybrid NPs had a three layers micelle-like structure, including a gold core, thermo-responsive inner shell and anion responsive outer corona. The self-assembling behavior of thermal- and anion-response from shell and corona were respectively investigated by change of temperature and addition of (CF3SO2)2N-. The results showed the hybrid NPs retained a stable dispersion beyond the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) because of the space or electrostatic protecting by outer PMMPImB. However, with increasing concentration of (CF3SO2)2N-, the micellization of self-assembling PMMPImB- b-PNIPAAm-@-Au NPs was induced to form micellar structure containing the core with hydrophobic PMMPImB-(CF3SO2)2N- surrounded by composite shell of Au NPs-PNIPAAm via the anionresponsive properties of ILBCs. These results indicated that the block copolymers protected plasmonic nanoparticles remain self-assembling properties of block copolymers when phase transition from outer corona polymer.

Engineering the Bacterial Microcompartment Domain for Molecular Scaffolding Applications

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

Young, Eric J.; Burton, Rodney; Mahalik, Jyoti P.

As synthetic biology advances the intricacy of engineered biological systems, the importance of spatial organization within the cellular environment must not be marginalized. Increasingly, biological engineers are investigating means to control spatial organization within the cell, mimicking strategies used by natural pathways to increase flux and reduce cross-talk. A modular platform for constructing a diverse set of defined, programmable architectures would greatly assist in improving yields from introduced metabolic pathways and increasing insulation of other heterologous systems. Here, we review recent research on the shell proteins of bacterial microcompartments and discuss their potential application as “building blocks” for a rangemore » of customized intracellular scaffolds. As a result, we summarize the state of knowledge on the self-assembly of BMC shell proteins and discuss future avenues of research that will be important to realize the potential of BMC shell proteins as predictively assembling and programmable biological materials for bioengineering.« less

Engineering the Bacterial Microcompartment Domain for Molecular Scaffolding Applications

DOE PAGES

Young, Eric J.; Burton, Rodney; Mahalik, Jyoti P.; ...

2017-07-31

As synthetic biology advances the intricacy of engineered biological systems, the importance of spatial organization within the cellular environment must not be marginalized. Increasingly, biological engineers are investigating means to control spatial organization within the cell, mimicking strategies used by natural pathways to increase flux and reduce cross-talk. A modular platform for constructing a diverse set of defined, programmable architectures would greatly assist in improving yields from introduced metabolic pathways and increasing insulation of other heterologous systems. Here, we review recent research on the shell proteins of bacterial microcompartments and discuss their potential application as “building blocks” for a rangemore » of customized intracellular scaffolds. As a result, we summarize the state of knowledge on the self-assembly of BMC shell proteins and discuss future avenues of research that will be important to realize the potential of BMC shell proteins as predictively assembling and programmable biological materials for bioengineering.« less

Engineering the Bacterial Microcompartment Domain for Molecular Scaffolding Applications

PubMed Central

Young, Eric J.; Burton, Rodney; Mahalik, Jyoti P.; Sumpter, Bobby G.; Fuentes-Cabrera, Miguel; Kerfeld, Cheryl A.; Ducat, Daniel C.

2017-01-01

As synthetic biology advances the intricacy of engineered biological systems, the importance of spatial organization within the cellular environment must not be marginalized. Increasingly, biological engineers are investigating means to control spatial organization within the cell, mimicking strategies used by natural pathways to increase flux and reduce cross-talk. A modular platform for constructing a diverse set of defined, programmable architectures would greatly assist in improving yields from introduced metabolic pathways and increasing insulation of other heterologous systems. Here, we review recent research on the shell proteins of bacterial microcompartments and discuss their potential application as “building blocks” for a range of customized intracellular scaffolds. We summarize the state of knowledge on the self-assembly of BMC shell proteins and discuss future avenues of research that will be important to realize the potential of BMC shell proteins as predictively assembling and programmable biological materials for bioengineering. PMID:28824573

A universal cooperative assembly-directed method for coating of mesoporous TiO2 nanoshells with enhanced lithium storage properties

PubMed Central

Guan, Bu Yuan; Yu, Le; Li, Ju; Lou, Xiong Wen (David)

2016-01-01

TiO2 is exceptionally useful, but it remains a great challenge to develop a universal method to coat TiO2 nanoshells on different functional materials. We report a one-pot, low-temperature, and facile method that can rapidly form mesoporous TiO2 shells on various inorganic, organic, and inorganic-organic composite materials, including silica-based, metal, metal oxide, organic polymer, carbon-based, and metal-organic framework nanomaterials via a cooperative assembly-directed strategy. In constructing hollow, core-shell, and yolk-shell geometries, both amorphous and crystalline TiO2 nanoshells are demonstrated with excellent control. When used as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries, these crystalline TiO2 nanoshells composed of very small nanocrystals exhibit remarkably long-term cycling stability over 1000 cycles. The electrochemical properties demonstrate that these TiO2 nanoshells are promising anode materials. PMID:26973879

Bioinspired large-scale aligned porous materials assembled with dual temperature gradients

PubMed Central

Bai, Hao; Chen, Yuan; Delattre, Benjamin; Tomsia, Antoni P.; Ritchie, Robert O.

2015-01-01

Natural materials, such as bone, teeth, shells, and wood, exhibit outstanding properties despite being porous and made of weak constituents. Frequently, they represent a source of inspiration to design strong, tough, and lightweight materials. Although many techniques have been introduced to create such structures, a long-range order of the porosity as well as a precise control of the final architecture remain difficult to achieve. These limitations severely hinder the scale-up fabrication of layered structures aimed for larger applications. We report on a bidirectional freezing technique to successfully assemble ceramic particles into scaffolds with large-scale aligned, lamellar, porous, nacre-like structure and long-range order at the centimeter scale. This is achieved by modifying the cold finger with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) wedge to control the nucleation and growth of ice crystals under dual temperature gradients. Our approach could provide an effective way of manufacturing novel bioinspired structural materials, in particular advanced materials such as composites, where a higher level of control over the structure is required. PMID:26824062

High-Temperature Captive Nut Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marke, M. L.; Charles, J. F.

1982-01-01

High-temperature captive-nut assembly consists of removable nut element that snaps into loose-fitting recesses in shell. Replacement of nut element is easily accomplished with simple handtools. Old nut is pried out and new one pushed into position. Removal is easily accomplished with help of U-shaped tool.

Microstructure and Thermal Reliability of Microcapsules Containing Phase Change Material with Self-Assembled Graphene/Organic Nano-Hybrid Shells.

PubMed

Wang, Xianfeng; Guo, Yandong; Su, Junfeng; Zhang, Xiaolong; Han, Ningxu; Wang, Xinyu

2018-05-24

In recent decades, microcapsules containing phase change materials (microPCMs) have been the center of much attention in the field of latent thermal energy storage. The aim of this work was to prepare and investigate the microstructure and thermal conductivity of microPCMs containing self-assembled graphene/organic hybrid shells. Paraffin was used as a phase change material, which was successfully microencapsulated by graphene and polymer forming hybrid composite shells. The physicochemical characters of microPCM samples were investigated including mean size, shell thickness, and chemical structure. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that the microPCMs were spherical particles and graphene enhanced the degree of smoothness of the shell surface. The existence of graphene in the shells was proved by using the methods of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that graphene hybrid shells were constructed by forces of electric charge absorption and long-molecular entanglement. MicroPCMs with graphene had a higher degradation temperature of 300 °C. Graphene greatly enhanced the thermal stability of microPCMs. The thermal conductivity tests indicated that the phase change temperature of microPCMs was regulated by the graphene additive because of enhancement of the thermal barrier of the hybrid shells. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests proved that the latent thermal energy capability of microPCMs had been improved with a higher heat conduction rate. In addition, infrared thermograph observations implied that the microPCMs had a sensitivity response to heat during the phase change cycling process because of the excellent thermal conductivity of graphene.

Ion thruster design and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kami, S.; Schnelker, D. E.

1976-01-01

Questions concerning the mechanical design of a thruster are considered, taking into account differences in the design of an 8-cm and a 30-cm model. The components of a thruster include the thruster shell assembly, the ion extraction electrode assembly, the cathode isolator vaporizer assembly, the neutralizer isolator vaporizer assembly, ground screen and mask, and the main isolator vaporizer assembly. Attention is given to the materials used in thruster fabrication, the advanced manufacturing methods used, details of thruster performance, an evaluation of thruster life, structural and thermal design considerations, and questions of reliability and quality assurance.

An evaluation of the spring finger solder joints on SA1358-10 and SA2052-4 connector assemblies (MC3617,W87).

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

Kilgo, Alice C.; Vianco, Paul Thomas; Hlava, Paul Frank

2006-08-01

The SA1358-10 and SA2052-4 circular JT Type plug connectors are used on a number of nuclear weapons and Joint Test Assembly (JTA) systems. Prototype units were evaluated for the following specific defects associated with the 95Sn-5Sb (Sn-Sb, wt.%) solder joint used to attach the beryllium-copper (BeCu) spring fingers to the aluminum (Al) connector shell: (1) extended cracking within the fillet; (2) remelting of the solder joint during the follow-on, soldering step that attached the EMR adapter ring to the connector shell (and/or soldering the EMR shell to the adapter ring) that used the lower melting temperature 63Sn-37Pb (Sn-Pb) alloy; andmore » (3) spalling of the Cd (Cr) layer overplating layer from the fillet surface. Several pedigrees of connectors were evaluated, which represented older fielded units as well as those assemblies that were recently constructed at Kansas City Plant. The solder joints were evaluated that were in place on connectors made with the current soldering process as well as an alternative induction soldering process for attaching the EMR adapter ring to the shell. Very similar observations were made, which crossed the different pedigrees of parts and processes. The extent of cracking in the top side fillets varied between the different connector samples and likely the EMR adapter ring to the shell. Very similar observations were made, which crossed the different pedigrees of parts and processes. The extent of cracking in the top side fillets varied between the different connector samples and likely reflected the different extents to which the connector was mated to its counterpart assembly. In all cases, the spring finger solder joints on the SA1358-10 connectors were remelted as a result of the subsequent EMR adapter ring attachment process. Spalling of the Cd (Cr) overplating layer was also observed for these connectors, which was a consequence of the remelting activity. On the other hand, the SA2052-4 connector did not exhibit evidence of remelting of the spring finger solder joint. The Cd (Cr) layer did not show signs of spalling. These results suggested that, due to the size of the SA1358-10 connector, any of the former or current soldering processes used to attach the EMR adapter ring and/or EMR shell to the connector shell, requires a level of heat energy that will always result in the remelting of the spring finger solder joint attached with either the Sn-Ag or the Sn-Sb alloy. Lastly, it was construed that the induction soldering process, which is used to attach the EMR adapter ring onto the shell, was more likely to have caused the remelting event rather than the more localized heat source of the hand soldering iron used to attach the EMR shell to the adapter ring.« less

A facile in situ self-assembly strategy for large-scale fabrication of CHS@MOF yolk/shell structure and its catalytic application in a flow system.

PubMed

Gao, Hongyi; Luan, Yi; Chaikittikul, Kullapat; Dong, Wenjun; Li, Jie; Zhang, Xiaowei; Jia, Dandan; Yang, Mu; Wang, Ge

2015-03-04

A hierarchical yolk/shell copper hydroxysulfates@MOF (CHS@MOF, where MOF = metal-organic frameworks) structure was fabricated from a homogeneous yolk/shell CHS template composed of an active shell and a stabilized core via a facile self-template strategy at room temperature. The active shell of the template served as the source of metal ion and was in situ transformed into a well-defined MOF crystal shell, and the relatively stabilized core retained its own nature during the formation of the MOF shell. The strategy of in situ transformation of CHS shell to MOF shell avoided the self-nucleation of MOF in the solution and complex multistep procedures. Furthermore, a flow reaction system using CHS@MOF as self-supported stationary-phase catalyst was developed, which demonstrated excellent catalytic performance for aldehyde acetalization with ethanol, and high yields and selectivities were achieved under mild conditions.

Effect of pH on film structure and electrical property of PMMA-Au composite particles prepared by redox transmetalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Hong-Mao; Lin, Kuan-Ju; Yu, Yi-Hsiuan; Ho, Chan-Yuan; Wei, Ming-Hsiung; Lu, Fu-Hsing; Tseng, Wenjea J.

2014-01-01

Surface-selective deposition of gold (Au) on electroless plated poly(methyl methacrylate)-nickel (PMMA-Ni) beads was prepared chemically by a facile redox-transmetalation route in which the Ni atoms on the PMMA surface were reacted with Au precursors, i.e., chloroauric acid (HAuCl4), in water to form predominately core-shell PMMA-Au composite particles without the need of reducing agent. The Ni layer acted as a sacrificial template to facilitate the selective transmetalation deposition of a metallic Au film. When pH of the precursor solution was adjusted from 6 to 9, morphology of the Au film changed from a uniform particulate film consisting of assemblies of Au nanoparticles, to densely packed, continuous film with platelet Au crystals, and finally to isolated Au islands on the PMMA surface with a raspberry-like core-shell morphology. Uniformly dense Au coating with a thickness of about 200 nm was formed on the PMMA beads at pH of 7 to 8, which gave rise to an electrical resistivity as low as 3 × 10-2 Ω cm.

Capacitance Sensor For Nondestructive Determination Of Total Oil Content In Nuts

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Earlier a simple, low cost instrument was designed and assembled in our laboratory, that could estimate the moisture content (MC) of in-shell peanuts (MC range 9% to 20%) and yellow-dent field corn (MC range 7% to 18%). In this method a sample of of in-shell peanuts or corn was placed between a set...

Au nanorice assemble electrolytically into mesostars.

PubMed

Bardhan, Rizia; Neumann, Oara; Mirin, Nikolay; Wang, Hui; Halas, Naomi J

2009-02-24

Star-shaped mesotructures are formed when an aqueous suspension of Au nanorice particles, which consist of prolate hematite cores and a thin Au shell, is subjected to an electric current. The nanorice particles assemble to form hyperbranched micrometer-scale mesostars. To our knowledge, this is the first reported observation of nanoparticle assembly into larger ordered structures under the influence of an electrochemical process (H(2)O electrolysis). The assembly is accompanied by significant modifications in the morphology, dimensions, chemical composition, crystallographic structure, and optical properties of the constituent nanoparticles.

Synthesis and Plasmonic Understanding of Core/Satellite and Core Shell Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruan, Qifeng

Localized surface plasmon resonance, which stems from the collective oscillations of conduction-band electrons, endows Au nanocrystals with unique optical properties. Au nanocrystals possess extremely large scattering/absorption cross-sections and enhanced local electromagnetic field, both of which are synthetically tunable. Moreover, when Au nanocrystals are closely placed or hybridized with semiconductors, the coupling and interaction between the individual components bring about more fascinating phenomena and promising applications, including plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies, solar energy harvesting, and cancer therapy. The continuous development in the field of plasmonics calls for further advancements in the preparation of high-quality plasmonic nanocrystals, the facile construction of hybrid plasmonic nanostructures with desired functionalities, as well as deeper understanding and efficient utilization of the interaction between plasmonic nanocrystals and semiconductor components. In this thesis, I developed a seed-mediated growth method for producing size-controlled Au nanospheres with high monodispersity and assembled Au nanospheres of different sizes into core/satellite nanostructures for enhancing Raman signals. For investigating the interactions between Au nanocrystals and semiconductors, I first prepared (Au core) (TiO2 shell) nanostructures, and then studied their synthetically controlled plasmonic properties and light-harvesting applications. Au nanocrystals with spherical shapes are desirable in plasmon-coupled systems owing to their high geometrical symmetry, which facilitates the analysis of electrodynamic responses in a classical electromagnetic framework and the investigation of quantum tunneling and nonlocal effects. I prepared remarkably uniform Au nanospheres with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 220 nm using a simple seed-mediated growth method associated with mild oxidation. Core/satellite nanostructures were assembled out of differently sized Au nanospheres with molecular linkers. The plasmon resonances of the core/satellite nanostructures undergo red shifts in comparison to those of the sole Au cores, which is consistent with Mie theory analysis. As predicted by finite-difference time-domain simulations, the assembled core/satellite nanostructures exhibit large enhancements for Raman scattering. The facile growth of Au nanospheres and assembly of core/satellite nanostructures blaze a new way to the design of nanoarchitectures with desired plasmonic properties and functions. Coating semiconductors onto Au nanocrystals to form core shell configurations can increase the interactions between the two materials, benefiting from their large active interfacial area. The shell can also protect the Au nanocrystal core from aggregation, reshaping, and chemical corrosion. In this thesis, (Au nanocrystal core) (titania shell) nanostructures with tunable shell thicknesses were prepared by a facile wetchemistry method. Au nanocrystals with strong and tunable plasmon resonances in the visible and near-infrared regions can enhance and broaden the light utilization of TiO2 through the scattering/absorption enhancement, sensitization, and hot-electron injection. The integration of Au nanocrystals therefore hold the prospect of breaking the light-harvesting limit of TiO2 arising from its wide band gap. The resultant (Au core) (TiO2 shell) nanostructures were examined to be capable of efficiently generating reactive oxygen species under near-infrared resonant excitation. On the other hand, the transverse plasmon modes of Au nanorods, which are often too weak to be observed on scattering spectra, are enhanced by the TiO2 shell through energy transfer. With the increment of the shell thickness, the intensity of the transverse plasmon mode increases significantly and even becomes comparable with the longitudinal plasmon mode. Interestingly, both the transverse and longitudinal modes of the (Au core) (TiO2 shell) nanostructures exhibit asymmetric Fano line shapes. The Fano resonances result from the coupling between the core and shell, as understood by the mechanical oscillator model. Besides varying the shell thickness, the plasmonic bands of the core shell nanostructures can also be tailored by employing Au nanorods with different aspect ratios. The synthetically tunable plasmonic properties and synergistic interactions between the gold core and the titania shell make the hybrid nanostructure a multifunctional nanomaterial and ideal system for studying the plasmonic hybrid nanostructures.

Error analysis and correction of discrete solutions from finite element codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thurston, G. A.; Stein, P. A.; Knight, N. F., Jr.; Reissner, J. E.

1984-01-01

Many structures are an assembly of individual shell components. Therefore, results for stresses and deflections from finite element solutions for each shell component should agree with the equations of shell theory. This paper examines the problem of applying shell theory to the error analysis and the correction of finite element results. The general approach to error analysis and correction is discussed first. Relaxation methods are suggested as one approach to correcting finite element results for all or parts of shell structures. Next, the problem of error analysis of plate structures is examined in more detail. The method of successive approximations is adapted to take discrete finite element solutions and to generate continuous approximate solutions for postbuckled plates. Preliminary numerical results are included.

Prevention of Salmonella enteritidis in shell eggs during production, storage, and transportation. Final rule.

PubMed

2009-07-09

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule that requires shell egg producers to implement measures to prevent Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) from contaminating eggs on the farm and from further growth during storage and transportation, and requires these producers to maintain records concerning their compliance with the rule and to register with FDA. FDA is taking this action because SE is among the leading bacterial causes of foodborne illness in the United States, and shell eggs are a primary source of human SE infections. The final rule will reduce SE-associated illnesses and deaths by reducing the risk that shell eggs are contaminated with SE.

Self-assembled morphologies of an amphiphilic Y-shaped weak polyelectrolyte in a thin film.

PubMed

Mu, Dan; Li, Jian-Quan; Feng, Sheng-Yu

2017-11-29

Different from the self-assembly of neutral polymers, polyelectrolytes self-assemble into smaller aggregates with a more loosely assembled structure, which results from the repulsive forces acting between similar electrical compositions with the introduction of ions. The Y-shaped weak polyelectrolytes self-assemble into a core-shell type cylindrical structure with a hexagonal arrangement in a thin film, whose thickness is smaller than the gyration radius of the polymer chain. The corresponding formation mechanism consists of enrichment of the same components, adjustment of the shape of the aggregate, and the subsequent separation into individual aggregates. With the increase in the thickness of the thin film until it exceeds the gyration radius of the polymer chain, combined with the greater freedom of movement along the direction of thin film thickness, the self-assembled structure changes into a micellar structure. Under confinement, the repulsive force to the polymeric components is weakened by the repulsive forces among polyelectrolyte components with like charges, and this helps in generating aggregates with more uniform size and density distribution. In particular, when the repulsive force between the walls and the core forming components is greater than that between the walls and the shell forming components, such asymmetric confinement produces a crossed-cylindrical structure with nearly perpendicular arrangement of two cylinder arrays. Similarly, a novel three-crossed cylinder morphology is self-assembled upon removal of confinement.

Biocompatibility and safety of a hybrid core-shell nanoparticulate OP-1 delivery system intramuscularly administered in rats.

PubMed

Haidar, Ziyad S; Hamdy, Reggie C; Tabrizian, Maryam

2010-04-01

A hybrid, localized and release-controlled delivery system for bone growth factors consisting of a liposomal core incorporated into a shell of alternating layer-by-layer self-assembled natural polyelectrolytes has been formulated. Hydrophilic, monodisperse, spherical and stable cationic nanoparticles (< or =350 nm) with an extended shelf-life resulted. Cytocompatibility was previously assayed with MC3T3-E1.4 mouse preosteoblasts showing no adverse effects on cell viability. In this study, the in vivo biocompatibility of unloaded and loaded nanoparticles with osteogenic protein-1 or OP-1 was investigated. Young male Wistar rats were injected intramuscularly and monitored over a period of 10 weeks for signs of inflammation and/or adverse reactions. Blood samples (600 microL/collection) were withdrawn followed by hematological and biochemical analysis. Body weight changes over the treatment period were noted. Major organs were harvested, weighed and examined histologically for any pathological changes. Finally, the injection site was identified and examined immunohistochemically. Overall, all animals showed no obvious toxic health effects, immune responses and/or change in organ functions. This hybrid core-shell nanoparticulate delivery system localizes the effect of the released bioactive load within the site of injection in muscle with no significant tissue distress. Hence, a safe and promising carrier for therapeutic growth factors and possibly other biomolecules is presented. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mounting and Alignment of Full-Shell Replicated X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, Mikhail; Arnold, William; Kester, Thomas; Ramsey, Brian; Smithers, Martin

2007-01-01

We are developing grazing-incidence x-ray optics for astronomy. The optics are full-cylinder mirror shells fabricated using electroformed-nickel replication off super-polished mandrels. For space-based applications where weight is at a premium, very-thin-walled, light-weight mirrors are required. Such shells have been fabricated at MSFC with greater than 15 arcsec resolution. The challenge, however, is to preserve this resolution during mounting and assembly. We present here a status report on a mounting and alignment system currently under development at Marshall Space Flight Center to meet this challenge.

Thermal Model Development for an X-Ray Mirror Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonafede, Joseph A.

2015-01-01

Space-based x-ray optics require stringent thermal environmental control to achieve the desired image quality. Future x-ray telescopes will employ hundreds of nearly cylindrical, thin mirror shells to maximize effective area, with each shell built from small azimuthal segment pairs for manufacturability. Thermal issues with these thin optics are inevitable because the mirrors must have a near unobstructed view of space while maintaining near uniform 20 C temperature to avoid thermal deformations. NASA Goddard has been investigating the thermal characteristics of a future x-ray telescope with an image requirement of 5 arc-seconds and only 1 arc-second focusing error allocated for thermal distortion. The telescope employs 135 effective mirror shells formed from 7320 individual mirror segments mounted in three rings of 18, 30, and 36 modules each. Thermal requirements demand a complex thermal control system and detailed thermal modeling to verify performance. This presentation introduces innovative modeling efforts used for the conceptual design of the mirror assembly and presents results demonstrating potential feasibility of the thermal requirements.

Supramolecular core-shell nanoparticles for photoconductive device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Chih-Chia; Chen, Jem-Kun; Shieh, Yeong-Tarng; Lee, Duu-Jong

2016-08-01

We report a breakthrough discovery involving supramolecular-based strategies to construct novel core-shell heterojunction nanoparticles with hydrophilic adenine-functionalized polythiophene (PAT) as the core and hydrophobic phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the shell, which enables the conception of new functional supramolecular assemblies for constructing functional nanomaterials for applications in optoelectronic devices. The generated nanoparticles exhibit uniform spherical shape, well-controlled tuning of particle size with narrow size distributions, and excellent electrochemical stability in solution and the solid state owing to highly efficient energy transfer from PAT to PCBM. When the PAT/PCBM nanoparticles were fabricated into a photoconducting layer in an electronic device, the resulting device showed excellent electric conduction characteristics, including an electrically-tunable voltage-controlled switch, and high short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage. These observations demonstrate how the self-assembly of PAT/PCBM into specific nanostructures may help to promote efficient charge generation and transport processes, suggesting potential for a wide variety of applications as a promising candidate material for bulk heterojunction polymer devices.

Construction of near-infrared light-triggered reactive oxygen species-sensitive (UCN/SiO2-RB + DOX)@PPADT nanoparticles for simultaneous chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Fang; Zheng, Bin; Zhang, Ying; Wu, Yudong; Wang, Hanjie; Chang, Jin

2016-06-01

Combined therapy now plays a major role in cancer therapy due to the outcome of huge amounts of scientific experiments in recent years. However, all systems designed previously have been unable to simultaneously deliver therapy effects using several methods to produce a greater overall therapeutic effect. To solve the problem, we constructed a delivery system of near-infrared light (NIR)-triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive nanoparticles (NPs) for simultaneous chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The inner NP was assembled from a hydrophobic upconverting nanoparticle (UCN) core, with a thin silica shell linked with rose bengal (RB). Finally, a type of ROS-induced biodegradable polymer named poly-(1, 4-phenyleneacetone dimethylenethioketal) (PPADT) was self-assembled to form the NP as an outer shell to load the inner NP and doxorubicin (DOX). As the results show, the UCN core works as a transducer to convert deeply penetrating NIR to visible light for activating the photosensitizer RB for PDT under NIR excitation. In the meantime, the redundant ROS caused PPADT to biodegrade to release the loaded DOX, realizing simultaneous chemotherapy and PDT. Properties such as structure, size distribution, morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ROS production test, cell uptake test and combined therapy treatment effect in vitro were evaluated to prove NIR triggered ROS-sensitive (UCN/SiO2-RB + DOX)@PPADT NPs. Based on our data, this delivery system could provide an effective means to realize simultaneous chemotherapy and PDT through external NIR-triggered ROS sensitivity.

Portable tomographic PIV measurements of swimming shelled Antarctic pteropods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, Deepak; Webster, Donald R.; Yen, Jeannette

2016-12-01

A portable tomographic particle image velocimetry (tomographic PIV) system is described. The system was successfully deployed in Antarctica to study shelled Antarctic pteropods ( Limacina helicina antarctica)—a delicate organism with an unusual propulsion mechanism. The experimental setup consists of a free-standing frame assembled with optical rails, thus avoiding the need for heavy and bulky equipment (e.g. an optical table). The cameras, lasers, optics, and tanks are all rigidly supported within the frame assembly. The results indicate that the pteropods flap their parapodia (or "wings") downward during both power and recovery strokes, which is facilitated by the pitching of their shell. Shell pitching significantly alters the flapping trajectory, allowing the pteropod to move vertically and/or horizontally. The pronation and supination of the parapodia, together with the figure-eight motion during flapping, suggest similarities with insect flight. The volumetric velocity field surrounding the freely swimming pteropod reveals the generation of an attached vortex ring connecting the leading-edge vortex to the trailing-edge vortex during power stroke and a presence of a leading-edge vortex during recovery stroke. These vortex structures play a major role in accelerating the organism vertically and indicate that forces generated on the parapodia during flapping constitute both lift and drag. After completing each stroke, two vortex rings are shed into the wake of the pteropod. The complex combination of body kinematics (parapodia flapping, shell pitch, sawtooth trajectory), flow structures, and resulting force balance may be significantly altered by thinning of the pteropod shell, thus making pteropods an indicator of the detrimental effects of ocean acidification.

PMMA/PS coaxial electrospinning: core-shell fiber morphology as a function of material parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmani, Shahrzad; Arefazar, Ahmad; Latifi, Masoud

2017-03-01

Core-shell fibers of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) have been successfully electrospun by coaxial electrospinning. To evaluate the influence of the solvent on the final fiber morphology, four types of organic solvents were used in the shell solution while the core solvent was preserved. Morphological observations with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy revealed that both core and shell solvent properties were involved in the final fiber morphology. To explain this involvement, alongside a discussion of the Bagley solubility graph of PS and PMMA, a novel criterion based on solvent physical properties was introduced. A theoretical model based on the momentum conservation principle was developed and applied for describing the dependence of the core and shell diameters to their solvent combinations. Different concentrations of core and shell were also investigated in the coaxial electrospinning of PMMA/PS. The core-shell fiber morphologies with different core and shell concentrations were compared with their single electrospun fibers.

Assembly of catalase-based bioconjugates for enhanced anticancer efficiency of photodynamic therapy in vitro.

PubMed

Zhao, Jie; Fei, Jinbo; Du, Cuiling; Cui, Wei; Ma, Hongchao; Li, Junbai

2013-11-25

An oxygen generation core-shell structure uploading rose bengal has been fabricated by covalent assembly of catalase and alginate dialdehyde via Schiff's base. The composite can catalyze the decomposition of intracellular H2O2 to increase the concentration of O2, which effectively enhances the anticancer efficiency of photodynamic therapy in vitro.

Modeling Viral Capsid Assembly

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

I present a review of the theoretical and computational methodologies that have been used to model the assembly of viral capsids. I discuss the capabilities and limitations of approaches ranging from equilibrium continuum theories to molecular dynamics simulations, and I give an overview of some of the important conclusions about virus assembly that have resulted from these modeling efforts. Topics include the assembly of empty viral shells, assembly around single-stranded nucleic acids to form viral particles, and assembly around synthetic polymers or charged nanoparticles for nanotechnology or biomedical applications. I present some examples in which modeling efforts have promoted experimental breakthroughs, as well as directions in which the connection between modeling and experiment can be strengthened. PMID:25663722

Dynamic and Kinetic Assembly Studies of an Icosahedral Virus Capsid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kelly

2011-03-01

Hepatitis B virus has an icosahedrally symmetrical core particle (capsid), composed of either 90 or 120 copies of a dimeric protein building block. We are using time-resolved, solution small-angle X-ray scattering and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to probe the core particle assembly reaction at the ensemble and individual assembly levels. Our experiments to date reveal the assembly process to be highly cooperative with minimal population of stable intermediate species. Solution conditions, particularly salt concentration, appears to influence the partitioning of assembly products into the two sizes of shells. Funding from NIH R00-GM080352 and University of Washington.

Development of Curved-Plate Elements for the Exact Buckling Analysis of Composite Plate Assemblies Including Transverse Shear Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGowan, David M.; Anderson, Melvin S.

1998-01-01

The analytical formulation of curved-plate non-linear equilibrium equations that include transverse-shear-deformation effects is presented. A unified set of non-linear strains that contains terms from both physical and tensorial strain measures is used. Using several simplifying assumptions, linearized, stability equations are derived that describe the response of the plate just after bifurcation buckling occurs. These equations are then modified to allow the plate reference surface to be located a distance z(c), from the centroid surface which is convenient for modeling stiffened-plate assemblies. The implementation of the new theory into the VICONOPT buckling and vibration analysis and optimum design program code is described. Either classical plate theory (CPT) or first-order shear-deformation plate theory (SDPT) may be selected in VICONOPT. Comparisons of numerical results for several example problems with different loading states are made. Results from the new curved-plate analysis compare well with closed-form solution results and with results from known example problems in the literature. Finally, a design-optimization study of two different cylindrical shells subject to uniform axial compression is presented.

Millisecond laser ablation of molybdenum target in reactive gas toward MoS2 fullerene-like nanoparticles with thermally stable photoresponse.

PubMed

Song, Shu-Tao; Cui, Lan; Yang, Jing; Du, Xi-Wen

2015-01-28

As a promising material for photoelectrical application, MoS2 has attracted extensive attention on its facile synthesis and unique properties. Herein, we explored a novel strategy of laser ablation to synthesize MoS2 fullerene-like nanoparticles (FL-NPs) with stable photoresponse under high temperature. Specifically, we employed a millisecond pulsed laser to ablate the molybdenum target in dimethyl trisulfide gas, and as a result, the molybdenum nanodroplets were ejected from the target and interacted with the highly reactive ambient gas to produce MoS2 FL-NPs. In contrast, the laser ablation in liquid could only produce core-shell nanoparticles. The crucial factors for controlling final nanostructures were found to be laser intensity, cooling rate, and gas reactivity. Finally, the MoS2 FL-NPs were assembled into a simple photoresponse device which exhibited excellent thermal stability, indicating their great potentialities for high-temperature photoelectrical applications.

Magnetically Recoverable Pd/Fe 3O 4 Core-Shell Nanowire Clusters with Increased Hydrogenation Activity

DOE PAGES

Watt, John; Kotula, Paul G.; Huber, Dale L.

2017-02-06

Core-shell nanostructures are promising candidates for the next generation of catalysts due to synergistic effects which can arise from having two active species in close contact, leading to increased activity. Likewise, catalysts displaying added functionality, such as a magnetic response, can increase their scientific and industrial potential. Here, we synthesize Pd/Fe 3O 4 core-shell nanowire clusters and apply them as hydrogenation catalysts for an industrially important hydrogenation reaction; the conversion of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol. During synthesis, the palladium nanowires self-assemble into clusters which act as a high surface area framework for the growth of a magnetic iron oxide shell. Wemore » demonstrate excellent catalytic activity due to the presence of palladium while the strong magnetic properties provided by the iron oxide shell enable facile catalyst recovery.« less

Bacterial microcompartment assembly: The key role of encapsulation peptides

DOE PAGES

Aussignargues, Clément; Paasch, Bradley C.; Gonzalez-Esquer, Raul; ...

2015-06-23

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are proteinaceous organelles used by a broad range of bacteria to segregate and optimize metabolic reactions. Their functions are diverse, and can be divided into anabolic (carboxysome) and catabolic (metabolosomes) processes, depending on their cargo enzymes. The assembly pathway for the β-carboxysome has been characterized, revealing that biogenesis proceeds from the inside out. The enzymes coalesce into a procarboxysome, followed by encapsulation in a protein shell that is recruited to the procarboxysome by a short (~17 amino acids) extension on the C-terminus of one of the encapsulated proteins. A similar extension is also found on the N-more » or C-termini of a subset of metabolosome core enzymes. These encapsulation peptides (EPs) are characterized by a primary structure predicted to form an amphipathic α-helix that interacts with shell proteins. In this study, we review the features, function and widespread occurrence of EPs among metabolosomes, and propose an expanded role for EPs in the assembly of diverse BMCs.« less

Liquid Crystal Mediated Nano-assembled Gold Micro-shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quint, Makiko; Sarang, Som; Quint, David; Huang, Kerwyn; Gopinathan, Ajay; Hirst, Linda; Ghosh, Sayantani

We have created 3D nano-assenbled micro-shell by using thermotropic liquid crystal (LC), 4-Cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB), doped with mesogen-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The assembly process is driven by the isotropic-nematic phase transition dynamics. We uniformly disperse the functionalized AuNPs into isotropic liquid crystal matrix and the mixture is cooled from the isotropic to the nematic phase. During the phase transition, the separation of LC-AuNP rich isotropic and ordered 5CB rich domains cause the functionalized AuNPs to move into the shrinking isotropic regions. The mesogenic ligands are locally crystalized during this process, which leads to the formation of a spherical shell with a densely packed wall of AuNPs. These micro-shells are capable of encapsulating fluorescence dye without visible leakages for several months. Additionally, they demonstrate strong localized surface plasmon resonance, which leads to localized heating on optical excitation. This photothermal effect disrupts the structure, releasing contents within seconds. Our results exhibiting the capture and optically regulated release of encapsulated substances is a novel platform that combines drug-delivery and photothermal therapy in one versatile and multifunctional unit. This work is supported by the NSF Grants No. DMR-1056860, ECC-1227034, and a University of California Merced Faculty Mentor Fellowship.

Self consistent field theory of virus assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Siyu; Orland, Henri; Zandi, Roya

2018-04-01

The ground state dominance approximation (GSDA) has been extensively used to study the assembly of viral shells. In this work we employ the self-consistent field theory (SCFT) to investigate the adsorption of RNA onto positively charged spherical viral shells and examine the conditions when GSDA does not apply and SCFT has to be used to obtain a reliable solution. We find that there are two regimes in which GSDA does work. First, when the genomic RNA length is long enough compared to the capsid radius, and second, when the interaction between the genome and capsid is so strong that the genome is basically localized next to the wall. We find that for the case in which RNA is more or less distributed uniformly in the shell, regardless of the length of RNA, GSDA is not a good approximation. We observe that as the polymer-shell interaction becomes stronger, the energy gap between the ground state and first excited state increases and thus GSDA becomes a better approximation. We also present our results corresponding to the genome persistence length obtained through the tangent-tangent correlation length and show that it is zero in case of GSDA but is equal to the inverse of the energy gap when using SCFT.

Simulations of Fuel Assembly and Fast-Electron Transport in Integrated Fast-Ignition Experiments on OMEGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solodov, A. A.; Theobald, W.; Anderson, K. S.; Shvydky, A.; Epstein, R.; Betti, R.; Myatt, J. F.; Stoeckl, C.; Jarrott, L. C.; McGuffey, C.; Qiao, B.; Beg, F. N.; Wei, M. S.; Stephens, R. B.

2013-10-01

Integrated fast-ignition experiments on OMEGA benefit from improved performance of the OMEGA EP laser, including higher contrast, higher energy, and a smaller focus. Recent 8-keV, Cu-Kα flash radiography of cone-in-shell implosions and cone-tip breakout measurements showed good agreement with the 2-D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations using the code DRACO. DRACO simulations show that the fuel assembly can be further improved by optimizing the compression laser pulse, evacuating air from the shell, and by adjusting the material of the cone tip. This is found to delay the cone-tip breakout by ~220 ps and increase the core areal density from ~80 mg/cm2 in the current experiments to ~500 mg/cm2 at the time of the OMEGA EP beam arrival before the cone-tip breakout. Simulations using the code LSP of fast-electron transport in the recent integrated OMEGA experiments with Cu-doped shells will be presented. Cu-doping is added to probe the transport of fast electrons via their induced Cu K-shell fluorescent emission. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration DE-NA0001944 and the Office of Science under DE-FC02-04ER54789.

Self-Assembly of Colloidal Photonic Crystals of PS@PNIPAM Nanoparticles and Temperature-Responsive Tunable Fluorescence.

PubMed

Yuan, Shuai; Ge, Fengyan; Yang, Xue; Guang, Shanyi

2016-11-01

A strategy for significantly enhancing fluorescence is developed based on the coupling of optical properties of colloidal photonic crystals (CPCs) with responsive microgel. In this paper, thermoresponsive microgel PNIPAM was employed for the fabrication of core-shell structure. The core-shell PS@PNIPAM nanoparticles (NPs) are then assembled to CPCs by a vertical deposition method. Subsequently, the novel functional material (RhB/CPCs) can be prepared by depositing fluorescent dye molecules (RhB) on the top of PS@PNIPAM CPCs. We obtained an increase in the fluorescent intensity up to 15-fold and 22-fold compared with RhB on the glass slid and the uneven film. Due to the unique responsive shrinking properties of PNIPAM shell, the amplifying fluorescence behavior of CPCs can be well tuned by varying the temperature. In contrast to RhB on the glass slid, a 15-fold and 12-fold fluorescence enhancement can be observed when the temperature of RhB/CPCs was 20 °C and 50 °C, respectively. The mechanism on enhancement fluorescence of tunable CPCs can be achieved by measurements of thermoresponsive properties. The results indicate that the responsive fluorescence-amplifying method based on CPCs made with responsive core-shell NPs has a potential application for the development of efficient fluorescence sensors.

The shells of BMC-type microcompartment organelles in bacteria.

PubMed

Yeates, Todd O; Jorda, Julien; Bobik, Thomas A

2013-01-01

Bacterial microcompartments are large proteinaceous structures that act as metabolic organelles in many bacterial cells. A shell or capsid, which is composed of a few thousand protein subunits, surrounds a series of sequentially acting enzymes and controls the diffusion of substrates and products into and out of the lumen. The carboxysome and the propanediol utilization microcompartment represent two well-studied systems among seven or more distinct types that can be delineated presently. Recent structural studies have highlighted a number of sophisticated mechanisms that underlie the function of bacterial microcompartment shell proteins. This review updates our understanding of bacterial microcompartment shells, how they are assembled, and how they carry out their functions in molecular transport and enzyme organization. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Self-template synthesis of double shelled ZnS-NiS1.97 hollow spheres for electrochemical energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Chengzhen; Ru, Qinglong; Kang, Xiaoting; Hou, Haiyan; Cheng, Cheng; Zhang, Daojun

2018-03-01

In this work, double shelled ZnS-NiS1.97 hollow spheres have been achieved via a simple self-template route, which involves the synthesis of Zn-Ni solid spheres precursors as the self-template and then transformation into double shelled ZnS-NiS1.97 hollow spheres by sulfidation treatment. The as-prepared double shelled ZnS-NiS1.97 hollow spheres possess a high surface area (105.26 m2 g-1) and porous structures. Benefiting from the combined characteristics of novel structures, multi-component, high surface area and porous. When applied as electrode materials for supercapacitors, the double shelled ZnS-NiS1.97hollow spheres deliver a large specific capacitance of 696.8C g-1 at 5.0 A g-1 and a remarkable long lifespan cycling stability (less 5.5% loss after 6000 cycles). Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled by utilizing ZnS-NiS1.97 (positive electrode) and activated carbon (negative electrode) as electrode materials. The as-assembled device possesses an energy density of 36 W h kg-1, which can be yet retained 25.6 W h kg-1 even at a power density of 2173.8 W Kg-1, indicating its promising applications in electrochemical energy storage. More importantly, the self-template route is a simple and versatile strategy for the preparation of metal sulfides electrode materials with desired structures, chemical compositions and electrochemical performances.

Mechanical performance of short models for MQXF, the Nb3Sn low-β quadrupole for the Hi-Lumi LHC

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

Vallone, Giorgio; Ambrosio, Giorgio; Anderssen, Eric

In the framework of the Hi-Lumi LHC Project, CERN and U.S. LARP are jointly developing MQXF, a 150-mm aperture high-field Nb3Sn quadrupole for the upgrade of the inner triplet of the low-beta interaction regions. The magnet is supported by a shell-based structure, providing the preload by means of bladder-key technology and differential thermal contraction of the various components. Two short models have been produced using the same cross section currently considered for the final magnet. The structures were preliminarily tested replacing the superconducting coils with blocks of aluminum. This procedure allows for model validation and calibration, and also to setmore » performance goals for the real magnet. Strain gauges were used to monitor the behavior of the structure during assembly, cool down and also excitation in the case of the magnets. The various structures differ for the shell partitioning strategies adopted and for the presence of thick or thin laminations. This study presents the results obtained and discusses the mechanical performance of all the short models produced up to now.« less

Mechanical performance of short models for MQXF, the Nb3Sn low-β quadrupole for the Hi-Lumi LHC

DOE PAGES

Vallone, Giorgio; Ambrosio, Giorgio; Anderssen, Eric; ...

2016-12-23

In the framework of the Hi-Lumi LHC Project, CERN and U.S. LARP are jointly developing MQXF, a 150-mm aperture high-field Nb3Sn quadrupole for the upgrade of the inner triplet of the low-beta interaction regions. The magnet is supported by a shell-based structure, providing the preload by means of bladder-key technology and differential thermal contraction of the various components. Two short models have been produced using the same cross section currently considered for the final magnet. The structures were preliminarily tested replacing the superconducting coils with blocks of aluminum. This procedure allows for model validation and calibration, and also to setmore » performance goals for the real magnet. Strain gauges were used to monitor the behavior of the structure during assembly, cool down and also excitation in the case of the magnets. The various structures differ for the shell partitioning strategies adopted and for the presence of thick or thin laminations. This study presents the results obtained and discusses the mechanical performance of all the short models produced up to now.« less

Star polymer-based unimolecular micelles and their application in bio-imaging and diagnosis.

PubMed

Jin, Xin; Sun, Pei; Tong, Gangsheng; Zhu, Xinyuan

2018-02-03

As a novel kind of polymer with covalently linked core-shell structure, star polymers behave in nanostructure in aqueous medium at all concentration range, as unimolecular micelles at high dilution condition and multi-micelle aggregates in other situations. The unique morphologies endow star polymers with excellent stability and functions, making them a promising platform for bio-application. A variety of functions including imaging and therapeutics can be achieved through rational structure design of star polymers, and the existence of plentiful end-groups on shell offers the opportunity for further modification. In the last decades, star polymers have become an attracting platform on fabrication of novel nano-systems for bio-imaging and diagnosis. Focusing on the specific topology and physicochemical properties of star polymers, we have reviewed recent development of star polymer-based unimolecular micelles and their bio-application in imaging and diagnosis. The main content of this review summarizes the synthesis of integrated architecture of star polymers and their self-assembly behavior in aqueous medium, focusing especially on the recent advances on their bio-imaging application and diagnosis use. Finally, we conclude with remarks and give some outlooks for further exploration in this field. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In situ assembly in confined spaces of coated particle scaffolds as thermal underfills with extraordinary thermal conductivity.

PubMed

Hong, Guo; Schutzius, Thomas M; Zimmermann, Severin; Burg, Brian R; Zürcher, Jonas; Brunschwiler, Thomas; Tagliabue, Giulia; Michel, Bruno; Poulikakos, Dimos

2015-01-14

In situ assembly of high thermal conductivity materials in severely confined spaces is an important problem bringing with it scientific challenges but also significant application relevance. Here we present a simple, affordable, and reproducible methodology for synthesizing such materials, composed of hierarchical diamond micro/nanoparticle scaffolds and an ethylenediamine coating. An important feature of the assembly process is the utilization of ethylenediamine as an immobilizing agent to secure the integrity of the microparticle scaffolds during and after each processing step. After other liquid components employed in the scaffolds assembly dry out, the immobilization agent solidifies forming a stable coated particle scaffold structure. Nanoparticles tend to concentrate in the shell and neck regions between adjacent microparticles. The interface between core and shell, along with the concentrated neck regions of nanoparticles, significantly enhance the thermal conductivity, making such materials an excellent candidate as thermal underfills in the electronics industry, where efficient heat removal is a major stumbling block toward increasing packing density. We show that the presented structures exhibit nearly 1 order of magnitude improvement in thermal conductivity, enhanced temperature uniformity, and reduced processing time compared to commercially available products for electronics cooling, which underpins their potential utility.

Method of forming cavitated objects of controlled dimension

DOEpatents

Anderson, Paul R.; Miller, Wayne J.

1982-01-01

A method of controllably varying the dimensions of cavitated objects such as hollow spherical shells wherein a precursor shell is heated to a temperature above the shell softening temperature in an ambient atmosphere wherein the ratio of gases which are permeable through the shell wall at that temperature to gases which are impermeable through the shell wall is substantially greater than the corresponding ratio for gases contained within the precursor shell. As the shell expands, the partial pressures of permeable gases internally and externally of the shell approach and achieve equilibrium, so that the final shell size depends solely upon the difference in impermeable gas partial pressures and shell surface tension.

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Studies of Magnetic Correlation Lengths in Nanoparticle Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majetich, Sara

2009-03-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements of ordered arrays of surfactant-coated magnetic nanoparticle reveal characteristic length scales associated with interparticle and intraparticle magnetic ordering. The high degree of uniformity in the monodisperse nanoparticle size and spacing leads to a pronounced diffraction peak and allows for a straightforward determination of these length scales [1]. There are notable differences in these length scales depending on the particle moment, which depends on the material (Fe, Co, Fe3O4) and diameter, and also on whether the metal particle core is surrounded by an oxide shell. For 8.5 nm particles containing an Fe core and thick Fe3O4 shell, evidence of a spin flop phase is seen in the magnetite shell when a field is applied , but not when the shell thickness is ˜0.5 nm [2]. 8.0 nm particles with an e-Co core and 0.75 nm CoO shell show no exchange bias effects while similar particles with a 2 nm thick shell so significant training effects below 90 K. Polarized SANS studied of 7 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticle assemblies show the ability to resolve the magnetization components in 3D. [4pt] [1] M. Sachan, C. Bonnoit, S. A. Majetich, Y. Ijiri, P. O. Mensah-Bonsu, J. A. Borchers, and J. J. Rhyne, Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 152503 (2008). [0pt] [2] Yumi Ijiri, Christopher V. Kelly, Julie A. Borchers, James J. Rhyne, Dorothy F. Farrell, Sara A. Majetich, Appl. Phys. Lett. 86, 243102-243104 (2005). [0pt] [3] K. L. Krycka, R. Booth, J. A. Borchers, W. C. Chen, C. Conlon, T. Gentile, C. Hogg, Y. Ijiri, M. Laver, B. B. Maranville, S. A. Majetich, J. Rhyne, and S. M. Watson, Physica B (submitted).

Quasi-hexagonal Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 nanoplates decorated on hollow CuO by Kirkendall effect for enhancing lithium storage performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Peng; Xia, Xifeng; Lei, Wu; Jiao, Xinyan; Lu, Lei; Ouyang, Yu; Hao, Qingli

2018-07-01

Constructing a hierarchical heterogeneous composite is deemed as an effective way to solve the current problems of metal oxides as lithium ion batteries' anodes. In this work, we simultaneously designed the heterogeneous component and structure of the novel hybrid based on Kirkendall effect. The composite was composed of quasi-hexagonal Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 nanoplates as a shell and CuO with voids as a core. The hybrids were characterized by using XRD, FTIR, TEM and SEM. It was found that the heating rate greatly influences the combination form of Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 and CuO. The quasi-hexagonal Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 nanoplates were assembled into branch-like shell decorated on the CuO surface under the low heating rate. However, the high heating rate led to a compact Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 shell, although the shell was also assembled by quasi-hexagonal nanoplates. The reasonable formation mechanism of the unique component and structure was proposed. Such a hybrid with the branch-like shell exhibited the best lithium storage performance. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the unique component and structure. Typically, the inside voids can alleviate the volume change and the hierarchical shell can provide much contact and reaction sites. This work not only opens a new view in constructing heterogeneous hybrid with unique structure by Kirkendall effect, but also can be expanded for many other structure-based applications, such as energy storage, sensors, and heterogeneous catalysts.

Strategies Toward Well-Defined Polymer Nanoparticles Inspired by Nature: Chemistry versus Versatility

PubMed Central

Elsabahy, Mahmoud; Wooley, Karen L.

2014-01-01

Polymeric nanoparticles are promising delivery platforms for various biomedical applications. One of the main challenges toward the development of therapeutic nanoparticles is the premature disassembly and release of the encapsulated drug. Among the different strategies to enhance the kinetic stability of polymeric nanoparticles, shell- and core-crosslinking have been shown to provide robust character, while creating a suitable environment for encapsulation of a wide range of therapeutics, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, metallic, and small and large biomolecules, with gating of their release as well. The versatility of shell- and core-crosslinked nanoparticles is driven from the ease by which the structures of the shell- and core-forming polymers and crosslinkers can be modified. In addition, postmodification with cell-recognition moieties, grafting of antibiofouling polymers, or chemical degradation of the core to yield nanocages allow the use of these robust nanostructures as “smart” nanocarriers. The building principles of these multifunctional nanoparticles borrow analogy from the synthesis, supramolecular assembly, stabilization, and dynamic activity of the naturally driven biological nanoparticles such as proteins, lipoproteins, and viruses. In this review, the chemistry involved during the buildup from small molecules to polymers to covalently stabilized nanoscopic objects is detailed, with contrast of the strategies of the supramolecular assembly of polymer building blocks followed by intramicellar stabilization into shell-, core-, or core–shell-crosslinked knedel-like nanoparticles versus polymerization of polymers into nanoscopic molecular brushes followed by further intramolecular covalent stabilization events. The rational design of shell-crosslinked knedel-like nanoparticles is then elaborated for therapeutic packaging and delivery, with emphasis on the polymer chemistry aspects to accomplish the synthesis of such nanoparticulate systems. PMID:25574072

Bottom head to shell junction assembly for a boiling water nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Fife, Alex Blair; Ballas, Gary J.

1998-01-01

A bottom head to shell junction assembly which, in one embodiment, includes an annular forging having an integrally formed pump deck and shroud support is described. In the one embodiment, the annular forging also includes a top, cylindrical shaped end configured to be welded to one end of the pressure vessel cylindrical shell and a bottom, conical shaped end configured to be welded to the disk shaped bottom head. Reactor internal pump nozzles also are integrally formed in the annular forging. The nozzles do not include any internal or external projections. Stubs are formed in each nozzle opening to facilitate welding a pump housing to the forging. Also, an upper portion of each nozzle opening is configured to receive a portion of a diffuser coupled to a pump shaft which extends through the nozzle opening. Diffuser openings are formed in the integral pump deck to provide additional support for the pump impellers. The diffuser opening is sized so that a pump impeller can extend at least partially therethrough. The pump impeller is connected to the pump shaft which extends through the nozzle opening.

