Unfolding the laws of star formation: the density distribution of molecular clouds.

PubMed

Kainulainen, Jouni; Federrath, Christoph; Henning, Thomas

2014-04-11

The formation of stars shapes the structure and evolution of entire galaxies. The rate and efficiency of this process are affected substantially by the density structure of the individual molecular clouds in which stars form. The most fundamental measure of this structure is the probability density function of volume densities (ρ-PDF), which determines the star formation rates predicted with analytical models. This function has remained unconstrained by observations. We have developed an approach to quantify ρ-PDFs and establish their relation to star formation. The ρ-PDFs instigate a density threshold of star formation and allow us to quantify the star formation efficiency above it. The ρ-PDFs provide new constraints for star formation theories and correctly predict several key properties of the star-forming interstellar medium.

Simulation of the Processes of Formation of a Dust Cloud in a Vacuum and in the Absence of Gravitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avdeev, A. V.; Boreisho, A. S.; Ivakin, S. V.; Moiseev, A. A.; Savin, A. V.; Sokolov, E. I.; Smirnov, P. G.

2018-01-01

This article is devoted to the simulation of the processes of formation of dust clouds in the absence of gravitation, which is necessary for understanding the processes proceeding in dust clusters in outer space, upper planetary atmosphere, and on the surface of space objects, as well as for evaluating the possibilities of creating disperse structures with given properties. The chief aim of the simulation is to determine the general laws of the dynamics of the dust cloud at the initial stage of its formation. With the use of the original approach based on the particle-in-cell method that permits investigating the mechanics of large ensembles of particles on contemporary computational platforms, we consider the mechanics of a dusty medium in the process of its excitation in a closed container due to the vibration of the walls, and then in the process of particle scattering when the container opens in outer space. The main formation mechanisms of a dust formation have been elucidated, and the possibilities of mathematical simulation for predicting spatial and time characteristics of disperse structures have been shown.

Processing of intended and unintended strategic issues and integration into the strategic agenda.

PubMed

Ridder, Hans-Gerd; Schrader, Jan Simon

2017-11-01

Strategic change is needed in hospitals due to external and internal pressures. However, research on strategic change, as a combination of management and medical expertise in hospitals, remains scarce. We analyze how intended strategic issues are processed into deliberate strategies and how unintended strategic issues are processed into emergent strategies in the management of strategy formation in hospitals. This study empirically investigates the integration of medical and management expertise in strategy formation. The longitudinal character of the case study enabled us to track patterns of intended and unintended strategic issues over 2 years. We triangulated data from interviews, observations, and documents. In accordance with the quality standards of qualitative research procedures, we analyzed the data by pattern matching and provided analytical generalization regarding strategy formation in hospitals. Our findings suggest that strategic issues are particularly successful within the strategy formation process if interest groups are concerned with the strategic issue, prospective profits are estimated, and relevant decisions makers are involved early on. Structure and interaction processes require clear criteria and transparent procedures for effective strategy formation. There is systematic neglect of medical expertise in processes of generating strategies. Our study reveals that the decentralized structure of medical centers is an adequate template for both the operationalization of intended strategic issues and the development of unintended strategic issues. However, tasks, roles, responsibility, resources, and administrative support are necessary for effective management of strategy formation. Similarly, criteria, procedures, and decision-making are prerequisites for effective strategy formation.

Final Report: Mechanisms of sputter ripple formation: coupling among energetic ions, surface kinetics, stress and composition

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

Chason, Eric; Shenoy, Vivek

Self-organized pattern formation enables the creation of nanoscale surface structures over large areas based on fundamental physical processes rather than an applied template. Low energy ion bombardment is one such method that induces the spontaneous formation of a wide variety of interesting morphological features (e.g., sputter ripples and/or quantum dots). This program focused on the processes controlling sputter ripple formation and the kinetics controlling the evolution of surfaces and nanostructures in high flux environments. This was done by using systematic, quantitative experiments to measure ripple formation under a variety of processing conditions coupled with modeling to interpret the results.

Personalization of structural PDB files.

PubMed

Woźniak, Tomasz; Adamiak, Ryszard W

2013-01-01

PDB format is most commonly applied by various programs to define three-dimensional structure of biomolecules. However, the programs often use different versions of the format. Thus far, no comprehensive solution for unifying the PDB formats has been developed. Here we present an open-source, Python-based tool called PDBinout for processing and conversion of various versions of PDB file format for biostructural applications. Moreover, PDBinout allows to create one's own PDB versions. PDBinout is freely available under the LGPL licence at http://pdbinout.ibch.poznan.pl.

The Impact of New Technology on Skills and Skill Formation in the Banking and Textile Industries. NCEE Brief Number 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Thomas; Noyelle, Thierry

The subject of this report is the impact of microelectronic technology on the process of skill formation with particular reference to two industries: banking and textiles. A recent research effort sought to identify and understand how changes in the structure and nature of skills were affecting the process of skill formation and the balance of…

Zirconium diselenite microstructures, formation and mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naik, Chandan C.; Salker, A. V.

2018-04-01

In this work, a series of microstructures of zirconium diselenite (Zr(SeO3)2) has been prepared via a simple precipitation method at room temperature without adding any organic surfactants. Phase purity of the sample has been checked by X-ray Diffraction. From the SEM, FESEM, and TEM images spheroid nanoparticles to the starfish-like structure of zirconium diselenite are detected. The morphological evolution processes were investigated carefully following time-dependent experiments and a growth mechanism has been proposed. Two different crystal growth processes, the oriented attachment process accompanying the Ostwald ripening process were held responsible for the formation of a structure resembling starfish having four arms.

Improving Processes of Mechanized Pulsed Arc Welding of Low-Frequency Range Variation of Mode Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saraev, Yu N.; Solodskiy, S. A.; Ulyanova, O. V.

2016-04-01

A new technology of low-frequency modulation of the arc current in MAG and MIG welding is presented. The technology provides control of thermal and crystallization processes, stabilizes the time of formation and crystallization of the weld pool. Conducting theoretical studies allowed formulating the basic criteria for obtaining strong permanent joints for high-duty structures, providing conditions for more equilibrium structure of the deposited metal and the smaller width of the HAZ. The stabilization of time of the formation and crystallization of the weld pool improves the formation of the weld and increases productivity in welding thin sheet metal.

Gas bubble formation in fused silica generated by ultra-short laser pulses.

PubMed

Cvecek, Kristian; Miyamoto, Isamu; Schmidt, Michael

2014-06-30

During processing of glass using ultra-fast lasers the formation of bubble-like structures can be observed in several glass types such as fused silica. Their formation can be exploited to generate periodic gratings in glasses but for other glass processing techniques such as waveguide-writing or glass welding by ultra-fast lasers the bubble formation proves often detrimental. In this work we present experiments and their results in order to gain understanding of the origins and on the underlying formation and transportation mechanisms of the gas bubbles.

Mechanisms and processes of stratal disruption and mixing in the development of mélanges and broken formations: Redefining and classifying mélanges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Festa, A.; Dilek, Y.; Pini, G. A.; Codegone, G.; Ogata, K.

2012-09-01

The terms mélange and broken formation have been used in different ways in the literature. The lack of agreement on their definition often leads to confusion and misinterpretations. An evaluation of the various uses of these terms allows us to consider several types of chaotic rock bodies originated by tectonic, sedimentary and diapiric processes in different tectonic settings. Our review of stratal disruption and mixing processes shows that there exists a continuum of deformation structures and processes in the generation of mélanges and broken formations. This continuum is directly controlled by the increase of the degree of consolidation with burial. In tectonically active environments, at the shallow structural levels, the occurrence of poorly consolidated sediments favors gravitational deformation. At deeper structural levels, the deformation related to tectonic forces becomes gradually more significant with depth. Sedimentary (and diapiric) mélanges and broken formations represent the products of punctuated stratal disruption mechanisms recording the instantaneous physical conditions in the geological environment at the time of their formation. The different kinematics, the composition and lithification degree of sediments, the geometry and morphology of the basins, and the mode of failure propagation control the transition between different types of mass-transported chaotic bodies, the style of stratal disruption, and the amount of rock mixing. Tectonically broken formations and mélanges record a continuum of deformation that occurs through time and different degrees of lithification during a progressive increase of the degree of consolidation and of the diagenetic and metamorphic mineral transformation. Systematic documentation of the mechanisms and processes of the formation of different broken formations and mélanges and their interplay in time and space are highly important to increase the understanding of the evolutionary history of accretionary wedges and orogenic belts.

Structured Interviews: Developing Interviewing Skills in Human Resource Management Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doll, Jessica L.

2018-01-01

Structured interviews are widely used in the employment process; however, students often have little experience asking and responding to structured interview questions. In a format similar to "speed dating," this exercise actively engages students in the interview process. Students pair off to gain experience as an interviewer by asking…

Evidence of the layer structure formation of chitosan microtubes by the Liesegang ring mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babicheva, T. S.; Gegel, N. O.; Shipovskaya, A. B.

2018-04-01

In the work, an experiment was performed to simulate the process of chitosan microtube formation through the interphase polysalt -> polybase chemical reaction, on the one hand, and the formation of spatially separated structures under the conditions of reactive diffusion of one of the components, on the other hand. The formation of alternating dark and light bands or concentric rings of the chitosan polybase as a result of the polymer-analogous transformation is visualized by optical microscopy. The results obtained confirm our assumption that the layered structure of our chitosan microtubes is formed according to the Liesegang reaction mechanism.

Amyloid formation and inhibition of an all-beta protein: A study on fungal polygalacturonase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinisaz, Maryam; Ghasemi, Atiyeh; Larijani, Bagher; Ebrahim-Habibi, Azadeh

2014-02-01

Theoretically, all proteins can adopt the nanofibrillar structures known as amyloid, which contain cross-beta structures. The all-beta folded proteins are particularly interesting in this regard, since they appear to be naturally more predisposed toward this structural arrangement. In this study, methanol has been used to drive the beta-helix protein polygalacturonase (PG), toward amyloid fibril formation. Congo red absorbance, thioflavin T fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and transmission electron microscopy have been used to characterize this process. Similar to other all-beta proteins, PG shows a non-cooperative fibrillation mechanism, but the structural changes that are monitored by CD indicate a different pattern. Furthermore, several compounds containing aromatic components were tested as potential inhibitors of amyloid formation. Another protein predominantly composed of alpha-helices (human serum albumin) was also targeted by these ligands, in order to get an insight into their potential anti-aggregation property toward structurally different proteins. Among tested compounds, silibinin and chlorpropamide were able to considerably affect both proteins fibrillation process.

Complex furrows in a 2D epithelial sheet code the 3D structure of a beetle horn.

PubMed

Matsuda, Keisuke; Gotoh, Hiroki; Tajika, Yuki; Sushida, Takamichi; Aonuma, Hitoshi; Niimi, Teruyuki; Akiyama, Masakazu; Inoue, Yasuhiro; Kondo, Shigeru

2017-10-24

The external organs of holometabolous insects are generated through two consecutive processes: the development of imaginal primordia and their subsequent transformation into the adult structures. During the latter process, many different phenomena at the cellular level (e.g. cell shape changes, cell migration, folding and unfolding of epithelial sheets) contribute to the drastic changes observed in size and shape. Because of this complexity, the logic behind the formation of the 3D structure of adult external organs remains largely unknown. In this report, we investigated the metamorphosis of the horn in the Japanese rhinoceros beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus. The horn primordia is essentially a 2D epithelial cell sheet with dense furrows. We experimentally unfolded these furrows using three different methods and found that the furrow pattern solely determines the 3D horn structure, indicating that horn formation in beetles occurs by two distinct processes: formation of the furrows and subsequently unfolding them. We postulate that this developmental simplicity offers an inherent advantage to understanding the principles that guide 3D morphogenesis in insects.

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

PubMed Central

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

2015-01-01

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

Study of TLIPSS formation on different metals and alloys and their selective etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dostovalov, Alexandr V.; Korolkov, Victor P.; Terentiev, Vadim S.; Okotrub, Konstantin A.; Dultsev, Fedor N.; Nemykin, Anton; Babin, Sergey A.

2017-02-01

Experimental investigation of thermochemical laser-induced periodic surface structures (TLIPSS) formation on metal films (Ti, Cr, Ni, NiCr) at different processing conditions is presented. The hypothesis that the TLIPSS formation depends significantly on parabolic rate constant for oxide thin film growth is discussed. Evidently, low value of this parameter for Ni is the reason of TLIPSS absence on Ni and NiCr film with low Cr content. The effect of simultaneous ablative (with period ≍λ) and thermochemical (with period ≍λ) LIPSS formation was observed. The formation of structures after TLIPSS selective etching was demonstrated.

Formation of Structured Water and Gas Hydrate by the Use of Xenon Gas in Vegetable Tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ando, Hiroko; Suzuki, Toru; Kawagoe, Yoshinori; Makino, Yoshio; Oshita, Seiichi

Freezing is a valuable technique for food preservation. However, vegetables are known to be softening remarkably after freezing and thawing process. It is expected to find alternative technique instead of freezing. Recently, the application of structured water and/or gas hydrate had been attempted to prolong the preservation of vegetable. In this study, the formation process of structure water and/or gas hydrate in pure water and carrot tissue was investigated by using NMR relaxation times, T1 and T2, of which applying condition was up to 0.4MPa and 0.8MPa at 5oC. Under the pressure of 0.4MPa, no gas hydrate was appeared, however, at 0.8MPa, formation of gas hydrate was recognized in both water and carrot tissue. Once the gas hydrate formation process in carrot tissue started, T1 and T2 increased remarkably. After that, as the gas hydrate developed, then T1 and T2 turned to decrease. Since this phenomenon was not observed in pure water, it is suggested that behavior of NMR relaxation time just after the formation of gas hydrate in carrot tissue may be peculiar to compartment system such as inter and intracellular spaces.

The Effect of Microgravity on the Growth of Silica Nanostructures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, D. D.; Sibille, L.; Cronise, R.; Oldenburg, S. J.; Wolfe, D.; Halas, N. J.

2001-01-01

The process of the formation of structures from coagulating ensembles is fundamentally important since the collective behavior of the constituents often results in dramatically improved or unusual mechanical, thermal, chemical, and optical properties. In this study we examine the effect of microgravity on the formation of silica structures, specifically particles and gels.

Coffee melanoidins: structures, mechanisms of formation and potential health impacts.

PubMed

Moreira, Ana S P; Nunes, Fernando M; Domingues, M Rosário; Coimbra, Manuel A

2012-09-01

During the roasting process, coffee bean components undergo structural changes leading to the formation of melanoidins, which are defined as high molecular weight nitrogenous and brown-colored compounds. As coffee brew is one of the main sources of melanoidins in the human diet, their health implications are of great interest. In fact, several biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticariogenic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antiglycative activities, have been attributed to coffee melanoidins. To understand the potential of coffee melanoidin health benefits, it is essential to know their chemical structures. The studies undertaken to date dealing with the structural characterization of coffee melanoidins have shown that polysaccharides, proteins, and chlorogenic acids are involved in coffee melanoidin formation. However, exact structures of coffee melanoidins and mechanisms involved in their formation are far to be elucidated. This paper systematizes the available information and provides a critical overview of the knowledge obtained so far about the structure of coffee melanoidins, mechanisms of their formation, and their potential health implications.

Meiotic nucleolar cycle and chromatoid body formation during the rat (Rattus novergicus) and mouse (Mus musculus) spermiogenesis.

PubMed

Peruquetti, Rita Luiza; Assis, Isabella Mariana; Taboga, Sebastião Roberto; de Azeredo-Oliveira, Maria Tercília Vilela

2008-06-01

The aims of the present study were to follow the nucleolar cycle in spermiogenesis of the laboratory rodents Rattus novergicus and Mus musculus, to verify the relationship between the nucleolar component and chromatoid body (CB) formation and to investigate the function of this cytoplasmic supramolecular structure in spermatogenic haploid cells. Histological sections of adult seminiferous tubules were analyzed cytochemically by light microscopy and ultrastructural procedures by transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that in early spermatids, the CB was visualized in association with the Golgi cisterns indicating that this structure may participate in the acrosome formation process. In late spermatids, the CB was observed near the axonema, a fact suggesting that this structure may support the formation of the spermatozoon tail. In conclusion, our data showed that there is disintegration of spermatid nucleoli at the beginning of spermatogenesis and a fraction of this nucleolar material migrates to the cytoplasm, where a specific structure is formed, known as the "chromatoid body", which, apparently, participates in some parts of the rodent spermiogenesis process.

Analysis of the packet formation process in packet-switched networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meditch, J. S.

Two new queueing system models for the packet formation process in packet-switched telecommunication networks are developed, and their applications in process stability, performance analysis, and optimization studies are illustrated. The first, an M/M/1 queueing system characterization of the process, is a highly aggregated model which is useful for preliminary studies. The second, a marked extension of an earlier M/G/1 model, permits one to investigate stability, performance characteristics, and design of the packet formation process in terms of the details of processor architecture, and hardware and software implementations with processor structure and as many parameters as desired as variables. The two new models together with the earlier M/G/1 characterization span the spectrum of modeling complexity for the packet formation process from basic to advanced.

[Anatomy typological and clinical parallels in case of disturbance of soft tissue formations of shoulder girdle].

PubMed

Volkov, A V; Shutov, Iu M; Shutova, M Z

2012-01-01

The influence of anthropology on topographical anatomical structure peculiarities of soft tissue formations of shoulder girdle has been investigated. The dependence of anatomical structure and topography of muscles, ligaments, tendon sheaths, synovial bursae, rotator cuffs on patient's body constitution type has been examined. The influence of a somatotype on topical damage of soft tissue structures of shoulder girdle has been proved. The so-called "holes" or weak areas, joint capsules, places where ligaments attach to bones and cartilages, where vascular formations also take place have been revealed. It is in these areas that degenerative inflammatory process begins. First of all this process influences hemolymph circulation, then it results in disturbance in production and resorption of synovial fluid and causes destructive processes in ligaments, tendons and osteochondral tissue. Due to research the ability to conduct differential diagnosis has been determined, methods of modality treatment and prevention of periarticular tissue diseases have been optimized.

Measuring the Internal Structure and Physical Conditions in Star and Planet Forming Clouds Cores: Towards a Quantitative Description of Cloud Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lada, Charles J.

2004-01-01

This grant funds a research program to use infrared extinction measurements to probe the detailed structure of dark molecular cloud cores and investigate the physical conditions which give rise to star and planet formation. The goals of this program are to acquire, reduce and analyze deep infrared and molecular-line observations of a carefully selected sample of nearby dark clouds in order to determine the detailed initial conditions for star formation from quantitative measurements of the internal structure of starless cloud cores and to quantitatively investigate the evolution of such structure through the star and planet formation process.

Correlation between Hierarchical Structure and Processing Control of Large-area Spray-coated Polymer Solar Cells toward High Performance

PubMed Central

Huang, Yu-Ching; Tsao, Cheng-Si; Cha, Hou-Chin; Chuang, Chih-Min; Su, Chun-Jen; Jeng, U-Ser; Chen, Charn-Ying

2016-01-01

The formation mechanism of a spray-coated film is different from that of a spin-coated film. This study employs grazing incidence small- and wide-angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS and GIWAXS, respectively) quantitatively and systematically to investigate the hierarchical structure and phase-separated behavior of a spray-deposited blend film. The formation of PCBM clusters involves mutual interactions with both the P3HT crystal domains and droplet boundary. The processing control and the formed hierarchical structure of the active layer in the spray-coated polymer/fullerene blend film are compared to those in the spin-coated film. How the different post-treatments, such as thermal and solvent vapor annealing, tailor the hierarchical structure of the spray-coated films is quantitatively studied. Finally, the relationship between the processing control and tailored BHJ structures and the performance of polymer solar cell devices is established here, taking into account the evolution of the device area from 1 × 0.3 and 1 × 1 cm2. The formation and control of the special networks formed by the PCBM cluster and P3HT crystallites, respectively, are related to the droplet boundary. These structures are favorable for the transverse transport of electrons and holes. PMID:26817585

Physiological and molecular biochemical mechanisms of bile formation

PubMed Central

Reshetnyak, Vasiliy Ivanovich

2013-01-01

This review considers the physiological and molecular biochemical mechanisms of bile formation. The composition of bile and structure of a bile canaliculus, biosynthesis and conjugation of bile acids, bile phospholipids, formation of bile micellar structures, and enterohepatic circulation of bile acids are described. In general, the review focuses on the molecular physiology of the transporting systems of the hepatocyte sinusoidal and apical membranes. Knowledge of physiological and biochemical basis of bile formation has implications for understanding the mechanisms of development of pathological processes, associated with diseases of the liver and biliary tract. PMID:24259965

Fundamental role of arsenic flux in nanohole formation by Ga droplet etching on GaAs(001)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Nanoholes with a depth in the range of tens of nanometers can be formed on GaAs(001) surfaces at a temperature of 500°C by local etching after Ga droplet formation. In this work, we demonstrate that the local etching or nanodrilling process starts when the Ga droplets are exposed to arsenic. The essential role of arsenic in nanohole formation is demonstrated sequentially, from the initial Ga droplets to the final stage consisting of nanoholes surrounded by ringlike structures at the surface and Ga droplets consumed. The kinetics of local etching depends on the arsenic flux intensity, while the ringlike structures are basically the same as those formed underneath the droplets in the absence of arsenic. These structures show motifs with well-defined crystalline facets that correspond to those expected from surface energy minimization. These experimental results are qualitatively analyzed for a better understanding of the nanohole formation underlying processes. PMID:24994962

EFFECTS OF LASER RADIATION ON MATTER. LASER PLASMA: Laser—ultrasonic formation of melts of high-speed tool steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gureev, D. M.

1994-09-01

A study was made of the influence of ultrasonic vibrations on the processes of heat and mass transfer, and of structure formation during ultrafast crystallisation of laser melts of T1 high-speed tool steel. Acoustic flows which appeared in laser melts effectively smoothed out the temperature inhomogeneities and flattened the relief of the molten surface even when the laser radiation acted for just ~1 ms. The transformation of the mechanical energy of ultrasonic vibrations into heat increased the depth of the laser melt baths and suppressed crack formation. The observed changes in the structural and phase composition appeared as a change in the microhardness of the solidified laser melts. The geometry of coupling of ultrasound into a laser melt influenced the changes in the microhardness, suggesting a need for a more detailed analysis of the structure formation processes in the course of ultrafast crystallisation of laser melts in an ultrasonic field.

Atomistic simulation of defect formation and structure transitions in U-Mo alloys in swift heavy ion irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolotova, L. N.; Starikov, S. V.

2017-11-01

In irradiation of swift heavy ions, the defects formation frequently takes place in crystals. High energy transfer into the electronic subsystem and relaxations processes lead to the formation of structural defects and cause specific effects, such as the track formation. There is a large interest to understanding of the mechanisms of defects/tracks formation due to the heating of the electron subsystem. In this work, the atomistic simulation of defects formation and structure transitions in U-Mo alloys in irradiation of swift heavy ions has been carried out. We use the two-temperature atomistic model with explicit account of electron pressure and electron thermal conductivity. This two-temperature model describes ionic subsystem by means of molecular dynamics while the electron subsystem is considered in the continuum approach. The various mechanisms of structure changes in irradiation are examined. In particular, the simulation results indicate that the defects formation may be produced without melting and subsequent crystallization. Threshold stopping power of swift ions for the defects formation in irradiation in the various conditions are calculated.

The Potential Role Played by the Fullerene-Like Structures of Interstellar Carbon Dust in the Formation of Molecular Hydrogen in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cataldo, Franco; Iglesias-Groth, Susana

After a general introduction to the problem of formation of molecular hydrogen from atomic hydrogen in the interstellar medium and in the dense molecular clouds in particular, and after the explanation of the key role played by the surfaces on this process, it is proposed that the most suitable carbon surface for the formation of molecular hydrogen (from the radiative association process of atomic hydrogen) can be represented by carbon black rather than by graphite. Furthermore, it is proposed that the fullerene-like structures present in the carbon black graphene sheets are the reaction sites where molecular hydrogen may be formed.

The Dynamics of Coalition Formation on Complex Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auer, S.; Heitzig, J.; Kornek, U.; Schöll, E.; Kurths, J.

2015-08-01

Complex networks describe the structure of many socio-economic systems. However, in studies of decision-making processes the evolution of the underlying social relations are disregarded. In this report, we aim to understand the formation of self-organizing domains of cooperation (“coalitions”) on an acquaintance network. We include both the network’s influence on the formation of coalitions and vice versa how the network adapts to the current coalition structure, thus forming a social feedback loop. We increase complexity from simple opinion adaptation processes studied in earlier research to more complex decision-making determined by costs and benefits, and from bilateral to multilateral cooperation. We show how phase transitions emerge from such coevolutionary dynamics, which can be interpreted as processes of great transformations. If the network adaptation rate is high, the social dynamics prevent the formation of a grand coalition and therefore full cooperation. We find some empirical support for our main results: Our model develops a bimodal coalition size distribution over time similar to those found in social structures. Our detection and distinguishing of phase transitions may be exemplary for other models of socio-economic systems with low agent numbers and therefore strong finite-size effects.

SAMICS: Input data preparation. [Solar Array Manufacturing Industry Costing Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamberlain, R. G.; Aster, R. W.

1979-01-01

The Solar Array Manufacturing Industry Costing Standards (SAMICS) provide standard formats, data, assumptions, and procedures for estimating the price that a manufacturer would have to charge for the product of a specified manufacturing process sequence. A line-by-line explanation is given of those standard formats which describe the economically important characteristics of the manufacturing processes and the technological structure of the companies and the industry. This revision provides an updated presentation of Format A Process Description, consistent with the October 1978 version of that form. A checklist of items which should be entered on Format A as direct expenses is included.

Chemical aspects of the formation of the solar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arrhenius, G.

1978-01-01

Application of Alfven's theory for the formation of the solar system and the constraints imposed by the chemical composition of space materials are discussed with reference to chemical processes involved in the formation of the solar system. Evidence for the chemical properties of the space medium and the chemical consequences of the postulated physical differentiation processes are outlined, and interpretations based on structure and composition of meteorite material are indicated. A large range of topics, including processes involving chemical differentiation, temperature effects, and isotope fractionation, are examined.

Geological-morphological description of the Lakshmi planum (photomap of the Venusian surface sheet B-4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pronin, A. A.

1987-01-01

The Lakshmi Planum and its surrounding area (together comprising a single structure) are described in morphological terms on the basis of Venera 15 and 16 photomap data. Plume ascent from the planetary interior and subsequent horizontal spreading represent the underlying mechanisms behind structural formation: folding and/or imbricating accompany these processes. In effect, the Laksmi structure can be regarded as a local spreading center. Its structural dimensions attest to the role that asthenospheric currents played in its formation.

Structural evolution dynamics in fusion of sumanenes and corannulenes: defects formation and self-healing mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorkin, Anastassia; Su, Haibin

2018-06-01

The fusion processes of structures consisting of various combinations between sumanene and corannulene, leading to the formation of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) under heating are simulated by density-functional-based tight-binding molecular dynamics. Distinct stages are unraveled in the course of GNR formation. Firstly, the carbon fragments coalescence into highly strained framework. Secondly, structural reconstruction invokes breaking most strained bonds to form a GNR structure containing numerous defects. Lastly, defects are remedied by the delicate ‘edge-facilitated self-healing’ process through two synergized edge-related effects: elevated mobility of defects and promoted structure reconstructions owing to the remarkable dynamics associated with edges. Importantly, detailed dynamics in the course of forming GNRs with defects and grain boundaries simulated in this work is valuable to provide better understanding at the atomistic scale of defect formation as well as self-healing in the context of the sp2 carbon network. In particular, edges play important roles in not only generating Stone–Wales (SW), 5-8-5 types of defects, 8-5-5-8 and pentagon–heptagon grain boundaries. In addition, our simulations predict the existence of one novel defect, coined as the Inverse SW defect, which is to be confirmed in future experimental studies. This study of dynamic structural evolution reveals that edges are prone to intrinsic and extrinsic modifications such as atomic-scale defects, structural distortions and inhomogeneity.

Formation of structure, phase composition and properties of electro explosion resistant coatings using electron-beam processing

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

Romanov, Denis A., E-mail: romanov-da@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: kos2906@mail.ru, E-mail: budovskih-ea@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: gromov@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: da-rom@live.ru; Sosnin, Kirill V., E-mail: romanov-da@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: kos2906@mail.ru, E-mail: budovskih-ea@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: gromov@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: da-rom@live.ru; Budovskikh, Evgenij A., E-mail: romanov-da@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: kos2906@mail.ru, E-mail: budovskih-ea@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: gromov@physics.sibsiu.ru, E-mail: da-rom@live.ru

2014-11-14

For the first time, the high intensity electron beam modification of electroexplosion composite coatings of MoCu, MoCCu, WCu, WCCu and TiB{sub 2}Cu systems was done. The studies of phase and elemental composition, defective structure conditions of these coatings were carried out. The regimes of electron-beam processing making possible to form the dense, specular luster surface layers having a submicrocrystalline structure were revealed. It was established that electron-beam processing of elecroexplosion spraying of layer of elecroexplosion spraying carried out in the regime of melting results in the formation of structurally and contrationally homogeneous surface layer. Investigation of the effect of electron-beammore » processing of electroexplosion electroerosion resistant coatings on their tribological properties (wear resistanse and coefficient of friction) and electroerosion resistance was done. It was shown that all the examined costings demonstrate the increase of electroerosion resistance in spark erosion up to 10 times.« less

The contribution of co-transcriptional RNA:DNA hybrid structures to DNA damage and genome instability

PubMed Central

Hamperl, Stephan; Cimprich, Karlene A.

2014-01-01

Accurate DNA replication and DNA repair are crucial for the maintenance of genome stability, and it is generally accepted that failure of these processes is a major source of DNA damage in cells. Intriguingly, recent evidence suggests that DNA damage is more likely to occur at genomic loci with high transcriptional activity. Furthermore, loss of certain RNA processing factors in eukaryotic cells is associated with increased formation of co-transcriptional RNA:DNA hybrid structures known as R-loops, resulting in double-strand breaks (DSBs) and DNA damage. However, the molecular mechanisms by which R-loop structures ultimately lead to DNA breaks and genome instability is not well understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the formation, recognition and processing of RNA:DNA hybrids, and discuss possible mechanisms by which these structures contribute to DNA damage and genome instability in the cell. PMID:24746923

Importance of intrinsic properties of dense caseinate dispersions for structure formation.

PubMed

Manski, Julita M; van Riemsdijk, Lieke E; van der Goot, Atze J; Boom, Remko M

2007-11-01

Rheological measurements of dense calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate dispersions (> or =15%) provided insight into the factors determining shear-induced structure formation in caseinates. Calcium caseinate at a sufficiently high concentration (30%) was shown to form highly anisotropic structures during shearing and concurrent enzymatic cross-linking. In contrast, sodium caseinate formed isotropic structures using similar processing conditions. The main difference between the two types of caseinates is the counterion present, and as a consequence, the size of structural elements and their interactions. The rheological behavior of calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate reflected these differences, yielding non-monotonic and shear thinning flow behavior for calcium caseinate whereas sodium caseinate behaved only slightly shear thinning. It appears that the intrinsic properties of the dense caseinate dispersions, which are reflected in their rheological behavior, affect the structure formation that was found after applying shear. Therefore, rheological measurements are useful to obtain an indication of the structure formation potential of caseinate dispersions.

Nanoscale assembly of lanthanum silica with dense and porous interfacial structures.

PubMed

Ballinger, Benjamin; Motuzas, Julius; Miller, Christopher R; Smart, Simon; Diniz da Costa, João C

2015-02-03

This work reports on the nanoscale assembly of hybrid lanthanum oxide and silica structures, which form patterns of interfacial dense and porous networks. It was found that increasing the molar ratio of lanthanum nitrate to tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in an acid catalysed sol-gel process alters the expected microporous metal oxide silica structure to a predominantly mesoporous structure above a critical lanthanum concentration. This change manifests itself by the formation of a lanthanum silicate phase, which results from the reaction of lanthanum oxide nanoparticles with the silica matrix. This process converts the microporous silica into the denser silicate phase. Above a lanthanum to silica ratio of 0.15, the combination of growth and microporous silica consumption results in the formation of nanoscale hybrid lanthanum oxides, with the inter-nano-domain spacing forming mesoporous volume. As the size of these nano-domains increases with concentration, so does the mesoporous volume. The absence of lanthanum hydroxide (La(OH)3) suggests the formation of La2O3 surrounded by lanthanum silicate.

[Morphogenesis in formative process in vitro from Rehmannia glutinosa].

PubMed

Xue, Jian-ping; Zhang, Ai-min; Liu, Jun; Xu, Xue-feng

2004-01-01

To study the morphogenesis in formative process of tuberous root in vitro from Rehmannia glutinosa and compare the anatomical shape of tuberous root with nature term R. glutinosa. Tuberous roots of different vegetal phase were cut and dyed, then made into paraffin cuts and observed microscope. In anatomical shape, nature R. glutinosa and tuberous root were the same, which showed that no structural variation occurred in tuberous root induced process.

In Situ Formation of Carbon Nanotubes Encapsulated within Boron Nitride Nanotubes via Electron Irradiation

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

Arenal, Raul; Lopez-Bezanilla, Alejandro

2014-07-25

We report experimental evidence of the formation by in situ electron-irradiation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (C NT) confined within boron nitride nanotubes (BN-NT). The electron radiation stemming from the microscope supplies the energy required by the amorphous carbonaceous structures to crystallize in a tubular form in a catalyst free procedure, at room temperature and high vacuum. The structural defects resulting from the interaction of the shapeless carbon with the BN nanotube are corrected in a self-healing process throughout the crystallinization. Structural changes developed during the irradiation process such as defects formation and evolution, shrinkage, and shortness of the BN-NT weremore » in situ monitored. The outer BN wall provides a protective and insulating shell against environmental Perturbations to the inner C-NT without affecting their electronic properties, as demonstrated by first principles calculations.« less

More Than Filaments and Cores: Statistical Study of Structure Formation and Dynamics in Nearby Molecular Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, How-Huan; Goodman, Alyssa

2018-01-01

In the past decade, multiple attempts at understanding the connection between filaments and star forming cores have been made using observations across the entire epectrum. However, the filaments and the cores are usually treated as predefined--and well-defined--entities, instead of structures that often come at different sizes, shapes, with substantially different dynamics, and inter-connected at different scales. In my dissertation, I present an array of studies using different statistical methods, including the dendrogram and the probability distribution function (PDF), of structures at different size scales within nearby molecular clouds. These structures are identified using observations of different density tracers, and where possible, in the multi-dimensional parameter space of key dynamic properties--the LSR velocity, the velocity dispersion, and the column density. The goal is to give an overview of structure formation in nearby star-forming clouds, as well as of the dynamics in these structures. I find that the overall statistical properties of a larger structure is often the summation/superposition of sub-structures within, and that there could be significant variations due to local physical processes. I also find that the star formation process within molecular clouds could in fact take place in a non-monolithic manner, connecting potentially merging and/or transient structures, at different scales.

Numerical modeling of continental lithospheric weak zone over plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perepechko, Y. V.; Sorokin, K. E.

2011-12-01

The work is devoted to the development of magmatic systems in the continental lithosphere over diffluent mantle plumes. The areas of tension originating over them are accompanied by appearance of fault zones, and the formation of permeable channels, which are distributed magmatic melts. The numerical simulation of the dynamics of deformation fields in the lithosphere due to convection currents in the upper mantle, and the formation of weakened zones that extend up to the upper crust and create the necessary conditions for the formation of intermediate magma chambers has been carried out. Thermodynamically consistent non-isothermal model simulates the processes of heat and mass transfer of a wide class of magmatic systems, as well as the process of strain localization in the lithosphere and their influence on the formation of high permeability zones in the lower crust. The substance of the lithosphere is a rheologic heterophase medium, which is described by a two-velocity hydrodynamics. This makes it possible to take into account the process of penetration of the melt from the asthenosphere into the weakened zone. The energy dissipation occurs mainly due to interfacial friction and inelastic relaxation of shear stresses. The results of calculation reveal a nonlinear process of the formation of porous channels and demonstrate the diversity of emerging dissipative structures which are determined by properties of both heterogeneous lithosphere and overlying crust. Mutual effect of a permeable channel and the corresponding filtration process of the melt on the mantle convection and the dynamics of the asthenosphere have been studied. The formation of dissipative structures in heterogeneous lithosphere above mantle plumes occurs in accordance with the following scenario: initially, the elastic behavior of heterophase lithosphere leads to the formation of the narrow weakened zone, though sufficiently extensive, with higher porosity. Further, the increase in the width of the weakened area with a small decrease in porosity occurs due to the increase of inelastic stresses. The longitudinal scale of the structure remain unchanged. The evolution of intraplate magmatic systems associated with weakened zones is accompanied by the formation of intermediate intracrustal magma chambers. This work was financially supported by the project #24.1.2, the program of RAS #24.

The evolution of structural and chemical heterogeneity during rapid solidification at gas atomization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golod, V. M.; Sufiiarov, V. Sh

2017-04-01

Gas atomization is a high-performance process for manufacturing superfine metal powders. Formation of the powder particles takes place primarily through the fragmentation of alloy melt flow with high-pressure inert gas, which leads to the formation of non-uniform sized micron-scale particles and subsequent their rapid solidification due to heat exchange with gas environment. The article presents results of computer modeling of crystallization process, simulation and experimental studies of the cellular-dendrite structure formation and microsegregation in different size particles. It presents results of adaptation of the approach for local nonequilibrium solidification to conditions of crystallization at gas atomization, detected border values of the particle size at which it is possible a manifestation of diffusionless crystallization.

E-cadherin junction formation involves an active kinetic nucleation process

PubMed Central

Biswas, Kabir H.; Hartman, Kevin L.; Yu, Cheng-han; Harrison, Oliver J.; Song, Hang; Smith, Adam W.; Huang, William Y. C.; Lin, Wan-Chen; Guo, Zhenhuan; Padmanabhan, Anup; Troyanovsky, Sergey M.; Dustin, Michael L.; Shapiro, Lawrence; Honig, Barry; Zaidel-Bar, Ronen; Groves, Jay T.

2015-01-01

Epithelial (E)-cadherin-mediated cell−cell junctions play important roles in the development and maintenance of tissue structure in multicellular organisms. E-cadherin adhesion is thus a key element of the cellular microenvironment that provides both mechanical and biochemical signaling inputs. Here, we report in vitro reconstitution of junction-like structures between native E-cadherin in living cells and the extracellular domain of E-cadherin (E-cad-ECD) in a supported membrane. Junction formation in this hybrid live cell-supported membrane configuration requires both active processes within the living cell and a supported membrane with low E-cad-ECD mobility. The hybrid junctions recruit α-catenin and exhibit remodeled cortical actin. Observations suggest that the initial stages of junction formation in this hybrid system depend on the trans but not the cis interactions between E-cadherin molecules, and proceed via a nucleation process in which protrusion and retraction of filopodia play a key role. PMID:26290581

E-cadherin junction formation involves an active kinetic nucleation process

DOE PAGES

Biswas, Kabir H.; Hartman, Kevin L.; Yu, Cheng -han; ...

2015-08-19

Epithelial (E)-cadherin-mediated cell–cell junctions play important roles in the development and maintenance of tissue structure in multicellular organisms. E-cadherin adhesion is thus a key element of the cellular microenvironment that provides both mechanical and biochemical signaling inputs. Here, we report in vitro reconstitution of junction-like structures between native E-cadherin in living cells and the extracellular domain of E-cadherin in a supported membrane. Junction formation in this hybrid live cell-supported membrane configuration requires both active processes within the living cell and a supported membrane with low E-cad-ECD mobility. The hybrid junctions recruit α-catenin and exhibit remodeled cortical actin. Observations suggest thatmore » the initial stages of junction formation in this hybrid system depend on the trans but not the cis interactions between E-cadherin molecules, and proceed via a nucleation process in which protrusion and retraction of filopodia play a key role.« less

E-cadherin junction formation involves an active kinetic nucleation process

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

Biswas, Kabir H.; Hartman, Kevin L.; Yu, Cheng -han

Epithelial (E)-cadherin-mediated cell–cell junctions play important roles in the development and maintenance of tissue structure in multicellular organisms. E-cadherin adhesion is thus a key element of the cellular microenvironment that provides both mechanical and biochemical signaling inputs. Here, we report in vitro reconstitution of junction-like structures between native E-cadherin in living cells and the extracellular domain of E-cadherin in a supported membrane. Junction formation in this hybrid live cell-supported membrane configuration requires both active processes within the living cell and a supported membrane with low E-cad-ECD mobility. The hybrid junctions recruit α-catenin and exhibit remodeled cortical actin. Observations suggest thatmore » the initial stages of junction formation in this hybrid system depend on the trans but not the cis interactions between E-cadherin molecules, and proceed via a nucleation process in which protrusion and retraction of filopodia play a key role.« less

Learning and memory: Steroids and epigenetics.

PubMed

Colciago, Alessandra; Casati, Lavinia; Negri-Cesi, Paola; Celotti, Fabio

2015-06-01

Memory formation and utilization is a complex process involving several brain structures in conjunction as the hippocampus, the amygdala and the adjacent cortical areas, usually defined as medial temporal lobe structures (MTL). The memory processes depend on the formation and modulation of synaptic connectivity affecting synaptic strength, synaptic plasticity and synaptic consolidation. The basic neurocognitive mechanisms of learning and memory are shortly recalled in the initial section of this paper. The effect of sex hormones (estrogens, androgens and progesterone) and of adrenocortical steroids on several aspects of memory processes are then analyzed on the basis of animal and human studies. A specific attention has been devoted to the different types of steroid receptors (membrane or nuclear) involved and on local metabolic transformations when required. The review is concluded by a short excursus on the steroid activated epigenetic mechanisms involved in memory formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystal structure of listeriolysin O reveals molecular details of oligomerization and pore formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köster, Stefan; van Pee, Katharina; Hudel, Martina; Leustik, Martin; Rhinow, Daniel; Kühlbrandt, Werner; Chakraborty, Trinad; Yildiz, Özkan

2014-04-01

Listeriolysin O (LLO) is an essential virulence factor of Listeria monocytogenes that causes listeriosis. Listeria monocytogenes owes its ability to live within cells to the pH- and temperature-dependent pore-forming activity of LLO, which is unique among cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. LLO enables the bacteria to cross the phagosomal membrane and is also involved in activation of cellular processes, including the modulation of gene expression or intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. Neither the pore-forming mechanism nor the mechanisms triggering the signalling processes in the host cell are known in detail. Here, we report the crystal structure of LLO, in which we identified regions important for oligomerization and pore formation. Mutants were characterized by determining their haemolytic and Ca2+ uptake activity. We analysed the pore formation of LLO and its variants on erythrocyte ghosts by electron microscopy and show that pore formation requires precise interface interactions during toxin oligomerization on the membrane.

Simulating the impact of dust cooling on the statistical properties of the intra-cluster medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pointecouteau, Etienne; da Silva, Antonio; Catalano, Andrea; Montier, Ludovic; Lanoux, Joseph; Roncarelli, Mauro; Giard, Martin

2009-08-01

From the first stages of star and galaxy formation, non-gravitational processes such as ram pressure stripping, SNs, galactic winds, AGNs, galaxy-galaxy mergers, etc. lead to the enrichment of the IGM in stars, metals as well as dust, via the ejection of galactic material into the IGM. We know now that these processes shape, side by side with gravitation, the formation and the evolution of structures. We present here hydrodynamic simulations of structure formation implementing the effect of the cooling by dust on large scale structure formation. We focus on the scale of galaxy clusters and study the statistical properties of clusters. Here, we present our results on the TX-M and the LX-M scaling relations which exhibit changes on both the slope and normalization when adding cooling by dust to the standard radiative cooling model. For example, the normalization of the TX-M relation changes only by a maximum of 2% at M=1014M⊙ whereas the normalization of the LX-TX changes by as much as 10% at TX=1keV for models that including dust cooling. Our study shows that the dust is an added non-gravitational process that contributes shaping the thermodynamical state of the hot ICM gas.

Metal surface coloration by oxide periodic structures formed with nanosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veiko, Vadim; Karlagina, Yulia; Moskvin, Mikhail; Mikhailovskii, Vladimir; Odintsova, Galina; Olshin, Pavel; Pankin, Dmitry; Romanov, Valery; Yatsuk, Roman

2017-09-01

In this work, we studied a method of laser-induced coloration of metals, where small-scale spatially periodic structures play a key role in the process of color formation. The formation of such structures on a surface of AISI 304 stainless steel was demonstrated for the 1.06 μm fiber laser with nanosecond duration of pulses and random (elliptical) polarization. The color of the surface depends on the period, height and orientation of periodic surface structures. Adjustment of the polarization of the laser radiation or change of laser incidence angle can be used to control the orientation of the structures. The formation of markings that change their color under the different viewing angles becomes possible. The potential application of the method is metal product protection against falsification.

Preparation of novel layer-stack hexagonal CdO micro-rods by a pre-oxidation and subsequent evaporation process

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

Peng, Kun, E-mail: kpeng@hnu.edu.cn; Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Spray Deposition Technology and Application, Hunan University, Changsha 410082; Jiang, Pan

2014-12-15

Graphical abstract: Layer-stack hexagonal cadmium oxide (CdO) micro-rods were prepared. - Highlights: • Novel hexagonal layer-stack structure CdO micro-rods were synthesized by a thermal evaporation method. • The pre-oxidation, vapor pressure and substrate nature play a key role on the formation of CdO rods. • The formation mechanism of CdO micro-rods was explained. - Abstract: Novel layer-stack hexagonal cadmium oxide (CdO) micro-rods were prepared by pre-oxidizing Cd granules and subsequent thermal oxidation under normal atmospheric pressure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to characterize the phase structure and microstructure. The pre-oxidation process, vapor pressure and substratemore » nature were the key factors for the formation of CdO micro-rods. The diameter of micro-rod and surface rough increased with increasing of thermal evaporation temperature, the length of micro-rod increased with the increasing of evaporation time. The formation of hexagonal layer-stack structure was explained by a vapor–solid mechanism.« less

Formation of Cadmium-Sulfide Nanowhiskers via Vacuum Evaporation and Condensation in a Quasi-Closed Volume

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

Belyaev, A. P., E-mail: Alexei.Belyaev@pharminnotech.com; Antipov, V. V.; Rubets, V. P.

Structural and technological studies of processes in which cadmium-sulfide nanowhiskers are synthesized in a quasi-closed volume by the method of vacuum evaporation and condensation are reported. It is demonstrated that the processes are in agreement with the classical vapor–liquid–crystal model. Micrographs of the objects in different formation stages are presented.

Raster Metafile And Raster Metafile Translator Programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Randall, Donald P.; Gates, Raymond L.; Skeens, Kristi M.

1994-01-01

Raster Metafile (RM) computer program is generic raster-image-format program, and Raster Metafile Translator (RMT) program is assortment of software tools for processing images prepared in this format. Processing includes reading, writing, and displaying RM images. Such other image-manipulation features as minimal compositing operator and resizing option available under RMT command structure. RMT written in FORTRAN 77 and C language.

The interaction of rhinal cortex and hippocampus in human declarative memory formation.

PubMed

Fell, Jürgen; Klaver, Peter; Elger, Christian E; Fernández, Guillén

2002-01-01

Human declarative memory formation crucially depends on processes within the medial temporal lobe (MTL). These processes can be monitored in real-time by recordings from depth electrodes implanted in the MTL of patients with epilepsy who undergo presurgical evaluation. In our studies, patients performed a word memorization task during depth EEG recording. Afterwards, the difference between event-related potentials (ERPs) corresponding to subsequently remembered versus forgotten words was analyzed. These kind of studies revealed that successful memory encoding is characterized by an early process generated by the rhinal cortex within 300 ms following stimulus onset. This rhinal process precedes a hippocampal process, which starts about 200 ms later. Further investigation revealed that the rhinal process seems to be a correlate of semantic preprocessing which supports memory formation, whereas the hippocampal process appears to be a correlate of an exclusively mnemonic operation. These studies yielded only indirect evidence for an interaction of rhinal cortex and hippocampus. Direct evidence for a memory related cooperation between both structures, however, has been found in a study analyzing so called gamma activity, EEG oscillations of around 40 Hz. This investigation showed that successful as opposed to unsuccessful memory formation is accompanied by an initial enhancement of rhinal-hippocampal phase synchronization, which is followed by a later desynchronization. Present knowledge about the function of phase synchronized gamma activity suggests that this phase coupling and decoupling initiates and later terminates communication between the two MTL structures. Phase synchronized rhinal-hippocampal gamma activity may, moreover, accomplish Hebbian synaptic modifications and thus provide an initial step of declarative memory formation on the synaptic level.

Research on key technologies of data processing in internet of things

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yangqing; Liang, Peiying

2017-08-01

The data of Internet of things (IOT) has the characteristics of polymorphism, heterogeneous, large amount and processing real-time. The traditional structured and static batch processing method has not met the requirements of data processing of IOT. This paper studied a middleware that can integrate heterogeneous data of IOT, and integrated different data formats into a unified format. Designed a data processing model of IOT based on the Storm flow calculation architecture, integrated the existing Internet security technology to build the Internet security system of IOT data processing, which provided reference for the efficient transmission and processing of IOT data.

Chordin and dickkopf-1b are essential for the formation of head structures through activation of the FGF signaling pathway in zebrafish.

PubMed

Tanaka, Shingo; Hosokawa, Hiroshi; Weinberg, Eric S; Maegawa, Shingo

2017-04-15

The ability of the Spemann organizer to induce dorsal axis formation is dependent on downstream factors of the maternal Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway has been identified as one of the downstream components of the maternal Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The ability of the FGF signaling pathway to induce the formation of a dorsal axis with a complete head structure requires chordin (chd) expression; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in this developmental process, due to activation of FGF signaling, remain unclear. In this study, we showed that activation of the FGF signaling pathway induced the formation of complete head structures through the expression of chd and dickkopf-1b (dkk1b). Using the organizer-deficient maternal mutant, ichabod, we identified dkk1b as a novel downstream factor in the FGF signaling pathway. We also demonstrate that dkk1b expression is necessary, after activation of the FGF signaling pathway, to induce neuroectoderm patterning along the anteroposterior (AP) axis and for formation of complete head structures. Co-injection of chd and dkk1b mRNA resulted in the formation of a dorsal axis with a complete head structure in ichabod embryos, confirming the role of these factors in this developmental process. Unexpectedly, we found that chd induced dkk1b expression in ichabod embryos at the shield stage. However, chd failed to maintain dkk1b expression levels in cells of the shield and, subsequently, in the cells of the prechordal plate after mid-gastrula stage. In contrast, activation of the FGF signaling pathway maintained the dkk1b expression from the beginning of gastrulation to early somitogenesis. In conclusion, activation of the FGF signaling pathway induces the formation of a dorsal axis with a complete head structure through the expression of chd and subsequent maintenance of dkk1b expression levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[In situ Raman spectroscopic observation of micro-processes of methane hydrate formation and dissociation].

PubMed

Liu, Chang-Ling; Ye, Yu-Guang; Meng, Qing-Guo; Lü, Wan-Jun; Wang, Fei-Fei

2011-06-01

Micro laser Raman spectroscopic technique was used for in situ observation of the micro-processes of methane hydrate formed and decomposed in a high pressure transparent capillary. The changes in clathrate structure of methane hydrate were investigated during these processes. The results show that, during hydrate formation, the Raman peak (2 917 cm(-1)) of methane gas gradually splits into two peaks (2 905 and 2 915 cm(-1)) representing large and small cages, respectively, suggesting that the dissolved methane molecules go into two different chemical environments. In the meantime, the hydrogen bonds interaction is strengthened because water is changing from liquid to solid state gradually. As a result, the O-H stretching vibrations of water shift to lower wavenumber. During the decomposition process of methane hydrates, the Raman peaks of the methane molecules both in the large and small cages gradually clear up, and finally turn into a single peak of methane gas. The experimental results show that laser Raman spectroscopy can accurately demonstrate some relevant information of hydrate crystal structure changes during the formation and dissociation processes of methane hydrate.

Formation of the structure and properties of an Mg-Al-Zn-Mn alloy during plastic deformation by rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozhko, S. A.; Betsofen, S. Ya.; Kolobov, Yu. R.; Vershinina, T. N.

2015-03-01

The laws of formation of an ultrafine structure in an Mg-Al-Zn-Mn alloy (MA5 alloy) under severe plastic deformation have been studied during lengthwise section rolling at a strain e = 1.59. The deformation behavior and the physical factors of anisotropy of yield strength during compression tests in various directions with respect to axis of rolling are analyzed. The role of crystallographic texture and twinning processes in the generation of strength processes and the development of plastic deformation of the alloy is analyzed.

Application of fractography to core and outcrop fracture investigations

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

Kulander, B.R.; Barton, C.C.; Dean, S.L.

1979-03-01

Purpose of this paper is to introduce geologists to the principles of fractography, especially those principles that govern the formation of fracture surface structures commonly observed in rocks. A knowledge of the inception mechanics governing the formation of a fracture's tendential and transient structures should provide geologists with a method to distinguish natural from coring-induced and handling-induced fractures in oriented core samples, and show how coring-induced fractures may be assisted in their formation by stresses that can be attributed to the drilling process. 118 figures.

A COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF BONE FORMATION IN THE CRANIAL VAULT USING A COUPLED REACTION-DIFFUSION-STRAIN MODEL

PubMed Central

LEE, CHANYOUNG; RICHTSMEIER, JOAN T.; KRAFT, REUBEN H.

2017-01-01

Bones of the murine cranial vault are formed by differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts, a process that is primarily understood to be controlled by a cascade of reactions between extracellular molecules and cells. We assume that the process can be modeled using Turing’s reaction-diffusion equations, a mathematical model describing the pattern formation controlled by two interacting molecules (activator and inhibitor). In addition to the processes modeled by reaction-diffusion equations, we hypothesize that mechanical stimuli of the cells due to growth of the underlying brain contribute significantly to the process of cell differentiation in cranial vault development. Structural analysis of the surface of the brain was conducted to explore the effects of the mechanical strain on bone formation. We propose a mechanobiological model for the formation of cranial vault bones by coupling the reaction-diffusion model with structural mechanics. The mathematical formulation was solved using the finite volume method. The computational domain and model parameters are determined using a large collection of experimental data that provide precise three dimensional (3D) measures of murine cranial geometry and cranial vault bone formation for specific embryonic time points. The results of this study suggest that mechanical strain contributes information to specific aspects of bone formation. Our mechanobiological model predicts some key features of cranial vault bone formation that were verified by experimental observations including the relative location of ossification centers of individual vault bones, the pattern of cranial vault bone growth over time, and the position of cranial vault sutures. PMID:29225392

Drama advertisements: moderating effects of self-relevance on the relations among empathy, information processing, and attitudes.

PubMed

Chebat, Jean-Charles; Vercollier, Sarah Drissi; Gélinas-Chebat, Claire

2003-06-01

The effects of drama versus lecture format in public service advertisements are studied in a 2 (format) x 2 (malaria vs AIDS) factorial design. Two structural equation models are built (one for each level of self-relevance), showing two distinct patterns. In both low and high self-relevant situations, empathy plays a key role. Under low self-relevance conditions, drama enhances information processing through empathy. Under high self-relevant conditions, the advertisement format has neither significant cognitive or empathetic effects. The information processing generated by the highly relevant topic affects viewers' empathy, which in turn affects the attitude the advertisement and the behavioral intent. As predicted by the Elaboration Likelihood Model, the advertisement format enhances the attitudes and information processing mostly under low self-relevant conditions. Under low self-relevant conditions, empathy enhances information processing while under high self-relevance, the converse relation holds.

Silicide formation process of Pt added Ni at low temperature: Control of NiSi2 formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikarashi, Nobuyuki; Masuzaki, Koji

2011-03-01

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ab initio calculations revealed that the Ni-Si reaction around 300 °C is significantly changed by adding Pt to Ni. TEM analysis clarified that NiSi2 was formed in a reaction between Ni thin film (˜1 nm) and Si substrate, while NiSi was formed when Pt was added to the Ni film. We also found that the Ni-adamantane structure, which acts as a precursor for NiSi2 formation around the reaction temperature, was formed in the former reaction but was significantly suppressed in the latter reaction. Theoretical calculations indicated that Pt addition increased stress at the Ni-adamantane structure/Si-substrate interface. The increase in interface stress caused by Pt addition should raise the interface energy to suppress the Ni-adamantane structure formation, leading to NiSi2 formation being suppressed.

SDSS-IV MaNGA: the spatial distribution of star formation and its dependence on mass, structure, and environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spindler, Ashley; Wake, David; Belfiore, Francesco; Bershady, Matthew; Bundy, Kevin; Drory, Niv; Masters, Karen; Thomas, Daniel; Westfall, Kyle; Wild, Vivienne

2018-05-01

We study the spatially resolved star formation of 1494 galaxies in the SDSS-IV MaNGA Survey. Star formation rates (SFRs) are calculated using a two-step process, using H α in star-forming regions and Dn4000 in regions identified as active galactic nucleus/low-ionization (nuclear) emission region [AGN/LI(N)ER] or lineless. The roles of secular and environmental quenching processes are investigated by studying the dependence of the radial profiles of specific star formation rate on stellar mass, galaxy structure, and environment. We report on the existence of `centrally suppressed' galaxies, which have suppressed Specific Star Formation Rate (SSFR) in their cores compared to their discs. The profiles of centrally suppressed and unsuppressed galaxies are distributed in a bimodal way. Galaxies with high stellar mass and core velocity dispersion are found to be much more likely to be centrally suppressed than low-mass galaxies, and we show that this is related to morphology and the presence of AGN/LI(N)ER like emission. Centrally suppressed galaxies also display lower star formation at all radii compared to unsuppressed galaxies. The profiles of central and satellite galaxies are also compared, and we find that satellite galaxies experience lower specific star formation rates at all radii than central galaxies. This uniform suppression could be a signal of the stripping of hot halo gas in the process known as strangulation. We find that satellites are not more likely to be suppressed in their cores than centrals, indicating that the core suppression is an entirely internal process. We find no correlation between the local environment density and the profiles of star formation rate surface density.

Gender and the Construction of Class.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Acker, Joan

Only by recognizing that class is not gender neutral can the processes of class formation and reproduction be understood. Class is defined as a process in which human beings take an active part, rather than a structure of categories into which individuals may be inserted. Gender organizes or structures class in many different ways. For example,…

Bridging the Gap: Formation of Voluminous Pseudotachylitic Rocks in Tectonic and Impact Settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogt, B.; Shipton, Z. K.; Reimold, W. U.

2015-09-01

Pseudotachylitic breccias (PTBs) from the Outer Hebrides Fault Zone, Scotland, show structural similarities to impact PTBs. In both impact and tectonic settings, processes additional to friction heat melting are requisite for the formation of PTBs.

Phage insertion in mlrA and variations in rpoS limit curli expression and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biofilm formation in Escherichia coli is a tightly controlled process requiring the expression of adhesive curli fibers and certain polysaccharides such as cellulose. The transcriptional regulator CsgD is central to biofilm formation, controlling the expression of the curli structural and export pro...

The Use of Learning Map Systems to Support the Formative Assessment in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kingston, Neal M.; Broaddus, Angela

2017-01-01

Despite much theoretical support, meta-analysis of the efficacy of formative assessment does not provide empirical evidence commensurate with expectations. This theoretical study suggests that teachers need a better organizing structure to allow a formative assessment process to live up to its promise. We propose that the use of learning map…

Mycophenolic acid induces differentiation of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain tachyzoites into bradyzoites and formation of cyst-like structure in vitro.

PubMed

Castro-Elizalde, Kitzia N; Hernández-Contreras, Pedro; Ramírez-Flores, Carlos J; González-Pozos, Sirenia; Gómez de León, Carmen T; Mondragón-Castelán, Mónica; Mondragón-Flores, Ricardo

2018-02-01

The biochemical and structural changes that occur during the conversion of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites to bradyzoites and the formation of tissue cyst are not well understood. Maintaining cells infected with T. gondii type II and III strains under stress conditions induces the tachyzoite-bradyzoite in vitro differentiation, along with the formation of cyst-like structures. However, due to the long exposure to such conditions required to induce the differentiation, the severe damages in the host cell and the low encystation frequency, it has been difficult to dissect in more detail these processes. Here, we successfully induced the in vitro formation of Toxoplasma cysts-like structures from tachyzoites of the type I RH strain by treating with mycophenolic acid, an inhibitor of the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. Mycophenolic acid is a drug widely used for HXGPRT positive selection of Toxoplasma mutant strains along with xanthine incubation in the culture medium; under such conditions, formation of tissue cysts has not been reported. We show that the exposure of extracellular tachyzoites to mycophenolic acid in absence of xanthine, followed by host cell invasion, triggered their differentiation into cyst-like structures. The differential expression of CST1, BAG1, and SAG1 molecules, as well as the structural modifications of infected cells, was characterized during the formation of cyst-like structures in vitro. These findings will allow the characterization of signaling pathways involved in tachyzoite to bradyzoite conversion and formation of tissue cysts.

Coal: Its Structure and Some of Its Uses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, P. S.

1981-01-01

Describes the formation, chemical structure, and several uses of coal. The history of coal usage, production processes, coal tar products, and production of petroleum and other hydrocarbons from coal are also described. (DS)

Structure formation control of foam concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steshenko, Aleksei; Kudyakov, Aleksander; Konusheva, Viktoriya; Syrkin, Oleg

2017-01-01

The process of predetermined foam concrete structure formation is considered to be a crucial issue from the point of process control and it is currently understudied thus defining the need for additional research. One of the effective ways of structure formation control in naturally hardening foam concrete is reinforcement with dispersed fibers or introduction of plasticizers. The paper aims at studying the patterns of influence of microreinforcing and plasticizing additives on the structure and performance properties of foam concrete. Preparation of foam concrete mix has been conducted using one-step technology. The structure of modified foam concrete has been studied by means of electron microscopy. The cellular structure of foam concrete samples with the additives is homogeneous; the pores are uniformly distributed over the total volume. It has been revealed that introduction of the Neolas 5.2 plasticizer and microreinforcing fibers in the foam concrete mixture in the amount of 0.4 - 0.1 % by weight of cement leads to reduction of the average pore diameter in the range of 45.3 to 30.2 microns and the standard deviation of the pore average diameter from 23.6 to 9.2 in comparison with the sample without additive. Introduction of modifying additives has stimulated formation of a large number of closed pores. Thus porosity of conditionally closed pores has increased from 16.06 % to 34.48 %, which has lead to increase of frost resistance brand of foam concrete from F15 to F50 and to reduction of its water absorption by weight by 20 %.

