Developing the Girl as a Leader

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hembrow-Beach, Rose

2011-01-01

Single-sex educational environments can create young women who are engaged, active leaders. Girls receive differential treatment in combined-sex education environments. Girls often do not receive the encouragement or instruction to assume leadership. I want to identify the elements of single-sex education that foster female leadership and consider…

ACGT-containing abscisic acid response element (ABRE) and coupling element 3 (CE3) are functionally equivalent.

PubMed

Hobo, T; Asada, M; Kowyama, Y; Hattori, T

1999-09-01

ACGT-containing ABA response elements (ABREs) have been functionally identified in the promoters of various genes. In addition, single copies of ABRE have been found to require a cis-acting, coupling element to achieve ABA induction. A coupling element 3 (CE3) sequence, originally identified as such in the barley HVA1 promoter, is found approximately 30 bp downstream of motif A (ACGT-containing ABRE) in the promoter of the Osem gene. The relationship between these two elements was further defined by linker-scan analyses of a 55 bp fragment of the Osem promoter, which is sufficient for ABA-responsiveness and VP1 activation. The analyses revealed that both motif A and CE3 sequence were required not only for ABA-responsiveness but also for VP1 activation. Since the sequences of motif A and CE3 were found to be similar, motif-exchange experiments were carried out. The experiments demonstrated that motif A and CE3 were interchangeable by each other with respect to both ABA and VP1 regulation. In addition, both sequences were shown to be recognized by a VP1-interacting, ABA-responsive bZIP factor TRAB1. These results indicate that ACGT-containing ABREs and CE3 are functionally equivalent cis-acting elements. Furthermore, TRAB1 was shown to bind two other non-ACGT ABREs. Based on these results, all these ABREs including CE3 are proposed to be categorized into a single class of cis-acting elements.

Cryptic MCAT enhancer regulation in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Suppression of TEF-1 mediated activation by the single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1.

PubMed

Carlini, Leslie E; Getz, Michael J; Strauch, Arthur R; Kelm, Robert J

2002-03-08

An asymmetric polypurine-polypyrimidine cis-element located in the 5' region of the mouse vascular smooth muscle alpha-actin gene serves as a binding site for multiple proteins with specific affinity for either single- or double-stranded DNA. Here, we test the hypothesis that single-stranded DNA-binding proteins are responsible for preventing a cryptic MCAT enhancer centered within this element from cooperating with a nearby serum response factor-interacting CArG motif to trans-activate the minimal promoter in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. DNA binding studies revealed that the core MCAT sequence mediates binding of transcription enhancer factor-1 to the double-stranded polypurine-polypyrimidine element while flanking nucleotides account for interaction of Pur alpha and Pur beta with the purine-rich strand and MSY1 with the complementary pyrimidine-rich strand. Mutations that selectively impaired high affinity single-stranded DNA binding by fibroblast or smooth muscle cell-derived Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 in vitro, released the cryptic MCAT enhancer from repression in transfected cells. Additional experiments indicated that Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 also interact specifically, albeit weakly, with double-stranded DNA and with transcription enhancer factor-1. These results are consistent with two plausible models of cryptic MCAT enhancer regulation by Pur alpha, Pur beta, and MSY1 involving either competitive single-stranded DNA binding or masking of MCAT-bound transcription enhancer factor-1.

Integrating an MR head into a peak detection channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curland, Nathan; Machelski, Russell J.

1994-03-01

Integrating a magnetoresistive (MR) head into a peak detection channel requires the engineer to deal with basic differences between MR and thin film heads. These differences result from nonlinear sensor response, separate write and read elements, and having an active element at the air bearing surface (ABS). A simple model for flux superposition can adequately address nonlinear effects and be used for equalization design. Timing budgets can be developed which demonstrate the dominance of media noise for present day systems. Single threshold qualification can handle most current system requirements. Separate read/write elements mean that more attention needs to be paid to offtrack equalization design and head dimensional tolerancing. An active element at the ABS requires better control of the head-disc potential and leakage currents.

Polarized excitons and optical activity in single-wall carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yao-Wen; Jin, Bih-Yaw

2018-05-01

The polarized excitons and optical activity of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are studied theoretically by π -electron Hamiltonian and helical-rotational symmetry. By taking advantage of the symmetrization, the single-particle energy and properties of a SWNT are characterized with the corresponding helical band structure. The dipole-moment matrix elements, magnetic-moment matrix elements, and the selection rules can also be derived. Based on different selection rules, the optical transitions can be assigned as the parallel-polarized, left-handed circularly-polarized, and right-handed circularly-polarized transitions, where the combination of the last two gives the cross-polarized transition. The absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra are simulated by exciton calculation. The calculated results are well comparable with the reported measurements. Built on the foundation, magnetic-field effects on the polarized excitons and optical activity of SWNTs are studied. Dark-bright exciton splitting and interband Faraday effect in the CD spectrum of SWNTs under an axial magnetic field are predicted. The Faraday rotation dispersion can be analyzed according to the selection rules of circular polarizations and the helical band structure.

Dual-frequency super harmonic imaging piezoelectric transducers for transrectal ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jinwook; Li, Sibo; Kasoji, Sandeep; Dayton, Paul A.; Jiang, Xiaoning

2015-03-01

In this paper, a 2/14 MHz dual-frequency single-element transducer and a 2/22 MHz sub-array (16/48-elements linear array) transducer were developed for contrast enhanced super-harmonic ultrasound imaging of prostate cancer with the low frequency ultrasound transducer as a transmitter for contrast agent (microbubble) excitation and the high frequency transducer as a receiver for detection of nonlinear responses from microbubbles. The 1-3 piezoelectric composite was used as active materials of the single-element transducers due to its low acoustic impedance and high coupling factor. A high dielectric constant PZT ceramic was used for the sub-array transducer due to its high dielectric property induced relatively low electrical impedance. The possible resonance modes of the active elements were estimated using finite element analysis (FEA). The pulse-echo response, peak-negative pressure and bubble response were tested, followed by in vitro contrast imaging tests using a graphite-gelatin tissue-mimicking phantom. The single-element dual frequency transducer (8 × 4 × 2 mm3) showed a -6 dB fractional bandwidth of 56.5% for the transmitter, and 41.8% for the receiver. A 2 MHz-transmitter (730 μm pitch and 6.5 mm elevation aperture) and a 22 MHz-receiver (240 μm pitch and 1.5 mm aperture) of the sub-array transducer exhibited -6 dB fractional bandwidth of 51.0% and 40.2%, respectively. The peak negative pressure at the far field was about -1.3 MPa with 200 Vpp, 1-cycle 2 MHz burst, which is high enough to excite microbubbles for nonlinear responses. The 7th harmonic responses from micro bubbles were successfully detected in the phantom imaging test showing a contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) of 16 dB.

Visual processing of multiple elements in the dyslexic brain: evidence for a superior parietal dysfunction

PubMed Central

Lobier, Muriel A.; Peyrin, Carole; Pichat, Cédric; Le Bas, Jean-François; Valdois, Sylviane

2014-01-01

The visual attention (VA) span deficit hypothesis of developmental dyslexia posits that impaired multiple element processing can be responsible for poor reading outcomes. In VA span impaired dyslexic children, poor performance on letter report tasks is associated with reduced parietal activations for multiple letter processing. While this hints towards a non-specific, attention-based dysfunction, it is still unclear whether reduced parietal activity generalizes to other types of stimuli. Furthermore, putative links between reduced parietal activity and reduced ventral occipito-temporal (vOT) in dyslexia have yet to be explored. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we measured brain activity in 12 VA span impaired dyslexic adults and 12 adult skilled readers while they carried out a categorization task on single or multiple alphanumeric or non-alphanumeric characters. While healthy readers activated parietal areas more strongly for multiple than single element processing (right-sided for alphanumeric and bilateral for non-alphanumeric), similar stronger multiple element right parietal activations were absent for dyslexic participants. Contrasts between skilled and dyslexic readers revealed significantly reduced right superior parietal lobule (SPL) activity for dyslexic readers regardless of stimuli type. Using a priori anatomically defined regions of interest, we showed that neural activity was reduced for dyslexic participants in both SPL and vOT bilaterally. Finally, we used multiple regressions to test whether SPL activity was related to vOT activity in each group. In the left hemisphere, SPL activity covaried with vOT activity for both normal and dyslexic readers. In contrast, in the right hemisphere, SPL activity covaried with vOT activity only for dyslexic readers. These results bring critical support to the VA interpretation of the VA Span deficit. In addition, they offer a new insight on how deficits in automatic vOT based word recognition could arise in developmental dyslexia. PMID:25071509

In Vitro Selection of a Single-Stranded DNA Molecular Recognition Element against the Pesticide Fipronil and Sensitive Detection in River Water

PubMed Central

Sooter, Letha J.

2017-01-01

Fipronil is a commonly used insecticide that has been shown to have environmental and human health risks. The current standard methods of detection for fipronil and its metabolites, such as GC-MS, are time consuming and labor intensive. In this study, a variant of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), was utilized to identify the first single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecular recognition element (MRE) that binds to fipronil with high affinity (Kd = 48 ± 8 nM). The selected MRE displayed low cross binding activity on various environmentally relevant, structurally unrelated herbicides and pesticides, in addition to broad-spectrum binding activity on major metabolites of fipronil and a structurally similar pesticide in prepared river samples. Additionally, a proof-of-principle fluorescent detection assay was developed by using the selected ssDNA MRE as a signal-reporting element, with a limit of detection of 105 nM in a prepared river water sample. PMID:29283416

High stability amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, W. A.; Reinhardt, V. S. (Inventor)

1983-01-01

An electrical RF signal amplifier for providing high temperature stability and RF isolation and comprised of an integrated circuit voltage regulator, a single transistor, and an integrated circuit operational amplifier mounted on a circuit board such that passive circuit elements are located on side of the circuit board while the active circuit elements are located on the other side is described. The active circuit elements are embedded in a common heat sink so that a common temperature reference is provided for changes in ambient temperature. The single transistor and operational amplifier are connected together to form a feedback amplifier powered from the voltage regulator with transistor implementing primarily the desired signal gain while the operational amplifier implements signal isolation. Further RF isolation is provided by the voltage regulator which inhibits cross-talk from other like amplifiers powered from a common power supply. Input and output terminals consisting of coaxial connectors are located on the sides of a housing in which all the circuit components and heat sink are located.

ASCA X-ray spectra of the active single stars Beta Ceti and pi(1) Ursae Majoris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drake, S. A.; Singh, K. P.; White, N. E.; Simon, Theodore

1994-01-01

We present X-ray spectra obtaiined by ASCA of two single, active stars, the G dwarf pi(1) UMa, and the G9/K0 giant Beta Cet. The spectra of both stars require the presence of at least two plasma components with different temperatures, 0.3-0.4 keV and approximately 0.7 keV, in order for acceptable fits to be obtained. The spectral resolving power and signal-to-noise ratio of the solid state imaging spectrometer (SIS) spectra allow us to formally constrain the coronal abundances of a number of elements. In Beta Cet, we find Mg to be overabundant, while other elements such as O, Ne, and N are underabundant, relative to the solar photospheric values. From the lower signal-to-noise ratio SIS spectrum of pi(1) UMa, we find evidence for underabundances of O, Ne, and Fe. These results are discussed in the context of the present understanding of elemental abundances in solar and stellar coronae.

Noncoding somatic and inherited single-nucleotide variants converge to promote ESR1 expression in breast cancer

PubMed Central

Bailey, Swneke D.; Desai, Kinjal; Kron, Ken J.; Mazrooei, Parisa; Sinnott-Armstrong, Nicholas A.; Treloar, Aislinn E.; Dowar, Mark; Thu, Kelsie L.; Cescon, David W.; Silvester, Jennifer; Yang, S. Y. Cindy; Wu, Xue; Pezo, Rossanna C.; Haibe-Kains, Benjamin; Mak, Tak W.; Bedard, Philippe L.; Pugh, Trevor J.; Sallari, Richard C.; Lupien, Mathieu

2016-01-01

Sustained expression of the oestrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) drives two-thirds of breast cancer and defines the ESR1-positive subtype. ESR1 engages enhancers upon oestrogen stimulation to establish an oncogenic expression program1. Somatic copy number alterations involving the ESR1 gene occur in approximately 1% of ESR1-positive breast cancers2–5, implying that other mechanisms underlie the persistent expression of ESR1. We report the significant enrichment of somatic mutations within the set of regulatory elements (SRE) regulating ESR1 in 7% of ESR1-positive breast cancers. These mutations regulate ESR1 expression by modulating transcription factor binding to the DNA. The SRE includes a recurrently mutated enhancer whose activity is also affected by a functional inherited single nucleotide variant (SNV) rs9383590 that accounts for several breast cancer risk-loci. Our work highlights the importance of considering the combinatorial activity of regulatory elements as a single unit to delineate the impact of noncoding genetic alterations on single genes in cancer. PMID:27571262

Assessment of hypoxia and TNF-alpha response by a vector with HRE and NF-kappaB response elements.

PubMed

Chen, Zhilin; Eadie, Ashley L; Hall, Sean R; Ballantyne, Laurel; Ademidun, David; Tse, M Yat; Pang, Stephen C; Melo, Luis G; Ward, Christopher A; Brunt, Keith R

2017-01-01

Hypoxia and inflammatory cytokine activation (H&I) are common processes in many acute and chronic diseases. Thus, a single vector that responds to both hypoxia and inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, is useful for assesing the severity of such diseases. Adaptation to hypoxia is regulated primarily by hypoxia inducible transcription factor (HIF alpha) nuclear proteins that engage genes containing a hypoxia response element (HRE). Inflammation activates a multitude of cytokines, including TNF-alpha, that invariably modulate activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) transcription factor. We constructed a vector that encompassed both a hypoxia response element (HRE), and a NF-kappaB responsive element. We show that this vector was functionally responsive to both hypoxia and TNF-alpha, in vitro and in vivo . Thus, this vector might be suitable for the detection and assessment of hypoxia or TNF-alpha.

Single MoO3 nanoribbon waveguides: good building blocks as elements and interconnects for nanophotonic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Li; Wu, Guoqing; Gu, Fuxing; Zeng, Heping

2015-11-01

Exploring new nanowaveguide materials and structures is of great scientific interest and technological significance for optical and photonic applications. In this work, high-quality single-crystal MoO3 nanoribbons (NRs) are synthesized and used for optical guiding. External light sources are efficiently launched into the single MoO3 NRs using silica fiber tapers. It is found that single MoO3 NRs are as good nanowaveguides with loss optical losses (typically less than 0.1 dB/μm) and broadband optical guiding in the visible/near-infrared region. Single MoO3 NRs have good Raman gains that are comparable to those of semiconductor nanowaveguides, but the second harmonic generation efficiencies are about 4 orders less than those of semiconductor nanowaveguides. And also no any third-order nonlinear optical effects are observed at high pump power. A hybrid Fabry-Pérot cavity containing an active CdSe nanowire and a passive MoO3 NR is also demonstrated, and the ability of coupling light from other active nanostructures and fluorescent liquid solutions has been further demonstrated. These optical properties make single MoO3 NRs attractive building blocks as elements and interconnects in miniaturized photonic circuitries and devices.

Integrator element as a promoter of active learning in engineering teaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, Paulo C.; Oliveira, Cristina G.

2014-03-01

In this paper, we present a teaching proposal used in an Introductory Physics course to civil engineering students from Porto's Engineering Institute/Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP). The proposal was born from the need to change students' perception and motivation for learning physics. It consists in the use of an integrator element, called the physics elevator project. This integrator element allows us to use, in a single project, all the content taught in the course and uses several active learning strategies. In this paper, we analyse this project as: (i) a clarifying element of the contents covered in the course; (ii) a promoter element of motivation and active participation in class and finally and (iii) a link between the contents covered in the course and the 'real world'. The data were collected by a questionnaire and interviews to students. From the data collected, it seems that the integrator element improves students' motivation towards physics and develops several skills that they consider to be important to their professional future. It also acts as a clarifying element and makes the connection between the physics that is taught and the 'real world'.

Simulation of sparse matrix array designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boehm, Rainer; Heckel, Thomas

2018-04-01

Matrix phased array probes are becoming more prominently used in industrial applications. The main drawbacks, using probes incorporating a very large number of transducer elements, are needed for an appropriate cabling and an ultrasonic device offering many parallel channels. Matrix arrays designed for extended functionality feature at least 64 or more elements. Typical arrangements are square matrices, e.g., 8 by 8 or 11 by 11 or rectangular matrixes, e.g., 8 by 16 or 10 by 12 to fit a 128-channel phased array system. In some phased array systems, the number of simultaneous active elements is limited to a certain number, e.g., 32 or 64. Those setups do not allow running the probe with all elements active, which may cause a significant change in the directivity pattern of the resulting sound beam. When only a subset of elements can be used during a single acquisition, different strategies may be applied to collect enough data for rebuilding the missing information from the echo signal. Omission of certain elements may be one approach, overlay of subsequent shots with different active areas may be another one. This paper presents the influence of a decreased number of active elements on the sound field and their distribution on the array. Solutions using subsets with different element activity patterns on matrix arrays and their advantages and disadvantages concerning the sound field are evaluated using semi-analytical simulation tools. Sound field criteria are discussed, which are significant for non-destructive testing results and for the system setup.

Performance characterization of polarimetric active radar calibrators and a new single antenna design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarabandi, Kamal; Oh, Yisok; Ulaby, Fawwaz T.

1992-10-01

Three aspects of a polarimetric active radar calibrator (PARC) are treated: (1) experimental measurements of the magnitudes and phases of the scattering-matrix elements of a pair of PARCs operating at 1.25 and 5.3 GHz; (2) the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a PARC; and (3) the extension of the single-target-calibration technique (STCT) to a PARC. STCT has heretofore been limited to the use of reciprocal passive calibration devices, such as spheres and trihedral corner reflectors.

Performance characterization of polarimetric active radar calibrators and a new single antenna design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarabandi, Kamal; Oh, Yisok; Ulaby, Fawwaz T.

1992-01-01

Three aspects of a polarimetric active radar calibrator (PARC) are treated: (1) experimental measurements of the magnitudes and phases of the scattering-matrix elements of a pair of PARCs operating at 1.25 and 5.3 GHz; (2) the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a PARC; and (3) the extension of the single-target-calibration technique (STCT) to a PARC. STCT has heretofore been limited to the use of reciprocal passive calibration devices, such as spheres and trihedral corner reflectors.

Completely non-destructive elemental analysis of bulky samples by PGAA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oura, Y.; Nakahara, H.; Sueki, K.; Sato, W.; Saito, A.; Tomizawa, T.; Nishikawa, T.

1999-01-01

NBAA (neutron beam activation analysis), which is a combination of PGAA and INAA by a single neutron irradiation, using an internal monostandard method is proposed as a very unique and promising method for the elemental analysis of voluminous and invaluable archaeological samples which do not allow even a scrape of the surface. It was applied to chinawares, Sueki ware, and bronze mirrors, and proved to be a very effective method for nondestructive analysis of not only major elements but also some minor elements such as boron that help solve archaeological problems of ears and sites of their production.

Multiple cis-acting elements involved in up-regulation of a cytochrome P450 gene conferring resistance to deltamethrin in smal brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén).

PubMed

Pu, Jian; Sun, Haina; Wang, Jinda; Wu, Min; Wang, Kangxu; Denholm, Ian; Han, Zhaojun

2016-11-01

As well as arising from single point mutations in binding sites or detoxifying enzymes, it is likely that insecticide resistance mechanisms are frequently controlled by multiple genetic factors, resulting in resistance being inherited as a quantitative trait. However, empirical evidence for this is still rare. Here we analyse the causes of up-regulation of CYP6FU1, a monoxygenase implicated in resistance to deltamethrin in the rice pest Laodelphax striatellus. The 5'-flanking region of this gene was cloned and sequenced from individuals of a susceptible and a resistant strain. A luminescent reporter assay was used to evaluate different 5'-flanking regions and their fragments for promoter activity. Mutations enhancing promoter activity in various fragments were characterized, singly and in combination, by site mutation recovery. Nucleotide diversity in flanking sequences was greatly reduced in deltamethrin-resistant insects compared to susceptible ones. Phylogenetic sequence analysis found that CYP6FU1 had five different types of 5'-flanking region. All five types were present in a susceptible strain but only a single type showing the highest promoter activity was present in a resistant strain. Four cis-acting elements were identified whose influence on up-regulation was much more pronounced in combination than when present singly. Of these, two were new transcription factor (TF) binding sites produced by mutations, another one was also a new TF binding site alternated from an existing one, and the fourth was a unique transcription start site. These results demonstrate that multiple cis-acting elements are involved in up-regulating CYP6FU1 to generate a resistance phenotype. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chromatin insulation by a transcriptional activator

PubMed Central

Sutter, Nathan B.; Scalzo, David; Fiering, Steven; Groudine, Mark; Martin, David I. K.

2003-01-01

In eukaryotic genomes, transcriptionally active regions are interspersed with silent chromatin that may repress genes in its vicinity. Chromatin insulators are elements that can shield a locus from repressive effects of flanking chromatin. Few such elements have been characterized in higher eukaryotes, but transcriptional activating elements are an invariant feature of active loci and have been shown to suppress transgene silencing. Hence, we have assessed the ability of a transcriptional activator to cause chromatin insulation, i.e., to relieve position effects at transgene integration sites in cultured cells. The transgene contained a series of binding sites for the metal-inducible transcriptional activator MTF, linked to a GFP reporter. Clones carrying single integrated transgenes were derived without selection for expression, and in most clones the transgene was silent. Induction of MTF resulted in transition of the transgene from the silent to the active state, prolongation of the active state, and a marked narrowing of the range of expression levels at different genomic sites. At one genomic site, prolonged induction of MTF resulted in suppression of transgene silencing that persisted after withdrawal of the induction stimulus. These results are consistent with MTF acting as a chromatin insulator and imply that transcriptional activating elements can insulate active loci against chromatin repression. PMID:12547916

Active noise control using noise source having adaptive resonant frequency tuning through stress variation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pla, Frederic G. (Inventor); Renshaw, Anthony A. (Inventor); Rajiyah, Harindra (Inventor); Hedeen, Robert A. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A noise source for an aircraft engine active noise cancellation system in which the resonant frequency of a noise radiating element is tuned to permit noise cancellation over a wide range of frequencies. The resonant frequency of the noise radiating element is tuned by an expandable ring embedded in the noise radiating element. Excitation of the ring causes expansion or contraction of the ring, thereby varying the stress in the noise radiating element. The ring is actuated by a controller which receives input of a feedback signal proportional to displacement of the noise radiating element and a signal corresponding to the blade passage frequency of the engine's fan. In response, the controller determines a control signal which is sent to the ring, causing the ring to expand or contract. Instead of a single ring embedded in the noise radiating panel, a first expandable ring can be bonded to one side of the noise radiating element, and a second expandable ring can be bonded to the other side.

Assessment and Accommodation of Thermal Expansion of the Internal Active Thermal Control System Coolant During Launch to On-Orbit Activation of International Space Station Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Darryl; Ungar, Eugene K.; Holt, James M.

2002-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) employs an Internal Active Thermal Control System (IATCS) comprised of several single-phase water coolant loops. These coolant loops are distributed throughout the ISS pressurized elements. The primary element coolant loops (i.e. U.S. Laboratory module) contain a fluid accumulator to accomodate thermal expansion of the system. Other element coolant loops are parasitic (i.e. Airlock), have no accumulator, and require an alternative approach to insure that the system maximum design pressure (MDP) is not exceeded during the Launch to Activation (LTA) phase. During this time the element loops is a stand alone closed system. The solution approach for accomodating thermal expansion was affected by interactions of system components and their particular limitations. The mathematical solution approach was challenged by the presence of certain unknown or not readily obtainable physical and thermodynamic characteristics of some system components and processes. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief description of a few of the solutions that evolved over time, a novel mathematical solution to eliminate some of the unknowns or derive the unknowns experimentally, and the testing and methods undertaken.

Assessment and Accommodation of Thermal Expansion of the Internal Active Thermal Control System Coolant During Launch to On-Orbit Activation of International Space Station Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, J. Darryl; Ungar, Eugene K.; Holt, James M.; Turner, Larry D. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) employs an Internal Active Thermal Control System (IATCS) comprised of several single-phase water coolant loops. These coolant loops are distributed throughout the ISS pressurized elements. The primary element coolant loops (i.e., US Laboratory module) contain a fluid accumulator to accommodate thermal expansion of the system. Other element coolant loops are parasitic (i.e., Airlock), have no accumulator, and require an alternative approach to insure that the system Maximum Design Pressure (MDP) is not exceeded during the Launch to Activation phase. During this time the element loop is a stand alone closed individual system. The solution approach for accommodating thermal expansion was affected by interactions of system components and their particular limitations. The mathematical solution approach was challenged by the presence of certain unknown or not readily obtainable physical and thermodynamic characteristics of some system components and processes. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief description of a few of the solutions that evolved over time, a novel mathematical solution to eliminate some of the unknowns or derive the unknowns experimentally, and the testing and methods undertaken.

A boundary element approach to optimization of active noise control sources on three-dimensional structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cunefare, K. A.; Koopmann, G. H.

1991-01-01

This paper presents the theoretical development of an approach to active noise control (ANC) applicable to three-dimensional radiators. The active noise control technique, termed ANC Optimization Analysis, is based on minimizing the total radiated power by adding secondary acoustic sources on the primary noise source. ANC Optimization Analysis determines the optimum magnitude and phase at which to drive the secondary control sources in order to achieve the best possible reduction in the total radiated power from the noise source/control source combination. For example, ANC Optimization Analysis predicts a 20 dB reduction in the total power radiated from a sphere of radius at a dimensionless wavenumber ka of 0.125, for a single control source representing 2.5 percent of the total area of the sphere. ANC Optimization Analysis is based on a boundary element formulation of the Helmholtz Integral Equation, and thus, the optimization analysis applies to a single frequency, while multiple frequencies can be treated through repeated analyses.

Autothermal reforming catalyst having perovskite structure

DOEpatents

Krumpel, Michael [Naperville, IL; Liu, Di-Jia [Naperville, IL

2009-03-24

The invention addressed two critical issues in fuel processing for fuel cell application, i.e. catalyst cost and operating stability. The existing state-of-the-art fuel reforming catalyst uses Rh and platinum supported over refractory oxide which add significant cost to the fuel cell system. Supported metals agglomerate under elevated temperature during reforming and decrease the catalyst activity. The catalyst is a perovskite oxide or a Ruddlesden-Popper type oxide containing rare-earth elements, catalytically active firs row transition metal elements, and stabilizing elements, such that the catalyst is a single phase in high temperature oxidizing conditions and maintains a primarily perovskite or Ruddlesden-Popper structure under high temperature reducing conditions. The catalyst can also contain alkaline earth dopants, which enhance the catalytic activity of the catalyst, but do not compromise the stability of the perovskite structure.

Characterization of an endogenous retrovirus class in elephants and their relatives

PubMed Central

Greenwood, Alex D; Englbrecht, Claudia C; MacPhee, Ross DE

2004-01-01

Background Endogenous retrovirus-like elements (ERV-Ls, primed with tRNA leucine) are a diverse group of reiterated sequences related to foamy viruses and widely distributed among mammals. As shown in previous investigations, in many primates and rodents this class of elements has remained transpositionally active, as reflected by increased copy number and high sequence diversity within and among taxa. Results Here we examine whether proviral-like sequences may be suitable molecular probes for investigating the phylogeny of groups known to have high element diversity. As a test we characterized ERV-Ls occurring in a sample of extant members of superorder Uranotheria (Asian and African elephants, manatees, and hyraxes). The ERV-L complement in this group is even more diverse than previously suspected, and there is sequence evidence for active expansion, particularly in elephantids. Many of the elements characterized have protein coding potential suggestive of activity. Conclusions In general, the evidence supports the hypothesis that the complement had a single origin within basal Uranotheria. PMID:15476555

Electro-kinetic Separation of Rare Earth Elements Using a Redox-Active Ligand.

PubMed

Fang, Huayi; Cole, Bren E; Qiao, Yusen; Bogart, Justin A; Cheisson, Thibault; Manor, Brian C; Carroll, Patrick J; Schelter, Eric J

2017-10-16

Purification of rare earth elements is challenging due to their chemical similarities. All of the deployed separation methods rely on thermodynamic properties, such as distribution equilibria in solvent extraction. Rare-earth-metal separations based on kinetic differences have not been examined. Herein, we demonstrate a new approach for rare-earth-element separations by exploiting differences in the oxidation rates within a series of rare earth compounds containing the redox-active ligand [{2-(tBuN(O))C 6 H 4 CH 2 } 3 N] 3- . Using this method, a single-step separation factor up to 261 was obtained for the separation of a 50:50 yttrium-lutetium mixture. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Overview of Marshall Space Flight Center Activities for the Combustion Stability Tool Development Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kenny, R. J.; Greene, W. D.

2016-01-01

This presentation covers the overall scope, schedule, and activities associated with the NASA - Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) involvement with the Combustion Stability Tool Development (CSTD) program. The CSTD program is funded by the Air Force Space & Missile Systems Center; it is approximately two years in duration and; and it is sponsoring MSFC to: design, fabricate, & execute multi-element hardware testing, support Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) single element testing, and execute testing of a small-scale, multi-element combustion chamber. Specific MSFC Engineering Directorate involvement, per CSTD-sponsored task, will be outlined. This presentation serves a primer for the corresponding works that provide details of the technical work performed by individual groups within MSFC.

System implications of large radiometric array antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levis, C. A.; Lin, H. C.

1976-01-01

Current radiometric earth and atmospheric sensing systems in the centimeter wavelength range generally employ a directive antenna connected through a single terminal pair to a Dicke receiver. It is shown that this approach does not lend itself to systems with greatly increased spatial resolution. Signal to noise considerations relating to antenna efficiency force the introduction of active elements at the subarray level; thus, if Dicke switching is to be used, it must be distributed throughout the system. Some possible approaches are suggested. The introduction of active elements at the subarray level is found to ease the design constraints on time delay elements, necessary for bandwidth, and on multiple beam generation, required in order to achieve sufficient integration time with high resolution.

The Abundances of the Fe Group Elements in Early B Stars in the Magellanic Clouds and Bridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, Geraldine J.; Adelman, Saul J.

2016-01-01

The abundances of three Fe Group elements (V, Cr, and Fe) in 9 early main-sequence band B stars in the LMC, 7 in the SMC , and two in the Magellanic Bridge have been determined from archival FUSE observations and the Hubeny/Lanz NLTE programs TLUSTY/SYNSPEC. Lines from the Fe group elements, except for a few weak multiplets of Fe III, are not observable in the optical spectral region. The best set of lines in the FUSE spectral region are Fe III (UV1), V III 1150 Å, and Cr III 1137 Å. The abundances of these elements in early B stars are a marker for recent SNe Ia activity, as a single exploding white dwarf can deliver 0.5 solar masses of Ni-56 that decays into Fe to the ISM. The Fe group abundances in an older population of stars primarily reflect SNe II activity, in which a single explosion delivers only 0.07 solar masses of Ni-56 to the ISM (the rest remains trapped in the neutron star). The abundances of the Fe group elements in early B stars not only track SNe Ia activity but are also important for computing evolutionary tracks for massive stars. In general, the Fe abundance relative to the sun's value is comparable to the mean abundances for the lighter elements in the Clouds/Bridge but the values of [V,Cr/Fe]sun are smaller. This presentation will discuss the spatial distribution of the Fe Group elements in the Magellanic Clouds, and compare it with our galaxy in which the abundance of Fe declines with radial distance from the center. Support from NASA grants NAG5-13212, NNX10AD66G, STScI HST-GO-13346.22, and USC's Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program is greatly appreciated.

Impedance spectroscopy of the electrode-tissue interface of living heart with isoösmotic conductivity perturbation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovadia, Marc; Zavitz, Daniel H.

2004-06-01

Impedance spectroscopy was used to solve the Pt electrode interface with metabolically active perfused living heart. Three impedance spectra were observed: the Warburg impedance ( ZW∞), a single high angle constant-phase-element, and a thin-film impedance ( ZD). When characterized again after cyclic change of ionic strength (and hence conductivity κ) each interface had one of only two spectra, with exclusion of ZW∞. The in vivo interfacial impedance spectrum is thus neither single-valued nor stable in time. Because metal|living tissue interfaces are obligatory circuit elements in biosensors and electrodes in heart and brain, the multiple-valued and thin-film character of its impedance are significant.

Adhesion, friction, and wear of binary alloys in contact with single-crystal silicon carbide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, K.; Buckley, D. H.

1980-01-01

Sliding friction experiments, conducted with various iron base alloys (alloying elements are Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Rh and W) in contact with a single crystal silicon carbide /0001/ surface in vacuum are discussed. Results indicate atomic size misfit and concentration of alloying elements play a dominant role in controlling adhesion, friction, and wear properties of iron-base binary alloys. The controlling mechanism of the alloy properties is as an intrinsic effect involving the resistance to shear fracture of cohesive bonding in the alloy. The coefficient of friction generally increases with an increase in solute concentration. The coefficient of friction increases as the solute-to-iron atomic radius ratio increases or decreases from unity. Alloys having higher solute concentration produce more transfer to silicon carbide than do alloys having low solute concentrations. The chemical activity of the alloying element is also an important parameter in controlling adhesion and friction of alloys.

Transcription initiation from the dihydrofolate reductase promoter is positioned by HIP1 binding at the initiation site.

PubMed

Means, A L; Farnham, P J

1990-02-01

We have identified a sequence element that specifies the position of transcription initiation for the dihydrofolate reductase gene. Unlike the functionally analogous TATA box that directs RNA polymerase II to initiate transcription 30 nucleotides downstream, the positioning element of the dihydrofolate reductase promoter is located directly at the site of transcription initiation. By using DNase I footprint analysis, we have shown that a protein binds to this initiator element. Transcription initiated at the dihydrofolate reductase initiator element when 28 nucleotides were inserted between it and all other upstream sequences, or when it was placed on either side of the DNA helix, suggesting that there is no strict spatial requirement between the initiator and an upstream element. Although neither a single Sp1-binding site nor a single initiator element was sufficient for transcriptional activity, the combination of one Sp1-binding site and the dihydrofolate reductase initiator element cloned into a plasmid vector resulted in transcription starting at the initiator element. We have also shown that the simian virus 40 late major initiation site has striking sequence homology to the dihydrofolate reductase initiation site and that the same, or a similar, protein binds to both sites. Examination of the sequences at other RNA polymerase II initiation sites suggests that we have identified an element that is important in the transcription of other housekeeping genes. We have thus named the protein that binds to the initiator element HIP1 (Housekeeping Initiator Protein 1).

Beta-globin LCR and intron elements cooperate and direct spatial reorganization for gene therapy.

PubMed

Buzina, Alla; Lo, Mandy Y M; Moffett, Angela; Hotta, Akitsu; Fussner, Eden; Bharadwaj, Rikki R; Pasceri, Peter; Garcia-Martinez, J Victor; Bazett-Jones, David P; Ellis, James

2008-04-11

The Locus Control Region (LCR) requires intronic elements within beta-globin transgenes to direct high level expression at all ectopic integration sites. However, these essential intronic elements cannot be transmitted through retrovirus vectors and their deletion may compromise the therapeutic potential for gene therapy. Here, we systematically regenerate functional beta-globin intron 2 elements that rescue LCR activity directed by 5'HS3. Evaluation in transgenic mice demonstrates that an Oct-1 binding site and an enhancer in the intron cooperate to increase expression levels from LCR globin transgenes. Replacement of the intronic AT-rich region with the Igmu 3'MAR rescues LCR activity in single copy transgenic mice. Importantly, a combination of the Oct-1 site, Igmu 3'MAR and intronic enhancer in the BGT158 cassette directs more consistent levels of expression in transgenic mice. By introducing intron-modified transgenes into the same genomic integration site in erythroid cells, we show that BGT158 has the greatest transcriptional induction. 3D DNA FISH establishes that induction stimulates this small 5'HS3 containing transgene and the endogenous locus to spatially reorganize towards more central locations in erythroid nuclei. Electron Spectroscopic Imaging (ESI) of chromatin fibers demonstrates that ultrastructural heterochromatin is primarily perinuclear and does not reorganize. Finally, we transmit intron-modified globin transgenes through insulated self-inactivating (SIN) lentivirus vectors into erythroid cells. We show efficient transfer and robust mRNA and protein expression by the BGT158 vector, and virus titer improvements mediated by the modified intron 2 in the presence of an LCR cassette composed of 5'HS2-4. Our results have important implications for the mechanism of LCR activity at ectopic integration sites. The modified transgenes are the first to transfer intronic elements that potentiate LCR activity and are designed to facilitate correction of hemoglobinopathies using single copy vectors.

The repeat organizer, a specialized insulator element within the intergenic spacer of the Xenopus rRNA genes.

PubMed Central

Robinett, C C; O'Connor, A; Dunaway, M

1997-01-01

We have identified a novel activity for the region of the intergenic spacer of the Xenopus laevis rRNA genes that contains the 35- and 100-bp repeats. We devised a new assay for this region by constructing DNA plasmids containing a tandem repeat of rRNA reporter genes that were separated by the 35- and 100-bp repeat region and a rRNA gene enhancer. When the 35- and 100-bp repeat region is present in its normal position and orientation at the 3' end of the rRNA reporter genes, the enhancer activates the adjacent downstream promoter but not the upstream rRNA promoter on the same plasmid. Because this element can restrict the range of an enhancer's activity in the context of tandem genes, we have named it the repeat organizer (RO). The ability to restrict enhancer action is a feature of insulator elements, but unlike previously described insulator elements the RO does not block enhancer action in a simple enhancer-blocking assay. Instead, the activity of the RO requires that it be in its normal position and orientation with respect to the other sequence elements of the rRNA genes. The enhancer-binding transcription factor xUBF also binds to the repetitive sequences of the RO in vitro, but these sequences do not activate transcription in vivo. We propose that the RO is a specialized insulator element that organizes the tandem array of rRNA genes into single-gene expression units by promoting activation of a promoter by its proximal enhancers. PMID:9111359

Variable recruitment fluidic artificial muscles: modeling and experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryant, Matthew; Meller, Michael A.; Garcia, Ephrahim

2014-07-01

We investigate taking advantage of the lightweight, compliant nature of fluidic artificial muscles to create variable recruitment actuators in the form of artificial muscle bundles. Several actuator elements at different diameter scales are packaged to act as a single actuator device. The actuator elements of the bundle can be connected to the fluidic control circuit so that different groups of actuator elements, much like individual muscle fibers, can be activated independently depending on the required force output and motion. This novel actuation concept allows us to save energy by effectively impedance matching the active size of the actuators on the fly based on the instantaneous required load. This design also allows a single bundled actuator to operate in substantially different force regimes, which could be valuable for robots that need to perform a wide variety of tasks and interact safely with humans. This paper proposes, models and analyzes the actuation efficiency of this actuator concept. The analysis shows that variable recruitment operation can create an actuator that reduces throttling valve losses to operate more efficiently over a broader range of its force-strain operating space. We also present preliminary results of the design, fabrication and experimental characterization of three such bioinspired variable recruitment actuator prototypes.

Elemental sulfur recovery process

DOEpatents

Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, M.; Zhicheng Hu.

1993-09-07

An improved catalytic reduction process for the direct recovery of elemental sulfur from various SO[sub 2]-containing industrial gas streams. The catalytic process provides combined high activity and selectivity for the reduction of SO[sub 2] to elemental sulfur product with carbon monoxide or other reducing gases. The reaction of sulfur dioxide and reducing gas takes place over certain catalyst formulations based on cerium oxide. The process is a single-stage, catalytic sulfur recovery process in conjunction with regenerators, such as those used in dry, regenerative flue gas desulfurization or other processes, involving direct reduction of the SO[sub 2] in the regenerator off gas stream to elemental sulfur in the presence of a catalyst. 4 figures.

Elemental sulfur recovery process

DOEpatents

Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, Maria; Hu, Zhicheng

1993-01-01

An improved catalytic reduction process for the direct recovery of elemental sulfur from various SO.sub.2 -containing industrial gas streams. The catalytic process provides combined high activity and selectivity for the reduction of SO.sub.2 to elemental sulfur product with carbon monoxide or other reducing gases. The reaction of sulfur dioxide and reducing gas takes place over certain catalyst formulations based on cerium oxide. The process is a single-stage, catalytic sulfur recovery process in conjunction with regenerators, such as those used in dry, regenerative flue gas desulfurization or other processes, involving direct reduction of the SO.sub.2 in the regenerator off gas stream to elemental sulfur in the presence of a catalyst.

Reconfigurable Optical Elements Based on Single and Coupled Microdisk Resonators with Quantum DOT Active Media

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-29

of active-passive integrated polymer waveguides. The active waveguides consist of CdSe quantum dots dispersed in SU8 . Bottom panel shows CCD images...successfully demonstrated (i) incorporation of CdSe QDs into polymer and dielectric host and realization of devices such as active waveguides, microdisk...the significant outcomes of the program: • Successful incorporation of CdSe QDs into polymer and dielectric host and realization of devices such as

Analysis and Synthesis of Adaptive Neural Elements and Assembles

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-30

of an Aplysia sensory neuron was developed that reflects the subcellular processes underlying activity-dependent neuromodulation . This single- Page -3... neuromodulation learning rule could simulate some higher-order features of classical conditioning, such second-order conditioning and blocking. During the...reporting period, simulations were used to test the hypothesis that activity-dependent neuromodulation could also support operant conditioning. A

Method for making electro-fluidic connections in microfluidic devices

DOEpatents

Frye-Mason, Gregory C.; Martinez, David; Manginell, Ronald P.; Heller, Edwin J.; Chanchani, Rajen

2004-08-10

A method for forming electro-fluidic interconnections in microfluidic devices comprises forming an electrical connection between matching bond pads on a die containing an active electrical element and a microfluidic substrate and forming a fluidic seal ring that circumscribes the active electrical element and a fluidic feedthrough. Preferably, the electrical connection and the seal ring are formed in a single bonding step. The simple method is particularly useful for chemical microanalytical systems wherein a plurality of microanalytical components, such as a chemical preconcentrator, a gas chromatography column, and a surface acoustic wave detector, are fluidically interconnected on a hybrid microfluidic substrate having electrical connection to external support electronics.

Repeated administration of CGP 46381, a gamma-aminobutyric acidB antagonist, and ethosuximide suppresses seizure-associated cyclic adenosine 3'5' monophosphate response element- and activator protein-1 DNA-binding activities in lethargic (lh/lh) mice.

PubMed

Ishige, K; Endo, H; Saito, H; Ito, Y

2001-01-19

To characterize seizure-associated increases in cerebral cortical and thalamic cyclic AMP responsive element (CRE)- and activator protein 1 (AP-1) DNA-binding activities in lethargic (lh/lh) mice, a genetic model of absence seizures, we examined the effects of ethosuximide and CGP 46381 on these DNA-binding activities. Repeated administration (twice a day for 5 days) of ethosuximide (200 mg/kg) or CGP 46381 (60 mg/kg) attenuated both seizure behavior and the increased DNA-binding activities, and was more effective than a single administration of these drugs. These treatments did not affect either normal behavior or basal DNA-binding activities in non-epileptic control (+/+) mice. Gel supershift assays revealed that the increased CRE-binding activity was attributable to activation of the binding activity of CREB, and that the c-Fos-c-Jun complex was a component of the increased AP-1 DNA-binding activity.

Germinal and Somatic Activity of the Maize Element Activator (Ac) in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Keller, J.; Lim, E.; James-Jr., D. W.; Dooner, H. K.

1992-01-01

We have investigated the germinal and somatic activity of the maize Activator (Ac) element in Arabidopsis with the objective of developing an efficient transposon-based system for gene isolation in that plant. Transposition activity was assayed with a chimeric marker that consists of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and a bacterial streptomycin phosphotransferase gene (SPT). Somatic activity was detected in seedlings germinated on plates containing streptomycin as green-resistant sectors against a background of white-sensitive cells. Germinal excisions resulted in fully green seedlings. The transposition frequency was extremely low when a single copy of the transposon was present, but appeared to increase with an increase in Ac copy number. Plants that were selected as variegated produced an increased number of green progeny. The methylation state of the Ac elements in lines with either low or high levels of excision was assessed by restriction analysis. No difference was found between these lines, indicating that the degree of methylation did not contribute to the level of Ac activity. Germinal excision events were analyzed molecularly and shown to carry reinserted transposons in about 50% of the cases. In several instances, streptomycin-resistant siblings carried the same transposed Ac element, indicating that excision had occurred prior to meiosis in the parent. We discuss parameters that need to be considered to optimize the use of Ac as a transposon tag in Arabidopsis. PMID:1322854

Sulfonamide-containing PTP 1B inhibitors: Docking studies, synthesis and model validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Enli; Gan, Qiang; Chen, Xi; Feng, Changgen

2017-01-01

PTP 1B plays an important role in regulating insulin signaling pathway and is regarded as a valid target for curing diabetes and obesity. In this paper, two novel sulfonamide-containing PTP 1B inhibitors were designed, synthesized in mild condition, and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. The single crystal of compounds 7 and 8 were obtained and their structures were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. In addition, their inhibitory activity were predicted by genetic algorithm, and carried on in vitro enzyme activity test. Of which compound 8 showed good inhibitory activity, in consistent with docking studies.

Multi-element fiber technology for space-division multiplexing applications.

PubMed

Jain, S; Rancaño, V J F; May-Smith, T C; Petropoulos, P; Sahu, J K; Richardson, D J

2014-02-24

A novel technological approach to space division multiplexing (SDM) based on the use of multiple individual fibers embedded in a common polymer coating material is presented, which is referred to as Multi-Element Fiber (MEF). The approach ensures ultralow crosstalk between spatial channels and allows for cost-effective ways of realizing multi-spatial channel amplification and signal multiplexing/demultiplexing. Both the fabrication and characterization of a passive 3-element MEF for data transmission, and an active 5-element erbium/ytterbium doped MEF for cladding-pumped optical amplification that uses one of the elements as an integrated pump delivery fiber is reported. Finally, both components were combined to emulate an optical fiber network comprising SDM transmission lines and amplifiers, and illustrate the compatibility of the approach with existing installed single-mode WDM fiber systems.

Evaluation of the JPL X-band 32 element active array. [for deep space communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boreham, J. F.; Postal, R. B.; Conroy, B. L.

1979-01-01

Tests performed on an X-band 32-element active array are described. Antenna pattern characteristics of the array were tested in its standard operating mode as well as several degraded performance modes, including failures of 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 16, and 31 elements. Additionally, the array was characterized with the addition of a metallic shroud, and also characterized versus rf drive level and at a single off-axis electronic beamsteered position. Characterization was performed on several of the 3/4-watt, three-stage, X-band solid-state power amplifier modules. The characterization included swept amplitude response, amplitude and phase versus temperature from -20 to +60 C, and intermodulation distortion of selected modules. The array is described and conclusions and recommendations based upon the experience and results achieved are included.

Adaptive functional systems: learning with chaos.

PubMed

Komarov, M A; Osipov, G V; Burtsev, M S

2010-12-01

We propose a new model of adaptive behavior that combines a winnerless competition principle and chaos to learn new functional systems. The model consists of a complex network of nonlinear dynamical elements producing sequences of goal-directed actions. Each element describes dynamics and activity of the functional system which is supposed to be a distributed set of interacting physiological elements such as nerve or muscle that cooperates to obtain certain goal at the level of the whole organism. During "normal" behavior, the dynamics of the system follows heteroclinic channels, but in the novel situation chaotic search is activated and a new channel leading to the target state is gradually created simulating the process of learning. The model was tested in single and multigoal environments and had demonstrated a good potential for generation of new adaptations. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.

Of Elephant Blankets and Sieves: Designing a Professional Body for Outdoor Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Higgins, Peter

1998-01-01

Examines elements in designing a single organization for outdoor education professionals in the United Kingdom. Discusses the responsibilities and activities of a professional association, characteristics of potential members, organizational structure, possible problems, professional image and qualifications, relationships with National Governing…

A Mixed Multi-Field Finite Element Formulation for Thermopiezoelectric Composite Shells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Ho-Jun; Saravanos, Dimitris A.

1999-01-01

Analytical formulations are presented which account for the coupled mechanical, electrical, and thermal response of piezoelectric composite shell structures. A new mixed multi-field laminate theory is developed which combines "single layer" assumptions for the displacements along with layerwise fields for the electric potential and temperature. This laminate theory is formulated using curvilinear coordinates and is based on the principles of linear thermopiezoelectricity. The mechanics have the inherent capability to explicitly model both the active and sensory responses of piezoelectric composite shells in thermal environment. Finite element equations are derived and implemented for an eight-noded shell element. Numerical studies are conducted to investigate both the sensory and active responses of piezoelectric composite shell structures subjected to thermal loads. Results for a cantilevered plate with an attached piezoelectric layer are com- pared with corresponding results from a commercial finite element code and a previously developed program. Additional studies are conducted on a cylindrical shell with an attached piezoelectric layer to demonstrate capabilities to achieve thermal shape control on curved piezoelectric structures.

Representative volume element model of lithium-ion battery electrodes based on X-ray nano-tomography

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

Kashkooli, Ali Ghorbani; Amirfazli, Amir; Farhad, Siamak

For this, a new model that keeps all major advantages of the single-particle model of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and includes three-dimensional structure of the electrode was developed. Unlike the single spherical particle, this model considers a small volume element of an electrode, called the Representative Volume Element (RVE), which represent the real electrode structure. The advantages of using RVE as the model geometry was demonstrated for a typical LIB electrode consisting of nano-particle LiFePO 4 (LFP) active material. The three-dimensional morphology of the LFP electrode was reconstructed using a synchrotron X-ray nano-computed tomography at the Advanced Photon Source of themore » Argonne National. A 27 μm 3 cube from reconstructed structure was chosen as the RVE for the simulation purposes. The model was employed to predict the voltage curve in a half-cell during galvanostatic operations and validated with experimental data. The simulation results showed that the distribution of lithium inside the electrode microstructure is very different from the results obtained based on the single-particle model. The range of lithium concentration is found to be much greater, successfully illustrates the effect of microstructure heterogeneity.« less

Representative volume element model of lithium-ion battery electrodes based on X-ray nano-tomography

DOE PAGES

Kashkooli, Ali Ghorbani; Amirfazli, Amir; Farhad, Siamak; ...

2017-01-28

For this, a new model that keeps all major advantages of the single-particle model of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and includes three-dimensional structure of the electrode was developed. Unlike the single spherical particle, this model considers a small volume element of an electrode, called the Representative Volume Element (RVE), which represent the real electrode structure. The advantages of using RVE as the model geometry was demonstrated for a typical LIB electrode consisting of nano-particle LiFePO 4 (LFP) active material. The three-dimensional morphology of the LFP electrode was reconstructed using a synchrotron X-ray nano-computed tomography at the Advanced Photon Source of themore » Argonne National. A 27 μm 3 cube from reconstructed structure was chosen as the RVE for the simulation purposes. The model was employed to predict the voltage curve in a half-cell during galvanostatic operations and validated with experimental data. The simulation results showed that the distribution of lithium inside the electrode microstructure is very different from the results obtained based on the single-particle model. The range of lithium concentration is found to be much greater, successfully illustrates the effect of microstructure heterogeneity.« less

A single-molecule view of gene regulation in cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, Daniel

2013-03-01

Single-cell analysis has revealed that transcription is dynamic and stochastic, but tools are lacking that can determine the mechanism operating at a single gene. Here we utilize single-molecule observations of RNA in fixed and living cells to develop a single-cell model of steroid-receptor mediated gene activation. Steroid receptors coordinate a diverse range of responses in higher eukaryotes and are involved in a wide range of human diseases, including cancer. Steroid receptor response elements are present throughout the human genome and modulate chromatin remodeling and transcription in both a local and long-range fashion. As such, steroid receptor-mediated transcription is a paradigm of genetic control in the metazoan nucleus. Moreover, the ligand-dependent nature of these transcription factors makes them appealing targets for therapeutic intervention, necessitating a quantitative understanding of how receptors control output from target genes. We determine that steroids drive mRNA synthesis by frequency modulation of transcription. This digital behavior in single cells gives rise to the well-known analog dose response across the population. To test this model, we developed a light-activation technology to turn on a single gene and follow dynamic synthesis of RNA from the activated locus. The response delay is a measure of time required for chromatin remodeling at a single gene.

Molecular Evolution of piRNA and Transposon Control Pathways in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Malone, C.D.; Hannon, G.J.

2011-01-01

The mere prevalence and potential mobilization of transposable elements in eukaryotic genomes present challenges at both the organismal and population levels. Not only is transposition able to alter gene function and chromosomal structure, but loss of control over even a single active element in the germline can create an evolutionary dead end. Despite the dangers of coexistence, transposons and their activity have been shown to drive the evolution of gene function, chromosomal organization, and even population dynamics (Kazazian 2004). This implies that organisms have adopted elaborate means to balance both the positive and detrimental consequences of transposon activity. In this chapter, we focus on the fruit fly to explore some of the molecular clues into the long- and short-term adaptation to transposon colonization and persistence within eukaryotic genomes. PMID:20453205

Apparatus and method for heterodyne-generated two-dimensional detector array using a single element detector

DOEpatents

Strauss, Charlie E.

1997-01-01

Apparatus and method for heterodyne-generated, two-dimensional detector array using a single detector. Synthetic-array heterodyne detection, permits a single-element optical detector to behave as though it were divided into an array of separate heterodyne detector elements. A fifteen-element synthetic array has successfully been experimentally realized on a single-element detector, permitting all of the array elements to be read out continuously and in parallel from one electrical connection. A CO.sub.2 laser and a single-element HgCdTe photodiode are employed. A different heterodyne local oscillator frequency is incident upon the spatially resolvable regions of the detector surface. Thus, different regions are mapped to different heterodyne beat frequencies. One can determine where the photons were incident on the detector surface even though a single electrical connection to the detector is used. This also prevents the destructive interference that occurs when multiple speckles are imaged (similar to spatial diversity), In coherent LIDAR this permits a larger field of view. An acoustooptic modulator generates the local oscillator frequencies and can achieve adequate spatial separation of optical frequencies of the order of a megahertz apart.

Apparatus and method for heterodyne-generated two-dimensional detector array using a single element detector

DOEpatents

Strauss, C.E.

1997-11-18

Apparatus and method are disclosed for heterodyne-generated, two-dimensional detector array using a single detector. Synthetic-array heterodyne detection, permits a single-element optical detector to behave as though it were divided into an array of separate heterodyne detector elements. A fifteen-element synthetic array has successfully been experimentally realized on a single-element detector, permitting all of the array elements to be read out continuously and in parallel from one electrical connection. A CO{sub 2} laser and a single-element HgCdTe photodiode are employed. A different heterodyne local oscillator frequency is incident upon the spatially resolvable regions of the detector surface. Thus, different regions are mapped to different heterodyne beat frequencies. One can determine where the photons were incident on the detector surface even though a single electrical connection to the detector is used. This also prevents the destructive interference that occurs when multiple speckles are imaged (similar to spatial diversity), In coherent LIDAR this permits a larger field of view. An acoustooptic modulator generates the local oscillator frequencies and can achieve adequate spatial separation of optical frequencies of the order of a megahertz apart. 4 figs.

Speed of sound estimation for thermal monitoring using an active ultrasound element during liver ablation therapy (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Younsu; Audigier, Chloé; Dillow, Austin; Cheng, Alexis; Boctor, Emad M.

2017-03-01

Thermal monitoring for ablation therapy has high demands for preserving healthy tissues while removing malignant ones completely. Various methods have been investigated. However, exposure to radiation, cost-effectiveness, and inconvenience hinder the use of X-ray or MRI methods. Due to the non-invasiveness and real-time capabilities of ultrasound, it is widely used in intraoperative procedures. Ultrasound thermal monitoring methods have been developed for affordable monitoring in real-time. We propose a new method for thermal monitoring using an ultrasound element. By inserting a Lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) element to generate the ultrasound signal in the liver tissues, the single travel time of flight is recorded from the PZT element to the ultrasound transducer. We detect the speed of sound change caused by the increase in temperature during ablation therapy. We performed an ex vivo experiment with liver tissues to verify the feasibility of our speed of sound estimation technique. The time of flight information is used in an optimization method to recover the speed of sound maps during the ablation, which are then converted into temperature maps. The result shows that the trend of temperature changes matches with the temperature measured at a single point. The estimation error can be decreased by using a proper curve linking the speed of sound to the temperature. The average error over time was less than 3 degrees Celsius for a bovine liver. The speed of sound estimation using a single PZT element can be used for thermal monitoring.

New low-level a-c amplifier provides adjustable noise cancellation and automatic temperature compensation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. R., Jr.

1964-01-01

Circuit utilizing a transistorized differential amplifier is developed for biomedical use. This low voltage operating circuit provides adjustable cancellation at the input for unbalanced noise signals, and automatic temperature compensation is accomplished by a single active element across the input-output ends.

Determination and distribution of rare earth elements in beach rock samples using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravisankar, R.; Manikandan, E.; Dheenathayalu, M.; Rao, Brahmaji; Seshadreesan, N. P.; Nair, K. G. M.

2006-10-01

Beach rocks are a peculiar type of formation when compared to other types of rocks. Rare earth element (REE) concentrations in beach rock samples collected from the South East Coast of Tamilnadu, India, have been measured using the instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) single comparator K0 method. The irradiations were carried out using a thermal neutron flux of ˜10 11 n cm -2 s -1 at 20 kW power using the Kalpakkam mini reactor (KAMINI), IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Tamilnadu. Accuracy and precision were evaluated by assaying irradiated standard reference material (SRM 1646a estuarine sediment). The results being found to be in good agreement with certified values. REE elements have been determined from 15 samples using high-resolution gamma spectrometry. The geochemical behavior of REE in beach rock, in particular REE (chondrite-normalized) pattern has been studied.

In vivo bubble nucleation probability in sheep brain tissue.

PubMed

Gateau, J; Aubry, J-F; Chauvet, D; Boch, A-L; Fink, M; Tanter, M

2011-11-21

Gas nuclei exist naturally in living bodies. Their activation initiates cavitation activity, and is possible using short ultrasonic excitations of high amplitude. However, little is known about the nuclei population in vivo, and therefore about the rarefaction pressure required to form bubbles in tissue. A novel method dedicated to in vivo investigations was used here that combines passive and active cavitation detection with a multi-element linear ultrasound probe (4-7 MHz). Experiments were performed in vivo on the brain of trepanated sheep. Bubble nucleation was induced using a focused single-element transducer (central frequency 660 kHz, f-number = 1) driven by a high power (up to 5 kW) electric burst of two cycles. Successive passive recording and ultrafast active imaging were shown to allow detection of a single nucleation event in brain tissue in vivo. Experiments carried out on eight sheep allowed statistical studies of the bubble nucleation process. The nucleation probability was evaluated as a function of the peak negative pressure. No nucleation event could be detected with a peak negative pressure weaker than -12.7 MPa, i.e. one order of magnitude higher than the recommendations based on the mechanical index. Below this threshold, bubble nucleation in vivo in brain tissues is a random phenomenon.

The Dynamic Mu Transpososome: MuB activation prevents disintegration

PubMed Central

Lemberg, Kathryn M.; Schweidenback, Caterina T. H.; Baker, Tania A.

2007-01-01

Summary DNA transposases use a single active center to sequentially cleave the transposable element DNA and join this DNA to a target site. Recombination requires controlled conformational changes within the transposase to ensure that these chemically distinct steps occur at the right time and place, and that the reaction proceeds in the net forward direction. Mu transposition is catalyzed by a stable complex of MuA transposase bound to paired Mu DNA ends (a transpososome). We find that Mu transpososomes efficiently catalyze disintegration when recombination on one end of the Mu DNA is blocked. The MuB activator protein controls the integration vs. disintegration equilibrium. When MuB is present, disintegration occurs slowly and transpososomes that have disintegrated catalyze subsequent rounds of recombination. In the absence of MuB, disintegration goes to completion. These results together with experiments mapping the MuA-MuB contacts during DNA joining suggest that MuB controls progression of recombination by specifically stabilizing a concerted transition to the ‘joining’ configuration of MuA. Thus, we propose that MuB's interaction with the transpososome actively promotes coupled joining of both ends of the element DNA into the same target site and thus may provide a mechanism to antagonize formation of single-end transposition products. PMID:17988683

Local Burn-Up Effects in the NBSR Fuel Element

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

Brown N. R.; Hanson A.; Diamond, D.

2013-01-31

This study addresses the over-prediction of local power when the burn-up distribution in each half-element of the NBSR is assumed to be uniform. A single-element model was utilized to quantify the impact of axial and plate-wise burn-up on the power distribution within the NBSR fuel elements for both high-enriched uranium (HEU) and low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. To validate this approach, key parameters in the single-element model were compared to parameters from an equilibrium core model, including neutron energy spectrum, power distribution, and integral U-235 vector. The power distribution changes significantly when incorporating local burn-up effects and has lower power peakingmore » relative to the uniform burn-up case. In the uniform burn-up case, the axial relative power peaking is over-predicted by as much as 59% in the HEU single-element and 46% in the LEU single-element with uniform burn-up. In the uniform burn-up case, the plate-wise power peaking is over-predicted by as much as 23% in the HEU single-element and 18% in the LEU single-element. The degree of over-prediction increases as a function of burn-up cycle, with the greatest over-prediction at the end of Cycle 8. The thermal flux peak is always in the mid-plane gap; this causes the local cumulative burn-up near the mid-plane gap to be significantly higher than the fuel element average. Uniform burn-up distribution throughout a half-element also causes a bias in fuel element reactivity worth, due primarily to the neutronic importance of the fissile inventory in the mid-plane gap region.« less

Substoichiometric hydroxynonenylation of a single protein recapitulates whole-cell-stimulated antioxidant response.

PubMed

Parvez, Saba; Fu, Yuan; Li, Jiayang; Long, Marcus J C; Lin, Hong-Yu; Lee, Dustin K; Hu, Gene S; Aye, Yimon

2015-01-14

Lipid-derived electrophiles (LDEs) that can directly modify proteins have emerged as important small-molecule cues in cellular decision-making. However, because these diffusible LDEs can modify many targets [e.g., >700 cysteines are modified by the well-known LDE 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)], establishing the functional consequences of LDE modification on individual targets remains devilishly difficult. Whether LDE modifications on a single protein are biologically sufficient to activate discrete redox signaling response downstream also remains untested. Herein, using T-REX (targetable reactive electrophiles and oxidants), an approach aimed at selectively flipping a single redox switch in cells at a precise time, we show that a modest level (∼34%) of HNEylation on a single target is sufficient to elicit the pharmaceutically important antioxidant response element (ARE) activation, and the resultant strength of ARE induction recapitulates that observed from whole-cell electrophilic perturbation. These data provide the first evidence that single-target LDE modifications are important individual events in mammalian physiology.

Single cell versus large population analysis: cell variability in elemental intracellular concentration and distribution.