Aragonite-Associated Mollusk Shell Protein Aggregates To Form Mesoscale “Smart” Hydrogels

DOE PAGES

Perovic, Iva; Davidyants, Anastasia; Evans, John Spencer

2016-11-30

In the mollusk shell there exists a framework silk fibroin-polysaccharide hydrogel coating around nacre aragonite tablets, and this coating facilitates the synthesis and organization of mineral nanoparticles into mesocrystals. In this report, we identify that a protein component of this coating, n16.3, is a hydrogelator. Due to the presence of intrinsic disorder, aggregation-prone regions, and nearly equal balance of anionic and cationic side chains, this protein assembles to form porous mesoscale hydrogel particles in solution and on mica surfaces. These hydrogel particles change their dimensionality, organization, and internal structure in response to pH and ions, particularly Ca(II), which indicates thatmore » these behave as ion-responsive or “smart” hydrogels. Thus, in addition to silk fibroins, the gel phase of the mollusk shell nacre framework layer may actually consist of several framework hydrogelator proteins, such as n16.3, which can promote mineral nanoparticle organization and assembly during the nacre biomineralization process and also serve as a model system for designing ion-responsive, composite, and smart hydrogels.« less

Functional Polymer Opals and Porous Materials by Shear-Induced Assembly of Tailor-Made Particles.

PubMed

Gallei, Markus

2018-02-01

Photonic band-gap materials attract enormous attention as potential candidates for a steadily increasing variety of applications. Based on the preparation of easily scalable monodisperse colloids, such optically attractive photonic materials can be prepared by an inexpensive and convenient bottom-up process. Artificial polymer opals can be prepared by shear-induced assembly of core/shell particles, yielding reversibly stretch-tunable materials with intriguing structural colors. This feature article highlights recent developments of core/shell particle design and shear-induced opal formation with focus on the combination of hard and soft materials as well as crosslinking strategies. Structure formation of opal materials relies on both the tailored core/shell architecture and the parameters for polymer processing. The emphasis of this feature article is on elucidating the particle design and incorporation of addressable moieties, i.e., stimuli-responsive polymers as well as elaborated crosslinking strategies for the preparation of smart (inverse) opal films, inorganic/organic opals, and ceramic precursors by shear-induced ordering. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Bottom head to shell junction assembly for a boiling water nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Fife, A.B.; Ballas, G.J.

1998-02-24

A bottom head to shell junction assembly which, in one embodiment, includes an annular forging having an integrally formed pump deck and shroud support is described. In the one embodiment, the annular forging also includes a top, cylindrical shaped end configured to be welded to one end of the pressure vessel cylindrical shell and a bottom, conical shaped end configured to be welded to the disk shaped bottom head. Reactor internal pump nozzles also are integrally formed in the annular forging. The nozzles do not include any internal or external projections. Stubs are formed in each nozzle opening to facilitate welding a pump housing to the forging. Also, an upper portion of each nozzle opening is configured to receive a portion of a diffuser coupled to a pump shaft which extends through the nozzle opening. Diffuser openings are formed in the integral pump deck to provide additional support for the pump impellers. The diffuser opening is sized so that a pump impeller can extend at least partially therethrough. The pump impeller is connected to the pump shaft which extends through the nozzle opening. 5 figs.

Complement proteins bind to nanoparticle protein corona and undergo dynamic exchange in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Fangfang; Wang, Guankui; Griffin, James I.; Brenneman, Barbara; Banda, Nirmal K.; Holers, V. Michael; Backos, Donald S.; Wu, Linping; Moghimi, Seyed Moein; Simberg, Dmitri

2017-05-01

When nanoparticles are intravenously injected into the body, complement proteins deposit on the surface of nanoparticles in a process called opsonization. These proteins prime the particle for removal by immune cells and may contribute toward infusion-related adverse effects such as allergic responses. The ways complement proteins assemble on nanoparticles have remained unclear. Here, we show that dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide core-shell nanoworms incubated in human serum and plasma are rapidly opsonized with the third complement component (C3) via the alternative pathway. Serum and plasma proteins bound to the nanoworms are mostly intercalated into the nanoworm shell. We show that C3 covalently binds to these absorbed proteins rather than the dextran shell and the protein-bound C3 undergoes dynamic exchange in vitro. Surface-bound proteins accelerate the assembly of the complement components of the alternative pathway on the nanoworm surface. When nanoworms pre-coated with human plasma were injected into mice, C3 and other adsorbed proteins undergo rapid loss. Our results provide important insight into dynamics of protein adsorption and complement opsonization of nanomedicines.

Finite Element Analysis of Geodesically Stiffened Cylindrical Composite Shells Using a Layerwise Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerhard, Craig Steven; Gurdal, Zafer; Kapania, Rakesh K.

1996-01-01

Layerwise finite element analyses of geodesically stiffened cylindrical shells are presented. The layerwise laminate theory of Reddy (LWTR) is developed and adapted to circular cylindrical shells. The Ritz variational method is used to develop an analytical approach for studying the buckling of simply supported geodesically stiffened shells with discrete stiffeners. This method utilizes a Lagrange multiplier technique to attach the stiffeners to the shell. The development of the layerwise shells couples a one-dimensional finite element through the thickness with a Navier solution that satisfies the boundary conditions. The buckling results from the Ritz discrete analytical method are compared with smeared buckling results and with NASA Testbed finite element results. The development of layerwise shell and beam finite elements is presented and these elements are used to perform the displacement field, stress, and first-ply failure analyses. The layerwise shell elements are used to model the shell skin and the layerwise beam elements are used to model the stiffeners. This arrangement allows the beam stiffeners to be assembled directly into the global stiffness matrix. A series of analytical studies are made to compare the response of geodesically stiffened shells as a function of loading, shell geometry, shell radii, shell laminate thickness, stiffener height, and geometric nonlinearity. Comparisons of the structural response of geodesically stiffened shells, axial and ring stiffened shells, and unstiffened shells are provided. In addition, interlaminar stress results near the stiffener intersection are presented. First-ply failure analyses for geodesically stiffened shells utilizing the Tsai-Wu failure criterion are presented for a few selected cases.

Assembly of Robust Bacterial Microcompartment Shells Using Building Blocks from an Organelle of Unknown Function

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

Lassila, JK; Bernstein, SL; Kinney, JN

Bacterial microconnpartnnents (BMCs) sequester enzymes from the cytoplasmic environment by encapsulation inside a selectively permeable protein shell. Bioinformatic analyses indicate that many bacteria encode BMC clusters of unknown function and with diverse combinations of shell proteins. The genome of the halophilic myxobacterium Haliangium ochraceum encodes one of the most atypical sets of shell proteins in terms of composition and primary structure. We found that microconnpartnnent shells could be purified in high yield when all seven H. ochraceum BMC shell genes were expressed from a synthetic operon in Escherichia coll. These shells differ substantially from previously isolated shell systems in thatmore » they are considerably smaller and more homogeneous, with measured diameters of 39 2 nm. The size and nearly uniform geometry allowed the development of a structural model for the shells composed of 260 hexagonal units and 13 hexagons per icosahedral face. We found that new proteins could be recruited to the shells by fusion to a predicted targeting peptide sequence, setting the stage for the use of these remarkably homogeneous shells for applications such as three-dimensional scaffolding and the construction of synthetic BMCs. Our results demonstrate the value of selecting from the diversity of BMC shell building blocks found in genomic sequence data for the construction of novel compartments. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

Constraints on the off-shell Higgs boson signal strength in the high-mass ZZ and WW final states with the ATLAS detector

DOE PAGES

Aad, G.

2015-07-17

The measurements of the ZZ and WW final states in the mass range above the \\(2m_Z\\) and \\(2m_W\\) thresholds provide a unique opportunity to measure the off-shell coupling strength of the Higgs boson. This paper presents constraints on the off-shell Higgs boson event yields normalised to the Standard Model prediction (signal strength) in the \\(ZZ \\rightarrow 4\\ell \\), \\(ZZ\\rightarrow 2\\ell 2\

Reconstruction of TiO2/MnO2-C nanotube/nanoflake core/shell arrays as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Qinqin; Zheng, Cun; Chi, Hongzhong; Zhang, Jun; Ji, Zhenguo

2017-02-01

Construction of electrodes with fast reaction kinetics is of great importance for achieving advanced supercapacitors. Herein we report a facile combined synthetic strategy with atomic layer deposition (ALD) and electrodeposition to rationally fabricate nanotube/nanoflake core/shell arrays. ALD-TiO2 nanotubes are used as the skeleton core for assembly of electrodeposited MnO2-C nanoflake shells forming a core/shell structure. Highly porous architecture and good electrical conductivity are combined in this unique core/shell structure, resulting in fast ion/electron transfer. In tests of electrochemical performance, the TiO2/MnO2-C core/shell arrays are characterized as cathode for asymmetric supecapacitors and exhibit high specific capacitance (880 F g-1 at 2.5 A g-1), excellent rate properties (735 F g-1 at 30 A g-1) and good long-term cycling stability (94.3% capacitance retention after 20 000 cycles). The proposed electrode construction strategy is favorable for fabrication of other advanced supercapacitor electrodes.

Reconstruction of TiO2/MnO2-C nanotube/nanoflake core/shell arrays as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes.

PubMed

Xiong, Qinqin; Zheng, Cun; Chi, Hongzhong; Zhang, Jun; Ji, Zhenguo

2017-02-03

Construction of electrodes with fast reaction kinetics is of great importance for achieving advanced supercapacitors. Herein we report a facile combined synthetic strategy with atomic layer deposition (ALD) and electrodeposition to rationally fabricate nanotube/nanoflake core/shell arrays. ALD-TiO 2 nanotubes are used as the skeleton core for assembly of electrodeposited MnO 2 -C nanoflake shells forming a core/shell structure. Highly porous architecture and good electrical conductivity are combined in this unique core/shell structure, resulting in fast ion/electron transfer. In tests of electrochemical performance, the TiO 2 /MnO 2 -C core/shell arrays are characterized as cathode for asymmetric supecapacitors and exhibit high specific capacitance (880 F g -1 at 2.5 A g -1 ), excellent rate properties (735 F g -1 at 30 A g -1 ) and good long-term cycling stability (94.3% capacitance retention after 20 000 cycles). The proposed electrode construction strategy is favorable for fabrication of other advanced supercapacitor electrodes.

Rapid Synthesis and Formation Mechanism of Core-Shell-Structured La-Doped SrTiO3 with a Nb-Doped Shell

PubMed Central

Park, Nam-Hee; Akamatsu, Takafumi; Itoh, Toshio; Izu, Noriya; Shin, Woosuck

2015-01-01

To provide a convenient and practical synthesis process for metal ion doping on the surface of nanoparticles in an assembled nanostructure, core-shell-structured La-doped SrTiO3 nanocubes with a Nb-doped surface layer were synthesized via a rapid synthesis combining a rapid sol-precipitation and hydrothermal process. The La-doped SrTiO3 nanocubes were formed at room temperature by a rapid dissolution of NaOH pellets during the rapid sol-precipitation process, and the Nb-doped surface (shell) along with Nb-rich edges formed on the core nanocubes via the hydrothermal process. The formation mechanism of the core-shell-structured nanocubes and their shape evolution as a function of the Nb doping level were investigated. The synthesized core-shell-structured nanocubes could be arranged face-to-face on a SiO2/Si substrate by a slow evaporation process, and this nanostructured 10 μm thick thin film showed a smooth surface. PMID:28793420

Evaluation of reef shell embankment : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-12-01

This report discusses a method of constructing an embankment over marshland soils by end-dumping reef shell directly onto the marshland with no other major subgrade preparation. The dumped reef shell is then spread out to form a "floating" embankment...

Interfacial complexation in microfluidic droplets for single-step fabrication of microcapsule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaufman, Gilad; Nejati, Siamak; Sarfati, Raphael; Boltyanskiy, Rostislav; Williams, Danielle; Liu, Wei; Schloss, Ashley; Regan, Lynn; Yan, Elsa; Dufrense, Eric; Loewenberg, Michael; Osuji, Chinedum

We present microfluidic interfacial complexation in emulsion droplets as a simple single-step approach for fabricating a large variety of stable monodisperse microcapsules with tailored mechanical properties, protein binding and controlled release behavior. We rely on electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding to direct the assembly of complementary species at oil-water droplet interfaces to form microcapsules with polyelectrolyte shells, composite polyelectrolyte-nanoparticle shells, and copolymer-nanofiber shells. Additionally, we demonstrate the formation of microcapsules by adsorption of an amphiphilic bacterial hydrophobin, BslA, at oil-in-water and water-in-oil droplets, and protein capture on these capsules using engineered variants of the hydrophobin. We discuss the composition dependence of mechanical properties, shell thickness and release behavior, and regimes of stability for microcapsule fabrication. Nanoparticle based microcapsules display an intriguing plastic deformation response which enables the formation of large aspect ratio asperities by pipette aspiration of the shell.

Materials and process optimization for dual-shell satellite antenna reflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaski, Darcy R.; van Oyen, Hans J.; Nissan, Sorin J.

A comprehensive, design-optimization test program was conducted for satellite antenna reflectors composed of two offset paraboloidal Kevlar-reinforced sandwich shells separated by a circular sandwich structure. In addition to standard mechanical properties testing, coefficient of thermal expansion and hygroscopic tests were conducted to predict reflector surface accuracy in the thermal cycling environment of orbital space. Attention was given to the relative placement of components during assembly, in view of reflector surface measurements.

78 FR 44483 - Draft Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding the Final Rule, Prevention of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-24

... Regarding the Final Rule, Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and... Rule, Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation (Layers with Outdoor Access)'' (the draft guidance). The document provides guidance to egg producers on...

Finding the Optimal Nets for Self-Folding Kirigami

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araújo, N. A. M.; da Costa, R. A.; Dorogovtsev, S. N.; Mendes, J. F. F.

2018-05-01

Three-dimensional shells can be synthesized from the spontaneous self-folding of two-dimensional templates of interconnected panels, called nets. However, some nets are more likely to self-fold into the desired shell under random movements. The optimal nets are the ones that maximize the number of vertex connections, i.e., vertices that have only two of its faces cut away from each other in the net. Previous methods for finding such nets are based on random search, and thus, they do not guarantee the optimal solution. Here, we propose a deterministic procedure. We map the connectivity of the shell into a shell graph, where the nodes and links of the graph represent the vertices and edges of the shell, respectively. Identifying the nets that maximize the number of vertex connections corresponds to finding the set of maximum leaf spanning trees of the shell graph. This method allows us not only to design the self-assembly of much larger shell structures but also to apply additional design criteria, as a complete catalog of the maximum leaf spanning trees is obtained.

Controlled Synthesis of Pd/Pt Core Shell Nanoparticles Using Area-selective Atomic Layer Deposition

PubMed Central

Cao, Kun; Zhu, Qianqian; Shan, Bin; Chen, Rong

2015-01-01

We report an atomic scale controllable synthesis of Pd/Pt core shell nanoparticles (NPs) via area-selective atomic layer deposition (ALD) on a modified surface. The method involves utilizing octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to modify the surface. Take the usage of pinholes on SAMs as active sites for the initial core nucleation, and subsequent selective deposition of the second metal as the shell layer. Since new nucleation sites can be effectively blocked by surface ODTS SAMs in the second deposition stage, we demonstrate the successful growth of Pd/Pt and Pt/Pd NPs with uniform core shell structures and narrow size distribution. The size, shell thickness and composition of the NPs can be controlled precisely by varying the ALD cycles. Such core shell structures can be realized by using regular ALD recipes without special adjustment. This SAMs assisted area-selective ALD method of core shell structure fabrication greatly expands the applicability of ALD in fabricating novel structures and can be readily applied to the growth of NPs with other compositions. PMID:25683469

40 CFR 1054.610 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... final assembly? 1054.610 Section 1054.610 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... EQUIPMENT Special Compliance Provisions § 1054.610 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly do not apply for handheld engines certified...

40 CFR 1054.610 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... final assembly? 1054.610 Section 1054.610 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... EQUIPMENT Special Compliance Provisions § 1054.610 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly do not apply for handheld engines certified...

40 CFR 1054.610 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... final assembly? 1054.610 Section 1054.610 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... EQUIPMENT Special Compliance Provisions § 1054.610 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly do not apply for handheld engines certified...

40 CFR 1054.610 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... final assembly? 1054.610 Section 1054.610 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... EQUIPMENT Special Compliance Provisions § 1054.610 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly do not apply for handheld engines certified...

40 CFR 1054.610 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... final assembly? 1054.610 Section 1054.610 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... EQUIPMENT Special Compliance Provisions § 1054.610 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly do not apply for handheld engines certified...

Herpesvirus capsid assembly and DNA packaging

PubMed Central

Heming, Jason D.; Conway, James F.; Homa, Fred L.

2017-01-01

Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) is the causative agent of several pathologies ranging in severity from the common cold sore to life-threatening encephalitic infection. During productive lytic infection, over 80 viral proteins are expressed in a highly regulated manner, resulting in the replication of viral genomes and assembly of progeny virions. The virion of all herpesviruses consists of an external membrane envelope, a proteinaceous layer called the tegument, and an icosahedral capsid containing the double-stranded linear DNA genome. The capsid shell of HSV-1 is built from four structural proteins: a major capsid protein, VP5, which forms the capsomers (hexons and pentons), the triplex consisting of VP19C and VP23 found between the capsomers, and VP26 which binds to VP5 on hexons but not pentons. In addition, the dodecameric pUL6 portal complex occupies one of the 12 capsid vertices, and the capsid vertex specific component (CVSC), a heterotrimer complex of pUL17, pUL25 and pUL36 binds specifically to the triplexes adjacent to each penton. The capsid is assembled in the nucleus where the viral genome is packaged into newly assembled closed capsid shells. Cleavage and packaging of replicated, concatemeric viral DNA requires the seven viral proteins encoded by the UL6, UL15, UL17, UL25, UL28, UL32, and UL33 genes. Considerable advances have been made in understanding the structure of the herpesvirus capsid and the function of several of the DNA packaging proteins by applying biochemical, genetic, and structural techniques. This review is a summary of recent advances with respect to the structure of the HSV-1 virion capsid and what is known about the function of the seven packaging proteins and their interactions with each other and with the capsid shell. PMID:28528442

Switching Plasmons: Gold Nanorod-Copper Chalcogenide Core-Shell Nanoparticle Clusters with Selectable Metal/Semiconductor NIR Plasmon Resonances.

PubMed

Muhammed, Madathumpady Abubaker Habeeb; Döblinger, Markus; Rodríguez-Fernández, Jessica

2015-09-16

Exerting control over the near-infrared (NIR) plasmonic response of nanosized metals and semiconductors can facilitate access to unexplored phenomena and applications. Here we combine electrostatic self-assembly and Cd(2+)/Cu(+) cation exchange to obtain an anisotropic core-shell nanoparticle cluster (NPC) whose optical properties stem from two dissimilar plasmonic materials: a gold nanorod (AuNR) core and a copper selenide (Cu(2-x)Se, x ≥ 0) supraparticle shell. The spectral response of the AuNR@Cu2Se NPCs is governed by the transverse and longitudinal plasmon bands (LPB) of the anisotropic metallic core, since the Cu2Se shell is nonplasmonic. Under aerobic conditions the shell undergoes vacancy doping (x > 0), leading to the plasmon-rich NIR spectrum of the AuNR@Cu(2-x)Se NPCs. For low vacancy doping levels the NIR optical properties of the dually plasmonic NPCs are determined by the LPBs of the semiconductor shell (along its major longitudinal axis) and of the metal core. Conversely, for high vacancy doping levels their NIR optical response is dominated by the two most intense plasmon modes from the shell: the transverse (along the shortest transversal axis) and longitudinal (along the major longitudinal axis) modes. The optical properties of the NPCs can be reversibly switched back to a purely metallic plasmonic character upon reversible conversion of AuNR@Cu(2-x)Se into AuNR@Cu2Se. Such well-defined nanosized colloidal assemblies feature the unique ability of holding an all-metallic, a metallic/semiconductor, or an all-semiconductor plasmonic response in the NIR. Therefore, they can serve as an ideal platform to evaluate the crosstalk between plasmonic metals and plasmonic semiconductors at the nanoscale. Furthermore, their versatility to display plasmon modes in the first, second, or both NIR windows is particularly advantageous for bioapplications, especially considering their strong absorbing and near-field enhancing properties.

Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles prepared by interfacial etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Limei; Deming, Christopher P.; Peng, Yi; Hu, Peiguang; Stofan, Jake; Chen, Shaowei

2016-07-01

Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles were prepared by chemical etching of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles at the air/water interface. Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical deposition of a silver shell onto gold seed colloids followed by the self-assembly of 1-dodecanethiol onto the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles then formed a monolayer on the water surface of a Langmuir-Blodgett trough, and part of the silver shell was selectively etched away by the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the water subphase, where the etching was limited to the side of the nanoparticles that was in direct contact with water. The resulting Janus nanoparticles exhibited an asymmetrical distribution of silver on the surface of the gold cores, as manifested in transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Interestingly, the Au@Ag semishell Janus nanoparticles exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions, as compared to their Au@Ag and Ag@Au core-shell counterparts, likely due to a synergistic effect between the gold cores and silver semishells that optimized oxygen binding to the nanoparticle surface.Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles were prepared by chemical etching of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles at the air/water interface. Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical deposition of a silver shell onto gold seed colloids followed by the self-assembly of 1-dodecanethiol onto the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles then formed a monolayer on the water surface of a Langmuir-Blodgett trough, and part of the silver shell was selectively etched away by the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the water subphase, where the etching was limited to the side of the nanoparticles that was in direct contact with water. The resulting Janus nanoparticles exhibited an asymmetrical distribution of silver on the surface of the gold cores, as manifested in transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Interestingly, the Au@Ag semishell Janus nanoparticles exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions, as compared to their Au@Ag and Ag@Au core-shell counterparts, likely due to a synergistic effect between the gold cores and silver semishells that optimized oxygen binding to the nanoparticle surface. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional TEM, UV-vis, XPS, and electrochemical data. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03368g

Self-assembly in poly(dimethylsiloxane)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer template directed synthesis of Linde type A zeolite.

PubMed

Bonaccorsi, Lucio; Calandra, Pietro; Kiselev, Mikhail A; Amenitsch, Heinz; Proverbio, Edoardo; Lombardo, Domenico

2013-06-11

We describe the hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite Linde type A (LTA) submicrometer particles using a water-soluble amphiphilic block copolymer of poly(dimethylsiloxane)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) as a template. The formation and growth of the intermediate aggregates in the presence of the diblock copolymer have been monitored by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) above the critical micellar concentration at a constant temperature of 45 °C. The early stage of the growth process was characterized by the incorporation of the zeolite LTA components into the surface of the block copolymer micellar aggregates with the formation of primary units of 4.8 nm with a core-shell morphology. During this period, restricted to an initial time of 1-3 h, the core-shell structure of the particles does not show significant changes, while a subsequent aggregation process among these primary units takes place. A shape transition of the SAXS profile at the late stage of the synthesis has been connected with an aggregation process among primary units that leads to the formation of large clusters with fractal characteristics. The formation of large supramolecular assemblies was finally verified by scanning electron microscopy, which evidenced the presence of submicrometer aggregates with size ranging between 100 and 300 nm, while X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of crystalline zeolite LTA. The main finding of our results gives novel insight into the mechanism of formation of organic-inorganic mesoporous materials based on the use of a soft interacting nanotemplate as well as stimulates the investigation of alternative protocols for the synthesis of novel hybrid materials with new characteristics and properties.

40 CFR 1048.612 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... final assembly? 1048.612 Section 1048.612 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Compliance Provisions § 1048.612 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly apply for engines certified under this part 1048, with the...

40 CFR 1048.612 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... final assembly? 1048.612 Section 1048.612 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Compliance Provisions § 1048.612 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly apply for engines certified under this part 1048, with the...

40 CFR 1048.612 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... final assembly? 1048.612 Section 1048.612 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Compliance Provisions § 1048.612 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly apply for engines certified under this part 1048, with the...

40 CFR 1048.612 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... final assembly? 1048.612 Section 1048.612 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Compliance Provisions § 1048.612 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly apply for engines certified under this part 1048, with the...

40 CFR 1048.612 - What is the exemption for delegated final assembly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... final assembly? 1048.612 Section 1048.612 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Compliance Provisions § 1048.612 What is the exemption for delegated final assembly? The provisions of 40 CFR 1068.261 related to delegated final assembly apply for engines certified under this part 1048, with the...

Determination of shell content by activation analysis : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-08-01

The objective of this study is to determine if neutron activation analysis technique, developed under Research Project 70-1ST, can be used to determine the shell content of a sand-shell mixture. : In order to accomplish this objective, samples of san...

Self-assembly of self-limiting monodisperse supraparticles from polydisperse nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Yunsheng; Nguyen, Trung Dac; Yang, Ming; Lee, Byeongdu; Santos, Aaron; Podsiadlo, Paul; Tang, Zhiyong; Glotzer, Sharon C.; Kotov, Nicholas A.

2011-09-01

Nanoparticles are known to self-assemble into larger structures through growth processes that typically occur continuously and depend on the uniformity of the individual nanoparticles. Here, we show that inorganic nanoparticles with non-uniform size distributions can spontaneously assemble into uniformly sized supraparticles with core-shell morphologies. This self-limiting growth process is governed by a balance between electrostatic repulsion and van der Waals attraction, which is aided by the broad polydispersity of the nanoparticles. The generic nature of the interactions creates flexibility in the composition, size and shape of the constituent nanoparticles, and leads to a large family of self-assembled structures, including hierarchically organized colloidal crystals.

Self assembling proteins

DOEpatents

Yeates, Todd O.; Padilla, Jennifer; Colovos, Chris

2004-06-29

Novel fusion proteins capable of self-assembling into regular structures, as well as nucleic acids encoding the same, are provided. The subject fusion proteins comprise at least two oligomerization domains rigidly linked together, e.g. through an alpha helical linking group. Also provided are regular structures comprising a plurality of self-assembled fusion proteins of the subject invention, and methods for producing the same. The subject fusion proteins find use in the preparation of a variety of nanostructures, where such structures include: cages, shells, double-layer rings, two-dimensional layers, three-dimensional crystals, filaments, and tubes.

General route for the assembly of functional inorganic capsules.

PubMed

Akartuna, Ilke; Tervoort, Elena; Studart, André R; Gauckler, Ludwig J

2009-11-03

Semipermeable, hollow capsules are attractive materials for the encapsulation and delivery of active agents in food processing, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, and biomedicine. These capsules can be produced by forming a solid shell of close packed colloidal particles, typically polymeric particles, at the surface of emulsion droplets. However, current methods to prepare such capsules may involve multistep chemical procedures to tailor the surface chemistry of particles or are limited to particles that exhibit inherently the right hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance to adsorb around emulsion droplets. In this work, we describe a general and simple method to fabricate semipermeable, inorganic capsules from emulsion droplets stabilized by a wide variety of colloidal metal oxide particles. The assembly of particles at the oil-water interface is induced by the in situ hydrophobization of the particle surface through the adsorption of short amphiphilic molecules. The adsorption of particles at the interface leads to stable capsules comprising a single layer of particles in the outer shell. Such capsules can be used in the wet state or can be further processed into dry capsules. The permeability of the capsules can be modified by filling the interstices between the shell particles with polymeric or inorganic species. Functional capsules with biocompatible, bioresorbable, heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and magnetic properties were prepared using alumina, silica, iron oxide, or tricalcium phosphate as particles in the shell.

Plate tectonics of virus shell assembly and reorganization in phage φ8, a distant relative of mammalian reoviruses.

PubMed

El Omari, Kamel; Sutton, Geoff; Ravantti, Janne J; Zhang, Hanwen; Walter, Thomas S; Grimes, Jonathan M; Bamford, Dennis H; Stuart, David I; Mancini, Erika J

2013-08-06

The hallmark of a virus is its capsid, which harbors the viral genome and is formed from protein subunits, which assemble following precise geometric rules. dsRNA viruses use an unusual protein multiplicity (120 copies) to form their closed capsids. We have determined the atomic structure of the capsid protein (P1) from the dsRNA cystovirus Φ8. In the crystal P1 forms pentamers, very similar in shape to facets of empty procapsids, suggesting an unexpected assembly pathway that proceeds via a pentameric intermediate. Unlike the elongated proteins used by dsRNA mammalian reoviruses, P1 has a compact trapezoid-like shape and a distinct arrangement in the shell, with two near-identical conformers in nonequivalent structural environments. Nevertheless, structural similarity with the analogous protein from the mammalian viruses suggests a common ancestor. The unusual shape of the molecule may facilitate dramatic capsid expansion during phage maturation, allowing P1 to switch interaction interfaces to provide capsid plasticity. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tuning the Rectification Ratio by Changing the Electronic Nature (Open-Shell and Closed-Shell) in Donor-Acceptor Self-Assembled Monolayers.

PubMed

Souto, Manuel; Yuan, Li; Morales, Dayana C; Jiang, Li; Ratera, Imma; Nijhuis, Christian A; Veciana, Jaume

2017-03-29

This Communication describes the mechanism of charge transport across self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of two donor-acceptor systems consisting of a polychlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) electron-acceptor moiety linked to an electron-donor ferrocene (Fc) unit supported by ultraflat template-stripped Au and contacted by a eutectic alloy of gallium and indium top contacts. The electronic and supramolecular structures of these SAMs were well characterized. The PTM unit can be switched between the nonradical and radical forms, which influences the rectification behavior of the junction. Junctions with nonradical units rectify currents via the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) with a rectification ratio R = 99, but junctions with radical units have a new accessible state, a single-unoccupied molecular orbital (SUMO), which turns rectification off and drops R to 6.

Communication: Programmable self-assembly of thin-shell mesostructures

DOE PAGES

Halverson, Jonathan D.; Tkachenko, Alexei V.

2017-10-13

For this article, we study numerically the possibility of programmable self-assembly of various thin-shell architectures. They include clusters isomorphic to fullerenes C 20 and C 60, finite and infinite sheets, tube-shaped and toroidal mesostructures. Our approach is based on the recently introduced directionally functionalized nanoparticle platform, for which we employ a hybrid technique of Brownian dynamics with stochastic bond formation. By combining a number of strategies, we were able to achieve a near-perfect yield of the desired structures with a reduced “alphabet” of building blocks. Among those strategies are the following: the use of bending rigidity of the interparticle bondmore » as a control parameter, programming the morphology with a seed architecture, use of chirality-preserving symmetries for reduction of the particle alphabet, and the hierarchic approach.« less

Communication: Programmable self-assembly of thin-shell mesostructures

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

Halverson, Jonathan D.; Tkachenko, Alexei V.

For this article, we study numerically the possibility of programmable self-assembly of various thin-shell architectures. They include clusters isomorphic to fullerenes C 20 and C 60, finite and infinite sheets, tube-shaped and toroidal mesostructures. Our approach is based on the recently introduced directionally functionalized nanoparticle platform, for which we employ a hybrid technique of Brownian dynamics with stochastic bond formation. By combining a number of strategies, we were able to achieve a near-perfect yield of the desired structures with a reduced “alphabet” of building blocks. Among those strategies are the following: the use of bending rigidity of the interparticle bondmore » as a control parameter, programming the morphology with a seed architecture, use of chirality-preserving symmetries for reduction of the particle alphabet, and the hierarchic approach.« less

Chemoresponsive Colloidosomes via Ag⁺ Soldering of Surface-Assembled Nanoparticle Monolayers.

PubMed

Liu, Miao; Tian, Qian; Li, Yulin; You, Bo; Xu, An; Deng, Zhaoxiang

2015-04-28

Colloidosomes with a hollow interior and a porous plasmonic shell are highly desired for many applications including nanoreactors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), photothermal therapy, and controlled drug release. We herein report a silica nanosphere-templated electrostatic self-assembly in conjunction with a newly developed Ag(+) soldering to fabricate gold colloidosomes toward multifunctionality and stimuli-responsibility. The gold colloidosomes are capable of capturing a nanosized object and releasing it via structural dissociation upon responding to a biochemical input (GSH, glutathione) at a concentration close to its cellular level. In addition, the colloidosomes have a tunable nanoporous shell composed of strongly coupled gold nanoparticles, which exhibit broadened near-infrared plasmon resonance. These features along with the simplicity and high tunability of the fabrication process make the gold colloidosomes quite promising for applications in a chemical or cellular environment.

The STAR-X X-Ray Telescope Assembly (XTA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McClelland, Ryan S.

2017-08-01

The Survey and Time-domain Astrophysical Research eXplorer (STAR-X) science goals are to discover what powers the most violent explosions in the Universe, understand how black holes grow across cosmic time and mass scale, and measure how structure formation heats the majority of baryons in the Universe. To achieve these goals, STAR-X requires a powerful X-ray telescope with a large field of view, large collecting area, and excellent point spread function. The STAR-X instrument, the X-Ray Telescope Assembly (XTA), meets these requirements using a powerful X-ray mirror technology based on precision-polished single crystal silicon and a mature CCD detector technology. The XTA is composed of three major subsystems: an X-ray Mirror Assembly (MA) of high resolution, lightweight mirror segments fabricated out of single crystal silicon; a Focal Plane Assembly (FPA) made of back-illuminated CCDs capable of detecting X-rays with excellent quantum efficiency; and a composite Telescope Tube that structurally links the MA and FPA. The MA consists of 5,972 silicon mirror segments mounted into five subassemblies called metashells. A meta-shell is constructed from an annular central structural shell covered with interlocking layers of mirror segments. This paper describes the requirements, design, and analysis of the XTA subsystems with particular focus on the MA.

Tailor-made Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticle 2D arrays on protein-coated graphene oxide with assembly enhanced antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huiqiao; Liu, Jinbin; Wu, Xuan; Tong, Zhonghua; Deng, Zhaoxiang

2013-05-01

Water-dispersible two-dimensional (2D) assemblies of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles are obtained through a highly selective electroless silver deposition on pre-assembled gold nanoparticles on bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated graphene oxide (BSA-GO). While neither BSA-GO nor AuNP-decorated BSA-GO shows any antibacterial ability, the silver-coated GO@Au nanosheets (namely GO@Au@Ag) exhibit an enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, superior to unassembled Au@Ag nanoparticles and even ionic Ag. Such an improvement may be attributed to the increased local concentration of silver nanoparticles around a bacterium and a polyvalent interaction with the bacterial surface. In addition, the colloidal stability of this novel nano-antimicrobial against the formation of random nanoparticle aggregates guarantees a minimized activity loss of the Au@Ag nanoparticles. The antibacterial efficacy of GO@Au@Ag is less sensitive to the existence of Cl-, in comparison with silver ions, providing another advantage for wound dressing applications. Our research unambiguously reveals a strong and very specific interaction between the GO@Au@Ag nanoassembly and E. coli, which could be an important clue toward a rational design, synthesis and assembly of innovative and highly active antibacterial nanomaterials.

Double-shell target fabrication workshop-2016 report

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

Wang, Y. Morris; Oertel, John; Farrell, Michael

On June 30, 2016, over 40 representatives from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), General Atomics (GA), Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), Schafer Corporation, and NNSA headquarter attended a double-shell (DS) target fabrication workshop at Livermore, California. Pushered-single-shell (PSS) and DS metalgas platforms potentially have a large impact on programmatic applications. The goal of this focused workshop is to bring together target fabrication scientists, physicists, and designers to brainstorm future PSS and DS target fabrication needs and strategies. This one-day workshop intends to give an overall view of historical information, recent approaches, and future research activitiesmore » at each participating organization. Five topical areas have been discussed that are vital to the success of future DS target fabrications, including inner metal shells, foam spheres, outer ablators, fill tube assembly, and metrology.« less

Alignment System for Full-Shell Replicated X-Ray Mirrors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, Mikhail; Arnold, William; Ramsey, Brian

2009-01-01

We are developing grazing-incidence x-ray optics for high-energy astrophysical applications using the electroformnickel replication process. For space-based applications these optics must be light-weight yet stable, which dictates the use of very-thin-walled full-shell mirrors. Such shells have been fabricated with resolution as good as 11 arcsec for hard x-rays, and technology enhancements under development at MSFC are aimed at producing mirrors with resolution better than 10 arcsec. The challenge, however, is to preserve this resolution during mounting and assembly. We present here a status report on a mounting and alignment system currently under development at Marshall Space Flight Center designed to meet this challenge.

Robotic system for retractable teleoperated arm within enclosed shell with capability of operating within a confined space

DOEpatents

Randolph, John David; Lloyd, Peter Downes; Love, Lonnie Joe; Kwon, Dong Soo; Blank, James Allen; Davis, Hurley Thomas

2001-01-01

An apparatus for performing a task in a confined space having an access port. The apparatus comprise: a confinement box securable to the access port of the confined space; a shell extending from the confinement box; a teleoperated arm movable between a retracted position, in which the teleoperated arm is disposed within the shell, and a deployed position, in which the teleoperated arm extends through the access port and into the confined space to perform the task; and a control system for commanding the teleoperated arm. The arm links and joint connectors of the teleoperated arm assembly are the conduits for the process

Importance of polypyrrole in constructing 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube@MnO2 perfect core-shell nanostructures for high-performance flexible supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jinyuan; Zhao, Hao; Mu, Xuemei; Chen, Jiayi; Zhang, Peng; Wang, Yaling; He, Yongmin; Zhang, Zhenxing; Pan, Xiaojun; Xie, Erqing

2015-08-01

This study reports the preparation of 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube (CNT) @MnO2 core-shell nanostructures under the assistance of polypyrrole (PPy). The as-prepared CNT@PPy@MnO2 core-shell structures show a perfect coating of MnO2 on each CNT and, more importantly, a robust bush-like pseudocapacitive shell to effectively increase the specific surface area and enhance the ion accessibility. As expected, a high specific capacity of 490-530 F g-1 has been achieved from CNT@PPy@MnO2 single electrodes. And about 98.5% of the capacity is retained after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1. Furthermore, the assembled asymmetric CNT@PPy@MnO2//AC capacitors show the maximum energy density of 38.42 W h kg-1 (2.24 mW h cm-3) at a power density of 100 W kg-1 (5.83 mW cm-3), and they maintain 59.52% of the initial value at 10 000 W kg-1 (0.583 W cm-3). In addition, the assembled devices show high cycling stabilities (89.7% after 2000 cycles for asymmetric and 87.2% for symmetric), and a high bending stability (64.74% after 200 bending tests). This ability to obtain high energy densities at high power rates while maintaining high cycling stability demonstrates that this well-designed structure could be a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.This study reports the preparation of 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube (CNT) @MnO2 core-shell nanostructures under the assistance of polypyrrole (PPy). The as-prepared CNT@PPy@MnO2 core-shell structures show a perfect coating of MnO2 on each CNT and, more importantly, a robust bush-like pseudocapacitive shell to effectively increase the specific surface area and enhance the ion accessibility. As expected, a high specific capacity of 490-530 F g-1 has been achieved from CNT@PPy@MnO2 single electrodes. And about 98.5% of the capacity is retained after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1. Furthermore, the assembled asymmetric CNT@PPy@MnO2//AC capacitors show the maximum energy density of 38.42 W h kg-1 (2.24 mW h cm-3) at a power density of 100 W kg-1 (5.83 mW cm-3), and they maintain 59.52% of the initial value at 10 000 W kg-1 (0.583 W cm-3). In addition, the assembled devices show high cycling stabilities (89.7% after 2000 cycles for asymmetric and 87.2% for symmetric), and a high bending stability (64.74% after 200 bending tests). This ability to obtain high energy densities at high power rates while maintaining high cycling stability demonstrates that this well-designed structure could be a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03426d

Impact of a nonuniform charge distribution on virus assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Siyu; Erdemci-Tandogan, Gonca; Wagner, Jef; van der Schoot, Paul; Zandi, Roya

2017-08-01

Many spherical viruses encapsulate their genomes in protein shells with icosahedral symmetry. This process is spontaneous and driven by electrostatic interactions between positive domains on the virus coat proteins and the negative genomes. We model the effect of the nonuniform icosahedral charge distribution from the protein shell instead using a mean-field theory. We find that this nonuniform charge distribution strongly affects the optimal genome length and that it can explain the experimentally observed phenomenon of overcharging of virus and viruslike particles.

CdS/CdSe quantum dot shell decorated vertical ZnO nanowire arrays by spin-coating-based SILAR for photoelectrochemical cells and quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Ran; Luo, Qiu-Ping; Chen, Hong-Yan; Yu, Xiao-Yun; Kuang, Dai-Bin; Su, Cheng-Yong

2012-04-23

A CdS/CdSe composite shell is assembled onto the surface of ZnO nanowire arrays with a simple spin-coating-based successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The as-prepared photoelectrode exhibit a high photocurrent density in photoelectrochemical cells and also generates good power conversion efficiency in quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Developing Test Apparatus and Measurements of AC Loss of High Temperature Superconductors

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

temperature of the coil is not raised significantly. The second system, a larger machine, designed with a long term prospective to serve a test bed for...four sample chambers inside the vacuum gap, LN2 – cooled sample holder (currently only one is in use), the laminated back iron, and the outer shell...machine. accommodate a variety of different small coils and linear tapes. This assembly is surrounded by the laminated back iron and the outer shell

Waltzing route toward double-helix formation in cholesteric shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darmon, Alexandre; Benzaquen, Michael; Seč, David; Čopar, Simon; Dauchot, Olivier; Lopez-Leon, Teresa

2016-08-01

Liquid crystals, when confined to a spherical shell, offer fascinating possibilities for producing artificial mesoscopic atoms, which could then self-assemble into materials structured at a nanoscale, such as photonic crystals or metamaterials. The spherical curvature of the shell imposes topological constraints in the molecular ordering of the liquid crystal, resulting in the formation of defects. Controlling the number of defects, that is, the shell valency, and their positions, is a key success factor for the realization of those materials. Liquid crystals with helical cholesteric order offer a promising, yet unexplored way of controlling the shell defect configuration. In this paper, we study cholesteric shells with monovalent and bivalent defect configurations. By bringing together experiments and numerical simulations, we show that the defects appearing in these two configurations have a complex inner structure, as recently reported for simulated droplets. Bivalent shells possess two highly structured defects, which are composed of a number of smaller defect rings that pile up through the shell. Monovalent shells have a single radial defect, which is composed of two nonsingular defect lines that wind around each other in a double-helix structure. The stability of the bivalent configuration against the monovalent one is controlled by c = h/p, where h is the shell thickness and p the cholesteric helical pitch. By playing with the shell geometry, we can trigger the transition between the two configurations. This transition involves a fascinating waltz dynamics, where the two defects come closer while turning around each other.

Au@TiO2 yolk-shell nanostructures for enhanced performance in both photoelectric and photocatalytic solar conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Qinrong; Sun, Hang; Shang, Yinxing; Tang, Yanan; She, Ping; Zeng, Shan; Xu, Kongliang; Lu, Guolong; Liang, Song; Yin, Shengyan; Liu, Zhenning

2018-05-01

Solar energy conversion is an important field gaining increasing interest. Herein, bio-inspired Au@TiO2 yolk-shell nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared via a facial one-pot hydrothermal approach. The Au@TiO2 yolk-shell NPs can self-assemble into 3D-structure to form photoelectrode for photoelectric conversion. The obtained photoelectrode demonstrates a swift and stable photocurrent of 3.5 μA/cm2, which is 4.2 and 1.6 times higher than those of the photocurrents generated by the counterparts of commercial TiO2 and Au@TiO2 core-shell NPs, respectively. Moreover, compared to the commercial TiO2 and Au@TiO2 core-shell NPs, the Au@TiO2 yolk-shell NPs also exhibit superior photocatalytic activity, delivering a H2 evolution rate of 4.92 mmol/g h. The performance improvement observed for the Au@TiO2 yolk-shell NPs is likely contributed by two synergistic factors, i.e. the incorporation of AuNPs and the unique hollow structure, which benefit the activity by simultaneously enhancing light utilization, charge separation and reaction site accessibility. The rational design and fabrication of Au@TiO2 yolk-shell NPs hold great promise for future application in efficient solar energy conversion.

Implantation of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in Shells of Au@m-SiO2 Yolk@Shell Nanocatalysts with Both Improved Recyclability and Catalytic Activity.

PubMed

Li, Yanan; Jin, Chenjing; Yuan, Ganyin; Han, Jie; Wang, Minggui; Guo, Rong

2017-08-01

Multifunctional nanocatalysts of Au@Fe 3 O 4 /m-SiO 2 yolk@shell hybrids had been developed through a template-assisted synthesis, where Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (∼12 nm) and m-SiO 2 shells were sequentially assembled on surfaces of Au/SiO 2 core/shell templates, followed by selective etching of the inner SiO 2 cores, leading to the formation of Au@Fe 3 O 4 /m-SiO 2 yolk@shell hybrids. The Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were implanted in the inner surfaces of m-SiO 2 shells with partially exposed surfaces to the inner cavity. The novel design not only ensures a high surface area (540.0 m 2 /g) and saturation magnetization (48.6 emu/g) of the hybrids but also enables interaction between Au and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Catalytic tests toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH 4 indicated that Au@Fe 3 O 4 /m-SiO 2 yolk@shell nanocatalysts not only showed high stability and recyclability but also maintained improved catalytic activity as a result of the synergetic effect resulting from Au and Fe 3 O 4 interactions.

Proteomic analysis of the organic matrix of the abalone Haliotis asinina calcified shell

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The formation of the molluscan shell is regulated to a large extent by a matrix of extracellular macromolecules that are secreted by the shell forming tissue, the mantle. This so called "calcifying matrix" is a complex mixture of proteins and glycoproteins that is assembled and occluded within the mineral phase during the calcification process. While the importance of the calcifying matrix to shell formation has long been appreciated, most of its protein components remain uncharacterised. Results Recent expressed sequence tag (EST) investigations of the mantle tissue from the tropical abalone (Haliotis asinina) provide an opportunity to further characterise the proteins in the shell by a proteomic approach. In this study, we have identified a total of 14 proteins from distinct calcified layers of the shell. Only two of these proteins have been previously characterised from abalone shells. Among the novel proteins are several glutamine- and methionine-rich motifs and hydrophobic glycine-, alanine- and acidic aspartate-rich domains. In addition, two of the new proteins contained Kunitz-like and WAP (whey acidic protein) protease inhibitor domains. Conclusion This is one of the first comprehensive proteomic study of a molluscan shell, and should provide a platform for further characterization of matrix protein functions and interactions. PMID:21050442

Active structuring of colloidal armour on liquid drops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dommersnes, Paul; Rozynek, Zbigniew; Mikkelsen, Alexander; Castberg, Rene; Kjerstad, Knut; Hersvik, Kjetil; Otto Fossum, Jon

2013-06-01

Adsorption and assembly of colloidal particles at the surface of liquid droplets are at the base of particle-stabilized emulsions and templating. Here we report that electrohydrodynamic and electro-rheological effects in leaky-dielectric liquid drops can be used to structure and dynamically control colloidal particle assemblies at drop surfaces, including electric-field-assisted convective assembly of jammed colloidal ‘ribbons’, electro-rheological colloidal chains confined to a two-dimensional surface and spinning colloidal domains on that surface. In addition, we demonstrate the size control of ‘pupil’-like openings in colloidal shells. We anticipate that electric field manipulation of colloids in leaky dielectrics can lead to new routes of colloidosome assembly and design for ‘smart armoured’ droplets.

Active structuring of colloidal armour on liquid drops.

PubMed

Dommersnes, Paul; Rozynek, Zbigniew; Mikkelsen, Alexander; Castberg, Rene; Kjerstad, Knut; Hersvik, Kjetil; Otto Fossum, Jon

2013-01-01

Adsorption and assembly of colloidal particles at the surface of liquid droplets are at the base of particle-stabilized emulsions and templating. Here we report that electrohydrodynamic and electro-rheological effects in leaky-dielectric liquid drops can be used to structure and dynamically control colloidal particle assemblies at drop surfaces, including electric-field-assisted convective assembly of jammed colloidal 'ribbons', electro-rheological colloidal chains confined to a two-dimensional surface and spinning colloidal domains on that surface. In addition, we demonstrate the size control of 'pupil'-like openings in colloidal shells. We anticipate that electric field manipulation of colloids in leaky dielectrics can lead to new routes of colloidosome assembly and design for 'smart armoured' droplets.

Metrology Mount and Optics Mandrels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tananbaum, H.; Russell, Kevin (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This document is the Final Report for NASA Grant NAG8-1198 from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The Grant is entitled "Metrology Mount and Optics Materials." This final report is required by the terms of the Grant. The period of performance was from September 15, 1995 through January 14, 1999. Total funding received by SAO from MSFC for this effort was, $254,000. Mr. Lester Cohen carried out most of the work at SAO, but received limited support from other engineers, technicians, and designers. Dr. Harvey Tananbaum, the Principal Investigator for the grant provided overall direction and work- assessment. The Grant has had two funding augmentations to its basic amount and has, over time, emphasized three different research areas - each of which has been an extension of earlier research. The research activity was in 2 areas: (1) Expert opto-structural studies related to separation mechanics and effects of electro formed nickel X-ray mirrors. and (2) Design, fabrication and evaluation of a low force metrology and assembly station for light weight full shell electroformed X-ray mirrors.

Whole genome sequencing of Gyeongbuk Araucana, a newly developed blue-egg laying chicken breed, reveals its origin and genetic characteristics.

PubMed

Jeong, Hyeonsoo; Kim, Kwondo; Caetano-Anollés, Kelsey; Kim, Heebal; Kim, Byung-Ki; Yi, Jun-Koo; Ha, Jae-Jung; Cho, Seoae; Oh, Dong Yep

2016-05-24

Chicken, Gallus gallus, is a valuable species both as a food source and as a model organism for scientific research. Here, we sequenced the genome of Gyeongbuk Araucana, a rare chicken breed with unique phenotypic characteristics including flight ability, large body size, and laying blue-shelled eggs, to identify its genomic features. We generated genomes of Gyeongbuk Araucana, Leghorn, and Korean Native Chicken at a total of 33.5, 35.82, and 33.23 coverage depth, respectively. Along with the genomes of 12 Chinese breeds, we identified genomic variants of 16.3 million SNVs and 2.3 million InDels in mapped regions. Additionally, through assembly of unmapped reads and selective sweep, we identified candidate genes that fall into heart, vasculature and muscle development and body growth categories, which provided insight into Gyeongbuk Araucana's phenotypic traits. Finally, genetic variation based on the transposable element insertion pattern was investigated to elucidate the features of transposable elements related to blue egg shell formation. This study presents results of the first genomic study on the Gyeongbuk Araucana breed; it has potential to serve as an invaluable resource for future research on the genomic characteristics of this chicken breed as well as others.

Technicians complete assembly of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) mockup at JSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

Technicians complete assembly of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) mockup at JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A. In the foreground, a technician holds the controls for an overhead crane attached to one of the HST's high gain antennas (HGAs). Technicians on the ground prepare the HGA to be hoisted into position on the mockup's Support System Module (SSM) forward shell as others work on SSM from a cherry picker.

Nanoscale alloys and core-shell materials: Model predictions of the nanostructure and mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhurkin, E. E.; van Hoof, T.; Hou, M.

2007-06-01

Atomic scale modeling methods are used to investigate the relationship between the properties of clusters of nanometer size and the materials that can be synthesized by assembling them. The examples of very different bimetallic systems are used. The first one is the Ni3Al ordered alloy and the second is the AgCo core-shell system. While the Ni3Al cluster assembled materials modeling is already reported in our previous work, here we focus on the prediction of new materials synthesized by low energy deposition and accumulation of AgCo clusters. It is found that the core-shell structure is preserved by deposition with energies typical of low energy cluster beam deposition, although deposition may induce substantial cluster deformation. In contrast with Ni3Al deposited cluster assemblies, no grain boundary between clusters survives deposition and the silver shells merge into a noncrystalline system with a layered structure, in which the fcc Co grains are embedded. To our knowledge, such a material has not yet been synthesized experimentally. Mechanical properties are discussed by confronting the behaviors of Ni3Al and AgCo under the effect of a uniaxial load. To this end, a molecular dynamics scheme is established in view of circumventing rate effects inherent to short term modeling and thereby allowing to examine large plastic deformation mechanisms. Although the mechanisms are different, large plastic deformations are found to improve the elastic properties of both the Ni3Al and AgCo systems by stabilizing their nanostructure. Beyond this improvement, when the load is further increased, the Ni3Al system displays reduced ductility while the AgCo system is superplastic. The superplasticity is explained by the fact that the layered structure of the Ag system is not modified by the deformation. Some coalescence of the Co grains is identified as a geometrical effect and is suggested to be a limiting factor to superplasticity.