Comparing ICD9-encoded diagnoses and NLP-processed discharge summaries for clinical trials pre-screening: a case study.

PubMed

Li, Li; Chase, Herbert S; Patel, Chintan O; Friedman, Carol; Weng, Chunhua

2008-11-06

The prevalence of electronic medical record (EMR) systems has made mass-screening for clinical trials viable through secondary uses of clinical data, which often exist in both structured and free text formats. The tradeoffs of using information in either data format for clinical trials screening are understudied. This paper compares the results of clinical trial eligibility queries over ICD9-encoded diagnoses and NLP-processed textual discharge summaries. The strengths and weaknesses of both data sources are summarized along the following dimensions: information completeness, expressiveness, code granularity, and accuracy of temporal information. We conclude that NLP-processed patient reports supplement important information for eligibility screening and should be used in combination with structured data.

Synaptogenesis and heritable aspects of executive attention.

PubMed

Fossella, John A; Sommer, Tobias; Fan, Jin; Pfaff, Don; Posner, Michael I

2003-01-01

In humans, changes in brain structure and function can be measured non-invasively during postnatal development. In animals, advanced optical imaging measures can track the formation of synapses during learning and behavior. With the recent progress in these technologies, it is appropriate to begin to assess how the physiological processes of synapse, circuit, and neural network formation relate to the process of cognitive development. Of particular interest is the development of executive function, which develops more gradually in humans. One approach that has shown promise is molecular genetics. The completion of the human genome project and the human genome diversity project make it straightforward to ask whether variation in a particular gene correlates with variation in behavior, brain structure, brain activity, or all of the above. Strategies that unify the wealth of biochemical knowledge pertaining to synapse formation with the functional measures of brain structure and activity may lead to new insights in developmental cognitive psychology. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Nogo-A regulates spatial learning as well as memory formation and modulates structural plasticity in the adult mouse hippocampus.

PubMed

Zagrebelsky, Marta; Lonnemann, Niklas; Fricke, Steffen; Kellner, Yves; Preuß, Eike; Michaelsen-Preusse, Kristin; Korte, Martin

2017-02-01

Behavioral learning has been shown to involve changes in the function and structure of synaptic connections of the central nervous system (CNS). On the other hand, the neuronal circuitry in the mature brain is characterized by a high degree of stability possibly providing a correlate for long-term storage of information. This observation indicates the requirement for a set of molecules inhibiting plasticity and promoting stability thereby providing temporal and spatial specificity to plastic processes. Indeed, signaling of Nogo-A via its receptors has been shown to play a crucial role in restricting activity-dependent functional and structural plasticity in the adult CNS. However, whether Nogo-A controls learning and memory formation and what are the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this function is still unclear. Here we show that Nogo-A signaling controls spatial learning and reference memory formation upon training in the Morris water maze and negatively modulates structural changes at spines in the mouse hippocampus. Learning processes and the correlated structural plasticity have been shown to involve changes in excitatory as well as in inhibitory neuronal connections. We show here that Nogo-A is highly expressed not only in excitatory, but also in inhibitory, Parvalbumin positive neurons in the adult hippocampus. By this means our current and previous data indicate that Nogo-A loss-of-function positively influences spatial learning by priming the neuronal structure to a higher plasticity level. Taken together our results link the role of Nogo-A in negatively regulating plastic processes to a physiological function in controlling learning and memory processes in the mature hippocampus and open the interesting possibility that it might mainly act by controlling the function of the hippocampal inhibitory circuitry. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural Transformations in Metallic Materials During Plastic Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zasimchuk, E.; Turchak, T.; Baskova, A.; Chausov, N.; Hutsaylyuk, V.

2017-03-01

In this paper, the structure formation during the plastic deformation of polycrystalline nickel and aluminum based alloy 2024-T3 is investigated. The possibility of the relaxation and synergetic structure formation is examined. It is shown the deformation softening to be due to the crystallization of the amorphous structure of hydrodynamics flow channels (synergetic structure) HC as micrograins and their subsequent growth. The possible mechanism of micrograins' growth is proposed. The deformation processes change the phase composition of the multiphase alloy 2024-T3. It is shown by the quantitative analysis of the structures which were deformed in different regimes of the alloy samples. A method for increasing of the fatigue life through a dynamic pre-deformation is suggested.

Structure formation in organic thin films observed in real time by energy dispersive near-edge x-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scholz, M.; Sauer, C.; Wiessner, M.; Nguyen, N.; Schöll, A.; Reinert, F.

2013-08-01

We study the structure formation of 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-tetracarboxylicacid-dianhydride (NTCDA) multilayer films on Ag(111) surfaces by energy dispersive near-edge x-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) and photoelectron spectroscopy. The time resolution of seconds of the method allows us to identify several sub-processes, which occur during the post-growth three-dimensional structural ordering, as well as their characteristic time scales. After deposition at low temperature the NTCDA molecules are preferentially flat lying and the films exhibit no long-range order. Upon annealing the molecules flip into an upright orientation followed by an aggregation in a transient phase which exists for several minutes. Finally, three-dimensional islands are established with bulk-crystalline structure involving substantial mass transport on the surface and morphological roughening. By applying the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami model the activation energies of the temperature-driven sub-processes can be derived from the time evolution of the NEXAFS signal.

Reversible structural alterations of undifferentiated and differentiated human neuroblastoma cells induced by phorbol ester.

PubMed Central

Tint, I S; Bonder, E M; Feder, H H; Reboulleau, C P; Vasiliev, J M; Gelfand, I M

1992-01-01

Morphological alterations in the structure of undifferentiated and morphologically differentiated human neuroblastoma cells induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C, were examined by video microscopy and immunomorphology. In undifferentiated cells, PMA induced the formation of motile actin-rich lamellas and of stable cylindrical processes rich in microtubules. Formation of stable processes resulted either from the collapse of lamellas or the movement of the cell body away from the base of a process. In differentiated cells, PMA induced the rapid extension of small lamellas and subsequent formation of short-lived elongated processes from the lateral edges of neurites. Additionally, growth cones exhibited enhanced modulation in shape after PMA treatment. These reversible reorganizations were similar to the actinoplast-tubuloplast transformations exhibited by PMA-treated fibroblasts. We suggest that actinoplast-tubuloplast reorganizations play essential roles in morphogenesis where stable cytoplasmic extensions are induced by external stimuli. In particular, PMA-induced reorganizations of neural cells in culture may be a model for morphological modulations that occur in nerve tissue. Images PMID:1518842

Modeling topology formation during laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodapp, T. W.; Fleming, P. R.

1998-07-01

Micromachining high aspect-ratio structures can be accomplished through ablation of surfaces with high-powered lasers. Industrial manufacturers now use these methods to form complex and regular surfaces at the 10-1000 μm feature size range. Despite its increasingly wide acceptance on the manufacturing floor, the underlying photochemistry of the ablation mechanism, and hence the dynamics of the machining process, is still a question of considerable debate. We have constructed a computer model to investigate and predict the topological formation of ablated structures. Qualitative as well as quantitative agreement with excimer-laser machined polyimide substrates has been demonstrated. This model provides insights into the drilling process for high-aspect-ratio holes.

The study of membrane formation via phase inversion method by cloud point and light scattering experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arahman, Nasrul; Maimun, Teuku; Mukramah, Syawaliah

2017-01-01

The composition of polymer solution and the methods of membrane preparation determine the solidification process of membrane. The formation of membrane structure prepared via non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method is mostly determined by phase separation process between polymer, solvent, and non-solvent. This paper discusses the phase separation process of polymer solution containing Polyethersulfone (PES), N-methylpirrolidone (NMP), and surfactant Tetronic 1307 (Tet). Cloud point experiment is conducted to determine the amount of non-solvent needed on induced phase separation. Amount of water required as a non-solvent decreases by the addition of surfactant Tet. Kinetics of phase separation for such system is studied by the light scattering measurement. With the addition of Tet., the delayed phase separation is observed and the structure growth rate decreases. Moreover, the morphology of fabricated membrane from those polymer systems is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The images of both systems show the formation of finger-like macrovoids through the cross-section.

Protostar formation in the early universe.

PubMed

Yoshida, Naoki; Omukai, Kazuyuki; Hernquist, Lars

2008-08-01

The nature of the first generation of stars in the universe remains largely unknown. Observations imply the existence of massive primordial stars early in the history of the universe, and the standard theory for the growth of cosmic structure predicts that structures grow hierarchically through gravitational instability. We have developed an ab initio computer simulation of the formation of primordial stars that follows the relevant atomic and molecular processes in a primordial gas in an expanding universe. The results show that primeval density fluctuations left over from the Big Bang can drive the formation of a tiny protostar with a mass 1% that of the Sun. The protostar is a seed for the subsequent formation of a massive primordial star.

Hierarchical structures of carbon nanotubes and arrays of chromium-capped silicon nanopillars: formation and electrical properties.

PubMed

Koch, Stefan; Joshi, Ravi K; Noyong, Michael; Timper, Jan; Schneider, Jörg J; Simon, Ulrich

2012-09-10

The formation of stochastically oriented carbon-nanotube networks on top of an array of free-standing chromium-capped silicon nanopillars is reported. The combination of nanosphere lithography and chemical vapor deposition enables the construction of nanostructures that exhibit a hierarchical sequence of structural sizes. Metallic chromium serves as an etching mask for Si-pillar formation and as a nucleation site for the formation of carbon nanotubes through the chemical vapor deposition of ethene, ethanol, and methane, respectively, thereby bridging individual pillars from top to top. Iron and cobalt were applied onto the chromium caps as catalysts for CNT growth and the influence of different carbon sources and different gas-flow rates were investigated. The carbon nanotubes were structurally characterized and their DC electrical properties were studied by in situ local- and ex situ macroscopic measurements, both of which reveal their semiconductor properties. This process demonstrates how carbon nanotubes can be integrated into Si-based semiconductors and, thus, this process may be used to form high-surface-area sensors or new porous catalyst supports with enhanced gas-permeation properties. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Physics of primordial star formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Naoki

2012-09-01

The study of primordial star formation has a history of nearly sixty years. It is generally thought that primordial stars are one of the key elements in a broad range of topics in astronomy and cosmology, from Galactic chemical evolution to the formation of super-massive blackholes. We review recent progress in the theory of primordial star formation. The standard theory of cosmic structure formation posits that the present-day rich structure of the Universe developed through gravitational amplification of tiny matter density fluctuations left over from the Big Bang. It has become possible to study primordial star formation rigorously within the framework of the standard cosmological model. We first lay out the key physical processes in a primordial gas. Then, we introduce recent developments in computer simulations. Finally, we discuss prospects for future observations of the first generation of stars.

The pre-autophagosomal structure organized by concerted functions of APG genes is essential for autophagosome formation.

PubMed

Suzuki, K; Kirisako, T; Kamada, Y; Mizushima, N; Noda, T; Ohsumi, Y

2001-11-01

Macroautophagy is a bulk degradation process induced by starvation in eukaryotic cells. In yeast, 15 Apg proteins coordinate the formation of autophagosomes. Several key reactions performed by these proteins have been described, but a comprehensive understanding of the overall network is still lacking. Based on Apg protein localization, we have identified a novel structure that functions in autophagosome formation. This pre-autophagosomal structure, containing at least five Apg proteins, i.e. Apg1p, Apg2p, Apg5p, Aut7p/Apg8p and Apg16p, is localized in the vicinity of the vacuole. Analysis of apg mutants revealed that the formation of both a phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated Aut7p and an Apg12p- Apg5p conjugate is essential for the localization of Aut7p to the pre-autophagosomal structure. Vps30p/Apg6p and Apg14p, components of an autophagy- specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex, Apg9p and Apg16p are all required for the localization of Apg5p and Aut7p to the structure. The Apg1p protein kinase complex functions in the late stage of autophagosome formation. Here, we present the classification of Apg proteins into three groups that reflect each step of autophagosome formation.

The pre-autophagosomal structure organized by concerted functions of APG genes is essential for autophagosome formation

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Kuninori; Kirisako, Takayoshi; Kamada, Yoshiaki; Mizushima, Noboru; Noda, Takeshi; Ohsumi, Yoshinori

2001-01-01

Macroautophagy is a bulk degradation process induced by starvation in eukaryotic cells. In yeast, 15 Apg proteins coordinate the formation of autophagosomes. Several key reactions performed by these proteins have been described, but a comprehensive understanding of the overall network is still lacking. Based on Apg protein localization, we have identified a novel structure that functions in autophagosome formation. This pre-autophagosomal structure, containing at least five Apg proteins, i.e. Apg1p, Apg2p, Apg5p, Aut7p/Apg8p and Apg16p, is localized in the vicinity of the vacuole. Analysis of apg mutants revealed that the formation of both a phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated Aut7p and an Apg12p– Apg5p conjugate is essential for the localization of Aut7p to the pre-autophagosomal structure. Vps30p/Apg6p and Apg14p, components of an autophagy- specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex, Apg9p and Apg16p are all required for the localization of Apg5p and Aut7p to the structure. The Apg1p protein kinase complex functions in the late stage of autophagosome formation. Here, we present the classification of Apg proteins into three groups that reflect each step of autophagosome formation. PMID:11689437

Process of negative-muon-induced formation of an ionized acceptor center ({sub μ}A){sup –} in crystals with the diamond structure

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

Belousov, Yu. M., E-mail: theorphys@phystech.edu

The formation of an ionized acceptor center by a negative muon in crystals with the diamond structure is considered. The negative muon entering a target is captured by a nucleus, forming a muonic atom {sub μ}A coupled to a lattice. The appearing radiation-induced defect has a significant electric dipole moment because of the violation of the local symmetry of the lattice and changes the phonon spectrum of the crystal. The ionized acceptor center is formed owing to the capture of an electron interacting with the electric dipole moment of the defect and with the radiation of a deformation-induced local-mode phonon.more » Upper and lower bounds of the formation rate of the ionized acceptor center in diamond, silicon, and germanium crystals are estimated. It is shown that the kinetics of the formation of the acceptor center should be taken into account when processing μSR experimental data.« less

Characterization of konjac glucomannan-ethyl cellulose film formation via microscopy.

PubMed

Xiao, Man; Wan, Li; Corke, Harold; Yan, Wenli; Ni, Xuewen; Fang, Yapeng; Jiang, Fatang

2016-04-01

Konjac glucomannan-ethyl cellulose (KGM-EC, 7:3, w/w) blended film shows good mechanical and moisture resistance properties. To better understand the basis for the KGM-EC film formation, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe the formation of the film from emulsion. Optical microscopy images showed that EC oil droplets were homogeneously dispersed in KGM water phase without obviously coalescence throughout the entire drying process. SEM images showed the surface and cross-sectional structures of samples maintained continuous and homogeneous appearance from the emulsion to dried film. AFM images indicated that KGM molecules entangled EC molecules in the emulsion. Interactions between KGM and EC improved the stability of KGM-EC emulsion, and contributed to uniformed structures of film formation. Based on these output information, a schematic model was built to elucidate KGM-EC film-forming process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cooperative structural transitions in amyloid-like aggregation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steckmann, Timothy; Bhandari, Yuba R.; Chapagain, Prem P.; Gerstman, Bernard S.

2017-04-01

Amyloid fibril aggregation is associated with several horrific diseases such as Alzheimer's, Creutzfeld-Jacob, diabetes, Parkinson's, and others. Although proteins that undergo aggregation vary widely in their primary structure, they all produce a cross-β motif with the proteins in β-strand conformations perpendicular to the fibril axis. The process of amyloid aggregation involves forming myriad different metastable intermediate aggregates. To better understand the molecular basis of the protein structural transitions and aggregation, we report on molecular dynamics (MD) computational studies on the formation of amyloid protofibrillar structures in the small model protein ccβ, which undergoes many of the structural transitions of the larger, naturally occurring amyloid forming proteins. Two different structural transition processes involving hydrogen bonds are observed for aggregation into fibrils: the breaking of intrachain hydrogen bonds to allow β-hairpin proteins to straighten, and the subsequent formation of interchain H-bonds during aggregation into amyloid fibrils. For our MD simulations, we found that the temperature dependence of these two different structural transition processes results in the existence of a temperature window that the ccβ protein experiences during the process of forming protofibrillar structures. This temperature dependence allows us to investigate the dynamics on a molecular level. We report on the thermodynamics and cooperativity of the transformations. The structural transitions that occurred in a specific temperature window for ccβ in our investigations may also occur in other amyloid forming proteins but with biochemical parameters controlling the dynamics rather than temperature.

The formation of the dolomite-analogue norsethite: Reaction pathway and cation ordering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pimentel, Carlos; Pina, Carlos M.

2014-10-01

Reaction pathways and cation ordering mechanisms involved in the formation of the mineral dolomite in nature still remain poorly understood. This is mainly due to the experimental problems posed by the synthesis of dolomite at ambient conditions, which preclude monitoring its formation in reasonable time scales. However, processes leading to the crystallization of fully-ordered dolomite-like structures can be studied by conducting experiments with mineral analogues, which are more readily precipitated. In this paper we present a study of the formation of the dolomite-analogue norsethite [BaMg(CO3)2] from a slurry which was aged at room temperature during 14 days. We found that norsethite forms by two dissolution-crystallization reactions from an initial amorphous nano-sized precipitate. The first reaction produces a mineral assemblage composed by witherite [BaCO3], northupite [Na3Mg(CO3)2Cl] and norsethite. The second dissolution-crystallization process leads to the almost complete depletion of witherite and northupite in favor of norsethite. While the composition of norsethite crystals rapidly reaches a Ba/Mg = 1 ratio, X-ray diffraction peaks indicate an increase in the crystallinity of those crystals during the first 48 h of reaction. Simultaneously, Ba-Mg cation ordering increases, as shown by the evolution of intensity ratios of certain superstructure and structure reflections. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the formation of fully-ordered norsethite occurs by a sequence of solvent-mediated processes which involve a number of precursors. Our study also suggests that similar processes might lead to the formation of dolomite in natural environments.

Quasi-Static Probabilistic Structural Analyses Process and Criteria

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, B.; Verderaime, V.

1999-01-01

Current deterministic structural methods are easily applied to substructures and components, and analysts have built great design insights and confidence in them over the years. However, deterministic methods cannot support systems risk analyses, and it was recently reported that deterministic treatment of statistical data is inconsistent with error propagation laws that can result in unevenly conservative structural predictions. Assuming non-nal distributions and using statistical data formats throughout prevailing stress deterministic processes lead to a safety factor in statistical format, which integrated into the safety index, provides a safety factor and first order reliability relationship. The embedded safety factor in the safety index expression allows a historically based risk to be determined and verified over a variety of quasi-static metallic substructures consistent with the traditional safety factor methods and NASA Std. 5001 criteria.

Research progress at the Slow Positron Facility in the Institute of Materials Structure Science, KEK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyodo, T.; Wada, K.; Mochizuki, I.; Kimura, M.; Toge, N.; Shidara, T.; Fukaya, Y.; Maekawa, M.; Kawasuso, A.; Iida, S.; Michishio, K.; Nagashima, Y.

2017-01-01

Recent results at the Slow Positron Facility (SPF), Institute of Materials Structure Science (IMSS), KEK are reported. Studies using the total-reflection high-energy positron diffraction (TRHEPD) station revealed the structures of rutile-TiO2(110) (1×2), graphene on Cu (111) and Co (0001), and germanene on Al (111). First observations of the shape resonance in the Ps- photodetachment process were made using the positronium negative ion (Ps-) station. Experiments using the positronium time-of-flight (Ps-TOF) station showed significant enhancement of the Ps formation efficiency and the energy loss in the Ps formation-emission process. A pulse-stretching section has been implemented, which stretches the positron pulse width from 1.2 μs up to almost 20 ms.

Learning processes in the professional development of mental health counselors: knowledge restructuring and illness script formation.

PubMed

Strasser, Josef; Gruber, Hans

2015-05-01

An important part of learning processes in the professional development of counselors is the integration of declarative knowledge and professional experience. It was investigated in-how-far mental health counselors at different levels of expertise (experts, intermediates, novices) differ in their availability of experience-based knowledge structures. Participants were prompted with 20 client problems. They had to explain those problems, the explanations were analyzed using think-aloud protocols. The results show that experts' knowledge is organized in script-like structures that integrate declarative knowledge and professional experience and help experts in accessing relevant information about cases. Novices revealed less integrated knowledge structures. It is concluded that knowledge restructuring and illness script formation are crucial parts of the professional learning of counselors.

Computational Cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abel, Tom

2013-01-01

Gravitational instability of small density fluctuations, possibly created during an early inflationary period, is the key process leading to the formation of all structure in the Universe. New numerical algorithms have recently enabled much progress in understanding the relevant physical processes dominating the first billion years of structure formation. Computational cosmologists are attempting to simulate on their supercomputers how galaxies come about. In recent years first attempts trying to follow the formation and eventual death of every single star in these model galaxies has become to be within reach. The models now include gravity for both dark matter and baryonic matter, hydrodynamics, follow the radiation from massive stars and its impact in shaping the surrounding material, gas chemistry and all the key radiative atomic and molecular physics determining the thermal state of the model gas. In a small number of cases even the rold of magnetic fields on galactic scales is being studied. At the same time we are learning more about the limitations of certain numerical techniques and developing new schemes to more accurately follow the interplay of these many different physical processes. This talk is in two parts. First we consider a birds eye view of the relevant physical processes relevant for structure formation and potential approaches in solving the relevant equations efficiently and accurately on modern supercomputers. Secondly, we focus in on one of those processes. Namely the intricate and fascinating dynamics of the likely collsionless fluid dynamics of dark matter. A novel way of following the intricate evolution of such collisionless fluids in phase space is allowing us to construct new numerical methods to help understand the nature of dark matter halos as well as problems in astrophysical and terrestial plasmas.

The Effects of Subsurface Bioremediation on Soil Structure, Colloid Formation, and Contaminant Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Liang, X.; Zhuang, J.; Radosevich, M.

2016-12-01

Anaerobic bioremediation is widely applied to create anaerobic subsurface conditions designed to stimulate microorganisms that degrade organic contaminants and immobilize toxic metals in situ. Anaerobic conditions that accompany such techniques also promotes microbially mediated Fe(III)-oxide mineral reduction. The reduction of Fe(III) could potentially cause soil structure breakdown, formation of clay colloids, and alternation of soil surface chemical properties. These processes could then affect bioremediation and the migration of contaminants. Column experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of anaerobic bioreduction on soil structure, hydraulic properties, colloid formation, and transport of three tracers (bromide, DFBA, and silica shelled silver nanoparticles). Columns packed with inoculated water stable soil aggregates were placed in anaerobic glovebox, and artificial groundwater media was pumped into the columns to simulate anaerobic bioreduction process for four weeks. Decent amount of soluble Fe(II) accompanied by colloids were detected in the effluent from bioreduction columns a week after initiation of bioreduction treatment, which demonstrated bioreduction of Fe(III) and formation of colloids. Transport experiments were performed in the columns before and after bioreduction process to assess the changes of hydraulic and surface chemical properties through bioreduction treatment. Earlier breakthrough of bromide and DFBA after treatment indicated alterations in flow paths (formation of preferential flow paths). Less dispersion of bromide and DFBA, and less tailing of DFBA after treatment implied breakdown of soil aggregates. Dramatically enhanced transport and early breakthrough of silica shelled silver nanoparticles after treatment supported the above conclusion of alterations in flow paths, and indicated changes of soil surface chemical properties.

The Influence of Concentration and Temperature on the Formation of γ-Oryzanol + β-Sitosterol Tubules in Edible Oil Organogels

PubMed Central

Venema, Paul; Bot, Arjen; Flöter, Eckhard; van der Linden, Erik

2010-01-01

The gelation process of mixtures of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol structurants in sunflower oil was studied using light scattering, rheology, and micro-scanning calorimetry (Micro-DSC). The relation between temperature and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of tubule formation of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol was determined using these techniques. The temperature dependence of the CAC was used to estimate the binding energy and enthalpic and entropic contribution to the tubular formation process. The binding energy calculated at the corresponding temperatures and CACs were relatively low, in order of 2 RT (4.5 kJ mol−1), which is in accord with the reversibility of the tubular formation process. The formation of the tubules was associated with negative (exothermic) enthalpy change (ΔH0) compared with positive entropy term (−T ΔS0 >0), indicating that the aggregation into tubules is an enthalpy-driven process. The oryzanol–sitosterol ratio affected the aggregation process; solutions with ratio of (60 oryzanol–40 sitosterol) started aggregation at higher temperature compared with other ratios. PMID:21423326

The Influence of Concentration and Temperature on the Formation of γ-Oryzanol + β-Sitosterol Tubules in Edible Oil Organogels.

PubMed

Sawalha, Hassan; Venema, Paul; Bot, Arjen; Flöter, Eckhard; van der Linden, Erik

2011-03-01

The gelation process of mixtures of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol structurants in sunflower oil was studied using light scattering, rheology, and micro-scanning calorimetry (Micro-DSC). The relation between temperature and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of tubule formation of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol was determined using these techniques. The temperature dependence of the CAC was used to estimate the binding energy and enthalpic and entropic contribution to the tubular formation process. The binding energy calculated at the corresponding temperatures and CACs were relatively low, in order of 2 RT (4.5 kJ mol(-1)), which is in accord with the reversibility of the tubular formation process. The formation of the tubules was associated with negative (exothermic) enthalpy change (ΔH(0)) compared with positive entropy term (-T ΔS(0) >0), indicating that the aggregation into tubules is an enthalpy-driven process. The oryzanol-sitosterol ratio affected the aggregation process; solutions with ratio of (60 oryzanol-40 sitosterol) started aggregation at higher temperature compared with other ratios.

Star formation across cosmic time and its influence on galactic dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freundlich, Jonathan

2015-12-01

Observations show that ten billion years ago, galaxies formed their stars at rates up to twenty times higher than now. As stars are formed from cold molecular gas, a high star formation rate means a significant gas supply, and galaxies near the peak epoch of star formation are indeed much more gas-rich than nearby galaxies. Is the decline of the star formation rate mostly driven by the diminishing cold gas reservoir, or are the star formation processes also qualitatively different earlier in the history of the Universe? Ten billion years ago, young galaxies were clumpy and prone to violent gravitational instabilities, which may have contributed to their high star formation rate. Stars indeed form within giant, gravitationally-bound molecular clouds. But the earliest phases of star formation are still poorly understood. Some scenarii suggest the importance of interstellar filamentary structures as a first step towards core and star formation. How would their filamentary geometry affect pre-stellar cores? Feedback mechanisms related to stellar evolution also play an important role in regulating star formation, for example through powerful stellar winds and supernovae explosions which expel some of the gas and can even disturb the dark matter distribution in which each galaxy is assumed to be embedded. This PhD work focuses on three perspectives: (i) star formation near the peak epoch of star formation as seen from observations at sub-galactic scales; (ii) the formation of pre-stellar cores within the filamentary structures of the interstellar medium; and (iii) the effect of feedback processes resulting from star formation and evolution on the dark matter distribution.

Structural comparison of nickel electrodes and precursor phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornilsen, Bahne C.; Shan, Xiaoyin; Loyselle, Patricia

1989-01-01

A summary of previous Raman spectroscopic results and a discussion of important structural differences in the various phases of active mass and active mass precurors are presented. Raman spectra provide unique signatures for these phases, and allow one to distinguish each phase, even when the compound is amorphous to X-rays (i.e., does not scatter X-rays because of a lack of order and/or small particle size). The structural changes incurred during formation, charge and discharge, cobalt addition, and aging will be discussed and related to electrode properties. Important structural differences include NiO2 layer stacking, nonstoichiometry (especially cation-deficit nonstoichiometry), disorder, dopant content, and water content. The results indicate that optimal nickel active mass is non-close packed and nonstoichiometric. The formation process transforms precursor phases into this structure. Therefore, the precursor disorder, or lack thereof, influences this final active mass structure and the rate of formation. Aging processes induce structural change which is believed to be detrimental. The role of cobalt addition can be appreciated in terms of structures favored or stabilized by the dopant. In recent work, the in situ Raman technique to characterize the critical structural parameters was developed. An in situ method relates structure, electrochemistry, and preparation. In situ Raman spectra of cells during charge and discharge, either during cyclic voltammetry or under constant current conditions were collected. With the structure-preparation knowledge and the in situ Raman tool, it will be possible to define the structure-property-preparation relations in more detail. This instrumentation has application to a variety of electrode systems.

Modern Paradigm of Star Formation in the Galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobolev, A. M.

2017-06-01

Understanding by the scientific community of the star formation processes in the Galaxy undergone significant changes in recent years. This is largely due to the development of the observational basis of astronomy in the infrared and submillimeter ranges. Analysis of new observational data obtained in the course of the Herschel project, by radio interferometer ALMA and other modern facilities significantly advanced our understanding of the structure of the regions of star formation, young stellar object vicinities and provided comprehensive data on the mass function of proto-stellar objects in a number of star-forming complexes of the Galaxy. Mapping of the complexes in molecular radio lines allowed to study their spatial and kinematic structure on the spatial scales of tens and hundreds of parsecs. The next breakthrough in this field can be achieved as a result of the planned project “Spektr-MM” (Millimetron) which implies a significant improvement in angular resolution and sensitivity. The use of sensitive interferometers allowed to investigate the details of star formation processes at small spatial scales - down to the size of the solar system (with the help of the ALMA), and even the Sun (in the course of the space project “Spektr-R” = RadioAstron). Significant contribution to the study of the processes of accretion is expected as a result of the project “Spektr-UV” (WSO-UV = “World Space Observatory - Ultraviolet”). Complemented with significant theoretical achievements obtained observational data have greatly promoted our understanding of the star formation processes.

Formative assessment: a student perspective.

PubMed

Hill, D A; Guinea, A I; McCarthy, W H

1994-09-01

An educator's view would be that formative assessment has an important role in the learning process. This study was carried out to obtain a student perspective of the place of formative assessment in the curriculum. Final-year medical students at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital took part in four teaching sessions, each structured to integrate teaching with assessment. Three assessment methods were used; the group objective structured clinical examination (G-OSCE), structured short answer (SSA) questions and a pre/post-test multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ). Teaching sessions were conducted on the subject areas of traumatology, the 'acute abdomen', arterial disorders and cancer. Fifty-five students, representing 83% of those who took part in the programme, responded to a questionnaire where they were asked to rate (on a 5-point Likert scale) their response to general questions about formative assessment and 13 specific questions concerning the comparative value of the three assessment modalities. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents felt that formative assessment should be incorporated into the teaching process. The SSA assessment was regarded as the preferred modality to reinforce previous teaching and test problem-solving skills. The MCQ was the least favoured assessment method. The effect size variable between the total scores for the SSA and MCQ was 0.64. The variable between G-OSCE and SSA/MCQ was 0.26 and 0.33 respectively. Formative assessment is a potentially powerful method to direct learning behaviour. Students should have input into the methods used.

A novel function of WAVE in lamellipodia: WAVE1 is required for stabilization of lamellipodial protrusions during cell spreading.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Daisuke; Fujiwara, Takashi; Suetsugu, Shiro; Takenawa, Tadaomi

2005-05-01

When a cell spreads and moves, reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton pushes the cell membrane, and the resulting membrane protrusions create new points of contact with the substrate and generate the locomotive force. Membrane extension and adhesion to a substrate must be tightly coordinated for effective cell movement, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying these processes. WAVEs are critical regulators of Rac-induced actin reorganization. WAVE2 is essential for formation of lamellipodial structures at the cell periphery stimulated by growth factors, but it is thought that WAVE1 is dispensable for such processes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Here we show a novel function of WAVE in lamellipodial protrusions during cell spreading. During spreading on fibronectin (FN), MEFs with knockouts (KOs) of WAVE1 and WAVE2 showed different membrane dynamics, suggesting that these molecules have distinct roles in lamellipodium formation. Formation of lamellipodial structures on FN was inhibited in WAVE2 KO MEFs. In contrast, WAVE1 is not essential for extension of lamellipodial protrusions but is required for stabilization of such structures. WAVE1-deficiency decreased the density of actin filaments and increased the speed of membrane extension, causing deformation of focal complex at the tip of spreading edges. Thus, at the tip of the lamellipodial protrusion, WAVE2 generates the membrane protrusive structures containing actin filaments, and modification by WAVE1 stabilizes these structures through cell-substrate adhesion. Coordination of WAVE1 and WAVE2 activities appears to be necessary for formation of proper actin structures in stable lamellipodia.

Measuring the Internal Structure and Physical Conditions in Star and Planet Forming Clouds Core: Toward a Quantitative Description of Cloud Evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lada, Charles J.

2005-01-01

This grant funds a research program to use infrared extinction measurements to probe the detailed structure of dark molecular cloud cores and investigate the physical conditions which give rise to star and planet formation. The goals of this program are to acquire, reduce and analyze deep infrared and molecular-line observations of a carefully selected sample of nearby dark clouds in order to internal structure of starless cloud cores and to quantitatively investigate the evolution of such structure through the star and planet formation process. During the second year of this grant, progress toward these goals is discussed.

Observations on the structural degradation of silver during simultaneous exposure to oxidizing and reducing environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Prabhakar; Yang, Zhenguo; Viswanathan, Vish; Stevenson, Jeff W.

2004-06-01

The structural stability of silver (Ag) in dual atmosphere exposure conditions, which are representative of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) current collector and gas seals, has been examined in the 600 800 °C temperature range. Experiments conducted on Ag tubular sections exposed to flowing H2-3% H2O (inside the tube) and air (outside the tube) showed extensive porosity formation along the grain boundaries in the bulk metal. Similar tubular sections, when exposed to air only (both inside and outside the tube), showed no bulk porosity or structural changes. It is postulated that the porosity formation in the bulk metal is related to the formation of gaseous H2O bubbles due to simultaneous diffusion of hydrogen and oxygen followed by subsequent interaction resulting in the formation of steam. Thermochemical processes that are responsible for structural degradation are presented and discussed. Based on experimental observations, it is concluded that Ag metal may not provide adequate long-term structural stability under a dual-environment condition that is typical of interconnects or gas seals in intermediate temperature SOFCs.

A strategy for design and fabrication of low cost microchannel for future reproductivity of bio/chemical lab-on-chip application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humayun, Q.; Hashim, U.; Ruzaidi, C. M.; Noriman, N. Z.

2017-03-01

The fabrication and characterization of sensitive and selective fluids delivery system for the application of nano laboratory on a single chip is a challenging task till to date. This paper is one of the initial attempt to resolve this challenging task by using a simple, cost effective and reproductive technique for pattering a microchannel structures on SU-8 resist. The objective of the research is to design, fabricate and characterize polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel. The proposed device mask was designed initially by using AutoCAD software and then the designed was transferred to transparency sheet and to commercial chrome mask for better photo masking process. The standard photolithography process coupled with wet chemical etching process was used for the fabrication of proposed microchannel. This is a low cost fabrication technique for the formation of microchannel structure at resist. The fabrication process start from microchannel formation and then the structure was transformed to PDMS substrate, the microchannel structure was cured from mold and then the cured mold was bonded with the glass substrate by plasma oxidation bonding process. The surface morphology was characterized by high power microscope (HPM) and the structure was characterized by Hawk 3 D surface nanoprofiler. The next part of the research will be focus onto device testing and validation by using real biological samples by the implementation of a simple manual injection technique.

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

Amdursky, Nadav; Gazit, Ehud; Rosenman, Gil, E-mail: gilr@eng.tau.ac.il

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We observe lag-phase crystallization process in insulin. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The crystallization is a result of the formation of higher order oligomers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The crystallization also changes the secondary structure of the protein. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The spectroscopic signature can be used for amyloid inhibitors assay. -- Abstract: Insulin, as other amyloid proteins, can form amyloid fibrils at certain conditions. The self-assembled aggregation process of insulin can result in a variety of conformations, starting from small oligomers, going through various types of protofibrils, and finishing with bundles of fibrils. One of the most common consensuses among the various self-assembly processes that aremore » suggested in the literature is the formation of an early stage nucleus conformation. Here we present an additional insight for the self-assembly process of insulin. We show that at the early lag phase of the process (prior to fibril formation) the insulin monomers self-assemble into ordered nanostructures. The most notable feature of this early self-assembly process is the formation of nanocrystalline nucleus regions with a strongly bound electron-hole confinement, which also change the secondary structure of the protein. Each step in the self-assembly process is characterized by an optical spectroscopic signature, and possesses a narrow size distribution. By following the spectroscopic signature we can measure the potency of amyloid fibrils inhibitors already at the lag phase. We further demonstrate it by the use of epigallocatechin gallate, a known inhibitor for insulin fibrils. The findings can result in a spectroscopic-based application for the analysis of amyloid fibrils inhibitors.« less

Combustion and structure formation in SHS processes under microgravity conditions: SHS plans for microgravity experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merzhanov, A. G.

1995-01-01

This paper outlines ISMAN suggestions for the joint NASA-RSA project 'Combustion and Structure formation in SHS Processes under Microgravity Conditions'. The basic ideas of this work naturally follow from our almost 30-year experience in the field of SHS. As a matter of fact, we have already obtained some results in the following two directions closely related to the microgravity problem. One is the studies on SHS processes in the field of centrifugal forces. These studies aimed at the intensification of gravity-sensitive SHS processes in multicomponent highly caloric systems forming melts at high overloads (up to 2000 g). In other words, these studies had the objectives that are inverse to those in the microgravity studies. The second group of results directly relates to the microgravity problem and the project under consideration. These experiments played the important role in establishing links between SHS and microgravity.

Femtosecond stimulated Raman evidence for charge-transfer character in pentacene singlet fission.

PubMed

Hart, Stephanie M; Silva, W Ruchira; Frontiera, Renee R

2018-02-07

Singlet fission is a spin-allowed process in which an excited singlet state evolves into two triplet states. We use femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy, an ultrafast vibrational technique, to follow the molecular structural evolution during singlet fission in order to determine the mechanism of this process. In crystalline pentacene, we observe the formation of an intermediate characterized by pairs of excited state peaks that are red- and blue-shifted relative to the ground state features. We hypothesize that these features arise from the formation of cationic and anionic species due to partial transfer of electron density from one pentacene molecule to a neighboring molecule. These observations provide experimental evidence for the role of states with significant charge-transfer character which facilitate the singlet fission process in pentacene. Our work both provides new insight into the singlet fission mechanism in pentacene and demonstrates the utility of structurally-sensitive time-resolved spectroscopic techniques in monitoring ultrafast processes.

Influence of low-temperature annealing time on the evolution of the structure and mechanical properties of a titanium Ti-Al-V alloy in the submicrocrystalline state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratochka, I. V.; Lykova, O. N.; Naidenkin, E. V.

2015-03-01

The effect of annealing at 673 K for 6-24 h on the structural and phase state and mechanical properties of the titanium alloy of a Ti-Al-V system that was previously subjected to severe plastic deformation by uniform compression deformation, has been studied. It has been established that these annealings lead to a nonmontonic dependence of the mechanical properties of the alloy on the annealing time. It has been shown that the annealing of the Ti-Al-V alloy in a submicrocrystalline state is accompanied by simultaneous hardening processes, i.e., the formation of fine particles during phase transformations and the formation of new nanosized grains, and softening processes, i.e., recovery processes and the growth grains to micron sizes. The prevalence of a given process during annealing determines the deterioration or improvement of the alloy's mechanical properties.

The structure-directed effect of Al-based metal–organic frameworks on fabrication of alumina by thermal treatment

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

Liu, Dandan, E-mail: liudandan_upc@126.com; Dai, Fangna, E-mail: fndai@upc.edu.cn; Collage of Science, China University of Petroleum

2015-05-15

Highlights: • We use Al-MOFs as precursor in the fabrication process of mesoporous alumina by thermal treatment. • The obtained mesoporous alumina has dual pore system and five-fold aluminum. • The aluminum building units in the precursor show structure-directed effect on the formation of alumina. - Abstract: In this work, the block-shaped Al-based metal–organic frameworks (Al-MOFs) MIL-53 have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. To detect the correlation between the structure of Al-MOFs and the formation of alumina, the ligands are eliminated by thermal treatment. MIL-53 and the calcination products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR),more » scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption and solid-state {sup 27}Al nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 27}Al NMR). It was found that after calcination, the block-shaped Al-MOFs precursor turns into high-crystallinity mesoporous alumina nanosheets, and the thermal treatment product γ-alumina possesses a dual pore system and a large surface area (146 m{sup 2}/g), with five-fold aluminum. During the thermal treatment process, the structure of MIL-53 and its secondary building units have structure-directed effect in the formation of alumina.« less

Effects of electric fields on the photonic crystal formation from block copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Taekun; Ju, Jin-wook; Ryoo, Won

2012-03-01

Effects of electric fields on the self-assembly of block copolymers have been investigated for thin films of polystyrene-bpoly( 2-vinyl pyridine); PS-b-P2VP, 52 kg/mol-b-57 kg/mol and 133 kg/mol-b-132 kg/mol. Block copolymers of polystyrene and poly(2-vinyl pyridine) have been demonstrated to form photonic crystals of 1D lamellar structure with optical band gaps that correspond to UV-to-visible light. The formation of lamellar structure toward minimum freeenergy state needs increasing polymer chain mobility, and the self-assembly process is accelerated usually by annealing, that is exposing the thin film to solvent vapor such as chloroform and dichloromethane. In this study, thin films of block copolymers were spin-coated on substrates and placed between electrode arrays of various patterns including pin-points, crossing and parallel lines. As direct or alternating currents were applied to electrode arrays during annealing process, the final structure of thin films was altered from the typical 1D lamellae in the absence of electric fields. The formation of lamellar structure was spatially controlled depending on the shape of electrode arrays, and the photonic band gap also could be modulated by electric field strength. The spatial formation of lamellar structure was examined with simulated distribution of electrical potentials by finite difference method (FDM). P2VP layers in self-assembled film were quaternized with methyl iodide vapor, and the remaining lamellar structure was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The result of this work is expected to provide ways of fabricating functional structures for display devices utilizing photonic crystal array.

Metallic glass formation at the interface of explosively welded Nb and stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bataev, I. A.; Hokamoto, K.; Keno, H.; Bataev, A. A.; Balagansky, I. A.; Vinogradov, A. V.

2015-07-01

The interface between explosively welded niobium and stainless steel SUS 304 was studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy. The wavy interface along which vortex zones were located was observed. The vortex zones formed due to the mixing of materials typically had amorphous structure. Inoue's criteria of glass formation were used to explain this result. The effect of the composition, cooling rate and pressure on the glass formation are discussed. The conditions of deformation, heating, and cooling as well as shockwaves propagation were numerically simulated. We show that the conditions of vortex zone formation resemble the conditions of rapid solidification processes. In contrast to the "classical" methods of rapid solidification of melt, the conditions of metastable phase formation during explosive welding are significantly complicated by the fluctuations of composition and pressure. Possible metastable structures formation at the interface of some common explosively joined materials is predicted.

The mechanism of monomer transfer between two structurally distinct PrP oligomers

PubMed Central

Armiento, Aurora; Martin, Davy; Lepejova, Nad’a

2017-01-01

In mammals, Prion pathology refers to a class of infectious neuropathologies whose mechanism is based on the self-perpetuation of structural information stored in the pathological conformer. The characterisation of the PrP folding landscape has revealed the existence of a plethora of pathways conducing to the formation of structurally different assemblies with different biological properties. However, the biochemical interconnection between these diverse assemblies remains unclear. The PrP oligomerisation process leads to the formation of neurotoxic and soluble assemblies called O1 oligomers with a high size heterodispersity. By combining the measurements in time of size distribution and average size with kinetic models and data assimilation, we revealed the existence of at least two structurally distinct sets of assemblies, termed Oa and Ob, forming O1 assemblies. We propose a kinetic model representing the main processes in prion aggregation pathway: polymerisation, depolymerisation, and disintegration. The two groups interact by exchanging monomers through a disintegration process that increases the size of Oa. Our observations suggest that PrP oligomers constitute a highly dynamic population. PMID:28746342

The mechanism of monomer transfer between two structurally distinct PrP oligomers.

PubMed

Armiento, Aurora; Moireau, Philippe; Martin, Davy; Lepejova, Nad'a; Doumic, Marie; Rezaei, Human

2017-01-01

In mammals, Prion pathology refers to a class of infectious neuropathologies whose mechanism is based on the self-perpetuation of structural information stored in the pathological conformer. The characterisation of the PrP folding landscape has revealed the existence of a plethora of pathways conducing to the formation of structurally different assemblies with different biological properties. However, the biochemical interconnection between these diverse assemblies remains unclear. The PrP oligomerisation process leads to the formation of neurotoxic and soluble assemblies called O1 oligomers with a high size heterodispersity. By combining the measurements in time of size distribution and average size with kinetic models and data assimilation, we revealed the existence of at least two structurally distinct sets of assemblies, termed Oa and Ob, forming O1 assemblies. We propose a kinetic model representing the main processes in prion aggregation pathway: polymerisation, depolymerisation, and disintegration. The two groups interact by exchanging monomers through a disintegration process that increases the size of Oa. Our observations suggest that PrP oligomers constitute a highly dynamic population.

Students-Designers' Professional Competencies Formation by Means of Folk Arts and Crafts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Budkeev, Sergey Mikhailovich; Kiryushina, Julia Vladimirovna; Shokorova, Larisa Vladimirovna

2016-01-01

This article reviewed the structure of design activities, special aspects of the specialists' training in multi-disciplinary design environment, the formation process of their cultural and professional competences, necessary for artistic, creative and research activities in the field of design. It identified the components of the national…

Observation of gold sub-nanocluster nucleation within a crystalline protein cage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maity, Basudev; Abe, Satoshi; Ueno, Takafumi

2017-03-01

Protein scaffolds provide unique metal coordination environments that promote biomineralization processes. It is expected that protein scaffolds can be developed to prepare inorganic nanomaterials with important biomedical and material applications. Despite many promising applications, it remains challenging to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of formation of metal nanoparticles in protein environments. In the present work, we describe a crystalline protein cage constructed by crosslinking treatment of a single crystal of apo-ferritin for structural characterization of the formation of sub-nanocluster with reduction reaction. The crystal structure analysis shows the gradual movement of the Au ions towards the centre of the three-fold symmetric channels of the protein cage to form a sub-nanocluster with accompanying significant conformational changes of the amino-acid residues bound to Au ions during the process. These results contribute to our understanding of metal core formation as well as interactions of the metal core with the protein environment.

Femtosecond laser-induced subwavelength ripples formed by asymmetrical grating splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Pin; Jiang, Lan; Li, Xin; Zhang, Kaihu; Shi, Xuesong; Li, Bo; Lu, Yongfeng

2016-05-01

The formation process and mechanism of subwavelength ripples were studied upon irradiation of ZnO by a femtosecond laser (800 nm, 50 fs, 1 kHz). An abnormally asymmetrical grating-splitting phenomenon was discovered. At relatively high laser fluences (F = 0.51-0.63 J/cm2), near-wavelength ripples were split asymmetrically to create subwavelength laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) with dual gaps (˜230 nm and ˜430 nm) on the primary grooves. At relatively low laser fluences (F = 0.4-0.45 J/cm2), near-wavelength ripples were split symmetrically, leading to the formation of uniform subwavelength structures with a period of ˜340 nm. The splitting phenomena are related to the varying laser beam dose induced by the overlapping during line scanning. The two grating-splitting types further imply that the dominated mechanism for LIPSS formation may be changed under different processing conditions.

Predictive modeling of multicellular structure formation by using Cellular Particle Dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCune, Matthew; Shafiee, Ashkan; Forgacs, Gabor; Kosztin, Ioan

2014-03-01

Cellular Particle Dynamics (CPD) is an effective computational method for describing and predicting the time evolution of biomechanical relaxation processes of multicellular systems. A typical example is the fusion of spheroidal bioink particles during post bioprinting structure formation. In CPD cells are modeled as an ensemble of cellular particles (CPs) that interact via short-range contact interactions, characterized by an attractive (adhesive interaction) and a repulsive (excluded volume interaction) component. The time evolution of the spatial conformation of the multicellular system is determined by following the trajectories of all CPs through integration of their equations of motion. CPD was successfully applied to describe and predict the fusion of 3D tissue construct involving identical spherical aggregates. Here, we demonstrate that CPD can also predict tissue formation involving uneven spherical aggregates whose volumes decrease during the fusion process. Work supported by NSF [PHY-0957914]. Computer time provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.

The structure and formation of natural categories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Douglas; Langley, Pat

1990-01-01

Categorization and concept formation are critical activities of intelligence. These processes and the conceptual structures that support them raise important issues at the interface of cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence. The work presumes that advances in these and other areas are best facilitated by research methodologies that reward interdisciplinary interaction. In particular, a computational model is described of concept formation and categorization that exploits a rational analysis of basic level effects by Gluck and Corter. Their work provides a clean prescription of human category preferences that is adapted to the task of concept learning. Also, their analysis was extended to account for typicality and fan effects, and speculate on how the concept formation strategies might be extended to other facets of intelligence, such as problem solving.

Rheological changes of polyamide 12 under oscillatory shear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mielicki, C.; Gronhoff, B.; Wortberg, J.

2014-05-01

Changes in material properties as well as process deviation prevent Laser Sintering (LS) technology from manufacturing of quality assured parts in a series production. In this context, the viscosity of Polyamide 12 (PA12) is assumed to possess the most significant influence, as it determines the sintering velocity, the resistance towards melt formation and the bonding strength of sintered layers. Moreover, the viscosity is directly related to the structure of the molten polymer. In particular, it has been recently reported that LS process conditions lead to structural changes of PA12 affecting viscosity and coalescence of adjacent polymer particles, i.e. melt formation significantly. Structural change of PA12 was understood as a post condensation. Its influence on viscosity was described by a time and temperature depending rheological model whereas time dependence was considered by a novel structural change shift factor which was derived from melt volume rate data. In combination with process data that was recorded using online thermal imaging, the model is suitable to control the viscosity (processability of the material) as result of material and process properties. However, as soon as laser energy is exposed to the powder bed PA12 undergoes a phase transition from solid to molten state. Above the melting point, structural change is expected to occur faster due to a higher kinetic energy and free volume of the molten polymer. Oscillatory shear results were used to study the influence of aging time and for validation of the novel structural change shift factor and its model parameters which were calibrated based on LS processing condition.

Assessment of degradation byproducts and NDMA formation potential during UV and UV/H2O2 treatment of doxylamine in the presence of monochloramine.

PubMed

Farré, Maria José; Radjenovic, Jelena; Gernjak, Wolfgang

2012-12-04

UV-C radiation is the U.S. EPA recommended technology to remove N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) during drinking and recycled water production. Frequently, H(2)O(2) is added to the treatment to remove other recalcitrant compounds and to prevent NDMA reformation. However, the transformation of NDMA precursors during the UV and UV/H(2)O(2) process and the consequences for NDMA formation potential are currently not well understood, in particular in the presence of monochloramine. In this study, doxylamine has been chosen as a model compound to elucidate its degradation byproducts in the UV and UV/H(2)O(2) process and correlate those with changes to the NDMA formation potential. This study shows that during UV treatment in the presence and absence of monochloramine, NDMA formation potential can be halved. However, an increase of more than 30% was observed when hydrogen peroxide was added. Ultrafast liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer was used for screening and structural elucidation of degradation byproducts identifying 21 chemical structures from the original parent compound. This work shows that further oxidation of NDMA precursors does not necessarily lead to a decrease in NDMA formation potential. Degradation byproducts with increased electron density in the vicinity of the dimethylamino moiety, for example induced by hydroxylation, may have a higher yield of nucleophilic substitution and subsequent NDMA formation compared to the parent compound during chloramination. This work demonstrates the need to consider the formation of oxidation byproducts and associated implications for the control and management of NDMA formation in downstream processes and distribution when integrating oxidative treatments into a treatment train generating either drinking water or recycled water for potable reuse.

The Budgetary Process at the University of Michigan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor. Commission on Resource Allocation.

This description and discussion of the budgetary process at the University of Michigan is divided into three major sections. The first section deals with the structure of the process and includes discussions of budget organization and format, an overview of the process, the general fund budget cycle, capital outlay appropriations, general fund…

What Do We Learn from Docutainment? Processing Hybrid Television Documentaries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glaser, Manuela; Garsoffky, Barbel; Schwan, Stephan

2012-01-01

This study examined how hybrid documentary formats, which embed educational contents into narratives, are cognitively processed. Based on existing research and theories, two reception modes were identified: processing with a focus on the narrative plotline and processing with a focus on the thematic structure. In two experiments, two markers of…

Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Viewpoints on Architecture and Fabrication.

PubMed

Jun, Indong; Han, Hyung-Seop; Edwards, James R; Jeon, Hojeong

2018-03-06

Electrospinning has been used for the fabrication of extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking fibrous scaffolds for several decades. Electrospun fibrous scaffolds provide nanoscale/microscale fibrous structures with interconnecting pores, resembling natural ECM in tissues, and showing a high potential to facilitate the formation of artificial functional tissues. In this review, we summarize the fundamental principles of electrospinning processes for generating complex fibrous scaffold geometries that are similar in structural complexity to the ECM of living tissues. Moreover, several approaches for the formation of three-dimensional fibrous scaffolds arranged in hierarchical structures for tissue engineering are also presented.

Structural characterization of toxic oligomers that are kinetically trapped during α-synuclein fibril formation

PubMed Central

Chen, Serene W.; Drakulic, Srdja; Deas, Emma; Ouberai, Myriam; Aprile, Francesco A.; Arranz, Rocío; Ness, Samuel; Roodveldt, Cintia; Guilliams, Tim; De-Genst, Erwin J.; Klenerman, David; Wood, Nicholas W.; Knowles, Tuomas P.J.; Alfonso, Carlos; Rivas, Germán; Abramov, Andrey Y.; Valpuesta, José María; Dobson, Christopher M.; Cremades, Nunilo

2015-01-01

We describe the isolation and detailed structural characterization of stable toxic oligomers of α-synuclein that have accumulated during the process of amyloid formation. Our approach has allowed us to identify distinct subgroups of oligomers and to probe their molecular architectures by using cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) image reconstruction techniques. Although the oligomers exist in a range of sizes, with different extents and nature of β-sheet content and exposed hydrophobicity, they all possess a hollow cylindrical architecture with similarities to certain types of amyloid fibril, suggesting that the accumulation of at least some forms of amyloid oligomers is likely to be a consequence of very slow rates of rearrangement of their β-sheet structures. Our findings reveal the inherent multiplicity of the process of protein misfolding and the key role the β-sheet geometry acquired in the early stages of the self-assembly process plays in dictating the kinetic stability and the pathological nature of individual oligomeric species. PMID:25855634

Direct Magnetic Relief Recording Using As40S60: Mn-Se Nanocomposite Multilayer Structures.

PubMed

Stronski, A; Achimova, E; Paiuk, O; Meshalkin, A; Prisacar, A; Triduh, G; Oleksenko, P; Lytvyn, P

2017-12-01

Processes of holographic recording of surface relief structures using As 2 S 3 :Mn-Se multilayer nanostructures as registering media were studied in this paper. Optical properties of As 2 S 3 :Mn, Se layers, and As 2 S 3 :Mn-Se multilayer nanostructures were investigated. Values of optical bandgaps were obtained from Tauc dependencies. Surface relief diffraction gratings were recorded. Direct one-stage formation of surface relief using multilayer nanostructures is considered. For the first time, possibility of direct formation of magnetic relief simultaneous with surface relief formation under optical recording using As 2 S 3 :Mn-Se multilayer nanostructures is shown.

Transmission electron microscopy characterization of the erbium silicide formation process using a Pt/Er stack on a silicon-on-insulator substrate.

PubMed

Łaszcz, A; Katcki, J; Ratajczak, J; Tang, Xiaohui; Dubois, E

2006-10-01

Very thin erbium silicide layers have been used as source and drain contacts to n-type Si in low Schottky barrier MOSFETs on silicon-on-insulator substrates. Erbium silicide is formed by a solid-state reaction between the metal and silicon during annealing. The influence of annealing temperature (450 degrees C, 525 degrees C and 600 degrees C) on the formation of an erbium silicide layer in the Pt/Er/Si/SiO(2)/Si structure was analysed by means of cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The Si grains/interlayer formed at the interface and the presence of Si grains within the Er-related layer constitute proof that Si reacts with Er in the presence of a Pt top layer in the temperature range 450-600 degrees C. The process of silicide formation in the Pt/Er/Si structure differs from that in the Er/Si structure. At 600 degrees C, the Pt top layer vanishes and a (Pt-Er)Si(x) system is formed.

3D-Printed Transparent Glass

DOE PAGES

Nguyen, Du T.; Meyers, Cameron; Yee, Timothy D.; ...

2017-04-28

In this study, silica inks are developed, which may be 3D printed and thermally processed to produce optically transparent glass structures with sub-millimeter features in forms ranging from scaffolds to monoliths. The inks are composed of silica powder suspended in a liquid and are printed using direct ink writing. The printed structures are then dried and sintered at temperatures well below the silica melting point to form amorphous, solid, transparent glass structures. This technique enables the mold-free formation of transparent glass structures previously inaccessible using conventional glass fabrication processes.

3D-Printed Transparent Glass

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

Nguyen, Du T.; Meyers, Cameron; Yee, Timothy D.

In this study, silica inks are developed, which may be 3D printed and thermally processed to produce optically transparent glass structures with sub-millimeter features in forms ranging from scaffolds to monoliths. The inks are composed of silica powder suspended in a liquid and are printed using direct ink writing. The printed structures are then dried and sintered at temperatures well below the silica melting point to form amorphous, solid, transparent glass structures. This technique enables the mold-free formation of transparent glass structures previously inaccessible using conventional glass fabrication processes.

Process Features in Writing: Internal Structure and Incremental Value over Product Features. Research Report. ETS RR-15-27

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Mo; Deane, Paul

2015-01-01

In educational measurement contexts, essays have been evaluated and formative feedback has been given based on the end product. In this study, we used a large sample collected from middle school students in the United States to investigate the factor structure of the writing process features gathered from keystroke logs and the association of that…

Role of Acoustoelectric Interaction in the Formation of Nanoscale Periodic Structures of Adsorbed Atoms

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

Peleshchak, R. M., E-mail: peleshchak@rambler.ru; Lazurchak, I. I.; Kuzyk, O. V.

The role of acoustoelectric effects in the formation of nanoscale structures of adatoms, resulting from the self-consistent interaction of adatoms with a surface acoustic wave and the electronic subsystem, is studied for the case of charged and uncharged adatoms. It is shown that an increase in the doping level of a semiconductor with donor impurities at a fixed average adatom concentration results in an increase in the critical temperature below which self-organization processes occur.

GLYDE-II: The GLYcan data exchange format

PubMed Central

Ranzinger, Rene; Kochut, Krys J.; Miller, John A.; Eavenson, Matthew; Lütteke, Thomas; York, William S.

2017-01-01

Summary The GLYcan Data Exchange (GLYDE) standard has been developed for the representation of the chemical structures of monosaccharides, glycans and glycoconjugates using a connection table formalism formatted in XML. This format allows structures, including those that do not exist in any database, to be unambiguously represented and shared by diverse computational tools. GLYDE implements a partonomy model based on human language along with rules that provide consistent structural representations, including a robust namespace for specifying monosaccharides. This approach facilitates the reuse of data processing software at the level of granularity that is most appropriate for extraction of the desired information. GLYDE-II has already been used as a key element of several glycoinformatics tools. The philosophical and technical underpinnings of GLYDE-II and recent implementation of its enhanced features are described. PMID:28955652

Using Structured e-Forum to Support the Legislation Formation Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xenakis, Alexandros; Loukis, Euripides

Many public policy problems are 'wicked', being characterised by high complexity, many heterogeneous views and conflicts among various stakeholders, and also lack of mathematically 'optimal' solutions and predefined algorithms for calculating them. The best approach for addressing such problems is through consultation and argumentation among stakeholders. The e-participation research has investigated and suggested several ICT tools for this purpose, such as e-forum, e-petition and e-community tools. This paper investigates the use of an advanced ICT tool, the structured e-forum, for addressing such wicked problems associated with the legislation formation. For this purpose we designed, implemented and evaluated two pilot e-consultations on legislation under formation in the Parliaments of Austria and Greece using a structured e-forum tool based on the Issue Based Information Systems (IBIS) framework. The conclusions drawn reveal the advantages offered by the structured e-forum, but also its difficulties as well.

Formation of proto-multiple systems in a magnetized, fragmenting filament

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hull, Charles L. H.

2016-01-01

In just the past few years, it has become clear that filamentary structure is present in the star-formation process across many orders of magnitude in spatial scale, from the galactic scales probed by Planck and Herschel all the way down to the AU-scale structures that ALMA has revealed within protoplanetary disks. A similar story can be told of magnetic fields, which play a role in star formation across the same vast range of size scales. Here I will show filamentary structure near three protostars in the Serpens Main star-forming region, as seen with both CARMA (at 1000 AU scales) and ALMA (at 150 AU scales!). Even at such high resolution, these sources have a number of nearby, filamentary blobs/condensations/companions, which may be the beginnings of multiple star systems. Additionally, the filamentary structures along which these companions lie coincide in a tantalizing way with the magnetic fields we mapped with CARMA.