PubMed

Malucelli, Emil; Procopio, Alessandra; Fratini, Michela; Gianoncelli, Alessandra; Notargiacomo, Andrea; Merolle, Lucia; Sargenti, Azzurra; Castiglioni, Sara; Cappadone, Concettina; Farruggia, Giovanna; Lombardo, Marco; Lagomarsino, Stefano; Maier, Jeanette A; Iotti, Stefano

2018-01-01

The quantification of elemental concentration in cells is usually performed by analytical assays on large populations missing peculiar but important rare cells. The present article aims at comparing the elemental quantification in single cells and cell population in three different cell types using a new approach for single cells elemental analysis performed at sub-micrometer scale combining X-ray fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The attention is focused on the light element Mg, exploiting the opportunity to compare the single cell quantification to the cell population analysis carried out by a highly Mg-selective fluorescent chemosensor. The results show that the single cell analysis reveals the same Mg differences found in large population of the different cell strains studied. However, in one of the cell strains, single cell analysis reveals two cells with an exceptionally high intracellular Mg content compared with the other cells of the same strain. The single cell analysis allows mapping Mg and other light elements in whole cells at sub-micrometer scale. A detailed intensity correlation analysis on the two cells with the highest Mg content reveals that Mg subcellular localization correlates with oxygen in a different fashion with respect the other sister cells of the same strain. Graphical abstract Single cells or large population analysis this is the question!

Two MCAT elements of the SM alpha-actin promoter function differentially in SM vs. non-SM cells.

PubMed

Swartz, E A; Johnson, A D; Owens, G K

1998-08-01

Transcriptional activity of the smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin gene is differentially regulated in SM vs. non-SM cells. Contained within the rat SM alpha-actin promoter are two MCAT motifs, binding sites for transcription enhancer factor 1 (TEF-1) transcriptional factors implicated in the regulation of many muscle-specific genes. Transfections of SM alpha-actin promoter-CAT constructs containing wild-type or mutagenized MCAT elements were performed to evaluate their functional significance. Mutation of the MCAT elements resulted in increased transcriptional activity in SM cells, whereas these mutations either had no effect or decreased activity in L6 myotubes or endothelial cells. High-resolution gel shift assays resolved several complexes of different mobilities that were formed between MCAT oligonucleotides and nuclear extracts from the different cell types, although no single band was unique to SM. Western blot analysis of nuclear extracts with polyclonal antibodies to conserved domains of the TEF-1 gene family revealed multiple reactive bands, some that were similar and others that differed between SM and non-SM. Supershift assays with a polyclonal antibody to the TEF-related protein family demonstrated that TEF-1 or TEF-1-related proteins were contained in the shifted complexes. Results suggest that the MCAT elements may contribute to cell type-specific regulation of the SM alpha-actin gene. However, it remains to be determined whether the differential transcriptional activity of MCAT elements in SM vs. non-SM is due to differences in expression of TEF-1 or TEF-1-related proteins or to unique (cell type specific) combinatorial interactions of the MCAT elements with other cis-elements and trans-factors.

Nonlinear solid finite element analysis of mitral valves with heterogeneous leaflet layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prot, V.; Skallerud, B.

2009-02-01

An incompressible transversely isotropic hyperelastic material for solid finite element analysis of a porcine mitral valve response is described. The material model implementation is checked in single element tests and compared with a membrane implementation in an out-of-plane loading test to study how the layered structures modify the stress response for a simple geometry. Three different collagen layer arrangements are used in finite element analysis of the mitral valve. When the leaflets are arranged in two layers with the collagen on the ventricular side, the stress in the fibre direction through the thickness in the central part of the anterior leaflet is homogenized and the peak stress is reduced. A simulation using membrane elements is also carried out for comparison with the solid finite element results. Compared to echocardiographic measurements, the finite element models bulge too much in the left atrium. This may be due to evidence of active muscle fibres in some parts of the anterior leaflet, whereas our constitutive modelling is based on passive material.

Factors for Generating Initial Construction Schedules

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

2.2.8 Approach at Stone & Webster Co. 15 2.2.9 Approach at Bechtel Co. 16 2.2.10 SIPEC 16 2.2.11 OARPLAN 16 2.2.12 Other Research Efforts 17 2.2.13...PEC’s (Primitive Elements of Construction). PEC’s are tasks associated with a single activity and performed by a single crew. 2.2.8 Approach at Stone ...Webster Co. Stone & Webster has invested substantial efforts to integrate the informational needs of different project participants. Their current

Validation of Hill-Type Muscle Models in Relation to Neuromuscular Recruitment and Force–Velocity Properties: Predicting Patterns of In Vivo Muscle Force

PubMed Central

Biewener, Andrew A.; Wakeling, James M.; Lee, Sabrina S.; Arnold, Allison S.

2014-01-01

We review here the use and reliability of Hill-type muscle models to predict muscle performance under varying conditions, ranging from in situ production of isometric force to in vivo dynamics of muscle length change and force in response to activation. Muscle models are frequently used in musculoskeletal simulations of movement, particularly when applied to studies of human motor performance in which surgically implanted transducers have limited use. Musculoskeletal simulations of different animal species also are being developed to evaluate comparative and evolutionary aspects of locomotor performance. However, such models are rarely validated against direct measures of fascicle strain or recordings of muscle–tendon force. Historically, Hill-type models simplify properties of whole muscle by scaling salient properties of single fibers to whole muscles, typically accounting for a muscle’s architecture and series elasticity. Activation of the model’s single contractile element (assigned the properties of homogenous fibers) is also simplified and is often based on temporal features of myoelectric (EMG) activation recorded from the muscle. Comparison of standard one-element models with a novel two-element model and with in situ and in vivo measures of EMG, fascicle strain, and force recorded from the gastrocnemius muscles of goats shows that a two-element Hill-type model, which allows independent recruitment of slow and fast units, better predicts temporal patterns of in situ and in vivo force. Recruitment patterns of slow/fast units based on wavelet decomposition of EMG activity in frequency–time space are generally correlated with the intensity spectra of the EMG signals, the strain rates of the fascicles, and the muscle–tendon forces measured in vivo, with faster units linked to greater strain rates and to more rapid forces. Using direct measures of muscle performance to further test Hill-type models, whether traditional or more complex, remains critical for establishing their accuracy and essential for verifying their applicability to scientific and clinical studies of musculoskeletal function. PMID:24928073

A Single Base Difference between Pit-1 Binding Sites at the hGH Promoter and Locus Control Region Specifies Distinct Pit-1 Conformations and Functions

PubMed Central

Shewchuk, Brian M.; Ho, Yugong; Liebhaber, Stephen A.; Cooke, Nancy E.

2006-01-01

Activation of the human growth hormone (hGH-N) gene in pituitary somatotropes is mediated by a locus control region (LCR). This LCR is composed of DNase I-hypersensitive sites (HS) located −14.5 kb to −32 kb relative to the hGH-N promoter. HSI, at −14.5 kb, is the dominant determinant of hGH-N expression and is essential for establishment of a 32-kb domain of histone acetylation that encompasses the active hGH locus. This activity is conferred by three binding sites for the POU domain transcription factor Pit-1. These Pit-1 elements are sufficient to activate hGH-N expression in the mouse pituitary. In contrast, Pit-1 sites at the hGH-N promoter are consistently unable to mediate similar activity. In the present study, we demonstrate that the functional difference between the promoter-proximal and the HSI Pit-1 binding sites can be attributed in part to a single base difference. This base affects the conformation of the Pit-1/DNA complex, and reciprocal exchange of the divergent bases between the two sets of Pit-1 elements results in a partial reversal of their transgenic activities. These data support a model in which the Pit-1 binding sites in the hGH LCR allosterically program the bound Pit-1 complex for chromatin activating functions. PMID:16914737

Combined passive detection and ultrafast active imaging of cavitation events induced by short pulses of high-intensity ultrasound.

PubMed

Gateau, Jérôme; Aubry, Jean-François; Pernot, Mathieu; Fink, Mathias; Tanter, Mickaël

2011-03-01

The activation of natural gas nuclei to induce larger bubbles is possible using short ultrasonic excitations of high amplitude, and is required for ultrasound cavitation therapies. However, little is known about the distribution of nuclei in tissues. Therefore, the acoustic pressure level necessary to generate bubbles in a targeted zone and their exact location are currently difficult to predict. To monitor the initiation of cavitation activity, a novel all-ultrasound technique sensitive to single nucleation events is presented here. It is based on combined passive detection and ultrafast active imaging over a large volume using the same multi-element probe. Bubble nucleation was induced using a focused transducer (660 kHz, f-number = 1) driven by a high-power electric burst (up to 300 W) of one to two cycles. Detection was performed with a linear array (4 to 7 MHz) aligned with the single-element focal point. In vitro experiments in gelatin gel and muscular tissue are presented. The synchronized passive detection enabled radio-frequency data to be recorded, comprising high-frequency coherent wave fronts as signatures of the acoustic emissions linked to the activation of the nuclei. Active change detection images were obtained by subtracting echoes collected in the unnucleated medium. These indicated the appearance of stable cavitating regions. Because of the ultrafast frame rate, active detection occurred as quickly as 330 μs after the high-amplitude excitation and the dynamics of the induced regions were studied individually.

Combined passive detection and ultrafast active imaging of cavitation events induced by short pulses of high-intensity ultrasound

PubMed Central

Gateau, Jérôme; Aubry, Jean-François; Pernot, Mathieu; Fink, Mathias; Tanter, Mickaël

2011-01-01

The activation of natural gas nuclei to induce larger bubbles is possible using short ultrasonic excitations of high amplitude, and is required for ultrasound cavitation therapies. However, little is known about the distribution of nuclei in tissues. Therefore, the acoustic pressure level necessary to generate bubbles in a targeted zone and their exact location are currently difficult to predict. In order to monitor the initiation of cavitation activity, a novel all-ultrasound technique sensitive to single nucleation events is presented here. It is based on combined passive detection and ultrafast active imaging over a large volume and with the same multi-element probe. Bubble nucleation was induced with a focused transducer (660kHz, f#=1) driven by a high power (up to 300 W) electric burst of one to two cycles. Detection was performed with a linear array (4–7MHz) aligned with the single-element focal point. In vitro experiments in gelatin gel and muscular tissue are presented. The synchronized passive detection enabled radio-frequency data to be recorded, comprising high-frequency coherent wave fronts as signatures of the acoustic emissions linked to the activation of the nuclei. Active change detection images were obtained by subtracting echoes collected in the unucleated medium. These indicated the appearance of stable cavitating regions. Thanks to the ultrafast frame rate, active detection occurred as soon as 330 μs after the high amplitude excitation and the dynamics of the induced regions were studied individually. PMID:21429844

Complete passive vibration suppression using multi-layered piezoelectric element, inductor, and resistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Keisuke

2017-01-01

This paper describes passive technique for suppressing vibration in flexible structures using a multi-layered piezoelectric element, an inductor, and a resistor. The objective of using a multi-layered piezoelectric element is to increase its capacitance. A piezoelectric element with a large capacitance value does not require an active electrical circuit to simulate an inductor with a large inductance value. The effect of multi-layering of piezoelectric elements was theoretically analyzed through an equivalent transformation of a multi-layered piezoelectric element into a single-layered piezoelectric element. The governing equations were derived using this equivalent transformation. The effect of the resistances of the inductor and piezoelectric elements were considered because the sum of these resistances may exceed the optimum resistance. The performance of the passive vibration suppression using an LR circuit was compared to that of the method where a resistive circuit is used assuming that the sum of the resistances of the inductor and piezoelectric elements exceeds the optimum resistance. The effectiveness of the proposed method and theoretical analysis was verified through simulations and experiments.

Active and passive compliance in an enhanced recovery programme.

PubMed

Thorn, Christopher C; White, Ian; Burch, Jennie; Malietzis, George; Kennedy, Robin; Jenkins, John T

2016-07-01

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a well-established and accepted practice following colorectal surgery and has been demonstrated to reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30-day morbidity. Despite evidence to support the individual elements on which the programme is based, there remains uncertainty as to how many and which of these are required to realise its benefits. Furthermore, elements of an ERAS programme might either precipitate or reflect recovery, in which case compliance could have a role in the improvement or prediction of outcome. A multidimensional prospective database of 799 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal surgery within an established ERAS programme at a single institution was interrogated. After application of exclusion criteria, 614 patients were studied. The novel concept of 'active compliance' is introduced. An ERAS element is classified as 'active' if the participation of the patient is required to achieve its compliance. This contrasts with 'passive' compliance, where an intervention is delivered to the patient without their direct contribution. The short-term surgical outcomes of this cohort are reported with reference to ERAS protocol compliance. Compliance with the passive elements of the programme was higher than with the active elements. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrate that poor compliance with active but not passive elements of the programme was significantly associated with major morbidity. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated active compliance to be a stronger predictor of both major morbidity (AUC 0.71 vs. AUC 0.56) and length of stay (AUC 0.83 vs. 0.57) when compared with passive compliance. The results suggest that poor active compliance may be a surrogate marker of morbidity which can be recognised in the early post-operative period. This implies the potential for timely diagnosis and intervention. This aspect of ERAS compliance is clinically relevant yet has achieved scant attention. Independent validation of our observations is required.

Maize DRE-binding proteins DBF1 and DBF2 are involved in rab17 regulation through the drought-responsive element in an ABA-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Kizis, Dimosthenis; Pagès, Montserrat

2002-06-01

The abscisic acid-responsive gene rab17 of maize is expressed during late embryogenesis, and is induced by ABA and desiccation in embryo and vegetative tissues. ABRE and DRE cis-elements are involved in regulation of the gene by ABA and drought. Using yeast one-hybrid screening, we isolated two cDNAs encoding two new DRE-binding proteins, designated DBF1 and DBF2, that are members of the AP2/EREBP transcription factor family. Analysis of mRNA accumulation profiles showed that DBF1 is induced during maize embryogenesis and after desiccation, NaCl and ABA treatments in plant seedlings, whereas the DBF2 mRNA is not induced. DNA-binding preferences of DBFs were analysed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and showed that both DBF1 and DBF2 bound to the wild-type DRE2 element, but not to the DRE2 mutant or to the DRE1 element which differs only in a single nucleotide. Transactivation activity using particle bombardment showed that DBF1 functioned as activator of DRE2-dependent transcription of rab17 promoter by ABA, whereas DBF2 overexpression had a repression action downregulating not only the basal promoter activity, but also the ABA effect. These results show that ABA plays a role in the regulation of DBF activity, and suggests the existence of an ABA-dependent pathway for the regulation of genes through the C-repeat/DRE element.

Active control of transmission loss with smart foams.

PubMed

Kundu, Abhishek; Berry, Alain

2011-02-01

Smart foams combine the complimentary advantages of passive foam material and spatially distributed piezoelectric actuator embedded in it for active noise control applications. In this paper, the problem of improving the transmission loss of smart foams using active control strategies has been investigated both numerically and experimentally inside a waveguide under the condition of plane wave propagation. The finite element simulation of a coupled noise control system has been undertaken with three different smart foam designs and their effectiveness in cancelling the transmitted wave downstream of the smart foam have been studied. The simulation results provide insight into the physical phenomenon of active noise cancellation and explain the impact of the smart foam designs on the optimal active control results. Experimental studies aimed at implementing the real-time control for transmission loss optimization have been performed using the classical single input/single output filtered-reference least mean squares algorithm. The active control results with broadband and single frequency primary source inputs demonstrate a good improvement in the transmission loss of the smart foams. The study gives a comparative description of the transmission and absorption control problems in light of the modification of the vibration response of the piezoelectric actuator under active control.

Thermoacoustic Engines in Alternate Geometry Resonators

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-09-12

paper pieces fabricated by Micatron Incorporated. A schematic of a single stack element is shown in Fig. 3.2. The inner diameter of the pieces was...26.28 cm Figure 3.2: A single element of the radial wave "washer" style stack. The element is composed of silicon bonded mica paper with a thickness...washer shaped pieces of silicon bonded mica paper , described previously. An image of a single stack element is shown in Fig. 3.9. 39 Figure 3.7: The

A dual-loop model of the human controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.

1977-01-01

A representative model of the human controller in single-axis compensatory tracking tasks that exhibits an internal feedback loop which is not evident in single-loop models now in common use is presented. This hypothetical inner-loop involves a neuromuscular command signal derived from the time rate of change of controlled element output which is due to control activity. It is not contended that the single-loop human controller models now in use are incorrect, but that they contain an implicit but important internal loop closure, which, if explicitly considered, can account for a good deal of the adaptive nature of the human controller in a systematic manner.

The inverted pendulum model of bipedal standing cannot be stabilized through direct feedback of force and contractile element length and velocity at realistic series elastic element stiffness.

PubMed

van Soest, A J Knoek; Rozendaal, Leonard A

2008-07-01

Control of bipedal standing is typically analyzed in the context of a single-segment inverted pendulum model. The stiffness K (SE) of the series elastic element that transmits the force generated by the contractile elements of the ankle plantarflexors to the skeletal system has been reported to be smaller in magnitude than the destabilizing gravitational stiffness K ( g ). In this study, we assess, in case K (SE) + K ( g ) < 0, if bipedal standing can be locally stable under direct feedback of contractile element length, contractile element velocity (both sensed by muscle spindles) and muscle force (sensed by Golgi tendon organs) to alpha-motoneuron activity. A theoretical analysis reveals that even though positive feedback of force may increase the stiffness of the muscle-tendon complex to values well over the destabilizing gravitational stiffness, dynamic instability makes it impossible to obtain locally stable standing under the conditions assumed.

A novel mode of enhancer evolution: The Tal1 stem cell enhancer recruited a MIR element to specifically boost its activity

PubMed Central

Smith, Aileen M.; Sanchez, Maria-Jose; Follows, George A.; Kinston, Sarah; Donaldson, Ian J.; Green, Anthony R.; Göttgens, Berthold

2008-01-01

Altered cis-regulation is thought to underpin much of metazoan evolution, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely obscure. The stem cell leukemia TAL1 (also known as SCL) transcription factor is essential for the normal development of blood stem cells and we have previously shown that the Tal1 +19 enhancer directs expression to hematopoietic stem cells, hematopoietic progenitors, and to endothelium. Here we demonstrate that an adjacent region 1 kb upstream (+18 element) is in an open chromatin configuration and carries active histone marks but does not function as an enhancer in transgenic mice. Instead, it boosts activity of the +19 enhancer both in stable transfection assays and during differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells carrying single-copy reporter constructs targeted to the Hprt locus. The +18 element contains a mammalian interspersed repeat (MIR) which is essential for the +18 function and which was transposed to the Tal1 locus ∼160 million years ago at the time of the mammalian/marsupial branchpoint. Our data demonstrate a previously unrecognized mechanism whereby enhancer activity is modulated by a transposon exerting a “booster” function which would go undetected by conventional transgenic approaches. PMID:18687876

Ligand-tailored single-site silica supported titanium catalysts: Synthesis, characterization and towards cyanosilylation reaction

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

Xu, Wei; Li, Yani; Yu, Bo

2015-01-15

A successive anchoring of Ti(NMe{sub 2}){sub 4}, cyclopentadiene and a O-donor ligand, 1-hydroxyethylbenzene (PEA), 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol (Binol) or 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid diethyl ester (Tartrate), on silica was conducted by SOMC strategy in moderate conditions. The silica, monitored by in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in-situ FT-IR), was pretreated at different temperatures (200, 500 and 800 °C). The ligand tailored silica-supported titanium complexes were characterized by in-situ FT-IR, {sup 13}C CP MAS-NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and elemental analysis in detail, verifying that the surface titanium species are single sited. The catalytic activity of the ligand tailored single-sitemore » silica supported titanium complexes was evaluated by a cyanosilylation of benzaldehyde. The results showed that the catalytic activity is dependent strongly on the dehydroxylation temperatures of silica and the configuration of the ligands. - Graphical abstract: The ligand-tailored silica supported “single site” titanium complexes were synthesized by SOMC strategy and fully characterized. Their catalytic activity were evaluated by benzaldehyde silylcyanation. - Highlights: • Single-site silica supported Ti active species was prepared by SOMC technique. • O-donor ligand tailored Ti surface species was synthesized. • The surface species was characterized by XPS, {sup 13}C CP-MAS NMR, XANES etc. • Catalytic activity of the Ti active species in silylcyanation reaction was evaluated.« less

Developmental Modulation of the Temporal Relationship Between Brain and Behavior

PubMed Central

Crandall, Shane R.; Aoki, Naoya; Nick, Teresa A.

2008-01-01

Humans and songbirds shape learned vocalizations during a sensorimotor sensitive period or “babbling” phase. The brain mechanisms that underlie the shaping of vocalizations by sensory feedback are not known. We examined song behavior and brain activity in zebra finches during singing as they actively shaped their song toward a tutor model. We now show that the temporal relationship of behavior and activity in the premotor area HVC changes with the development of song behavior. During sensorimotor learning, HVC bursting activity both preceded and followed learned vocalizations by hundreds of milliseconds. Correspondingly, the duration of bursts that occurred during ongoing song motif behavior was prolonged in juveniles, as compared with adults, and was inversely correlated with song maturation. Multielectrode single-unit recording in juveniles revealed that single fast-spiking neurons were active both before and after vocalization. These same neurons responded to auditory stimuli. Collectively, these data indicate that a key aspect of sensory critical periods—prolonged bursting—also applies to sensorimotor development. In addition, prolonged motor discharge and sensory input coincide in single neurons of the developing song system, providing the necessary cellular elements for sensorimotor shaping through activity-dependent mechanisms. PMID:17079340

The adenovirus L4-22K protein regulates transcription and RNA splicing via a sequence-specific single-stranded RNA binding.

PubMed

Lan, Susan; Kamel, Wael; Punga, Tanel; Akusjärvi, Göran

2017-02-28

The adenovirus L4-22K protein both activates and suppresses transcription from the adenovirus major late promoter (MLP) by binding to DNA elements located downstream of the MLP transcriptional start site: the so-called DE element (positive) and the R1 region (negative). Here we show that L4-22K preferentially binds to the RNA form of the R1 region, both to the double-stranded RNA and the single-stranded RNA of the same polarity as the nascent MLP transcript. Further, L4-22K binds to a 5΄-CAAA-3΄ motif in the single-stranded RNA, which is identical to the sequence motif characterized for L4-22K DNA binding. L4-22K binding to single-stranded RNA results in an enhancement of U1 snRNA recruitment to the major late first leader 5΄ splice site. This increase in U1 snRNA binding results in a suppression of MLP transcription and a concurrent stimulation of major late first intron splicing. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Simulation of a Single-Element Lean-Direct Injection Combustor Using a Polyhedral Mesh Derived from Hanging-Node Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wey, Thomas; Liu, Nan-Suey

2013-01-01

This paper summarizes the procedures of generating a polyhedral mesh derived from hanging-node elements as well as presents sample results from its application to the numerical solution of a single element lean direct injection (LDI) combustor using an open-source version of the National Combustion Code (NCC).

A conserved MCM single-stranded DNA binding element is essential for replication initiation.

PubMed

Froelich, Clifford A; Kang, Sukhyun; Epling, Leslie B; Bell, Stephen P; Enemark, Eric J

2014-04-01

The ring-shaped MCM helicase is essential to all phases of DNA replication. The complex loads at replication origins as an inactive double-hexamer encircling duplex DNA. Helicase activation converts this species to two active single hexamers that encircle single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The molecular details of MCM DNA interactions during these events are unknown. We determined the crystal structure of the Pyrococcus furiosus MCM N-terminal domain hexamer bound to ssDNA and define a conserved MCM-ssDNA binding motif (MSSB). Intriguingly, ssDNA binds the MCM ring interior perpendicular to the central channel with defined polarity. In eukaryotes, the MSSB is conserved in several Mcm2-7 subunits, and MSSB mutant combinations in S. cerevisiae Mcm2-7 are not viable. Mutant Mcm2-7 complexes assemble and are recruited to replication origins, but are defective in helicase loading and activation. Our findings identify an important MCM-ssDNA interaction and suggest it functions during helicase activation to select the strand for translocation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01993.001.

A conserved MCM single-stranded DNA binding element is essential for replication initiation

PubMed Central

Froelich, Clifford A; Kang, Sukhyun; Epling, Leslie B; Bell, Stephen P; Enemark, Eric J

2014-01-01

The ring-shaped MCM helicase is essential to all phases of DNA replication. The complex loads at replication origins as an inactive double-hexamer encircling duplex DNA. Helicase activation converts this species to two active single hexamers that encircle single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The molecular details of MCM DNA interactions during these events are unknown. We determined the crystal structure of the Pyrococcus furiosus MCM N-terminal domain hexamer bound to ssDNA and define a conserved MCM-ssDNA binding motif (MSSB). Intriguingly, ssDNA binds the MCM ring interior perpendicular to the central channel with defined polarity. In eukaryotes, the MSSB is conserved in several Mcm2-7 subunits, and MSSB mutant combinations in S. cerevisiae Mcm2-7 are not viable. Mutant Mcm2-7 complexes assemble and are recruited to replication origins, but are defective in helicase loading and activation. Our findings identify an important MCM-ssDNA interaction and suggest it functions during helicase activation to select the strand for translocation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01993.001 PMID:24692448

A single nucleotide polymorphism associated with isolated cleft lip and palate, thyroid cancer and hypothyroidism alters the activity of an oral epithelium and thyroid enhancer near FOXE1

PubMed Central

Lidral, Andrew C.; Liu, Huan; Bullard, Steven A.; Bonde, Greg; Machida, Junichiro; Visel, Axel; Uribe, Lina M. Moreno; Li, Xiao; Amendt, Brad; Cornell, Robert A.

2015-01-01

Three common diseases, isolated cleft lip and cleft palate (CLP), hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer all map to the FOXE1 locus, but causative variants have yet to be identified. In patients with CLP, the frequency of coding mutations in FOXE1 fails to account for the risk attributable to this locus, suggesting that the common risk alleles reside in nearby regulatory elements. Using a combination of zebrafish and mouse transgenesis, we screened 15 conserved non-coding sequences for enhancer activity, identifying three that regulate expression in a tissue specific pattern consistent with endogenous foxe1 expression. These three, located −82.4, −67.7 and +22.6 kb from the FOXE1 start codon, are all active in the oral epithelium or branchial arches. The −67.7 and +22.6 kb elements are also active in the developing heart, and the −67.7 kb element uniquely directs expression in the developing thyroid. Within the −67.7 kb element is the SNP rs7850258 that is associated with all three diseases. Quantitative reporter assays in oral epithelial and thyroid cell lines show that the rs7850258 allele (G) associated with CLP and hypothyroidism has significantly greater enhancer activity than the allele associated with thyroid cancer (A). Moreover, consistent with predicted transcription factor binding differences, the −67.7 kb element containing rs7850258 allele G is significantly more responsive to both MYC and ARNT than allele A. By demonstrating that this common non-coding variant alters FOXE1 expression, we have identified at least in part the functional basis for the genetic risk of these seemingly disparate disorders. PMID:25652407

Novel Structure of Ty3 Reverse Transcriptase | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that self amplify via a single-stranded RNA intermediate, which is converted to double-stranded DNA by an encoded reverse transcriptase (RT) with both DNA polymerase (pol) and ribonuclease H (RNase) activities. Categorized by whether they contain flanking long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences, retrotransposons play a critical role in

Two cis elements collaborate to spatially repress transcription from a sea urchin promoter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frudakis, T. N.; Wilt, F.

1995-01-01

The expression pattern of many territory-specific genes in metazoan embryos is maintained by an active process of negative spatial regulation. However, the mechanism of this strategy of gene regulation is not well understood in any system. Here we show that reporter constructs containing regulatory sequence for the SM30-alpha gene of Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus are expressed in a pattern congruent with that of the endogenous SM30 gene(s), largely as a result of active transcriptional repression in cell lineages in which the gene is not normally expressed. Chloramphenicol acetyl transferase assays of deletion constructs from the 2600-bp upstream region showed that repressive elements were present in the region from -1628 to -300. In situ hybridization analysis showed that the spatial fidelity of expression was severely compromised when the region from -1628 to -300 was deleted. Two highly repetitive sequence motifs, (G/A/C)CCCCT and (T/C)(T/A/C)CTTTT(T/A/C), are present in the -1628 to -300 region. Representatives of these elements were analyzed by gel mobility shift experiments and were found to interact specifically with protein in crude nuclear extracts. When oligonucleotides containing either sequence element were co-injected with a correctly regulated reporter as potential competitors, the reporter was expressed in inappropriate cells. When composite oligonucleotides, containing both sequence elements, were fused to a misregulated reporter, the expression of the reporter in inappropriate cells was suppressed. Comparison of composite oligonucleotides with oligonucleotides containing single constituent elements show that both sequence elements are required for effective spatial regulation. Thus, both individual elements are required, but only a composite element containing both elements is sufficient to function as a tissue-specific repressive element.

Accuracy of gastrocnemius muscles forces in walking and running goats predicted by one-element and two-element Hill-type models.

PubMed

Lee, Sabrina S M; Arnold, Allison S; Miara, Maria de Boef; Biewener, Andrew A; Wakeling, James M

2013-09-03

Hill-type models are commonly used to estimate muscle forces during human and animal movement-yet the accuracy of the forces estimated during walking, running, and other tasks remains largely unknown. Further, most Hill-type models assume a single contractile element, despite evidence that faster and slower motor units, which have different activation-deactivation dynamics, may be independently or collectively excited. This study evaluated a novel, two-element Hill-type model with "differential" activation of fast and slow contractile elements. Model performance was assessed using a comprehensive data set (including measures of EMG intensity, fascicle length, and tendon force) collected from the gastrocnemius muscles of goats during locomotor experiments. Muscle forces predicted by the new two-element model were compared to the forces estimated using traditional one-element models and to the forces measured in vivo using tendon buckle transducers. Overall, the two-element model resulted in the best predictions of in vivo gastrocnemius force. The coefficient of determination, r(2), was up to 26.9% higher and the root mean square error, RMSE, was up to 37.4% lower for the two-element model than for the one-element models tested. All models captured salient features of the measured muscle force during walking, trotting, and galloping (r(2)=0.26-0.51), and all exhibited some errors (RMSE=9.63-32.2% of the maximum in vivo force). These comparisons provide important insight into the accuracy of Hill-type models. The results also show that incorporation of fast and slow contractile elements within muscle models can improve estimates of time-varying, whole muscle force during locomotor tasks. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of gastrocnemius muscles forces in walking and running goats predicted by one-element and two-element Hill-type models

PubMed Central

Lee, Sabrina S.M.; Arnold, Allison S.; Miara, Maria de Boef; Biewener, Andrew A.; Wakeling, James M.

2013-01-01

Hill-type models are commonly used to estimate muscle forces during human and animal movement —yet the accuracy of the forces estimated during walking, running, and other tasks remains largely unknown. Further, most Hill-type models assume a single contractile element, despite evidence that faster and slower motor units, which have different activation-deactivation dynamics, may be independently or collectively excited. This study evaluated a novel, two-element Hill-type model with “differential” activation of fast and slow contractile elements. Model performance was assessed using a comprehensive data set (including measures of EMG intensity, fascicle length, and tendon force) collected from the gastrocnemius muscles of goats during locomotor experiments. Muscle forces predicted by the new two-element model were compared to the forces estimated using traditional one-element models and to the forces measured in vivo using tendon buckle transducers. Overall, the two-element model resulted in the best predictions of in vivo gastrocnemius force. The coefficient of determination, r2, was up to 26.9% higher and the root mean square error, RMSE, was up to 37.4% lower for the two-element model than for the one-element models tested. All models captured salient features of the measured muscle force during walking, trotting, and galloping (r2 = 0.26 to 0.51), and all exhibited some errors (RMSE = 9.63 to 32.2% of the maximum in vivo force). These comparisons provide important insight into the accuracy of Hill-type models. The results also show that incorporation of fast and slow contractile elements within muscle models can improve estimates of time-varying, whole muscle force during locomotor tasks. PMID:23871235

Activation of RNA polymerase III transcription of human Alu repetitive elements by adenovirus type 5: Requirement for the E1b 58-Kilodalton protein and the products of E4 open reading frames 3 and 6

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

Panning, B.; Smiley, J.R.

1993-06-01

Alu elements are the single most abundant class of dispersed repeated sequences in the human genome, comprising 5-10% of the mass of human DNA. This report demonstrates that Ad5 infection strongly stimulates Pol III transcription of human Alu elements in HeLa and 293 cells. In contrast to the cases of Ad5-induced Pol III transcriptional activation, this process requires the E1b 58-kDa protein and the products of E4 open reading frames (ORFs) 3 and 6 in addition to the E1a 289-residue product. These findings suggest novel regulatory properties of the Ad5 E1b and E4 proteins and raise the possibility that analogousmore » cellular trans-acting factors serve to modulate Alu expression in vivo.« less

Staphylococcal SCCmec elements encode an active MCM-like helicase and thus may be replicative

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

Mir-Sanchis, Ignacio; Roman, Christina A.; Misiura, Agnieszka

2016-08-29

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a public-health threat worldwide. Although the mobile genomic island responsible for this phenotype, staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC), has been thought to be nonreplicative, we predicted DNA-replication-related functions for some of the conserved proteins encoded by SCC. We show that one of these, Cch, is homologous to the self-loading initiator helicases of an unrelated family of genomic islands, that it is an active 3'-to-5' helicase and that the adjacent ORF encodes a single-stranded DNA–binding protein. Our 2.9-Å crystal structure of intact Cch shows that it forms a hexameric ring. Cch, like the archaeal and eukaryotic MCM-familymore » replicative helicases, belongs to the pre–sensor II insert clade of AAA+ ATPases. Additionally, we found that SCC elements are part of a broader family of mobile elements, all of which encode a replication initiator upstream of their recombinases. Replication after excision would enhance the efficiency of horizontal gene transfer.« less

Hybrid Manipulation of Streamwise Vorticity in a Diffuser Boundary Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gissen, Abraham; Vukasinovic, Bojan; Culp, John; Glezer, Ari

2010-11-01

The formation of streamwise vorticity concentrations by exploiting the interaction of surface-mounted passive (micro-vanes) and active (synthetic jets) flow control elements with the cross flow is investigated experimentally in a small-scale serpentine duct at high subsonic speeds (up to M = 0.6). Streamwise vortices can be a key element in the mitigation of the adverse effects on pressure recovery and distortion caused by the naturally occurring secondary flows in embedded propulsion systems with complex inlet geometries. Counter rotating and single-sense vortices are formed using conventional passive micro-vanes and active high-power synthetic jet actuators. Interaction of the flow control elements is examined through a hybrid actuation scheme whereby synthetic jet actuation augments the primary vanes' vortices resulting in dynamic enhancement of their strength. It is shown that such sub-boundary layer individual vortices can merge and evolve into duct-scale vortical structures that counteract the inherent secondary flow and mitigates global flow distortion.

Single element injector testing for STME injector technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hulka, J.; Schneider, J. A.; Davis, J.

1992-01-01

An oxidizer-swirled coaxial element injector is being developed for application in the liquid oxygen/gaseous hydrogen Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) for the National Launch System (NLS) vehicle. This paper reports on the first two parts of a four part single injector element study for optimization of the STME injector design. Measurements of Rupe mixing efficiency and atomization characteristics are reported for single element versions of injection elements from two multielement injectors that have been recently hot fire tested. Rather than attempting to measure a definitive mixing efficiency or droplet size parameters of these injector elements, the purpose of these experiments was to provide a baseline comparison for evaluating future injector element design modifications. Hence, all the experiments reported here were conducted with cold flow simulants to nonflowing, ambient conditions. Mixing experiments were conducted with liquid/liquid simulants to provide economical trend data. Atomization experiments were conducted with liquid/gas simulants without backpressure. The results, despite significant differences from hot fire conditions, were found to relate to mixing and atomization parameters deduced from the hot fire testing, suggesting that these experiments are valid for trend analyses. Single element and subscale multielement hot fire testing will verify optimized designs before committing to fullscale fabrication.

Fasting launches CRTC to facilitate long-term memory formation in Drosophila.

PubMed

Hirano, Yukinori; Masuda, Tomoko; Naganos, Shintaro; Matsuno, Motomi; Ueno, Kohei; Miyashita, Tomoyuki; Horiuchi, Junjiro; Saitoe, Minoru

2013-01-25

Canonical aversive long-term memory (LTM) formation in Drosophila requires multiple spaced trainings, whereas appetitive LTM can be formed after a single training. Appetitive LTM requires fasting prior to training, which increases motivation for food intake. However, we found that fasting facilitated LTM formation in general; aversive LTM formation also occurred after single-cycle training when mild fasting was applied before training. Both fasting-dependent LTM (fLTM) and spaced training-dependent LTM (spLTM) required protein synthesis and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) activity. However, spLTM required CREB activity in two neural populations--mushroom body and DAL neurons--whereas fLTM required CREB activity only in mushroom body neurons. fLTM uses the CREB coactivator CRTC, whereas spLTM uses the coactivator CBP. Thus, flies use distinct LTM machinery depending on their hunger state.

A programmable nonlinear acoustic metamaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Tianzhi; Song, Zhi-Guang; Clerkin, Eoin; Zhang, Ye-Wei; Sun, Jia-He; Su, Yi-Shu; Chen, Li-Qun; Hagedorn, Peter

2017-09-01

Acoustic metamaterials with specifically designed lattices can manipulate acoustic/elastic waves in unprecedented ways. Whereas there are many studies that focus on passive linear lattice, with non-reconfigurable structures. In this letter, we present the design, theory and experimental demonstration of an active nonlinear acoustic metamaterial, the dynamic properties of which can be modified instantaneously with reversibility. By incorporating active and nonlinear elements in a single unit cell, a real-time tunability and switchability of the band gap is achieved. In addition, we demonstrate a dynamic "editing" capability for shaping transmission spectra, which can be used to create the desired band gap and resonance. This feature is impossible to achieve in passive metamaterials. These advantages demonstrate the versatility of the proposed device, paving the way toward smart acoustic devices, such as logic elements, diode and transistor.

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.

1992-02-01

The results of a research activity aimed at providing a finite element capability for analyzing turbo-machinery bladed-disk assemblies in a vector/parallel processing environment are summarized. Analysis of aircraft turbofan engines is very computationally intensive. The performance limit of modern day computers with a single processing unit was estimated at 3 billions of floating point operations per second (3 gigaflops). In view of this limit of a sequential unit, performance rates higher than 3 gigaflops can be achieved only through vectorization and/or parallelization as on Alliant FX/80. Accordingly, the efforts of this critically needed research were geared towards developing and evaluating parallel finite element methods for static and vibration analysis. A special purpose code, named with the acronym SAPNEW, performs static and eigen analysis of multi-degree-of-freedom blade models built-up from flat thin shell elements.

Creating a Test Validated Structural Dynamic Finite Element Model of the Multi-Utility Technology Test Bed Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pak, Chan-Gi; Truong, Samson S.

2014-01-01

Small modeling errors in the finite element model will eventually induce errors in the structural flexibility and mass, thus propagating into unpredictable errors in the unsteady aerodynamics and the control law design. One of the primary objectives of Multi Utility Technology Test Bed, X-56A, aircraft is the flight demonstration of active flutter suppression, and therefore in this study, the identification of the primary and secondary modes for the structural model tuning based on the flutter analysis of X-56A. The ground vibration test validated structural dynamic finite element model of the X-56A is created in this study. The structural dynamic finite element model of the X-56A is improved using a model tuning tool. In this study, two different weight configurations of the X-56A have been improved in a single optimization run.

SAPNEW: Parallel finite element code for thin shell structures on the Alliant FX/80

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamat, Manohar P.; Watson, Brian C.

1992-01-01

The results of a research activity aimed at providing a finite element capability for analyzing turbo-machinery bladed-disk assemblies in a vector/parallel processing environment are summarized. Analysis of aircraft turbofan engines is very computationally intensive. The performance limit of modern day computers with a single processing unit was estimated at 3 billions of floating point operations per second (3 gigaflops). In view of this limit of a sequential unit, performance rates higher than 3 gigaflops can be achieved only through vectorization and/or parallelization as on Alliant FX/80. Accordingly, the efforts of this critically needed research were geared towards developing and evaluating parallel finite element methods for static and vibration analysis. A special purpose code, named with the acronym SAPNEW, performs static and eigen analysis of multi-degree-of-freedom blade models built-up from flat thin shell elements.

Development and validation of an ICP-MS method for the determination of elemental impurities in TP-6076 active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) according to USP 〈232〉/〈233〉.

PubMed

Chahrour, Osama; Malone, John; Collins, Mark; Salmon, Vrushali; Greenan, Catherine; Bombardier, Amy; Ma, Zhongze; Dunwoody, Nick

2017-10-25

The new guidelines of the United States pharmacopeia (USP), European pharmacopeia (EP) and international conference on harmonization (ICH) regulating elemental impurities limits in pharmaceuticals signify the end of unspecific analysis of metals as outlined in USP 〈231〉. The new guidelines specify both daily doses and concentration/limits of elemental impurities in pharmaceutical final products, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and excipients. In chapter USP 〈233〉 method implementation, validation and quality control during the analytical process are described. We herein report the use of a stabilising matrix that overcomes low spike recovery problem encountered with Os and allows the determination of all USP required elemental impurities (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, V, Cr, Ni, Mo, Cu, Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Os and Ir) in a single analysis. The matrix was used in the validation of a method to determine elemental impurities in TP-6076 active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) by ICP-MS according to the procedures defined in USP〈233〉 and to GMP requirements. This validation will support the regulatory submission of TP-6076 which is a novel tetracycline analogue effective against the most urgent multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Evaluation of TP-6076 in IND-enabling toxicology studies has led to the initiation of a phase 1 clinical trial. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Updates to Simulation of a Single-Element Lean-Direct Injection Combustor Using a Polyhedral Mesh Derived From Hanging-Node Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wey, Changju Thomas; Liu, Nan-Suey

2014-01-01

This paper summarizes the procedures of inserting a thin-layer mesh to existing inviscid polyhedral mesh either with or without hanging-node elements as well as presents sample results from its applications to the numerical solution of a single-element LDI combustor using a releasable edition of the National Combustion Code (NCC).

Updates to Simulation of a Single-Element Lean-Direct Injection Combustor Using a Polyhedral Mesh Derived from Hanging-Node Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wey, Thomas; Liu, Nan-Suey

2014-01-01

This paper summarizes the procedures of inserting a thin-layer mesh to existing inviscid polyhedral mesh either with or without hanging-node elements as well as presents sample results from its applications to the numerical solution of a single-element LDI combustor using a releasable edition of the National Combustion Code (NCC).

Fabrication and Characterization of Single-Aperture 3.5-MHz BNT-Based Ultrasonic Transducer for Therapeutic Application.

PubMed

Taghaddos, Elaheh; Ma, T; Zhong, Hui; Zhou, Qifa; Wan, M X; Safari, Ahmad

2018-04-01

This paper discusses the fabrication and characterization of 3.5-MHz single-element transducers for therapeutic applications in which the active elements are made of hard lead-free BNT-based and hard commercial PZT (PZT-841) piezoceramics. Composition of (BiNa 0.88 K 0.08 Li 0.04 ) 0.5 (Ti 0.985 Mn 0.015 )O 3 (BNKLT88-1.5Mn) was used to develop lead-free piezoelectric ceramic. Mn-doped samples exhibited high mechanical quality factor ( ) of 970, thickness coupling coefficient ( ) of 0.48, a dielectric constant ( ) of 310 (at 1 kHz), depolarization temperature ( ) of 200 °C, and coercive field ( ) of 52.5 kV/cm. Two different unfocused single-element transducers using BNKLT88-1.5Mn and PZT-841 with the same center frequency of 3.5 MHz and similar aperture size of 10.7 and 10.5 mm were fabricated. Pulse-echo response, acoustic frequency spectrum, acoustic pressure field, and acoustic intensity field of transducers were characterized. The BNT-based transducer shows linear response up to the peak-to-peak voltage of 105 V in which the maximum rarefactional acoustic pressure of 1.1 MPa, and acoustic intensity of 43 W/cm 2 were achieved. Natural focal point of this transducer was at 60 mm from the surface of the transducer.

26 CFR 1.72-2 - Applicability of section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... more annuity obligations or elements to which section 72 applies are acquired for a single...), such annuity elements shall be considered to comprise a single contract for the purpose of the... in the contract in the case of annuity elements payable to two or more persons, see paragraph (b) of...

26 CFR 1.72-2 - Applicability of section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... more annuity obligations or elements to which section 72 applies are acquired for a single...), such annuity elements shall be considered to comprise a single contract for the purpose of the... in the contract in the case of annuity elements payable to two or more persons, see paragraph (b) of...

26 CFR 1.72-2 - Applicability of section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... more annuity obligations or elements to which section 72 applies are acquired for a single...), such annuity elements shall be considered to comprise a single contract for the purpose of the... in the contract in the case of annuity elements payable to two or more persons, see paragraph (b) of...

26 CFR 1.72-2 - Applicability of section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... more annuity obligations or elements to which section 72 applies are acquired for a single...), such annuity elements shall be considered to comprise a single contract for the purpose of the... in the contract in the case of annuity elements payable to two or more persons, see paragraph (b) of...

High copy number of highly similar mariner-like transposons in planarian (Platyhelminthe): evidence for a trans-phyla horizontal transfer.

PubMed

Garcia-Fernàndez, J; Bayascas-Ramírez, J R; Marfany, G; Muñoz-Mármol, A M; Casali, A; Baguñà, J; Saló, E

1995-05-01

Several DNA sequences similar to the mariner element were isolated and characterized in the platyhelminthe Dugesia (Girardia) tigrina. They were 1,288 bp long, flanked by two 32 bp-inverted repeats, and contained a single 339 amino acid open-reading frame (ORF) encoding the transposase. The number of copies of this element is approximately 8,000 per haploid genome, constituting a member of the middle-repetitive DNA of Dugesia tigrina. Sequence analysis of several elements showed a high percentage of conservation between the different copies. Most of them presented an intact ORF and the standard signals of actively expressed genes, which suggests that some of them are or have recently been functional transposons. The high degree of similarity shared with other mariner elements from some arthropods, together with the fact that this element is undetectable in other planarian species, strongly suggests a case of horizontal transfer between these two distant phyla.

Possible lunar ores

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillett, Stephen L.

1991-01-01

Despite the conventional wisdom that there are no lunar ores, geochemical considerations suggest that local concentrations of useful rare elements exist on the Moon in spite of its extreme dryness. The Moon underwent protracted igneous activity in its history, and certain magmatic processes can concentrate incompatible elements even if anhydrous. Such processes include: (1) separation of a magma into immiscible liquid phases (depending on composition, these could be silicate-silicate, silicate-oxide, silicate-sulfide, or silicate-salt); (2) cumulate deposits in layered igneous intrusions; and (3) concentrations of rare, refractory, lithophile elements (e.g., Be, Li, Zr) in highly differentiated, silica-rich magmas, as in the lunar granites. Terrestrial mining experience indicates that the single most important characteristic of a potential ore is its concentration of the desire element. The utility of a planet as a resource base is that the welter of interacting processes over geologic time can concentrate rare element automatically. This advantage is squandered if adequate exploration for ores is not first carried out.

Spatial Attention Enhances Perceptual Processing of Single-Element Displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacon, William; Johnston, James C.; Remington, Roger W.; Null, Cynthia H. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Shiu and Pashler (1993) reported that precueing masked, single-element displays had negligible effects on identification accuracy. They argued that spatial attention does not actually enhance stimulus perceptibility, but only reduces decision noise. Alternatively, such negative results may arise if cues are sub-optimal, or if masks place an insufficient premium on timely deployment of attention. We report results showing that valid cueing enhances processing of even single-element displays. Spatial attention does indeed enhance perceptual processes.

Thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer utilizing a single material

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold; Lukosi, Eric

2017-05-02

A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays. Optionally, the detection medium includes a .sup.6LiInSe.sub.2 crystal. Optionally, the detection medium comprises a compound formed by the process of: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating; wherein the Group I element includes lithium.

Thermal activation mechanisms and Labusch-type strengthening analysis for a family of high-entropy and equiatomic solid-solution alloys

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

Wu, Zhenggang; Gao, Yanfei; Bei, Hongbin

To understand the underlying strengthening mechanisms, thermal activation processes are investigated from stress-strain measurements with varying temperatures and strain rates for a family of equiatomic quinary, quaternary, ternary, and binary, face-center-cubic-structured, single phase solid-solution alloys, which are all subsystems of the FeNiCoCrMn high-entropy alloy. Our analysis suggests that the Labusch-type solution strengthening mechanism, rather than the lattice friction (or lattice resistance), governs the deformation behavior in equiatomic alloys. First, upon excluding the Hall-Petch effects, the activation volumes for these alloys are found to range from 10 to 1000 times the cubic power of Burgers vector, which are much larger thanmore » that required for kink pairs (i.e., the thermal activation process for the lattice resistance mechanism in body-center-cubic-structured metals). Second, the Labusch-type analysis for an N-element alloy is conducted by treating M-elements (M < N) as an effective medium and summing the strengthening contributions from the rest of N-M elements as individual solute species. For all equiatomic alloys investigated, a qualitative agreement exists between the measured strengthening effect and the Labusch strengthening factor from arbitrary M to N elements based on the lattice and modulus mismatches. Furthermore, the Labusch strengthening factor provides a practical critique to understand and design such compositionally complex but structurally simple alloys.« less

Thermal activation mechanisms and Labusch-type strengthening analysis for a family of high-entropy and equiatomic solid-solution alloys

DOE PAGES

Wu, Zhenggang; Gao, Yanfei; Bei, Hongbin

2016-11-01

To understand the underlying strengthening mechanisms, thermal activation processes are investigated from stress-strain measurements with varying temperatures and strain rates for a family of equiatomic quinary, quaternary, ternary, and binary, face-center-cubic-structured, single phase solid-solution alloys, which are all subsystems of the FeNiCoCrMn high-entropy alloy. Our analysis suggests that the Labusch-type solution strengthening mechanism, rather than the lattice friction (or lattice resistance), governs the deformation behavior in equiatomic alloys. First, upon excluding the Hall-Petch effects, the activation volumes for these alloys are found to range from 10 to 1000 times the cubic power of Burgers vector, which are much larger thanmore » that required for kink pairs (i.e., the thermal activation process for the lattice resistance mechanism in body-center-cubic-structured metals). Second, the Labusch-type analysis for an N-element alloy is conducted by treating M-elements (M < N) as an effective medium and summing the strengthening contributions from the rest of N-M elements as individual solute species. For all equiatomic alloys investigated, a qualitative agreement exists between the measured strengthening effect and the Labusch strengthening factor from arbitrary M to N elements based on the lattice and modulus mismatches. Furthermore, the Labusch strengthening factor provides a practical critique to understand and design such compositionally complex but structurally simple alloys.« less

Functional autonomy of distant-acting human enhancers

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

Visel, Axel; Akiyama, Jennifer A.; Shoukry, Malak

2009-02-19

Many human genes are associated with dispersed arrays of transcriptional enhancers that regulate their expression in time and space. Studies in invertebrate model systems have suggested that these elements function as discrete and independent regulatory units, but the in vivo combinatorial properties of vertebrate enhancers remain poorly understood. To explore the modularity and regulatory autonomy of human developmental enhancers, we experimentally concatenated up to four enhancers from different genes and used a transgenic mouse assay to compare the in vivo activity of these compound elements with that of the single modules. In all of the six different combinations of elementsmore » tested, the reporter gene activity patterns were additive without signs of interference between the individual modules, indicating that regulatory specificity was maintained despite the presence of closely-positioned heterologous enhancers. Even in cases where two elements drove expression in close anatomical proximity, such as within neighboring subregions of the developing limb bud, the compound patterns did not show signs of cross-inhibition between individual elements or novel expression sites. These data indicate that human developmental enhancers are highly modular and functionally autonomous and suggest that genomic enhancer shuffling may have contributed to the evolution of complex gene expression patterns in vertebrates« less

European Seminar on Neural Computing

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-31

elements can be fabricated on a single chip . Two specific oriented language (for example, SMALLTALK or cellular arrays, namely, the programmable systolic... chip POOL) the basic concepts are: objects are viewed as (Fisher, 1983) and the connection machine (Treleaven, active, they may contain state, and...flow computer the availability of 1. Programmable Systolic Chip . Programmable Sys- input operands triggers the execution of the instruction tolic Chips

Crystal structures of ricin toxin's enzymatic subunit (RTA) in complex with neutralizing and non-neutralizing single-chain antibodies.

PubMed

Rudolph, Michael J; Vance, David J; Cheung, Jonah; Franklin, Matthew C; Burshteyn, Fiana; Cassidy, Michael S; Gary, Ebony N; Herrera, Cristina; Shoemaker, Charles B; Mantis, Nicholas J

2014-08-26

Ricin is a select agent toxin and a member of the RNA N-glycosidase family of medically important plant and bacterial ribosome-inactivating proteins. In this study, we determined X-ray crystal structures of the enzymatic subunit of ricin (RTA) in complex with the antigen binding domains (VHH) of five unique single-chain monoclonal antibodies that differ in their respective toxin-neutralizing activities. None of the VHHs made direct contact with residues involved in RTA's RNA N-glycosidase activity or induced notable allosteric changes in the toxin's subunit. Rather, the five VHHs had overlapping structural epitopes on the surface of the toxin and differed in the degree to which they made contact with prominent structural elements in two folding domains of the RTA. In general, RTA interactions were influenced most by the VHH CDR3 (CDR, complementarity-determining region) elements, with the most potent neutralizing antibody having the shortest and most conformationally constrained CDR3. These structures provide unique insights into the mechanisms underlying toxin neutralization and provide critically important information required for the rational design of ricin toxin subunit vaccines. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling Progressive Failure of Bonded Joints Using a Single Joint Finite Element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stapleton, Scott E.; Waas, Anthony M.; Bednarcyk, Brett A.

2010-01-01

Enhanced finite elements are elements with an embedded analytical solution which can capture detailed local fields, enabling more efficient, mesh-independent finite element analysis. In the present study, an enhanced finite element is applied to generate a general framework capable of modeling an array of joint types. The joint field equations are derived using the principle of minimum potential energy, and the resulting solutions for the displacement fields are used to generate shape functions and a stiffness matrix for a single joint finite element. This single finite element thus captures the detailed stress and strain fields within the bonded joint, but it can function within a broader structural finite element model. The costs associated with a fine mesh of the joint can thus be avoided while still obtaining a detailed solution for the joint. Additionally, the capability to model non-linear adhesive constitutive behavior has been included within the method, and progressive failure of the adhesive can be modeled by using a strain-based failure criteria and re-sizing the joint as the adhesive fails. Results of the model compare favorably with experimental and finite element results.

Viral DNA Replication Orientation and hnRNPs Regulate Transcription of the Human Papillomavirus 18 Late Promoter.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaohong; Liu, Haibin; Ge, Hui; Ajiro, Masahiko; Sharma, Nishi R; Meyers, Craig; Morozov, Pavel; Tuschl, Thomas; Klar, Amar; Court, Donald; Zheng, Zhi-Ming

2017-05-30

The life cycle of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is tightly linked to keratinocyte differentiation. Although expression of viral early genes is initiated immediately upon virus infection of undifferentiated basal cells, viral DNA amplification and late gene expression occur only in the mid to upper strata of the keratinocytes undergoing terminal differentiation. In this report, we show that the relative activity of HPV18 TATA-less late promoter P 811 depends on its orientation relative to that of the origin (Ori) of viral DNA replication and is sensitive to the eukaryotic DNA polymerase inhibitor aphidicolin. Additionally, transfected 70-nucleotide (nt)-long single-strand DNA oligonucleotides that are homologous to the region near Ori induce late promoter activity. We also found that promoter activation in raft cultures leads to production of the late promoter-associated, sense-strand transcription initiation RNAs (tiRNAs) and splice-site small RNAs (spliRNAs). Finally, a cis -acting AAGTATGCA core element that functions as a repressor to the promoter was identified. This element interacts with hnRNP D0B and hnRNP A/B factors. Point mutations in the core prevented binding of hnRNPs and increased the promoter activity. Confirming this result, knocking down the expression of both hnRNPs in keratinocytes led to increased promoter activity. Taking the data together, our study revealed the mechanism of how the HPV18 late promoter is regulated by DNA replication and host factors. IMPORTANCE It has been known for decades that the activity of viral late promoters is associated with viral DNA replication among almost all DNA viruses. However, the mechanism of how DNA replication activates the viral late promoter and what components of the replication machinery are involved remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the P 811 promoter region of HPV18 and demonstrated that its activation depends on the orientation of DNA replication. Using single-stranded oligonucleotides targeting the replication fork on either leading or lagging strands, we showed that viral lagging-strand replication activates the promoter. We also identified a transcriptional repressor element located upstream of the promoter transcription start site which interacts with cellular proteins hnRNP D0B and hnRNP A/B and modulates the late promoter activity. This is the first report on how DNA replication activates a viral late promoter. Copyright © 2017 Wang et al.

Critical elements in Carlin, epithermal, and orogenic gold deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Goldfarb, Richard J.; Hofstra, Albert H.; Simmons, Stuart F.

2016-01-01

Carlin, epithermal, and orogenic gold deposits, today mined almost exclusively for their gold content, have similar suites of anomalous trace elements that reflect similar low-salinity ore fluids and thermal conditions of metal transport and deposition. Many of these trace elements are commonly referred to as critical or near-critical elements or metals and have been locally recovered, although typically in small amounts, by historic mining activities. These elements include As, Bi, Hg, In, Sb, Se, Te, Tl, and W. Most of these elements are now solely recovered as by-products from the milling of large-tonnage, base metal-rich ore deposits, such as porphyry and volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits.A combination of dominance of the world market by a single country for a single commodity and a growing demand for many of the critical to near-critical elements could lead to future recovery of such elements from select epithermal, orogenic, or Carlin-type gold deposits. Antimony continues to be recovered from some orogenic gold deposits and tellurium could potentially be a primary commodity from some such deposits. Tellurium and indium in sphalerite-rich ores have been recovered in the past and could be future commodities recovered from epithermal ores. Carlin-type gold deposits in Nevada are enriched in and may be a future source for As, Hg, Sb, and/or Tl. Some of the Devonian carbonaceous host rocks in the Carlin districts are sufficiently enriched in many trace elements, including Hg, Se, and V, such that they also could become resources. Thallium may be locally enriched to economic levels in Carlin-type deposits and it has been produced from Carlin-like deposits elsewhere in the world (e.g., Alsar, southern Macedonia; Lanmuchang, Guizhou province, China). Mercury continues to be recovered from shallow-level epithermal deposits, as well as a by-product of many Carlin-type deposits where refractory ore is roasted to oxidize carbon and pyrite, and mercury is then captured in air pollution control devices.

Multiple intensity distributions from a single optical element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berens, Michael; Bruneton, Adrien; Bäuerle, Axel; Traub, Martin; Wester, Rolf; Stollenwerk, Jochen; Loosen, Peter

2013-09-01

We report on an extension of the previously published two-step freeform optics tailoring algorithm using a Monge-Kantorovich mass transportation framework. The algorithm's ability to design multiple freeform surfaces allows for the inclusion of multiple distinct light paths and hence the implementation of multiple lighting functions in a single optical element. We demonstrate the procedure in the context of automotive lighting, in which a fog lamp and a daytime running lamp are integrated in a single optical element illuminated by two distinct groups of LEDs.

An active ac/ds transposon system for activation tagging in tomato cultivar m82 using clonal propagation.

PubMed

Carter, Jared D; Pereira, Andy; Dickerman, Allan W; Veilleux, Richard E

2013-05-01

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a model organism for Solanaceae in both molecular and agronomic research. This project utilized Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation and the transposon-tagging construct Activator (Ac)/Dissociator (Ds)-ATag-Bar_gosGFP to produce activation-tagged and knockout mutants in the processing tomato cultivar M82. The construct carried hygromycin resistance (hyg), green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the transposase (TPase) of maize (Zea mays) Activator major transcript X054214.1 on the stable Ac element, along with a 35S enhancer tetramer and glufosinate herbicide resistance (BAR) on the mobile Ds-ATag element. An in vitro propagation strategy was used to produce a population of 25 T0 plants from a single transformed plant regenerated in tissue culture. A T1 population of 11,000 selfed and cv M82 backcrossed progeny was produced from the functional T0 line. This population was screened using glufosinate herbicide, hygromycin leaf painting, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Insertion sites of transposed Ds-ATag elements were identified through thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR, and resulting product sequences were aligned to the recently published tomato genome. A population of 509 independent, Ds-only transposant lines spanning all 12 tomato chromosomes has been developed. Insertion site analysis demonstrated that more than 80% of these lines harbored Ds insertions conducive to activation tagging. The capacity of the Ds-ATag element to alter transcription was verified by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR in two mutant lines. The transposon-tagged lines have been immortalized in seed stocks and can be accessed through an online database, providing a unique resource for tomato breeding and analysis of gene function in the background of a commercial tomato cultivar.

An Advanced Buffet Load Alleviation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnham, Jay K.; Pitt, Dale M.; White, Edward V.; Henderson, Douglas A.; Moses, Robert W.

2001-01-01

This paper describes the development of an advanced buffet load alleviation (BLA) system that utilizes distributed piezoelectric actuators in conjunction with an active rudder to reduce the structural dynamic response of the F/A-18 aircraft vertical tails to buffet loads. The BLA system was defined analytically with a detailed finite-element-model of the tail structure and piezoelectric actuators. Oscillatory aerodynamics were included along with a buffet forcing function to complete the aeroservoelastic model of the tail with rudder control surface. Two single-input-single-output (SISO) controllers were designed, one for the active rudder and one for the active piezoelectric actuators. The results from the analytical open and closed loop simulations were used to predict the system performance. The objective of this BLA system is to extend the life of vertical tail structures and decrease their life-cycle costs. This system can be applied to other aircraft designs to address suppression of structural vibrations on military and commercial aircraft.

Infrared Detector Activities at NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abedin, M. N.; Refaat, T. F.; Sulima, O. V.; Amzajerdian, F.

2008-01-01

Infrared detector development and characterization at NASA Langley Research Center will be reviewed. These detectors were intended for ground, airborne, and space borne remote sensing applications. Discussion will be focused on recently developed single-element infrared detector and future development of near-infrared focal plane arrays (FPA). The FPA will be applied to next generation space-based instruments. These activities are based on phototransistor and avalanche photodiode technologies, which offer high internal gain and relatively low noise-equivalent-power. These novel devices will improve the sensitivity of active remote sensing instruments while eliminating the need for a high power laser transmitter.

High Power mm-Wave Transmitter System for Radar or Telecommunications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stride, S. L.; McMaster, R. L.; Pogorzelski, R. J.

2003-01-01

Future NASA deep space missions able to provide tens of kilo-watts of spacecraft DC power, make it feasible to employ high power RF telecommunications systems. Traditional flight systems (e.g., Cassini), constrained by limited DC power, used a single high-gain 4m Cassegrain reflector fed by a single lower power (20W) transmitter. Increased available DC power means that high power (1000 W) transmitters can be used. Rather than continue building traditional single-transmitter systems it now becomes feasible to engineer and build multi-element active arrays that can illuminate a dish. Illuminating a 2m dish with a spherical wavefront from an offset 1kW active array can provide sufficient ERP (Effective Radiated Power) when compared to a larger Cassegrain dish. Such a system has the advantage of lower mass, lower volume, improved reliability, less stringent pointing requirements, lower cost and risk. We propose to design and build a prototype Ka-band transmit antenna with an active sub-array using 125W TWTAs. The system could be applied to a telecommunications downlink or radar transmitter used for missions such as JIMO.