Core-shell structure disclosed in self-assembled Cu-Ag nanoalloy particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tchaplyguine, M.; Andersson, T.; Zhang, Ch.; Björneholm, O.

2013-03-01

Core-shell segregation of copper and silver in self-assembled, free nanoparticles is established by means of photoelectron spectroscopy in a wide range of relative Cu-Ag concentrations. These conclusions are based on the analysis of the photon-energy-dependent changes of the Cu 3d and Ag 4d photoelectron spectra. The nanoparticles are formed from mixed Cu-Ag atomic vapor created by magnetron sputtering of a bimetallic sample in a gas-aggregation cluster source. Even at similar Cu and Ag fractions in the primary vapor the surface of the nanoparticles is dominated by silver. Only at low Ag concentration copper appears on the surface of nanoparticles. For the latter case, a threefold decrease in the Ag 4d spin-orbit splitting has been detected. The specific component distribution and electronic structure changes are discussed in connection with the earlier results on Cu-Ag macroscopic and surface alloys.

Self-assembled lipid--polymer hybrid nanoparticles: a robust drug delivery platform.

PubMed

Zhang, Liangfang; Chan, Juliana M; Gu, Frank X; Rhee, June-Wha; Wang, Andrew Z; Radovic-Moreno, Aleksandar F; Alexis, Frank; Langer, Robert; Farokhzad, Omid C

2008-08-01

We report the engineering of a novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (NP) as a robust drug delivery platform, with high drug encapsulation yield, tunable and sustained drug release profile, excellent serum stability, and potential for differential targeting of cells or tissues. The NP comprises three distinct functional components: (i) a hydrophobic polymeric core where poorly water-soluble drugs can be encapsulated; (ii) a hydrophilic polymeric shell with antibiofouling properties to enhance NP stability and systemic circulation half-life; and (iii) a lipid monolayer at the interface of the core and the shell that acts as a molecular fence to promote drug retention inside the polymeric core, thereby enhancing drug encapsulation efficiency, increasing drug loading yield, and controlling drug release. The NP is prepared by self-assembly through a single-step nanoprecipitation method in a reproducible and predictable manner, making it potentially suitable for scale-up.

Self-Assembled Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles: A Robust Drug Delivery Platform

PubMed Central

Zhang, Liangfang; Chan, Juliana M; Gu, Frank X; Rhee, June-Wha; Wang, Andrew Z; Radovic-Moreno, Aleksandar F; Alexis, Frank; Langer, Robert; Farokhzad, Omid C

2014-01-01

We report the engineering of a novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (NP) as a robust drug delivery platform, with high drug encapsulation yield, tunable and sustained drug release profile, excellent serum stability, and potential for differential targeting of cells or tissues. The NP is comprised of three distinct functional components: i) a hydrophobic polymeric core where poorly water-soluble drugs can be encapsulated; ii) a hydrophilic polymeric shell with anti-biofouling properties to enhance NP stability and systemic circulation half-life; and iii) a lipid monolayer at the interface of the core and the shell that acts as a molecular fence to promote drug retention inside the polymeric core, thereby enhancing drug encapsulation efficiency, increasing drug loading yield, and controlling drug release. The NP is prepared by self-assembly through a single-step nanoprecipitation method in a reproducible and predictable manner, making it potentially suitable for scale-up PMID:19206374

Field-induced assembly of colloidal ellipsoids into well-defined microtubules

PubMed Central

Crassous, Jérôme J.; Mihut, Adriana M.; Wernersson, Erik; Pfleiderer, Patrick; Vermant, Jan; Linse, Per; Schurtenberger, Peter

2014-01-01

Current theoretical attempts to understand the reversible formation of stable microtubules and virus shells are generally based on shape-specific building blocks or monomers, where the local curvature of the resulting structure is explicitly built-in via the monomer geometry. Here we demonstrate that even simple ellipsoidal colloids can reversibly self-assemble into regular tubular structures when subjected to an alternating electric field. Supported by model calculations, we discuss the combined effects of anisotropic shape and field-induced dipolar interactions on the reversible formation of self-assembled structures. Our observations show that the formation of tubular structures through self-assembly requires much less geometrical and interaction specificity than previously thought, and advance our current understanding of the minimal requirements for self-assembly into regular virus-like structures. PMID:25409686

Integral experiments on thorium assemblies with D-T neutron source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Rong; Yang, Yiwei; Feng, Song; Zheng, Lei; Lai, Caifeng; Lu, Xinxin; Wang, Mei; Jiang, Li

2017-09-01

To validate nuclear data and code in the neutronics design of a hybrid reactor with thorium, integral experiments in two kinds of benchmark thorium assemblies with a D-T fusion neutron source have been performed. The one kind of 1D assemblies consists of polyethylene and depleted uranium shells. The other kind of 2D assemblies consists of three thorium oxide cylinders. The capture reaction rates, fission reaction rates, and (n, 2n) reaction rates in 232Th in the assemblies are measured by ThO2 foils. The leakage neutron spectra from the ThO2 cylinders are measured by a liquid scintillation detector. The experimental uncertainties in all the results are analyzed. The measured results are compared to the calculated ones with MCNP code and ENDF/B-VII.0 library data.

Roles of nuclear weak rates on the evolution of degenerate cores in stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Toshio; Tsunodaa, Naofumi; Tsunoda, Yuhsuke; Shimizu, Noritaka; Otsuka, Takaharu

2018-01-01

Electron-capture and β-decay rates in stellar environments are evaluated with the use of new shell-model Hamiltonians for sd-shell and pf-shell nuclei as well as for nuclei belonging to the island of inversion. Important role of the nuclear weak rates on the final evolution of stellar degenerate cores is presented. The weak interaction rates for sd-shell nuclei are calculated to study nuclear Urca processes in O-Ne-Mg cores of stars with 8-10 M⊙ (solar mass) and their effects on the final fate of the stars. Nucleosynthesis of iron-group elements in Type Ia supernova explosions are studied with the weak rates for pf-shell nuclei. The problem of the neutron-rich iron-group isotope over-production compared to the solar abundances is shown to be nearly solved with the use of the new rates and explosion model of slow defraglation with delayed detonation. Evaluation of the weak rates is extended to the island of inversion and the region of neutron-rich nuclei near 78Ni, where two major shells contribute to their configurations.

Synthesis and magnetic properties of cobalt-iron/cobalt-ferrite soft/hard magnetic core/shell nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leandro Londoño-Calderón, César; Moscoso-Londoño, Oscar; Muraca, Diego; Arzuza, Luis; Carvalho, Peterson; Pirota, Kleber Roberto; Knobel, Marcelo; Pampillo, Laura Gabriela; Martínez-García, Ricardo

2017-06-01

A straightforward method for the synthesis of CoFe2.7/CoFe2O4 core/shell nanowires is described. The proposed method starts with a conventional pulsed electrodeposition procedure on alumina nanoporous template. The obtained CoFe2.7 nanowires are released from the template and allowed to oxidize at room conditions over several weeks. The effects of partial oxidation on the structural and magnetic properties were studied by x-ray spectrometry, magnetometry, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the final nanowires are composed of 5 nm iron-cobalt alloy nanoparticles. Releasing the nanowires at room conditions promoted surface oxidation of the nanoparticles and created a CoFe2O4 shell spinel-like structure. The shell avoids internal oxidation and promotes the formation of bi-magnetic soft/hard magnetic core/shell nanowires. The magnetic properties of both the initial single-phase CoFe2.7 nanowires and the final core/shell nanowires, reveal that the changes in the properties from the array are due to the oxidation more than effects associated with released processes (disorder and agglomeration).

Synthesis and magnetic properties of cobalt-iron/cobalt-ferrite soft/hard magnetic core/shell nanowires.

PubMed

Londoño-Calderón, César Leandro; Moscoso-Londoño, Oscar; Muraca, Diego; Arzuza, Luis; Carvalho, Peterson; Pirota, Kleber Roberto; Knobel, Marcelo; Pampillo, Laura Gabriela; Martínez-García, Ricardo

2017-06-16

A straightforward method for the synthesis of CoFe 2.7 /CoFe 2 O 4 core/shell nanowires is described. The proposed method starts with a conventional pulsed electrodeposition procedure on alumina nanoporous template. The obtained CoFe 2.7 nanowires are released from the template and allowed to oxidize at room conditions over several weeks. The effects of partial oxidation on the structural and magnetic properties were studied by x-ray spectrometry, magnetometry, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the final nanowires are composed of 5 nm iron-cobalt alloy nanoparticles. Releasing the nanowires at room conditions promoted surface oxidation of the nanoparticles and created a CoFe 2 O 4 shell spinel-like structure. The shell avoids internal oxidation and promotes the formation of bi-magnetic soft/hard magnetic core/shell nanowires. The magnetic properties of both the initial single-phase CoFe 2.7 nanowires and the final core/shell nanowires, reveal that the changes in the properties from the array are due to the oxidation more than effects associated with released processes (disorder and agglomeration).

Assembly of Nanowire Arrays: Exploring Interparticle Interactions, Particle Orientation, and Mixed Particle Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirby, David J.

This dissertation explores the fundamental interparticle and particle-substrate forces that contribute to nanowire assembly. Nanowires have a large aspect ratio which has made them favorable materials for applications in energy and sensing technologies. However, this anisotropy means that nanowires must be positioned and oriented during an assembly process. Within this work, the roles of gravity, van der Waals (VDW) attractions, and electrostatic repulsions are explored when different nanowire assemblies are created. Particles were synthesized by the template electrodeposition process so that stripes of different materials and therefore different VDW interactions could be patterned along the particle length. Electrostatic repulsions were provided by a small molecule coating or a porous silica shell to prevent aggregation during the assembly process. Chapters 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 all used particles whose asymmetry was further adjusted by removal of a sacrificial segment to leave a partially etched nanowire (PEN), a rigid silica shell partially filled with a metal core. For these particles, the role of gravity was amplified due to the drastic density differences between the two segments. Topographic and high VDW surface interactions were patterned onto assembly substrates using photolithographic processing. These forces served as a passive template to direct nanowire assembly. The segment anisotropy of PENs allowed gravity to drive their sedimentation with the long axis perpendicular to the surface. The density difference between the two ends allowed them to convert between the horizontal and vertical orientation as they diffused on the substrate. Vertical arrays formed as particle concentrations increased while VDW attractions from neighboring PENs or the physical barrier of a microwell wall supported this structure. While vertical arrays were typically PENs, microwell walls were also able to enforce a vertical orientation on solid Au nanowires. These particles typically formed horizontal arrays on planar surfaces, but careful design of the microwell and nanowire dimensions enabled these particles to take on the vertical orientation. Solid nanowires and PENs with greater segment symmetry aligned parallel to the surface as gravity did not allow a conversion to the vertical orientation. When concentrated, these particles formed smectic row arrangements which were previously shown to originate from a balance of VDW attractions and electrostatic repulsions. Within rows of segmented particles, a preference was observed for like orientation of nearest neighbor particles (Chapter 6). With the aid of Monte Carlo simulations, it was determined that this observation was the result of small differences in VDW attractions between the two nanowire ends. Differences in VDW attraction were also applied to patterned surfaces (Chapter 7). Stripes of high VDW material (Au) were placed on a silica surface (a low VDW material). When relatively low surface concentrations were used, the high VDW regions collected Au nanowires and organized them into rows that were reminiscent of those observed on un-patterned surfaces at high particle concentrations. VDW and the gravitational force were explored as they combined to influence array orientation in binary PEN mixtures. Depending on the geometries of the particles combined, the contributions of gravity and interparticle interactions exhibited different balance in creating the final array. VDW and gravitational forces could also act as a force for reconfigurable nanowire assembly. In chapter 8, fluid flow was used to concentrate PENs and force them into horizontal arrangements. When fluid flow was stopped, van der Waals forces and gravity were responsible for a reorientation of the assembled particles into a standing array. These studies represent early steps into the future of nanowire assembly methods. I conclude this dissertation by discussing the implications of my work and providing perspective on their importance to the scientific community. I also offer suggestions for future work in nanowire assembly. These areas focus on the development of assembled nanowire devices, mixed nanowire assembly techniques, and potential stimuli responsive reconfigurable assemblies.

Exciton dynamics in GaAs/(Al,Ga)As core-shell nanowires with shell quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corfdir, Pierre; Küpers, Hanno; Lewis, Ryan B.; Flissikowski, Timur; Grahn, Holger T.; Geelhaar, Lutz; Brandt, Oliver

2016-10-01

We study the dynamics of excitons in GaAs/(Al,Ga)As core-shell nanowires by continuous-wave and time-resolved photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. Strong Al segregation in the shell of the nanowires leads to the formation of Ga-rich inclusions acting as quantum dots. At 10 K, intense light emission associated with these shell quantum dots is observed. The average radiative lifetime of excitons confined in the shell quantum dots is 1.7 ns. We show that excitons may tunnel toward adjacent shell quantum dots and nonradiative point defects. We investigate the changes in the dynamics of charge carriers in the shell with increasing temperature, with particular emphasis on the transfer of carriers from the shell to the core of the nanowires. We finally discuss the implications of carrier localization in the (Al,Ga)As shell for fundamental studies and optoelectronic applications based on core-shell III-As nanowires.

Encapsulation of basic fibroblast growth factor by polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules and its controlled release for enhancing cell proliferation.

PubMed

She, Zhen; Wang, Chunxia; Li, Jun; Sukhorukov, Gleb B; Antipina, Maria N

2012-07-09

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is an important protein for cellular activity and highly vulnerable to environmental conditions. FGF2 protected by heparin and bovine serum albumin was loaded into the microcapsules by a coprecipitation-based layer-by-layer encapsulation method. Low cytotoxic and biodegradable polyelectrolytes dextran sulfate and poly-L-arginine were used for capsule shell assembly. The shell thickness-dependent encapsulation efficiency was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A maximum encapsulation efficiency of 42% could be achieved by microcapsules with a shell thickness of 14 layers. The effects of microcapsule concentration and shell thickness on cytotoxicity, FGF2 release kinetics, and L929 cell proliferation were evaluated in vitro. The advantage of using microcapsules as the carrier for FGF2 controlled release for enhancing L929 cell proliferation was analyzed.

Computational studies on self-assembled paclitaxel structures: templates for hierarchical block copolymer assemblies and sustained drug release.

PubMed

Guo, Xin D; Tan, Jeremy P K; Kim, Sung H; Zhang, Li J; Zhang, Ying; Hedrick, James L; Yang, Yi Y; Qian, Yu

2009-11-01

Paclitaxel-loaded poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(lactide) (PEO-b-PLA) systems have been observed to assemble into fiber structures with remarkably different properties using different chirality and molecular weight of PLA segments. In this study, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations were carried out to elaborate the microstructures and properties of pure paclitaxel and paclitaxel-loaded PEO-b-PLA systems. Paclitaxel molecules formed ribbon or fiber like structures in water. With the addition of PEO-b-PDLA, PEO-b-PLLA and their stereocomplex, paclitaxel acted as a template and polymer molecules assembled around the paclitaxel structure to form core/shell structured fibers having a PEO shell. For PEO19-b-PDLA27 and PEO19-b-PLLA27 systems, PLA segments and paclitaxel molecules were distributed homogeneously in the core of fibers based on the hydrophobic interactions. In the stereocomplex formulation, paclitaxel molecules were more concentrated in the inner PLA stereocomplex core, which led to slower release of paclitaxel. By increasing the length of PLA segments (e.g. 8,16,22 and 27), the crystalline structure of paclitaxel was gradually weakened and destroyed, which was further proved by X-ray diffraction studies. All the simulation results agreed well with experimental data, suggesting that the DPD simulations may provide a powerful tool for designing drug delivery systems.

Rugged Iris Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferragut, Nelson J.

2005-01-01

A rugged iris mechanism has been designed to satisfy several special requirements, including a wide aperture in the "open" position, full obscuration in the "closed" position, ability to function in a cryogenic or other harsh environment, and minimization of friction through minimization of the number of components. An important element of the low-friction aspect of the design is maximization of the flatness of, and provision of small gaps between, adjacent iris blades. The tolerances of the design can be very loose, accommodating thermal expansions and contractions associated with large temperature excursions. The design is generic in that it is adaptable to a wide range of aperture sizes and can be implemented in a variety of materials to suit the thermal, optical, and mechanical requirements of various applications. The mechanism (see figure) includes an inner flat ring, an outer flat ring, and an even number of iris blades. The iris blades shown in front in the figure are denoted as "upper," and the iris blades shown partly hidden behind the front ones are denoted as "lower." Each iris blade is attached to the inner ring by a pivot assembly and to the outer ring by a roller/slider assembly. The upper and lower rings are co-centered and are kept in sliding contact. The iris is opened or closed by turning the outer ring around the center while holding the inner ring stationary. The mechanism is enclosed in a housing (not shown in the figure) that comprises an upper and a lower housing shell. The housing provides part of the sliding support for the outer ring and keeps the two rings aligned as described above. The aforementioned pivot assemblies at the inner ring also serve as spacers for the housing. The lower housing shell contains part of the lower sliding surface and features for mounting the overall mechanism and housing assembly. The upper housing shell contains part of the upper sliding surface.

A biocompatibility study of new nanofibrous scaffolds for nervous system regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raspa, A.; Marchini, A.; Pugliese, R.; Mauri, M.; Maleki, M.; Vasita, R.; Gelain, F.

2015-12-01

The development of therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI) is still a challenging goal to achieve. The pathophysiological features of chronic SCI are glial scar and cavity formation: an effective therapy will require contribution of different disciplines such as materials science, cell biology, drug delivery and nanotechnology. One of the biggest challenges in SCI regeneration is to create an artificial scaffold that could mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and support nervous system regeneration. Electrospun constructs and hydrogels based on self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have been recently preferred. In this work SAPs and polymers were assembled by using a coaxial electrospinning setup. We tested the biocompatibility of two types of coaxially electrospun microchannels: the first one made by a core of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PCL-PLGA) and a shell of an emulsion of PCL-PLGA and a functionalized self-assembling peptide Ac-FAQ and the second one made by a core of Ac-FAQ and a shell of PCL-PLGA. Moreover, we tested an annealed scaffold by PCL-PLGA microchannel heat-treatment. The properties of coaxial scaffolds were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed via viability and differentiation assays with neural stem cells (NSCs); whereas in vivo inflammatory response was evaluated following scaffold implantation in rodent spinal cords. Emulsification of the outer shell turned out to be the best choice in terms of cell viability and tissue response: thus suggesting the potential of using functionalized SAPs in coaxial electrospinning for applications in regenerative medicine.The development of therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI) is still a challenging goal to achieve. The pathophysiological features of chronic SCI are glial scar and cavity formation: an effective therapy will require contribution of different disciplines such as materials science, cell biology, drug delivery and nanotechnology. One of the biggest challenges in SCI regeneration is to create an artificial scaffold that could mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and support nervous system regeneration. Electrospun constructs and hydrogels based on self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have been recently preferred. In this work SAPs and polymers were assembled by using a coaxial electrospinning setup. We tested the biocompatibility of two types of coaxially electrospun microchannels: the first one made by a core of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PCL-PLGA) and a shell of an emulsion of PCL-PLGA and a functionalized self-assembling peptide Ac-FAQ and the second one made by a core of Ac-FAQ and a shell of PCL-PLGA. Moreover, we tested an annealed scaffold by PCL-PLGA microchannel heat-treatment. The properties of coaxial scaffolds were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed via viability and differentiation assays with neural stem cells (NSCs); whereas in vivo inflammatory response was evaluated following scaffold implantation in rodent spinal cords. Emulsification of the outer shell turned out to be the best choice in terms of cell viability and tissue response: thus suggesting the potential of using functionalized SAPs in coaxial electrospinning for applications in regenerative medicine. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: In vivo analysis to evaluate tissue reaction in the scaffold implant walls (Fig. S1) and to test axonal regeneration (Fig. S2). Waters LC-MS Alliance-3100 analysis to confirm the molecular weight and the integrity of peptides following the electrospray process (Fig. S3). Water contact angle of electrospun nanofibrous mats (Fig. S4). See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03698d

Final analysis and design of a thermal protection system for 8-foot HTST combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moskowitz, S.

1973-01-01

The cylindrical shell combustor with T-bar supports in the 8-foot HTST at the NASA-Langley Research Center encountered vibratory fatigue cracking over a period of 50-250 tunnel tests within a limited range of the required operating envelope. A preliminary design study provided several suitable thermal protection system designs for the combustor, one of which was a two-pass regenerative type air-cooled omega-shaped segment liner. A final design layout of the omega segment liner was prepared and analyzed for steady-state and transient conditions. The design of a support system for the fuel spray bar assembly was also included. Detail drawings suitable for fabrication purposes were also prepared. Liner design problems defined during the preliminary study included (1) the ingress of gas into the attachment bulb section of the omega segment, (2) the large thermal gradient along the leg of the omega bulb attachment section and, (3) the local peak metal temperature at the radius between the liner ID and the leg of the bulb attachment. These were resolved during the final design task. Analyses of the final design of the omega segment liner indicated that all design goals were met and the design provided the capability of operating over the required test envelope with a life expectancy substantially above the goal of 1500 cycles.

Active structuring of colloidal armour on liquid drops

PubMed Central

Dommersnes, Paul; Rozynek, Zbigniew; Mikkelsen, Alexander; Castberg, Rene; Kjerstad, Knut; Hersvik, Kjetil; Otto Fossum, Jon

2013-01-01

Adsorption and assembly of colloidal particles at the surface of liquid droplets are at the base of particle-stabilized emulsions and templating. Here we report that electrohydrodynamic and electro-rheological effects in leaky-dielectric liquid drops can be used to structure and dynamically control colloidal particle assemblies at drop surfaces, including electric-field-assisted convective assembly of jammed colloidal ‘ribbons’, electro-rheological colloidal chains confined to a two-dimensional surface and spinning colloidal domains on that surface. In addition, we demonstrate the size control of ‘pupil’-like openings in colloidal shells. We anticipate that electric field manipulation of colloids in leaky dielectrics can lead to new routes of colloidosome assembly and design for ‘smart armoured’ droplets. PMID:23811716

Soft template synthesis of yolk/silica shell particles.

PubMed

Wu, Xue-Jun; Xu, Dongsheng

2010-04-06

Yolk/shell particles possess a unique structure that is composed of hollow shells that encapsulate other particles but with an interstitial space between them. These structures are different from core/shell particles in that the core particles are freely movable in the shell. Yolk/shell particles combine the properties of each component, and can find potential applications in catalysis, lithium ion batteries, and biosensors. In this Research News article, a soft-template-assisted method for the preparation of yolk/silica shell particles is presented. The demonstrated method is simple and general, and can produce hollow silica spheres incorporated with different particles independent of their diameters, geometry, and composition. Furthermore, yolk/mesoporous silica shell particles and multishelled particles are also prepared through optimization of the experimental conditions. Finally, potential applications of these particles are discussed.

Direct Polishing of Full-Shell, High-Resolution X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roche, Jacqueline M.; Gubarev, Mikhail V.; Smith, W. Scott; O'Dell, Stephen L.; Kolodziejczak, Jeffrey J.; Weisskopf, Martin C.; Ramsey, Brian D.; Elsner, Ronald F.

2014-01-01

Future x-ray telescopes will likely require lightweight mirrors to attain the large collecting areas needed to accomplish the science objectives. Understanding and demonstrating processes now is critical to achieving sub-arcsecond performance in the future. Consequently, designs not only of the mirrors but of fixtures for supporting them during fabrication, metrology, handling, assembly, and testing must be adequately modeled and verified. To this end, MSFC is using finite-element modeling to study the effects of mounting on thin, full-shell grazing-incidence mirrors, during all processes leading to a flight.

Structural biological composites: An overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyers, Marc A.; Lin, Albert Y. M.; Seki, Yasuaki; Chen, Po-Yu; Kad, Bimal K.; Bodde, Sara

2006-07-01

Biological materials are complex composites that are hierarchically structured and multifunctional. Their mechanical properties are often outstanding, considering the weak constituents from which they are assembled. They are for the most part composed of brittle (often, mineral) and ductile (organic) components. These complex structures, which have risen from millions of years of evolution, are inspiring materials scientists in the design of novel materials. This paper discusses the overall design principles in biological structural composites and illustrates them for five examples; sea spicules, the abalone shell, the conch shell, the toucan and hornbill beaks, and the sheep crab exoskeleton.

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

Casey, D. T., E-mail: casey21@llnl.gov; Munro, D. H.; Grim, G. P.

The Neutron Imaging System at the National Ignition Facility is used to observe the primary ∼14 MeV neutrons from the hotspot and down-scattered neutrons (6-12 MeV) from the assembled shell. Due to the strong spatial dependence of the primary neutron fluence through the dense shell, the down-scattered image is convolved with the primary-neutron fluence much like a backlighter profile. Using a characteristic scattering angle assumption, we estimate the primary neutron fluence and compensate the down-scattered image, which reveals information about asymmetry that is otherwise difficult to extract without invoking complicated models.

Retroviral proteases and their roles in virion maturation.

PubMed

Konvalinka, Jan; Kräusslich, Hans-Georg; Müller, Barbara

2015-05-01

Proteolytic processing of viral polyproteins is essential for retrovirus infectivity. Retroviral proteases (PR) become activated during or after assembly of the immature, non-infectious virion. They cleave viral polyproteins at specific sites, inducing major structural rearrangements termed maturation. Maturation converts retroviral enzymes into their functional form, transforms the immature shell into a metastable state primed for early replication events, and enhances viral entry competence. Not only cleavage at all PR recognition sites, but also an ordered sequence of cleavages is crucial. Proteolysis is tightly regulated, but the triggering mechanisms and kinetics and pathway of morphological transitions remain enigmatic. Here, we outline PR structures and substrate specificities focusing on HIV PR as a therapeutic target. We discuss design and clinical success of HIV PR inhibitors, as well as resistance development towards these drugs. Finally, we summarize data elucidating the role of proteolysis in maturation and highlight unsolved questions regarding retroviral maturation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of a large-sized mesoporous phosphosilicate thin film through evaporation-induced polymeric micelle assembly.

PubMed

Li, Yunqi; Bastakoti, Bishnu Prasad; Imura, Masataka; Suzuki, Norihiro; Jiang, Xiangfen; Ohki, Shinobu; Deguchi, Kenzo; Suzuki, Madoka; Arai, Satoshi; Yamauchi, Yusuke

2015-01-01

A triblock copolymer, poly(styrene-b-2-vinyl pyridine-b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO) was used as a soft template to synthesize large-sized mesoporous phosphosilicate thin films. The kinetically frozen PS core stabilizes the micelles. The strong interaction of the inorganic precursors with the P2VP shell enables the fabrication of highly robust walls of phosphosilicate and the PEO helps orderly packing of the micelles during solvent evaporation. The molar ratio of phosphoric acid and tetraethyl orthosilicate is crucial to achieve the final mesostructure. The insertion of phosphorus species into the siloxane network is studied by (29) Si and (31) P MAS NMR spectra. The mesoporous phosphosilicate films exhibit steady cell adhesion properties and show great promise as excellent materials in bone-growth engineering applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A critical analysis of calcium carbonate mesocrystals

PubMed Central

Kim, Yi-Yeoun; Schenk, Anna S.; Ihli, Johannes; Kulak, Alex N.; Hetherington, Nicola B. J.; Tang, Chiu C.; Schmahl, Wolfgang W.; Griesshaber, Erika; Hyett, Geoffrey; Meldrum, Fiona C.

2014-01-01

The term mesocrystal has been widely used to describe crystals that form by oriented assembly, and that exhibit nanoparticle substructures. Using calcite crystals co-precipitated with polymers as a suitable test case, this article looks critically at the concept of mesocrystals. Here we demonstrate that the data commonly used to assign mesocrystal structure may be frequently misinterpreted, and that these calcite/polymer crystals do not have nanoparticle substructures. Although morphologies suggest the presence of nanoparticles, these are only present on the crystal surface. High surface areas are only recorded for crystals freshly removed from solution and are again attributed to a thin shell of nanoparticles on a solid calcite core. Line broadening in powder X-ray diffraction spectra is due to lattice strain only, precluding the existence of a nanoparticle sub-structure. Finally, study of the formation mechanism provides no evidence for crystalline precursor particles. A re-evaluation of existing literature on some mesocrystals may therefore be required. PMID:25014563

Passive Orbital Disconnect Strut (PODS 3) structural test program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parmley, R. T.

1985-01-01

A passive orbital disconnect strut (PODS-3) was analyzed structurally and thermally. Development tests on a graphite/epoxy orbit tube and S glass epoxy launch tube provided the needed data to finalize the design. A detailed assembly procedure was prepared. One strut was fabricated. Shorting loads in both the axial and lateral direction (vs. load angle and location) were measured. The strut was taken to design limit loads at both ambient and 78 K (cold end only). One million fatigue cycles were performed at predicted STS loads (half in tension, half in compression) with the cold end at 78 K. The fatigue test was repeated at design limit loads. Six struts were then fabricated and tested as a system. Axial loads, side loads, and simulated asymmetric loads due to temperature gradients around the vacuum shell were applied. Shorting loads were measured for all tests.

Metal liner-driven quasi-isentropic compression of deuterium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinwurm, Marcus; Bland, Simon N.; Chittenden, Jeremy P.

2013-09-01

Properties of degenerate hydrogen and deuterium (D) at pressures of the order of terapascals are of key interest to Planetary Science and Inertial Confinement Fusion. In order to recreate these conditions in the laboratory, we present a scheme, where a metal liner drives a cylindrically convergent quasi-isentropic compression in a D fill. We first determined an external pressure history for driving a self-similar implosion of a D shell from a fictitious flow simulation [D. S. Clark and M. Tabak, Nucl. Fusion 47, 1147 (2007)]. Then, it is shown that this D implosion can be recreated inside a beryllium liner by shaping the current pulse. For a peak current of 10.8 MA cold and nearly isochoric D is assembled at around 12 500 kg/m3. Finally, our two-dimensional Gorgon simulations show the robustness of the implosion method to the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability when using a sufficiently thick liner.

Nanoelectronics from the bottom up.

PubMed

Lu, Wei; Lieber, Charles M

2007-11-01

Electronics obtained through the bottom-up approach of molecular-level control of material composition and structure may lead to devices and fabrication strategies not possible with top-down methods. This review presents a brief summary of bottom-up and hybrid bottom-up/top-down strategies for nanoelectronics with an emphasis on memories based on the crossbar motif. First, we will discuss representative electromechanical and resistance-change memory devices based on carbon nanotube and core-shell nanowire structures, respectively. These device structures show robust switching, promising performance metrics and the potential for terabit-scale density. Second, we will review architectures being developed for circuit-level integration, hybrid crossbar/CMOS circuits and array-based systems, including experimental demonstrations of key concepts such lithography-independent, chemically coded stochastic demultipluxers. Finally, bottom-up fabrication approaches, including the opportunity for assembly of three-dimensional, vertically integrated multifunctional circuits, will be critically discussed.

Hierarchical Mesoporous Organosilica-Silica Core-Shell Nanoparticles Capable of Controlled Fungicide Release.

PubMed

Luo, Leilei; Liang, Yucang; Erichsen, Egil Severin; Anwander, Reiner

2018-05-17

A new class of hierarchically structured mesoporous silica core-shell nanoparticles (HSMSCSNs) with a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) core and a mesoporous silica (MS) shell is reported. The applied one-pot, two-step strategy allows rational control over the core/shell chemical composition, topology, and pore/particle size, simply by adjusting the reaction conditions in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as structure-directing agent under basic conditions. The spherical, ethylene- or methylene-bridged PMO cores feature hexagonal (p6mm) or cage-like cubic symmetry (Pm3‾ n) depending on the organosilica precursor. The hexagonal MS shell was obtained by n-hexane-induced controlled hydrolysis of TEOS followed by directional co-assembly/condensation of silicate/CTAB composites at the PMO cores. The HSMSCSNs feature a hierarchical pore structure with pore diameters of about 2.7 and 5.6 nm in the core and shell domains, respectively. The core sizes and shell thicknesses are adjustable in the ranges of 90-275 and 15-50 nm, respectively, and the surface areas (max. 1300 m 2  g -1 ) and pore volumes (max. 1.83 cm 3  g -1 ) are among the highest reported for core-shell nanoparticles. The adsorption and controlled release of the fungicide propiconazole by the HSMSCSNs showed a three-stage release profile. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fuel cell performance of palladium-platinum core-shell electrocatalysts synthesized in gram-scale batches

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

Khateeb, Siddique; Su, Dong; Guerreo, Sandra

This article presents the performance of palladium-platinum core-shell catalysts (Pt/Pd/C) for oxygen reduction synthesized in gram-scale batches in both liquid cells and polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Core-shell catalyst synthesis and characterization, ink fabrication, and cell assembly details are discussed. The Pt mass activity of the Pt/Pd core-shell catalyst was 0.95 A mg –1 at 0.9 V measured in liquid cells (0.1 M HClO4), which was 4.8 times higher than a commercial Pt/C catalyst. The performances of Pt/Pd/C and Pt/C in large single cells (315 cm 2) were assessed under various operating conditions. The core-shell catalyst showed consistently higher performance thanmore » commercial Pt/C in fuel cell testing. A 20–60 mV improvement across the whole current density range was observed on air. Sensitivities to temperature, humidity, and gas composition were also investigated and the core-shell catalyst showed a consistent benefit over Pt under all conditions. However, the 4.8 times activity enhancement predicated by liquid cell measurements was not fully realized in fuel cells.« less

Fuel cell performance of palladium-platinum core-shell electrocatalysts synthesized in gram-scale batches

DOE PAGES

Khateeb, Siddique; Su, Dong; Guerreo, Sandra; ...

2016-05-03

This article presents the performance of palladium-platinum core-shell catalysts (Pt/Pd/C) for oxygen reduction synthesized in gram-scale batches in both liquid cells and polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Core-shell catalyst synthesis and characterization, ink fabrication, and cell assembly details are discussed. The Pt mass activity of the Pt/Pd core-shell catalyst was 0.95 A mg –1 at 0.9 V measured in liquid cells (0.1 M HClO4), which was 4.8 times higher than a commercial Pt/C catalyst. The performances of Pt/Pd/C and Pt/C in large single cells (315 cm 2) were assessed under various operating conditions. The core-shell catalyst showed consistently higher performance thanmore » commercial Pt/C in fuel cell testing. A 20–60 mV improvement across the whole current density range was observed on air. Sensitivities to temperature, humidity, and gas composition were also investigated and the core-shell catalyst showed a consistent benefit over Pt under all conditions. However, the 4.8 times activity enhancement predicated by liquid cell measurements was not fully realized in fuel cells.« less

49 CFR 661.11 - Rolling stock procurements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Devices; (21) Car Axle Counters; (22) Communication Based Train Control (CBTC). (u) Communication... components of a bus. This list is not all-inclusive. Car body shells, egines, transmissions, front axle... assemblies, air compressor and pneumatic systems, generator/alternator and electrical systems, steering...

49 CFR 661.11 - Rolling stock procurements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Devices; (21) Car Axle Counters; (22) Communication Based Train Control (CBTC). (u) Communication... components of a bus. This list is not all-inclusive. Car body shells, egines, transmissions, front axle... assemblies, air compressor and pneumatic systems, generator/alternator and electrical systems, steering...

Cytotoxicity of Paclitaxel in biodegradable self-assembled core-shell poly(lactide-co-glycolide ethylene oxide fumarate) nanoparticles.

PubMed

He, Xuezhong; Ma, Junyu; Mercado, Angel E; Xu, Weijie; Jabbari, Esmaiel

2008-07-01

Biodegradable core-shell polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic shell, are developed for surfactant-free encapsulation and delivery of Paclitaxel to tumor cells. Poly (lactide-co-glycolide fumarate) (PLGF) and Poly (lactide-fumarate) (PLAF) were synthesized by condensation polymerization of ultra-low molecular weight poly(L: -lactide-co-glycolide) (ULMW PLGA) with fumaryl chloride (FuCl). Similarly, poly(lactide-co-ethylene oxide fumarate) (PLEOF) macromer was synthesized by reacting ultra-low molecular weight poly(L: -lactide) (ULMW PLA) and PEG with FuCl. The blend PLGF/PLEOF and PLAF/PLEOF macromers were self-assembled into NPs by dialysis. The NPs were characterized with respect to particle size distribution, morphology, and loading efficiency. The physical state and miscibility of Paclitaxel in NPs were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. Tumor cell uptake and cytotoxicity of Paclitaxel loaded NPs were measured by incubation with HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells. The distribution of NPs in vivo was assessed with Apc(Min/+)mouse using infrared imaging. PLEOF macromer, due to its amphiphilic nature, acted as a surface active agent in the process of self-assembly which produced core-shell NPs with PLGF/PLAF and PLEOF macromers as the core and shell, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency ranged from 70 to 56% and it was independent of the macromer but decreased with increasing concentration of Paclitaxel. Most of the PLGF and PLAF NPs degraded in 15 and 28 days, respectively, which demonstrated that the release was dominated by hydrolytic degradation and erosion of the matrix. As the concentration of Paclitaxel was increased from 0 to 10, and 40 mug/ml, the viability of HCT116 cells incubated with free Paclitaxel decreased from 100 to 65 and 40%, respectively, while those encapsulated in PLGF/PLEOF NPs decreased from 93 to 54 and 28%. Groups with Paclitaxel loaded NPs had higher cytotoxicity compared to Paclitaxel directly added to the media at the same concentration. NPs acted as reservoirs to protect the drug from epimerization and hydrolysis while providing a sustained dose of Paclitaxel with time. Infrared image of the Apc(Min/+) mouse injected with NPs showed significantly higher concentration of NPs in the intestinal tissue.

Shock ignition of thermonuclear fuel with high areal density.

PubMed

Betti, R; Zhou, C D; Anderson, K S; Perkins, L J; Theobald, W; Solodov, A A

2007-04-13

A novel method by C. Zhou and R. Betti [Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 50, 140 (2005)] to assemble and ignite thermonuclear fuel is presented. Massive cryogenic shells are first imploded by direct laser light with a low implosion velocity and on a low adiabat leading to fuel assemblies with large areal densities. The assembled fuel is ignited from a central hot spot heated by the collision of a spherically convergent ignitor shock and the return shock. The resulting fuel assembly features a hot-spot pressure greater than the surrounding dense fuel pressure. Such a nonisobaric assembly requires a lower energy threshold for ignition than the conventional isobaric one. The ignitor shock can be launched by a spike in the laser power or by particle beams. The thermonuclear gain can be significantly larger than in conventional isobaric ignition for equal driver energy.

Self-assembly of multiferroic core-shell particulate nanocomposites through DNA-DNA hybridization and magnetic field directed assembly of superstructures

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

Sreenivasulu, Gollapudi; Srinivasan, Gopalan, E-mail: srinivas@oakland.edu, E-mail: chavez@oakland.edu; Lochbiler, Thomas A.

Multiferroic composites of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases are of importance for studies on mechanical strain mediated coupling between the magnetic and electric subsystems. This work is on DNA-assisted self-assembly of superstructures of such composites with nanometer periodicity. The synthesis involved oligomeric DNA-functionalized ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanoparticles, 600 nm BaTiO{sub 3} (BTO) and 200 nm NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (NFO), respectively. Mixing BTO and NFO particles, possessing complementary DNA sequences, resulted in the formation of ordered core-shell heteronanocomposites held together by DNA hybridization. The composites were imaged by scanning electron microscopy and scanning microwave microscopy. The presence of heteroassemblies along with core-shellmore » architecture is clearly observed. The reversible nature of the DNA hybridization allows for restructuring the composites into mm-long linear chains and 2D-arrays in the presence of a static magnetic field and ring-like structures in a rotating-magnetic field. Strong magneto-electric (ME) coupling in as-assembled composites is evident from static magnetic field H induced polarization and low-frequency magnetoelectric voltage coefficient measurements. Upon annealing the nanocomposites at high temperatures, evidence for the formation of bulk composites with excellent cross-coupling between the electric and magnetic subsystems is obtained by H-induced polarization and low-frequency ME voltage coefficient. The ME coupling strength in the self-assembled composites is measured to be much stronger than in bulk composites with randomly distributed NFO and BTO prepared by direct mixing and sintering.« less

1-D Metal Nanobead Arrays within Encapsulated Nanowires via a Red-Ox-Induced Dewetting: Mechanism Study by Atom-Probe Tomography.

PubMed

Sun, Zhiyuan; Tzaguy, Avra; Hazut, Ori; Lauhon, Lincoln J; Yerushalmi, Roie; Seidman, David N

2017-12-13

Metal nanoparticle arrays are excellent candidates for a variety of applications due to the versatility of their morphology and structure at the nanoscale. Bottom-up self-assembly of metal nanoparticles provides an important complementary alternative to the traditional top-down lithography method and makes it possible to assemble structures with higher-order complexity, for example, nanospheres, nanocubes, and core-shell nanostructures. Here we present a mechanism study of the self-assembly process of 1-D noble metal nanoparticles arrays, composed of Au, Ag, and AuAg alloy nanoparticles. These are prepared within an encapsulated germanium nanowire, obtained by the oxidation of a metal-germanium nanowire hybrid structure. The resulting structure is a 1-D array of equidistant metal nanoparticles with the same diameter, the so-called nanobead (NB) array structure. Atom-probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to investigate the details of the morphological and chemical evolution during the oxidation of the encapsulated metal-germanium nanowire hybrid-structures. The self-assembly of nanoparticles relies on the formation of a metal-germanium liquid alloy and the migration of the liquid alloy into the nanowire, followed by dewetting of the liquid during shape-confined oxidation where the liquid column breaks-up into nanoparticles due to the Plateau-Rayleigh instability. Our results demonstrate that the encapsulating oxide layer serves as a structural scaffold, retaining the overall shape during the eutectic liquid formation and demonstrates the relationship between the oxide mechanical properties and the final structural characteristics of the 1-D arrays. The mechanistic details revealed here provide a versatile tool-box for the bottom-up fabrication of 1-D arrays nanopatterning that can be modified for multiple applications according to the RedOx properties of the material system components.

The diversity of shell matrix proteins: genome-wide investigation of the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata.

PubMed

Miyamoto, Hiroshi; Endo, Hirotoshi; Hashimoto, Naoki; Limura, Kurin; Isowa, Yukinobu; Kinoshita, Shigeharu; Kotaki, Tomohiro; Masaoka, Tetsuji; Miki, Takumi; Nakayama, Seiji; Nogawa, Chihiro; Notazawa, Atsuto; Ohmori, Fumito; Sarashina, Isao; Suzuki, Michio; Takagi, Ryousuke; Takahashi, Jun; Takeuchi, Takeshi; Yokoo, Naoki; Satoh, Nori; Toyohara, Haruhiko; Miyashita, Tomoyuki; Wada, Hiroshi; Samata, Tetsuro; Endo, Kazuyoshi; Nagasawa, Hiromichi; Asakawa, Shuichi; Watabe, Shugo

2013-10-01

In molluscs, shell matrix proteins are associated with biomineralization, a biologically controlled process that involves nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate crystals. Identification and characterization of shell matrix proteins are important for better understanding of the adaptive radiation of a large variety of molluscs. We searched the draft genome sequence of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata and annotated 30 different kinds of shell matrix proteins. Of these, we could identified Perlucin, ependymin-related protein and SPARC as common genes shared by bivalves and gastropods; however, most gastropod shell matrix proteins were not found in the P. fucata genome. Glycinerich proteins were conserved in the genus Pinctada. Another important finding with regard to these annotated genes was that numerous shell matrix proteins are encoded by more than one gene; e.g., three ACCBP-like proteins, three CaLPs, five chitin synthase-like proteins, two N16 proteins (pearlins), 10 N19 proteins, two nacreins, four Pifs, nine shematrins, two prismalin-14 proteins, and 21 tyrosinases. This diversity of shell matrix proteins may be implicated in the morphological diversity of mollusc shells. The annotated genes reported here can be searched in P. fucata gene models version 1.1 and genome assembly version 1.0 ( http://marinegenomics.oist.jp/pinctada_fucata ). These genes should provide a useful resource for studies of the genetic basis of biomineralization and evaluation of the role of shell matrix proteins as an evolutionary toolkit among the molluscs.

Self-assembly of bimodal particles inside emulsion droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Young-Sang; Yi, Gi-Ra; Yang, Seung-Man; Kim, Young-Kuk; Choi, Chul-Jin

2010-08-01

Colloidal dispersion of bimodal particles were self-organized inside water-in-oil emulsion droplets by evaporationdriven self-assembly method. After droplet shrinkage by heating the complex fluid system, small numbers of microspheres were packed into minimal second moment clusters, which are partially coated with silica nanospheres, resulting in the generation of patchy particles. The patchy particles in this study possess potential applications for selfassembly of non-isotropic particles such as dimmers or tetramers for colloidal photonic crystals with diamond lattice structures. The composite micro-clusters of amidine polystyrene microspheres and titania nanoparticles were also generated by evaporation-driven self-assembly to fabricate nonspherical hollow micro-particles made of titania shell.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-12-15

NASA is looking to biological techniques that are millions of years old to help it develop new materials and technologies for the 21st century. Sponsored by NASA, Jeffrey Brinker of the University of New Mexico is studying how multiple elements can assemble themselves into a composite material that is clear, tough, and impermeable. His research is based on the model of how an abalone builds the nacre, also called mother-of-pearl, inside its shell. Strong thin coatings, or lamellae, in Brinker's research are formed when objects are dip-coated. Evaporation drives the self-assembly of molecular aggregates (micelles) of surfactant, soluble silica, and organic monomers and their further self-organization into layered organic and inorganic assemblies.

Microspheres Assembled from Chitosan-Graft-Poly(lactic acid) Micelle-Like Core-Shell Nanospheres for Distinctly Controlled Release of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Biomolecules.

PubMed

Niu, Xufeng; Liu, Zhongning; Hu, Jiang; Rambhia, Kunal J; Fan, Yubo; Ma, Peter X

2016-07-01

To simultaneously control inflammation and facilitate dentin regeneration, a copolymeric micelle-in-microsphere platform is developed in this study, aiming to simultaneously release a hydrophobic drug to suppress inflammation and a hydrophilic biomolecule to enhance odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in a distinctly controlled fashion. A series of chitosan-graft-poly(lactic acid) copolymers is synthesized with varying lactic acid and chitosan weight ratios, self-assembled into nanoscale micelle-like core-shell structures in an aqueous system, and subsequently crosslinked into microspheres through electrostatic interaction with sodium tripolyphosphate. A hydrophobic biomolecule either coumarin-6 or fluocinolone acetonide (FA) is encapsulated into the hydrophobic cores of the micelles, while a hydrophilic biomolecule either bovine serum albumin or bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is entrapped in the hydrophilic shells and the interspaces among the micelles. Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic biomolecules are delivered with distinct and tunable release patterns. Delivery of FA and BMP-2 simultaneously suppresses inflammation and enhances odontogenesis, resulting in significantly enhanced mineralized tissue regeneration. This result also demonstrates the potential for this novel delivery system to deliver multiple therapeutics and to achieve synergistic effects. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hierarchical Inorganic Assemblies for Artificial Photosynthesis

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

Kim, Wooyul; Edri, Eran; Frei, Heinz

Artificial photosynthesis is an attractive approach for renewable fuel generation because it offers the prospect of a technology suitable for deployment on highly abundant, non-arable land. Recent leaps forward in the development of efficient and durable light absorbers and catalysts for oxygen evolution and the growing attention to catalysts for carbon dioxide activation brings into focus the tasks of hierarchically integrating the components into assemblies for closing of the photosynthetic cycle. A particular challenge is the efficient coupling of the multi-electron processes of CO 2 reduction and H 2O oxidation. Among the most important requirements for a complete integrated systemmore » are catalytic rates that match the solar flux, efficient charge transport between the various components, and scalability of the photosynthetic assembly on the unprecedented scale of terawatts in order to have impact on fuel consumption. To address these challenges, we have developed in this paper a heterogeneous inorganic materials approach with molecularly precise control of light absorption and charge transport pathways. Oxo-bridged heterobinuclear units with metal-to-metal charge-transfer transitions absorbing deep in the visible act as single photon, single charge transfer pumps for driving multi-electron catalysts. A photodeposition method has been introduced for the spatially directed assembly of nanoparticle catalysts for selective coupling to the donor or acceptor metal of the light absorber. For CO 2 reduction, a Cu oxide cluster is coupled to the Zr center of a ZrOCo light absorber, while coupling of an Ir nanoparticle catalyst for water oxidation to the Co donor affords closing of the photosynthetic cycle of CO 2 conversion by H 2O to CO and O 2. Optical, vibrational, and X-ray spectroscopy provide detailed structural knowledge of the polynuclear assemblies. Time resolved visible and rapid-scan FT-IR studies reveal charge transfer mechanisms and transient surface intermediates under photocatalytic conditions for guiding performance improvements. Separation of the water oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction half reactions by a membrane is essential for efficient photoreduction of CO 2 by H 2O to liquid fuel products. A concept of a macroscale artificial photosystem consisting of arrays of Co oxide–silica core–shell nanotubes is introduced in which each tube operates as a complete, independent photosynthetic unit with built-in membrane separation. The ultrathin amorphous silica shell with embedded molecular wires functions as a proton conducting, molecule impermeable membrane. Photoelectrochemical and transient optical measurements confirm tight control of charge transport through the membrane by the orbital energetics of the wire molecules. Finally, hierarchical arrangement of the components is accomplished by a combination of photodeposition, controlled anchoring, and atomic layer deposition methods.« less

Exciton antennas and concentrators from core-shell and corrugated carbon nanotube filaments of homogeneous composition.

PubMed

Han, Jae-Hee; Paulus, Geraldine L C; Maruyama, Ryuichiro; Heller, Daniel A; Kim, Woo-Jae; Barone, Paul W; Lee, Chang Young; Choi, Jong Hyun; Ham, Moon-Ho; Song, Changsik; Fantini, C; Strano, Michael S

2010-10-01

There has been renewed interest in solar concentrators and optical antennas for improvements in photovoltaic energy harvesting and new optoelectronic devices. In this work, we dielectrophoretically assemble single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) of homogeneous composition into aligned filaments that can exchange excitation energy, concentrating it to the centre of core-shell structures with radial gradients in the optical bandgap. We find an unusually sharp, reversible decay in photoemission that occurs as such filaments are cycled from ambient temperature to only 357 K, attributed to the strongly temperature-dependent second-order Auger process. Core-shell structures consisting of annular shells of mostly (6,5) SWNTs (E(g)=1.21 eV) and cores with bandgaps smaller than those of the shell (E(g)=1.17 eV (7,5)-0.98 eV (8,7)) demonstrate the concentration concept: broadband absorption in the ultraviolet-near-infrared wavelength regime provides quasi-singular photoemission at the (8,7) SWNTs. This approach demonstrates the potential of specifically designed collections of nanotubes to manipulate and concentrate excitons in unique ways.

Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles prepared by interfacial etching.

PubMed

Chen, Limei; Deming, Christopher P; Peng, Yi; Hu, Peiguang; Stofan, Jake; Chen, Shaowei

2016-08-14

Gold core@silver semishell Janus nanoparticles were prepared by chemical etching of Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles at the air/water interface. Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical deposition of a silver shell onto gold seed colloids followed by the self-assembly of 1-dodecanethiol onto the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles then formed a monolayer on the water surface of a Langmuir-Blodgett trough, and part of the silver shell was selectively etched away by the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the water subphase, where the etching was limited to the side of the nanoparticles that was in direct contact with water. The resulting Janus nanoparticles exhibited an asymmetrical distribution of silver on the surface of the gold cores, as manifested in transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Interestingly, the Au@Ag semishell Janus nanoparticles exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions, as compared to their Au@Ag and Ag@Au core-shell counterparts, likely due to a synergistic effect between the gold cores and silver semishells that optimized oxygen binding to the nanoparticle surface.

Plasticity as Phenotype: G x E Interaction in a Freshwater Snail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunkow, P. E.; Calloway, S. A.

2005-05-01

Plasticity in morphological development allows species to accommodate environmental variation experienced during growth; however, genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity per se has been relatively under-studied. We utilized the well-documented plastic response of shell development to predator cues in a freshwater snail to quantify genetic variation for plasticity in growth rate and shell shape. Field-caught pairs of snails reproduced in the laboratory to create families of full siblings, which were then divided and allowed to grow in control and predator cue treatments. Predator (crayfish) cues had significant effects on both size-corrected growth rate and shell shape; family identity also significantly affected both final shell shape and growth rate. The interaction between predator treatment and family identity significantly affected snail growth rate but not final shell shape, suggesting genetic variation in the plastic response to predator cues for a physiological variable (growth rate) but not for a variable known to mechanically reduce the risk of predation (shell shape), at least in this population of snails. The possibility that risk of multiple modes of predation (i.e., both fish and crayfish) in some populations might maintain genetic variation in morphological plasticity is discussed.