Self-Assembly: How Nature Builds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, M. Gail; Falvo, Michael R.; Broadwell, Bethany; Dotger, Sharon

2006-01-01

Self-assembly or spontaneous assembly is a process in which materials build themselves without assistance. This process plays a central role in the construction of biological structures and materials such as cells, viruses, and bone, and also in abiotic processes like phase transitions and crystal formation. The principles of self-assembly help…

Formation and evolution of anodic TiO2 nanotube embryos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Rong; Liao, Maoying; Lin, Tong; Zhang, Shaoyu; Shen, Xiaoping; Song, Ye; Zhu, Xufei

2017-06-01

Anodic TiO2 nanotubes (ATNTs) have been widely investigated for decades due to their interesting nanostructures and various applications. However, the formation mechanism of ATNTs still remains unclear. To date, most of researches focus on the tubular structure but neglect the formation process of initial nanotube embryos. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is added into the traditional electrolyte to moderate the transformation process from compact layer to porous layer. Based on ‘oxygen bubble mould’ and ‘plastic flow model’ theory, the formation and evolution process of nanotube embryo is clarified firstly. Results validate the effect of ‘oxygen bubble mould’ on the formation of nanotube embryo, which has a great effect on regulating the morphology of ATNT arrays. Besides, nanotubes prepared in electrolytes with PEG show shorter tube length with larger diameter than that prepared in traditional electrolytes. The addition of PEG can also effectively avoid the breakdown phenomenon. Highlights Transformation from compact layer into porous layer is observed in PEG electrolyte. The effect of oxygen bubble mould is first demonstrated and observed. The formation process of TiO2 nanotube embryo is described systematically. TiO2 nanotubes prepared in PEG electrolyte show short length and large diameter.

Molar tooth structures in calcareous nodules, early Neoproterozoic Burovaya Formation, Turukhansk region, Siberia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pope, Michael C.; Bartley, Julie K.; Knoll, Andrew H.; Petrov, Peter Yu.

2003-05-01

Molar tooth structures are abundant in large (1-2 m diameter) carbonate nodules within fine-grained, subtidal carbonates of the early Neoproterozoic (lower Upper Riphean) Burovaya Formation along the Sukhaya Tunguska River, Turukhansk Uplift, northwestern Siberia. Although molar tooth structures are regionally abundant in this unit, here they occur only within the nodules. Stable isotopic compositions of molar-tooth-filling dolomicrospar cements and of thinly bedded dolomicrite within and surrounding the nodules are indistinguishable from one another. The carbon isotopic compositions (mean δ13C=+2.8‰ PDB±0.4) reflect mean average oceanic surface water composition during their formation; the light oxygen isotopic compositions (mean δ18O=-6.4‰ PDB±2.2) are generally similar to those of other little-altered Meso- to Neoproterozoic limestones and dolostones. These molar tooth structures have no features that would support a tectonic origin; they more likely formed through bacterial processes. Carbonate cement filling of these voids occurred soon after their formation, but the mechanism responsible for this carbonate precipitation is currently uncertain. Local restriction of molar tooth structures to early diagenetic nodules suggests that penecontemporaneous lithification was required for the formation, or at least preservation, of these widespread Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic features.

Investigating Hydrophilic Pores in Model Lipid Bilayers using Molecular Simulations: Correlating Bilayer Properties with Pore Formation Thermodynamics

PubMed Central

Hu, Yuan; Sinha, Sudipta Kumar

2015-01-01

Cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides show remarkable ability to translocate across physiological membranes. Along with factors such as electric potential induced-perturbations of membrane structure and surface tension effects, experiments invoke pore-like membrane configurations during the solute transfer process into vesicles and cells. The initiation and formation of pores are associated with a non-trivial free energy cost, thus necessitating consideration of the factors associated with pore formation and attendant free energetics. Due to experimental and modeling challenges related to the long timescales of the translocation process, we use umbrella-sampling molecular dynamics simulations with a lipid-density based order parameter to investigate membrane pore-formation free energy employing Martini coarse-grained models. We investigate structure and thermodynamic features of the pore in 18 lipids spanning a range of head-groups, charge states, acyl chain lengths and saturation. We probe the dependence of pore-formation barriers on area per lipid, lipid bilayer thickness, membrane bending rigidities in three different lipid classes. The pore formation free energy in pure bilayers and peptide translocating scenarios are significantly coupled with bilayer thickness. Thicker bilayers require more reversible work to create pores. Pore formation free energy is higher in peptide-lipid systems relative to the peptide-free lipid systems due to penalties to maintain solvation of charged hydrophilic solutes within the membrane environment. PMID:25614183

Investigating Hydrophilic Pores in Model Lipid Bilayers Using Molecular Simulations: Correlating Bilayer Properties with Pore-Formation Thermodynamics.

PubMed

Hu, Yuan; Sinha, Sudipta Kumar; Patel, Sandeep

2015-06-23

Cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides show a remarkable ability to translocate across physiological membranes. Along with factors such as electric-potential-induced perturbations of membrane structure and surface tension effects, experiments invoke porelike membrane configurations during the solute transfer process into vesicles and cells. The initiation and formation of pores are associated with a nontrivial free-energy cost, thus necessitating a consideration of the factors associated with pore formation and the attendant free energies. Because of experimental and modeling challenges related to the long time scales of the translocation process, we use umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations with a lipid-density-based order parameter to investigate membrane-pore-formation free energy employing Martini coarse-grained models. We investigate structure and thermodynamic features of the pore in 18 lipids spanning a range of headgroups, charge states, acyl chain lengths, and saturation. We probe the dependence of pore-formation barriers on the area per lipid, lipid bilayer thickness, and membrane bending rigidities in three different lipid classes. The pore-formation free energy in pure bilayers and peptide translocating scenarios are significantly coupled with bilayer thickness. Thicker bilayers require more reversible work to create pores. The pore-formation free energy is higher in peptide-lipid systems than in peptide-free lipid systems due to penalties to maintain the solvation of charged hydrophilic solutes within the membrane environment.

The artifcial catchment Chicken Creek as a tool to study initial ecosystem development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaaf, W.; Elmer, M.; Fischer, A.; Gerwin, W.; Nenov, R.

2011-12-01

The artificial catchment Chicken Creek was constructed in 2005 to study the increasingly complex interactions of processes and structures during initial development of ecosystems. The 6ha area serves as the central research site for the Transregional Collaborative Research Center 38. Both internal and external factors could be identified as driving forces for the formation of structures and patterns in the artificial catchment during the first five years of development. Initial structures formed by the construction process (e.g. catchment morphology, subsurface structures like clay dams and dumping cones, caterpillar tracks at the surface) and initial substrate characteristics (e.g. texture, geochemistry) were decisive both for the distribution and flow of precipitation water and for vegetation succession. External factors like episodic events (e.g. heavy thunderstorms) triggered erosion and dissection during this initial phase, promoted by the low vegetation cover and the unconsolidated sandy substrate. These processes resulted in transport and redistribution of water and sediment within the catchment, mainly along the main slope, and the formation of new structural elements like gullies and channels, a sedimentation fan above and sediments within the pond. As a result, we observed an overall differentiation of the site, e.g. with respect to water availability and texture redistribution, into areas with abrasion or accumulation processes dominating and areas with stable surfaces. During further development, both external factors and processes within the catchment continued to influence the site. For example, beside the initial soil seed bank, the surrounding environment of the catchment clearly affected species invasion. The dissection and stability of surfaces may be an important factor for the establishment of plants and habitats as well as for the formation of vegetation patterns and biological soil crusts. The transformation of the initial geo-system into areas with evolving terrestrial or aquatic characteristics and from a very episodic to a more permanent stream network and discharge, together with the observed vegetation dynamics increased site diversity and heterogeneity with respect to water and nutrient availability and transformation processes compared to the more homogenous conditions at point zero. We expect that these more permanent structures and patterns established after five years will greatly influence the future development of the catchment with respect to e.g. input and accumulation of soil organic matter, nitrogen input and availability by symbiotic microbial N-fixation, development of root systems and soil food webs, weathering and soil formation, element cycling, and the water and element budget at the catchment scale.

Microscopy of Alloy Formation on Arc Plasma Sintered Oxide Dispersion Strengthen (ODS) Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandriyana, B.; Sujatno, A.; Salam, R.; Dimyati, A.; Untoro, P.

2017-07-01

The oxide dispersed strengthened (ODS) alloys steel developed as structure material for nuclear power plants (NPP) has good resistant against creep due to their unique microstructure. Microscopy investigation on the microstructure formation during alloying process especially at the early stages was carried out to study the correlation between structure and property of ODS alloys. This was possible thanks to the arc plasma sintering (APS) device which can simulate the time dependent alloying processes. The ODS sample with composition of 88 wt.% Fe and 12 wt.% Cr powder dispersed with 1 wt.% ZrO2 nano powder was mixed in a high energy milling, isostatic compressed to form sample coins and then alloyed in APS. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (EDX) line scan and mapping was used to characterize the microstructure and elemental composition distribution of the samples. The alloying process with unification of each Fe and Cr phase continued by the alloying formation of Fe-Cr by inter-diffusion of both Fe and Cr and followed by the improvement of the mechanical properties of hardness.

Monodispersed bimetallic PdAg nanoparticles with twinned structures: Formation and enhancement for the methanol oxidation

PubMed Central

Yin, Zhen; Zhang, Yining; Chen, Kai; Li, Jing; Li, Wenjing; Tang, Pei; Zhao, Huabo; Zhu, Qingjun; Bao, Xinhe; Ma, Ding

2014-01-01

Monodispersed bimetallic PdAg nanoparticles can be fabricated through the emulsion-assisted ethylene glycol (EG) ternary system. Different compositions of bimetallic PdAg nanoparticles, Pd80Ag20, Pd65Ag35 and Pd46Ag54 can be obtained via adjusting the reaction parameters. For the formation process of the bimetallic PdAg nanoparticles, there have two-stage growth processes: firstly, nucleation and growth of the primary nanoclusters; secondly, formation of the secondary nanoparticles with the size-selection and relax process via the coalescence or aggregation of the primary nanoclusters. The as-prepared PdAg can be supported on the carbon black without any post-treatment, which exhibited high electro-oxidation activity towards methanol oxidation under alkaline media. More importantly, carbon-supported Pd80Ag20 nanoparticles reveal distinctly superior activities for the methanol oxidation, even if compared with commercial Pt/C electro-catalyst. It is concluded that the enhanced activity is dependant on the unique twinning structure with heterogeneous phase due to the dominating coalescence growth in EG ternary system. PMID:24608736

Self-assembly of silica nanoparticles into hollow spheres via a microwave-assisted aerosol process

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

Li, Shan; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164; Wang, Fei

2016-02-15

Highlights: • The silica hollow spheres were fabricated via a microwave-assisted aerosol process. • The formation of the hollow spheres was obtained through a one-step process. • The spheres indicated the remarkable sustained release of potassium persulfate. - Abstract: In this work, a simple and efficient strategy for fabrication of silica hollow spheres (SHSs) has been successfully introduced with a one-step microwave-assisted aerosol process using silica nanoparticles (SiO{sub 2}, 12–50 nm) and NH{sub 4}HCO{sub 3} as precursor materials. This approach combines the merits of microwave radiation and the aerosol technique. And the formation of SHSs is ascribed to solvent evaporationmore » and the as-generated gas from NH{sub 4}HCO{sub 3} decomposition in the microwave reactor. The morphology of the SHSs can be easily tuned by varying the residence time, amount of NH{sub 4}HCO{sub 3} and silica sources. The formation mechanism of SHSs was also investigated by structure analysis. In addition, the hollow spheres exhibited remarkable sustained release of potassium persulfate, by loading it into the porous structures. The results provide new sights into the fabrication of inorganic hollow spheres via a one-step process.« less

Development of cataclastic foliation in deformation bands in feldspar-rich conglomerates of the Rio do Peixe Basin, NE Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicchio, Matheus A.; Nogueira, Francisco C. C.; Balsamo, Fabrizio; Souza, Jorge A. B.; Carvalho, Bruno R. B. M.; Bezerra, Francisco H. R.

2018-02-01

In this work we describe the deformation mechanisms and processes that occurred during the evolution of cataclastic deformation bands developed in the feldspar-rich conglomerates of the Rio do Peixe Basin, NE Brazil. We studied bands with different deformation intensities, ranging from single cm-thick tabular bands to more evolved clustering zones. The chemical identification of cataclastic material within deformation bands was performed using compositional mapping in SEM images, EDX and XRD analyses. Deformation processes were identified by microstructural analysis and by the quantification of comminution intensity, performed using digital image processing. The deformation bands are internally non homogeneous and developed during five evolutionary stages: (1) moderate grain size reduction, grain rotation and grain border comminution; (2) intense grain size reduction with preferential feldspar fragmentation; (3) formation of subparallel C-type slip zones; (4) formation of S-type structures, generating S-C-like fabric; and (5) formation of C‧-type slip zones, generating well-developed foliation that resembles S-C-C‧-type structures in a ductile environment. Such deformation fabric is mostly imparted by the preferential alignment of intensely comminuted feldspar fragments along thin slip zones developed within deformation bands. These processes were purely mechanical (i.e., grain crushing and reorientation). No clays or fluids were involved in such processes.

Conformational Transitions in Molecular Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachmann, M.; Janke, W.

2008-11-01

Proteins are the "work horses" in biological systems. In almost all functions specific proteins are involved. They control molecular transport processes, stabilize the cell structure, enzymatically catalyze chemical reactions; others act as molecular motors in the complex machinery of molecular synthetization processes. Due to their significance, misfolds and malfunctions of proteins typically entail disastrous diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Therefore, the understanding of the trinity of amino acid composition, geometric structure, and biological function is one of the most essential challenges for the natural sciences. Here, we glance at conformational transitions accompanying the structure formation in protein folding processes.

Bragg reflector based gate stack architecture for process integration of excimer laser annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortunato, G.; Mariucci, L.; Cuscunà, M.; Privitera, V.; La Magna, A.; Spinella, C.; Magrı, A.; Camalleri, M.; Salinas, D.; Simon, F.; Svensson, B.; Monakhov, E.

2006-12-01

An advanced gate stack structure, which incorporates a Bragg reflector, has been developed for the integration of excimer laser annealing into the power metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor fabrication process. This advanced gate structure effectively protects the gate stack from melting, thus solving the problem related to protrusion formation. By using this gate stack configuration, power MOS transistors were fabricated with improved electrical characteristics. The Bragg reflector based gate stack architecture can be applied to other device structures, such as scaled MOS transistors, thus extending the possibilities of process integration of excimer laser annealing.

Theoretical model of a polarization diffractive elements for the light beams conversion holographic formation in PDLCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharangovich, Sergey N.; Semkin, Artem O.

2017-12-01

In this work a theoretical model of the holographic formation of the polarization diffractive optical elements for the transformation of Gaussian light beams into Bessel-like ones in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) is developed. The model is based on solving the equations of photo-induced Fredericks transition processes for polarization diffractive elements formation by orthogonally polarized light beams with inhomogeneous amplitude and phase profiles. The results of numerical simulation of the material's dielectric tensor changing due to the structure's formation process are presented for various recording beams' polarization states. Based on the results of numerical simulation, the ability to form the diffractive optical elements for light beams transformation by the polarization holography methods is shown.

Microbial mediated soil structure formation under wetting and drying cycles along a climate gradient (arid to humid) on hillslopes in Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernhard, Nadine; Moskwa, Lisa-Marie; Kühn, Peter; Mueller, Carsten W.; Wagner, Dirk; Scholten, Thomas

2017-04-01

It is well-known that the land surface resistance against erosion is largely controlled by the structure stability of the soil given by its inherent properties. Microbial activity plays a vital role in soil structure development, and thus affecting soil physical parameters. Accordingly the influence of biota shaping the earth's surface has been described through mechanisms such as mineral weathering, formation of ions and biofilms controlling land surface resistance against erosion. However the role of microorganisms for the development of soil stabilizing properties is still unclear and a precise quantitative understanding of the mechanisms under different climate conditions is widely missing. The objectives of our study are to examine to which extend microbiological processes control soil structure formation and stability and whether this is influenced by climate and topographic position. Soil samples were taken along a climate gradient and from different topographic positions of hillslopes in the Chilean Coastal Cordillera in austral autumn 2016. The variables of lithology, human disturbances and relief were held as far as possible constant whereas climate varies along the transect. We implemented 10 wet-dry cycles on air dried and sieved natural and sterile samples to enhance particle aggregation and increase structure stability. Throughout the entire experiment temperature is held constant at 20 °C to avoid changes in microbial activity. Samples are moistened and dried and each kept at the same respective pF-values for the same duration to add the same stress to each sample. Aggregate stability will be measured using wet sieving, ultrasonic dispersion and simulated rainfall. The results will be compared with on-site rainfall simulation experiments on hillslopes in the Chilean Coastal Cordillera to link laboratory results with natural field conditions. The experiment gives first insight into the aggregate formation process over time with and without microorganisms (sterilized samples). Furthermore it allows to qualify and quantify the contribution of biota to soil structure formation and stability.

Tracking the formation of eumelanin from L-Dopa using coupled measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yip, Philip; Sutter, Jens U.

2018-04-01

Melanin plays a crucial role as a pigment all through the animal kingdom. Being a macromolecule just on the divide between an ordered crystalline or a purely amorphous form melanin has proven a challenge to structure-function analysis. Melanin assembles from small molecules much like a jigsaw and much like in a jigsaw the fine detail quickly vanishes in the overall picture. With melanin being first and foremost a photo-active molecule we focus on spectral properties for the characterisation of its structure. We use absorption measurements to illustrate the complex nature of the formation process. To gain a better hold on the formation pathway we use coupled measurements of excitation and emission to identify ‘areas of interest’ in the excitation-emission matrix (EEM). We then probe one area for characteristic fluorescence lifetimes to track one melanin building block through the formation process. Comparison of the EEMs of L-Dopa derived melanin with natural Sepia melanin shows characteristic differences. We show how the presence of copper ions creates a melanin closer to its natural form.

Structure and formation of ant transportation networks

PubMed Central

Latty, Tanya; Ramsch, Kai; Ito, Kentaro; Nakagaki, Toshiyuki; Sumpter, David J. T.; Middendorf, Martin; Beekman, Madeleine

2011-01-01

Many biological systems use extensive networks for the transport of resources and information. Ants are no exception. How do biological systems achieve efficient transportation networks in the absence of centralized control and without global knowledge of the environment? Here, we address this question by studying the formation and properties of inter-nest transportation networks in the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). We find that the formation of inter-nest networks depends on the number of ants involved in the construction process. When the number of ants is sufficient and networks do form, they tend to have short total length but a low level of robustness. These networks are topologically similar to either minimum spanning trees or Steiner networks. The process of network formation involves an initial construction of multiple links followed by a pruning process that reduces the number of trails. Our study thus illuminates the conditions under and the process by which minimal biological transport networks can be constructed. PMID:21288958

Structural features of silver-doped phosphate glasses in zone of femtosecond laser-induced modification

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

Vasileva, A.A., E-mail: anvsilv@gmail.com; Nazarov, I.A.; Olshin, P.K.

2015-10-15

Femtosecond (fs) laser writing of two-dimensional microstructures (waveguides) is demonstrated in bulk phosphate glasses doped with silver ions. Silver-content phosphate and silver-content niobium–phosphate glasses with high concentration of silver oxide 55 mol% were used as samples for fs laser writing. The chemical network structure of the synthesized samples is analyzed through Raman spectroscopy and was found to be strongly sensitive to Nb incorporation. It was found that the direct laser writing process enables not only reorganization of glass network, but also formation of color centers and silver nanoparticles that are revealed in appearance of luminescence signal and plasmon absorption. Themore » process of NPs' formation is more efficient for Nb-phosphate glass, while color centers are preferably formed in phosphate glass. - Graphical abstract: Formation of silver NPs on the surface of 0.5Ag{sub 2}O–0.4P{sub 2}O{sub 5}–0,1Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} glass induced by CW laser irradiation. - Highlights: • The structure of 0.5Ag{sub 2}O–0.1Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}–0.4P{sub 2}O{sub 5} and 0.55Ag{sub 2}O–0.45P{sub 2}O{sub 5} glasses was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. • Fs laser writing induces formation of silver NPs in investigated glasses. • Surface plasmon resonance in the absorption spectra confirms the formation of NP. • The possibility of CW laser induced formation of silver NPs on the surface of sample with niobium is shown.« less

Memory formation orchestrates the wiring of adult-born hippocampal neurons into brain circuits.

PubMed

Petsophonsakul, Petnoi; Richetin, Kevin; Andraini, Trinovita; Roybon, Laurent; Rampon, Claire

2017-08-01

During memory formation, structural rearrangements of dendritic spines provide a mean to durably modulate synaptic connectivity within neuronal networks. New neurons generated throughout the adult life in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus contribute to learning and memory. As these neurons become incorporated into the network, they generate huge numbers of new connections that modify hippocampal circuitry and functioning. However, it is yet unclear as to how the dynamic process of memory formation influences their synaptic integration into neuronal circuits. New memories are established according to a multistep process during which new information is first acquired and then consolidated to form a stable memory trace. Upon recall, memory is transiently destabilized and vulnerable to modification. Using contextual fear conditioning, we found that learning was associated with an acceleration of dendritic spines formation of adult-born neurons, and that spine connectivity becomes strengthened after memory consolidation. Moreover, we observed that afferent connectivity onto adult-born neurons is enhanced after memory retrieval, while extinction training induces a change of spine shapes. Together, these findings reveal that the neuronal activity supporting memory processes strongly influences the structural dendritic integration of adult-born neurons into pre-existing neuronal circuits. Such change of afferent connectivity is likely to impact the overall wiring of hippocampal network, and consequently, to regulate hippocampal function.

Spontaneous scale-free structure in adaptive networks with synchronously dynamical linking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Wu-Jie; Zhou, Jian-Fang; Li, Qun; Chen, De-Bao; Wang, Zhen

2013-08-01

Inspired by the anti-Hebbian learning rule in neural systems, we study how the feedback from dynamical synchronization shapes network structure by adding new links. Through extensive numerical simulations, we find that an adaptive network spontaneously forms scale-free structure, as confirmed in many real systems. Moreover, the adaptive process produces two nontrivial power-law behaviors of deviation strength from mean activity of the network and negative degree correlation, which exists widely in technological and biological networks. Importantly, these scalings are robust to variation of the adaptive network parameters, which may have meaningful implications in the scale-free formation and manipulation of dynamical networks. Our study thus suggests an alternative adaptive mechanism for the formation of scale-free structure with negative degree correlation, which means that nodes of high degree tend to connect, on average, with others of low degree and vice versa. The relevance of the results to structure formation and dynamical property in neural networks is briefly discussed as well.

Supercoil Formation During DNA Melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayar, Mehmet; Avsaroglu, Baris; Kabakcioglu, Alkan

2009-03-01

Supercoil formation plays a key role in determining the structure-function relationship in DNA. Biological and technological processes, such as protein synthesis, polymerase chain reaction, and microarrays relys on separation of the two strands in DNA, which is coupled to the unwinding of the supercoiled structure. This problem has been studied theoretically via Peyrard-Bishop and Poland-Scheraga type models, which include a simple representation of the DNA structural properties. In recent years, computational models, which provide a more realtistic representaion of DNA molecule, have been used to study the melting behavior of short DNA chains. Here, we will present a new coarse-grained model of DNA which is capable of simulating sufficiently long DNA chains for studying the supercoil formation during melting, without sacrificing the local structural properties. Our coarse-grained model successfully reproduces the local geometry of the DNA molecule, such as the 3'-5' directionality, major-minor groove structure, and the helical pitch. We will present our initial results on the dynamics of supercoiling during DNA melting.

H2 formation via the UV photo-processing of a-C:H nano-particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, A. P.; Habart, E.

2015-09-01

Context. The photolysis of hydrogenated amorphous carbon, a-C(:H), dust by UV photon-irradiation in the laboratory leads to the release of H2 as well as other molecules and radicals. This same process is also likely to be important in the interstellar medium. Aims: We investigate molecule formation arising from the photo-dissociatively-driven, regenerative processing of a-C(:H) dust. Methods: We explore the mechanism of a-C(:H) grain photolysis leading to the formation of H2 and other molecules/radicals. Results: The rate constant for the photon-driven formation of H2 from a-C(:H) grains is estimated to be 2 × 10-17 cm3 s-1. In intense radiation fields photon-driven grain decomposition will lead to fragmentation into daughter species rather than H2 formation. Conclusions: The cyclic re-structuring of arophatic a-C(:H) nano-particles appears to be a viable route to formation of H2 for low to moderate radiation field intensities (1 ≲ G0 ≲ 102), even when the dust is warm (T ~ 50-100 K).

Do you also have problems with the file format syndrome?

PubMed

De Cuyper, B; Nyssen, E; Christophe, Y; Cornelis, J

1991-11-01

In a biomedical data processing environment, an essential requirement is the ability to integrate a large class of standard modules for the acquisition, processing and display of the (image) data. Our approach to the management and manipulation of the different data formats is based on the specification of a common standard for the representation of data formats, called 'data nature descriptions' to emphasise that this representation not only specifies the structure but also the contents of data objects (files). The idea behind this concept is to associate each hardware and software component that produces or uses medical data with a description of the data objects manipulated by that component. In our approach a special software module (a format convertor generator) takes care of the appropriate data format conversions, required when two or more components of the system exchange data.

Suspected microbial-induced sedimentary structures (MISS) in Furongian (Upper Cambrian; Jiangshanian, Sunwaptan) strata of the Upper Mississippi Valley

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eoff, Jennifer D.

2014-01-01

The Furongian (Upper Cambrian; Jiangshanian and Sunwaptan) Tunnel City Group (Lone Rock Formation and Mazomanie Formation), exposed in Wisconsin and Minnesota, represents a shallow-marine clastic environment during a time of exceptionally high sea level. Lithofacies from shoreface to transitional-offshore settings document deposition in a wave- and storm-dominated sea. Flooding of the cratonic interior was associated with formation of a condensed section and the extensive development of microbial mats. Biolamination, mat fragments, wrinkle structures, and syneresis cracks are preserved in various sandstone facies of the Lone Rock Formation, as is evidence for the cohesive behavior of sand. These microbial-induced sedimentary structures (MISS) provide unique signals of biological–physical processes that physical structures alone cannot mimic. The MISS are associated with a trilobite extinction event in the Steptoean–Sunwaptan boundary interval. This may support recent claims that Phanerozoic microbial mats were opportunistic disaster forms that flourished during periods of faunal turnover. Further investigation of stratigraphic, taphonomic, and other potential biases, however, is needed to fully test this hypothesis.

In vitro organogenesis of gut-like structures from mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Kuwahara, M; Ogaeri, T; Matsuura, R; Kogo, H; Fujimoto, T; Torihashi, S

2004-04-01

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have pluripotency and give rise to many cell types and tissues, including representatives of all three germ layers in the embryo. We have reported previously that mouse ES cells formed contracting gut-like organs from embryoid bodies (EBs). These gut-like structures contracted spontaneously, and had large lumens surrounded by three layers, i.e. epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis. Ganglia were scattered along the periphery, and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were distributed among the smooth muscle cells. In the present study, to determine whether they can be a model of gut organogenesis, we investigated the formation process of the gut-like structures in comparison with embryonic gut development. As a result, we found that the fundamental process of formation in vitro was similar to embryonic gut development in vivo. The result indicates that the gut-like structure is a useful tool not only for developmental study to determine the factors that induce gut organogenesis, but also for studies of enteric neurone and ICC development.

Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Formation and Structure Change in TCS-08

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

cyclones often transition to a fast-moving and rapidly- developing extratropical cyclone that may contain gale-, storm -, or hurricane-force winds... storm begins the process of extratropical transition have revealed the role of vertical wind shear in defining structural variations related to the...horizontal wind radii as the storm starts the process of extratropical transition. Elsberry et al. (2011) have extended the analysis of the

Formation mechanism of atomic cluster structures in Al-Mg alloy during rapid solidification processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Feng-xiang; Liu, Rang-su; Hou, Zhao-yang; Liu, Hai-Rong; Tian, Ze-an; Zhou, Li-li

2009-02-01

The rapid solidification processes of Al 50Mg 50 liquid alloy consisting of 50,000 atoms have been simulated by using molecular dynamics method based on the effective pair potential derived from the pseudopotential theory. The formation mechanisms of atomic clusters during the rapid solidification processes have been investigated adopting a new cluster description method—cluster-type index method (CTIM). The simulated partial structure factors are in good agreement with the experimental results. And Al-Mg amorphous structure characterized with Al-centered icosahedral topological short-range order (SRO) is found to form during the rapid solidification processes. The icosahedral cluster plays a key role in the microstructure transition. Besides, it is also found that the size distribution of various clusters in the system presents a magic number sequence of 13, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31, 33, 37, …. The magic clusters are more stable and mainly correspond to the incompact arrangements of linked icosahedra in the form of rings, chains or dendrites. And each magic number point stands correspondingly for one certain combining form of icosahedra. This magic number sequence is different from that generated in the solidification structure of liquid Al and those obtained by methods of gaseous deposition and ionic spray, etc.

Competitive annealing of multiple DNA origami: formation of chimeric origami

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majikes, Jacob M.; Nash, Jessica A.; LaBean, Thomas H.

2016-11-01

Scaffolded DNA origami are a robust tool for building discrete nanoscale objects at high yield. This strategy ensures, in the design process, that the desired nanostructure is the minimum free energy state for the designed set of DNA sequences. Despite aiming for the minimum free energy structure, the folding process which leads to that conformation is difficult to characterize, although it has been the subject of much research. In order to shed light on the molecular folding pathways, this study intentionally frustrates the folding process of these systems by simultaneously annealing the staple pools for multiple target or parent origami structures, forcing competition. A surprising result of these competitive, simultaneous anneals is the formation of chimeric DNA origami which inherit structural regions from both parent origami. By comparing the regions inherited from the parent origami, relative stability of substructures were compared. This allowed examination of the folding process with typical characterization techniques and materials. Anneal curves were then used as a means to rapidly generate a phase diagram of anticipated behavior as a function of staple excess and parent staple ratio. This initial study shows that competitive anneals provide an exciting way to create diverse new nanostructures and may be used to examine the relative stability of various structural motifs.

Note: Setup for chemical atmospheric control during in situ grazing incidence X-ray scattering of printed thin films

DOE PAGES

Pröller, Stephan; Moseguí González, Daniel; Zhu, Chenhuii; ...

2017-06-01

In order to tailor the assembling of polymers and organic molecules, a deeper understanding of the kinetics involved in thin film production is necessary. While post-production characterization only provides insight on the final film structure, more sophisticated experimental setups are needed to probe the structure formation processes in situ during deposition. The drying kinetics of a deposited organic thin film strongly influences the assembling process on the nanometer scale. Lastly, this work presents an experimental setup that enables fine control of the atmosphere composition surrounding the sample during slot die coating, while simultaneously probing the film formation kinetics using inmore » situ grazing incidence X-ray scattering and spectroscopy.« less

ngVLA Key Science Goal 3: Charting the Assembly, Structure, and Evolution of Galaxies Over Cosmic Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riechers, Dominik A.; Bolatto, Alberto D.; Carilli, Chris; Casey, Caitlin M.; Decarli, Roberto; Murphy, Eric Joseph; Narayanan, Desika; Walter, Fabian; ngVLA Galaxy Assembly through Cosmic Time Science Working Group, ngVLA Galaxy Ecosystems Science Working Group

2018-01-01

The Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) will fundamentally advance our understanding of the formation processes that lead to the assembly of galaxies throughout cosmic history. The combination of large bandwidth with unprecedented sensitivity to the critical low-level CO lines over virtually the entire redshift range will open up the opportunity to conduct large-scale, deep cold molecular gas surveys, mapping the fuel for star formation in galaxies over substantial cosmic volumes. Imaging of the sub-kiloparsec scale distribution and kinematic structure of molecular gas in both normal main-sequence galaxies and large starbursts back to early cosmic epochs will reveal the physical processes responsible for star formation and black hole growth in galaxies over a broad range in redshifts. In the nearby universe, the ngVLA has the capability to survey the structure of the cold, star-forming interstellar medium at parsec-resolution out to the Virgo cluster. A range of molecular tracers will be accessible to map the motion, distribution, and physical and chemical state of the gas as it flows in from the outer disk, assembles into clouds, and experiences feedback due to star formation or accretion into central super-massive black holes. These investigations will crucially complement studies of the star formation and stellar mass histories with the Large UV/Optical/Infrared Surveyor and the Origins Space Telescope, providing the means to obtain a comprehensive picture of galaxy evolution through cosmic times.

Identity in agent-based models : modeling dynamic multiscale social processes.

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

Ozik, J.; Sallach, D. L.; Macal, C. M.

Identity-related issues play central roles in many current events, including those involving factional politics, sectarianism, and tribal conflicts. Two popular models from the computational-social-science (CSS) literature - the Threat Anticipation Program and SharedID models - incorporate notions of identity (individual and collective) and processes of identity formation. A multiscale conceptual framework that extends some ideas presented in these models and draws other capabilities from the broader CSS literature is useful in modeling the formation of political identities. The dynamic, multiscale processes that constitute and transform social identities can be mapped to expressive structures of the framework

Real time analysis of self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dot growth by probing reflection high-energy electron diffraction chevron image

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

Kudo, Takuya; Inoue, Tomoya; Kita, Takashi

2008-10-01

Self-assembling process of InAs/GaAs quantum dots has been investigated by analyzing reflection high-energy electron diffraction chevron images reflecting the crystal facet structure surrounding the island. The chevron image shows dramatic changes during the island formation. From the temporal evolution of the chevron tail structure, the self-assembling process has been found to consist of four steps. The initial islands do not show distinct facet structures. Then, the island surface is covered by high-index facets, and this is followed by the formation of stable low-index facets. Finally, the flow of In atoms from the islands occurs, which contributes to flatten the wettingmore » layer. Furthermore, we have investigated the island shape evolution during the GaAs capping layer growth by using the same real-time analysis technique.« less

Structure and Dynamics of Dinucleosomes Assessed by Atomic Force Microscopy

DOE PAGES

Filenko, Nina A.; Palets, Dmytro B.; Lyubchenko, Yuri L.

2012-01-01

Dynamics of nucleosomes and their interactions are important for understanding the mechanism of chromatin assembly. Internucleosomal interaction is required for the formation of higher-order chromatin structures. Although H1 histone is critically involved in the process of chromatin assembly, direct internucleosomal interactions contribute to this process as well. To characterize the interactions of nucleosomes within the nucleosome array, we designed a dinucleosome and performed direct AFM imaging. The analysis of the AFM data showed dinucleosomes are very dynamic systems, enabling the nucleosomes to move in a broad range along the DNA template. Di-nucleosomes in close proximity were observed, but their populationmore » was low. The use of the zwitterionic detergent, CHAPS, increased the dynamic range of the di-nucleosome, facilitating the formation of tight di-nucleosomes. The role of CHAPS and similar natural products in chromatin structure and dynamics is also discussed.« less

Computation material science of structural-phase transformation in casting aluminium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golod, V. M.; Dobosh, L. Yu

2017-04-01

Successive stages of computer simulation the formation of the casting microstructure under non-equilibrium conditions of crystallization of multicomponent aluminum alloys are presented. On the basis of computer thermodynamics and heat transfer during solidification of macroscale shaped castings are specified the boundary conditions of local heat exchange at mesoscale modeling of non-equilibrium formation the solid phase and of the component redistribution between phases during coalescence of secondary dendrite branches. Computer analysis of structural - phase transitions based on the principle of additive physico-chemical effect of the alloy components in the process of diffusional - capillary morphological evolution of the dendrite structure and the o of local dendrite heterogeneity which stochastic nature and extent are revealed under metallographic study and modeling by the Monte Carlo method. The integrated computational materials science tools at researches of alloys are focused and implemented on analysis the multiple-factor system of casting processes and prediction of casting microstructure.

Crystal structure and solution species of Ce(III) and Ce(IV) formates: from mononuclear to hexanuclear complexes.

PubMed

Hennig, Christoph; Ikeda-Ohno, Atsushi; Kraus, Werner; Weiss, Stephan; Pattison, Philip; Emerich, Hermann; Abdala, Paula M; Scheinost, Andreas C

2013-10-21

Cerium(III) and cerium(IV) both form formate complexes. However, their species in aqueous solution and the solid-state structures are surprisingly different. The species in aqueous solutions were investigated with Ce K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy. Ce(III) formate shows only mononuclear complexes, which is in agreement with the predicted mononuclear species of Ce(HCOO)(2+) and Ce(HCOO)2(+). In contrast, Ce(IV) formate forms in aqueous solution a stable hexanuclear complex of [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(HCOO)x(NO3)y](12-x-y). The structural differences reflect the different influence of hydrolysis, which is weak for Ce(III) and strong for Ce(IV). Hydrolysis of Ce(IV) ions causes initial polymerization while complexation through HCOO(-) results in 12 chelate rings stabilizing the hexanuclear Ce(IV) complex. Crystals were grown from the above-mentioned solutions. Two crystal structures of Ce(IV) formate were determined. Both form a hexanuclear complex with a [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4](12+) core in aqueous HNO3/HCOOH solution. The pH titration with NaOH resulted in a structure with the composition [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(HCOO)10(NO3)2(H2O)3]·(H2O)9.5, while the pH adjustment with NH3 resulted in [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(HCOO)10(NO3)4]·(NO3)3(NH4)5(H2O)5. Furthermore, the crystal structure of Ce(III) formate, Ce(HCOO)3, was determined. The coordination polyhedron is a tricapped trigonal prism which is formed exclusively by nine HCOO(-) ligands. The hexanuclear Ce(IV) formate species from aqueous solution is widely preserved in the crystal structure, whereas the mononuclear solution species of Ce(III) formate undergoes a polymerization during the crystallization process.

Carbon nanotube-containing structures, methods of making, and processes using same

DOEpatents

Wang, Yong [Richland, WA; Chin, Ya-Huei [Richland, WA; Gao, Yufei [Blue Bell, PA; Aardahl, Christopher L [Richland, WA; Stewart, Terri L [Richland, WA

2006-03-14

Carbon nanotube structures are disclosed in which nanotubes are disposed over a porous support such as a foam, felt, mesh, or membrane. Techniques of making these structures are also disclosed. In some of these techniques, a support is pretreated with a templated surfactant composition to assist with the formation of a nanotube layer.

Carbon Nanotube-Containing Structures, Methods Of Making, And Processes Using Same

DOEpatents

Wang, Yong; Chin, Ya-Huei; Gao, Yufei; Aardahl, Christopher L.; Stewart, Terri L.

2004-11-30

Carbon nanotube structures are disclosed in which nanotubes are disposed over a porous support such as a foam, felt, mesh, or membrane. Techniques of making these structures are also disclosed. In some of these techniques, a support is pretreated with a templated surfactant composition to assist with the formation of a nanotube layer.

Trees and logs important to wildlife in the interior Columbia River basin.

Treesearch

Evelyn L. Bull; Catherine G. Parks; Torolf R. Torgersen

1997-01-01

This publication provides qualitative and quantitative information on five distinct structures: living trees with decayed parts, trees with hollow chambers, trees with brooms, dead trees, and logs. Information is provided on the value of these structures to wildlife, the decay or infection processes involved in the formation of these structures, and the principles to...

Enthalpy Costs of Making and Breaking Bonds: A Game of Generating Molecules with Proper Lewis Structures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Peter T.; Adkins, Alyssa D.; Gamble, Rex J.; Schultz, Linda D.

2009-01-01

"Enthalpy Costs" is a simple card game created to assist students in developing proper Lewis structure drawing skills. Score keeping is accomplished by tracking the enthalpy changes associated with bond-making and bond-breaking processes during formation of molecules represented by proper Lewis structures. Playing the game requires the student to…

Generation of field-aligned current (FAC) and convection through the formation of pressure regimes: Correction for the concept of Dungey's convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, T.; Watanabe, M.; Den, M.; Fujita, S.; Ebihara, Y.; Kikuchi, T.; Hashimoto, K. K.; Kataoka, R.

2016-09-01

In this paper, we try to elucidate the generation mechanism of the field-aligned current (FAC) and coexisting convection. From the comparison between the theoretical prediction and the state of numerical solution from the high-resolution global simulation, we obtain the following conclusions about the distribution of dynamo, the magnetic field structure along the flow path that diverges Poynting flux, and energy conversion promoting the generation of electromagnetic energy. The dynamo for the region 1 FAC, which is in the high-latitude-side cusp-mantle region, has a structure in which magnetic field is compressed along the convection path by the slow mode motion. The dynamo for the region 2 FAC is in the ring current region at the inner edge of the plasma sheet, and has a structure in which magnetic field is curved outward along the convection path. Under these structures, electromagnetic energy is generated from the work done by pressure gradient force, in both dynamos for the region 1 and region 2 FACs. In these generation processes of the FACs, the excitation of convection and the formation of pressure regimes occur as interdependent processes. This structure leads to a modification in the way of understanding the Dungey's convection. Generation of the FAC through the formation of pressure regimes is essential even for the case of substorm onset.

REVIEWS OF TOPICAL PROBLEMS: Large-scale star formation in galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efremov, Yurii N.; Chernin, Artur D.

2003-01-01

A brief review is given of the history of modern ideas on the ongoing star formation process in the gaseous disks of galaxies. Recent studies demonstrate the key role of the interplay between the gas self-gravitation and its turbulent motions. The large scale supersonic gas flows create structures of enhanced density which then give rise to the gravitational condensation of gas into stars and star clusters. Formation of star clusters, associations and complexes is considered, as well as the possibility of isolated star formation. Special emphasis is placed on star formation under the action of ram pressure.

Colliding with the Speed of Light, Using Low-Energy Photon-Photon Collision Study the Nature of Matter and the universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Meggie

2013-03-01

Our research discovered logical inconsistence in physics and mathematics. Through reviewing the entire history of physics and mathematics we gained new understanding about our earlier assumptions, which led to a new interpretation of the wave function and quantum physics. We found the existing experimental data supported a 4-dimensional fractal structure of matter and the universe, we found the formation of wave, matter and the universe through the same process started from a single particle, and the process itself is a fractal that contributed to the diversity of matter. We also found physical evidence supporting a not-continuous fractal space structure. The new understanding also led to a reinterpretation of nuclear collision theories, based on this we succeeded a room-temperature low-energy photon-photon collision (RT-LE-PPC), this method allowed us to observe a topological disconnected fractal structure and succeeded a simulation of the formation of matter and the universe which provided evidences for the nature of light and matter and led to a quantum structure interpretation, and we found the formation of the universe started from two particles. However this work cannot be understood with current physics theories due to the logical problems in the current physics theories.

Preservation of Archaeal Surface Layer Structure During Mineralization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kish, Adrienne; Miot, Jennyfer; Lombard, Carine; Guigner, Jean-Michel; Bernard, Sylvain; Zirah, Séverine; Guyot, François

2016-05-01

Proteinaceous surface layers (S-layers) are highly ordered, crystalline structures commonly found in prokaryotic cell envelopes that augment their structural stability and modify interactions with metals in the environment. While mineral formation associated with S-layers has previously been noted, the mechanisms were unconstrained. Using Sulfolobus acidocaldarius a hyperthermophilic archaeon native to metal-enriched environments and possessing a cell envelope composed only of a S-layer and a lipid cell membrane, we describe a passive process of iron phosphate nucleation and growth within the S-layer of cells and cell-free S-layer “ghosts” during incubation in a Fe-rich medium, independently of metabolic activity. This process followed five steps: (1) initial formation of mineral patches associated with S-layer; (2) patch expansion; (3) patch connection; (4) formation of a continuous mineral encrusted layer at the cell surface; (5) early stages of S-layer fossilization via growth of the extracellular mineralized layer and the mineralization of cytosolic face of the cell membrane. At more advanced stages of encrustation, encrusted outer membrane vesicles are formed, likely in an attempt to remove damaged S-layer proteins. The S-layer structure remains strikingly well preserved even upon the final step of encrustation, offering potential biosignatures to be looked for in the fossil record.

Porous silicon formation during Au-catalyzed etching

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

Algasinger, Michael; Bernt, Maximilian; Koynov, Svetoslav

2014-04-28

The formation of “black” nano-textured Si during the Au-catalyzed wet-chemical etch process was investigated with respect to photovoltaic applications. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images recorded at different stages of the etch process exhibit an evolution of a two-layer structure, consisting of cone-like Si hillocks covered with a nano-porous Si (np-Si) layer. Optical measurements confirm the presence of a np-Si phase which appears after the first ∼10 s of the etch process and continuously increases with the etch time. Furthermore, the etch process was investigated on Si substrates with different doping levels (∼0.01–100 Ω cm). SEM images show a transition frommore » the two-layer morphology to a structure consisting entirely of np-Si for higher doping levels (<0.1 Ω cm). The experimental results are discussed on the basis of the model of a local electrochemical etch process. A better understanding of the metal-catalyzed etch process facilitates the fabrication of “black” Si on various Si substrates, which is of significant interest for photovoltaic applications.« less

SAR matrices: automated extraction of information-rich SAR tables from large compound data sets.

PubMed

Wassermann, Anne Mai; Haebel, Peter; Weskamp, Nils; Bajorath, Jürgen

2012-07-23

We introduce the SAR matrix data structure that is designed to elucidate SAR patterns produced by groups of structurally related active compounds, which are extracted from large data sets. SAR matrices are systematically generated and sorted on the basis of SAR information content. Matrix generation is computationally efficient and enables processing of large compound sets. The matrix format is reminiscent of SAR tables, and SAR patterns revealed by different categories of matrices are easily interpretable. The structural organization underlying matrix formation is more flexible than standard R-group decomposition schemes. Hence, the resulting matrices capture SAR information in a comprehensive manner.

Influence of initial seed distribution on the pattern formation of the phase field crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starodumov, Ilya; Galenko, Peter; Kropotin, Nikolai; Alexandrov, Dmitri V.

2017-11-01

The process of crystal growth can be expressed as a transition of atomic structure to a finally stable state or to a metastable state. In the Phase Field Crystal Model (PFC-model) these states are described by regular distributions of the atomic density. Getting the system into any metastable condition may be caused by the peculiarities of the computational domain, initial and boundary conditions. However, an important factor in the formation of the crystal structure can be the initial disturbance. In the report we show how different types of initial disturbance can change the finally stable state of crystal structure in equilibrium.

Solid-state reaction synthesis for mixed-phase Eu3+-doped bismuth molybdate and its luminescence properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Danyang; Ding, Yu; Wang, Nan; Cai, Xiaomeng; Li, Jia; Han, Linyu; Wang, Shiqi; Han, Yuanyuan; Jia, Guang; Wang, Liyong

2017-09-01

A method for mixed-phase bismuth molybdate doped with Eu3+ ions was developed by solid-state reaction assisting with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The results of powder X-ray diffraction showed a mixed-phase structure and the microscopical characterization technology revealed the formation process with the addition of PVA. As a structure inducer, the PVA molecules played a vital role in the formation of phase structure. The as-obtained Eu3+-doped bismuth molybdates were also characterized by using different spectroscopic techniques including FTIR and photoluminescence (PL). The results show that doping concentration, PVA addition and calcination temperature affect photoluminescence properties remarkably.

Proline Residues as Switches in Conformational Changes Leading to Amyloid Fibril Formation

PubMed Central

Taler-Verčič, Ajda; Hasanbašić, Samra; Berbić, Selma; Stoka, Veronika; Turk, Dušan; Žerovnik, Eva

2017-01-01

Here we discuss studies of the structure, folding, oligomerization and amyloid fibril formation of several proline mutants of human stefin B, which is a protein inhibitor of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins and a member of the cystatin family. The structurally important prolines in stefin B are responsible for the slow folding phases and facilitate domain swapping (Pro 74) and loop swapping (Pro 79). Moreover, our findings are compared to β2-microglobulin, a protein involved in dialysis-related amyloidosis. The assessment of the contribution of proline residues to the process of amyloid fibril formation may shed new light on the critical molecular events involved in conformational disorders. PMID:28272335

Multi-agent simulation of the von Thunen model formation mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Haiyan; Li, Xia; Chen, Xiaoxiang; Deng, Chengbin

2008-10-01

This research tries to explain the internal driving forces of circular structure formation in urban geography via the simulation of interaction between individual behavior and market. On the premise of single city center, unchanged scale merit and complete competition, enterprise migration theory as well, an R-D algorithm, that has agents searched the best behavior rules in some given locations, is introduced with agent-based modeling technique. The experiment conducts a simulation on Swarm platform, whose result reflects and replays the formation process of Von Thünen circular structure. Introducing and considering some heterogeneous factors, such as traffic roads, the research verifies several landuse models and discusses the self-adjustment function of price mechanism.

Degradation of chloramphenicol by UV/chlorine treatment: Kinetics, mechanism and enhanced formation of halonitromethanes.

PubMed

Dong, Huiyu; Qiang, Zhimin; Hu, Jun; Qu, Jiuhui

2017-09-15

Ultraviolet (UV)/chlorine process is considered as an emerging advanced oxidation process for the degradation of micropollutants. This study investigated the degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) and formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during the UV/chlorine treatment. It was found that CAP degradation was enhanced by combined UV/chlorine treatment compared to that of UV and chlorination treatment alone. The pseudo-first-order rate constant of the UV/chlorine process at pH 7.0 reached 0.016 s -1 , which was 10.0 and 2.0 folds that observed from UV and chlorination alone, respectively. The enhancement can be attributed to the formation of diverse radicals (HO and reactive chlorine species (RCSs)), and the contribution of RCSs maintained more stable than that of HO at pH 5.5-8.5. Meanwhile, enhanced DBPs formation during the UV/chlorine treatment was observed. Both the simultaneous formation and 24-h halonitromethanes formation potential (HNMsFP) were positively correlated with the UV/chlorine treatment time. Although the simultaneous trichloronitromethane (TCNM) formation decreased with the prolonged UV irradiation, TCNM dominated the formation of HNMs after 24 h (>97.0%). According to structural analysis of transformation by-products, both the accelerated CAP degradation and enhanced HNMs formation steps were proposed. Overall, the formation of diverse radicals during the UV/chlorine treatment accelerated the degradation of CAP, while also enhanced the formation of DBPs simultaneously, indicating the need for DBPs evaluation before the application of combined UV/chlorine process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

KEY ISSUES REVIEW: Insights from simulations of star formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, Richard B.

2007-03-01

Although the basic physics of star formation is classical, numerical simulations have yielded essential insights into how stars form. They show that star formation is a highly nonuniform runaway process characterized by the emergence of nearly singular peaks in density, followed by the accretional growth of embryo stars that form at these density peaks. Circumstellar discs often form from the gas being accreted by the forming stars, and accretion from these discs may be episodic, driven by gravitational instabilities or by protostellar interactions. Star-forming clouds typically develop filamentary structures, which may, along with the thermal physics, play an important role in the origin of stellar masses because of the sensitivity of filament fragmentation to temperature variations. Simulations of the formation of star clusters show that the most massive stars form by continuing accretion in the dense cluster cores, and this again is a runaway process that couples star formation and cluster formation. Star-forming clouds also tend to develop hierarchical structures, and smaller groups of forming objects tend to merge into progressively larger ones, a generic feature of self-gravitating systems that is common to star formation and galaxy formation. Because of the large range of scales and the complex dynamics involved, analytic models cannot adequately describe many aspects of star formation, and detailed numerical simulations are needed to advance our understanding of the subject. 'The purpose of computing is insight, not numbers.' Richard W Hamming, in Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers (1962) 'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.' William Shakespeare, in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (1604)

Protein Data Bank Japan (PDBj): maintaining a structural data archive and resource description framework format

PubMed Central

Kinjo, Akira R.; Suzuki, Hirofumi; Yamashita, Reiko; Ikegawa, Yasuyo; Kudou, Takahiro; Igarashi, Reiko; Kengaku, Yumiko; Cho, Hasumi; Standley, Daron M.; Nakagawa, Atsushi; Nakamura, Haruki

2012-01-01

The Protein Data Bank Japan (PDBj, http://pdbj.org) is a member of the worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) and accepts and processes the deposited data of experimentally determined macromolecular structures. While maintaining the archive in collaboration with other wwPDB partners, PDBj also provides a wide range of services and tools for analyzing structures and functions of proteins, which are summarized in this article. To enhance the interoperability of the PDB data, we have recently developed PDB/RDF, PDB data in the Resource Description Framework (RDF) format, along with its ontology in the Web Ontology Language (OWL) based on the PDB mmCIF Exchange Dictionary. Being in the standard format for the Semantic Web, the PDB/RDF data provide a means to integrate the PDB with other biological information resources. PMID:21976737

Biosensing based on magnetically induced self-assembly of particles in magnetic colloids.

PubMed

Yang, Ye; Morimoto, Yoshitaka; Takamura, Tsukasa; Sandhu, Adarsh

2012-03-01

Superparamagnetic beads and nonmagnetic beads of different sizes were assembled to form a "ring-structure" in a magnetorheological (MR) fluid solution by the application of external magnetic fields. For superparamagnetic beads and non-magnetic beads functionalized with probe and target molecules, respectively, the ring-structure was maintained even after removing the external magnetic field due to biomolecular bonding. Several experiments are described, including the formation process of ring-structures with and without molecular interactions, the accelerating effect of external magnetic fields, and the effect of biotin concentration on the structures of the rings. We define the small nonmagnetic particles as "petals" because the whole structure looks like a flower. The number of remnant ring petals was a function of the concentration of target molecules in the concentration range of 0.0768 ng/ml-3.8419 ng/ml which makes this protocol a promising method for biosensing. Not only was the formation process rapid, but the resulting two-dimensional colloidal system also offers a simple method for reducing reagent consumption and waste generation.

Online SAXS investigations of polymeric hollow fibre membranes.

PubMed

Pranzas, P Klaus; Knöchel, Arndt; Kneifel, Klemens; Kamusewitz, Helmut; Weigel, Thomas; Gehrke, Rainer; Funari, Sérgio S; Willumeit, Regine

2003-07-01

Polymeric membranes are used in industrial and analytical separation techniques. In this study small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) with synchrotron radiation has been applied for in-situ characterisation during formation of polymeric membranes. The spinning of a polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fibre membrane was chosen for investigation of dynamic aggregation processes during membrane formation, because it allows the measurement of the dynamic equilibrium at different distances from the spinning nozzle. With this system it is possible to resolve structural changes in the nm-size range which occur during membrane formation on the time-scale of milliseconds. Integral structural parameters, like radius of gyration and pair-distance distribution, were determined. Depending on the chosen spinning parameters, e.g. the flow ratio between polymer solution and coagulant water, significant changes in the scattering curves have been observed. The data are correlated with the distance from the spinning nozzle in order to get information about the kinetics of membrane formation which has fundamental influence on structure and properties of the membrane.

Structural Mechanism for the Temperature-Dependent Activation of the Hyperthermophilic Pf2001 Esterase.

PubMed

Varejão, Nathalia; De-Andrade, Rafael A; Almeida, Rodrigo V; Anobom, Cristiane D; Foguel, Debora; Reverter, David

2018-02-06

Lipases and esterases constitute a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis or synthesis of ester bonds. A major biotechnological interest corresponds to thermophilic esterases, due to their intrinsic stability at high temperatures. The Pf2001 esterase from Pyrococcus furiosus reaches its optimal activity between 70°C and 80°C. The crystal structure of the Pf2001 esterase shows two different conformations: monomer and dimer. The structures reveal important rearrangements in the "cap" subdomain between monomer and dimer, by the formation of an extensive intertwined helical interface. Moreover, the dimer interface is essential for the formation of the hydrophobic channel for substrate selectivity, as confirmed by mutagenesis and kinetic analysis. We also provide evidence for dimer formation at high temperatures, a process that correlates with its enzymatic activation. Thus, we propose a temperature-dependent activation mechanism of the Pf2001 esterase via dimerization that is necessary for the substrate channel formation in the active-site cleft. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A non-ideal MHD model for structure formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, Pralay Kumar; Sarma, Pankaj

2018-02-01

The evolutionary initiation dynamics of triggered planetary structure formation is indeed a complex process yet to be well understood. We herein develop a theoretical classical model to see the gravitational fragmentation kinetics of the viscoelastic non-ideal magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) fabric. The inhomogeneous planetary disk is primarily composed of heavier dust grains (strongly correlated) together with relatively lighter electrons, ions and neutrals (weakly correlated) in a mean-fluidic approximation. A normal harmonic mode analysis results in a quadratic dispersion relation of a unique shape. It is demonstrated that the growth rate of the MHD fluctuations (magnetosonic) contributing to the planet formation rate, apart from the wave vector and its projection orientation, has a pure explicit dependency on the viscoelastic parameters. The analysis specifically shows that the effective generalized viscosity (χ) , viscoelastic relaxation time (τm) , and K-orientation (θ) play as destabilizing agencies against the non-local gravitational disk collapse. The relevancy is briefly indicated in the real astronomical context of bounded planetary structure formation and evolution.

Automated software system for checking the structure and format of ACM SIG documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirza, Arsalan Rahman; Sah, Melike

2017-04-01

Microsoft (MS) Office Word is one of the most commonly used software tools for creating documents. MS Word 2007 and above uses XML to represent the structure of MS Word documents. Metadata about the documents are automatically created using Office Open XML (OOXML) syntax. We develop a new framework, which is called ADFCS (Automated Document Format Checking System) that takes the advantage of the OOXML metadata, in order to extract semantic information from MS Office Word documents. In particular, we develop a new ontology for Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Special Interested Group (SIG) documents for representing the structure and format of these documents by using OWL (Web Ontology Language). Then, the metadata is extracted automatically in RDF (Resource Description Framework) according to this ontology using the developed software. Finally, we generate extensive rules in order to infer whether the documents are formatted according to ACM SIG standards. This paper, introduces ACM SIG ontology, metadata extraction process, inference engine, ADFCS online user interface, system evaluation and user study evaluations.

Topologically Micropatterned Collagen and Poly(ε-caprolactone) Struts Fabricated Using the Poly(vinyl alcohol) Fibrillation/Leaching Process To Develop Efficiently Engineered Skeletal Muscle Tissue.

PubMed

Kim, Minseong; Kim, WonJin; Kim, GeunHyung

2017-12-20

Optimally designed three-dimensional (3D) biomedical scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue regeneration pose significant research challenges. Currently, most studies on scaffolds focus on the two-dimensional (2D) surface structures that are patterned in the micro-/nanoscales with various repeating sizes and shapes to induce the alignment of myoblasts and myotube formation. The 2D patterned surface clearly provides effective analytical results of pattern size and shape of the myoblast alignment and differentiation. However, it is inconvenient in terms of the direct application for clinical usage due to the limited thickness and 3D shapeability. Hence, the present study suggests an innovative hydrogel or synthetic structure that consists of uniaxially surface-patterned cylindrical struts for skeleton muscle regeneration. The alignment of the pattern on the hydrogel (collagen) and poly(ε-caprolactone) struts was attained with the fibrillation of poly(vinyl alcohol) and the leaching process. Various cell culture results indicate that the C2C12 cells on the micropatterned collagen structure were fully aligned, and that a significantly high level of myotube formation was achieved when compared to the collagen structures that were not treated with the micropatterning process.

Experimental investigation on structures and velocity of liquid jets in a supersonic crossflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhen-guo; Wu, Liyin; Li, Qinglian; Li, Chun

2014-09-01

Particle image velocimetry was applied in the study focusing on the structure and velocity of water jets injected into a Ma = 2.1 crossflow. The instantaneous structures of the jet, including surface waves in the near-injector region and vortices in the far-field, were visualized clearly. Spray velocity increases rapidly to 66% of the mainstream velocity in the region of x/d < 15, owing to the strong gas-liquid interaction near the orifice. By contrast, the velocity grows slowly in the far-field region, where the liquid inside the spray is accelerated mainly by the continuous driven force provided by the mainstream with the gas-liquid shear. The injection and atomization of liquid jet in a supersonic crossflow serves as a foundation of scramjet combustion process, by affecting the combustion efficiency and some other performances. With various forces acting on the liquid jet (Mashayek et al. [AIAA J. 46, 2674-2686 (2008)] and Wang et al. [AIAA J. 50, 1360-1366 (2012)]), the atomization process involves very complex flow physics. These physical processes include strong vortical structures, small-scale wave formation, stripping of small droplets from the jet surface, formations of ligaments, and droplets with a wide range of sizes.

Influence of solidification accelerators on structure formation of anhydrite-containing binders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anikanova, L.; Volkova, O.; Kudyakov, A.; Sarkisov, Y.; Tolstov, D.

2016-01-01

The article presents results of scientific analysis of chemical additives influence on acid fluoride binder. It was found that the influence of sulfate nature additives on the process of hydration and solidification of the binder is similar to influence of additives on indissoluble anhydrite. Additives with SO42- anion NO- are more efficient. The mentioned additives according to accelerating effect belong to the following succession: K2SO4 > Na2SO4 > FeSO4 > MgSO4. Facilitation of the process of hydration and solidification of the binder, increase in density and durability of the binder (32 MPa) is to the greatest extent achieved with the introduction of 2% sodium sulfate additive of the binder's mass into the composition of the binder along with the ultrasonic treatment of water solution. Directed crystal formation process with healing of porous structure by new growths presented as calcium sulfate dehydrate and hydroglauberite provides positive effect.

Theoretical model to explain the problem-solving process in physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, Carlos

2011-03-01

This work reports a theoretical model developed with the aim to explain the mental mechanisms of knowledge building during the problem-solving process in physics using a hybrid approach of assimilation- formation of concepts. The model has been termed conceptual chains and represents graphic diagrams of conceptual dependency, which have yielded information about the background knowledge required during the learning process, as well as about the formation of diverse structures that correspond to distinct forms of networking concepts Additionally, the conceptual constructs of the model have been classified according to five types of knowledge. Evidence was found about the influence of these structures, as well as of the distinct types of knowledge about the degree of difficulty of the problems. I want to be grateful to Laureate International Universities, Baltimore M.D., USA, for the financing granted for the accomplishment of this work.