A miniature single element effusion cell for the vacuum deposition of transition-metal and rare-earth elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, V. G.; Koon, N. C.

1997-08-01

A miniature single element effusion cell has been fabricated and tested that allows for the high-vacuum deposition of a variety of transition-metal and rare-earth elements. The cell is designed to operate under high-vacuum conditions, ≈10-9 Torr, with low power demands, <200 W. The virtues of this evaporator are the simplicity of design and ease of fabrication, assembly, maintenance, and operation.

Imaging trace element distributions in single organelles and subcellular features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashiv, Yoav; Austin, Jotham R.; Lai, Barry; Rose, Volker; Vogt, Stefan; El-Muayed, Malek

2016-02-01

The distributions of chemical elements within cells are of prime importance in a wide range of basic and applied biochemical research. An example is the role of the subcellular Zn distribution in Zn homeostasis in insulin producing pancreatic beta cells and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We combined transmission electron microscopy with micro- and nano-synchrotron X-ray fluorescence to image unequivocally for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the natural elemental distributions, including those of trace elements, in single organelles and other subcellular features. Detected elements include Cl, K, Ca, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd (which some cells were supplemented with). Cell samples were prepared by a technique that minimally affects the natural elemental concentrations and distributions, and without using fluorescent indicators. It could likely be applied to all cell types and provide new biochemical insights at the single organelle level not available from organelle population level studies.

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

Konov, V I

The properties of new carbon materials (single-crystal and polycrystalline CVD diamond films and wafers, single-wall carbon nanotubes and graphene) and the prospects of their use as optical elements and devices are discussed. (optical elements of laser devices)

Synthesis and characterization of a novel schiff base of 1,2-diaminopropane with substituted salicyaldehyde and its transition metal complexes: Single crystal structures and biological activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadavi, Samina K.; Yadav, Abhijit A.; Bendre, Ratnamala S.

2018-01-01

A novel schiff base H2L derived from simple condensation of 2-hydroxy-6-isopropyl-3-methyl benzaldehyde and 1,2-diaminopropane in 2:1 M ratio and its [MnL], [CoL] and [NiL]2 complexes have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic technique, elemental analysis, SEM-EDX analysis, and cyclic voltammetry. Additionally, single crystal X-ray diffraction technique has been applied to the schiff base ligand H2L and its nickel complex. The structure of nickel complex exhibited dimeric form with formula [NiL]2 with distorted square planar geometry around each nickel center. Furthermore, all the synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial and antioxidant and DNA cleavage activities.

Efficient numerical method for investigating diatomic molecules with single active electron subjected to intense and ultrashort laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiss, Gellért Zsolt; Borbély, Sándor; Nagy, Ladislau

2017-12-01

We have presented here an efficient numerical approach for the ab initio numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger Equation describing diatomic molecules, which interact with ultrafast laser pulses. During the construction of the model we have assumed a frozen nuclear configuration and a single active electron. In order to increase efficiency our system was described using prolate spheroidal coordinates, where the wave function was discretized using the finite-element discrete variable representation (FE-DVR) method. The discretized wave functions were efficiently propagated in time using the short-iterative Lanczos algorithm. As a first test we have studied here how the laser induced bound state dynamics in H2+ is influenced by the strength of the driving laser field.

[Three dimensional finite element model of a modified posterior cervical single open-door laminoplasty].

PubMed

Wang, Q; Yang, Y; Fei, Q; Li, D; Li, J J; Meng, H; Su, N; Fan, Z H; Wang, B Q

2017-06-06

Objective: To build a three-dimensional finite element models of a modified posterior cervical single open-door laminoplasty with short-segmental lateral mass screws fusion. Methods: The C(2)-C(7) segmental data were obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans of a male patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and spinal stenosis.Three-dimensional finite element models of a modified cervical single open-door laminoplasty (before and after surgery) were constructed by the combination of software package MIMICS, Geomagic and ABAQUS.The models were composed of bony vertebrae, articulating facets, intervertebral disc and associated ligaments.The loads of moments 1.5Nm at different directions (flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation)were applied at preoperative model to calculate intersegmental ranges of motion.The results were compared with the previous studies to verify the validation of the models. Results: Three-dimensional finite element models of the modified cervical single open- door laminoplasty had 102258 elements (preoperative model) and 161 892 elements (postoperative model) respectively, including C(2-7) six bony vertebraes, C(2-3)-C(6-7) five intervertebral disc, main ligaments and lateral mass screws.The intersegmental responses at the preoperative model under the loads of moments 1.5 Nm at different directions were similar to the previous published data. Conclusion: Three-dimensional finite element models of the modified cervical single open- door laminoplasty were successfully established and had a good biological fidelity, which can be used for further study.

Design and Construction Multi Output Power Transmition with Single Prime Mover on Agricultural Products Machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koten, V. K.; Tanamal, C. E.

2017-03-01

Manufacturing agricultural products by the farmers, people or person who involve in medium industry, small industry, and households industry still be done in separately. Although the power on primemover is enough, in operations, primemover was only to move one of several agricultural products machine. This study attempts to design and construct power transmition multi output with single primemover; a single construction that allows primemover move some agricultur products machine in the same or not. This study begins with the determination of production capacity and the power to destroy products, the determination of resources and rotation, normalization of resources and rotation, the determination of the type material used, the size determination of each machine elements, construction machine elements, and assemble machine elements into a construction multi output power transmition with single primemover on agricultural products machine. The results show that with a input normalization 4 PK (2984 Watt), rotation 2000 rpm, the strength of material 60 kg/mm2, and several operating consideration, thus obtained size of machine elements through calculation. Based on the size, the machine elements is made through the use of some machine tools and assembled to form a multi output power transmition with single primemover.

A Decade of Experience: Which Network Structures Maximize Fire Service Capacity for Homeland Security Incidents in Metropolitan Regions?

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency QHSR Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Report RCP Regional Catastrophic Preparedness SAA State...service has evolved from a single-purpose service focused on controlling fires to a multidimensional response element responsible for pre- hospital ... hospital preparedness program Preparedness Training for all personnel; training and network activities during prior year assist in preparedness

Single particle electrochemical sensors and methods of utilization

DOEpatents

Schoeniger, Joseph [Oakland, CA; Flounders, Albert W [Berkeley, CA; Hughes, Robert C [Albuquerque, NM; Ricco, Antonio J [Los Gatos, CA; Wally, Karl [Lafayette, CA; Kravitz, Stanley H [Placitas, NM; Janek, Richard P [Oakland, CA

2006-04-04

The present invention discloses an electrochemical device for detecting single particles, and methods for using such a device to achieve high sensitivity for detecting particles such as bacteria, viruses, aggregates, immuno-complexes, molecules, or ionic species. The device provides for affinity-based electrochemical detection of particles with single-particle sensitivity. The disclosed device and methods are based on microelectrodes with surface-attached, affinity ligands (e.g., antibodies, combinatorial peptides, glycolipids) that bind selectively to some target particle species. The electrodes electrolyze chemical species present in the particle-containing solution, and particle interaction with a sensor element modulates its electrolytic activity. The devices may be used individually, employed as sensors, used in arrays for a single specific type of particle or for a range of particle types, or configured into arrays of sensors having both these attributes.

Regulation of the intronic promoter of rat estrogen receptor alpha gene, responsible for truncated estrogen receptor product-1 expression.

PubMed

Schausi, Diane; Tiffoche, Christophe; Thieulant, Marie-Lise

2003-07-01

We have characterized the intronic promoter of the rat estrogen receptor (ER) alpha gene, responsible for the lactotrope-specific truncated ER product (TERP)-1 isoform expression. Transcriptional regulation was investigated by transient transfections using 5'-deletion constructs. TERP promoter constructs were highly active in MMQ cells, a pure lactotrope cell line, whereas a low basal activity was detected in alphaT3-1 gonadotrope cells or in COS-7 monkey kidney cells. Serial deletion analysis revealed that 1) a minimal -693-bp region encompassing the TATA box is sufficient to allow lactotrope-specific expression; 2) the promoter contains strong positive cis-acting elements both in the distal and proximal regions, and 3) the region spanning the -1698/-1194 region includes repressor elements. Transient transfection studies, EMSAs, and gel shifts demonstrated that estrogen activates the TERP promoter via an estrogen-responsive element (ERE1) located within the proximal region. Mutation of ERE1 site completely abolishes the estradiol-dependent transcription, indicating that ERE1 site is sufficient to confer estrogen responsiveness to TERP promoter. In addition, ERalpha action was synergized by transfection of the pituitary-specific factor Pit-1. EMSAs showed that a single Pit-1 DNA binding element in the vicinity of the TATA box is sufficient to confer response by the TERP promoter. In conclusion, we demonstrated, for the first time, that TERP promoter regulation involves ERE and Pit-1 cis-elements and corresponding trans-acting factors, which could play a role in the physiological changes that occur in TERP-1 transcription in lactotrope cells.

Tn552 transposase purification and in vitro activities.

PubMed Central

Rowland, S J; Sherratt, D J; Stark, W M; Boocock, M R

1995-01-01

The Staphylococcus aureus transposon Tn552 encodes a protein (p480) containing the 'D,D(35)E' motif common to retroviral integrases and the transposases of a number of bacterial elements, including phage Mu, the integron-containing element Tn5090, Tn7 and IS3. p480 and a histidine-tagged derivative were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified by methods involving denaturation and renaturation. DNase I footprinting and gel binding assays demonstrated that p480 binds to two adjacent, directly repeated 23 bp motifs at each end of Tn552. Although donor strand cleavage by p480 was not detected, in vitro conditions were defined for strand transfer activity with transposon end fragments having pre-cleaved 3' termini. Strand transfer was Mn(2+)-dependent and appeared to join a single left or right end fragment to target DNA. The importance of the terminal dinucleotide CA-3' was demonstrated by mutation. The in vitro activities of p480 are consistent with its proposed function as the Tn552 transposase. Images PMID:7828593

PMN-PT single crystal, high-frequency ultrasonic needle transducers for pulsed-wave Doppler application.

PubMed

Zhou, Qifa; Xu, Xiaochen; Gottlieb, Emanuel J; Sun, Lei; Cannata, Jonathan M; Ameri, Hossein; Humayun, Mark S; Han, Pengdi; Shung, K Kirk

2007-03-01

High-frequency needle ultrasound transducers with an aperture size of 0.4 mm were fabricated using lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-33% PT) as the active piezoelectric material. The active element was bonded to a conductive silver particle matching layer and a conductive epoxy backing through direct contact curing. An outer matching layer of parylene was formed by vapor deposition. The active element was housed within a polyimide tube and a 20-gauge needle housing. The magnitude and phase of the electrical impedance of the transducer were 47 omega and -38 degrees, respectively. The measured center frequency and -6 dB fractional bandwidth of the PMN-PT needle transducer were 44 MHz and 45%, respectively. The two-way insertion loss was approximately 15 dB. In vivo high-frequency, pulsed-wave Doppler patterns of blood flow in the posterior portion and in vitro ultrasonic backscatter microscope (UBM) images of the rabbit eye were obtained with the 44-MHz needle transducer.

Single cell elemental analysis using nuclear microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, M. Q.; Thong, P. S. P.; Kara, U.; Watt, F.

1999-04-01

The use of Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE), Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and Scanning Transmission Ion Microscopy (STIM) to provide quantitative elemental analysis of single cells is an area which has high potential, particularly when the trace elements such as Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu can be monitored. We describe the methodology of sample preparation for two cell types, the procedures of cell imaging using STIM, and the quantitative elemental analysis of single cells using RBS and PIXE. Recent work on single cells at the Nuclear Microscopy Research Centre,National University of Singapore has centred around two research areas: (a) Apoptosis (programmed cell death), which has been recently implicated in a wide range of pathological conditions such as cancer, Parkinson's disease etc, and (b) Malaria (infection of red blood cells by the malaria parasite). Firstly we present results on the elemental analysis of human Chang liver cells (ATTCC CCL 13) where vanadium ions were used to trigger apoptosis, and demonstrate that nuclear microscopy has the capability of monitoring vanadium loading within individual cells. Secondly we present the results of elemental changes taking place in individual mouse red blood cells which have been infected with the malaria parasite and treated with the anti-malaria drug Qinghaosu (QHS).

Recent progress in liquid crystal projection displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamada, Hiroshi

1997-05-01

An LC-projector usually contains 3 monochrome TFT-LCDs with a 3-channel dichroic system or a single TFT-LCD with a micro color filter. The liquid crystal operation mode adopted in a TFT-LCD is TN. The optical throughput of an LC-projector is reduced by a pair of polarizers, an aperture ratio of a TFT- LCD and a color filter in a single-LCD projector. In order to eliminate absorption loss by a color filter, a single LCD projection system which consists of a monochrome LCD with a microlens array and a color splitting system using tilted dichroic mirrors or another optical element such as a holographic optical element or a blazed grating has been developed. And LC rear projection TVs have started to challenge CRT-based rear projection TVs. In addition to this system, new technologies to improve optical throughput have been developed to the practical stage such as an active- matrix-addressed PDLC and a reflective type LCD on a Si-LSI chip. Merits and technical issues of newly developed systems and conventional systems including a-Si TFT-LCDs and p-Si TFT-LCDs are discussed mainly in terms of optical throughput.

Up-conversion media on basis single crystals BaY2F8 for UV and VUV solid state lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pushkar, A. A.; Ouvarova, T. V.; Molchanov, V. N.

2007-04-01

Crystal BaY IIF 8 represents the big interest as the perspective active media for lasers ultra-violet (UV) and vacuumultra- violet (VUV) regions. For the decision of problems with solarization this media and a choice of sources pump it is offered to use up-conversion mechanisms pump with activators from rare-earth elements (RE). We have developed technology of grown of oriented monocrystals BaY IIF 8, have defined influence of orientation on growth rate and quality ofthe received monocrystals.

Single-cell-type quantitative proteomic and ionomic analysis of epidermal bladder cells from the halophyte model plant Mesembryanthemum crystallinum to identify salt-responsive proteins.

PubMed

Barkla, Bronwyn J; Vera-Estrella, Rosario; Raymond, Carolyn

2016-05-10

Epidermal bladder cells (EBC) are large single-celled, specialized, and modified trichomes found on the aerial parts of the halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Recent development of a simple but high throughput technique to extract the contents from these cells has provided an opportunity to conduct detailed single-cell-type analyses of their molecular characteristics at high resolution to gain insight into the role of these cells in the salt tolerance of the plant. In this study, we carry out large-scale complementary quantitative proteomic studies using both a label (DIGE) and label-free (GeLC-MS) approach to identify salt-responsive proteins in the EBC extract. Additionally we perform an ionomics analysis (ICP-MS) to follow changes in the amounts of 27 different elements. Using these methods, we were able to identify 54 proteins and nine elements that showed statistically significant changes in the EBC from salt-treated plants. GO enrichment analysis identified a large number of transport proteins but also proteins involved in photosynthesis, primary metabolism and Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Validation of results by western blot, confocal microscopy and enzyme analysis helped to strengthen findings and further our understanding into the role of these specialized cells. As expected EBC accumulated large quantities of sodium, however, the most abundant element was chloride suggesting the sequestration of this ion into the EBC vacuole is just as important for salt tolerance. This single-cell type omics approach shows that epidermal bladder cells of M. crystallinum are metabolically active modified trichomes, with primary metabolism supporting cell growth, ion accumulation, compatible solute synthesis and CAM. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004045.

Demonstration of glass-based photonic interposer for mid-board-optical engines and electrical-optical circuit board (EOCB) integration strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schröder, H.; Neitz, M.; Schneider-Ramelow, M.

2018-02-01

Due to its optical transparency and superior dielectric properties glass is regarded as a promising candidate for advanced applications as active photonic interposer for mid-board-optics and optical PCB waveguide integration. The concepts for multi-mode and single-mode photonic system integration are discussed and related demonstration project results will be presented. A hybrid integrated photonic glass body interposer with integrated optical lenses for multi-mode data communication wavelength of 850 nm have been realized. The paper summarizes process developments which allow cost efficient metallization of TGV. Electro-optical elements like photodiodes and VCSELs can be directly flip-chip mounted on the glass substrate according to the desired lens positions. Furthermore results for a silicon photonic based single-mode active interposer integration onto a single mode glass made EOCB will be compared in terms of packaging challenges. The board level integration strategy for both of these technological approaches and general next generation board level integration concepts for photonic interposer will be introductorily discussed.

Resolved shear stress intensity coefficient and fatigue crack growth in large crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Q.; Liu, H. W.

1988-01-01

Fatigue crack growth tests were carried out on large-grain Al 7029 aluminum alloy and the finite element method was used to calculate the stress field near the tip of a zigzag crack. The resolved shear stresses on all 12 slip systems were computed, and the resolved shear stress intensity coefficient (RSSIC) was defined. The RSSIC was used to analyze the irregular crack path and was correlated with the rate of single-slip-plane shear crack growth. Fatigue crack growth was found to be caused primarily by shear decohesion at a crack tip. When the RSSIC on a single-slip system was much larger than all the others, the crack followed a single-slip plane. When the RSSICs on two conjugate slip systems were comparable, a crack grew in a zigzag manner on these planes and the macrocrack-plane bisected the two active slip planes. The maximum RSSIC on the most active slip system is proposed as a parameter to correlate with the shear fatigue crack growth rate in large crystals.

Ligand-tailored single-site silica supported titanium catalysts: Synthesis, characterization and towards cyanosilylation reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wei; Li, Yani; Yu, Bo; Yang, Jindou; Zhang, Ying; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Guofang; Gao, Ziwei

2015-01-01

A successive anchoring of Ti(NMe2)4, cyclopentadiene and a O-donor ligand, 1-hydroxyethylbenzene (PEA), 1,1‧-bi-2-naphthol (Binol) or 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid diethyl ester (Tartrate), on silica was conducted by SOMC strategy in moderate conditions. The silica, monitored by in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in-situ FT-IR), was pretreated at different temperatures (200, 500 and 800 °C). The ligand tailored silica-supported titanium complexes were characterized by in-situ FT-IR, 13C CP MAS-NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and elemental analysis in detail, verifying that the surface titanium species are single sited. The catalytic activity of the ligand tailored single-site silica supported titanium complexes was evaluated by a cyanosilylation of benzaldehyde. The results showed that the catalytic activity is dependent strongly on the dehydroxylation temperatures of silica and the configuration of the ligands.

Quantum State Transfer from a Single Photon to a Distant Quantum-Dot Electron Spin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yu; He, Yu-Ming; Wei, Yu-Jia; Jiang, Xiao; Chen, Kai; Lu, Chao-Yang; Pan, Jian-Wei; Schneider, Christian; Kamp, Martin; Höfling, Sven

2017-08-01

Quantum state transfer from flying photons to stationary matter qubits is an important element in the realization of quantum networks. Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots provide a promising solid-state platform hosting both single photon and spin, with an inherent light-matter interface. Here, we develop a method to coherently and actively control the single-photon frequency bins in superposition using electro-optic modulators, and measure the spin-photon entanglement with a fidelity of 0.796 ±0.020 . Further, by Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger-type state projection on the frequency, path, and polarization degrees of freedom of a single photon, we demonstrate quantum state transfer from a single photon to a single electron spin confined in an InGaAs quantum dot, separated by 5 m. The quantum state mapping from the photon's polarization to the electron's spin is demonstrated along three different axes on the Bloch sphere, with an average fidelity of 78.5%.

Single-Case Experimental Designs to Evaluate Novel Technology-Based Health Interventions

PubMed Central

Cassidy, Rachel N; Raiff, Bethany R

2013-01-01

Technology-based interventions to promote health are expanding rapidly. Assessing the preliminary efficacy of these interventions can be achieved by employing single-case experiments (sometimes referred to as n-of-1 studies). Although single-case experiments are often misunderstood, they offer excellent solutions to address the challenges associated with testing new technology-based interventions. This paper provides an introduction to single-case techniques and highlights advances in developing and evaluating single-case experiments, which help ensure that treatment outcomes are reliable, replicable, and generalizable. These advances include quality control standards, heuristics to guide visual analysis of time-series data, effect size calculations, and statistical analyses. They also include experimental designs to isolate the active elements in a treatment package and to assess the mechanisms of behavior change. The paper concludes with a discussion of issues related to the generality of findings derived from single-case research and how generality can be established through replication and through analysis of behavioral mechanisms. PMID:23399668

Estimating the cost of blood: past, present, and future directions.

PubMed

Shander, Aryeh; Hofmann, Axel; Gombotz, Hans; Theusinger, Oliver M; Spahn, Donat R

2007-06-01

Understanding the costs associated with blood products requires sophisticated knowledge about transfusion medicine and is attracting the attention of clinical and administrative healthcare sectors worldwide. To improve outcomes, blood usage must be optimized and expenditures controlled so that resources may be channeled toward other diagnostic, therapeutic, and technological initiatives. Estimating blood costs, however, is a complex undertaking, surpassing simple supply versus demand economics. Shrinking donor availability and application of a precautionary principle to minimize transfusion risks are factors that continue to drive the cost of blood products upward. Recognizing that historical accounting attempts to determine blood costs have varied in scope, perspective, and methodology, new approaches have been initiated to identify all potential cost elements related to blood and blood product administration. Activities are also under way to tie these elements together in a comprehensive and practical model that will be applicable to all single-donor blood products without regard to practice type (e.g., academic, private, multi- or single-center clinic). These initiatives, their rationale, importance, and future directions are described.

Simulation of 1.5-mm-thick and 15-cm-diameter gated silicon drift X-ray detector operated with a single high-voltage source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuura, Hideharu

2015-04-01

High-resolution silicon X-ray detectors with a large active area are required for effectively detecting traces of hazardous elements in food and soil through the measurement of the energies and counts of X-ray fluorescence photons radially emitted from these elements. The thicknesses and areas of commercial silicon drift detectors (SDDs) are up to 0.5 mm and 1.5 cm2, respectively. We describe 1.5-mm-thick gated SDDs (GSDDs) that can detect photons with energies up to 50 keV. We simulated the electric potential distributions in GSDDs with a Si thickness of 1.5 mm and areas from 0.18 to 168 cm2 at a single high reverse bias. The area of a GSDD could be enlarged simply by increasing all the gate widths by the same multiple, and the capacitance of the GSDD remained small and its X-ray count rate remained high.

A dual-loop model of the human controller in single-axis tracking tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.

1977-01-01

A dual loop model of the human controller in single axis compensatory tracking tasks is introduced. This model possesses an inner-loop closure which involves feeding back that portion of the controlled element output rate which is due to control activity. The sensory inputs to the human controller are assumed to be system error and control force. The former is assumed to be sensed via visual, aural, or tactile displays while the latter is assumed to be sensed in kinesthetic fashion. A nonlinear form of the model is briefly discussed. This model is then linearized and parameterized. A set of general adaptive characteristics for the parameterized model is hypothesized. These characteristics describe the manner in which the parameters in the linearized model will vary with such things as display quality. It is demonstrated that the parameterized model can produce controller describing functions which closely approximate those measured in laboratory tracking tasks for a wide variety of controlled elements.

Libraries of Synthetic TALE-Activated Promoters: Methods and Applications.

PubMed

Schreiber, T; Tissier, A

2016-01-01

The discovery of proteins with programmable DNA-binding specificities triggered a whole array of applications in synthetic biology, including genome editing, regulation of transcription, and epigenetic modifications. Among those, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) due to their natural function as transcription regulators, are especially well-suited for the development of orthogonal systems for the control of gene expression. We describe here the construction and testing of libraries of synthetic TALE-activated promoters which are under the control of a single TALE with a given DNA-binding specificity. These libraries consist of a fixed DNA-binding element for the TALE, a TATA box, and variable sequences of 19 bases upstream and 43 bases downstream of the DNA-binding element. These libraries were cloned using a Golden Gate cloning strategy making them usable as standard parts in a modular cloning system. The broad range of promoter activities detected and the versatility of these promoter libraries make them valuable tools for applications in the fine-tuning of expression in metabolic engineering projects or in the design and implementation of regulatory circuits. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Smart and precise alignment of optical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langehanenberg, Patrik; Heinisch, Josef; Stickler, Daniel

2013-09-01

For the assembly of any kind of optical systems the precise centration of every single element is of particular importance. Classically the precise alignment of optical components is based on the precise centering of all components to an external axis (usually a high-precision rotary spindle axis). Main drawback of this timeconsuming process is that it is significantly sensitive to misalignments of the reference (e.g. the housing) axis. In order to facilitate process in this contribution we present a novel alignment strategy for the TRIOPTICS OptiCentric® instrument family that directly aligns two elements with respect to each other by measuring the first element's axis and using this axis as alignment reference without the detour of considering an external reference. According to the optical design any axis in the system can be chosen as target axis. In case of the alignment to a barrel this axis is measured by using a distance sensor (e.g., the classically used dial indicator). Instead of fine alignment the obtained data is used for the calculation of its orientation within the setup. Alternatively, the axis of an optical element (single lens or group of lenses) whose orientation is measured with the standard OptiCentric MultiLens concept can be used as a reference. In the instrument's software the decentering of the adjusting element to the calculated axis is displayed in realtime and indicated by a target mark that can be used for the manual alignment. In addition, the obtained information can also be applied for active and fully automated alignment of lens assemblies with the help of motorized actuators.

Method for producing nanocrystalline multicomponent and multiphase materials

DOEpatents

Eastman, Jeffrey A.; Rittner, Mindy N.; Youngdahl, Carl J.; Weertman, Julia R.

1998-01-01

A process for producing multi-component and multiphase nanophase materials is provided wherein a plurality of elements are vaporized in a controlled atmosphere, so as to facilitate thorough mixing, and then condensing and consolidating the elements. The invention also provides for a multicomponent and multiphase nanocrystalline material of specified elemental and phase composition having component grain sizes of between approximately 1 nm and 100 nm. This material is a single element in combination with a binary compound. In more specific embodiments, the single element in this material can be a transition metal element, a non-transition metal element, a semiconductor, or a semi-metal, and the binary compound in this material can be an intermetallic, an oxide, a nitride, a hydride, a chloride, or other compound.

Imaging trace element distributions in single organelles and subcellular features

DOE PAGES

Kashiv, Yoav; Austin, Jotham R.; Lai, Barry; ...

2016-02-25

The distributions of chemical elements within cells are of prime importance in a wide range of basic and applied biochemical research. An example is the role of the subcellular Zn distribution in Zn homeostasis in insulin producing pancreatic beta cells and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We combined transmission electron microscopy with micro-and nano-synchrotron X-ray fluorescence to image unequivocally for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the natural elemental distributions, including those of trace elements, in single organelles and other subcellular features. Detected elements include Cl, K, Ca, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd (whichmore » some cells were supplemented with). Cell samples were prepared by a technique that minimally affects the natural elemental concentrations and distributions, and without using fluorescent indicators. In conclusion, it could likely be applied to all cell types and provide new biochemical insights at the single organelle level not available from organelle population level studies.« less

Focusing light through random photonic layers by four-element division algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Longjie; Zhang, Xicheng; Zuo, Haoyi; Pang, Lin

2018-02-01

The propagation of waves in turbid media is a fundamental problem of optics with vast applications. Optical phase optimization approaches for focusing light through turbid media using phase control algorithm have been widely studied in recent years due to the rapid development of spatial light modulator. The existing approaches include element-based algorithms - stepwise sequential algorithm, continuous sequential algorithm and whole element optimization approaches - partitioning algorithm, transmission matrix approach and genetic algorithm. The advantage of element-based approaches is that the phase contribution of each element is very clear; however, because the intensity contribution of each element to the focal point is small especially for the case of large number of elements, the determination of the optimal phase for a single element would be difficult. In other words, the signal to noise ratio of the measurement is weak, leading to possibly local maximal during the optimization. As for whole element optimization approaches, all elements are employed for the optimization. Of course, signal to noise ratio during the optimization is improved. However, because more random processings are introduced into the processing, optimizations take more time to converge than the single element based approaches. Based on the advantages of both single element based approaches and whole element optimization approaches, we propose FEDA approach. Comparisons with the existing approaches show that FEDA only takes one third of measurement time to reach the optimization, which means that FEDA is promising in practical application such as for deep tissue imaging.

Dual-loop model of the human controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.

1978-01-01

A dual-loop model of the human controller in single-axis compensatory tracking tasks is introduced. This model possesses an inner-loop closure that involves feeding back that portion of controlled element output rate that is due to control activity. A novel feature of the model is the explicit appearance of the human's internal representation of the manipulator-controlled element dynamics in the inner loop. The sensor inputs to the human controller are assumed to be system error and control force. The former can be sensed via visual, aural, or tactile displays, whereas the latter is assumed to be sensed in kinesthetic fashion. A set of general adaptive characteristics for the model is hypothesized, including a method for selecting simplified internal models of the manipulator-controlled element dynamics. It is demonstrated that the model can produce controller describing functions that closely approximate those measured in four laboratory tracking tasks in which the controlled element dynamics vary considerably in terms of ease of control. An empirically derived expression for the normalized injected error remnant spectrum is introduced.

Experimental characterization of novel microdiffuser elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehrlich, L.; Punch, J.; Jeffers, N.; Stafford, J.

2014-07-01

Micropumps can play a significant role in thermal management applications, as a component of microfluidic cooling systems. For next-generation high density optical communication systems, in particular, heat flux levels are sufficiently high to require a microfluidic circuit for cooling. Valveless piezoelectrically-actuated micropumps are a particularly promising technology to be deployed for this application. These pumps exploit the asymmetric flow behaviour of microdiffusers to achieve net flow. They feature no rotating or contacting parts, which make them intrinsically reliable in comparison to micropumps with active valves. In this paper, two novel microdiffuser elements are reported and characterized. The micropumps were fabricated using a 3D Printer. Each single diffuser had a length of 1800 pm and a depth of 400 pm. An experimental characterization was conducted in which the flow rate and differential pressure were measured as a function of operating frequency. In comparison with standard diffuser, both elements showed an increase in differential pressure in the range of 40 - 280 %, but only one of the elements exhibited an improved flow rate, of about 85 %.

Evaluation of trace elements in lung samples from coal miners using neutron activation analysis.

PubMed

Saiki, M; Saldiva, P H; Alice, S H

1999-01-01

In this study, instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, Th, and U in lung samples from miners working in coal mines located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. These results were compared to those from a control group constituted of healthy individuals. The results showed that the elements determined exhibit considerable intersubject variability within a single group of individuals and the mean values of concentrations in miners' lungs were higher than those of normal individuals. Lung samples presented U concentrations varying from 11 to 890 micrograms/kg. Therefore, for some samples, the contribution of the uranium fission products in the analysis of La, Ce, Nd, and Sm was considered by determining the interference correction factors. The accuracy of the results was evaluated by analyzing certified reference materials.

Folding of the natural hammerhead ribozyme is enhanced by interaction of auxiliary elements

PubMed Central

PENEDO, J. CARLOS; WILSON, TIMOTHY J.; JAYASENA, SUMEDHA D.; KHVOROVA, ANASTASIA; LILLEY, DAVID M.J.

2004-01-01

It has been shown that the activity of the hammerhead ribozyme at μM magnesium ion concentrations is markedly increased by the inclusion of loops in helices I and II. We have studied the effect of such loops on the magnesium ion-induced folding of the ribozyme, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. We find that with the loops in place, folding into the active conformation occurs in a single step, in the μM range of magnesium ion concentration. Disruption of the loop–loop interaction leads to a reversion to two-step folding, with the second stage requiring mM concentrations of magnesium ion. Sodium ions also promote the folding of the natural form of the ribozyme at high concentrations, but the folding occurs as a two-stage process. The loops clearly act as important auxiliary elements in the function of the ribozyme, permitting folding to occur efficiently under physiological conditions. PMID:15100442

The maternal-effect, selfish genetic element Medea is associated with a composite Tc1 transposon.

PubMed

Lorenzen, Marcé D; Gnirke, Andreas; Margolis, Jonathan; Garnes, Jeffrey; Campbell, Margie; Stuart, Jeffrey J; Aggarwal, Rajat; Richards, Stephen; Park, Yoonseong; Beeman, Richard W

2008-07-22

Maternal-Effect Dominant Embryonic Arrest ("Medea") factors are selfish nuclear elements that combine maternal-lethal and zygotic-rescue activities to gain a postzygotic survival advantage. We show that Medea(1) activity in Tribolium castaneum is associated with a composite Tc1 transposon inserted just downstream of the neurotransmitter reuptake symporter bloated tubules (blot), whose Drosophila ortholog has both maternal and zygotic functions. The 21.5-kb insertion contains defective copies of elongation initiation factor-3, ATP synthase subunit C, and an RNaseD-related gene, as well as a potentially intact copy of a prokaryotic DUF1703 gene. Sequence comparisons suggest that the current distribution of Medea(1) reflects global emanation after a single transpositional event in recent evolutionary time. The Medea system in Tribolium represents an unusual type of intragenomic conflict and could provide a useful vehicle for driving desirable genes into populations.

The maternal-effect, selfish genetic element Medea is associated with a composite Tc1 transposon

PubMed Central

Lorenzen, Marcé D.; Gnirke, Andreas; Margolis, Jonathan; Garnes, Jeffrey; Campbell, Margie; Stuart, Jeffrey J.; Aggarwal, Rajat; Richards, Stephen; Park, Yoonseong; Beeman, Richard W.

2008-01-01

Maternal-Effect Dominant Embryonic Arrest (“Medea”) factors are selfish nuclear elements that combine maternal-lethal and zygotic-rescue activities to gain a postzygotic survival advantage. We show that Medea1 activity in Tribolium castaneum is associated with a composite Tc1 transposon inserted just downstream of the neurotransmitter reuptake symporter bloated tubules (blot), whose Drosophila ortholog has both maternal and zygotic functions. The 21.5-kb insertion contains defective copies of elongation initiation factor-3, ATP synthase subunit C, and an RNaseD-related gene, as well as a potentially intact copy of a prokaryotic DUF1703 gene. Sequence comparisons suggest that the current distribution of Medea1 reflects global emanation after a single transpositional event in recent evolutionary time. The Medea system in Tribolium represents an unusual type of intragenomic conflict and could provide a useful vehicle for driving desirable genes into populations. PMID:18621706

Optimal vibration control of a rotating plate with self-sensing active constrained layer damping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Zhengchao; Wong, Pak Kin; Lo, Kin Heng

2012-04-01

This paper proposes a finite element model for optimally controlled constrained layer damped (CLD) rotating plate with self-sensing technique and frequency-dependent material property in both the time and frequency domain. Constrained layer damping with viscoelastic material can effectively reduce the vibration in rotating structures. However, most existing research models use complex modulus approach to model viscoelastic material, and an additional iterative approach which is only available in frequency domain has to be used to include the material's frequency dependency. It is meaningful to model the viscoelastic damping layer in rotating part by using the anelastic displacement fields (ADF) in order to include the frequency dependency in both the time and frequency domain. Also, unlike previous ones, this finite element model treats all three layers as having the both shear and extension strains, so all types of damping are taken into account. Thus, in this work, a single layer finite element is adopted to model a three-layer active constrained layer damped rotating plate in which the constraining layer is made of piezoelectric material to work as both the self-sensing sensor and actuator under an linear quadratic regulation (LQR) controller. After being compared with verified data, this newly proposed finite element model is validated and could be used for future research.

AST Critical Propulsion and Noise Reduction Technologies for Future Commercial Subsonic Engines Area of Interest 1.0: Reliable and Affordable Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, William; Winter, Steve

2006-01-01

The General Electric Reliable and Affordable Controls effort under the NASA Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) Program has designed, fabricated, and tested advanced controls hardware and software to reduce emissions and improve engine safety and reliability. The original effort consisted of four elements: 1) a Hydraulic Multiplexer; 2) Active Combustor Control; 3) a Variable Displacement Vane Pump (VDVP); and 4) Intelligent Engine Control. The VDVP and Intelligent Engine Control elements were cancelled due to funding constraints and are reported here only to the state they progressed. The Hydraulic Multiplexing element developed and tested a prototype which improves reliability by combining the functionality of up to 16 solenoids and servo-valves into one component with a single electrically powered force motor. The Active Combustor Control element developed intelligent staging and control strategies for low emission combustors. This included development and tests of a Controlled Pressure Fuel Nozzle for fuel sequencing, a Fuel Multiplexer for individual fuel cup metering, and model-based control logic. Both the Hydraulic Multiplexer and Controlled Pressure Fuel Nozzle system were cleared for engine test. The Fuel Multiplexer was cleared for combustor rig test which must be followed by an engine test to achieve full maturation.

The Long Terminal Repeat Retrotransposons Tf1 and Tf2 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

PubMed

Esnault, Caroline; Levin, Henry L

2015-08-01

The long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons Tf1 and Tf2 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe are active mobile elements of the Ty3/gypsy family. The mobilization of these retrotransposons depends on particle formation, reverse transcription and integration, processes typical of other LTR retrotransposons. However, Tf1 and Tf2 are distinct from other LTR elements in that they assemble virus-like particles from a single primary translation product, initiate reverse transcription with an unusual self-priming mechanism, and, in the case of Tf1, integrate with a pattern that favors specific promoters of RNA pol II-transcribed genes. To avoid the chromosome instability and genome damage that results from increased copy number, S. pombe applies a variety of defense mechanisms that restrict Tf1 and Tf2 activity. The mRNA of the Tf elements is eliminated by an exosome-based pathway when cells are in favorable conditions whereas nutrient deprivation triggers an RNA interference-dependent pathway that results in the heterochromatization of the elements. Interestingly, Tf1 integrates into the promoters of stress-induced genes and these insertions are capable of increasing the expression of adjacent genes. These properties of Tf1 transposition raise the possibility that Tf1 benefits cells with specific insertions by providing resistance to environmental stress.

Source characterization of urban particles from meat smoking activities in Chongqing, China using single particle aerosol mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Yang; Wenger, John C; Yang, Fumo; Cao, Junji; Huang, Rujin; Shi, Guangming; Zhang, Shumin; Tian, Mi; Wang, Huanbo

2017-09-01

A Single Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (SPAMS) was deployed in the urban area of Chongqing to characterize the particles present during a severe particulate pollution event that occurred in winter 2014-2015. The measurements were made at a time when residents engaged in traditional outdoor meat smoking activities to preserve meat before the Chinese Spring Festival. The measurement period was predominantly characterized by stagnant weather conditions, highly elevated levels of PM 2.5 , and low visibility. Eleven major single particle types were identified, with over 92.5% of the particles attributed to biomass burning emissions. Most of the particle types showed appreciable signs of aging in the stagnant air conditions. To simulate the meat smoking activities, a series of controlled smoldering experiments was conducted using freshly cut pine and cypress branches, both with and without wood logs. SPAMS data obtained from these experiments revealed a number of biomass burning particle types, including an elemental and organic carbon (ECOC) type that proved to be the most suitable marker for meat smoking activities. The traditional activity of making preserved meat in southwestern China is shown here to be a major source of particulate pollution. Improved measures to reduce emissions from the smoking of meat should be introduced to improve air quality in regions where smoking meat activity prevails. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

icpTOF: a new way for the detection of synthetic nanoparticles in environmental systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borovinskaya, Olga; Tanner, Martin; Böhme, Steffi; Gondikas, Andreas

2016-04-01

Tons of engineered nanoparticles are yearly released into the environment as a result of human activity and utilization of nano-containing products. Driven by demand and innovations, the production volumes of nanomaterials are predicted to grow further and already in 2020 will reach >500000 tons [1]. The current challenge faced by society is the lack of information about the fate, behavior, and implications of nanomaterials. This gap has to be filled in order to develop an appropriate strategy for the regulation of nanotechnologies. This is not a simple task because we are still unable to detect and monitor nanoparticles once they have been released into the environment. The list of analytical techniques which can be applied for nanoparticle detection in complex media and at environmentally relevant concentrations (ppt-ppb) is very short and for most of the studies complementary approaches are applied. Single particle (sp)-ICP-MS is a new technique which provides an easy and routinely applied way to quantitatively determine size and number concentration of metal-containing nanoparticles [2]. Moreover, element-specific detection makes sp-ICP-MS more tolerant to high levels of natural background (e.g. organic matter, bacteria). The measurement of single particles implies the detection of extremely short signals (100-500 μm) and requires sensitive and fast instrumentation. Sequentially scanning instruments based on quadrupole or sector-field technology cannot accurately measure more than one isotope per particle and determine elemental composition of single particles. A new icpTOF mass spectrometer (TOFWERK AG, Switzerland) provides simultaneous detection over the whole mass range of elements at μs-time resolution and with >3000 mass resolving power. These unique features render the determination of multi-element composition of single nanoparticles possible [3]. This additional information is extremely valuable to study chemical transformations of particles once they have entered the real ecosystem. Besides, element ratios of single particles can be used as a specific merit for the identification of synthetic nanoparticles in the presence of naturally occurring particulate background [4]. In addition to higher mass resolving power, the instrument is equipped with a collision/reaction cell, which helps to improve detection limits for elements suffering from interferences (e.g. Fe, Ti, P, S). The icpTOF performance will be shown in combination with different sample introduction systems, including novel discrete microdroplet introduction. The single droplet introduction approach enables particle quantification without particulate reference materials and significantly simplifies the analysis. The advantages of fast simultaneous detection for the characterization of multi-component nanoparticles in environmental media will be demonstrated on several studies. [1] Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties, Final Report. Royal Society: London, 2004 [2] Degueldre et al. (2003), Coll. Surf. A, 217, 137-142. [3] Borovinskaya et al. (2014), Anal. Chem, 86, 8142-8148. [4] Von der Kammer et al. (2012), Env. Tox. and Chem., 31, 32-49.

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

Ulvestad, Andrew; Sasikumar, Kiran; Kim, Jong Woo

Multielectron transfer processes are crucially important in energy and biological science but require favorable catalysts to achieve fast kinetics. Nanostructuring catalysts can dramatically improve their properties, which can be difficult to understand due to strain- and size-dependent thermodynamics, the influence of defects, and substrate-dependent activities. Here, we report three-dimensional (3D) imaging of single gold nanoparticles during catalysis of ascorbic acid decomposition using Bragg coherent diffractive imaging (BCDI). Local strains were measured in single nanoparticles and modeled using reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations and finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. RMD reveals the pathway for local strain generation in the gold lattice:more » chemisorption of hydroxyl ions. FEA reveals that the RMD results are transferable to the nanocrystal sizes studied in the experiment. Our study probes the strain-activity connection and opens a powerful avenue for theoretical and experimental studies of nanocrystal catalysis.« less

2007 Global Demilitarization Symposium and Exhibition

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-17

system! Defines reactive properties ! www.biorex.se Heavy metals • Water soluble • Easily spread • Elements • Not degradable • Hazardous • In high or low...Activated sludge Oat by-products Juniper fibre Sawdust Agro-based fibres Seaweed Grape stalk fibres Marine algae Husk of black gram www.biorex.se Sorbent...Description Reactor Illustration 18 inch diameter reactor 120 inches high Single diameter throughout entire reactor length 19 resistance heaters Alloy 600

Effects of Single P-Element Insertions on Bristle Number and Viability in Drosophila Melanogaster

PubMed Central

Lyman, R. F.; Lawrence, F.; Nuzhdin, S. V.; Mackay, TFC.

1996-01-01

Single P-element mutagenesis was used to construct 1094 lines with P[lArB] inserts on all three major chromosomes in an isogenic background previously free of P elements. The effects of insertions on bristle number and on viability were assessed by comparison to 392 control lines. The variance and effects of P-element inserts on bristle number and viability were larger than those inferred from spontaneous mutations. The distributions of effects on bristle number were symmetrical and highly leptokurtic, such that a few inserts with large effects caused most of the increase in variance. The distribution of effects on viability were negatively skewed and platykurtic. On average, the effects of P-element insertions on bristle number were partly recessive and on viability were completely recessive. P-element inserts with large effects on bristle number tended to have reduced viability, but the correlation between the absolute value of the effects on bristle number and on viability was not strong. Fifty P-element inserts tagging quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with large effects on bristle number were mapped cytogenetically. Two P-element-induced scabrous alleles and five extramacrochaetae alleles were generated. Single P-element mutagenesis is a powerful method for identifying QTLs at the level of genetic locus. PMID:8722781

Effects of single P-element insertions on bristle number and viability in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Lyman, R F; Lawrence, F; Nuzhdin, S V; Mackay, T F

1996-05-01

Single P-element mutagenesis was used to construct 1094 lines with P[lArB] inserts on all three major chromosomes in an isogenic background previously free of P elements. The effects of insertions on bristle number and on viability were assessed by comparison to 392 control lines. The variance and effects of P-element inserts on bristle number and viability were larger than those inferred from spontaneous mutations. The distributions of effects on bristle number were symmetrical and highly leptokurtic, such that a few inserts with large effects caused most of the increase in variance. The distribution of effects on viability were negatively skewed and platykurtic. On average, the effects of P-element insertions on bristle number were partly recessive and on viability were completely recessive. P-element inserts with large effects on bristle number tended to have reduced viability, but the correlation between the absolute value of the effects on bristle number and on viability was not strong. Fifty P-element inserts tagging quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with large effects on bristle number were mapped cytogenetically. Two P-element-induced scabrous alleles and five extramacrochaetae alleles were generated. Single P-element mutagenesis is a powerful method for identifying QTLs at the level of genetic locus.

Interconnect-free parallel logic circuits in a single mechanical resonator

PubMed Central

Mahboob, I.; Flurin, E.; Nishiguchi, K.; Fujiwara, A.; Yamaguchi, H.

2011-01-01

In conventional computers, wiring between transistors is required to enable the execution of Boolean logic functions. This has resulted in processors in which billions of transistors are physically interconnected, which limits integration densities, gives rise to huge power consumption and restricts processing speeds. A method to eliminate wiring amongst transistors by condensing Boolean logic into a single active element is thus highly desirable. Here, we demonstrate a novel logic architecture using only a single electromechanical parametric resonator into which multiple channels of binary information are encoded as mechanical oscillations at different frequencies. The parametric resonator can mix these channels, resulting in new mechanical oscillation states that enable the construction of AND, OR and XOR logic gates as well as multibit logic circuits. Moreover, the mechanical logic gates and circuits can be executed simultaneously, giving rise to the prospect of a parallel logic processor in just a single mechanical resonator. PMID:21326230

Interconnect-free parallel logic circuits in a single mechanical resonator.

PubMed

Mahboob, I; Flurin, E; Nishiguchi, K; Fujiwara, A; Yamaguchi, H

2011-02-15

In conventional computers, wiring between transistors is required to enable the execution of Boolean logic functions. This has resulted in processors in which billions of transistors are physically interconnected, which limits integration densities, gives rise to huge power consumption and restricts processing speeds. A method to eliminate wiring amongst transistors by condensing Boolean logic into a single active element is thus highly desirable. Here, we demonstrate a novel logic architecture using only a single electromechanical parametric resonator into which multiple channels of binary information are encoded as mechanical oscillations at different frequencies. The parametric resonator can mix these channels, resulting in new mechanical oscillation states that enable the construction of AND, OR and XOR logic gates as well as multibit logic circuits. Moreover, the mechanical logic gates and circuits can be executed simultaneously, giving rise to the prospect of a parallel logic processor in just a single mechanical resonator.

Dual-Gated Active Metasurface at 1550 nm with Wide (>300°) Phase Tunability.

PubMed

Kafaie Shirmanesh, Ghazaleh; Sokhoyan, Ruzan; Pala, Ragip A; Atwater, Harry A

2018-05-09

Active metasurfaces composed of electrically reconfigurable nanoscale subwavelength antenna arrays can enable real-time control of scattered light amplitude and phase. Achievement of widely tunable phase and amplitude in chip-based active metasurfaces operating at or near 1550 nm wavelength has considerable potential for active beam steering, dynamic hologram rendition, and realization of flat optics with reconfigurable focal lengths. Previously, electrically tunable conducting oxide-based reflectarray metasurfaces have demonstrated dynamic phase control of reflected light with a maximum phase shift of 184° ( Nano Lett. 2016 , 16 , 5319 ). Here, we introduce a dual-gated reflectarray metasurface architecture that enables much wider (>300°) phase tunability. We explore light-matter interactions with dual-gated metasurface elements that incorporate two independent voltage-controlled MOS field effect channels connected in series to form a single metasurface element that enables wider phase tunability. Using indium tin oxide (ITO) as the active metasurface material and a composite hafnia/alumina gate dielectric, we demonstrate a prototype dual-gated metasurface with a continuous phase shift from 0 to 303° and a relative reflectance modulation of 89% under applied voltage bias of 6.5 V.

Method for producing nanocrystalline multicomponent and multiphase materials

DOEpatents

Eastman, J.A.; Rittner, M.N.; Youngdahl, C.J.; Weertman, J.R.

1998-03-17

A process for producing multi-component and multiphase nanophase materials is provided wherein a plurality of elements are vaporized in a controlled atmosphere, so as to facilitate thorough mixing, and then condensing and consolidating the elements. The invention also provides for a multicomponent and multiphase nanocrystalline material of specified elemental and phase composition having component grain sizes of between approximately 1 nm and 100 nm. This material is a single element in combination with a binary compound. In more specific embodiments, the single element in this material can be a transition metal element, a non-transition metal element, a semiconductor, or a semi-metal, and the binary compound in this material can be an intermetallic, an oxide, a nitride, a hydride, a chloride, or other compound. 6 figs.

Decohesion Elements using Two and Three-Parameter Mixed-Mode Criteria

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davila, Carlos G.; Camanho, Pedro P.

2001-01-01

An eight-node decohesion element implementing different criteria to predict delamination growth under mixed-mode loading is proposed. The element is used at the interface between solid finite elements to model the initiation and propagation of delamination. A single displacement-based damage parameter is used in a softening law to track the damage state of the interface. The power law criterion and a three-parameter mixed-mode criterion are used to predict delamination growth. The accuracy of the predictions is evaluated in single mode delamination and in the mixed-mode bending tests.

Simulation of a Single-Element Lean-Direct Injection Combustor Using Arbitrary Polyhedral Mesh

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wey, Thomas; Liu, Nan-Suey

2012-01-01

This paper summarizes procedures of generating the arbitrary polyhedral mesh as well as presents sample results from its application to the numerical solution of a single-element LDI combustor using a preliminary version of the new OpenNCC.

Mobility of plume-derived volcanogenic elements in meteoric water at Nyiragongo volcano (Congo) inferred from the chemical composition of single rainfall events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liotta, Marcello; Shamavu, Patient; Scaglione, Sarah; D'Alessandro, Walter; Bobrowski, Nicole; Bruno Giuffrida, Giovanni; Tedesco, Dario; Calabrese, Sergio

2017-11-01

The chemical composition of single rainfall events was investigated at Nyiragongo volcano (Democratic Republic of Congo) with the aim of determining the relative contributions of plume-derived elements. The different locations of the sampling sites allowed both plume-affected samples (hereafter referred to as ;fumigated samples;) and samples representative of the local background to be collected. The chemical composition of the local background reflects the peculiar geographic features of the area, being influenced by biomass burning, geogenic dust, and biological activity. Conversely, fumigated samples contain large amounts of volcanogenic elements that can be clearly distinguished from the local background. These elements are released into the atmosphere from the persistently boiling lava lake of the Nyiragongo crater and from the neonate lava lake of Nyamulagira. These emissions result in a volcanic plume that includes solid particles, acidic droplets, and gaseous species. The chemical signature of the volcanic emissions appears in falling raindrops as they interact with the plume. HCl and HBr readily dissolve in water, and so their ratio in rain samples reflects that of the volcanic plume. The transport of HF is mediated by the large amount of silicate particles generated at the magma-air interface. SO2 is partially converted into SO42- that dissolves in water. The refractory elements dissolved in rain samples derive from the dissolution of silicate particles, and most of them (Al, Mg, Ca, and Sr) are present at exactly the same molar ratios as in the rocks. In contrast, elements such as Na, K, Rb, Cu, and Pb are enriched relative to the whole-rock composition, suggesting that they are volatilized during magma degassing. After correcting for the dissolution of silicate particles, we can define that the volatility of the elements decreases in the following order: Pb ≫ Rb > K > Na. This finding, which is the first for a volcanic plume, is consistent with previous measurements in high-temperature fumaroles at other volcanic areas.

TED, an Autonomous and Rare Maize Transposon of the Mutator Superfamily with a High Gametophytic Excision Frequency[W

PubMed Central

Li, Yubin; Harris, Linda; Dooner, Hugo K.

2013-01-01

Mutator (Mu) elements, one of the most diverse superfamilies of DNA transposons, are found in all eukaryotic kingdoms, but are particularly numerous in plants. Most of the present knowledge on the transposition behavior of this superfamily comes from studies of the maize (Zea mays) Mu elements, whose transposition is mediated by the autonomous Mutator-Don Robertson (MuDR) element. Here, we describe the maize element TED (for Transposon Ellen Dempsey), an autonomous cousin that differs significantly from MuDR. Element excision and reinsertion appear to require both proteins encoded by MuDR, but only the single protein encoded by TED. Germinal excisions, rare with MuDR, are common with TED, but arise in one of the mitotic divisions of the gametophyte, rather than at meiosis. Instead, transposition-deficient elements arise at meiosis, suggesting that the double-strand breaks produced by element excision are repaired differently in mitosis and meiosis. Unlike MuDR, TED is a very low-copy transposon whose number and activity do not undergo dramatic changes upon inbreeding or outcrossing. Like MuDR, TED transposes mostly to unlinked sites and can form circular transposition products. Sequences closer to TED than to MuDR were detected only in the grasses, suggesting a rather recent evolutionary split from a common ancestor. PMID:24038653

TED, an autonomous and rare maize transposon of the mutator superfamily with a high gametophytic excision frequency.

PubMed

Li, Yubin; Harris, Linda; Dooner, Hugo K

2013-09-01

Mutator (Mu) elements, one of the most diverse superfamilies of DNA transposons, are found in all eukaryotic kingdoms, but are particularly numerous in plants. Most of the present knowledge on the transposition behavior of this superfamily comes from studies of the maize (Zea mays) Mu elements, whose transposition is mediated by the autonomous Mutator-Don Robertson (MuDR) element. Here, we describe the maize element TED (for Transposon Ellen Dempsey), an autonomous cousin that differs significantly from MuDR. Element excision and reinsertion appear to require both proteins encoded by MuDR, but only the single protein encoded by TED. Germinal excisions, rare with MuDR, are common with TED, but arise in one of the mitotic divisions of the gametophyte, rather than at meiosis. Instead, transposition-deficient elements arise at meiosis, suggesting that the double-strand breaks produced by element excision are repaired differently in mitosis and meiosis. Unlike MuDR, TED is a very low-copy transposon whose number and activity do not undergo dramatic changes upon inbreeding or outcrossing. Like MuDR, TED transposes mostly to unlinked sites and can form circular transposition products. Sequences closer to TED than to MuDR were detected only in the grasses, suggesting a rather recent evolutionary split from a common ancestor.

Simulations of surface stress effects in nanoscale single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zadin, V.; Veske, M.; Vigonski, S.; Jansson, V.; Muszinsky, J.; Parviainen, S.; Aabloo, A.; Djurabekova, F.

2018-04-01

Onset of vacuum arcing near a metal surface is often associated with nanoscale asperities, which may dynamically appear due to different processes ongoing in the surface and subsurface layers in the presence of high electric fields. Thermally activated processes, as well as plastic deformation caused by tensile stress due to an applied electric field, are usually not accessible by atomistic simulations because of the long time needed for these processes to occur. On the other hand, finite element methods, able to describe the process of plastic deformations in materials at realistic stresses, do not include surface properties. The latter are particularly important for the problems where the surface plays crucial role in the studied process, as for instance, in the case of plastic deformations at a nanovoid. In the current study by means of molecular dynamics (MD) and finite element simulations we analyse the stress distribution in single crystal copper containing a nanovoid buried deep under the surface. We have developed a methodology to incorporate the surface effects into the solid mechanics framework by utilizing elastic properties of crystals, pre-calculated using MD simulations. The method leads to computationally efficient stress calculations and can be easily implemented in commercially available finite element software, making it an attractive analysis tool.

[Analysis of inorganic elements in hydroponic Taraxacum mongolicum grown under different spectrum combinations by ICP-AES].

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-li; Morewane, M B; Xue, Xu-zhang; Guo, Wen-zhong; Wang, Li-chun

2015-02-01

Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum) was hydroponically cultured in a completely enclosed plant factory, in which fluorescence and LED emitting spectra of different bands were used as the sole light source for plant growth. Effects of spectral component on the growth of dandelion were studied and the contents of ten inorganic elements such as K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B in dandelion were analyzed by ICP-AES technology. The results showed that: (1) Under the condition of similar photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), single R or combined spectrums of FLRB were beneficial for biomass accumulation, while single B was the contrary; (2) Macroelements content ratio in Taraxacum mongolicum grown under FLwas K:Ca:P:Mg : Na=79.74:32.39:24.32:10.55:1.00, microelements content ratio was Fe:Mn:B:Zn:Cu = 9.28:9.71:3.82:2.08:1.00; (3) Red light (peak at 660 nm) could promote the absorptions of Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, while absorption of Cu was not closely related to spectral conditions; (4) Thehighest accumulation of Ca, Na, Mn and Zn were obtained in aerial parts of Taraxacum mongolicum plants grown under pure red spectrum R, while the accumulation of the rest six elements reached the highest level under the mixed spectrum FLRB.

Airborne ultrasonic phased arrays using ferroelectrets: a new fabrication approach.

PubMed

Ealo, Joao L; Camacho, Jorge J; Fritsch, Carlos

2009-04-01

In this work, a novel procedure that considerably simplifies the fabrication process of ferroelectret-based multielement array transducers is proposed and evaluated. Also, the potential of ferroelectrets being used as active material for air-coupled ultrasonic transducer design is demonstrated. The new construction method of multi-element transducers introduces 2 distinctive improvements. First, active ferroelectret material is not discretized into elements, and second, the need of structuring upper and/or lower electrodes in advance of the permanent polarization of the film is removed. The aperture discretization and the mechanical connection are achieved in one step using a through-thickness conductive tape. To validate the procedure, 2 linear array prototypes of 32 elements, with a pitch of 3.43 mm and a wide usable frequency range from 30 to 300 kHz, were built and evaluated using a commercial phased-array system. A low crosstalk among elements, below -30 dB, was measured by interferometry. Likewise, a homogeneous response of the array elements, with a maximum deviation of +/-1.8 dB, was obtained. Acoustic beam steering measurements were accomplished at different deflection angles using a calibrated microphone. The ultrasonic beam parameters, namely, lateral resolution, side lobe level, grating lobes, and focus depth, were congruent with theory. Acoustic images of a single reflector were obtained using one of the array elements as the receiver. Resulting images are also in accordance with numerical simulation, demonstrating the feasibility of using these arrays in pulse-echo mode. The proposed procedure simplifies the manufacturing of multidimensional arrays with arbitrary shape elements and not uniformly distributed. Furthermore, this concept can be extended to nonflat arrays as long as the transducer substrate conforms to a developable surface.

Structural characterization and regulatory element analysis of the heart isoform of cytochrome c oxidase VIa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wan, B.; Moreadith, R. W.; Blomqvist, C. G. (Principal Investigator)

1995-01-01

In order to investigate the mechanism(s) governing the striated muscle-specific expression of cytochrome c oxidase VIaH we have characterized the murine gene and analyzed its transcriptional regulatory elements in skeletal myogenic cell lines. The gene is single copy, spans 689 base pairs (bp), and is comprised of three exons. The 5'-ends of transcripts from the gene are heterogeneous, but the most abundant transcript includes a 5'-untranslated region of 30 nucleotides. When fused to the luciferase reporter gene, the 3.5-kilobase 5'-flanking region of the gene directed the expression of the heterologous protein selectively in differentiated Sol8 cells and transgenic mice, recapitulating the pattern of expression of the endogenous gene. Deletion analysis identified a 300-bp fragment sufficient to direct the myotube-specific expression of luciferase in Sol8 cells. The region lacks an apparent TATA element, and sequence motifs predicted to bind NRF-1, NRF-2, ox-box, or PPAR factors known to regulate other nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins are not evident. Mutational analysis, however, identified two cis-elements necessary for the high level expression of the reporter protein: a MEF2 consensus element at -90 to -81 bp and an E-box element at -147 to -142 bp. Additional E-box motifs at closely located positions were mutated without loss of transcriptional activity. The dependence of transcriptional activation of cytochrome c oxidase VIaH on cis-elements similar to those found in contractile protein genes suggests that the striated muscle-specific expression is coregulated by mechanisms that control the lineage-specific expression of several contractile and cytosolic proteins.

A New Clinical HIFU System (Teleson II)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yixin; Symonds-Tayler, Richard; Rivens, Ian H.; ter Haar, Gail R.

2007-05-01

Previous clinical trials with our first prototype HIFU system (Teleson I) for the treatment of liver tumors, demonstrated a major challenge to be treatment of those tumors located behind the ribs. We have designed a new multi-element transducer for rib sparing. Initial simulation and experimental results (using a single channel power amplifier) are very encouraging. A new clinical HIFU system which can drive the multi-element transducer and control each channel independently is being designed and constructed. This second version of a clinical prototype HIFU system consists of a 3D motorised gantry, a multi-channel signal generator, a multi-channel power amplifier, a user interface PC, an embedded controller and auxiliary circuits for real-time interleaving/synchronization control and a to-be-implemented safety monitoring and data logging unit. For multi-element transducers, each element can be individually switched on and off for rib sparing, and phase and amplitude modulated for potential phased array applications. The multi-channel power amplifier can be switched on/off very rapidly at required intervals to interleave with ultrasound B-Scan imaging for HIFU monitoring or radiation force elastography imaging via a dedicated interleaving/timing module. The gantry movement can also be synchronised with power amplifier on/off and phase/amplitude updating for lesion generation under a wide variety of conditions including single lesions, lesion arrays and lesions "tracks" created whilst translating the active transducer. Results from testing the system using excised tissue will be presented.

Modulation of muscle-tendon interaction in the human triceps surae during an energy dissipation task.

PubMed

Werkhausen, Amelie; Albracht, Kirsten; Cronin, Neil J; Meier, Rahel; Bojsen-Møller, Jens; Seynnes, Olivier R

2017-11-15

The compliance of elastic elements allows muscles to dissipate energy safely during eccentric contractions. This buffering function is well documented in animal models but our understanding of its mechanism in humans is confined to non-specific tasks, requiring a subsequent acceleration of the body. The present study aimed to examine the behaviour of the human triceps surae muscle-tendon unit (MTU) during a pure energy dissipation task, under two loading conditions. Thirty-nine subjects performed a single-leg landing task, with and without added mass. Ultrasound measurements were combined with three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics to determine instantaneous length changes of MTUs, muscle fascicles, Achilles tendon and combined elastic elements. Gastrocnemius and soleus MTUs lengthened during landing. After a small concentric action, fascicles contracted eccentrically during most of the task, whereas plantar flexor muscles were activated. Combined elastic elements lengthened until peak ankle moment and recoiled thereafter, whereas no recoil was observed for the Achilles tendon. Adding mass resulted in greater negative work and MTU lengthening, which were accompanied by a greater stretch of tendon and elastic elements and a greater recruitment of the soleus muscle, without any further fascicle strain. Hence, the buffering action of elastic elements delimits the maximal strain and lengthening velocity of active muscle fascicles and is commensurate with loading constraints. In the present task, energy dissipation was modulated via greater MTU excursion and more forceful eccentric contractions. The distinct strain pattern of the Achilles tendon supports the notion that different elastic elements may not systematically fulfil the same function. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Simple spatial scaling rules behind complex cities.