Centrifuge-operated specimen staining method and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feeback, Daniel L. (Inventor); Clarke, Mark S. F. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A method of staining preselected, mounted specimens of either biological or nonbiological material enclosed within a staining chamber where the liquid staining reagents are applied and removed from the staining chamber using hypergravity as the propelling force. In the preferred embodiment, a spacecraft-operated centrifuge and method of diagnosing biological specimens while in orbit, characterized by hermetically sealing a shell assembly. The assembly contains slide stain apparatus with computer control therefor, the operative effect of which is to overcome microgravity, for example on board an International Space Station.

Technicians complete assembly of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) mockup at JSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

A technician listens to instructions as he operates the controls for the overhead crane that is lifting one of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) high gain antennas (HGAs) into place on the HST Support System Module (SSM) forward shell. Others in a cherry picker basket wait to install the HGA on the SSM mockup. The HST mockup will be used for astronaut training and is being assembled in JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A.

Direct characterization of the native structure and mechanics of cyanobacterial carboxysomes.

PubMed

Faulkner, Matthew; Rodriguez-Ramos, Jorge; Dykes, Gregory F; Owen, Siân V; Casella, Selene; Simpson, Deborah M; Beynon, Robert J; Liu, Lu-Ning

2017-08-03

Carboxysomes are proteinaceous organelles that play essential roles in enhancing carbon fixation in cyanobacteria and some proteobacteria. These self-assembling organelles encapsulate Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and carbonic anhydrase using a protein shell structurally resembling an icosahedral viral capsid. The protein shell serves as a physical barrier to protect enzymes from the cytosol and a selectively permeable membrane to mediate transport of enzyme substrates and products. The structural and mechanical nature of native carboxysomes remain unclear. Here, we isolate functional β-carboxysomes from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 and perform the first characterization of the macromolecular architecture and inherent physical mechanics of single β-carboxysomes using electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and proteomics. Our results illustrate that the intact β-carboxysome comprises three structural domains, a single-layered icosahedral shell, an inner layer and paracrystalline arrays of interior Rubisco. We also observe the protein organization of the shell and partial β-carboxysomes that likely serve as the β-carboxysome assembly intermediates. Furthermore, the topography and intrinsic mechanics of functional β-carboxysomes are determined in native conditions using AFM and AFM-based nanoindentation, revealing the flexible organization and soft mechanical properties of β-carboxysomes compared to rigid viruses. Our study provides new insights into the natural characteristics of β-carboxysome organization and nanomechanics, which can be extended to diverse bacterial microcompartments and are important considerations for the design and engineering of functional carboxysomes in other organisms to supercharge photosynthesis. It offers an approach for inspecting the structural and mechanical features of synthetic metabolic organelles and protein scaffolds in bioengineering.

Importance of polypyrrole in constructing 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube@MnO2 perfect core-shell nanostructures for high-performance flexible supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhou, Jinyuan; Zhao, Hao; Mu, Xuemei; Chen, Jiayi; Zhang, Peng; Wang, Yaling; He, Yongmin; Zhang, Zhenxing; Pan, Xiaojun; Xie, Erqing

2015-09-21

This study reports the preparation of 3D hierarchical carbon nanotube (CNT) @MnO2 core-shell nanostructures under the assistance of polypyrrole (PPy). The as-prepared CNT@PPy@MnO2 core-shell structures show a perfect coating of MnO2 on each CNT and, more importantly, a robust bush-like pseudocapacitive shell to effectively increase the specific surface area and enhance the ion accessibility. As expected, a high specific capacity of 490-530 F g(-1) has been achieved from CNT@PPy@MnO2 single electrodes. And about 98.5% of the capacity is retained after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g(-1). Furthermore, the assembled asymmetric CNT@PPy@MnO2//AC capacitors show the maximum energy density of 38.42 W h kg(-1) (2.24 mW h cm(-3)) at a power density of 100 W kg(-1) (5.83 mW cm(-3)), and they maintain 59.52% of the initial value at 10,000 W kg(-1) (0.583 W cm(-3)). In addition, the assembled devices show high cycling stabilities (89.7% after 2000 cycles for asymmetric and 87.2% for symmetric), and a high bending stability (64.74% after 200 bending tests). This ability to obtain high energy densities at high power rates while maintaining high cycling stability demonstrates that this well-designed structure could be a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.

Structure of RNA polymerase complex and genome within a dsRNA virus provides insights into the mechanisms of transcription and assembly.

PubMed

Wang, Xurong; Zhang, Fuxian; Su, Rui; Li, Xiaowu; Chen, Wenyuan; Chen, Qingxiu; Yang, Tao; Wang, Jiawei; Liu, Hongrong; Fang, Qin; Cheng, Lingpeng

2018-06-25

Most double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses transcribe RNA plus strands within a common innermost capsid shell. This process requires coordinated efforts by RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) together with other capsid proteins and genomic RNA. Here we report the near-atomic resolution structure of the RdRp protein VP2 in complex with its cofactor protein VP4 and genomic RNA within an aquareovirus capsid using 200-kV cryoelectron microscopy and symmetry-mismatch reconstruction. The structure of these capsid proteins enabled us to observe the elaborate nonicosahedral structure within the double-layered icosahedral capsid. Our structure shows that the RdRp complex is anchored at the inner surface of the capsid shell and interacts with genomic dsRNA and four of the five asymmetrically arranged N termini of the capsid shell proteins under the fivefold axis, implying roles for these N termini in virus assembly. The binding site of the RNA end at VP2 is different from the RNA cap binding site identified in the crystal structure of orthoreovirus RdRp λ3, although the structures of VP2 and λ3 are almost identical. A loop, which was thought to separate the RNA template and transcript, interacts with an apical domain of the capsid shell protein, suggesting a mechanism for regulating RdRp replication and transcription. A conserved nucleoside triphosphate binding site was localized in our RdRp cofactor protein VP4 structure, and interactions between the VP4 and the genomic RNA were identified.

Controlled Release from Core-Shell Nanoporous Silica Particles for Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminum Alloys

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Xingmao; Jiang, Ying-Bing; Liu, Nanguo; ...

2011-01-01

Ceriumore » m (Ce) corrosion inhibitors were encapsulated into hexagonally ordered nanoporous silica particles via single-step aerosol-assisted self-assembly. The core/shell structured particles are effective for corrosion inhibition of aluminum alloy AA2024-T3. Numerical simulation proved that the core-shell nanostructure delays the release process. The effective diffusion coefficient elucidated from release data for monodisperse particles in water was 1.0 × 10 − 14  m 2 s for Ce 3+ compared to 2.5 × 10 − 13  m 2 s for NaCl. The pore size, pore surface chemistry, and the inhibitor solubility are crucial factors for the application. Microporous hydrophobic particles encapsulating a less soluble corrosion inhibitor are desirable for long-term corrosion inhibition.« less

Bifurcation of self-folded polygonal bilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, Arif M.; Braun, Paul V.; Hsia, K. Jimmy

2017-09-01

Motivated by the self-assembly of natural systems, researchers have investigated the stimulus-responsive curving of thin-shell structures, which is also known as self-folding. Self-folding strategies not only offer possibilities to realize complicated shapes but also promise actuation at small length scales. Biaxial mismatch strain driven self-folding bilayers demonstrate bifurcation of equilibrium shapes (from quasi-axisymmetric doubly curved to approximately singly curved) during their stimulus-responsive morphing behavior. Being a structurally instable, bifurcation could be used to tune the self-folding behavior, and hence, a detailed understanding of this phenomenon is appealing from both fundamental and practical perspectives. In this work, we investigated the bifurcation behavior of self-folding bilayer polygons. For the mechanistic understanding, we developed finite element models of planar bilayers (consisting of a stimulus-responsive and a passive layer of material) that transform into 3D curved configurations. Our experiments with cross-linked Polydimethylsiloxane samples that change shapes in organic solvents confirmed our model predictions. Finally, we explored a design scheme to generate gripper-like architectures by avoiding the bifurcation of stimulus-responsive bilayers. Our research contributes to the broad field of self-assembly as the findings could motivate functional devices across multiple disciplines such as robotics, artificial muscles, therapeutic cargos, and reconfigurable biomedical devices.

Pressure compensated flow control valve

DOEpatents

Minteer, Daniel J.

1999-01-01

The invention is an air flow control valve which is capable of maintaining a constant flow at the outlet despite changes in the inlet or outlet pressure. The device consists of a shell assembly with an inlet chamber and outlet chamber separated by a separation plate. The chambers are connected by an orifice. Also located within the inlet chamber is a port controller assembly. The port controller assembly consists of a differential pressure plate and port cap affixed thereon. The cap is able to slide in and out of the orifice separating the inlet and outlet chambers. When the pressure differential is sufficient, the differential pressure plate rises or falls to maintain a constant air flow. Movement of the port controller assembly does not require the use of seals, diaphragms, tight tolerances, bushings, bearings, hinges, guides, or lubricants.

Integrating Powered Descent Vehicle with Back Shell of Mars Spacecraft

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-10

The powered descent vehicle of NASA Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft is being prepared for final integration into the spacecraft back shell in this photograph from inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Self-Assembly of Trimer Colloids: Effect of Shape and Interaction Range†

PubMed Central

Hatch, Harold W.; Yang, Seung-Yeob; Mittal, Jeetain; Shen, Vincent K.

2016-01-01

Trimers with one attractive bead and two repulsive beads, similar to recently synthesized trimer patchy colloids, were simulated with flat-histogram Monte Carlo methods to obtain the stable self-assembled structures for different shapes and interaction potentials. Extended corresponding states principle was successfully applied to self-assembling systems in order to approximately collapse the results for models with the same shape, but different interaction range. This helps us directly compare simulation results with previous experiment, and good agreement was found between the two. In addition, a variety of self-assembled structures were observed by varying the trimer geometry, including spherical clusters, elongated clusters, monolayers, and spherical shells. In conclusion, our results help to compare simulations and experiments, via extended corresponding states, and we predict the formation of self-assembled structures for trimer shapes that have not been experimentally synthesized. PMID:27087490

Superlattices assembled through shape-induced directional binding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Fang; Yager, Kevin G.; Zhang, Yugang; Xin, Huolin; Gang, Oleg

2015-04-01

Organization of spherical particles into lattices is typically driven by packing considerations. Although the addition of directional binding can significantly broaden structural diversity, nanoscale implementation remains challenging. Here we investigate the assembly of clusters and lattices in which anisotropic polyhedral blocks coordinate isotropic spherical nanoparticles via shape-induced directional interactions facilitated by DNA recognition. We show that these polyhedral blocks--cubes and octahedrons--when mixed with spheres, promote the assembly of clusters with architecture determined by polyhedron symmetry. Moreover, three-dimensional binary superlattices are formed when DNA shells accommodate the shape disparity between nanoparticle interfaces. The crystallographic symmetry of assembled lattices is determined by the spatial symmetry of the block's facets, while structural order depends on DNA-tuned interactions and particle size ratio. The presented lattice assembly strategy, exploiting shape for defining the global structure and DNA-mediation locally, opens novel possibilities for by-design fabrication of binary lattices.

Self-assemblies of luminescent rare earth compounds in capsules and multilayers.

PubMed

Zhang, Renjie; Shang, Juanjuan; Xin, Jing; Xie, Beibei; Li, Ya; Möhwald, Helmuth

2014-05-01

This review addresses luminescent rare earth compounds assembled in microcapsules as well as in planar films fabricated by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method and in self-assembled monolayers. Chemical precipitation, electrostatic, van der Waals interactions and covalent bonds are involved in the assembly of these compounds. Self-organized ring patterns of rare earth complexes in Langmuir monolayers and on planar surfaces with stripe patterns, as well as fluorescence enhancement due to donor-acceptor pairs, microcavities, enrichment of rare earth compounds, and shell protection against water are described. Recent information on the tuning of luminescence intensity and multicolors by the excitation wavelength and the ratio of rare earth ions, respectively, are also reviewed. Potential applications of luminescent rare earth complex assemblies serving as biological probes, temperature and gas sensors are pointed out. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sequential bottom-up assembly of mechanically stabilized synthetic cells by microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Marian; Frohnmayer, Johannes Patrick; Benk, Lucia Theresa; Haller, Barbara; Janiesch, Jan-Willi; Heitkamp, Thomas; Börsch, Michael; Lira, Rafael B.; Dimova, Rumiana; Lipowsky, Reinhard; Bodenschatz, Eberhard; Baret, Jean-Christophe; Vidakovic-Koch, Tanja; Sundmacher, Kai; Platzman, Ilia; Spatz, Joachim P.

2018-01-01

Compartments for the spatially and temporally controlled assembly of biological processes are essential towards cellular life. Synthetic mimics of cellular compartments based on lipid-based protocells lack the mechanical and chemical stability to allow their manipulation into a complex and fully functional synthetic cell. Here, we present a high-throughput microfluidic method to generate stable, defined sized liposomes termed `droplet-stabilized giant unilamellar vesicles (dsGUVs)’. The enhanced stability of dsGUVs enables the sequential loading of these compartments with biomolecules, namely purified transmembrane and cytoskeleton proteins by microfluidic pico-injection technology. This constitutes an experimental demonstration of a successful bottom-up assembly of a compartment with contents that would not self-assemble to full functionality when simply mixed together. Following assembly, the stabilizing oil phase and droplet shells are removed to release functional self-supporting protocells to an aqueous phase, enabling them to interact with physiologically relevant matrices.

Superlattices assembled through shape-induced directional binding

DOE PAGES

Lu, Fang; Yager, Kevin G.; Zhang, Yugang; ...

2015-04-23

Organization of spherical particles into lattices is typically driven by packing considerations. Although the addition of directional binding can significantly broaden structural diversity, nanoscale implementation remains challenging. Here we investigate the assembly of clusters and lattices in which anisotropic polyhedral blocks coordinate isotropic spherical nanoparticles via shape-induced directional interactions facilitated by DNA recognition. We show that these polyhedral blocks—cubes and octahedrons—when mixed with spheres, promote the assembly of clusters with architecture determined by polyhedron symmetry. Moreover, three-dimensional binary superlattices are formed when DNA shells accommodate the shape disparity between nanoparticle interfaces. The crystallographic symmetry of assembled lattices is determined bymore » the spatial symmetry of the block’s facets, while structural order depends on DNA-tuned interactions and particle size ratio. Lastly, the presented lattice assembly strategy, exploiting shape for defining the global structure and DNA-mediation locally, opens novel possibilities for by-design fabrication of binary lattices.« less

Nano-functionalization of protein microspheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Sungkwon; Nichols, William T.

2014-08-01

Protein microspheres are promising building blocks for the assembly of complex functional materials. Here we demonstrate a set of three techniques that add functionality to the surface of protein microspheres. In the first technique, a positive surface charge on the protein spheres is deposited by electrostatic adsorption. Negatively charged silica and gold nanoparticle colloids can then electrostatically bind reversibly to the microsphere surface. In the second technique, nanoparticles are covalently anchored to the protein shell using a simple one-pot process. The strong covalent bond between sulfur groups in cysteine in the protein shell irreversibly binds to the gold nanoparticles. In the third technique, surface morphology of the protein microsphere is tuned through hydrodynamic instability at the water-oil interface. This is accomplished through the degree of solubility of the oil phase in water. Taken together these three techniques form a platform to create nano-functionalized protein microspheres, which can then be used as building blocks for the assembly of more complex macroscopic materials.

Synthesis of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with beta-cyclodextrin as a supramolecular shell.

PubMed

Li, Landong; Sun, Xiaohong; Yang, Yali; Guan, Naijia; Zhang, Fuxiang

2006-11-20

We report a novel, green hydrothermal-synthesis route to well-dispersed anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with particle sizes of 9-16 nm in the presence of beta-CD (beta-cyclodextrin). During the synthesis process, the CD-containing synthesis mixture assembled in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions. Driven by the interaction between molecules, the beta-CDs assembled in the longitudinal direction to form long-chain compounds, whereas in the latitudinal direction, they tended to form regular aggregates through coordination with the Ti species from the hydrolysis of tetrabutyl titanate. In view of the effect of the coordination and the steric hindrance of beta-CDs as a supramolecular shell, homogeneous nuclei and slow growth of TiO2 crystals during the synthesis process was observed, which was responsible for the formation of uniform TiO2 nanoparticles. The low beta-CD dosage and the high product yield (>90%) demonstrated well the potential of this synthesis route in the large-scale industrial production of anatase nanoparticles.

Stabilized micelles of amphoteric polyurethane formed by thermoresponsive micellization in HCl aqueous solution.

PubMed

Qiao, Yong; Zhang, Shifeng; Lin, Ouya; Deng, Liandong; Dong, Anjie

2008-04-01

The thermoresponsive micellization behavior of amphoteric polyurethane (APU) was studied in HCl aqueous solution (pH 2.0) through light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescent measurement. When APU concentration is high enough, nonreversible assembly of macromolecules can be observed with temperature decreasing from 25 to 4 degrees C. However, micelles reaching equilibrium at 4 degrees C can self-assemble reversibly in the temperature range of 4-55 degrees C. According to our research, we found it is the temperature sensitivity of the poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) segments that leads to the reassembly of APU at lower temperature. We proposed that core-shell-corona micelles ultimately form with hydrophobic core, PPO shell, and hydrophilic corona when temperature increases from 4 to 25 degrees C. This structure is very stable and does not change at higher temperatures (25-55 degrees C). That provides a new way to obtain stable micelles with small size and narrow size distribution at higher concentration of APU.

Design of a superconducting 28 GHz ion source magnet for FRIB using a shell-based support structure

DOE PAGES

Felice, H.; Rochepault, E.; Hafalia, R.; ...

2014-12-05

The Superconducting Magnet Program at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is completing the design of a 28 GHz NbTi ion source magnet for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). The design parameters are based on the parameters of the ECR ion source VENUS in operation at LBNL since 2002 featuring a sextupole-in-solenoids configuration. Whereas most of the magnet components (such as conductor, magnetic design, protection scheme) remain very similar to the VENUS magnet components, the support structure of the FRIB ion source uses a different concept. A shell-based support structure using bladders and keys is implemented in themore » design allowing fine tuning of the sextupole preload and reversibility of the magnet assembly process. As part of the design work, conductor insulation scheme, coil fabrication processes and assembly procedures are also explored to optimize performance. We present the main features of the design emphasizing the integrated design approach used at LBNL to achieve this result.« less

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

Perovic, Iva; Davidyants, Anastasia; Evans, John Spencer

In the mollusk shell there exists a framework silk fibroin-polysaccharide hydrogel coating around nacre aragonite tablets, and this coating facilitates the synthesis and organization of mineral nanoparticles into mesocrystals. In this report, we identify that a protein component of this coating, n16.3, is a hydrogelator. Due to the presence of intrinsic disorder, aggregation-prone regions, and nearly equal balance of anionic and cationic side chains, this protein assembles to form porous mesoscale hydrogel particles in solution and on mica surfaces. These hydrogel particles change their dimensionality, organization, and internal structure in response to pH and ions, particularly Ca(II), which indicates thatmore » these behave as ion-responsive or “smart” hydrogels. Thus, in addition to silk fibroins, the gel phase of the mollusk shell nacre framework layer may actually consist of several framework hydrogelator proteins, such as n16.3, which can promote mineral nanoparticle organization and assembly during the nacre biomineralization process and also serve as a model system for designing ion-responsive, composite, and smart hydrogels.« less

Highly magneto-responsive multilayer microcapsules for controlled release of insulin.

PubMed

Zheng, Chunli; Ding, Yafei; Liu, Xiaoqing; Wu, Yunkai; Ge, Liang

2014-11-20

In this study, magneto-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer microcapsules were successfully prepared by the formation of shell with biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) and polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique. The self-assembled microcapsules were characterized by SEM, TEM and zeta-potential analyzer. According to the pH sensitivity of the microcapsule membrane permeability, insulin was encapsulated, with the encapsulation efficiency of 92.08±5.57%. The in vitro release behavior in an external alternating magnetic field indicated that once the magnetic field was applied, the drug release was greatly accelerated. In addition, according to the observed pulse release upon cyclic on-off operations of magnetic field, it could be assumed that the magneto-responsive microcapsules had an excellent "switching on" effect, which might be attributed to the rearrangement of shell structure caused by magnetic nanoparticles twisting and polyelectrolyte chains shaking, hence the increase of microcapsule membrane permeability and the enhancement of insulin release. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasmonic Library Based on Substrate-Supported Gradiential Plasmonic Arrays

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We present a versatile approach to produce macroscopic, substrate-supported arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles with well-defined interparticle spacing and a continuous particle size gradient. The arrays thus present a “plasmonic library” of locally noncoupling plasmonic particles of different sizes, which can serve as a platform for future combinatorial screening of size effects. The structures were prepared by substrate assembly of gold-core/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-shell particles and subsequent post-modification. Coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) could be avoided since the polymer shell separates the encapsulated gold cores. To produce a particle array with a broad range of well-defined but laterally distinguishable particle sizes, the substrate was dip-coated in a growth solution, which resulted in an overgrowth of the gold cores controlled by the local exposure time. The kinetics was quantitatively analyzed and found to be diffusion rate controlled, allowing for precise tuning of particle size by adjusting the withdrawal speed. We determined the kinetics of the overgrowth process, investigated the LSPRs along the gradient by UV–vis extinction spectroscopy, and compared the spectroscopic results to the predictions from Mie theory, indicating the absence of local interparticle coupling. We finally discuss potential applications of these substrate-supported plasmonic particle libraries and perspectives toward extending the concept from size to composition variation and screening of plasmonic coupling effects. PMID:25137554

Proposed Ancestors of Phage Nucleic Acid Packaging Motors (and Cells)

PubMed Central

Serwer, Philip

2011-01-01

I present a hypothesis that begins with the proposal that abiotic ancestors of phage RNA and DNA packaging systems (and cells) include mobile shells with an internal, molecule-transporting cavity. The foundations of this hypothesis include the conjecture that current nucleic acid packaging systems have imprints from abiotic ancestors. The abiotic shells (1) initially imbibe and later also bind and transport organic molecules, thereby providing a means for producing molecular interactions that are links in the chain of events that produces ancestors to the first molecules that are both information carrying and enzymatically active, and (2) are subsequently scaffolds on which proteins assemble to form ancestors common to both shells of viral capsids and cell membranes. Emergence of cells occurs via aggregation and merger of shells and internal contents. The hypothesis continues by using proposed imprints of abiotic and biotic ancestors to deduce an ancestral thermal ratchet-based DNA packaging motor that subsequently evolves to integrate a DNA packaging ATPase that provides a power stroke. PMID:21994778

A Facile Method for Synthesizing Dendritic Core–Shell Structured Ternary Metallic Aerogels and Their Enhanced Electrochemical Performances

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

Shi, Qiurong; Zhu, Chengzhou; Li, Yijing

2016-11-08

Currently, three dimensional self-supported metallic structures are attractive for their unique properties of high porosity, low density, excellent conductivity etc. that promote their wide application in fuel cells. Here, for the first time, we report a facile synthesis of dendritic core-shell structured Au/Pt3Pd ternary metallic aerogels via a one-pot self-assembly gelation strategy. The as-prepared Au/Pt3Pd ternary metallic aerogels demonstrated superior electrochemical performances toward oxygen reduction reaction compared to commercial Pt/C. The unique dendritic core-shell structures, Pt3Pd alloyed shells and the cross-linked network structures are beneficial for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction performances of the Pt-based materials via the electronic effect,more » geometric effect and synergistic effect. This strategy of fabrication of metallic hydrogels and aerogels as well as their exceptional properties hold great promise in a variety of applications.« less

A geometric nonlinear degenerated shell element using a mixed formulation with independently assumed strain fields. Final Report; Ph.D. Thesis, 1989

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graf, Wiley E.

1991-01-01

A mixed formulation is chosen to overcome deficiencies of the standard displacement-based shell model. Element development is traced from the incremental variational principle on through to the final set of equilibrium equations. Particular attention is paid to developing specific guidelines for selecting the optimal set of strain parameters. A discussion of constraint index concepts and their predictive capability related to locking is included. Performance characteristics of the elements are assessed in a wide variety of linear and nonlinear plate/shell problems. Despite limiting the study to geometric nonlinear analysis, a substantial amount of additional insight concerning the finite element modeling of thin plate/shell structures is provided. For example, in nonlinear analysis, given the same mesh and load step size, mixed elements converge in fewer iterations than equivalent displacement-based models. It is also demonstrated that, in mixed formulations, lower order elements are preferred. Additionally, meshes used to obtain accurate linear solutions do not necessarily converge to the correct nonlinear solution. Finally, a new form of locking was identified associated with employing elements designed for biaxial bending in uniaxial bending applications.

Fast-Response Single-Nanowire Photodetector Based on ZnO/WS2 Core/Shell Heterostructures.

PubMed

Butanovs, Edgars; Vlassov, Sergei; Kuzmin, Alexei; Piskunov, Sergei; Butikova, Jelena; Polyakov, Boris

2018-04-25

The surface plays an exceptionally important role in nanoscale materials, exerting a strong influence on their properties. Consequently, even a very thin coating can greatly improve the optoelectronic properties of nanostructures by modifying the light absorption and spatial distribution of charge carriers. To use these advantages, 1D/1D heterostructures of ZnO/WS 2 core/shell nanowires with a-few-layers-thick WS 2 shell were fabricated. These heterostructures were thoroughly characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Then, a single-nanowire photoresistive device was assembled by mechanically positioning ZnO/WS 2 core/shell nanowires onto gold electrodes inside a scanning electron microscope. The results show that a few layers of WS 2 significantly enhance the photosensitivity in the short wavelength range and drastically (almost 2 orders of magnitude) improve the photoresponse time of pure ZnO nanowires. The fast response time of ZnO/WS 2 core/shell nanowire was explained by electrons and holes sinking from ZnO nanowire into WS 2 shell, which serves as a charge carrier channel in the ZnO/WS 2 heterostructure. First-principles calculations suggest that the interface layer i-WS 2 , bridging ZnO nanowire surface and WS 2 shell, might play a role of energy barrier, preventing the backward diffusion of charge carriers into ZnO nanowire.

Shell-binary nanoparticle materials with variable electrical and electro-mechanical properties.

PubMed

Zhang, P; Bousack, H; Dai, Y; Offenhäusser, A; Mayer, D

2018-01-18

Nanoparticle (NP) materials with the capability to adjust their electrical and electro-mechanical properties facilitate applications in strain sensing technology. Traditional NP materials based on single component NPs lack a systematic and effective means of tuning their electrical and electro-mechanical properties. Here, we report on a new type of shell-binary NP material fabricated by self-assembly with either homogeneous or heterogeneous arrangements of NPs. Variable electrical and electro-mechanical properties were obtained for both materials. We show that the electrical and electro-mechanical properties of these shell-binary NP materials are highly tunable and strongly affected by the NP species as well as their corresponding volume fraction ratio. The conductivity and the gauge factor of these shell-binary NP materials can be altered by about five and two orders of magnitude, respectively. These shell-binary NP materials with different arrangements of NPs also demonstrate different volume fraction dependent electro-mechanical properties. The shell-binary NP materials with a heterogeneous arrangement of NPs exhibit a peaking of the sensitivity at medium mixing ratios, which arises from the aggregation induced local strain enhancement. Studies on the electron transport regimes and micro-morphologies of these shell-binary NP materials revealed the different mechanisms accounting for the variable electrical and electro-mechanical properties. A model based on effective medium theory is used to describe the electrical and electro-mechanical properties of such shell-binary nanomaterials and shows an excellent match with experiment data. These shell-binary NP materials possess great potential applications in high-performance strain sensing technology due to their variable electrical and electro-mechanical properties.

Influence of the shell thickness and charge distribution on the effective interaction between two like-charged hollow spheres.

PubMed

Angelescu, Daniel G; Caragheorgheopol, Dan

2015-10-14

The mean-force and the potential of the mean force between two like-charged spherical shells were investigated in the salt-free limit using the primitive model and Monte Carlo simulations. Apart from an angular homogeneous distribution, a discrete charge distribution where point charges localized on the shell outer surface followed an icosahedral arrangement was considered. The electrostatic coupling of the model system was altered by the presence of mono-, trivalent counterions or small dendrimers, each one bearing a net charge of 9 e. We analyzed in detail how the shell thickness and the radial and angular distribution of the shell charges influenced the effective interaction between the shells. We found a sequence of the potential of the mean force similar to the like-charged filled spheres, ranging from long-range purely repulsive to short-range purely attractive as the electrostatic coupling increased. Both types of potentials were attenuated and an attractive-to-repulsive transition occurred in the presence of trivalent counterions as a result of (i) thinning the shell or (ii) shifting the shell charge from the outer towards the inner surface. The potential of the mean force became more attractive with the icosahedrally symmetric charge model, and additionally, at least one shell tended to line up with 5-fold symmetry axis along the longest axis of the simulation box at the maximum attraction. The results provided a basic framework of understanding the non-specific electrostatic origin of the agglomeration and long-range assembly of the viral nanoparticles.

Shape evolution of a core-shell spherical particle under hydrostatic pressure.

PubMed

Colin, Jérôme

2012-03-01

The morphological evolution by surface diffusion of a core-shell spherical particle has been investigated theoretically under hydrostatic pressure when the shear modulii of the core and shell are different. A linear stability analysis has demonstrated that depending on the pressure, shear modulii, and radii of both phases, the free surface of the composite particle may be unstable with respect to a shape perturbation. A stability diagram finally emphasizes that the roughness development is favored in the case of a hard shell with a soft core.

α-Conotoxin MII-Sensitive Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell Regulate Progressive Ratio Responding Maintained by Nicotine

PubMed Central

Brunzell, Darlene H; Boschen, Karen E; Hendrick, Elizabeth S; Beardsley, Patrick M; McIntosh, J Michael

2010-01-01

β2 subunit containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2*nAChRs; asterisk (*) denotes assembly with other subunits) are critical for nicotine self-administration and nicotine-associated dopamine (DA) release that supports nicotine reinforcement. The α6 subunit assembles with β2 on DA neurons where α6β2*nAChRs regulate nicotine-stimulated DA release at neuron terminals. Using local infusion of α-conotoxin MII (α-CTX MII), an antagonist with selectivity for α6β2*nAChRs, the purpose of these experiments was to determine if α6β2*nAChRs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell are required for motivation to self-administer nicotine. Long-Evans rats lever-pressed for 0.03 mg/kg, i.v., nicotine accompanied by light+tone cues (NIC) or for light+tone cues unaccompanied by nicotine (CUEonly). Following extensive training, animals were tested under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule that required an increasing number of lever presses for each nicotine infusion and/or cue delivery. Immediately before each PR session, rats received microinfusions of α-CTX MII (0, 1, 5, or 10 pmol per side) into the NAc shell or the overlying anterior cingulate cortex. α-CTX MII dose dependently decreased break points and number of infusions earned by NIC rats following infusion into the NAc shell but not the anterior cingulate cortex. Concentrations of α-CTX MII that were capable of attenuating nicotine self-administration did not disrupt locomotor activity. There was no effect of infusion on lever pressing in CUEonly animals and NAc infusion α-CTX MII did not affect locomotor activity in an open field. These data suggest that α6β2*nAChRs in the NAc shell regulate motivational aspects of nicotine reinforcement but not nicotine-associated locomotor activation. PMID:19890263

Self-assembly and graft polymerization route to Monodispersed Fe3O4@SiO2--polyaniline core-shell composite nanoparticles: physical properties.

PubMed

Reddy, Kakarla Raghava; Lee, Kwang-Pill; Kim, Ju Young; Lee, Youngil

2008-11-01

This study describes the synthesis of monodispersed core-shell composites of silica-modified magnetic nanoparticles and conducting polyaniline by self-assembly and graft polymerization. Magnetic ferrite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were prepared by coprecipitation of Fe+2 and Fe+3 ions in alkaline solution, and then silananized. The silanation of magnetic particles (Fe3O4@SiO2) was carried out using 3-bromopropyltrichlorosilane (BPTS) as the coupling agent. FT-IR spectra indicated the presence of Fe--O--Si chemical bonds in Fe3O4@SiO2. Core-shell type nanocomposites (Fe3O4@SiO2/PANI) were prepared by grafting polyaniline (PANI) on the surface of silanized magnetic particles through surface initiated in-situ chemical oxidative graft polymerization. The nanocomposites were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, UV-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, electrical conductivity and magnetic characteristics. HRTEM images of the nanocomposites revealed that the silica-modified magnetic particles made up the core while PANI made up the shell. The XPS spectrum revealed the presence of silica in the composites, and the XRD results showed that the composites were more crystalline than pure PANI. PL spectra show that composites exhibit photoluminescent property. Conductivity of the composites (6.2 to 9.4 x 10(-2) S/cm) was higher than that of pristine PANI (3.7 x 10(-3) S/cm). The nanocomposites exhibited superparamagnetism. Formation mechanism of the core-shell structured nanocomposites and the effect of modified magnetic nanoparticles on the electro-magnetic properties of the Fe3O4@SiO2/PANI nanocomposites are also investigated. This method provides a new strategy for the generation of multi-functional nanocomposites that composed of other conducting polymers and metal nanoparticles.

Ancient techniques for new materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

NASA is looking to biological techniques that are millions of years old to help it develop new materials and technologies for the 21st century. Sponsored by NASA, Jeffrey Brinker of the University of New Mexico is studying how multiple elements can assemble themselves into a composite material that is clear, tough, and impermeable. His research is based on the model of how an abalone builds the nacre, also called mother-of-pearl, inside its shell. Strong thin coatings, or lamellae, in Brinker's research are formed when objects are dip-coated. Evaporation drives the self-assembly of molecular aggregates (micelles) of surfactant, soluble silica, and organic monomers and their further self-organization into layered organic and inorganic assemblies.

A Generic Self-Assembly Process in Microcompartments and Synthetic Protein Nanotubes.

PubMed

Uddin, Ismail; Frank, Stefanie; Warren, Martin J; Pickersgill, Richard W

2018-05-01

Bacterial microcompartments enclose a biochemical pathway and reactive intermediate within a protein envelope formed by the shell proteins. Herein, the orientation of the propanediol-utilization (Pdu) microcompartment shell protein PduA in bacterial microcompartments and in synthetic nanotubes, and the orientation of PduB in synthetic nanotubes are revealed. When produced individually, PduA hexamers and PduB trimers, tessellate to form flat sheets in the crystal, or they can self-assemble to form synthetic protein nanotubes in solution. Modelling the orientation of PduA in the 20 nm nanotube so as to preserve the shape complementarity and key interactions seen in the crystal structure suggests that the concave surface of the PduA hexamer faces out. This orientation is confirmed experimentally in synthetic nanotubes and in the bacterial microcompartment produced in vivo. The PduB nanotubes described here have a larger diameter, 63 nm, with the concave surface of the trimer again facing out. The conserved concave surface out characteristic of these nano-structures reveals a generic assembly process that causes the interface between adjacent subunits to bend in a common direction that optimizes shape complementarity and minimizes steric clashes. This understanding underpins engineering strategies for the biotechnological application of protein nanotubes. © 2018 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Formation of Polymer Particles by Direct Polymerization on the Surface of a Supramolecular Template.

PubMed

Schmuck, Carsten; Li, Mao; Zellermann, Elio

2018-04-06

Formation of polymeric materials on the surface of supramolecular assemblies is rather challenging due to the often weak non-covalent interactions between the self-assembled template and the monomers before polymerization. We herein describe that the introduction of a supramolecular anion recognition motif, the guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole cation (GCP), into a short Fmoc-dipeptide 1 leads to self-assembled spherical nanoparticles in aqueous solution. Onto the surface of these nanoparticles negatively charged diacetylene monomers can be attached which after UV polymerization lead to the formation of a polymer shell around the self-assembled template. The hybrid supramolecular and polymeric nanoparticles demonstrated intriguing thermal hysteresis phenomenon. The template nanoparticle could be disassembled through the treatment with organic base which cleaved the Fmoc moiety on 1. This strategy thus showed that a supramolecular anion recognition motif allows the post-assembly formation of polymeric nanomaterials from anionic monomers around a cationic self-assembled template. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ultrathin TiO2 layer coated-CdS spheres core-shell nanocomposite with enhanced visible-light photoactivity.

PubMed

Chen, Zhang; Xu, Yi-Jun

2013-12-26

Development of various strategies for controllable fabrication of core-shell nanocomposites (CSNs) with highly active photocatalytic performance has been attracting ever-increasing research attention. In particular, control of the ultrathin layer TiO2 shell in constructing CSNs in an aqueous phase is a significant but technologically challenging issue. Here, this paper demonstrates the interface assembly synthesis of CdS nanospheres@TiO2 core-shell photocatalyst via the electrostatic interaction of negatively charged water-stable titania precursor with positively charged CdS nanospheres (CdS NSPs), followed by the formation of the ultrathin-layer TiO2 shell through a facile refluxing process in aqueous phase. The as-formed CdS NSPs@TiO2 core-shell nanohybrid exhibits a high visible-light-driven photoactivity for selective transformation and reduction of heavy metal ions. The ultrathin TiO2 layer coated on CdS NSPs results in excellent light transmission property, enhanced adsorption capacity, and improved transfer of charge carriers and lifespan of photoinduced electron-hole pairs, which would prominently contribute to the significant photoactivity enhancement. It is anticipated that this facile aqueous-phase synthesis strategy could be extended to design a variety of more efficient CSN photocatalysts with controllable morphology toward target applications in diverse photoredox processes.

Synthesis of NiO-TiO2 hybrids/mSiO2 yolk-shell architectures embedded with ultrasmall gold nanoparticles for enhanced reactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Jiasheng; Zhang, Yiwei; Zhou, Yuming; Zhao, Shuo; Zhang, Chao; Huang, Mengqiu; Gao, Yan

2017-08-01

Novel NiO-TiO2 hybrids/mSiO2 yolk-shell architectures loaded with ultrasmall Au nanoparticles (STNVS-Au) were developed via the rational synthetic strategy. The hierarchical yolk-shell nanostructures (STNVS) with high surface areas were constructed by a facile "bottom-up" assembly process using SiO2 materials and polymer resins as cores/shells and sacrificial templates, accompanied by a simple hydrothermal incorporation of NiO into uniform amorphous TiO2 layers that were converted to NiO-anatase TiO2 p-n heterojunction hybrids. Then, numerous sub-3 nm Au nanoparticles were post encapsulated within STNVS nanostructures through the low-temperature hydrogen reduction based on the unique deposition-precipitation method with Au(en)2Cl3 compounds as gold precursors. The NiO-TiO2 hybrids alloying with Au nanoparticles were effectively protected and entrapped within STNVS architectures, and interacted with outer mSiO2-Au shells, which comprised the powerful STNVS-Au yolk-shell nanoreactors and produced stronger configural synergies in enhancing the heterogeneous catalysis. Into catalyzing the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, the STNVS-Au was shown with outstanding activity and reusability, and its pristine morphology was well retained during the recycling process.

Dendronization-induced phase-transfer, stabilization and self-assembly of large colloidal Au nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malassis, Ludivine; Jishkariani, Davit; Murray, Christopher B.; Donnio, Bertrand

2016-07-01

The phase-transfer of CTAB-coated aqueous, spherical gold nanoparticles, with metallic core diameters ranging from ca. 27 to 54 nm, into organic solvents by exchanging the primitive polar bilayer with lipophilic, disulfide dendritic ligands is reported. The presence of such a thick nonpolar organic shell around these large nanoparticles enhances their stabilization against aggregation, in addition to enabling their transfer into a variety of solvents such as chloroform, toluene or tetrahydrofuran. Upon the slow evaporation of a chloroform suspension deposited on a solid support, the dendronized hybrids were found to self-assemble into ring structures of various diameters. Moreover, their self-assembly at the liquid-air interface affords the formation of fairly long-range ordered monolayers, over large areas, that can then be entirely transferred onto solid substrates.The phase-transfer of CTAB-coated aqueous, spherical gold nanoparticles, with metallic core diameters ranging from ca. 27 to 54 nm, into organic solvents by exchanging the primitive polar bilayer with lipophilic, disulfide dendritic ligands is reported. The presence of such a thick nonpolar organic shell around these large nanoparticles enhances their stabilization against aggregation, in addition to enabling their transfer into a variety of solvents such as chloroform, toluene or tetrahydrofuran. Upon the slow evaporation of a chloroform suspension deposited on a solid support, the dendronized hybrids were found to self-assemble into ring structures of various diameters. Moreover, their self-assembly at the liquid-air interface affords the formation of fairly long-range ordered monolayers, over large areas, that can then be entirely transferred onto solid substrates. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: TEM microscope images. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03404g

C Terminus of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Major Capsid Protein VP2 Is Involved in Definition of the T Number for Capsid Assembly

PubMed Central

Castón, José R.; Martínez-Torrecuadrada, Jorge L.; Maraver, Antonio; Lombardo, Eleuterio; Rodríguez, José F.; Casal, J. Ignacio; Carrascosa, José L.

2001-01-01

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a member of the Birnaviridae family, is a double-stranded RNA virus. The IBDV capsid is formed by two major structural proteins, VP2 and VP3, which assemble to form a T=13 markedly nonspherical capsid. During viral infection, VP2 is initially synthesized as a precursor, called VPX, whose C end is proteolytically processed to the mature form during capsid assembly. We have computed three-dimensional maps of IBDV capsid and virus-like particles built up by VP2 alone by using electron cryomicroscopy and image-processing techniques. The IBDV single-shelled capsid is characterized by the presence of 260 protruding trimers on the outer surface. Five classes of trimers can be distinguished according to their different local environments. When VP2 is expressed alone in insect cells, dodecahedral particles form spontaneously; these may be assembled into larger, fragile icosahedral capsids built up by 12 dodecahedral capsids. Each dodecahedral capsid is an empty T=1 shell composed of 20 trimeric clusters of VP2. Structural comparison between IBDV capsids and capsids consisting of VP2 alone allowed the determination of the major capsid protein locations and the interactions between them. Whereas VP2 forms the outer protruding trimers, VP3 is found as trimers on the inner surface and may be responsible for stabilizing functions. Since elimination of the C-terminal region of VPX is correlated with the assembly of T=1 capsids, this domain might be involved (either alone or in cooperation with VP3) in the induction of different conformations of VP2 during capsid morphogenesis. PMID:11602723

Multicompartmental Microcapsules from Star Copolymer Micelles

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

Choi, Ikjun; Malak, Sidney T.; Xu, Weinan

2013-02-26

We present the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of amphiphilic heteroarm pH-sensitive star-shaped polystyrene-poly(2-pyridine) (PSnP2VPn) block copolymers to fabricate porous and multicompartmental microcapsules. Pyridine-containing star molecules forming a hydrophobic core/hydrophilic corona unimolecular micelle in acidic solution (pH 3) were alternately deposited with oppositely charged linear sulfonated polystyrene (PSS), yielding microcapsules with LbL shells containing hydrophobic micelles. The surface morphology and internal nanopore structure of the hollow microcapsules were comparatively investigated for shells formed from star polymers with a different numbers of arms (9 versus 22) and varied shell thickness (5, 8, and 11 bilayers). The successful integration of star unimers into themore » LbL shells was demonstrated by probing their buildup, surface segregation behavior, and porosity. The larger arm star copolymer (22 arms) with stretched conformation showed a higher increment in shell thickness due to the effective ionic complexation whereas a compact, uniform grainy morphology was observed regardless of the number of deposition cycles and arm numbers. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) revealed that microcapsules with hydrophobic domains showed different fractal properties depending upon the number of bilayers with a surface fractal morphology observed for the thinnest shells and a mass fractal morphology for the completed shells formed with the larger number of bilayers. Moreover, SANS provides support for the presence of relatively large pores (about 25 nm across) for the thinnest shells as suggested from permeability experiments. The formation of robust microcapsules with nanoporous shells composed of a hydrophilic polyelectrolyte with a densely packed hydrophobic core based on star amphiphiles represents an intriguing and novel case of compartmentalized microcapsules with an ability to simultaneously store different hydrophilic, charged, and hydrophobic components within shells.« less

DNA Conjugation and DNA Directed Self-Assembly of Quantum Dots for Nanophotonic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samanta, Anirban

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) or semiconductor nanocrystals are often used to describe 2--20 nm solution processed nanoparticles of various semiconductor materials that display quantum confinement effects. Compared to traditional fluorescent organic dyes, QDs provide many advantages. For biological applications it is necessary to develop reliable methods to functionalize QDs with hydrophilic biomolecules so that they may maintain their stability and functionality in physiological conditions. DNA, a molecule that encodes genetic information, is arguably the smartest molecule that nature has ever produced and one of the most explored bio-macromolecules. QDs that are functionalized with DNA can potentially be organized with nanometer precision by DNA directed self-assembly, and the resulting arrangements may facilitate the display of novel optical properties. The goal of this dissertation was to achieve a robust reliable yet simple strategy to link DNA to QDs so that they can be used for DNA directed self assembly by which we can engineer their optical properties. Presented here is a series of studies to achieve this goal. First we demonstrate the aqueous synthesis of colloidal nanocrystal heterostructures consisting of the CdTe core encapsulated by CdS/ZnS or CdSe/ZnS shells using glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide, as the capping ligand. We next employed this shell synthesis strategy to conjugate PS-PO chimeric DNA to QDs at the time of shell synthesis. We synthesized a library of DNA linked QDs emitting from UV to near IR that are very stable in high salt concentrations. These DNA functionalized QDs were further site-specifically organized on DNA origami in desired patterns directed by DNA self-assembly. We further extended our capability to functionalize DNA to real IR emitting CdxPb 1-xTe alloyed QDs, and demonstrated their stability by self-assembling them on DNA origami. The photo-physical properties of the QDs were further engineered by attaching a QD and a gold nanoparticle in controlled distances on the same DNA origami, which revealed a much longer range quenching effect than usual Forster Resonance Energy Transfer. We are currently engaged in enhancing the photoluminescence intensity of the QDs by bringing them in the plasmonic hot spots generated by a cluster of larger plasmonic nanoparticles.

Block coordination copolymers

DOEpatents

Koh, Kyoung Moo; Wong-Foy, Antek G; Matzger, Adam J; Benin, Annabelle I; Willis, Richard R

2014-11-11

The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.

Hypersonic research engine project. Phase 2: Aerothermodynamic integration model development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jilly, L. F. (Editor)

1971-01-01

The fabrication of the various components of the HRE AIM was completed. The purge system necessary for the cavity bounded by the outer shell assembly and the outer cowl body was studied. Preparations were begun for establishing a format for test data acquisition and reduction.

Block coordination copolymers

DOEpatents

Koh, Kyoung Moo; Wong-Foy, Antek G.; Matzger, Adam J.; Benin, Annabelle I.; Willis, Richard R.

2012-12-04

The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.

Block coordination copolymers

DOEpatents

Koh, Kyoung Moo; Wong-Foy, Antek G; Matzger, Adam J; Benin, Annabelle I; Willis, Richard R

2012-11-13

The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.

75 FR 48973 - Draft Guidance for Industry: Prevention of Salmonella

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-12

...] Draft Guidance for Industry: Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production... entitled ``Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation'' (the draft guidance). The draft guidance, when finalized, will provide guidance to egg producers...

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

Park, Jinhee; Chen, Ying-Pin; Perry, Zachary

A series of molybdenum- and copper-based MOPs were synthesized through coordination-driven process of a bridging ligand (3,3 -PDBAD, L1) and dimetal paddlewheel clusters. Three conformers of the ligand exist with an ideal bridging angle between the two carboxylate groups of 0° (H2α-L1), 120° (H2β-L1), and of 90° (H2γ-L1), respectively. At ambient or lower temperature, H2L1 and Mo2(OAc)4 or Cu2(OAc)4 were crystallized into a molecular square with γ-L1 and Mo2/Cu2 units. With proper temperature elevation, not only the molecular square with γ-L1 but also a lantern-shaped cage with α-L1 formed simultaneously. Similar to how Watson–Crick pairs stabilize the helical structure ofmore » duplex DNA, the core–shell molecular assembly possesses favorable H-bonding interaction sites. This is dictated by the ligand conformation in the shell, coding for the formation and providing stabilization of the central lantern shaped core, which was not observed without this complementary interaction. On the basis of the crystallographic implications, a heterobimetallic cage was obtained through a postsynthetic metal ion metathesis, showing different reactivity of coordination bonds in the core and shell. As an innovative synthetic strategy, the site-selective metathesis broadens the structural diversity and properties of coordination assemblies.« less

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

Park, J; Chen, YP; Perry, Z

A series of molybdenum- and copper-based MOPs were synthesized through coordination-driven process of a bridging ligand (3,3'-PDBAD, L-1) and dimetal paddlewheel clusters. Three conformers of the ligand exist with an ideal bridging angle between the two carboxylate groups of 0 degrees (H-2 zeta-L(1)), 120 degrees (H-2 beta-L-1), and of 90 degrees (H-2 beta-L-1), respectively. At ambient or lower temperature, (HL1)-L-2 and Mo-2(OAc)(4) or Cu-2(OAc)(4) were crystallized into a molecular square with ?-L-1 and Mo-2/Cu-2 units. With proper temperature elevation, not only the molecular square with ?-L-1 but also a lantern-shaped cage with a-L-1 formed simultaneously. Similar to how Watson-Crick pairsmore » stabilize the helical structure of duplex DNA, the core-shell molecular assembly possesses favorable H-bonding interaction sites. This is dictated by the ligand conformation in the shell, coding for the formation and providing stabilization of the central lantern shaped core, which was not observed without this complementary interaction. On the basis of the crystallographic implications, a heterobimetallic cage was obtained through a postsynthetic metal ion metathesis, showing different reactivity of coordination bonds in the core and shell. As an innovative synthetic strategy, the site-selective metathesis broadens the structural diversity and properties of coordination assemblies.« less

A yolk-shell V2O5 structure assembled from ultrathin nanosheets and coralline-shaped carbon as advanced electrodes for a high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor.

PubMed

Xing, Ling-Li; Zhao, Gang-Gang; Huang, Ke-Jing; Wu, Xu

2018-02-13

Various V 2 O 5 three-dimensional nanostructures are synthesized using a facile template-free hydrothermal method and evaluated for use as supercapacitor electrode materials. As a result, the yolk-shell structure assembled from ultrathin nanosheets shows the best electrochemical performance, with a specific capacitance of 704.17 F g -1 at 1.0 A g -1 and a high capacity retention of 89% over 4000 cycles at 3.0 A g -1 . In addition, a continuous three-dimensional porous coralline-shaped carbon is synthesized from osmanthus and has a large Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 2840.88 m 2 g -1 . Then, an asymmetric supercapacitor is developed using the as-prepared yolk-shell V 2 O 5 as a positive electrode and the osmanthus derived coralline-shaped carbon as a negative electrode. This exhibits an energy density of 29.49 W h kg -1 at a power density of 800 W kg -1 with a good cycling performance that retains 90.6% of its initial capacity after 2000 cycles at 3.0 A g -1 . Furthermore, two cells in series can easily brightly light up a light-emitting diode (3 V), further demonstrating the great potential of the prepared materials for high-performance supercapacitor devices.

Magnetic self-assembly for the synthesis of magnetically exchange coupled MnBi/Fe–Co composites

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

Xu, Xia; Hong, Yang-Ki, E-mail: ykhong@eng.ua.edu; Park, Jihoon

2015-11-15

Exchange coupled hard/soft MnBi/Fe–Co core/shell structured composites were synthesized using a magnetic self-assembly process. MnBi particles were prepared by arc-melting, and Fe–Co nanoparticles were synthesized by an oleic acid assisted chemical reduction method. Grinding a mixture of micron-sized MnBi and Fe–Co nanoparticles in hexane resulted in MnBi/Fe–Co core/shell structured composites. The MnBi/Fe–Co (95/5 wt%) composites showed smooth magnetic hysteresis loops, enhanced remanent magnetization, and positive values in the ΔM curve, indicating exchange coupling between MnBi and Fe–Co particles. - Graphical abstract: Both MnBi and Fe–Co particles were dispersed in hexane for grinding. Because of the oleic acid used during themore » Fe–Co nanoparticle synthesis, they could be well dispersed in hexane. During the grinding, the size of MnBi particles was decreased, hexane was evaporated, and the Fe–Co nanoparticles were concentrated in the solvent and magnetically attracted by MnBi particles, forming a core/shell structure. - Highlights: • Exchange coupled MnBi/Fe–Co composites are synthesized through magnetic selfassembly. • Magnetic exchange coupling is demonstrated by smooth magnetic hysteresis loops, enhanced remanent magnetization, and dominant positive peak in the ΔM curve. • The experimental results in magnetic properties are close to the theoretical calculation results.« less

Mechanistic profiling of the siRNA delivery dynamics of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles.