Nomadism: Against Methodological Nationalism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braidotti, Rosi

2010-01-01

This article is inspired by Gilles Deleuze's philosophical nomadology and stresses the idea of subjectivity. It stresses the non-unitary, complex and inter-relational structure of the process of subject-formation and explores some of the implications of this structure for ethical relations, politics and for pedagogical practice. As for ethical…

Physicochemical characterization of mineral deposits in human ligamenta flava.

PubMed

Orzechowska, Sylwia; Wróbel, Andrzej; Kozieł, Marcin; Łasocha, Wiesław; Rokita, Eugeniusz

2018-05-01

The aim of our study was the detailed characterization of calcium deposits in ligamenta flava. The use of microcomputed tomography allowed extending the routine medical investigations to characterize mineral grains in the microscopic scale. A possible connection between spinal stenosis and ligament mineralization was investigated. The studies were carried out on 24 surgically removed ligamentum flavum samples divided into control and stenosis groups. Physicochemical characterization of the inorganic material was performed using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The minerals were present in 14 of 24 ligament samples, both in stenosis and control groups. The inorganic substance constitutes on average ~0.1% of the sample volume. The minerals are scattered in the soft tissue matrix without any regular pattern. It was confirmed that minerals possess an internal structure and consist of the organic material and small inorganic grains mixture. The physicochemical analyses show that the predominant crystalline phase was hydroxyapatite (HAP). In the stenosis group calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) was identified. Both structures were never present in a single sample. Two different crystal structures suggest two independent processes of mineralization. The formation of CPPD may be treated as a more intense process since CPPD minerals are characterized by bigger values of the structural parameters and higher density than HAP deposits. The formation of HAP minerals is a soft tissue degeneration process that begins, in some cases, at early age or may not occur at all. Various density and volume of mineral grains indicate that the mineralization process does not occur in a constant environment and proceeds with various speeds. The formation of minerals in ligamenta flava is not directly associated with diagnosed spinal canal stenosis.

Role of Thermal Process on Self-Assembled Structures of 4′-([2,2′:6′,2″-Terpyridin]-4′-Yl)-[1,1′-Biphenyl]-4-Carboxylic Acid on Au(III)

PubMed Central

Liu, Xiaoqing; Wang, Yongli; Song, Xin; Chen, Feng; Ouyang, Hongping; Zhang, Xueao; Cai, Yingxiang; Liu, Xiaoming; Wang, Li

2013-01-01

The role of dynamic processes on self-assembled structures of 4′-([2,2′:6′, 2″-terpyridin]-4′-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid (l) molecules on Au(III) has been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. The as-deposited monolayer is closed-packed and periodic in a short-range due to dipole forces. A thermal annealing process at 110 degrees drives such disordered monolayer into ordered chain-like structures, determined by the combination of the dipole forces and hydrogen bonding. Further annealing at 130 degrees turns the whole monolayer into a bowknot-like structure in which hydrogen bonding plays the dominant role in the formation of assembled structures. Such dependence of an assembled structure on the process demonstrates that an assembled structure can be regulated and controlled not only by the molecular structure but also by the thermal process to form the assembled structure. PMID:23478440

Experimental studies of nucleation and growth processes related to the formation of presolar grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berg, Otto E.

1992-01-01

An understanding was sought for the mechanisms of nucleation of refractory materials, and the relative importance of factors controlling the rate of cluster formation and growth for astrophysically important species. The structure and composition of the condensates is being studied, with the goal of characterizing the grains present in the primitive solar nebula.

Development of an Exchange Format for the European Environmental Chemical Data and Information Network (ECDIN).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

And Others; Proctor, David, J.

1978-01-01

Uses collection and storage of data in an environmental chemicals data bank to develop an exchange format of hierarchical tree structure between network partners. Rules identify and process the nodes in the tree in such a way that information is neither lost nor degraded upon transfer between network partners. (CWM)

Nanoclusters first: a hierarchical phase transformation in a novel Mg alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuda, Hiroshi; Yamasaki, Michiaki; Kawamura, Yoshihito; Tabuchi, Masao; Kimizuka, Hajime

2015-09-01

The Mg-Y-Zn ternary alloy system contains a series of novel structures known as long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) structures. The formation process and its key concept from a viewpoint of phase transition are not yet clear. The current study reveals that the phase transformation process is not a traditional spinodal decomposition or structural transformation but, rather a novel hierarchical phase transformation. In this transformation, clustering occurs first, and the spatial rearrangement of the clusters induce a secondary phase transformation that eventually lead to two-dimensional ordering of the clusters. The formation process was examined using in situ synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Rapid quenching from liquid alloy into thin ribbons yielded strongly supersaturated amorphous samples. The samples were heated at a constant rate of 10 K/min. and the scattering patterns were acquired. The SAXS analysis indicated that small clusters grew to sizes of 0.2 nm after they crystallized. The clusters distributed randomly in space grew and eventually transformed into a microstructure with two well-defined cluster-cluster distances, one for the segregation periodicity of LPSO and the other for the in-plane ordering in segregated layer. This transformation into the LPSO structure concomitantly introduces the periodical stacking fault required for the 18R structures.

Computational prediction of kink properties of helices in membrane proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mai, T.-L.; Chen, C.-M.

2014-02-01

We have combined molecular dynamics simulations and fold identification procedures to investigate the structure of 696 kinked and 120 unkinked transmembrane (TM) helices in the PDBTM database. Our main aim of this study is to understand the formation of helical kinks by simulating their quasi-equilibrium heating processes, which might be relevant to the prediction of their structural features. The simulated structural features of these TM helices, including the position and the angle of helical kinks, were analyzed and compared with statistical data from PDBTM. From quasi-equilibrium heating processes of TM helices with four very different relaxation time constants, we found that these processes gave comparable predictions of the structural features of TM helices. Overall, 95 % of our best kink position predictions have an error of no more than two residues and 75 % of our best angle predictions have an error of less than 15°. Various structure assessments have been carried out to assess our predicted models of TM helices in PDBTM. Our results show that, in 696 predicted kinked helices, 70 % have a RMSD less than 2 Å, 71 % have a TM-score greater than 0.5, 69 % have a MaxSub score greater than 0.8, 60 % have a GDT-TS score greater than 85, and 58 % have a GDT-HA score greater than 70. For unkinked helices, our predicted models are also highly consistent with their crystal structure. These results provide strong supports for our assumption that kink formation of TM helices in quasi-equilibrium heating processes is relevant to predicting the structure of TM helices.

Self-assembly of core-shell structure PtO2@Pt nanodots and their formation evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Weijia; Liu, Junjie; Liu, Mingquan; Zhao, Zhicheng; Song, Yapeng; Tang, Xiufeng; Luo, Jianyi; Zeng, Qingguang; He, Xin

2018-05-01

Core-shell structure PtO2@Pt nanodots have been self-assembly by vacuum sputtering and high temperature annealing. First, Pt thin films with a small amount of PtO2 are grown on the sapphire substrates by vacuum sputtering. And then high temperature annealing on the thin films is carried out at 800 °C for 2 min to form Pt nanodots. During the cooling process, the atmosphere is deployed to supplant the nitrogen. Finally, even distributed core-shell structure PtO2@Pt nanodots with a diameter from 100 to 300 nm are achieved. Furthermore, the formation evolution of core-shell structure PtO2@Pt nanodots is also proposed. This work open up a new approach for fabricating core-shell structure nanodots.

Transformation of membrane nanosurface of red blood cells under hemin action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlova, Elena; Chernysh, Alexander; Moroz, Victor; Gudkova, Olga; Sergunova, Victoria; Kuzovlev, Artem

2014-08-01

Hemin is the product of hemoglobin oxidation. Some diseases may lead to a formation of hemin. The accumulation of hemin causes destruction of red blood cells (RBC) membranes. In this study the process of development of topological defects of RBC membranes within the size range from nanoscale to microscale levels is shown. The formation of the grain-like structures in the membrane (``grains'') with typical sizes of 120-200 nm was experimentally shown. The process of formation of ``grains'' was dependent on the hemin concentration and incubation time. The possible mechanism of membrane nanostructure alterations is proposed. The kinetic equations of formation and transformation of small and medium topological defects were analyzed. This research can be used to study the cell intoxication and analyze the action of various agents on RBC membranes.

PHOTONICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY Laser generation of nanostructures on the surface and in the bulk of solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bityurin, N. M.

2010-12-01

This paper considers nanostructuring of solid surfaces by nano-optical techniques, primarily by laser particle nanolithography. Threshold processes are examined that can be used for laser structuring of solid surfaces, with particular attention to laser swelling of materials. Fundamental spatial resolution issues in three-dimensional (3D) laser nanostructuring are analysed with application to laser nanopolymerisation and 3D optical information recording. The formation of nanostructures in the bulk of solids due to their structural instability under irradiation is exemplified by photoinduced formation of nanocomposites.

Regulation of proximal-distal intercalation during limb regeneration in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).

PubMed

Satoh, Akira; Cummings, Gillian M C; Bryant, Susan V; Gardiner, David M

2010-12-01

Intercalation is the process whereby cells located at the boundary of a wound interact to stimulate proliferation and the restoration of the structures between the boundaries that were lost during wounding. Thus, intercalation is widely considered to be the mechanism of regeneration. When a salamander limb is amputated, the entire cascade of regeneration events is activated, and the missing limb segments and their boundaries (joints) as well as the structures within each segment are regenerated. Therefore, in an amputated limb it is not possible to distinguish between intersegmental regeneration (formation of new segments/joints) and intrasegmental regeneration (formation of structures within a given segment), and it is not possible to study the differential regulation of these two processes. We have used two models for regeneration that allow us to study these two processes independently, and report that inter- and intrasegmental regeneration are different processes regulated by different signaling pathways. New limb segments/joints can be regenerated from cells that dedifferentiate to form blastema cells in response to signaling that is mediated in part by fibroblast growth factor. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists.

Titanium nitride formation by a dual-stage femtosecond laser process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammouti, S.; Holybee, B.; Zhu, W.; Allain, J. P.; Jurczyk, B.; Ruzic, D. N.

2018-06-01

Formation of TiN by femtosecond laser processing in controlled gas atmosphere is reported. A dual-stage process was designed and aimed to first remove and restructure the native oxide layer of titanium surface through laser irradiation under an argon-controlled atmosphere, and then to maximize titanium nitride formation through an irradiation under a nitrogen reactive environment. An extensive XPS study was performed to identify and quantify laser-induced titanium surface chemistry modifications after a single-stage laser process (Ar and N2 individually), and a dual-stage laser process. The importance of each step that composes the dual-stage laser process was demonstrated and leads to the dual-stage laser process for the formation of TiO, Ti2O3 and TiN. In this study, the largest nitride formation occurs for the dual stage process with laser conditions at 4 W/1.3 J cm-2 under argon and 5 W/1.6 J cm-2 under nitrogen, yielding a total TiN composition of 8.9%. Characterization of both single-stage and dual-stage laser process-induced surface morphologies has been performed as well, leading to the observation of a wide range of hierarchical surface structures such as high-frequency ripples, grooves, protuberances and pillow-like patterns. Finally, water wettability was assessed by means of contact angle measurements on untreated titanium surface, and titanium surfaces resulting from either single-stage laser process or dual-stage laser process. Dual-stage laser process allows a transition of titanium surface, from phobic (93°) to philic (35°), making accessible both hydrophilic and chemically functionalized hierarchical surfaces.

An 1-2-1 Cyclic Model for the Evolution of Mantle Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, S.; Zhang, N.

2006-12-01

The present-day Earth`s mantle is predominated by long-wavelength structures including circum-Pacific subducted slabs and Africa and Pacific super-plumes. These long-wavelength structures are largely controlled by the history of plate tectonic motion. Although it dictates the evolution of mantle structure, global plate tectonic history prior to 120 Ma is poorly constrained except for continental motions that can be reliably traced back to >1 Ga. An important observation of continental motions in the last 1 Ga is the two episodes of formation and breakup of super-continents Pangea and Rodinia. We formulated 3D global models of mantle convection with temperature- and depth-dependent viscosity to study the formation of mantle structure. We found that for the upper mantle with 30 times smaller viscosity than the lower mantle, in the absence of continents, mantle convection is characterized by a hemispherically asymmetric structure in which one hemisphere is largely upwellings, while the other hemisphere contains downwellings (i.e., degree-1 convection). This is the first study in which degree-1 mantle convection is observed in mobile-lid/plate-tectonic convection regime at high Rayleigh number. This result suggests that degree-1 convection is a dynamically preferred state for the Earth`s mantle. We suggest that the evolution of mantle structure is controlled by a cyclic process of formation and breakdown of degree-1 convection modulated strongly by continents. The formation and breakup of supercontinents are surface manifestation of this cyclic process. During the degree-1 convection state, the upwellings in one hemisphere push all continents into the other hemisphere with the downwellings to form a supercontinent. The non-subducting nature of continents dictates that subduction in the downwelling hemisphere occurs along the edge of the supercontinent upon its formation. The insulating effect of a supercontinent and return flow from the circum-supercontinent subduction should heat up sub-continental mantle and lead to formation of another upwelling system below the supercontinent and eventually to breakup of the supercontinent. After the breakup of a supercontinent, the mantle with two large upwellings, similar to that for the present-day Earth, is then evolved back to degree-1 convection state. We will also discuss the geological and geophysical consequences of our proposed model.

Implications of the giant planets for the formation and evolution of planetary systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevenson, David J.

1989-01-01

The giant planet region in the solar system appears to be bounded inside by the limit of water condensation, suggesting that the most abundant astrophysical condensate plays an important role in giant planet formation. Indeed, Jupiter and Saturn exhibit evidence for rock and/or ice cores or central concentrations that probably accumulated first, acting as nuclei for subsequent gas accumulation. This is a 'planetary' accumulation process, distinct from the stellar formation process, even though most of Jupiter has a similar composition to the primordial sun. Uranus and Neptune appear to exhibit evidence of an important role for giant impacts in their structure and evolution. No simple picture emerges for the temperature structure of the solar nebula from observations alone. However, it seems likely that Jupiter is the key to the planetary system, and a similar planet could be expected for other systems. The data and inferences from these data are summarized for the entire known solar system beyond the asteroid belt.

Targeted overexpression of amelotin disrupts the microstructure of dental enamel.

PubMed

Lacruz, Rodrigo S; Nakayama, Yohei; Holcroft, James; Nguyen, Van; Somogyi-Ganss, Eszter; Snead, Malcolm L; White, Shane N; Paine, Michael L; Ganss, Bernhard

2012-01-01

We have previously identified amelotin (AMTN) as a novel protein expressed predominantly during the late stages of dental enamel formation, but its role during amelogenesis remains to be determined. In this study we generated transgenic mice that produce AMTN under the amelogenin (Amel) gene promoter to study the effect of AMTN overexpression on enamel formation in vivo. The specific overexpression of AMTN in secretory stage ameloblasts was confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The gross histological appearance of ameloblasts or supporting cellular structures as well as the expression of the enamel proteins amelogenin (AMEL) and ameloblastin (AMBN) was not altered by AMTN overexpression, suggesting that protein production, processing and secretion occurred normally in transgenic mice. The expression of Odontogenic, Ameloblast-Associated (ODAM) was slightly increased in secretory stage ameloblasts of transgenic animals. The enamel in AMTN-overexpressing mice was much thinner and displayed a highly irregular surface structure compared to wild type littermates. Teeth of transgenic animals underwent rapid attrition due to the brittleness of the enamel layer. The microstructure of enamel, normally a highly ordered arrangement of hydroxyapatite crystals, was completely disorganized. Tomes' process, the hallmark of secretory stage ameloblasts, did not form in transgenic mice. Collectively our data demonstrate that the overexpression of amelotin has a profound effect on enamel structure by disrupting the formation of Tomes' process and the orderly growth of enamel prisms.

Targeted Overexpression of Amelotin Disrupts the Microstructure of Dental Enamel

PubMed Central

Lacruz, Rodrigo S.; Nakayama, Yohei; Holcroft, James; Nguyen, Van; Somogyi-Ganss, Eszter; Snead, Malcolm L.; White, Shane N.; Paine, Michael L.; Ganss, Bernhard

2012-01-01

We have previously identified amelotin (AMTN) as a novel protein expressed predominantly during the late stages of dental enamel formation, but its role during amelogenesis remains to be determined. In this study we generated transgenic mice that produce AMTN under the amelogenin (Amel) gene promoter to study the effect of AMTN overexpression on enamel formation in vivo. The specific overexpression of AMTN in secretory stage ameloblasts was confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The gross histological appearance of ameloblasts or supporting cellular structures as well as the expression of the enamel proteins amelogenin (AMEL) and ameloblastin (AMBN) was not altered by AMTN overexpression, suggesting that protein production, processing and secretion occurred normally in transgenic mice. The expression of Odontogenic, Ameloblast-Associated (ODAM) was slightly increased in secretory stage ameloblasts of transgenic animals. The enamel in AMTN-overexpressing mice was much thinner and displayed a highly irregular surface structure compared to wild type littermates. Teeth of transgenic animals underwent rapid attrition due to the brittleness of the enamel layer. The microstructure of enamel, normally a highly ordered arrangement of hydroxyapatite crystals, was completely disorganized. Tomes' process, the hallmark of secretory stage ameloblasts, did not form in transgenic mice. Collectively our data demonstrate that the overexpression of amelotin has a profound effect on enamel structure by disrupting the formation of Tomes' process and the orderly growth of enamel prisms. PMID:22539960

Formation mechanism and optimization of highly luminescent N-doped graphene quantum dots

PubMed Central

Qu, Dan; Zheng, Min; Zhang, Ligong; Zhao, Haifeng; Xie, Zhigang; Jing, Xiabin; Haddad, Raid E.; Fan, Hongyou; Sun, Zaicheng

2014-01-01

Photoluminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have received enormous attention because of their unique chemical, electronic and optical properties. Here a series of GQDs were synthesized under hydrothermal processes in order to investigate the formation process and optical properties of N-doped GQDs. Citric acid (CA) was used as a carbon precursor and self-assembled into sheet structure in a basic condition and formed N-free GQD graphite framework through intermolecular dehydrolysis reaction. N-doped GQDs were prepared using a series of N-containing bases such as urea. Detailed structural and property studies demonstrated the formation mechanism of N-doped GQDs for tunable optical emissions. Hydrothermal conditions promote formation of amide between –NH2 and –COOH with the presence of amine in the reaction. The intramoleculur dehydrolysis between neighbour amide and COOH groups led to formation of pyrrolic N in the graphene framework. Further, the pyrrolic N transformed to graphite N under hydrothermal conditions. N-doping results in a great improvement of PL quantum yield (QY) of GQDs. By optimized reaction conditions, the highest PL QY (94%) of N-doped GQDs was obtained using CA as a carbon source and ethylene diamine as a N source. The obtained N-doped GQDs exhibit an excitation-independent blue emission with single exponential lifetime decay. PMID:24938871

Computer simulation of formation and decomposition of Au13 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stishenko, P.; Svalova, A.

2017-08-01

To study the Ostwald ripening process of Au13 nanoparticles a two-scale model is constructed: analytical approximation of average nanoparticle energy as function of nanoparticle size and structural motive, and the Monte Carlo model of 1000 particles ensemble. Simulation results show different behavior of particles of different structural motives. The change of the distributions of atom coordination numbers during the Ostwald ripening process was observed. The nanoparticles of the equal size and shape with the face-centered cubic structure of the largest sizes appeared to be the most stable.

A New Route to Liposil Formation by an Interfacial Sol-Gel Process Confined by Lipid Bilayer.

PubMed

Shen, Shukun; Yang, Lu; Lu, Yaxing; Chen, Jian-Gang; Song, Shaofei; Hu, Daodao; Parikh, Atul

2015-11-18

We report a new and simple approach to prepare a class of silica-reinforced liposomes with hybrid core-shell nanostructures. The amphiphilic natural structure of lipids was exploited to sequester hydrophobic molecules, namely precursor TEOS and pyrene, in the hydrophobic midplane of liposomal bilayer assemblies in the aqueous phase. Subsequent interfacial hydrolysis of TEOS at the bilayer/water interface and ensuing condensation within the hydrophobic interstices of the lipid bilayer drives silica formation in situ, producing a novel class of silica-lipid hybrid liposils. Structural characterization by scanning- and transmission electron microscopy confirm that the liposils so generated preserve closed topologies and size-monodipersity of the parent lecithin liposomes, and DSC-TGA and XRD measurements provide evidence for the silica coating. Monitoring fluorescence measurements using embedded pyrene yield detailed information on microenvironment changes, which occur during sol-gel process and shed light on the structural evolution during silica formation. We envisage that liposils formed by this simple, new approach, exploiting the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer to spatially localize silica-forming precursors enables preparation of stable liposils exhibiting capacity for cargo encapsulation, bicompatibility, and fluorescence monitoring, more generally opening a window for construction of stable, functional hybrid materials.

Atomic Step Formation on Sapphire Surface in Ultra-precision Manufacturing

PubMed Central

Wang, Rongrong; Guo, Dan; Xie, Guoxin; Pan, Guoshun

2016-01-01

Surfaces with controlled atomic step structures as substrates are highly relevant to desirable performances of materials grown on them, such as light emitting diode (LED) epitaxial layers, nanotubes and nanoribbons. However, very limited attention has been paid to the step formation in manufacturing process. In the present work, investigations have been conducted into this step formation mechanism on the sapphire c (0001) surface by using both experiments and simulations. The step evolutions at different stages in the polishing process were investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The simulation of idealized steps was constructed theoretically on the basis of experimental results. It was found that (1) the subtle atomic structures (e.g., steps with different sawteeth, as well as steps with straight and zigzag edges), (2) the periodicity and (3) the degree of order of the steps were all dependent on surface composition and miscut direction (step edge direction). A comparison between experimental results and idealized step models of different surface compositions has been made. It has been found that the structure on the polished surface was in accordance with some surface compositions (the model of single-atom steps: Al steps or O steps). PMID:27444267

The structure of the desiccated Richtersius coronifer (Richters, 1903).

PubMed

Czerneková, Michaela; Jönsson, K Ingemar; Chajec, Lukasz; Student, Sebastian; Poprawa, Izabela

2017-05-01

Tun formation is an essential morphological adaptation for entering the anhydrobiotic state in tardigrades, but its internal structure has rarely been investigated. We present the structure and ultrastructure of organs and cells in desiccated Richtersius coronifer by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and histochemical methods. A 3D reconstruction of the body organization of the tun stage is also presented. The tun formation during anhydrobiosis of tardigrades is a process of anterior-posterior body contraction, which relocates some organs such as the pharyngeal bulb. The cuticle is composed of epicuticle, intracuticle and procuticle; flocculent coat; and trilaminate layer. Moulting does not seem to restrict the tun formation, as evidenced from tardigrade tuns that were in the process of moulting. The storage cells of desiccated specimens filled up the free inner space and surrounded internal organs, such as the ovary and digestive system, which were contracted. All cells (epidermal cells, storage cells, ovary cells, cells of the digestive system) underwent shrinkage, and their cytoplasm was electron dense. Lipids and polysaccharides dominated among reserve material of storage cells, while the amount of protein was small. The basic morphology of specific cell types and organelles did not differ between active and anhydrobiotic R. coronifer.

Biology of Bone Tissue: Structure, Function, and Factors That Influence Bone Cells

PubMed Central

Florencio-Silva, Rinaldo; Sasso-Cerri, Estela; Simões, Manuel Jesus; Cerri, Paulo Sérgio

2015-01-01

Bone tissue is continuously remodeled through the concerted actions of bone cells, which include bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts, whereas osteocytes act as mechanosensors and orchestrators of the bone remodeling process. This process is under the control of local (e.g., growth factors and cytokines) and systemic (e.g., calcitonin and estrogens) factors that all together contribute for bone homeostasis. An imbalance between bone resorption and formation can result in bone diseases including osteoporosis. Recently, it has been recognized that, during bone remodeling, there are an intricate communication among bone cells. For instance, the coupling from bone resorption to bone formation is achieved by interaction between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Moreover, osteocytes produce factors that influence osteoblast and osteoclast activities, whereas osteocyte apoptosis is followed by osteoclastic bone resorption. The increasing knowledge about the structure and functions of bone cells contributed to a better understanding of bone biology. It has been suggested that there is a complex communication between bone cells and other organs, indicating the dynamic nature of bone tissue. In this review, we discuss the current data about the structure and functions of bone cells and the factors that influence bone remodeling. PMID:26247020

Atomic Step Formation on Sapphire Surface in Ultra-precision Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Rongrong; Guo, Dan; Xie, Guoxin; Pan, Guoshun

2016-07-01

Surfaces with controlled atomic step structures as substrates are highly relevant to desirable performances of materials grown on them, such as light emitting diode (LED) epitaxial layers, nanotubes and nanoribbons. However, very limited attention has been paid to the step formation in manufacturing process. In the present work, investigations have been conducted into this step formation mechanism on the sapphire c (0001) surface by using both experiments and simulations. The step evolutions at different stages in the polishing process were investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The simulation of idealized steps was constructed theoretically on the basis of experimental results. It was found that (1) the subtle atomic structures (e.g., steps with different sawteeth, as well as steps with straight and zigzag edges), (2) the periodicity and (3) the degree of order of the steps were all dependent on surface composition and miscut direction (step edge direction). A comparison between experimental results and idealized step models of different surface compositions has been made. It has been found that the structure on the polished surface was in accordance with some surface compositions (the model of single-atom steps: Al steps or O steps).

FluoroSim: A Visual Problem-Solving Environment for Fluorescence Microscopy

PubMed Central

Quammen, Cory W.; Richardson, Alvin C.; Haase, Julian; Harrison, Benjamin D.; Taylor, Russell M.; Bloom, Kerry S.

2010-01-01

Fluorescence microscopy provides a powerful method for localization of structures in biological specimens. However, aspects of the image formation process such as noise and blur from the microscope's point-spread function combine to produce an unintuitive image transformation on the true structure of the fluorescing molecules in the specimen, hindering qualitative and quantitative analysis of even simple structures in unprocessed images. We introduce FluoroSim, an interactive fluorescence microscope simulator that can be used to train scientists who use fluorescence microscopy to understand the artifacts that arise from the image formation process, to determine the appropriateness of fluorescence microscopy as an imaging modality in an experiment, and to test and refine hypotheses of model specimens by comparing the output of the simulator to experimental data. FluoroSim renders synthetic fluorescence images from arbitrary geometric models represented as triangle meshes. We describe three rendering algorithms on graphics processing units for computing the convolution of the specimen model with a microscope's point-spread function and report on their performance. We also discuss several cases where the microscope simulator has been used to solve real problems in biology. PMID:20431698

A study on an unusual SN2 mechanism in the methylation of benzyne through nickel-complexation.

PubMed

Hatakeyama, Makoto; Sakamoto, Yuki; Ogata, Koji; Sumida, Yuto; Sumida, Tomoe; Hosoya, Takamitsu; Nakamura, Shinichiro

2017-10-11

In this study, three reaction mechanisms of a benzyne-nickel (Ni) complex ([Ni(C 6 H 4 )(dcpe)]) with iodomethane during the methylation process were investigated, namely (a) S N 2 reaction of the benzyne-Ni complex with iodomethane, (b) concerted σ-bond metathesis during the bond breaking/forming processes, and (c) oxidative addition of iodomethane to the Ni-center and the subsequent reductive elimination process. DFT calculations revealed that the reaction barrier of the S N 2 reaction is slightly lower than those of the other mechanisms. The results of orbital analyses suggest that [Ni(C 6 H 4 )(dcpe)] forms a metallacycle structure between benzyne and the Ni II (3d 8 ) center instead of the η 2 -structure with the Ni 0 (3d 10 ) center. The metallacycle structures became inappropriate as the intermediates of oxidative addition in the formation of the Ni II -Me bond, avoiding further oxidation to the high-valent Ni IV . The high free energy along σ-bond metathesis was generated from the steric hindrance, thus invoking methylation and Ni-I bond formation concertedly.

Coordinated Development of Muscles and Tendon-Like Structures: Early Interactions in the Drosophila Leg.

PubMed

Soler, Cedric; Laddada, Lilia; Jagla, Krzysztof

2016-01-01

The formation of the musculoskeletal system is a remarkable example of tissue assembly. In both vertebrates and invertebrates, precise connectivity between muscles and skeleton (or exoskeleton) via tendons or equivalent structures is fundamental for movement and stability of the body. The molecular and cellular processes underpinning muscle formation are well-established and significant advances have been made in understanding tendon development. However, the mechanisms contributing to proper connection between these two tissues have received less attention. Observations of coordinated development of tendons and muscles suggest these tissues may interact during the different steps in their development. There is growing evidence that, depending on animal model and muscle type, these interactions can take place from progenitor induction to the final step of the formation of the musculoskeletal system. Here, we briefly review and compare the mechanisms behind muscle and tendon interaction throughout the development of vertebrates and Drosophila before going on to discuss our recent findings on the coordinated development of muscles and tendon-like structures in Drosophila leg. By altering apodeme formation (the functional Drosophila equivalent of tendons in vertebrates) during the early steps of leg development, we affect the spatial localization of subsequent myoblasts. These findings provide the first evidence of the developmental impact of early interactions between muscle and tendon-like precursors, and confirm the appendicular Drosophila muscle system as a valuable model for studying these processes.

Coordinated Development of Muscles and Tendon-Like Structures: Early Interactions in the Drosophila Leg

PubMed Central

Soler, Cedric; Laddada, Lilia; Jagla, Krzysztof

2016-01-01

The formation of the musculoskeletal system is a remarkable example of tissue assembly. In both vertebrates and invertebrates, precise connectivity between muscles and skeleton (or exoskeleton) via tendons or equivalent structures is fundamental for movement and stability of the body. The molecular and cellular processes underpinning muscle formation are well-established and significant advances have been made in understanding tendon development. However, the mechanisms contributing to proper connection between these two tissues have received less attention. Observations of coordinated development of tendons and muscles suggest these tissues may interact during the different steps in their development. There is growing evidence that, depending on animal model and muscle type, these interactions can take place from progenitor induction to the final step of the formation of the musculoskeletal system. Here, we briefly review and compare the mechanisms behind muscle and tendon interaction throughout the development of vertebrates and Drosophila before going on to discuss our recent findings on the coordinated development of muscles and tendon-like structures in Drosophila leg. By altering apodeme formation (the functional Drosophila equivalent of tendons in vertebrates) during the early steps of leg development, we affect the spatial localization of subsequent myoblasts. These findings provide the first evidence of the developmental impact of early interactions between muscle and tendon-like precursors, and confirm the appendicular Drosophila muscle system as a valuable model for studying these processes. PMID:26869938

Atomistic Method Applied to Computational Modeling of Surface Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozzolo, Guillermo H.; Abel, Phillip B.

2000-01-01

The formation of surface alloys is a growing research field that, in terms of the surface structure of multicomponent systems, defines the frontier both for experimental and theoretical techniques. Because of the impact that the formation of surface alloys has on surface properties, researchers need reliable methods to predict new surface alloys and to help interpret unknown structures. The structure of surface alloys and when, and even if, they form are largely unpredictable from the known properties of the participating elements. No unified theory or model to date can infer surface alloy structures from the constituents properties or their bulk alloy characteristics. In spite of these severe limitations, a growing catalogue of such systems has been developed during the last decade, and only recently are global theories being advanced to fully understand the phenomenon. None of the methods used in other areas of surface science can properly model even the already known cases. Aware of these limitations, the Computational Materials Group at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field has developed a useful, computationally economical, and physically sound methodology to enable the systematic study of surface alloy formation in metals. This tool has been tested successfully on several known systems for which hard experimental evidence exists and has been used to predict ternary surface alloy formation (results to be published: Garces, J.E.; Bozzolo, G.; and Mosca, H.: Atomistic Modeling of Pd/Cu(100) Surface Alloy Formation. Surf. Sci., 2000 (in press); Mosca, H.; Garces J.E.; and Bozzolo, G.: Surface Ternary Alloys of (Cu,Au)/Ni(110). (Accepted for publication in Surf. Sci., 2000.); and Garces, J.E.; Bozzolo, G.; Mosca, H.; and Abel, P.: A New Approach for Atomistic Modeling of Pd/Cu(110) Surface Alloy Formation. (Submitted to Appl. Surf. Sci.)). Ternary alloy formation is a field yet to be fully explored experimentally. The computational tool, which is based on the BFS (Bozzolo, Ferrante, and Smith) method for the calculation of the energetics, consists of a small number of simple PCbased computer codes that deal with the different aspects of surface alloy formation. Two analysis modes are available within this package. The first mode provides an atom-by-atom description of real and virtual stages 1. during the process of surface alloying, based on the construction of catalogues of configurations where each configuration describes one possible atomic distribution. BFS analysis of this catalogue provides information on accessible states, possible ordering patterns, and details of island formation or film growth. More importantly, it provides insight into the evolution of the system. Software developed by the Computational Materials Group allows for the study of an arbitrary number of elements forming surface alloys, including an arbitrary number of surface atomic layers. The second mode involves large-scale temperature-dependent computer 2. simulations that use the BFS method for the energetics and provide information on the dynamic processes during surface alloying. These simulations require the implementation of Monte-Carlo-based codes with high efficiency within current workstation environments. This methodology capitalizes on the advantages of the BFS method: there are no restrictions on the number or type of elements or on the type of crystallographic structure considered. This removes any restrictions in the definition of the configuration catalogues used in the analytical calculations, thus allowing for the study of arbitrary ordering patterns, ultimately leading to the actual surface alloy structure. Moreover, the Monte Carlo numerical technique used for the large-scale simulations allows for a detailed visualization of the simulated process, the main advantage of this type of analysis being the ability to understand the underlying features that drive these processes. Because of the simplicity of the BFS method for e energetics used in these calculations, a detailed atom-by-atom analysis can be performed at any point in the simulation, providing necessary insight on the details of the process. The main objective of this research program is to develop a tool to guide experimenters in understanding and interpreting often unexpected results in alloy formation experiments. By reducing the computational effort without losing physical accuracy, we expect that powerful simulation tools will be developed in the immediate future, which will allow material scientists to easily visualize and analyze processes at a level not achievable experimentally.

Supracolloidal fullerene-like cages: design principles and formation mechanisms.

PubMed

Li, Zhan-Wei; Zhu, You-Liang; Lu, Zhong-Yuan; Sun, Zhao-Yan

2016-11-30

How to create novel desired structures by rational design of building blocks represents a significant challenge in materials science. Here we report a conceptually new design principle for creating supracolloidal fullerene-like cages through the self-assembly of soft patchy particles interacting via directional nonbonded interactions by mimicking non-planar sp 2 hybridized carbon atoms in C 60 . Our numerical investigations demonstrate that the rational design of patch configuration, size, and interaction can drive soft three-patch particles to reversibly self-assemble into a vast collection of supracolloidal fullerene-like cages. We further elucidate the formation mechanisms of supracolloidal fullerene-like cages by analyzing the structural characteristics and the formation process. Our results provide conceptual and practical guidance towards the experimental realization of supracolloidal fullerene-like cages, as well as a new perspective on understanding the fullerene formation mechanisms.

Characterization of the stereochemical selectivity of beta-hairpin formation by molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Soto, Patricia; Zangi, Ronen

2005-01-27

The stability of secondary structure motifs found in proteins is influenced by the choice of the configuration of the chiral centers present in the amino acid residues (i.e., D vs L). Experimental studies showed that the structural properties of the tetrapeptide (L)V(L)P(L)A(L)L (all-L) are drastically altered upon mutating the L-proline and the L-alanine by their d-enantiomers [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 6975]. The all-L diastereomer is unstructured, experiencing little or no beta-hairpin formation, while the (L)V(D)P(D)A(L)L peptide exhibits a substantial population of beta-hairpin conformation. In this study, we perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the folding propensity of these two model peptides. The results confirm the experimental findings, namely, that the presence of d-amino acids in the loop region strongly induces beta-hairpin formation (a population increase from about 1.5% to 50% is observed). The major factor determining the different behavior is found to be the large difference in energy between the two diastereomers, approximately 22 kJ/mol, when they adopt a beta-hairpin structure. The higher energy observed for the all-L peptide is a consequence of none-ideal hydrogen bond formation and of steric repulsions. The results suggest that selective incorporation of D-amino acids in proteins can be used to enhance certain secondary structure elements. The kinetic behavior of the folding process observed in the simulations is also investigated. We find that the decay rate of the folded structure fits to a biexponential function, suggesting that the folding/unfolding process of a beta-hairpin is governed by two different mechanisms.

Method for formation of thin film transistors on plastic substrates

DOEpatents

Carey, Paul G.; Smith, Patrick M.; Sigmon, Thomas W.; Aceves, Randy C.

1998-10-06

A process for formation of thin film transistors (TFTs) on plastic substrates replaces standard thin film transistor fabrication techniques, and uses sufficiently lower processing temperatures so that inexpensive plastic substrates may be used in place of standard glass, quartz, and silicon wafer-based substrates. The process relies on techniques for depositing semiconductors, dielectrics, and metals at low temperatures; crystallizing and doping semiconductor layers in the TFT with a pulsed energy source; and creating top-gate self-aligned as well as back-gate TFT structures. The process enables the fabrication of amorphous and polycrystalline channel silicon TFTs at temperatures sufficiently low to prevent damage to plastic substrates. The process has use in large area low cost electronics, such as flat panel displays and portable electronics.

Magmatic structures in the Krkonoše Jizera Plutonic Complex, Bohemian Massif: evidence for localized multiphase flow and small-scale thermal mechanical instabilities in a granitic magma chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žák, Jiří; Klomínský, Josef

2007-08-01

The present paper examines magmatic structures in the Jizera and Liberec granites of the Krkonoše-Jizera Plutonic Complex, Bohemian Massif. The magmatic structures are here interpreted to preserve direct field evidence for highly localized magma flow and other processes in crystal-rich mushes, and to capture the evolution of physical processes in an ancient granitic magma chamber. We propose that after chamber-wide mixing and hybridization, as suggested by recent petrological studies, laminar magma flow became highly localized to weaker channel-like domains within the higher-strength crystal framework. Mafic schlieren formed at flow rims, and their formation presumably involved gravitational settling and velocity gradient flow sorting coupled with interstitial melt escape. Local thermal or compositional convection may have resulted in the formation of vertical schlieren tubes and ladder dikes whereas subhorizontal tubes or channels formed during flow driven by lateral gradients in magma pressure. After the cessation or deceleration of channel flow, gravity-driven processes (settling of crystals and enclaves, gravitational differentiation, development of downward dripping instabilities), accompanied by compaction, filter pressing and melt segregation, dominated in the crystal mush within the flow channels. Subsequently, magmatic folds developed in schlieren layers and the magma chamber recorded complex, late magmatic strains at high magma crystallinities. Late-stage magma pulsing into localized submagmatic cracks represents the latest events of magmatic history of the chamber prior to its final crystallization. We emphasize that the most favorable environments for the formation and preservation of magmatic structures, such as those hosted in the Jizera and Liberec granites, are slowly cooling crystal-rich mushes. Therefore, where preserved in plutons, these structures may lend strong support for a "mush model" of magmatic systems.

Exploring the effects of electrospinning processing protocols on fiber surface morphology and polymer chain conformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, Jean S.

Electrospinning is a fiber formation technique that uses electrostatic forces to create continuous, nanometer diameter fibers. The work presented here focuses on the continuing efforts to build a stronger fundamental understanding of electrospinning by exploring structure/property/process relationships by investigating the effects of process protocols on fiber surface morphology and polymer chain conformation. By varying the processing parameters it has been possible to produce fibers with unique surface features, microtextured/nanoporous fibers and nanowebs. In the microtextured/nanoporous fiber studies, changing the solution concentration, solvent volatility, and relative humidity was found to alter the size, shape, and distribution of pores on the fiber surface. The mechanisms that can explain the pore formation and texturing on the surface of the fibers are phase separation (aggregation into polymer rich and polymer lean regions) and breath figures (evaporative cooling and vapor condensation). Through a judicious choice of the electrospinning processing parameters we have also been able to create "web" like structures of nanofibers (5--25 nm) from collagen, dragline silk analog, nylon, and denatured collagen. Electrostatic repulsion and thin film dewetting are thought to be responsible for the formation of the nanowebs. These unique structures were characterized using FESEM, TEM, OM, and AFM. Raman spectroscopy, initially developed as a "real time" characterization technique to study electrospun fiber formation, has also been used to investigate the effect of electrospinning on the chain conformation of bioinspired polymers. Comparing the spectrum of the bulk material to that of the electrospun material identified conformational changes in nylon 6 and dragline silk analog. The conformational change in nylon 6 (alpha-form to gamma-form) results from the stresses induced on the electrospinning jet during fiber formation, whereas the conformational change in the silk analog (beta-sheet to alpha-helical) result from electric field assembling of the charged a-helical segments of the protein polymer in solution. The investigations described here have allowed us to build a virtual database of the processing conditions needed to create materials for tissue engineering constructs. Electrospun collagen membranes have been used in preliminary cell attachment studies. From the trials it was observed that the cells migrated into the membranes indicating that the membranes are suitable for tissue engineering scaffolds.

A first-principles study of the structural, mechanical and electronic properties of precipitates of Al2Cu in Al-Cu alloys.

PubMed

Ouyang, Y F; Chen, H M; Tao, X M; Gao, F; Peng, Q; Du, Y

2018-01-03

The properties of precipitates are important in understanding the strengthening mechanism via precipitation during heat treatment and the aging process in Al-Cu based alloys, where the formation of precipitates is sensitive to temperature and pressure. Here we report a first-principles investigation of the effect of temperature and pressure on the structural stability, elastic constants and formation free energy for precipitates of Al 2 Cu, as well as their mechanical properties. Based on the formation enthalpy of Guinier-Preston (GP(I)) zones, the size of the GP(I) zone is predicted to be about 1.4 nm in diameter, which is in good agreement with experimental observations. The formation enthalpies of the precipitates are all negative, suggesting that they are all thermodynamically stable. The present calculations reveal that entropy plays an important role in stabilizing θ-Al 2 Cu compared with θ C '-Al 2 Cu. The formation free energies of θ''-Al 3 Cu, θ C '-Al 2 Cu, θ D '-Al 5 Cu 3 and θ t '-Al 11 Cu 7 increase with temperature, while those of θ'-Al 2 Cu, θ O '-Al 2 Cu and θ-Al 2 Cu decrease. The same trend is observed with the effect of pressure. The calculated elastic constants for the considered precipitation phases indicate that they are all mechanically stable and anisotropic, except θ C '-Al 2 Cu. θ D '-Al 5 Cu 3 has the highest Vicker's hardness. The electronic structures are also calculated to gain insight into the bonding characteristics. The present results can help in understanding the formation of precipitates by different treatment processes.

Gel formation in protein amyloid aggregation: a physical mechanism for cytotoxicity.

PubMed

Woodard, Daniel; Bell, Dylan; Tipton, David; Durrance, Samuel; Burnett, Lisa Cole; Cole, Lisa; Li, Bin; Xu, Shaohua

2014-01-01

Amyloid fibers are associated with disease but have little chemical reactivity. We investigated the formation and structure of amyloids to identify potential mechanisms for their pathogenic effects. We incubated lysozyme 20 mg/ml at 55C and pH 2.5 in a glycine-HCl buffer and prepared slides on mica substrates for examination by atomic force microscopy. Structures observed early in the aggregation process included monomers, small colloidal aggregates, and amyloid fibers. Amyloid fibers were observed to further self-assemble by two mechanisms. Two or more fibers may merge together laterally to form a single fiber bundle, usually in the form of a helix. Alternatively, fibers may become bound at points where they cross, ultimately forming an apparently irreversible macromolecular network. As the fibers assemble into a continuous network, the colloidal suspension undergoes a transition from a Newtonian fluid into a viscoelastic gel. Addition of salt did not affect fiber formation but inhibits transition of fibers from linear to helical conformation, and accelerates gel formation. Based on our observations, we considered the effects of gel formation on biological transport. Analysis of network geometry indicates that amyloid gels will have negligible effects on diffusion of small molecules, but they prevent movement of colloidal-sized structures. Consequently gel formation within neurons could completely block movement of transport vesicles in neuronal processes. Forced convection of extracellular fluid is essential for the transport of nutrients and metabolic wastes in the brain. Amyloid gel in the extracellular space can essentially halt this convection because of its low permeability. These effects may provide a physical mechanism for the cytotoxicity of chemically inactive amyloid fibers in neurodegenerative disease.

α″ Martensite and Amorphous Phase Transformation Mechanism in TiNbTaZr Alloy Incorporated with TiO2 Particles During Friction Stir Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ran, Ruoshi; Liu, Yiwei; Wang, Liqiang; Lu, Eryi; Xie, Lechun; Lu, Weijie; Wang, Kuaishe; Zhang, Lai-Chang

2018-03-01

This work studied the formation of the α″ martensite and amorphous phases of TiNbTaZr alloy incorporated with TiO2 particles during friction stir processing. Formation of the amorphous phase in the top surface mainly results from the dissolution of oxygen, rearrangement of the lattice structure, and dislocations. High-stress stemming caused by dislocations and high-stress concentrations at crystal-amorphous interfaces promote the formation of α″ martensite. Meanwhile, an α″ martensitic transformation is hindered by oxygen diffusion from TiO2 to the matrix, thereby increasing resistance to shear.

α″ Martensite and Amorphous Phase Transformation Mechanism in TiNbTaZr Alloy Incorporated with TiO2 Particles During Friction Stir Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ran, Ruoshi; Liu, Yiwei; Wang, Liqiang; Lu, Eryi; Xie, Lechun; Lu, Weijie; Wang, Kuaishe; Zhang, Lai-Chang

2018-06-01

This work studied the formation of the α″ martensite and amorphous phases of TiNbTaZr alloy incorporated with TiO2 particles during friction stir processing. Formation of the amorphous phase in the top surface mainly results from the dissolution of oxygen, rearrangement of the lattice structure, and dislocations. High-stress stemming caused by dislocations and high-stress concentrations at crystal-amorphous interfaces promote the formation of α″ martensite. Meanwhile, an α″ martensitic transformation is hindered by oxygen diffusion from TiO2 to the matrix, thereby increasing resistance to shear.

Single organic microtwist with tunable pitch.

PubMed

Chen, Hai-Bo; Zhou, Yan; Yin, Jie; Yan, Jing; Ma, Yuguo; Wang, Lei; Cao, Yong; Wang, Jian; Pei, Jian

2009-05-19

A facile synthesis of previously unknown, well-separated, uniform chiral microstructures from achiral pi-conjugated organic molecules was developed by simple solution process. Detailed characterization and formation mechanism were presented. By simple structure modification or temperature change, the pitch of the chiral structure can be fine tuned. Our result opens new possibilities for novel materials in which structure chirality is coupled to device performance.

Development of Casting Process for Pressings of Pistons of Car Augmented Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korostelev, V. F.; Denisov, M. S.

2017-01-01

Results of a study aimed at formation of a single-phase fine-grained structure in pistons during their production process involving isostatic pressing of liquid metal prior to the start of crystallization, pressing of the crystallizing metal, and holding under pressure in the process of cooling to the shop temperature are presented.

Structure and stability of hexa-aqua V(III) cations in vanadium redox flow battery electrolytes.

PubMed

Vijayakumar, M; Li, Liyu; Nie, Zimin; Yang, Zhenguo; Hu, JianZhi

2012-08-07

The vanadium(III) cation structure in mixed acid based electrolyte solution from vanadium redox flow batteries is studied by (17)O and (35/37)Cl nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) based computational modelling. Both computational and experimental results reveal that the V(III) species can complex with counter anions (sulfate/chlorine) depending on the composition of its solvation sphere. By analyzing the powder precipitate it was found that the formation of sulfate complexed V(III) species is the crucial process in the precipitation reaction. The precipitation occurs through nucleation of neutral species formed through deprotonation and ion-pair formation process. However, the powder precipitate shows a multiphase nature which warrants multiple reaction pathways for precipitation reaction.

Structural features of silver-doped phosphate glasses in zone of femtosecond laser-induced modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasileva, A. A.; Nazarov, I. A.; Olshin, P. K.; Povolotskiy, A. V.; Sokolov, I. A.; Manshina, A. A.

2015-10-01

Femtosecond (fs) laser writing of two-dimensional microstructures (waveguides) is demonstrated in bulk phosphate glasses doped with silver ions. Silver-content phosphate and silver-content niobium-phosphate glasses with high concentration of silver oxide 55 mol% were used as samples for fs laser writing. The chemical network structure of the synthesized samples is analyzed through Raman spectroscopy and was found to be strongly sensitive to Nb incorporation. It was found that the direct laser writing process enables not only reorganization of glass network, but also formation of color centers and silver nanoparticles that are revealed in appearance of luminescence signal and plasmon absorption. The process of NPs' formation is more efficient for Nb-phosphate glass, while color centers are preferably formed in phosphate glass.

Cryo-EM structure of aerolysin variants reveals a novel protein fold and the pore-formation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacovache, Ioan; de Carlo, Sacha; Cirauqui, Nuria; Dal Peraro, Matteo; van der Goot, F. Gisou; Zuber, Benoît

2016-07-01

Owing to their pathogenical role and unique ability to exist both as soluble proteins and transmembrane complexes, pore-forming toxins (PFTs) have been a focus of microbiologists and structural biologists for decades. PFTs are generally secreted as water-soluble monomers and subsequently bind the membrane of target cells. Then, they assemble into circular oligomers, which undergo conformational changes that allow membrane insertion leading to pore formation and potentially cell death. Aerolysin, produced by the human pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila, is the founding member of a major PFT family found throughout all kingdoms of life. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of three conformational intermediates and of the final aerolysin pore, jointly providing insight into the conformational changes that allow pore formation. Moreover, the structures reveal a protein fold consisting of two concentric β-barrels, tightly kept together by hydrophobic interactions. This fold suggests a basis for the prion-like ultrastability of aerolysin pore and its stoichiometry.

Alpha-synuclein: relating metals to structure, function and inhibition.

PubMed

McDowall, J S; Brown, D R

2016-04-01

Alpha-synuclein has long been studied due to its involvement in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), a common neurodegenerative disorder, although a consensus on the exact function of this protein is elusive. This protein shows remarkable structural plasticity and this property is important for both correct cellular function and pathological progression of PD. Formation of intracellular oligomeric species within the substantia nigra correlates with disease progression and it has been proposed that formation of a partially folded intermediate is key to the initiation of the fibrillisation process. Many factors can influence changes in the structure of alpha-synuclein such as disease mutations and interaction with metals and neurotransmitters. High concentrations of both dopamine and metals are present in the substantia nigra making this an ideal location for both the structural alteration of alpha-synuclein and the production of toxic oxygen species. The recent proposal that alpha-synuclein is a ferrireductase is important as it can possibly catalyse the formation of such reactive species and as a result exacerbate neurodegeneration.

Insight into structural remodeling of the FlhA ring responsible for bacterial flagellar type III protein export

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

The bacterial flagellum is a supramolecular motility machine. Flagellar assembly begins with the basal body, followed by the hook and finally the filament. A carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain of FlhA (FlhAC) forms a nonameric ring structure in the flagellar type III protein export apparatus and coordinates flagellar protein export with assembly. However, the mechanism of this process remains unknown. We report that a flexible linker of FlhAC (FlhAL) is required not only for FlhAC ring formation but also for substrate specificity switching of the protein export apparatus from the hook protein to the filament protein upon completion of the hook structure. FlhAL was required for cooperative ring formation of FlhAC. Alanine substitutions of residues involved in FlhAC ring formation interfered with the substrate specificity switching, thereby inhibiting filament assembly at the hook tip. These observations lead us to propose a mechanistic model for export switching involving structural remodeling of FlhAC. PMID:29707633

Epigenetic regulation and chromatin remodeling in learning and memory.

PubMed

Kim, Somi; Kaang, Bong-Kiun

2017-01-13

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of memory formation and maintenance has been a major goal in the field of neuroscience. Memory formation and maintenance are tightly controlled complex processes. Among the various processes occurring at different levels, gene expression regulation is especially crucial for proper memory processing, as some genes need to be activated while some genes must be suppressed. Epigenetic regulation of the genome involves processes such as DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. These processes edit genomic properties or the interactions between the genome and histone cores. They then induce structural changes in the chromatin and lead to transcriptional changes of different genes. Recent studies have focused on the concept of chromatin remodeling, which consists of 3D structural changes in chromatin in relation to gene regulation, and is an important process in learning and memory. In this review, we will introduce three major epigenetic processes involved in memory regulation: DNA methylation, histone methylation and histone acetylation. We will also discuss general mechanisms of long-term memory storage and relate the epigenetic control of learning and memory to chromatin remodeling. Finally, we will discuss how epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to the pathologies of neurological disorders and cause memory-related symptoms.

Shaping Disk Galaxy Stellar Populations via Internal and External Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roškar, Rok

2015-03-01

In recent years, effects such as the radial migration of stars in disks have been recognized as important drivers of the properties of stellar populations. Radial migration arises due to perturbative effects of disk structures such as bars and spiral arms, and can deposit stars formed in disks to regions far from their birthplaces. Migrant stars can significantly affect the demographics of their new locales, especially in low-density regions such as in the outer disks. However, in the cosmological environment, other effects such as mergers and filamentary gas accretion also influence the disk formation process. Understanding the relative importance of these processes on the detailed evolution of stellar population signatures is crucial for reconstructing the history of the Milky Way and other nearby galaxies. In the Milky Way disk in particular, the formation of the thickened component has recently attracted much attention due to its potential to serve as a diagnostic of the galaxy's early history. Some recent work suggests, however, that the vertical structure of Milky Way stellar populations is consistent with models that build up the thickened component through migration. I discuss these developments in the context of cosmological galaxy formation.

Toward understanding insulin fibrillation.

PubMed

Brange, J; Andersen, L; Laursen, E D; Meyn, G; Rasmussen, E

1997-05-01

Formation of insulin fibrils is a physical process by which partially unfolded insulin molecules interact with each other to form linear aggregates. Shielding of hydrophobic domains is the main driving force for this process, but formation of intermolecular beta-sheet may further stabilize the fibrillar structure. Conformational displacement of the B-chain C-terminal with exposure of nonpolar, aliphatic core residues, including A2, A3, B11, and B15, plays a crucial role in the fibrillation process. Recent crystal analyses and molecular modeling studies have suggested that when insulin fibrillates this exposed domain interacts with a hydrophobic surface domain formed by the aliphatic residues A13, B6, B14, B17, and B18, normally buried when three insulin dimers form a hexamer. In rabbit immunization experiments, insulin fibrils did not elicit an increased immune response with respect to formation of IgG insulin antibodies when compared with native insulin. In contrast, the IgE response increased with increasing content of insulin in fibrillar form. Strategies and practical approaches to prevent insulin from forming fibrils are reviewed. Stabilization of the insulin hexameric structure and blockage of hydrophobic interfaces by addition of surfactants are the most effective means of counteracting insulin fibrillation.

Electrochemical formation of field emitters

DOEpatents

Bernhardt, Anthony F.

1999-01-01

Electrochemical formation of field emitters, particularly useful in the fabrication of flat panel displays. The fabrication involves field emitting points in a gated field emitter structure. Metal field emitters are formed by electroplating and the shape of the formed emitter is controlled by the potential imposed on the gate as well as on a separate counter electrode. This allows sharp emitters to be formed in a more inexpensive and manufacturable process than vacuum deposition processes used at present. The fabrication process involves etching of the gate metal and the dielectric layer down to the resistor layer, and then electroplating the etched area and forming an electroplated emitter point in the etched area.

Formation of iron (hydr)oxides during the abiotic oxidation of Fe(II) in the presence of arsenate.

PubMed

Song, Jia; Jia, Shao-Yi; Yu, Bo; Wu, Song-Hai; Han, Xu

2015-08-30

Abiotic oxidation of Fe(II) is a common pathway in the formation of Fe (hydr)oxides under natural conditions, however, little is known regarding the presence of arsenate on this process. In hence, the effect of arsenate on the precipitation of Fe (hydr)oxides during the oxidation of Fe(II) is investigated. Formation of arsenic-containing Fe (hydr)oxides is constrained by pH and molar ratios of As:Fe during the oxidation Fe(II). At pH 6.0, arsenate inhibits the formation of lepidocrocite and goethite, while favors the formation of ferric arsenate with the increasing As:Fe ratio. At pH 7.0, arsenate promotes the formation of hollow-structured Fe (hydr)oxides containing arsenate, as the As:Fe ratio reaches 0.07. Arsenate effectively inhibits the formation of magnetite at pH 8.0 even at As:Fe ratio of 0.01, while favors the formation of lepidocrocite and green rust, which can be latterly degenerated and replaced by ferric arsenate with the increasing As:Fe ratio. This study indicates that arsenate and low pH value favor the slow growth of dense-structured Fe (hydr)oxides like spherical ferric arsenate. With the rapid oxidation rate of Fe(II) at high pH, ferric (hydr)oxides prefer to precipitate in the formation of loose-structured Fe (hydr)oxides like lepidocrocite and green rust. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simulating the formation of cosmic structure.

PubMed

Frenk, C S

2002-06-15

A timely combination of new theoretical ideas and observational discoveries has brought about significant advances in our understanding of cosmic evolution. Computer simulations have played a key role in these developments by providing the means to interpret astronomical data in the context of physical and cosmological theory. In the current paradigm, our Universe has a flat geometry, is undergoing accelerated expansion and is gravitationally dominated by elementary particles that make up cold dark matter. Within this framework, it is possible to simulate in a computer the emergence of galaxies and other structures from small quantum fluctuations imprinted during an epoch of inflationary expansion shortly after the Big Bang. The simulations must take into account the evolution of the dark matter as well as the gaseous processes involved in the formation of stars and other visible components. Although many unresolved questions remain, a coherent picture for the formation of cosmic structure is now beginning to emerge.

Formation of gut-like structures in vitro from mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Torihashi, Shigeko

2006-01-01

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have the potential to differentiate into all cell types originating from the three germ layers; however, there are still few reports about the formation of functional organs from embryonic stem cells. Recently, we reported that by hanging drops of mouse ES cells, embryoid bodies (EBs) formed gut-like structures in vitro composed of three layers corresponding to the epithelium, lamina propria, and musculature. The morphological features and the process of formation are similar to gut and its organogenesis in vivo. Thus, this is a good model for development of the gut and a useful tool for analysis of the factors required for gut organogenesis. The protocol basically involves a method of hanging drops to make EBs, which are then plated on coated dishes for outgrowth. EBs develop to form gut-like structures when induced to spontaneously enter a program of differentiation in vitro without addition of any extrinsic factors.

Cosmic Rays and Gamma-Rays in Large-Scale Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Susumu; Nagashima, Masahiro; Suzuki, Takeru K.; Aoki, Wako

2004-12-01

During the hierarchical formation of large scale structure in the universe, the progressive collapse and merging of dark matter should inevitably drive shocks into the gas, with nonthermal particle acceleration as a natural consequence. Two topics in this regard are discussed, emphasizing what important things nonthermal phenomena may tell us about the structure formation (SF) process itself. 1. Inverse Compton gamma-rays from large scale SF shocks and non-gravitational effects, and the implications for probing the warm-hot intergalactic medium. We utilize a semi-analytic approach based on Monte Carlo merger trees that treats both merger and accretion shocks self-consistently. 2. Production of 6Li by cosmic rays from SF shocks in the early Galaxy, and the implications for probing Galaxy formation and uncertain physics on sub-Galactic scales. Our new observations of metal-poor halo stars with the Subaru High Dispersion Spectrograph are highlighted.

Observation of structure transition as a function of temperature in depositing hydrogenated sp2-rich carbon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yongfu; Gao, Kaixiong; Zhang, Junyan

2018-05-01

In this study, we carried out the transition experiments of graphite-like (GL) to fullerene-like (FL) structures by placing high temperature steel substrates in the depositing environment which can form FL hydrogenated carbon films. We investigated the changes of bond mixtures, H content, aromatic clusters and internal stress at the transition process, and proposed the transformation mechanism inferred from Raman, TEM cross-section, FTIR and XPS results. It was found that the size of aromatic clusters and accordingly graphene planes and the formation of edge dangling bonds were the key steps. H+ bombardment leaded to the splitting of large graphene planes (at GL stage) into more and smaller planes (at FL stage) and the formation of edge dangling bonds; Some of these dangling bonds were reduced by the formation of pentagons and subsequent curving of the smaller planes, which were an indicator of FL structures.

GAS PHASE SYNTHESIS OF (ISO)QUINOLINE AND ITS ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF NUCLEOBASES IN THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

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

Parker, Dorian S. N.; Kaiser, Ralf I.; Kostko, Oleg

Nitrogen-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) have been proposed to play a key role in the astrochemical evolution of the interstellar medium, yet the formation mechanisms of even their simplest prototypes—quinoline and isoquinoline—remain elusive. Here, we reveal a novel concept that under high temperature conditions representing circumstellar envelopes of carbon stars, (iso)quinoline can be synthesized via the reaction of pyridyl radicals with two acetylene molecules. The facile gas phase formation of (iso)quinoline in circumstellar envelopes defines a hitherto elusive reaction class synthesizing aromatic structures with embedded nitrogen atoms that are essential building blocks in contemporary biological-structural motifs. Once ejected from circumstellarmore » shells and incorporated into icy interstellar grains in cold molecular clouds, these NPAHs can be functionalized by photo processing forming nucleobase-type structures as sampled in the Murchison meteorite.« less

Developmental biology meets materials science: Morphogenesis of biomineralized structures.