PubMed

Li, Ruiqi; Dong, Lei; Zhang, Jiang; Wang, Xinran; Wang, Wen-Xu; Di, Zengru; Stanley, H Eugene

2017-11-28

Although most of wealth and innovation have been the result of human interaction and cooperation, we are not yet able to quantitatively predict the spatial distributions of three main elements of cities: population, roads, and socioeconomic interactions. By a simple model mainly based on spatial attraction and matching growth mechanisms, we reveal that the spatial scaling rules of these three elements are in a consistent framework, which allows us to use any single observation to infer the others. All numerical and theoretical results are consistent with empirical data from ten representative cities. In addition, our model can also provide a general explanation of the origins of the universal super- and sub-linear aggregate scaling laws and accurately predict kilometre-level socioeconomic activity. Our work opens a new avenue for uncovering the evolution of cities in terms of the interplay among urban elements, and it has a broad range of applications.

High power density dc/dc converter: Selection of converter topology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divan, Deepakraj M.

1990-01-01

The work involved in the identification and selection of a suitable converter topology is described. Three new dc/dc converter topologies are proposed: Phase-Shifted Single Active Bridge DC/DC Converter; Single Phase Dual Active Bridges DC/DC Converter; and Three Phase Dual Active Bridges DC/DC Converter (Topology C). The salient features of these topologies are: (1) All are minimal in structure, i.e., each consists of an input and output bridge, input and output filter and a transformer, all components essential for a high power dc/dc conversion process; (2) All devices of both the bridges can operate under near zero-voltage conditions, making possible a reduction of device switching losses and hence, an increase in switching frequency; (3) All circuits operate at a constant frequency, thus simplifying the task of the magnetic and filter elements; (4) Since, the leakage inductance of the transformer is used as the main current transfer element, problems associated with the diode reverse recovery are eliminated. Also, this mode of operation allows easy paralleling of multiple modules for extending the power capacity of the system; (5) All circuits are least sensitive to parasitic impedances, infact the parasitics are efficently utilized; and (6) The soft switching transitions, result in low electromagnetic interference. A detailed analysis of each topology was carried out. Based on the analysis, the various device and component ratings for each topology operating at an optimum point, and under the given specifications, are tabulated and discussed.

Hormone activation induces nucleosome positioning in vivo

PubMed Central

Belikov, Sergey; Gelius, Birgitta; Almouzni, Geneviève; Wrange, Örjan

2000-01-01

The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter is induced by glucocorticoid hormone. A robust hormone- and receptor-dependent activation could be reproduced in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The homogeneous response in this system allowed a detailed analysis of the transition in chromatin structure following hormone activation. This revealed two novel findings: hormone activation led to the establishment of specific translational positioning of nucleosomes despite the lack of significant positioning in the inactive state; and, in the active promoter, a subnucleosomal particle encompassing the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-binding region was detected. The presence of only a single GR-binding site was sufficient for the structural transition to occur. Both basal promoter elements and ongoing transcription were dispensable. These data reveal a stepwise process in the transcriptional activation by glucocorticoid hormone. PMID:10698943

A new era for functional labeling of neurons: activity-dependent promoters have come of age

PubMed Central

Kawashima, Takashi; Okuno, Hiroyuki; Bito, Haruhiko

2014-01-01

Genetic labeling of neurons with a specific response feature is an emerging technology for precise dissection of brain circuits that are functionally heterogeneous at the single-cell level. While immediate early gene mapping has been widely used for decades to identify brain regions which are activated by external stimuli, recent characterization of the promoter and enhancer elements responsible for neuronal activity-dependent transcription have opened new avenues for live imaging of active neurons. Indeed, these advancements provided the basis for a growing repertoire of novel experiments to address the role of active neuronal networks in cognitive behaviors. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the usage and development of activity-dependent promoters and discuss the future directions of this expanding new field. PMID:24795570

Detecting element specific electrons from a single cobalt nanocluster with synchrotron x-ray scanning tunneling microscopy

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

Kersell, Heath; Shirato, Nozomi; Cummings, Marvin

We use a nanofabricated scanning tunneling microscope tip as a detector to investigate local X-ray induced tunneling and electron emission from a single cobalt nanocluster on a Au(111) surface. The tip-detector is positioned a few angstroms above the nanocluster, and ramping the incident X-ray energy across the Co photoabsorption K-edge enables the detection of element specific electrons. Atomic-scale spatial dependent changes in the X-ray absorption cross section are directly measured by taking the X-ray induced current as a function of X-ray energy. From the measured sample and tip currents, element specific X-ray induced current components can be separated and therebymore » the corresponding yields for the X-ray induced processes of the single cobalt nanocluster can be determined. The detection of element specific synchrotron X-ray induced electrons of a single nanocluster opens a new avenue for materials characterization on a one particle at-a-time basis.« less

Detecting element specific electrons from a single cobalt nanocluster with synchrotron x-ray scanning tunneling microscopy

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

Kersell, Heath; Shirato, Nozomi; Cummings, Marvin

Here, we use a nanofabricated scanning tunneling microscope tip as a detector to investigate local X-ray induced tunneling and electron emission from a single cobalt nanocluster on a Au(111) surface. The tip-detector is positioned a few angstroms above the nanocluster, and ramping the incident X-ray energy across the Co photoabsorption K-edge enables the detection of element specific electrons. Atomic-scale spatial dependent changes in the X-ray absorption cross section are directly measured by taking the X-ray induced current as a function of X-ray energy. From the measured sample and tip currents, element specific X-ray induced current components can be separated andmore » thereby the corresponding yields for the X-ray induced processes of the single cobalt nanocluster can be determined. The detection of element specific synchrotron X-ray induced electrons of a single nanocluster opens a new avenue for materials characterization on a one particle at-a-time basis.« less

Detecting element specific electrons from a single cobalt nanocluster with synchrotron x-ray scanning tunneling microscopy

DOE PAGES

Kersell, Heath; Shirato, Nozomi; Cummings, Marvin; ...

2017-09-05

Here, we use a nanofabricated scanning tunneling microscope tip as a detector to investigate local X-ray induced tunneling and electron emission from a single cobalt nanocluster on a Au(111) surface. The tip-detector is positioned a few angstroms above the nanocluster, and ramping the incident X-ray energy across the Co photoabsorption K-edge enables the detection of element specific electrons. Atomic-scale spatial dependent changes in the X-ray absorption cross section are directly measured by taking the X-ray induced current as a function of X-ray energy. From the measured sample and tip currents, element specific X-ray induced current components can be separated andmore » thereby the corresponding yields for the X-ray induced processes of the single cobalt nanocluster can be determined. The detection of element specific synchrotron X-ray induced electrons of a single nanocluster opens a new avenue for materials characterization on a one particle at-a-time basis.« less

Motor selection dynamics in FEF explain the reaction time variance of saccades to single targets

PubMed Central

Hauser, Christopher K; Zhu, Dantong; Stanford, Terrence R

2018-01-01

In studies of voluntary movement, a most elemental quantity is the reaction time (RT) between the onset of a visual stimulus and a saccade toward it. However, this RT demonstrates extremely high variability which, in spite of extensive research, remains unexplained. It is well established that, when a visual target appears, oculomotor activity gradually builds up until a critical level is reached, at which point a saccade is triggered. Here, based on computational work and single-neuron recordings from monkey frontal eye field (FEF), we show that this rise-to-threshold process starts from a dynamic initial state that already contains other incipient, internally driven motor plans, which compete with the target-driven activity to varying degrees. The ensuing conflict resolution process, which manifests in subtle covariations between baseline activity, build-up rate, and threshold, consists of fundamentally deterministic interactions, and explains the observed RT distributions while invoking only a small amount of intrinsic randomness. PMID:29652247

Larvicidal study of tetrahydropyrimidine scaffolds against Anopheles arabiensis and structural insight by single crystal X-ray studies.

PubMed

Bairagi, Keshab M; Venugopala, Katharigatta N; Mondal, Pradip Kumar; Gleiser, Raquel M; Chopra, Deepak; García, Daniel; Odhav, Bharti; Nayak, Susanta K

2018-06-20

A series of methyl or ethyl 4-(substitutedphenyl/pyridyl)-6-methyl-2-oxo/thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate (HPM) analogues 4a-g was synthesized and evaluated for larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis. These newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral studies such as FT-IR, NMR ( 1 H and 13 C), LC-MS and elemental analysis. The conformational features and supramolecular assembly of molecules 4a, 4b and 4e were further analyzed from single crystal X-ray study. The larvicidal activity of these tetrahydropyrimidine pharmacophore series were analyzed based on their relative substituent's. Among the synthesized HPM analogous from the series, compounds 4d and 4e both having electron withdrawing chlorine group on phenyl ring at the fourth position of the tetrahydropyrimidine pharmacophore exhibited the most promising larvicidal activity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Involvement of Ethylene in Stress-Induced Expression of the TLC1.1 Retrotransposon from Lycopersicon chilense Dun.1[w

PubMed Central

Tapia, Gerardo; Verdugo, Isabel; Yañez, Mónica; Ahumada, Iván; Theoduloz, Cristina; Cordero, Cecilia; Poblete, Fernando; González, Enrique; Ruiz-Lara, Simón

2005-01-01

The TLC1 family is one of the four families of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons identified in the genome of Lycopersicon chilense. Here, we show that this family of retroelements is transcriptionally active and its expression is induced in response to diverse stress conditions such as wounding, protoplast preparation, and high salt concentrations. Several stress-associated signaling molecules, including ethylene, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, are capable of inducing TLC1 family expression in vivo. A representative of this family, named TLC1.1, was isolated from a genomic library from L. chilense. Transient expression assays in leaf protoplasts and stably transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants demonstrate that the U3 domain of the 5′-LTR region of this element can drive stress-induced transcriptional activation of the β-glucuronidase reporter gene. Two 57-bp tandem repeated sequences are found in this region, including an 8-bp motif, ATTTCAAA, previously identified as an ethylene-responsive element box in the promoter region of ethylene-induced genes. Expression analysis of wild-type LTR and single and double ethylene-responsive element box mutants fused to the β-glucuronidase gene shows that these elements are required for ethylene-responsive gene expression in protoplasts and transgenic plants. We suggest that ethylene-dependent signaling is the main signaling pathway involved in the regulation of the expression of the TLC1.1 element from L. chilense. PMID:16040666

Demonstration of the DSST State Transition Matrix Time-Update Properties Using the Linux GTDS Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

by a single mean equinoctial element set . EGP Orbit Determination Test Cases Rev 25 14 All of the EGP test cases employ the same observation...the non-singular equinoctial mean elements is more linear and this has positive implications for orbit determination processes based on the semi...by a single mean equinoctial element set . 5. CONCLUSIONS The GTDS Semi-analytical Satellite Theory (DSST) architecture has been extended to

Single element injector cold flow testing for STME swirl coaxial injector element design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hulka, J.; Schneider, J. A.

1993-01-01

An oxidizer-swirled coaxial element injector is being investigated for application in the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME). Single element cold flow experiments were conducted to provide characterization of the STME injector element for future analysis, design, and optimization. All tests were conducted to quiescent, ambient backpressure conditions. Spray angle, circumferential spray uniformity, dropsize, and dropsize distribution were measured in water-only and water/nitrogen flows. Rupe mixing efficiency was measured using water/sucrose solution flows with a large grid patternator for simple comparative evaluation of mixing. Factorial designs of experiment were used for statistical evaluation of injector geometrical design features and propellant flow conditions on mixing and atomization. Increasing the free swirl angle of the liquid oxidizer had the greatest influence on increasing the mixing efficiency. The addition of gas assistance had the most significant effect on reducing oxidizer droplet size parameters and increasing droplet size distribution. Increasing the oxidizer injection velocity had the greatest influence for reducing oxidizer droplet size parameters and increasing size distribution for non-gas assisted flows. Single element and multi-element subscale hot fire testing are recommended to verify optimized designs before committing to the STME design.

Thermo-Elastic Triangular Sandwich Element for the Complete Stress Field Based on a Single-Layer Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Das, M.; Barut, A.; Madenci, E.; Ambur, D. R.

2004-01-01

This study presents a new triangular finite element for modeling thick sandwich panels, subjected to thermo-mechanical loading, based on a {3,2}-order single-layer plate theory. A hybrid energy functional is employed in the derivation of the element because of a C interelement continuity requirement. The single-layer theory is based on five weighted-average field variables arising from the cubic and quadratic representations of the in-plane and transverse displacement fields, respectively. The variations of temperature and distributed loading acting on the top and bottom surfaces are non-uniform. The temperature varies linearly through the thickness.

Probing single magnon excitations in Sr₂IrO₄ using O K-edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering.

PubMed

Liu, X; Dean, M P M; Liu, J; Chiuzbăian, S G; Jaouen, N; Nicolaou, A; Yin, W G; Rayan Serrao, C; Ramesh, R; Ding, H; Hill, J P

2015-05-27

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) at the L-edge of transition metal elements is now commonly used to probe single magnon excitations. Here we show that single magnon excitations can also be measured with RIXS at the K-edge of the surrounding ligand atoms when the center heavy metal elements have strong spin-orbit coupling. This is demonstrated with oxygen K-edge RIXS experiments on the perovskite Sr2IrO4, where low energy peaks from single magnon excitations were observed. This new application of RIXS has excellent potential to be applied to a wide range of magnetic systems based on heavy elements, for which the L-edge RIXS energy resolution in the hard x-ray region is usually poor.

The Interaction of Genotype and Environment Determines Variation in the Maize Kernel Ionome

PubMed Central

Asaro, Alexandra; Ziegler, Gregory; Ziyomo, Cathrine; Hoekenga, Owen A.; Dilkes, Brian P.; Baxter, Ivan

2016-01-01

Plants obtain soil-resident elements that support growth and metabolism from the water-flow facilitated by transpiration and active transport processes. The availability of elements in the environment interacts with the genetic capacity of organisms to modulate element uptake through plastic adaptive responses, such as homeostasis. These interactions should cause the elemental contents of plants to vary such that the effects of genetic polymorphisms will be dramatically dependent on the environment in which the plant is grown. To investigate genotype by environment interactions underlying elemental accumulation, we analyzed levels of elements in maize kernels of the Intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) recombinant inbred population grown in 10 different environments, spanning a total of six locations and five different years. In analyses conducted separately for each environment, we identified a total of 79 quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling seed elemental accumulation. While a set of these QTL was found in multiple environments, the majority were specific to a single environment, suggesting the presence of genetic by environment interactions. To specifically identify and quantify QTL by environment interactions (QEIs), we implemented two methods: linear modeling with environmental covariates, and QTL analysis on trait differences between growouts. With these approaches, we found several instances of QEI, indicating that elemental profiles are highly heritable, interrelated, and responsive to the environment. PMID:27770027

The Interaction of Genotype and Environment Determines Variation in the Maize Kernel Ionome.

PubMed

Asaro, Alexandra; Ziegler, Gregory; Ziyomo, Cathrine; Hoekenga, Owen A; Dilkes, Brian P; Baxter, Ivan

2016-12-07

Plants obtain soil-resident elements that support growth and metabolism from the water-flow facilitated by transpiration and active transport processes. The availability of elements in the environment interacts with the genetic capacity of organisms to modulate element uptake through plastic adaptive responses, such as homeostasis. These interactions should cause the elemental contents of plants to vary such that the effects of genetic polymorphisms will be dramatically dependent on the environment in which the plant is grown. To investigate genotype by environment interactions underlying elemental accumulation, we analyzed levels of elements in maize kernels of the Intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) recombinant inbred population grown in 10 different environments, spanning a total of six locations and five different years. In analyses conducted separately for each environment, we identified a total of 79 quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling seed elemental accumulation. While a set of these QTL was found in multiple environments, the majority were specific to a single environment, suggesting the presence of genetic by environment interactions. To specifically identify and quantify QTL by environment interactions (QEIs), we implemented two methods: linear modeling with environmental covariates, and QTL analysis on trait differences between growouts. With these approaches, we found several instances of QEI, indicating that elemental profiles are highly heritable, interrelated, and responsive to the environment. Copyright © 2016 Asaro et al.

The Abundance of Helium in the Source Plasma of Solar Energetic Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reames, Donald V.

2017-11-01

Studies of patterns of abundance enhancements of elements, relative to solar coronal abundances, in large solar energetic-particle (SEP) events, and of their power-law dependence on the mass-to-charge ratio, A/Q, of the ions, have been used to determine the effective source-plasma temperature, T, that defines the Q-values of the ions. We find that a single assumed value for the coronal reference He/O ratio in all SEP events is often inconsistent with the transport-induced power-law trend of the other elements. In fact, the coronal He/O varies rather widely from one SEP event to another. In the large Fe-rich SEP events with T ≈ 3 MK, where shock waves, driven out by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), have reaccelerated residual ions from impulsive suprathermal events that occur earlier in solar active regions, He/O ≈ 90, a ratio similar to that in the slow solar wind, which may also originate from active regions. Ions in the large SEP events with T < 2 MK may be accelerated outside active regions, and have values of 40 ≤ He/O ≤ 60. Mechanisms that determine coronal abundances, including variations of He/O, are likely to occur near the base of the corona (at ≈ 1.1 RS) and thus to affect both SEPs (at 2 - 3 RS) and the solar wind. Other than He, reference coronal abundances for heavier elements show little temperature dependence or systematic difference between SEP events; He, the element with the highest first-ionization potential, is unique. The CME-driven shock waves probe the same regions of space, at ≈ 2 RS near active regions, which are also likely sources of the slow solar wind, providing complementary information on conditions in those regions.

Single Pricing for Major Items in FMS (Foreign Military Sales).

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASK Director, US Army Materiel Systems Analysis AREA& WORK UNIT NUMBERS Activity...study it was found that, though price estimates were believed to be low and imprecise, no work had been done by any of the organizations involved in FMS...other support equipment, ground forces support materiel C medical - dental materiel H aircraft - air materiel K tactical and support vehicles -combat and

Novel Structure of Ty3 Reverse Transcriptase | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that self amplify via a single-stranded RNA intermediate, which is converted to double-stranded DNA by an encoded reverse transcriptase (RT) with both DNA polymerase (pol) and ribonuclease H (RNase) activities. Categorized by whether they contain flanking long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences, retrotransposons play a critical role in the architecture of eukaryotic genomes and are the evolutionary origin of retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Universal Robotic Gripper Based on the Jamming of Granular Material

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-02

gas inside, can be turned into rigid molds for lifting the object. However, the mechanism for this transfor- mation was not understood and no data...are actuated passively by contact with the surface of the object to be gripped and are locked in place by a single active element, a pump that...interlocking between gripper and object surfaces, static friction from normal stresses at contact, and an additional suction effect , if the gripper

Theoretical Studies of Microstrip Antennas : Volume I, General Design Techniques and Analyses of Single and Coupled Elements

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-09-01

Volume 1 of Theoretical Studies of Microstrip Antennas deals with general techniques and analyses of single and coupled radiating elements. Specifically, we review and then employ an important equivalence theorem that allows a pair of vector potentia...

Mutations That Stimulate flhDC Expression in Escherichia coli K-12.

PubMed

Fahrner, Karen A; Berg, Howard C

2015-10-01

Motility is a beneficial attribute that enables cells to access and explore new environments and to escape detrimental ones. The organelle of motility in Escherichia coli is the flagellum, and its production is initiated by the activating transcription factors FlhD and FlhC. The expression of these factors by the flhDC operon is highly regulated and influenced by environmental conditions. The flhDC promoter is recognized by σ(70) and is dependent on the transcriptional activator cyclic AMP (cAMP)-cAMP receptor protein complex (cAMP-CRP). A number of K-12 strains exhibit limited motility due to low expression levels of flhDC. We report here a large number of mutations that stimulate flhDC expression in such strains. They include single nucleotide changes in the -10 element of the promoter, in the promoter spacer, and in the cAMP-CRP binding region. In addition, we show that insertion sequence (IS) elements or a kanamycin gene located hundreds of base pairs upstream of the promoter can effectively enhance transcription, suggesting that the topology of a large upstream region plays a significant role in the regulation of flhDC expression. None of the mutations eliminated the requirement for cAMP-CRP for activation. However, several mutations allowed expression in the absence of the nucleoid organizing protein, H-NS, which is normally required for flhDC expression. The flhDC operon of Escherichia coli encodes transcription factors that initiate flagellar synthesis, an energetically costly process that is highly regulated. Few deregulating mutations have been reported thus far. This paper describes new single nucleotide mutations that stimulate flhDC expression, including a number that map to the promoter spacer region. In addition, this work shows that insertion sequence elements or a kanamycin gene located far upstream from the promoter or repressor binding sites also stimulate transcription, indicating a role of regional topology in the regulation of flhDC expression. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Hybridization of active and passive elements for planar photonic components and interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearson, M.; Bidnyk, S.; Balakrishnan, A.

2007-02-01

The deployment of Passive Optical Networks (PON) for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) applications currently represents the fastest growing sector of the telecommunication industry. Traditionally, FTTH transceivers have been manufactured using commodity bulk optics subcomponents, such as thin film filters (TFFs), micro-optic collimating lenses, TO-packaged lasers, and photodetectors. Assembling these subcomponents into a single housing requires active alignment and labor-intensive techniques. Today, the majority of cost reducing strategies using bulk subcomponents has been implemented making future reductions in the price of manufacturing FTTH transceivers unlikely. Future success of large scale deployments of FTTH depends on further cost reductions of transceivers. Realizing the necessity of a radically new packaging approach for assembly of photonic components and interconnects, we designed a novel way of hybridizing active and passive elements into a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) platform. In our approach, all the filtering components were monolithically integrated into the chip using advancements in planar reflective gratings. Subsequently, active components were passively hybridized with the chip using fully-automated high-capacity flip-chip bonders. In this approach, the assembly of the transceiver package required no active alignment and was readily suitable for large-scale production. This paper describes the monolithic integration of filters and hybridization of active components in both silica-on-silicon and silicon-on-insulator PLCs.

Active-Pixel Image Sensor With Analog-To-Digital Converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fossum, Eric R.; Mendis, Sunetra K.; Pain, Bedabrata; Nixon, Robert H.

1995-01-01

Proposed single-chip integrated-circuit image sensor contains 128 x 128 array of active pixel sensors at 50-micrometer pitch. Output terminals of all pixels in each given column connected to analog-to-digital (A/D) converter located at bottom of column. Pixels scanned in semiparallel fashion, one row at time; during time allocated to scanning row, outputs of all active pixel sensors in row fed to respective A/D converters. Design of chip based on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, and individual circuit elements fabricated according to 2-micrometer CMOS design rules. Active pixel sensors designed to operate at video rate of 30 frames/second, even at low light levels. A/D scheme based on first-order Sigma-Delta modulation.

3D-printed adaptive acoustic lens as a disruptive technology for transcranial ultrasound therapy using single-element transducers.

PubMed

Maimbourg, Guillaume; Houdouin, Alexandre; Deffieux, Thomas; Tanter, Mickael; Aubry, Jean-François

2018-01-16

The development of multi-element arrays for better control of the shape of ultrasonic beams has opened the way for focusing through highly aberrating media, such as the human skull. As a result, the use of brain therapy with transcranial-focused ultrasound has rapidly grown. Although effective, such technology is expensive. We propose a disruptive, low-cost approach that consists of focusing a 1 MHz ultrasound beam through a human skull with a single-element transducer coupled with a tailored silicone acoustic lens cast in a 3D-printed mold and designed using computed tomography-based numerical acoustic simulation. We demonstrate on N  =  3 human skulls that adding lens-based aberration correction to a single-element transducer increases the deposited energy on the target 10 fold.

3D-printed adaptive acoustic lens as a disruptive technology for transcranial ultrasound therapy using single-element transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maimbourg, Guillaume; Houdouin, Alexandre; Deffieux, Thomas; Tanter, Mickael; Aubry, Jean-François

2018-01-01

The development of multi-element arrays for better control of the shape of ultrasonic beams has opened the way for focusing through highly aberrating media, such as the human skull. As a result, the use of brain therapy with transcranial-focused ultrasound has rapidly grown. Although effective, such technology is expensive. We propose a disruptive, low-cost approach that consists of focusing a 1 MHz ultrasound beam through a human skull with a single-element transducer coupled with a tailored silicone acoustic lens cast in a 3D-printed mold and designed using computed tomography-based numerical acoustic simulation. We demonstrate on N  =  3 human skulls that adding lens-based aberration correction to a single-element transducer increases the deposited energy on the target 10 fold.

Cohesive Modeling of Transverse Cracking in Laminates with a Single Layer of Elements per Ply

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanDerMeer, Frans P.; Davila, Carlos G.

2013-01-01

This study aims to bridge the gap between classical understanding of transverse cracking in cross-ply laminates and recent computational methods for the modeling of progressive laminate failure. Specifically, the study investigates under what conditions a finite element model with cohesive X-FEM cracks can reproduce the in situ effect for the ply strength. It is shown that it is possible to do so with a single element across the thickness of the ply, provided that the interface stiffness is properly selected. The optimal value for this interface stiffness is derived with an analytical shear lag model. It is also shown that, when the appropriate statistical variation of properties has been applied, models with a single element through the thickness of a ply can predict the density of transverse matrix cracks

Evaluation of a MMW active through-the-wall surveillance system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Currie, Nicholas C.; Stiefvater, Kenneth

2002-08-01

This paper discusses the TWS data collected with a state-of- the-art 100 GHz radar imager developed for law enforcement use by Millivision, PPC. The system collects a cube of data consisting of 16 azimuth elements by 16 elevation elements by 256 range elements. The cube represents 11 degrees by 11 degrees by 25 m of coverage. The relatively narrow field-of- view (fov) was extended by physically moving the antenna in 11 degree segments and collecting data which is stitched together into larger images, e.g. a 3X3 stitched image represents 33 degrees by 33 degrees by 26 m of coverage. Unfortunately, this stitching process required up to 5 minutes to collect a single (3X3) stitched image. Thus, motion had to be simulated. The paper will discuss the phenomenology of the MMW radar return from various objects including walls, wall-corners, desks and other furniture, and persons simulating walking. Successive frames from a simulated move of a man and woman walking will be presented, and the actual movie shown at the presentation. Comments will be offered as to the practicality of active MMW imaging for TWS application.

Synthesis, crystal structures, spectral, thermal and antimicrobial properties of new Zn(II) 5-iodo- and 5-bromosalicylates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Košická, Petra; Győryová, Katarína; Smolko, Lukáš; Gyepes, Róbert; Hudecová, Daniela

2018-03-01

Two new analogous zinc(II) complexes containing 5-iodo- and 5-bromosalicylate ligands, respectively, were prepared in single-crystal form and characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and elemental analysis. The solid-state structures of prepared complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Both complexes are isostructural and their crystal structures composed of neutral molecules [Zn(5-Xsal)2(H2O)2] (where X = Br, I, sal = salicylato). Central Zn(II) atom is in both complexes coordinated by six oxygen atoms, four of which are from two chelate bonded 5-halosalicylates and remaining two from coordinated water molecules. The found chelate binding mode is in line with the Δ values calculated from IR spectral data. Antimicrobial activity of prepared complexes was studied against selected bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. Obtained results indicate that 5-iodosalicylate complex is more antimicrobially active than its 5-bromo substituted analogue.

The search for biomarkers in the critically ill: a cautionary tale.

PubMed

Moran, John L; Solomon, Patricia J

2018-06-01

The search for biomarkers has been described as a dismal patchwork of fragmented research. We review biomarkers in sepsis in the critically ill in terms of conventional single circulating proteins. Despite sepsis biomarker publications trebling over the past 6 years, currently only one, procalcitonin, has materialised promise. We survey genomic biomarker initiatives, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene signatures. Despite many SNP associations with sepsis susceptibility and a limited number of genome-wide association studies, the status of these associations is that of genomic signposts only. The standing of gene signatures in the paradigmatic discipline, breast cancer, is described. Uncertainties in the understanding of the sepsis process are documented - the dissociation between blood and tissue element activity, or compartmentalisation. The paradox of the active search for gene signatures to refine the sepsis phenotype and discover target subtypes for new therapies in the absence of such therapies is presented.

Single-cell-based system to monitor carrier driven cellular auxin homeostasis

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Abundance and distribution of the plant hormone auxin play important roles in plant development. Besides other metabolic processes, various auxin carriers control the cellular level of active auxin and, hence, are major regulators of cellular auxin homeostasis. Despite the developmental importance of auxin transporters, a simple medium-to-high throughput approach to assess carrier activities is still missing. Here we show that carrier driven depletion of cellular auxin correlates with reduced nuclear auxin signaling in tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cell cultures. Results We developed an easy to use transient single-cell-based system to detect carrier activity. We use the relative changes in signaling output of the auxin responsive promoter element DR5 to indirectly visualize auxin carrier activity. The feasibility of the transient approach was demonstrated by pharmacological and genetic interference with auxin signaling and transport. As a proof of concept, we provide visual evidence that the prominent auxin transport proteins PIN-FORMED (PIN)2 and PIN5 regulate cellular auxin homeostasis at the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), respectively. Our data suggest that PIN2 and PIN5 have different sensitivities to the auxin transport inhibitor 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). Also the putative PIN-LIKES (PILS) auxin carrier activity at the ER is insensitive to NPA in our system, indicating that NPA blocks intercellular, but not intracellular auxin transport. Conclusions This single-cell-based system is a useful tool by which the activity of putative auxin carriers, such as PINs, PILS and WALLS ARE THIN1 (WAT1), can be indirectly visualized in a medium-to-high throughput manner. Moreover, our single cell system might be useful to investigate also other hormonal signaling pathways, such as cytokinin. PMID:23379388

Local Heat Flux Measurements with Single and Small Multi-element Coaxial Element-Injectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Gregg; Protz, Christopher; Bullard, Brad; Hulka, James

2006-01-01

To support NASA's Vision for Space Exploration mission, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center conducted a program in 2005 to improve the capability to predict local thermal compatibility and heat transfer in liquid propellant rocket engine combustion devices. The ultimate objective was to predict and hence reduce the local peak heat flux due to injector design, resulting in a significant improvement in overall engine reliability and durability. Such analyses are applicable to combustion devices in booster, upper stage, and in-space engines with regeneratively cooled chamber walls, as well as in small thrust chambers with few elements in the injector. In this program, single and three-element injectors were hot-fire tested with liquid oxygen and gaseous hydrogen propellants at The Pennsylvania State University Cryogenic Combustor Laboratory from May to August 2005. Local heat fluxes were measured in a 1-inch internal diameter heat sink combustion chamber using Medtherm coaxial thermocouples and Gardon heat flux gauges, Injector configurations were tested with both shear coaxial elements and swirl coaxial elements. Both a straight and a scarfed single element swirl injector were tested. This paper includes general descriptions of the experimental hardware, instrumentation, and results of the hot-fire testing for three coaxial shear and swirl elements. Detailed geometry and test results the for shear coax elements has already been published. Detailed test result for the remaining 6 swirl coax element for the will be published in a future JANNAF presentation to provide well-defined data sets for development and model validation.

Double peacock eye optical element for extended focal depth imaging with ophthalmic applications.

PubMed

Romero, Lenny A; Millán, María S; Jaroszewicz, Zbigniew; Kolodziejczyk, Andrzej

2012-04-01

The aged human eye is commonly affected by presbyopia, and therefore, it gradually loses its capability to form images of objects placed at different distances. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) imaging elements can overcome this inability, despite the introduction of a certain amount of aberration. This paper evaluates the EDOF imaging performance of the so-called peacock eye phase diffractive element, which focuses an incident plane wave into a segment of the optical axis and explores the element's potential use for ophthalmic presbyopia compensation optics. Two designs of the element are analyzed: the single peacock eye, which produces one focal segment along the axis, and the double peacock eye, which is a spatially multiplexed element that produces two focal segments with partial overlapping along the axis. The performances of the peacock eye elements are compared with those of multifocal lenses through numerical simulations as well as optical experiments in the image space. The results demonstrate that the peacock eye elements form sharper images along the focal segment than the multifocal lenses and, therefore, are more suitable for presbyopia compensation. The extreme points of the depth of field in the object space, which represent the remote and the near object points, have been experimentally obtained for both the single and the double peacock eye optical elements. The double peacock eye element has better imaging quality for relatively short and intermediate distances than the single peacock eye, whereas the latter seems better for far distance vision.

The tapered slot antenna - A new integrated element for millimeter-wave applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yngvesson, K. Sigfrid; Kim, Young-Sik; Korzeniowski, T. L.; Kollberg, Erik L.; Johansson, Joakim F.

1989-01-01

Tapered slot antennas (TSAs) with a number of potential applications as single elements and focal-plane arrays are discussed. TSAs are fabricated with photolithographic techniques and integrated in either hybrid or MMIC circuits with receiver or transmitter components. They offer considerably narrower beams than other integrated antenna elements and have high aperture efficiency and packing density as array elements. Both the circuit and radiation properties of TSAs are reviewed. Topics covered include: antenna beamwidth, directivity, and gain of single-element TSAs; their beam shape and the effect of different taper shapes; and the input impedance and the effects of using thick dielectrics. These characteristics are also given for TSA arrays, as are the circuit properties of the array elements. Different array structures and their applications are also described.

Handbook of Basic Atomic Spectroscopic Data

National Institute of Standards and Technology Data Gateway

SRD 108 Handbook of Basic Atomic Spectroscopic Data (Web, free access)   This handbook provides a selection of the most important and frequently used atomic spectroscopic data. The compilation includes data for the neutral and singly-ionized atoms of all elements hydrogen through einsteinium (Z = 1-99). The wavelengths, intensities, and spectrum assignments are given for each element, and the data for the approximately 12,000 lines of all elements are also collected into a single table.

Investigations of Multiple Swirl-Venturi Fuel Injector Concepts: Recent Experimental Optical Measurement Results for 1-Point, 7-Point, and 9-Point Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hicks, Yolanda R.; Anderson, Robert C.; Tedder, Sarah A.; Tacina, Kathleen M.

2015-01-01

This paper presents results obtained during testing in optically-accessible, JP8-fueled, flame tube combustors using swirl-venturi lean direct injection (LDI) research hardware. The baseline LDI geometry has 9 fuel/air mixers arranged in a 3 x 3 array within a square chamber. 2-D results from this 9-element array are compared to results obtained in a cylindrical combustor using a 7-element array and a single element. In each case, the baseline element size remains the same. The effect of air swirler angle, and element arrangement on the presence of a central recirculation zone are presented. Only the highest swirl number air swirler produced a central recirculation zone for the single element swirl-venturi LDI and the 9-element LDI, but that same swirler did not produce a central recirculation zone for the 7-element LDI, possibly because of strong interactions due to element spacing within the array.

Investigation of Three-Dimensional Stress Fields and Slip Systems for FCC Single Crystal Superalloy Notched Specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arakere, Nagaraj K.; Magnan, Shannon; Ebrahimi, Fereshteh; Ferroro, Luis

2004-01-01

Metals and their alloys, except for a few intermetallics, are inherently ductile, i.e. plastic deformation precedes fracture in these materials. Therefore, resistance to fracture is directly related to the development of the plastic zone at the crack tip. Recent studies indicate that the fracture toughness of single crystals depends on the crystallographic orientation of the notch as well as the loading direction. In general, the dependence of crack propagation resistance on crystallographic orientation arises from the anisotropy of (i) elastic constants, (ii) plastic deformation (or slip), and (iii) the weakest fracture planes (e.g. cleavage planes). Because of the triaxial stress state at the notch tips, many slip systems that otherwise would not be activated during uniaxial testing, become operational. The plastic zone formation in single crystals has been tackled theoretically by Rice and his co-workers and only limited experimental work has been conducted in this area. The study of the stresses and strains in the vicinity of a FCC single crystal notch tip is of relatively recent origin. We present experimental and numerical investigation of 3D stress fields and evolution of slip sector boundaries near notches in FCC single crystal tension test specimens, and demonstrate that a 3D linear elastic finite element model that includes the effect of material anisotropy is shown to predict active slip planes and sectors accurately. The slip sector boundaries are shown to have complex curved shapes with several slip systems active simultaneously near the notch. Results are presented for surface and mid-plane of the specimens. The results demonstrate that accounting for 3D elastic anisotropy is very important for accurate prediction of slip activation near FCC single crystal notches loaded in tension. Results from the study will help establish guidelines for fatigue damage near single crystal notches.

Effect of Multipass TIG and Activated TIG Welding Process on the Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of 316LN Stainless Steel Weld Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganesh, K. C.; Balasubramanian, K. R.; Vasudevan, M.; Vasantharaja, P.; Chandrasekhar, N.

2016-04-01

The primary objective of this work was to develop a finite element model to predict the thermo-mechanical behavior of an activated tungsten inert gas (ATIG)-welded joint. The ATIG-welded joint was fabricated using 10 mm thickness of 316LN stainless steel plates in a single pass. To distinguish the merits of ATIG welding process, it was compared with manual multipass tungsten inert gas (MPTIG)-welded joint. The ATIG-welded joint was fabricated with square butt edge configuration using an activating flux developed in-house. The MPTIG-welded joint was fabricated in thirteen passes with V-groove edge configuration. The finite element model was developed to predict the transient temperature, residual stress, and distortion of the welded joints. Also, microhardness, impact toughness, tensile strength, ferrite measurement, and microstructure were characterized. Since most of the recent publications of ATIG-welded joint was focused on the molten weld pool dynamics, this research work gives an insight on the thermo-mechanical behavior of ATIG-welded joint over MPTIG-welded joint.

Ion microprobe elemental analyses of impact features on interplanetary dust experiment sensor surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Charles G.; Hunter, Jerry L.; Wortman, Jim J.; Griffis, Dieter P.

1992-01-01

Hypervelocity impact features from very small particles (less than 3 microns in diameter) on several of the electro-active dust sensors used in the Interplanetary Dust Experiment (IDE) were subjected to elemental analysis using an ion microscope. The same analytical techniques were applied to impact and containment features on a set of ultra-pure, highly polished single crystal germanium wafer witness plates that were mounted on tray B12. Very little unambiguously identifiable impactor debris was found in the central craters or shatter zones of small impacts in this crystalline surface. The surface contamination, ubiquitous on the surface of the Long Duration Exposure Facility, has greatly complicated data collection and interpretation from microparticle impacts on all surfaces.

Wind tunnel investigation of a high lift system with pneumatic flow control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Victor, Pricop Mihai; Mircea, Boscoianu; Daniel-Eugeniu, Crunteanu

2016-06-01

Next generation passenger aircrafts require more efficient high lift systems under size and mass constraints, to achieve more fuel efficiency. This can be obtained in various ways: to improve/maintain aerodynamic performance while simplifying the mechanical design of the high lift system going to a single slotted flap, to maintain complexity and improve the aerodynamics even more, etc. Laminar wings have less efficient leading edge high lift systems if any, requiring more performance from the trailing edge flap. Pulsed blowing active flow control (AFC) in the gap of single element flap is investigated for a relatively large model. A wind tunnel model, test campaign and results and conclusion are presented.

Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, and Biological Studies of a Cadmium(II) Complex with a Tridentate Ligand 4′-Chloro-2,2′:6′,2′′-Terpyridine

PubMed Central

Saghatforoush, L. A.; Valencia, L.; Chalabian, F.; Ghammamy, Sh.

2011-01-01

A new Cd(II) complex with the ligand 4′-chloro-2,2′6′,2′′-terpyridine (Cltpy), [Cd(Cltpy)(I)2], has been synthesized and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and IR spectroscopy and structurally analyzed by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The single-crystal X-ray analyses show that the coordination number in complex is five with three terpyridine (Cltpy) N-donor atoms and two iodine atoms. The antibacterial activities of Cltpy and its Cd(II) complex are tested against different bacteria. PMID:21738495

Lack of robustness of life extension associated with several single-gene P element mutations in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Mockett, Robin J; Nobles, Amber C

2013-10-01

The hypothesis tested in this study was that single-gene mutations found previously to extend the life span of Drosophila melanogaster could do so consistently in both long-lived y w and standard w (1118) genetic backgrounds. GAL4 drivers were used to express upstream activation sequence (UAS)-responder transgenes globally or in the nervous system. Transgenes associated with oxidative damage prevention (UAS-hSOD1 and UAS-GCLc) or removal (EP-UAS-Atg8a and UAS-dTOR (FRB) ) failed to increase mean life spans in any expression pattern in either genetic background. Flies containing a UAS-EGFP-bMSRA (C) transgene associated with protein repair were found not to exhibit life extension or detectable enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) activity. The presence of UAS-responder transgenes was confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing at the 5' and 3' end of each insertion. These results cast doubt on the robustness of life extension in flies carrying single-gene mutations and suggest that the effects of all such mutations should be tested independently in multiple genetic backgrounds and laboratory environments.

From Molecules to Cells to Organisms: Understanding Health and Disease with Multidimensional Single-Cell Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Candia, Julián

2013-03-01

The multidimensional nature of many single-cell measurements (e.g. multiple markers measured simultaneously using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) technologies) offers unprecedented opportunities to unravel emergent phenomena that are governed by the cooperative action of multiple elements across different scales, from molecules and proteins to cells and organisms. We will discuss an integrated analysis framework to investigate multicolor FACS data from different perspectives: Singular Value Decomposition to achieve an effective dimensional reduction in the data representation, machine learning techniques to separate different patient classes and improve diagnosis, as well as a novel cell-similarity network analysis method to identify cell subpopulations in an unbiased manner. Besides FACS data, this framework is versatile: in this vein, we will demonstrate an application to the multidimensional single-cell shape analysis of healthy and prematurely aged cells.

Rotating Liner Engine: Improving Efficiency of Heavy Duty Diesels by Significant Friction Reduction, and Extending the Life of Heavy Duty Engines.

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

Dardalis, Dimitrios

2013-12-31

This report describes the work on converting a 4 cylinder Cummins ISB engine into a single cylinder Rotating Liner Engine functioning prototype that can be used to measure the friction benefits of rotating the cylinder liner in a high pressure compression ignition engine. A similar baseline engine was also prepared, and preliminary testing was done. Even though the fabrication of the single cylinder prototype was behind schedule due to machine shop delays, the fundamental soundness of the design elements are proven, and the engine has successfully functioned. However, the testing approach of the two engines, as envisioned by the originalmore » proposal, proved impossible due to torsional vibration resonance caused by the single active piston. A new approach for proper testing has been proposed,« less

Cross-shaped torsional spring

DOEpatents

Williamson, Matthew M.; Pratt, Gill A.

1999-06-08

The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section.

Compositional evidence regarding the origins of rims on Semarkona chondrules

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grossman, J.N.; Wasson, J.T.

1987-01-01

The compositions of the interiors and abraded surfaces of 7 chondrules from Semarkona (LL3.0) were measured by neutron activation analysis. For nonvolatile elements, the lithophile and siderophile element abundance patterns in the surfaces are generally similar to those in the corresponding interiors. Siderophile and chalcophile concentrations are much higher in the surfaces, whereas lithophile concentrations are similar in both fractions. Most of the similarities in lithophile patterns and some of the similarities in siderophile patterns between surfaces and interiors may reflect incomplete separation of the fractions in the laboratory, but for 3 or 4 chondrules the siderophile resemblance is inherent, implying that the surface and interior metal formed from a single precursor assemblage. Metal and sulfide-rich chondrule rims probably formed when droplets of these phases that migrated to the chondrule surface during melting were reheated and incorporated into matrix-like material that had accreted onto the surface. The moderately-volatile to volatile elements K, As and Zn tend to be enriched in the surfaces compared with other elements of similar mineral affinity; both enrichments and depletions are observed for other moderately volatile elements. A small fraction of chondrules experienced fractional evaporation while they were molten. ?? 1987.

[Volatile ashes and their biological effect. 2. Fibrogenic effect of volatile ashes].

PubMed

Woźniak, H; Wiecek, E; Lao, I; Wojtczak, J

1989-01-01

In experiments on white Wistar rats fibrogenic effects of 6 samples of fly-ashes collected from electric precipitators in power engineering plants have been evaluated. The coal came from different national deposits. All the ashes have been found to contain: quartz and mullite, 3 ashes contained additionally orthoclase, whereas 1, apart from quartz and mullite, contained kaolinite; naturally radioactive elements (Ra226, K40, Th228) and trace elements (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Ce, Cu, Fe, Pa, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, U Zu). Experimental pneumoconiosis was induced through intratracheal administration of single doses of 50 mg of dust; the experiment was carried out at 3 time intervals of 3, 6 and 9 months. The fibrogenic activity was evaluated both qualitatively (histopathological methods) and quantitatively (lung weight, hydroxyproline content in lungs, dust elimination from lungs); control groups consisted of animals which obtained NaCl solution and quartz sands. Fly-ashes were found to exhibit different fibrogenic effects, yet, their fibrogenic activity was weaker, compared to quartz sands. No clear correlation was found between fibrogenic effects of ashes and test physico-chemical properties, such as the content of SiO2, trace elements or naturally radioactive elements. Analysis of occupational diseases (for the period section): (1979-1983) demonstrated occupational diseases of dust-related aetiology among power engineering workers, pneumoconioses, constituting 7.8% of 127 cases of occupational diseases.

Effects of activating fluxes on the weld penetration and corrosion resistant property of laser welded joint of ferritic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yonghui; Hu, Shengsun; Shen, Junqi

2015-10-01

This study was based on the ferritic stainless steel SUS430. Under the parallel welding conditions, the critical penetration power values (CPPV) of 3mm steel plates with different surface-coating activating fluxes were tested. Results showed that, after coating with activating fluxes, such as ZrO2, CaCO3, CaF2 and CaO, the CPPV could reduce 100~250 W, which indicating the increases of the weld penetrations (WP). Nevertheless, the variation range of WP with or without activating fluxes was less than 16.7%. Compared with single-component ones, a multi-component activating flux composed of 50% ZrO2, 12.09% CaCO3, 10.43% CaO, and 27.49% MgO was testified to be much more efficient, the WP of which was about 2.3-fold of that without any activating fluxes. Furthermore, a FeCl3 spot corrosion experiment was carried out with samples cut from weld zone to test the effects of different activating fluxes on the corrosion resistant (CR) property of the laser welded joints. It was found that all kinds of activating fluxes could improve the CR of the welded joints. And, it was interesting to find that the effect of the mixed activating fluxes was inferior to those single-component ones. Among all the activating fluxes, the single-component of CaCO3 seemed to be the best in resisting corrosion. By means of Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) testing, it was found that the use of activating fluxes could effectively restrain the loss of Cr element of weld zone in the process of laser welding, thus greatly improving the CR of welded joints.

Development of five digits is controlled by a bipartite long-range cis-regulator.

PubMed

Lettice, Laura A; Williamson, Iain; Devenney, Paul S; Kilanowski, Fiona; Dorin, Julia; Hill, Robert E

2014-04-01

Conservation within intergenic DNA often highlights regulatory elements that control gene expression from a long range. How conservation within a single element relates to regulatory information and how internal composition relates to function is unknown. Here, we examine the structural features of the highly conserved ZRS (also called MFCS1) cis-regulator responsible for the spatiotemporal control of Shh in the limb bud. By systematically dissecting the ZRS, both in transgenic assays and within in the endogenous locus, we show that the ZRS is, in effect, composed of two distinct domains of activity: one domain directs spatiotemporal activity but functions predominantly from a short range, whereas a second domain is required to promote long-range activity. We show further that these two domains encode activities that are highly integrated and that the second domain is crucial in promoting the chromosomal conformational changes correlated with gene activity. During limb bud development, these activities encoded by the ZRS are interpreted differently by the fore limbs and the hind limbs; in the absence of the second domain there is no Shh activity in the fore limb, and in the hind limb low levels of Shh lead to a variant digit pattern ranging from two to four digits. Hence, in the embryo, the second domain stabilises the developmental programme providing a buffer for SHH morphogen activity and this ensures that five digits form in both sets of limbs.

The deformation mechanisms and size effects of single-crystal magnesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byer, Cynthia M.

In this work, we seek to understand the deformation mechanisms and size effects of single-crystal magnesium at the micrometer scale through both microcompression experiments and finite element simulations. Microcompression experiments are conducted to investigate the impact of initial dislocation density and orientation on size effects. Micropillars are fabricated using a focused ion beam and tested in a Nanoindenter using a diamond fiat tip as a compression platen. Two different initial dislocation densities are examined for [0001] oriented micropillars. Our results demonstrate that decreasing the initial dislocation density results in an increased size effect in terms of increased strength and stochasticity. Microcompression along the [23¯14] axis results in much lower strengths than for [0001] oriented samples. Post-mortem analysis reveals basal slip in both [0001] and [23¯14] micropillars. The application of a stochastic probability model shows good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results for size effects with our values of initial dislocation density and micropillar dimensions. Size effects are then incorporated into a single-crystal plasticity model (modified from Zhang and Joshi [1]) implemented in ABAQUS/STANDARD as a user-material subroutine. The model successfully captures the phenomena typically associated with size effects of increasing stochasticity and strength with decreasing specimen size and also accounts for the changing trends resulting from variations in initial dislocation density that we observe in the experiments. Finally, finite element simulations are performed with the original (traditional, without size effects) crystal plasticity model [1] to investigate the relative activities of the deformation modes of single-crystal magnesium for varying degrees of misalignment in microcompression. The simulations reveal basal activity in all micropillars, even for perfectly aligned compression along the [0001] axis. Pyramidal < c + a > activity dominates until the misalignment increases to 2°, when basal slip takes over as the dominant mode. The stress-strain curves for the case of 0° misalignment agrees well with experimental curves, indicating that good alignment was achieved during the experiments. Through this investigation, we gain a better understanding of how to control the size effects, as well as the deformation mechanisms operating at the small scale in magnesium.

Screening of Possible Re-Substitutional Elements in Single-Crystal Ni-Based Superalloys: A Viewpoint From Interdiffusion Coefficients in Ni-Al-X Ternaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Juan; Zhang, Lijun; Lu, Xiao-Gang

2018-07-01

A popular area of research in the field of high-temperature alloys concerns the search of substitutional elements for Re in order to manufacture single-crystal Ni-based superalloys with less or even no Re addition. To find the elements with similar or even lower diffusion coefficients than Re is an effective strategy. Based on 29 fcc diffusion couples in ternary Ni-Al-X (X = Re, Os, and Ir) systems, high-throughput measurement of composition- and temperature-dependent interdiffusivity matrices was performed using our recently developed numerical inverse method implemented in HitDIC software. The reliability of the determined interdiffusivities was validated by comprehensively comparing the model-predicted composition/interdiffusion flux profiles for each diffusion couple with the corresponding experimental data. Moreover, we also conducted a comparison with the interdiffusivities evaluated using the traditional Matano-Kirkaldy method as well as those from the literature and in boundary binary systems. After that, a comprehensive comparison of the interdiffusion coefficients in fcc Ni-2 wt pct Al-6 wt pct X (X = Ti, Co, Ni, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt) alloys at 1423 K to 1573 K was conducted. Results indicate that the diffusion rate of Re is lower than that of Os at 1473 K and 1523 K; but higher at 1573 K, while the diffusion rate of Ir is always slightly higher than those of Os and Re at 1473 K to 1573 K. Further analysis of the magnitude of the interdiffusion coefficient correlates with the alloying concentration, activation energy, atomic number, and atomic radius of different diffusing transition metal species ( i.e., Ti, Co, Ni, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt) was conducted, which is expected to provide useful information regarding element choice in the development of new-generation Ni-based single-crystal superalloys.

Screening of Possible Re-Substitutional Elements in Single-Crystal Ni-Based Superalloys: A Viewpoint From Interdiffusion Coefficients in Ni-Al-X Ternaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Juan; Zhang, Lijun; Lu, Xiao-Gang

2018-05-01

A popular area of research in the field of high-temperature alloys concerns the search of substitutional elements for Re in order to manufacture single-crystal Ni-based superalloys with less or even no Re addition. To find the elements with similar or even lower diffusion coefficients than Re is an effective strategy. Based on 29 fcc diffusion couples in ternary Ni-Al-X (X = Re, Os, and Ir) systems, high-throughput measurement of composition- and temperature-dependent interdiffusivity matrices was performed using our recently developed numerical inverse method implemented in HitDIC software. The reliability of the determined interdiffusivities was validated by comprehensively comparing the model-predicted composition/interdiffusion flux profiles for each diffusion couple with the corresponding experimental data. Moreover, we also conducted a comparison with the interdiffusivities evaluated using the traditional Matano-Kirkaldy method as well as those from the literature and in boundary binary systems. After that, a comprehensive comparison of the interdiffusion coefficients in fcc Ni-2 wt pct Al-6 wt pct X (X = Ti, Co, Ni, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt) alloys at 1423 K to 1573 K was conducted. Results indicate that the diffusion rate of Re is lower than that of Os at 1473 K and 1523 K; but higher at 1573 K, while the diffusion rate of Ir is always slightly higher than those of Os and Re at 1473 K to 1573 K. Further analysis of the magnitude of the interdiffusion coefficient correlates with the alloying concentration, activation energy, atomic number, and atomic radius of different diffusing transition metal species (i.e., Ti, Co, Ni, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt) was conducted, which is expected to provide useful information regarding element choice in the development of new-generation Ni-based single-crystal superalloys.

On the effects of grid ill-conditioning in three dimensional finite element vector potential magnetostatic field computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, R.; Demerdash, N. A.

1990-01-01

The effects of finite element grid geometries and associated ill-conditioning were studied in single medium and multi-media (air-iron) three dimensional magnetostatic field computation problems. The sensitivities of these 3D field computations to finite element grid geometries were investigated. It was found that in single medium applications the unconstrained magnetic vector potential curl-curl formulation in conjunction with first order finite elements produce global results which are almost totally insensitive to grid geometries. However, it was found that in multi-media (air-iron) applications first order finite element results are sensitive to grid geometries and consequent elemental shape ill-conditioning. These sensitivities were almost totally eliminated by means of the use of second order finite elements in the field computation algorithms. Practical examples are given in this paper to demonstrate these aspects mentioned above.

ICEG2D: An Integrated Software Package for Automated Prediction of Flow Fields for Single-Element Airfoils with Ice Accretion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, David S.; Soni, Bharat K.

2000-01-01

An integrated software package, ICEG2D, was developed to automate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for single-element airfoils with ice accretion. ICEG2D is designed to automatically perform three primary functions: (1) generating a grid-ready, surface definition based on the geometrical characteristics of the iced airfoil surface, (2) generating a high-quality grid using the generated surface point distribution, and (3) generating the input and restart files needed to run the general purpose CFD solver NPARC. ICEG2D can be executed in batch mode using a script file or in an interactive mode by entering directives from a command line. This report summarizes activities completed in the first year of a three-year research and development program to address issues related to CFD simulations for aircraft components with ice accretion. Specifically, this document describes the technology employed in the software, the installation procedure, and a description of the operation of the software package. Validation of the geometry and grid generation modules of ICEG2D is also discussed.

Vapomechanically Responsive Motion of Microchannel-Programmed Actuators.

PubMed

Zhang, Lidong; Naumov, Pancˇe; Du, Xuemin; Hu, Zhigao; Wang, Juan

2017-10-01

Materials that respond rapidly and reversibly to external stimuli currently stand among the top choices as actuators for real-world applications. Here, a series of programmable actuators fabricated as single- or bilayer elements is described that can reversibly respond to minute concentrations of acetone vapors. By using templates, microchannel structures are replicated onto the surface of two highly elastic polymers, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinyl alcohol, to induce chiral coiling upon exposure to acetone vapors. The vapomechanical coiling is reversible and can be conducted repeatedly over 100 times without apparent fatigue. If they are immersed in liquid acetone, the actuators are saturated with the solvent and temporarily lose their motility but regain their shape and activity within seconds after the solvent evaporates. The desorption of acetone from the PVDF layer is four times faster than its adsorption, and the actuator composed of a single PVDF layer maintains its ability to move over an acetone-soaked filter paper even after several days. The controllable and reproducible sensing capability of this smart material can be utilized for actuating dynamic elements in soft robotics. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Exploitation of molecular mobilities for advanced organic optoelectronic and photonic nano-materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, Tomoko O.

Electro-optically active organic materials have shown great potential in advanced technologies such as ultrafast electro-optical switches for broadband communication, light-emitting diodes, and photovoltaic cells. Currently, the maturity of chemical synthesis enables a sophisticated integration of the active elements into complex macromolecules. Also, the structure-property relationships of the isolated single electrically/optically active elements are well established. Unfortunately, such correlations involving single molecule are not applicable to complex unstructured condensed systems, in which unique mesoscale properties and complex dynamics of super-/supra-molecular structures are present. Our current challenge arises, in particular, from a deficiency of appropriate characterization tools that close the gap between phenomenological measurements and theoretical models. This work addresses submolecular mobilities relevant for opto-electronic functionalities of photoluminescent polymers and non-linear optical (NLO) materials. Thereby, I will introduce novel nanoscale thermomechanical characterization tools that are based on scanning force microscopy. From nanoscale thermomechanical measurements sub-/super-molecular mobilities of novel optoelectronic materials can be inferred and to some degree controlled. For instance, we have explored interfacial constraints as a engineering tool to control molecular mobility. This will be illustrated with electroluminescent polymers, which are prone to undesired pi-pi aggregation due to the rod-like structure---intrinsic to all conjugated polymers. The nanoscale confinement is used to reduced chain mobility, and thus, hinders undesired aggregation, and consequently, yields superior spectral stability. From the nanomaterial design perspective, I will also address mobility control with targeted molecular designs. This involves two classes of novel NLO materials, side-chain dendronized polymers and self-assembling molecular glasses. The side-chain dendronized polymers are, due to the structural complexity, self-constrained systems. Our thermomechanical investigations identified that a local relaxation mode associated to the NLO side-chain is the critical design parameter in yielding high mobility to the active element. Relaxation processes of the self-assembling molecular glasses are discussed from a thermodynamic perspective involving both enthalpic and entropic contributions, considering the very special nature of interactions for the NLO molecular glasses, i.e., the formation and dissociation of phenyl/perfluorophenyl quadrupol pairs.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, crystal structure, DNA interaction study and invitro biological screenings of 4-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenylamino)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirajuddin, Muhammad; Nooruddin; Ali, Saqib; McKee, Vickie; Khan, Shahan Zeb; Malook, Khan

2015-01-01

The titled compound, 4-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenylamino)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid was synthesized and characterized by various techniques like elemental analyses, FT-IR, NMR (1H, and 13C) and single crystal X-ray structural analysis. The appearance of the OH peak of the carboxylic acid in the FT-IR and NMR spectra conform the formation of the compound. A good agreement was found between the calculated values of C, H, N and found values in elemental analysis that show the purity of the compound. Protons H2 and H3 are in cis conformation with each other as conformed both from 1H NMR as well as from single crystal X-ray analysis. The molecular structure of the title compound, C10H10NO3Cl, is stabilized by short intramolecular Osbnd H- - -O hydrogen bonds within the molecule. In the crystal structure, intermolecular Nsbnd H- - -O hydrogen bonds link molecules into zigzag chains resulting in a dendrimer like structure. The title compound was screened for biological activities like interaction with DNA, cytotoxicity, antitumor and antioxidant activities. DNA interaction study reveals that the binding mode of interaction of the compound with SS-DNA is intercalative as it results in hypochromism along with significant red shift of 5 nm. It was also found to be effective antioxidant of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and show almost comparable antioxidant activity to that of the standard and known antioxidant, ascorbic acid, at higher concentration. The antitumor activity data of the compound shows that it can be used as potent antitumor agent.

Nuclear fuel element with axially aligned fuel pellets and fuel microspheres therein

DOEpatents

Sease, J.D.; Harrington, F.E.

1973-12-11

Elongated single- and multi-region fuel elements are prepared by replacing within a cladding container a coarse fraction of fuel material which includes plutonium and uranium in the appropriate regions of the fuel element and then infiltrating with vibration a fine-sized fraction of uranium-containing microspheres throughout all interstices in the coarse material in a single loading. The fine, rigid material defines a thin annular layer between the coarse fraction and the cladding to reduce adverse mechanical and chemical interactions. (Official Gazette)

Superconducting FCL using a combined inducted magnetic field trigger and shunt coil

DOEpatents

Tekletsadik, Kasegn D.

2007-10-16

A single trigger/shunt coil is utilized for combined induced magnetic field triggering and shunt impedance. The single coil connected in parallel with the high temperature superconducting element, is designed to generate a circulating current in the parallel circuit during normal operation to aid triggering the high temperature superconducting element to quench in the event of a fault. The circulating current is generated by an induced voltage in the coil, when the system current flows through the high temperature superconducting element.

Single-element optical injection locking of diode-laser arrays

DOEpatents

Hadley, G. Ronald; Hohimer, John P.; Owyoung, Adelbert

1988-01-01

By optically injecting a single end-element of a semiconductor laser array, both the spatial and spectral emission characteristics of the entire laser array is controlled. With the output of the array locked, the far-field emission angle of the array is continuously scanned over several degrees by varying the injection frequency.

A critical examination of stresses in an elastic single lap joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, P. A.; Sawyer, J. W.

1979-01-01

The results of an approximate nonlinear finite-element analysis of a single lap joint are presented and compared with the results of a linear finite-element analysis, and the geometric nonlinear effects caused by the load-path eccentricity on the adhesive stress distributions are determined. The results from finite-element, Goland-Reissner, and photoelastic analyses show that for a single lap joint the effect of the geometric nonlinear behavior of the joint has a sizable effect on the stresses in the adhesive. The Goland-Reissner analysis is sufficiently accurate in the prediction of stresses along the midsurface of the adhesive bond to be used for qualitative evaluation of the influence of geometric or material parametric variations. Detailed stress distributions in both the adherend and adhesive obtained from the finite-element analysis are presented to provide a basis for comparison with other solution techniques.

Single-Layer, All-Metal Patch Antenna Element with Wide Bandwidth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamberlain, Neil F.; Hodges, Richard E.; Zawardzki, Mark S.

2012-01-01

It is known that the impedance at the center of a patch antenna element is a short circuit, implying that a wire or post can be connected from the patch to the groundplane at this point without impacting radiation performance. In principle, this central post can be used to support the patch element, thus eliminating the need for dielectric. In spaceborne applications, this approach is problematic because a patch element supported by a single, thin post is highly susceptible to acoustic loads during launch. The technology reported here uses a large-diameter center post as its supporting structure. The supporting structure allows for the fabrication of a sufficiently rigid antenna element that can survive launch loads. The post may be either hollow or solid, depending on fabrication approach and/or mass constraints. The patch antenna element and support post are envisioned as being fabricated (milled) from a single piece of aluminum or other metal. Alternately, the patch plate and support column can be fabricated separately and then joined using fasteners, adhesive, or welding. Casting and electroforming are also viable techniques for manufacturing the metal patch part(s). The patch structure is then either bonded or fastened to the supporting groundplane. Arrays of patch elements can be fabricated by attaching several structures to a common groundplane/support structure.

Pure state consciousness and its local reduction to neuronal space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duggins, A. J.