PubMed

Colombo, Stefano; Cun, Dongmei; Remaut, Katrien; Bunker, Matt; Zhang, Jianxin; Martin-Bertelsen, Birte; Yaghmur, Anan; Braeckmans, Kevin; Nielsen, Hanne M; Foged, Camilla

2015-03-10

Understanding the delivery dynamics of nucleic acid nanocarriers is fundamental to improve their design for therapeutic applications. We investigated the carrier structure-function relationship of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) consisting of poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarriers modified with the cationic lipid dioleoyltrimethyl-ammoniumpropane (DOTAP). A library of siRNA-loaded LPNs was prepared by systematically varying the nitrogen-to-phosphate (N/P) ratio. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) combined with small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) studies suggested that the siRNA-loaded LPNs are characterized by a core-shell structure consisting of a PLGA matrix core coated with lamellar DOTAP structures with siRNA localized both in the core and in the shell. Release studies in buffer and serum-containing medium combined with in vitro gene silencing and quantification of intracellular siRNA suggested that this self-assembling core-shell structure influences the siRNA release kinetics and the delivery dynamics. A main delivery mechanism appears to be mediated via the release of transfection-competent siRNA-DOTAP lipoplexes from the LPNs. Based on these results, we suggest a model for the nanostructural characteristics of the LPNs, in which the siRNA is organized in lamellar superficial assemblies and/or as complexes entrapped in the polymeric matrix. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hollow Polycaprolactone Microspheres with/without a Single Surface Hole by Co-Electrospraying

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We describe the co-electrospraying of hollow microspheres from a polycaprolactone (PCL) shell solution and various core solutions including water, cyclohexane, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), using different collectors. The morphologies of the resultant microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, and nano-X-ray computed tomography (nano-XCT). The core/shell solution miscibility played an important role in the co-electrospraying process and the formation of microsphere structures. Spherical particles were more likely to be produced from miscible combinations of core/shell solutions than from immiscible ones. Hollow PCL microspheres with a single hole in their surfaces were produced when an ethanol bath was used as the collector. The mechanism by which the core/shell structure is transformed into single-hole hollow microspheres is proposed to be primarily based on the evaporation through the shell and extraction by ethanol of the core solution and is described in detail. Additionally, we present a 3D macroscopic tubular structure composed of hollow PCL microspheres, directly assembled on a copper wire collector during co-electrospraying. SEM and nano-XCT confirm that microspheres in the 3D bulk structure remain hollow. PMID:28901145

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

Fabbricatore, P.; Ambrosio, G.; Cheban, S.

The Mu2e Transport Solenoid consists of 52 coils arranged in 27 coil modules that form the S-shaped cold mass. Each coil is wound from Al-stabilized NbTi superconductor. The coils are supported by an external structural aluminum shell machined from a forged billet. Most of the coil modules house two coils, with the axis of each coil oriented at an angle of approximately 5° with respect to each other. The coils are indirectly cooled with LHe circulating in tubes welded on the shell. In order to enhance the cooling capacity, pure aluminum sheets connect the inner bore of the coils tomore » the cooling tubes. The coils are placed inside the shell by the means of a shrink-fit procedure. A full-size prototype, with all the features of the full assembly, was successfully manufactured in a collaboration between INFN Genova and Fermilab. In order to ensure an optimal mechanical prestress at the coil-shell interface, the coils are inserted into the shell through a shrink-fitting process. We present the details of the prototype with the design choices as validated by the structural analysis. In conclusion, the fabrication steps are described as well.« less

Mu2e transport solenoid prototype design and manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Fabbricatore, P.; Ambrosio, G.; Cheban, S.; ...

2016-02-08

The Mu2e Transport Solenoid consists of 52 coils arranged in 27 coil modules that form the S-shaped cold mass. Each coil is wound from Al-stabilized NbTi superconductor. The coils are supported by an external structural aluminum shell machined from a forged billet. Most of the coil modules house two coils, with the axis of each coil oriented at an angle of approximately 5° with respect to each other. The coils are indirectly cooled with LHe circulating in tubes welded on the shell. In order to enhance the cooling capacity, pure aluminum sheets connect the inner bore of the coils tomore » the cooling tubes. The coils are placed inside the shell by the means of a shrink-fit procedure. A full-size prototype, with all the features of the full assembly, was successfully manufactured in a collaboration between INFN Genova and Fermilab. In order to ensure an optimal mechanical prestress at the coil-shell interface, the coils are inserted into the shell through a shrink-fitting process. We present the details of the prototype with the design choices as validated by the structural analysis. In conclusion, the fabrication steps are described as well.« less

Controlling the Growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis by Layer-By-Layer Encapsulation.

PubMed

Jonas, Alain M; Glinel, Karine; Behrens, Adam; Anselmo, Aaron C; Langer, Robert S; Jaklenec, Ana

2018-05-16

Commensal skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis are currently being considered as possible components in skin-care and skin-health products. However, considering the potentially adverse effects of commensal skin bacteria if left free to proliferate, it is crucial to develop methodologies that are capable of maintaining bacteria viability while controlling their proliferation. Here, we encapsulate S. epidermidis in shells of increasing thickness using layer-by-layer assembly, with either a pair of synthetic polyelectrolytes or a pair of oppositely charged polysaccharides. We study the viability of the cells and their delay of growth depending on the composition of the shell, its thickness, the charge of the last deposited layer, and the degree of aggregation of the bacteria which is varied using different coating procedures-among which is a new scalable process that easily leads to large amounts of nonaggregated bacteria. We demonstrate that the growth of bacteria is not controlled by the mechanical properties of the shell but by the bacteriostatic effect of the polyelectrolyte complex, which depends on the shell thickness and charge of its outmost layer, and involves the diffusion of unpaired amine sites through the shell. The lag times of growth are sufficient to prevent proliferation for daily topical applications.

High-quality metal oxide core/shell nanowire arrays on conductive substrates for electrochemical energy storage.

PubMed

Xia, Xinhui; Tu, Jiangping; Zhang, Yongqi; Wang, Xiuli; Gu, Changdong; Zhao, Xin-Bing; Fan, Hong Jin

2012-06-26

The high performance of a pseudocapacitor electrode relies largely on a scrupulous design of nanoarchitectures and smart hybridization of bespoke active materials. We present a powerful two-step solution-based method for the fabrication of transition metal oxide core/shell nanostructure arrays on various conductive substrates. Demonstrated examples include Co(3)O(4) or ZnO nanowire core and NiO nanoflake shells with a hierarchical and porous morphology. The "oriented attachment" and "self-assembly" crystal growth mechanisms are proposed to explain the formation of the NiO nanoflake shell. Supercapacitor electrodes based on the Co(3)O(4)/NiO nanowire arrays on 3D macroporous nickel foam are thoroughly characterized. The electrodes exhibit a high specific capacitance of 853 F/g at 2 A/g after 6000 cycles and an excellent cycling stability, owing to the unique porous core/shell nanowire array architecture, and a rational combination of two electrochemically active materials. Our growth approach offers a new technique for the design and synthesis of transition metal oxide or hydroxide hierarchical nanoarrays that are promising for electrochemical energy storage, catalysis, and gas sensing applications.

Change in Stripes for Cholesteric Shells via Anchoring in Moderation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Lisa; Lavrentovich, Maxim O.; Durey, Guillaume; Darmon, Alexandre; Haase, Martin F.; Li, Ningwei; Lee, Daeyeon; Stebe, Kathleen J.; Kamien, Randall D.; Lopez-Leon, Teresa

2017-10-01

Chirality, ubiquitous in complex biological systems, can be controlled and quantified in synthetic materials such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) systems. In this work, we study spherical shells of CLC under weak anchoring conditions. We induce anchoring transitions at the inner and outer boundaries using two independent methods: by changing the surfactant concentration or by raising the temperature close to the clearing point. The shell confinement leads to new states and associated surface structures: a state where large stripes on the shell can be filled with smaller, perpendicular substripes, and a focal conic domain (FCD) state, where thin stripes wrap into at least two, topologically required, double spirals. Focusing on the latter state, we use a Landau-de Gennes model of the CLC to simulate its detailed configurations as a function of anchoring strength. By abruptly changing the topological constraints on the shell, we are able to study the interconversion between director defects and pitch defects, a phenomenon usually restricted by the complexity of the cholesteric phase. This work extends the knowledge of cholesteric patterns, structures that not only have potential for use as intricate, self-assembly blueprints but are also pervasive in biological systems.

LDH nanocages synthesized with MOF templates and their high performance as supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhen; Li, Zhengping; Qin, Zhenhua; Sun, Haiyan; Jiao, Xiuling; Chen, Dairong

2013-11-01

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are currently attracting intense research interest for their various applications. Three LDH hollow nano-polyhedra are synthesized with zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) nanocrystals as the templates. The nanocages well inherit the rhombic dodecahedral shape of the ZIF-67 templates, and the shell is composed of nanosheets assembled with an edge-to-face stacking. This is the first synthesis of the LDH non-spherical structures. And the mechanism of utilizing metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals as templates is explored. Control of the simultaneous reactions, the precipitation of the shells and the template etching, is extremely crucial to the preparation of the perfect nanocages. And the Ni-Co LDH nanocages exhibit superior pseudocapacitance property due to their novel hierarchical and submicroscopic structures.Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are currently attracting intense research interest for their various applications. Three LDH hollow nano-polyhedra are synthesized with zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) nanocrystals as the templates. The nanocages well inherit the rhombic dodecahedral shape of the ZIF-67 templates, and the shell is composed of nanosheets assembled with an edge-to-face stacking. This is the first synthesis of the LDH non-spherical structures. And the mechanism of utilizing metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals as templates is explored. Control of the simultaneous reactions, the precipitation of the shells and the template etching, is extremely crucial to the preparation of the perfect nanocages. And the Ni-Co LDH nanocages exhibit superior pseudocapacitance property due to their novel hierarchical and submicroscopic structures. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details, XRD, TEM, SEM, and XPS images. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03829g

Self assembly, mobilization, and flotation of crude oil contaminated sand particles as granular shells on gas bubbles in water.

PubMed

Tansel, Berrin; Boglaienko, Daria

2017-01-01

Contaminant fate and transport studies and models include transport mechanisms for colloidal particles and dissolved ions which can be easily moved with water currents. However, mobilization of much larger contaminated granular particles (i.e., sand) in sediments have not been considered as a possible mechanism due to the relatively larger size of sand particles and their high bulk density. We conducted experiments to demonstrate that oil contaminated granular particles (which exhibit hydrophobic characteristics) can attach on gas bubbles to form granular shells and transfer from the sediment phase to the water column. The interactions and conditions necessary for the oil contaminated granular particles to self assemble as tightly packed granular shells on the gas bubbles which transfer from sediment phase to the water column were evaluated both experimentally and theoretically for South Louisiana crude oil and quartz sand particles. Analyses showed that buoyancy forces can be adequate to move the granular shell forming around the air bubbles if the bubble radius is above 0.001mm for the sand particles with 0.28mm diameter. Relatively high magnitude of the Hamaker constant for the oil film between sand and air (5.81×10 -20 J for air-oil-sand) indicates that air bubbles have high affinity to attach on the oil film that is on the sand particles in comparison to attaching to the sand particles without the oil film in water (1.60×10 -20 J for air-water-sand). The mobilization mechanism of the contaminated granular particles with gas bubbles can occur in natural environments resulting in transfer of granular particles from sediments to the water column. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

16 CFR 303.33 - Country where textile fiber products are processed or manufactured.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... “Scarf made in USA of fabric made in China” or “Comforter Filled, Sewn and Finished in the U.S. With Shell Made in China” or “Made in [Foreign Country]/fabric made in USA” or “Knit in USA, assembled in...

16 CFR 303.33 - Country where textile fiber products are processed or manufactured.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... “Scarf made in USA of fabric made in China” or “Comforter Filled, Sewn and Finished in the U.S. With Shell Made in China” or “Made in [Foreign Country]/fabric made in USA” or “Knit in USA, assembled in...

Removal of I, Rn, Xe and Kr from off gas streams using PTFE membranes

DOEpatents

Siemer, Darryl D.; Lewis, Leroy C.

1990-01-01

A process for removing I, R, Xe and Kr which involves the passage of the off gas stream through a tube-in-shell assembly, whereby the tubing is a PTFE membrane which permits the selective passages of the gases for removing and isolating the gases.

Computer Series, 65. Bits and Pieces, 26.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, John W., Ed.

1985-01-01

Describes: (l) a microcomputer-based system for filing test questions and assembling examinations; (2) microcomputer use in practical and simulated experiments of gamma rays scattering by outer shell electrons; (3) an interactive, screen-oriented, general linear regression program; and (4) graphics drill and game programs for benzene synthesis.…

Removal of I, Rn, Xe and Kr from off gas streams using PTFE membranes

DOEpatents

Siemer, Darryl D.; Lewis, Leroy C.

1990-08-07

A process for removing I, R, Xe and Kr which involves the passage of the off gas stream through a tube-in-shell assembly, whereby the tubing is a PTFE membrane which permits the selective passages of the gases for removing and isolating the gases.

Feasibility of dibromochloropropane (DBCP) and trichloroethylene (TCE) adsorption onto activated carbons made from nut shells of different almond varieties

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Steam-activated carbons were made from shells from five different almond varieties (‘Nonpareil,’ ‘Padre,’ Tuono,’ ‘23-122,’ and ‘Y120-74’) and from a mix of almond types. The purpose of the work was to evaluate if the composition of shells had any effect on the performance of the final product. The ...

Tuning the synthesis of platinum-copper nanoparticles with a hollow core and porous shell for the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shuangshuang; Yang, Nating; Wang, Shibin; Sun, Yuhan; Zhu, Yan

2016-07-01

Pt-Cu nanoparticles constructed with a hollow core and porous shell have been synthesized in which Pt-Cu cages with multiporous outermost shells are formed at the initial stage and then the Pt and Cu atoms in solution continuously fed these hollow-core of cages by passing through the porous tunnels of the outermost shells, finally leading to the formation of hollow structures with different sizes. Furthermore, these hollow-core Pt-Cu nanoparticles are more effective than the solid-core Pt-Cu nanoparticles for the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural toward furfuryl alcohol. The former can achieve almost 100% conversion of furfural with 100% selectivity toward the alcohol.Pt-Cu nanoparticles constructed with a hollow core and porous shell have been synthesized in which Pt-Cu cages with multiporous outermost shells are formed at the initial stage and then the Pt and Cu atoms in solution continuously fed these hollow-core of cages by passing through the porous tunnels of the outermost shells, finally leading to the formation of hollow structures with different sizes. Furthermore, these hollow-core Pt-Cu nanoparticles are more effective than the solid-core Pt-Cu nanoparticles for the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural toward furfuryl alcohol. The former can achieve almost 100% conversion of furfural with 100% selectivity toward the alcohol. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03894h

Computational Simulation of Damage Progression of Composite Thin Shells Subjected to Mechanical Loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gotsis, P. K.; Chamis, C. C.; Minnetyan, L.

1996-01-01

Defect-free and defected composite thin shells with ply orientation (90/0/+/-75) made of graphite/epoxy are simulated for damage progression and fracture due to internal pressure and axial loading. The thin shells have a cylindrical geometry with one end fixed and the other free. The applied load consists of an internal pressure in conjunction with an axial load at the free end, the cure temperature was 177 C (350 F) and the operational temperature was 21 C (70 F). The residual stresses due to the processing are taken into account. Shells with defect and without defects were examined by using CODSTRAN an integrated computer code that couples composite mechanics, finite element and account for all possible failure modes inherent in composites. CODSTRAN traces damage initiation, growth, accumulation, damage propagation and the final fracture of the structure. The results show that damage initiation started with matrix failure while damage/fracture progression occurred due to additional matrix failure and fiber fracture. The burst pressure of the (90/0/+/- 75) defected shell was 0.092% of that of the free defect. Finally the results of the damage progression of the (90/0/+/- 75), defective composite shell was compared with the (90/0/+/- theta, where theta = 45 and 60, layup configurations. It was shown that the examined laminate (90/0/+/- 75) has the least damage tolerant of the two compared defective shells with the (90/0/+/- theta), theta = 45 and 60 laminates.

Numerical and experimental study on buckling and postbuckling behavior of cracked cylindrical shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saemi, J.; Sedighi, M.; Shariati, M.

2015-09-01

The effect of crack on load-bearing capacity and buckling behavior of cylindrical shells is an essential consideration in their design. In this paper, experimental and numerical buckling analysis of steel cylindrical shells of various lengths and diameters with cracks have been studied using the finite element method, and the effect of crack position, crack orientation and the crack length-to-cylindrical shell perimeter ( λ = a/(2 πr)) and shell length-to-diameter ( L/ D) ratios on the buckling and post-buckling behavior of cylindrical shells has been investigated. For several specimens, buckling test was performed using an INSTRON 8802 servo hydraulic machine, and the results of experimental tests were compared to numerical results. A very good correlation was observed between numerical simulation and experimental results. Finally, based on the experimental and numerical results, sensitivity of the buckling load to the shell length, crack length and orientation has also been investigated.

Final-state interactions in inclusive deep-inelastic scattering from the deuteron

DOE PAGES

Cosyn, Wim; Melnitchouk, Wally; Sargsian, Misak M.

2014-01-16

We explore the role of final-state interactions (FSI) in inclusive deep-inelastic scattering from the deuteron. Relating the inclusive cross section to the deuteron forward virtual Compton scattering amplitude, a general formula for the FSI contribution is derived in the generalized eikonal approximation, utilizing the diffractive nature of the effective hadron-nucleon interaction. The calculation uses a factorized model with a basis of three resonances with mass W~<2 GeV and a continuum contribution for larger W as the relevant set of effective hadron states entering the final-state interaction amplitude. The results show sizeable on-shell FSI contributions for Bjorken x ~> 0.6 andmore » Q 2 < 10 GeV 2 increasing in magnitude for lower Q 2, but vanishing in the high-Q 2 limit due to phase space constraints. The off-shell rescattering contributes at x ~> 0.8 and is taken as an uncertainty on the on-shell result.« less

Metal-Organic Frameworks Derived Porous Core/Shell Structured ZnO/ZnCo2O4/C Hybrids as Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery.

PubMed

Ge, Xiaoli; Li, Zhaoqiang; Wang, Chengxiang; Yin, Longwei

2015-12-09

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived porous core/shell ZnO/ZnCo2O4/C hybrids with ZnO as a core and ZnCo2O4 as a shell are for the first time fabricated by using core/shell ZnCo-MOF precursors as reactant templates. The unique MOFs-derived core/shell structured ZnO/ZnCo2O4/C hybrids are assembled from nanoparticles of ZnO and ZnCo2O4, with homogeneous carbon layers coated on the surface of the ZnCo2O4 shell. When acting as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the MOFs-derived porous ZnO/ZnCo2O4/C anodes exhibit outstanding cycling stability, high Coulombic efficiency, and remarkable rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance of the ZnO/ZnCo2O4/C LIB anodes can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the porous structure of the MOFs-derived core/shell ZnO/ZnCo2O4/C and homogeneous carbon layer coating on the surface of the ZnCo2O4 shells. The hierarchically porous core/shell structure offers abundant active sites, enhances the electrode/electrolyte contact area, provides abundant channels for electrolyte penetration, and also alleviates the structure decomposition induced by Li(+) insertion/extraction. The carbon layers effectively improve the conductivity of the hybrids and thus enhance the electron transfer rate, efficiently prevent ZnCo2O4 from aggregation and disintegration, and partially buffer the stress induced by the volume change during cycles. This strategy may shed light on designing new MOF-based hybrid electrodes for energy storage and conversion devices.

Development of polymer-biomolecule core-shell particles for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suthiwangcharoen, Nisaraporn

Developing efficient strategies to introduce biomolecules around polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) is critical for targeted delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents. Although polymeric NPs have been well established, problems such as toxicity, stability, and immunoresistance remain potential concerns. The first part of this dissertation focuses on the development of nanosized targeted drug delivery vehicle in cancer chemotherapy. The vehicle was created by the self-assembly of folate-grafted filamentous bacteriophage M13 with poly(caprolactone- b-2-vinylpyridine) while doxorubicin, the antitumor drugs, was successfully loaded in the interior of the vehicles. These particles offer unique properties of being able to selectively target tumor cells while appearing to be safe and non-toxic to normal cells. Although they have shown great prospects in many biomedical applications, less is known about the interactions between biomolecules and polymers. The next part of the dissertation focuses on the self-assembly of proteins and polymers to create polymer-protein core-shell nanoparticles (PPCS-NPs). Several proteins with different isoelectric points and molecular weights were employed to demonstrate a versatility of our assembly method while a series of esterified derivatives of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) were synthesized to evaluate the interaction between proteins and polymers. Our data indicated that the polymers containing pyridine residues can successfully assemble with proteins, and the mechanism is mainly governed by hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions. This in turn helps retaining proteins' folding conformation and functionality, which are also demonstrated in the in vitro/in vivo cellular uptake of the PPCS-NPs in endothelial cells. The last part of the dissertation focuses on the self-assembly of the bienzyme-polymer NPs. Glucose oxidase (GOX) together with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were employed to construct bienzyme-NPs. GOX was initially used as a model enzyme to assemble with pyridine-modified pHEMA, and its enzymatic activity was shown to increase after self-assembly. When both GOX and HRP were assembled with the polymers, the activity was shown to be even greater than that of the single enzyme-polymer NPs or a free enzyme. The results indicated that NPs enhance enzymatic activity, likely due to an increase in enzyme localization, and the assembly between GOX and polymers might prevent conformational transitions of these enzymes.

Design and fabrication of a boron reinforced intertank skirt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henshaw, J.; Roy, P. A.; Pylypetz, P.

1974-01-01

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to evaluate the structural efficiency of a boron reinforced shell, where the medium of reinforcement consists of hollow aluminum extrusions infiltrated with boron epoxy. Studies were completed for the design of a one-half scale minimum weight shell using boron reinforced stringers and boron reinforced rings. Parametric and iterative studies were completed for the design of minimum weight stringers, rings, shells without rings and shells with rings. Computer studies were completed for the final evaluation of a minimum weight shell using highly buckled minimum gage skin. The detail design is described of a practical minimum weight test shell which demonstrates a weight savings of 30% as compared to an all aluminum longitudinal stiffened shell. Sub-element tests were conducted on representative segments of the compression surface at maximum stress and also on segments of the load transfer joint. A 10 foot long, 77 inch diameter shell was fabricated from the design and delivered for further testing.

Shape transformation of bimetallic Au–Pd core–shell nanocubes to multilayered Au–Pd–Au core–shell hexagonal platelets

DOE PAGES

Bhattarai, Nabraj; Prozorov, Tanya

2015-11-05

Transformation of metallic or bimetallic (BM) nanoparticles (NPs) from one shape to another desired shape is of importance to nanoscience and nanotechnology, where new morphologies of NPs lead to enhancement of their exploitable properties. In this report, we present the shape transformation of Au octahedral NPs to Au–Pd core–shell nanocubes, followed by their transformation to nanostars and finally to multilayered Au–Pd–Au core–shell hexagonal platelets in the presence of T30 DNA. The weaker binding affinity of T30 DNA directs the growth to favor the formation of lower energy {111} facets, changing the morphology from nanocubes to nanostar. The nanostars, exhibiting unusualmore » intermediate morphologies, are comprised two sets of shell layers and have Au core, Pd intermediate shell, and Au outer shell. Similarly, the hexagonal platelets, which also have Au core and inner Pd shell, are encased in an external gold shell. As a result, the formation of multilayered Au–Pd–Au core–shell hexagonal platelets from Au–Pd core–shell nanocubes via the multilayered nanostars is monitored using scanning/transmission electron microscopy analysis.« less

Shape transformation of bimetallic Au–Pd core–shell nanocubes to multilayered Au–Pd–Au core–shell hexagonal platelets

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

Bhattarai, Nabraj; Prozorov, Tanya

Transformation of metallic or bimetallic (BM) nanoparticles (NPs) from one shape to another desired shape is of importance to nanoscience and nanotechnology, where new morphologies of NPs lead to enhancement of their exploitable properties. In this report, we present the shape transformation of Au octahedral NPs to Au–Pd core–shell nanocubes, followed by their transformation to nanostars and finally to multilayered Au–Pd–Au core–shell hexagonal platelets in the presence of T30 DNA. The weaker binding affinity of T30 DNA directs the growth to favor the formation of lower energy {111} facets, changing the morphology from nanocubes to nanostar. The nanostars, exhibiting unusualmore » intermediate morphologies, are comprised two sets of shell layers and have Au core, Pd intermediate shell, and Au outer shell. Similarly, the hexagonal platelets, which also have Au core and inner Pd shell, are encased in an external gold shell. As a result, the formation of multilayered Au–Pd–Au core–shell hexagonal platelets from Au–Pd core–shell nanocubes via the multilayered nanostars is monitored using scanning/transmission electron microscopy analysis.« less

Rhythmic patterns in ancient shells: Can we reconstruct sub-annual cyclicity in trace element and stable isotope profiles from rudist bivalves?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Winter, N.; Sinnesael, M.; Vansteenberge, S.; Goderis, S.; Snoeck, C.; Van Malderen, S. J. M.; Vanhaecke, F. F.; Claeys, P.

2017-12-01

Well-preserved shells of Torreites rudists from the Late Campanian Saiwan Formation in Oman exhibit fine internal layering. These fine (±20 µm) laminae are rhythmically bundled (±400 µm) and subdivide the shells' larger scale annual lamination (±15 mm), suggesting the presence of several interfering cycles in shell growth rate. The aim of the present study is to determine the duration and chemical signature of these rhythmic variations in shell composition. To achieve this, a range of micro-analytical techniques is applied on cross sections through the shells. Firstly, microscopy-based layer counting and colorimetric analysis are carried out on thin sections of shell calcite. Secondly, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) mapping of cross sections of the shells reveal chemical and structural differences between laminae in 2D. Thirdly, high-resolution XRF (25 µm) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS; 10 µm) trace element profiles are used to quantify variations in chemical composition between shell laminae. Fourthly, annual chronology is established based on micro-sampled stable carbon and oxygen stable isotope measurements (250 µm) along the growth axis of the shells. Finally, spectral analysis routines are applied to extract rhythmic patterns matched to the shell laminae from the structural, chemical and colorimetric data. Combining these methods allows for a full evaluation of the structural and chemical characteristics as well as the timing of sub-annual lamination in rudist shells. The results of this study shed light on the external factors that influenced growth rates in rudist bivalves. A better understanding of the timing of deposition of these laminae allows them to be used to improve age models of geochemical records in rudist shells. Characterization of small scale variations in shell composition will characterize the uncertainties contained within lower resolution proxy records from these fossil bivalves. Finally, the study of these laminae enables the reconstruction of sub-annual cyclicity in the environment of Late Cretaceous rudist bivalves. This may in turn shed light on the mechanics of climate in this shallow marine hothouse setting, which provide an analogue of future climate in the light of anthropogenic climate change.

Preparation of pH-Responsive Hollow Capsules via Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Exfoliated Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets and Polyelectrolytes.

PubMed

Katagiri, Kiyofumi; Shishijima, Yoshinori; Koumoto, Kunihito; Inumaru, Kei

2018-01-01

pH-Responsive smart capsules were developed by the layer-by-layer assembly with a colloidtemplating technique. Polystyrene (PS) particles were employed as core templates. Acid-soluble inorganic nanosheets were prepared from Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) by an exfoliation technique. LDH nanosheets and anionic polyelectrolytes were alternatively deposited on PS core particles by the layer-by-layer assembly using electrostatic interaction. Hollow capsules were obtained by the removal of the PS core particles. The hollow capsules obtained thus were collapsed at acidic conditions by dissolution of LDH nanosheets in the hollow shells. The dissolution rate, i.e., the responsiveness of capsule, is tunable according to the strength of acids.

Emerging Applications of Polymersomes in Delivery: from Molecular Dynamics to Shrinkage of Tumors

PubMed Central

Discher, Dennis E.; Ortiz, Vanessa; Srinivas, Goundla; Klein, Michael L.; Kim, Younghoon; Christian, David; Cai, Shenshen; Photos, Peter; Ahmed, Fariyal

2014-01-01

Polymersomes are self-assembled shells of amphiphilic block copolymers that are currently being developed by many groups for fundamental insights into the nature of self-assembled states as well as for a variety of potential applications. While recent reviews have highlighted distinctive properties – particularly stability – that are strongly influenced by both copolymer type and polymer molecular weight, here we first review some of the more recent developments in computational molecular dynamics (MD) schemes that lend insight into assembly. We then review polymersome loading, in vivo stealthiness, degradation-based disassembly for controlled release, and even tumor-shrinkage in vivo. Comparisons of polymersomes with viral capsids are shown to encompass and inspire many aspects of current designs. PMID:24692840

Sheet-like assemblies of spherical particles with point-symmetrical patches.

PubMed

Mani, Ethayaraja; Sanz, Eduardo; Roy, Soumyajit; Dijkstra, Marjolein; Groenewold, Jan; Kegel, Willem K

2012-04-14

We report a computational study on the spontaneous self-assembly of spherical particles into two-dimensional crystals. The experimental observation of such structures stabilized by spherical objects appeared paradoxical so far. We implement patchy interactions with the patches point-symmetrically (icosahedral and cubic) arranged on the surface of the particle. In these conditions, preference for self-assembly into sheet-like structures is observed. We explain our findings in terms of the inherent symmetry of the patches and the competition between binding energy and vibrational entropy. The simulation results explain why hollow spherical shells observed in some Keplerate-type polyoxometalates (POM) appear. Our results also provide an explanation for the experimentally observed layer-by-layer growth of apoferritin--a quasi-spherical protein.

Possibility of Exciton Mediated Superconductivity in Nano-Sized Sn/Si Core-Shell Clusters: A Process Technology towards Heterogeneous Material in Nano-Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurokawa, Yuichiro; Hihara, Takehiko; Ichinose, Ikuo; Sumiyama, Kenji

2012-07-01

We have produced Sn/Si core-shell cluster assemblies by a plasma-gas-condensation cluster beam deposition apparatus. For the sample with Si content = 12 at. %, the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity exhibits a metallic behavior above 10 K and the onset of superconducting transition below 6.1 K. With decreasing temperature, the thermomagnetic curve for the sample with Si content = 8 at. % begins to decrease steadily toward negative value below 7.7 K, indicating the Meissner effect. An increase in the transition temperature, TC is attributable to exciton-type superconductivity.

Fluence-compensated down-scattered neutron imaging using the neutron imaging system at the National Ignition Facility.

PubMed

Casey, D T; Volegov, P L; Merrill, F E; Munro, D H; Grim, G P; Landen, O L; Spears, B K; Fittinghoff, D N; Field, J E; Smalyuk, V A

2016-11-01

The Neutron Imaging System at the National Ignition Facility is used to observe the primary ∼14 MeV neutrons from the hotspot and down-scattered neutrons (6-12 MeV) from the assembled shell. Due to the strong spatial dependence of the primary neutron fluence through the dense shell, the down-scattered image is convolved with the primary-neutron fluence much like a backlighter profile. Using a characteristic scattering angle assumption, we estimate the primary neutron fluence and compensate the down-scattered image, which reveals information about asymmetry that is otherwise difficult to extract without invoking complicated models.

Next-Generation MKIII Lightweight HUT/Hatch Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCarthy, Mike; Toscano, Ralph

2013-01-01

The MK III (H-1) carbon-graphite/ epoxy Hard Upper Torso (HUT)/Hatch assembly was designed, fabricated, and tested in the early 1990s. The spacesuit represented an 8.3 psi (˜58 kPa) technology demonstrator model of a zero prebreathe suit. The basic torso shell, brief, and hip areas of the suit were composed of a carbon-graphite/epoxy composite lay-up. In its current configuration, the suit weighs approximately 120 lb (˜54 kg). However, since future planetary suits will be designed to operate at 0.26 bar (˜26 kPa), it was felt that the suit's re-designed weight could be reduced to 79 lb (˜35 kg) with the incorporation of lightweight structural materials. Many robust, lightweight structures based on the technologies of advanced honeycomb materials, revolutionary new composite laminates, metal matrix composites, and recent breakthroughs in fullerene fillers and nanotechnology lend themselves well to applications requiring materials that are both light and strong. The major problem involves the reduction in weight of the HUT/ Hatch assembly for use in lunar and/or planetary applications, while at the same time maintaining a robust structural design. The technical objective is to research, design, and develop manufacturing methods that support fa b rica - tion of a lightweight HUT/Hatch assembly using advanced material and geometric redesign as necessary. Additionally, the lightweight HUT/Hatch assembly will interface directly with current MK III hardware. Using the new operating pressure and current MK III (H-1) interfaces as a starting block, it is planned to maximize HUT/Hatch assembly weight reduction through material selection and geometric redesign. A hard upper torso shell structure with rear-entry closure and corresponding hatch will be fabricated. The lightweight HUT/Hatch assembly will retrofit and interface with existing MK III (H-1) hardware elements, providing NASA with immediate "plug-andplay" capability. NASA crewmembers will have a lightweight, robust, life-support system that will minimize fatigue during extraterrestrial surface sojourns. Its unique feature is the utilization of a new and innovative family of materials used by the aerospace industry, which at the time of this reporting has not been used for the proposed application.

High-temperature ceramic heat exchanger element for a solar thermal receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strumpf, H. J.; Kotchick, D. M.; Coombs, M. G.

1982-01-01

A study has been completed on the development of a high-temperature ceramic heat exchanger element to be integrated into a solar reciver producing heated air. A number of conceptual designs were developed for heat exchanger elements of differing configuration. These were evaluated with respect to thermal performance, pressure drop, structural integrity, and fabricability. The final design selection identified a finned ceramic shell as the most favorable concept. The ceramic shell is surrounded by a larger metallic shell. The flanges of the two shells are sealed to provide a leak-tight pressure vessel. The ceramic shell is fabricated by an innovative combination of slip casting the receiver walls and precision casting the heat transfer finned plates. The fins are bonded to the shell during firing. Fabrication of a one-half scale demonstrator ceramic receiver has been completed.

Identification of a Unique Fe-S Cluster Binding Site in a Glycyl-Radical Type Microcompartment Shell Protein

PubMed Central

Thompson, Michael C.; Wheatley, Nicole M.; Jorda, Julien; Sawaya, Michael R.; Gidaniyan, Soheil D.; Ahmed, Hoda; Yang, Zhongyu; McCarty, Krystal N.; Whitelegge, Julian P.; Yeates, Todd O.

2014-01-01

Recently, progress has been made toward understanding the functional diversity of bacterial microcompartment (MCP) systems, which serve as protein-based metabolic organelles in diverse microbes. New types of MCPs have been identified, including the glycyl-radical propanediol (Grp) MCP. Within these elaborate protein complexes, BMC-domain shell proteins assemble to form a polyhedral barrier that encapsulates the enzymatic contents of the MCP. Interestingly, the Grp MCP contains a number of shell proteins with unusual sequence features. GrpU is one such shell protein, whose amino acid sequence is particularly divergent from other members of the BMC-domain superfamily of proteins that effectively defines all MCPs. Expression, purification, and subsequent characterization of the protein showed, unexpectedly, that it binds an iron-sulfur cluster. We determined X-ray crystal structures of two GrpU orthologs, providing the first structural insight into the homohexameric BMC-domain shell proteins of the Grp system. The X-ray structures of GrpU, both obtained in the apo form, combined with spectroscopic analyses and computational modeling, show that the metal cluster resides in the central pore of the BMC shell protein at a position of broken 6-fold symmetry. The result is a structurally polymorphic iron-sulfur cluster binding site that appears to be unique among metalloproteins studied to date. PMID:25102080

Optical Assembly and Characterization System for Nano-Photonics Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

Unlimited Final Report: Optical Assembly and Characterization System for Nano -Photonics Research The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this...reviewed journals: Final Report: Optical Assembly and Characterization System for Nano -Photonics Research Report Title With this equipment funding support...Assembly and Characterization System for Nano -Photonics Research PI: Prof. Weidong Zhou, University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) 500 S. Cooper St

Synthesis of SiO2-coated ZnMnFe2O4 nanospheres with improved magnetic properties.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Zhang, Kai; Zhu, Yuejin

2005-05-01

A core-shell structured composite, SiO2 coated ZnMnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles (average diameter of approximately 80 nm), was prepared by hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of ZnMnFe2O4 nanoparticles (average diameter of approximately 10 nm) synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The magnetic measurements were carried out on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and the measurement results indicate that the core-shell samples possess better magnetic properties at room temperature, compared with paramagnetic colloids with a magnetic core by a coprecipitation method. These core-shell nanospherical particles with self-assembly under additional magnetic fields could have potential application in biomedical systems.

Synthesis of suitable SiO2 nano particles as the core in core-shell nanostructured materials.

PubMed

Ghahari, Mehdi; Aghababazadeh, Roya; Ebadzadeh, Touradj; Mirhabibi, Alireza; Brydson, Rik; Fabbri, Paola; Najafi, Farhod

2011-06-01

The effect of surfactant on the luminescent intensity of SiO2 @Y2O3:Eu3+ particles with a core shell structure is described. Core-shell particles are used in phosphor materials and employing spherical particles with a narrow size distribution is vital for the enhancement of luminescent properties. Three kinds of different surfactants were used to synthesis SiO2 nano particles via a sol gel process. The results demonstrated that comb polycarboxylic acid surfactant had a significant influence on the morphology and particle size distribution. Somehow, particles with 100 nm size and narrow size distribution were produced. These particles had relatively uniform packing, unlike particles produced with other surfactants or without surfactant which had irregular assembly. The photoluminescence intensity of SiO2 @Y2O3:Eu3+ particles that was synthesized by comb polycarboxylic acid surfactant was higher than those which were produced without surfactant.

Influence of Electrostatics on Small Molecule Flux through a Protein Nanoreactor.

PubMed

Glasgow, Jeff E; Asensio, Michael A; Jakobson, Christopher M; Francis, Matthew B; Tullman-Ercek, Danielle

2015-09-18

Nature uses protein compartmentalization to great effect for control over enzymatic pathways, and the strategy has great promise for synthetic biology. In particular, encapsulation in nanometer-sized containers to create nanoreactors has the potential to elicit interesting, unexplored effects resulting from deviations from well-understood bulk processes. Self-assembled protein shells for encapsulation are especially desirable for their uniform structures and ease of perturbation through genetic mutation. Here, we use the MS2 capsid, a well-defined porous 27 nm protein shell, as an enzymatic nanoreactor to explore pore-structure effects on substrate and product flux during the catalyzed reaction. Our results suggest that the shell can influence the enzymatic reaction based on charge repulsion between small molecules and point mutations around the pore structure. These findings also lend support to the hypothesis that protein compartments modulate the transport of small molecules and thus influence metabolic reactions and catalysis in vitro.

Freestanding three-dimensional core–shell nanoarrays for lithium-ion battery anodes

DOE PAGES

Tan, Guoqiang; Wu, Feng; Yuan, Yifei; ...

2016-06-03

Here, structural degradation and low conductivity of transition-metal oxides lead to severe capacity fading in lithium-ion batteries. Recent efforts to solve this issue have mainly focused on using nanocomposites or hybrids by integrating nanosized metal oxides with conducting additives. Here we design specific hierarchical structures and demonstrate their use in flexible, large-area anode assemblies. Fabrication of these anodes is achieved via oxidative growth of copper oxide nanowires onto copper substrates followed by radio-frequency sputtering of carbon-nitride films, forming freestanding three-dimensional arrays with core–shell nano-architecture. Cable-like copper oxide/carbon-nitride core–shell nanostructures accommodate the volume change during lithiation-delithiation processes, the three-dimensional arrays providemore » abundant electroactive zones and electron/ion transport paths, and the monolithic sandwich-type configuration without additional binders or conductive agents improves energy/power densities of the whole electrode.« less

Freestanding three-dimensional core-shell nanoarrays for lithium-ion battery anodes.

PubMed

Tan, Guoqiang; Wu, Feng; Yuan, Yifei; Chen, Renjie; Zhao, Teng; Yao, Ying; Qian, Ji; Liu, Jianrui; Ye, Yusheng; Shahbazian-Yassar, Reza; Lu, Jun; Amine, Khalil

2016-06-03

Structural degradation and low conductivity of transition-metal oxides lead to severe capacity fading in lithium-ion batteries. Recent efforts to solve this issue have mainly focused on using nanocomposites or hybrids by integrating nanosized metal oxides with conducting additives. Here we design specific hierarchical structures and demonstrate their use in flexible, large-area anode assemblies. Fabrication of these anodes is achieved via oxidative growth of copper oxide nanowires onto copper substrates followed by radio-frequency sputtering of carbon-nitride films, forming freestanding three-dimensional arrays with core-shell nano-architecture. Cable-like copper oxide/carbon-nitride core-shell nanostructures accommodate the volume change during lithiation-delithiation processes, the three-dimensional arrays provide abundant electroactive zones and electron/ion transport paths, and the monolithic sandwich-type configuration without additional binders or conductive agents improves energy/power densities of the whole electrode.

Local Crystalline Structure in an Amorphous Protein Dense Phase

PubMed Central

Greene, Daniel G.; Modla, Shannon; Wagner, Norman J.; Sandler, Stanley I.; Lenhoff, Abraham M.

2015-01-01

Proteins exhibit a variety of dense phases ranging from gels, aggregates, and precipitates to crystalline phases and dense liquids. Although the structure of the crystalline phase is known in atomistic detail, little attention has been paid to noncrystalline protein dense phases, and in many cases the structures of these phases are assumed to be fully amorphous. In this work, we used small-angle neutron scattering, electron microscopy, and electron tomography to measure the structure of ovalbumin precipitate particles salted out with ammonium sulfate. We found that the ovalbumin phase-separates into core-shell particles with a core radius of ∼2 μm and shell thickness of ∼0.5 μm. Within this shell region, nanostructures comprised of crystallites of ovalbumin self-assemble into a well-defined bicontinuous network with branches ∼12 nm thick. These results demonstrate that the protein gel is comprised in part of nanocrystalline protein. PMID:26488663

Layer-by-Layer Molecular Assemblies for Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cells Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition

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

Wang, Degao; Sheridan, Matthew V.; Shan, Bing

2017-08-30

In a Dye Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cell (DSPEC) the relative orientation of catalyst and chromophore play important roles. Here we introduce a new, robust, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) procedure for the preparation of assemblies on wide bandgap semiconductors. In the procedure, phosphonated metal complex precursors react with metal ion bridging to an external chromophore or catalyst to give assemblies bridged by Al(III), Sn(IV), Ti(IV), or Zr(IV) metal oxide units as bridges. The procedure has been extended to chromophore-catalyst assemblies for water oxidation catalysis. A SnO2 bridged assembly on SnO2/TiO2 core/shell electrodes undergoes water splitting with an incident photon conversion efficiency (IPCE)more » of 17.1% at 440 nm. Reduction of water at a Ni(II)-based catalyst on NiO films has been shown to give H2. Compared to conventional solution-based procedures, the ALD approach offers significant advantages in scope and flexibility for the preparation of stable surface structures.« less

Dynamic stability of nano-fibers self-assembled from short amphiphilic A6D peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikoofard, Narges; Maghsoodi, Fahimeh

2018-04-01

Self-assembly of A6D amphiphilic peptides in explicit water is studied by using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. It is observed that the self-assembly of randomly distributed A6D peptides leads to the formation of a network of nano-fibers. Two other simulations with cylindrical nano-fibers as the initial configuration show the dynamic stability of the self-assembled nano-fibers. As a striking feature, notable fluctuations occur along the axes of the nano-fibers. Depending on the number of peptides per unit length of the nano-fiber, flat-shaped bulges or spiral shapes along the nano-fiber axis are observed at the fluctuations. Analysis of the particle distribution around the nano-fiber indicates that the hydrophobic core and the hydrophilic shell of the nano-structure are preserved in both simulations. The size of the deformations and their correlation times are different in the two simulations. This study gives new insights into the dynamics of the self-assembled nano-structures of short amphiphilic peptides.

Cooperativity in self-limiting equilibrium self-associating systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freed, Karl F.

2012-11-01

A wide variety of highly cooperative self-assembly processes in biological and synthetic systems involve the assembly of a large number (m) of units into clusters, with m narrowly peaked about a large size m0 ≫ 1 and with a second peak centered about the m = 1 unassembled monomers. While very specific models have been proposed for the assembly of, for example, viral capsids and core-shell micelles of ß-casein, no available theory describes a thermodynamically general mechanism for this double peaked, highly cooperative equilibrium assembly process. This study provides a general mechanism for these cooperative processes by developing a minimal Flory-Huggins type theory. Beginning from the simplest non-cooperative, free association model in which the equilibrium constant for addition of a monomer to a cluster is independent of cluster size, the new model merely allows more favorable growth for clusters of intermediate sizes. The theory is illustrated by computing the phase diagram for cases of self-assembly on cooling or heating and for the mass distribution of the two phases.

Dynamic stability of nano-fibers self-assembled from short amphiphilic A6D peptides.

PubMed

Nikoofard, Narges; Maghsoodi, Fahimeh

2018-04-07

Self-assembly of A 6 D amphiphilic peptides in explicit water is studied by using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. It is observed that the self-assembly of randomly distributed A 6 D peptides leads to the formation of a network of nano-fibers. Two other simulations with cylindrical nano-fibers as the initial configuration show the dynamic stability of the self-assembled nano-fibers. As a striking feature, notable fluctuations occur along the axes of the nano-fibers. Depending on the number of peptides per unit length of the nano-fiber, flat-shaped bulges or spiral shapes along the nano-fiber axis are observed at the fluctuations. Analysis of the particle distribution around the nano-fiber indicates that the hydrophobic core and the hydrophilic shell of the nano-structure are preserved in both simulations. The size of the deformations and their correlation times are different in the two simulations. This study gives new insights into the dynamics of the self-assembled nano-structures of short amphiphilic peptides.

Photogenerated carriers transport behaviors in L-cysteine capped ZnSe core-shell quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Qingsong; Li, Kuiying; Xue, Zhenjie; Lin, Yingying; Yin, Hua; Zhu, Ruiping

2016-02-01

The photoexcited carrier transport behavior of zinc selenide (ZnSe) quantum dots (QDs) with core-shell structure is studied because of their unique photoelectronic characteristics. The surface photovoltaic (SPV) properties of self-assembled ZnSe/ZnS/L-Cys core-shell QDs were probed via electric field induced surface photovoltage and transient photovoltage (TPV) measurements supplemented by Fourier transform infrared, laser Raman, absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The ZnSe QDs displayed p-type SPV characteristics with a broader stronger SPV response over the whole ultraviolet-to-near-infrared range compared with those of other core-shell QDs in the same group. The relationship between the SPV phase value of the QDs and external bias was revealed in their SPV phase spectrum. The wide transient photovoltage response region from 3.3 × 10-8 to 2 × 10-3 s was closely related to the long diffusion distance of photoexcited free charge carriers in the interfacial space-charge region of the QDs. The strong SPV response corresponding to the ZnSe core mainly originated from an obvious quantum tunneling effect in the QDs.

Synthesis of Au@polymer nanohybrids with transited core-shell morphology from concentric to eccentric Emoji-N or Janus nanoparticles.

PubMed

Guarrotxena, Nekane; García, Olga; Quijada-Garrido, Isabel

2018-04-10

The combination of multifunctionality and synergestic effect displayed by hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) has been revealed as an effective stratagem in the development of advanced nanostructures with unique biotechnology and optoelectronic applications. Although important work has been devoted, the demand of facile, versatile and efficient synthetic approach remains still challenging. Herein, we report a feasible and innovative way for polymer-shell assembling onto gold nanoparticles in competitive conditions of hydrophobic/hydrophilic feature and interfacial energy of components to generate core-shell nanohybrids with singular morphologies. The fine control of reaction parameters allows a modulated transformation from concentric to eccentric nanostructure-geometries. In this regard, a rational selection of the components and solvent ratio guarantee the reproducibility and efficiency on hybrid-nanoassembly. Furthermore, the simplicity of the synthetic approach offers the possibility to obtain asymmetric Janus NPs and new morphologies (quizzical-aspheric polymer-shell, named Emoji-N-hybrids) with adjustable surface-coating, leading to new properties and applications that are unavailable to their symmetrical or single components.

Microsacle PolySilicon Hemispherical Shell Resonating Gyroscopes with Integrated Three-dimensional Curved Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Xuye; Chen, Binggen; Wang, Xinlong; Yu, Lei; Wang, Fan; Guo, Shuwen

2018-03-01

A novel approach for fabrication of polysilicon hemispherical resonator gyroscopes with integrated 3-D curved electrodes is developed and experimentally demonstrated. The 3-D polysilicon electrodes are integrated as a part of the hemispherical shell resonator’s fabrication process, and no extra assembly process are needed, ensuring the symmetry of the shell resonator. The fabrication process and materials used are compatible with the traditional semiconductor process, indicating the gyroscope has a high potential for mass production and commercial development. Without any trimming or tuning of the n=2 wineglass frequencies, a 28 kHz shell resonator demonstrates a 0.009% frequency mismatch between two degenerate wineglass modes, and a 13.6 kHz resonator shows a frequency split of 0.03%. The ring-down time of a fabricated resonator is 0.51 s, corresponding to a Q of 22000, at 0.01 Pa vacuum and room temperature. The prototype of the gyroscope is experimentally analyzed, and the scale factor of the gyro is 1.15 mV/°/s, the bias instability is 80 °/h.

Conveyor with rotary airlock apparatus

DOEpatents

Kronbert, J.W.

1993-01-01

This invention is comprised of an apparatus for transferring objects from a first region to a second region, the first and second regions having differing atmospheric environments. The apparatus includes a shell having an entrance and an exit, a conveyer belt running through the shell from the entrance to the exit, and a horizontally mounted `revolving door` with at least four vanes revolving about its axis. The inner surface of the shell and the top surface of the conveyer belt act as opposing walls of the `revolving door`. The conveyer belt dips as it passes under but against the revolving vanes so as not to interfere with them but to engage at least two of the vanes and define thereby a moving chamber. Preferably, the conveyer belt has ridges or grooves on its surface that engage the edges of the vanes and act to rotate the vane assembly. Conduits are provided that communicate with the interior of the shell and allow the adjustment of the atmosphere of the moving chamber or recovery of constituents of the atmosphere of the first region from the moving chamber before they escape to the second region.

Conveyor with rotary airlock apparatus

DOEpatents

Kronberg, James W.

1995-01-01

An apparatus for transferring objects from a first region to a second reg, the first and second regions having differing atmospheric environments. The apparatus includes a shell having an entrance and an exit, a conveyor belt running through the shell from the entrance to the exit, and a horizontally mounted "revolving door" with at least four vanes revolving about its axis. The inner surface of the shell and the top surface of the conveyor belt act as opposing walls of the "revolving door." The conveyor belt dips as it passes under but against the revolving vanes so as not to interfere with them but to engage at least two of the vanes and define thereby a moving chamber. Preferably, the conveyor belt has ridges or grooves on its surface that engage the edges of the vanes and act to rotate the vane assembly. Conduits are provided that communicate with the interior of the shell and allow the adjustment of the atmosphere of the moving chamber or recovery of constituents of the atmosphere of the first region from the moving chamber before they escape to the second region.

One-pot synthesis and photoluminescence properties of core/porous-shell olive-like BaWO4 microstructure by a template-assisted hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Suyue; Wang, Yunlong; Wang, Cuiping; Zhang, Hui; Shen, Yuhua; Xie, Anjian

2016-02-01

Core/porous-shell olive-like crystalline BaWO4 is synthesized by a combined simple hydrothermal method and soft template approach. The prepared product shows an olive-like shape with diameter of ˜2 μm, length of ˜4 μm, and the thickness of the shell of about 65 nm, which are orderly assembled by many nanoparticles. A possible formation mechanism of olive-like BaWO4 microstructure involving interfacial recognization of ions, nucleation, aggregation, in situ growth and Ostwald ripening process is proposed. Polyacrylic acid sodium (PAAS) as a template plays an important role in inducing the nucleation and growth of olive-like BaWO4 microcrystalline. Other shapes of BaWO4 microcrystalline are also fabricated by varying the concentration of PAAS and Ba2+. The olive-like product with a core-shell structure which exists a large number of pores on crystal surface shows excellent photoluminescence property, which have potentially applied prospects in fields such as light display systems etc.