PubMed

Wilt, Fred H

2005-04-01

Biomineralization is the process by which metazoa form hard minerals for support, defense, and feeding. The minerals so formed, e.g., teeth, bones, shells, carapaces, and spicules, are of considerable interest to chemists and materials scientists. The cell biology underlying biomineralization is not well understood. The study of the formation of mineralized structures in developing organisms offers opportunities for understanding some intriguing aspects of cell and developmental biology. Five examples of biomineralization are presented: (1) the formation of siliceous spicules and frustules in sponges and diatoms, respectively; (2) the structure of skeletal spicules composed of amorphous calcium carbonate in some tunicates; (3) the secretion of the prism and nacre of some molluscan shells; (4) the development of skeletal spicules of sea urchin embryos; and (5) the formation of enamel of vertebrate teeth. Some speculations on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that support biomineralization, and their evolutionary origins, are discussed.

Spicule matrix protein LSM34 is essential for biomineralization of the sea urchin spicule.

PubMed

Peled-Kamar, Mira; Hamilton, Patricia; Wilt, Fred H

2002-01-01

Biomineralized skeletal structures are composite materials containing mineral and matrix protein(s). The cell biological mechanisms that underlie the formation, secretion, and organization of the biomineralized materials are not well understood. Although the matrix proteins influence physical properties of the structures, little is known of the role of these matrix proteins in the actual formation of the biomineralized structure. We present here results using an antisense oligonucleotide directed against a spicule matrix protein, LSM34, present in spicules of embryos of Lytechinus pictus. After injection of anti-LSM34 into the blastocoel of a sea urchin embryo, LSM34 protein in the primary mesenchyme cells decreases and biomineralization ceases, demonstrating that LSM34 function is essential for the formation of the calcareous endoskeletal spicule of the embryo. Since LSM34 is found primarily in a specialized extracellular matrix surrounding the spicule, it is probable that this matrix is important for the biomineralization process.

Modeling the fusion of cylindrical bioink particles in post bioprinting structure formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCune, Matt; Shafiee, Ashkan; Forgacs, Gabor; Kosztin, Ioan

2015-03-01

Cellular Particle Dynamics (CPD) is an effective computational method to describe the shape evolution and biomechanical relaxation processes in multicellular systems. Thus, CPD is a useful tool to predict the outcome of post-printing structure formation in bioprinting. The predictive power of CPD has been demonstrated for multicellular systems composed of spherical bioink units. Experiments and computer simulations were related through an independently developed theoretical formalism based on continuum mechanics. Here we generalize the CPD formalism to (i) include cylindrical bioink particles often used in specific bioprinting applications, (ii) describe the more realistic experimental situation in which both the length and the volume of the cylindrical bioink units decrease during post-printing structure formation, and (iii) directly connect CPD simulations to the corresponding experiments without the need of the intermediate continuum theory inherently based on simplifying assumptions. Work supported by NSF [PHY-0957914]. Computer time provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.

Are Coronae Restricted to Venus?: Corona-Like Tectonovolcanic Structures on Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, Ivan; Marquez, Alvaro; Oyarzun, Roberto

1997-04-01

Coronae may not be tectonovolcanic features ‘unique to Venus’ because both the processes that lead to corona formation, and their final tectonovolcanic output (formation of domes, plateaus, extensional rings, etc.), are also found on Earth. Large-scale corona formation processes on Earth may be restricted (because of plate motion) but not absent. The same applies to resurfacing processes. We here suggest that at least, the early stages of corona formation can be recognized in intraplate tectonic settings on Earth. The African plate displays many Cenozoic examples of plume-related domal uplifts and volcanism (e.g., Hoggar, Tibesti, Darfur, Ethiopia). Furthermore, the east African rift system (EARS) around lake Victoria displays many striking features that resemble those of the Venus coronae associated with extensional belts. Among these are the following: (1) an overall elliptical shape; (2) the existence of a mantle plume (Kenya plume) centered beneath lake Victoria; (3) a central plateau (east African plateau); (4) an external extensional belt (the EARS east and west branches); (5) doming processes (Kenya dome); and last but not least (6) volcanism.

TRENCADIS--a WSRF grid MiddleWare for managing DICOM structured reporting objects.

PubMed

Blanquer, Ignacio; Hernandez, Vicente; Segrelles, Damià

2006-01-01

The adoption of the digital processing of medical data, especially on radiology, has leaded to the availability of millions of records (images and reports). However, this information is mainly used at patient level, being the extraction of information, organised according to administrative criteria, which make the extraction of knowledge difficult. Moreover, legal constraints make the direct integration of information systems complex or even impossible. On the other side, the widespread of the DICOM format has leaded to the inclusion of other information different from just radiological images. The possibility of coding radiology reports in a structured form, adding semantic information about the data contained in the DICOM objects, eases the process of structuring images according to content. DICOM Structured Reporting (DICOM-SR) is a specification of tags and sections to code and integrate radiology reports, with seamless references to findings and regions of interests of the associated images, movies, waveforms, signals, etc. The work presented in this paper aims at developing of a framework to efficiently and securely share medical images and radiology reports, as well as to provide high throughput processing services. This system is based on a previously developed architecture in the framework of the TRENCADIS project, and uses other components such as the security system and the Grid processing service developed in previous activities. The work presented here introduces a semantic structuring and an ontology framework, to organise medical images considering standard terminology and disease coding formats (SNOMED, ICD9, LOINC..).

Galaxy formation

PubMed Central

Peebles, P. J. E.

1998-01-01

It is argued that within the standard Big Bang cosmological model the bulk of the mass of the luminous parts of the large galaxies likely had been assembled by redshift z ∼ 10. Galaxy assembly this early would be difficult to fit in the widely discussed adiabatic cold dark matter model for structure formation, but it could agree with an isocurvature version in which the cold dark matter is the remnant of a massive scalar field frozen (or squeezed) from quantum fluctuations during inflation. The squeezed field fluctuations would be Gaussian with zero mean, and the distribution of the field mass therefore would be the square of a random Gaussian process. This offers a possibly interesting new direction for the numerical exploration of models for cosmic structure formation. PMID:9419326

Bone Disease in Axial Spondyloarthritis.

PubMed

Van Mechelen, Margot; Gulino, Giulia Rossana; de Vlam, Kurt; Lories, Rik

2018-05-01

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory skeletal disorder with an important burden of disease, affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints and typically presenting in young adults. Ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed by the presence of structural changes to the skeleton, is the prototype of this disease group. Bone disease in axial spondyloarthritis is a complex phenomenon with the coexistence of bone loss and new bone formation, both contributing to the morbidity of the disease, in addition to pain caused by inflammation. The skeletal structural changes respectively lead to increased fracture risk and to permanent disability caused by ankylosis of the sacroiliac joints and the spine. The mechanism of this new bone formation leading to ankylosis is insufficiently known. The process appears to originate from entheses, specialized structures that provide a transition zone in which tendon and ligaments insert into the underlying bone. Growth factor signaling pathways such as bone morphogenetic proteins, Wnts, and Hedgehogs have been identified as molecular drivers of new bone formation, but the relationship between inflammation and activation of these pathways remains debated. Long-standing control of inflammation appears necessary to avoid ankylosis. Recent evidence and concepts suggest an important role for biomechanical factors in both the onset and progression of the disease. With regard to new bone formation, these processes can be understood as ectopic repair responses secondary to inflammation-induced bone loss and instability. In this review, we discuss the clinical implications of the skeletal changes as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, the relation between inflammation and new bone formation, and the potential role of biomechanical stress.

Thermal and Surface Evaluation on The Process of Forming a Cu2O/CuO Semiconductor Photocatalyst on a Thin Copper Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zainul, R.; Oktavia, B.; Dewata, I.; Efendi, J.

2018-04-01

This research aims to investigate the process of forming a multi-scale copper oxide semiconductor (CuO/Cu2O) through a process of calcining a copper plate. The changes that occur during the formation of the oxide are thermally and surface evaluated. Evaluation using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) obtained by surface change of copper plate happened at temperature 380°C. Calcination of oxide formation was carried out at temperature 380°C for 1 hour. Surface evaluation process by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) surface and cross-section, to determine diffusion of oxide formation on copper plate. The material composition is monitored by XRF and XRD to explain the process of structural and physical changes of the copper oxide plate formed during the heating process. The thickness of Cu plates used is 200-250 μm. SEM analysis results, the oxygen atom interruption region is in the range of 20-30 μm, and diffuses deeper during thermal oxidation process. The maximum diffusion depth of oxygen atoms reaches 129 μm.

Studying of shale organic matter structure and pore space transformations during hydrocarbon generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giliazetdinova, Dina; Korost, Dmitry; Gerke, Kirill

2016-04-01

Due to the increased interest in the study of the structure, composition, and oil and gas potential of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, investigations of the transformation of the pore space of rocks and organic matter alterations during the generation of hydrocarbon fluids are getting attention again. Due to the conventional hydrocarbon resources decreasing, there will be a necessity to develop new unconventional hydrocarbon resources. Study of the conditions and processes of hydrocarbon generation, formation and transformation of the pore space in these rocks is pivotal to understand the mechanisms of oil formation and determine the optimal and cost effective ways for their industrial exploration. In this study, we focus on organic matter structure and its interaction with the pore space of shales during hydrocarbon generation and report some new results. Collected rock samples from Domanic horizon of South-Tatar arch were heated in the pyrolyzer to temperatures closely corresponding to different catagenesis stages. X-ray microtomography method and SEM were used to monitor changes in the morphology of the pore space and organic matter structure within studied shale rocks. By routine measurements we made sure that all samples (10 in total) had similar composition of organic and mineral phases. All samples in the collection were grouped according to initial structure and amount of organics and processed separately to: 1) study the influence of organic matter content on the changing morphology of the rock under thermal effects; 2) study the effect of initial structure on the primary migration processes for samples with similar organic matter content. An additional experiment was conducted to study the dynamics of changes in the structure of the pore space and prove the validity of our approach. At each stage of heating the morphology of altered rocks was characterized by formation of new pores and channels connecting primary voids. However, it was noted that the samples with a relatively low content of the organic matter had less changes in pore space morphology, in contrast to rocks with a high organic content. Second part of the study also revealed significant differences in resulting pore structures depending on initial structure of the unaltered rocks and connectivity of original organics. Significant changes in the structure of the pore space were observed during the sequential heating in the range from 260 C to 430 C, which corresponds to the most intense stage of the hydrocarbons formation. This work was partially supported by RSF grant 14-17-00658.

Soft-sediment deformation structures from an ice-marginal storm-tide interactive system, Permo-Carboniferous Talchir Formation, Talchir Coalbasin, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, H. N.; Bhattacharya, Biplab

2010-01-01

Permo-Carboniferous Talchir Formation, Talchir Coalbasin, India, records sedimentation during a phase of climatic amelioration in an ice-marginal storm-affected shelf. Evidences of subtidal processes are preserved only under thick mud drapes deposited during waning storm phases. Various soft-sediment deformation structures in some sandstone/siltstone-mudstone interbeds, like syn-sedimentary faults, deformed laminations, sand-silt flows, convolute laminations and various flame structures, suggest liquefaction and fluidization of the beds due to passage of syn-depositional seismic shocks. In the Late Paleozoic ice-marginal shelf, such earthquake tremors could be generated by crustal movements in response to glacioisostatic adjustments of the basin floor.

One step synthesis of porous graphene by laser ablation: A new and facile approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazemizadeh, Fatemeh; Malekfar, Rasoul

2018-02-01

Porous graphene (PG) was obtained using one step laser process. Synthesis was carried out by laser ablation of nickel-graphite target under ultra-high flow of argon gas. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results showed the formation of a porous structure and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the porosity of PGs increase under intense laser irradiation. Structural characterization study using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) technique showed that the obtained PGs display high crystalline structure in the form of few layer rhombohedral graphitic arrangement that can be interpreted as the phase prior to the formation of other carbon nanostructures.

The influence of relational formative discourse on students' positional identities in a middle school science classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trauth-Nare, Amy

Formative assessment is the process of eliciting students' understanding during instruction in order to make sensitive instructional decisions and provide feedback to enhance students' learning. Research indicates that when used properly, formative assessment can lead to significant learning gains and enhance students' self-efficacy. Drawing on previous research and a framework of relational pedagogy, I studied the positional identities claimed, assigned and negotiated by a middle school science teacher and her students during formative assessment interactions. Critical discourse analysis was used to analyze classroom interactions, teacher debriefings and student interviews. Findings from this study indicated that the teacher normatively positioned herself as authority during formative assessment interactions, yet students were not completely powerless. Through assertions of content knowledge and re-directions of topical focus, students positioned themselves actively and had the capacity to influence the direction and focus of formative assessment. Outside of classroom instruction, the teacher simultaneously positioned herself as both hindered by institutional structures yet actively subverted those structures in both covert and overt ways in the service of meaningful science learning. As indicated from interviews and SPAQ questionnaire responses, many students in this classroom positioned themselves positively in relation to science, the teacher and her methods of assessment, while some felt marginalized. This research has implications for the ways in which formative assessment is used to support teaching and learning in science classrooms. Findings from this study indicate that formative assessment is not simply an instrumental act carried out by teachers, but rather is a relational process that necessarily involves students. As a result, formative assessment should balance authoritative and dialogic discourse as a means for supporting and engaging students as they develop rich conceptions of science while connecting those conceptions to their own experiences.

Structural Components of Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Consolidation

PubMed Central

Bailey, Craig H.; Kandel, Eric R.; Harris, Kristen M.

2015-01-01

Consolidation of implicit memory in the invertebrate Aplysia and explicit memory in the mammalian hippocampus are associated with remodeling and growth of preexisting synapses and the formation of new synapses. Here, we compare and contrast structural components of the synaptic plasticity that underlies these two distinct forms of memory. In both cases, the structural changes involve time-dependent processes. Thus, some modifications are transient and may contribute to early formative stages of long-term memory, whereas others are more stable, longer lasting, and likely to confer persistence to memory storage. In addition, we explore the possibility that trans-synaptic signaling mechanisms governing de novo synapse formation during development can be reused in the adult for the purposes of structural synaptic plasticity and memory storage. Finally, we discuss how these mechanisms set in motion structural rearrangements that prepare a synapse to strengthen the same memory and, perhaps, to allow it to take part in other memories as a basis for understanding how their anatomical representation results in the enhanced expression and storage of memories in the brain. PMID:26134321

The structure and the formation of egg shells in the parthenogenetic species Dactylobiotus dispar Murray, 1907 (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada).

PubMed

Poprawa, Izabela

2005-01-01

The eggs of Dactylobiotus dispar, similar to other Tardigrada eggs, are covered with two shells: the vitelline envelope and the chorion. Ultrastructural studies have shown that the oocyte actively participates in the formation of both shells. The process of egg capsule formation begins at the midpoint of vitellogenesis. The chorion at first appears as isolated cones resulting from the exocytotic activity of the oocyte and the ovarian epithelium. Subsequently, connections between the cones are formed. Three layers can be distinguished in the completely developed chorion: (1) the inner layer of medium electron density; (2) the middle, labyrinthine layer; (3) the outer layer of medium electron density with cones (future conical processes). After chorion formation, a vitelline envelope is secreted by the oocyte. The Dactylobiotus dispar egg is covered with small, conical processes with hooked tips. The surface of the chorion is covered with a mesh-like network consisting of elongated interstices. The egg capsule has no micropylar opening.

Cognitive Pruning and Second Language Acquisition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, H. Douglas

Ausubel distinguishes two kinds of human learning: (1) rote learning, relevant only to a small fraction of human learning, is the mechanistic formation of discrete, isolated traces in cognitive structure, usually through a process of conditioning; (2) meaningful learning, characteristic of most human learning, is a process of "subsuming" material…

Contextual Antecedents of Identity Development in an Adventure Recreation Setting: A Qualitative Inquiry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duerden, Mat D.; Taniguchi, Stacy; Widmer, Mark

2011-01-01

Researchers have focused primarily on the processes and outcomes associated with adolescent identity development. Less is known about the interpersonal and contextual elements that facilitate the identity formation process. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate a structured recreation context that had been…

Morphological Priming by Itself: A Study of Portuguese Conjugations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Verissimo, Joao; Clahsen, Harald

2009-01-01

Does the language processing system make use of abstract grammatical categories and representations that are not directly visible from the surface form of a linguistic expression? This study examines stem-formation processes and conjugation classes, a case of "pure" morphology that provides insight into the role of grammatical structure in…

A Mössbauer spectroscopic study of an industrial catalyst for dehydrogenation of etylbenzene to styrene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, K. Y.; Fan, Q.; Zhao, Z. J.; Mao, L. S.; Yang, X. L.

2006-01-01

Iron oxide catalyst with spinel structure used for dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene is one kind of important catalyst in petrochemical industry. In this work several series of industrial catalyst were prepared with different components and different manufacturing processes. Mössbauer Spectroscopy has been used to determine the optimal components and the better manufacturing process for spinel structure formation. The results may prove useful for producing the industrial dehydrogenation catalyst with better catalytic property.

A Mössbauer spectroscopic study of an industrial catalyst for dehydrogenation of etylbenzene to styrene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, K. Y.; Fan, Q.; Zhao, Z. J.; Mao, L. S.; Yang, X. L.

Iron oxide catalyst with spinel structure used for dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene is one kind of importantcatalyst in petrochemical industry. In this work several series of industrial catalyst were prepared with differentcomponents and differentmanufacturing processes. Mössbauer Spectroscopy has been used to determine the optimal components and the better manufacturing process for spinel structure formation. The results may prove useful for producing the industrial dehydrogenation catalyst with better catalytic property.

The Saturn PRobe Interior and aTmosphere Explorer (SPRITE) Mission Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, David H.; Simon, Amy; Banfield, Don

2017-04-01

The proposed NASA New Frontiers Saturn PRobe Interior and aTmosphere Explorer (SPRITE) mission would measure the abundance of helium and the other noble gases, elemental and isotopic abundances, the clouds, dynamics, and processes within Saturn's troposphere. In situ measurements of Saturn's atmosphere by SPRITE would provide a significantly improved context for understanding the results from the Galileo Jupiter probe, and the formation and evolution of the gas giant planets, resulting in a paradigm shift in our understanding of the formation, evolution, and ultimately the present day structure of the solar system. The proposed SPRITE concept carries an instrument payload to measure Saturn's atmospheric structure, dynamics, composition, chemistry, and clouds to at least 10 bars. A Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer measures noble gases and noble gas isotopes to accuracies that exceed the Galileo probe measurements at Jupiter and allows for discrimination between competing theories of giant planet formation, evolution, and possible migration. Of particular importance are measurements of helium, key to understanding Saturn's thermal evolution. A Tunable Laser Spectrometer measures molecular abundances and isotope ratios to determine the chemical structure of Saturn's atmosphere, and disequilibrium species such as PH3 and CO which can be used to predict Saturn's deep water abundance. An Atmospheric Structure Instrument provides the pressure/temperature profile of Saturn's atmosphere to determine the altitude profile of static stability, and when combined with cloud measurements from the SPRITE Nephelometer, would elucidate processes that determine the location and structure of Saturn's multiple cloud layers. Coupled with the measurement of atmospheric vertical velocities from the Atmospheric Structure Instrument, a Doppler Wind Experiment provides a measure of the 3-dimensional dynamics of the Saturn atmosphere, including the profile of zonal winds with depth and vertical motions from atmospheric waves. The proposed Science Objectives of the SPRITE mission are to: 1. Constrain competing models of habitable system formation and extent of migration in the early solar system by obtaining a chemical inventory of Saturn's troposphere, 2. Determine if Saturn's in situ atmosphere chemistry agrees with condensation models and remotely observed composition, 3. Constrain Saturn's helium depletion to reconcile observed temperatures with thermal evolution models. 4. Perform in situ characterization of Saturn's tropospheric cloud structure to provide the ground truth basis for cloud retrieval models, and 5. Determine Saturn's in situ 3-dimensional atmospheric dynamics along the probe descent path to inform global circulation and analytical models of the time-variable cloud top motions. To develop an improved understanding of the formation, evolution, and structure of the solar system, it is essential that the role played by the giant planets be well understood, and this cannot be accomplished without in situ measurements of the composition, structure, dynamics, and processes of Saturn's atmosphere. The proposed SPRITE mission would carry a suite of instruments specifically tailored to achieve the science objectives, to provide fundamental ground truth measurements for improved understanding of remote sensing measurements including from Cassini, and to understand the formation, evolution, and structure of the solar system as well as represent key ground truth for understanding exoplanets.

Kinetic analyses of vasculogenesis inform mechanistic studies

PubMed Central

Winfree, Seth; Chu, Chenghao; Tu, Wanzhu; Blue, Emily K.; Gohn, Cassandra R.; Dunn, Kenneth W.

2017-01-01

Vasculogenesis is a complex process by which endothelial stem and progenitor cells undergo de novo vessel formation. Quantitative assessment of vasculogenesis is a central readout of endothelial progenitor cell functionality. However, current assays lack kinetic measurements. To address this issue, new approaches were developed to quantitatively assess in vitro endothelial colony-forming cell (ECFC) network formation in real time. Eight parameters of network structure were quantified using novel Kinetic Analysis of Vasculogenesis (KAV) software. KAV assessment of structure complexity identified two phases of network formation. This observation guided the development of additional vasculogenic readouts. A tissue cytometry approach was established to quantify the frequency and localization of dividing ECFCs. Additionally, Fiji TrackMate was used to quantify ECFC displacement and speed at the single-cell level during network formation. These novel approaches were then implemented to identify how intrauterine exposure to maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs fetal ECFC vasculogenesis. Fetal ECFCs exposed to maternal DM form fewer initial network structures, which are not stable over time. Correlation analyses demonstrated that ECFC samples with greater division in branches form fewer closed network structures. Additionally, reductions in average ECFC movement over time decrease structural connectivity. Identification of these novel phenotypes utilizing the newly established methodologies provides evidence for the cellular mechanisms contributing to aberrant ECFC vasculogenesis. PMID:28100488

High-Temperature Formation Phases and Crystal Structure of Hot-Pressed Thermoelectric CuGaTe2 with Chalcopyrite-Type Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujii, Yosuke; Kosuga, Atsuko

2017-11-01

Polycrystalline CuGaTe2 with a chalcopyrite-type structure consolidated by hot-pressing is a potential candidate as a medium-temperature thermoelectric (TE) material. However, its high-temperature formation phases have rarely been reported to date. Here, we investigated the temperature-dependent formation phases and crystal structure at 300-800 K of hot-pressed CuGaTe2. From synchrotron x-ray diffraction data and crystal structure analysis of the heating and cooling processes, it was clarified that a certain amount of impurity phases, such as Te and CuTe, precipitated from the CuGaTe2 matrix when the temperature was increased (to 500-650 K). This is the temperature range where CuGaTe2 has been reported to show high TE performance. After CuGaTe2 was heated to 800 K, such impurity phases remained, even when cooled to room temperature. They also affected the tetragonal distortion and the x-coordinate of Te in the CuGaTe2 matrix, probably due to deficiencies of Cu and Te in the matrix. Our results reveal detailed information on the formation phases of CuGaTe2 at high temperature and thus provide insight for evaluation of its high-temperature stability and transport properties.

High-Temperature Formation Phases and Crystal Structure of Hot-Pressed Thermoelectric CuGaTe2 with Chalcopyrite-Type Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujii, Yosuke; Kosuga, Atsuko

2018-06-01

Polycrystalline CuGaTe2 with a chalcopyrite-type structure consolidated by hot-pressing is a potential candidate as a medium-temperature thermoelectric (TE) material. However, its high-temperature formation phases have rarely been reported to date. Here, we investigated the temperature-dependent formation phases and crystal structure at 300-800 K of hot-pressed CuGaTe2. From synchrotron x-ray diffraction data and crystal structure analysis of the heating and cooling processes, it was clarified that a certain amount of impurity phases, such as Te and CuTe, precipitated from the CuGaTe2 matrix when the temperature was increased (to 500-650 K). This is the temperature range where CuGaTe2 has been reported to show high TE performance. After CuGaTe2 was heated to 800 K, such impurity phases remained, even when cooled to room temperature. They also affected the tetragonal distortion and the x-coordinate of Te in the CuGaTe2 matrix, probably due to deficiencies of Cu and Te in the matrix. Our results reveal detailed information on the formation phases of CuGaTe2 at high temperature and thus provide insight for evaluation of its high-temperature stability and transport properties.

Desiccation tolerance in the tardigrade Richtersius coronifer relies on muscle mediated structural reorganization.

PubMed

Halberg, Kenneth Agerlin; Jørgensen, Aslak; Møbjerg, Nadja

2013-01-01

Life unfolds within a framework of constraining abiotic factors, yet some organisms are adapted to handle large fluctuations in physical and chemical parameters. Tardigrades are microscopic ecdysozoans well known for their ability to endure hostile conditions, such as complete desiccation--a phenomenon called anhydrobiosis. During dehydration, anhydrobiotic animals undergo a series of anatomical changes. Whether this reorganization is an essential regulated event mediated by active controlled processes, or merely a passive result of the dehydration process, has not been clearly determined. Here, we investigate parameters pivotal to the formation of the so-called "tun", a state that in tardigrades and rotifers marks the entrance into anhydrobiosis. Estimation of body volume in the eutardigrade Richtersius coronifer reveals an 87 % reduction in volume from the hydrated active state to the dehydrated tun state, underlining the structural stress associated with entering anhydrobiosis. Survival experiments with pharmacological inhibitors of mitochondrial energy production and muscle contractions show that i) mitochondrial energy production is a prerequisite for surviving desiccation, ii) uncoupling the mitochondria abolishes tun formation, and iii) inhibiting the musculature impairs the ability to form viable tuns. We moreover provide a comparative analysis of the structural changes involved in tun formation, using a combination of cytochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3D reconstructions as well as scanning electron microscopy. Our data reveal that the musculature mediates a structural reorganization vital for anhydrobiotic survival, and furthermore that maintaining structural integrity is essential for resumption of life following rehydration.

Desiccation Tolerance in the Tardigrade Richtersius coronifer Relies on Muscle Mediated Structural Reorganization

PubMed Central

Halberg, Kenneth Agerlin; Jørgensen, Aslak; Møbjerg, Nadja

2013-01-01

Life unfolds within a framework of constraining abiotic factors, yet some organisms are adapted to handle large fluctuations in physical and chemical parameters. Tardigrades are microscopic ecdysozoans well known for their ability to endure hostile conditions, such as complete desiccation – a phenomenon called anhydrobiosis. During dehydration, anhydrobiotic animals undergo a series of anatomical changes. Whether this reorganization is an essential regulated event mediated by active controlled processes, or merely a passive result of the dehydration process, has not been clearly determined. Here, we investigate parameters pivotal to the formation of the so-called "tun", a state that in tardigrades and rotifers marks the entrance into anhydrobiosis. Estimation of body volume in the eutardigrade Richtersius coronifer reveals an 87 % reduction in volume from the hydrated active state to the dehydrated tun state, underlining the structural stress associated with entering anhydrobiosis. Survival experiments with pharmacological inhibitors of mitochondrial energy production and muscle contractions show that i) mitochondrial energy production is a prerequisite for surviving desiccation, ii) uncoupling the mitochondria abolishes tun formation, and iii) inhibiting the musculature impairs the ability to form viable tuns. We moreover provide a comparative analysis of the structural changes involved in tun formation, using a combination of cytochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3D reconstructions as well as scanning electron microscopy. Our data reveal that the musculature mediates a structural reorganization vital for anhydrobiotic survival, and furthermore that maintaining structural integrity is essential for resumption of life following rehydration. PMID:24391987

Mapping the structural order of laser-induced periodic surface structures in thin polymer films by microfocus beam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Martín-Fabiani, Ignacio; Rebollar, Esther; García-Gutiérrez, Mari Cruz; Rueda, Daniel R; Castillejo, Marta; Ezquerra, Tiberio A

2015-02-11

In this work we present an accurate mapping of the structural order of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in spin-coated thin polymer films, via a microfocus beam grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (μGISAXS) scan, GISAXS modeling, and atomic force microscopy imaging all along the scanned area. This combined study has allowed the evaluation of the effects on LIPSS formation due to nonhomogeneous spatial distribution of the laser pulse energy, mapping with micrometric resolution the evolution of the period and degree of structural order of LIPSS across the laser beam diameter in a direction perpendicular to the polarization vector. The experiments presented go one step further toward controlling nanostructure formation in LIPSS through a deep understanding of the parameters that influence this process.

Microstructural properties and evolution of nanoclusters in liquid Si during a rapid cooling process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, T.; Hu, X.; Li, Y.; Tian, Z.; Xie, Q.; Chen, Q.; Liang, Y.; Luo, X.; Ren, L.; Luo, J.

2017-11-01

The formation of amorphous structures in Si during the rapid quenching process was studied based on molecular dynamics simulation by using the Stillinger-Weber potential. The evolution characteristics of nanoclusters during the solidification were analyzed by several structural analysis methods. The amorphous Si has been formed with many tetrahedral clusters and few nanoclusters. During the solidification, tetrahedral polyhedrons affect the local structures by their different positions and connection modes. The main kinds of polyhedrons randomly linked with one another to form an amorphous network structures in the system. The structural evolution of crystal nanocluster demonstrates that the nanocluster has difficulty to growth because of the high cooling rate of 1012 K/s.

The formation of topological defects in phase transitions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodges, Hardy M.

1989-01-01

It was argued, and fought through numerical work that the results of non-dynamical Monte Carlo computer simulations cannot be applied to describe the formation of topological defects when the correlation length at the Ginzburg temperature is significantly smaller than the horizon size. To test the current hypothesis that infinite strings at formation are essentially described by Brownian walks of size the correlation length at the Ginzburg temperature, fields at the Ginzburg temperature were equilibrated. Infinite structure do not exist in equilibrium for reasonable definitions of the Ginzburg temperature, and horizons must be included in a proper treatment. A phase transition, from small-scale to large-scale string or domain wall structure, is found to occur very close to the Ginzburg temperature, in agreement with recent work. The formation process of domain walls and global strings were investigated through the breaking of initially ordered states. To mimic conditions in the early Universe, cooling times are chosen so that horizons exist in the sample volume when topological structure formation occurs. The classical fields are evolved in real-time by the numerical solution of Langevin equations of motion on a three dimensional spatial lattice. The results indicate that it is possible for most of the string energy to be in small loops, rather than in long strings, at formation.

Correlation between hierarchical structure of crystal networks and macroscopic performance of mesoscopic soft materials and engineering principles.

PubMed

Lin, Naibo; Liu, Xiang Yang

2015-11-07

This review examines how the concepts and ideas of crystallization can be extended further and applied to the field of mesoscopic soft materials. It concerns the structural characteristics vs. the macroscopic performance, and the formation mechanism of crystal networks. Although this subject can be discussed in a broad sense across the area of mesoscopic soft materials, our main focus is on supramolecular materials, spider and silkworm silks, and biominerals. First, the occurrence of a hierarchical structure, i.e. crystal network and domain network structures, will facilitate the formation kinetics of mesoscopic phases and boost up the macroscopic performance of materials in some cases (i.e. spider silk fibres). Second, the structure and performance of materials can be correlated in some way by the four factors: topology, correlation length, symmetry/ordering, and strength of association of crystal networks. Moreover, four different kinetic paths of crystal network formation are identified, namely, one-step process of assembly, two-step process of assembly, mixed mode of assembly and foreign molecule mediated assembly. Based on the basic mechanisms of crystal nucleation and growth, the formation of crystal networks, such as crystallographic mismatch (or noncrystallographic) branching (tip branching and fibre side branching) and fibre/polymeric side merging, are reviewed. This facilitates the rational design and construction of crystal networks in supramolecular materials. In this context, the (re-)construction of a hierarchical crystal network structure can be implemented by thermal, precipitate, chemical, and sonication stimuli. As another important class of soft materials, the unusual mechanical performance of spider and silkworm silk fibres are reviewed in comparison with the regenerated silk protein derivatives. It follows that the considerably larger breaking stress and unusual breaking strain of spider silk fibres vs. silkworm silk fibres can be interpreted according to the synergistically correlated hierarchical structures of the domain and crystal networks, which can be quantified by the hierarchical structural correlation and the four structural parameters. Based on the concept of crystal networks, the new understanding acquired will transfer the research and engineering of mesoscopic materials, particularly, soft functional materials, to a new phase.

The hippocampal formation: morphological changes induced by thyroid, gonadal and adrenal hormones.

PubMed

Gould, E; Woolley, C S; McEwen, B S

1991-01-01

The hippocampal formation is of considerable interest due to its proposed role in a number of important functions, including learning and memory processes. Manipulations of thyroid, gonadal and adrenal hormones have been shown to influence hippocampal physiology as well as learning and memory. The cellular events which underlie these hormone-induced functional changes are largely unexplored. However, studies suggest that hormonal manipulations during development and in adulthood result in dramatic morphological changes within the hippocampal formation. Because neuronal physiology has been suggested to depend upon neuronal morphology, we have been determining the morphologic sensitivity of hippocampal neurons to thyroid and steroid hormones in an effort to elucidate possible structural mechanisms to account for differences in hippocampal function. In this review, hormone-induced structural changes in the developing and adult hippocampal formation are discussed, with particular emphasis on their functional relevance. Sex differences, as well as the developmental effects of thyroid hormone and glucocorticoids, are described. Moreover, the effects of ovarian steroids, thyroid hormone and glucocorticoids on neuronal morphology in the hippocampal formation of the adult rat are reviewed. These hormone-induced structural changes may account, at least in part, for previously reported hormone-induced changes in hippocampal function.

Graft union formation in tomato plants: peroxidase and catalase involvement.

PubMed

Fernandez-Garcia, Nieves; Carvajal, Micaela; Olmos, Enrique

2004-01-01

The use of grafted plants in vegetable crop production is now being expanded greatly. However, few data are available on the formation of graft unions in vegetables. In this work, the structural development of the graft union formation in tomato plants is studied, together with the possible relationship with activities of peroxidases and catalases. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings of cultivar Fanny were grafted on the rootstock of cultivar AR-9704 using the 'tongue approach grafting' method, and were grown in a crop chamber. A study of the structural development of the graft union and the involvement of peroxidases and catalases in the process of graft formation was carried out during the first stages of the graft union (4, 8 and 15 d after grafting). Observation of the structure of the graft union showed formation of xylem and phloem vessels through the graft union 8 d after grafting. In addition, root hydraulic conductance, L0, indicate that the graft union is fully functional 8 d after grafting, which coincided with an increase of peroxidase and catalase activities. These results suggest that increased peroxidase and catalase activities might be implicated in graft development in tomato plants.

On the synthesis and structure of resorcinol-formaldehyde polymeric networks – Precursors to 3D-carbon macroassemblies

DOE PAGES

Lewicki, James P.; Fox, Christina A.; Worsley, Marcus A.

2015-05-15

With the new impetus towards the development of hierarchical graphene and CNT macro-assemblies for application in fields such as advanced energy storage, catalysis and electronics; there is much renewed interest in organic carbon-based sol–gel processes as a synthetically convenient and versatile means of forming three dimensional, covalently bonded organic/inorganic networks. Such matrices can act as highly effective precursors, scaffolds or molecular ‘glues’ for the assembly of a wide variety of functional carbon macro-assemblies. However, despite the utility and broad use of organic sol–gel processes – such as the ubiquitous resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) reaction, there are details of the reaction chemistries ofmore » these important sol–gel processes that remain poorly understood at present. It is therefore both timely and necessary to examine these reactions in more detail using modern analytical techniques in order to gain a more rigorous understanding of the mechanisms by which these organic networks form. The goal of such studies is to obtain improved and rational control over the organic network structure, in order to better direct and tailor the architecture of the final inorganic carbon matrix. In this study we have investigated in detail, the mechanism of the organic sol–gel network forming reaction of resorcinol and formaldehyde from a structural and kinetic standpoint, by using a combination of real-time high field solution state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), low field NMR relaxometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These investigations have allowed us to track the network formation processes in real-time, gain both detailed structural information on the mechanisms of the RF sol–gel process and a quantitative assessment of the kinetics of the global network formation process. Here, it has been shown that the mechanism, by which the RF organic network forms, proceeds via an initial exothermic step correlated to the formation of a free aromatic aldehyde. The network growth reaction then proceeds in a statistical manner following a first order Arrhenius type kinetic relationship – characteristic of a typical thermoset network poly-condensation process. Finally, despite the relative complexity and ill-defined nature of the formaldehyde staring material, the final network structure is to a large extent, governed by the substitution pattern of the resorcinol molecule.« less

On the emergence of macroscopic transport barriers from staircase structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashourvan, Arash; Diamond, P. H.

2017-01-01

This paper presents a theory for the formation and evolution of coupled density staircases and zonal shear profiles in a simple model of drift-wave turbulence. Density, vorticity, and fluctuation potential enstrophy are the fields evolved in this system. Formation of staircase structures is due to inhomogeneous mixing of generalized potential vorticity (PV), resulting in the sharpening of density and vorticity gradients in some regions, and weakening them in others. When the PV gradients steepen, the density staircase structure develops into a lattice of mesoscale "jumps," and "steps," which are, respectively, the regions of local gradient steepening and flattening. The jumps merge and migrate in radius, leading to the development of macroscale profile structures from mesoscale elements. The positive feedback process, which drives the staircase formation occurs via a Rhines scale dependent mixing length. We present extensive studies of bifurcation physics of the global state, including results on the global flux-gradient relations (flux landscapes) predicted by the model. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, depending on the sources and boundary conditions, either a region of enhanced confinement, or a region with strong turbulence can form at the edge. This suggests that the profile self-organization is a global process, though one which can be described by a local, but nonlinear model. This model is the first to demonstrate how the mesoscale condensation of staircases leads to global states of enhanced confinement.

Contribution of fission to heavy-element nucleosynthesis in an astrophysical r-process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korneev, I. Yu.; Panov, I. V.

2011-12-01

During the formation of heavy elements in the neutron star merger (NSM) scenario with a fairly long duration of the r-process, most of the seed nuclei rapidly burn out at the initial stage. The nucleosynthesis wave rapidly reaches the region of actinoids, where beta-delayed, neutron-induced, and spontaneous fission are the main reaction channels. The fission products of transuranium elements are again drawn into the r-process as new seed nuclei to form the yields of elements with mass numbers A > 100. The contribution from the various types of fission to the formation of heavy and superheavy nuclei is investigated. The proposed r-process model applied to the NSM scenario describes well the observed abundances of chemical elements, which confirms the formation of the main r-process component in the NSM scenario. Simple extrapolations of the spontaneous fission half-lives are shown to be inapplicable for the region of nuclei with N ˜ 184, because the formulas do not reflect the increase in half-life when the shell structure changes as the number of neutrons approaches 184. The formation of superheavy elements in the r-process is possible, but their survival depends to a large extent on how reliable the predictions of nuclear parameters, including the half-lives of the forming nuclei from the island of long-lived isotopes, are. The contributions from various types of fission—neutron-induced, beta-delayed, and spontaneous one—to the formation of heavy elements in the main r-process have been determined.

PONDEROSA, an automated 3D-NOESY peak picking program, enables automated protein structure determination.

PubMed

Lee, Woonghee; Kim, Jin Hae; Westler, William M; Markley, John L

2011-06-15

PONDEROSA (Peak-picking Of Noe Data Enabled by Restriction of Shift Assignments) accepts input information consisting of a protein sequence, backbone and sidechain NMR resonance assignments, and 3D-NOESY ((13)C-edited and/or (15)N-edited) spectra, and returns assignments of NOESY crosspeaks, distance and angle constraints, and a reliable NMR structure represented by a family of conformers. PONDEROSA incorporates and integrates external software packages (TALOS+, STRIDE and CYANA) to carry out different steps in the structure determination. PONDEROSA implements internal functions that identify and validate NOESY peak assignments and assess the quality of the calculated three-dimensional structure of the protein. The robustness of the analysis results from PONDEROSA's hierarchical processing steps that involve iterative interaction among the internal and external modules. PONDEROSA supports a variety of input formats: SPARKY assignment table (.shifts) and spectrum file formats (.ucsf), XEASY proton file format (.prot), and NMR-STAR format (.star). To demonstrate the utility of PONDEROSA, we used the package to determine 3D structures of two proteins: human ubiquitin and Escherichia coli iron-sulfur scaffold protein variant IscU(D39A). The automatically generated structural constraints and ensembles of conformers were as good as or better than those determined previously by much less automated means. The program, in the form of binary code along with tutorials and reference manuals, is available at http://ponderosa.nmrfam.wisc.edu/.

A β-solenoid model of the Pmel17 repeat domain: insights to the formation of functional amyloid fibrils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louros, Nikolaos N.; Baltoumas, Fotis A.; Hamodrakas, Stavros J.; Iconomidou, Vassiliki A.

2016-02-01

Pmel17 is a multidomain protein involved in biosynthesis of melanin. This process is facilitated by the formation of Pmel17 amyloid fibrils that serve as a scaffold, important for pigment deposition in melanosomes. A specific luminal domain of human Pmel17, containing 10 tandem imperfect repeats, designated as repeat domain (RPT), forms amyloid fibrils in a pH-controlled mechanism in vitro and has been proposed to be essential for the formation of the fibrillar matrix. Currently, no three-dimensional structure has been resolved for the RPT domain of Pmel17. Here, we examine the structure of the RPT domain by performing sequence threading. The resulting model was subjected to energy minimization and validated through extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Structural analysis indicated that the RPT model exhibits several distinct properties of β-solenoid structures, which have been proposed to be polymerizing components of amyloid fibrils. The derived model is stabilized by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds generated by stacking of highly conserved polar residues of the RPT domain. Furthermore, the key role of invariant glutamate residues is proposed, supporting a pH-dependent mechanism for RPT domain assembly. Conclusively, our work attempts to provide structural insights into the RPT domain structure and to elucidate its contribution to Pmel17 amyloid fibril formation.

Sharevision Collaboration between High School Counselors and Athletic Educators to Stop LGBTQ Bullying

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Lisa Dawn

2013-01-01

The purpose of the study was twofold: to explore how school counselors and athletic educators experienced implementing the 2010 Massachusetts Anti-bullying law and to explore how participants experienced using the Sharevision structured group reflection process as the format for group discussions. The Sharevision structured group reflection…

Radar meteor orbital structure of Southern Hemisphere cometary dust streams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baggaley, W. Jack; Taylor, Andrew D.

1992-01-01

The Christchurch, New Zealand meteor orbit radar (AMOR) with its high precision and sensitivity, permits studies of the orbital fine structure of cometary streams. PC generated graphics are presented of data on some Southern Hemisphere Streams. Such data can be related to the formation phase and subsequent dynamical processes of dust streams.

Integrated Geologic, Hydrologic, and Geophysical Investigations of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Structure, Virginia, USA: A Multi-Agency Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gohn, G. S.; Bruce, T. S.; Catchings, R. D.; Emry, S. R.; Johnson, G. H.; Levine, J. S.; McFarland, E. R.; Poag, C. W.; Powars, D. S.

2001-01-01

The Chesapeake Bay impact structure is the focus of an ongoing federal-state-local research program. Recent core drilling and geophysical surveys address the formative processes and hydrogeologic properties of this major "wet-target" impact. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Detection of Mutant Huntingtin Aggregation Conformers and Modulation of SDS-Soluble Fibrillar Oligomers by Small Molecules

PubMed Central

Sontag, Emily Mitchell; Lotz, Gregor P.; Yang, Guocheng; Sontag, Christopher J.; Cummings, Brian J.; Glabe, Charles G.; Muchowski, Paul J.; Thompson, Leslie Michels

2012-01-01

The Huntington’s disease (HD) mutation leads to a complex process of Huntingtin (Htt) aggregation into multimeric species that eventually form visible inclusions in cytoplasm, nuclei and neuronal processes. One hypothesis is that smaller, soluble forms of amyloid proteins confer toxic effects and contribute to early cell dysfunction. However, analysis of mutant Htt aggregation intermediates to identify conformers that may represent toxic forms of the protein and represent potential drug targets remains difficult. We performed a detailed analysis of aggregation conformers in multiple in vitro, cell and ex vivo models of HD. Conformation-specific antibodies were used to identify and characterize aggregation species, allowing assessment of multiple conformers present during the aggregation process. Using a series of assays together with these antibodies, several forms could be identified. Fibrillar oligomers, defined as having a β-sheet rich conformation, are observed in vitro using recombinant protein and in protein extracts from cells in culture or mouse brain and shown to be globular, soluble and non-sedimentable structures. Compounds previously described to modulate visible inclusion body formation and reduce toxicity in HD models were also tested and consistently found to alter the formation of fibrillar oligomers. Interestingly, these compounds did not alter the rate of visible inclusion formation, indicating that fibrillar oligomers are not necessarily the rate limiting step of inclusion body formation. Taken together, we provide insights into the structure and formation of mutant Htt fibrillar oligomers that are modulated by small molecules with protective potential in HD models. PMID:24086178

Investigating the Environmental Properties of Galaxies in the SDSS-MaNGA Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spindler, Ashley

2018-05-01

This thesis presents a study of galaxy evolution in the local universe. I study how environments shape the structures of galaxies, and how internal and external processes affect star formation. I perform four investigations of galaxy properties: a study of the relations between size, mass and velocity dispersion of 124,524 galaxies from SDSS DR7; I estimate star formation rates using Hα and Dn4000 for galaxies in the MaNGA survey; a study of the spatial distribution of star formation in 1494 MaNGA galaxies; and finally, a study of 215 barred and 402 unbarred galaxies, to investigate how bars affect star formation. I find that environment plays a key role in the evolution of galaxies, both structurally and in terms of their star formation. Using core velocity dispersion to study the effects of minor mergers and tidal/ram pressure stripping, I find that central galaxies are up to 30% larger and more massive than satellites. I suggest that minor mergers play a crucial role in the increase in size and mass of centrals. In addition, I find that satellites have a uniform radial suppression of star formation, compared to centrals, which may be due to the strangulation of their cold gas supplies. I study the internal processes that affect star formation and find that specific star formation rate is suppressed at all radii for high mass galaxies. Massive galaxies are more likely to have suppressed star formation in their cores, which I determined is caused by a combination of morphological quenching and AGN feedback. Finally, I study the role of galaxy bars in regulating the circumnuclear and disk star formation in late-type galaxies. I find that barred galaxies have lower star formation in their disks than unbarred galaxies, and that they are more likely to have enhanced star formation in their cores.

Model of carbon nanofiber internal structure formation and instability of catalytic growth interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merkulov, I. A.; Merkulov, V. I.; Melechko, A. V.; Klein, K. L.; Lowndes, D. H.; Simpson, M. L.

2007-07-01

It is well known that the internal structure determines the properties of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. However, a fundamental understanding of the processes that drive structure formation is missing, hindering the development of controlled synthesis strategies. Here we use theoretical calculations to explore the time evolution of the shape of the interface between the catalyst nanoparticle and its associated graphitic nanofiber at the initial stages of growth. This phenomenological description of the behavior of the catalyst nanoparticle-graphite interface constructed with model parameters provides new understanding of the mechanisms that control the internal structure of carbon nanofibers. We show that if the magnitude of the interface curvature exceeds a critical value κcrit , the interface loses stability and a cavity forms in the center of the nanofiber.

Droplet-based microfluidic system for multicellular tumor spheroid formation and anticancer drug testing.

PubMed

Yu, Linfen; Chen, Michael C W; Cheung, Karen C

2010-09-21

Creating multicellular tumor spheroids is critical for characterizing anticancer treatments since it may provide a better model than monolayer culture of tumor cells. Moreover, continuous dynamic perfusion allows the establishment of long term cell culture and subsequent multicellular spheroid formation. A droplet-based microfluidic system was used to form alginate beads with entrapped breast tumor cells. After gelation, the alginate beads were trapped in microsieve structures for cell culture in a continuous perfusion system. The alginate environment permitted cell proliferation and the formation of multicellular spheroids was observed. The dose-dependent response of the tumor spheroids to doxorubicin, and anticancer drug, showed multicellular resistance compared to conventional monolayer culture. The microsieve structures maintain constant location of each bead in the same position throughout the device seeding process, cell proliferation and spheroid formation, treatment with drug, and imaging, permitting temporal and spatial tracking.

Experimental determination of the kinetics of formation of the benzene-ethane co-crystal and implications for Titan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cable, Morgan L.; Vu, Tuan H.; Hodyss, Robert; Choukroun, Mathieu; Malaska, Michael J.; Beauchamp, Patricia

2014-08-01

Benzene is found on Titan and is a likely constituent of the putative evaporite deposits formed around the hydrocarbon lakes. We have recently demonstrated the formation of a benzene-ethane co-crystal under Titan-like surface conditions. Here we investigate the kinetics of formation of this new structure as a function of temperature. We show that the formation process would reach completion under Titan surface conditions in ~18 h and that benzene precipitates from liquid ethane as the co-crystal. This suggests that benzene-rich evaporite basins around ethane/methane lakes and seas may not contain pure crystalline benzene, but instead benzene-ethane co-crystals. This co-crystalline form of benzene with ethane represents a new class of materials for Titan's surface, analogous to hydrated minerals on Earth. This new structure may also influence evaporite characteristics such as particle size, dissolution rate, and infrared spectral properties.

Nonlinear metallogeny and the depths of the earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcheglov, A. D.; Govorov, I. N.

This book is concerned with the basic relations regarding a new approach in the field of knowledge of metallogenesis, taking into account the complex character of the mutual dependence between ore deposits, the structure of the earth's crust, and depth relations. The principles of nonlinear metallogeny are examined, giving attention to the development of the metallogenic science during the past few years, the formation of the concept 'nonlinear metallogeny', the main aspects of nonlinear metallogeny, the origin of the ore deposits and the characteristics of ore formations in the mantle, the parallel manifestation of ore-forming processes in the crust, sedimentary-hydrothermal ore formations and their place in nonlinear metallogeny, and various types of rock and ore formations. The structure, composition, and metalliferous characteristics found at various depth zones of the tectonosphere are discussed along with the geochemical and metallogenic heterogeneity in the mantle. General questions of nonlinear metallogeny are also investigated.

Influences of the molecular fuel structure on combustion reactions towards soot precursors in selected alkane and alkene flames.

PubMed

Ruwe, Lena; Moshammer, Kai; Hansen, Nils; Kohse-Höinghaus, Katharina

2018-04-25

In this study, we experimentally investigate the high-temperature oxidation kinetics of n-pentane, 1-pentene and 2-methyl-2-butene (2M2B) in a combustion environment using flame-sampling molecular beam mass spectrometry. The selected C5 fuels are prototypes for linear and branched, saturated and unsaturated fuel components, featuring different C-C and C-H bond structures. It is shown that the formation tendency of species, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), yielded through mass growth reactions increases drastically in the sequence n-pentane < 1-pentene < 2M2B. This comparative study enables valuable insights into fuel-dependent reaction sequences of the gas-phase combustion mechanism that provide explanations for the observed difference in the PAH formation tendency. First, we investigate the fuel-structure-dependent formation of small hydrocarbon species that are yielded as intermediate species during the fuel decomposition, because these species are at the origin of the subsequent mass growth reaction pathways. Second, we review typical PAH formation reactions inspecting repetitive growth sequences in dependence of the molecular fuel structure. Third, we discuss how differences in the intermediate species pool influence the formation reactions of key aromatic ring species that are important for the PAH growth process underlying soot formation. As a main result it was found that for the fuels featuring a C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bond, the chemistry of their allylic fuel radicals and their decomposition products strongly influences the combination reactions to the initially formed aromatic ring species and as a consequence, the PAH formation tendency.

Modelling the structure of sludge aggregates

PubMed Central

Smoczyński, Lech; Ratnaweera, Harsha; Kosobucka, Marta; Smoczyński, Michał; Kalinowski, Sławomir; Kvaal, Knut

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The structure of sludge is closely associated with the process of wastewater treatment. Synthetic dyestuff wastewater and sewage were coagulated using the PAX and PIX methods, and electro-coagulated on aluminium electrodes. The processes of wastewater treatment were supported with an organic polymer. The images of surface structures of the investigated sludge were obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The software image analysis permitted obtaining plots log A vs. log P, wherein A is the surface area and P is the perimeter of the object, for individual objects comprised in the structure of the sludge. The resulting database confirmed the ‘self-similarity’ of the structural objects in the studied groups of sludge, which enabled calculating their fractal dimension and proposing models for these objects. A quantitative description of the sludge aggregates permitted proposing a mechanism of the processes responsible for their formation. In the paper, also, the impact of the structure of the investigated sludge on the process of sedimentation, and dehydration of the thickened sludge after sedimentation, was discussed. PMID:26549812

Protein glycation, diabetes, and aging.

PubMed

Ulrich, P; Cerami, A

2001-01-01

Biological amines react with reducing sugars to form a complex family of rearranged and dehydrated covalent adducts that are often yellow-brown and/or fluorescent and include many cross-linked structures. Food chemists have long studied this process as a source of flavor, color, and texture changes in cooked, processed, and stored foods. During the 1970s and 1980s, it was realized that this process, called the Maillard reaction or advanced glycation, also occurs slowly in vivo. Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) that form are implicated, causing the complications of diabetes and aging, primarily via adventitious and crosslinking of proteins. Long-lived proteins such as structural collagen and lens crystallins particularly are implicated as pathogenic targets of AGE processes. AGE formation in vascular wall collagen appears to be an especially deleterious event, causing crosslinking of collagen molecules to each other and to circulating proteins. This leads to plaque formation, basement membrane thickening, and loss of vascular elasticity. The chemistry of these later-stage, glycation-derived crosslinks is still incompletely understood but, based on the hypothesis that AGE formation involves reactive carbonyl groups, the authors introduced the carbonyl reagent aminoguanidine hydrochloride as an inhibitor of AGE formation in vivo in the mid 1980s. Subsequent studies by many researchers have shown the effectiveness of aminoguanidine in slowing or preventing a wide range of complications of diabetes and aging in animals and, recently, in humans. Since, the authors have developed a new class of agents, exemplified by 4,5-dimethyl-3-phenacylthiazolium chloride (DPTC), which can chemically break already-formed AGE protein-protein crosslinks. These agents are based on a new theory of AGE crosslinking that postulates that alpha-dicarbonyl structures are present in AGE protein-protein crosslinks. In studies in aged animals, DPTC has been shown to be capable of reverting indices of vascular compliance to levels seen in younger animals. Human clinical trials are underway.

Method for formation of thin film transistors on plastic substrates

DOEpatents

Carey, P.G.; Smith, P.M.; Sigmon, T.W.; Aceves, R.C.

1998-10-06

A process for formation of thin film transistors (TFTs) on plastic substrates replaces standard thin film transistor fabrication techniques, and uses sufficiently lower processing temperatures so that inexpensive plastic substrates may be used in place of standard glass, quartz, and silicon wafer-based substrates. The process relies on techniques for depositing semiconductors, dielectrics, and metals at low temperatures; crystallizing and doping semiconductor layers in the TFT with a pulsed energy source; and creating top-gate self-aligned as well as back-gate TFT structures. The process enables the fabrication of amorphous and polycrystalline channel silicon TFTs at temperatures sufficiently low to prevent damage to plastic substrates. The process has use in large area low cost electronics, such as flat panel displays and portable electronics. 5 figs.

Exploitation of a Self-limiting Process for Reproducible Formation of Ultrathin Ni(1-x)Pt(x) Silicide Films

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

Z Zhang; B Yang; Y Zhu

This letter reports on a process scheme to obtain highly reproducible Ni{sub 1-x}Pt{sub x} silicide films of 3-6 nm thickness formed on a Si(100) substrate. Such ultrathin silicide films are readily attained by sputter deposition of metal films, metal stripping in wet chemicals, and final silicidation by rapid thermal processing. This process sequence warrants an invariant amount of metal intermixed with Si in the substrate surface region independent of the initial metal thickness, thereby leading to a self-limiting formation of ultrathin silicide films. The crystallographic structure, thickness, uniformity, and morphological stability of the final silicide films depend sensitively on themore » initial Pt fraction.« less

Experimental investigation on structures and velocity of liquid jets in a supersonic crossflow

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

Wang, Zhen-guo, E-mail: wangzhenguo-wzg@163.com; Wu, Liyin; Li, Qinglian

Particle image velocimetry was applied in the study focusing on the structure and velocity of water jets injected into a Ma = 2.1 crossflow. The instantaneous structures of the jet, including surface waves in the near-injector region and vortices in the far-field, were visualized clearly. Spray velocity increases rapidly to 66% of the mainstream velocity in the region of x/d < 15, owing to the strong gas-liquid interaction near the orifice. By contrast, the velocity grows slowly in the far-field region, where the liquid inside the spray is accelerated mainly by the continuous driven force provided by the mainstream with the gas-liquid shear. Themore » injection and atomization of liquid jet in a supersonic crossflow serves as a foundation of scramjet combustion process, by affecting the combustion efficiency and some other performances. With various forces acting on the liquid jet (Mashayek et al. [AIAA J. 46, 2674–2686 (2008)] and Wang et al. [AIAA J. 50, 1360–1366 (2012)]), the atomization process involves very complex flow physics. These physical processes include strong vortical structures, small-scale wave formation, stripping of small droplets from the jet surface, formations of ligaments, and droplets with a wide range of sizes.« less

Simple mechanisms of early life - simulation model on the origin of semi-cells.

PubMed

Klein, Adrian; Bock, Martin; Alt, Wolfgang

2017-01-01

The development of first cellular structures played an important role in the early evolution of life. Early evolution of life probably took place on a molecular level in a reactive environment. The iron-sulfur theory postulates the formation of cell-like structures on catalytic surfaces. Experiments show that H 2 S together with FeS and other metallic centers drive auto-catalytic surface reactions, in which organic molecules such as pyruvic and amino acids occur. It is questionable which mechanisms are needed to form cell-like structures under these conditions. To address this question, we implemented a model system featuring the fundamentals of molecular dynamics: heat, attraction, repulsion and formation of covalent bonds. Our basic model exhibits a series of essential processes: self-organization of lipid micelles and bilayers, formation of fluid filled cavities, flux of molecules along membranes, transport of energized groups towards sinks and whole colonies of cell-like structures on a larger scale. The results demonstrate that only a few features are sufficient for discovering hitherto non described phenomena of self-assembly and dynamics of cell-like structures as candidates for early evolving proto-cells. Significance statement The quest for a possible origin of life continues to be one of the most fascinating problems in biology. In one theoretical scenario, early life originated from a solution of reactive chemicals in the ancient deep sea, similar to conditions as to be found in thermal vents. Experiments have shown that a variety of organic molecules, the building blocks of life, form under these conditions. Based on such experiments, the iron-sulfur theory postulates the growth of cell-like structures at certain catalytic surfaces. For an explanation and proof of such a process we have developed a computer model simulating molecular assembly of lipid bilayers and formation of semi-cell cavities. The results demonstrate the possibility of cell-like self-organization under appropriate physico-chemical conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of high-pressure torsion on formation/destruction of nano-sized spinodal structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alhamidi, Ali; Edalati, Kaveh; Horita, Zenji

2018-04-01

The microstructures and hardness of Al - 30 mol.% Zn are investigated after processing by high-pressure torsion (HPT) for different numbers of revolutions, N = 1, 3, 10 or 25, as well as after post-HPT annealing at different temperatures, T = 373 K, 473 K, 573 K and 673 K. It was found that a work softening occurs by decreasing the grain size to the submicrometer level and increasing the fraction of high-angle boundaries. As a result of HPT processing, a complete decomposition of supersaturated solid solution of Zn in Al occurs and the spinodal structure is destroyed. This suggests that softening of the Al-Zn alloys after HPT is due to the decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution and destruction of spinodal decomposition. After post-HPT annealing, ultrafine-grained Al-Zn alloys show an unusual mechanical properties and its hardness increased to 187 HV. Microstructural analysis showed that the high hardness after post-HPT annealing is due to the formation of spinodal structures.

Recycling of Aluminum Alloy with Dimox and Rheocasting Functionalize High Performance Structural Foam Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabeeh, Bakr Mohamed

Great efforts aiming towards the synthesis and the development of structural composite materials. Direct metal oxidation, DIMOX introduced for hybrid composite processing. However, oxidation temperatures around 1100°C lead to the formation of porous ceramic materials. To utilize this porosity intentionally for foam production, a new approach based on synergetic effect of alloying elements, DIMOX and semisolid (rheocsting) processing is developed. A semisolid reaction, rheocasting is introduced to control porosity shape and size. Aluminum alloy 6xxx (automobile scrap pistons) is recycled for this objective and DIMOX at 1100°C for 30 min, then rheocasting, at 750°C for 30 minutes. The effect of α-Fe powder, Mg powder, and Boric acid powder established for the objective of a hybrid structural metal matrix composite in bulk foam matrix. The kinetic of formation of hybrid metal matrix foam composite is introduced. Microstructural and mechanical characterization established for high performance Aluminum foam hybrid composite materials.

The structure and evolution of ancient impact basins on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schultz, P. H.; Schultz, R. A.; Rogers, J.

1982-01-01

It is pointed out that characteristic styles of degradation and modification of obvious Martian basins make it possible to recognize more subtle expressions. This approach is seen as providing not only additional basins to the existing inventory but also fundamental clues for initial impact basin structure and stratigraphy. It also reveals the long-lasting influence of basin formation on the crust of Mars in spite of extensive erosion and resurfacing. Consideration is given to five clear examples of modified impact basins, and regions around each that have undergone similar processes (fracturing, collapse, channeling) are delineated. These processes among the different basins are then compared, and similar zones of modification are correlated with concentric basin rings. Consideration is then given to the implications of these observations for current models of basin formation and to the role of impact basins in controlling regional tectonics. The results indicate that large multiring impact scars leave a major but sometimes subtle imprint on the geologic structure of stable crustal regions on Mars.

Structural Transformation in Fe73.5Nb3Cu1Si15.5B7 Amorphous Alloy Induced by Laser Heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nykyruy, Yu. S.; Mudry, S. I.; Kulyk, Yu. O.; Zhovneruk, S. V.