2013-01-01

The single neuronal state can be represented as a vector in a complex space, spanned by an orthonormal basis of integer spike counts. In this model a scalar element of experience is associated with the instantaneous firing rate of a single sensory neuron over repeated stimulus presentations. Here the model is extended to composite neural systems that are tensor products of single neuronal vector spaces. Depiction of the mental state as a vector on this tensor product space is intended to capture the unity of consciousness. The density operator is introduced as its local reduction to the single neuron level, from which the firing rate can again be derived as the objective correlate of a subjective element. However, the relational structure of perceptual experience only emerges when the non-local mental state is considered. A metric of phenomenal proximity between neuronal elements of experience is proposed, based on the cross-correlation function of neurophysiology, but constrained by the association of theoretical extremes of correlation/anticorrelation in inseparable 2-neuron states with identical and opponent elements respectively.

Partial lesion of the serotonergic system by a single dose of MDMA results in behavioural disinhibition and enhances acute MDMA-induced social behaviour on the social interaction test.

PubMed

Ando, Romeo D; Benko, Anita; Ferrington, Linda; Kirilly, Eszter; Kelly, Paul A T; Bagdy, Gyorgy

2006-06-01

The acute effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) on anxiety-related behaviours were studied using indices of social interaction in Dark Agouti (DA) both drug naive rats and those pretreated with MDMA (15 mg/kg i.p.) 3 weeks earlier. The functional neuroanatomy of these MDMA effects was visualised using 2-deoxyglucose imaging of local cerebral glucose use (LCMRglu), whilst MDMA-induced serotonergic neurotoxicity was measured by radioligand binding with [3H]paroxetine. Acute MDMA alone markedly decreased most typical elements of social interaction but increased adjacent lying, a behaviour that also contains social elements. In animals pre-exposed to MDMA, decreased [3H]paroxetine binding indicated serotonergic terminal depletion, and in these animals significant increases in locomotor activity, exploratory behaviour and aggressive behaviour were found. Both behavioural effects and also the metabolic activation induced by acute MDMA were potentiated in rats previously exposed to the drug. In conclusion, a single dose of MDMA caused marked changes in social behaviour acutely that might be interpreted either as a decrease or increase in anxiety. Three weeks after MDMA a behavioural disinhibition similar to psychomotor agitation, a symptom connected to depression or mania, and a sensitization to the acute effects of MDMA are apparent in both the behavioural and brain metabolic effects of the drug.

Distinct modes of gene regulation by a cell-specific transcriptional activator.

PubMed

Sengupta, Tanushri; Cohet, Nathalie; Morlé, François; Bieker, James J

2009-03-17

The architectural layout of a eukaryotic RNA polymerase II core promoter plays a role in general transcriptional activation. However, its role in tissue-specific expression is not known. For example, differing modes of its recognition by general transcription machinery can provide an additional layer of control within which a single tissue-restricted transcription factor may operate. Erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) is a hematopoietic-specific transcription factor that is critical for the activation of subset of erythroid genes. We find that EKLF interacts with TATA binding protein-associated factor 9 (TAF9), which leads to important consequences for expression of adult beta-globin. First, TAF9 functionally supports EKLF activity by enhancing its ability to activate the beta-globin gene. Second, TAF9 interacts with a conserved beta-globin downstream promoter element, and ablation of this interaction by beta-thalassemia-causing mutations decreases its promoter activity and disables superactivation. Third, depletion of EKLF prevents recruitment of TAF9 to the beta-globin promoter, whereas depletion of TAF9 drastically impairs beta-promoter activity. However, a TAF9-independent mode of EKLF transcriptional activation is exhibited by the alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) gene, which does not contain a discernable downstream promoter element. In this case, TAF9 does not enhance EKLF activity and depletion of TAF9 has no effect on AHSP promoter activation. These studies demonstrate that EKLF directs different modes of tissue-specific transcriptional activation depending on the architecture of its target core promoter.

Transformation from a Single Antenna to a Series Array Using Push/Pull Origami

PubMed Central

Shah, Syed Imran Hussain

2017-01-01

We propose a push/pull origami antenna, transformable between a single antenna element and a three-element array. In limited space, the proposed origami antenna can work as a single antenna. When the space is not limited and a higher gain is required, the proposed origami antenna can be transformed to a series antenna array by pulling the frame. In order to push the antenna array back to a single antenna, the frame for each antenna element size must be different. The frame and supporting dielectric materials are built using a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The conductive patterns are inkjet-printed on paper. Thus, the proposed origami antenna is built using hybrid printing technology. The 10-dB impedance bandwidth is 2.5–2.65 GHz and 2.48–2.62 GHz for the single-antenna and array mode, respectively, and the peak gains in the single-antenna and array mode are 5.8 dBi and 7.6 dBi, respectively. The proposed antenna can be used for wireless remote-sensing applications. PMID:28846603

Transformation from a Single Antenna to a Series Array Using Push/Pull Origami.

PubMed

Shah, Syed Imran Hussain; Lim, Sungjoon

2017-08-26

We propose a push/pull origami antenna, transformable between a single antenna element and a three-element array. In limited space, the proposed origami antenna can work as a single antenna. When the space is not limited and a higher gain is required, the proposed origami antenna can be transformed to a series antenna array by pulling the frame. In order to push the antenna array back to a single antenna, the frame for each antenna element size must be different. The frame and supporting dielectric materials are built using a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The conductive patterns are inkjet-printed on paper. Thus, the proposed origami antenna is built using hybrid printing technology. The 10-dB impedance bandwidth is 2.5-2.65 GHz and 2.48-2.62 GHz for the single-antenna and array mode, respectively, and the peak gains in the single-antenna and array mode are 5.8 dBi and 7.6 dBi, respectively. The proposed antenna can be used for wireless remote-sensing applications.

Useful Bicistronic Reporter System for Studying Poly(A) Site-Defining cis Elements and Regulation of Alternative Polyadenylation.

PubMed

Deng, Zhongyuan; Zhang, Shen; Gu, Shaohua; Ni, Xinzhi; Zeng, Wenxian; Li, Xianchun

2018-01-17

The link between polyadenylation (pA) and various biological, behavioral, and pathological events of eukaryotes underlines the need to develop in vivo polyadenylation assay methods for characterization of the cis -acting elements, trans -acting factors and environmental stimuli that affect polyadenylation efficiency and/or relative usage of two alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites. The current protein-based CAT or luciferase reporter systems can measure the polyadenylation efficiency of a single pA site or candidate cis element but not the choice of two APA sites. To address this issue, we developed a set of four new bicistronic reporter vectors that harbor either two luciferase or fluorescence protein open reading frames connected with one Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES). Transfection of single or dual insertion constructs of these vectors into mammalian cells demonstrated that they could be utilized not only to quantify the strength of a single candidate pA site or cis element, but also to accurately measure the relative usage of two APA sites at both the mRNA (qRT-PCR) and protein levels. This represents the first reporter system that can study polyadenylation efficiency of a single pA site or element and regulation of two APA sites at both the mRNA and protein levels.

Correlation among electronegativity, cation polarizability, optical basicity and single bond strength of simple oxides

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

Dimitrov, Vesselin, E-mail: vesselin@uctm.edu; Komatsu, Takayuki, E-mail: komatsu@mst.nagaokaut.ac.jp

2012-12-15

A suitable relationship between free-cation polarizability and electronegativity of elements in different valence states and with the most common coordination numbers has been searched on the basis of the similarity in physical nature of both quantities. In general, the cation polarizability increases with decreasing element electronegativity. A systematic periodic change in the polarizability against the electronegativity has been observed in the isoelectronic series. It has been found that generally the optical basicity increases and the single bond strength of simple oxides decreases with decreasing the electronegativity. The observed trends have been discussed on the basis of electron donation ability ofmore » the oxide ions and type of chemical bonding in simple oxides. - Graphical abstract: This figure shows the single bond strength of simple oxides as a function of element electronegativity. A remarkable correlation exists between these independently obtained quantities. High values of electronegativity correspond to high values of single bond strength and vice versa. It is obvious that the observed trend in this figure is closely related to the type of chemical bonding in corresponding oxide. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A suitable relationship between free-cation polarizability and electronegativity of elements was searched. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The cation polarizability increases with decreasing element electronegativity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The single bond strength of simple oxides decreases with decreasing the electronegativity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The observed trends were discussed on the basis of type of chemical bonding in simple oxides.« less

Overview of Hanford Single Shell Tank (SST) Structural Integrity

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

Rast, Richard S.; Washenfelder, Dennis J.; Johnson, Jeremy M.

2013-11-14

To improve the understanding of the single-shell tanks (SSTs) integrity, Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC (WRPS), the USDOE Hanford Site tank contractor, developed an enhanced Single-Shell Tank Integrity Project (SSTIP) in 2009. An expert panel on SST integrity, consisting of various subject matters experts in industry and academia, was created to provide recommendations supporting the development of the project. This panel developed 33 recommendations in four main areas of interest: structural integrity, liner degradation, leak integrity and prevention, and mitigation of contamination migration, Seventeen of these recommendations were used to develop the basis for the M-45-10-1 Change Package for themore » Hanford Federal Agreement and Compliance Order, which is also known as the Tri-Party Agreement. The structural integrity of the tanks is a key element in completing the cleanup mission at the Hanford Site. There are eight primary recommendations related to the structural integrity of Hanford Single-Shell Tanks. Six recommendations are being implemented through current and planned activities. The structural integrity of the Hanford is being evaluated through analysis, monitoring, inspection, materials testing, and construction document review. Structural evaluation in the form of analysis is performed using modern finite element models generated in ANSYS. The analyses consider in-situ, thermal, operating loads and natural phenomena such as earthquakes. Structural analysis of 108 of 149 Hanford Single-Shell Tanks has concluded that the tanks are structurally sound and meet current industry standards. Analysis of the remaining Hanford Single-Shell Tanks is scheduled for FY2014. Hanford Single-Shell Tanks are monitored through a dome deflection program. The program looks for deflections of the tank dome greater than 1/4 inch. No such deflections have been recorded. The tanks are also subjected to visual inspection. Digital cameras record the interior surface of the concrete tanks, looking for cracks and other surface conditions that may indicate signs of structural distress. The condition of the concrete and rebar of the Hanford Single-Shell Tanks is currently being tested and planned for additional activities in the near future. Concrete and rebar removed from the dome of a 65 year old tank was tested for mechanics properties and condition. Results indicated stronger than designed concrete with additional Petrographic examination and rebar completed. Material properties determined from previous efforts combined with current testing and construction document review will help to generate a database that will provide indication of Hanford Single-Shell Tank structural integrity.« less

Mixed-Mode Decohesion Elements for Analyses of Progressive Delamination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davila, Carlos G.; Camanho, Pedro P.; deMoura, Marcelo F.

2001-01-01

A new 8-node decohesion element with mixed mode capability is proposed and demonstrated. The element is used at the interface between solid finite elements to model the initiation and propagation of delamination. A single displacement-based damage parameter is used in a strain softening law to track the damage state of the interface. The method can be used in conjunction with conventional material degradation procedures to account for inplane and intra-laminar damage modes. The accuracy of the predictions is evaluated in single mode delamination tests, in the mixed-mode bending test, and in a structural configuration consisting of the debonding of a stiffener flange from its skin.

Molecular epidemiology of nga and NAD glycohydrolase/ADP-ribosyltransferase activity among Streptococcus pyogenes causing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

PubMed

Stevens, D L; Salmi, D B; McIndoo, E R; Bryant, A E

2000-10-01

Severe invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections emerged in the late 1980s, yet no single virulence factor has been common to all isolates from infected patients. A strong association was recently found between isolates of such cases (regardless of M type) and the production of NAD glycohydrolase (NADase). Of interest, all M-1 strains isolated after 1988 were positive for NADase, whereas virtually all M-1 GAS were previously negative for NADase. Genetic analysis demonstrated that GAS isolates were >96% identical in nga and >99% identical in their upstream regulatory sequences. Furthermore, because NADase-negative strains did not produce immunoreactive NADase, we concluded that additional regulatory element(s) control NADase production. NADase purified from GAS altered neutrophil-directed migration and chemiluminescence responses and had potent ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. In summary, the temporal relationship of NADase expression, alone or with other streptococcal virulence factors, may contribute to the pathogenesis of invasive GAS infections.

[Distribution of acetylcholinesterase activity in the digestive system of the gastropod molluscs Littorina littorea and Achatina fulica].

PubMed

Zaĭtseva, O V; Kuznetsova, T V

2008-01-01

With the use of the histochemical procedure for the demonstration of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, the distribution cholinergic regulatory elements was studied in the esophagus, the pharynx, the stomach, the liver (the digestive gland) and the intestine in sea and terrestrial gastropod molluscs that differed in their general organization level, lifestyle, habitat and feeding type. In both molluscs, all the parts of the digestive tract contained the significant amount of intraepithelial AchE-positive cells of the open type, single subepithelial neurons and the nervous fibers localized among the muscle cells of the wall of the organs. The basal processes of the AchE-positive intraepithelial cells were shown to form the intraepithelial nerve plexus and to pass under the epithelium. The peculiarities and common principles in the distribution of the nervous elements detected, their possible function and the regulatory role in the digestion in gastropod molluscs and other animals are discussed.

Development of a New Generation of Stable, Tunable, and Catalytically Active Nanoparticles Produced by the Helium Nanodroplet Deposition Method

DOE PAGES

Wu, Qiyuan; Ridge, Claron J.; Zhao, Shen; ...

2016-07-13

Nanoparticles (NPs) are revolutionizing many areas of science and technology, often delivering unprecedented improvements to properties of the conventional materials. However, despite important advances in NPs synthesis and applications, numerous challenges still remain. Development of alternative synthetic method capable of producing very uniform, extremely clean and very stable NPs is urgently needed. If successful, such method can potentially transform several areas of nanoscience, including environmental and energy related catalysis. Here we present the first experimental demonstration of catalytically active NPs synthesis achieved by the helium nanodroplet isolation method. This alternative method of NPs fabrication and deposition produces narrowly distributed, clean,more » and remarkably stable NPs. The fabrication is achieved inside ultra-low temperature, superfluid helium nanodroplets, which can be subsequently deposited onto any substrate. Lastly, this technique is universal enough to be applied to nearly any element, while achieving high deposition rates for single element as well as composite core-shell NPs.« less

An investigation into heterogeneity in a single vein-type uranium ore deposit: Implications for nuclear forensics.

PubMed

Keatley, A C; Scott, T B; Davis, S; Jones, C P; Turner, P

2015-12-01

Minor element composition and rare earth element (REE) concentrations in nuclear materials are important as they are used within the field of nuclear forensics as an indicator of sample origin. However recent studies into uranium ores and uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) have shown significant elemental and isotopic heterogeneity from a single mine site such that some sites have shown higher variation within the mine site than that seen between multiple sites. The elemental composition of both uranium and gangue minerals within ore samples taken along a single mineral vein in South West England have been measured and reported here. The analysis of the samples was undertaken to determine the extent of the localised variation in key elements. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyse the gangue mineralogy and measure major element composition. Minor element composition and rare earth element (REE) concentrations were measured by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA). The results confirm that a number of key elements, REE concentrations and patterns used for origin location do show significant variation within mine. Furthermore significant variation is also visible on a meter scale. In addition three separate uranium phases were identified within the vein which indicates multiple uranium mineralisation events. In light of these localised elemental variations it is recommended that representative sampling for an area is undertaken prior to establishing the REE pattern that may be used to identify the originating mine for an unknown ore sample and prior to investigating impact of ore processing on any arising REE patterns. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A test of the role of the medial temporal lobe in single-word decoding.

PubMed

Osipowicz, Karol; Rickards, Tyler; Shah, Atif; Sharan, Ashwini; Sperling, Michael; Kahn, Waseem; Tracy, Joseph

2011-01-15

The degree to which the MTL system contributes to effective language skills is not well delineated. We sought to determine if the MTL plays a role in single-word decoding in healthy, normal skilled readers. The experiment follows from the implications of the dual-process model of single-word decoding, which provides distinct predictions about the nature of MTL involvement. The paradigm utilized word (regular and irregularly spelled words) and pseudoword (phonetically regular) stimuli that differed in their demand for non-lexical as opposed lexical decoding. The data clearly showed that the MTL system was not involved in single word decoding in skilled, native English readers. Neither the hippocampus nor the MTL system as a whole showed significant activation during lexical or non-lexical based decoding. The results provide evidence that lexical and non-lexical decoding are implemented by distinct but overlapping neuroanatomical networks. Non-lexical decoding appeared most uniquely associated with cuneus and fusiform gyrus activation biased toward the left hemisphere. In contrast, lexical decoding appeared associated with right middle frontal and supramarginal, and bilateral cerebellar activation. Both these decoding operations appeared in the context of a shared widespread network of activations including bilateral occipital cortex and superior frontal regions. These activations suggest that the absence of MTL involvement in either lexical or non-lexical decoding appears likely a function of the skilled reading ability of our sample such that whole-word recognition and retrieval processes do not utilize the declarative memory system, in the case of lexical decoding, and require only minimal analysis and recombination of the phonetic elements of a word, in the case of non-lexical decoding. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Test of the Role of the Medial Temporal Lobe in Single-Word Decoding

PubMed Central

Osipowicz, Karol; Rickards, Tyler; Shah, Atif; Sharan, Ashwini; Sperling, Michael; Kahn, Waseem; Tracy, Joseph

2012-01-01

The degree to which the MTL system contributes to effective language skills is not well delineated. We sought to determine if the MTL plays a role in single-word decoding in healthy, normal skilled readers. The experiment follows from the implications of the dual-process model of single-word decoding, which provides distinct predictions about the nature of MTL involvement. The paradigm utilized word (regular and irregularly spelled words) and pseudoword (phonetically regular) stimuli that differed in their demand for non-lexical as opposed lexical decoding. The data clearly showed that the MTL system was not involved in single word decoding in skilled, native English readers. Neither the hippocampus, nor the MTL system as a whole showed significant activation during lexical or non-lexical based decoding. The results provide evidence that lexical and non-lexical decoding are implemented by distinct but overlapping neuroanatomical networks. Non-lexical decoding appeared most uniquely associated with cuneus and fusiform gyrus activation biased toward the left hemisphere. In contrast, lexical decoding appeared associated with right middle frontal and supramarginal, and bilateral cerebellar activation. Both these decoding operations appeared in the context of a shared widespread network of activations including bilateral occipital cortex and superior frontal regions. These activations suggest that the absence of MTL involvement in either lexical or non-lexical decoding appears likely a function of the skilled reading ability of our sample such that whole-word recognition and retrieval processes do not utilize the declarative memory system, in the case of lexical decoding, and require only minimal analysis and recombination of the phonetic elements of a word, in the case of non-lexical decoding. PMID:20884357

Coherently coupled high-power fiber arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderegg, Jesse; Brosnan, Stephen; Cheung, Eric; Epp, Paul; Hammons, Dennis; Komine, Hiroshi; Weber, Mark; Wickham, Michael

2006-02-01

A four-element fiber array has demonstrated 470 watts of coherently phased, linearly polarized light energy in a single far-field spot. Each element consists of a single-mode fiber-amplifier chain. Phase control of each element is achieved with a Lithium-Niobate phase modulator. A master laser provides a linearly polarized, narrow linewidth signal that is split into five channels. Four channels are individually amplified using polarization maintaining fiber power amplifiers. The fifth channel is used as a reference arm. It is frequency shifted and then combined interferometrically with a portion of each channel's signal. Detectors sense the heterodyne modulation signal, and an electronics circuit measures the relative phase for each channel. Compensating adjustments are then made to each channel's phase modulator. This effort represents the results of a multi-year effort to achieve high power from a single element fiber amplifier and to understand the important issues involved in coherently combining many individual elements to obtain sufficient optical power for directed energy weapons. Northrop Grumman Corporation and the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office jointly sponsored this work.

Crosstalk-free operation of multielement superconducting nanowire single-photon detector array integrated with single-flux-quantum circuit in a 0.1 W Gifford-McMahon cryocooler.

PubMed

Yamashita, Taro; Miki, Shigehito; Terai, Hirotaka; Makise, Kazumasa; Wang, Zhen

2012-07-15

We demonstrate the successful operation of a multielement superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SSPD) array integrated with a single-flux-quantum (SFQ) readout circuit in a compact 0.1 W Gifford-McMahon cryocooler. A time-resolved readout technique, where output signals from each element enter the SFQ readout circuit with finite time intervals, revealed crosstalk-free operation of the four-element SSPD array connected with the SFQ readout circuit. The timing jitter and the system detection efficiency were measured to be 50 ps and 11.4%, respectively, which were comparable to the performance of practical single-pixel SSPD systems.

Single element laser beam shaper

DOEpatents

Zhang, Shukui [Yorktown, VA; Shinn, Michelle D [Newport News, VA

2005-09-13

A single lens laser beam shaper for converting laser beams from any spatial profile to a flat-top or uniform spatial profile. The laser beam shaper includes a lens having two aspheric surfaces. The beam shaper significantly simplifies the overall structure in comparison with conventional 2-element systems and therefore provides great ease in alignment and reduction of cost.

Macronutrient Intake for Physical Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buford, Thomas

Proper nutrition is an essential element of athletic performance, body composition goals, and general health. Although natural variability among persons makes it impossible to create a single diet that can be recommended to all; examining scientific principles makes it easier for athletes and other physically active persons to eat a diet that prepares them for successful training and/or athletic competition. A proper nutritional design incorporates these principles and is tailored to the individual. It is important for the sports nutritionist, coach, and athlete to understand the role that each of the macronutrients plays in an active lifestyle. In addition, keys to success include knowing how to determine how many calories to consume, the macronutrient breakdown of those calories, and proper timing to maximize the benefits needed for the individual's body type and activity schedule.

Numerical Simulations of Single Flow Element in a Nuclear Thermal Thrust Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Gary; Ito, Yasushi; Ross, Doug; Chen, Yen-Sen; Wang, Ten-See

2007-01-01

The objective of this effort is to develop an efficient and accurate computational methodology to predict both detailed and global thermo-fluid environments of a single now element in a hypothetical solid-core nuclear thermal thrust chamber assembly, Several numerical and multi-physics thermo-fluid models, such as chemical reactions, turbulence, conjugate heat transfer, porosity, and power generation, were incorporated into an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics solver. The numerical simulations of a single now element provide a detailed thermo-fluid environment for thermal stress estimation and insight for possible occurrence of mid-section corrosion. In addition, detailed conjugate heat transfer simulations were employed to develop the porosity models for efficient pressure drop and thermal load calculations.

Mechanical properties investigation on single-wall ZrO2 nanotubes: A finite element method with equivalent Poisson's ratio for chemical bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiao; Li, Huijian; Hu, Minzheng; Liu, Zeliang; Wärnå, John; Cao, Yuying; Ahuja, Rajeev; Luo, Wei

2018-04-01

A method to obtain the equivalent Poisson's ratio in chemical bonds as classical beams with finite element method was proposed from experimental data. The UFF (Universal Force Field) method was employed to calculate the elastic force constants of Zrsbnd O bonds. By applying the equivalent Poisson's ratio, the mechanical properties of single-wall ZrNTs (ZrO2 nanotubes) were investigated by finite element analysis. The nanotubes' Young's modulus (Y), Poisson's ratio (ν) of ZrNTs as function of diameters, length and chirality have been discussed, respectively. We found that the Young's modulus of single-wall ZrNTs is calculated to be between 350 and 420 GPa.

Synthesis, structural characterization and antitumor activity of a Ca(II) coordination polymer based on 4-formyl-1,3-benzenedisulfonate-2-furoic acid hydrazide ligands

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

Tai, Xi-Shi, E-mail: taixs@wfu.edu.cn; Wang, Xin

2017-03-15

A new Ca(II) coordination polymer, ([CaL(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}] · (H{sub 2}O){sub 4}){sub n} (L = 4-formyl-1,3-benzenedisulfonate-2-furoic acid hydrazide) has been prepared by one-pot synthesis method. And it was characterized by elemental analysis, IR and thermal analysis. The result of X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis shows that the Ca(II) complex molecules form one-dimensional chain structure by the bridging oxygen atoms. The anti-tumor activity of L ligand and the Ca(II) coordination polymer has also been studied.

Electrophysiological approach to determine kinetic parameters of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements or phloem parenchyma cells in intact Vicia faba plants.

PubMed

Hafke, Jens B; Höll, Sabina-Roxana; Kühn, Christina; van Bel, Aart J E

2013-01-01

Apart from cut aphid stylets in combination with electrophysiology, no attempts have been made thus far to measure in vivo sucrose-uptake properties of sieve elements. We investigated the kinetics of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements and phloem parenchyma cells in Vicia faba plants. To this end, microelectrodes were inserted into free-lying phloem cells in the main vein of the youngest fully-expanded leaf, half-way along the stem, in the transition zone between the autotrophic and heterotrophic part of the stem, and in the root axis. A top-to-bottom membrane potential gradient of sieve elements was observed along the stem (-130 mV to -110 mV), while the membrane potential of the phloem parenchyma cells was stable (approx. -100 mV). In roots, the membrane potential of sieve elements dropped abruptly to -55 mV. Bathing solutions having various sucrose concentrations were administered and sucrose/H(+)-induced depolarizations were recorded. Data analysis by non-linear least-square data fittings as well as by linear Eadie-Hofstee (EH) -transformations pointed at biphasic Michaelis-Menten kinetics (2 MM, EH: K m1 1.2-1.8 mM, K m2 6.6-9.0 mM) of sucrose uptake by sieve elements. However, Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) favored single MM kinetics. Using single MM as the best-fitting model, K m values for sucrose uptake by sieve elements decreased along the plant axis from 1 to 7 mM. For phloem parenchyma cells, higher K m values (EH: K m1 10 mM, K m2 70 mM) as compared to sieve elements were found. In preliminary patch-clamp experiments with sieve-element protoplasts, small sucrose-coupled proton currents (-0.1 to -0.3 pA/pF) were detected in the whole-cell mode. In conclusion (a) K m values for sucrose uptake measured by electrophysiology are similar to those obtained with heterologous systems, (b) electrophysiology provides a useful tool for in situ determination of K m values, (c) As yet, it remains unclear if one or two uptake systems are involved in sucrose uptake by sieve elements, (d) Affinity for sucrose uptake by sieve elements exceeds by far that by phloem parenchyma cells, (e) Patch-clamp studies provide a feasible basis for quantification of sucrose uptake by single cells. The consequences of the findings for whole-plant carbohydrate partitioning are discussed.

Electrophysiological approach to determine kinetic parameters of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements or phloem parenchyma cells in intact Vicia faba plants

PubMed Central

Hafke, Jens B.; Höll, Sabina-Roxana; Kühn, Christina; van Bel, Aart J. E.

2013-01-01

Apart from cut aphid stylets in combination with electrophysiology, no attempts have been made thus far to measure in vivo sucrose-uptake properties of sieve elements. We investigated the kinetics of sucrose uptake by single sieve elements and phloem parenchyma cells in Vicia faba plants. To this end, microelectrodes were inserted into free-lying phloem cells in the main vein of the youngest fully-expanded leaf, half-way along the stem, in the transition zone between the autotrophic and heterotrophic part of the stem, and in the root axis. A top-to-bottom membrane potential gradient of sieve elements was observed along the stem (−130 mV to −110 mV), while the membrane potential of the phloem parenchyma cells was stable (approx. −100 mV). In roots, the membrane potential of sieve elements dropped abruptly to −55 mV. Bathing solutions having various sucrose concentrations were administered and sucrose/H+-induced depolarizations were recorded. Data analysis by non-linear least-square data fittings as well as by linear Eadie–Hofstee (EH) -transformations pointed at biphasic Michaelis–Menten kinetics (2 MM, EH: Km1 1.2–1.8 mM, Km2 6.6–9.0 mM) of sucrose uptake by sieve elements. However, Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) favored single MM kinetics. Using single MM as the best-fitting model, Km values for sucrose uptake by sieve elements decreased along the plant axis from 1 to 7 mM. For phloem parenchyma cells, higher Km values (EH: Km1 10 mM, Km2 70 mM) as compared to sieve elements were found. In preliminary patch-clamp experiments with sieve-element protoplasts, small sucrose-coupled proton currents (−0.1 to −0.3 pA/pF) were detected in the whole-cell mode. In conclusion (a) Km values for sucrose uptake measured by electrophysiology are similar to those obtained with heterologous systems, (b) electrophysiology provides a useful tool for in situ determination of Km values, (c) As yet, it remains unclear if one or two uptake systems are involved in sucrose uptake by sieve elements, (d) Affinity for sucrose uptake by sieve elements exceeds by far that by phloem parenchyma cells, (e) Patch-clamp studies provide a feasible basis for quantification of sucrose uptake by single cells. The consequences of the findings for whole-plant carbohydrate partitioning are discussed. PMID:23914194

A Comparison of Two Single-Stranded DNA Binding Models by Mutational Analysis of APOBEC3G

PubMed Central

Shindo, Keisuke; Li, Ming; Gross, Phillip J.; Brown, William L.; Harjes, Elena; Lu, Yongjian; Matsuo, Hiroshi; Harris, Reuben S.

2012-01-01

APOBEC3G is the best known of several DNA cytosine deaminases that function to inhibit the replication of parasitic genetic elements including the lentivirus HIV. Several high-resolution structures of the APOBEC3G catalytic domain have been generated, but none reveal how this enzyme binds to substrate single-stranded DNA. Here, we constructed a panel of APOBEC3G amino acid substitution mutants and performed a series of biochemical, genetic, and structural assays to distinguish between “Brim” and “Kink” models for single-strand DNA binding. Each model predicts distinct sets of interactions between surface arginines and negatively charged phosphates in the DNA backbone. Concordant with both models, changing the conserved arginine at position 313 to glutamate abolished both catalytic and restriction activities. In support of the Brim model, arginine to glutamate substitutions at positions 213, 215, and 320 also compromised these APOBEC3G activities. Arginine to glutamate substitutions at Kink model residues 374 and 376 had smaller effects. These observations were supported by A3G catalytic domain-ssDNA chemical shift perturbation experiments. The overall data set is most consistent with the Brim model for single-stranded DNA binding by APOBEC3G. PMID:24832226

Screen Layout Design: Research into the Overall Appearance of the Screen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grabinger, R. Scott

1989-01-01

Examines the current state of research into the visual effects of screen designs used in computer-assisted instruction and suggests areas for future efforts. Topics discussed include technical elements and comprehensibility elements in layout design; single element and multiple element research methodologies; dependent variables; and learning…

Laser writing of coherent colour centres in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yu-Chen; Salter, Patrick S.; Knauer, Sebastian; Weng, Laiyi; Frangeskou, Angelo C.; Stephen, Colin J.; Ishmael, Shazeaa N.; Dolan, Philip R.; Johnson, Sam; Green, Ben L.; Morley, Gavin W.; Newton, Mark E.; Rarity, John G.; Booth, Martin J.; Smith, Jason M.

2017-02-01

Optically active point defects in crystals have gained widespread attention as photonic systems that could be applied in quantum information technologies. However, challenges remain in the placing of individual defects at desired locations, an essential element of device fabrication. Here we report the controlled generation of single negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) centres in diamond using laser writing. Aberration correction in the writing optics allows precise positioning of the vacancies within the diamond crystal, and subsequent annealing produces single NV- centres with a probability of success of up to 45 ± 15%, located within about 200 nm of the desired position in the transverse plane. Selected NV- centres display stable, coherent optical transitions at cryogenic temperatures, a prerequisite for the creation of distributed quantum networks of solid-state qubits. The results illustrate the potential of laser writing as a new tool for defect engineering in quantum technologies, and extend laser processing to the single-defect domain.

The association of air temperature with cardiac arrhythmias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čulić, Viktor

2017-11-01

The body response to meteorological influences may activate pathophysiological mechanisms facilitating the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible patients. Putative underlying mechanisms include changes in systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure, as well as a network of proinflammatory and procoagulant processes. Such a chain reaction probably occurs within the time window of several hours, so use of daily average values of meteorological elements do not seem appropriate for investigation in this area. In addition, overall synoptic situation, and season-specific combinations of meteorological elements and air pollutant levels probably cause the overall effect rather than a single atmospheric element. Particularly strong interrelations have been described among wind speed, air pressure and temperature, relative air humidity, and suspended particulate matter. This may be the main reason why studies examining the association between temperature and ventricular arrhythmias have found linear positive, negative, J-shaped or no association. Further understanding of the pathophysiological adaptation to atmospheric environment may help in providing recommendations for protective measures during "bad" weather conditions in patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

Tunable Universal Filter with Current Follower and Transconductance Amplifiers and Study of Parasitic Influences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeřábek, Jan; Šotner, Roman; Vrba, Kamil

2011-11-01

A universal filter with dual-output current follower (DO-CF), two transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) and two passive elements is presented in this paper. The filter is tunable, of the single-input multiple-output (SIMO) type, and operates in the current mode. Our solution utilizes a low-impedance input node and high-impedance outputs. All types of the active elements used can be realized using our UCC-N1B 0520 integrated circuit and therefore the paper contains not only simulation results that were obtained with the help of behavioral model of the UCC-N1B 0520 element, but also the characteristics that were gained by measurement with the mentioned circuit. The presented simulation and measurement results prove the quality of designed filter. Similar multi-loop structures are very-well known, but there are some drawbacks that are not discussed in similar papers. This paper also contains detailed study of parasitic influences on the filter performance.

The beginning of kinesin's force-generating cycle visualized at 9-Å resolution

PubMed Central

Sindelar, Charles V.; Downing, Kenneth H.

2007-01-01

We have used cryo-electron microscopy of kinesin-decorated microtubules to resolve the structure of the motor protein kinesin's crucial nucleotide response elements, switch I and the switch II helix, in kinesin's poorly understood nucleotide-free state. Both of the switch elements undergo conformational change relative to the microtubule-free state. The changes in switch I suggest a role for it in “ejecting” adenosine diphosphate when kinesin initially binds to the microtubule. The switch II helix has an N-terminal extension, apparently stabilized by conserved microtubule contacts, implying a microtubule activation mechanism that could convey the state of the bound nucleotide to kinesin's putative force-delivering element (the “neck linker”). In deriving this structure, we have adapted an image-processing technique, single-particle reconstruction, for analyzing decorated microtubules. The resulting reconstruction visualizes the asymmetric seam present in native, 13-protofilament microtubules, and this method will provide an avenue to higher-resolution characterization of a variety of microtubule- binding proteins, as well as the microtubule itself. PMID:17470637

Toward High Performance Photovoltaic Cells based on Conjugated Polymers

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-26

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2016-0103 Toward High Performance Photovoltaic Cells based on Conjugated Polymers Kung-Hwa Wei National Chiao Tung University Final...Conjugated Polymers 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA2386-15-1-4113 5c.  PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 61102F 6. AUTHOR(S) Kung-Hwa Wei 5d.  PROJECT...gap polymer with good packing order as the active layer for a single-junction photovoltaic device. The light absorptions for the small molecule and the

Recent Developments in the Photophysics of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Their Use as Active and Passive Material Elements in Thin Film Photovoltaics

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

photons of energy hn > 1.1 eV, which is the same spectral range captured by a silicon solar cell . The thermodynamic limit for the efficiency of a solar ...Park, NC 27709-2211 15. SUBJECT TERMS Carbon nanotube photovoltaic photophysics solar cell perspective Michael S. Arnold, Jeffrey L. Blackburn...increasing the efficiency and functionality of next-generation solar cells . Widely tunable properties open up possibilities for using nanotubes in many

Video sensor with range measurement capability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Richard T. (Inventor); Briscoe, Jeri M. (Inventor); Corder, Eric L. (Inventor); Broderick, David J. (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A video sensor device is provided which incorporates a rangefinder function. The device includes a single video camera and a fixed laser spaced a predetermined distance from the camera for, when activated, producing a laser beam. A diffractive optic element divides the beam so that multiple light spots are produced on a target object. A processor calculates the range to the object based on the known spacing and angles determined from the light spots on the video images produced by the camera.

A direct repeat of E-box-like elements is required for cell-autonomous circadian rhythm of clock genes

PubMed Central

Nakahata, Yasukazu; Yoshida, Mayumi; Takano, Atsuko; Soma, Haruhiko; Yamamoto, Takuro; Yasuda, Akio; Nakatsu, Toru; Takumi, Toru

2008-01-01

Background The circadian expression of the mammalian clock genes is based on transcriptional feedback loops. Two basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) PAS (for Period-Arnt-Sim) domain-containing transcriptional activators, CLOCK and BMAL1, are known to regulate gene expression by interacting with a promoter element termed the E-box (CACGTG). The non-canonical E-boxes or E-box-like sequences have also been reported to be necessary for circadian oscillation. Results We report a new cis-element required for cell-autonomous circadian transcription of clock genes. This new element consists of a canonical E-box or a non-canonical E-box and an E-box-like sequence in tandem with the latter with a short interval, 6 base pairs, between them. We demonstrate that both E-box or E-box-like sequences are needed to generate cell-autonomous oscillation. We also verify that the spacing nucleotides with constant length between these 2 E-elements are crucial for robust oscillation. Furthermore, by in silico analysis we conclude that several clock and clock-controlled genes possess a direct repeat of the E-box-like elements in their promoter region. Conclusion We propose a novel possible mechanism regulated by double E-box-like elements, not to a single E-box, for circadian transcriptional oscillation. The direct repeat of the E-box-like elements identified in this study is the minimal required element for the generation of cell-autonomous transcriptional oscillation of clock and clock-controlled genes. PMID:18177499

Folding and unfolding single RNA molecules under tension

PubMed Central

Woodside, Michael T; García-García, Cuauhtémoc; Block, Steven M

2010-01-01

Single-molecule force spectroscopy constitutes a powerful method for probing RNA folding: it allows the kinetic, energetic, and structural properties of intermediate and transition states to be determined quantitatively, yielding new insights into folding pathways and energy landscapes. Recent advances in experimental and theoretical methods, including fluctuation theorems, kinetic theories, novel force clamps, and ultrastable instruments, have opened new avenues for study. These tools have been used to probe folding in simple model systems, for example, RNA and DNA hairpins. Knowledge gained from such systems is helping to build our understanding of more complex RNA structures composed of multiple elements, as well as how nucleic acids interact with proteins involved in key cellular activities, such as transcription and translation. PMID:18786653

Exceptional damage-tolerance of a medium-entropy alloy CrCoNi at cryogenic temperatures

DOE PAGES

Gludovatz, Bernd; Hohenwarter, Anton; Thurston, Keli V. S.; ...

2016-02-02

The high-entropy alloys are an intriguing new class of metallic materials that derive their properties not from a single dominant constituent, such as iron in steels, nor from the presence of a second phase, such as in nickel-base superalloys, but rather comprise multi-element systems that crystallize as a single phase, despite containing high concentrations (~20 at.%) of five or more elements with different crystal structures. Indeed, we have recently reported on one such single-phase high-entropy alloy, NiCoCrFeMn, which displays exceptional strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures. Here which displays unprecedented strength-toughness properties that exceed those of all high-entropy alloys andmore » most multi-phase alloys. With roomtemperature tensile strengths of almost 1 GPa and KJIc fracture-toughness values above 200 MPa.m 1/2 (with crack-growth toughnesses exceeding 300 MPa.m 1/2), the strength, ductility and toughness of the NiCoCr alloy actually improve at cryogenic temperatures to unprecedented levels of strengths above 1.3 GPa, failure strains up to 90% and K JIc values of 275 MPa.m 1/2 (with crackgrowth toughnesses above 400 MPa.m 1/2). These properties appear to result from continuous steady strain hardening, which acts to suppress plastic instability, resulting from pronounced dislocation activity and deformation-induced nano-twinning.« less

Genome-wide mapping of DNase I hypersensitive sites in rare cell populations using single-cell DNase sequencing.

PubMed

Cooper, James; Ding, Yi; Song, Jiuzhou; Zhao, Keji

2017-11-01

Increased chromatin accessibility is a feature of cell-type-specific cis-regulatory elements; therefore, mapping of DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) enables the detection of active regulatory elements of transcription, including promoters, enhancers, insulators and locus-control regions. Single-cell DNase sequencing (scDNase-seq) is a method of detecting genome-wide DHSs when starting with either single cells or <1,000 cells from primary cell sources. This technique enables genome-wide mapping of hypersensitive sites in a wide range of cell populations that cannot be analyzed using conventional DNase I sequencing because of the requirement for millions of starting cells. Fresh cells, formaldehyde-cross-linked cells or cells recovered from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue slides are suitable for scDNase-seq assays. To generate scDNase-seq libraries, cells are lysed and then digested with DNase I. Circular carrier plasmid DNA is included during subsequent DNA purification and library preparation steps to prevent loss of the small quantity of DHS DNA. Libraries are generated for high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform using standard methods. Preparation of scDNase-seq libraries requires only 2 d. The materials and molecular biology techniques described in this protocol should be accessible to any general molecular biology laboratory. Processing of high-throughput sequencing data requires basic bioinformatics skills and uses publicly available bioinformatics software.

Discovery, synthesis and in combo studies of a tetrazole analogue of clofibric acid as a potent hypoglycemic agent.

PubMed

Navarrete-Vázquez, Gabriel; Alaniz-Palacios, Alfredo; Hidalgo-Figueroa, Sergio; González-Acevedo, Cristina; Ávila-Villarreal, Gabriela; Estrada-Soto, Samuel; Webster, Scott P; Medina-Franco, José L; López-Vallejo, Fabian; Guerrero-Álvarez, Jorge; Tlahuext, Hugo

2013-06-01

A tetrazole isosteric analogue of clofibric acid (1) was prepared using a short synthetic route and was characterized by elemental analysis, NMR ((1)H, (13)C) spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The in vitro inhibitory activity of 1 against 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) was evaluated, showing a moderate inhibitory enzyme activity (51.17% of inhibition at 10 μM), being more active than clofibrate and clofibric acid. The antidiabetic activity of compound 1 was determined at 50 mg/Kg single dose using a non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus rat model. The results indicated a significant decrease of plasma glucose levels, during the 7h post-administration. Additionally, we performed a molecular docking of 1 into the ligand binding pocket of one subunit of human 11β-HSD1. In this model, compound 1 binds into the catalytic site of 11β-HSD1 in two different orientations. Both of them, show important short contacts with the catalytic residues Ser 170, Tyr 183, Asp 259 and also with the nicotinamide ring of NADP(+). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-homeodomain regions of Hox proteins mediate activation versus repression of Six2 via a single enhancer site in vivo

PubMed Central

Yallowitz, Alisha R.; Gong, Ke-Qin; Swinehart, Ilea T.; Nelson, Lisa T.; Wellik, Deneen M.

2009-01-01

Summary Hox genes control many developmental events along the AP axis, but few target genes have been identified. Whether target genes are activated or repressed, what enhancer elements are required for regulation, and how different domains of the Hox proteins contribute to regulatory specificity is poorly understood. Six2 is genetically downstream of both the Hox11 paralogous genes in the developing mammalian kidney and Hoxa2 in branchial arch and facial mesenchyme. Loss-of-function of Hox11 leads to loss of Six2 expression and loss-of-function of Hoxa2 leads to expanded Six2 expression. Herein we demonstrate that a single enhancer site upstream of the Six2 coding sequence is responsible for both activation by Hox11 proteins in the kidney and repression by Hoxa2 in the branchial arch and facial mesenchyme in vivo. DNA binding activity is required for both activation and repression, but differential activity is not controlled by differences in the homeodomains. Rather, protein domains N- and C-terminal to the homeodomain confer activation versus repression activity. These data support a model in which the DNA binding specificity of Hox proteins in vivo may be similar, consistent with accumulated in vitro data, and that unique functions result mainly from differential interactions mediated by non-homeodomain regions of Hox proteins. PMID:19716816

Comparison of single extraction procedures and the application of an index for the assessment of heavy metal bioavailability in river sediments.

PubMed

Sakan, Sanja; Popović, Aleksandar; Škrivanj, Sandra; Sakan, Nenad; Đorđević, Dragana

2016-11-01

Metals in sediments are present in different chemical forms which affect their ability to transfer. The objective of this body of work was to compare different extraction methods for the bioavailability evaluation of some elements, such as Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn from Serbian river sediments. A bioavailability risk assessment index (BRAI) was used for the quantification of heavy metal bioavailability in the sediments. Actual and potential element availability was assessed by single extractions with mild (CaCl 2 and CH 3 COONH 4 ) and acidic (CH 3 COOH) extractants and complexing agents (EDTA). Aqua regia extraction was used for the determination of the pseudo-total element content in river sediments. In different single extraction tests, higher extraction of Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb was observed than for the other elements. The results of the single extraction tests revealed that there is a considerable chance of metal leaching from the sediments assessed in this study. When the BRAI was applied, the results showed a high risk of heavy metal bioavailability in Serbian river sediments.

Development of five digits is controlled by a bipartite long-range cis-regulator

PubMed Central

Lettice, Laura A.; Williamson, Iain; Devenney, Paul S.; Kilanowski, Fiona; Dorin, Julia; Hill, Robert E.

2014-01-01

Conservation within intergenic DNA often highlights regulatory elements that control gene expression from a long range. How conservation within a single element relates to regulatory information and how internal composition relates to function is unknown. Here, we examine the structural features of the highly conserved ZRS (also called MFCS1) cis-regulator responsible for the spatiotemporal control of Shh in the limb bud. By systematically dissecting the ZRS, both in transgenic assays and within in the endogenous locus, we show that the ZRS is, in effect, composed of two distinct domains of activity: one domain directs spatiotemporal activity but functions predominantly from a short range, whereas a second domain is required to promote long-range activity. We show further that these two domains encode activities that are highly integrated and that the second domain is crucial in promoting the chromosomal conformational changes correlated with gene activity. During limb bud development, these activities encoded by the ZRS are interpreted differently by the fore limbs and the hind limbs; in the absence of the second domain there is no Shh activity in the fore limb, and in the hind limb low levels of Shh lead to a variant digit pattern ranging from two to four digits. Hence, in the embryo, the second domain stabilises the developmental programme providing a buffer for SHH morphogen activity and this ensures that five digits form in both sets of limbs. PMID:24715461

[NADPH-diaphorase activity in digestive system of gastropod molluscs Achatina fulica and Littorina littorea].

PubMed

Zaĭtseva, O V; Kuznetsova, T V; Markosova, T G

2009-01-01

Localization and peculiarities of NO-ergic elements were studied for he first time throughout the entire length of digestive tract of the marine gastropod mollusc Achatina fulica (Prosobranchia) and the terrestrial molusc Littorina littorea (Pulmonata) by using histochemical method of detection of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd). NO-ergic cells and fibers were revealed in all parts of the mollusc digestive tract beginning from pharynx. An intensive NADPHd activity was found in many intraepithelial cells of the open type and in their processes in intra- and subepithelial nerve plexuses, single subepithelial neurons, granular connective tissue cells, and numerous nerve fibers among muscle elements of he digestive tract wall as well as in nerves innervating the tract. NADPHd was also present in receptor cells of he oral area and in the central A. fulica ganglia participating in innervation of the digestive tract. The digestive tract NO-ergic system ofA. fulica has a more complex organization that that of L. littorea. In the A. fulica pharynx, stomach, and midgut, directly beneath epithelium, there is revealed a complex system of glomerular structures formed by thin NADPHd-positive nerve fibers coming from the side of epithelium. More superficially under the main groups of muscle elements, small agglomerations of NADPHd-positive neurons are seen, which could be considered as primitive, non-formed microganglia. Peculiarities of distribution and a possible functional role of NO-ergic elements in the digestive tract of molluscs are discussed as compared with other invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

Targeted Deletion of the Antisilencer/Enhancer (ASE) Element from Intron 1 of the Myelin Proteolipid Protein Gene (Plp1) in Mouse Reveals that the Element Is Dispensable for Plp1 Expression in Brain during Development and Remyelination

PubMed Central

Pereira, Glauber B.; Meng, Fanxue; Kockara, Neriman T.; Yang, Baoli; Wight, Patricia A.

2012-01-01

Myelin proteolipid protein gene (Plp1) expression is temporally regulated in brain, which peaks during the active myelination period of CNS development. Previous studies with Plp1-lacZ transgenic mice demonstrated that (mouse) Plp1 intron 1 DNA is required for high levels of expression in oligodendrocytes. Deletion-transfection analysis revealed the intron contains a single positive regulatory element operative in the N20.1 oligodendroglial cell line, which was named ASE (antisilencer/enhancer) based on its functional properties in these cells. To investigate the role of the ASE in vivo, the element was deleted from the native gene in mouse using a Cre/lox strategy. While removal of the ASE from Plp1-lacZ constructs profoundly decreased expression in transfected oligodendroglial cell lines (N20.1 and Oli-neu), the element was dispensable to achieve normal levels of Plp1 gene expression in mouse during development (except perhaps at postnatal day 15) and throughout the remyelination period following cuprizone-induced (acute) demyelination. Thus, it is possible that the ASE is nonfunctional in vivo, or that loss of the ASE from the native gene in mouse can be compensated for by the presence of other regulatory elements within the Plp1 gene. PMID:23157328

Quadrature transmit array design using single-feed circularly polarized patch antenna for parallel transmission in MR imaging.

PubMed

Pang, Yong; Yu, Baiying; Vigneron, Daniel B; Zhang, Xiaoliang

2014-02-01

Quadrature coils are often desired in MR applications because they can improve MR sensitivity and also reduce excitation power. In this work, we propose, for the first time, a quadrature array design strategy for parallel transmission at 298 MHz using single-feed circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna technique. Each array element is a nearly square ring microstrip antenna and is fed at a point on the diagonal of the antenna to generate quadrature magnetic fields. Compared with conventional quadrature coils, the single-feed structure is much simple and compact, making the quadrature coil array design practical. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the decoupling between elements is better than -35 dB for all the elements and the RF fields are homogeneous with deep penetration and quadrature behavior in the area of interest. Bloch equation simulation is also performed to simulate the excitation procedure by using an 8-element quadrature planar patch array to demonstrate its feasibility in parallel transmission at the ultrahigh field of 7 Tesla.

Estimation of Effective Directional Strength of Single Walled Wavy CNT Reinforced Nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowmik, Krishnendu; Kumar, Pranav; Khutia, Niloy; Chowdhury, Amit Roy

2018-03-01

In this present work, single walled wavy carbon nanotube reinforced into composite has been studied to predict the effective directional strength of the nanocomposite. The effect of waviness on the overall Young’s modulus of the composite has been analysed using three dimensional finite element model. Waviness pattern of carbon nanotube is considered as periodic cosine function. Both long (continuous) and short (discontinuous) carbon nanotubes are being idealized as solid annular tube. Short carbon nanotube is modelled with hemispherical cap at its both ends. Representative Volume Element models have been developed with different waviness, height fractions, volume fractions and modulus ratios of carbon nanotubes. Consequently a micromechanics based analytical model has been formulated to derive the effective reinforcing modulus of wavy carbon nanotubes. In these models wavy single walled wavy carbon nanotubes are considered to be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the Representative Volume Element model. Results obtained from finite element analyses are compared with analytical model and they are found in good agreement.

Cross-shaped torsional spring

DOEpatents

Williamson, M.M.; Pratt, G.A.

1999-06-08

The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section. 30 figs.

Elastic actuator for precise force control

DOEpatents

Pratt, G.A.; Williamson, M.M.

1997-07-22

The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section. 30 figs.

Elastic actuator for precise force control

DOEpatents

Pratt, Gill A.; Williamson, Matthew M.

1997-07-22

The invention provides an elastic actuator consisting of a motor and a motor drive transmission connected at an output of the motor. An elastic element is connected in series with the motor drive transmission, and this elastic element is positioned to alone support the full weight of any load connected at an output of the actuator. A single force transducer is positioned at a point between a mount for the motor and an output of the actuator. This force transducer generates a force signal, based on deflection of the elastic element, that indicates force applied by the elastic element to an output of the actuator. An active feedback force control loop is connected between the force transducer and the motor for controlling the motor. This motor control is based on the force signal to deflect the elastic element an amount that produces a desired actuator output force. The produced output force is substantially independent of load motion. The invention also provides a torsional spring consisting of a flexible structure having at least three flat sections each connected integrally with and extending radially from a central section. Each flat section extends axially along the central section from a distal end of the central section to a proximal end of the central section.

Modeling Intracochlear Magnetic Stimulation: A Finite-Element Analysis.

PubMed

Mukesh, S; Blake, D T; McKinnon, B J; Bhatti, P T

2017-08-01

This study models induced electric fields, and their gradient, produced by pulsatile current stimulation of submillimeter inductors for cochlear implantation. Using finite-element analysis, the lower chamber of the cochlea, scala tympani, is modeled as a cylindrical structure filled with perilymph bounded by tissue, bone, and cochlear neural elements. Single inductors as well as an array of inductors are modeled. The coil strength (~100 nH) and excitation parameters (peak current of 1-5 A, voltages of 16-20 V) are based on a formative feasibility study conducted by our group. In that study, intracochlear micromagnetic stimulation achieved auditory activation as measured through the auditory brainstem response in a feline model. With respect to the finite element simulations, axial symmetry of the inductor geometry is exploited to improve computation time. It is verified that the inductor coil orientation greatly affects the strength of the induced electric field and thereby the ability to affect the transmembrane potential of nearby neural elements. Furthermore, upon comparing an array of micro-inductors with a typical multi-site electrode array, magnetically excited arrays retain greater focus in terms of the gradient of induced electric fields. Once combined with further in vivo analysis, this modeling study may enable further exploration of the mechanism of magnetically induced, and focused neural stimulation.

Functional analysis of the sea urchin-derived arylsulfatase (Ars)-element in mammalian cells.

PubMed

Watanabe, Satoshi; Watanabe, Sachiko; Sakamoto, Naoaki; Sato, Masahiro; Akasaka, Koji

2006-09-01

An insulator is a DNA sequence that has both enhancer-blocking activity, through its ability to modify the influence of neighboring cis-acting elements, and a barrier function that protects a transgene from being silenced by surrounding chromatin. Previously, we isolated and characterized a 582-bp-long element from the sea urchin arylsulfatase gene (Ars). This Ars-element was effective in sea urchin and Drosophila embryos and in plant cells. To investigate Ars-element activity in mammalian cells, we placed the element between the cytomegalovirus enhancer and a luciferase (luc) expression cassette. In contrast to controls lacking the Ars-element, NIH3T3 and 293T cells transfected with the element-containing construct displayed reduced luciferase activities. The Ars-element therefore acts as an enhancer-blocking element in mammalian cells. We assessed the barrier activity of the Ars-element using vectors in which a luc expression cassette was placed between two elements. Transfection experiments demonstrated that luc activity in these vectors was approximately ten-fold higher than in vectors lacking elements. Luc activities were well maintained even after 12 weeks in culture. Our observations demonstrate that the Ars-element has also a barrier activity. These results indicated that the Ars-element act as an insulator in mammalian cells.

Structural design of a large deformable primary mirror for a space telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, J. G. R.

A 4 meter aperture deformable primary mirror is designed with the mirror and its supports integrated into a single structure. The integrated active mirror's minimal weight makes it desirable for a space telescope as well as a terrestrial application. Utilizing displacement actuators, the active controls at the mirror's surface include position control and slope control in both the radial and tangential directions at each of the 40 control points. Influence functions for each of the controls are nearly independent, reducing the complexity of the control system. Experiments with breadboard models verify the structural concept and the techniques used in the finite element method of computer structural analysis. The majority of this paper is a description of finite element analysis results. Localization of influence functions is exhaustively treated. For gravity loads, a thermal gradient through the mirror thickness, and a uniform thermal soak, diffraction limited performance of the 4m design is evaluated. Loads are applied to defocus the mirror and to cause fourth-order astigmatism. Mirror scallop, instigated by a focus shift, has been virtually eliminated with the 40-actuator design. The structural concept is so effective that it should be considered for uncontrolled primary mirrors as well as active mirrors.

Development of a mercuric iodide detector array for in-vivo x-ray imaging

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

Patt, B.E.; Iwanczyk, J.S.; Tornai, M.P.

A nineteen element mercuric iodide (HgI{sub 2}) detector array has been developed in order to investigate the potential of using this technology for in-vivo x-ray and gamma-ray imaging. A prototype cross-grid detector array was constructed with hexagonal pixels of 1.9 mm diameter (active area = 3.28 mm{sup 2}) and 0.2 mm thick septa. The overall detector active area is roughly 65 mm{sup 2}. A detector thickness of 1.2 mm was used to achieve about 100% efficiency at 60 keV and 67% efficiency at 140 keV The detector fabrication, geometry and structure were optimized for charge collection and to minimize crosstalkmore » between elements. A section of a standard high resolution cast-lead gamma-camera collimator was incorporated into the detector to provide collimation matching the discrete pixel geometry. Measurements of spectral and spatial performance of the array were made using 241-Am and 99m-Tc sources. These measurements were compared with similar measurements made using an optimized single HgI{sub 2} x-ray detector with active area of about 3 mm{sup 2} and thickness of 500 {mu}m.« less

Regulation of nrf operon expression in pathogenic enteric bacteria: sequence divergence reveals new regulatory complexity

PubMed Central

Godfrey, Rita E.; Lee, David J.; Busby, Stephen J. W.

2017-01-01

Summary The Escherichia coli K‐12 nrf operon encodes a periplasmic nitrite reductase, the expression of which is driven from a single promoter, pnrf. Expression from pnrf is activated by the FNR transcription factor in response to anaerobiosis and further increased in response to nitrite by the response regulator proteins, NarL and NarP. FNR‐dependent transcription is suppressed by the binding of two nucleoid associated proteins, IHF and Fis. As Fis levels increase in cells grown in rich medium, the positioning of its binding site, overlapping the promoter −10 element, ensures that pnrf is sharply repressed. Here, we investigate the expression of the nrf operon promoter from various pathogenic enteric bacteria. We show that pnrf from enterohaemorrhagic E. coli is more active than its K‐12 counterpart, exhibits substantial FNR‐independent activity and is insensitive to nutrient quality, due to an improved −10 element. We also demonstrate that the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium core promoter is more active than previously thought, due to differences around the transcription start site, and that its expression is repressed by downstream sequences. We identify the CsrA RNA binding protein as being responsible for this, and show that CsrA differentially regulates the E. coli K‐12 and Salmonella nrf operons. PMID:28211111

A proximal promoter region of Arabidopsis DREB2C confers tissue-specific expression under heat stress.

PubMed

Chen, Huan; Je, Jihyun; Song, Chieun; Hwang, Jung Eun; Lim, Chae Oh

2012-09-01

The dehydration-responsive element-binding factor 2C (DREB2C) is a member of the CBF/DREB subfamily of proteins, which contains a single APETALA2/Ethylene responsive element-binding factor (AP2/ERF) domain. To identify the expression pattern of the DREB2C gene, which contains multiple transcription cis-regulatory elements in its promoter, an approximately 1.4 kb upstream DREB2C sequence was fused to the β-glucuronidase reporter gene (GUS) and the recombinant p1244 construct was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. The promoter of the gene directed prominent GUS activity in the vasculature in diverse young dividing tissues. Upon applying heat stress (HS), GUS staining was also enhanced in the vasculature of the growing tissues. Analysis of a series of 5'-deletions of the DREB2C promoter revealed that a proximal upstream sequence sufficient for the tissue-specific spatial and temporal induction of GUS expression by HS is localized in the promoter region between -204 and -34 bps relative to the transcriptional start site. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) demonstrated that nuclear protein binding activities specific to a -120 to -32 bp promoter fragment increased after HS. These results indicate that the TATA-proximal region and some latent trans-acting factors may cooperate in HS-induced activation of the Arabidopsis DREB2C promoter. © 2012 Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Antisite occupation induced single anionic redox chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide

DOE PAGES

Shadike, Zulipiya; Zhou, Yong -Ning; Chen, Lan -Li; ...

2017-08-30

The intercalation compounds with various electrochemically active or inactive elements in the layered structure have been the subject of increasing interest due to their high capacities, good reversibility, simple structures and ease of synthesis. However, their reversible intercalation/deintercalation redox chemistries in all previous compounds involve a single cationic redox reaction or a cumulative cationic and anionic redox reaction. Here we report an anionic redox only chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide. It is discovered that sulfur in sodium chromium sulfide is electrochemical active undergoing oxidation/reduction of sulfur rather than chromium. Significantly, sodium ions can successfully move outmore » and into without changing its lattice parameter c, which is explained in terms of the occurrence of chromium/sodium vacancy antisite during desodiation and sodiation processes. Here, our present work not only enriches the electrochemistry of layered intercalation compounds, but also extends the scope of investigation on high-capacity electrodes.« less

A highly integrated single-mode 1064 nm laser with 8.5 kHz linewidth for dual-wavelength active optical clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Tiantian; Pan, Duo; Chang, Pengyuan; Shang, Haosen; Chen, Jingbiao

2018-04-01

Without exploiting any frequency selective elements, we have realized a highly integrated, single-mode, narrow-linewidth Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser, which is end-pumped by the 808.6 nm diode laser in an integrated invar cavity. It turns out that each 1064 nm laser achieves a most probable linewidth of 8.5 kHz by beating between two identical laser systems. The output power of the 1064 nm laser increases steadily as the 808.6 nm pump power is raised, which can be up to 350 mW. Moreover, the resonant wavelength of cavity grows continuously in a certain crystal temperature range. Such a 1064 nm laser will be frequency stabilized to an ultrastable cavity by using the Pound-Drever-Hall technique and used as the good cavity laser to lock the main cavity length of 1064/1470 nm good-bad cavity dual-wavelength active optical clock.

Efficient single-mode (TEM{sub 00}) Nd : YVO{sub 4} laser with longitudinal 808-nm diode pumping

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

Donin, V I; Yakovin, D V; Yakovin, M D

2013-10-31

A single-mode Nd : YVO{sub 4} laser with unidirectional longitudinal pumping by laser diodes with λ = 808 nm and a power of 40 W is studied. In the TEM{sub 00} mode, the output laser power is 24 W with the optical efficiency η{sub opt} = 57.1 % (slope efficiency 63.3 %), which, as far as we know, is the best result for Nd{sup 3+} : YVO{sub 4} lasers with longitudinal pumping at λ = 808 nm from one face of the active crystal. Estimates of thermal effects show that, using a Nd : YVO{sub 4} crystal (length 20 mm,more » diameter 3 mm, dopant concentration 0.27 at%) with two undoped ends and bidirectional diode pumping with a total power of 170 W, one can obtain an output power of ∼100 W in the TEM{sub 00} mode from one active element. (lasers)« less

Antisite occupation induced single anionic redox chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide

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

Shadike, Zulipiya; Zhou, Yong -Ning; Chen, Lan -Li

The intercalation compounds with various electrochemically active or inactive elements in the layered structure have been the subject of increasing interest due to their high capacities, good reversibility, simple structures and ease of synthesis. However, their reversible intercalation/deintercalation redox chemistries in all previous compounds involve a single cationic redox reaction or a cumulative cationic and anionic redox reaction. Here we report an anionic redox only chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide. It is discovered that sulfur in sodium chromium sulfide is electrochemical active undergoing oxidation/reduction of sulfur rather than chromium. Significantly, sodium ions can successfully move outmore » and into without changing its lattice parameter c, which is explained in terms of the occurrence of chromium/sodium vacancy antisite during desodiation and sodiation processes. Here, our present work not only enriches the electrochemistry of layered intercalation compounds, but also extends the scope of investigation on high-capacity electrodes.« less

Airfoil Dynamic Stall and Rotorcraft Maneuverability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bousman, William G.