A Method for Quantifying, Visualising, and Analysing Gastropod Shell Form

PubMed Central

Liew, Thor-Seng; Schilthuizen, Menno

2016-01-01

Quantitative analysis of organismal form is an important component for almost every branch of biology. Although generally considered an easily-measurable structure, the quantification of gastropod shell form is still a challenge because many shells lack homologous structures and have a spiral form that is difficult to capture with linear measurements. In view of this, we adopt the idea of theoretical modelling of shell form, in which the shell form is the product of aperture ontogeny profiles in terms of aperture growth trajectory that is quantified as curvature and torsion, and of aperture form that is represented by size and shape. We develop a workflow for the analysis of shell forms based on the aperture ontogeny profile, starting from the procedure of data preparation (retopologising the shell model), via data acquisition (calculation of aperture growth trajectory, aperture form and ontogeny axis), and data presentation (qualitative comparison between shell forms) and ending with data analysis (quantitative comparison between shell forms). We evaluate our methods on representative shells of the genera Opisthostoma and Plectostoma, which exhibit great variability in shell form. The outcome suggests that our method is a robust, reproducible, and versatile approach for the analysis of shell form. Finally, we propose several potential applications of our methods in functional morphology, theoretical modelling, taxonomy, and evolutionary biology. PMID:27280463

All-atom molecular dynamics of virus capsids as drug targets

DOE PAGES

Perilla, Juan R.; Hadden, Jodi A.; Goh, Boon Chong; ...

2016-04-29

Virus capsids are protein shells that package the viral genome. Although their morphology and biological functions can vary markedly, capsids often play critical roles in regulating viral infection pathways. A detailed knowledge of virus capsids, including their dynamic structure, interactions with cellular factors, and the specific roles that they play in the replication cycle, is imperative for the development of antiviral therapeutics. The following Perspective introduces an emerging area of computational biology that focuses on the dynamics of virus capsids and capsid–protein assemblies, with particular emphasis on the effects of small-molecule drug binding on capsid structure, stability, and allosteric pathways.more » When performed at chemical detail, molecular dynamics simulations can reveal subtle changes in virus capsids induced by drug molecules a fraction of their size. Finally, the current challenges of performing all-atom capsid–drug simulations are discussed, along with an outlook on the applicability of virus capsid simulations to reveal novel drug targets.« less

The synthesis, self-assembling, and biocompatibility of a novel O-carboxymethyl chitosan cholate decorated with glycyrrhetinic acid.

PubMed

Du, Hongliang; Yang, Xiaoye; Pang, Xin; Zhai, Guangxi

2014-10-13

O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) was firstly decorated with cholic acid (CA) to acquire an amphiphilic polymer under alkaline condition. Then glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was conjugated to the polymer via a succinate linker and finally treated with NaCO3 solution to obtain new conjugates for potential liver targeted delivery. These conjugates formed uniform aggregates with low critical aggregation concentrations (0.028-0.079 mg/mL) in PBS. The average diameter of cholic acid modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCA) aggregates (110-257 nm) decreased with the increase of CA substitution degree and became slightly larger after GA modification. Negative zeta potential (-15 mV) of GA decorated CMCA (GA-CMCA) revealed that the formation of negatively charged shells and spherical morphology was observed under transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, hemolysis test, in vitro cytotoxicity assay and cellular uptake study all demonstrated the safety and feasibility of these conjugates as a promising carrier for liver targeted drug delivery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

All-atom molecular dynamics of virus capsids as drug targets

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

Perilla, Juan R.; Hadden, Jodi A.; Goh, Boon Chong

Virus capsids are protein shells that package the viral genome. Although their morphology and biological functions can vary markedly, capsids often play critical roles in regulating viral infection pathways. A detailed knowledge of virus capsids, including their dynamic structure, interactions with cellular factors, and the specific roles that they play in the replication cycle, is imperative for the development of antiviral therapeutics. The following Perspective introduces an emerging area of computational biology that focuses on the dynamics of virus capsids and capsid–protein assemblies, with particular emphasis on the effects of small-molecule drug binding on capsid structure, stability, and allosteric pathways.more » When performed at chemical detail, molecular dynamics simulations can reveal subtle changes in virus capsids induced by drug molecules a fraction of their size. Finally, the current challenges of performing all-atom capsid–drug simulations are discussed, along with an outlook on the applicability of virus capsid simulations to reveal novel drug targets.« less

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

Lu, Fang; Yager, Kevin G.; Zhang, Yugang

Organization of spherical particles into lattices is typically driven by packing considerations. Although the addition of directional binding can significantly broaden structural diversity, nanoscale implementation remains challenging. Here we investigate the assembly of clusters and lattices in which anisotropic polyhedral blocks coordinate isotropic spherical nanoparticles via shape-induced directional interactions facilitated by DNA recognition. We show that these polyhedral blocks—cubes and octahedrons—when mixed with spheres, promote the assembly of clusters with architecture determined by polyhedron symmetry. Moreover, three-dimensional binary superlattices are formed when DNA shells accommodate the shape disparity between nanoparticle interfaces. The crystallographic symmetry of assembled lattices is determined bymore » the spatial symmetry of the block’s facets, while structural order depends on DNA-tuned interactions and particle size ratio. Lastly, the presented lattice assembly strategy, exploiting shape for defining the global structure and DNA-mediation locally, opens novel possibilities for by-design fabrication of binary lattices.« less

Electrostatically Directed Self-Assembly of Ultrathin Supramolecular Polymer Microcapsules

PubMed Central

Parker, Richard M; Zhang, Jing; Zheng, Yu; Coulston, Roger J; Smith, Clive A; Salmon, Andrew R; Yu, Ziyi; Scherman, Oren A; Abell, Chris

2015-01-01

Supramolecular self-assembly offers routes to challenging architectures on the molecular and macroscopic scale. Coupled with microfluidics it has been used to make microcapsules—where a 2D sheet is shaped in 3D, encapsulating the volume within. In this paper, a versatile methodology to direct the accumulation of capsule-forming components to the droplet interface using electrostatic interactions is described. In this approach, charged copolymers are selectively partitioned to the microdroplet interface by a complementary charged surfactant for subsequent supramolecular cross-linking via cucurbit[8]uril. This dynamic assembly process is employed to selectively form both hollow, ultrathin microcapsules and solid microparticles from a single solution. The ability to dictate the distribution of a mixture of charged copolymers within the microdroplet, as demonstrated by the single-step fabrication of distinct core–shell microcapsules, gives access to a new generation of innovative self-assembled constructs. PMID:26213532

Soft-template mediated synthesis of GaOOH nanorod-shelled microspheres and thermal conversion to beta-Ga2O3.

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Li, Qi; Qiu, Xiaohui; He, Yujian; Liu, Wei

2010-07-01

Micrometer-scale hollow spheres self-assembled by GaOOH nanorods were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using gallium nitrate and sodium hydroxide as starting materials. The structures and morphologies of the products were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Time-dependent experiments revealed three stages involved in the process of reaction including the initial stage of formation of surfactant vesicles which can be considered as soft templates, followed by the nucleation of GaOOH nanoclusters, and the assembling and growth of nanorods under the modulation of the spherical vesicles. The growth kinetics of the GaOOH nanorods was systematically investigated. Based on the experimental observation, a template-mediated assembling mechanism was proposed. We further demonstrated that the GaOOH nanorods could be converted to gallium oxide (beta-Ga2O3) nanorods by calcination without changing the spherical morphology of the assemblies.

Research to Assembly Scheme for Satellite Deck Based on Robot Flexibility Control Principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Tao; Hu, Ruiqin; Xiao, Zhengyi; Zhao, Jingjing; Fang, Zhikai

2018-03-01

Deck assembly is critical quality control point in final satellite assembly process, and cable extrusion and structure collision problems in assembly process will affect development quality and progress of satellite directly. Aimed at problems existing in deck assembly process, assembly project scheme for satellite deck based on robot flexibility control principle is proposed in this paper. Scheme is introduced firstly; secondly, key technologies on end force perception and flexible docking control in the scheme are studied; then, implementation process of assembly scheme for satellite deck is described in detail; finally, actual application case of assembly scheme is given. Result shows that compared with traditional assembly scheme, assembly scheme for satellite deck based on robot flexibility control principle has obvious advantages in work efficiency, reliability and universality aspects etc.

Multilayer core-shell structured composite paper electrode consisting of copper, cuprous oxide and graphite assembled on cellulose fibers for asymmetric supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Caichao; Jiao, Yue; Li, Jian

2017-09-01

An easily-operated and inexpensive strategy (pencil-drawing-electrodeposition-electro-oxidation) is proposed to synthesize a novel class of multilayer core-shell structured composite paper electrode, which consists of copper, cuprous oxide and graphite assembled on cellulose fibers. This interesting electrode structure plays a pivotal role in providing more active sites for electrochemical reactions, facilitating ion and electron transport and shorting their diffusion pathways. This electrode demonstrates excellent electrochemical properties with a high specific capacitance of 601 F g-1 at 2 A g-1 and retains 83% of this capacitance when operated at an ultrahigh current density of 100 A g-1. In addition, a high energy density of 13.4 W h kg-1 at the power density of 0.40 kW kg-1 and a favorable cycling stability (95.3%, 8000 cycles) were achieved for this electrode. When this electrode was assembled into an asymmetric supercapacitor with carbon paper as negative electrode, the device displays remarkable electrochemical performances with a large areal capacitances (122 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2), high areal energy density (10.8 μW h cm-2 at 402.5 μW cm-2) and outstanding cycling stability (91.5%, 5000 cycles). These results unveil the potential of this composite electrode as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors.

Woven heat exchanger

DOEpatents

Piscitella, Roger R.

1987-01-01

In a woven ceramic heat exchanger using the basic tube-in-shell design, each heat exchanger consisting of tube sheets and tube, is woven separately. Individual heat exchangers are assembled in cross-flow configuration. Each heat exchanger is woven from high temperature ceramic fiber, the warp is continuous from tube to tube sheet providing a smooth transition and unitized construction.

Woven heat exchanger

DOEpatents

Piscitella, Roger R.

1987-05-05

In a woven ceramic heat exchanger using the basic tube-in-shell design, each heat exchanger consisting of tube sheets and tube, is woven separately. Individual heat exchangers are assembled in cross-flow configuration. Each heat exchanger is woven from high temperature ceramic fiber, the warp is continuous from tube to tube sheet providing a smooth transition and unitized construction.

Architecturing hierarchical function layers on self-assembled viral templates as 3D nano-array electrodes for integrated Li-ion microbatteries.

PubMed

Liu, Yihang; Zhang, Wei; Zhu, Yujie; Luo, Yanting; Xu, Yunhua; Brown, Adam; Culver, James N; Lundgren, Cynthia A; Xu, Kang; Wang, Yuan; Wang, Chunsheng

2013-01-09

This work enables an elegant bottom-up solution to engineer 3D microbattery arrays as integral power sources for microelectronics. Thus, multilayers of functional materials were hierarchically architectured over tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) templates that were genetically modified to self-assemble in a vertical manner on current-collectors, so that optimum power and energy densities accompanied with excellent cycle-life could be achieved on a minimum footprint. The resultant microbattery based on self-aligned LiFePO(4) nanoforests of shell-core-shell structure, with precise arrangement of various auxiliary material layers including a central nanometric metal core as direct electronic pathway to current collector, delivers excellent energy density and stable cycling stability only rivaled by the best Li-ion batteries of conventional configurations, while providing rate performance per foot-print and on-site manufacturability unavailable from the latter. This approach could open a new avenue for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications, which would significantly benefit from the concept that electrochemically active components be directly engineered and fabricated as an integral part of the integrated circuit (IC).

SAPNEW: Parallel finite element code for thin shell structures on the Alliant FX-80

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamat, Manohar P.; Watson, Brian C.

1992-11-01

The finite element method has proven to be an invaluable tool for analysis and design of complex, high performance systems, such as bladed-disk assemblies in aircraft turbofan engines. However, as the problem size increase, the computation time required by conventional computers can be prohibitively high. Parallel processing computers provide the means to overcome these computation time limits. This report summarizes the results of a research activity aimed at providing a finite element capability for analyzing turbomachinery bladed-disk assemblies in a vector/parallel processing environment. A special purpose code, named with the acronym SAPNEW, has been developed to perform static and eigen analysis of multi-degree-of-freedom blade models built-up from flat thin shell elements. SAPNEW provides a stand alone capability for static and eigen analysis on the Alliant FX/80, a parallel processing computer. A preprocessor, named with the acronym NTOS, has been developed to accept NASTRAN input decks and convert them to the SAPNEW format to make SAPNEW more readily used by researchers at NASA Lewis Research Center.

Self-Assembly of Semiconducting-Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles with Enhanced Optical Property for Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhen; Song, Jibin; Dai, Yunlu; Chen, Jingyi; Wang, Feng; Lin, Lisen; Liu, Yijing; Zhang, Fuwu; Yu, Guocan; Zhou, Zijian; Fan, Wenpei; Huang, Wei; Fan, Quli; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2017-01-01

Although various noble metal and semiconducting molecules have been developed as photoacoustic (PA) agents, the use of semiconducting polymer-metal nanoparticle hybrid materials to enhance PA signal has not been explored. A novel semiconducting-plasmonic nanovesicle was fabricated by self-assembly of semiconducting poly(perylene diimide) (PPDI) and poly(ethylene glycol (PEG) tethered gold nanoparticles (Au@PPDI/PEG). A highly localized and strongly enhanced electromagnetic (EM) field is distributed between adjacent gold nanoparticles in the vesicular shell, where the absorbing collapsed PPDI is present. Significantly, the EM field in turn enhances the light absorption efficiency of PPDI, leading to a much greater photothermal effect and a stronger photoacoustic signal compared to PDI nanoparticle or gold nanovesicle alone. The optical property of the hybrid vesicle can be further tailored by controlling the ratio of PPDI and gold nanoparticle as well as the adjustable interparticle distance of gold nanoparticles localized in the vesicular shell. In vivo imaging and therapeutic evaluation demonstrated that the hybrid vesicle is an excellent probe for cancer theranostics. PMID:28740543

Constructing of DNA vectors with controlled nanosize and single dispersion by block copolymer coating gold nanoparticles as template assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junbo; Wu, Wenlan; Gao, Jiayu; Liang, Ju; Zhou, Huiyun; Liang, Lijuan

2017-03-01

Synthesized vectors with nanoscale size and stable colloid dispersion are highly desirable for improving gene delivery efficiency. Here, a core-shell template particle was constructed with polyethylene glycol- b-poly1-(3-aminopropyl)-3-(2-methacryloyloxy propylimidazolium bromine) (PEG- b-PAMPImB) coating gold nanoparticles (PEG- b-PAMPImB-@-Au NPs) for loading DNA and delivering in vitro. Data from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) suggest that these nanoplexes, by forming an electrostatic complex with DNA at the inner PAMPImB shell, offer steric protection for the outer PEG corona leading to single dispersion and small size. Notably, higher colloid stability and lower cytotoxicity were achieved with these nanoplexes when compared with PAMPImB monolayer-coated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Confocal laser scanning microscopy and intracellular trafficking TEM further indicate that the nanoplexes can translocate across the cell membrane and partly enter the nucleus for high efficient expression. Thus, template assembly represents a promising approach to control the size and colloid stability of gene vectors and ensure safety and efficiency of DNA delivery.

Results from a Test Fixture for button BPM Trapped Mode Measurements

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

Cameron,P.; Bacha, B.; Blednykh, A.

2009-05-04

A variety of measures have been suggested to mitigate the problem of button BPM trapped mode heating. A test fixture, using a combination of commercial-off-the-shelf and custom machined components, was assembled to validate the simulations. We present details of the fixture design, measurement results, and a comparison of the results with the simulations. A brief history of the trapped mode button heating problem and a set of design rules for BPM button optimization are presented elsewhere in these proceedings. Here we present measurements on a test fixture that was assembled to confirm, if possible, a subset of those rules: (1)more » Minimize the trapped mode impedance and the resulting power deposited in this mode by the beam. (2) Maximize the power re-radiated back into the beampipe. (3) Maximize electrical conductivity of the outer circumference of the button and minimize conductivity of the inner circumference of the shell, to shift power deposition from the button to the shell. The problem is then how to extract useful and relevant information from S-parameter measurements of the test fixture.« less

Self-Assembly of Semiconducting-Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles with Enhanced Optical Property for Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy.

PubMed

Yang, Zhen; Song, Jibin; Dai, Yunlu; Chen, Jingyi; Wang, Feng; Lin, Lisen; Liu, Yijing; Zhang, Fuwu; Yu, Guocan; Zhou, Zijian; Fan, Wenpei; Huang, Wei; Fan, Quli; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2017-01-01

Although various noble metal and semiconducting molecules have been developed as photoacoustic (PA) agents, the use of semiconducting polymer-metal nanoparticle hybrid materials to enhance PA signal has not been explored. A novel semiconducting-plasmonic nanovesicle was fabricated by self-assembly of semiconducting poly(perylene diimide) (PPDI) and poly(ethylene glycol (PEG) tethered gold nanoparticles (Au@PPDI/PEG). A highly localized and strongly enhanced electromagnetic (EM) field is distributed between adjacent gold nanoparticles in the vesicular shell, where the absorbing collapsed PPDI is present. Significantly, the EM field in turn enhances the light absorption efficiency of PPDI, leading to a much greater photothermal effect and a stronger photoacoustic signal compared to PDI nanoparticle or gold nanovesicle alone. The optical property of the hybrid vesicle can be further tailored by controlling the ratio of PPDI and gold nanoparticle as well as the adjustable interparticle distance of gold nanoparticles localized in the vesicular shell. In vivo imaging and therapeutic evaluation demonstrated that the hybrid vesicle is an excellent probe for cancer theranostics.

Design of a low cost spinneret assembly for coaxial electrospinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raheja, Anant; Chandra, T. S.; Natarajan, T. S.

2015-06-01

Coaxial electrospinning makes use of a concentric arrangement of spinneret orifices for synthesis of core-shell polymer nanofibers. Most laboratories purchase the spinneret from commercial manufacturers at a significant expense, or design it indigenously to save costs but compromise on manufacturing precision. Therefore, the present work suggests the use of a relatively lower priced McIntyre cannula needle, conventionally used for ophthalmic surgeries, as a coaxial spinneret for electrospinning. The McIntyre cannula needle was modified to synthesize hollow fibers of nylon 6, which acted as sheath with hydrogen peroxide as core during electrospinning. In addition, encapsulation of bioactives, viz., red blood cells, bacterial cells, and lysozyme (enzyme protein) was attempted, using their aqueous suspensions as core, with polycaprolactone solution as sheath. Resulting fibers had an integral core-shell structure with the bioactives encapsulated in the core. This indicated that the modified McIntyre cannula functions suitably as a spinneret for coaxial electrospinning. Thus, apart from being a clinical device, the modified McIntyre cannula needle provides an economic alternative to conventional coaxial spinneret assemblies.

Constraints on the off-shell Higgs boson signal strength in the high-mass ZZ and WW final states with the ATLAS detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aad, G.; Abbott, B.; Abdallah, J.; Abdinov, O.; Aben, R.; Abolins, M.; AbouZeid, O. S.; Abramowicz, H.; Abreu, H.; Abreu, R.; Abulaiti, Y.; Acharya, B. S.; Adamczyk, L.; Adams, D. L.; Adelman, J.; Adomeit, S.; Adye, T.; Affolder, A. A.; Agatonovic-Jovin, T.; Aguilar-Saavedra, J. A.; Agustoni, M.; Ahlen, S. P.; Ahmadov, F.; Aielli, G.; Akerstedt, H.; Åkesson, T. P. A.; Akimoto, G.; Akimov, A. V.; Alberghi, G. L.; Albert, J.; Albrand, S.; Alconada Verzini, M. J.; Aleksa, M.; Aleksandrov, I. N.; Alexa, C.; Alexander, G.; Alexopoulos, T.; Alhroob, M.; Alimonti, G.; Alio, L.; Alison, J.; Alkire, S. P.; Allbrooke, B. M. M.; Allport, P. P.; Aloisio, A.; Alonso, A.; Alonso, F.; Alpigiani, C.; Altheimer, A.; Alvarez Gonzalez, B.; Piqueras, D. Álvarez; Alviggi, M. G.; Amako, K.; Amaral Coutinho, Y.; Amelung, C.; Amidei, D.; Amor Dos Santos, S. P.; Amorim, A.; Amoroso, S.; Amram, N.; Amundsen, G.; Anastopoulos, C.; Ancu, L. S.; Andari, N.; Andeen, T.; Anders, C. F.; Anders, G.; Anderson, K. J.; Andreazza, A.; Andrei, V.; Angelidakis, S.; Angelozzi, I.; Anger, P.; Angerami, A.; Anghinolfi, F.; Anisenkov, A. V.; Anjos, N.; Annovi, A.; Antonelli, M.; Antonov, A.; Antos, J.; Anulli, F.; Aoki, M.; Aperio Bella, L.; Arabidze, G.; Arai, Y.; Araque, J. P.; Arce, A. T. H.; Arduh, F. A.; Arguin, J.-F.; Argyropoulos, S.; Arik, M.; Armbruster, A. J.; Arnaez, O.; Arnal, V.; Arnold, H.; Arratia, M.; Arslan, O.; Artamonov, A.; Artoni, G.; Asai, S.; Asbah, N.; Ashkenazi, A.; Åsman, B.; Asquith, L.; Assamagan, K.; Astalos, R.; Atkinson, M.; Atlay, N. B.; Auerbach, B.; Augsten, K.; Aurousseau, M.; Avolio, G.; Axen, B.; Ayoub, M. K.; Azuelos, G.; Baak, M. A.; Baas, A. E.; Bacci, C.; Bachacou, H.; Bachas, K.; Backes, M.; Backhaus, M.; Badescu, E.; Bagiacchi, P.; Bagnaia, P.; Bai, Y.; Bain, T.; Baines, J. T.; Baker, O. K.; Balek, P.; Balestri, T.; Balli, F.; Banas, E.; Banerjee, Sw.; Bannoura, A. A. E.; Bansil, H. S.; Barak, L.; Baranov, S. P.; Barberio, E. L.; Barberis, D.; Barbero, M.; Barillari, T.; Barisonzi, M.; Barklow, T.; Barlow, N.; Barnes, S. L.; Barnett, B. M.; Barnett, R. M.; Barnovska, Z.; Baroncelli, A.; Barone, G.; Barr, A. J.; Barreiro, F.; Barreiro Guimarães da Costa, J.; Bartoldus, R.; Barton, A. E.; Bartos, P.; Bassalat, A.; Basye, A.; Bates, R. L.; Batista, S. J.; Batley, J. R.; Battaglia, M.; Bauce, M.; Bauer, F.; Bawa, H. S.; Beacham, J. B.; Beattie, M. D.; Beau, T.; Beauchemin, P. H.; Beccherle, R.; Bechtle, P.; Beck, H. P.; Becker, K.; Becker, M.; Becker, S.; Beckingham, M.; Becot, C.; Beddall, A. J.; Beddall, A.; Bednyakov, V. A.; Bee, C. P.; Beemster, L. J.; Beermann, T. A.; Begel, M.; Behr, J. K.; Belanger-Champagne, C.; Bell, W. H.; Bella, G.; Bellagamba, L.; Bellerive, A.; Bellomo, M.; Belotskiy, K.; Beltramello, O.; Benary, O.; Benchekroun, D.; Bender, M.; Bendtz, K.; Benekos, N.; Benhammou, Y.; Benhar Noccioli, E.; Benitez Garcia, J. A.; Benjamin, D. P.; Bensinger, J. R.; Bentvelsen, S.; Beresford, L.; Beretta, M.; Berge, D.; Bergeaas Kuutmann, E.; Berger, N.; Berghaus, F.; Beringer, J.; Bernard, C.; Bernard, N. R.; Bernius, C.; Bernlochner, F. U.; Berry, T.; Berta, P.; Bertella, C.; Bertoli, G.; Bertolucci, F.; Bertsche, C.; Bertsche, D.; Besana, M. I.; Besjes, G. J.; Bessidskaia Bylund, O.; Bessner, M.; Besson, N.; Betancourt, C.; Bethke, S.; Bevan, A. J.; Bhimji, W.; Bianchi, R. M.; Bianchini, L.; Bianco, M.; Biebel, O.; Bieniek, S. P.; Biglietti, M.; Bilbao De Mendizabal, J.; Bilokon, H.; Bindi, M.; Binet, S.; Bingul, A.; Bini, C.; Black, C. W.; Black, J. E.; Black, K. M.; Blackburn, D.; Blair, R. E.; Blanchard, J.-B.; Blanco, J. E.; Blazek, T.; Bloch, I.; Blocker, C.; Blum, W.; Blumenschein, U.; Bobbink, G. J.; Bobrovnikov, V. S.; Bocchetta, S. S.; Bocci, A.; Bock, C.; Boehler, M.; Bogaerts, J. A.; Bogdanchikov, A. G.; Bohm, C.; Boisvert, V.; Bold, T.; Boldea, V.; Boldyrev, A. S.; Bomben, M.; Bona, M.; Boonekamp, M.; Borisov, A.; Borissov, G.; Borroni, S.; Bortfeldt, J.; Bortolotto, V.; Bos, K.; Boscherini, D.; Bosman, M.; Boudreau, J.; Bouffard, J.; Bouhova-Thacker, E. V.; Boumediene, D.; Bourdarios, C.; Bousson, N.; Boutouil, S.; Boveia, A.; Boyd, J.; Boyko, I. R.; Bozic, I.; Bracinik, J.; Brandt, A.; Brandt, G.; Brandt, O.; Bratzler, U.; Brau, B.; Brau, J. E.; Braun, H. M.; Brazzale, S. F.; Brendlinger, K.; Brennan, A. J.; Brenner, L.; Brenner, R.; Bressler, S.; Bristow, K.; Bristow, T. M.; Britton, D.; Britzger, D.; Brochu, F. M.; Brock, I.; Brock, R.; Bronner, J.; Brooijmans, G.; Brooks, T.; Brooks, W. K.; Brosamer, J.; Brost, E.; Brown, J.; Bruckman de Renstrom, P. A.; Bruncko, D.; Bruneliere, R.; Bruni, A.; Bruni, G.; Bruschi, M.; Bryngemark, L.; Buanes, T.; Buat, Q.; Buchholz, P.; Buckley, A. G.; Buda, S. I.; Budagov, I. A.; Buehrer, F.; Bugge, L.; Bugge, M. 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F.; Trischuk, W.; Trocmé, B.; Troncon, C.; Trottier-McDonald, M.; Trovatelli, M.; True, P.; Trzebinski, M.; Trzupek, A.; Tsarouchas, C.; Tseng, J. C.-L.; Tsiareshka, P. V.; Tsionou, D.; Tsipolitis, G.; Tsirintanis, N.; Tsiskaridze, S.; Tsiskaridze, V.; Tskhadadze, E. G.; Tsukerman, I. I.; Tsulaia, V.; Tsuno, S.; Tsybychev, D.; Tudorache, A.; Tudorache, V.; Tuna, A. N.; Tupputi, S. A.; Turchikhin, S.; Turecek, D.; Turra, R.; Turvey, A. J.; Tuts, P. M.; Tykhonov, A.; Tylmad, M.; Tyndel, M.; Ueda, I.; Ueno, R.; Ughetto, M.; Ugland, M.; Uhlenbrock, M.; Ukegawa, F.; Unal, G.; Undrus, A.; Unel, G.; Ungaro, F. C.; Unno, Y.; Unverdorben, C.; Urban, J.; Urquijo, P.; Urrejola, P.; Usai, G.; Usanova, A.; Vacavant, L.; Vacek, V.; Vachon, B.; Valderanis, C.; Valencic, N.; Valentinetti, S.; Valero, A.; Valery, L.; Valkar, S.; Valladolid Gallego, E.; Vallecorsa, S.; Valls Ferrer, J. A.; Van Den Wollenberg, W.; Van Der Deijl, P. C.; van der Geer, R.; van der Graaf, H.; Van Der Leeuw, R.; van Eldik, N.; van Gemmeren, P.; Van Nieuwkoop, J.; van Vulpen, I.; van Woerden, M. C.; Vanadia, M.; Vandelli, W.; Vanguri, R.; Vaniachine, A.; Vannucci, F.; Vardanyan, G.; Vari, R.; Varnes, E. W.; Varol, T.; Varouchas, D.; Vartapetian, A.; Varvell, K. E.; Vazeille, F.; Vazquez Schroeder, T.; Veatch, J.; Veloso, F.; Velz, T.; Veneziano, S.; Ventura, A.; Ventura, D.; Venturi, M.; Venturi, N.; Venturini, A.; Vercesi, V.; Verducci, M.; Verkerke, W.; Vermeulen, J. C.; Vest, A.; Vetterli, M. C.; Viazlo, O.; Vichou, I.; Vickey, T.; Vickey Boeriu, O. E.; Viehhauser, G. H. A.; Viel, S.; Vigne, R.; Villa, M.; Villaplana Perez, M.; Vilucchi, E.; Vincter, M. G.; Vinogradov, V. B.; Vivarelli, I.; Vives Vaque, F.; Vlachos, S.; Vladoiu, D.; Vlasak, M.; Vogel, M.; Vokac, P.; Volpi, G.; Volpi, M.; von der Schmitt, H.; von Radziewski, H.; von Toerne, E.; Vorobel, V.; Vorobev, K.; Vos, M.; Voss, R.; Vossebeld, J. H.; Vranjes, N.; Vranjes Milosavljevic, M.; Vrba, V.; Vreeswijk, M.; Vuillermet, R.; Vukotic, I.; Vykydal, Z.; Wagner, P.; Wagner, W.; Wahlberg, H.; Wahrmund, S.; Wakabayashi, J.; Walder, J.; Walker, R.; Walkowiak, W.; Wang, C.; Wang, F.; Wang, H.; Wang, H.; Wang, J.; Wang, J.; Wang, K.; Wang, R.; Wang, S. M.; Wang, T.; Wang, X.; Wanotayaroj, C.; Warburton, A.; Ward, C. P.; Wardrope, D. R.; Warsinsky, M.; Washbrook, A.; Wasicki, C.; Watkins, P. M.; Watson, A. T.; Watson, I. J.; Watson, M. F.; Watts, G.; Watts, S.; Waugh, B. M.; Webb, S.; Weber, M. S.; Weber, S. W.; Webster, J. S.; Weidberg, A. R.; Weinert, B.; Weingarten, J.; Weiser, C.; Weits, H.; Wells, P. S.; Wenaus, T.; Wengler, T.; Wenig, S.; Wermes, N.; Werner, M.; Werner, P.; Wessels, M.; Wetter, J.; Whalen, K.; Wharton, A. M.; White, A.; White, M. J.; White, R.; White, S.; Whiteson, D.; Wickens, F. J.; Wiedenmann, W.; Wielers, M.; Wienemann, P.; Wiglesworth, C.; Wiik-Fuchs, L. A. M.; Wildauer, A.; Wilkens, H. G.; Williams, H. H.; Williams, S.; Willis, C.; Willocq, S.; Wilson, A.; Wilson, J. A.; Wingerter-Seez, I.; Winklmeier, F.; Winter, B. T.; Wittgen, M.; Wittkowski, J.; Wollstadt, S. J.; Wolter, M. W.; Wolters, H.; Wosiek, B. K.; Wotschack, J.; Woudstra, M. J.; Wozniak, K. W.; Wu, M.; Wu, M.; Wu, S. L.; Wu, X.; Wu, Y.; Wyatt, T. R.; Wynne, B. M.; Xella, S.; Xu, D.; Xu, L.; Yabsley, B.; Yacoob, S.; Yakabe, R.; Yamada, M.; Yamaguchi, Y.; Yamamoto, A.; Yamamoto, S.; Yamanaka, T.; Yamauchi, K.; Yamazaki, Y.; Yan, Z.; Yang, H.; Yang, H.; Yang, Y.; Yao, L.; Yao, W.-M.; Yasu, Y.; Yatsenko, E.; Yau Wong, K. H.; Ye, J.; Ye, S.; Yeletskikh, I.; Yen, A. L.; Yildirim, E.; Yorita, K.; Yoshida, R.; Yoshihara, K.; Young, C.; Young, C. J. S.; Youssef, S.; Yu, D. R.; Yu, J.; Yu, J. M.; Yu, J.; Yuan, L.; Yurkewicz, A.; Yusuff, I.; Zabinski, B.; Zaidan, R.; Zaitsev, A. M.; Zalieckas, J.; Zaman, A.; Zambito, S.; Zanello, L.; Zanzi, D.; Zeitnitz, C.; Zeman, M.; Zemla, A.; Zengel, K.; Zenin, O.; Ženiš, T.; Zerwas, D.; Zhang, D.; Zhang, F.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, R.; Zhang, X.; Zhang, Z.; Zhao, X.; Zhao, Y.; Zhao, Z.; Zhemchugov, A.; Zhong, J.; Zhou, B.; Zhou, C.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, N.; Zhu, C. G.; Zhu, H.; Zhu, J.; Zhu, Y.; Zhuang, X.; Zhukov, K.; Zibell, A.; Zieminska, D.; Zimine, N. I.; Zimmermann, C.; Zimmermann, R.; Zimmermann, S.; Zinonos, Z.; Zinser, M.; Ziolkowski, M.; Živković, L.; Zobernig, G.; Zoccoli, A.; zur Nedden, M.; Zurzolo, G.; Zwalinski, L.

2015-07-01

Measurements of the ZZ and WW final states in the mass range above the and thresholds provide a unique opportunity to measure the off-shell coupling strength of the Higgs boson. This paper presents constraints on the off-shell Higgs boson event yields normalised to the Standard Model prediction (signal strength) in the , and final states. The result is based on pp collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb at a collision energy of TeV. Using the method, the observed 95 confidence level (CL) upper limit on the off-shell signal strength is in the range 5.1-8.6, with an expected range of 6.7-11.0. In each case the range is determined by varying the unknown and background K-factor from higher-order quantum chromodynamics corrections between half and twice the value of the known signal K-factor. Assuming the relevant Higgs boson couplings are independent of the energy scale of the Higgs boson production, a combination with the on-shell measurements yields an observed (expected) 95 CL upper limit on in the range 4.5-7.5 (6.5-11.2) using the same variations of the background K-factor. Assuming that the unknown background K-factor is equal to the signal K-factor, this translates into an observed (expected) 95 CL upper limit on the Higgs boson total width of 22.7 (33.0) MeV.

Inverse design of multicomponent assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piñeros, William D.; Lindquist, Beth A.; Jadrich, Ryan B.; Truskett, Thomas M.

2018-03-01

Inverse design can be a useful strategy for discovering interactions that drive particles to spontaneously self-assemble into a desired structure. Here, we extend an inverse design methodology—relative entropy optimization—to determine isotropic interactions that promote assembly of targeted multicomponent phases, and we apply this extension to design interactions for a variety of binary crystals ranging from compact triangular and square architectures to highly open structures with dodecagonal and octadecagonal motifs. We compare the resulting optimized (self- and cross) interactions for the binary assemblies to those obtained from optimization of analogous single-component systems. This comparison reveals that self-interactions act as a "primer" to position particles at approximately correct coordination shell distances, while cross interactions act as the "binder" that refines and locks the system into the desired configuration. For simpler binary targets, it is possible to successfully design self-assembling systems while restricting one of these interaction types to be a hard-core-like potential. However, optimization of both self- and cross interaction types appears necessary to design for assembly of more complex or open structures.

Bottom-up approach to fabricate nanostructured thin films from colloidal nanocrystal precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, Santosh

Control over microstructures at the nanoscale (<100nm) still seems challenging due to, among other things, the stochastic nature of nucleation in the bulk phase. The densification of assemblies of ligand-capped nanocrystals (colloidal nanocrystal assemblies, CNAs) could bypass this challenge that limits our control over the nanostructure and, therefore, the properties of materials. However, the removal of the ligands and the cracking that follows it are the two critical hurdles that have been stymieing this approach. We show that low-pressure plasma processing can effectively remove ligands from CNAs (down to 0.6 at.% of carbon which can be accounted for adventitious carbon) without harming the properties of the inorganic cores of the nanoparticles and the structure of CNAs. The cracking of CNAs is correlated with the structure of the CNAs, which can be controlled and easily predicted by Hansen solubility parameters of solvent in which the nanoparticles are dispersed. While a fully solvated ligand shell leads to the formation of close-packed ordered CNAs - which cracked after self-assembly or ligand removal - a partially solvated one results in interdigitation of the ligand shell yielding disordered CNAs, which remained crack-free after ligand removal and sintering up to a critical cracking thickness of 440nm. The process is demonstrated with particles of different compositions, ligands, sizes, shapes, as well as with binary systems. These findings allowed for the fabrication of cm2 crack-free, phase-pure polycrystalline films with tunable, near-monodisperse grain sizes using CNAs as precursors. We observed electrical conductivities of PbS films produced by this approach over 1 cm to be 1.370 S/cm which is comparable to those of bulk crystal. This conductivity value is remarkable considering the fact that the typical porosity in fully processed CNAs is around 40%. We simultaneously answered the fundamental question that how microstructure of CNAs evolves during ligand removal and studied its effect on microstructure related physical properties, e.g., mechanical properties. We further demonstrated that our bottom-up approach can control the grain boundary composition in the final materials by controlling the chemical structure and composition of the ligands and the characteristics of the plasma. We show that with our unprecedented control on grain boundary composition, we can selectively modify grain growth mechanisms, control phase transitions, and affect mechanical properties. By understanding the interaction of plasma species with CNAs and the mass transport in the system, we were able to accelerate the plasma etching rate by more than an order of magnitude. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of our approach in developing an optics-free lithography in which CNAs are used as resist and as an active material. By selectively masking the interaction of plasma with CNAs with a hard mask we could change the solubility of the exposed regions. This patterning technology can pattern materials which are hard to pattern by traditional inorganic etching based pattern transfer (example, copper, gold).

Clam Shell Dredging in Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, Louisiana. Volume 1. Final Environmental Impact Statement and Appendixes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-01

SHELL DREDGING IN. LAKES PONTCHARTRAIN AND’ MAUREPAS, LOUISIANAD lc . - . . - ~ K’. .. E.LEC .-- *- pas .- K - E ---.Ms---- g * ~ ,~VAUREPAS ~ ~ K...cause significant impacts due to the gradual decline and ultimate cessation of the shell dredging industry (see Sections 3.6 and 3.7). g . Long-term...process and the lakes i.1 the area expanded rapidly to their general present configurit ion. .IS - O .,* g Lake Pontchartrain is the focal point of the

Characterization of Semiconductor Nanocrystal Assemblies as Components of Optoelectronic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malfavon-Ochoa, Mario

This dissertation presents new insight into the ability of small molecule passivated NCs to achieve intimate approach distances, despite being well passivated, while developing guiding principles in the area of ligand mediated microstructure control and the resulting macroscopic optical and electronic properties that close packing of high quality NCs enables. NC ligand coverage will be characterized quantitatively through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and qualitatively by photoluminescence and electroluminescence, in the case of functional devices; illustrating the importance of practitioner dependent control of ligand coverage through variations in the dispersion precipitation purification procedure. A unique examination of the relative contribution of energy and charge transfer in NC LEDs will demonstrate the ability to achieve charge transfer, at a level competitive with energy transfer, to well passivated NCs at various wt% loading in a polymer matrix. The observation of potential dependent recombination zones within an active layer further suggest novel, NC surface passivation mediated control of blend microstructure during solution processing towards the development of a bi-continuous network. Next, NC self-assembly and resulting microstructure dependent optical and electronic properties will be examined through electroluminescence and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs of functional NC/polymer bulk heterojunction LEDs. The joint characterization of NC optical properties, and self-assembly microstructure provide a deeper understanding of the significant and inseparable effects of minimal changes in NC surface passivation on structure and function, and emphasize the potential to rely on strongly passivating ligands to control physical properties and processing parameters concurrently towards higher efficiency devices via low cost processing. Finally, micro-contact printing of blazed transmission gratings, using stable dispersions of core and core/shell NCs will be shown to produce close packed assemblies of NCs forming near-wavelength luminescent superstructures separated in space. We show the dominant contribution of a two-monolayer thick sharp interface CdS shell to the diffraction efficiency, and necessarily the refractive index, of the NCs, independent of core size. Utilization of these gratings as in-coupling elements at various positions within a device architecture are also examined. These new observations were achieved by unprecedented control of NC architecture during dispersion processing, while maintaining high luminescence, made possible by optimized NC surface passivation. These studies enable the formation of new LED architectures, and new optoelectronic devices based on angle resolved, monochromatic fluorescence from diffraction gratings prepared from simple solution processing approaches. Further, the novel observation of angle amplified interfering fluorescence from these features is argued to be a result of long range radiative coupling and superradiance enabled by the monodispersity and high-quality NC surface passivation described herein.

Synthesis of robust water-soluble ZnS:Mn/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jing; Zhuang, Jiaqi; Guan, Shaowei; Yang, Wensheng

2008-04-01

Water-soluble Mn doped ZnS (ZnS:Mn) nanocrystals synthesized by using 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as stabilizer were homogeneously coated with a dense silica shell through a multi-step procedure. First, 3-mercaptopropyl triethoxy silane (MPS) was used to replace MPA on the particle surface to form a vitreophilic layer for further silica deposition under optimal experimental conditions. Then a two-step silica deposition was performed to form the final water-soluble ZnS:Mn/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles. The as-prepared core/shell nanoparticles show little change in fluorescence intensity in a wide range of pH value.

Complex between triple helix of collagen and double helix of DNA in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Mrevlishvili, George M; Svintradze, David V

2005-06-01

We demonstrate in this paper that one example of a biologically important and molecular self-assembling complex system is a collagen-DNA ordered aggregate which spontaneously forms in aqueous solutions. Interaction between the collagen and the DNA leads to destruction of the hydration shell of the triple helix and stabilization of the double helix structure. From a molecular biology point of view this nano-scale self-assembling superstructure could increase the stability of DNA against the nucleases during collagen diseases and the growth of collagen fibrills in the presence of DNA.

Lightweight Forms for Epoxy/Aramid Ducts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mix, E. W.; Anderson, A. N.; Bedford, Donald L., Sr.

1986-01-01

Aluminum mandrels easy to remove. Lightweight aluminum mandrel for shaping epoxy/aramid ducts simplifies and speeds production. In new process, glass-reinforced epoxy/aramid cloth wrapped on aluminum mandrel. Stainless-steel flanges and other hardware fitted on duct and held by simple tooling. Entire assembly placed in oven to cure epoxy. After curing, assembly placed in alkaline bath dissolves aluminum mandrel in about 4 hours. Epoxy/aramid shell ready for use as duct. Aluminum mandrel used to make ducts of various inside diameters up to 6 in. Standard aluminum forms used. Conventional tube-bending equipment produces requisite curves in mandrels.

Dynamic Characterization of an Inflatable Concentrator for Solar Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leigh, Larry M.; Tinker, Michael L.; McConnaughey, Paul (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Solar-thermal propulsion is a concept for producing thrust sufficient for orbital transfers and requires innovative, lightweight structures. This note presents a description of an inflatable concentrator that consists of a torus, lens simulator, and three tapered struts. Modal testing was discussed for characterization and verification of the solar concentrator assembly. Finite element shell models of the concentrator were developed using a two-step nonlinear approach, and results were compared to test data. Reasonable model-to-test agreement was achieved for the torus, and results for the concentrator assembly were comparable to the test for several modes.

Synthesis and applications of novel silver nanoparticle structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dukes, Kyle

The field of nanotechnology is rapidly expanding across disciplines as each new development is realized. New exciting technologies are being driven by advances in the application of nanotechnology; including biochemical, optical, and semiconductors research. This thesis will focus on the use of silver nanoparticles as optical labels on cells, methods of forming different small structures of silver nanoparticles, as well as the use of silver nanoparticles in the development of a photovoltaic cell. Silver nanoparticles have been modified with self-assembled monolayers of hydroxyl-terminated long chain thiols and encapsulated with a silica shell. The resulting core-shell nanoparticles were used as optical labels for cell analysis using flow cytometry and microscopy. The excitation of plasmon resonances in nanoparticles results in strong depolarized scattering of visible light permitting detection at the single nanoparticle level. The nanoparticles were modified with neutravidin via epoxide-azide coupling chemistry and biotinylated antibodies targeting cell surface receptors were bound to the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticle labels exhibited long-term stability under physiological conditions without aggregation or silver ion leaching. Labeled cells exhibited two orders of magnitude enhancement of the scattering intensity compared to unlabeled cells. Dimers of silver nanoparticles have been fabricated by first immobilizing a monolayer of single silver nanoparticles onto poly(4-vinylpyridine) covered glass slides. The monolayer was then exposed to adenine, which has two amines which will bind to silver. The nanoparticle monolayer, now modified with adenine, is exposed to a second suspension of nanoparticles which will bind with the amine modified monolayer. Finally, a thin silica shell is formed about the structure via solgel chemistry to prevent dissolution or aggregation upon sonication/striping. Circular arrays of silver nanoparticels are developed using a template base self assembly. A 1.5 micron silica sphere is bound to poly(4-vinylpyridine) coated glass and used as a template. a mask of silica monoxide is vacuum deposited atop the spheres/glass leaving a ring just below the sphere untouched and able to bind silver nanoparticles. Optical microscopy reveal interesting results under depolarized light conditions, but ultimate structural analysis has proven elusive. Semiconducting p-type cuprous oxide was electrochemically deposited on both silver and indium tin oxide electrodes. Silver nanoparticles were incorporated into the architecture either atop the cuprous oxide or sandwiched between cuprous oxide and n-type material. Increases in photocurrent were observed in both cases and further work must be conducted to optimize a solid state device for photovoltaic applications.

Bivalve-specific gene expansion in the pearl oyster genome: implications of adaptation to a sessile lifestyle.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Takeshi; Koyanagi, Ryo; Gyoja, Fuki; Kanda, Miyuki; Hisata, Kanako; Fujie, Manabu; Goto, Hiroki; Yamasaki, Shinichi; Nagai, Kiyohito; Morino, Yoshiaki; Miyamoto, Hiroshi; Endo, Kazuyoshi; Endo, Hirotoshi; Nagasawa, Hiromichi; Kinoshita, Shigeharu; Asakawa, Shuichi; Watabe, Shugo; Satoh, Noriyuki; Kawashima, Takeshi

2016-01-01

Bivalve molluscs have flourished in marine environments, and many species constitute important aquatic resources. Recently, whole genome sequences from two bivalves, the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata, and the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, have been decoded, making it possible to compare genomic sequences among molluscs, and to explore general and lineage-specific genetic features and trends in bivalves. In order to improve the quality of sequence data for these purposes, we have updated the entire P. fucata genome assembly. We present a new genome assembly of the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata (version 2.0). To update the assembly, we conducted additional sequencing, obtaining accumulated sequence data amounting to 193× the P. fucata genome. Sequence redundancy in contigs that was caused by heterozygosity was removed in silico, which significantly improved subsequent scaffolding. Gene model version 2.0 was generated with the aid of manual gene annotations supplied by the P. fucata research community. Comparison of mollusc and other bilaterian genomes shows that gene arrangements of Hox, ParaHox, and Wnt clusters in the P. fucata genome are similar to those of other molluscs. Like the Pacific oyster, P. fucata possesses many genes involved in environmental responses and in immune defense. Phylogenetic analyses of heat shock protein70 and C1q domain-containing protein families indicate that extensive expansion of genes occurred independently in each lineage. Several gene duplication events prior to the split between the pearl oyster and the Pacific oyster are also evident. In addition, a number of tandem duplications of genes that encode shell matrix proteins are also well characterized in the P. fucata genome. Both the Pinctada and Crassostrea lineages have expanded specific gene families in a lineage-specific manner. Frequent duplication of genes responsible for shell formation in the P. fucata genome explains the diversity of mollusc shell structures. These duplications reveal dynamic genome evolution to forge the complex physiology that enables bivalves to employ a sessile lifestyle in the intertidal zone.

Docetaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles Assembled from β-Cyclodextrin/Calixarene Giant Surfactants: Physicochemical Properties and Cytotoxic Effect in Prostate Cancer and Glioblastoma Cells.

PubMed

Gallego-Yerga, Laura; Posadas, Inmaculada; de la Torre, Cristina; Ruiz-Almansa, Jesús; Sansone, Francesco; Ortiz Mellet, Carmen; Casnati, Alessandro; García Fernández, José M; Ceña, Valentín

2017-01-01

Giant amphiphiles encompassing a hydrophilic β-cyclodextrin (βCD) component and a hydrophobic calix[4]arene (CA 4 ) module undergo self-assembly in aqueous media to afford core-shell nanospheres or nanocapsules, depending on the nanoprecipitation protocol, with high docetaxel (DTX) loading capacity. The blank and loaded nanoparticles have been fully characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential measurements and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The data are compatible with the distribution of the drug between the nanoparticle core and the shell, where it is probably anchored by inclusion of the DTX aromatic moieties in βCD cavities. Indeed, the release kinetics profiles evidenced an initial fast release of the drug, which likely accounts for the fraction hosted on the surface, followed by a slow and sustained release rate, corresponding to diffusion of DTX in the core, which can be finely tuned by modification of the giant amphiphile chemical structure. The ability of the docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles to induce cellular death in different prostate (human LnCap and PC3) and glioblastoma (human U87 and rat C6) cells was also explored. Giant amphiphile-based DTX formulations surpassing or matching the antitumoral activity of the free DTX formulation were identified in all cases with no need to employ any organic co-solvent, thus overcoming the DTX water solubility problems. Moreover, the presence of the βCD shell at the surface of the assemblies is intended to impart stealth properties against serum proteins while permitting nanoparticle surface decoration by supramolecular approaches, paving the way for a new generation of molecularly well-defined antitumoral drug delivery systems with improved specificity and efficiency. Altogether, the results provide a proof of concept of the suitability of the approach based on βCD-CA 4 giant amphiphiles to access DTX carriers with tunable properties.

Uniform thin films of CdSe and CdSe(ZnS) core(shell) quantum dots by sol-gel assembly: enabling photoelectrochemical characterization and electronic applications.

PubMed

Korala, Lasantha; Wang, Zhijie; Liu, Yi; Maldonado, Stephen; Brock, Stephanie L

2013-02-26

Optoelectronic properties of quantum dot (QD) films are limited by (1) poor interfacial chemistry and (2) nonradiative recombination due to surface traps. To address these performance issues, sol-gel methods are applied to fabricate thin films of CdSe and core(shell) CdSe(ZnS) QDs. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging with chemical analysis confirms that the surface of the QDs in the sol-gel thin films are chalcogen-rich, consistent with an oxidative-induced gelation mechanism in which connectivity is achieved by formation of dichalcogenide covalent linkages between particles. The ligand removal and assembly process is probed by thermogravimetric, spectroscopic, and microscopic studies. Further enhancement of interparticle coupling via mild thermal annealing, which removes residual ligands and reinforces QD connectivity, results in QD sol-gel thin films with superior charge transport properties, as shown by a dramatic enhancement of electrochemical photocurrent under white light illumination relative to thin films composed of ligand-capped QDs. A more than 2-fold enhancement in photocurrent, and a further increase in photovoltage can be achieved by passivation of surface defects via overcoating with a thin ZnS shell. The ability to tune interfacial and surface characteristics for the optimization of photophysical properties suggests that the sol-gel approach may enable formation of QD thin films suitable for a range of optoelectronic applications.

Uniform Thin Films of CdSe and CdSe(ZnS) Core(shell) Quantum Dots by Sol-Gel Assembly: Enabling Photoelectrochemical Characterization and Electronic Applications

PubMed Central

Korala, Lasantha; Wang, Zhijie; Liu, Yi; Maldonado, Stephen; Brock, Stephanie L.

2013-01-01

Optoelectronic properties of quantum dot (QD) films are limited by (1) poor interfacial chemistry and (2) non-radiative recombination due to surface traps. To address these performance issues, sol-gel methods are applied to fabricate thin films of CdSe and core(shell) CdSe(ZnS) QDs. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging with chemical analysis confirms that the surface of the QDs in the sol-gel thin films are chalcogen-rich, consistent with an oxidative-induced gelation mechanism in which connectivity is achieved by formation of dichalcogenide covalent linkages between particles. The ligand removal and assembly process is probed by thermogravimetric, spectroscopic and microscopic studies. Further enhancement of inter-particle coupling via mild thermal annealing, which removes residual ligands and reinforces QD connectivity, results in QD sol-gel thin films with superior charge transport properties, as shown by a dramatic enhancement of electrochemical photocurrent under white light illumination relative to thin films composed of ligand-capped QDs. A more than 2-fold enhancement in photocurrent, and a further increase in photovoltage can be achieved by passivation of surface defects via overcoating with a thin ZnS shell. The ability to tune interfacial and surface characteristics for the optimization of photophysical properties suggests that the sol-gel approach may enable formation of QD thin films suitable for a range of optoelectronic applications. PMID:23350924

Ni foam supported quasi-core-shell structure of ultrathin Ti3C2 nanosheets through electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly as high rate-performance electrodes of supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yapeng; Yang, Chenhui; Que, Wenxiu; He, Yucheng; Liu, Xiaobin; Luo, Yangyang; Yin, Xingtian; Kong, Ling Bing

2017-11-01

Supercapacitor, as an important energy storage device, is a critical component for next generation electric power system, due to its high power density and long cycle life. In this study, a novel electrode material with quasi-core-shell structure, consisting of negatively charged few layer Ti3C2 nanosheets (FL-Ti3C2) and positively charged polyethyleneimine as building blocks, has been prepared by using an electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly method, with highly conductive Ni foam to be used as the skeleton. The unique quasi-core-shell structured ultrathin Ti3C2 nanosheets provide an excellent electron channel, ion transport channel and large effective contact area, thus leading to a great improvement in electrochemical performance of the material. The specific capacitance of the binder-free FL-Ti3C2@Ni foam electrodes reaches 370 F g-1 at the scan rate of 2 mV s-1 and a specific capacitance of 117 F g-1 is obtained even at the scan rate of 1000 mV s-1 in the electrolyte of Li2SO4, indicating a high rate performance. In addition, this electrode shows a long-term cyclic stability with a loss of only 13.7% after 10,000 circles. Furthermore, quantitative analysis has been conducted to ensure the relationship between the capacitive contribution and the rate performance of the as-fabricated electrode.