2018-03-01

The effect of continuous laser irradiation (λ = 1.06 μm) with laser power of 45 W on the structure of Fe73.5Nb3Cu1Si15.5B7 amorphous alloy has been studied using X-ray diffraction and SEM methods. The sample of the ribbon has been placed at a distance from the focal plane of the lens, so a laser beam has been defocused and the diameter of laser spot on the ribbon surface has been about 10 mm. An exposure time τ varied within interval 0.25-0.70 s. Under such conditions structural transformation processes, which depend on the exposure time, have occurred in an irradiated zone. Crystallization process has started at τ = 0.35 s with the formation of α-Fe(Si) nanocrystalline phase, while complete crystallization has occurred at τ = 0.55 s with formation of two nanocrystalline phases: α-Fe(Si) and a hexagonal H-phase.

Modification of Structure and Tribological Properties of the Surface Layer of Metal-Ceramic Composite under Electron Irradiation in the Plasmas of Inert Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovcharenko, V. E.; Ivanov, K. V.; Mohovikov, A. A.; Yu, B.; Xu, Yu; Zhong, L.

2018-01-01

Metal-ceramic composites are the main materials for high-load parts in tribomechanical systems. Modern approaches to extend the operation life of tribomechanical systems are based on increasing the strength and tribological properties of the surface layer having 100 to 200 microns in depth. The essential improvement of the properties occurs when high dispersed structure is formed in the surface layer using high-energy processing. As a result of the dispersed structure formation the more uniform distribution of elastic stresses takes place under mechanical or thermal action, the energy of stress concentrators emergence significantly increases and the probability of internal defects formation reduces. The promising method to form the dispersed structure in the surface layer is pulse electron irradiation in the plasmas of inert gases combining electron irradiation and ion bombardment in one process. The present work reports upon the effect of pulse electron irradiation in plasmas of different inert gases with different atomic mass and ionization energy on the structure and tribological properties of the surface layer of TiC/(Ni-Cr) metal-ceramic composite with the volume ratio of the component being 50:50. It is experimentally shown that high-dispersed heterophase structure with a fraction of nanosized particles is formed during the irradiation. Electron microscopy study reveals that refining of the initial coarse TiC particles occurs via their dissolution in the molten metal binder followed by the precipitation of secondary fine particles in the interparticle layers of the binder. The depth of modified layer and the fraction of nanosized particles increase when the atomic number of the plasma gas increases and ionization energy decreases. The wear resistance of metal-ceramic composite improves in accordance to the formation of nanocrystalline structure in the surface layer.

Dynamics of formation of low-angle tilt boundaries in metals and alloys at high loading rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutkin, M. Yu.; Rzhavtsev, E. A.

2015-12-01

A computer model has been developed in which the process of formation of low-angle tilt boundaries and fragmentation of initial subgrains during shock loading of metals and alloys is clearly demonstrated by the of two-dimensional discrete dislocation-disclination dynamics method. The formation and evolution of such grains proceeds under the action of an external stress and the stress field of grain boundary disclinations distributed on the subgrain boundaries. With the D16 aluminum alloy as an example, three cases of fragmented structures formed in accordance with the initial configuration of the disclination ensemble have been considered for a dipole, quadrupole, and arbitrary octupole of wedge disclinations. It has been shown that, in all these cases, the formation of a stable fragmented structure requires a stress of ~0.5 GPa and time of 10 ns. The main results of computer simulation (the finite form of a fragmented structure, typical level of applied stress, and small fragmentation time) agree well with known experimental results on shock compression of the D16 aluminum alloy.

Intrinsically disordered proteins drive enamel formation via an evolutionarily conserved self-assembly motif.

PubMed

Wald, Tomas; Spoutil, Frantisek; Osickova, Adriana; Prochazkova, Michaela; Benada, Oldrich; Kasparek, Petr; Bumba, Ladislav; Klein, Ophir D; Sedlacek, Radislav; Sebo, Peter; Prochazka, Jan; Osicka, Radim

2017-02-28

The formation of mineralized tissues is governed by extracellular matrix proteins that assemble into a 3D organic matrix directing the deposition of hydroxyapatite. Although the formation of bones and dentin depends on the self-assembly of type I collagen via the Gly-X-Y motif, the molecular mechanism by which enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) assemble into the organic matrix remains poorly understood. Here we identified a Y/F-x-x-Y/L/F-x-Y/F motif, evolutionarily conserved from the first tetrapods to man, that is crucial for higher order structure self-assembly of the key intrinsically disordered EMPs, ameloblastin and amelogenin. Using targeted mutations in mice and high-resolution imaging, we show that impairment of ameloblastin self-assembly causes disorganization of the enamel organic matrix and yields enamel with disordered hydroxyapatite crystallites. These findings define a paradigm for the molecular mechanism by which the EMPs self-assemble into supramolecular structures and demonstrate that this process is crucial for organization of the organic matrix and formation of properly structured enamel.

Peculiarities of high-altitude landscapes formation in the Small Caucasus mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trifonova, Tatiana

2014-05-01

Various mountain systems differ in character of landscapes and soil. Basic problem of present research: conditions and parameters determining the development of various landscapes and soils in mountain areas. Our research object is the area of Armenia where Small Caucasus, a part of Armenian upland is located. The specific character of the area is defined by the whole variety of all mountain structures like fold, block folding mountain ridges, volcanic upland, individual volcanoes, and intermountain depressions. As for the climate, the area belongs to dry subtropics. We have studied the peculiarities of high-altitude landscapes formation and mountain river basins development. We have used remote sensing data and statistic database of climatic parameters in this research. Field observations and landscape pictures analysis of space images allow distinguishing three types of mountain geosystems clearly: volcanic massifs, fold mountainous structures and closed high mountain basins - area of the lakes. The distribution of precipitation according to altitude shows some peculiarities. It has been found that due to this factor the investigated mountain area may be divided into three regions: storage (fold) mountainous area; Ararat volcanic area (southern macro exposure); closed high mountainous basin-area of the lake Sevan. The mountainous nature-climatic vertical landscapes appear to be horizontally oriented and they are more or less equilibrium (stable) geosystems, where the stable functional relationship between the landscape components is formed. Within their limits, definite bioclimatic structure of soil is developed. Along the slopes of fold mountains specific landscape shapes like litho-drainage basins are formed. They are intensively developing like relatively independent vertical geosystems. Mechanism of basin formation is versatile resulting in formation of the polychronous soil mantle structure. Landscapes and soils within the basin are of a different age, since the permanent exogenic processes favor regular rejuvenation of the slope soils. The basin structure determines the soilscape, and morphological elements of the basin are also different. The factors playing the significant part in the formation of soil-mantle composition in the basin can be identified. It is shown that landscapes formation and soil structure in mountains are controlled by two superimposed natural processes, i.e. the formation of vertical zonality and the development of river lithodrainage basins. References Trifonova T.A., 2008. River drainage basin as self-regulated natural geosistem. Izv. Russian of Academy of Sciences, Series on geography, 1: 28-36. Trifonova T.A., 2005. Development of basin approach in pedological and ecological studies. Eurasian Soil Science, 9: 931-937

The multidisciplinary treatment plan: a format for enhancing activity therapy department involvement.

PubMed

Lang, E; Mattson, M

1985-01-01

A structured, goal-oriented format for enhancing the involvement of activity therapy disciplines in the multidisciplinary treatment planning process has been developed in a large private psychiatric teaching hospital. The format, an adaptation of the problem-oriented record, encompasses formal procedures for identifying and recording relevant problems, goals, methods, and objectives for activity therapy treatment. The benefits of this approach include the development of specific, measurable, attainable functional goals; increased accountability in treatment planning and delivery; less time spent in documentation; and education of other staff about the role and function of activities therapy. Patients have a better understanding of their goals and the steps needed to achieve them and show increased participation in the therapy process.

Bartonella henselae engages inside-out and outside-in signaling by integrin β1 and talin1 during invasome-mediated bacterial uptake.

PubMed

Truttmann, Matthias C; Misselwitz, Benjamin; Huser, Sonja; Hardt, Wolf-Dietrich; Critchley, David R; Dehio, Christoph

2011-11-01

The VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) of the bacterial pathogen Bartonella henselae (Bhe) translocates seven effector proteins (BepA-BepG) into human cells that subvert host cellular functions. Two redundant pathways dependent on BepG or the combination of BepC and BepF trigger the formation of a bacterial uptake structure termed the invasome. Invasome formation is a multi-step process consisting of bacterial adherence, effector translocation, aggregation of bacteria on the cell surface and engulfment, and eventually, complete internalization of the bacterial aggregate occurs in an F-actin-dependent manner. In the present study, we show that Bhe-triggered invasome formation depends on integrin-β1-mediated signaling cascades that enable assembly of the F-actin invasome structure. We demonstrate that Bhe interacts with integrin β1 in a fibronectin- and VirB/D4 T4SS-independent manner and that activated integrin β1 is essential for both effector translocation and the actin rearrangements leading to invasome formation. Furthermore, we show that talin1, but not talin2, is required for inside-out activation of integrin β1 during invasome formation. Finally, integrin-β1-mediated outside-in signaling by FAK, Src, paxillin and vinculin is necessary for invasome formation. This is the first example of a bacterial entry process that fully exploits the bi-directional signaling capacity of integrin receptors in a talin1-specific manner.

System level mechanisms of adaptation, learning, memory formation and evolvability: the role of chaperone and other networks.

PubMed

Gyurko, David M; Soti, Csaba; Stetak, Attila; Csermely, Peter

2014-05-01

During the last decade, network approaches became a powerful tool to describe protein structure and dynamics. Here, we describe first the protein structure networks of molecular chaperones, then characterize chaperone containing sub-networks of interactomes called as chaperone-networks or chaperomes. We review the role of molecular chaperones in short-term adaptation of cellular networks in response to stress, and in long-term adaptation discussing their putative functions in the regulation of evolvability. We provide a general overview of possible network mechanisms of adaptation, learning and memory formation. We propose that changes of network rigidity play a key role in learning and memory formation processes. Flexible network topology provides ' learning-competent' state. Here, networks may have much less modular boundaries than locally rigid, highly modular networks, where the learnt information has already been consolidated in a memory formation process. Since modular boundaries are efficient filters of information, in the 'learning-competent' state information filtering may be much smaller, than after memory formation. This mechanism restricts high information transfer to the 'learning competent' state. After memory formation, modular boundary-induced segregation and information filtering protect the stored information. The flexible networks of young organisms are generally in a 'learning competent' state. On the contrary, locally rigid networks of old organisms have lost their 'learning competent' state, but store and protect their learnt information efficiently. We anticipate that the above mechanism may operate at the level of both protein-protein interaction and neuronal networks.

The Cloud Absorption Radiometer HDF Data User's Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Jason Y.; Arnold, G. Thomas; Meyer, Howard G.; Tsay, Si-Chee; King, Michael D.

1997-01-01

The purpose of this document is to describe the Cloud Absorption Radiometer (CAR) Instrument, methods used in the CAR Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) data processing, the structure and format of the CAR HDF data files, and methods for accessing the data. Examples of CAR applications and their results are also presented. The CAR instrument is a multiwavelength scanning radiometer that measures the angular distributions of scattered radiation.

Inter-Rater Reliability and Generalizability of Patient Note Scores Using a Scoring Rubric Based on the USMLE Step-2 CS Format

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Yoon Soo; Hyderi, Abbas; Bordage, Georges; Xing, Kuan; Yudkowsky, Rachel

2016-01-01

Recent changes to the patient note (PN) format of the United States Medical Licensing Examination have challenged medical schools to improve the instruction and assessment of students taking the Step-2 clinical skills examination. The purpose of this study was to gather validity evidence regarding response process and internal structure, focusing…

Challenges of nickel silicidation in CMOS technologies

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

Breil, Nicolas; Lavoie, Christian; Ozcan, Ahmet

2015-04-01

In our paper, we review some of the key challenges associated with the Ni silicidation process in the most recent CMOS technologies. The introduction of new materials (e.g.SiGe), and of non-planar architectures bring some important changes that require fundamental investigation from a material engineering perspective. Following a discussion of the device architecture and silicide evolution through the last CMOS generations, we focus our study on a very peculiar defect, termed NiSi-Fangs. We describe a mechanism for the defect formation, and present a detailed material analysis that supports this mechanism. We highlight some of the possible metal enrichment processes of themore » nickel monosilicide such as oxidation or various RIE (Reactive Ion Etching) plasma process, leading to a metal source available for defect formation. Furthermore, we investigate the NiSi formation and re-formation silicidation differences between Si and SiGe materials, and between (1 0 0) and (1 1 1) orientations. Finally, we show that the thermal budgets post silicidation can lead to the formation of NiSi-Fangs if the structure and the processes are not optimized. Beyond the understanding of the defect and the discussion on the engineering solutions used to prevent its formation, the interest of this investigation also lies in the fundamental learning within the Ni–Pt–Si–Ge system and some additional perspective on Ni-based contacts to advanced microelectronic devices.« less

Germ layer differentiation during early hindgut and cloaca formation in rabbit and pig embryos

PubMed Central

Hassoun, Romia; Schwartz, Peter; Rath, Detlef; Viebahn, Christoph; Männer, Jörg

2010-01-01

Relative to recent advances in understanding molecular requirements for endoderm differentiation, the dynamics of germ layer morphology and the topographical distribution of molecular factors involved in endoderm formation at the caudal pole of the embryonic disc are still poorly defined. To discover common principles of mammalian germ layer development, pig and rabbit embryos at late gastrulation and early neurulation stages were analysed as species with a human-like embryonic disc morphology, using correlative light and electron microscopy. Close intercellular contact but no direct structural evidence of endoderm formation such as mesenchymal–epithelial transition between posterior primitive streak mesoderm and the emerging posterior endoderm were found. However, a two-step process closely related to posterior germ layer differentiation emerged for the formation of the cloacal membrane: (i) a continuous mesoderm layer and numerous patches of electron-dense flocculent extracellular matrix mark the prospective region of cloacal membrane formation; and (ii) mesoderm cells and all extracellular matrix including the basement membrane are lost locally and close intercellular contact between the endoderm and ectoderm is established. The latter process involves single cells at first and then gradually spreads to form a longitudinally oriented seam-like cloacal membrane. These gradual changes were found from gastrulation to early somite stages in the pig, whereas they were found from early somite to mid-somite stages in the rabbit; in both species cloacal membrane formation is complete prior to secondary neurulation. The results highlight the structural requirements for endoderm formation during development of the hindgut and suggest new mechanisms for the pathogenesis of common urogenital and anorectal malformations. PMID:20874819

Soil processes and functions across an international network of Critical Zone Observatories: Introduction to experimental methods and initial results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banwart, Steven; Menon, Manoj; Bernasconi, Stefano M.; Bloem, Jaap; Blum, Winfried E. H.; Souza, Danielle Maia de; Davidsdotir, Brynhildur; Duffy, Christopher; Lair, Georg J.; Kram, Pavel; Lamacova, Anna; Lundin, Lars; Nikolaidis, Nikolaos P.; Novak, Martin; Panagos, Panos; Ragnarsdottir, Kristin Vala; Reynolds, Brian; Robinson, David; Rousseva, Svetla; de Ruiter, Peter; van Gaans, Pauline; Weng, Liping; White, Tim; Zhang, Bin

2012-11-01

Growth in human population and demand for wealth creates ever-increasing pressure on global soils, leading to soil losses and degradation worldwide. Critical Zone science studies the impact linkages between these pressures, the resulting environmental state of soils, and potential interventions to protect soil and reverse degradation. New research on soil processes is being driven by the scientific hypothesis that soil processes can be described along a life cycle of soil development. This begins with formation of new soil from parent material, development of the soil profile, and potential loss of the developed soil functions and the soil itself under overly intensive anthropogenic land use, thus closing the cycle. Four Critical Zone Observatories in Europe have been selected focusing research at sites that represent key stages along the hypothetical soil life cycle; incipient soil formation, productive use of soil for farming and forestry, and decline of soil due to longstanding intensive agriculture. Initial results from the research show that soil develops important biogeochemical properties on the time scale of decades and that soil carbon and the development of favourable soil structure takes place over similar time scales. A new mathematical model of soil aggregate formation and degradation predicts that set-aside land at the most degraded site studied can develop substantially improved soil structure with the accumulation of soil carbon over a period of several years. Further results demonstrate the rapid dynamics of soil carbon; how quickly it can be lost, and also demonstrate how data from the CZOs can be used to determine parameter values for models at catchment scale. A structure for a new integrated Critical Zone model is proposed that combines process descriptions of carbon and nutrient flows, a simplified description of the soil food web, and reactive transport; all coupled with a dynamic model for soil structure and soil aggregation. This approach is proposed as a methodology to analyse data along the soil life cycle and test how soil processes and rates vary within, and between, the CZOs representing different life cycle stages. In addition, frameworks are discussed that will help to communicate the results of this science into a more policy relevant format using ecosystem service approaches.

Control of pore size and structure of tissue engineering scaffolds produced by supercritical fluid processing.

PubMed

Tai, Hongyun; Mather, Melissa L; Howard, Daniel; Wang, Wenxin; White, Lisa J; Crowe, John A; Morgan, Steve P; Chandra, Amit; Williams, David J; Howdle, Steven M; Shakesheff, Kevin M

2007-12-17

Tissue engineering scaffolds require a controlled pore size and structure to host tissue formation. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) processing may be used to form foamed scaffolds in which the escape of CO2 from a plasticized polymer melt generates gas bubbles that shape the developing pores. The process of forming these scaffolds involves a simultaneous change in phase in the CO2 and the polymer, resulting in rapid expansion of a surface area and changes in polymer rheological properties. Hence, the process is difficult to control with respect to the desired final pore size and structure. In this paper, we describe a detailed study of the effect of polymer chemical composition, molecular weight and processing parameters on final scaffold characteristics. The study focuses on poly(DL-lactic acid) (PDLLA) and poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as polymer classes with potential application as controlled release scaffolds for growth factor delivery. Processing parameters under investigation were temperature (from 5 to 55 degrees C) and pressure (from 60 to 230 bar). A series of amorphous PDLLA and PLGA polymers with various molecular weights (from 13 KD to 96 KD) and/or chemical compositions (the mole percentage of glycolic acid in the polymers was 0, 15, 25, 35 and 50 respectively) were employed. The resulting scaffolds were characterised by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro X-ray computed tomography (microCT). This is the first detailed study on using these series polymers for scaffold formation by supercritical technique. This study has demonstrated that the pore size and structure of the supercritical PDLLA and PLGA scaffolds can be tailored by careful control of processing conditions.

Phase transitions and structural formation of PEG-PCL-PEG copolymer in the processes of fused deposition 3D printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunaev, A.; Mariyanac, A.; Mironov, A.; Mironova, O.; Popov, V.; Syachina, M.

2018-04-01

In present work the analysis of thermal field distribution and thermal analysis were used to study phase and structural transformations in the block copolymer of polycaprolactone and polyethylene glycol in the process of scaffolds fabrication for tissue engineering using fused deposition modeling. It was shown that the intact polymer has a noticeable thermal history and formed degree of crystallinity which is close to its equilibrium value, while the microstructure of the polymer stays unchanged.

Electroactive poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based structures for advanced applications.

PubMed

Ribeiro, Clarisse; Costa, Carlos M; Correia, Daniela M; Nunes-Pereira, João; Oliveira, Juliana; Martins, Pedro; Gonçalves, Renato; Cardoso, Vanessa F; Lanceros-Méndez, Senentxu

2018-04-01

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers are the polymers with the highest dielectric constants and electroactive responses, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric effects. This semicrystalline polymer can crystallize in five different forms, each related to a different chain conformation. Of these different phases, the β phase is the one with the highest dipolar moment and the highest piezoelectric response; therefore, it is the most interesting for a diverse range of applications. Thus, a variety of processing methods have been developed to induce the formation of the polymer β phase. In addition, PVDF has the advantage of being easily processable, flexible and low-cost. In this protocol, we present a number of reproducible and effective methods to produce β-PVDF-based morphologies/structures in the form of dense films, porous films, 3D scaffolds, patterned structures, fibers and spheres. These structures can be fabricated by different processing techniques, including doctor blade, spin coating, printing technologies, non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), temperature-induced phase separation (TIPS), solvent-casting particulate leaching, solvent-casting using a 3D nylon template, freeze extraction with a 3D poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) template, replica molding, and electrospinning or electrospray, with the fabrication method depending on the desired characteristics of the structure. The developed electroactive structures have shown potential to be used in a wide range of applications, including the formation of sensors and actuators, in biomedicine, for energy generation and storage, and as filtration membranes.

Study of ZnO and Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles by sol-gel process

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

Ansari, Mohd Meenhaz, E-mail: meenhazphysics@gmail.com; Arshad, Mohd; Tripathi, Pushpendra

Nano-crystalline undoped and Mg doped ZnO (Mg-ZnO) nanoparticles with compositional formula Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O (x=0,1,3,5,7,10 and 12 %) were synthesized using sol-gel process. The XRD diffraction peaks match with the pattern of the standard hexagonal structure of ZnO that reveals the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure in all samples. SEM images demonstrates clearly the formation of spherical ZnO nanoparticles, and change of the morphology of the nanoparticles with the concentration of the magnesium, which is in close agreement with that estimated by Scherer formula based on the XRD pattern. To investigate the doping effect on optical properties, the UV–VIS absorptionmore » spectra was obtained and the band gap of the samples calculated.« less

Nucleation Process of a Fibril Precursor in the C-Terminal Segment of Amyloid-β

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baftizadeh, Fahimeh; Pietrucci, Fabio; Biarnés, Xevi; Laio, Alessandro

2013-04-01

By extended atomistic simulations in explicit solvent and bias-exchange metadynamics, we study the aggregation process of 18 chains of the C-terminal segment of amyloid-β, an intrinsically disordered protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease and prone to form fibrils. Starting from a disordered aggregate, we are able to observe the formation of an ordered nucleus rich in beta sheets. The rate limiting step in the nucleation pathway involves crossing a barrier of approximately 40kcal/mol and is associated with the formation of a very specific interdigitation of the side chains belonging to different sheets. This structural pattern is different from the one observed experimentally in a microcrystal of the same system, indicating that the structure of a “nascent” fibril may differ from the one of an “extended” fibril.

Simulation study of the initial crystallization processes of poly(3-hexylthiophene) in solution: ordering dynamics of main chains and side chains.

PubMed

Takizawa, Yuumi; Shimomura, Takeshi; Miura, Toshiaki

2013-05-23

We study the initial nucleation dynamics of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in solution, focusing on the relationship between the ordering process of main chains and that of side chains. We carried out Langevin dynamics simulation and found that the initial nucleation processes consist of three steps: the ordering of ring orientation, the ordering of main-chain vectors, and the ordering of side chains. At the start, the normal vectors of thiophene rings aligned in a very short time, followed by alignment of main-chain end-to-end vectors. The flexible side-chain ordering took almost 5 times longer than the rigid-main-chain ordering. The simulation results indicated that the ordering of side chains was induced after the formation of the regular stack structure of main chains. This slow ordering dynamics of flexible side chains is one of the factors that cause anisotropic nuclei growth, which would be closely related to the formation of nanofiber structures without external flow field. Our simulation results revealed how the combined structure of the planar and rigid-main-chain backbones and the sparse flexible side chains lead to specific ordering behaviors that are not observed in ordinary linear polymer crystallization processes.

Effect of incubation temperature on the self-assembly of regenerated silk fibroin: a study using AFM.

PubMed

Zhong, Jian; Liu, Xunwei; Wei, Daixu; Yan, Juan; Wang, Ping; Sun, Gang; He, Dannong

2015-05-01

Understanding effect of temperature on the molecular self-assembly process will be helpful to unravel the structure-function relationship of biomolecule and to provide important information for the bottom-up approach to nanotechnology. In this work, the effect of incubation temperature on the secondary structures and morphological structures of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) was systematically studied using atomic force microscopy and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of incubation temperature on RSF self-assembly was dependent on RSF concentration. For the RSF solution with relatively low concentrations (15 μg/mL and 60 μg/mL), the increase of the incubation temperature mainly accelerated the formation and aggregation of antiparallel β-sheet protofibrils and decreased the formation of random coil protofilaments/globule-like molecules. For the RSF solution with relatively high concentrations (300 μg/mL and 1.5mg/mL), the increase of the incubation temperature mainly accelerated the formation and aggregation of antiparallel β-sheet RSF features (protofibrils and globule-like features) and decreased the formation of random coil bead-like features. This work implies that the morphology and conformation of biomacromolecules could be tuned by controlling the incubation temperature. Further, it will be beneficial to basic understanding of the nanoscale structure formation in different silk-based biomaterials. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of atomic structure during nanoparticle formation

DOE PAGES

Tyrsted, Christoffer; Lock, Nina; Jensen, Kirsten M. Ø.; ...

2014-04-14

Understanding the mechanism of nanoparticle formation during synthesis is a key prerequisite for the rational design and engineering of desirable materials properties, yet remains elusive due to the difficulty of studying structures at the nanoscale under real conditions. Here, the first comprehensive structural description of the formation of a nanoparticle, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), all the way from its ionic constituents in solution to the final crystal, is presented. The transformation is a complicated multi-step sequence of atomic reorganizations as the material follows the reaction pathway towards the equilibrium product. Prior to nanoparticle nucleation, reagents reorganize into polymeric species whose structuremore » is incompatible with the final product. Instead of direct nucleation of clusters into the final product lattice, a highly disordered intermediate precipitate forms with a local bonding environment similar to the product yet lacking the correct topology. During maturation, bond reforming occurs by nucleation and growth of distinct domains within the amorphous intermediary. The present study moves beyond kinetic modeling by providing detailed real-time structural insight, and it is demonstrated that YSZ nanoparticle formation and growth is a more complex chemical process than accounted for in conventional models. This level of mechanistic understanding of the nanoparticle formation is the first step towards more rational control over nanoparticle synthesis through control of both solution precursors and reaction intermediaries.« less

Soot Formation in Laminar Acetylene/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The flame structure and soot-formation (soot nucleation and growth) properties of axisymmetric laminar coflowing jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Test conditions involved acetylene-nitrogen jets burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were limited to the axes of the flames and included soot concentrations, soot temperatures, soot structure, major gas species concentrations, radical species (H, OH, and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. The results show that as distance increases along the axes of the flames, detectable soot formation begins when significant H concentrations are present, and ends when acetylene concentrations become small. Species potentially associated with soot oxidation-O2, CO2, H2O, O, and OH-are present throughout the soot-formation region so that soot formation and oxidation proceed at the same time. Strong rates of soot growth compared to soot nucleation early in the soot-formation process, combined with increased rates of soot nucleation and oxidation as soot formation proceeds, causes primary soot particle diameters to reach a maximum relatively early in the soot-formation process. Aggregation of primary soot particles proceeds, however, until the final stages of soot oxidation. Present measurements of soot growth (corrected for soot oxidation) in laminar diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot growth in laminar premixed flames and exhibited encouraging agreement with existing hydrogen-abstraction/carbon-addition (HACA) soot growth mechanisms in the literature that were developed based on measurements within laminar premixed flames. Measured primary soot particle nucleation rates in the present laminar diffusion flames also were consistent with corresponding rates measured in laminar premixed flames and yielded a crude correlation in terms of acetylene and H concentrations and the temperature.

Soot Formation in Laminar Acetylene/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix H

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.; Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor); Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The flame structure and soot-formation (soot nucleation and growth) properties of axisymmetric laminar coflowing jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Test conditions involved acetylene-nitrogen jets burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were limited to the axes of the flames and included soot concentrations, soot temperatures, soot structure, major gas species concentrations, radical species (H, OH, and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. The results show that as distance increases along the axes of the flames, detectable soot formation begins when significant H concentrations are present, and ends when acetylene concentrations become small. Species potentially associated with soot oxidation-O2, CO2, H2O, O, and OH-are present throughout the soot-formation region so that soot formation and oxidation proceed at the same time. Strong rates of soot growth compared to soot nucleation early in the soot-formation process, combined with increased rates of soot nucleation and oxidation as soot formation proceeds, causes primary soot particle diameters to reach a maximum relatively early in the soot-formation process. Aggregation of primary soot particles proceeds, however, until the final stages of soot oxidation. Present measurements of soot growth (corrected for soot oxidation) in laminar diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot growth in laminar premixed flames and exhibited encouraging agreement with existing hydrogen-abstraction/carbon-addition (HACA) soot growth mechanisms in the literature that were developed based on measurements within laminar premixed flames. Measured primary soot particle nucleation rates in the present laminar diffusion flames also were consistent with corresponding rates measured in laminar premixed flames and yielded a crude correlation in terms of acetylene and H concentrations and the temperature.

Soot Formation in Laminar Acetylene/Air Diffusion Flames at Atmospheric Pressure. Appendix J

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The flame structure and soot-formation (soot nucleation and growth) properties of axisymmetric laminar coflowing jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Test conditions involved acetylene-nitrogen jets burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were limited to the axes of the flames and included soot concentrations, soot temperatures, soot structure, major gas species concentrations, radical species (H, OH, and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. The results show that as distance increases along the axes of the flames, detectable soot formation begins when significant H concentrations are present, and ends when acetylene concentrations become small. Species potentially associated with soot oxidation--O2, CO2, H2O, O, and OH-are present throughout the soot-formation region so that soot formation and oxidation proceed at the same time. Strong rates of soot growth compared to soot nucleation early in the soot-formation process, combined with increased rates of soot nucleation and oxidation as soot formation proceeds, causes primary soot particle diameters to reach a maximum relatively early in the soot-formation process. Aggregation of primary soot particles proceeds, however, until the final stages of soot oxidation. Present measurements of soot growth (corrected for soot oxidation) in laminar diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot growth in laminar premixed flames and exhibited encouraging agreement with existing hydrogen-abstraction/carbon-addition (HACA) soot growth mechanisms in the literature that were developed based on measurements within laminar premixed flames. Measured primary soot particle nucleation rates in the present laminar diffusion flames also were consistent with corresponding rates measured in laminar premixed flames and yielded a crude correlation in terms of acetylene and H concentrations and the temperature.

Chemistry and Star Formation: A Love-Hate Relationship

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez-Serra, Izaskun; Zhang, Qizhou; Patel, Nimesh; Lu, Xing; Wang, Ke; Testi, Leonardo; Caselli, Paola; Martin-Pintado, Jesus

2014-06-01

The development of the broad bandwidth receivers at the Submillimeter Array (SMA) a decade ago opened up the possibility to observe tens of molecular lines at high angular resolution simultaneously. The unprecedented wealth of molecular line data provided by the SMA allowed for the first time detailed studies of the chemistry in star-forming regions. These studies have revealed that chemistry is a useful tool to pin down the internal physical structure and the physical processes involved in the process of low-mass and high-mass star formation. In this talk, I will review the most important advances in our understanding of the star-formation process through chemistry thanks to the SMA, and I will present the challenges that will be faced in the next decade in this field of research thanks to the advent of new instrumentation such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array and the Square Kilometer Array.

The microstructural evolution, crystallography, and thermal processing of ultrahigh carbon Fe-1.85 pct C melt-spun ribbon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spanos, G.; Ayers, J. D.; Vold, C. L.; Locci, I. E.

1993-01-01

A study is presented to determine if fine microstructures could be achieved using rapid solidification to produce a fine-grained fully austenitic starting structure and then using thermal processing cycles to produce an even finer ferrite-cementite structure. The evolution, mechanisms of grain refinement, and crystallography of the resultant microstructures were examined by TEM. A thermal processing cycle consisted of quenching the ribbon in liquid nitrogen, tempering at 600 C for 10 sec, 'upquenching' to 750 C for 10 sec, and subsequently quenching again in liquid nitrogen. The heat-treatment resulted in martensite grains with sizes of about 1 micron or less in both length and thickness and cementite particles of 0.4 micron or less. It is concluded that these microstructures could be used for producing fine-grained ultrahigh carbon steels of very high strength without the brittleness associated with the formation of coarse carbide particles of the loss of strength due to graphite formation.

Simultaneous synthesis and self-assembly of inorganic nanomaterials towards active and stable nanocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhou

The synthetic process in which the formation of nanoparticles and the self-assembly of those nanoparticles as building blocks are coupled together represents an efficient strategy towards stable nanostructures with relatively large geometric dimensions, well-defined shapes, structural hierarchicy and desirable porosities. In this dissertation, through employing appropriate soft/hard templates and controlling the reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, a series of novel physicochemical processes were developed to generate a wide variety of hierarchical 1D, 2D and 3D nanostructures with complex chemical compositions, structural integrities and/or porosities, which were then evaluated as electrocatalysts, heterogeneous catalysts and adsorbents. Based on the properties of their chemical compositions and potential applications, two types of inorganic nanostructures were obtained, including the noble metal-based nanostructures which could be employed as electrocatalysts and the Al-silicate-based hierarchical nanocomposites which could be used for preparation of supported nanocatalysts. The formation mechanisms underlying different processes are also well investigated.

Topological Quantum Information Processing Mediated Via Hybrid Topological Insulator Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-13

manipulation, entanglement and detection ofMajorana fermions in diamond-topological insulator - superconductor heterojunctions. Furthennore, we propose to...the formation, manipulation, entanglement and detection of Majorana fermions in diamond-topological insulator - superconductor heterojunctions...Interactions between Superconductors and Topological Insulators Recent advances have revealed a new type of information processing, topological quantum

Topological Quantum Information Processing Mediated Via Hybrid Topogical Insulator Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-28

formation, manipulation, entanglement and detection of Majorana fermions in diamond-topological insulator - superconductor heterojunctions. Furthermore...between Superconductors and Topological Insulators Recent advances have revealed a new type of information processing, topological quantum...Topological Insulator - Superconductor Heterostructures," Physical Review B 84, 144507 (2011). 7 Hsiang-Hsuan Hung, Pouyan Ghaemi, Taylor L

Origin of mounds in the Pantanal wetlands: An integrated approach between geomorphology, pedogenesis, ecology and soil micromorphology.

PubMed

de Oliveira Junior, Jairo Calderari; Beirigo, Raphael Moreira; Chiapini, Mariane; do Nascimento, Alexandre Ferreira; Couto, Eduardo Guimarães; Vidal-Torrado, Pablo

2017-01-01

Vegetated mounds are an important geomorphological feature of the Pantanal, where the influence of floods dictates not only hydropedological processes, but also the distribution and ecology of the flora and fauna. This work aimed to identify factors and processes that influence the formation and spatial distribution of the mounds, which are commonly associated with termite activity. In order to characterize pedological processes, macro and micro morphological descriptions, satellite image interpretation, dating of the sandy sedimentary material using OSL and carbon dating using 14C AMS were carried out. This dating of the materials indicates that the sediments in which the soils were formed were deposited during the Pleistocene, while the carbonates are from the Holocene. The basin-like format of the laminar structures suggests that part of the more clayey material was deposited in lacustrine environments. The more humid climate in the Holocene intensified argilluviation, which at an advanced stage, led to a more pronounced textural gradient, reducing drainage and leading to ferrolysis and thickening of the E horizon. Besides pedogenic processes, more erosive flooding during the Holocene began reducing and rounding the landscape's more elevated structures (paleolevees). In the final stage, these structures were occupied by termites to shelter from flooding. Thereafter, the bio-cementation action of the termite nests has increased the resistance of the vegetated mounds to processes of erosion.

Origin of mounds in the Pantanal wetlands: An integrated approach between geomorphology, pedogenesis, ecology and soil micromorphology

PubMed Central

de Oliveira Junior, Jairo Calderari; Beirigo, Raphael Moreira; Chiapini, Mariane; do Nascimento, Alexandre Ferreira; Couto, Eduardo Guimarães

2017-01-01

Vegetated mounds are an important geomorphological feature of the Pantanal, where the influence of floods dictates not only hydropedological processes, but also the distribution and ecology of the flora and fauna. This work aimed to identify factors and processes that influence the formation and spatial distribution of the mounds, which are commonly associated with termite activity. In order to characterize pedological processes, macro and micro morphological descriptions, satellite image interpretation, dating of the sandy sedimentary material using OSL and carbon dating using 14C AMS were carried out. This dating of the materials indicates that the sediments in which the soils were formed were deposited during the Pleistocene, while the carbonates are from the Holocene. The basin-like format of the laminar structures suggests that part of the more clayey material was deposited in lacustrine environments. The more humid climate in the Holocene intensified argilluviation, which at an advanced stage, led to a more pronounced textural gradient, reducing drainage and leading to ferrolysis and thickening of the E horizon. Besides pedogenic processes, more erosive flooding during the Holocene began reducing and rounding the landscape’s more elevated structures (paleolevees). In the final stage, these structures were occupied by termites to shelter from flooding. Thereafter, the bio-cementation action of the termite nests has increased the resistance of the vegetated mounds to processes of erosion. PMID:28700595

Homogenous Nucleation and Crystal Growth in a Model Liquid from Direct Energy Landscape Sampling Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, Nathan; Zhang, Yang

Nucleation and crystal growth are understood to be activated processes involving the crossing of free-energy barriers. Attempts to capture the entire crystallization process over long timescales with molecular dynamic simulations have met major obstacles because of molecular dynamics' temporal constraints. Herein, we circumvent this temporal limitation by using a brutal-force, metadynamics-like, adaptive basin-climbing algorithm and directly sample the free-energy landscape of a model liquid Argon. The algorithm biases the system to evolve from an amorphous liquid like structure towards an FCC crystal through inherent structure, and then traces back the energy barriers. Consequently, the sampled timescale is macroscopically long. We observe that the formation of a crystal involves two processes, each with a unique temperature-dependent energy barrier. One barrier corresponds to the crystal nucleus formation; the other barrier corresponds to the crystal growth. We find the two processes dominate in different temperature regimes. Compared to other computation techniques, our method requires no assumptions about the shape or chemical potential of the critical crystal nucleus. The success of this method is encouraging for studying the crystallization of more complex

Impact of the rate of the additive process of forming a heavy structure deforming in creep on the development of its technological stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parshin, Dmitry A.

2018-05-01

The additive process of forming a semicircular arched structure by means of layer-by-layer addition of material to its inner surface is simulated. The impact of this process running mode on the development of the technological stresses fields in the structure being formed under the action of gravity under properties of the material creep and aging is examined. In the framework of the linear mechanics of accreted solids a mathematical model of the process under study is offered and numerical experiments are conducted. It is shown that the stress-strain state of the additively formed heavy objects decisively depends on their formation mode. Various practically important trends and features of this dependence are studied.

Root induced changes of effective 1D hydraulic properties in a soil column.

PubMed

Scholl, P; Leitner, D; Kammerer, G; Loiskandl, W; Kaul, H-P; Bodner, G

Roots are essential drivers of soil structure and pore formation. This study aimed at quantifying root induced changes of the pore size distribution (PSD). The focus was on the extent of clogging vs. formation of pores during active root growth. Parameters of Kosugi's lognormal PSD model were determined by inverse estimation in a column experiment with two cover crops (mustard, rye) and an unplanted control. Pore dynamics were described using a convection-dispersion like pore evolution model. Rooted treatments showed a wider range of pore radii with increasing volumes of large macropores >500 μm and micropores <2.5 μm, while fine macropores, mesopores and larger micropores decreased. The non-rooted control showed narrowing of the PSD and reduced porosity over all radius classes. The pore evolution model accurately described root induced changes, while structure degradation in the non-rooted control was not captured properly. Our study demonstrated significant short term root effects with heterogenization of the pore system as dominant process of root induced structure formation. Pore clogging is suggested as a partial cause for reduced pore volume. The important change in micro- and large macropores however indicates that multiple mechanic and biochemical processes are involved in root-pore interactions.

Oscillatory vortex formation behind a movable plat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vukicevic, Marija; Pedrizzetti, Gianni

2010-11-01

INTRODUCTION: A wide spectra of application, from industrial to environmental and biological, involve fluid-structure interaction (FSI) at a fundamental level. We investigate a 2D FSI problem for a rigid structure hinged on a wall, freely rotating by the action of an oscillatory fluid flow. METHODS: The Navier-Stokes equations are solved simultaneously with the body dynamics. An accurate numerical solution is developed on the conformal map of the time-varying physical domain. RESULTS: The FSI is primarily influenced by the vortex formation process and by the interaction between vortices generated during the sequential flow oscillations. The emerging bodies can be arranged into a three main groups. The first, made of heavy bodies, terminates the motion during the first few oscillations with the impact of the body on the wall. On the other extreme, the third group made of relatively light bodies presents a flow-driven motion that oscillates periodically in time. In a wide intermediate range, the body oscillates in time presenting non periodic features. CONCLUSIONS: The process of oscillatory vortex formation in presence of fluid-structure interaction shows the emergence of various phenomena that were analyzed in details. In this specific application the results demonstrate that the FSI range from linear to chaotic interaction and finite-time collapse.

Chunk formation in immediate memory and how it relates to data compression.

PubMed

Chekaf, Mustapha; Cowan, Nelson; Mathy, Fabien

2016-10-01

This paper attempts to evaluate the capacity of immediate memory to cope with new situations in relation to the compressibility of information likely to allow the formation of chunks. We constructed a task in which untrained participants had to immediately recall sequences of stimuli with possible associations between them. Compressibility of information was used to measure the chunkability of each sequence on a single trial. Compressibility refers to the recoding of information in a more compact representation. Although compressibility has almost exclusively been used to study long-term memory, our theory suggests that a compression process relying on redundancies within the structure of the list materials can occur very rapidly in immediate memory. The results indicated a span of about three items when the list had no structure, but increased linearly as structure was added. The amount of information retained in immediate memory was maximal for the most compressible sequences, particularly when information was ordered in a way that facilitated the compression process. We discuss the role of immediate memory in the rapid formation of chunks made up of new associations that did not already exist in long-term memory, and we conclude that immediate memory is the starting place for the reorganization of information. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth and anatomical parameters of adventitious roots formed on mung bean hypocotyls are correlated with galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides structure.

PubMed

Kollárová, K; Zelko, I; Henselová, M; Capek, P; Lišková, D

2012-01-01

The effect of galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides (GGMOs) compared with chemically modified oligosaccharides, GGMOs-g (with reduced number of D-galactose side chains) and GGMOs-r (with reduced reducing ends) on mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) adventitious roots formation, elongation, and anatomical structure have been studied. All types of oligosaccharides influenced adventitious root formation in the same way: stimulation in the absence of exogenous auxin and inhibition in the presence of exogenous auxin. Both reactions are probably related with the presence/content of endogenous auxin in plant cuttings. However, the adventitious root length was inhibited by GGMOs both in the absence as well as in the presence of auxin (IBA or NAA), while GGMOs-g inhibition was significantly weaker compared with GGMOs. GGMOs-r were without significant difference on both processes, compared with GGMOs. GGMOs affected not only the adventitious root length but also their anatomy in dependence on the combination with certain type of auxin. The oligosaccharides influenced cortical cells division, which was reflected in the cortex area and in the root diameter. All processes followed were dependent on oligosaccharides chemical structure. The results suggest also that GGM-derived oligosaccharides may play an important role in adventitious roots elongation but not in their formation.

Growth and Anatomical Parameters of Adventitious Roots Formed on Mung Bean Hypocotyls Are Correlated with Galactoglucomannan Oligosaccharides Structure

PubMed Central

Kollárová, K.; Zelko, I.; Henselová, M.; Capek, P.; Lišková, D.

2012-01-01

The effect of galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides (GGMOs) compared with chemically modified oligosaccharides, GGMOs-g (with reduced number of D-galactose side chains) and GGMOs-r (with reduced reducing ends) on mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) adventitious roots formation, elongation, and anatomical structure have been studied. All types of oligosaccharides influenced adventitious root formation in the same way: stimulation in the absence of exogenous auxin and inhibition in the presence of exogenous auxin. Both reactions are probably related with the presence/content of endogenous auxin in plant cuttings. However, the adventitious root length was inhibited by GGMOs both in the absence as well as in the presence of auxin (IBA or NAA), while GGMOs-g inhibition was significantly weaker compared with GGMOs. GGMOs-r were without significant difference on both processes, compared with GGMOs. GGMOs affected not only the adventitious root length but also their anatomy in dependence on the combination with certain type of auxin. The oligosaccharides influenced cortical cells division, which was reflected in the cortex area and in the root diameter. All processes followed were dependent on oligosaccharides chemical structure. The results suggest also that GGM-derived oligosaccharides may play an important role in adventitious roots elongation but not in their formation. PMID:22666154

Influence of computational domain size on the pattern formation of the phase field crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starodumov, Ilya; Galenko, Peter; Alexandrov, Dmitri; Kropotin, Nikolai

2017-04-01

Modeling of crystallization process by the phase field crystal method (PFC) represents one of the important directions of modern computational materials science. This method makes it possible to research the formation of stable or metastable crystal structures. In this paper, we study the effect of computational domain size on the crystal pattern formation obtained as a result of computer simulation by the PFC method. In the current report, we show that if the size of a computational domain is changed, the result of modeling may be a structure in metastable phase instead of pure stable state. The authors present a possible theoretical justification for the observed effect and provide explanations on the possible modification of the PFC method to account for this phenomenon.

A quantum informational approach for dissecting chemical reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duperrouzel, Corinne; Tecmer, Paweł; Boguslawski, Katharina; Barcza, Gergely; Legeza, Örs; Ayers, Paul W.

2015-02-01

We present a conceptionally different approach to dissect bond-formation processes in metal-driven catalysis using concepts from quantum information theory. Our method uses the entanglement and correlation among molecular orbitals to analyze changes in electronic structure that accompany chemical processes. As a proof-of-principle example, the evolution of nickel-ethene bond-formation is dissected, which allows us to monitor the interplay of back-bonding and π-donation along the reaction coordinate. Furthermore, the reaction pathway of nickel-ethene complexation is analyzed using quantum chemistry methods, revealing the presence of a transition state. Our study supports the crucial role of metal-to-ligand back-donation in the bond-forming process of nickel-ethene.

Electrochemical formation of field emitters

DOEpatents

Bernhardt, A.F.

1999-03-16

Electrochemical formation of field emitters, particularly useful in the fabrication of flat panel displays is disclosed. The fabrication involves field emitting points in a gated field emitter structure. Metal field emitters are formed by electroplating and the shape of the formed emitter is controlled by the potential imposed on the gate as well as on a separate counter electrode. This allows sharp emitters to be formed in a more inexpensive and manufacturable process than vacuum deposition processes used at present. The fabrication process involves etching of the gate metal and the dielectric layer down to the resistor layer, and then electroplating the etched area and forming an electroplated emitter point in the etched area. 12 figs.

Metallic corrosion processes reactivation sustained by iron-reducing bacteria: Implication on long-term stability of protective layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esnault, L.; Jullien, M.; Mustin, C.; Bildstein, O.; Libert, M.

In deep geological environments foreseen for the disposal of radioactive waste, metallic containers will undergo anaerobic corrosion. In this context, the formation of corrosion products such as magnetite may reduce the rate of corrosion processes through the formation of a protective layer. This study aims at determining the direct impact of iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) activity on the stability of corrosion protective layers. Batch experiments investigating iron corrosion processes including the formation of secondary magnetite and its subsequent alteration in the presence of IRB show the bacteria ability to use structural Fe(III) for respiration which leads to the sustainment of a high corrosion rate. With the bio-reduction of corrosion products such as magnetite, and H 2 as electron donor, IRB promote the reactivation of corrosion processes in corrosive environments by altering the protective layer. This phenomenon could have a major impact on the long-term stability of metallic compounds involved in multi-barrier system for high-level radioactive waste containment.

Phase separation like dynamics during Myxococcus xanthus fruiting body formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guannan; Thutupalli, Shashi; Wigbers, Manon; Shaevitz, Joshua

2015-03-01

Collective motion exists in many living organisms as an advantageous strategy to help the entire group with predation, forage, and survival. However, the principles of self-organization underlying such collective motions remain unclear. During various developmental stages of the soil-dwelling bacterium, Myxococcus xanthus, different types of collective motions are observed. In particular, when starved, M. xanthus cells eventually aggregate together to form 3-dimensional structures (fruiting bodies), inside which cells sporulate in response to the stress. We study the fruiting body formation process as an out of equilibrium phase separation process. As local cell density increases, the dynamics of the aggregation M. xanthus cells switch from a spatio-temporally random process, resembling nucleation and growth, to an emergent pattern formation process similar to a spinodal decomposition. By employing high-resolution microscopy and a video analysis system, we are able to track the motion of single cells within motile collective groups, while separately tuning local cell density, cell velocity and reversal frequency, probing the multi-dimensional phase space of M. xanthus development.

Size and structure evolution of kaolin-Al(OH)3 flocs in the electroflocculation process: a study using static light scattering.

PubMed

Harif, T; Adin, A

2011-11-15

Electroflocculation (EF) is gaining recognition as an alternative process to conventional coagulation/flocculation. The electrical current applied in EF that generates the active coagulant species creates a unique chemical/physical environment in which competing redox reactions occur, primarily water electrolysis. This causes a transient rise in pH, due to cathodic formation of hydroxyl ions, which, in turn, causes a continuous shift in coagulation/flocculation mechanisms throughout the process. This highly impacts the formation of a sweep floc regime that relies on precipitation of metal hydroxide and its growth into floc. The size and structural evolution of kaolin-Al(OH)(3) flocs was examined using static light scattering techniques, in aim of elucidating kinetic aspects of the process. An EF cell was operated in batch mode and comprised of two concentric electrodes - a stainless steel cathode (inner electrode) and an aluminum anode (outer electrode). The cell was run at constant current between 0.042A and 0.22A, and analyses performed at pre-determined time intervals. The results demonstrate that EF is able to generate a range of flocs, exhibiting different growth rates and structural characteristics, depending on the conditions of operation. Growth patterns were sigmoidal and a linear correlation between growth rate and current applied was observed. The dependency of growth rate on current can be related to initial pH and aluminum dosing, with a stronger dependency apparent for initial optimal sweep floc regime. All flocs exhibited a fragile nature and undergo compaction and structural fluctuations during growth. This is the first time size and structural evolution of flocs formed in the EF process is reported. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure and dynamics of optically directed self-assembly of nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Roy, Debjit; Mondal, Dipankar; Goswami, Debabrata

2016-01-01

Self-assembly of nanoparticles leading to the formation of colloidal clusters often serves as the representative analogue for understanding molecular assembly. Unravelling the in situ structure and dynamics of such clusters in liquid suspensions is highly challenging. Presently colloidal clusters are first isolated from their generating environment and then their structures are probed by light scattering methods. In order to measure the in situ structure and dynamics of colloidal clusters, we have generated them using the high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser pulse optical tweezer. Since the constituent of our dimer, trimer or tetramer clusters are 250 nm radius two-photon resonant fluorophore coated nanospheres under the optical trap, they inherently produce Two-Photon Fluorescence, which undergo intra-nanosphere Fluorescence Energy Transfer. This unique energy transfer signature, in turn, enables us to visualize structures and orientations of these colloidal clusters during the process of their formation and subsequent dynamics in a liquid suspension. We also show that due to shape-birefringence, orientation and structural control of these colloidal clusters are possible as the polarization of the trapping laser is changed from linear to circular. We thus report important progress in sampling the smallest possible aggregates of nanoparticles, dimers, trimers or tetramers, formed early in the self-assembly process. PMID:27006305

An exchange format for use-cases of hospital information systems.

PubMed

Masuda, G; Sakamoto, N; Sakai, R; Yamamoto, R

2001-01-01

Object-oriented software development is a powerful methodology for development of large hospital information systems. We think use-case driven approach is particularly useful for the development. In the use-cases driven approach, use-cases are documented at the first stage in the software development process and they are used through the whole steps in a variety of ways. Therefore, it is important to exchange and share the use-cases and make effective use of them through the overall lifecycle of a development process. In this paper, we propose a method of sharing and exchanging use-case models between applications, developers, and projects. We design an XML based exchange format for use-cases. We then discuss an application of the exchange format to support several software development activities. We preliminarily implemented a support system for object-oriented analysis based on the exchange format. The result shows that using the structural and semantic information in the exchange format enables the support system to assist the object-oriented analysis successfully.

Brief Communication: Mapping river ice using drones and structure from motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alfredsen, Knut; Haas, Christian; Tuhtan, Jeffrey A.; Zinke, Peggy

2018-02-01

In cold climate regions, the formation and break-up of river ice is important for river morphology, winter water supply, and riparian and instream ecology as well as for hydraulic engineering. Data on river ice is therefore significant, both to understand river ice processes directly and to assess ice effects on other systems. Ice measurement is complicated due to difficult site access, the inherent complexity of ice formations, and the potential danger involved in carrying out on-ice measurements. Remote sensing methods are therefore highly useful, and data from satellite-based sensors and, increasingly, aerial and terrestrial imagery are currently applied. Access to low cost drone systems with quality cameras and structure from motion software opens up a new possibility for mapping complex ice formations. Through this method, a georeferenced surface model can be built and data on ice thickness, spatial distribution, and volume can be extracted without accessing the ice, and with considerably fewer measurement efforts compared to traditional surveying methods. A methodology applied to ice mapping is outlined here, and examples are shown of how to successfully derive quantitative data on ice processes.

Family transitions and juvenile delinquency.

PubMed

Schroeder, Ryan D; Osgood, Aurea K; Oghia, Michael J

2010-01-01

There is a large body of research that shows children from non-intact homes show higher rates of juvenile delinquency than children from intact homes, partially due to weaker parental control and supervision in non-intact homes. What has not been adequately addressed in the research is the influence of changes in family structure among individual adolescents over time on delinquent offending. Using the first and third waves of the National Youth Study, we assess the effect of family structure changes on changes in delinquent offending between waves through the intermediate process of changes in family time and parental attachment. Although prior research has documented adolescents in broken homes are more delinquent than youth in intact homes, the process of family dissolution is not associated with concurrent increases in offending. In contrast, family formation through marriage or cohabitation is associated with simultaneous increases in offending. Changes in family time and parental attachment account for a portion of the family formation effect on delinquency, and prior parental attachment and juvenile offending significantly condition the effect of family formation on offending.

On the Matter Probed by Quasar Absorption Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peroux, Celine

2010-10-01

The intergalactic medium (IGM) constitutes a reservoir of baryons from which galaxies form and is, in turn, affected by the processes of galaxy formation. These latter processes are responsible for the reionisation of most of the hydrogen content of the intergalactic medium and later on, for the reionisation of helium with a contribution from quasars. Galactic winds due to massive stars and supernovae pollute the IGM with metals. The mechanical energy released by the collisional excitation due to galaxy and structure formation heats the medium into the Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium (WHIM). Most of the baryons are probably in this hotter phase, since only a small fraction has been observed in galaxies and the ionised medium so far. In turn, these modifications of the IGM state impact the star formation history by providing a mechanism for global cold gas accretion. Therefore the interactions between galaxies and the intergalactic medium play a major role in the cosmological evolution of structures and the history of baryons, which cannot be solely traced by the starlight from galaxies (representing only 10% of the baryons).

Structured vs. Unstructured: Factors Affecting Adverse Drug Reaction Documentation in an EMR Repository

PubMed Central

Skentzos, Stephen; Shubina, Maria; Plutzky, Jorge; Turchin, Alexander

2011-01-01

Adverse reactions to medications to which the patient was known to be intolerant are common. Electronic decision support can prevent them but only if history of adverse reactions to medications is recorded in structured format. We have conducted a retrospective study of 31,531 patients with adverse reactions to statins documented in the notes, as identified with natural language processing. The software identified statin adverse reactions with sensitivity of 86.5% and precision of 91.9%. Only 9020 of these patients had an adverse reaction to a statin recorded in structured format. In multivariable analysis the strongest predictor of structured documentation was utilization of EMR functionality that integrated the medication list with the structured medication adverse reaction repository (odds ratio 48.6, p < 0.0001). Integration of information flow between EMR modules can help improve documentation and potentially prevent adverse drug events. PMID:22195188

Topology-generating interfacial pattern formation during liquid metal dealloying

DOE PAGES

Geslin, Pierre -Antoine; McCue, Ian; Gaskey, Bernard; ...

2015-11-19

Liquid metal dealloying has emerged as a novel technique to produce topologically complex nanoporous and nanocomposite structures with ultra-high interfacial area and other unique properties relevant for diverse material applications. This process is empirically known to require the selective dissolution of one element of a multicomponent solid alloy into a liquid metal to obtain desirable structures. However, how structures form is not known. Here we demonstrate, using mesoscale phase-field modelling and experiments, that nano/microstructural pattern formation during dealloying results from the interplay of (i) interfacial spinodal decomposition, forming compositional domain structures enriched in the immiscible element, and (ii) diffusion-coupled growthmore » of the enriched solid phase and the liquid phase into the alloy. We highlight how those two basic mechanisms interact to yield a rich variety of topologically disconnected and connected structures. Furthermore, we deduce scaling laws governing microstructural length scales and dealloying kinetics.« less

Topology-generating interfacial pattern formation during liquid metal dealloying.

PubMed

Geslin, Pierre-Antoine; McCue, Ian; Gaskey, Bernard; Erlebacher, Jonah; Karma, Alain

2015-11-19

Liquid metal dealloying has emerged as a novel technique to produce topologically complex nanoporous and nanocomposite structures with ultra-high interfacial area and other unique properties relevant for diverse material applications. This process is empirically known to require the selective dissolution of one element of a multicomponent solid alloy into a liquid metal to obtain desirable structures. However, how structures form is not known. Here we demonstrate, using mesoscale phase-field modelling and experiments, that nano/microstructural pattern formation during dealloying results from the interplay of (i) interfacial spinodal decomposition, forming compositional domain structures enriched in the immiscible element, and (ii) diffusion-coupled growth of the enriched solid phase and the liquid phase into the alloy. We highlight how those two basic mechanisms interact to yield a rich variety of topologically disconnected and connected structures. Moreover, we deduce scaling laws governing microstructural length scales and dealloying kinetics.

Seamless growth of a supramolecular carpet

PubMed Central

Kim, Ju-Hyung; Ribierre, Jean-Charles; Yang, Yu Seok; Adachi, Chihaya; Kawai, Maki; Jung, Jaehoon; Fukushima, Takanori; Kim, Yousoo

2016-01-01

Organic/metal interfaces play crucial roles in the formation of intermolecular networks on metal surfaces and the performance of organic devices. Although their purity and uniformity have profound effects on the operation of organic devices, the formation of organic thin films with high interfacial uniformity on metal surfaces has suffered from the intrinsic limitation of molecular ordering imposed by irregular surface structures. Here we demonstrate a supramolecular carpet with widely uniform interfacial structure and high adaptability on a metal surface via a one-step process. The high uniformity is achieved with well-balanced interfacial interactions and site-specific molecular rearrangements, even on a pre-annealed amorphous gold surface. Co-existing electronic structures show selective availability corresponding to the energy region and the local position of the system. These findings provide not only a deeper insight into organic thin films with high structural integrity, but also a new way to tailor interfacial geometric and electronic structures. PMID:26839053

Stress Analysis for the Formation of En Echelon Veins and Vortex Structures: a Lesson Plan with a Brief Illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Z.; Birnbaum, S.

2006-12-01

An English lesson plan exploring stress analysis of En Echelon veins and vortex structures used in the bilingual course in Structural Geology at the National Science Training Base of China is described. Two mechanical models are introduced in class and both mathematical and mechanical analyses are conducted. Samples, pictures and case studies are selected from Britain, Switzerland, and China. These case studies are augmented from the previous research results of the first author. Students are guided through the entire thought process, including methods and procedures used in the stress analysis of geologic structures. The teaching procedures are also illustrated. The method showed is effective to help students to get the initial knowledge of quantitative analysis for the formation of geological structures. This work is supported by the Ministry of Education of China, the Education Bureau of Hubei Province of China and China University of Geosciences (Wuhan).

Multi-format all-optical processing based on a large-scale, hybridly integrated photonic circuit.

PubMed

Bougioukos, M; Kouloumentas, Ch; Spyropoulou, M; Giannoulis, G; Kalavrouziotis, D; Maziotis, A; Bakopoulos, P; Harmon, R; Rogers, D; Harrison, J; Poustie, A; Maxwell, G; Avramopoulos, H

2011-06-06

We investigate through numerical studies and experiments the performance of a large scale, silica-on-silicon photonic integrated circuit for multi-format regeneration and wavelength-conversion. The circuit encompasses a monolithically integrated array of four SOAs inside two parallel Mach-Zehnder structures, four delay interferometers and a large number of silica waveguides and couplers. Exploiting phase-incoherent techniques, the circuit is capable of processing OOK signals at variable bit rates, DPSK signals at 22 or 44 Gb/s and DQPSK signals at 44 Gbaud. Simulation studies reveal the wavelength-conversion potential of the circuit with enhanced regenerative capabilities for OOK and DPSK modulation formats and acceptable quality degradation for DQPSK format. Regeneration of 22 Gb/s OOK signals with amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise and DPSK data signals degraded with amplitude, phase and ASE noise is experimentally validated demonstrating a power penalty improvement up to 1.5 dB.

Ultrafast microfluidic mixer for tracking the early folding kinetics of human telomere G-quadruplex.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Liu, Chao; Feng, Xiaojun; Xu, Youzhi; Liu, Bi-Feng

2014-05-06

The folding of G-quadruplex is hypothesized to undergo a complex process, from the formation of a hairpin structure to a triplex intermediate and to the final G-quadruplex. Currently, no experimental evidence has been found for the hairpin formation, because it folds in the time regime of 10-100 μs, entailing the development of microfluidic mixers with a mixing time of less than 10 μs. In this paper, we reported an ultrarapid micromixer with a mixing time of 5.5 μs, which represents the fastest turbulent micromixer to our best knowledge. Evaluations of the micromixer were conducted to confirm its mixing efficiency for small molecules and macromolecules. This new micromixer enabled us to interrogate the hairpin formation in the early folding process of human telomere G-quadruplex. The experimental kinetic evidence for the formation of hairpin was obtained for the first time.