2000-01-01

The loading of an airfoil during dynamic stall is examined in terms of the augmented lift and the associated penalties in pitching moment and drag. It is shown that once stall occurs and a leading-edge vortex is shed from the airfoil there is a unique relationship between the augmented lift, the negative pitching moment, and the increase in drag. This relationship, referred to here as the dynamic stall function, shows limited sensitivity to effects such as the airfoil section profile and Mach number, and appears to be independent of such parameters as Reynolds number, reduced frequency, and blade sweep. For single-element airfoils there is little that can be done to improve rotorcraft maneuverability except to provide good static C(l(max)) characteristics and the chord or blade number that is required to provide the necessary rotor thrust. However, multi-element airfoils or airfoils with variable geometry features can provide augmented lift in some cases that exceeds that available from a single-element airfoil. The dynamic stall function is shown to be a useful tool for the evaluation of both measured and calculated dynamic stall characteristics of single element, multi-element, and variable geometry airfoils.

Amplification of the 1731 LTR retrotransposon in Drosophila melanogaster cultured cells: origin of neocopies and impact on the genome.

PubMed

Maisonhaute, Claude; Ogereau, David; Hua-Van, Aurélie; Capy, Pierre

2007-05-15

Transposable elements (TEs), represent a large fraction of the eukaryotic genome. In Drosophila melanogaster, about 20% of the genome corresponds to such middle repetitive DNA dispersed sequences. A fraction of TEs is composed of elements showing a retrovirus-like structure, the LTR-retrotransposons, the first TEs to be described in the Drosophila genome. Interestingly, in D. melanogaster embryonic immortal cell culture genomes the copy number of these LTR-retrotransposons was revealed to be higher than the copy number in the Drosophila genome, presumably as the result of transposition of some copies to new genomic locations [Potter, S.S., Brorein Jr., W.J., Dunsmuir, P., Rubin, G.M., 1979. Transposition of elements of the 412, copia and 297 dispersed repeated gene families in Drosophila. Cell 17, 415-427; Junakovic, N., Di Franco, C., Best-Belpomme, M., Echalier, G., 1988. On the transposition of copia-like nomadic elements in cultured Drosophila cells. Chromosoma 97, 212-218]. This suggests that so many transpositions modified the genome organisation and consequently the expression of targeted genes. To understand what has directed the transposition of TEs in Drosophila cell culture genomes, a search to identify the newly transposed copies was undertaken using 1731, a LTR-retrotransposon. A comparison between 1731 full-length elements found in the fly sequenced genome (y(1); cn(1)bw(1), sp(1) stock) and 1731 full-length elements amplified by PCR in the two cell line was done. The resulting data provide evidence that all 1731 neocopies were derived from a single copy slightly active in the Drosophila genome and subsequently strongly activated in cultured cells; and that this active copy is related to a newly evolved genomic variant (Kalmykova, A.I., et al., 2004. Selective expansion of the newly evolved genomic variants of retrotransposon 1731 in the Drosophila genomes. Mol. Biol. Evol. 21, 2281-2289). Moreover, neocopies are shown to be inserted in different sets of genes in the two cell lines suggesting they might be involved in the biological and physiological differences observed between Kc and S2 cell lines.

From shunting inhibition to dynamic normalization: Attentional selection and decision-making in brief visual displays.

PubMed

Smith, Philip L; Sewell, David K; Lilburn, Simon D

2015-11-01

Normalization models of visual sensitivity assume that the response of a visual mechanism is scaled divisively by the sum of the activity in the excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms in its neighborhood. Normalization models of attention assume that the weighting of excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms is modulated by attention. Such models have provided explanations of the effects of attention in both behavioral and single-cell recording studies. We show how normalization models can be obtained as the asymptotic solutions of shunting differential equations, in which stimulus inputs and the activity in the mechanism control growth rates multiplicatively rather than additively. The value of the shunting equation approach is that it characterizes the entire time course of the response, not just its asymptotic strength. We describe two models of attention based on shunting dynamics, the integrated system model of Smith and Ratcliff (2009) and the competitive interaction theory of Smith and Sewell (2013). These models assume that attention, stimulus salience, and the observer's strategy for the task jointly determine the selection of stimuli into visual short-term memory (VSTM) and the way in which stimulus representations are weighted. The quality of the VSTM representation determines the speed and accuracy of the decision. The models provide a unified account of a variety of attentional phenomena found in psychophysical tasks using single-element and multi-element displays. Our results show the generality and utility of the normalization approach to modeling attention. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Algorithm Sorts Groups Of Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, J. D.

1987-01-01

For efficient sorting, algorithm finds set containing minimum or maximum most significant data. Sets of data sorted as desired. Sorting process simplified by reduction of each multielement set of data to single representative number. First, each set of data expressed as polynomial with suitably chosen base, using elements of set as coefficients. Most significant element placed in term containing largest exponent. Base selected by examining range in value of data elements. Resulting series summed to yield single representative number. Numbers easily sorted, and each such number converted back to original set of data by successive division. Program written in BASIC.

Sex change strategy and the aromatase genes.

PubMed

Gardner, L; Anderson, T; Place, A R; Dixon, B; Elizur, A

2005-04-01

Sequential hermaphroditism is a common reproductive strategy in many teleosts. Steroid production is known to mediate both the natural and induced sex change, yet beyond this the physiology directing this process has received little attention. Cytochrome P450 aromatase is a key enzyme in the hormonal pathway catalysing the conversion of sex steroids, androgens to oestrogens, and thus is highly relevant to the process of sex change. This study reports the isolation of cDNA sequences for aromatase isoforms CYP19A1 and CYP19A2 from teleost species representing three forms of sexual hermaphroditism: Lates calcarifer (protandry), Cromileptes altivelis (protogyny), and Gobiodon histrio (bi-directional). Deduced amino acid analysis of these isoforms with other reported isoforms from gonochoristic (single sex) teleosts revealed 56-95% identity within the same isoform while only 48-65% identity between isoforms irrespective of species and sexual strategy. Phylogenetic analysis supported this result separating sequences into isoform exclusive clades in spite of species apparent evolutionary distance. Furthermore, this study isolates 5' flanking regions of all above genes and describes putative cis-acting elements therein. Elements identified include steroidogenic factor 1 binding site (SF-1), oestrogen response element (ERE), progesterone response element (PRE), androgen response element (ARE), glucocorticoid response elements (GRE), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/retinoid X receptor alpha heterodimer responsive element (PPARalpha/RXRalpha), nuclear factor kappabeta (NF-kappabeta), SOX 5, SOX 9, and Wilms tumor suppressor (WTI). A hypothetical in vivo model was constructed for both isoforms highlighting potential roles of these putative cis-acting elements with reference to normal function and sexual hermaphroditism.

DISSOLVED CONCENTRATION LIMITS OF RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS

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

P. Bernot

The purpose of this study is to evaluate dissolved concentration limits (also referred to as solubility limits) of elements with radioactive isotopes under probable repository conditions, based on geochemical modeling calculations using geochemical modeling tools, thermodynamic databases, field measurements, and laboratory experiments. The scope of this activity is to predict dissolved concentrations or solubility limits for elements with radioactive isotopes (actinium, americium, carbon, cesium, iodine, lead, neptunium, plutonium, protactinium, radium, strontium, technetium, thorium, and uranium) relevant to calculated dose. Model outputs for uranium, plutonium, neptunium, thorium, americium, and protactinium are provided in the form of tabulated functions with pH andmore » log fCO{sub 2} as independent variables, plus one or more uncertainty terms. The solubility limits for the remaining elements are either in the form of distributions or single values. Even though selection of an appropriate set of radionuclides documented in Radionuclide Screening (BSC 2002 [DIRS 160059]) includes actinium, transport of Ac is not modeled in the total system performance assessment for the license application (TSPA-LA) model because of its extremely short half-life. Actinium dose is calculated in the TSPA-LA by assuming secular equilibrium with {sup 231}Pa (Section 6.10); therefore, Ac is not analyzed in this report. The output data from this report are fundamental inputs for TSPA-LA used to determine the estimated release of these elements from waste packages and the engineered barrier system. Consistent modeling approaches and environmental conditions were used to develop solubility models for the actinides discussed in this report. These models cover broad ranges of environmental conditions so they are applicable to both waste packages and the invert. Uncertainties from thermodynamic data, water chemistry, temperature variation, and activity coefficients have been quantified or otherwise addressed.« less

Satellite DNA Modulates Gene Expression in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum after Heat Stress

PubMed Central

Feliciello, Isidoro; Akrap, Ivana; Ugarković, Đurđica

2015-01-01

Non-coding repetitive DNAs have been proposed to perform a gene regulatory role, however for tandemly repeated satellite DNA no such role was defined until now. Here we provide the first evidence for a role of satellite DNA in the modulation of gene expression under specific environmental conditions. The major satellite DNA TCAST1 in the beetle Tribolium castaneum is preferentially located within pericentromeric heterochromatin but is also dispersed as single repeats or short arrays in the vicinity of protein-coding genes within euchromatin. Our results show enhanced suppression of activity of TCAST1-associated genes and slower recovery of their activity after long-term heat stress relative to the same genes without associated TCAST1 satellite DNA elements. The level of gene suppression is not influenced by the distance of TCAST1 elements from the associated genes up to 40 kb from the genes’ transcription start sites, but it does depend on the copy number of TCAST1 repeats within an element, being stronger for the higher number of copies. The enhanced gene suppression correlates with the enrichment of the repressive histone marks H3K9me2/3 at dispersed TCAST1 elements and their flanking regions as well as with increased expression of TCAST1 satellite DNA. The results reveal transient, RNAi based heterochromatin formation at dispersed TCAST1 repeats and their proximal regions as a mechanism responsible for enhanced silencing of TCAST1-associated genes. Differences in the pattern of distribution of TCAST1 elements contribute to gene expression diversity among T. castaneum strains after long-term heat stress and might have an impact on adaptation to different environmental conditions. PMID:26275223

Elemental marking of arthropod pests in agricultural systems: single and multigenerational marking

Treesearch

Jane Leslie Hayes

1991-01-01

Use of elemental markers to study movement of arthropod pests of field crops is reviewed. Trace elements, rubidium (Rb) and cesium (Cs), have provided a nondisruptive method of marking natural adult populations via developmental stage consumption of treated host plants. Multigenerational marking occurs with the transfer of elemental markers from marked adults to...

Topological Constraints on Transvection between White Genes within the Transposing Element Te35b in Drosophila Melanogaster

PubMed Central

Gubb, D.; Roote, J.; Trenear, J.; Coulson, D.; Ashburner, M.

1997-01-01

The transposable element TE35B carries two copies of the white (w) gene at 35B1.2 on the second chromosome. These w genes are suppressed in a zeste-1 (z(1)) mutant background in a synapsis-dependent manner. Single-copy derivatives of the original TE35B stock give red eyes when heterozygous, but zeste eyes when homozygous. TE35B derivatives carrying single, double or triple copies of w were crossed to generate flies carrying from two to five ectopic w genes. Within this range, z(1)-mediated suppression is insensitive to copynumber and does not distinguish between w genes that are in cis or in trans. Suppression does not require the juxtaposition of even numbers of w genes, but is extremely sensitive to chromosomal topology. When arranged in a tight cluster, in triple-copy TE derivatives, w genes are nonsuppressible. Breakpoints falling within TE35B and separating two functional w genes act as partial suppressors of z(1). Similarly, breakpoints immediately proximal or distal to both w genes give partial suppression. This transvection-dependent downregulation of w genes may result from mis-activation of the X-chromosome dosage compensation mechanism. PMID:9215897

Expression and assembly of a fully active antibody in algae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayfield, Stephen P.; Franklin, Scott E.; Lerner, Richard A.

2003-01-01

Although combinatorial antibody libraries have solved the problem of access to large immunological repertoires, efficient production of these complex molecules remains a problem. Here we demonstrate the efficient expression of a unique large single-chain (lsc) antibody in the chloroplast of the unicellular, green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We achieved high levels of protein accumulation by synthesizing the lsc gene in chloroplast codon bias and by driving expression of the chimeric gene using either of two C. reinhardtii chloroplast promoters and 5' and 3' RNA elements. This lsc antibody, directed against glycoprotein D of the herpes simplex virus, is produced in a soluble form by the alga and assembles into higher order complexes in vivo. Aside from dimerization by disulfide bond formation, the antibody undergoes no detectable posttranslational modification. We further demonstrate that accumulation of the antibody can be modulated by the specific growth regime used to culture the alga, and by the choice of 5' and 3' elements used to drive expression of the antibody gene. These results demonstrate the utility of alga as an expression platform for recombinant proteins, and describe a new type of single chain antibody containing the entire heavy chain protein, including the Fc domain.

A Mathematical Model to study the Dynamics of Epithelial Cellular Networks

PubMed Central

Abate, Alessandro; Vincent, Stéphane; Dobbe, Roel; Silletti, Alberto; Master, Neal; Axelrod, Jeffrey D.; Tomlin, Claire J.

2013-01-01

Epithelia are sheets of connected cells that are essential across the animal kingdom. Experimental observations suggest that the dynamical behavior of many single-layered epithelial tissues has strong analogies with that of specific mechanical systems, namely large networks consisting of point masses connected through spring-damper elements and undergoing the influence of active and dissipating forces. Based on this analogy, this work develops a modeling framework to enable the study of the mechanical properties and of the dynamic behavior of large epithelial cellular networks. The model is built first by creating a network topology that is extracted from the actual cellular geometry as obtained from experiments, then by associating a mechanical structure and dynamics to the network via spring-damper elements. This scalable approach enables running simulations of large network dynamics: the derived modeling framework in particular is predisposed to be tailored to study general dynamics (for example, morphogenesis) of various classes of single-layered epithelial cellular networks. In this contribution we test the model on a case study of the dorsal epithelium of the Drosophila melanogaster embryo during early dorsal closure (and, less conspicuously, germband retraction). PMID:23221083

Comparison of SP-LIBS and DP-LIBS on metal and non-metal testing based on LIBS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xiaomei; Sun, Haoran; Lin, Jingjun

2017-10-01

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology for metal and nonmetallic detection accuracy is the key technology to be solved in LIBS measurement, Due to metal elements and non-metallic elements in the lively, atomic structure and the degree of excitation of the laser are totally different, so the laser induced plasma evolution and spectral intensity are absolutely different. Among the many factors that affect measurement accuracy, the single and double pulse of the laser has a great influence on the measurement accuracy of metal and non-metal, they both have their own advantages, but also have their own shortcomings. In order to compare the effect of SP-LIBS and DP-LIBS on the measurement results of different elements, in this experiment, we put the metal element aluminum and non-metallic element carbon as the sample, the laser energy as a variable, using the high-speed camera shooting SP- LIBS and DP- LIBS plasma images. Using the spectral analyzer to record the spectral intensity of the elements, by calculating the relative RSD of the signal intensity and comparing the spectral intensity and the signal stability for different elements, develop an optimized experimental program. The experimental results show that under the same energy condition, the metal aluminum ion image under the DP- LIBS and the non-metallic carbon ion image under the SP- LIBS are the most suitable images. By considering the stability of the line intensity and the signal stability, we find that the sensitivity and stability of the signal strength of the metal elements under the double pulse are better than that of the single pulse, and for the non-metallic element, the single pulse laser is better than the double pulse.

The Single Crew Module Concept for Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambliss, Joe

2012-01-01

Many concepts have been proposed for exploring space. In early 2010 presidential direction called for reconsidering the approach to address changes in exploration destinations, use of new technologies and development of new capabilities to support exploration of space. Considering the proposed new technology and capabilities that NASA was directed to pursue, the single crew module (SCM) concept for a more streamlined approach to the infrastructure and conduct of exploration missions was developed. The SCM concept combines many of the new promising technologies with a central concept of mission architectures that uses a single habitat module for all phases of an exploration mission. Integrating mission elements near Earth and fully fueling them prior to departure of the vicinity of Earth provides the capability of using the single habitat both in transit to an exploration destination and while exploring the destination. The concept employs the capability to return the habitat and interplanetary propulsion system to Earth vicinity so that those elements can be reused on subsequent exploration missions. This paper describes the SCM concept, provides a top level mass estimate for the elements needed and trades the concept against Many concepts have been proposed for exploring space. In early 2010 presidential direction called for reconsidering the approach to address changes in exploration destinations, use of new technologies and development of new capabilities to support exploration of space. Considering the proposed new technology and capabilities that NASA was directed to pursue, the single crew module (SCM) concept for a more streamlined approach to the infrastructure and conduct of exploration missions was developed. The SCM concept combines many of the new promising technologies with a central concept of mission architectures that uses a single habitat module for all phases of an exploration mission. Integrating mission elements near Earth and fully fueling them prior to departure of the vicinity of Earth provides the capability of using the single habitat both in transit to an exploration destination and while exploring the destination. The concept employs the capability to return the habitat and interplanetary propulsion system to Earth vicinity so that those elements can be reused on subsequent exploration missions. This paper describes the SCM concept, provides a top level mass estimate for the elements needed and trades the concept against Constellation approaches for Lunar, Near Earth Asteroid and Mars Surface missions.

Cloning and characterization of the mouse alpha1C/A-adrenergic receptor gene and analysis of an alpha1C promoter in cardiac myocytes: role of an MCAT element that binds transcriptional enhancer factor-1 (TEF-1).

PubMed

O'Connell, T D; Rokosh, D G; Simpson, P C

2001-05-01

alpha1-Adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes in the heart are expressed by myocytes but not by fibroblasts, a feature that distinguishes alpha1-ARs from beta-ARs. Here we studied myocyte-specific expression of alpha1-ARs, focusing on the subtype alpha1C (also called alpha1A), a subtype implicated in cardiac hypertrophic signaling in rat models. We first cloned the mouse alpha1C-AR gene, which consisted of two exons with an 18 kb intron, similar to the alpha1B-AR gene. The receptor coding sequence was >90% homologous to that of rat and human. alpha1C-AR transcription in mouse heart was initiated from a single Inr consensus sequence at -588 from the ATG; this and a putative polyadenylation sequence 8.5 kb 3' could account for the predominant 11 kb alpha1C mRNA in mouse heart. A 5'-nontranscribed fragment of 4.4 kb was active as a promoter in cardiac myocytes but not in fibroblasts. Promoter activity in myocytes required a single muscle CAT (MCAT) element, and this MCAT bound in vitro to recombinant and endogenous transcriptional enhancer factor-1. Thus, alpha1C-AR transcription in cardiac myocytes shares MCAT dependence with other cardiac-specific genes, including the alpha- and beta-myosin heavy chains, skeletal alpha-actin, and brain natriuretic peptide. However, the mouse alpha1C gene was not transcribed in the neonatal heart and was not activated by alpha1-AR and other hypertrophic agonists in rat myocytes, and thus differed from other MCAT-dependent genes and the rat alpha1C gene.

Depolarization of the Internal Membrane System in the Activation of Frog Skeletal Muscle

PubMed Central

Costantin, L. L.; Podolsky, R. J.

1967-01-01

"Skinned" muscle fibers, single fibers from the frog semitendinosus muscle in which the sarcolemma had been removed, could be reversibly activated by electrical stimulation. Electrical responsiveness was abolished when the skinned fiber was prepared from a muscle exposed to a cardiac glycoside, and the development of responsiveness was delayed when the muscle was bathed in high potassium solution. The findings were taken as evidence that active sodium-potassium exchange across the internal membranes restored electrical excitability, after the sarcolemma had been removed, by establishing a potential gradient across the internal membranes. In general, the contractions were graded with the strength of the applied current. On occasion, however, "all-or-none" type responses were seen, raising the possibility that the internal membranes were capable of an electrically regenerative response. Activation could also be produced by an elevation of the intracellular chloride ion concentration or a decrease in the intracellular potassium, ion concentration, suggesting that depolarization of some element of the internal membrane system, that is, a decrease in the potential of the lumen of the internal membrane system relative to the potential of the myofibrillar space, was responsible for activation in these experiments. The distribution of both the electrically induced contractions and those produced by changes in the intracellular ion concentrations indicated that the responsive element of the internal membrane system was electrically continuous over many sarcomeres. PMID:6033576

Interrogating the variation of element masses and distribution patterns in single cells using ICP-MS with a high efficiency cell introduction system.

PubMed

Wang, Hailong; Wang, Meng; Wang, Bing; Zheng, Lingna; Chen, Hanqing; Chai, Zhifang; Feng, Weiyue

2017-02-01

Cellular heterogeneity is an inherent condition of cell populations, which results from stochastic expression of genes, proteins, and metabolites. The heterogeneity of individual cells can dramatically influence cellular decision-making and cell fate. So far, our knowledge about how the variation of endogenous metals and non-metals in individual eukaryotic cells is limited. In this study, ICP-MS equipped with a high efficiency cell introduction system (HECIS) was developed as a method of single-cell ICP-MS (SC-ICP-MS). The method was applied to the single-cell analysis of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, P, and S in human cancer cell lines (HeLa and A549) and normal human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE). The analysis showed obvious variation of the masses of Cu, Fe, Zn, and P in individual HeLa cells, and variation of Fe, Zn, and P in individual A549 cells. On the basis of the single-cell data, a multimodal distribution of the elements in the cell population was fitted, which showed marked differences among the various cell lines. Importantly, subpopulations of the elements were found in the cell populations, especially in the HeLa cancer cells. This study demonstrates that SC-ICP-MS is able to unravel the extent of variation of endogenous elements in individual cells, which will help to improve our fundamental understanding of cellular biology and reveal novel insights into human biology and medicine. Graphical abstract The variations of masses and distribution patterns of elements Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, P, and S in single cells were successfully detected by ICP-MS coupled with a high efficiency cell introduction system (HECIS).

Finite Element A Posteriori Error Estimation for Heat Conduction. Degree awarded by George Washington Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lang, Christapher G.; Bey, Kim S. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This research investigates residual-based a posteriori error estimates for finite element approximations of heat conduction in single-layer and multi-layered materials. The finite element approximation, based upon hierarchical modelling combined with p-version finite elements, is described with specific application to a two-dimensional, steady state, heat-conduction problem. Element error indicators are determined by solving an element equation for the error with the element residual as a source, and a global error estimate in the energy norm is computed by collecting the element contributions. Numerical results of the performance of the error estimate are presented by comparisons to the actual error. Two methods are discussed and compared for approximating the element boundary flux. The equilibrated flux method provides more accurate results for estimating the error than the average flux method. The error estimation is applied to multi-layered materials with a modification to the equilibrated flux method to approximate the discontinuous flux along a boundary at the material interfaces. A directional error indicator is developed which distinguishes between the hierarchical modeling error and the finite element error. Numerical results are presented for single-layered materials which show that the directional indicators accurately determine which contribution to the total error dominates.

Phytostabilization of semiarid soils residually contaminated with trace elements using by-products: sustainability and risks.

PubMed

Pérez-de-Mora, Alfredo; Madejón, Paula; Burgos, Pilar; Cabrera, Francisco; Lepp, Nicholas W; Madejón, Engracia

2011-10-01

We investigated the efficiency of various by-products (sugarbeet lime, biosolid compost and leonardite), based on single or repeated applications to field plots, on the establishment of a vegetation cover compatible with a stabilization strategy on a multi-element (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) contaminated soil 4-6 years after initial amendment applications. Results indicate that the need for re-treatment is amendment- and element-dependent; in some cases, a single application may reduce trace element concentrations in above-ground biomass and enhance the establishment of a healthy vegetation cover. Amendment performance as evaluated by % cover, biomass and number of colonizing taxa differs; however, changes in plant community composition are not necessarily amendment-specific. Although the translocation of trace elements to the plant biotic compartment is greater in re-vegetated areas, overall loss of trace elements due to soil erosion and plant uptake is usually smaller compared to that in bare soil. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ionic liquid catalyzed one-pot multi-component synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of novel chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-8-amine derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanakaraju, Sankari; Prasanna, Bethanamudi; Basavoju, Srinivas; Chandramouli, G. V. P.

2012-06-01

An efficient, simple and convenient method for the one-pot multi-component synthesis of novel chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-8-amine derivatives has been accomplished by starting from α-naphthol, aryl aldehydes, malononitrile and NH4Cl. The reaction has been catalyzed by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmim]BF4 ionic liquid. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. The structure of compound 4a was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity.

Nanoparticle detection using dual-phase interferometry

PubMed Central

Deutsch, Bradley; Beams, Ryan; Novotny, Lukas

2013-01-01

Detection and identification of nanoparticles is of growing interest in atmospheric monitoring, medicine and semiconductor manufacturing. While elastic light scattering with interferometric detection provides good sensitivity to single particles, active optical components prevent scalability realistic sizes for deployment in the field or clinic. Here we report on a simple phase-sensitive nanoparticle detection scheme with no active optical elements. Two measurements are taken simultaneously, allowing amplitude and phase to be decoupled. We demonstrate detection of 25 nm Au particles in liquid in Δt ~ 1 ms with a signal-to-noise ratio of 37. Such performance makes it possible to detect nanoscale contaminants or larger proteins in real time without the need of artificial labeling. PMID:20830181

Image Accumulation in Pixel Detector Gated by Late External Trigger Signal and its Application in Imaging Activation Analysis

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

Jakubek, J.; Cejnarova, A.; Platkevic, M.

Single quantum counting pixel detectors of Medipix type are starting to be used in various radiographic applications. Compared to standard devices for digital imaging (such as CCDs or CMOS sensors) they present significant advantages: direct conversion of radiation to electric signal, energy sensitivity, noiseless image integration, unlimited dynamic range, absolute linearity. In this article we describe usage of the pixel device TimePix for image accumulation gated by late trigger signal. Demonstration of the technique is given on imaging coincidence instrumental neutron activation analysis (Imaging CINAA). This method allows one to determine concentration and distribution of certain preselected element in anmore » inspected sample.« less

Wiring up pre-characterized single-photon emitters by laser lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Q.; Sontheimer, B.; Nikolay, N.; Schell, A. W.; Fischer, J.; Naber, A.; Benson, O.; Wegener, M.

2016-08-01

Future quantum optical chips will likely be hybrid in nature and include many single-photon emitters, waveguides, filters, as well as single-photon detectors. Here, we introduce a scalable optical localization-selection-lithography procedure for wiring up a large number of single-photon emitters via polymeric photonic wire bonds in three dimensions. First, we localize and characterize nitrogen vacancies in nanodiamonds inside a solid photoresist exhibiting low background fluorescence. Next, without intermediate steps and using the same optical instrument, we perform aligned three-dimensional laser lithography. As a proof of concept, we design, fabricate, and characterize three-dimensional functional waveguide elements on an optical chip. Each element consists of one single-photon emitter centered in a crossed-arc waveguide configuration, allowing for integrated optical excitation and efficient background suppression at the same time.

Elastic response of (001)-oriented PWA 1480 single crystal - The influence of secondary orientation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalluri, Sreeramesh; Abdul-Azis, Ali; Mcgaw, Michael

1991-01-01

The influence of secondary orientation on the elastic response of a zone axis (001)-oriented nickel-base single-crystal superalloy, PWA 1480, was investigated under mechanical loading conditions by applying finite element techniques. Elastic stress analyses were performed with a commercially available finite element code. Secondary orientation of the single-crystal superalloy was offset with respect to the global coordinate system in increments from 0 to 90 deg and stresses developed within the single crystal were determined for each loading condition. The results indicated that the stresses were strongly influenced by the angular offset between the secondary crystal orientation and the global coordinate system. The degree of influence was found to vary with the type of loading condition (mechanical, thermal, or combined) imposed on the single-crystal superalloy.

Synthesis of a large communications aperture using small antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Resch, George M.; Cwik, T. W.; Jamnejad, V.; Logan, R. T.; Miller, R. B.; Rogstad, Dave H.

1994-01-01

In this report we compare the cost of an array of small antennas to that of a single large antenna assuming both the array and single large antenna have equal performance and availability. The single large antenna is taken to be one of the 70-m antennas of the Deep Space Network. The cost of the array is estimated as a function of the array element diameter for three different values of system noise temperature corresponding to three different packaging schemes for the first amplifier. Array elements are taken to be fully steerable paraboloids and their cost estimates were obtained from commercial vendors. Array loss mechanisms and calibration problems are discussed. For array elements in the range 3 - 35 m there is no minimum in the cost versus diameter curve for the three system temperatures that were studied.

Paradeisos: A perfect hashing algorithm for many-body eigenvalue problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, C. J.; Wang, Y.; Mendl, C. B.; Moritz, B.; Devereaux, T. P.

2018-03-01

We describe an essentially perfect hashing algorithm for calculating the position of an element in an ordered list, appropriate for the construction and manipulation of many-body Hamiltonian, sparse matrices. Each element of the list corresponds to an integer value whose binary representation reflects the occupation of single-particle basis states for each element in the many-body Hilbert space. The algorithm replaces conventional methods, such as binary search, for locating the elements of the ordered list, eliminating the need to store the integer representation for each element, without increasing the computational complexity. Combined with the "checkerboard" decomposition of the Hamiltonian matrix for distribution over parallel computing environments, this leads to a substantial savings in aggregate memory. While the algorithm can be applied broadly to many-body, correlated problems, we demonstrate its utility in reducing total memory consumption for a series of fermionic single-band Hubbard model calculations on small clusters with progressively larger Hilbert space dimension.

Repeatability and reproducibility of intracellular molar concentration assessed by synchrotron-based x-ray fluorescence microscopy

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

Merolle, L., E-mail: lucia.merolle@elettra.eu; Gianoncelli, A.; Malucelli, E., E-mail: emil.malucelli@unibo.it

2016-01-28

Elemental analysis of biological sample can give information about content and distribution of elements essential for human life or trace elements whose absence is the cause of abnormal biological function or development. However, biological systems contain an ensemble of cells with heterogeneous chemistry and elemental content; therefore, accurate characterization of samples with high cellular heterogeneity may only be achieved by analyzing single cells. Powerful methods in molecular biology are abundant, among them X-Ray microscopy based on synchrotron light source has gaining increasing attention thanks to its extremely sensitivity. However, reproducibility and repeatability of these measurements is one of the majormore » obstacles in achieving a statistical significance in single cells population analysis. In this study, we compared the elemental content of human colon adenocarcinoma cells obtained by three distinct accesses to synchrotron radiation light.« less

Acoustic transducer

DOEpatents

Drumheller, Douglas S.

2000-01-01

An active acoustic transducer tool for use down-hole applications. The tool includes a single cylindrical mandrel including a shoulder defining the boundary of a narrowed portion over which is placed a sandwich-style piezoelectric tranducer assembly. The piezoelectric transducer assembly is prestressed by being placed in a thermal interference fit between the shoulder of the mandrel and the base of an anvil which is likewise positioned over the narrower portion of the mandrel. In the preferred embodiment, assembly of the tool is accomplished using a hydraulic jack to stretch the mandrel prior to emplacement of the cylindrical sandwich-style piezoelectric transducer assembly and anvil. After those elements are positioned and secured, the stretched mandrel is allowed to return substantially to its original (pre-stretch) dimensions with the result that the piezoelectric transducer elements are compressed between the anvil and the shoulder of the mandrel.

Coronal Element Abundances of the Post-Common Envelope Binary V471 Tauri with ASCA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Still, Martin; Hussain, Gaitee; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We report on ASCA observations of the coronally active companion star in the post-common envelope binary V471 Tau. While it would be prudent to check the following results with grating spectroscopy, we find that a single-temperature plasma model does not fit the data. Two temperature models with variable abundances indicate that Fe is underabundant compared to the Hyades photospheric mean, whereas, the high first ionization potential element Ne is overabundant. This is indicative of the inverse first ionization effect, believed to result from the fractionation of ionized material by the magnetic field in the upper atmosphere of the star. Evolutionary calculations indicate that there should be no peculiar abundances on the companion star resulting from the common envelope epoch. Indeed, we find no evidence for peculiar abundances, although uncertainties are high.

How to make stripes: deciphering the transition from non-periodic to periodic patterns in Drosophila segmentation

PubMed Central

Schroeder, Mark D.; Greer, Christina; Gaul, Ulrike

2011-01-01

The generation of metameric body plans is a key process in development. In Drosophila segmentation, periodicity is established rapidly through the complex transcriptional regulation of the pair-rule genes. The ‘primary’ pair-rule genes generate their 7-stripe expression through stripe-specific cis-regulatory elements controlled by the preceding non-periodic maternal and gap gene patterns, whereas ‘secondary’ pair-rule genes are thought to rely on 7-stripe elements that read off the already periodic primary pair-rule patterns. Using a combination of computational and experimental approaches, we have conducted a comprehensive systems-level examination of the regulatory architecture underlying pair-rule stripe formation. We find that runt (run), fushi tarazu (ftz) and odd skipped (odd) establish most of their pattern through stripe-specific elements, arguing for a reclassification of ftz and odd as primary pair-rule genes. In the case of run, we observe long-range cis-regulation across multiple intervening genes. The 7-stripe elements of run, ftz and odd are active concurrently with the stripe-specific elements, indicating that maternal/gap-mediated control and pair-rule gene cross-regulation are closely integrated. Stripe-specific elements fall into three distinct classes based on their principal repressive gap factor input; stripe positions along the gap gradients correlate with the strength of predicted input. The prevalence of cis-elements that generate two stripes and their genomic organization suggest that single-stripe elements arose by splitting and subfunctionalization of ancestral dual-stripe elements. Overall, our study provides a greatly improved understanding of how periodic patterns are established in the Drosophila embryo. PMID:21693522

The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review

PubMed Central

Basso, Julia C.; Suzuki, Wendy A.

2017-01-01

A significant body of work has investigated the effects of acute exercise, defined as a single bout of physical activity, on mood and cognitive functions in humans. Several excellent recent reviews have summarized these findings; however, the neurobiological basis of these results has received less attention. In this review, we will first briefly summarize the cognitive and behavioral changes that occur with acute exercise in humans. We will then review the results from both human and animal model studies documenting the wide range of neurophysiological and neurochemical alterations that occur after a single bout of exercise. Finally, we will discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and missing elements in the current literature, as well as offer an acute exercise standardization protocol and provide possible goals for future research. PMID:29765853

Synthesis, spectral, thermal, X-ray single crystal of new RuCl₂(dppb)diamine complexes and their application in hydrogenation of Cinnamic aldehyde.

PubMed

Warad, Ismail; Al-Hussain, Hanan; Al-Far, Rawhi; Mahfouz, Refaat; Hammouti, Belkheir; Hadda, Taibi Ben

2012-09-01

The preparation of new three trans-[RuCl(2)(dppb)(N-N)] with mixed diamine (N-N) and 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) ligands, starting from RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3) as precursor is presented. The complexes are characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, (1)H, (13)C and (31)P{(1)H}NMR, FAB-MS, TG/DTA and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Complex (2L(1)) crystallizes in the monoclinic unit cells with the space group P2(1). The catalysts are evaluated for their Cinnamic aldehyde hydrogenation. The catalysts show excellent activity and selectivity for the unsaturated carbonyl compound under mild conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Updates to Simulation of a Single-Element Lean-Direct Injection Combustor Using Arbitary Polyhedral Meshes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wey, Thomas; Liu, Nan-Suey

2015-01-01

This paper summarizes the procedures of (1) generating control volumes anchored at the nodes of a mesh; and (2) generating staggered control volumes via mesh reconstructions, in terms of either mesh realignment or mesh refinement, as well as presents sample results from their applications to the numerical solution of a single-element LDI combustor using a releasable edition of the National Combustion Code (NCC).

20 MHz Forward-imaging Single-element Beam Steering with an Internal Rotating Variable-Angle Reflecting Surface: Wire phantom and Ex vivo pilot study

PubMed Central

Raphael, David T.; Li, Xiang; Park, Jinhyoung; Chen, Ruimin; Chabok, Hamid; Barukh, Arthur; Zhou, Qifa; Elgazery, Mahmoud; Shung, K. Kirk

2012-01-01

Feasibility is demonstrated for a forward-imaging beam steering system involving a single-element 20 MHz angled-face acoustic transducer combined with an internal rotating variable-angle reflecting surface (VARS). Rotation of the VARS structure, for a fixed position of the transducer, generates a 2-D angular sector scan. If these VARS revolutions were to be accompanied by successive rotations of the single-element transducer, 3-D imaging would be achieved. In the design of this device, a single-element 20 MHz PMN-PT press-focused angled-face transducer is focused on the circle of midpoints of a micro-machined VARS within the distal end of an endoscope. The 2-D imaging system was tested in water bath experiments with phantom wire structures at a depth of 10 mm, and exhibited an axial resolution of 66 μm and a lateral resolution of 520 μm. Chirp coded excitation was used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, and to increase the depth of penetration. Images of an ex vivo cow eye were obtained. This VARS-based approach offers a novel forward-looking beam-steering method, which could be useful in intra-cavity imaging. PMID:23122968

20 MHz forward-imaging single-element beam steering with an internal rotating variable-angle reflecting surface: Wire phantom and ex vivo pilot study.

PubMed

Raphael, David T; Li, Xiang; Park, Jinhyoung; Chen, Ruimin; Chabok, Hamid; Barukh, Arthur; Zhou, Qifa; Elgazery, Mahmoud; Shung, K Kirk

2013-02-01

Feasibility is demonstrated for a forward-imaging beam steering system involving a single-element 20MHz angled-face acoustic transducer combined with an internal rotating variable-angle reflecting surface (VARS). Rotation of the VARS structure, for a fixed position of the transducer, generates a 2-D angular sector scan. If these VARS revolutions were to be accompanied by successive rotations of the single-element transducer, 3-D imaging would be achieved. In the design of this device, a single-element 20MHz PMN-PT press-focused angled-face transducer is focused on the circle of midpoints of a micro-machined VARS within the distal end of an endoscope. The 2-D imaging system was tested in water bath experiments with phantom wire structures at a depth of 10mm, and exhibited an axial resolution of 66μm and a lateral resolution of 520μm. Chirp coded excitation was used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, and to increase the depth of penetration. Images of an ex vivo cow eye were obtained. This VARS-based approach offers a novel forward-looking beam-steering method, which could be useful in intra-cavity imaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

FAST Mast Structural Response to Axial Loading: Modeling and Verification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Norman F., Jr.; Elliott, Kenny B.; Templeton, Justin D.; Song, Kyongchan; Rayburn, Jeffery T.

2012-01-01

The International Space Station s solar array wing mast shadowing problem is the focus of this paper. A building-block approach to modeling and analysis is pursued for the primary structural components of the solar array wing mast structure. Starting with an ANSYS (Registered Trademark) finite element model, a verified MSC.Nastran (Trademark) model is established for a single longeron. This finite element model translation requires the conversion of several modeling and analysis features for the two structural analysis tools to produce comparable results for the single-longeron configuration. The model is then reconciled using test data. The resulting MSC.Nastran (Trademark) model is then extended to a single-bay configuration and verified using single-bay test data. Conversion of the MSC. Nastran (Trademark) single-bay model to Abaqus (Trademark) is also performed to simulate the elastic-plastic longeron buckling response of the single bay prior to folding.

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

Taha, Mohd F., E-mail: faisalt@petronas.com.my; Shaharun, Maizatul S.; Shuib, Anis Suhaila, E-mail: anisuha@petronas.com.my

An attempt was made to investigate the potential of rice husk-based activated carbon as an alternative low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions from single aqueous solution. Rice husk-based activated carbon was prepared via treatment of rice husk with NaOH followed by the carbonization process at 400°C for 2 hours. Three samples, i.e. raw rice husk, rice husk treated with NaOH and rice husk-based activated carbon, were analyzed for their morphological characteristics using field-emission scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM/EDX). These samples were also analyzed for their carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and silica contents using CHNmore » elemental analyzer and FESEM/EDX. The porous properties of rice husk-based activated carbon were determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, and its surface area and pore volume were 255 m{sup 2}/g and 0.17 cm{sup 2}/g, respectively. The adsorption studies for the removal of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions from single metal aqueous solution were carried out at a fixed initial concentration of metal ion (150 ppm) with variation amount of adsorbent (rice husk-based activated carbon) as a function of varied contact time at room temperature. The concentration of each metal ion was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained from adsorption studies indicate the potential of rice husk as an economically promising precursor for the preparation of activated carbon for removal of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions from single aqueous solution. Isotherm and kinetic model analyses suggested that the experimental data of adsorption studies fitted well with Langmuir, Freundlich and second-order kinetic models.« less

Functional characterization of the 5'-flanking and the promoter region of the human UCP3 (hUCP3) gene.

PubMed

Tu, N; Chen, H; Winnikes, U; Reinert, I; Pirke, K M; Lentes, K U

2000-09-22

Uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) is considered as an important regulator of energy expenditure and thermogenesis in humans. To get insight into the mechanisms regulating its expression we have cloned and characterized about 5 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the human UCP3 (hUCP3) gene. 5'-RACE analysis suggested a single transcription initiation site 187 bp upstream from the translational start site. The promoter region contains both TATA and CAAT boxes as well as consensus motifs for PPRE, TRE, CRE and muscle-specific factors like MyoD and MEF2 sites. Functional characterization of a 3 kb hUCP3 promoter fragment in multiple cell lines using a CAT-ELISA identified a cis-acting negative regulatory element between -2983 and -982 while the region between -982 and -284 showed greatly increased basal promoter activity suggesting the presence of a strong enhancer element. Promoter activity was particularly enhanced in the murine skeletal muscle cell line C2C12 reflecting the tissue-selective expression pattern of UCP3.

SmaggIce 2.0: Additional Capabilities for Interactive Grid Generation of Iced Airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kreeger, Richard E.; Baez, Marivell; Braun, Donald C.; Schilling, Herbert W.; Vickerman, Mary B.

2008-01-01

The Surface Modeling and Grid Generation for Iced Airfoils (SmaggIce) software toolkit has been extended to allow interactive grid generation for multi-element iced airfoils. The essential phases of an icing effects study include geometry preparation, block creation and grid generation. SmaggIce Version 2.0 now includes these main capabilities for both single and multi-element airfoils, plus an improved flow solver interface and a variety of additional tools to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of icing effects studies. An overview of these features is given, especially the new multi-element blocking strategy using the multiple wakes method. Examples are given which illustrate the capabilities of SmaggIce for conducting an icing effects study for both single and multi-element airfoils.

Enhanced terahertz imaging system performance analysis and design tool for concealed weapon identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murrill, Steven R.; Franck, Charmaine C.; Espinola, Richard L.; Petkie, Douglas T.; De Lucia, Frank C.; Jacobs, Eddie L.

2011-11-01

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) have developed a terahertz-band imaging system performance model/tool for detection and identification of concealed weaponry. The details of the MATLAB-based model which accounts for the effects of all critical sensor and display components, and for the effects of atmospheric attenuation, concealment material attenuation, and active illumination, were reported on at the 2005 SPIE Europe Security & Defence Symposium (Brugge). An advanced version of the base model that accounts for both the dramatic impact that target and background orientation can have on target observability as related to specular and Lambertian reflections captured by an active-illumination-based imaging system, and for the impact of target and background thermal emission, was reported on at the 2007 SPIE Defense and Security Symposium (Orlando). This paper will provide a comprehensive review of an enhanced, user-friendly, Windows-executable, terahertz-band imaging system performance analysis and design tool that now includes additional features such as a MODTRAN-based atmospheric attenuation calculator and advanced system architecture configuration inputs that allow for straightforward performance analysis of active or passive systems based on scanning (single- or line-array detector element(s)) or staring (focal-plane-array detector elements) imaging architectures. This newly enhanced THz imaging system design tool is an extension of the advanced THz imaging system performance model that was developed under the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's (DARPA) Terahertz Imaging Focal-Plane Technology (TIFT) program. This paper will also provide example system component (active-illumination source and detector) trade-study analyses using the new features of this user-friendly THz imaging system performance analysis and design tool.

An enhanced MMW and SMMW/THz imaging system performance prediction and analysis tool for concealed weapon detection and pilotage obstacle avoidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murrill, Steven R.; Jacobs, Eddie L.; Franck, Charmaine C.; Petkie, Douglas T.; De Lucia, Frank C.

2015-10-01

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has continued to develop and enhance a millimeter-wave (MMW) and submillimeter- wave (SMMW)/terahertz (THz)-band imaging system performance prediction and analysis tool for both the detection and identification of concealed weaponry, and for pilotage obstacle avoidance. The details of the MATLAB-based model which accounts for the effects of all critical sensor and display components, for the effects of atmospheric attenuation, concealment material attenuation, and active illumination, were reported on at the 2005 SPIE Europe Security and Defence Symposium (Brugge). An advanced version of the base model that accounts for both the dramatic impact that target and background orientation can have on target observability as related to specular and Lambertian reflections captured by an active-illumination-based imaging system, and for the impact of target and background thermal emission, was reported on at the 2007 SPIE Defense and Security Symposium (Orlando). Further development of this tool that includes a MODTRAN-based atmospheric attenuation calculator and advanced system architecture configuration inputs that allow for straightforward performance analysis of active or passive systems based on scanning (single- or line-array detector element(s)) or staring (focal-plane-array detector elements) imaging architectures was reported on at the 2011 SPIE Europe Security and Defence Symposium (Prague). This paper provides a comprehensive review of a newly enhanced MMW and SMMW/THz imaging system analysis and design tool that now includes an improved noise sub-model for more accurate and reliable performance predictions, the capability to account for postcapture image contrast enhancement, and the capability to account for concealment material backscatter with active-illumination- based systems. Present plans for additional expansion of the model's predictive capabilities are also outlined.

The GSFC NASTRAN thermal analyzer new capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, H. P.; Harder, R. L.

1976-01-01

An overview of four analysis capabilities, which developed and integrated into the NASTRAN Thermal Analyzer, is given. To broaden the scope of applications, these additions provide the NTA users with the following capabilities: (1) simulating a thermal louver as a means of the passive thermal control, (2) simulating a fluid loop for transporting energy as a means of the active thermal control, (3) condensing a large sized finite element model for an efficient transient thermal analysis, and (4) entering multiple boundary condition sets in a single submission for execution in steady state thermal analyses.

Inter-cellular spike coincidences in visual detection tasks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Roman; Heinze, Sabine

2002-06-01

Synchronized spike activity is discussed as a possible representational code for object integration and as a neuronal basis of attention, perception and awareness. As a byproduct of experiments in which monkeys were trained to detect simple figures composed of single Gabor patches in a noisy background of similar elements, we found in special cases increased spike synchrony above chance level specifically related to figure detection. The long latency of this effect is difficult to interpret. It may be a sign of the cognitive state of an animal when it perceives the figure.

Polarizing Gires-Tournois interferometer as intra-cavity frequency-selective element in high-power lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuhmann, Karsten; Kirch, Klaus; Marszałek, Mirosław; Pototschnig, Martin; Sinkunaite, Laura; Wichmann, Gunther; Zeyen, Manuel; Antognini, Aldo

2018-02-01

We present a frequency selective optical setup based on a Gires-Tournois interferometer suitable to enforce single-frequency operation of high power lasers. It is based on a birefringent Gires-Tournois interferometer combined with a λ/4 plate and a polarizer. The high-reflective part of the Gires-Tournois interferometer can be contacted to a heat sink to obtain efficient cooling (similar cooling principle as for the active medium in thin-disk lasers) enabling power scaling up to output powers in the kW range.

Intentions of Women (18-25 Years Old) to Join the Military: Results of a National Survey.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-09-01

MILITARY : RESULTS OF A NATIONAL SURVEY __________________________ S . PERFORMING ORG. N~PQRT NUMUER 7. Au fllON(.) S CONTRACT OR GRANT NUNSER(.) Jules...I. Borack S . PERFORMING ORGANI ZAtION N AME~~~~D ADDRE SS ~~~~. PRO GRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TaS~- AREA & WÔRK UNIT NUMSERS Navy Personnel Research and...non— Be interested in hiking. traditional women ’ s activities a- Marital status Be married . Be single. Financial Have financial responsibility Have no

26 CFR 1.72-4 - Exclusion ratio.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... consideration is given for a particular contract which provides for two or more annuity elements, an exclusion... aggregate of the expected returns under all the annuity elements provided thereunder. However, where the... elements are acquired for a single consideration, see paragraph (b)(1) of § 1.72-6. (3) The exclusion ratio...

26 CFR 1.72-4 - Exclusion ratio.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... consideration is given for a particular contract which provides for two or more annuity elements, an exclusion... aggregate of the expected returns under all the annuity elements provided thereunder. However, where the... elements are acquired for a single consideration, see paragraph (b)(1) of § 1.72-6. (3) The exclusion ratio...

26 CFR 1.72-4 - Exclusion ratio.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... consideration is given for a particular contract which provides for two or more annuity elements, an exclusion... aggregate of the expected returns under all the annuity elements provided thereunder. However, where the... elements are acquired for a single consideration, see paragraph (b)(1) of § 1.72-6. (3) The exclusion ratio...

26 CFR 1.72-4 - Exclusion ratio.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... consideration is given for a particular contract which provides for two or more annuity elements, an exclusion... aggregate of the expected returns under all the annuity elements provided thereunder. However, where the... elements are acquired for a single consideration, see paragraph (b)(1) of § 1.72-6. (3) The exclusion ratio...

Holographic fabrication of 3D photonic crystals through interference of multi-beams with 4 + 1, 5 + 1 and 6 + 1 configurations.

PubMed

George, D; Lutkenhaus, J; Lowell, D; Moazzezi, M; Adewole, M; Philipose, U; Zhang, H; Poole, Z L; Chen, K P; Lin, Y

2014-09-22

In this paper, we are able to fabricate 3D photonic crystals or quasi-crystals through single beam and single optical element based holographic lithography. The reflective optical elements are used to generate multiple side beams with s-polarization and one central beam with circular polarization which in turn are used for interference based holographic lithography without the need of any other bulk optics. These optical elements have been used to fabricate 3D photonic crystals with 4, 5 or 6-fold symmetry. A good agreement has been observed between fabricated holographic structures and simulated interference patterns.

Polarization selecting optical element using a porro prism incorporating a thin film polarizer in a single element

DOEpatents

Hendrix, James Lee

2001-05-08

A Porro prism and a light polarizer are combined in a single optical element termed a Hendrix Prism. The design provides retro-reflection of incoming light of a predetermined polarization in a direction anti-parallel to the direction of light incidence, while reflecting undesired light, i.e., that having a polarization orthogonal to the predetermined polarization, from the surface of the light polarizer. The undesired light is reflected in a direction that does not interfere with the intended operation of the device in which the Hendrix Prism is installed yet provides feedback to the system in which it is used.

Trace element abundances in single presolar silicon carbide grains by synchrotron X-ray fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashiv, Yoav

2004-12-01

Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence (SXRF) was applied to the study of presolar grains for the first time in this study. 41 single SiC grains of the KJF size fraction (mass-weighted median size of 1.86 μm) from the Murchison (CM2) Meteorite were analyzed. The absolute abundances of the following elements were determined (not every element in every grain): S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Os, Ir and Pt (underlined elements were detected here for the first time in single grains). There is good agreement between the heavier trace element abundances in the grains and s-process nucleosynthesis calculations. It suggests that smaller 13C pocket sizes are needed in the parent stars, a free parameter in the stellar models, than is deduced from isotopic analyses of s-, and s-mainly, elements, such as Zr and Mo. In addition, the data confirms the radiogenic nature of the Nb in the grains, due to the in situ decay of 93Zr (t 1/2 = 1.5 × 106 year). The data suggest that the trace elements condensed into the host SiC grains by a combination of condensation in solid solution and incorporation of subgrains. It seems that many of the trace elements reside mainly in subgrains of two solid solution: (1)a TiC based solid solution, and (2)a Mo-Ru carbide based solid solution. The presence of subgrains of an Fe-Ni alloy solid solution is suggested as well. Subgrains of all 3 solid solutions were observed previously in presolar graphite grains.* *This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation). The CD requires the following system requirements: Adobe Acrobat.

Endoprotease profiling with double-tagged peptide substrates: a new diagnostic approach in oncology.

PubMed

Peccerella, Teresa; Lukan, Nadine; Hofheinz, Ralf; Schadendorf, Dirk; Kostrezewa, Markus; Neumaier, Michael; Findeisen, Peter

2010-02-01

The measurement of disease-related proteolytic activity in complex biological matrices like serum is of emerging interest to improve the diagnosis of malignant diseases. We developed a mass spectrometry (MS)-based functional proteomic profiling approach that tracks degradation of artificial endoprotease substrates in serum specimens. The synthetic reporter peptides that are cleaved by tumor-associated endopeptidases were systematically optimized with regard to flanking affinity tags, linkers, and stabilizing elements. Serum specimens were incubated with reporter peptides under standardized conditions and the peptides subsequently extracted with affinity chromatography before MS. In a pilot study an optimized reporter peptide with the cleavage motif WKPYDAADL was added to serum specimens from colorectal tumor patients (n = 50) and healthy controls (n = 50). This reporter peptide comprised a known cleavage site for the cysteine-endopeptidase "cancer procoagulant." Serial affinity chromatography using biotin- and 6xHis tags was superior to the single affinity enrichment using only 6xHis tags. Furthermore, protease-resistant stop elements ensured signal accumulation after prolonged incubation. In contrast, signals from reporter peptides without stop elements vanished completely after prolonged incubation owing to their total degradation. Reporter-peptide spiking showed good reproducibility, and the difference in proteolytic activity between serum specimens from cancer patients and controls was highly significant (P < 0.001). The introduction of a few structural key elements (affinity tags, linkers, d-amino acids) into synthetic reporter peptides increases the diagnostic sensitivity for MS-based protease profiling of serum specimens. This new approach might lead to functional MS-based protease profiling for improved disease classification.

Anomalous abundance and redistribution patterns of rare earth elements in soils of a mining area in Inner Mongolia, China.

PubMed

Wang, Lingqing; Liang, Tao

2016-06-01

The Bayan Obo Mine, the largest rare earth element (REE) deposit ever found in the world, has been mined for nearly 60 years for iron and rare earth elements. To assess the influences of mining activities on geochemical behavior of REEs in soils, 27 surface soil samples and three soil profile samples were collected from different directions in the vicinity of the mine area. The total concentrations of REEs in surface soils varied from 149.75 to 18,891.81 mg kg(-1) with an average value of 1906.12 mg kg(-1), which was apparently higher than the average values in China (181 mg kg(-1)). The order of the average concentrations of individual REEs in surface soils was similar to that in Bayan Obo ores, which confirmed that the concentration and distribution of REEs in the soils was influenced by the mining activities. The concentrations of single REE in the soil profiles showed a similar trend with depth with an increase at 0-25 cm section, then decreased and remained relatively stable in the deep part. The normalized curves inclined to the right side, showing the conspicuous fractionation between the light and heavy REEs, which supported by the North American Shale Composite (NASC) and Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) normalized concentration ratios calculated for selected elements (La N /Yb N , La N /Sm N , Gd N /Yb N ). Slight positive Ce anomaly and negative Eu anomaly were also observed.

Time resolved aerosol monitoring in the urban centre of Soweto

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Formenti, P.; Annegarn, H. J.; Piketh, S. J.

1998-03-01

A programme of aerosol sampling was conducted from 1982 to 1984 in the urban area of Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. The particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter <15 μm) was collected using a two hours time resolution single stage streaker sampler and elemental concentrations were resolved via Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis. Samples have been selected for analysis from an aerosol sample archive to establish base-line atmospheric conditions that existed in Soweto prior to large scale electrification, and to establish source apportionment of crustal elements between coal smoke and traffic induced road dust, based on chemical elemental measurements. A novel technique is demonstrated for processing PIXE-derived time sequence elemental concentration vectors. Slowly varying background components have been extracted from sulphur and crustal aerosol components, using alternatively two digital filters: a moving minimum, and a moving average. The residuals of the crustal elements, assigned to locally generated aerosol components, were modelled using surrogate tracers: sulphur as a surrogate for coal smoke; and Pb as a surrogate for traffic activity. Results from this source apportionment revealed coal emissions contributed between 40% and 50% of the aerosol mineral matter, while 18-22% originated from road dust. Background aerosol, characteristic of the regional winter aerosol burden over the South African Highveld, was between 12% and 21%. Minor contributors identified included a manganese smelter, located 30 km from the sampling site, and informal trash burning, as the source of intermittent heavy metals (Cu, Zn). Elemental source profiles derived for these various sources are presented.

Targeted deletion of the antisilencer/enhancer (ASE) element from intron 1 of the myelin proteolipid protein gene (Plp1) in mouse reveals that the element is dispensable for Plp1 expression in brain during development and remyelination.

PubMed

Pereira, Glauber B; Meng, Fanxue; Kockara, Neriman T; Yang, Baoli; Wight, Patricia A

2013-02-01

Myelin proteolipid protein gene (Plp1) expression is temporally regulated in brain, which peaks during the active myelination period of CNS development. Previous studies with Plp1-lacZ transgenic mice demonstrated that (mouse) Plp1 intron 1 DNA is required for high levels of expression in oligodendrocytes. Deletion-transfection analysis revealed the intron contains a single positive regulatory element operative in the N20.1 oligodendroglial cell line, which was named ASE (antisilencer/enhancer) based on its functional properties in these cells. To investigate the role of the ASE in vivo, the element was deleted from the native gene in mouse using a Cre/lox strategy. Although removal of the ASE from Plp1-lacZ constructs profoundly decreased expression in transfected oligodendroglial cell lines (N20.1 and Oli-neu), the element was dispensable to achieve normal levels of Plp1 gene expression in mouse during development (except perhaps at postnatal day 15) and throughout the remyelination period following cuprizone-induced (acute) demyelination. Thus, it is possible that the ASE is non-functional in vivo, or that loss of the ASE from the native gene in mouse can be compensated for by the presence of other regulatory elements within the Plp1 gene. © 2012 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Elastic response of zone axis (001)-oriented PWA 1480 single crystal: The influence of secondary orientation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalluri, Sreeramesh; Abdul-Aziz, Ali; Mcgaw, Michael A.

1991-01-01

The influence of secondary orientation on the elastic response of a zone axis (001)-oriented nickel-base single-crystal superalloy, PWA 1480, was investigated under mechanical loading conditions by applying finite element techniques. Elastic stress analyses were performed with a commercially available finite element code. Secondary orientation of the single-crystal superalloy was offset with respect to the global coordinate system in increments from 0 to 90 deg and stresses developed within the single crystal were determined for each loading condition. The results indicated that the stresses were strongly influenced by the angular offset between the secondary crystal orientation and the global coordinate system. The degree of influence was found to vary with the type of loading condition (mechanical, thermal, or combined) imposed on the single-crystal superalloy.

Syntheses, structures and properties of two new coordination polymers based on D-camphoric acid and 2-phenyl-4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazine

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

Lun, Huijie; Yang, Jinghe; Jin, Linyu

2015-05-15

By hydrothermal method, two new coordination polymers [Co(ca)(phdat)]{sub n} (1), [Ni(ca)(phdat).0.125H{sub 2}O]{sub n} (2) (H{sub 2}ca=D-camphoric acid, phdat=2-phenyl-4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazine) have been achieved and structurally characterized by IR, elemental analyses, X-ray single-crystal diffraction and TGA. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction reveals that compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, both of which exhibit two-dimensional layered network built up from paddle-wheel Co{sub 2}(CO{sub 2}){sub 4}/Ni{sub 2}(CO{sub 2}){sub 4} SBUs by ca{sup 2−} ligand. In the existence of π…π stacking interactions between triazine rings and phenyl rings, the 3D networks are constructed with the hanging phdat filled between the neighboring layers. Furthermore, compounds 1–2 exhibit antiferromagneticmore » behavior and compound 2 displays a good activity for methanol oxidation. - Graphical abstract: Two new coordination compounds 1–2 have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffractions, IR spectra, elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analyses, magnetic and electrochemical measurement. - Highlights: • This paper reports two new coordination polymers based on D-camphoric acid. • Both the compounds feather two-dimensional layered networks built up from paddle-wheel SBUs. • The magnetism and electrochemical property are investigated.« less

Gunshot residue (GSR) analysis by single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS).

PubMed

Heringer, Rodrigo D; Ranville, James F

2018-05-25

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) was investigated as a screening-level technique for the analysis and characterization of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) nanoparticles. spICP-MS works with undigested samples whereby nanoparticles (NPs) in a suspension are individually atomized and ionized as they reach the plasma, each resulting in a pulse of analyte ions that can be quantified. The method is rapid, and signals from hundreds of NPs can be collected in 1-2min per sample. The technique is quantitative for NP mass and number concentration when only one element (single element mode) is measured using a quadrupole MS. Likewise, a qualitative elemental fingerprint can be obtained for individual NPs when peak-hopping between two elements (dual element mode). For this proof of concept study, each shooter's hand was sampled with ultrapure water or swab to obtain NPs suspensions. Measurements of antimony, barium, and lead were performed using both analysis modes. With no sample preparation and fully automated sample introduction, it is possible to analyze more than 100 samples in a day. Results show that this technique opens a new perspective for future research on GSR sample identification and characterization and can complement SEM/EDX analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AFRL’s ALREST Physics-Based Combustion Stability Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-08

enduring challenge because of the inherent complexities in the physics of multiphase turbulent flames. The present paper provides the Air Force...Combustor F i d e l i t y URANS LES Steady RANS HLES Current SOA Capability with 2000 cores Capability at Program End in 2015 (2,000 cores+GPUs) Capability...Unlimited ALREST Validation Cases “Final Exam ” Hydrogen Stable Single Element (PSU) Stable Single Element Methane (Singla) Supercritical Non

Modeling Large Scale Circuits Using Massively Parallel Descrete-Event Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

exascale levels of performance, the smallest elements of a single processor can greatly affect the entire computer system (e.g. its power consumption...grow to exascale levels of performance, the smallest elements of a single processor can greatly affect the entire computer system (e.g. its power...Warp Speed 10.0. 2.0 INTRODUCTION As supercomputer systems approach exascale , the core count will exceed 1024 and number of transistors used in

Axisymmetric single shear element combustion instability experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breisacher, Kevin J.

1993-01-01

The combustion stability characteristics of a combustor consisting of a single shear element and a cylindrical chamber utilizing LOX and gaseous hydrogen as propellants are presented. The combustor geometry and the resulting longitudinal mode instability are axisymmetric. Hydrogen injection temperature and pyrotechnic pulsing were used to determine stability boundaries. Mixture ratio, fuel annulus gap, and LOX post configuration were varied. Performance and stability data were obtained for chamber pressures of 300 and 1000 psia.

Axisymmetric single shear element combustion instability experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breisacher, Kevin J.

1993-01-01

The combustion stability characteristics of a combustor consisting of a single shear element and a cylindrical chamber utilizing LOX and gaseous hydrogen as propellants are presented. The combustor geometry and the resulting longitudinal mode instability are axisymmetric. Hydrogen injection temperature and pyrotechnic pulsing were used to determine stability boundaries. Mixture ratio, fuel annulus gap, and LOX post configuration were varied. Performance and stability data are presented for chamber pressures of 300 and 1000 psia.

Slip Continuity in Explicit Crystal Plasticity Simulations Using Nonlocal Continuum and Semi-discrete Approaches

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

Based Micropolar Single Crystal Plasticity: Comparison of Multi - and Single Criterion Theories. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 2011, 59, 398–422. ALE3D ...element boundaries in a multi -step constitutive evaluation (Becker, 2011). The results showed the desired effects of smoothing the deformation field...Implementation The model was implemented in the large-scale parallel, explicit finite element code ALE3D (2012). The crystal plasticity

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

Gundlach-Graham, Alexander W.; Dennis, Elise; Ray, Steven J.