Fabrication of slender elastic shells by the coating of curved surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, A.; Brun, P.-T.; Marthelot, J.; Balestra, G.; Gallaire, F.; Reis, P. M.

2016-04-01

Various manufacturing techniques exist to produce double-curvature shells, including injection, rotational and blow molding, as well as dip coating. However, these industrial processes are typically geared for mass production and are not directly applicable to laboratory research settings, where adaptable, inexpensive and predictable prototyping tools are desirable. Here, we study the rapid fabrication of hemispherical elastic shells by coating a curved surface with a polymer solution that yields a nearly uniform shell, upon polymerization of the resulting thin film. We experimentally characterize how the curing of the polymer affects its drainage dynamics and eventually selects the shell thickness. The coating process is then rationalized through a theoretical analysis that predicts the final thickness, in quantitative agreement with experiments and numerical simulations of the lubrication flow field. This robust fabrication framework should be invaluable for future studies on the mechanics of thin elastic shells and their intrinsic geometric nonlinearities.

Theoretical studies of massive stars. II - Evolution of a 15 solar-mass star from carbon shell burning to iron core collapse

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sparks, W. M.; Endal, A. S.

1980-01-01

The evolution of a Population I star of 15 solar masses is described from the carbon shell burning stage to the formation and collapse of an iron core. An unusual aspect of the evolution is that neon ignition occurs off-center and neon burning propagates inward by a series of shell flashes. The extent of the core burning is generally smaller than the Chandrasekhar mass, so that most of the nuclear energy generation occurs in shell sources. Because of degeneracy and the influence of rapid convective mixing, these shell sources are unstable and the core goes through large excursions in temperature and density. The small core also causes the shell sources to converge into a narrow mass region slightly above the Chandrasekhar mass. Thus, the final nucleosynthesis yields are generally small, with silicon being most strongly enhanced with respect to solar system abundances.

In vivo bioactivity of rhBMP-2 delivered with novel polyelectrolyte complexation shells assembled on an alginate microbead core template.

PubMed

Abbah, Sunny-Akogwu; Liu, Jing; Lam, Raymond W M; Goh, James C H; Wong, Hee-Kit

2012-09-10

Electrostatic interactions between polycations and polyanions are being explored to fabricate polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) that could entrap and regulate the release of a wide range of biomolecules. Here, we report the in vivo application of PEC shells fabricated from three different polycations: poly-l-ornithine (PLO), poly-l-arginine (PLA) and DEAE-dextran (DEAE-D) to condense heparin on the surface of alginate microbeads and further control the delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in spinal fusion application. We observed large differences in the behavior of PEC shells fabricated from the cationic polyamino acids (PLO and PLA) when compared to the cationic polysaccharide, DEAE-D. Whereas DEAE-D-based PEC shells eroded and released rhBMP-2 over 2 days in vitro, PLO- and PLA-based shells retained at least 60% of loaded rhBMP-2 after 3 weeks of incubation in phosphate-buffered saline. In vivo implantation in a rat model of posterolateral spinal fusion revealed robust bone formation in the PLO- and PLA-based PEC shell groups. This resulted in a significantly enhanced mechanical stability of the fused segments. However, bone induction and biomechanical stability of spine segments implanted with DEAE-D-based carriers were significantly inferior to both PLO- and PLA-based PEC shell groups (p<0.01). From these results, we conclude that PEC shells incorporating native heparin could be used for growth factor delivery in functional bone tissue engineering application and that PLA- and PLO-based complexes could represent superior options to DEAE-D for loading and in vivo delivery of bioactive BMP-2 in this approach. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Smart Photosensitizer: Tumor-Triggered Oncotherapy by Self-Assembly Photodynamic Nanodots.

PubMed

Jia, Yuhua; Li, Jinyu; Chen, Jincan; Hu, Ping; Jiang, Longguang; Chen, Xueyuan; Huang, Mingdong; Chen, Zhuo; Xu, Peng

2018-05-09

Clinical photosensitizers suffer from the disadvantages of fast photobleaching and high systemic toxicities because of the off-target photodynamic effects. To address these problems, we report a self-assembled pentalysine-phthalocyanine assembly nanodots (PPAN) fabricated by an amphipathic photosensitizer-peptide conjugate. We triggered the photodynamic therapy effects of photosensitizers by precisely controlling the assembly and disintegration of the nanodots. In physiological aqueous conditions, PPAN exhibited a size-tunable spherical conformation with a highly positive shell of the polypeptides and a hydrophobic core of the π-stacking Pc moieties. The assembly conformation suppressed the fluorescence and the reactive oxygen species generation of the monomeric photosensitizer molecules (mono-Pc) and thus declined the photobleaching and off-target photodynamic effects. However, tumor cells disintegrated PPAN and released the mono-Pc molecules, which exhibited fluorescence for detection and the photodynamic effects for the elimination of the tumor tissues. The molecular dynamics simulations revealed the various assembly configurations of PPAN and illustrated the assembly mechanism. At the cellular level, PPAN exhibited a remarkable phototoxicity to breast cancer cells with the IC 50 values in a low nanomolar range. By using the subcutaneous and orthotopic breast cancer animal models, we also demonstrated the excellent antitumor efficacies of PPAN in vivo.

Coulomb energy of uniformly charged spheroidal shell systems.

PubMed

Jadhao, Vikram; Yao, Zhenwei; Thomas, Creighton K; de la Cruz, Monica Olvera

2015-03-01

We provide exact expressions for the electrostatic energy of uniformly charged prolate and oblate spheroidal shells. We find that uniformly charged prolate spheroids of eccentricity greater than 0.9 have lower Coulomb energy than a sphere of the same area. For the volume-constrained case, we find that a sphere has the highest Coulomb energy among all spheroidal shells. Further, we derive the change in the Coulomb energy of a uniformly charged shell due to small, area-conserving perturbations on the spherical shape. Our perturbation calculations show that buckling-type deformations on a sphere can lower the Coulomb energy. Finally, we consider the possibility of counterion condensation on the spheroidal shell surface. We employ a Manning-Oosawa two-state model approximation to evaluate the renormalized charge and analyze the behavior of the equilibrium free energy as a function of the shell's aspect ratio for both area-constrained and volume-constrained cases. Counterion condensation is seen to favor the formation of spheroidal structures over a sphere of equal area for high values of shell volume fractions.

Factors affecting the yield of bio-oil from the pyrolysis of coconut shell.

PubMed

Gao, Yun; Yang, Yi; Qin, Zhanbin; Sun, Yi

2016-01-01

Coconut is a high-quality agricultural product of the Asia-Pacific region. In this paper, coconut shell which mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin was used as a raw material for coconut shell oil from coconut shell pyrolysis. The influence of the pyrolysis temperature, heating rate and particle size on coconut oil yield was investigated, and the effect of heating rate on coconut oil components was discussed. Experimental results show that the maximum oil yield of 75.74 wt% (including water) were obtained under the conditions that the final pyrolysis temperature 575 °C, heating rate 20 °C/min, coconut shell diameter about 5 mm. Thermal gravimetric analysis was used and it can be seen that coconut shell pyrolysis process can be divided into three stages: water loss, pyrolysis and pyrocondensation. The main components of coconut-shell oil are water (about 50 wt%), aromatic, phenolic, acid, ketone and ether containing compounds.

77 FR 14022 - Guidance for Industry: Testing for Salmonella Species in Human Foods and Direct-Human-Contact...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-08

... not apply to egg producers and other persons who are covered by FDA's final rule ``Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation.'' The guidance addresses testing procedures for Salmonella species (spp.) in human foods (except shell eggs) and direct-human...

Quality changes in macadamia kernel between harvest and farm-gate.

PubMed

Walton, David A; Wallace, Helen M

2011-02-01

Macadamia integrifolia, Macadamia tetraphylla and their hybrids are cultivated for their edible kernels. After harvest, nuts-in-shell are partially dried on-farm and sorted to eliminate poor-quality kernels before consignment to a processor. During these operations, kernel quality may be lost. In this study, macadamia nuts-in-shell were sampled at five points of an on-farm postharvest handling chain from dehusking to the final storage silo to assess quality loss prior to consignment. Shoulder damage, weight of pieces and unsound kernel were assessed for raw kernels, and colour, mottled colour and surface damage for roasted kernels. Shoulder damage, weight of pieces and unsound kernel for raw kernels increased significantly between the dehusker and the final silo. Roasted kernels displayed a significant increase in dark colour, mottled colour and surface damage during on-farm handling. Significant loss of macadamia kernel quality occurred on a commercial farm during sorting and storage of nuts-in-shell before nuts were consigned to a processor. Nuts-in-shell should be dried as quickly as possible and on-farm handling minimised to maintain optimum kernel quality. 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enzyme and Thermal Dual Responsive Amphiphilic Polymer Core-Shell Nanoparticle for Doxorubicin Delivery to Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Kashyap, Smita; Singh, Nitesh; Surnar, Bapurao; Jayakannan, Manickam

2016-01-11

Dual responsive polymer nanoscaffolds for administering anticancer drugs both at the tumor site and intracellular compartments are made for improving treatment in cancers. The present work reports the design and development of new thermo- and enzyme-responsive amphiphilic copolymer core-shell nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery at extracellular and intracellular compartments, respectively. A hydrophobic acrylate monomer was tailor-made from 3-pentadecylphenol (PDP, a natural resource) and copolymerized with oligoethylene glycol acrylate (as a hydrophilic monomer) to make new classes of thermo and enzyme dual responsive polymeric amphiphiles. Both radical and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) methodologies were adapted for making the amphiphilic copolymers. These amphiphilic copolymers were self-assembled to produce spherical core-shell nanoparticles in water. Upon heating, the core-shell nanoparticles underwent segregation to produce larger sized aggregates above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The dual responsive polymer scaffold was found to be capable of loading water insoluble drug, such as doxorubicin (DOX), and fluorescent probe-like Nile Red. The drug release kinetics revealed that DOX was preserved in the core-shell assemblies at normal body temperature (below LCST, ≤ 37 °C). At closer to cancer tissue temperature (above LCST, ∼43 °C), the polymeric scaffold underwent burst release to deliver 90% of loaded drugs within 2 h. At the intracellular environment (pH 7.4, 37 °C) in the presence of esterase enzyme, the amphiphilic copolymer ruptured in a slow and controlled manner to release >95% of the drugs in 12 h. Thus, both burst release of cargo at the tumor microenvironment and control delivery at intracellular compartments were accomplished in a single polymer scaffold. Cytotoxicity assays of the nascent and DOX-loaded polymer were carried out in breast cancer (MCF-7) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. Among the two cell lines, the DOX-loaded polymers showed enhanced killing in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the cellular uptake of the DOX was studied by confocal and fluorescence microscopes. The present investigation opens a new enzyme and thermal-responsive polymer scaffold approach for DOX delivery in cancer cells.

Unlocking Internal Prestress from Protein Nanoshells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klug, W. S.; Roos, W. H.; Wuite, G. J. L.

2012-10-01

The capsids of icosahedral viruses are closed shells assembled from a hexagonal lattice of proteins with fivefold angular defects located at the icosahedral vertices. Elasticity theory predicts that these disclinations are subject to an internal compressive prestress, which provides an explanation for the link between size and shape of capsids. Using a combination of experiment and elasticity theory we investigate the question of whether macromolecular assemblies are subject to residual prestress, due to basic geometric incompatibility of the subunits. Here we report the first direct experimental test of the theory: by controlled removal of protein pentamers from the icosahedral vertices, we measure the mechanical response of so-called “whiffle ball” capsids of herpes simplex virus, and demonstrate the signature of internal prestress locked into wild-type capsids during assembly.

Molecular dynamics simulation: a tool for exploration and discovery using simple models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapaport, D. C.

2014-12-01

Emergent phenomena share the fascinating property of not being obvious consequences of the design of the system in which they appear. This characteristic is no less relevant when attempting to simulate such phenomena, given that the outcome is not always a foregone conclusion. The present survey focuses on several simple model systems that exhibit surprisingly rich emergent behavior, all studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The examples are taken from the disparate fields of fluid dynamics, granular matter and supramolecular self-assembly. In studies of fluids modeled at the detailed microscopic level using discrete particles, the simulations demonstrate that complex hydrodynamic phenomena in rotating and convecting fluids—the Taylor-Couette and Rayleigh-Bénard instabilities—can not only be observed within the limited length and time scales accessible to MD, but even allow quantitative agreement to be achieved. Simulation of highly counter-intuitive segregation phenomena in granular mixtures, again using MD methods, but now augmented by forces producing damping and friction, leads to results that resemble experimentally observed axial and radial segregation in the case of a rotating cylinder and to a novel form of horizontal segregation in a vertically vibrated layer. Finally, when modeling self-assembly processes analogous to the formation of the polyhedral shells that package spherical viruses, simulation of suitably shaped particles reveals the ability to produce complete, error-free assembly and leads to the important general observation that reversible growth steps contribute to the high yield. While there are limitations to the MD approach, both computational and conceptual, the results offer a tantalizing hint of the kinds of phenomena that can be explored and what might be discovered when sufficient resources are brought to bear on a problem.

Field precision machining technology of target chamber in ICF lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yuanli; Wu, Wenkai; Shi, Sucun; Duan, Lin; Chen, Gang; Wang, Baoxu; Song, Yugang; Liu, Huilin; Zhu, Mingzhi

2016-10-01

In ICF lasers, many independent laser beams are required to be positioned on target with a very high degree of accuracy during a shot. The target chamber provides a precision platform and datum reference for final optics assembly and target collimation and location system. The target chamber consists of shell with welded flanges, reinforced concrete pedestal, and lateral support structure. The field precision machining technology of target chamber in ICF lasers have been developed based on ShenGuangIII (SGIII). The same center of the target chamber is adopted in the process of design, fabrication, and alignment. The technologies of beam collimation and datum reference transformation are developed for the fabrication, positioning and adjustment of target chamber. A supporting and rotating mechanism and a special drilling machine are developed to bore the holes of ports. An adjustment mechanism is designed to accurately position the target chamber. In order to ensure the collimation requirements of the beam leading and focusing and the target positioning, custom-machined spacers are used to accurately correct the alignment error of the ports. Finally, this paper describes the chamber center, orientation, and centering alignment error measurements of SGIII. The measurements show the field precision machining of SGIII target chamber meet its design requirement. These information can be used on similar systems.

The Contribution of Ionizing Stars to the Far-Infrared and Radio Emission in the Galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terebey, S.; Fich, M.; Taylor, R.

1999-12-01

A summary of research activities carried out in this eighth and final progress report. The final report includes: this summary document, copies of three published research papers, plus a draft manuscript of a fourth research paper entitled "The Contribution of Ionizing Stars to the FarInfrared and Radio Emission in the Milky Way; Evidence for a Swept-up Shell and Diffuse Ionized Halo around the W4 Chimney/Supershell." The main activity during the final quarterly reporting period was research on W4, including analysis of the radio and far-infrared images, generation of shell models, a literature search, and preparation of a research manuscript. There will be additional consultation with co-authors prior to submission of the paper to the Astrophysical Journal. The results will be presented at the 4th Tetons Summer Conference on "Galactic Structure, Stars, and the ISM" in May 2000. In this fourth and last paper we show W4 has a swept-up partially ionized shell of gas and dust which is powered by the OCl 352 star cluster. Analysis shows there is dense interstellar material directly below the shell, evidence that that the lower W4 shell "ran into a brick wall" and stalled, whereas the upper W4 shell achieved "breakout" to form a Galactic chimney. An ionized halo is evidence of Lyman continuum leakage which ionizes the WIM (warm ionized medium). It has long been postulated that the strong winds and abundant ionizing photons from massive stars are responsible for much of the large scale structure in the interstellar medium (ISM), including the ISM in other galaxies. However standard HII region theory predicts few photons will escape the local HII region. The significance of W4 and this work is it provides a direct example of how stellar winds power a galactic chimney, which in turn leads to a low density cavity from which ionizing photons can escape to large distances to ionize the WIM.

The Contribution of Ionizing Stars to the Far-Infrared and Radio Emission in the Galaxy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Terebey, S.; Fich, M.; Taylor, R.

1999-01-01

A summary of research activities carried out in this eighth and final progress report. The final report includes: this summary document, copies of three published research papers, plus a draft manuscript of a fourth research paper entitled "The Contribution of Ionizing Stars to the FarInfrared and Radio Emission in the Milky Way; Evidence for a Swept-up Shell and Diffuse Ionized Halo around the W4 Chimney/Supershell." The main activity during the final quarterly reporting period was research on W4, including analysis of the radio and far-infrared images, generation of shell models, a literature search, and preparation of a research manuscript. There will be additional consultation with co-authors prior to submission of the paper to the Astrophysical Journal. The results will be presented at the 4th Tetons Summer Conference on "Galactic Structure, Stars, and the ISM" in May 2000. In this fourth and last paper we show W4 has a swept-up partially ionized shell of gas and dust which is powered by the OCl 352 star cluster. Analysis shows there is dense interstellar material directly below the shell, evidence that that the lower W4 shell "ran into a brick wall" and stalled, whereas the upper W4 shell achieved "breakout" to form a Galactic chimney. An ionized halo is evidence of Lyman continuum leakage which ionizes the WIM (warm ionized medium). It has long been postulated that the strong winds and abundant ionizing photons from massive stars are responsible for much of the large scale structure in the interstellar medium (ISM), including the ISM in other galaxies. However standard HII region theory predicts few photons will escape the local HII region. The significance of W4 and this work is it provides a direct example of how stellar winds power a galactic chimney, which in turn leads to a low density cavity from which ionizing photons can escape to large distances to ionize the WIM.

Original structures, and fragmentation and reassembly histories of asteroids - Evidence from meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, G. Jeffrey; Maggiore, Peter; Scott, Edward R. D.; Rubin, Alan E.; Keil, Klaus

1987-01-01

The validity of an onion shell model (OSM) for chondrite parent asteroids was assessed using metallographic cooling rates (MCR) derived from the compositions of metallic Fe-Ni grains. The hypothesis evaluated was that the hottest materials in chondrites would have been buried the deepest and cooled the slowest. The survey covered breccia from regolith and 13 different chondrites. The MCRs agreed well with cooling rates predicted by fission-track thermometry and Ar-40/Ar-39 ages. The OSM predicts an inverse correlation between the cooling rate and the petrographic type. Low correlations found between the MCRs and petrographic type indicate that chondrite parent asteroids were not assembled with onion shell structures.

Fabrication of a magnetic helical mesostructured silica rod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Zhang Qiao, Shi; Cheng, Lina; Yan, Zifeng; Qing Lu, Gao Max

2008-10-01

We report a one-step synthesis of magnetic helical mesostructured silica (MHMS) by self-assembly of an achiral surfactant, magnetic nanocrystals with stearic acid ligands and silicate. This core-shell structured material consists of an Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanocrystal core and a highly ordered periodic helical mesoporous silica shell. We propose that the formation of the helical structure is induced by the interaction between the surfactant and dissociated stearic acid ligands. The MHMS obtained possesses superparamagnetism, uniform mesostructure, narrow pore size distribution, high surface area, and large pore volume. Furthermore, the drug release process is demonstrated using aspirin as a drug model and MHMS as a drug carrier in a sodium phosphate buffer solution.

The mechanisms for nanoparticle surface diffusion and chain self-assembly determined from real-time nanoscale kinetics in liquid

DOE PAGES

Woehl, Taylor J.; Prozorov, Tanya

2015-08-20

The mechanisms for nanoparticle self-assembly are often inferred from the morphology of the final nanostructures in terms of attractive and repulsive interparticle interactions. Understanding how nanoparticle building blocks are pieced together during self-assembly is a key missing component needed to unlock new strategies and mechanistic understanding of this process. Here we use real-time nanoscale kinetics derived from liquid cell transmission electron microscopy investigation of nanoparticle self-assembly to show that nanoparticle mobility dictates the pathway for self-assembly and final nanostructure morphology. We describe a new method for modulating nanoparticle diffusion in a liquid cell, which we employ to systematically investigate themore » effect of mobility on self-assembly of nanoparticles. We interpret the observed diffusion in terms of electrostatically induced surface diffusion resulting from nanoparticle hopping on the liquid cell window surface. Slow-moving nanoparticles self-assemble predominantly into linear 1D chains by sequential attachment of nanoparticles to existing chains, while highly mobile nanoparticles self-assemble into chains and branched structures by chain–chain attachments. Self-assembly kinetics are consistent with a diffusion-driven mechanism; we attribute the change in self-assembly pathway to the increased self-assembly rate of highly mobile nanoparticles. Furthermore, these results indicate that nanoparticle mobility can dictate the self-assembly mechanism and final nanostructure morphology in a manner similar to interparticle interactions.« less

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

Gupta, Arunava; Prevelige, Peter E

The primary goal of the project was to develop protein-templated approaches for the synthesis and directed assembly of semiconductor nanomaterials that are efficient for visible light absorption and hydrogen production. In general, visible-light-driven photocatalysis reactions exhibit low quantum efficiency for solar energy conversion primarily because of materials-related issues and limitations, such as the control of the band gap, band structure, photochemical stability, and available reactive surface area of the photocatalyst. Synthesis of multicomponent hierarchical nano-architectures, consisting of semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) with desired optical properties fabricated to maximize spatial proximity for optimum electron and energy transfer represents an attractive route formore » addressing the problem. Virus capsids are highly symmetrical, self-assembling protein cage nanoparticles that exist in a range of sizes and symmetries. Selective deposition of inorganic, by design, at specific locations on virus capsids affords precise control over the size, spacing, and assembly of nanomaterials, resulting in uniform and reproducible nano-architectures. We utilized the self-assembling capabilities of the 420 subunit, 60 nm icosahedral, P22 virus capsid to direct the nucleation, growth, and proximity of a range of component materials. Controlled fabrication on the exterior of the temperature stable shell was achieved by genetically encoding specific binding peptides into an externally exposed loop which is displayed on each of the 420 coat protein subunits. Localization of complimentary materials to the interior of the particle was achieved through the use “scaffolding-fusion proteins. The scaffolding domain drives coat protein polymerization resulting in a coat protein shell surrounding a core of approximately 300 scaffolding/fusion molecules. The fusion domain comprises a peptide which specifically binds the semiconductor material of interest.« less

Transcriptome of the Antarctic brooding gastropod mollusc Margarella antarctica.

PubMed

Clark, Melody S; Thorne, Michael A S

2015-12-01

454 RNA-Seq transcriptome data were generated from foot tissue of the Antarctic brooding gastropod mollusc Margarella antarctica. A total of 6195 contigs were assembled de novo, providing a useful resource for researchers with an interest in Antarctic marine species, phylogenetics and mollusc biology, especially shell production. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving the sensitivity of immunoassay based on MBA-embedded Au@SiO2 nanoparticles and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Chao; Xu, Min-Min; Fang, Cong-Wei; Jin, Qi; Yuan, Ya-Xian; Yao, Jian-Lin

2017-03-01

Traditional "sandwich" structure immunoassay is mainly based on the self-assembly of "antibody on solid substrate-antigen-antibody with nanotags" architectures, and the sensitivity of this strategy is critically depended on the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities and stability of nanotags. Therefore, the rational design and fabrication on the SERS nanotags attracts the common interests to the bio-related detecting and imaging. Herein, silica encapsulated Au with mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) core-shell nanoparticles (Au-MBA@SiO2) are fabricated instead of the traditional naked Au or Ag nanoparticles for the SERS-based immunoassay on human and mouse IgG antigens. The MBA molecules facilitate the formation of continuous pinhole-free silica shell and are also used as SERS labels. The silica shell is employed to protect MBA labels and to isolate Au core from the ambient solution for blocking the aggregation. This shell also played the similar role to BSA in inhibiting the nonspecific bindings, which allowed the procedures for constructing "sandwich" structures to be simplified. All of these merits of the Au-MBA@SiO2 brought the high performance in the related immunoassay. Benefiting from the introduction of silica shell to encapsulate MBA labels, the detection sensitivity was improved by about 1- 2 orders of magnitude by comparing with the traditional approach based on naked Au-MBA nanoparticles. This kind of label-embedded core-shell nanoparticles could be developed as the versatile nanotags for the bioanalysis and bioimaging.

Interfacial redox reaction-directed synthesis of silver@cerium oxide core-shell nanocomposites as catalysts for rechargeable lithium-air batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ying; Wang, Man; Cao, Lu-Jie; Yang, Ming-Yang; Ho-Sum Cheng, Samson; Cao, Chen-Wei; Leung, Kwan-Lan; Chung, Chi-Yuen; Lu, Zhou-Guang

2015-07-01

A facile oxidation-reduction reaction method has been implemented to prepare pomegranate-like Ag@CeO2 multicore-shell structured nanocomposites. Under Ar atmosphere, redox reaction automatically occurs between AgNO3 and Ce(NO3)3 in an alkaline solution, where Ag+ is reduced to Ag nanopartilces and Ce3+ is simultaneously oxidized to form CeO2, followed by the self-assembly to form the pomegranate-like multicore-shell structured Ag@CeO2 nanocomposites driven by thermodynamic equilibrium. No other organic amines or surfactants are utilized in the whole reaction system and only NaOH instead of organic reducing agent is used to prevent the introduction of a secondary reducing byproduct. The as-obtained pomegranate-like Ag@CeO2 multicore-shell structured nanocomposites have been characterized as electro-catalysts for the air cathode of lithium-air batteries operated in a simulated air environment. Superior electrochemical performance with high discharge capacity of 3415 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1, stable cycling and small charge/discharge polarization voltage is achieved, which is much better than that of the CeO2 or simple mixture of CeO2 and Ag. The enhanced properties can be primarily attributed to the synergy effect between the Ag core and the CeO2 shell resulting from the unique pomegranate-like multicore-shell nanostructures possessing plenty of active sites to promote the facile formation and decomposition of Li2O2.

THE CIRCUMSTELLAR ENVIRONMENT OF R CORONAE BOREALIS: WHITE DWARF MERGER OR FINAL-HELIUM-SHELL FLASH?

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

Clayton, Geoffrey C.; Andrews, J. E.; Sugerman, Ben E. K.

2011-12-10

In 2007, R Coronae Borealis (R CrB) went into a historically deep and long decline. In this state, the dust acts like a natural coronagraph at visible wavelengths, allowing faint nebulosity around the star to be seen. Imaging has been obtained from 0.5 to 500 {mu}m with Gemini/GMOS, Hubble Space Telescope/WFPC2, Spitzer/MIPS, and Herschel/SPIRE. Several of the structures around R CrB are cometary globules caused by wind from the star streaming past dense blobs. The estimated dust mass of the knots is consistent with their being responsible for the R CrB declines if they form along the line of sightmore » to the star. In addition, there is a large diffuse shell extending up to 4 pc away from the star containing cool 25 K dust that is detected all the way out to 500 {mu}m. The spectral energy distribution of R CrB can be well fitted by a 150 AU disk surrounded by a very large diffuse envelope which corresponds to the size of the observed nebulosity. The total masses of the disk and envelope are 10{sup -4} and 2 M{sub Sun }, respectively, assuming a gas-to-dust ratio of 100. The evidence pointing toward a white dwarf merger or a final-helium-shell flash origin for R CrB is contradictory. The shell and the cometary knots are consistent with a fossil planetary nebula. Along with the fact that R CrB shows significant lithium in its atmosphere, this supports the final-helium-shell flash. However, the relatively high inferred mass of R CrB and its high fluorine abundance support a white dwarf merger.« less

The s-process in massive stars: the Shell C-burning contribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pignatari, Marco; Gallino, R.; Baldovin, C.; Wiescher, M.; Herwig, F.; Heger, A.; Heil, M.; Käppeler, F.

In massive stars the s¡ process (slow neutron capture process) is activated at different tempera- tures, during He¡ burning and during convective shell C¡ burning. At solar metallicity, the neu- tron capture process in the convective C¡ shell adds a substantial contribution to the s¡ process yields made by the previous core He¡ burning, and the final results carry the signature of both processes. With decreasing metallicity, the contribution of the C¡ burning shell to the weak s¡ process rapidly decreases, because of the effect of the primary neutron poisons. On the other hand, also the s¡ process efficiency in the He core decreases with metallicity.

Homoepitaxial n-core: p-shell gallium nitride nanowires: HVPE overgrowth on MBE nanowires.

PubMed

Sanders, Aric; Blanchard, Paul; Bertness, Kris; Brubaker, Matthew; Dodson, Christopher; Harvey, Todd; Herrero, Andrew; Rourke, Devin; Schlager, John; Sanford, Norman; Chiaramonti, Ann N; Davydov, Albert; Motayed, Abhishek; Tsvetkov, Denis

2011-11-18

We present the homoepitaxial growth of p-type, magnesium doped gallium nitride shells by use of halide vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) on n-type gallium nitride nanowires grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Scanning electron microscopy shows clear dopant contrast between the core and shell of the nanowire. The growth of magnesium doped nanowire shells shows little or no effect on the lattice parameters of the underlying nanowires, as measured by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Photoluminescence measurements of the nanowires show the appearance of sub-bandgap features in the blue and the ultraviolet, indicating the presence of acceptors. Finally, electrical measurements confirm the presence of electrically active holes in the nanowires.

High performance of PbSe/PbS core/shell quantum dot heterojunction solar cells: short circuit current enhancement without the loss of open circuit voltage by shell thickness control.

PubMed

Choi, Hyekyoung; Song, Jung Hoon; Jang, Jihoon; Mai, Xuan Dung; Kim, Sungwoo; Jeong, Sohee

2015-11-07

We fabricated heterojunction solar cells with PbSe/PbS core shell quantum dots and studied the precisely controlled PbS shell thickness dependency in terms of optical properties, electronic structure, and solar cell performances. When the PbS shell thickness increases, the short circuit current density (JSC) increases from 6.4 to 11.8 mA cm(-2) and the fill factor (FF) enhances from 30 to 49% while the open circuit voltage (VOC) remains unchanged at 0.46 V even with the decreased effective band gap. We found that the Fermi level and the valence band maximum level remain unchanged in both the PbSe core and PbSe/PbS core/shell with a less than 1 nm thick PbS shell as probed via ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The PbS shell reduces their surface trap density as confirmed by relative quantum yield measurements. Consequently, PbS shell formation on the PbSe core mitigates the trade-off relationship between the open circuit voltage and the short circuit current density. Finally, under the optimized conditions, the PbSe core with a 0.9 nm thick shell yielded a power conversion efficiency of 6.5% under AM 1.5.

Positron Survival in Type II Supernovae

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

the fewer number of decays depositing energy within the supernova. The rate of this cooling is unknown because it is uncertain whether a pulsar was...details of the radial mixing may yield more precise results but they should not negate my final result. 50 0. LO ’) C u -4S Cu CdU in~~ in0oi 4l cu CV (U...START OF SHELL LO ***.**A***.. for (z=0; z< 14.5; z=z+1.O) ttl= 0; inikdazsity = shell(z]lOI; dshlsum - shejzllhJ/51; fprinzf(point.* Shell numbe

Transient analysis using conical shell elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, J. C. S.; Goeller, J. E.; Messick, W. T.

1973-01-01

The use of the NASTRAN conical shell element in static, eigenvalue, and direct transient analyses is demonstrated. The results of a NASTRAN static solution of an externally pressurized ring-stiffened cylinder agree well with a theoretical discontinuity analysis. Good agreement is also obtained between the NASTRAN direct transient response of a uniform cylinder to a dynamic end load and one-dimensional solutions obtained using a method of characteristics stress wave code and a standing wave solution. Finally, a NASTRAN eigenvalue analysis is performed on a hydroballistic model idealized with conical shell elements.

In-depth proteomic analysis of a mollusc shell: acid-soluble and acid-insoluble matrix of the limpet Lottia gigantea

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Invertebrate biominerals are characterized by their extraordinary functionality and physical properties, such as strength, stiffness and toughness that by far exceed those of the pure mineral component of such composites. This is attributed to the organic matrix, secreted by specialized cells, which pervades and envelops the mineral crystals. Despite the obvious importance of the protein fraction of the organic matrix, only few in-depth proteomic studies have been performed due to the lack of comprehensive protein sequence databases. The recent public release of the gastropod Lottia gigantea genome sequence and the associated protein sequence database provides for the first time the opportunity to do a state-of-the-art proteomic in-depth analysis of the organic matrix of a mollusc shell. Results Using three different sodium hypochlorite washing protocols before shell demineralization, a total of 569 proteins were identified in Lottia gigantea shell matrix. Of these, 311 were assembled in a consensus proteome comprising identifications contained in all proteomes irrespective of shell cleaning procedure. Some of these proteins were similar in amino acid sequence, amino acid composition, or domain structure to proteins identified previously in different bivalve or gastropod shells, such as BMSP, dermatopontin, nacrein, perlustrin, perlucin, or Pif. In addition there were dozens of previously uncharacterized proteins, many containing repeated short linear motifs or homorepeats. Such proteins may play a role in shell matrix construction or control of mineralization processes. Conclusions The organic matrix of Lottia gigantea shells is a complex mixture of proteins comprising possible homologs of some previously characterized mollusc shell proteins, but also many novel proteins with a possible function in biomineralization as framework building blocks or as regulatory components. We hope that this data set, the most comprehensive available at present, will provide a platform for the further exploration of biomineralization processes in molluscs. PMID:22540284

Thermally Stable TiO2 - and SiO2 -Shell-Isolated Au Nanoparticles for In Situ Plasmon-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Hydrogenation Catalysts.

PubMed

Hartman, Thomas; Weckhuysen, Bert M

2018-03-12

Raman spectroscopy is known as a powerful technique for solid catalyst characterization as it provides vibrational fingerprints of (metal) oxides, reactants, and products. It can even become a strong surface-sensitive technique by implementing shell-isolated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS). Au@TiO 2 and Au@SiO 2 shell-isolated nanoparticles (SHINs) of various sizes were therefore prepared for the purpose of studying heterogeneous catalysis and the effect of metal oxide coating. Both SiO 2 - and TiO 2 -SHINs are effective SHINERS substrates and thermally stable up to 400 °C. Nano-sized Ru and Rh hydrogenation catalysts were assembled over the SHINs by wet impregnation of aqueous RuCl 3 and RhCl 3 . The substrates were implemented to study CO adsorption and hydrogenation under in situ conditions at various temperatures to illustrate the differences between catalysts and shell materials with SHINERS. This work demonstrates the potential of SHINS for in situ characterization studies in a wide range of catalytic reactions. © 2018 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Transcriptome Analysis of the Effects of Shell Removal and Exogenous Gibberellin on Germination of Zanthoxylum Seeds.

PubMed

Sun, Jikang; Wang, Ping; Zhou, Tao; Rong, Jian; Jia, Hao; Liu, Zhiming

2017-08-17

The zanthoxylum seeds are oil-rich and have a very thick, dense and oily shell. In the natural conditions the seeds have a very low germination rate. Prior to treatment with GAs to promote germination, the seeds were usually soaked in sulfuric acid to remove shells easily. A high-throughput sequencing of mRNAs was performed to investigate the effects of the above treatments on the germination of zanthoxylum seeds. Seven libraries were assembled into 100,982 unigenes and 59,509 unigenes were annotated. We focused on the expression profiles of the key genes related to the oil metabolisms and hormone regulations during seed germination. Our data indicated the endogenous ABA of seeds was rich. The effects that the exogenous GAs promoted germination were apparent in the secong day of germination. Especially, for the first time our results indicated the exogenous GAs lowered the aerobic metabolism including the oil metabolisms during imbibition. We inferred that the exogenous GAs had inhibitory effects on the oil metabolisms to avoide oxidative damages to the imbibed seeds, and the seed shell played the role similiar to the exogenous GAs in the initial stage of germination in the natural conditions.

Facile fabrication of well-defined hydrogel beads with magnetic nanocomposite shells.

PubMed

Liu, Hongxia; Wang, Chaoyang; Gao, Quanxing; Chen, Jianxin; Ren, Biye; Liu, Xinxing; Tong, Zhen

2009-07-06

Well-defined magnetic nanocomposite beads with alginate gel cores and shells of iron oxide (gamma-Fe(2)O(3)) nanoparticles were prepared by self-assembly of colloidal particles at liquid-liquid interfaces and subsequent in situ gelation. Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles could spontaneously adsorb onto the water droplet surfaces to stabilize water-in-hexane emulsions. Water droplets containing sodium alginate were in situ gelled by calcium cations, which were released from calcium-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (Ca-EDTA) chelate by decreasing pH value through slow hydrolysis of d-glucono-delta-lactone (GDL). The resulting hybrid beads with a core-shell structure were easily collected by removing hexane. This facile and high efficient fabrication had a 100% yield and could be carried out at room temperature. Insulin microcrystal was encapsulated into the hybrid beads by dispersing them in the aqueous solution of alginate sodium in the fabrication process. The sustained release could be obtained due to the dual barriers of the hydrogel core and the close-packed inorganic shell. The release curves were nicely fitted by the Weibull equation and the release followed Fickian diffusion. The hybrid beads may find applications as delivery vehicles for biomolecules, drugs, cosmetics, food supplements and living cells.

Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 91-298-2182, Gibson Flatiron, Erica Shell Manufacturing, Bozeman, Montana

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

McCammon, C.S.

1992-02-01

In response to a request from the Montana State Health Department, an evaluation was undertaken of exposures to wood dust and lacquer vapors at the Gibson Flatiron/Erica Shell Manufacturing Companies (SIC-3931), Bozeman, Montana. Gibson Flatiron manufactured mandolins and banjoes. Erica Shell Manufacturing Company cuts and grinds abalone and other sea shells into small pieces to be used in designs inlayed into mandolins and banjos. Measured wood dust levels ranged from 0.8 to 32mg/cu m with an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 1.2 to 30mg/cu m. Rib construction and assembly, and planing bulk ebony wood had TWA exposures abovemore » the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 5mg/cu m for wood dust. Application of dyes and finishes resulted in low exposures to acetone (67641), toluene (108883), xylene (1330207), and butyl-acetate (123864). No solvent air concentrations were above 10% of their respective PELs. The author concludes that a health hazard existed for exposure to wood dusts. The author recommends the establishment of a respiratory protection program and a hearing conservation program. Emergency egress routes should be marked in the buildings.« less

Reusable glucose sensing using carbon nanotube-based self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharyya, Tamoghna; Samaddar, Sarbani; Dasgupta, Anjan Kr.

2013-09-01

Lipid functionalized single walled carbon nanotube-based self assembly forms a super-micellar structure. This assemblage has been exploited to trap glucose oxidase in a molecular cargo for glucose sensing. The advantage of such a molecular trap is that all components of this unique structure (both the trapping shell and the entrapped enzyme) are reusable and rechargeable. The unique feature of this sensing method lies in the solid state functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes that facilitates liquid state immobilization of the enzyme. The method can be used for soft-immobilization (a new paradigm in enzyme immobilization) of enzymes with better thermostability that is imparted by the strong hydrophobic environment provided through encapsulation by the nanotubes.Lipid functionalized single walled carbon nanotube-based self assembly forms a super-micellar structure. This assemblage has been exploited to trap glucose oxidase in a molecular cargo for glucose sensing. The advantage of such a molecular trap is that all components of this unique structure (both the trapping shell and the entrapped enzyme) are reusable and rechargeable. The unique feature of this sensing method lies in the solid state functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes that facilitates liquid state immobilization of the enzyme. The method can be used for soft-immobilization (a new paradigm in enzyme immobilization) of enzymes with better thermostability that is imparted by the strong hydrophobic environment provided through encapsulation by the nanotubes. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr02609d

Shuttle S-band high gain switched beam breadboard antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mullaney, J. J.

1985-01-01

The final fabrication and assembly of the S-band five-element, eight-beam breadboard antennas developed for the Space Shuttle program are described. Data summary sheets from component and final assembly testing are presented.

Polymersome Carriers: from Self-Assembly to siRNA and Protein Therapeutics

PubMed Central

Christian, David A.; Cai, Shenshen; Bowen, Diana M.; Kim, Younghoon; Pajerowski, J. David; Discher, Dennis E.

2009-01-01

Polymersomes are polymer-based vesicular shells that form upon hydration of amphiphilic block copolymers. These high molecular weight amphiphiles impart physicochemical properties that allow polymersomes to stably encapsulate or integrate a broad range of active molecules. This robustness together with recently described mechanisms for controlled breakdown of degradable polymersomes as well as escape from endolysosomes suggests that polymersomes might be usefully viewed as having structure/property/function relationships somewhere between lipid vesicles and viral capsids. Here we summarize the assembly and development of controlled release polymersomes to encapsulate therapeutics ranging from small molecule anti-cancer drugs to siRNA and therapeutic proteins. PMID:18977437

Antimicrobial peptide capsids of de novo design.

PubMed

De Santis, Emiliana; Alkassem, Hasan; Lamarre, Baptiste; Faruqui, Nilofar; Bella, Angelo; Noble, James E; Micale, Nicola; Ray, Santanu; Burns, Jonathan R; Yon, Alexander R; Hoogenboom, Bart W; Ryadnov, Maxim G

2017-12-22

The spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses the need for antimicrobial discovery. With traditional search paradigms being exhausted, approaches that are altogether different from antibiotics may offer promising and creative solutions. Here, we introduce a de novo peptide topology that-by emulating the virus architecture-assembles into discrete antimicrobial capsids. Using the combination of high-resolution and real-time imaging, we demonstrate that these artificial capsids assemble as 20-nm hollow shells that attack bacterial membranes and upon landing on phospholipid bilayers instantaneously (seconds) convert into rapidly expanding pores causing membrane lysis (minutes). The designed capsids show broad antimicrobial activities, thus executing one primary function-they destroy bacteria on contact.

Construction of Matryoshka-type structures from supercharged protein nanocages.

PubMed

Beck, Tobias; Tetter, Stephan; Künzle, Matthias; Hilvert, Donald

2015-01-12

Designing nanoscaled hierarchical structures with increasing levels of complexity is challenging. Here we show that electrostatic interactions between two complementarily supercharged protein nanocages can be effectively utilized to create nested Matryoshka-type structures. Cage-within-cage complexes containing spatially ordered iron oxide nanoparticles spontaneously self-assemble upon mixing positively supercharged ferritin compartments with AaLS-13, a larger shell-forming protein with a negatively supercharged lumen. Exploiting engineered Coulombic interactions and protein dynamics in this way opens up new avenues for creating hierarchically organized supramolecular assemblies for application as delivery vehicles, reaction chambers, and artificial organelles. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Polymers as Adsorbents for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Solutions: A Review

PubMed Central

Samiey, Babak; Cheng, Chil-Hung; Wu, Jiangning

2014-01-01

Over the past decades, organic-inorganic hybrid polymers have been applied in different fields, including the adsorption of pollutants from wastewater and solid-state separations. In this review, firstly, these compounds are classified. These compounds are prepared by sol-gel method, self-assembly process (mesopores), assembling of nanobuilding blocks (e.g., layered or core-shell compounds) and as interpenetrating networks and hierarchically structures. Lastly, the adsorption characteristics of heavy metals of these materials, including different kinds of functional groups, selectivity of them for heavy metals, effect of pH and synthesis conditions on adsorption capacity, are studied. PMID:28788483

DNA Origami Inside-Out Viruses.

PubMed

Burns, Jonathan R; Lamarre, Baptiste; Pyne, Alice L B; Noble, James E; Ryadnov, Maxim G

2018-03-16

A synthetic topology for everted viruses is reported. The topology is a single-stranded virion DNA assembled into a hollow cube with exterior decorated with HIV-Tat transduction domains. The cube incorporates a pH-responsive lid allowing for the controlled encapsulation of functional proteins and their transfer and release into live cells. Unlike viruses, which are protein shells with a [3,5]-fold rotational symmetry that encase nucleic acids, these cubes are [3, 4]-fold DNA boxes encapsulating proteins. Like viruses, such everted DNA-built viruses are monodisperse nanoscale assemblies that infect human cells with a specialist cargo. The design offers a bespoke bottom-up platform for engineering nonpolyhedral, nonprotein synthetic viruses.

Free Vibration of Fiber Composite Thin Shells in a Hot Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gotsis, Pascal K.; Guptill, James D.

1995-01-01

Results are presented of parametric studies to assess the effects of various parameters on the free vibration behavior (natural frequencies) of (plus or minus theta)2, angle-ply fiber composite thin shells in a hot environment. These results were obtained by using a three-dimensional finite element structural analysis computer code. The fiber composite shell is assumed to be cylindrical and made from T-300 graphite fibers embedded in an intermediate-modulus high-strength matrix (IMHS). The residual stresses induced into the laminated structure during curing are taken into account. The following parameters are investigated: the length and the thickness of the shell, the fiber orientations, the fiber volume fraction, the temperature profile through the thickness of the laminate and the different ply thicknesses. Results obtained indicate that: the fiber orientations and the length of the laminated shell had significant effect on the natural frequencies. The fiber volume fraction, the laminate thickness and the temperature profile through the shell thickness had a weak effect on the natural frequencies. Finally, the laminates with different ply thicknesses had insignificant influence on the behavior of the vibrated laminated shell.

High-Fidelity Buckling Analysis of Composite Cylinders Using the STAGS Finite Element Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilburger, Mark W.

2014-01-01

Results from previous shell buckling studies are presented that illustrate some of the unique and powerful capabilities in the STAGS finite element analysis code that have made it an indispensable tool in structures research at NASA over the past few decades. In particular, prototypical results from the development and validation of high-fidelity buckling simulations are presented for several unstiffened thin-walled compression-loaded graphite-epoxy cylindrical shells along with a discussion on the specific methods and user-defined subroutines in STAGS that are used to carry out the high-fidelity simulations. These simulations accurately account for the effects of geometric shell-wall imperfections, shell-wall thickness variations, local shell-wall ply-gaps associated with the fabrication process, shell-end geometric imperfections, nonuniform applied end loads, and elastic boundary conditions. The analysis procedure uses a combination of nonlinear quasi-static and transient dynamic solution algorithms to predict the prebuckling and unstable collapse response characteristics of the cylinders. Finally, the use of high-fidelity models in the development of analysis-based shell-buckling knockdown (design) factors is demonstrated.

Predicted trends of core-shell preferences for 132 late transition-metal binary-alloy nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wang, Lin-Lin; Johnson, Duane D

2009-10-07

Transition-metal alloyed nanoparticles with core-shell features (shell enrichment by one of the metals) are becoming ubiquitous, from (electro-)catalysis to biomedical applications, due to their size control, performance, biocompatibility, and cost. We investigate 132 binary-alloyed nanoparticle systems (groups 8 to 11 in the Periodic Table) using density functional theory (DFT) and systematically explore their segregation energies to determine core-shell preferences. We find that core-shell preferences are generally described by two independent factors: (1) cohesive energy (related to vapor pressure) and (2) atomic size (quantified by the Wigner-Seitz radius), and the interplay between them. These independent factors are shown to provide general trends for the surface segregation preference for atoms in nanoparticles, as well as semi-infinite surfaces, and give a simple correlation (a "design map") for the alloying and catalytic behavior. Finally, we provide a universal description of core-shell preference via tight-binding theory (band-energy differences) that (i) quantitatively reproduces the DFT segregation energies and (ii) confirms the electronic origins and correlations for core-shell behavior.

Monodisperse Metal-Organic Framework Nanospheres with Encapsulated Core-Shell Nanoparticles Pt/Au@Pd@{Co2(oba)4(3-bpdh)2}4H2O for the Highly Selective Conversion of CO2 to CO.

PubMed

Zhao, Xi; Xu, Haitao; Wang, XiaoXiao; Zheng, Zhizhong; Xu, Zhenliang; Ge, Jianping

2018-05-02

A new microporous metal-organic framework (MOF) with formula {Co 2 (oba) 4 (3-bpdh) 2 }4H 2 O [oba = 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid); 3-bpdh = N, N'-bis-(1-pyridine-3-yl-ethylidene)-hydrazine] was assembled, and its morphology was found to undergo a microrod-to-nanosphere transformation with temperature variation. Core-shell Au@Pd functional nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully encapsulated in the center of the monodisperse nanospheres, and Pt NPs were well-dispersed and fully immobilized on the surface of Au@Pd@1Co to build the Pt/Au@Pd@1Co composites, which exhibited NPs catalytic activity for the reverse water gas shift reaction. The core-shell Au@Pd NPs in MOF significantly enchanced the CO selectivity of the catalyst, and the Pt NP loading on the surface of the nanosphere afforded a desirable CO 2 conversion.

Self-assembled core-shell nanoparticles for combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy of resistant head and neck cancers.

PubMed

He, Chunbai; Liu, Demin; Lin, Wenbin

2015-01-27

Combination therapy enhances anticancer efficacy of both drugs via synergistic effects. We report here nanoscale coordination polymer (NCP)-based core-shell nanoparticles carrying high payloads of cisplatin and the photosensitizer pyrolipid, NCP@pyrolipid, for combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). NCP@pyrolipid releases cisplatin and pyrolipid in a triggered manner to synergistically induce cancer cell apoptosis and necrosis. In vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies in mice show prolonged blood circulation times, low uptake in normal organs, and high tumor accumulation of cisplatin and pyrolipid. Compared to monotherapy, NCP@pyrolipid shows superior potency and efficacy in tumor regression (83% reduction in tumor volume) at low drug doses in the cisplatin-resistant human head and neck cancer SQ20B xenograft murine model. We elucidated the in vitro/vivo fate of the lipid layer and its implications on the mechanisms of actions. This study suggests multifunctional NCP core-shell nanoparticles as a versatile and effective drug delivery system for potential translation to the clinic.

Nano-structured silica coated mesoporous carbon micro-granules for potential application in water filtration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Avik; Sen, D.; Mazumder, S.; Ghosh, A. K.

2017-05-01

A novel nano-composite spherical micro-granule has been synthesized using a facile technique of solvent evaporation induced assembly of nanoparticles for potential application in water filtration. The spherical micro-granule is comprised of nano-structured shell of hydrophilic silica encapsulating a hydrophobic mesoporous carbon at the core. Hierarchical structure of such core-shell micro-granules has been rigorously characterized using small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering techniques and complemented with scanning electron microscopy. The hydrophilic silica envelope around the carbon core helps in incorporation of such granules into the hydrophilic polymeric ultra-filtration membrane. The interstitial micro-pores present in the silica shell can serve as water transport channels and the mesoporus carbon core enhances the separation performance due its well adsorption characteristics. It has been found that the incorporation of such granules inside the ultra-filtration membrane indeed enhances the water permeability as well as the separation performance in a significant way.

Fabrication of hierarchical core-shell polydopamine@MgAl-LDHs composites for the efficient enrichment of radionuclides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Kairuo; Lu, Songhua; Gao, Yang; Zhang, Rui; Tan, Xiaoli; Chen, Changlun

2017-02-01

Novel hierarchical core/shell structured polydopamine@MgAl-layered double hydroxides (PDA@MgAl-LDHs) composites involving MgAl-layered double hydroxide shells and PDA cores were fabricated thought one-pot coprecipitation assembly and methodically characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, elemental mapping, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technologies. U(VI) and Eu(III) sorption experiments showed that the PDA@MgAl-LDHs exhibited higher sorption ability with a maximum sorption capacity of 142.86 and 76.02 mg/g at 298 K and pH 4.5, respectively. More importantly, according to XPS analyses, U(VI) and Eu(III) were sorbed on PDA@MgAl-LDHs via oxygen-containing functional groups, and the chemical affinity of U(VI) by oxygen-containing functional groups is higher than that of Eu(III). These observations show great expectations in the enrichment of radionuclides from aquatic environments by PDA@MgAl-LDHs.