Anisotropy of Crumbs and aPKC Drives Myosin Cable Assembly during Tube Formation

PubMed Central

Röper, Katja

2012-01-01

Summary The formation of tubular structures from epithelial sheets is a key process of organ formation in all animals, but the cytoskeletal rearrangements that cause the cell shape changes that drive tubulogenesis are not well understood. Using live imaging and super-resolution microscopy to analyze the tubulogenesis of the Drosophila salivary glands, I find that an anisotropic plasma membrane distribution of the protein Crumbs, mediated by its large extracellular domain, determines the subcellular localization of a supracellular actomyosin cable in the cells at the placode border, with myosin II accumulating at edges where Crumbs is lowest. Laser ablation shows that the cable is under increased tension, implying an active involvement in the invagination process. Crumbs anisotropy leads to anisotropic distribution of aPKC, which in turn can negatively regulate Rok, thus preventing the formation of a cable where Crumbs and aPKC are localized. PMID:23153493

Anisotropy of Crumbs and aPKC drives myosin cable assembly during tube formation.

PubMed

Röper, Katja

2012-11-13

The formation of tubular structures from epithelial sheets is a key process of organ formation in all animals, but the cytoskeletal rearrangements that cause the cell shape changes that drive tubulogenesis are not well understood. Using live imaging and super-resolution microscopy to analyze the tubulogenesis of the Drosophila salivary glands, I find that an anisotropic plasma membrane distribution of the protein Crumbs, mediated by its large extracellular domain, determines the subcellular localization of a supracellular actomyosin cable in the cells at the placode border, with myosin II accumulating at edges where Crumbs is lowest. Laser ablation shows that the cable is under increased tension, implying an active involvement in the invagination process. Crumbs anisotropy leads to anisotropic distribution of aPKC, which in turn can negatively regulate Rok, thus preventing the formation of a cable where Crumbs and aPKC are localized. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-Assembled Gold Nano-Ripple Formation by Gas Cluster Ion Beam Bombardment.

PubMed

Tilakaratne, Buddhi P; Chen, Quark Y; Chu, Wei-Kan

2017-09-08

In this study, we used a 30 keV argon cluster ion beam bombardment to investigate the dynamic processes during nano-ripple formation on gold surfaces. Atomic force microscope analysis shows that the gold surface has maximum roughness at an incident angle of 60° from the surface normal; moreover, at this angle, and for an applied fluence of 3 × 10 16 clusters/cm², the aspect ratio of the nano-ripple pattern is in the range of ~50%. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry analysis reveals a formation of a surface gradient due to prolonged gas cluster ion bombardment, although the surface roughness remains consistent throughout the bombarded surface area. As a result, significant mass redistribution is triggered by gas cluster ion beam bombardment at room temperature. Where mass redistribution is responsible for nano-ripple formation, the surface erosion process refines the formed nano-ripple structures.

Liquid crystals from mesogens containing gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewandowski, Wiktor; Gorecka, Ewa

Long-range ordered structures made of nanoparticles are perspective materials for future optical, electronic and sensing technologies. Conspicuous physicochemical features of nanoparticle aggregates originate from distant-dependent collective interactions, therefore lately a lot of attention was put to the development of assembly strategies allowing control over nanoparticle spatial distribution. In this chapter we will focus on the assembly process based on using thermotropic liquid-crystalline molecules as surface nanoparticle ligands. First, we discuss architectural parameters that inuence structure and thermal properties of the aggregates. Then, we show that this approach enables formation of assemblies with metamaterial characteristic, gives access to dynamic materials with light-, magneto- and thermo-responsive behavior and allows formation of aggregates with unique structures, which all make this strategy an attractive object of research.

The formation of zona radiata in Pseudosciaena crocea revealed by light and transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Ma, Xiao-Xin; Zhu, Jun-Quan; Zhou, Hong; Yang, Wan-Xi

2012-02-01

The egg envelope is an essential structure occurring during oogenesis. It plays an important role during the process of fertilization in the large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea. Elucidation of egg envelope formation helps us to understand fertilization mechanisms in teleosts. In the present work, we studied the formation of egg envelope in P. crocea by light microscopy, as well as by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Four layers exist outside the oocyte plasmalemma, i.e., theca cell layer, basal membrane, granulosa cell layer and zona radiata. According to our observation, zona radiata is a multilaminar structure just like the same structure reported in teleosts, but the origin of this structure is a little different. Before it is formed, a peripheral space filled with different density of vesicles is the place where zona radiata is formed. Zona radiata (Z1) is secreted only by oocyte itself, it belongs to the primary envelope; zona radiata 2 (Z2) and zona radiata 3 (Z3) belong to the secondary envelope, because the two layers are formed after granulosa cells appear, and microvilli participate this process. It is very interesting that Z2 and Z3 are situated between Z1 and the granulosa cell first, but they translocate to the other side of Z1. This microanatomy difference may due to the participation of microvilli. The new finding about egg envelope formation in P. crocea will help us to do further investigation on fertilization mechanisms and will make artificial breeding possible which may contribute to the resource recovery of this species. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bimetallic clustered thin films with variable electro-optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antipov, A.; Bukharov, D.; Arakelyan, S.; Osipov, A.; Lelekova, A.

2018-01-01

The drop deposition of colloidal nanoparticles was performed from water-based colloidal solutions. The proposed procedure is based on the agglomeration of colloidal particles in laser-assisted evaporation processes. The evaporation process was resulted in the formation of clustered thin films on a glass substrate. In the experiments with bimetallic Au:Ag solutions, the clustered films are grown, the formation of the clustered films with the average height of 100 nm was achieved. Optical properties of the deposited structures were investigated experimentally. It is shown that the obtained films may become transparent and its properties are defined by its morphology.

Agency in the Social Biographies of Young People in Belgrade

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomanovic, Smiljka

2012-01-01

The article deals with the formation of the social biographies of young people through the interplay of structure and agency. The aim is to provide a grounded typology of patterns of young people's agency within the process of shaping social biographies. The structural context addressed in the article consists of family resources and habitus. The…

How the Sequence of a Gene Specifies Structural Symmetry in Proteins

PubMed Central

Shen, Xiaojuan; Huang, Tongcheng; Wang, Guanyu; Li, Guanglin

2015-01-01

Internal symmetry is commonly observed in the majority of fundamental protein folds. Meanwhile, sufficient evidence suggests that nascent polypeptide chains of proteins have the potential to start the co-translational folding process and this process allows mRNA to contain additional information on protein structure. In this paper, we study the relationship between gene sequences and protein structures from the viewpoint of symmetry to explore how gene sequences code for structural symmetry in proteins. We found that, for a set of two-fold symmetric proteins from left-handed beta-helix fold, intragenic symmetry always exists in their corresponding gene sequences. Meanwhile, codon usage bias and local mRNA structure might be involved in modulating translation speed for the formation of structural symmetry: a major decrease of local codon usage bias in the middle of the codon sequence can be identified as a common feature; and major or consecutive decreases in local mRNA folding energy near the boundaries of the symmetric substructures can also be observed. The results suggest that gene duplication and fusion may be an evolutionarily conserved process for this protein fold. In addition, the usage of rare codons and the formation of higher order of secondary structure near the boundaries of symmetric substructures might have coevolved as conserved mechanisms to slow down translation elongation and to facilitate effective folding of symmetric substructures. These findings provide valuable insights into our understanding of the mechanisms of translation and its evolution, as well as the design of proteins via symmetric modules. PMID:26641668

An Investigation into the Processing of Lexicalized English Blend Words: Evidence from Lexical Decisions and Eye Movements during Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Juhasz, Barbara J.; Johnson, Rebecca L.; Brewer, Jennifer

2017-01-01

New words enter the language through several word formation processes [see Simonini ("Engl J" 55:752-757, 1966)]. One such process, blending, occurs when two source words are combined to represent a new concept (e.g., SMOG, BRUNCH, BLOG, and INFOMERCIAL). While there have been examinations of the structure of blends [see Gries…

Formation Of Nano Layered Lamellar Structure In a Processed γ-TiAl Based Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heshmati-Manesh, S.; Shakoorian, H.; Armaki, H. Ghassemi; Ahmadabadi, M. Nili

2009-06-01

In this research, microstructures of an intermetallic alloy based on γ-TiAl has been investigated by optical and transmission electron microscopy. Samples of Ti-47Al-2Cr alloy were subjected to either a cyclic heat treatment or thermomechanical treatment with the aim of microstructural refinement. In both cases it was found that very fine lamellar structure with an interlamellar spacing in the nano scale is formed. Upon cyclic heat treatment, nano layers of α2 and γ ordered intermetallic phases were either formed during rapid cooling cycle in competition with massive structure formation, or formed as secondary lamellar structure during final stages of cyclic heat treatment. Also, TEM observations in hot forged specimens with initial lamellar structure revealed that micro twins form during the deformation within lamellar structure with twinning plates parallel to lamellar interfaces. Concurrent dynamic recrystallisation results in a nano layered structure with an interlamellar spacing of less than 100 nm.

Crystalline, Glassy and Polymeric Electrolytes:. Similarities and Differences in Ionic Transport Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souquet, Jean Louis

2006-06-01

Ionocovalent crystals or glasses as well as molten salts or salt polymer complexes are currently studied as electrolytes for high energy density batteries. Their large Red/Ox stability range results from their thermodynamic or kinetic characteristics. For all these electrolytes, charge carriers are the consequence of local deviations from electroneutrality, identified as point defects for ionic crystals or partial dissociation in disordered structures. The charge carriers formation derives from a similar activated process. The main difference comes from the migration process, which depends on the dynamic properties of the surrounding medium. When the structural relaxation time is large, an activated process, mainly enthalpic, prevails for charge carriers migration. It is the usual case for ionic crystals or glasses. In the liquid or overcooled liquid states, the structural relaxation time of the medium is shorter that the time required for the activated migration process to occur and a local reorganization of the medium vanishes the energy barrier and provides the free volume necessary to ionic migration. In that case, the migration is mainly an entropic process. The configurational entropy necessary to this process decreases with temperature and vanishes at the so called ideal glass transition temperature which can be estimated by extrapolation of the transport properties or of the thermodynamic characteristics of the medium. However, at the experiment time scale, this configurational entropy disappears at a somewhat higher temperature, the glass transition temperature at which the structural relaxation time corresponds to the measurement time. Some glass forming ionic melts studied in a large temperature scale, over and below the glass transition temperature, evidence the two, enthalpic and entropic, migration mechanisms, allowing the determination of the thermodynamic characteristics of the charge carriers formation and migration. Some recent results indicate that entropic process, associated to long scale deformations, may also exist in crystalline structures.

Opinion dynamics in a group-based society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gargiulo, F.; Huet, S.

2010-09-01

Many models have been proposed to analyze the evolution of opinion structure due to the interaction of individuals in their social environment. Such models analyze the spreading of ideas both in completely interacting backgrounds and on social networks, where each person has a finite set of interlocutors. In this paper we analyze the reciprocal feedback between the opinions of the individuals and the structure of the interpersonal relationships at the level of community structures. For this purpose we define a group-based random network and we study how this structure co-evolves with opinion dynamics processes. We observe that the adaptive network structure affects the opinion dynamics process helping the consensus formation. The results also show interesting behaviors in regards to the size distribution of the groups and their correlation with opinion structure.

Universal scaling relations in scale-free structure formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guszejnov, Dávid; Hopkins, Philip F.; Grudić, Michael Y.

2018-07-01

A large number of astronomical phenomena exhibit remarkably similar scaling relations. The most well-known of these is the mass distribution dN/dM ∝ M-2 which (to first order) describes stars, protostellar cores, clumps, giant molecular clouds, star clusters, and even dark matter haloes. In this paper we propose that this ubiquity is not a coincidence and that it is the generic result of scale-free structure formation where the different scales are uncorrelated. We show that all such systems produce a mass function proportional to M-2 and a column density distribution with a power-law tail of dA/dln Σ ∝ Σ-1. In the case where structure formation is controlled by gravity the two-point correlation becomes ξ2D ∝ R-1. Furthermore, structures formed by such processes (e.g. young star clusters, DM haloes) tend to a ρ ∝ R-3 density profile. We compare these predictions with observations, analytical fragmentation cascade models, semi-analytical models of gravito-turbulent fragmentation, and detailed `full physics' hydrodynamical simulations. We find that these power laws are good first-order descriptions in all cases.

Universal Scaling Relations in Scale-Free Structure Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guszejnov, Dávid; Hopkins, Philip F.; Grudić, Michael Y.

2018-04-01

A large number of astronomical phenomena exhibit remarkably similar scaling relations. The most well-known of these is the mass distribution dN/dM∝M-2 which (to first order) describes stars, protostellar cores, clumps, giant molecular clouds, star clusters and even dark matter halos. In this paper we propose that this ubiquity is not a coincidence and that it is the generic result of scale-free structure formation where the different scales are uncorrelated. We show that all such systems produce a mass function proportional to M-2 and a column density distribution with a power law tail of dA/d lnΣ∝Σ-1. In the case where structure formation is controlled by gravity the two-point correlation becomes ξ2D∝R-1. Furthermore, structures formed by such processes (e.g. young star clusters, DM halos) tend to a ρ∝R-3 density profile. We compare these predictions with observations, analytical fragmentation cascade models, semi-analytical models of gravito-turbulent fragmentation and detailed "full physics" hydrodynamical simulations. We find that these power-laws are good first order descriptions in all cases.

Synthesis of structurally diverse major groove DNA interstrand crosslinks using three different aldehyde precursors

PubMed Central

Mukherjee, Shivam; Guainazzi, Angelo; Schärer, Orlando D.

2014-01-01

DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) are extremely cytotoxic lesions that block essential cellular processes, such as replication and transcription. Crosslinking agents are widely used in cancer chemotherapy and form an array of structurally diverse ICLs. Despite the clinical success of these agents, resistance of tumors to crosslinking agents, for example, through repair of these lesions by the cellular machinery remains a problem. We have previously reported the synthesis of site-specific ICLs mimicking those formed by nitrogen mustards to facilitate the studies of cellular responses to ICL formation. Here we extend these efforts and report the synthesis of structurally diverse major groove ICLs that induce severe, little or no distortion in the DNA. Our approach employs the incorporation of aldehyde precursors of different lengths into complementary strands and ICL formation using a double reductive amination with a variety of amines. Our studies provide insight into the structure and reactivity parameters of ICL formation by double reductive amination and yield a set of diverse ICLs that will be invaluable for exploring structure–activity relationships in ICL repair. PMID:24782532

Tube Formation in Nanoscale Materials

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

The formation of tubular nanostructures normally requires layered, anisotropic, or pseudo-layered crystal structures, while inorganic compounds typically do not possess such structures, inorganic nanotubes thus have been a hot topic in the past decade. In this article, we review recent research activities on nanotubes fabrication and focus on three novel synthetic strategies for generating nanotubes from inorganic materials that do not have a layered structure. Specifically, thermal oxidation method based on gas–solid reaction to porous CuO nanotubes has been successfully established, semiconductor ZnS and Nb2O5nanotubes have been prepared by employing sacrificial template strategy based on liquid–solid reaction, and an in situ template method has been developed for the preparation of ZnO taper tubes through a chemical etching reaction. We have described the nanotube formation processes and illustrated the detailed key factors during their growth. The proposed mechanisms are presented for nanotube fabrication and the important pioneering studies are discussed on the rational design and fabrication of functional materials with tubular structures. It is the intention of this contribution to provide a brief account of these research activities. PMID:20592945

Crystal orientation dependence of femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structure on (100) silicon.

PubMed

Jiang, Lan; Han, Weina; Li, Xiaowei; Wang, Qingsong; Meng, Fantong; Lu, Yongfeng

2014-06-01

It is widely believed that laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are independent of material crystal structures. This Letter reports an abnormal phenomenon of strong dependence of the anisotropic formation of periodic ripples on crystal orientation, when Si (100) is processed by a linearly polarized femtosecond laser (800 nm, 50 fs, 1 kHz). LIPSS formation sensitivity with a π/2 modulation is found along different crystal orientations with a quasi-cosinusoid function when the angle between the crystal orientation and polarization direction is changed from 0° to 180°. Our experiments indicate that it is much easier (or more difficult) to form ripple structures when the polarization direction is aligned with the lattice axis [011]/[011¯] (or [001]). The modulated nonlinear ionization rate along different crystal orientations, which arises from the direction dependence of the effective mass of the electron is proposed to interpret the unexpected anisotropic LIPSS formation phenomenon. Also, we demonstrate that the abnormal phenomenon can be applied to control the continuity of scanned ripple lines along different crystal orientations.

Control of the shell structural properties and cavity diameter of hollow magnesium fluoride particles.

PubMed

Nandiyanto, Asep Bayu Dani; Ogi, Takashi; Okuyama, Kikuo

2014-03-26

Control of the shell structural properties [i.e., thickness (8-25 nm) and morphology (dense and raspberry)] and cavity diameter (100-350 nm) of hollow particles was investigated experimentally, and the results were qualitatively explained based on the available theory. We found that the selective deposition size and formation of the shell component on the surface of a core template played important roles in controlling the structure of the resulting shell. To achieve the selective deposition size and formation of the shell component, various process parameters (i.e., reaction temperature and charge, size, and composition of the core template and shell components) were tested. Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) and polystyrene spheres were used as models for shell and core components, respectively. MgF2 was selected because, to the best of our knowledge, the current reported approaches to date were limited to synthesis of MgF2 in film and particle forms only. Therefore, understanding how to control the formation of MgF2 with various structures (both the thickness and morphology) is a prospective for advanced lens synthesis and applications.

The variant call format and VCFtools.

PubMed

Danecek, Petr; Auton, Adam; Abecasis, Goncalo; Albers, Cornelis A; Banks, Eric; DePristo, Mark A; Handsaker, Robert E; Lunter, Gerton; Marth, Gabor T; Sherry, Stephen T; McVean, Gilean; Durbin, Richard

2011-08-01

The variant call format (VCF) is a generic format for storing DNA polymorphism data such as SNPs, insertions, deletions and structural variants, together with rich annotations. VCF is usually stored in a compressed manner and can be indexed for fast data retrieval of variants from a range of positions on the reference genome. The format was developed for the 1000 Genomes Project, and has also been adopted by other projects such as UK10K, dbSNP and the NHLBI Exome Project. VCFtools is a software suite that implements various utilities for processing VCF files, including validation, merging, comparing and also provides a general Perl API. http://vcftools.sourceforge.net

Active Mechanism of the Interphase Film-Forming Process for an Electrolyte Based on a Sulfolane Solvent and a Chelato-Borate Complexe.

PubMed

Li, Chunlei; Wang, Peng; Li, Shiyou; Zhao, Dongni; Zhao, Qiuping; Liu, Haining; Cui, Xiao-Ling

2018-06-14

Electrolytes based on sulfolane (SL) solvents and lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) chelato-borate complexes have been reported many times for use in advanced lithium-ion batteries due to their many advantages. This study aims to clarify the active mechanism of the interphase film-forming process to optimize the properties of these batteries by experimental analysis and theoretical calculations. The results indicate that the self-repairing film-forming process during the first cycle is divided into three stages: the initial film formation with an electric field force of ~1.80 V, the further growth of the preformation solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film at ~1.73 V, and the final formation of a complete SEI film at a potential below 0.7 V. Additionally, we can deduce that the decomposition of LiBOB and SL occurs throughout nearly the entire process of the formation of the SEI film. The decomposition product of BOB- anions tends to form films with an irregular structure, while the decomposition product of SL is in favor of the formation of a uniform SEI film.

Porous siliconformation and etching process for use in silicon micromachining

DOEpatents

Guilinger, Terry R.; Kelly, Michael J.; Martin, Jr., Samuel B.; Stevenson, Joel O.; Tsao, Sylvia S.

1991-01-01

A reproducible process for uniformly etching silicon from a series of micromechanical structures used in electrical devices and the like includes providing a micromechanical structure having a silicon layer with defined areas for removal thereon and an electrochemical cell containing an aqueous hydrofluoric acid electrolyte. The micromechanical structure is submerged in the electrochemical cell and the defined areas of the silicon layer thereon are anodically biased by passing a current through the electrochemical cell for a time period sufficient to cause the defined areas of the silicon layer to become porous. The formation of the depth of the porous silicon is regulated by controlling the amount of current passing through the electrochemical cell. The micromechanical structure is then removed from the electrochemical cell and submerged in a hydroxide solution to remove the porous silicon. The process is subsequently repeated for each of the series of micromechanical structures to achieve a reproducibility better than 0.3%.

A Pipeline Software Architecture for NMR Spectrum Data Translation

PubMed Central

Ellis, Heidi J.C.; Weatherby, Gerard; Nowling, Ronald J.; Vyas, Jay; Fenwick, Matthew; Gryk, Michael R.

2012-01-01

The problem of formatting data so that it conforms to the required input for scientific data processing tools pervades scientific computing. The CONNecticut Joint University Research Group (CONNJUR) has developed a data translation tool based on a pipeline architecture that partially solves this problem. The CONNJUR Spectrum Translator supports data format translation for experiments that use Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to determine the structure of large protein molecules. PMID:24634607

An Extensible Processing Framework for Eddy-covariance Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durden, D.; Fox, A. M.; Metzger, S.; Sturtevant, C.; Durden, N. P.; Luo, H.

2016-12-01

The evolution of large data collecting networks has not only led to an increase of available information, but also in the complexity of analyzing the observations. Timely dissemination of readily usable data products necessitates a streaming processing framework that is both automatable and flexible. Tower networks, such as ICOS, Ameriflux, and NEON, exemplify this issue by requiring large amounts of data to be processed from dispersed measurement sites. Eddy-covariance data from across the NEON network are expected to amount to 100 Gigabytes per day. The complexity of the algorithmic processing necessary to produce high-quality data products together with the continued development of new analysis techniques led to the development of a modular R-package, eddy4R. This allows algorithms provided by NEON and the larger community to be deployed in streaming processing, and to be used by community members alike. In order to control the processing environment, provide a proficient parallel processing structure, and certify dependencies are available during processing, we chose Docker as our "Development and Operations" (DevOps) platform. The Docker framework allows our processing algorithms to be developed, maintained and deployed at scale. Additionally, the eddy4R-Docker framework fosters community use and extensibility via pre-built Docker images and the Github distributed version control system. The capability to process large data sets is reliant upon efficient input and output of data, data compressibility to reduce compute resource loads, and the ability to easily package metadata. The Hierarchical Data Format (HDF5) is a file format that can meet these needs. A NEON standard HDF5 file structure and metadata attributes allow users to explore larger data sets in an intuitive "directory-like" structure adopting the NEON data product naming conventions.

Nixtamalization Process Affects Resistant Starch Formation and Glycemic Index of Tamales.

PubMed

Mariscal-Moreno, Rosa María; de Dios Figueroa Cárdenas, Juan; Santiago-Ramos, David; Rayas-Duarte, Patricia; Veles-Medina, José Juan; Martínez-Flores, Héctor Eduardo

2017-05-01

Tamales were prepared with 3 nixtamalization processes (traditional, ecological, and classic) and evaluated for chemical composition, starch properties, and glycemic index. Resistant starch (RS) in tamales increased 1.6 to 3.7 times compared to raw maize. This increment was due to the starch retrogradation (RS3) and amylose-lipid complexes (RS5) formation. Tamales elaborated with classic and ecological nixtamalization processes exhibited the highest total, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber content, and the highest RS content and lower in vivo glycemic index compared to tamales elaborated with traditional nixtamalization process. Thermal properties of tamales showed 3 endotherms: amylopectin retrogradation (42.7 to 66.6 °C), melting of amylose lipid complex type I (78.8 to 105.4), and melting of amylose-lipid complex type II (110.7 to 129.7). Raw maize exhibited X-ray diffraction pattern type A, after nixtamalization and cooking of tamales it changed to V-type polymorph structure, due to amylose-lipid complexes formation. Tamales from ecological nixtamalization processes could represent potential health benefits associated with the reduction on blood glucose response after consumption. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Do the substituent effects affect conformational freedom of squalene in hopene biosynthesis?

PubMed

Nowosielski, Marcin; Hoffmann, Marcin

2011-09-01

The analysis of biochemical processes is one of the main challenges for modern computational chemistry. Probably the biggest issue facing scientists in this case is the number of factors that have to be taken into account, as even those factors that do not seem to be meaningful may eventually be crucial. Such a belief led to the investigation on the substituent effects during squalene cyclization process. We focused on the formation of lanosterol ring A through squalene epoxide and an analogue process observed in bacteria, leading to the hopene formation without an intermediate oxide. Interestingly, our results indicate that, opposite of chemical intuition, a more substituted chain is more likely to adopt a conformation suitable for the cyclization process. Presumably the rational for this behavior is the presence of intermolecular CH ... π interactions between the hydrogen atoms from methyl groups and the squalene π bonds in the open-chain structure. The effect seems to have a firm impact on the hopene formation process. Calculations were performed using two different methods: MP2 and M06-2X, combined with the cc-pVDZ basis set.

Division H Commission 33: Structure & Dynamics of the Galactic System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordström, Birgitta; Bland-Hawthorn, Joss; Wyse, Rosemary; Athanassoula, Lia; Feltzing, Sofia; Jog, Chanda; Lockman, Jay; Minniti, Dante; Robin, Annie

2016-04-01

Research on the structure and dynamics of the Galactic System covers a large field of research, from formation scenarios to long-term evolution and secular processes. Today we speak of near-field cosmology where the oldest parts of the Galaxy are used to probe back to early times, e.g. studying the chemical signatures of the oldest star clusters and dwarf galaxies to learn about the byproducts of the first stars. Some of the most detailed work relates to the structure of the dark matter and baryons in order to compare with expectation from N-body models. Secular processes have been identified (e.g. stellar migration) where material within the Galaxy is being reorganized by dynamical resonances and feedback processes.

Silk-regulated hierarchical hollow magnetite/carbon nanocomposite spheroids for lithium-ion battery anodes.

PubMed

Sheng, Weiqin; Zhu, Guobin; Kaplan, David L; Cao, Chuanbao; Zhu, Hesun; Lu, Qiang

2015-03-20

Hierarchical olive-like structured carbon-Fe3O4 nanocomposite particles composed of a hollow interior and a carbon coated surface are prepared by a facile, silk protein-assisted hydrothermal method. Silk nanofibers as templates and carbon precursors first regulate the formation of hollow Fe2O3 microspheres and then they are converted into carbon by a reduction process into Fe3O4. This process significantly simplifies the fabrication and carbon coating processes to form complex hollow structures. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, these hollow carbon-coated particles exhibit high capacity (900 mAh g(-1)), excellent cycle stability (180 cycles) and rate performance due to their unique hierarchical hollow structure and carbon coating.

Space matters: meristem expansion triggers corona formation in Passiflora

PubMed Central

Claßen-Bockhoff, Regine; Meyer, Charlotte

2016-01-01

Background and aims Flower meristems differ from vegetative meristems in various aspects. One characteristic is the capacity for ongoing meristem expansion providing space for new structures. Here, corona formation in four species of Passiflora is investigated to understand the spatio-temporal conditions of its formation and to clarify homology of the corona elements. Methods One bird-pollinated species with a single-rowed tubular corona (Passiflora tulae) and three insect-pollinated species with three (P. standleyi Killip), four (P. foetida L. ‘Sanctae Martae’) and six (P. foetida L. var. hispida) ray-shaped corona rows are chosen as representative examples for the study. Flower development is documented by scanning electron microscopy. Meristem expansion is reconstructed by morphometric data and correlated with the sequential corona element formation. Key Results In all species, corona formation starts late in ontogeny after all floral organs have been initiated. It is closely correlated with meristem expansion. The rows appear with increasing space in centripetal or convergent sequence. Conclusions Based on the concept of fractionation, space induces primordia formation which is a self-regulating process filling the space completely. Correspondingly, the corona is interpreted as a structure of its own, originating from the receptacle. Considering the principle capacity of flower meristems to generate novel structures widens the view and allows new interpretations in combination with molecular, phylogenetic and morphogenetic data. PMID:26658486

Presence of Extracellular DNA during Biofilm Formation by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Strains with Different Host Range.

PubMed

Sena-Vélez, Marta; Redondo, Cristina; Graham, James H; Cubero, Jaime

2016-01-01

Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) A strain causes citrus bacterial canker, a serious leaf, fruit and stem spotting disease of several Citrus species. X. alfalfae subsp. citrumelonis (Xac) is the cause of citrus bacterial spot, a minor disease of citrus nursery plants and X. campestris pv. campestris (Xc) is a systemic pathogen that causes black rot of cabbage. Xanthomonas spp. form biofilms in planta that facilitate the host infection process. Herein, the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) was evaluated in the formation and stabilization of the biofilm matrix at different stages of biofilm development. Fluorescence and light microscopy, as well as DNAse treatments, were used to determine the presence of eDNA in biofilms and bacterial cultures. DNAse treatments of Xcc strains and Xac reduced biofilm formation at the initial stage of development, as well as disrupted preformed biofilm. By comparison, no significant effect of the DNAse was detected for biofilm formation by Xc. DNAse effects on biofilm formation or disruption varied among Xcc strains and Xanthomonas species which suggest different roles for eDNA. Variation in the structure of fibers containing eDNA in biofilms, bacterial cultures, and in twitching motility was also visualized by microscopy. The proposed roles for eDNA are as an adhesin in the early stages of biofilm formation, as an structural component of mature bacterial aggregates, and twitching motility structures.

In situ monitoring of laser-induced periodic surface structures formation on polymer films by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Rebollar, Esther; Rueda, Daniel R; Martín-Fabiani, Ignacio; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Álvaro; García-Gutiérrez, Mari-Cruz; Portale, Giuseppe; Castillejo, Marta; Ezquerra, Tiberio A

2015-04-07

The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on model spin-coated polymer films has been followed in situ by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) using synchrotron radiation. The samples were irradiated at different repetition rates ranging from 1 up to 10 Hz by using the fourth harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (266 nm) with pulses of 8 ns. Simultaneously, GISAXS patterns were acquired during laser irradiation. The variation of both the GISAXS signal with the number of pulses and the LIPSS period with laser irradiation time is revealing key kinetic aspects of the nanostructure formation process. By considering LIPSS as one-dimensional paracrystalline lattice and using a correlation found between the paracrystalline disorder parameter, g, and the number of reflections observed in the GISAXS patterns, the variation of the structural order of LIPSS can be assessed. The role of the laser repetition rate in the nanostructure formation has been clarified. For high pulse repetition rates (i.e., 10 Hz), LIPSS evolve in time to reach the expected period matching the wavelength of the irradiating laser. For lower pulse repetition rates LIPSS formation is less effective, and the period of the ripples never reaches the wavelength value. Results support and provide information on the existence of a feedback mechanism for LIPSS formation in polymer films.

Molecular simulations and experimental studies of zeolites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moloy, Eric C.

Zeolites are microporous aluminosilicate tetrahedral framework materials that have symmetric cages and channels with open-diameters between 0.2 and 2.0 nm. Zeolites are used extensively in the petrochemical industries for both their microporosity and their catalytic properties. The role of water is paramount to the formation, structure, and stability of these materials. Zeolites frequently have extra-framework cations, and as a result, are important ion-exchange materials. Zeolites also play important roles as molecular sieves and catalysts. For all that is known about zeolites, much remains a mystery. How, for example, can the well established metastability of these structures be explained? What is the role of water with respect to the formation, stabilization, and dynamical properties? This dissertation addresses these questions mainly from a modeling perspective, but also with some experimental work as well. The first discussion addresses a special class of zeolites: pure-silica zeolites. Experimental enthalpy of formation data are combined with molecular modeling to address zeolitic metastability. Molecular modeling is used to calculate internal surface areas, and a linear relationship between formation enthalpy and internal surface areas is clearly established, producing an internal surface energy of approximately 93 mJ/m2. Nitrate bearing sodalite and cancrinite have formed under the caustic chemical conditions of some nuclear waste processing centers in the United States. These phases have fouled expensive process equipment, and are the primary constituents of the resilient heels in the bottom of storage tanks. Molecular modeling, including molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory, is used to simulate these materials with respect to structure and dynamical properties. Some new, very interesting results are extracted from the simulation of anhydrous Na6[Si6Al 6O24] sodalite---most importantly, the identification of two distinct oxygen sites (rather than one), and formation of a new supercell. New calorimetric measurements of enthalpy are used to examine the energetics of the hydrosodalite family of zeolites---specifically, formation enthalpies and hydration energies. Finally, force-field computational methods begin the examination of water in terms of energetics, structure, and radionuclide containment and diffusion.

Transcription arrest by a G quadruplex forming-trinucleotide repeat sequence from the human c-myb gene.

PubMed

Broxson, Christopher; Beckett, Joshua; Tornaletti, Silvia

2011-05-17

Non canonical DNA structures correspond to genomic regions particularly susceptible to genetic instability. The transcription process facilitates formation of these structures and plays a major role in generating the instability associated with these genomic sites. However, little is known about how non canonical structures are processed when encountered by an elongating RNA polymerase. Here we have studied the behavior of T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) when encountering a G quadruplex forming-(GGA)(4) repeat located in the human c-myb proto-oncogene. To make direct correlations between formation of the structure and effects on transcription, we have taken advantage of the ability of the T7 polymerase to transcribe single-stranded substrates and of G4 DNA to form in single-stranded G-rich sequences in the presence of potassium ions. Under physiological KCl concentrations, we found that T7 RNAP transcription was arrested at two sites that mapped to the c-myb (GGA)(4) repeat sequence. The extent of arrest did not change with time, indicating that the c-myb repeat represented an absolute block and not a transient pause to T7 RNAP. Consistent with G4 DNA formation, arrest was not observed in the absence of KCl or in the presence of LiCl. Furthermore, mutations in the c-myb (GGA)(4) repeat, expected to prevent transition to G4, also eliminated the transcription block. We show T7 RNAP arrest at the c-myb repeat in double-stranded DNA under conditions mimicking the cellular concentration of biomolecules and potassium ions, suggesting that the G4 structure formed in the c-myb repeat may represent a transcription roadblock in vivo. Our results support a mechanism of transcription-coupled DNA repair initiated by arrest of transcription at G4 structures.

Reservoir and Source Rock Identification Based on Geologycal, Geophysics and Petrophysics Analysis Study Case: South Sumatra Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anggit Maulana, Hiska; Haris, Abdul

2018-05-01

Reservoir and source rock Identification has been performed to deliniate the reservoir distribution of Talangakar Formation South Sumatra Basin. This study is based on integrated geophysical, geological and petrophysical data. The aims of study to determine the characteristics of the reservoir and source rock, to differentiate reservoir and source rock in same Talangakar formation, to find out the distribution of net pay reservoir and source rock layers. The method of geophysical included seismic data interpretation using time and depth structures map, post-stack inversion, interval velocity, geological interpretations included the analysis of structures and faults, and petrophysical processing is interpret data log wells that penetrating Talangakar formation containing hydrocarbons (oil and gas). Based on seismic interpretation perform subsurface mapping on Layer A and Layer I to determine the development of structures in the Regional Research. Based on the geological interpretation, trapping in the form of regional research is anticline structure on southwest-northeast trending and bounded by normal faults on the southwest-southeast regional research structure. Based on petrophysical analysis, the main reservoir in the field of research, is a layer 1,375 m of depth and a thickness 2 to 8.3 meters.

Dynamic Folding Pathway Models of the Trp-Cage Protein

PubMed Central

Kim, Seung-Yeon

2013-01-01

Using action-derived molecular dynamics (ADMD), we study the dynamic folding pathway models of the Trp-cage protein by providing its sequential conformational changes from its initial disordered structure to the final native structure at atomic details. We find that the numbers of native contacts and native hydrogen bonds are highly correlated, implying that the native structure of Trp-cage is achieved through the concurrent formations of native contacts and native hydrogen bonds. In early stage, an unfolded state appears with partially formed native contacts (~40%) and native hydrogen bonds (~30%). Afterward, the folding is initiated by the contact of the side chain of Tyr3 with that of Trp6, together with the formation of the N-terminal α-helix. Then, the C-terminal polyproline structure docks onto the Trp6 and Tyr3 rings, resulting in the formations of the hydrophobic core of Trp-cage and its near-native state. Finally, the slow adjustment processes of the near-native states into the native structure are dominant in later stage. The ADMD results are in agreement with those of the experimental folding studies on Trp-cage and consistent with most of other computational studies. PMID:23865078

Recombinant spider silk from aqueous solutions via a bio-inspired microfluidic chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Qingfa; Zhang, Yaopeng; Lu, Li; Shao, Huili; Qin, Kankan; Hu, Xuechao; Xia, Xiaoxia

2016-11-01

Spiders achieve superior silk fibres by controlling the molecular assembly of silk proteins and the hierarchical structure of fibres. However, current wet-spinning process for recombinant spidroins oversimplifies the natural spinning process. Here, water-soluble recombinant spider dragline silk protein (with a low molecular weight of 47 kDa) was adopted to prepare aqueous spinning dope. Artificial spider silks were spun via microfluidic wet-spinning, using a continuous post-spin drawing process (WS-PSD). By mimicking the natural spinning apparatus, shearing and elongational sections were integrated in the microfluidic spinning chip to induce assembly, orientation of spidroins, and fibril structure formation. The additional post-spin drawing process following the wet-spinning section partially mimics the spinning process of natural spider silk and substantially contributes to the compact aggregation of microfibrils. Subsequent post-stretching further improves the hierarchical structure of the fibres, including the crystalline structure, orientation, and fibril melting. The tensile strength and elongation of post-treated fibres reached up to 510 MPa and 15%, respectively.

Making and Breaking of Lead Halide Perovskites.

PubMed

Manser, Joseph S; Saidaminov, Makhsud I; Christians, Jeffrey A; Bakr, Osman M; Kamat, Prashant V

2016-02-16

A new front-runner has emerged in the field of next-generation photovoltaics. A unique class of materials, known as organic metal halide perovskites, bridges the gap between low-cost fabrication and exceptional device performance. These compounds can be processed at low temperature (typically in the range 80-150 °C) and readily self-assemble from the solution phase into high-quality semiconductor thin films. The low energetic barrier for crystal formation has mixed consequences. On one hand, it enables inexpensive processing and both optical and electronic tunability. The caveat, however, is that many as-formed lead halide perovskite thin films lack chemical and structural stability, undergoing rapid degradation in the presence of moisture or heat. To date, improvements in perovskite solar cell efficiency have resulted primarily from better control over thin film morphology, manipulation of the stoichiometry and chemistry of lead halide and alkylammonium halide precursors, and the choice of solvent treatment. Proper characterization and tuning of processing parameters can aid in rational optimization of perovskite devices. Likewise, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanism and identifying components of the perovskite structure that may be particularly susceptible to attack by moisture are vital to mitigate device degradation under operating conditions. This Account provides insight into the lifecycle of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites, including (i) the nature of the precursor solution, (ii) formation of solid-state perovskite thin films and single crystals, and (iii) transformation of perovskites into hydrated phases upon exposure to moisture. In particular, spectroscopic and structural characterization techniques shed light on the thermally driven evolution of the perovskite structure. By tuning precursor stoichiometry and chemistry, and thus the lead halide charge-transfer complexes present in solution, crystallization kinetics can be tailored to yield improved thin film homogeneity. Because degradation of the as-formed perovskite film is in many ways analogous to its initial formation, the same suite of monitoring techniques reveals the moisture-induced transformation of low band gap methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) to wide band gap hydrate compounds. The rate of degradation is increased upon exposure to light. Interestingly, the hydration process is reversible under certain conditions. This facile formation and subsequent chemical lability raises the question of whether CH3NH3PbI3 and its analogues are thermodynamically stable phases, thus posing a significant challenge to the development of transformative perovskite photovoltaics. Adequately addressing issues of structural and chemical stability under real-world operating conditions is paramount if perovskite solar cells are to make an impact beyond the benchtop. Expanding our fundamental knowledge of lead halide perovskite formation and degradation pathways can facilitate fabrication of stable, high-quality perovskite thin films for the next generation of photovoltaic and light emitting devices.

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

Manser, Joseph S.; Saidaminov, Makhsud I.; Christians, Jeffrey A.

A new front-runner has emerged in the field of next-generation photovoltaics. A unique class of materials, known as organic metal halide perovskites, bridges the gap between low-cost fabrication and exceptional device performance. These compounds can be processed at low temperature (typically in the range 80-150 °C) and readily self-assemble from the solution phase into high-quality semiconductor thin films. The low energetic barrier for crystal formation has mixed consequences. On one hand, it enables inexpensive processing and both optical and electronic tunability. The caveat, however, is that many as-formed lead halide perovskite thin films lack chemical and structural stability, undergoing rapidmore » degradation in the presence of moisture or heat. To date, improvements in perovskite solar cell efficiency have resulted primarily from better control over thin film morphology, manipulation of the stoichiometry and chemistry of lead halide and alkylammonium halide precursors, and the choice of solvent treatment. Proper characterization and tuning of processing parameters can aid in rational optimization of perovskite devices. Likewise, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanism and identifying components of the perovskite structure that may be particularly susceptible to attack by moisture are vital to mitigate device degradation under operating conditions. This Account provides insight into the lifecycle of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites, including (i) the nature of the precursor solution, (ii) formation of solid-state perovskite thin films and single crystals, and (iii) transformation of perovskites into hydrated phases upon exposure to moisture. In particular, spectroscopic and structural characterization techniques shed light on the thermally driven evolution of the perovskite structure. By tuning precursor stoichiometry and chemistry, and thus the lead halide charge-transfer complexes present in solution, crystallization kinetics can be tailored to yield improved thin film homogeneity. Because degradation of the as-formed perovskite film is in many ways analogous to its initial formation, the same suite of monitoring techniques reveals the moisture-induced transformation of low band gap methylammonium lead iodide (CH 3NH 3PbI 3) to wide band gap hydrate compounds. The rate of degradation is increased upon exposure to light. Interestingly, the hydration process is reversible under certain conditions. This facile formation and subsequent chemical lability raises the question of whether CH 3NH 3PbI 3 and its analogues are thermodynamically stable phases, thus posing a significant challenge to the development of transformative perovskite photovoltaics. Adequately addressing issues of structural and chemical stability under real-world operating conditions is paramount if perovskite solar cells are to make an impact beyond the benchtop. Expanding our fundamental knowledge of lead halide perovskite formation and degradation pathways can facilitate fabrication of stable, high-quality perovskite thin films for the next generation of photovoltaic and light emitting devices.« less

Making and Breaking of Lead Halide Perovskites

DOE PAGES

Manser, Joseph S.; Saidaminov, Makhsud I.; Christians, Jeffrey A.; ...

2016-01-20

A new front-runner has emerged in the field of next-generation photovoltaics. A unique class of materials, known as organic metal halide perovskites, bridges the gap between low-cost fabrication and exceptional device performance. These compounds can be processed at low temperature (typically in the range 80-150 °C) and readily self-assemble from the solution phase into high-quality semiconductor thin films. The low energetic barrier for crystal formation has mixed consequences. On one hand, it enables inexpensive processing and both optical and electronic tunability. The caveat, however, is that many as-formed lead halide perovskite thin films lack chemical and structural stability, undergoing rapidmore » degradation in the presence of moisture or heat. To date, improvements in perovskite solar cell efficiency have resulted primarily from better control over thin film morphology, manipulation of the stoichiometry and chemistry of lead halide and alkylammonium halide precursors, and the choice of solvent treatment. Proper characterization and tuning of processing parameters can aid in rational optimization of perovskite devices. Likewise, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanism and identifying components of the perovskite structure that may be particularly susceptible to attack by moisture are vital to mitigate device degradation under operating conditions. This Account provides insight into the lifecycle of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites, including (i) the nature of the precursor solution, (ii) formation of solid-state perovskite thin films and single crystals, and (iii) transformation of perovskites into hydrated phases upon exposure to moisture. In particular, spectroscopic and structural characterization techniques shed light on the thermally driven evolution of the perovskite structure. By tuning precursor stoichiometry and chemistry, and thus the lead halide charge-transfer complexes present in solution, crystallization kinetics can be tailored to yield improved thin film homogeneity. Because degradation of the as-formed perovskite film is in many ways analogous to its initial formation, the same suite of monitoring techniques reveals the moisture-induced transformation of low band gap methylammonium lead iodide (CH 3NH 3PbI 3) to wide band gap hydrate compounds. The rate of degradation is increased upon exposure to light. Interestingly, the hydration process is reversible under certain conditions. This facile formation and subsequent chemical lability raises the question of whether CH 3NH 3PbI 3 and its analogues are thermodynamically stable phases, thus posing a significant challenge to the development of transformative perovskite photovoltaics. Adequately addressing issues of structural and chemical stability under real-world operating conditions is paramount if perovskite solar cells are to make an impact beyond the benchtop. Expanding our fundamental knowledge of lead halide perovskite formation and degradation pathways can facilitate fabrication of stable, high-quality perovskite thin films for the next generation of photovoltaic and light emitting devices.« less

The eighth fibronectin type III domain of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor J influences the formation of protein complexes and cell localization.

PubMed

Iuliano, Rodolfo; Raso, Cinzia; Quintiero, Alfina; Pera, Ilaria Le; Pichiorri, Flavia; Palumbo, Tiziana; Palmieri, Dario; Pattarozzi, Alessandra; Florio, Tullio; Viglietto, Giuseppe; Trapasso, Francesco; Croce, Carlo Maria; Fusco, Alfredo

2009-03-01

Regulation of receptor-type phosphatases can involve the formation of higher-order structures, but the exact role played in this process by protein domains is not well understood. In this study we show the formation of different higher-order structures of the receptor-type phosphatase PTPRJ, detected in HEK293A cells transfected with different PTPRJ expression constructs. In the plasma membrane PTPRJ forms dimers detectable by treatment with the cross-linking reagent BS(3) (bis[sulfosuccinimidyl]suberate). However, other PTPRJ complexes, dependent on the formation of disulfide bonds, are detected by treatment with the oxidant agent H(2)O(2) or by a mutation Asp872Cys, located in the eighth fibronectin type III domain of PTPRJ. A deletion in the eighth fibronectin domain of PTPRJ impairs its dimerization in the plasma membrane and increases the formation of PTPRJ complexes dependent on disulfide bonds that remain trapped in the cytoplasm. The deletion mutant maintains the catalytic activity but is unable to carry out inhibition of proliferation on HeLa cells, achieved by the wild type form, since it does not reach the plasma membrane. Therefore, the intact structure of the eighth fibronectin domain of PTPRJ is critical for its localization in plasma membrane and biological function.

Formic acid interaction with the uranyl(VI) ion: structural and photochemical characterization.

PubMed

Lucks, Christian; Rossberg, André; Tsushima, Satoru; Foerstendorf, Harald; Fahmy, Karim; Bernhard, Gert

2013-10-07

Complex formation between the uranyl(VI) ion and formic acid was studied by infrared absorption (IR) and X-ray absorption (EXAFS) spectroscopy as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In contrast to the acetate ion which forms exclusively a bidentate complex with uranyl(VI), the formate ion binds to uranyl(VI) in a unidentate fashion. The photochemistry of the uranyl(VI)-formic acid system was explored by DFT calculations and photoreduction of uranyl(VI) in the presence of formic acid was found to occur via an intermolecular process, that is, hydrogen abstraction from hydrogenformate by the photo-excited uranyl(VI). There is no photo-induced decarboxylation of uranyl(VI) formate via an intramolecular process, presumably due to lack of a C=C double bond.

Nanobelt formation of magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate via a soft chemistry process.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhengzhi; Sun, Qunhui; Hu, Zeshan; Deng, Yulin

2006-07-13

The nanobelt formation of magnesium hydroxide sulfate hydrate (MHSH) via a soft chemistry approach using carbonate salt and magnesium sulfate as reactants was successfully demonstrated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersion X-ray spectra (EDS), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the MHSH nanobelts possessed a thin belt structure (approximately 50 nm in thickness) and a rectangular cross profile (approximately 200 nm in width). The MHSH nanobelts suffered decomposition under electron beam irradiation during TEM observation and formed MgO with the pristine nanobelt morphology preserved. The formation process of the MHSH nanobelts was studied by tracking the morphology of the MHSH nanobelts during the reaction. A possible chemical reaction mechanism is proposed.

SimRNAweb: a web server for RNA 3D structure modeling with optional restraints.

PubMed

Magnus, Marcin; Boniecki, Michał J; Dawson, Wayne; Bujnicki, Janusz M

2016-07-08

RNA function in many biological processes depends on the formation of three-dimensional (3D) structures. However, RNA structure is difficult to determine experimentally, which has prompted the development of predictive computational methods. Here, we introduce a user-friendly online interface for modeling RNA 3D structures using SimRNA, a method that uses a coarse-grained representation of RNA molecules, utilizes the Monte Carlo method to sample the conformational space, and relies on a statistical potential to describe the interactions in the folding process. SimRNAweb makes SimRNA accessible to users who do not normally use high performance computational facilities or are unfamiliar with using the command line tools. The simplest input consists of an RNA sequence to fold RNA de novo. Alternatively, a user can provide a 3D structure in the PDB format, for instance a preliminary model built with some other technique, to jump-start the modeling close to the expected final outcome. The user can optionally provide secondary structure and distance restraints, and can freeze a part of the starting 3D structure. SimRNAweb can be used to model single RNA sequences and RNA-RNA complexes (up to 52 chains). The webserver is available at http://genesilico.pl/SimRNAweb. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

The distribution and mechanism of pore formation in copper foams fabricated by Lost Carbonate Sintering method

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

Shahzeydi, Mohammad Hosein; Parvanian, Amir Masoud; Panjepour, Masoud, E-mail: panjepour@cc.iut.ac.ir

2016-01-15

In this research, utilizing X-ray computed tomography (XCT), geometrical characterization, and pore formation mechanisms of highly porous copper foams manufactured by powder metallurgical (PM) process are investigated. Open-cell copper foams with porosity percentages of 60% and 80% and with a pore size within the range of 300–600 μm were manufactured by using potassium carbonate as a space holder agent via the Lost Carbonate Sintering (LCS) technique. XCT and SEM were also employed to investigate the three-dimensional structure of foams and to find the effect of the parameters of the space holders on the structural properties of copper foams. The resultmore » showed an excellent correlation between the structural properties of the foams including the size and shape of the pores, porosity percentage, volume percentage, particle size, and the shape of the sacrificial agent used. Also, the advanced image analysis of XCT images indicated fluctuations up to ± 10% in porosity distribution across different cross-sections of the foams. Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA: DTA–TG) was also used to study the thermal history of the powders used during the manufacturing process of the foams. The results indicated that the melting and thermal decomposition of the potassium carbonate occurred simultaneously at 920 °C and created the porous structure of the foams. By combining the STA result with the result of the tension analysis of cell walls, the mechanisms of open-pore formation were suggested. In fact, most open pores in the samples were formed due to the direct contact of potassium carbonate particles with each other in green compact. Also, it was found that the thermal decomposition of potassium carbonate particles into gaseous CO{sub 2} led to the production of gas pressure inside the closed pores, which eventually caused the creation of cracks on the cell walls and the opening of the pores in foam's structure. - Highlights: • Structural characterization of copper foam produced by LCS method is investigated by tomography images. • The ability of LCS technique to control structural features of produced foams was proved. • The mechanisms of open pores formation were presented.« less

Pathways to Mesoporous Resin/Carbon Thin Films with Alternating Gyroid Morphology

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

Zhang, Qi; Matsuoka, Fumiaki; Suh, Hyo Seon

Three-dimensional (3D) mesoporous thin films with sub-100 nm periodic lattices are of increasing interest as templates for a number of nanotechnology applications, yet are hard to achieve with conventional top-down fabrication methods. Block copolymer self-assembly derived mesoscale structures provide a toolbox for such 3D template formation. In this work, single (alternating) gyroidal and double gyroidal mesoporous thin-film structures are achieved via solvent vapor annealing assisted co-assembly of poly(isoprene-block-styrene-block-ethylene oxide) (PI-b-PS-b-PEO, ISO) and resorcinol/phenol formaldehyde resols. In particular, the alternating gyroid thin-film morphology is highly desirable for potential template backfilling processes as a result of the large pore volume fraction. Inmore » situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering during solvent annealing is employed as a tool to elucidate and navigate the pathway complexity of the structure formation processes. The resulting network structures are resistant to high temperatures provided an inert atmosphere. The thin films have tunable hydrophilicity from pyrolysis at different temperatures, while pore sizes can be tailored by varying ISO molar mass. A transfer technique between substrates is demonstrated for alternating gyroidal mesoporous thin films, circumventing the need to re-optimize film formation protocols for different substrates. Increased conductivity after pyrolysis at high temperatures demonstrates that these gyroidal mesoporous resin/carbon thin films have potential as functional 3D templates for a number of nanomaterials applications.« less

The processing of aluminum gasarites via thermal decomposition of interstitial hydrides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Licavoli, Joseph J.

Gasarite structures are a unique type of metallic foam containing tubular pores. The original methods for their production limited them to laboratory study despite appealing foam properties. Thermal decomposition processing of gasarites holds the potential to increase the application of gasarite foams in engineering design by removing several barriers to their industrial scale production. The following study characterized thermal decomposition gasarite processing both experimentally and theoretically. It was found that significant variation was inherent to this process therefore several modifications were necessary to produce gasarites using this method. Conventional means to increase porosity and enhance pore morphology were studied. Pore morphology was determined to be more easily replicated if pores were stabilized by alumina additions and powders were dispersed evenly. In order to better characterize processing, high temperature and high ramp rate thermal decomposition data were gathered. It was found that the high ramp rate thermal decomposition behavior of several hydrides was more rapid than hydride kinetics at low ramp rates. This data was then used to estimate the contribution of several pore formation mechanisms to the development of pore structure. It was found that gas-metal eutectic growth can only be a viable pore formation mode if non-equilibrium conditions persist. Bubble capture cannot be a dominant pore growth mode due to high bubble terminal velocities. Direct gas evolution appears to be the most likely pore formation mode due to high gas evolution rate from the decomposing particulate and microstructural pore growth trends. The overall process was evaluated for its economic viability. It was found that thermal decomposition has potential for industrialization, but further refinements are necessary in order for the process to be viable.

Engineering of layered, lipid-encapsulated drug nanoparticles through spray-drying.

PubMed

Sapra, Mahak; Mayya, Y S; Venkataraman, Chandra

2017-06-01

Drug-containing nanoparticles have been synthesized through the spray-drying of submicron droplet aerosols by using matrix materials such as lipids and biopolymers. Understanding layer formation in composite nanoparticles is essential for the appropriate engineering of particle substructures. The present study developed a droplet-shrinkage model for predicting the solid-phase formation of two non-volatile solutes-stearic acid lipid and a set of drugs, by considering molecular volume and solubility. Nanoparticle formation was simulated to define the parameter space of material properties and process conditions for the formation of a layered structure with the preferential accumulation of the lipid in the outer layer. Moreover, lipid-drug demarcation diagrams representing a set of critical values of ratios of solute properties at which the two solutes precipitate simultaneously were developed. The model was validated through the preparation of stearic acid-isoniazid nanoparticles under controlled processing conditions. The developed model can guide the selection of solvents, lipids, and processing conditions such that drug loading and lipid encapsulation in composite nanoparticles are optimized. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Organogenesis of the Ovary

PubMed Central

Ditewig, Amy C

2005-01-01

The general perspective of ovary organogenesis is that the ovary is the default organ which develops in the absence of testis-promoting factors. Testis formation, on the other hand, is a male-specific event promoted by active components that override the default ovarian process. However, when comparing the sex determination mechanism among different vertebrate species, it is apparent that this default view of ovary formation can only be applied to mammals. In species such as reptiles and birds, ovary formation is an active process stimulated by estrogen. Remnants of this estrogen-dominant pathway are still present in marsupials, a close relative of eutherian mammals, like humans and mice. Although initial formation of the mammalian ovary has become strictly regulated by genetic components and is therefore independent of estrogen, the feminizing effect of estrogen regains its command in adult ovaries. When estrogen production, or its signaling, is inhibited, transdifferentiation of ovarian tissues to testis structures occur in adult females. Taken together, these observations prompt us to reconsider the process of ovary organogenesis as the default organ and question if testis development is actually the default pathway. PMID:19521565

Formation of sodium bismuth titanate-barium titanate during solid-state synthesis

DOE PAGES

Hou, Dong; Aksel, Elena; Fancher, Chris M.; ...

2017-01-12

Phase formation of sodium bismuth titanate (Na 0.5Bi 0.5TiO 3 or NBT) and its solid solution with barium titanate (BaTiO 3 or BT) during the calcination process is studied using in situ high-temperature diffraction. The reactant powders were mixed and heated to 1000°C, while X-ray diffraction patterns were recorded continuously. Phase evolutions from starting materials to final perovskite products are observed, and different transient phases are identified. The formation mechanism of NBT and NBT–xBT perovskite structures is discussed, and a reaction sequence is suggested based on the observations. The in situ study leads to a new processing approach, which ismore » the use of nano-TiO 2, and gives insights to the particle size effect for solid-state synthesis products. Lastly, it was found that the use of nano-TiO 2 as reactant powder accelerates the synthesis process, decreases the formation of transient phases, and helps to obtain phase-pure products using a lower thermal budget.« less

Synthesis of complex oxides with garnet structure by spray drying of an aqueous salt solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makeenko, A. V.; Larionova, T. V.; Klimova-Korsmik, O. G.; Starykh, R. V.; Galkin, V. V.; Tolochko, O. V.

2017-04-01

The use of spray drying to obtain powders of complex oxides with a garnet structure has demonstrated. The processes occurring during heating of the synthesized oxide-salt product, leading to the formation of a material with a garnet structure, have been investigated using DTA, TGA, XPS, and XRD. It has been shown that a single-phase garnet structure of system (Y x Gd(3- x))3Al5O12 can be synthesized over the entire range of compositions.

Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy reveals the complex behaviour of an amyloid fibril inhibitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Middleton, Chris T.; Marek, Peter; Cao, Ping; Chiu, Chi-Cheng; Singh, Sadanand; Woys, Ann Marie; de Pablo, Juan J.; Raleigh, Daniel P.; Zanni, Martin T.

2012-05-01

Amyloid formation has been implicated in the pathology of over 20 human diseases, but the rational design of amyloid inhibitors is hampered by a lack of structural information about amyloid-inhibitor complexes. We use isotope labelling and two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy to obtain a residue-specific structure for the complex of human amylin (the peptide responsible for islet amyloid formation in type 2 diabetes) with a known inhibitor (rat amylin). Based on its sequence, rat amylin should block formation of the C-terminal β-sheet, but at 8 h after mixing, rat amylin blocks the N-terminal β-sheet instead. At 24 h after mixing, rat amylin blocks neither β-sheet and forms its own β-sheet, most probably on the outside of the human fibrils. This is striking, because rat amylin is natively disordered and not previously known to form amyloid β-sheets. The results show that even seemingly intuitive inhibitors may function by unforeseen and complex structural processes.

The impact of protein disulfide bonds on the amyloid fibril morphology

PubMed Central

Kurouski, Dmitry

2014-01-01

Amyloid fibrils are associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Being formed from more than 20 different proteins that are functionally or structurally unrelated, amyloid fibrils share a common cross-β core structure. It is a well-accepted hypothesis that fibril biological activity and the associated toxicity vary with their morphology. Partial denaturation of a native protein usually precedes the initial stage of fibrillation, namely the nucleation process. Low pH and elevated temperature, typical conditions of amyloid fibril formation in vitro, resulted in partial denaturation of the proteins. Cleavage of disulfide bonds results typically in significant disruption of protein native structure and in the formation of the molten global state. Herein we report on a comparative investigation of fibril formation by apo-α-lactalbumin and its analog that contains only one of the four original disulfide bonds using deep UV resonance and non-resonance Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Significant differences in the aggregation mechanism and the resulting fibril morphology were found. PMID:24693331

Preliminary Regional Analysis of the Kaguya Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS) Data through Eastern Mare Imbrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, B.L.; Antonenko, I.; Yamaguchi, Y.; Osinski, G.; Ono, T.; Ku-mamoto, A.

2009-01-01

The Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS) experiment on board the Kaguya spacecraft is observing the subsurface structure of the Moon, using ground-penetrating radar operating in the frequency range of 5 MHz [1]. Because LRS data provides in-formation about lunar features below the surface, it allows us to improve our understanding of the processes that formed the Moon, and the post-formation changes that have occurred (such as basin formation and volcanism). We look at a swath of preliminary LRS data, that spans from 7 to 72 N, and from 2 to 10 W, passing through the eastern portion of Mare Imbrium (Figure 1). Using software, designed for the mineral exploration industry, we produce a preliminary, coarse 3D model, showing the regional structure beneath the study area. Future research will involve smaller subsets of the data in regions of interest, where finer structures, such as those identified in [2], can be studied.

NASTRAN analysis of Tokamak vacuum vessel using interactive graphics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, A.; Badrian, M.

1978-01-01

Isoparametric quadrilateral and triangular elements were used to represent the vacuum vessel shell structure. For toroidally symmetric loadings, MPCs were employed across model boundaries and rigid format 24 was invoked. Nonsymmetric loadings required the use of the cyclic symmetry analysis available with rigid format 49. NASTRAN served as an important analysis tool in the Tokamak design effort by providing a reliable means for assessing structural integrity. Interactive graphics were employed in the finite element model generation and in the post-processing of results. It was felt that model generation and checkout with interactive graphics reduced the modelling effort and debugging man-hours significantly.

Chemoselective methylation of phenolic hydroxyl group prevents quinone methide formation and repolymerization during lignin depolymerization

DOE PAGES

Kim, Kwang Ho; Dutta, Tanmoy; Walter, Eric D.; ...

2017-03-22

Chemoselective blocking of the phenolic hydroxyl (Ar–OH) group by methylation was found to suppress secondary repolymerization and charring during lignin depolymerization. Methylation of Ar–OH prevents formation of reactive quinone methide intermediates, which are partly responsible for undesirable secondary repolymerization reactions. Instead, this structurally modified lignin produces more relatively low molecular weight products from lignin depolymerization compared to unmodified lignin. This result demonstrates that structural modification of lignin is desirable for production of low molecular weight phenolic products. Finally, this approach could be directed toward alteration of natural lignification processes to produce biomass that is more amenable to chemical depolymerization.

Thermo-elasto-plastic simulations of femtosecond laser-induced multiple-cavity in fused silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beuton, R.; Chimier, B.; Breil, J.; Hébert, D.; Mishchik, K.; Lopez, J.; Maire, P. H.; Duchateau, G.