An inductively coupled plasma distance-of-flight mass spectrometer (ICP-DOFMS) has been coupled with laser-ablation (LA) sample introduction for the elemental analysis of solids. ICP-DOFMS is well suited for the analysis of laser-generated aerosols because it offers both high-speed mass analysis and simultaneous multi-elemental detection. Here, we evaluate the analytical performance of the LA-ICP-DOFMS instrument, equipped with a microchannel plate-based imaging detector, for the measurement of steady-state LA signals, as well as transient signals produced from single LA events. Steady-state detection limits are 1 mg g1, and absolute single-pulse LA detection limits are 200 fg for uranium; the system is shown capablemore » of performing time-resolved single-pulse LA analysis. By leveraging the benefits of simultaneous multi-elemental detection, we also attain a good shot-to-shot reproducibility of 6% relative standard deviation (RSD) and isotope-ratio precision of 0.3% RSD with a 10 s integration time.« less

Phased-Array Antenna With Optoelectronic Control Circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kunath, Richard R.; Shalkhauser, Kurt A.; Martzaklis, Konstantinos; Lee, Richard Q.; Downey, Alan N.; Simons, Rainee N.

1995-01-01

Prototype phased-array antenna features control of amplitude and phase at each radiating element. Amplitude- and phase-control signals transmitted on optical fiber to optoelectronic interface circuit (OEIC), then to monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) at each element. Offers advantages of flexible, rapid electronic steering and shaping of beams. Furthermore, greater number of elements, less overall performance of antenna degraded by malfunction in single element.

NETWORK SYNTHESIS OF CASCADED THRESHOLD ELEMENTS.

DTIC Science & Technology

A threshold function is a switching function which can be stimulated by a single, simplified, idealized neuron, or threshold element. In this report... threshold functions are examined in the context of abstract set theory and linear algebra for the purpose of obtaining practical synthesis procedures...for networks of threshold elements. A procedure is described by which, for any given switching function, a cascade network of these elements can be

A novel conformation of gel grown biologically active cadmium nicotinate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, Lekshmi P.; Bijini, B. R.; Divya, R.; Nair, Prabitha B.; Eapen, S. M.; Dileep Kumar, B. S.; Nishanth Kumar, S.; Nair, C. M. K.; Deepa, M.; Rajendra Babu, K.

2017-11-01

The elimination of toxic heavy metals by the formation of stable co-ordination compounds with biologically active ligands is applicable in drug designing. A new crystalline complex of cadmium with nicotinic acid is grown at ambient temperature using the single gel diffusion method in which the crystal structure is different from those already reported. Single crystal x-ray diffraction reveals the identity of crystal structure belonging to monoclinic system, P21/c space group with cell dimensions a = 17.220 (2) Å, b = 10.2480 (2) Å, c = 7.229(9) Å, β = 91.829(4)°. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystallinity of the sample. The unidentate mode of co-ordination between the metal atom and the carboxylate group is supported by the Fourier Transform Infra Red spectral data. Thermal analysis ensures the thermal stability of the complex. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are also calculated. The stoichiometry of the complex is confirmed by the elemental analysis. The UV-visible spectral analysis shows the wide transparency window of the complex in the visible region. The band gap of the complex is found to be 3.92 eV. The complex shows excellent antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Double-stranded endonuclease activity in Bacillus halodurans clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated Cas2 protein.

PubMed

Nam, Ki Hyun; Ding, Fran; Haitjema, Charles; Huang, Qingqiu; DeLisa, Matthew P; Ke, Ailong

2012-10-19

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) system is a prokaryotic RNA-based adaptive immune system against extrachromosomal genetic elements. Cas2 is a universally conserved core CRISPR-associated protein required for the acquisition of new spacers for CRISPR adaptation. It was previously characterized as an endoribonuclease with preference for single-stranded (ss)RNA. Here, we show using crystallography, mutagenesis, and isothermal titration calorimetry that the Bacillus halodurans Cas2 (Bha_Cas2) from the subtype I-C/Dvulg CRISPR instead possesses metal-dependent endonuclease activity against double-stranded (ds)DNA. This activity is consistent with its putative function in producing new spacers for insertion into the 5'-end of the CRISPR locus. Mutagenesis and isothermal titration calorimetry studies revealed that a single divalent metal ion (Mg(2+) or Mn(2+)), coordinated by a symmetric Asp pair in the Bha_Cas2 dimer, is involved in the catalysis. We envision that a pH-dependent conformational change switches Cas2 into a metal-binding competent conformation for catalysis. We further propose that the distinct substrate preferences among Cas2 proteins may be determined by the sequence and structure in the β1-α1 loop.

The electronic structures and work functions of (100) surface of typical binary and doped REB6 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongliang; Zhang, Xin; Xiao, Yixin; Zhang, Jiuxing

2018-03-01

The density function theory been used to calculate the electronic structures of binary and doped rare earth hexaborides (REB6), which exhibits the large density of states (DOS) near Fermi level. The d orbital elections of RE element contribute the electronic states of election emission near the Fermi level, which imply that the REB6 (RE = La, Ce, Gd) with wide distribution of high density d orbital electrons could provide a lower work function and excellent emission properties. Doping RE elements into binary REB6 can adjust DOS and the position of the Fermi energy level. The calculated work functions of considered REB6 (100) surface show that the REB6 (RE = La, Ce, Gd) have lower work function and doping RE elements with active d orbital electrons can significantly reduce work function of binary REB6. The thermionic emission test results are basically accordant with the calculated value, proving the first principles calculation could provide a good theoretical guidance for the study of electron emission properties of REB6.

New insights into replication origin characteristics in metazoans

PubMed Central

Puy, Aurore; Rialle, Stéphanie; Kaplan, Noam; Segal, Eran

2012-01-01

We recently reported the identification and characterization of DNA replication origins (Oris) in metazoan cell lines. Here, we describe additional bioinformatic analyses showing that the previously identified GC-rich sequence elements form origin G-rich repeated elements (OGREs) that are present in 67% to 90% of the DNA replication origins from Drosophila to human cells, respectively. Our analyses also show that initiation of DNA synthesis takes place precisely at 160 bp (Drosophila) and 280 bp (mouse) from the OGRE. We also found that in most CpG islands, an OGRE is positioned in opposite orientation on each of the two DNA strands and detected two sites of initiation of DNA synthesis upstream or downstream of each OGRE. Conversely, Oris not associated with CpG islands have a single initiation site. OGRE density along chromosomes correlated with previously published replication timing data. Ori sequences centered on the OGRE are also predicted to have high intrinsic nucleosome occupancy. Finally, OGREs predict G-quadruplex structures at Oris that might be structural elements controlling the choice or activation of replication origins. PMID:22373526

Follow on Research for Multi-Utility Technology Test Bed Aircraft at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (FY13 Progress Report)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pak, Chan-Gi

2013-01-01

Modern aircraft employ a significant fraction of their weight in composite materials to reduce weight and improve performance. Aircraft aeroservoelastic models are typically characterized by significant levels of model parameter uncertainty due to the composite manufacturing process. Small modeling errors in the finite element model will eventually induce errors in the structural flexibility and mass, thus propagating into unpredictable errors in the unsteady aerodynamics and the control law design. One of the primary objectives of Multi Utility Technology Test-bed (MUTT) aircraft is the flight demonstration of active flutter suppression, and therefore in this study, the identification of the primary and secondary modes for the structural model tuning based on the flutter analysis of MUTT aircraft. The ground vibration test-validated structural dynamic finite element model of the MUTT aircraft is created in this study. The structural dynamic finite element model of MUTT aircraft is improved using the in-house Multi-disciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization tool. In this study, two different weight configurations of MUTT aircraft have been improved simultaneously in a single model tuning procedure.

Trace elements in hydrothermal quartz: Relationships to cathodoluminescent textures and insights into vein formation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rusk, B.G.; Lowers, H.A.; Reed, M.H.

2008-01-01

High-resolution electron microprobe maps show the distribution of Ti, Al, Ca, K, and Fe among quartz growth zones revealed by scanning electron microscope-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) from 12 hydrothermal ore deposits formed between ???100 and e1750 ??C. The maps clearly show the relationships between trace elements and CL intensity in quartz. Among all samples, no single trace element consistently correlates with variations in CL intensity. However in vein quartz from five porphyry-Cu (Mo-Au) deposits, CL intensity always correlates positively with Ti concentrations, suggesting that Ti is a CL activator in quartz formed at >400 ??C. Ti concentrations in most rutile-bearing vein quartz from porphyry copper deposits indicate reasonable formation temperatures of 2000 ppm, but in high-temperature quartz, Al concentrations are consistently in the range of several hundred ppm. Aluminum concentrations in quartz refl ect the Al solubility in hydrothermal fluids, which is strongly dependent on pH. Aluminum concentrations in quartz therefore reflect fluctuations in pH that may drive metal-sulfide precipitation in hydrothermal systems. ?? 2008 The Geological Society of America.

Synaptic Efficacy as a Function of Ionotropic Receptor Distribution: A Computational Study

PubMed Central

Allam, Sushmita L.; Bouteiller, Jean-Marie C.; Hu, Eric Y.; Ambert, Nicolas; Greget, Renaud; Bischoff, Serge; Baudry, Michel; Berger, Theodore W.

2015-01-01

Glutamatergic synapses are the most prevalent functional elements of information processing in the brain. Changes in pre-synaptic activity and in the function of various post-synaptic elements contribute to generate a large variety of synaptic responses. Previous studies have explored postsynaptic factors responsible for regulating synaptic strength variations, but have given far less importance to synaptic geometry, and more specifically to the subcellular distribution of ionotropic receptors. We analyzed the functional effects resulting from changing the subsynaptic localization of ionotropic receptors by using a hippocampal synaptic computational framework. The present study was performed using the EONS (Elementary Objects of the Nervous System) synaptic modeling platform, which was specifically developed to explore the roles of subsynaptic elements as well as their interactions, and that of synaptic geometry. More specifically, we determined the effects of changing the localization of ionotropic receptors relative to the presynaptic glutamate release site, on synaptic efficacy and its variations following single pulse and paired-pulse stimulation protocols. The results indicate that changes in synaptic geometry do have consequences on synaptic efficacy and its dynamics. PMID:26480028

Synaptic Efficacy as a Function of Ionotropic Receptor Distribution: A Computational Study.

PubMed

Allam, Sushmita L; Bouteiller, Jean-Marie C; Hu, Eric Y; Ambert, Nicolas; Greget, Renaud; Bischoff, Serge; Baudry, Michel; Berger, Theodore W

2015-01-01

Glutamatergic synapses are the most prevalent functional elements of information processing in the brain. Changes in pre-synaptic activity and in the function of various post-synaptic elements contribute to generate a large variety of synaptic responses. Previous studies have explored postsynaptic factors responsible for regulating synaptic strength variations, but have given far less importance to synaptic geometry, and more specifically to the subcellular distribution of ionotropic receptors. We analyzed the functional effects resulting from changing the subsynaptic localization of ionotropic receptors by using a hippocampal synaptic computational framework. The present study was performed using the EONS (Elementary Objects of the Nervous System) synaptic modeling platform, which was specifically developed to explore the roles of subsynaptic elements as well as their interactions, and that of synaptic geometry. More specifically, we determined the effects of changing the localization of ionotropic receptors relative to the presynaptic glutamate release site, on synaptic efficacy and its variations following single pulse and paired-pulse stimulation protocols. The results indicate that changes in synaptic geometry do have consequences on synaptic efficacy and its dynamics.

Decoding the role of regulatory element polymorphisms in complex disease.

PubMed

Vockley, Christopher M; Barrera, Alejandro; Reddy, Timothy E

2017-04-01

Genetic variation in gene regulatory elements contributes to diverse human diseases, ranging from rare and severe developmental defects to common and complex diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Early examples of regulatory mechanisms of human diseases involve large chromosomal rearrangements that change the regulatory connections within the genome. Single nucleotide variants in regulatory elements can also contribute to disease, potentially via demonstrated associations with changes in transcription factor binding, enhancer activity, post-translational histone modifications, long-range enhancer-promoter interactions, or RNA polymerase recruitment. Establishing causality between non-coding genetic variants, gene regulation, and disease has recently become more feasible with advances in genome-editing and epigenome-editing technologies. As establishing causal regulatory mechanisms of diseases becomes routine, functional annotation of target genes is likely to emerge as a major bottleneck for translation into patient benefits. In this review, we discuss the history and recent advances in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of human disease, and new challenges likely to be encountered once establishing those mechanisms becomes rote. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Orangutan Alu quiescence reveals possible source element: support for ancient backseat drivers

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Sequence analysis of the orangutan genome revealed that recent proliferative activity of Alu elements has been uncharacteristically quiescent in the Pongo (orangutan) lineage, compared with all previously studied primate genomes. With relatively few young polymorphic insertions, the genomic landscape of the orangutan seemed like the ideal place to search for a driver, or source element, of Alu retrotransposition. Results Here we report the identification of a nearly pristine insertion possessing all the known putative hallmarks of a retrotranspositionally competent Alu element. It is located in an intronic sequence of the DGKB gene on chromosome 7 and is highly conserved in Hominidae (the great apes), but absent from Hylobatidae (gibbon and siamang). We provide evidence for the evolution of a lineage-specific subfamily of this shared Alu insertion in orangutans and possibly the lineage leading to humans. In the orangutan genome, this insertion contains three orangutan-specific diagnostic mutations which are characteristic of the youngest polymorphic Alu subfamily, AluYe5b5_Pongo. In the Homininae lineage (human, chimpanzee and gorilla), this insertion has acquired three different mutations which are also found in a single human-specific Alu insertion. Conclusions This seemingly stealth-like amplification, ongoing at a very low rate over millions of years of evolution, suggests that this shared insertion may represent an ancient backseat driver of Alu element expansion. PMID:22541534

Orangutan Alu quiescence reveals possible source element: support for ancient backseat drivers.

PubMed

Walker, Jerilyn A; Konkel, Miriam K; Ullmer, Brygg; Monceaux, Christopher P; Ryder, Oliver A; Hubley, Robert; Smit, Arian Fa; Batzer, Mark A

2012-04-30

Sequence analysis of the orangutan genome revealed that recent proliferative activity of Alu elements has been uncharacteristically quiescent in the Pongo (orangutan) lineage, compared with all previously studied primate genomes. With relatively few young polymorphic insertions, the genomic landscape of the orangutan seemed like the ideal place to search for a driver, or source element, of Alu retrotransposition. Here we report the identification of a nearly pristine insertion possessing all the known putative hallmarks of a retrotranspositionally competent Alu element. It is located in an intronic sequence of the DGKB gene on chromosome 7 and is highly conserved in Hominidae (the great apes), but absent from Hylobatidae (gibbon and siamang). We provide evidence for the evolution of a lineage-specific subfamily of this shared Alu insertion in orangutans and possibly the lineage leading to humans. In the orangutan genome, this insertion contains three orangutan-specific diagnostic mutations which are characteristic of the youngest polymorphic Alu subfamily, AluYe5b5_Pongo. In the Homininae lineage (human, chimpanzee and gorilla), this insertion has acquired three different mutations which are also found in a single human-specific Alu insertion. This seemingly stealth-like amplification, ongoing at a very low rate over millions of years of evolution, suggests that this shared insertion may represent an ancient backseat driver of Alu element expansion.

Creating a Test Validated Structural Dynamic Finite Element Model of the X-56A Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pak, Chan-Gi; Truong, Samson

2014-01-01

Small modeling errors in the finite element model will eventually induce errors in the structural flexibility and mass, thus propagating into unpredictable errors in the unsteady aerodynamics and the control law design. One of the primary objectives of the Multi Utility Technology Test-bed, X-56A aircraft, is the flight demonstration of active flutter suppression, and therefore in this study, the identification of the primary and secondary modes for the structural model tuning based on the flutter analysis of the X-56A aircraft. The ground vibration test-validated structural dynamic finite element model of the X-56A aircraft is created in this study. The structural dynamic finite element model of the X-56A aircraft is improved using a model tuning tool. In this study, two different weight configurations of the X-56A aircraft have been improved in a single optimization run. Frequency and the cross-orthogonality (mode shape) matrix were the primary focus for improvement, while other properties such as center of gravity location, total weight, and offdiagonal terms of the mass orthogonality matrix were used as constraints. The end result was a more improved and desirable structural dynamic finite element model configuration for the X-56A aircraft. Improved frequencies and mode shapes in this study increased average flutter speeds of the X-56A aircraft by 7.6% compared to the baseline model.

Creating a Test-Validated Finite-Element Model of the X-56A Aircraft Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pak, Chan-Gi; Truong, Samson

2014-01-01

Small modeling errors in a finite-element model will eventually induce errors in the structural flexibility and mass, thus propagating into unpredictable errors in the unsteady aerodynamics and the control law design. One of the primary objectives of the X-56A Multi-Utility Technology Testbed aircraft is the flight demonstration of active flutter suppression and, therefore, in this study, the identification of the primary and secondary modes for the structural model tuning based on the flutter analysis of the X-56A aircraft. The ground-vibration test-validated structural dynamic finite-element model of the X-56A aircraft is created in this study. The structural dynamic finite-element model of the X-56A aircraft is improved using a model-tuning tool. In this study, two different weight configurations of the X-56A aircraft have been improved in a single optimization run. Frequency and the cross-orthogonality (mode shape) matrix were the primary focus for improvement, whereas other properties such as c.g. location, total weight, and off-diagonal terms of the mass orthogonality matrix were used as constraints. The end result was an improved structural dynamic finite-element model configuration for the X-56A aircraft. Improved frequencies and mode shapes in this study increased average flutter speeds of the X-56A aircraft by 7.6% compared to the baseline model.

Alterations in neuronal activity in basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits in the parkinsonian state

PubMed Central

Galvan, Adriana; Devergnas, Annaelle; Wichmann, Thomas

2015-01-01

In patients with Parkinson’s disease and in animal models of this disorder, neurons in the basal ganglia and related regions in thalamus and cortex show changes that can be recorded by using electrophysiologic single-cell recording techniques, including altered firing rates and patterns, pathologic oscillatory activity and increased inter-neuronal synchronization. In addition, changes in synaptic potentials or in the joint spiking activities of populations of neurons can be monitored as alterations in local field potentials (LFPs), electroencephalograms (EEGs) or electrocorticograms (ECoGs). Most of the mentioned electrophysiologic changes are probably related to the degeneration of diencephalic dopaminergic neurons, leading to dopamine loss in the striatum and other basal ganglia nuclei, although degeneration of non-dopaminergic cell groups may also have a role. The altered electrical activity of the basal ganglia and associated nuclei may contribute to some of the motor signs of the disease. We here review the current knowledge of the electrophysiologic changes at the single cell level, the level of local populations of neural elements, and the level of the entire basal ganglia-thalamocortical network in parkinsonism, and discuss the possible use of this information to optimize treatment approaches to Parkinson’s disease, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy. PMID:25698937

Synthesis, crystal structures, fluorescence and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of pyrazole-based 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, De-Qiang; Yu, Chuan-Ming; You, Jin-Zong; Yang, Guang-Hui; Wang, Xue-Jie; Zhang, Yi-Ping

2015-11-01

A series of pyrazole-based 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were rationally designed and synthesized in good yields by following a convenient route. All the newly synthesized molecules were fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR and elemental analysis. Eight compounds were structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The fluorescence properties of all the compounds were investigated in dimethyl sulfoxide media. In addition, these newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against commercial enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) by measuring the formation of uric acid from xanthine. Among the compounds synthesized and tested, 3d and 3e were found to be moderate inhibitory activity against commercial XO with IC50 = 72.4 μM and 75.6 μM. The studies gave a new insight in further optimization of pyrazole-based 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives with excellent fluorescence properties and XO inhibitory activity.

Cell Signaling Experiments Driven by Optical Manipulation

PubMed Central

Difato, Francesco; Pinato, Giulietta; Cojoc, Dan

2013-01-01

Cell signaling involves complex transduction mechanisms in which information released by nearby cells or extracellular cues are transmitted to the cell, regulating fundamental cellular activities. Understanding such mechanisms requires cell stimulation with precise control of low numbers of active molecules at high spatial and temporal resolution under physiological conditions. Optical manipulation techniques, such as optical tweezing, mechanical stress probing or nano-ablation, allow handling of probes and sub-cellular elements with nanometric and millisecond resolution. PicoNewton forces, such as those involved in cell motility or intracellular activity, can be measured with femtoNewton sensitivity while controlling the biochemical environment. Recent technical achievements in optical manipulation have new potentials, such as exploring the actions of individual molecules within living cells. Here, we review the progress in optical manipulation techniques for single-cell experiments, with a focus on force probing, cell mechanical stimulation and the local delivery of active molecules using optically manipulated micro-vectors and laser dissection. PMID:23698758

Expeditionary Force 21. Forward and Ready: Now and in the Future

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-04

single commander. Each MAGTF is composed of a command element (CE), a ground combat element ( GCE ), an aviation combat element (ACE), and logistics...headquarters group, a ground combat element ( GCE ) with one Marine Division, an aviation combat element (ACE) with one Marine Aircraft Wing, and a...remain the Marine Corps’ standard unit of deployment; however, company landing teams may take on a larger role in crisis response and may form the GCE

Correlative organelle fluorescence microscopy and synchrotron X-ray chemical element imaging in single cells.

PubMed

Roudeau, Stéphane; Carmona, Asuncion; Perrin, Laura; Ortega, Richard

2014-11-01

X-ray chemical element imaging has the potential to enable fundamental breakthroughs in the understanding of biological systems because chemical element interactions with organelles can be studied at the sub-cellular level. What is the distribution of trace metals in cells? Do some elements accumulate within sub-cellular organelles? What are the chemical species of the elements in these organelles? These are some of the fundamental questions that can be addressed by use of X-ray chemical element imaging with synchrotron radiation beams. For precise location of the distribution of the elements, identification of cellular organelles is required; this can be achieved, after appropriate labelling, by use of fluorescence microscopy. As will be discussed, this approach imposes some limitations on sample preparation. For example, standard immunolabelling procedures strongly modify the distribution of the elements in cells as a result of the chemical fixation and permeabilization steps. Organelle location can, however, be performed, by use of a variety of specific fluorescent dyes or fluorescent proteins, on living cells before cryogenic fixation, enabling preservation of element distribution. This article reviews the methods used for fluorescent organelle labelling and X-ray chemical element imaging and speciation of single cells. Selected cases from our work and from other research groups are presented to illustrate the potential of the combination of the two techniques.

Lis1 regulates dynein by sterically blocking its mechanochemical cycle

PubMed Central

Toropova, Katerina; Zou, Sirui; Roberts, Anthony J; Redwine, William B; Goodman, Brian S; Reck-Peterson, Samara L; Leschziner, Andres E

2014-01-01

Regulation of cytoplasmic dynein's motor activity is essential for diverse eukaryotic functions, including cell division, intracellular transport, and brain development. The dynein regulator Lis1 is known to keep dynein bound to microtubules; however, how this is accomplished mechanistically remains unknown. We have used three-dimensional electron microscopy, single-molecule imaging, biochemistry, and in vivo assays to help establish this mechanism. The three-dimensional structure of the dynein–Lis1 complex shows that binding of Lis1 to dynein's AAA+ ring sterically prevents dynein's main mechanical element, the ‘linker’, from completing its normal conformational cycle. Single-molecule experiments show that eliminating this block by shortening the linker to a point where it can physically bypass Lis1 renders single dynein motors insensitive to regulation by Lis1. Our data reveal that Lis1 keeps dynein in a persistent microtubule-bound state by directly blocking the progression of its mechanochemical cycle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03372.001 PMID:25380312

Magnetic stray-field studies of a single Cobalt nanoelement as a component of the building blocks of artificial square spin ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohlit, Merlin; Porrati, Fabrizio; Huth, Michael; Ohno, Yuzo; Ohno, Hideo; Müller, Jens

2016-02-01

We use Focused Electron Beam Deposition (FEBID) to directly write Cobalt magnetic nanoelements onto a micro-Hall magnetometer, which allows for high-sensitivity measurements of the magnetic stray field emanating from the samples. In a previous study [M. Pohlit et al., J. Appl. Phys. 117 (2015) 17C746] [21] we investigated thermal dynamics of an individual building block (nanocluster) of artificial square spin ice. In this work, we compare the results of this structure with interacting elements to the switching of a single nanoisland. By analyzing the survival function of the repeatedly prepared state in a given temperature range, we find thermally activated switching dynamics. A detailed analysis of the hysteresis loop reveals a metastable microstate preceding the overall magnetization reversal of the single nanoelement, also found in micromagnetic simulations. Such internal degrees of freedom may need to be considered, when analyzing the thermal dynamics of larger spin ice configurations on different lattice types.

A single active nanoelectromechanical tuning fork front-end radio-frequency receiver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartsch, Sebastian T.; Rusu, A.; Ionescu, Adrian M.

2012-06-01

Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) offer the potential to revolutionize fundamental methods employed for signal processing in today’s telecommunication systems, owing to their spectral purity and the prospect of integration with existing technology. In this work we present a novel, front-end receiver topology based on a single device silicon nanoelectromechanical mixer-filter. The operation is demonstrated by using the signal amplification in a field effect transistor (FET) merged into a tuning fork resonator. The combination of both a transistor and a mechanical element into a hybrid unit enables on-chip functionality and performance previously unachievable in silicon. Signal mixing, filtering and demodulation are experimentally demonstrated at very high frequencies ( > 100 MHz), maintaining a high quality factor of Q = 800 and stable operation at near ambient pressure (0.1 atm) and room temperature (T = 300 K). The results show that, ultimately miniaturized, silicon NEMS can be utilized to realize multi-band, single-chip receiver systems based on NEMS mixer-filter arrays with reduced system complexity and power consumption.

Contribution of single amino acid and codon substitutions to the production and secretion of a lipase by Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Skoczinski, Pia; Volkenborn, Kristina; Fulton, Alexander; Bhadauriya, Anuseema; Nutschel, Christina; Gohlke, Holger; Knapp, Andreas; Jaeger, Karl-Erich

2017-09-25

Bacillus subtilis produces and secretes proteins in amounts of up to 20 g/l under optimal conditions. However, protein production can be challenging if transcription and cotranslational secretion are negatively affected, or the target protein is degraded by extracellular proteases. This study aims at elucidating the influence of a target protein on its own production by a systematic mutational analysis of the homologous B. subtilis model protein lipase A (LipA). We have covered the full natural diversity of single amino acid substitutions at 155 positions of LipA by site saturation mutagenesis excluding only highly conserved residues and qualitatively and quantitatively screened about 30,000 clones for extracellular LipA production. Identified variants with beneficial effects on production were sequenced and analyzed regarding B. subtilis growth behavior, extracellular lipase activity and amount as well as changes in lipase transcript levels. In total, 26 LipA variants were identified showing an up to twofold increase in either amount or activity of extracellular lipase. These variants harbor single amino acid or codon substitutions that did not substantially affect B. subtilis growth. Subsequent exemplary combination of beneficial single amino acid substitutions revealed an additive effect solely at the level of extracellular lipase amount; however, lipase amount and activity could not be increased simultaneously. Single amino acid and codon substitutions can affect LipA secretion and production by B. subtilis. Several codon-related effects were observed that either enhance lipA transcription or promote a more efficient folding of LipA. Single amino acid substitutions could improve LipA production by increasing its secretion or stability in the culture supernatant. Our findings indicate that optimization of the expression system is not sufficient for efficient protein production in B. subtilis. The sequence of the target protein should also be considered as an optimization target for successful protein production. Our results further suggest that variants with improved properties might be identified much faster and easier if mutagenesis is prioritized towards elements that contribute to enzymatic activity or structural integrity.

Three-Dimensional Stress Fields and Slip Systems for Single Crystal Superalloy Notched Specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Magnan, Shannon M.; Throckmorton, David (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Single crystal superalloys have become increasingly popular for turbine blade and vane applications due to their high strength, and creep and fatigue resistance at elevated temperatures. The crystallographic orientation of a single crystal material greatly affects its material properties, including elastic modulus, shear modulus, and ductility. These directional properties, along with the type of loading and temperature, dictate an anisotropic response in the yield strength, creep resistance, creep rupture ductility, fatigue resistance, etc. A significant amount of research has been conducted to determine the material properties in the <001> orientation, yet the material properties deviating from the <001> orientation have not been assessed for all cases. Based on the desired application and design criteria, a crystal orientation is selected to yield the maximum properties. Currently, single crystal manufacturing is able to control the primary crystallographic orientation within 15 of the target orientation, which is an acceptable deviation to meet both performance and cost guidelines; the secondary orientation is rarely specified. A common experiment is the standard load-controlled tensile test, in which specimens with different orientations can be loaded to observe the material response. The deformation behavior of single-crystal materials under tension and compression is known to be a function of not only material orientation, but also of varying microdeformation (i.e. dislocation) mechanisms. The underlying dislocation motion causes deformation via slip, and affects the activation of specific slip systems based on load and orientation. The slip can be analyzed by observing the visible traces left on the surface of the specimen from the slip activity within the single crystal material. The goal of this thesis was to predict the slip systems activated in three-dimensional stress fields of a notched tensile specimen, as a function of crystal orientation, using finite element analysis without addressing microstructural deformation mechanisms that govern their activation. Out of three orientations tested, the specimen with a [110] load orientation and a [001] growth direction had the lowest maximum resolved shear stress; this specimen orientation appears to be the best design candidate for a tensile application.

Effects of spatial variation of skull and cerebrospinal fluid layers on optical mapping of brain activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuping; Shibahara, Nanae; Kuramashi, Daishi; Okawa, Shinpei; Kakuta, Naoto; Okada, Eiji; Maki, Atsushi; Yamada, Yukio

2010-07-01

In order to investigate the effects of anatomical variation in human heads on the optical mapping of brain activity, we perform simulations of optical mapping by solving the photon diffusion equation for layered-models simulating human heads using the finite element method (FEM). Particularly, the effects of the spatial variations in the thicknesses of the skull and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) layers on mapping images are investigated. Mapping images of single active regions in the gray matter layer are affected by the spatial variations in the skull and CSF layer thicknesses, although the effects are smaller than those of the positions of the active region relative to the data points. The increase in the skull thickness decreases the sensitivity of the images to active regions, while the increase in the CSF layer thickness increases the sensitivity in general. The images of multiple active regions are also influenced by their positions relative to the data points and by their depths from the skin surface.

APOBEC3G inhibits HIV-1 RNA elongation by inactivating the viral trans-activation response element.

PubMed

Nowarski, Roni; Prabhu, Ponnandy; Kenig, Edan; Smith, Yoav; Britan-Rosich, Elena; Kotler, Moshe

2014-07-29

Deamination of cytidine residues in viral DNA is a major mechanism by which APOBEC3G (A3G) inhibits vif-deficient human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. dC-to-dU transition following RNase-H activity leads to viral cDNA degradation, production of non-functional proteins, formation of undesired stop codons and decreased viral protein synthesis. Here, we demonstrate that A3G provides an additional layer of defense against HIV-1 infection dependent on inhibition of proviral transcription. HIV-1 transcription elongation is regulated by the trans-activation response (TAR) element, a short stem-loop RNA structure required for elongation factors binding. Vif-deficient HIV-1-infected cells accumulate short viral transcripts and produce lower amounts of full-length HIV-1 transcripts due to A3G deamination of the TAR apical loop cytidine, highlighting the requirement for TAR loop integrity in HIV-1 transcription. We further show that free single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) termini are not essential for A3G activity and a gap of CCC motif blocked with juxtaposed DNA or RNA on either or 3'+5' ends is sufficient for A3G deamination. These results identify A3G as an efficient mutator and that deamination of (-)SSDNA results in an early block of HIV-1 transcription. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mixed-Mode Decohesion Finite Elements for the Simulation of Delamination in Composite Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Camanho, Pedro P.; Davila, Carlos G.

2002-01-01

A new decohesion element with mixed-mode capability is proposed and demonstrated. The element is used at the interface between solid finite elements to model the initiation and non-self-similar growth of delaminations. A single relative displacement-based damage parameter is applied in a softening law to track the damage state of the interface and to prevent the restoration of the cohesive state during unloading. The softening law for mixed-mode delamination propagation can be applied to any mode interaction criterion such as the two-parameter power law or the three-parameter Benzeggagh-Kenane criterion. To demonstrate the accuracy of the predictions and the irreversibility capability of the constitutive law, steady-state delamination growth is simulated for quasistatic loading-unloading cycles of various single mode and mixed-mode delamination test specimens.

76 FR 20438 - Proposed Model Performance Measures for State Traffic Records Systems

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-12

... what data elements are critical. States should take advantage of these decision-making opportunities to... single database. Error means the recorded value for some data element of interest is incorrect. Error... into the database) and the number of missing (blank) data elements in the records that are in a...

High permittivity patch radiator for single and multi-element hyperthermia applicators.

PubMed

Andreuccetti, D; Bini, M; Ignesti, A; Olmi, R; Priori, S; Vanni, R

1993-07-01

This paper describes a compact, low-profile patch radiator which is the base element for efficient, small-size applicators suitable for superficial hyperthermia. The design criteria and the technological processes involved are presented. The electromagnetic characteristics of the patch element are outlined, and possible application of the radiator are discussed.

Local Heat Flux Measurements with Single Element Coaxial Injectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Gregg; Protz, Christopher; Bullard, Brad; Hulka, James

2006-01-01

To support the mission for the NASA Vision for Space Exploration, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center conducted a program in 2005 to improve the capability to predict local thermal compatibility and heat transfer in liquid propellant rocket engine combustion devices. The ultimate objective was to predict and hence reduce the local peak heat flux due to injector design, resulting in a significant improvement in overall engine reliability and durability. Such analyses are applicable to combustion devices in booster, upper stage, and in-space engines, as well as for small thrusters with few elements in the injector. In this program, single element and three-element injectors were hot-fire tested with liquid oxygen and ambient temperature gaseous hydrogen propellants at The Pennsylvania State University Cryogenic Combustor Laboratory from May to August 2005. Local heat fluxes were measured in a 1-inch internal diameter heat sink combustion chamber using Medtherm coaxial thermocouples and Gardon heat flux gauges. Injectors were tested with shear coaxial and swirl coaxial elements, including recessed, flush and scarfed oxidizer post configurations, and concentric and non-concentric fuel annuli. This paper includes general descriptions of the experimental hardware, instrumentation, and results of the hot-fire testing for three of the single element injectors - recessed-post shear coaxial with concentric fuel, flush-post swirl coaxial with concentric fuel, and scarfed-post swirl coaxial with concentric fuel. Detailed geometry and test results will be published elsewhere to provide well-defined data sets for injector development and model validatation.

Application of finite element substructuring to composite micromechanics. M.S. Thesis - Akron Univ., May 1984

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caruso, J. J.

1984-01-01

Finite element substructuring is used to predict unidirectional fiber composite hygral (moisture), thermal, and mechanical properties. COSMIC NASTRAN and MSC/NASTRAN are used to perform the finite element analysis. The results obtained from the finite element model are compared with those obtained from the simplified composite micromechanics equations. A unidirectional composite structure made of boron/HM-epoxy, S-glass/IMHS-epoxy and AS/IMHS-epoxy are studied. The finite element analysis is performed using three dimensional isoparametric brick elements and two distinct models. The first model consists of a single cell (one fiber surrounded by matrix) to form a square. The second model uses the single cell and substructuring to form a nine cell square array. To compare computer time and results with the nine cell superelement model, another nine cell model is constructed using conventional mesh generation techniques. An independent computer program consisting of the simplified micromechanics equation is developed to predict the hygral, thermal, and mechanical properties for this comparison. The results indicate that advanced techniques can be used advantageously for fiber composite micromechanics.

Quasi-automatic 3D finite element model generation for individual single-rooted teeth and periodontal ligament.

PubMed

Clement, R; Schneider, J; Brambs, H-J; Wunderlich, A; Geiger, M; Sander, F G

2004-02-01

The paper demonstrates how to generate an individual 3D volume model of a human single-rooted tooth using an automatic workflow. It can be implemented into finite element simulation. In several computational steps, computed tomography data of patients are used to obtain the global coordinates of the tooth's surface. First, the large number of geometric data is processed with several self-developed algorithms for a significant reduction. The most important task is to keep geometrical information of the real tooth. The second main part includes the creation of the volume model for tooth and periodontal ligament (PDL). This is realized with a continuous free form surface of the tooth based on the remaining points. Generating such irregular objects for numerical use in biomechanical research normally requires enormous manual effort and time. The finite element mesh of the tooth, consisting of hexahedral elements, is composed of different materials: dentin, PDL and surrounding alveolar bone. It is capable of simulating tooth movement in a finite element analysis and may give valuable information for a clinical approach without the restrictions of tetrahedral elements. The mesh generator of FE software ANSYS executed the mesh process for hexahedral elements successfully.

Guidelines and Parameter Selection for the Simulation of Progressive Delamination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Song, Kyongchan; Davila, Carlos G.; Rose, Cheryl A.

2008-01-01

Turon s methodology for determining optimal analysis parameters for the simulation of progressive delamination is reviewed. Recommended procedures for determining analysis parameters for efficient delamination growth predictions using the Abaqus/Standard cohesive element and relatively coarse meshes are provided for single and mixed-mode loading. The Abaqus cohesive element, COH3D8, and a user-defined cohesive element are used to develop finite element models of the double cantilever beam specimen, the end-notched flexure specimen, and the mixed-mode bending specimen to simulate progressive delamination growth in Mode I, Mode II, and mixed-mode fracture, respectively. The predicted responses are compared with their analytical solutions. The results show that for single-mode fracture, the predicted responses obtained with the Abaqus cohesive element correlate well with the analytical solutions. For mixed-mode fracture, it was found that the response predicted using COH3D8 elements depends on the damage evolution criterion that is used. The energy-based criterion overpredicts the peak loads and load-deflection response. The results predicted using a tabulated form of the BK criterion correlate well with the analytical solution and with the results predicted with the user-written element.

Constitutive Modeling of Superalloy Single Crystals and Directionally Solidified Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, K. P.; Jordan, E. H.

1985-01-01

A unified viscoplastic constitutive relation based on crystallographic slip theory was developed for the deformation analysis of nickel base face centered cubic superalloy single crystals at elevated temperature. The single crystal theory is embedded in a self consistent method to derive a constitutive relation for a directionally solidified material comprised of a polycrystalline aggregate of columnar cylindrical grains. One of the crystallographic axes of the cylindrical crystals points in the columnar direction while the remaining crystallographic axes are oriented at random in the basal plane perpendicular to the columnar direction. These constitutive formulations are coded in FORTRAN for use in nonlinear finite element and boundary element programs.

Nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Thomson, Wallace B.

2004-03-16

A nuclear reactor comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel, an elongated annular core centrally disposed within and spaced from the pressure vessel, and a plurality of ducts disposed longitudinally of the pressure vessel about the periphery thereof, said core comprising an annular active portion, an annular reflector just inside the active portion, and an annular reflector just outside the active a portion, said annular active portion comprising rectangular slab, porous fuel elements radially disposed around the inner reflector and extending the length of the active portion, wedge-shaped, porous moderator elements disposed adjacent one face of each fuel element and extending the length of the fuel element, the fuel and moderator elements being oriented so that the fuel elements face each other and the moderator elements do likewise, adjacent moderator elements being spaced to provide air inlet channels, and adjacent fuel elements being spaced to provide air outlet channels which communicate with the interior of the peripheral ducts, and means for introducing air into the air inlet channels which passes through the porous moderator elements and porous fuel elements to the outlet channel.

Effect of Swirl on an Unstable Single-Element Gas-Gas Rocket Engine

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

at 300 K, and the combustor is filled with a mixture of water and carbon dioxide at 1500 K. The warmer temperature in the combustor enables the auto...a variety of configurations including gas turbines and rocket engines.4–13 The single-element engine chosen for this study is the continuously...combustion systems including gas turbines , rocket engines, and industrial furnaces. Swirl can have dramatic effects on the flowfield; these include jet growth

Effects of Fuel Spray Modeling on Combustion Instability Predictions in a Single-Element Lean Direct Injection (LDI) Gas Turbine Combustor

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

evaporation in the vicinity of the injector . Recently, Kim and Menon 9 applied the same approach to study the characteristics of longitudinal...phenomena that govern the occurrence of combustion instabilities. The experiments involve a single injector element in a longitudinal mode combustor with...well characterized inflow conditions and a choked nozzle exit condition. Varying parameters such as the length of the air plenum, the combustor length

Ionization of elements in medium power capacitively coupled argon plasma torch with single and double ring electrodes.

PubMed

Ponta, Michaela; Frentiu, Maria; Frentiu, Tiberiu

2012-06-01

A medium power, low Ar consumption capacitively coupled plasma torch (275 W, 0.4 L min-1) with molybdenum tubular electrode and single or two ring electrodes in non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) was characterized with respect to its ability to achieve element ionization. Ionization degrees of Ca, Mg, Mn and Cd were determined from ionic-to-atomic emission ratio and ionization equilibrium according to Saha's equation. The ionization degrees resulted from the Saha equation were higher by 9-32% than those obtained from spectral lines intensity in LTE regime and closer to reality. A linear decrease of ionization with increase of ionization energy of elements was observed. Plasma torch with two ring electrodes provided higher ionization degrees (85 ± 7% Ca, 79 ± 7% Mn, 80 ± 7% Mg and 73 ± 8% Cd) than those in single ring arrangement (70 ± 6% Ca, 57 ± 7% Mn, 57 ± 8% Mg and 42 ± 9% Cd). The Ca ionization decreased linearly by up to 79 ± 4% and 53 ± 6% in plasma with two ring electrodes and single ring respectively in the presence of up to 400 µg mL-1 Na as interferent. The studied plasma was effective in element ionization and could be a potential ion source in mass spectrometry.

SERS assay of telomerase activity at single-cell level and colon cancer tissues via quadratic signal amplification.

PubMed

Shi, Muling; Zheng, Jing; Liu, Changhui; Tan, Guixiang; Qing, Zhihe; Yang, Sheng; Yang, Jinfeng; Tan, Yongjun; Yang, Ronghua

2016-03-15

As an important biomarker and therapeutic target, telomerase has attracted extensive attention concerning its detection and monitoring. Recently, enzyme-assisted amplification approaches have provided useful platforms for the telomerase activity detection, however, further improvement in sensitivity is still hindered by the single-step signal amplification. Herein, we develop a quadratic signal amplification strategy for ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of telomerase activity. The central idea of our design is using telomerase-induced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) assembly and silver ions (Ag(+))-mediated cascade amplification. In our approach, each telomerase-aided DNA sequence extension could trigger the formation of a long double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), making numerous AgNPs assembling along with this long strand through specific Ag-S bond, to form a primary amplification element. For secondary amplification, each conjugated AgNP was dissolved into Ag(+), which can effectively induce the 4-aminobenzenethiol (4-ABT) modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@4-ABT) to undergo aggregation to form numerous "hot-spots". Through quadratic amplifications, a limit of detection down to single HeLa cell was achieved. More importantly, this method demonstrated good performance when applied to tissues from colon cancer patients, which exhibits great potential in the practical application of telomerase-based cancer diagnosis in early stages. To demonstrate the potential in screening the telomerase inhibitors and telomerase-targeted drugs, the proposed design is successfully employed to measure the inhibition of telomerase activity by 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-Hermitian photodetector facilitating efficient subwavelength photon sorting.

PubMed

Kim, Soo Jin; Kang, Ju-Hyung; Mutlu, Mehmet; Park, Joonsuk; Park, Woosung; Goodson, Kenneth E; Sinclair, Robert; Fan, Shanhui; Kik, Pieter G; Brongersma, Mark L

2018-01-22

The ability to split an incident light beam into separate wavelength bands is central to a diverse set of optical applications, including imaging, biosensing, communication, photocatalysis, and photovoltaics. Entirely new opportunities are currently emerging with the recently demonstrated possibility to spectrally split light at a subwavelength scale with optical antennas. Unfortunately, such small structures offer limited spectral control and are hard to exploit in optoelectronic devices. Here, we overcome both challenges and demonstrate how within a single-layer metafilm one can laterally sort photons of different wavelengths below the free-space diffraction limit and extract a useful photocurrent. This chipscale demonstration of anti-Hermitian coupling between resonant photodetector elements also facilitates near-unity photon-sorting efficiencies, near-unity absorption, and a narrow spectral response (∼ 30 nm) for the different wavelength channels. This work opens up entirely new design paradigms for image sensors and energy harvesting systems in which the active elements both sort and detect photons.

Revised Energy Spectra for Primary Elements, H - Si, above 50 GeV from the ATIC-2 Science Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wefel, J. P.; Adams, J. H., Jr.; Ahn, H. S.; Bashindzhagyan, G. L.; Chang, J.; Christl, M.; Fazely, A. R.; Ganel, O.; Gunashingha, R. M.; Guzik, T. G.;

Cathodoluminescent characteristics and light technical parameters of thin-film screens based on oxides and oxysulfides of rare-earth elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bondar, Vyacheslav D.; Grytsiv, Myroslav; Groodzinsky, Arkady; Vasyliv, Mykhailo

1995-11-01

Results on creation of thin-film single-crystal high-resolution screens with energy control of luminescence color are presented. In order to create phosphor films ion-plasma technology for deposition of yttrium and lanthanum oxides and oxysulfides activated by rare earth elements has been developed. The screen consists of phosphor film on phosphor substrate with different colors of luminescence (e.g. Y2O3-Eu film with red color on Y3Al5O12- Tb, Ce substrate with green color of luminescence). Electron irradiation causes luminescence with color that depends on energy of the electron beam. The physical reason for color change is that electron beam energy defines electron penetration depth. If the energy is weak, only the film is excited. More powerful beam penetrates into the substrate and thus changes the color of luminescence.

Interstitial atoms enable joint twinning and transformation induced plasticity in strong and ductile high-entropy alloys.

PubMed

Li, Zhiming; Tasan, Cemal Cem; Springer, Hauke; Gault, Baptiste; Raabe, Dierk

2017-01-12

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of multiple principle elements provide an avenue for realizing exceptional mechanical, physical and chemical properties. We report a novel strategy for designing a new class of HEAs incorporating the additional interstitial element carbon. This results in joint activation of twinning- and transformation-induced plasticity (TWIP and TRIP) by tuning the matrix phase's instability in a metastable TRIP-assisted dual-phase HEA. Besides TWIP and TRIP, such alloys benefit from massive substitutional and interstitial solid solution strengthening as well as from the composite effect associated with its dual-phase structure. Nanosize particle formation and grain size reduction are also utilized. The new interstitial TWIP-TRIP-HEA thus unifies all metallic strengthening mechanisms in one material, leading to twice the tensile strength compared to a single-phase HEA with similar composition, yet, at identical ductility.

Interstitial atoms enable joint twinning and transformation induced plasticity in strong and ductile high-entropy alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhiming; Tasan, Cemal Cem; Springer, Hauke; Gault, Baptiste; Raabe, Dierk

2017-01-01

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of multiple principle elements provide an avenue for realizing exceptional mechanical, physical and chemical properties. We report a novel strategy for designing a new class of HEAs incorporating the additional interstitial element carbon. This results in joint activation of twinning- and transformation-induced plasticity (TWIP and TRIP) by tuning the matrix phase’s instability in a metastable TRIP-assisted dual-phase HEA. Besides TWIP and TRIP, such alloys benefit from massive substitutional and interstitial solid solution strengthening as well as from the composite effect associated with its dual-phase structure. Nanosize particle formation and grain size reduction are also utilized. The new interstitial TWIP-TRIP-HEA thus unifies all metallic strengthening mechanisms in one material, leading to twice the tensile strength compared to a single-phase HEA with similar composition, yet, at identical ductility.

Dynamics of biofilm formation and the interaction between Candida albicans and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

PubMed

Zago, Chaiene Evelin; Silva, Sónia; Sanitá, Paula Volpato; Barbugli, Paula Aboud; Dias, Carla Maria Improta; Lordello, Virgínia Barreto; Vergani, Carlos Eduardo

2015-01-01

Polymicrobial biofilms are an understudied and a clinically relevant problem. This study evaluates the interaction between C. albicans, and methicillin- susceptible (MSSA) and resistant (MRSA) S. aureus growing in single- and dual-species biofilms. Single and dual species adhesion (90 min) and biofilms (12, 24, and 48 h) were evaluated by complementary methods: counting colony-forming units (CFU mL-1), XTT-reduction, and crystal violet staining (CV). The secretion of hydrolytic enzymes by the 48 h biofilms was also evaluated using fluorimetric kits. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess biofilm structure. The results from quantification assays were compared using two-way ANOVAs with Tukey post-hoc tests, while data from enzymatic activities were analyzed by one-way Welch-ANOVA followed by Games-Howell post hoc test (α = 0.05). C. albicans, MSSA and MRSA were able to adhere and to form biofilm in both single or mixed cultures. In general, all microorganisms in both growth conditions showed a gradual increase in the number of cells and metabolic activity over time, reaching peak values between 12 h and 48 h (ρ<0.05). C. albicans single- and dual-biofilms had significantly higher total biomass values (ρ<0.05) than single biofilms of bacteria. Except for single MRSA biofilms, all microorganisms in both growth conditions secreted proteinase and phospholipase-C. SEM images revealed extensive adherence of bacteria to hyphal elements of C. albicans. C. albicans, MSSA, and MRSA can co-exist in biofilms without antagonism and in an apparent synergistic effect, with bacteria cells preferentially associated to C. albicans hyphal forms.

γγ coincidence spectrometer for instrumental neutron-activation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomlin, B. E.; Zeisler, R.; Lindstrom, R. M.

2008-05-01

Neutron-activation analysis (NAA) is an important technique for the accurate and precise determination of trace and ultra-trace elemental compositions. The application of γγ coincidence counting to NAA in order to enhance specificity was first explored over 40 years ago but has not evolved into a regularly used technique. A γγ coincidence spectrometer has been constructed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, using two HPGe γ-ray detectors and an all-digital data-acquisition system, for the purpose of exploring coincidence NAA and its value in characterizing reference materials. This paper describes the initial evaluation of the quantitative precision of coincidence counting versus singles spectrometry, based upon a sample of neutron-irradiated bovine liver material.

Structure, photoluminescent properties and photocatalytic activities of a new Cd(II) metal-organic framework.

PubMed

Zhang, Cheng Yan; Ma, Wei Xing; Wang, Ming Yan; Yang, Xu Jie; Xu, Xing You

2014-01-24

A new metal-organic framework, [Cd(TDC)(bix)(H2O)]n (H2TDC = thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid; bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis and single X-ray diffraction. Cd-MOF is a 2D infinite layer framework, which is further interconnected by hydrogen-bond interactions leading to a 3D supramolecular architecture. The photoluminescent properties of the Cd-MOF were investigated and this compound shows intense fluorescent emissions in the solid state. In addition, it exhibits good photocatalytic activities for the degradation of methyl organic under UV light irradiation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of a series of ketone-N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones and their ruthenium(II) arene complexes.

PubMed

Su, Wei; Qian, Quanquan; Li, Peiyuan; Lei, Xiaolin; Xiao, Qi; Huang, Shan; Huang, Chusheng; Cui, Jianguo

2013-11-04

A series of ketone-N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazone (TSC) compounds (L1-L9) and their corresponding [(η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(II)(TSC)Cl](+/0) complexes (1-9) were synthesized and characterized by NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and HR-ESI-mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of L4, L9, 1-6, and 9 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compounds were further evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against the SGC-7901 human gastric cancer, BEL-7404 human liver cancer, and HEK-293T noncancerous cell lines. Furthermore, the interactions of the compounds with DNA were followed by electrophoretic mobility spectrometry studies.

Paradeisos: A perfect hashing algorithm for many-body eigenvalue problems

DOE PAGES

Jia, C. J.; Wang, Y.; Mendl, C. B.; ...

2017-12-02

Here, we describe an essentially perfect hashing algorithm for calculating the position of an element in an ordered list, appropriate for the construction and manipulation of many-body Hamiltonian, sparse matrices. Each element of the list corresponds to an integer value whose binary representation reflects the occupation of single-particle basis states for each element in the many-body Hilbert space. The algorithm replaces conventional methods, such as binary search, for locating the elements of the ordered list, eliminating the need to store the integer representation for each element, without increasing the computational complexity. Combined with the “checkerboard” decomposition of the Hamiltonian matrixmore » for distribution over parallel computing environments, this leads to a substantial savings in aggregate memory. While the algorithm can be applied broadly to many-body, correlated problems, we demonstrate its utility in reducing total memory consumption for a series of fermionic single-band Hubbard model calculations on small clusters with progressively larger Hilbert space dimension.« less

Paradeisos: A perfect hashing algorithm for many-body eigenvalue problems

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

Jia, C. J.; Wang, Y.; Mendl, C. B.

Here, we describe an essentially perfect hashing algorithm for calculating the position of an element in an ordered list, appropriate for the construction and manipulation of many-body Hamiltonian, sparse matrices. Each element of the list corresponds to an integer value whose binary representation reflects the occupation of single-particle basis states for each element in the many-body Hilbert space. The algorithm replaces conventional methods, such as binary search, for locating the elements of the ordered list, eliminating the need to store the integer representation for each element, without increasing the computational complexity. Combined with the “checkerboard” decomposition of the Hamiltonian matrixmore » for distribution over parallel computing environments, this leads to a substantial savings in aggregate memory. While the algorithm can be applied broadly to many-body, correlated problems, we demonstrate its utility in reducing total memory consumption for a series of fermionic single-band Hubbard model calculations on small clusters with progressively larger Hilbert space dimension.« less

Mode control in photonic crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSELs) through in-plane feedback (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Richard J. E.; Li, Guangrui; Ivanov, Pavlo; Childs, David T. D.; Stevens, Ben J.; Babazadeh, Nasser; Ignatova, Olesya; Hogg, Richard A.

2017-02-01

All-semiconductor photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) operating in CW mode at room temperature and coherently coupled arrays of these lasers are reviewed. These PCSELs are grown via MOVPE on GaAs substrates and include QW active elements and GaAs/InGaP photonic crystal (PC) layer situated above this active zone. Atoms of triangular shapes have been shown to increase optical power from the PCSEL but are also shown to result in a competition between lasing modes. Simulation shows that the energy splitting of lasing modes is smaller for triangular atoms, than for circles making high power single-mode devices difficult to achieve. In this work we experimentally investigate the effect of lateral optical feedback introduced by a facet cleave along one or two perpendicular PCSEL edges. This cleavage plane is misaligned to the PC resulting in a periodic variation of facet phase along the side of the device. Results confirm that a single cleave selects the lowest threshold 2D lasing mode, resulting in a 20% reduction in threshold current and favours single-mode emission. The addition of a second cleave at right-angles to the first has no significant effect upon threshold current. The virgin device is shown to have a symmetric far-field (1 degree) whilst a single cleave produces a 1 degree divergence perpendicular to cleave and 5 degree parallel to cleave. The second orthogonal cleave results in the far field becoming symmetric again but with a divergence angle of 1 degree indicating that single-mode lasing is supported over a wider area.

Control of calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide pre-mRNA processing by constitutive intron and exon elements.

PubMed Central

Yeakley, J M; Hedjran, F; Morfin, J P; Merillat, N; Rosenfeld, M G; Emeson, R B

1993-01-01

The calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) primary transcript is alternatively spliced in thyroid C cells and neurons, resulting in the tissue-specific production of calcitonin and CGRP mRNAs. Analyses of mutated calcitonin/CGRP transcription units in permanently transfected cell lines have indicated that alternative splicing is regulated by a differential capacity to utilize the calcitonin-specific splice acceptor. The analysis of an extensive series of mutations suggests that tissue-specific regulation of calcitonin mRNA production does not depend on the presence of a single, unique cis-active element but instead appears to be a consequence of suboptimal constitutive splicing signals. While only those mutations that altered constitutive splicing signals affected splice choices, the action of multiple regulatory sequences cannot be formally excluded. Further, we have identified a 13-nucleotide purine-rich element from a constitutive exon that, when placed in exon 4, entirely switches splice site usage in CGRP-producing cells. These data suggest that specific exon recruitment sequences, in combination with other constitutive elements, serve an important function in exon recognition. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that tissue-specific alternative splicing of the calcitonin/CGRP primary transcript is mediated by cell-specific differences in components of the constitutive splicing machinery. Images PMID:8413203

Finite Element Modelling of the Femur Bone of a Subject Suffering from Motor Neuron Lesion Subjected to Electrical Stimulation.

PubMed

Gislason, Magnus K; Ingvarsson, Páll; Gargiulo, Paolo; Yngvason, Stefán; Guðmundsdóttir, Vilborg; Knútsdóttir, Sigrún; Helgason, Þórður

2014-09-23

Bone loss and a decrease in bone mineral density is frequently seen in patients with motor neuron lesion due to lack of mechanical stimulation. This causes weakening of the bones and a greater risk of fracture. By using functional electrical stimulation it is possible to activate muscles in the body to produce the necessary muscle force to stimulate muscle growth and potentially decrease the rate of bone loss. A longitudinal study was carried out on a single patient undergoing electrical stimulation over a 6 year period. The patient underwent a CT scan each year and a full three dimensional finite element model for each year was created using Mimics (Materialise) and Abaqus (Simulia) to calculate the risk of fracture under physiologically relevant loading conditions. Using empirical formulas connecting the bone mineral density to the stiffness and ultimate tensile stress of the bone, each element was assigned a unique material property, based on its density. The risk of fracture was estimated by calculating the ratio between the predicted stress and the ultimate tensile stress, should it exceed unity, failure was assumed. The results showed that the number of elements that were predicted to be at risk of failure varied between years.

Sequential induction of three recombination directionality factors directs assembly of tripartite integrative and conjugative elements.

PubMed

Haskett, Timothy L; Terpolilli, Jason J; Ramachandran, Vinoy K; Verdonk, Callum J; Poole, Phillip S; O'Hara, Graham W; Ramsay, Joshua P

2018-03-01

Tripartite integrative and conjugative elements (ICE3) are a novel form of ICE that exist as three separate DNA regions integrated within the genomes of Mesorhizobium spp. Prior to conjugative transfer the three ICE3 regions of M. ciceri WSM1271 ICEMcSym1271 combine and excise to form a single circular element. This assembly requires three coordinated recombination events involving three site-specific recombinases IntS, IntG and IntM. Here, we demonstrate that three excisionases-or recombination directionality factors-RdfS, RdfG and RdfM are required for ICE3 excision. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that expression of ICE3 transfer and conjugation genes was induced by quorum sensing. Quorum sensing activated expression of rdfS, and in turn RdfS stimulated transcription of both rdfG and rdfM. Therefore, RdfS acts as a "master controller" of ICE3 assembly and excision. The dependence of all three excisive reactions on RdfS ensures that ICE3 excision occurs via a stepwise sequence of recombination events that avoids splitting the chromosome into a non-viable configuration. These discoveries expose a surprisingly simple control system guiding molecular assembly of these novel and complex mobile genetic elements and highlight the diverse and critical functions of excisionase proteins in control of horizontal gene transfer.

A comparison of heavy ion induced single event upset susceptibility in unhardened 6T/SRAM and hardened ADE/SRAM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin; Zeng, Chuanbin; Geng, Chao; Liu, Tianqi; Khan, Maaz; Yan, Weiwei; Hou, Mingdong; Ye, Bing; Sun, Youmei; Yin, Yanan; Luo, Jie; Ji, Qinggang; Zhao, Fazhan; Liu, Jie

2017-09-01

Single event upset (SEU) susceptibility of unhardened 6T/SRAM and hardened active delay element (ADE)/SRAM, fabricated with 0.35 μm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS technology, was investigated at heavy ion accelerator. The mechanisms were revealed by the laser irradiation and resistor-capacitor hardened techniques. Compared with conventional 6T/SRAM, the hardened ADE/SRAM exhibited higher tolerance to heavy ion irradiation, with an increase of about 80% in the LET threshold and a decrease of ∼64% in the limiting upset cross-section. Moreover, different probabilities between 0 → 1 and 1 → 0 transitions were observed, which were attributed to the specific architecture of ADE/SRAM memory cell. Consequently, the radiation-hardened technology can be an attractive alternative to the SEU tolerance of the device-level.

Synthesis and characterization of a prominent NLO active MOF of lead with 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, S. Shibu; Sudarsanakumar, M. R.; Dhanya, V. S.; Suma, S.; Kurup, M. R. Prathapachandra

2018-09-01

A new metal-organic framework of lead, [Pb(1,5-nds)(H2O)3]n (1,5-nds = 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate) having prominent nonlinear optical property has been prepared by single gel diffusion technique at ambient condition using sodium metasilicate. The second harmonic generation efficiency was analyzed using Kurtz and Perry powder method and was found to be 30 times as large as potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal the crystal structure. The grown crystals were further characterized by elemental analysis, powder XRD study, thermogravimetry, FT-IR and UV-visible spectral studies. The Pb2S2O4 rings in the crystal structure form a 1D channel. Hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions provide additional stability to the compound. Photoluminescence studies were also carried out.

Viral DNA Replication Orientation and hnRNPs Regulate Transcription of the Human Papillomavirus 18 Late Promoter

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaohong; Liu, Haibin; Ge, Hui; Ajiro, Masahiko; Sharma, Nishi R.; Meyers, Craig; Morozov, Pavel; Tuschl, Thomas; Klar, Amar; Court, Donald

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The life cycle of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is tightly linked to keratinocyte differentiation. Although expression of viral early genes is initiated immediately upon virus infection of undifferentiated basal cells, viral DNA amplification and late gene expression occur only in the mid to upper strata of the keratinocytes undergoing terminal differentiation. In this report, we show that the relative activity of HPV18 TATA-less late promoter P811 depends on its orientation relative to that of the origin (Ori) of viral DNA replication and is sensitive to the eukaryotic DNA polymerase inhibitor aphidicolin. Additionally, transfected 70-nucleotide (nt)-long single-strand DNA oligonucleotides that are homologous to the region near Ori induce late promoter activity. We also found that promoter activation in raft cultures leads to production of the late promoter-associated, sense-strand transcription initiation RNAs (tiRNAs) and splice-site small RNAs (spliRNAs). Finally, a cis-acting AAGTATGCA core element that functions as a repressor to the promoter was identified. This element interacts with hnRNP D0B and hnRNP A/B factors. Point mutations in the core prevented binding of hnRNPs and increased the promoter activity. Confirming this result, knocking down the expression of both hnRNPs in keratinocytes led to increased promoter activity. Taking the data together, our study revealed the mechanism of how the HPV18 late promoter is regulated by DNA replication and host factors. PMID:28559488

Hydraulic elements in reduction of vibrations in mechanical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Białas, K.; Buchacz, A.

2017-08-01

This work presents non-classical method of design of mechanic systems with subsystem reducing vibrations. The purpose of this paper is also introduces synthesis of mechanic system with reducing vibrations understand as design of this type of systems. The synthesis may be applied to modify the already existing systems in order to achieve a desired result. Elements which reduce vibrations can be constructed with passive, semi-active or active components. These considerations systems have selected active items. A hallmark of active elements it is possible to change the parameters on time of these elements and their power from an external source. The implementation of active elements is very broad. These elements can be implemented through the use of components of electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. The system was consisted from mechanical and hydraulic elements. Hydraulic elements were used as subsystem reducing unwanted vibration of mechanical system. Hydraulic elements can be realized in the form of hydraulic cylinder. In the case of an active vibration reduction in the form of hydraulic cylinder it is very important to find the corresponding values of hydraulic components. The values of these elements affect the frequency of vibrations of this sub-system which is related to the effective vibration reduction [7,11].