Titanate-silica mesostructured nanocables: synthesis, structural analysis and biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Yonghua; Qiao, Shizhang; Yang, Huagui; Yang, Chen; Jin, Yonggang; Stahr, Frances; Sheng, Jiayu; Cheng, Lina; Ling, Changquan; Qing Lu, Gao

2010-02-01

1D hierarchical composite mesostructures of titanate and silica were synthesized via an interfacial surfactant templating approach. Such mesostructures have complex core-shell architectures consisting of single-crystalline H2Ti3O7 nanobelts inside the ordered mesoporous SiO2 shell, which are nontoxic and highly biocompatible. The overall diameter of as-prepared 1D hierarchical composite mesostructures is only approx. 34.2 nm with a length over 500 nm on average. A model to explain the formation mechanism of these mesostructures has been proposed; the negatively charged surface of H2Ti3O7 nanobelts controls the formation of the octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C18TAB) bilayer, which in turn regulates the cooperative self-assembly of silica and C18TAB complex micelles on the interface to produce a mesoporous silica shell. More importantly, the application of synthesized mesostructured nanocables as anticancer drug reservoirs has also been explored, which indicates that the membranes containing these mesoporous nanocables have a great potential to be used as transdermal drug delivery systems.

Core–Shell Structure and Aggregation Number of Micelles Composed of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers and Amphiphilic Heterografted Polymer Brushes Determined by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

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

Szymusiak, Magdalena; Kalkowski, Joseph; Luo, Hanying

2017-08-31

A large group of functional nanomaterials employed in biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery, relies on amphiphilic polymers to encapsulate therapeutic payloads via self-assembly processes. Knowledge of the micelle structures will provide critical insights into design of polymeric drug delivery systems. Core–shell micelles composed of linear diblock copolymers poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL), poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA), as well as a heterografted brush consisting of a poly(glycidyl methacrylate) backbone with PEG and PLA branches (PGMA-g-PEG/PLA) were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements to gain structural information regarding the particle morphology, core–shell size, and aggregation number. Themore » structural information at this quasi-equilibrium state can also be used as a reference when studying the kinetics of polymer micellization.« less

Core–Shell Structure and Aggregation Number of Micelles Composed of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers and Amphiphilic Heterografted Polymer Brushes Determined by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

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

Szymusiak, Magdalena; Kalkowski, Joseph; Luo, Hanying

2017-08-16

A large group of functional nanomaterials employed in biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery, relies on amphiphilic polymers to encapsulate therapeutic payloads via self-assembly processes. Knowledge of the micelle structures will provide critical insights into design of polymeric drug delivery systems. Core–shell micelles composed of linear diblock copolymers poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL), poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA), as well as a heterografted brush consisting of a poly(glycidyl methacrylate) backbone with PEG and PLA branches (PGMA-g-PEG/PLA) were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements to gain structural information regarding the particle morphology, core–shell size, and aggregation number. Themore » structural information at this quasi-equilibrium state can also be used as a reference when studying the kinetics of polymer micellization.« less

Polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules as vehicles with tunable permeability.

PubMed

Antipov, Alexei A; Sukhorukov, Gleb B

2004-11-29

This review is devoted to a novel type of polymer micro- and nanocapsules. The shell of the capsule is fabricated by alternate adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (PEs) onto the surface of colloidal particles. Cores of different nature (organic or inorganic) with size varied from 0.1 to 10 mum can be used for templating such PE capsules. The shell thickness can be tuned in nanometer range by assembling of defined number of PE layers. The permeability of capsules depends on the pH, ionic strength, solvent, polymer composition, and shell thickness; it can be controlled and varied over wide range of substances regarding their molecular weight and charge. Including functional polymers into capsule wall, such as weak PEs or thermosensitive polymers, makes the capsule permeability sensitive to correspondent external stimuli. Permeability of the capsules is of essential interest in diverse areas related to exploitation of systems with controlled and sustained release properties. The envisaged applications of such capsules/vesicles cover biotechnology, medicine, catalysis, food industry, etc.

Magnetic hybrid magnetite/metal organic framework nanoparticles: facile preparation, post-synthetic biofunctionalization and tracking in vivo with magnetic methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tregubov, A. A.; Sokolov, I. L.; Babenyshev, A. V.; Nikitin, P. I.; Cherkasov, V. R.; Nikitin, M. P.

2018-03-01

Multifunctional hybrid nanocomposites remain to be of great interest in biomedicine as a universal tool in a number of applications. As a promising example, the nanoparticles with magnetic core and porous shell have a potential as theranostic agents combining both the diagnostics probe and drug delivery vehicle properties. However, reported methods of the nanostructure preparation are complex and include tedious time-consuming growth of porous shell by means of layer by layer assembly technique. In this study, we develop new way of fabrication of the superparamagnetic magnetite core @ porous metal organic framework shell nanoparticles and demonstrate their application both as a multimodal (MRI contrasting, magnetometric and optical labeling) and multifunctional (in vivo bioimaging, biotargeting by coupled receptors, lateral flow assay) agents. The easiness of fabrication, controllable bioconjugation properties and low level of non-specific binding indicate high potential of the nanoparticles to be employed as multifunctional agents in theranostics, advanced biosensing and bioimaging.

Lowering Back Shell onto Stowed InSight Lander

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-05-27

In this photo, the back shell of NASA's InSight spacecraft is being lowered onto the mission's lander, which is folded into its stowed configuration. The back shell and a heat shield form the aeroshell, which will protect the lander as the spacecraft plunges into the upper atmosphere of Mars. The photo was taken on April 29, 2015, in a spacecraft assembly clean room at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver. InSight, for Interior Exploration Using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is scheduled for launch in March 2016 and landing in September 2016. It will study the deep interior of Mars to advance understanding of the early history of all rocky planets, including Earth. Note: After thorough examination, NASA managers have decided to suspend the planned March 2016 launch of the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission. The decision follows unsuccessful attempts to repair a leak in a section of the prime instrument in the science payload. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19666

Graphene-Encapsulated Nanosheet-Assembled Zinc-Nickel-Cobalt Oxide Microspheres for Enhanced Lithium Storage.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiaobao; Chen, Huixin; Han, Xiang; Cai, Junjie; Yang, Yong; Liu, Meilin; Zhang, Kaili

2016-01-01

The appropriate combination of hierarchical transition-metal oxide (TMO) micro-/nanostructures constructed from porous nanobuilding blocks with graphene sheets (GNS) in a core/shell geometry is highly desirable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A facile and scalable process for the fabrication of 3D hierarchical porous zinc-nickel-cobalt oxide (ZNCO) microspheres constructed from porous ultrathin nanosheets encapsulated by GNS to form a core/shell geometry is reported for improved electrochemical performance of the TMOs as an anode in LIBs. By virtue of their intriguing structural features, the produced ZNCO/GNS core/shell hybrids exhibit an outstanding reversible capacity of 1015 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C after 50 cycles. Even at a high rate of 1 C, a stable capacity as high as 420 mA h g(-1) could be maintained after 900 cycles, which suggested their great potential as efficient electrodes for high-performance LIBs. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Active constrained layer damping treatments for shell structures: a deep-shell theory, some intuitive results, and an energy analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, I. Y.

1997-02-01

This paper studies vibration control of a shell structure through use of an active constrained layer (ACL) damping treatment. A deep-shell theory that assumes arbitrary Lamé parameters 0964-1726/6/1/011/img1 and 0964-1726/6/1/011/img2 is first developed. Application of Hamilton's principle leads to the governing Love equations, the charge equation of electrostatics, and the associated boundary conditions. The Love equations and boundary conditions imply that the control action of the ACL for shell treatments consists of two components: free-end boundary actuation and membrane actuation. The free-end boundary actuation is identical to that of beam and plate ACL treatments, while the membrane actuation is unique to shell treatments as a result of the curvatures of the shells. In particular, the membrane actuation may reinforce or counteract the boundary actuation, depending on the location of the ACL treatment. Finally, an energy analysis is developed to determine the proper control law that guarantees the stability of ACL shell treatments. Moreover, the energy analysis results in a simple rule predicting whether or not the membrane actuation reinforces the boundary actuation.

Water dynamics in protein hydration shells: the molecular origins of the dynamical perturbation.

PubMed

Fogarty, Aoife C; Laage, Damien

2014-07-17

Protein hydration shell dynamics play an important role in biochemical processes including protein folding, enzyme function, and molecular recognition. We present here a comparison of the reorientation dynamics of individual water molecules within the hydration shell of a series of globular proteins: acetylcholinesterase, subtilisin Carlsberg, lysozyme, and ubiquitin. Molecular dynamics simulations and analytical models are used to access site-resolved information on hydration shell dynamics and to elucidate the molecular origins of the dynamical perturbation of hydration shell water relative to bulk water. We show that all four proteins have very similar hydration shell dynamics, despite their wide range of sizes and functions, and differing secondary structures. We demonstrate that this arises from the similar local surface topology and surface chemical composition of the four proteins, and that such local factors alone are sufficient to rationalize the hydration shell dynamics. We propose that these conclusions can be generalized to a wide range of globular proteins. We also show that protein conformational fluctuations induce a dynamical heterogeneity within the hydration layer. We finally address the effect of confinement on hydration shell dynamics via a site-resolved analysis and connect our results to experiments via the calculation of two-dimensional infrared spectra.

Water Dynamics in Protein Hydration Shells: The Molecular Origins of the Dynamical Perturbation

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Protein hydration shell dynamics play an important role in biochemical processes including protein folding, enzyme function, and molecular recognition. We present here a comparison of the reorientation dynamics of individual water molecules within the hydration shell of a series of globular proteins: acetylcholinesterase, subtilisin Carlsberg, lysozyme, and ubiquitin. Molecular dynamics simulations and analytical models are used to access site-resolved information on hydration shell dynamics and to elucidate the molecular origins of the dynamical perturbation of hydration shell water relative to bulk water. We show that all four proteins have very similar hydration shell dynamics, despite their wide range of sizes and functions, and differing secondary structures. We demonstrate that this arises from the similar local surface topology and surface chemical composition of the four proteins, and that such local factors alone are sufficient to rationalize the hydration shell dynamics. We propose that these conclusions can be generalized to a wide range of globular proteins. We also show that protein conformational fluctuations induce a dynamical heterogeneity within the hydration layer. We finally address the effect of confinement on hydration shell dynamics via a site-resolved analysis and connect our results to experiments via the calculation of two-dimensional infrared spectra. PMID:24479585

Dynamic equations for an isotropic spherical shell using the power series method and surface differential operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okhovat, Reza; Boström, Anders

2017-04-01

Dynamic equations for an isotropic spherical shell are derived by using a series expansion technique. The displacement field is split into a scalar (radial) part and a vector (tangential) part. Surface differential operators are introduced to decrease the length of all equations. The starting point is a power series expansion of the displacement components in the thickness coordinate relative to the mid-surface of the shell. By using the expansions of the displacement components, the three-dimensional elastodynamic equations yield a set of recursion relations among the expansion functions that can be used to eliminate all but the four of lowest order and to express higher order expansion functions in terms of those of lowest orders. Applying the boundary conditions on the surfaces of the spherical shell and eliminating all but the four lowest order expansion functions give the shell equations as a power series in the shell thickness. After lengthy manipulations, the final four shell equations are obtained in a relatively compact form which are given to second order in shell thickness explicitly. The eigenfrequencies are compared to exact three-dimensional theory with excellent agreement and to membrane theory.

Biocatalytic response of multi-layer assembled collagen/hyaluronic acid nanoengineered capsules.

PubMed

Sousa, Fernanda; Kreft, Oliver; Sukhorukov, Gleb B; Möhwald, Helmuth; Kokol, Vanja

2014-01-01

Biodegradable hollow capsules filled with fluorescently labelled bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model drug were prepared via layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly of type-I collagen (COL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) using calcium carbonate micro-particles and co-precipitation method. Capsules loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-BSA, tetramethylrhodamin isothiocyanate (TRITC)-BSA or Alex-Fluor-488-BSA, respectively, were characterised before and after core removal using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), whilst the morphologies of individual hollow capsules were assessed using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The sustained release of the encapsulated FITC-BSA protein was attained using enzymatic degradation of the capsule shells by collagenase. The released profile of the fluorescently-labelled BSA indicated that it could be successfully controlled by modulating the number of layers and/or by collagen crosslinking either before or after the capsule's assembly.

Design and intestinal mucus penetration mechanism of core-shell nanocomplex.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Cheng, Hongbo; Dong, Wei; Zhang, Meixia; Liu, Qiaoyu; Wang, Xiuhua; Guan, Jian; Wu, Haiyang; Mao, Shirui

2018-02-28

The objective of this study was to design intestinal mucus-penetrating core-shell nanocomplex by functionally mimicking the surface of virus, which can be used as the carrier for peroral delivery of macromolecules, and further understand the influence of nanocomplex surface properties on the mucosal permeation capacity. Taking insulin as a model drug, the core was formed by the self-assembly among positively charged chitosan, insulin and negatively charged sodium tripolyphosphate, different types of alginates were used as the shell forming material. The nanocomplex was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and FTIR. Nanocomplex movement in mucus was recorded using multiple particle tracking (MPT) method. Permeation and uptake of different nanocomplex were studied in rat intestine. It was demonstrated that alginate coating layer was successfully formed on the core and the core-shell nanocomplex showed a good physical stability and improved enzymatic degradation protection. The mucus penetration and MPT study showed that the mucus penetration capacity of the nanocomplex was surface charge and coating polymer structure dependent, nanocomplex with negative alginate coating had 1.6-2.5 times higher mucus penetration ability than that of positively charged chitosan-insulin nanocomplex. Moreover, the mucus penetration ability of the core-shell nanocomplex was alginate structure dependent, whereas alginate with lower G content and lower molecular weight showed the best permeation enhancing ability. The improvement of intestine permeation and intestinal villi uptake of the core-shell nanocomplex were further confirmed in rat intestine and multiple uptake mechanisms were involved in the transport process. In conclusion, core-shell nanocomplex composed of oppositely charged materials could provide a strategy to overcome the mucus barrier and enhance the mucosal permeability. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dyson shells: a retrospective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradbury, Robert J.

2001-08-01

More than 40 years have passed since Freeman Dyson suggested that advanced technological civilizations are likely to dismantle planets in their solar systems to harvest all of the energy their stars wastefully radiate into space. Clearly this was an idea that was ahead of its time. Since that time, dozens of SETI searches have been conducted and almost all of them have focused their attention on stars which by definition cannot be the advanced civilizations that Dyson envisioned. I will review the data that created the confusion between Dyson spheres and Dyson shells. The sources that disprove Dyson spheres while still allowing Dyson shells will be discussed. The use of outmoded ideas that have biased the few searches for Dyson Shells that have occurred will be pointed out. An update of the concept of Dyson shells to include our current knowledge of biotechnology, nanotechnology and computer science will be explored. Finally, an approach to setting limits on the abundance of Dyson shells in our galaxy using existing optical astronomical data and future optical satellites will be proposed.

PLGA/polymeric liposome for targeted drug and gene co-delivery.

PubMed

Wang, Hanjie; Zhao, Peiqi; Su, Wenya; Wang, Sheng; Liao, Zhenyu; Niu, Ruifang; Chang, Jin

2010-11-01

Chemotherapy is one of the most effective approaches to treat cancers in the clinic, but the problems, such as multidrug resistance (MDR), low bioavailability and toxicity, severely constrain the further application of chemotherapy. Our group recently reported that cationic PLGA/folate coated PEGlated polymeric liposome core-shell nanoparticles (PLGA/FPL NPs). It was self-assembled from a hydrophobic PLGA core and a hydrophilic folate coated PEGlated lipid shell for targeting co-delivery of drug and gene. Hydrophobic drugs can be incorporated into the core and the cationic shell of the drug-loaded nanoparticles can be used to bind DNA. The drug-loaded PLGA/FPL NPs/DNA complexes offer advantages to overcome these problems mentioned above, such as co-delivery of drugs and DNA to improving the chemosensitivity of cancer cells at a gene level, and targeting delivery of drug to the cancer tissue that enhance the bioavailability and reduce the toxicity. The experiment showed that nanoparticles have core-shell structure with nanosize, sustained drug release profile and good DNA-binding ability. Importantly, the core-shell nanoparticles achieve the possibility of co-delivering drugs and genes to the same cells with high gene transfection and drug delivery efficiency. Our data suggest that the PLGA/FPL NPs may be a useful drug and gene co-delivery system. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrostatics-driven shape transitions in soft shells.

PubMed

Jadhao, Vikram; Thomas, Creighton K; Olvera de la Cruz, Monica

2014-09-02

Manipulating the shape of nanoscale objects in a controllable fashion is at the heart of designing materials that act as building blocks for self-assembly or serve as targeted drug delivery carriers. Inducing shape deformations by controlling external parameters is also an important way of designing biomimetic membranes. In this paper, we demonstrate that electrostatics can be used as a tool to manipulate the shape of soft, closed membranes by tuning environmental conditions such as the electrolyte concentration in the medium. Using a molecular dynamics-based simulated annealing procedure, we investigate charged elastic shells that do not exchange material with their environment, such as elastic membranes formed in emulsions or synthetic nanocontainers. We find that by decreasing the salt concentration or increasing the total charge on the shell's surface, the spherical symmetry is broken, leading to the formation of ellipsoids, discs, and bowls. Shape changes are accompanied by a significant lowering of the electrostatic energy and a rise in the surface area of the shell. To substantiate our simulation findings, we show analytically that a uniformly charged disc has a lower Coulomb energy than a sphere of the same volume. Further, we test the robustness of our results by including the effects of charge renormalization in the analysis of the shape transitions and find the latter to be feasible for a wide range of shell volume fractions.

Compact Fast Ignition experiments using Joule-class tailored drive pulses under counterbeam configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mori, Yoshitaka; Hanayama, Ryohei; Ishii, Katsuhiro; Kitagawa, Yoneyoshi; Sekine, Takashi; Takeuchi, Yasuki; Kurita, Takashi; Katoh, Yoshinori; Satoh, Nakahiro; Kurita, Norio; Kawashima, Toshiyuki; Komeda, Osamu; Hioki, Tatsumi; Motohiro, Tomoyoshi; Sunahara, Atsushi; Sentoku, Yasuhiko; Miura, Eisuke; Iwamoto, Akifumi; Sakagami, Hitoshi

2017-10-01

Fast ignition (FI) is a form of inertial confinement fusion in which the ignition step and the compression step are separate processes resulting in a reduction of the symmetry requirement for hot spot generation. One of the problems of FI so far are the accessibility of an ignition laser pulse into the assembled core in which the driver energy is converted into relativistic electrons produced in the laser-plasma interaction. We have experimentally demonstrated that a tailored-pulse-assembled core with a diameter of 70 μ m, originally a deuterated polystyrene spherical shell of 500 μ m diameter, is flashed by directly counter irradiating 0.8 J/110 fs laser pulses [Y. MORI et al., PRL 2016]. This result indicates that once the assembled core is squeezed into the target center, the heating lasers can access the core's; edges and deposit their energy into the core. In this talk, we will discuss the heating effects in relation to formation of the assembled core.

Stimuli-controlled self-assembly of diverse tubular aggregates from one single small monomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Qixun; Javorskis, Tomas; Bergquist, Karl-Erik; Ulčinas, Artūras; Niaura, Gediminas; Matulaitienė, Ieva; Orentas, Edvinas; Wärnmark, Kenneth

2017-04-01

The design and synthesis of new stimuli-responsive hydrogen-bonding monomers that display a diversity of self-assembly pathways is of central importance in supramolecular chemistry. Here we describe the aggregation properties of a simple, intrinsically C2-symmetric enantiopure bicyclic cavity compound bearing a terminally unsubstituted ureidopyrimidinone fragment fused with a pyrrole moiety in different solvents and in the absence and presence of C60 and C70 guests. The tetrameric cyclic aggregate is selectively obtained in chlorinated solvents, where only part of the available hydrogen bonding sites are utilized, whereas in toluene or upon addition of C70 guests, further aggregation into tubular supramolecular polymers is achieved. The open-end cyclic assemblies rearrange into a closed-shell capsule upon introduction of C60 with an accompanied symmetry breaking of the monomer. Our study demonstrates that a C60 switch can be used to simultaneously control the topology and occupancy of tubular assemblies resulting from the aggregation of small monomers.

High pressure storage vessel

DOEpatents

Liu, Qiang

2013-08-27

Disclosed herein is a composite pressure vessel with a liner having a polar boss and a blind boss a shell is formed around the liner via one or more filament wrappings continuously disposed around at least a substantial portion of the liner assembly combined the liner and filament wrapping have a support profile. To reduce susceptible to rupture a locally disposed filament fiber is added.

Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Plexcitonic Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-12

nitrate , trisodium citrate tribasic dihydrate, sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS, MW ~70,000), poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride ) (PDADMAC...Abstract: Colloidal suspensions of multilayer nanoparticles composed of a silver core, a polyelectrolyte spacer layer (inner shell), and a J-aggregate...multilayer architecture served as a framework for examining the coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance exhibited by the silver core with

High performance and durability of order-structured cathode catalyst layer based on TiO2@PANI core-shell nanowire arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ming; Wang, Meng; Yang, Zhaoyi; Wang, Xindong

2017-06-01

In this paper, an order-structured cathode catalyst layer consisting of Pt-TiO2@PANI core-shell nanowire arrays that in situ grown on commercial gas diffusion layer (GDL) are prepared and applied to membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In order to prepare the TiO2@PANI core-shell nanowire arrays with suitable porosity and prominent conductivity, the morphologies of the TiO2 nanoarray and electrochemical polymerization process of aniline are schematically investigated. The MEA with order-structured cathode catalyst layer is assembled in the single cell to evaluate the electrochemical performance and durability of PEMFC. As a result, the PEMFC with order-structured cathode catalyst layer shows higher peak power density (773.54 mW cm-2) than conventional PEMFC (699.30 mW cm-2). Electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and charge transfer impedance (Rct) are measured before and after accelerated degradation test (ADT), and the corresponding experimental results indicate the novel cathode structure exhibits a better stability with respect to conventional cathode. The enhanced electrochemical performance and durability toward PEMFC can be ascribed to the order-structured cathode nanoarray structure with high specific surface area increases the utilization of catalyst and reduces the tortuosity of transport pathways, and the synergistic effect between TiO2@PANI support and Pt nanoparticles promotes the high efficiency of electrochemical reaction and improves the stability of catalyst. This research provides a facile and controllable method to prepare order-structured membrane electrode with lower Pt loading for PEMFC in the future.

Role and mechanism of the maturation cleavage of VP0 in poliovirus assembly: structure of the empty capsid assembly intermediate at 2.9 A resolution.

PubMed Central

Basavappa, R.; Syed, R.; Flore, O.; Icenogle, J. P.; Filman, D. J.; Hogle, J. M.

1994-01-01

The crystal structure of the P1/Mahoney poliovirus empty capsid has been determined at 2.9 A resolution. The empty capsids differ from mature virions in that they lack the viral RNA and have yet to undergo a stabilizing maturation cleavage of VP0 to yield the mature capsid proteins VP4 and VP2. The outer surface and the bulk of the protein shell are very similar to those of the mature virion. The major differences between the 2 structures are focused in a network formed by the N-terminal extensions of the capsid proteins on the inner surface of the shell. In the empty capsids, the entire N-terminal extension of VP1, as well as portions corresponding to VP4 and the N-terminal extension of VP2, are disordered, and many stabilizing interactions that are present in the mature virion are missing. In the empty capsid, the VP0 scissile bond is located some 20 A away from the positions in the mature virion of the termini generated by VP0 cleavage. The scissile bond is located on the rim of a trefoil-shaped depression in the inner surface of the shell that is highly reminiscent of an RNA binding site in bean pod mottle virus. The structure suggests plausible (and ultimately testable) models for the initiation of encapsidation, for the RNA-dependent autocatalytic cleavage of VP0, and for the role of the cleavage in establishing the ordered N-terminal network and in generating stable virions. PMID:7849583

Continuation of Employment Training for Students in the Shell Fisheries Industry. Final Report. 1981-1982.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cape May County Vocational Schools, NJ.

A project to provide training in the shell fishing industries was continued into its second year to develop entry-level skills for employment and provide instruction and hands-on experience through infusing the existing Marine Science program. Results from a survey of instructors and individuals involved in the industry were used to develop a…

Synthesis of Core-Shell Nanoparticle Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-17

Mawson Institute, University of South Australia 1 Final Report Contract Number FA2386-09-1-4043 Synthesis of Core-Shell Nanoparticle Composites...CI: Peter Majewski, School of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering, Mawson Institute, University of South Australia, peter.majewski...5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd., Mawson Lakes SA, Australia

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

Aad, G.

The measurements of the ZZ and WW final states in the mass range above the \\(2m_Z\\) and \\(2m_W\\) thresholds provide a unique opportunity to measure the off-shell coupling strength of the Higgs boson. This paper presents constraints on the off-shell Higgs boson event yields normalised to the Standard Model prediction (signal strength) in the \\(ZZ \\rightarrow 4\\ell \\), \\(ZZ\\rightarrow 2\\ell 2\

The design and synthesis of heterostructured quantum dots with dual emission in the visible and infrared

DOE PAGES

Lin, Qianglu; Makarov, Nikolay S.; Koh, Weon-kyu; ...

2014-11-26

The unique optical properties exhibited by visible emitting core/shell quantum dots with especially thick shells are the focus of widespread study, but have yet to be realized in infrared (IR) -active nanostructures. We apply an effective-mass model to identify PbSe/CdSe core/shell quantum dots as a promising system for achieving this goal. We then synthesize colloidal PbSe/CdSe quantum dots with shell thicknesses of up to 4 nm that exhibit unusually slow hole intra-band relaxation from shell to core states, as evidenced by the emergence of dual emission, i.e., IR photoluminescence from the PbSe core observed simultaneously with visible emission from themore » CdSe shell. In addition to the large shell thickness, the development of slowed intraband relaxation is facilitated by the existence of a sharp core-shell interface without discernible alloying. Growth of thick shells without interfacial alloying or incidental formation of homogenous CdSe nanocrystals was accomplished using insights attained via a systematic study of the dynamics of the cation-exchange synthesis of both PbSe/CdSe as well as the related system PbS/CdS. Finally, we show that the efficiency of the visible photoluminescence can be greatly enhanced by inorganic passivation.« less

Shell extracts from the marine bivalve Pecten maximus regulate the synthesis of extracellular matrix in primary cultured human skin fibroblasts.

PubMed

Latire, Thomas; Legendre, Florence; Bigot, Nicolas; Carduner, Ludovic; Kellouche, Sabrina; Bouyoucef, Mouloud; Carreiras, Franck; Marin, Frédéric; Lebel, Jean-Marc; Galéra, Philippe; Serpentini, Antoine

2014-01-01

Mollusc shells are composed of more than 95% calcium carbonate and less than 5% of an organic matrix consisting mostly of proteins, glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Previous studies have elucidated the biological activities of the shell matrices from bivalve molluscs on skin, especially on the expression of the extracellular matrix components of fibroblasts. In this work, we have investigated the potential biological activities of shell matrix components extracted from the shell of the scallop Pecten maximus on human fibroblasts in primary culture. Firstly, we demonstrated that shell matrix components had different effects on general cellular activities. Secondly, we have shown that the shell matrix components stimulate the synthesis of type I and III collagens, as well as that of sulphated GAGs. The increased expression of type I collagen is likely mediated by the recruitment of transactivating factors (Sp1, Sp3 and human c-Krox) in the -112/-61 bp COL1A1 promoter region. Finally, contrarily to what was obtained in previous works, we demonstrated that the scallop shell extracts have only a small effect on cell migration during in vitro wound tests and have no effect on cell proliferation. Thus, our research emphasizes the potential use of shell matrix of Pecten maximus for dermo-cosmetic applications.

Post-buckling of a pressured biopolymer spherical shell with the mode interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Ru, C. Q.

2018-03-01

Imperfection sensitivity is essential for mechanical behaviour of biopolymer shells characterized by high geometric heterogeneity. The present work studies initial post-buckling and imperfection sensitivity of a pressured biopolymer spherical shell based on non-axisymmetric buckling modes and associated mode interaction. Our results indicate that for biopolymer spherical shells with moderate radius-to-thickness ratio (say, less than 30) and smaller effective bending thickness (say, less than 0.2 times average shell thickness), the imperfection sensitivity predicted based on the axisymmetric mode without the mode interaction is close to the present results based on non-axisymmetric modes with the mode interaction with a small (typically, less than 10%) relative errors. However, for biopolymer spherical shells with larger effective bending thickness, the maximum load an imperfect shell can sustain predicted by the present non-axisymmetric analysis can be significantly (typically, around 30%) lower than those predicted based on the axisymmetric mode without the mode interaction. In such cases, a more accurate non-axisymmetric analysis with the mode interaction, as given in the present work, is required for imperfection sensitivity of pressured buckling of biopolymer spherical shells. Finally, the implications of the present study to two specific types of biopolymer spherical shells (viral capsids and ultrasound contrast agents) are discussed.

Design and research on the two-joint mating system of underwater vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhong-lin; Wang, Li-quan

2013-03-01

In the 21st century, people have come to the era of ocean science and ocean economy. With the development of ocean science and technology and the thorough research on the ocean, underwater mating technique has been widely used in such fields as sunk ship salvage, deep ocean workstation, submarine lifesaving aid and military affairs. In this paper, researches are made home and abroad on mating technology. Two-joint mating system of underwater vehicle is designed including plane system, three-dimensional assembly system and control system in order to increase the capacity of adapting platform obliquity and adopting rotational skirt scheme. It is clear that the system fits the working space of underwater vehicle passageway and there is no interference phenomenon in assembly design. The finite element model of the system shell and the pressurization of the joint are established. The results of the finite element computing and the pressing test are accordant, and thus it can testify that the shell material meet the need of intension and joint pressurization is reliable. Modeling of the control system is accomplished, and simulation and analysis are made, which can provide directions for the controller design of mating system of underwater vehicles.

Mechanical qualification of the support structure for MQXF, the Nb 3Sn low-β quadrupole for the high luminosity LHC

DOE PAGES

Juchno, M.; Ambrosio, G.; Anerella, M.; ...

2016-01-26

Within the scope of the High Luminosity LHC project, the collaboration between CERN and U.S. LARP is developing new low-β quadrupoles using the Nb 3Sn superconducting technology for the upgrade of the LHC interaction regions. The magnet support structure of the first short model was designed and two units were fabricated and tested at CERN and at LBNL. The structure provides the preload to the collars-coils subassembly by an arrangement of outer aluminum shells pre-tensioned with water-pressurized bladders. For the mechanical qualification of the structure and the assembly procedure, superconducting coils were replaced with solid aluminum “dummy coils”, the structuremore » was preloaded at room temperature, and then cooled-down to 77 K. Mechanical behavior of the magnet structure was monitored with the use of strain gauges installed on the aluminum shells, the dummy coils and the axial preload system. As a result, this paper reports on the outcome of the assembly and the cool-down tests with dummy coils, which were performed at CERN and at LBNL, and presents the strain gauge measurements compared to the 3D finite element model predictions.« less

3D in vitro co-culture models based on normal cells and tumor spheroids formed by cyclic RGD-peptide induced cell self-assembly.

PubMed

Akasov, Roman; Gileva, Anastasia; Zaytseva-Zotova, Daria; Burov, Sergey; Chevalot, Isabelle; Guedon, Emmanuel; Markvicheva, Elena

2017-01-01

To design novel 3D in vitro co-culture models based on the RGD-peptide-induced cell self-assembly technique. Multicellular spheroids from M-3 murine melanoma cells and L-929 murine fibroblasts were obtained directly from monolayer culture by addition of culture medium containing cyclic RGD-peptide. To reach reproducible architecture of co-culture spheroids, two novel 3D in vitro models with well pronounced core-shell structure from tumor spheroids and single mouse fibroblasts were developed based on this approach. The first was a combination of a RGD-peptide platform with the liquid overlay technique with further co-cultivation for 1-2 days. The second allowed co-culture spheroids to generate within polyelectrolyte microcapsules by cultivation for 2 weeks. M-3 cells (a core) and L-929 fibroblasts (a shell) were easily distinguished by confocal microscopy due to cell staining with DiO and DiI dyes, respectively. The 3D co-culture spheroids are proposed as a tool in tumor biology to study cell-cell interactions as well as for testing novel anticancer drugs and drug delivery vehicles.

Thermosensitive behavior of poly(ethylene glycol)-based block copolymer (PEG-b-PADMO) controlled via self-assembled microstructure.

PubMed

Cui, Qianling; Wu, Feipeng; Wang, Erjian

2011-05-19

Stimuli-responsive, well-defined diblock copolymers (PEG-b-PADMO) comprising poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, DP (degree of polymerization)=45) as the hydrophilic and temperature-sensitive part and poly(N-acryloyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine) (PADMO, DP=18-47) as the hydrophobic and acid-labile part self-assembled in water into spherical micelles with high aggregation number. The micellar structures and thermally induced phase transitions of the copolymers were investigated with (1)H NMR spectroscopy, light scattering, microscopy, turbidimetry, and fluorescence techniques. Thermoresponsive phase transitions of the copolymers in water were controlled via formation of core-shell-type micelles with densely compact PEG corona. Their lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) were modulated within the range 40-72 °C by varying PADMO block length. This unusually low LCST was attributed to the densely packed PEG structure in the polymer micelles, which resulted in strong n-clustering attractive interactions and insufficient hydration of PEG chains in the shell and greatly enhanced the thermosensitivity. The LCST behavior can also be modulated by partial acid hydrolysis of PADMO segments through the resulting change of hydrophobicity. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Core-Shell Double Gyroid Structure Formed by Linear ABC Terpolymer Thin Films.

PubMed

Antoine, Ségolène; Aissou, Karim; Mumtaz, Muhammad; Telitel, Siham; Pécastaings, Gilles; Wirotius, Anne-Laure; Brochon, Cyril; Cloutet, Eric; Fleury, Guillaume; Hadziioannou, Georges

2018-05-01

The synthesis and self-assembly in thin-film configuration of linear ABC triblock terpolymer chains consisting of polystyrene (PS), poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), and polyisoprene (PI) are described. For that purpose, a hydroxyl-terminated PS-b-P2VP (45 kg mol -1 ) building block and a carboxyl-terminated PI (9 kg mol -1 ) are first separately prepared by anionic polymerization, and then are coupled via a Steglich esterification reaction. This quantitative and metal-free catalyst synthesis route reveals to be very interesting since functionalization and purification steps are straightforward, and well-defined terpolymers are produced. A solvent vapor annealing (SVA) process is used to promote the self-assembly of frustrated PS-b-P2VP-b-PI chains into a thin-film core-shell double gyroid (Q 230 , space group: Ia3¯d) structure. As terraces are formed within PS-b-P2VP-b-PI thin films during the SVA process under a CHCl 3 vapor, different plane orientations of the Q 230 structure ((211), (110), (111), and (100)) are observed at the polymer-air interface depending on the film thickness. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

WHAT IS THE SHELL AROUND R CORONAE BOREALIS?

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

Montiel, Edward J.; Clayton, Geoffrey C.; Marcello, Dominic C.

2015-07-15

The hydrogen-deficient, carbon-rich R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars are known for being prolific producers of dust which causes their large iconic declines in brightness. Several RCB stars, including R Coronae Borealis (R CrB), itself, have large extended dust shells seen in the far-infrared. The origin of these shells is uncertain but they may give us clues to the evolution of the RCB stars. The shells could form in three possible ways. (1) They are fossil Planetary Nebula (PN) shells, which would exist if RCB stars are the result of a final, helium-shell flash, (2) they are material left over frommore » a white-dwarf (WD) merger event which formed the RCB stars, or (3) they are material lost from the star during the RCB phase. Arecibo 21 cm observations establish an upper limit on the column density of H I in the R CrB shell implying a maximum shell mass of ≲0.3 M{sub ☉}. A low-mass fossil PN shell is still a possible source of the shell although it may not contain enough dust. The mass of gas lost during a WD merger event will not condense enough dust to produce the observed shell, assuming a reasonable gas-to-dust ratio. The third scenario where the shell around R CrB has been produced during the star’s RCB phase seems most likely to produce the observed mass of dust and the observed size of the shell. But this means that R CrB has been in its RCB phase for ∼10{sup 4} years.« less

Research advances in polymer emulsion based on "core-shell" structure particle design.

PubMed

Ma, Jian-zhong; Liu, Yi-hong; Bao, Yan; Liu, Jun-li; Zhang, Jing

2013-09-01

In recent years, quite many studies on polymer emulsions with unique core-shell structure have emerged at the frontier between material chemistry and many other fields because of their singular morphology, properties and wide range of potential applications. Organic substance as a coating material onto either inorganic or organic internal core materials promises an unparalleled opportunity for enhancement of final functions through rational designs. This contribution provides a brief overview of recent progress in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of both inorganic-organic and organic-organic polymer emulsions with core-shell structure. In addition, future research trends in polymer composites with core-shell structure are also discussed in this review. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning the synthesis of platinum-copper nanoparticles with a hollow core and porous shell for the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol.

PubMed

Huang, Shuangshuang; Yang, Nating; Wang, Shibin; Sun, Yuhan; Zhu, Yan

2016-08-07

Pt-Cu nanoparticles constructed with a hollow core and porous shell have been synthesized in which Pt-Cu cages with multiporous outermost shells are formed at the initial stage and then the Pt and Cu atoms in solution continuously fed these hollow-core of cages by passing through the porous tunnels of the outermost shells, finally leading to the formation of hollow structures with different sizes. Furthermore, these hollow-core Pt-Cu nanoparticles are more effective than the solid-core Pt-Cu nanoparticles for the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural toward furfuryl alcohol. The former can achieve almost 100% conversion of furfural with 100% selectivity toward the alcohol.

Nitrogen-polar core-shell GaN light-emitting diodes grown by selective area metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shunfeng; Wang, Xue; Fündling, Sönke; Erenburg, Milena; Ledig, Johannes; Wei, Jiandong; Wehmann, Hergo H.; Waag, Andreas; Bergbauer, Werner; Mandl, Martin; Strassburg, Martin; Trampert, Achim; Jahn, Uwe; Riechert, Henning; Jönen, Holger; Hangleiter, Andreas

2012-07-01

Homogeneous nitrogen-polar GaN core-shell light emitting diode (LED) arrays were fabricated by selective area growth on patterned substrates. Transmission electron microscopy measurements prove the core-shell structure of the rod LEDs. Depending on the growth facets, the InGaN/GaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) show different dimensions and morphology. Cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements reveal a MQWs emission centered at about 415 nm on sidewalls and another emission at 460 nm from top surfaces. CL line scans on cleaved rod also indicate the core-shell morphology. Finally, an internal quantum efficiency of about 28% at room temperature was determined by an all-optical method on a LED array.

Fill-Tube-Induced Mass Perturbations on X-Ray-Driven, Ignition-Scale, Inertial-Confinement-Fusion Capsule Shells and the Implications for Ignition Experiments

DOE PAGES

Bennett, G. R.; Herrmann, M. C.; Edwards, M. J.; ...

2007-11-13

We present on the first inertial-confinement-fusion ignition facility, the target capsule will be DT filled through a long, narrow tube inserted into the shell. μg-scale shell perturbations Δm' arising from multiple, 10–50 μm-diameter, hollow SiO 2 tubes on x-ray-driven, ignition-scale, 1-mg capsules have been measured on a subignition device. Finally, simulations compare well with observation, whence it is corroborated that Δm' arises from early x-ray shadowing by the tube rather than tube mass coupling to the shell, and inferred that 10–20 μm tubes will negligibly affect fusion yield on a full-ignition facility.

Constraints on the design of core-shell resonators of locally resonant acoustic metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bos, Lionel; Lukyanova, Lyubov; Wunenburger, Régis

2012-11-01

We perform a parametric study of the analytic model of Liu [Z. Liu , Phys. Rev. B10.1103/PhysRevB.71.014103 71, 014103 (2005)] describing the mechanical response of a core-shell particle to an acoustic excitation in order to help in selecting the constitutive materials and in designing innovative processes of fabrication of downsized core-shell resonators, which are key constituents of locally resonant acoustic metamaterials. We show that the value of the first Lamé coefficient of the material constituting the shell has no marked influence on the value of the resonance frequency of the core-shell resonator, that is, it does not necessarily need to be small for satisfying the condition of subwavelength resonator dimension at resonance. Moreover, we show that the larger the density contrast between the core and the shell and the thinner the shell, the broader is the frequency band over which the effective density of the resonator suspension is negative, but that it is practically useless to decrease the dimensionless shell thickness below 0.6. Finally, we show that the dissipation is also less perceptible the thinner is the shell and the larger is the density contrast. The effect of the density contrast between the core and the shell and of the dissipation on the resonance width are explained by comparing with the harmonic oscillator and the mass-in-mass 1D lattice.

Synthesis of Fe5C2@SiO2 core@shell nanoparticles as a potential candidate for biomedical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadpoor, Fatemeh; Shojaosadati, Seyed Abbas; Delavari H, Hamid; Christiansen, Gunna; Saber, Reza

2018-05-01

A new strategy for water-dispersibility of hydrophobic carbide nanostructures was proposed. In this regard, hydrophobic Fe5C2 nanoparticles (NPs) with size ranging 25–40 nm were synthesized and coated with 12–15 nm silica shell for biomedical applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that Fe5C2 NPs with monoclinic structure were successfully prepared. The crystalline structure of Fe5C2 NPs was remained unchanged and saturation magnetization of core remained nearly constant after coating with silica shell. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy identified D-band of amorphous carbon shells which was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, Fe5C2@SiO2 core@shell NPs demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity and appropriate heat generating which makes them a promising candidate for magnetic fluid hyperthermia applications.

Formation of Core-Shell Ethane-Silver Clusters in He Droplets.

PubMed

Loginov, Evgeny; Gomez, Luis F; Sartakov, Boris G; Vilesov, Andrey F

2017-08-17

Ethane core-silver shell clusters consisting of several thousand particles have been assembled in helium droplets upon capture of ethane molecules followed by Ag atoms. The composite clusters were studied via infrared laser spectroscopy in the range of the C-H stretching vibrations of ethane. The spectra reveal a splitting of the vibrational bands, which is ascribed to interaction with Ag. A rigorous analysis of band intensities for a varying number of trapped ethane molecules and Ag atoms indicates that the composite clusters consist of a core of ethane that is covered by relatively small Ag clusters. This metastable structure is stabilized due to fast dissipation in superfluid helium droplets of the cohesion energy of the clusters.

Batch Scheduling for Hybrid Assembly Differentiation Flow Shop to Minimize Total Actual Flow Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maulidya, R.; Suprayogi; Wangsaputra, R.; Halim, A. H.

2018-03-01

A hybrid assembly differentiation flow shop is a three-stage flow shop consisting of Machining, Assembly and Differentiation Stages and producing different types of products. In the machining stage, parts are processed in batches on different (unrelated) machines. In the assembly stage, each part of the different parts is assembled into an assembly product. Finally, the assembled products will further be processed into different types of final products in the differentiation stage. In this paper, we develop a batch scheduling model for a hybrid assembly differentiation flow shop to minimize the total actual flow time defined as the total times part spent in the shop floor from the arrival times until its due date. We also proposed a heuristic algorithm for solving the problems. The proposed algorithm is tested using a set of hypothetic data. The solution shows that the algorithm can solve the problems effectively.

LQR Control of Shell Vibrations Via Piezoceramic Actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

delRosario, R. C. H.; Smith, R. C.

1997-01-01

A model-based Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) method for controlling vibrations in cylindrical shells is presented. Surface-mounted piezo-ceramic patches are employed as actuators which leads to unbounded control input operators. Modified Donnell-Mushtari shell equations incorporating strong or Kelvin-Voigt damping are used to model the system. The model is then abstractly formulated in terms of sesquilinear forms. This provides a framework amenable for proving model well-posedness and convergence of LQR gains using analytic semigroup results combined with LQR theory for unbounded input operators. Finally, numerical examples demonstrating the effectiveness of the method are presented.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of double-shell hollow nanoparticles: electromagnetic and chemical enhancements.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Mahmoud A

2013-05-28

Enhancements of the Raman signal by the newly prepared gold-palladium and gold-platinum double-shell hollow nanoparticles were examined and compared with those using gold nanocages (AuNCs). The surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) of thiophenol adsorbed on the surface of AuNCs assembled into a Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer were 10-fold stronger than AuNCs with an inner Pt or Pd shell. The chemical and electromagnetic enhancement mechanisms for these hollow nanoparticles were further proved by comparing the Raman enhancement of nitrothiophenol and nitrotoulene. Nitrothiophenol binds to the surface of the nanoparticles by covalent interaction, and Raman enhancement by both the two mechanisms is possible, while nitrotoulene does not form any chemical bond with the surface of the nanoparticles and hence no chemical enhancement is expected. Based on discrete dipole approximation (DDA) calculations and the experimental SERS results, AuNCs introduced a high electromagnetic enhancement, while the nanocages with inner Pt or Pd shell have a strong chemical enhancement. The optical measurements of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the nanocages with an outer Au shell and an inner Pt or Pd shell were found, experimentally and theoretically, to be broad compared with AuNCs. The possible reason could be due to the decrease of the coherence time of Au oscillated free electrons and fast damping of the plasmon energy. This agreed well with the fact that a Pt or Pd inner nanoshell decreases the electromagnetic field of the outer Au nanoshell while increasing the SERS chemical enhancement.

Rapid pathogen detection with bacterial-assembled magnetic mesoporous silica.

PubMed

Lee, Soo Youn; Lee, Jiho; Lee, Hye Sun; Chang, Jeong Ho

2014-03-15

We report rapid and accurate pathogen detection by coupling with high efficiency magnetic separation of pathogen by Ni(2+)-heterogeneous magnetic mesoporous silica (Ni-HMMS) and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Ni-HMMS was developed with a significant incorporation of Fe particles within the silica mesopores by programmed thermal hydrogen reaction and functionalized with Ni(2+) ion on the surface by the wet impregnation process. High abundant Ni(2+) ions on the Ni-HMMS surface were able to assemble with cell wall component protein NikA (nickel-binding membrane protein), which contains several pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157:H7. NikA protein expression experiment showed the outstanding separation rate of the nikA gene-overexpressed E. coli (pSY-Nik) when comparing with wild-type E. coli (44.5 ± 13%) or not over-expressed E. coli (pSY-Nik) (53.2 ± 2.7%). Moreover, Ni-HMMS showed lower obstacle effect by large reaction volume (10 mL) than spherical core/shell-type silica magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with Ni(2+) (ca. 40 nm-diameters). Finally, the Ni-HMMS was successfully assessed to separate pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 and applied to direct and rapid RT-PCR to quantitative detection at ultralow concentration (1 Log10 cfu mL(-1)) in the real samples (milk and Staphylococcus aureus culture broth) without bacterial amplification and DNA extraction step. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Scattering Studies of Hydrophobic Monomers in Liposomal Bilayers: An Expanding Shell Model of Monomer Distribution

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

Richter, Andrew G.; Dergunov, Sergey A.; Ganus, Bill

2011-03-10

Hydrophobic monomers partially phase separate from saturated lipids when loaded into lipid bilayers in amounts exceeding a 1:1 monomer/lipid molar ratio. This conclusion is based on the agreement between two independent methods of examining the structure of monomer-loaded bilayers. Complete phase separation of monomers from lipids would result in an increase in bilayer thickness and a slight increase in the diameter of liposomes. A homogeneous distribution of monomers within the bilayer would not change the bilayer thickness and would lead to an increase in the liposome diameter. The increase in bilayer thickness, measured by the combination of small-angle neutron scatteringmore » (SANS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), was approximately half of what was predicted for complete phase separation. The increase in liposome diameter, measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), was intermediate between values predicted for a homogeneous distribution and complete phase separation. Combined SANS, SAXS, and DLS data suggest that at a 1.2 monomer/lipid ratio approximately half of the monomers are located in an interstitial layer sandwiched between lipid sheets. These results expand our understanding of using self-assembled bilayers as scaffolds for the directed covalent assembly of organic nanomaterials. In particular, the partial phase separation of monomers from lipids corroborates the successful creation of nanothin polymer materials with uniform imprinted nanopores. Finally, pore-forming templates do not need to span the lipid bilayer to create a pore in the bilayer-templated films.« less

The Role of Repulsion in Colloidal Crystal Engineering with DNA

DOE PAGES

Seo, Soyoung E.; Li, Tao; Senesi, Andrew J.; ...

2017-10-24

Hybridization interactions between DNA-functionalized nanoparticles (DNA-NPs) can be used to program the crystallization behavior of superlattices, yielding access to complex three-dimensional structures with more than 30 different lattice symmetries. The first superlattice structures using DNA-NPs as building blocks were identified almost a decade ago, yet the role of repulsive interactions in guiding structure formation is still largely unexplored. In this paper, a comprehensive approach is taken to study the role of repulsion in the assembly behavior of DNA-NPs, enabling the calculation of interparticle interaction potentials based on experimental results. In this work, we used two different means to assemble DNA-NPs—Watson–Crickmore » base-pairing interactions and depletion interactions—and systematically varied the salt concentration to study the effective interactions in DNA-NP superlattices. A comparison between the two systems allows us to decouple the repulsive forces from the attractive hybridization interactions that are sensitive to the ionic environment. We find that the gap distance between adjacent DNA-NPs follows a simple power law dependence on solution ionic strength regardless of the type of attractive forces present. This result suggests that the observed trend is driven by repulsive interactions. To better understand such behavior, we propose a mean-field model that provides a mathematical description for the observed trend. Finally, this model shows that the trend is due to the variation in the effective cross-sectional diameter of DNA duplex and the thickness of DNA shell.« less

The Role of Repulsion in Colloidal Crystal Engineering with DNA

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

Seo, Soyoung E.; Li, Tao; Senesi, Andrew J.

Hybridization interactions between DNA-functionalized nanoparticles (DNA-NPs) can be used to program the crystallization behavior of superlattices, yielding access to complex three-dimensional structures with more than 30 different lattice symmetries. The first superlattice structures using DNA-NPs as building blocks were identified almost a decade ago, yet the role of repulsive interactions in guiding structure formation is still largely unexplored. In this paper, a comprehensive approach is taken to study the role of repulsion in the assembly behavior of DNA-NPs, enabling the calculation of interparticle interaction potentials based on experimental results. In this work, we used two different means to assemble DNA-NPs—Watson–Crickmore » base-pairing interactions and depletion interactions—and systematically varied the salt concentration to study the effective interactions in DNA-NP superlattices. A comparison between the two systems allows us to decouple the repulsive forces from the attractive hybridization interactions that are sensitive to the ionic environment. We find that the gap distance between adjacent DNA-NPs follows a simple power law dependence on solution ionic strength regardless of the type of attractive forces present. This result suggests that the observed trend is driven by repulsive interactions. To better understand such behavior, we propose a mean-field model that provides a mathematical description for the observed trend. Finally, this model shows that the trend is due to the variation in the effective cross-sectional diameter of DNA duplex and the thickness of DNA shell.« less

OptoZIF Drive: a 3D printed implant and assembly tool package for neural recording and optical stimulation in freely moving mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freedman, David S.; Schroeder, Joseph B.; Telian, Gregory I.; Zhang, Zhengyang; Sunil, Smrithi; Ritt, Jason T.

2016-12-01

Objective. Behavioral neuroscience studies in freely moving rodents require small, light-weight implants to facilitate neural recording and stimulation. Our goal was to develop an integrated package of 3D printed parts and assembly aids for labs to rapidly fabricate, with minimal training, an implant that combines individually positionable microelectrodes, an optical fiber, zero insertion force (ZIF-clip) headstage connection, and secondary recording electrodes, e.g. for electromyography (EMG). Approach. Starting from previous implant designs that position recording electrodes using a control screw, we developed an implant where the main drive body, protective shell, and non-metal components of the microdrives are 3D printed in parallel. We compared alternative shapes and orientations of circuit boards for electrode connection to the headstage, in terms of their size, weight, and ease of wire insertion. We iteratively refined assembly methods, and integrated additional assembly aids into the 3D printed casing. Main results. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the OptoZIF Drive by performing real time optogenetic feedback in behaving mice. A novel feature of the OptoZIF Drive is its vertical circuit board, which facilities direct ZIF-clip connection. This feature requires angled insertion of an optical fiber that still can exit the drive from the center of a ring of recording electrodes. We designed an innovative 2-part protective shell that can be installed during the implant surgery to facilitate making additional connections to the circuit board. We use this feature to show that facial EMG in mice can be used as a control signal to lock stimulation to the animal’s motion, with stable EMG signal over several months. To decrease assembly time, reduce assembly errors, and improve repeatability, we fabricate assembly aids including a drive holder, a drill guide, an implant fixture for microelectode ‘pinning’, and a gold plating fixture. Significance. The expanding capability of optogenetic tools motivates continuing development of small optoelectric devices for stimulation and recording in freely moving mice. The OptoZIF Drive is the first to natively support ZIF-clip connection to recording hardware, which further supports a decrease in implant cross-section. The integrated 3D printed package of drive components and assembly tools facilities implant construction. The easy interfacing and installation of auxiliary electrodes makes the OptoZIF Drive especially attractive for real time feedback stimulation experiments.