Evidence of pervasive biologically functional secondary structures within the genomes of eukaryotic single-stranded DNA viruses.

PubMed

Muhire, Brejnev Muhizi; Golden, Michael; Murrell, Ben; Lefeuvre, Pierre; Lett, Jean-Michel; Gray, Alistair; Poon, Art Y F; Ngandu, Nobubelo Kwanele; Semegni, Yves; Tanov, Emil Pavlov; Monjane, Adérito Luis; Harkins, Gordon William; Varsani, Arvind; Shepherd, Dionne Natalie; Martin, Darren Patrick

2014-02-01

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses have genomes that are potentially capable of forming complex secondary structures through Watson-Crick base pairing between their constituent nucleotides. A few of the structural elements formed by such base pairings are, in fact, known to have important functions during the replication of many ssDNA viruses. Unknown, however, are (i) whether numerous additional ssDNA virus genomic structural elements predicted to exist by computational DNA folding methods actually exist and (ii) whether those structures that do exist have any biological relevance. We therefore computationally inferred lists of the most evolutionarily conserved structures within a diverse selection of animal- and plant-infecting ssDNA viruses drawn from the families Circoviridae, Anelloviridae, Parvoviridae, Nanoviridae, and Geminiviridae and analyzed these for evidence of natural selection favoring the maintenance of these structures. While we find evidence that is consistent with purifying selection being stronger at nucleotide sites that are predicted to be base paired than at sites predicted to be unpaired, we also find strong associations between sites that are predicted to pair with one another and site pairs that are apparently coevolving in a complementary fashion. Collectively, these results indicate that natural selection actively preserves much of the pervasive secondary structure that is evident within eukaryote-infecting ssDNA virus genomes and, therefore, that much of this structure is biologically functional. Lastly, we provide examples of various highly conserved but completely uncharacterized structural elements that likely have important functions within some of the ssDNA virus genomes analyzed here.

Evidence of Pervasive Biologically Functional Secondary Structures within the Genomes of Eukaryotic Single-Stranded DNA Viruses

PubMed Central

Muhire, Brejnev Muhizi; Golden, Michael; Murrell, Ben; Lefeuvre, Pierre; Lett, Jean-Michel; Gray, Alistair; Poon, Art Y. F.; Ngandu, Nobubelo Kwanele; Semegni, Yves; Tanov, Emil Pavlov; Monjane, Adérito Luis; Harkins, Gordon William; Varsani, Arvind; Shepherd, Dionne Natalie

2014-01-01

Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses have genomes that are potentially capable of forming complex secondary structures through Watson-Crick base pairing between their constituent nucleotides. A few of the structural elements formed by such base pairings are, in fact, known to have important functions during the replication of many ssDNA viruses. Unknown, however, are (i) whether numerous additional ssDNA virus genomic structural elements predicted to exist by computational DNA folding methods actually exist and (ii) whether those structures that do exist have any biological relevance. We therefore computationally inferred lists of the most evolutionarily conserved structures within a diverse selection of animal- and plant-infecting ssDNA viruses drawn from the families Circoviridae, Anelloviridae, Parvoviridae, Nanoviridae, and Geminiviridae and analyzed these for evidence of natural selection favoring the maintenance of these structures. While we find evidence that is consistent with purifying selection being stronger at nucleotide sites that are predicted to be base paired than at sites predicted to be unpaired, we also find strong associations between sites that are predicted to pair with one another and site pairs that are apparently coevolving in a complementary fashion. Collectively, these results indicate that natural selection actively preserves much of the pervasive secondary structure that is evident within eukaryote-infecting ssDNA virus genomes and, therefore, that much of this structure is biologically functional. Lastly, we provide examples of various highly conserved but completely uncharacterized structural elements that likely have important functions within some of the ssDNA virus genomes analyzed here. PMID:24284329

Ribosomal frameshifting and dual-target antiactivation restrict quorum-sensing-activated transfer of a mobile genetic element.

PubMed

Ramsay, Joshua P; Tester, Laura G L; Major, Anthony S; Sullivan, John T; Edgar, Christina D; Kleffmann, Torsten; Patterson-House, Jackson R; Hall, Drew A; Tate, Warren P; Hynes, Michael F; Ronson, Clive W

2015-03-31

Symbiosis islands are integrative and conjugative mobile genetic elements that convert nonsymbiotic rhizobia into nitrogen-fixing symbionts of leguminous plants. Excision of the Mesorhizobium loti symbiosis island ICEMlSym(R7A) is indirectly activated by quorum sensing through TraR-dependent activation of the excisionase gene rdfS. Here we show that a +1 programmed ribosomal frameshift (PRF) fuses the coding sequences of two TraR-activated genes, msi172 and msi171, producing an activator of rdfS expression named Frameshifted excision activator (FseA). Mass-spectrometry and mutational analyses indicated that the PRF occurred through +1 slippage of the tRNA(phe) from UUU to UUC within a conserved msi172-encoded motif. FseA activated rdfS expression in the absence of ICEMlSym(R7A), suggesting that it directly activated rdfS transcription, despite being unrelated to any characterized DNA-binding proteins. Bacterial two-hybrid and gene-reporter assays demonstrated that FseA was also bound and inhibited by the ICEMlSym(R7A)-encoded quorum-sensing antiactivator QseM. Thus, activation of ICEMlSym(R7A) excision is counteracted by TraR antiactivation, ribosomal frameshifting, and FseA antiactivation. This robust suppression likely dampens the inherent biological noise present in the quorum-sensing autoinduction circuit and ensures that ICEMlSym(R7A) transfer only occurs in a subpopulation of cells in which both qseM expression is repressed and FseA is translated. The architecture of the ICEMlSym(R7A) transfer regulatory system provides an example of how a set of modular components have assembled through evolution to form a robust genetic toggle that regulates gene transcription and translation at both single-cell and cell-population levels.

Ribosomal frameshifting and dual-target antiactivation restrict quorum-sensing–activated transfer of a mobile genetic element

PubMed Central

Ramsay, Joshua P.; Tester, Laura G. L.; Major, Anthony S.; Sullivan, John T.; Edgar, Christina D.; Kleffmann, Torsten; Patterson-House, Jackson R.; Hall, Drew A.; Tate, Warren P.; Hynes, Michael F.; Ronson, Clive W.

2015-01-01

Symbiosis islands are integrative and conjugative mobile genetic elements that convert nonsymbiotic rhizobia into nitrogen-fixing symbionts of leguminous plants. Excision of the Mesorhizobium loti symbiosis island ICEMlSymR7A is indirectly activated by quorum sensing through TraR-dependent activation of the excisionase gene rdfS. Here we show that a +1 programmed ribosomal frameshift (PRF) fuses the coding sequences of two TraR-activated genes, msi172 and msi171, producing an activator of rdfS expression named Frameshifted excision activator (FseA). Mass-spectrometry and mutational analyses indicated that the PRF occurred through +1 slippage of the tRNAphe from UUU to UUC within a conserved msi172-encoded motif. FseA activated rdfS expression in the absence of ICEMlSymR7A, suggesting that it directly activated rdfS transcription, despite being unrelated to any characterized DNA-binding proteins. Bacterial two-hybrid and gene-reporter assays demonstrated that FseA was also bound and inhibited by the ICEMlSymR7A-encoded quorum-sensing antiactivator QseM. Thus, activation of ICEMlSymR7A excision is counteracted by TraR antiactivation, ribosomal frameshifting, and FseA antiactivation. This robust suppression likely dampens the inherent biological noise present in the quorum-sensing autoinduction circuit and ensures that ICEMlSymR7A transfer only occurs in a subpopulation of cells in which both qseM expression is repressed and FseA is translated. The architecture of the ICEMlSymR7A transfer regulatory system provides an example of how a set of modular components have assembled through evolution to form a robust genetic toggle that regulates gene transcription and translation at both single-cell and cell-population levels. PMID:25787256

A novel bicistronic sensor vector for detecting caspase-3 activation.

PubMed

Vagner, Tatyana; Mouravlev, Alexandre; Young, Deborah

2015-01-01

Apoptosis is involved in pathological cell death of a wide range of human diseases. One of the most important biochemical markers of apoptosis is activation of caspase-3. Ability to detect caspase-3 activation early in the pathological process is important for determining the timing for interfering with apoptosis initiation and prevention of cell damage. Techniques allowing detection of caspase-3 activity at a single cell level show increased sensitivity, compared to biochemical assays; therefore, we developed a novel bicistronic caspase-3 sensor vector enabling detection of caspase-3 activity in individual cells. We employed green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter for caspase-3 activation in our constructs and assessed the functionality of the generated constructs in transiently transfected Neuro2A and HEK293 cells under basal conditions and following application of okadaic acid (OA) or staurosporine (STS) to induce apoptosis. To ensure responsiveness of the new sensor vector to active caspase-3, we co-transfected the sensor with plasmid(s) overexpressing active caspase-3 and quantified GFP fluorescence using a plate reader. We observed an increase in GFP expression in cells transfected with the new bicistronic caspase-3 sensor in response to both OA and STS. We also showed a significant increase in GFP fluorescence intensity in cells co-expressing the sensor with the plasmid(s) encoding active caspase-3. We generated a novel bicistronic caspase-3 sensor vector which relies on a transcription factor/response element system. The obtained sensor combines high sensitivity of the single cell level detection with the possibility of automated quantification. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of microstrip dipoles and slots transversely coupled to a microstrip line using the FDTD method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tulintseff, A. N.

1993-01-01

Printed dipole elements and their complement, linear slots, are elementary radiators that have found use in low-profile antenna arrays. Low-profile antenna arrays, in addition to their small size and low weight characteristics, offer the potential advantage of low-cost, high-volume production with easy integration with active integrated circuit components. The design of such arrays requires that the radiation and impedance characteristics of the radiating elements be known. The FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) method is a general, straight-forward implementation of Maxwell's equations and offers a relatively simple way of analyzing both printed dipole and slot elements. Investigated in this work is the application of the FDTD method to the analysis of printed dipole and slot elements transversely coupled to an infinite transmission line in a multilayered configuration. Such dipole and slot elements may be used in dipole and slot series-fed-type linear arrays, where element offsets and interelement line lengths are used to obtain the desired amplitude distribution and beam direction, respectively. The design of such arrays is achieved using transmission line theory with equivalent circuit models for the radiating elements. In an equivalent circuit model, the dipole represents a shunt impedance to the transmission line, where the impedance is a function of dipole offset, length, and width. Similarly, the slot represents a series impedance to the transmission line. The FDTD method is applied to single dipole and slot elements transversely coupled to an infinite microstrip line using a fixed rectangular grid with Mur's second order absorbing boundary conditions. Frequency-dependent circuit and scattering parameters are obtained by saving desired time-domain quantities and using the Fourier transform. A Gaussian pulse excitation is applied to the microstrip transmission line, where the resulting reflected signal due to the presence of the radiating element is used to determine the equivalent element impedance.

Thermodynamics of complex structures formed between single-stranded DNA oligomers and the KH domains of the far upstream element binding protein

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

Chakraborty, Kaushik; Sinha, Sudipta Kumar; Bandyopadhyay, Sanjoy, E-mail: sanjoy@chem.iitkgp.ernet.in

The noncovalent interaction between protein and DNA is responsible for regulating the genetic activities in living organisms. The most critical issue in this problem is to understand the underlying driving force for the formation and stability of the complex. To address this issue, we have performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of two DNA binding K homology (KH) domains (KH3 and KH4) of the far upstream element binding protein (FBP) complexed with two single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) oligomers in aqueous media. Attempts have been made to calculate the individual components of the net entropy change for the complexation process by adopting suitablemore » statistical mechanical approaches. Our calculations reveal that translational, rotational, and configurational entropy changes of the protein and the DNA components have unfavourable contributions for this protein-DNA association process and such entropy lost is compensated by the entropy gained due to the release of hydration layer water molecules. The free energy change corresponding to the association process has also been calculated using the Free Energy Perturbation (FEP) method. The free energy gain associated with the KH4–DNA complex formation has been found to be noticeably higher than that involving the formation of the KH3–DNA complex.« less

Mechanisms of radiation-induced segregation in CrFeCoNi-based single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys

DOE PAGES

He, Mo-Rigen; Wang, Shuai; Shi, Shi; ...

2016-12-31

Single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys have attracted wide interest due to their superior mechanical properties and enhanced radiation tolerance, which make them promising candidates for the structural applications in next-generation nuclear reactors. However, little has been understood about the intrinsic stability of their as-synthesized, high-entropy configurations against radiation damage. In this paper, we report the element segregation in CrFeCoNi, CrFeCoNiMn, and CrFeCoNiPd equiatomic alloys when subjected to 1250 kV electron irradiations at 400 °C up to a damage level of 1 displacement per atom. Cr/Fe/Mn/Pd can deplete and Co/Ni can accumulate at radiation-induced dislocation loops, while the actively segregating elementsmore » are alloy-specific. Moreover, electron-irradiated matrix of CrFeCoNiMn and CrFeCoNiPd shows L1 0 (NiMn)-type ordering decomposition and <001>-oriented spinodal decomposition between Co/Ni and Pd, respectively. Finally, these findings are rationalized based on the atomic size difference and enthalpy of mixing between the alloying elements, and identify a new important requirement to the design of radiation-tolerant alloys through modification of the composition.« less

ICEG2D (v2.0) - An Integrated Software Package for Automated Prediction of Flow Fields for Single-Element Airfoils With Ice Accretion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson David S.; Soni, Bharat K.

2001-01-01

An integrated geometry/grid/simulation software package, ICEG2D, is being developed to automate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for single- and multi-element airfoils with ice accretions. The current version, ICEG213 (v2.0), was designed to automatically perform four primary functions: (1) generate a grid-ready surface definition based on the geometrical characteristics of the iced airfoil surface, (2) generate high-quality structured and generalized grids starting from a defined surface definition, (3) generate the input and restart files needed to run the structured grid CFD solver NPARC or the generalized grid CFD solver HYBFL2D, and (4) using the flow solutions, generate solution-adaptive grids. ICEG2D (v2.0) can be operated in either a batch mode using a script file or in an interactive mode by entering directives from a command line within a Unix shell. This report summarizes activities completed in the first two years of a three-year research and development program to address automation issues related to CFD simulations for airfoils with ice accretions. As well as describing the technology employed in the software, this document serves as a users manual providing installation and operating instructions. An evaluation of the software is also presented.

Single-molecule FRET-Rosetta reveals RNA structural rearrangements during human telomerase catalysis

PubMed Central

Parks, Joseph W.; Kappel, Kalli; Das, Rhiju; Stone, Michael D.

2017-01-01

Maintenance of telomeres by telomerase permits continuous proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, including the majority of human cancers. Despite its direct biomedical significance, the architecture of the human telomerase complex remains unknown. Generating homogeneous telomerase samples has presented a significant barrier to developing improved structural models. Here we pair single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) measurements with Rosetta modeling to map the conformations of the essential telomerase RNA core domain within the active ribonucleoprotein. FRET-guided modeling places the essential pseudoknot fold distal to the active site on a protein surface comprising the C-terminal element, a domain that shares structural homology with canonical polymerase thumb domains. An independently solved medium-resolution structure of Tetrahymena telomerase provides a blind test of our modeling methodology and sheds light on the structural homology of this domain across diverse organisms. Our smFRET-Rosetta models reveal nanometer-scale rearrangements within the RNA core domain during catalysis. Taken together, our FRET data and pseudoatomic molecular models permit us to propose a possible mechanism for how RNA core domain rearrangement is coupled to template hybrid elongation. PMID:28096444

Implementation of a decoupled controller for a magnetic suspension system using electromagnets mounted in a planar array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cox, D. E.; Groom, N. J.

1994-01-01

An implementation of a decoupled, single-input/single-output control approach for a large angle magnetic suspension test fixture is described. Numerical and experimental results are presented. The experimental system is a laboratory model large gap magnetic suspension system which provides five degree-of-freedom control of a cylindrical suspended element. The suspended element contains a core composed of permanent magnet material and is levitated above five electromagnets mounted in a planar array.

Structural Characterization of POSS Siloxane Dimer and Trimer (PREPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-14

68.49 (s, 1 Si); -109.77 (s, 1 Si). Elemental analysis found (theoretical): %C 50.12 (50.11); %H 7.88 (7.71). HPLC showed a single peak. Synthesis...s, 1 Si); -68.88 (s, 1 Si); -110.09 (s, 1 Si). Elemental analysis found (theoretical): %C 51.37 (51.22); %H 7.96 (7.88). HPLC showed a single...when tethered or blended into polydimethylsiloxane . Attempts to model siloxanes28-30 are not new. Sun and Rigby31 were the first to develop a

Photonic sensing based on variation of propagation properties of photonic crystal fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothwell, John H.; Flavin, Dónal A.; MacPherson, William N.; Jones, Julian D.; Knight, Jonathan C.; Russell, Philip St. J.

2006-12-01

We report on a low-coherence interferometric scheme for the measurement of the strain and temperature dependences of group delay and dispersion in short, index-guiding, 'endlessly-single-mode' photonic crystal fibre elements in the 840 nm and 1550 nm regions. Based on the measurements, we propose two schemes for simultaneous strain and temperature measurement using a single unmodified PCF element, without a requirement for any compensating components, and we project the measurement accuracies of these schemes.

Stressed and unstressed Ge:Ga detector arrays for airborne astronomy

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

Stacey, G.J.; Beeman, J.W.; Haller, E.E.

1992-11-01

We have constructed and used two dimensional arrays of both unstressed and stressed Ge:GA photoconductive detectors for far-infrared astronomy from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). The 25 element (5 x 5) arrays are designed for a new cryogenically cooled spectrometer, the MPE/UCB Far-Infrared Imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FIFI). All of the pixels for the stressed array performed well on the first flights with FIFI; 25% of the detectors in the array are more sensitive than our best single element detector, with background limited noise equivalent powers (NEPs) [approx lt] 3.0 [times] 10[sup [minus]15] W Hz[sup [minus]1/2] at 158 [mu]m and 40more » km s[sup [minus]1] spectral resolution. The average array element performs within [plus minus] 15% of this value. With a bias field of 0.1 V/cm, the average detector response is 20 [plus minus] 6 Amp/Watt at 158 [mu]m. The cutoff wavelength and response also compare well with our single element detectors. The unstressed array delivers significantly better performance than our single element detector due to the lower thermal background in the new spectrometer. The average background limited NEP at 88 [mu]m and 35 km s[sup [minus]1] spectral resolution is approx. 7 [times] 10[sup [minus]15] W Hz[sup [minus]1/2]. 18 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Applications of FEM and BEM in two-dimensional fracture mechanics problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Min, J. B.; Steeve, B. E.; Swanson, G. R.

1992-01-01

A comparison of the finite element method (FEM) and boundary element method (BEM) for the solution of two-dimensional plane strain problems in fracture mechanics is presented in this paper. Stress intensity factors (SIF's) were calculated using both methods for elastic plates with either a single-edge crack or an inclined-edge crack. In particular, two currently available programs, ANSYS for finite element analysis and BEASY for boundary element analysis, were used.

On a concurrent element-by-element preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm for multiple load cases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Brian; Kamat, M. P.

1990-01-01

Element-by-element preconditioned conjugate gradient (EBE-PCG) algorithms have been advocated for use in parallel/vector processing environments as being superior to the conventional LDL(exp T) decomposition algorithm for single load cases. Although there may be some advantages in using such algorithms for a single load case, when it comes to situations involving multiple load cases, the LDL(exp T) decomposition algorithm would appear to be decidedly more cost-effective. The authors have outlined an EBE-PCG algorithm suitable for multiple load cases and compared its effectiveness to the highly efficient LDL(exp T) decomposition scheme. The proposed algorithm offers almost no advantages over the LDL(exp T) algorithm for the linear problems investigated on the Alliant FX/8. However, there may be some merit in the algorithm in solving nonlinear problems with load incrementation, but that remains to be investigated.

The TRUSPEAK Concept: Combining CMPO and HDEHP for Separating Trivalent Lanthanides from the Transuranic Elements

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

Lumetta, Gregg J.; Gelis, Artem V.; Braley, Jenifer C.

2013-04-08

Combining octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutyl-carbamoylmethyl-phosphine oxide (CMPO) and bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) into a single process solvent for separating transuranic elements from liquid high-level waste is explored. Co-extraction of americium and the lanthanide elements from nitric acid solution is possible with a solvent mixture consisting of 0.1-M CMPO plus 1-M HDEHP in n-dodecane. Switching the aqueous-phase chemistry to a citrate-buffered solution of diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) allows for selective stripping of americium, separating it from the lanthanide elements. Potential strategies for managing molybdenum and zirconium (both of which co-extract with americium and the lanthanides) have been developed. The work presented here demonstratesmore » the feasibility of combining CMPO and HDEHP into a single extraction solvent for recovering americium from high-level waste and its separation from the lanthanides.« less

Micromechanical predictions of crack propagation and fracture energy in a single fiber boron/aluminum model composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, D. F.; Mahishi, J. M.

1982-01-01

The axisymmetric finite element model and associated computer program developed for the analysis of crack propagation in a composite consisting of a single broken fiber in an annular sheath of matrix material was extended to include a constant displacement boundary condition during an increment of crack propagation. The constant displacement condition permits the growth of a stable crack, as opposed to the catastropic failure in an earlier version. The finite element model was refined to respond more accurately to the high stresses and steep stress gradients near the broken fiber end. The accuracy and effectiveness of the conventional constant strain axisymmetric element for crack problems was established by solving the classical problem of a penny-shaped crack in a thick cylindrical rod under axial tension. The stress intensity factors predicted by the present finite element model are compared with existing continuum results.

Structural and biochemical analysis of nuclease domain of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 3 (Cas3).

PubMed

Mulepati, Sabin; Bailey, Scott

2011-09-09

RNA transcribed from clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) protects many prokaryotes from invasion by foreign DNA such as viruses, conjugative plasmids, and transposable elements. Cas3 (CRISPR-associated protein 3) is essential for this CRISPR protection and is thought to mediate cleavage of the foreign DNA through its N-terminal histidine-aspartate (HD) domain. We report here the 1.8 Å crystal structure of the HD domain of Cas3 from Thermus thermophilus HB8. Structural and biochemical studies predict that this enzyme binds two metal ions at its active site. We also demonstrate that the single-stranded DNA endonuclease activity of this T. thermophilus domain is activated not by magnesium but by transition metal ions such as manganese and nickel. Structure-guided mutagenesis confirms the importance of the metal-binding residues for the nuclease activity and identifies other active site residues. Overall, these results provide a framework for understanding the role of Cas3 in the CRISPR system.

Global-Local Finite Element Analysis of Bonded Single-Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kilic, Bahattin; Madenci, Erdogan; Ambur, Damodar R.

2004-01-01

Adhesively bonded lap joints involve dissimilar material junctions and sharp changes in geometry, possibly leading to premature failure. Although the finite element method is well suited to model the bonded lap joints, traditional finite elements are incapable of correctly resolving the stress state at junctions of dissimilar materials because of the unbounded nature of the stresses. In order to facilitate the use of bonded lap joints in future structures, this study presents a finite element technique utilizing a global (special) element coupled with traditional elements. The global element includes the singular behavior at the junction of dissimilar materials with or without traction-free surfaces.

Combined Effects of Lanthanum (III) and Acid Rain on Antioxidant Enzyme System in Soybean Roots.

PubMed

Zhang, Xuanbo; Du, Yuping; Wang, Lihong; Zhou, Qing; Huang, Xiaohua; Sun, Zhaoguo

2015-01-01

Rare earth element pollution (REEs) and acid rain (AR) pollution simultaneously occur in many regions, which resulted in a new environmental issue, the combined pollution of REEs and AR. The effects of the combined pollution on the antioxidant enzyme system of plant roots have not been reported. Here, the combined effects of lanthanum ion (La3+), one type of REE, and AR on the antioxidant enzyme system of soybean roots were investigated. In the combined treatment of La3+ (0.08 mM) and AR, the cell membrane permeability and the peroxidation of cell membrane lipid of soybean roots increased, and the superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and reduced ascorbic acid served as scavengers of reactive oxygen species. In other combined treatments of La3+ (0.40 mM, 1.20 mM) and AR, the membrane permeability, malonyldialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity and reduced ascorbic acid content increased, while the catalase activity decreased. The increased superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity and reduced ascorbic acid content were inadequate to scavenge the excess hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, leading to the damage of the cell membrane, which was aggravated with the increase in the concentration of La3+ and the level of AR. The deleterious effects of the combined treatment of La3+ and AR were stronger than those of the single treatment of La3+ or AR. Moreover, the activity of antioxidant enzyme system in the combined treatment group was affected directly and indirectly by mineral element content in soybean plants.

Combined Effects of Lanthanum (III) and Acid Rain on Antioxidant Enzyme System in Soybean Roots

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xuanbo; Du, Yuping; Wang, Lihong; Zhou, Qing; Huang, Xiaohua; Sun, Zhaoguo

2015-01-01

Rare earth element pollution (REEs) and acid rain (AR) pollution simultaneously occur in many regions, which resulted in a new environmental issue, the combined pollution of REEs and AR. The effects of the combined pollution on the antioxidant enzyme system of plant roots have not been reported. Here, the combined effects of lanthanum ion (La3+), one type of REE, and AR on the antioxidant enzyme system of soybean roots were investigated. In the combined treatment of La3+ (0.08 mM) and AR, the cell membrane permeability and the peroxidation of cell membrane lipid of soybean roots increased, and the superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and reduced ascorbic acid served as scavengers of reactive oxygen species. In other combined treatments of La3+ (0.40 mM, 1.20 mM) and AR, the membrane permeability, malonyldialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity and reduced ascorbic acid content increased, while the catalase activity decreased. The increased superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity and reduced ascorbic acid content were inadequate to scavenge the excess hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, leading to the damage of the cell membrane, which was aggravated with the increase in the concentration of La3+ and the level of AR. The deleterious effects of the combined treatment of La3+ and AR were stronger than those of the single treatment of La3+ or AR. Moreover, the activity of antioxidant enzyme system in the combined treatment group was affected directly and indirectly by mineral element content in soybean plants. PMID:26230263

High-Frequency Ultrasonic Imaging of the Anterior Segment Using an Annular Array Transducer

PubMed Central

Silverman, Ronald H.; Ketterling, Jeffrey A.; Coleman, D. Jackson

2006-01-01

Objective Very-high-frequency (>35 MHz) ultrasound (VHFU) allows imaging of anterior segment structures of the eye with a resolution of less than 40-μm. The low focal ratio of VHFU transducers, however, results in a depth-of-field (DOF) of less than 1-mm. Our aim was to develop a high-frequency annular array transducer for ocular imaging with improved DOF, sensitivity and resolution compared to conventional transducers. Design Experimental Study Participants Cadaver eyes, ex vivo cow eyes, in vivo rabbit eyes. Methods A spherically curved annular array ultrasound transducer was fabricated. The array consisted of five concentric rings of equal area, had an overall aperture of 6 mm and a geometric focus of 12 mm. The nominal center frequency of all array elements was 40 MHz. An experimental system was designed in which a single array element was pulsed and echo data recorded from all elements. By sequentially pulsing each element, echo data were acquired for all 25 transmit/receive annuli combinations. The echo data were then synthetically focused and composite images produced. Transducer operation was tested by scanning a test object consisting of a series of 25-μm diameter wires spaced at increasing range from the transducer. Imaging capabilities of the annular array were demonstrated in ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit and human cadaver eyes. Main Outcome Measures Depth of field, resolution and sensitivity. Results The wire scans verified the operation of the array and demonstrated a 6.0 mm DOF compared to the 1.0 mm DOF of a conventional single-element transducer of comparable frequency, aperture and focal length. B-mode images of ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit and cadaver eyes showed that while the single-element transducer had high sensitivity and resolution within 1–2 mm of its focus, the array with synthetic focusing maintained this quality over a 6 mm DOF. Conclusion An annular array for high-resolution ocular imaging has been demonstrated. This technology offers improved depth-of-field, sensitivity and lateral resolution compared to single-element fixed focus transducers currently used for VHFU imaging of the eye. PMID:17141314

High-frequency ultrasonic imaging of the anterior segment using an annular array transducer.

PubMed

Silverman, Ronald H; Ketterling, Jeffrey A; Coleman, D Jackson

2007-04-01

Very high-frequency ultrasound (VHFU; >35 megahertz [MHz]) allows imaging of anterior segment structures of the eye with a resolution of less than 40 microm. The low focal ratio of VHFU transducers, however, results in a depth of field (DOF) of less than 1 mm. The aim was to develop a high-frequency annular array transducer for ocular imaging with improved DOF, sensitivity, and resolution compared with conventional transducers. Experimental study. Cadaver eyes, ex vivo cow eyes, in vivo rabbit eyes. A spherically curved annular array ultrasound transducer was fabricated. The array consisted of 5 concentric rings of equal area, had an overall aperture of 6 mm, and a geometric focus of 12 mm. The nominal center frequency of all array elements was 40 MHz. An experimental system was designed in which a single array element was pulsed and echo data were recorded from all elements. By sequentially pulsing each element, echo data were acquired for all 25 transmit-and-receive annuli combinations. The echo data then were focused synthetically and composite images were produced. Transducer operation was tested by scanning a test object consisting of a series of 25-microm diameter wires spaced at increasing range from the transducer. Imaging capabilities of the annular array were demonstrated in ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit, and human cadaver eyes. Depth of field, resolution, and sensitivity. The wire scans verified the operation of the array and demonstrated a 6.0-mm DOF, compared with the 1.0-mm DOF of a conventional single-element transducer of comparable frequency, aperture, and focal length. B-mode images of ex vivo bovine, in vivo rabbit, and cadaver eyes showed that although the single-element transducer had high sensitivity and resolution within 1 to 2 mm of its focus, the array with synthetic focusing maintained this quality over a 6-mm DOF. An annular array for high-resolution ocular imaging has been demonstrated. This technology offers improved DOF, sensitivity, and lateral resolution compared with single-element fixed focus transducers currently used for VHFU imaging of the eye.

Toward wideband steerable acoustic metasurfaces with arrays of active electroacoustic resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lissek, Hervé; Rivet, Etienne; Laurence, Thomas; Fleury, Romain

2018-03-01

We introduce an active concept for achieving acoustic metasurfaces with steerable reflection properties, effective over a wide frequency band. The proposed active acoustic metasurface consists of a surface array of subwavelength loudspeaker diaphragms, each with programmable individual active acoustic impedances allowing for local control over the different reflection phases over the metasurface. The active control framework used for controlling the reflection phase over the metasurface is derived from the Active Electroacoustic Resonator concept. Each unit-cell simply consists of a current-driven electrodynamic loudspeaker in a closed box, whose acoustic impedance at the diaphragm is judiciously adjusted by connecting an active electrical control circuit. The control is known to achieve a wide variety of acoustic impedances on a single loudspeaker diaphragm used as an acoustic resonator, with the possibility to shift its resonance frequency by more than one octave. This paper presents a methodology for designing such active metasurface elements. An experimental validation of the achieved individual reflection coefficients is presented, and full wave simulations present a few examples of achievable reflection properties, with a focus on the bandwidth of operation of the proposed control concept.

Cytochalasin E alters the cytoskeleton and decreases ENaC activity in Xenopus 2F3 cells.

PubMed

Reifenberger, Matthew S; Yu, Ling; Bao, Hui-Fang; Duke, Billie Jeanne; Liu, Bing-Chen; Ma, He-Ping; Alli, Ahmed A; Eaton, Douglas C; Alli, Abdel A

2014-07-01

Numerous reports have linked cytoskeleton-associated proteins with the regulation of epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of actin cytoskeleton disruption by cytochalasin E on ENaC activity in Xenopus 2F3 cells. Here, we show that cytochalasin E treatment for 60 min can disrupt the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton in cultured Xenopus 2F3 cells. We show using single channel patch-clamp experiments and measurements of short-circuit current that ENaC activity, but not its density, is altered by cytochalasin E-induced disruption of the cytoskeleton. In nontreated cells, 8 of 33 patches (24%) had no measurable ENaC activity, whereas in cytochalasin E-treated cells, 17 of 32 patches (53%) had no activity. Analysis of those patches that did contain ENaC activity showed channel open probability significantly decreased from 0.081 ± 0.01 in nontreated cells to 0.043 ± 0.01 in cells treated with cytochalasin E. Transepithelial current from mpkCCD cells treated with cytochalasin E, cytochalasin D, or latrunculin B for 60 min was decreased compared with vehicle-treated cells. The subcellular expression of fodrin changed significantly, and several protein elements of the cytoskeleton decreased at least twofold after 60 min of cytochalasin E treatment. Cytochalasin E treatment disrupted the association between ENaC and myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate. The results presented here suggest disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by different compounds can attenuate ENaC activity through a mechanism involving changes in the subcellular expression of fodrin, several elements of the cytoskeleton, and destabilization of the ENaC-myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate complex. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Cytochalasin E alters the cytoskeleton and decreases ENaC activity in Xenopus 2F3 cells

PubMed Central

Reifenberger, Matthew S.; Yu, Ling; Bao, Hui-Fang; Duke, Billie Jeanne; Liu, Bing-Chen; Ma, He-Ping; Eaton, Douglas C.; Alli, Abdel A.

2014-01-01

Numerous reports have linked cytoskeleton-associated proteins with the regulation of epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of actin cytoskeleton disruption by cytochalasin E on ENaC activity in Xenopus 2F3 cells. Here, we show that cytochalasin E treatment for 60 min can disrupt the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton in cultured Xenopus 2F3 cells. We show using single channel patch-clamp experiments and measurements of short-circuit current that ENaC activity, but not its density, is altered by cytochalasin E-induced disruption of the cytoskeleton. In nontreated cells, 8 of 33 patches (24%) had no measurable ENaC activity, whereas in cytochalasin E-treated cells, 17 of 32 patches (53%) had no activity. Analysis of those patches that did contain ENaC activity showed channel open probability significantly decreased from 0.081 ± 0.01 in nontreated cells to 0.043 ± 0.01 in cells treated with cytochalasin E. Transepithelial current from mpkCCD cells treated with cytochalasin E, cytochalasin D, or latrunculin B for 60 min was decreased compared with vehicle-treated cells. The subcellular expression of fodrin changed significantly, and several protein elements of the cytoskeleton decreased at least twofold after 60 min of cytochalasin E treatment. Cytochalasin E treatment disrupted the association between ENaC and myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate. The results presented here suggest disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by different compounds can attenuate ENaC activity through a mechanism involving changes in the subcellular expression of fodrin, several elements of the cytoskeleton, and destabilization of the ENaC-myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate complex. PMID:24829507

Efficient activation of transcription in yeast by the BPV1 E2 protein.

PubMed Central

Stanway, C A; Sowden, M P; Wilson, L E; Kingsman, A J; Kingsman, S M

1989-01-01

The full-length gene product encoded by the E2 open reading frame (ORF) of bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) is a transcriptional transactivator. It is believed to mediate its effect on the BPV1 long control region (LCR) by binding to motifs with the consensus sequence ACCN6GGT. The minimal functional cis active site, called the E2 response element (E2RE), in mammalian cells comprises two copies of this motif. Here we have shown that E2 can function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by placing an E2RE upstream of a synthetic yeast assay promoter which consists of a TATA motif and an mRNA initiation site, spaced correctly. This E2RE-minimal promoter is only transcriptionally active in the presence of E2 protein and the resulting mRNA is initiated at the authentic start site. This is the first report of a mammalian viral transactivator functioning in yeast. The level of activation by E2 via the E2RE was the same as observed with the highly efficient authentic PGK promoter where the upstream activation sequence is composed of three distinct elements. Furthermore a single E2 motif which is insufficient in mammalian cells as an activation site was as efficiently utilized in yeast as the E2RE (2 motifs). Previous studies have shown that mammalian cellular activators can function in yeast and our data now extend this to viral-specific activators. Our data indicate however that while the mechanism of transactivation is broadly conserved there may be significant differences at the detailed level. Images PMID:2539584

A New Axi-Symmetric Element for Thin Walled Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardoso, Rui P. R.; Yoon, Jeong Whan; Dick, Robert E.

2010-06-01

A new axi-symmetric finite element for sheet metal forming applications is presented in this work. It uses the solid-shell element's concept with only a single element layer and multiple integration points along the thickness direction. The cross section of the element is composed of four nodes with two degrees of freedom each. The proposed formulation overcomes major locking pathologies including transverse shear locking, Poisson's locking and volumetric locking. Some examples are shown to demonstrate the performance and accuracy of the proposed element with special focus on the numerical simulations for the beverage can industry.

Simultaneous Detection of Electronic Structure Changes from Two Elements of a Bifunctional Catalyst Using Wavelength-Dispersive X-ray Emission Spectroscopy and in situ Electrochemistry

PubMed Central

Gul, Sheraz; Desmond Ng, Jia Wei; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Kern, Jan; Sokaras, Dimosthenis; Anzenberg, Eitan; Lassalle-Kaiser, Benedikt; Gorlin, Yelena; Weng, Tsu-Chien; Zwart, Petrus H.; Zhang, Jin Z.; Bergmann, Uwe; Yachandra, Vittal K.; Jaramillo, Thomas F.; Yano, Junko

2015-01-01

Multielectron catalytic reactions, such as water oxidation, nitrogen reduction, or hydrogen production in enzymes and inorganic catalysts often involve multimetallic clusters. In these systems, the reaction takes place between metals or metals and ligands to facilitate charge transfer, bond formation/breaking, substrate binding, and release of products. In this study, we present a method to detect X-ray emission signals from multiple elements simultaneously, which allows for the study of charge transfer and the sequential chemistry occurring between elements. Kβ X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) probes charge and spin states of metals as well as their ligand environment. A wavelength-dispersive spectrometer based on the von Hamos geometry was used to disperse Kβ signals of multiple elements onto a position detector, enabling an XES spectrum to be measured in a single-shot mode. This overcomes the scanning needs of the scanning spectrometers, providing data free from temporal and normalization errors and therefore ideal to follow sequential chemistry at multiple sites. We have applied this method to study MnOx-based bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In particular, we investigated the effects of adding a secondary element, Ni, to form MnNiOx and its impact on the chemical states and catalytic activity, by tracking the redox characteristics of each element upon sweeping the electrode potential. The detection scheme we describe here is general and can be applied to time-resolved studies of materials consisting of multiple elements, to follow the dynamics of catalytic and electron transfer reactions. PMID:25747045

Simultaneous detection of electronic structure changes from two elements of a bifunctional catalyst using wavelength-dispersive X-ray emission spectroscopy and in situ electrochemistry.

PubMed

Gul, Sheraz; Ng, Jia Wei Desmond; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Kern, Jan; Sokaras, Dimosthenis; Anzenberg, Eitan; Lassalle-Kaiser, Benedikt; Gorlin, Yelena; Weng, Tsu-Chien; Zwart, Petrus H; Zhang, Jin Z; Bergmann, Uwe; Yachandra, Vittal K; Jaramillo, Thomas F; Yano, Junko

2015-04-14

Multielectron catalytic reactions, such as water oxidation, nitrogen reduction, or hydrogen production in enzymes and inorganic catalysts often involve multimetallic clusters. In these systems, the reaction takes place between metals or metals and ligands to facilitate charge transfer, bond formation/breaking, substrate binding, and release of products. In this study, we present a method to detect X-ray emission signals from multiple elements simultaneously, which allows for the study of charge transfer and the sequential chemistry occurring between elements. Kβ X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) probes charge and spin states of metals as well as their ligand environment. A wavelength-dispersive spectrometer based on the von Hamos geometry was used to disperse Kβ signals of multiple elements onto a position detector, enabling an XES spectrum to be measured in a single-shot mode. This overcomes the scanning needs of the scanning spectrometers, providing data free from temporal and normalization errors and therefore ideal to follow sequential chemistry at multiple sites. We have applied this method to study MnOx-based bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In particular, we investigated the effects of adding a secondary element, Ni, to form MnNiOx and its impact on the chemical states and catalytic activity, by tracking the redox characteristics of each element upon sweeping the electrode potential. The detection scheme we describe here is general and can be applied to time-resolved studies of materials consisting of multiple elements, to follow the dynamics of catalytic and electron transfer reactions.

Simultaneous detection of electronic structure changes from two elements of a bifunctional catalyst using wavelength-dispersive X-ray emission spectroscopy and in situ electrochemistry

DOE PAGES

Gul, Sheraz; Ng, Jia Wei Desmond; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; ...

2015-02-25

Multielectron catalytic reactions, such as water oxidation, nitrogen reduction, or hydrogen production in enzymes and inorganic catalysts often involve multimetallic clusters. In these systems, the reaction takes place between metals or metals and ligands to facilitate charge transfer, bond formation/breaking, substrate binding, and release of products. In this study, we present a method to detect X-ray emission signals from multiple elements simultaneously, which allows for the study of charge transfer and the sequential chemistry occurring between elements. Kβ X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) probes charge and spin states of metals as well as their ligand environment. A wavelength-dispersive spectrometer based onmore » the von Hamos geometry was used to disperse Kβ signals of multiple elements onto a position detector, enabling an XES spectrum to be measured in a single-shot mode. This overcomes the scanning needs of the scanning spectrometers, providing data free from temporal and normalization errors and therefore ideal to follow sequential chemistry at multiple sites. We have applied this method to study MnOx-based bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In particular, we investigated the effects of adding a secondary element, Ni, to form MnNiOx and its impact on the chemical states and catalytic activity, by tracking the redox characteristics of each element upon sweeping the electrode potential. In conclusion, the detection scheme we describe here is general and can be applied to time-resolved studies of materials consisting of multiple elements, to follow the dynamics of catalytic and electron transfer reactions.« less

Ecological networks to unravel the routes to horizontal transposon transfers.

PubMed

Venner, Samuel; Miele, Vincent; Terzian, Christophe; Biémont, Christian; Daubin, Vincent; Feschotte, Cédric; Pontier, Dominique

2017-02-01

Transposable elements (TEs) represent the single largest component of numerous eukaryotic genomes, and their activity and dispersal constitute an important force fostering evolutionary innovation. The horizontal transfer of TEs (HTT) between eukaryotic species is a common and widespread phenomenon that has had a profound impact on TE dynamics and, consequently, on the evolutionary trajectory of many species' lineages. However, the mechanisms promoting HTT remain largely unknown. In this article, we argue that network theory combined with functional ecology provides a robust conceptual framework and tools to delineate how complex interactions between diverse organisms may act in synergy to promote HTTs.

Monitoring Cellular Interactions during T Cell Activation at the Single Molecule Level Using Semiconductor Quantum-Dots

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-10

avidin-fusion constructs in mammalian immune cells. To facilitate detection, an epitope tag (HA, derived from the influenza A virus haemagglutinin...Enhanced Green Fluorescent protein (EGFP) cassette. The IRES element (internal ribosome entry site of the encephalomyocarditis virus ) permits both the...AVIDIN CD4 4 AVIDIN tAT .RES’ EGFP TRES’ EGFP IRES’ EGFp 1RES. EGFP g9K LP tar LP gK LP ITTK LIP IE "M33 Ee TM NAMI IAV ~ 𔃺M A ,A,0,, MIMI, A161 TM

Epigenetic Therapy of Hematopoietic Malignancies: Novel Approaches for Tissue-Specific and Global Inhibition of EZH2 Enzymatic Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

at cis-regulatory elements such as enhancers to facilitate gene transcription. CRISPR /Cas9- mediated ablation of a putative Meis1 enhancer carrying...Tables S4 and S5. 10 Cancer Cell 30, 1–16, July 11, 2016the CRISPR /Cas9-based genomic editing technology. Cas9 and a pair of single guide RNAs (sgRNA... CRISPR /Cas9-mediated deletio sgMeis1, a pair of sgRNAs that target the DMR boundaries. (N) Sequencing of the genomic PCR products from F2/R2 primers shows

High Temperature Ultrasonic Transducer for Real-time Inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amini, Mohammad Hossein; Sinclair, Anthony N.; Coyle, Thomas W.

A broadband ultrasonic transducer with a novel porous ceramic backing layer is introduced to operate at 700 °C. 36° Y-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO3) single crystal was selected for the piezoelectric element. By appropriate choice of constituent materials, porosity and pore size, the acoustic impedance and attenuation of a zirconia-based backing layer were optimized. An active brazing alloy with high temperature and chemical stability was selected to bond the transducer layers together. Prototype transducers have been tested at temperatures up to 700 °C. The experiments confirmed that transducer integrity was maintained.

Principles of cell-free genetic circuit assembly.

PubMed

Noireaux, Vincent; Bar-Ziv, Roy; Libchaber, Albert

2003-10-28

Cell-free genetic circuit elements were constructed in a transcription-translation extract. We engineered transcriptional activation and repression cascades, in which the protein product of each stage is the input required to drive or block the following stage. Although we can find regions of linear response for single stages, cascading to subsequent stages requires working in nonlinear regimes. Substantial time delays and dramatic decreases in output production are incurred with each additional stage because of a bottleneck at the translation machinery. Faster turnover of RNA message can relieve competition between genes and stabilize output against variations in input and parameters.

Competitive adsorption of copper(II), cadmium(II), lead(II) and zinc(II) onto basic oxygen furnace slag.

PubMed

Xue, Yongjie; Hou, Haobo; Zhu, Shujing

2009-02-15

Polluted and contaminated water can often contain more than one heavy metal species. It is possible that the behavior of a particular metal species in a solution system will be affected by the presence of other metals. In this study, we have investigated the adsorption of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) onto basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF slag) in single- and multi-element solution systems as a function of pH and concentration, in a background solution of 0.01M NaNO(3). In adsorption edge experiments, the pH was varied from 2.0 to 13.0 with total metal concentration 0.84mM in the single element system and 0.21mM each of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) in the multi-element system. The value of pH(50) (the pH at which 50% adsorption occurs) was found to follow the sequence Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd in single-element systems, but Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd in the multi-element system. Adsorption isotherms at pH 6.0 in the multi-element systems showed that there is competition among various metals for adsorption sites on BOF slag. The adsorption and potentiometric titrations data for various slag-metal systems were modeled using an extended constant-capacitance surface complexation model that assumed an ion-exchange process below pH 6.5 and the formation of inner-sphere surface complexes at higher pH. Inner-sphere complexation was more dominant for the Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) systems.

Massively parallel processor computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fung, L. W. (Inventor)

1983-01-01

An apparatus for processing multidimensional data with strong spatial characteristics, such as raw image data, characterized by a large number of parallel data streams in an ordered array is described. It comprises a large number (e.g., 16,384 in a 128 x 128 array) of parallel processing elements operating simultaneously and independently on single bit slices of a corresponding array of incoming data streams under control of a single set of instructions. Each of the processing elements comprises a bidirectional data bus in communication with a register for storing single bit slices together with a random access memory unit and associated circuitry, including a binary counter/shift register device, for performing logical and arithmetical computations on the bit slices, and an I/O unit for interfacing the bidirectional data bus with the data stream source. The massively parallel processor architecture enables very high speed processing of large amounts of ordered parallel data, including spatial translation by shifting or sliding of bits vertically or horizontally to neighboring processing elements.

Czochralski growth of NaNO3-LiNO3 solid solution single crystals using axial vibrational control technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avetissov, Igor; Sadovskiy, Andrei; Belov, Stanislav; Kong Khan, Chan; Mozhevitina, Elena; Sukhanova, Ekaterina; Zharikov, Eugeniy

2014-09-01

T-x diagram of LiNO3-NaNO3 quasi-binary system has been improved using an original technique based on Raman measurements of condense phase. (LiNO3)x(NaNO3)1-x solid solution single crystal has been grown at different regimes of axial vibrational control (AVC) technique. Significant difference in segregation coefficient behavior between AVC-CZ and conventional CZ grown crystals has appeared: with AVC intensity increase the segregation coefficient (SC) raises for light molecular weight elements, SC reduces for medium molecular weight elements, and SC remains practically unchangeable for heavy molecular weight elements. Effect of vibrational intensity on vibron and optical characteristics, microhardness of AVC-CZ (LiNO3)x(NaNO3)1-x solid solution single crystals has been studied. For the AVC-CZ crystals has been observed increases in microhardness as well as in optical transmission up to 10 rel% compare to conventional CZ grown crystals.

Failure modes of single and multi-bolted joint in the pultruded fiber reinforced polymer composite members

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S. Y.; Yoo, J. H.; Kim, H. K.; Shin, K. Y.; Yoon, S. J.

2018-06-01

In this paper, we discussed the structural behavior of bolted lap-joint connections in pultruded FRP structural members. Especially, bolted connections in pultruded FRP members are investigated for their failure modes and strength. Specimens with single and multiple bolt-holes are tested in tension under bolt-loading conditions. All of the specimens are instrumented with strain gages and the load-strain responses are monitored. The failed specimens are examined for the cracks and failure patterns. The purpose of this paper is to predict the failure strength by using the ratio of the results obtained by the experiment and the finite element analysis. In the study, several tests are conducted to determine the mechanical properties of pultruded FRP materials before the main experiment. The results are used in the finite element analysis for single and multiple bolted lap-joint specimens. The results obtained by the experiment are compared with the results obtained by the finite element analysis.

Modeling Transverse Cracking in Laminates With a Single Layer of Elements Per Ply

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Der Meer, Frans P.; Davila, Carlos G.

2012-01-01

The objective of the present paper is to investigate the ability of mesolevel X-FEM models with a single layer of elements per ply to capture accurately all aspects of matrix cracking. In particular, we examine whether the model can predict the insitu ply thickness effect on crack initiation and propagation, the crack density as a function of strain, the strain for crack saturation, and the interaction between delamination and transverse cracks. Results reveal that the simplified model does not capture correctly the shear-lag relaxation of the stress field on either side of a crack, which leads to an overprediction of the crack density. It is also shown, however, that after onset of delamination many of the inserted matrix cracks close again, and that the density of open cracks becomes similar to the density predicted by the detailed model. The degree to which the spurious cracks affect the global response is quantified and the reliability of the mesolevel approach with a single layer of elements per ply is discussed.

Comparison of the properties of tonpilz transducers fabricated with 001 fiber-textured lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate ceramic and single crystals.

PubMed

Brosnan, Kristen H; Messing, Gary L; Markley, Douglas C; Meyer, Richard J

2009-11-01

Tonpilz transducers are fabricated from 001 fiber-textured 0.72Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-0.28PbTiO(3) (PMN-28PT) ceramics, obtained by the templated grain growth process, and PMN-28PT ceramic and Bridgman grown single crystals of the same composition. In-water characterization of single element transducers shows higher source levels, higher in-water coupling, and more usable bandwidth for the 81 vol % textured PMN-28PT device than for the ceramic PMN-28PT element. The 81 vol % textured PMN-28PT tonpilz element measured under large signals shows linearity in sound pressure levels up to 0.23 MV/m drive field but undergoes a phase transition due to a lowered transition temperature from the SrTiO(3) template particles. Although the textured ceramic performs well in this application, it could be further improved with compositional tailoring to raise the transition temperature and better processing to improve the texture quality. With these improvements textured piezoelectric ceramics will be viable options for medical ultrasound, actuators, and sonar applications because of their ease of processing, compositional homogeneity, and potentially lower cost than single crystal.

Understanding Single Adulthood.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stein, Peter J.

The life styles and life chances of the unmarried include elements of choices. Singles may be grouped and characterized according to whether their status may be considered stable or temporary. A life cycle, or continuum model of singlehood is reviewed, including its different factors, or phases. A new model for singles is proposed--a life spiral…

Large Eddy Simulations of Transverse Combustion Instability in a Multi-Element Injector

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-27

Instability in a Multi- Element Injector 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Matthew Harvazinski, Yogin...Simulations of Transverse  Combustion Instability in a Multi‐ Element  Injector 2 History Damaged engine injector  faceplate caused by combustion...Clearance #16346 3 Single  Element  Studies Short Post Marginally Stable Intermediate Post Unstable Long Post Stable Long Post Unstable CVRC Experiment

Multiphysics Modeling of a Single Channel in a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Grooved Ring Fuel Element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Tony; Emrich, William J., Jr.; Barkett, Laura A.; Mathias, Adam D.; Cassibry, Jason T.

2013-01-01

In the past, fuel rods have been used in nuclear propulsion applications. A new fuel element concept that reduces weight and increases efficiency uses a stack of grooved discs. Each fuel element is a flat disc with a hole on the interior and grooves across the top. Many grooved ring fuel elements for use in nuclear thermal propulsion systems have been modeled, and a single flow channel for each design has been analyzed. For increased efficiency, a fuel element with a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio is ideal. When grooves are shallower, i.e., they have a lower surface area, the results show that the exit temperature is higher. By coupling the physics of turbulence with those of heat transfer, the effects on the cooler gas flowing through the grooves of the thermally excited solid can be predicted. Parametric studies were done to show how a pressure drop across the axial length of the channels will affect the exit temperatures of the gas. Geometric optimization was done to show the behaviors that result from the manipulation of various parameters. Temperature profiles of the solid and gas showed that more structural optimization is needed to produce the desired results. Keywords: Nuclear Thermal Propulsion, Fuel Element, Heat Transfer, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Coupled Physics Computations, Finite Element Analysis

P-Element Insertion Alleles of Essential Genes on the Third Chromosome of Drosophila Melanogaster: Correlation of Physical and Cytogenetic Maps in Chromosomal Region 86e-87f

PubMed Central

Deak, P.; Omar, M. M.; Saunders, RDC.; Pal, M.; Komonyi, O.; Szidonya, J.; Maroy, P.; Zhang, Y.; Ashburner, M.; Benos, P.; Savakis, C.; Siden-Kiamos, I.; Louis, C.; Bolshakov, V. N.; Kafatos, F. C.; Madueno, E.; Modolell, J.; Glover, D. M.

1997-01-01

We have established a collection of 2460 lethal or semi-lethal mutant lines using a procedure thought to insert single P elements into vital genes on the third chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. More than 1200 randomly selected lines were examined by in situ hybridization and 90% found to contain single insertions at sites that mark 89% of all lettered subdivisions of the Bridges' map. A set of chromosomal deficiencies that collectively uncover ~25% of the euchromatin of chromosome 3 reveal lethal mutations in 468 lines corresponding to 145 complementation groups. We undertook a detailed analysis of the cytogenetic interval 86E-87F and identified 87 P-element-induced mutations falling into 38 complementation groups, 16 of which correspond to previously known genes. Twenty-one of these 38 complementation groups have at least one allele that has a P-element insertion at a position consistent with the cytogenetics of the locus. We have rescued P elements and flanking chromosomal sequences from the 86E-87F region in 35 lines with either lethal or genetically silent P insertions, and used these as probes to identify cosmids and P1 clones from the Drosophila genome projects. This has tied together the physical and genetic maps and has linked 44 previously identified cosmid contigs into seven ``supercontigs'' that span the interval. STS data for sequences flanking one side of the P-element insertions in 49 lines has identified insertions in the αγ element at 87C, two known transposable elements, and the open reading frames of seven putative single copy genes. These correspond to five known genes in this interval, and two genes identified by the homology of their predicted products to known proteins from other organisms. PMID:9409831

In Vivo Control of CpG and Non-CpG DNA Methylation by DNA Methyltransferases

PubMed Central

Arand, Julia; Spieler, David; Karius, Tommy; Branco, Miguel R.; Meilinger, Daniela; Meissner, Alexander; Jenuwein, Thomas; Xu, Guoliang; Leonhardt, Heinrich; Wolf, Verena; Walter, Jörn

2012-01-01

The enzymatic control of the setting and maintenance of symmetric and non-symmetric DNA methylation patterns in a particular genome context is not well understood. Here, we describe a comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation patterns generated by high resolution sequencing of hairpin-bisulfite amplicons of selected single copy genes and repetitive elements (LINE1, B1, IAP-LTR-retrotransposons, and major satellites). The analysis unambiguously identifies a substantial amount of regional incomplete methylation maintenance, i.e. hemimethylated CpG positions, with variant degrees among cell types. Moreover, non-CpG cytosine methylation is confined to ESCs and exclusively catalysed by Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. This sequence position–, cell type–, and region-dependent non-CpG methylation is strongly linked to neighboring CpG methylation and requires the presence of Dnmt3L. The generation of a comprehensive data set of 146,000 CpG dyads was used to apply and develop parameter estimated hidden Markov models (HMM) to calculate the relative contribution of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) for de novo and maintenance DNA methylation. The comparative modelling included wild-type ESCs and mutant ESCs deficient for Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, or Dnmt3a/3b, respectively. The HMM analysis identifies a considerable de novo methylation activity for Dnmt1 at certain repetitive elements and single copy sequences. Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b contribute de novo function. However, both enzymes are also essential to maintain symmetrical CpG methylation at distinct repetitive and single copy sequences in ESCs. PMID:22761581

Adaptive Multi-Layer LMS Controller Design and Application to Active Vibration Suppression on a Truss and Proposed Impact Analysis Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barney, Timothy A.; Shin, Y. S.; Agrawal, B. N.

2001-01-01

This research develops an adaptive controller that actively suppresses a single frequency disturbance source at a remote position and tests the system on the NPS Space Truss. The experimental results are then compared to those predicted by an ANSYS finite element model. The NPS space truss is a 3.7-meter long truss that simulates a space-borne appendage with sensitive equipment mounted at its extremities. One of two installed piezoelectric actuators and an Adaptive Multi-Layer LMS control law were used to effectively eliminate an axial component of the vibrations induced by a linear proof mass actuator mounted at one end of the truss. Experimental and analytical results both demonstrate reductions to the level of system noise. Vibration reductions in excess of 50dB were obtained through experimentation and over 100dB using ANSYS, demonstrating the ability to model this system with a finite element model. This report also proposes a method to use distributed quartz accelerometers to evaluate the location, direction, and energy of impacts on the NPS space truss using the dSPACE data acquisition and processing system to capture the structural response and compare it to known reference Signals.

Effects of carbon fiber surface characteristics on interfacial bonding of epoxy resin composite subjected to hygrothermal treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Min; Liu, Hongxin; Gu, Yizhuo; Li, Yanxia; Zhang, Zuoguang

2014-01-01

The changes of interfacial bonding of three types of carbon fibers/epoxy resin composite as well as their corresponding desized carbon fiber composites subjecting to hygrothermal conditions were investigated by means of single fiber fragmentation test. The interfacial fracture energy was obtained to evaluate the interfacial bonding before and after boiling water aging. The surface characteristics of the studied carbon fiber were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of activated carbon atoms and silicon element at carbon fiber surface on the interfacial hygrothermal resistance were further discussed. The results show that the three carbon fiber composites with the same resin matrix possess different hygrothermal resistances of interface and the interfacial fracture energy after water aging can not recovery to the level of raw dry sample (irreversible changes) for the carbon fiber composites containing silicon. Furthermore, the activated carbon atoms have little impact on the interfacial hygrothermal resistance. The irreversible variations of interfacial bonding and the differences among different carbon fiber composites are attributed to the silicon element on the carbon fiber bodies, which might result in hydrolyzation in boiling water treatment and degrade interfacial hygrothermal resistance.

Identifying Effective Treatments from a Brief Experimental Analysis: Using a Single-Case Design Elements To Aid Decision Making.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martens, Brian K.; Eckert, Tanya L.; Bradley, Tracy A.; Ardoin, Scott P.

1999-01-01

Discusses the benefits of using brief experimental analysis to aid in treatment selection, identifies the forms of treatment that are most appropriate for this type of analysis, and describes key design elements for comparing treatments. Presents a study demonstrating the use of these design elements to identify an effective intervention for two…

Single kernel ionomic profiles are highly heritable indicators of genetic and environmental influences on elemental accumulation in maize grain (Zea mays)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The ionome, or elemental profile, of a maize kernel represents at least two distinct ideas. First, the collection of elements within the kernel are food, feed and feedstocks for people, animals and industrial processes. Second, the ionome of the kernel represents a developmental end point that can s...

An Assessment of Reduced Crew and Single Pilot Operations in Commercial Transport Aircraft Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Randall E.; Kramer, Lynda J.; Kennedy, Kellie D.; Stephens, Chad L.; Etherington, Timothy J.

2017-01-01

Future reduced crew operations or even single pilot operations for commercial airline and on-demand mobility applications are an active area of research. These changes would reduce the human element and thus, threaten the precept that "a well-trained and well-qualified pilot is the critical center point of aircraft systems safety and an integral safety component of the entire commercial aviation system." NASA recently completed a pilot-in-the-loop high fidelity motion simulation study in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) attempting to quantify the pilot's contribution to flight safety during normal flight and in response to aircraft system failures. Crew complement was used as the experiment independent variable in a between-subjects design. These data show significant increases in workload for single pilot operations, compared to two-crew, with subjective assessments of safety and performance being significantly degraded as well. Nonetheless, in all cases, the pilots were able to overcome the failure mode effects in all crew configurations. These data reflect current-day flight deck equipage and help identify the technologies that may improve two-crew operations and/or possibly enable future reduced crew and/or single pilot operations.

Motor programming when sequencing multiple elements of the same duration.

PubMed

Magnuson, Curt E; Robin, Donald A; Wright, David L

2008-11-01

Motor programming at the self-select paradigm was adopted in 2 experiments to examine the processing demands of independent processes. One process (INT) is responsible for organizing the internal features of the individual elements in a movement (e.g., response duration). The 2nd process (SEQ) is responsible for placing the elements into the proper serial order before execution. Participants in Experiment 1 performed tasks involving 1 key press or sequences of 4 key presses of the same duration. Implementing INT and SEQ was more time consuming for key-pressing sequences than for single key-press tasks. Experiment 2 examined whether the INT costs resulting from the increase in sequence length observed in Experiment 1 resulted from independent planning of each sequence element or via a separate "multiplier" process that handled repetitions of elements of the same duration. Findings from Experiment 2, in which participants performed single key presses or double or triple key sequences of the same duration, suggested that INT is involved with the independent organization of each element contained in the sequence. Researchers offer an elaboration of the 2-process account of motor programming to incorporate the present findings and the findings from other recent sequence-learning research.

Acoustic transducer with damping means

DOEpatents

Smith, Richard W.; Adamson, Gerald E.

1976-11-02

An ultrasonic transducer specifically suited to high temperature sodium applications is described. A piezoelectric active element is joined to the transducer faceplate by coating the faceplate and juxtaposed active element face with wetting agents specifically compatible with the bonding procedure employed to achieve the joint. The opposite face of the active element is fitted with a backing member designed to assure continued electrical continuity during adverse operating conditions which can result in the fracturing of the active element. The fit is achieved employing a spring-loaded electrode operably arranged to electrically couple the internal transducer components, enclosed in a hermetically sealed housing, to accessory components normally employed in transducer applications. Two alternative backing members are taught for assuring electrical continuity. The first employs a resilient, discrete multipoint contact electrode in electrical communication with the active element face. The second employs a resilient, elastomeric, electrically conductive, damped member in electrical communication with the active element face in a manner to effect ring-down of the transducer. Each embodiment provides continued electrical continuity within the transducer in the event the active element fractures, while the second provides the added benefit of damping.