2018-04-01

The formation and the interaction of multiple cavities, induced by tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses, are studied using a developed numerical tool, including the thermo-elasto-plastic material response. Simulations are performed in fused silica in cases of one, two, and four spots of laser energy deposition. The relaxation of the heated matter, launching shock waves in the surrounding cold material, leads to cavity formation and emergence of areas where cracks may be induced. Results show that the laser-induced structure shape depends on the energy deposition configuration and demonstrate the potential of the used numerical tool to obtain the desired designed structure or technological process.

Synthesis of Hollow Sphere and 1D Structural Materials by Sol-Gel Process.

PubMed

Li, Fa-Liang; Zhang, Hai-Jun

2017-08-25

The sol-gel method is a simple and facile wet chemical process for fabricating advanced materials with high homogeneity, high purity, and excellent chemical reactivity at a relatively low temperature. By adjusting the processing parameters, the sol-gel technique can be used to prepare hollow sphere and 1D structural materials that exhibit a wide application in the fields of catalyst, drug or gene carriers, photoactive, sensors and Li-ion batteries. This feature article reviewed the development of the preparation of hollow sphere and 1D structural materials using the sol-gel method. The effects of calcination temperature, soaking time, pH value, surfactant, etc., on the preparation of hollow sphere and 1D structural materials were summarized, and their formation mechanisms were generalized. Finally, possible future research directions of the sol-gel technique were outlined.

Synthesis of Hollow Sphere and 1D Structural Materials by Sol-Gel Process

PubMed Central

Li, Fa-Liang; Zhang, Hai-Jun

2017-01-01

The sol-gel method is a simple and facile wet chemical process for fabricating advanced materials with high homogeneity, high purity, and excellent chemical reactivity at a relatively low temperature. By adjusting the processing parameters, the sol-gel technique can be used to prepare hollow sphere and 1D structural materials that exhibit a wide application in the fields of catalyst, drug or gene carriers, photoactive, sensors and Li-ion batteries. This feature article reviewed the development of the preparation of hollow sphere and 1D structural materials using the sol-gel method. The effects of calcination temperature, soaking time, pH value, surfactant, etc., on the preparation of hollow sphere and 1D structural materials were summarized, and their formation mechanisms were generalized. Finally, possible future research directions of the sol-gel technique were outlined. PMID:28841188

Nanoscale Confinement Controls the Crystallization of Calcium Phosphate: Relevance to Bone Formation

PubMed Central

Cantaert, Bram; Beniash, Elia; Meldrum, Fiona C.

2015-01-01

A key feature of biomineralization processes is that they take place within confined volumes, in which the local environment can have significant effects on mineral formation. Herein, we investigate the influence of confinement on the formation mechanism and structure of calcium phosphate (CaP). This is of particular relevance to the formation of dentine and bone, structures of which are based on highly mineralized collagen fibrils. CaP was precipitated within 25–300 nm diameter, cylindrical pores of track etched and anodised alumina membranes under physiological conditions, in which this system enables systematic study of the effects of the pore size in the absence of a structural match between the matrix and the growing crystals. Our results show that the main products were polycrystalline hydroxapatite (HAP) rods, together with some single crystal octacalcium phosphate (OCP) rods. Notably, we demonstrate that these were generated though an intermediate amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) phase, and that ACP is significantly stabilised in confinement. This effect may have significance to the mineralization of bone, which can occur through a transient ACP phase. We also show that orientation of the HAP comparable, or even superior to that seen in bone can be achieved through confinement effects alone. Although this simple experimental system cannot be considered, a direct mimic of the in vivo formation of ultrathin HAP platelets within collagen fibrils, our results show that the effects of physical confinement should not be neglected when considering the mechanisms of formation of structures, such as bones and teeth. PMID:24115275

Nanoscale confinement controls the crystallization of calcium phosphate: relevance to bone formation.

PubMed

Cantaert, Bram; Beniash, Elia; Meldrum, Fiona C

2013-10-25

A key feature of biomineralization processes is that they take place within confined volumes, in which the local environment can have significant effects on mineral formation. Herein, we investigate the influence of confinement on the formation mechanism and structure of calcium phosphate (CaP). This is of particular relevance to the formation of dentine and bone, structures of which are based on highly mineralized collagen fibrils. CaP was precipitated within 25-300 nm diameter, cylindrical pores of track etched and anodised alumina membranes under physiological conditions, in which this system enables systematic study of the effects of the pore size in the absence of a structural match between the matrix and the growing crystals. Our results show that the main products were polycrystalline hydroxapatite (HAP) rods, together with some single crystal octacalcium phosphate (OCP) rods. Notably, we demonstrate that these were generated though an intermediate amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) phase, and that ACP is significantly stabilised in confinement. This effect may have significance to the mineralization of bone, which can occur through a transient ACP phase. We also show that orientation of the HAP comparable, or even superior to that seen in bone can be achieved through confinement effects alone. Although this simple experimental system cannot be considered, a direct mimic of the in vivo formation of ultrathin HAP platelets within collagen fibrils, our results show that the effects of physical confinement should not be neglected when considering the mechanisms of formation of structures, such as bones and teeth. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Heinz Electronic Library Interactive Online System (HELIOS): Building a Digital Archive Using Imaging, OCR, and Natural Language Processing Technologies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Galloway, Edward A.; Michalek, Gabrielle V.

1995-01-01

Discusses the conversion project of the congressional papers of Senator John Heinz into digital format and the provision of electronic access to these papers by Carnegie Mellon University. Topics include collection background, project team structure, document processing, scanning, use of optical character recognition software, verification…

Potential in vivo roles of nucleic acid triple-helices

PubMed Central

Buske, Fabian A

2011-01-01

The ability of double-stranded DNA to form a triple-helical structure by hydrogen bonding with a third strand is well established, but the biological functions of these structures remain largely unknown. There is considerable albeit circumstantial evidence for the existence of nucleic triplexes in vivo and their potential participation in a variety of biological processes including chromatin organization, DNA repair, transcriptional regulation and RNA processing has been investigated in a number of studies to date. There is also a range of possible mechanisms to regulate triplex formation through differential expression of triplex-forming RNAs, alteration of chromatin accessibility, sequence unwinding and nucleotide modifications. With the advent of next generation sequencing technology combined with targeted approaches to isolate triplexes, it is now possible to survey triplex formation with respect to their genomic context, abundance and dynamical changes during differentiation and development, which may open up new vistas in understanding genome biology and gene regulation. PMID:21525785

Formation of nanofilament field emission devices

DOEpatents

Morse, Jeffrey D.; Contolini, Robert J.; Musket, Ronald G.; Bernhardt, Anthony F.

2000-01-01

A process for fabricating a nanofilament field emission device. The process enables the formation of high aspect ratio, electroplated nanofilament structure devices for field emission displays wherein a via is formed in a dielectric layer and is self-aligned to a via in the gate metal structure on top of the dielectric layer. The desired diameter of the via in the dielectric layer is on the order of 50-200 nm, with an aspect ratio of 5-10. In one embodiment, after forming the via in the dielectric layer, the gate metal is passivated, after which a plating enhancement layer is deposited in the bottom of the via, where necessary. The nanofilament is then electroplated in the via, followed by removal of the gate passification layer, etch back of the dielectric, and sharpening of the nanofilament. A hard mask layer may be deposited on top of the gate metal and removed following electroplating of the nanofilament.

Pd-Ni-MWCNT nanocomposite thin films: preparation and structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozłowski, Mirosław; Czerwosz, ElŻbieta; Sobczak, Kamil

2017-08-01

The properties of nanocomposite palladium-nickel-multi-walled (Pd-Ni-MWCNT) films deposited on aluminum oxide (Al2O3) substrate have been prepared and investigated. These films were obtained by 3 step process consisted of PVD/CVD/PVD methods. The morphology and structure of the obtained films were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques at various stages of the film formation. EDX spectrometer was used to measurements of elements segregation in the obtained film. TEM and STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy) observations showed MWCNTs decorated with palladium nanoparticles in the film obtained in the last step of film formation (final PVD process). The average size of the palladium nanoparticles observed both on MWCNTs and carbonaceous matrix does not exceed 5 nm. The research was conducted on the use of the obtained films as potential sensors of gases (e.g. H2, NH3, CO2) and bio-sensors or optical sensors.

High-Performance of Gas Hydrates in Confined Nanospace for Reversible CH4 /CO2 Storage.

PubMed

Casco, Mirian E; Jordá, José L; Rey, Fernando; Fauth, François; Martinez-Escandell, Manuel; Rodríguez-Reinoso, Francisco; Ramos-Fernández, Enrique V; Silvestre-Albero, Joaquín

2016-07-11

The molecular exchange of CH4 for CO2 in gas hydrates grown in confined nanospace has been evaluated for the first time using activated carbons as a host structure. The nano-confinement effects taking place inside the carbon cavities and the exceptional physicochemical properties of the carbon structure allows us to accelerate the formation and decomposition process of the gas hydrates from the conventional timescale of hours/days in artificial bulk systems to minutes in confined nanospace. The CH4 /CO2 exchange process is fully reversible with high efficiency at practical temperature and pressure conditions. Furthermore, these activated carbons can be envisaged as promising materials for long-distance natural gas and CO2 transportation because of the combination of a high storage capacity, a high reversibility, and most important, with extremely fast kinetics for gas hydrate formation and release. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Morphology of brood pouch formation in the pot-bellied seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Mari; Okubo, Ryohei; Harada, Akari; Miyasaka, Kazuki; Takada, Kensuke; Hiroi, Junya; Yasumasu, Shigeki

2017-01-01

The reproductive strategies of vertebrates are diverse. Seahorses (Pisces: Syngnathidae) possess the unique characteristic of male pregnancy; i.e., males, not females, incubate embryos in a specialized structure called a 'brood pouch'. The brood pouch is formed along the ventral midline of the tail. The lumen of the brood pouch is surrounded by loose connective tissue, called pseudoplacenta, and dermis. We visualized and evaluated the morphology of brood pouch formation in Hippocampus abdominalis to gain generalizable insights into this process in seahorses. First, we employed several staining methods to characterize the pseudoplacenta and dermis of the brood pouch of mature male seahorses. The pseudoplacenta is composed mainly of reticular fibers, while the dermis is composed mainly of collagenous fibers. Further observations showed that pouch formation is initiated by linear projections of epithelia on both ventrolateral sides of the body. These projections elongated toward the ventral midline, eventually fused together, and then formed a baggy structure composed of a single dermis layer with neither smooth muscle nor pseudoplacenta. Finally, the pseudoplacenta was formed, together with two layers of dermis and smooth muscle. Thus, a fully developed brood pouch was established. The morphology of the luminal epithelium also changed during pouch formation. We analyzed the localization of C-type lectins as markers; haCTL II was localized in both the outer and luminal epithelia of the brood pouch throughout development in the male seahorse, whereas haCTL IV, which was not detected in the early stage of seahorse development, became localized only in the luminal epithelium as development proceeded. We categorized the processes of brood pouch formation during male seahorse development into three stages: (1) the early stage, characterized by formation of a baggy structure from the primordium; (2) the middle stage, characterized by the differentiation and establishment of brood pouch-specific tissues; and (3) the late stage, characterized by a fully formed pouch with developing blood vessels and a pouch fold ultimately capable of carrying and incubating embryos.

Structural and dielectric properties of thin ZrO2 films on silicon grown by atomic layer deposition from cyclopentadienyl precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niinistö, J.; Putkonen, M.; Niinistö, L.; Kukli, K.; Ritala, M.; Leskelä, M.

2004-01-01

ZrO2 thin films with thicknesses below 20 nm were deposited by the atomic layer deposition process on Si(100) substrates at 350 °C. An organometallic precursor, Cp2Zr(CH3)2 (Cp=cyclopentadienyl, C5H5) was used as the zirconium source and water or ozone as oxygen source. The influence of oxygen source and substrate pretreatment on the dielectric properties of ZrO2 films was investigated. Structural characterization with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy was performed to films grown onto HF-etched or native oxide covered silicon. Strong inhibition of ZrO2 film growth was observed with the water process on HF-etched Si. Ozone process on HF-etched Si resulted in interfacial SiO2 formation between the dense and uniform film and the substrate while water process produced interfacial layer with intermixing of SiO2 and ZrO2. The effective permittivity of ZrO2 in Al/ZrO2/Si/Al capacitor structures was dependent on the ZrO2 layer thickness and oxygen source used. The interfacial layer formation increased the capacitance equivalent oxide thickness (CET). CET of 2.0 nm was achieved with 5.9 nm ZrO2 film deposited with the H2O process on HF-stripped Si. The ozone-processed films showed good dielectric properties such as low hysteresis and nearly ideal flatband voltage. The leakage current density was lower and breakdown field higher for the ozone-processed ZrO2 films.

The role of Mesozoic sedimentary basin tapers on the formation of Cenozoic crustal shortening structures and foredeep in the western Sichuan Basin, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, M.

2017-12-01

The foreland basin records important clues of tectonic and sedimentary process of mountain-building, thus to explore its dynamic mechanism on the formation is an important issue of the mountain-basin interaction. The Longmen Shan fold-and-thrust belt and its adjacent Sichuan basin located in the eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau, are one of the most-concerned regions of studying modern mountain-building and seismic process, and are also a natural laboratory of studying the dynamics of the formation and development of foreland basin. However, it still need further explore on the mechanics of the development of the Cenozoic foreland basin and thrust-belts in the western Sichuan Basin. The Longmen Shan thrust belt has experienced multi-stages of tectonics evolution, foreland basin formation and topography growth since Late Triassic, and whether the early formed basin architecture and large Mesozoic sedimentary basin taper can influence the formation and development of the Cenozoic foreland basin and thrust belts? To solve these issues, this project aim to focus on the Cenozoic foreland basin and internal crustal shortening structures in the western Sichuan basin, on the basis of growth critical wedge taper theory. We will reconstruct the shape of multi-phases of sedimentary basin tapers, the temporal-spatial distribution of crustal shortening and thrusting sequences, and analyze the control mechanism of Mesozoic sedimentary basin taper on the formation of Cenozoic foreland basins, and final explore the interaction between the tectonics geomorphology, stress field and dynamic propagation of foreland basin.

Fostering professional formation in residency: development and evaluation of the "forum" seminar series.

PubMed

Nothnagle, Melissa; Reis, Shmuel; Goldman, Roberta E; Anandarajah, Gowri

2014-01-01

Residency training is a critical time for physicians' professional formation. However, few structured interventions exist to support residents in this transformative process of integrating personal and professional values, a process that is essential to physician identity formation and preservation of core values such as service and compassion. The authors created a seminar series, the "Forum," to support resident professional formation and address the hidden curriculum as part of a larger intervention to support self-directed learning skills such as goal setting and reflection. Ninety-minute sessions with senior residents and faculty held every other month include opportunities for individual reflection, small- and large-group discussion, and brief didactic components focused on skills such as teaching and leadership. The qualitative program evaluation included analyses of individual semistructured interviews with resident and faculty participants from 2008 to 2011 and of notes recorded by an observer during the 1st year's sessions. Residents appreciated the focus on relevant issues, presence of faculty, opportunities for reflection and interactivity, and inclusion of practical skills. Effects attributed to the Forum included gaining practical skills, feeling a deeper connection to one another and a sense of community, and recognizing progress in their own professional development and growth. Elements described in the literature as essential to professional formation, including encouraging reflection, use of narrative, role modeling, addressing the hidden curriculum, and fostering an authentic community, were recognized by participants as integral to the Forum's success. A group forum for reflection and discussion with peers and role models, tailored to local needs, offers an effective structure to foster professional formation in residency.

Self-assembling iron oxyhydroxide/oxide tubular structures: laboratory-grown and field examples from Rio Tinto.

PubMed

Barge, Laura M; Cardoso, Silvana S S; Cartwright, Julyan H E; Doloboff, Ivria J; Flores, Erika; Macías-Sánchez, Elena; Sainz-Díaz, C Ignacio; Sobrón, Pablo

2016-11-01

Rio Tinto in southern Spain has become of increasing astrobiological significance, in particular for its similarity to environments on early Mars. We present evidence of tubular structures from sampled terraces in the stream bed at the source of the river, as well as ancient, now dry, terraces. This is the first reported finding of tubular structures in this particular environment. We propose that some of these structures could be formed through self-assembly via an abiotic mechanism involving templated precipitation around a fluid jet, a similar mechanism to that commonly found in so-called chemical gardens. Laboratory experiments simulating the formation of self-assembling iron oxyhydroxide tubes via chemical garden/chemobrionic processes form similar structures. Fluid-mechanical scaling analysis demonstrates that the proposed mechanism is plausible. Although the formation of tube structures is not itself a biosignature, the iron mineral oxidation gradients across the tube walls in laboratory and field examples may yield information about energy gradients and potentially habitable environments.

Formation of periodic surface structures on dielectrics after irradiation with laser beams of spatially variant polarisation: a comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadopoulos, Antonis; Skoulas, Evangelos; Tsibidis, George D.; Stratakis, Emmanuel

2018-02-01

A comparative study is performed to explore the periodic structure formation upon intense femtosecond-pulsed irradiation of dielectrics with radially and azimuthally polarised beams. Laser conditions have been selected appropriately to produce excited carriers with densities below the optical breakdown threshold in order to highlight the role of phase transitions in surface modification mechanisms. The frequency of the laser-induced structures is calculated based on a theoretical model that comprises estimation of electron density excitation, heat transfer, relaxation processes, and hydrodynamics-related mass transport. The influence of the laser wavelength in the periodicity of the structures is also unveiled. The decreased energy absorption for azimuthally polarised beams yields periodic structures with smaller frequencies which are more pronounced as the number of laser pulses applied to the irradiation spot increases. Similar results are obtained for laser pulses of larger photon energy and higher fluences. All induced periodic structures are oriented parallel to the laser beam polarisation.

Self-assembling iron oxyhydroxide/oxide tubular structures: laboratory-grown and field examples from Rio Tinto

PubMed Central

Barge, Laura M.; Doloboff, Ivria J.; Flores, Erika; Sobrón, Pablo

2016-01-01

Rio Tinto in southern Spain has become of increasing astrobiological significance, in particular for its similarity to environments on early Mars. We present evidence of tubular structures from sampled terraces in the stream bed at the source of the river, as well as ancient, now dry, terraces. This is the first reported finding of tubular structures in this particular environment. We propose that some of these structures could be formed through self-assembly via an abiotic mechanism involving templated precipitation around a fluid jet, a similar mechanism to that commonly found in so-called chemical gardens. Laboratory experiments simulating the formation of self-assembling iron oxyhydroxide tubes via chemical garden/chemobrionic processes form similar structures. Fluid-mechanical scaling analysis demonstrates that the proposed mechanism is plausible. Although the formation of tube structures is not itself a biosignature, the iron mineral oxidation gradients across the tube walls in laboratory and field examples may yield information about energy gradients and potentially habitable environments. PMID:27956875

The NeXus data format.

PubMed

Könnecke, Mark; Akeroyd, Frederick A; Bernstein, Herbert J; Brewster, Aaron S; Campbell, Stuart I; Clausen, Björn; Cottrell, Stephen; Hoffmann, Jens Uwe; Jemian, Pete R; Männicke, David; Osborn, Raymond; Peterson, Peter F; Richter, Tobias; Suzuki, Jiro; Watts, Benjamin; Wintersberger, Eugen; Wuttke, Joachim

2015-02-01

NeXus is an effort by an international group of scientists to define a common data exchange and archival format for neutron, X-ray and muon experiments. NeXus is built on top of the scientific data format HDF5 and adds domain-specific rules for organizing data within HDF5 files, in addition to a dictionary of well defined domain-specific field names. The NeXus data format has two purposes. First, it defines a format that can serve as a container for all relevant data associated with a beamline. This is a very important use case. Second, it defines standards in the form of application definitions for the exchange of data between applications. NeXus provides structures for raw experimental data as well as for processed data.

Polarized protein transport and lumen formation during epithelial tissue morphogenesis.

PubMed

Blasky, Alex J; Mangan, Anthony; Prekeris, Rytis

2015-01-01

One of the major challenges in biology is to explain how complex tissues and organs arise from the collective action of individual polarized cells. The best-studied model of this process is the cross talk between individual epithelial cells during their polarization to form the multicellular epithelial lumen during tissue morphogenesis. Multiple mechanisms of apical lumen formation have been proposed. Some epithelial lumens form from preexisting polarized epithelial structures. However, de novo lumen formation from nonpolarized cells has recently emerged as an important driver of epithelial tissue morphogenesis, especially during the formation of small epithelial tubule networks. In this review, we discuss the latest findings regarding the mechanisms and regulation of de novo lumen formation in vitro and in vivo.

Factor Structure and Validity of Paper-and-Pencil Measures of Mental Speed: Evidence for a Higher-Order Model?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Danthiir, Vanessa; Wilhelm, Oliver; Schulze, Ralf; Roberts, Richard D.

2005-01-01

This study explored the structure of elementary cognitive tasks (ECTs) and relations between the corresponding construct(s) with processing speed (Gs) and fluid intelligence (Gf). Participants (N=321) completed 14 ECTs, 3 Gs, and 6 Gf marker tests, all administered in paper-and-pencil format to reduce potential confounds evident when tasks are…

Vancomycin: ligand recognition, dimerization and super-complex formation.

PubMed

Jia, ZhiGuang; O'Mara, Megan L; Zuegg, Johannes; Cooper, Matthew A; Mark, Alan E

2013-03-01

The antibiotic vancomycin targets lipid II, blocking cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria. Despite extensive study, questions remain regarding how it recognizes its primary ligand and what is the most biologically relevant form of vancomycin. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation techniques have been used to examine the process of ligand binding and dimerization of vancomycin. Starting from one or more vancomycin monomers in solution, together with different peptide ligands derived from lipid II, the simulations predict the structures of the ligated monomeric and dimeric complexes to within 0.1 nm rmsd of the structures determined experimentally. The simulations reproduce the conformation transitions observed by NMR and suggest that proposed differences between the crystal structure and the solution structure are an artifact of the way the NMR data has been interpreted in terms of a structural model. The spontaneous formation of both back-to-back and face-to-face dimers was observed in the simulations. This has allowed a detailed analysis of the origin of the cooperatively between ligand binding and dimerization and suggests that the formation of face-to-face dimers could be functionally significant. The work also highlights the possible role of structural water in stabilizing the vancomycin ligand complex and its role in the manifestation of vancomycin resistance. © 2013 The Authors Journal compilation © 2013 FEBS.

Twice electric field poling for engineering multiperiodic Hex-PPLN microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagliarulo, Vito; Gennari, Oriella; Rega, Romina; Mecozzi, Laura; Grilli, Simonetta; Ferraro, Pietro

2018-05-01

Satellite bulk ferroelectric domains were observed everywhere around the larger main inverted ferroelectric domains when a Twice Electric Field Poling (TEFP) process is applied on a z-cut lithium niobate substrate. TEFP approach can be very advantageous for engineering multiperiodic poled microstructures in ferroelectrics. In fact, it is very difficult in the experimental practice to avoid underpoling and/or overpoling when structures with different sizes are requested in the same crystal. TEFP was applied to photoresist patterned crystal with 100 μm period and then a second EP step, with a ten-times smaller periodicity of 10 μm, was accomplished on the same sample. The intriguing fact is that the shorter 10 μm pattern disappeared everywhere except that around the larger satellite ferroelectric domains. The formation of this double-periodicity in the reversed ferroelectric domains occurs very easily and in repeatedly way. We have experimentally investigated the formation of such HePPLN structures by an interference microscopy in digital holography (DH) modality. The reported results demonstrate the possibility of fabricating multi-periodic structures and open the way to investigate the possibility to achieve hierarchical PPLN structures by multiple subsequent electric poling processes.

The characterisation of atomic structure and glass-forming ability of the Zr-Cu-Co metallic glasses studied by molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celtek, M.; Sengul, S.

2018-03-01

In the present work, the glass formation process and structural properties of Zr50Cu50-xCox (0 ≤ x ≤ 50) bulk metallic glasses were investigated by a molecular dynamics simulation with the many body tight-binding potentials. The evolution of structure and glass formation process with temperature were discussed using the coordination number, the radial distribution functions, the volume-temperature curve, icosahedral short-range order, glass transition temperature, Voronoi analysis, Honeycutt-Andersen pair analysis technique and the distribution of bond-angles. Results indicate that adding Co causes similar responses on the nature of the Zr50Cu50-xCox (0 ≤ x ≤ 50) alloys except for higher glass transition temperature and ideal icosahedral type ordered local atomic environment. Also, the differences of the atomic radii play the key role in influencing the atomic structure of these alloys. Both Cu and Co atoms play a significant role in deciding the chemical and topological short-range orders of the Zr50Cu50-xCox ternary liquids and amorphous alloys. The glass-forming ability of these alloys is supported by the experimental observations reported in the literature up to now.

Nanoparticle string formation on self-assembled copolymer films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenczyk, J.; Woźniak-Budych, M.; Jarek, M.; Grzeszkowiak, M.; Nowaczyk, G.; Jurga, S.

2017-06-01

Nanoparticles (NP) string formations on self-assembled copolymeric substrates has been observed. These "thread of beads" like structures develop via simple colloidal droplet evaporation during meniscus rim withdrawal on polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-PEO) copolymer surfaces. It is shown that the process is triggered by the presence of the substrate impurities, which lead to NP aggregate formations serving as string initiation sites. The growth mechanism of these linear structures seems to be capillarity-driven. Moreover, there is an exceptional alignment coupling between NP strips and the block copolymer (BC) domains observed. BC directed NP assembly stems from a gold nanocrystal surface functionalization, which introduces selective affinity for one particular type of BC domain. The presented results reveal a potential fabrication method of NP wires characterized by remarkably low width and thickness comparable with the size of the individual constituent NP.

Cross-linked polyimides for integrated optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singer, Kenneth D.; Kowalczyk, Tony C.; Nguyen, Hung D.; Beuhler, Allyson J.; Wargowski, David A.

1997-01-01

We have investigated a promising class of polyimide materials for both passive and active electro-optic devices, namely crosslinkable polyimides. These fluorinated polyimides are soluble in the imidized form and are both thermally and photo-crosslinkable leading to easy processability into waveguide structures and the possibility of stable electro-optic properties. We have fabricated channel and slab waveguides and investigated the mechanism of optical propagation loss using photothermal deflection spectroscopy and waveguide loss spectroscopy, and found the losses to arise from residual absorption due to the formation of charge transfer states. The absorption is inhibited by fluorination leading to propagation losses as low as 0.3 dB/cm in the near infrared. Because of the ability to photocrosslink, channel waveguides are fabricated using a simple wet-etch process. Channel waveguides so formed are observed to have no excess loss over slab structures. Solubility followed by thermal cross-linking allows the formation of multilayer structures. We have produced electro-optic polymers by doping with the nonlinear optical chromophores, DCM and DADC; and a process of concurrent poling and thermal crosslinking. Multilayer structures have been investigated and poling fields optimized in the active layer by doping the cladding with an anti-static agent. The high glass-transition temperature and cross-linking leads to very stable electro-optic properties. We are currently building electro-optic modulators based on these materials. Progress and results in this area also are reported.

Production and testing of the ENEA-Bologna VITJEFF32.BOLIB (JEFF-3.2) multi-group (199 n + 42 γ) cross section library in AMPX format for nuclear fission applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pescarini, Massimo; Orsi, Roberto; Frisoni, Manuela

2017-09-01

The ENEA-Bologna Nuclear Data Group produced the VITJEFF32.BOLIB multi-group coupled neutron/photon (199 n + 42 γ) cross section library in AMPX format, based on the OECD-NEA Data Bank JEFF-3.2 evaluated nuclear data library. VITJEFF32.BOLIB was conceived for nuclear fission applications as European counterpart of the ORNL VITAMIN-B7 similar library (ENDF/B-VII.0 data). VITJEFF32.BOLIB has the same neutron and photon energy group structure as the former ORNL VITAMIN-B6 reference library (ENDF/B-VI.3 data) and was produced using similar data processing methodologies, based on the LANL NJOY-2012.53 nuclear data processing system for the generation of the nuclide cross section data files in GENDF format. Then the ENEA-Bologna 2007 Revision of the ORNL SCAMPI nuclear data processing system was used for the conversion into the AMPX format. VITJEFF32.BOLIB contains processed cross section data files for 190 nuclides, obtained through the Bondarenko (f-factor) method for the treatment of neutron resonance self-shielding and temperature effects. Collapsed working libraries of self-shielded cross sections in FIDO-ANISN format, used by the deterministic transport codes of the ORNL DOORS system, can be generated from VITJEFF32.BOLIB through the cited SCAMPI version. This paper describes the methodology and specifications of the data processing performed and presents some results of the VITJEFF32.BOLIB validation.

Nanostructures nucleation in carbon-metal gaseous phase: A molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galiullina, G. M.; Orekhov, N. D.; Stegailov, V. V.

2018-01-01

We perform nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation of carbon nanoclusters nucleation and early stages of growth from the gaseous phase. We analyze the catalytic effect of iron atoms on the nucleation kinetics and structure of the resultant nanoparticles. Reactive Force Field (ReaxFF) is used in the simulations for the description of bond formation and dissociation during the nucleation process at the nanoscale. The catalytic effect of iron reveals itself even on nanosecond simulation times: iron atoms accelerate the process of clustering but result in less graphitized carbon structures.

[Laser Raman Spectroscopy and Its Application in Gas Hydrate Studies].

PubMed

Fu, Juan; Wu, Neng-you; Lu, Hai-long; Wu, Dai-dai; Su, Qiu-cheng

2015-11-01

Gas hydrates are important potential energy resources. Microstructural characterization of gas hydrate can provide information to study the mechanism of gas hydrate formation and to support the exploitation and application of gas hydrate technology. This article systemly introduces the basic principle of laser Raman spectroscopy and summarizes its application in gas hydrate studies. Based on Raman results, not only can the information about gas composition and structural type be deduced, but also the occupancies of large and small cages and even hydration number can be calculated from the relative intensities of Raman peaks. By using the in-situ analytical technology, laser Raman specstropy can be applied to characterize the formation and decomposition processes of gas hydrate at microscale, for example the enclathration and leaving of gas molecules into/from its cages, to monitor the changes in gas concentration and gas solubility during hydrate formation and decomposition, and to identify phase changes in the study system. Laser Raman in-situ analytical technology has also been used in determination of hydrate structure and understanding its changing process under the conditions of ultra high pressure. Deep-sea in-situ Raman spectrometer can be employed for the in-situ analysis of the structures of natural gas hydrate and their formation environment. Raman imaging technology can be applied to specify the characteristics of crystallization and gas distribution over hydrate surface. With the development of laser Raman technology and its combination with other instruments, it will become more powerful and play a more significant role in the microscopic study of gas hydrate.

Direct observation of macrostructure formation of hierarchically structured meso-macroporous aluminosilicates with 3D interconnectivity by optical microscope.

PubMed

Lemaire, Arnaud; Rooke, Joanna Claire; Chen, Li-Hua; Su, Bao-Lian

2011-03-15

Hierarchically structured spongy meso-macroporous aluminosilicates with high tetrahedral aluminum content were synthesized from a mixture of single molecular alkoxide precursor, (sec-BuO)2-Al-O-Si(OEt)3, already containing Si-O-Al bonds, and a silica coreactant, tetramethoxysilane (TMOS). The spontaneous byproduct templated macroporous structure formation has been directly visualized using in situ high-resolution optical microscopy (OM), allowing the crucial observation of a microbubble dispersion which is directly correlated to the macrostructure observed by electronic microscopies (SEM and TEM). This discovery leads to a comparative study with meso-macroporous pure metal oxide and to a proposal of the formation mechanism of meso-macroporous aluminosilicates with 3D interconnectivity. The aluminosilicate phase/microbubbles emulsion is produced by a phase separation process occurring between the aluminosilicate nanoparticles and the liquid hydrolysis-condensation reaction byproducts (water, methanol, ethanol, and butanol). The use of alkoxysilane improves the heterocondensation rates between the highly reactive aluminum alkoxide part of the single precursor and added silica species but, above all, leads to the spontaneous generation of an unusual meso-macroporosity in alkaline media. The particles obtained at pH = 13.0 featured regular micrometer-sized macrospheres separated by very thin mesoporous walls and connected by submicrometric openings, providing a 3D interconnectivity. The slight increase in pH value to 13.5 induced significant modifications in morphology and textural properties due to the slower gelification process of the aluminosilicate phase, resulting in the formation of an aluminosilicate material constituted of 1-2 µm large independent hollow mesoporous spheres.

Reynolds number influence on the formation of vortical structures on a pitching flat plate.

PubMed

Widmann, Alexander; Tropea, Cameron

2017-02-06

The impact of chord-based Reynolds number on the formation of leading-edge vortices (LEVs) on unsteady pitching flat plates is investigated. The influence of secondary flow structures on the shear layer feeding the LEV and the subsequent topological change at the leading edge as the result of viscous processes are demonstrated. Time-resolved velocity fields are measured using particle image velocimetry simultaneously in two fields of view to correlate local and global flow phenomena in order to identify unsteady boundary-layer separation and the subsequent flow structures. Finally, the Reynolds number is identified as a parameter that is responsible for the transition in mechanisms leading to LEV detachment from an aerofoil, as it determines the viscous response of the boundary layer in the vortex-wall interaction.

Reynolds number influence on the formation of vortical structures on a pitching flat plate

PubMed Central

Tropea, Cameron

2017-01-01

The impact of chord-based Reynolds number on the formation of leading-edge vortices (LEVs) on unsteady pitching flat plates is investigated. The influence of secondary flow structures on the shear layer feeding the LEV and the subsequent topological change at the leading edge as the result of viscous processes are demonstrated. Time-resolved velocity fields are measured using particle image velocimetry simultaneously in two fields of view to correlate local and global flow phenomena in order to identify unsteady boundary-layer separation and the subsequent flow structures. Finally, the Reynolds number is identified as a parameter that is responsible for the transition in mechanisms leading to LEV detachment from an aerofoil, as it determines the viscous response of the boundary layer in the vortex–wall interaction. PMID:28163871

Directed assembly of gold nanowires on silicon via reorganization and simultaneous fusion of randomly distributed gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Reinhardt, Hendrik M; Bücker, Kerstin; Hampp, Norbert A

2015-05-04

Laser-induced reorganization and simultaneous fusion of nanoparticles is introduced as a versatile concept for pattern formation on surfaces. The process takes advantage of a phenomenon called laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) which originates from periodically alternating photonic fringe patterns in the near-field of solids. Associated photonic fringe patterns are shown to reorganize randomly distributed gold nanoparticles on a silicon wafer into periodic gold nanostructures. Concomitant melting due to optical heating facilitates the formation of continuous structures such as periodic gold nanowire arrays. Generated patterns can be converted into secondary structures using directed assembly or self-organization. This includes for example the rotation of gold nanowire arrays by arbitrary angles or their fragmentation into arrays of aligned gold nanoparticles.

Influence of Hybrid Perovskite Fabrication Methods on Film Formation, Electronic Structure, and Solar Cell Performance

PubMed Central

Schnier, Tobias; Emara, Jennifer; Olthof, Selina; Meerholz, Klaus

2017-01-01

Hybrid organic/inorganic halide perovskites have lately been a topic of great interest in the field of solar cell applications, with the potential to achieve device efficiencies exceeding other thin film device technologies. Yet, large variations in device efficiency and basic physical properties are reported. This is due to unintentional variations during film processing, which have not been sufficiently investigated so far. We therefore conducted an extensive study of the morphology and electronic structure of a large number of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite where we show how the preparation method as well as the mixing ratio of educts methylammonium iodide and lead(II) iodide impact properties like film formation, crystal structure, density of states, energy levels, and ultimately the solar cell performance. PMID:28287555

Summer School on Interstellar Processes: Abstracts of contributed papers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollenbach, D. J. (Editor); Thronson, H. A., Jr. (Editor)

1986-01-01

The Summer School on Interstellar Processes was held to discuss the current understanding of the interstellar medium and to analyze the basic physical processes underlying interstellar phenomena. Extended abstracts of the contributed papers given at the meeting are presented. Many of the papers concerned the local structure and kinematics of the interstellar medium and focused on such objects as star formation regions, molecular clouds, HII regions, reflection nebulae, planetary nebulae, supernova remnants, and shock waves. Other papers studied the galactic-scale structure of the interstellar medium either in the Milky Way or other galaxies. Some emphasis was given to observations of interstellar grains and

Stimulated emission depletion microscopy to study amyloid fibril formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahou, Pierre; Curry, Nathan; Pinotsi, Dorothea; Kaminski Schierle, Gabriele; Kaminski, Clemens

2015-03-01

Aggregation of misfolded proteins is a characteristic hallmark of many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. The ability to observe these aggregation processes and the corresponding structures formed in vitro or in situ is therefore a key requirement to understand the molecular mechanisms of these diseases. We report here on the implementation and application of Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy to visualize the formation of amyloid fibrils in vitro.

Inhibition of methane and natural gas hydrate formation by altering the structure of water with amino acids.

PubMed

Sa, Jeong-Hoon; Kwak, Gye-Hoon; Han, Kunwoo; Ahn, Docheon; Cho, Seong Jun; Lee, Ju Dong; Lee, Kun-Hong

2016-08-16

Natural gas hydrates are solid hydrogen-bonded water crystals containing small molecular gases. The amount of natural gas stored as hydrates in permafrost and ocean sediments is twice that of all other fossil fuels combined. However, hydrate blockages also hinder oil/gas pipeline transportation, and, despite their huge potential as energy sources, our insufficient understanding of hydrates has limited their extraction. Here, we report how the presence of amino acids in water induces changes in its structure and thus interrupts the formation of methane and natural gas hydrates. The perturbation of the structure of water by amino acids and the resulting selective inhibition of hydrate cage formation were observed directly. A strong correlation was found between the inhibition efficiencies of amino acids and their physicochemical properties, which demonstrates the importance of their direct interactions with water and the resulting dissolution environment. The inhibition of methane and natural gas hydrate formation by amino acids has the potential to be highly beneficial in practical applications such as hydrate exploitation, oil/gas transportation, and flow assurance. Further, the interactions between amino acids and water are essential to the equilibria and dynamics of many physical, chemical, biological, and environmental processes.

Stepwise Organization of the β-Structure Identifies Key Regions Essential for the Propagation and Cytotoxicity of Insulin Amyloid Fibrils*

PubMed Central

Chatani, Eri; Imamura, Hiroshi; Yamamoto, Naoki; Kato, Minoru

2014-01-01

Amyloid fibrils are supramolecular assemblies, the deposition of which is associated with many serious diseases including Alzheimer, prion, and Huntington diseases. Several smaller aggregates such as oligomers and protofibrils have been proposed to play a role in early stages of the fibrillation process; however, little is known about how these species contribute to the formation of mature amyloid fibrils with a rigid cross-β structure. Here, we identified a new pathway for the formation of insulin amyloid fibrils at a high concentration of salt in which mature fibrils were formed in a stepwise manner via a prefibrillar intermediate: minute prefibrillar species initially accumulated, followed by the subsequent formation of thicker amyloid fibrils. Fourier transform infrared spectra suggested the sequential formation of two types of β-sheets with different strength hydrogen bonds, one of which was developed concomitantly with the mutual assembly of the prefibrillar intermediate to form mature fibrils. Interestingly, fibril propagation and cellular toxicity appeared only after the later step of structural organization, and a comparison of β-sheet regions between the prefibrillar intermediate and mature fibrils using proteolysis led to the proposal of specific regions essential for manifestation of these properties. PMID:24569992

Intense Current Structures Observed at Electron Kinetic Scales in the Near-Earth Magnetotail During Dipolarization and Substorm Current Wedge Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigorenko, E. E.; Dubyagin, S.; Malykhin, A. Yu.; Khotyaintsev, Yu V.; Kronberg, E. A.; Lavraud, B.; Ganushkina, N. Yu

2018-01-01

We use data from the 2013-2014 Cluster Inner Magnetosphere Campaign, with its uniquely small spacecraft separations (less than or equal to electron inertia length, λe), to study multiscale magnetic structures in 14 substorm-related prolonged dipolarizations in the near-Earth magnetotail. Three time scales of dipolarization are identified: (i) a prolonged growth of the BZ component with duration ≤20 min; (ii) BZ pulses with durations ≤1 min during the BZ growth; and (iii) strong magnetic field gradients with durations ≤2 s during the dipolarization growth. The values of these gradients observed at electron scales are several dozen times larger than the corresponding values of magnetic gradients simultaneously detected at ion scales. These nonlinear features in magnetic field gradients denote the formation of intense and localized (approximately a few λe) current structures during the dipolarization and substorm current wedge formation. These observations highlight the importance of electron scale processes in the formation of a 3-D substorm current system.

Inhibition of methane and natural gas hydrate formation by altering the structure of water with amino acids

PubMed Central

Sa, Jeong-Hoon; Kwak, Gye-Hoon; Han, Kunwoo; Ahn, Docheon; Cho, Seong Jun; Lee, Ju Dong; Lee, Kun-Hong

2016-01-01

Natural gas hydrates are solid hydrogen-bonded water crystals containing small molecular gases. The amount of natural gas stored as hydrates in permafrost and ocean sediments is twice that of all other fossil fuels combined. However, hydrate blockages also hinder oil/gas pipeline transportation, and, despite their huge potential as energy sources, our insufficient understanding of hydrates has limited their extraction. Here, we report how the presence of amino acids in water induces changes in its structure and thus interrupts the formation of methane and natural gas hydrates. The perturbation of the structure of water by amino acids and the resulting selective inhibition of hydrate cage formation were observed directly. A strong correlation was found between the inhibition efficiencies of amino acids and their physicochemical properties, which demonstrates the importance of their direct interactions with water and the resulting dissolution environment. The inhibition of methane and natural gas hydrate formation by amino acids has the potential to be highly beneficial in practical applications such as hydrate exploitation, oil/gas transportation, and flow assurance. Further, the interactions between amino acids and water are essential to the equilibria and dynamics of many physical, chemical, biological, and environmental processes. PMID:27526869

HOW THE FIRST STARS SHAPED THE FAINTEST GAS-DOMINATED DWARF GALAXIES

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

Verbeke, R.; Vandenbroucke, B.; Rijcke, S. De, E-mail: robbert.verbeke@UGent.be

2015-12-20

Low-mass dwarf galaxies are very sensitive test-beds for theories of cosmic structure formation since their weak gravitational fields allow the effects of the relevant physical processes to clearly stand out. Up to now, no unified account has existed of the sometimes seemingly conflicting properties of the faintest isolated dwarfs in and around the Local Group, such as Leo T and the recently discovered Leo P and Pisces A systems. Using new numerical simulations, we show that this serious challenge to our understanding of galaxy formation can be effectively resolved by taking into account the regulating influence of the ultraviolet radiation of themore » first population of stars on a dwarf’s star formation rate while otherwise staying within the standard cosmological paradigm for structure formation. These simulations produce faint, gas-dominated, star-forming dwarf galaxies that lie on the baryonic Tully–Fisher relation and that successfully reproduce a broad range of chemical, kinematical, and structural observables of real late-type dwarf galaxies. Furthermore, we stress the importance of obtaining properties of simulated galaxies in a manner as close as possible to the typically employed observational techniques.« less

Inhibition of methane and natural gas hydrate formation by altering the structure of water with amino acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sa, Jeong-Hoon; Kwak, Gye-Hoon; Han, Kunwoo; Ahn, Docheon; Cho, Seong Jun; Lee, Ju Dong; Lee, Kun-Hong

2016-08-01

Natural gas hydrates are solid hydrogen-bonded water crystals containing small molecular gases. The amount of natural gas stored as hydrates in permafrost and ocean sediments is twice that of all other fossil fuels combined. However, hydrate blockages also hinder oil/gas pipeline transportation, and, despite their huge potential as energy sources, our insufficient understanding of hydrates has limited their extraction. Here, we report how the presence of amino acids in water induces changes in its structure and thus interrupts the formation of methane and natural gas hydrates. The perturbation of the structure of water by amino acids and the resulting selective inhibition of hydrate cage formation were observed directly. A strong correlation was found between the inhibition efficiencies of amino acids and their physicochemical properties, which demonstrates the importance of their direct interactions with water and the resulting dissolution environment. The inhibition of methane and natural gas hydrate formation by amino acids has the potential to be highly beneficial in practical applications such as hydrate exploitation, oil/gas transportation, and flow assurance. Further, the interactions between amino acids and water are essential to the equilibria and dynamics of many physical, chemical, biological, and environmental processes.

The role of Proteus mirabilis cell wall features in biofilm formation.

PubMed

Czerwonka, Grzegorz; Guzy, Anna; Kałuża, Klaudia; Grosicka, Michalina; Dańczuk, Magdalena; Lechowicz, Łukasz; Gmiter, Dawid; Kowalczyk, Paweł; Kaca, Wiesław

2016-11-01

Biofilms formed by Proteus mirabilis strains are a serious medical problem, especially in the case of urinary tract infections. Early stages of biofilm formation, such as reversible and irreversible adhesion, are essential for bacteria to form biofilm and avoid eradication by antibiotic therapy. Adhesion to solid surfaces is a complex process where numerous factors play a role, where hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with solid surface seem to be substantial. Cell surface hydrophobicity and electrokinetic potential of bacterial cells depend on their surface composition and structure, where lipopolysaccharide, in Gram-negative bacteria, is prevailing. Our studies focused on clinical and laboratory P. mirabilis strains, where laboratory strains have determined LPS structures. Adherence and biofilm formation tests revealed significant differences between strains adhered in early stages of biofilm formation. Amounts of formed biofilm were expressed by the absorption of crystal violet. Higher biofilm amounts were formed by the strains with more negative values of zeta potential. In contrast, high cell surface hydrophobicity correlated with low biofilm amount.

Photo-processing P3HT conjugated polymers, in solution: A new route towards ordered polymeric structures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbosa Neto, Newton; Dutra, Marcia; Araujo, Paulo; Sampaio, Renato

Solution aggregated thin films of conjugated polymers have demonstrated to be promising materials for many applications, e.g., solar cells and field-effect transistors. There are many standard methods to generate aggregates in polymeric solution, which includes poor solvent addiction and solution temperature manipulation. Here, we demonstrate a new approach to induce aggregate formation on solution of P3HT polymer. Under light excitation with 355 nm or 532 nm pulsed laser the polymer exhibit significant changes on its UV-Vis spectrum which are most known in the literature as the formation of H-J aggregates and additional new bands associated with polaron formation. Such changes in the amorphous phase of the polymers are seen in specific conditions of solvent combinations. We show also the dependency on the excitation laser power which can be identified as a threshold to ignite the formation of the new structure. We are grateful to CNPq and CAPES for financial support.

ChemEngine: harvesting 3D chemical structures of supplementary data from PDF files.

PubMed

Karthikeyan, Muthukumarasamy; Vyas, Renu

2016-01-01

Digital access to chemical journals resulted in a vast array of molecular information that is now available in the supplementary material files in PDF format. However, extracting this molecular information, generally from a PDF document format is a daunting task. Here we present an approach to harvest 3D molecular data from the supporting information of scientific research articles that are normally available from publisher's resources. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of extracting truly computable molecules from PDF file formats in a fast and efficient manner, we have developed a Java based application, namely ChemEngine. This program recognizes textual patterns from the supplementary data and generates standard molecular structure data (bond matrix, atomic coordinates) that can be subjected to a multitude of computational processes automatically. The methodology has been demonstrated via several case studies on different formats of coordinates data stored in supplementary information files, wherein ChemEngine selectively harvested the atomic coordinates and interpreted them as molecules with high accuracy. The reusability of extracted molecular coordinate data was demonstrated by computing Single Point Energies that were in close agreement with the original computed data provided with the articles. It is envisaged that the methodology will enable large scale conversion of molecular information from supplementary files available in the PDF format into a collection of ready- to- compute molecular data to create an automated workflow for advanced computational processes. Software along with source codes and instructions available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/chemengine/files/?source=navbar.Graphical abstract.

Lacustrine fan delta deposition alongside intrabasinal structural highs in rift basins: an example from the Early Cretaceous Jiuquan Basin, Northwestern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chengcheng; Muirhead, James D.; Wang, Hua; Chen, Si; Liao, Yuantao; Lu, Zongsheng; Wei, Jun

2018-01-01

Development of fan deltas alongside intrabasinal structural highs has been overlooked compared to those forming on basin margins. However, these fan deltas may provide important clues regarding the tectonic and climatic controls on deposition during rift development. This paper documents fan delta deposition alongside an intrabasinal structural high within the Early Cretaceous Xiagou Formation of the Jiuquan Basin, China, using subsurface geological and geophysical data. Deposits observed in drill core support fan delta deposition occurring almost exclusively through subaerial and subaqueous gravity flows. Subsurface mapping reveals a consistent decrease in the areal extent of fan deltas from lowstand to highstand system tracts, suggesting that deposition alongside the structural high is sensitive to lake-level changes. The temporal and spatial distribution of the fan deltas display retrogradational stacking patterns, where fan deltas exhibit a decreasing lateral extent up-sequence until fan delta deposition terminated and was replaced by deposition of fine-grained lacustrine deposits. The retrogradational stacking patterns observed alongside the intrabasinal structural high are not observed in fan deltas along the basin margin in the lower parts of the Xiagou Formation. Subsidence profiles also show differential subsidence across the basin during the earliest stages of this formation, likely resulting from border fault movements. These data suggest that non-uniform stacking patterns in the lower parts of the Xiagou Formation reflect basin-scale tectonic movements as the dominant control on synrift deposition patterns. However, later stages of Xiagou Formation deposition were characterized by uniform subsidence across the basin, and uniform retrogradational stacking patterns for fan deltas alongside the intrabasinal structural high and border fault. These observations suggest that basin-scale tectonic movements played a relatively limited role in controlling sediment deposition, and imply a potential change to regional-scale processes affecting fan delta deposition during later synrift stages. Climate change is favored here as the region-scale control on the uniform retrogradational fan delta stacking patterns. This assertion is supported by pollen assemblages, isotope signatures, and organic geochemical analyses, which collectively suggest a change from a humid to semi-arid environment during later synrift stages. We suggest that variations in stacking patterns between different fan delta systems can provide insights into the basin- and regional-scale processes that control rift basin deposition.

Insight into Evolution, Processing and Performance of Multi-length-scale Structures in Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Huang, Yu-Ching; Tsao, Cheng-Si; Cho, Yi-Ju; Chen, Kuan-Chen; Chiang, Kai-Ming; Hsiao, Sheng-Yi; Chen, Chang-Wen; Su, Chun-Jen; Jeng, U-Ser; Lin, Hao-Wu

2015-09-04

The structural characterization correlated to the processing control of hierarchical structure of planar heterojunction perovskite layer is still incomplete due to the limitations of conventional microscopy and X-ray diffraction. This present study performed the simultaneously grazing-incidence small-angle scattering and wide-angle scattering (GISAXS/GIWAXS) techniques to quantitatively probe the hierarchical structure of the planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells. The result is complementary to the currently microscopic study. Correlation between the crystallization behavior, crystal orientation, nano- and meso-scale internal structure and surface morphology of perovskite film as functions of various processing control parameters is reported for the first time. The structural transition from the fractal pore network to the surface fractal can be tuned by the chloride percentage. The GISAXS/GIWAXS measurement provides the comprehensive understanding of concurrent evolution of the film morphology and crystallization correlated to the high performance. The result can provide the insight into formation mechanism and rational synthesis design.

Insight into Evolution, Processing and Performance of Multi-length-scale Structures in Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yu-Ching; Tsao, Cheng-Si; Cho, Yi-Ju; Chen, Kuan-Chen; Chiang, Kai-Ming; Hsiao, Sheng-Yi; Chen, Chang-Wen; Su, Chun-Jen; Jeng, U.-Ser; Lin, Hao-Wu

2015-09-01

The structural characterization correlated to the processing control of hierarchical structure of planar heterojunction perovskite layer is still incomplete due to the limitations of conventional microscopy and X-ray diffraction. This present study performed the simultaneously grazing-incidence small-angle scattering and wide-angle scattering (GISAXS/GIWAXS) techniques to quantitatively probe the hierarchical structure of the planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells. The result is complementary to the currently microscopic study. Correlation between the crystallization behavior, crystal orientation, nano- and meso-scale internal structure and surface morphology of perovskite film as functions of various processing control parameters is reported for the first time. The structural transition from the fractal pore network to the surface fractal can be tuned by the chloride percentage. The GISAXS/GIWAXS measurement provides the comprehensive understanding of concurrent evolution of the film morphology and crystallization correlated to the high performance. The result can provide the insight into formation mechanism and rational synthesis design.

Elucidating dominant pathways of the nano-particle self-assembly process.

PubMed

Zeng, Xiangze; Li, Bin; Qiao, Qin; Zhu, Lizhe; Lu, Zhong-Yuan; Huang, Xuhui

2016-09-14

Self-assembly processes play a key role in the fabrication of functional nano-structures with widespread application in drug delivery and micro-reactors. In addition to the thermodynamics, the kinetics of the self-assembled nano-structures also play an important role in determining the formed structures. However, as the self-assembly process is often highly heterogeneous, systematic elucidation of the dominant kinetic pathways of self-assembly is challenging. Here, based on mass flow, we developed a new method for the construction of kinetic network models and applied it to identify the dominant kinetic pathways for the self-assembly of star-like block copolymers. We found that the dominant pathways are controlled by two competing kinetic parameters: the encounter time Te, characterizing the frequency of collision and the transition time Tt for the aggregate morphology change from rod to sphere. Interestingly, two distinct self-assembly mechanisms, diffusion of an individual copolymer into the aggregate core and membrane closure, both appear at different stages (with different values of Tt) of a single self-assembly process. In particular, the diffusion mechanism dominates the middle-sized semi-vesicle formation stage (with large Tt), while the membrane closure mechanism dominates the large-sized vesicle formation stage (with small Tt). Through the rational design of the hydrophibicity of the copolymer, we successfully tuned the transition time Tt and altered the dominant self-assembly pathways.

Spontaneous formation of multiple land-and-groove structures of silica thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Yasuhiko; Matsuoka, Yoriko; Motohiro, Tomoyoshi

1999-05-01

We found spontaneous formation of microscopic multiple land-and-groove structures of silica thin films. Silica and nickel were simultaneously deposited onto glass substrates from two opposite oblique directions to form columnar structures of silica among which nickel nanoparticles were embedded. Then nickel was dissolved in hydrochloric acid solution. After the dissolution of the nickel particles the columns of silica became very unstable and coalesced to form the multiple land-and-groove structures. The grooves are oriented to the direction perpendicular to the two deposition directions. The distances between the neighboring grooves are fairly uniform, and can be controlled between several hundred nanometers and several microns by changing the film thickness and the ratio of the nickel deposition rate to the silica deposition rate. The process found here may propose a new class of micro fabrication techniques in contrast to the artificial photolithography.

Network Ecology and Adolescent Social Structure

PubMed Central

McFarland, Daniel A.; Moody, James; Diehl, David; Smith, Jeffrey A.; Thomas, Reuben J.

2014-01-01

Adolescent societies—whether arising from weak, short-term classroom friendships or from close, long-term friendships—exhibit various levels of network clustering, segregation, and hierarchy. Some are rank-ordered caste systems and others are flat, cliquish worlds. Explaining the source of such structural variation remains a challenge, however, because global network features are generally treated as the agglomeration of micro-level tie-formation mechanisms, namely balance, homophily, and dominance. How do the same micro-mechanisms generate significant variation in global network structures? To answer this question we propose and test a network ecological theory that specifies the ways features of organizational environments moderate the expression of tie-formation processes, thereby generating variability in global network structures across settings. We develop this argument using longitudinal friendship data on schools (Add Health study) and classrooms (Classroom Engagement study), and by extending exponential random graph models to the study of multiple societies over time. PMID:25535409

Network Ecology and Adolescent Social Structure.

PubMed

McFarland, Daniel A; Moody, James; Diehl, David; Smith, Jeffrey A; Thomas, Reuben J

2014-12-01

Adolescent societies-whether arising from weak, short-term classroom friendships or from close, long-term friendships-exhibit various levels of network clustering, segregation, and hierarchy. Some are rank-ordered caste systems and others are flat, cliquish worlds. Explaining the source of such structural variation remains a challenge, however, because global network features are generally treated as the agglomeration of micro-level tie-formation mechanisms, namely balance, homophily, and dominance. How do the same micro-mechanisms generate significant variation in global network structures? To answer this question we propose and test a network ecological theory that specifies the ways features of organizational environments moderate the expression of tie-formation processes, thereby generating variability in global network structures across settings. We develop this argument using longitudinal friendship data on schools (Add Health study) and classrooms (Classroom Engagement study), and by extending exponential random graph models to the study of multiple societies over time.

Transient features and growth behavior of artificial cracks during the initial damage period.

PubMed

Ma, Bin; Wang, Ke; Lu, Menglei; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Lei; Zhang, Jinlong; Cheng, Xinbin; Wang, Zhanshan

2017-02-01

The laser damage of transmission elements contains a series of complex processes and physical phenomena. The final morphology is a crater structure with different sizes and shapes. The formation and development of the crater are also accompanied by the generation, extension, and submersion of cracks. The growth characteristics of craters and cracks are important in the thermal-mechanism damage research. By using pump-probe detection and an imaging technique with a nanosecond pulsewidth probe laser, we obtained the formation time of the crack structure in the radial and circumferential directions. We carried out statistical analysis in angle, number, and crack length. We further analyzed the relationship between cracks and stress intensity or laser irradiation energy as well as the crack evolution process and the inner link between cracks and pit growth. We used an artificial indentation defect to investigate the time-domain evolution of crack growth, growth speed, transient morphology, and the characteristics of crater expansion. The results can be used to elucidate thermal stress effects on cracks, time-domain evolution of the damage structure, and the damage growth mechanism.

Magnetic resonance studies of dissolving particulate solids.

PubMed

Johns, M L; Gladden, L F

2003-01-01

Magnetic resonance methods have been used to elucidate the internal pore structure of particulate solids, in particular detergent tablets. Such information is essential to a comprehensive understanding of the dissolution characteristics of these materials and how this property is related to processing conditions during tablet formation. In particular 3-D images of porosity are produced and 2-D self-diffusion maps are acquired as a function of observation time, which enables pore size to be quantified as a function of position via the extracted surface-to-volume ratio of the pore space. These properties are determined as a function of processing parameters, in particular the compression force used in tablet formation.

Soot Reaction Properties (Ground-Based Study)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dai, Z.; El-Leathy, A. M.; Lin, K.-C.; Sunderland, P. B.; Xu, F.; Faeth, G. M.; Urban, D. L. (Technical Monitor); Yuan, Z.-G. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Three major soot reaction processes are needed to predict soot properties in flame environments: soot growth, or the formation of soot on soot nuclei and soot particles; soot oxidation, or the reaction of soot with oxidizing species to yield the combustion products of soot oxidation; and soot nucleation, or the formation of soot nuclei from soot precursors having large molecular weights (generally thought to be large and particularly stable PAH molecules in flame environments, called stabilomers). These processes are addressed in the following, considering soot growth, oxidation and nucleation, in turn, by exploiting the soot and flame structure results for premixed and diffusion flames already discussed in Section 2.

Synthesis of multi-hierarchical structured yttria-stabilized zirconia powders and their enhanced thermophysical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Fengmei; Gao, Yanfeng; Chen, Hongfei; Liu, Xinling; Tang, Xiaoping; Luo, Hongjie

2013-06-01

Multi-hierarchical structured yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal-calcination process. The morphology, crystallinity, and microstructure of the products were characterized by SEM, XRD, TEM, and BET. A possible formation mechanism of the unique structure formed during hydrothermal processing was also investigated. The measured thermophysical results indicated that the prepared YSZ powders had a low thermal conductivity (0.63-1.27 W m-1 K-1), good short-term high-temperature stability up to 1300 °C. The influence of the morphology and microstructure on their thermophysical properties was briefly discussed. The unique multi-hierarchical structure makes the prepared YSZ powders candidates for use in enhanced applications involving thermal barrier coatings.

Fundamental Studies of Crystal Growth of Microporous Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Ramsharan; Doolittle, John, Jr.; Payra, Pramatha; Dutta, Prabir K.; George, Michael A.; Ramachandran, Narayanan; Schoeman, Brian J.

2003-01-01

Microporous materials are framework structures with well-defined porosity, often of molecular dimensions. Zeolites contain aluminum and silicon atoms in their framework and are the most extensively studied amongst all microporous materials. Framework structures with P, Ga, Fe, Co, Zn, B, Ti and a host of other elements have also been made. Typical synthesis of microporous materials involve mixing the framework elements (or compounds, thereof) in a basic solution, followed by aging in some cases and then heating at elevated temperatures. This process is termed hydrothermal synthesis, and involves complex chemical and physical changes. Because of a limited understanding of this process, most synthesis advancements happen by a trial and error approach. There is considerable interest in understanding the synthesis process at a molecular level with the expectation that eventually new framework structures will be built by design. The basic issues in the microporous materials crystallization process include: (a) Nature of the molecular units responsible for the crystal nuclei formation; (b) Nature of the nuclei and nucleation process; (c) Growth process of the nuclei into crystal; (d) Morphological control and size of the resulting crystal; (e) Surface structure of the resulting crystals; and (f) Transformation of frameworks into other frameworks or condensed structures.

The Developmental Process of the Growing Motile Ciliary Tip Region.

PubMed

Reynolds, Matthew J; Phetruen, Tanaporn; Fisher, Rebecca L; Chen, Ke; Pentecost, Brian T; Gomez, George; Ounjai, Puey; Sui, Haixin

2018-05-22

Eukaryotic motile cilia/flagella play vital roles in various physiological processes in mammals and some protists. Defects in cilia formation underlie multiple human disorders, known as ciliopathies. The detailed processes of cilia growth and development are still far from clear despite extensive studies. In this study, we characterized the process of cilium formation (ciliogenesis) by investigating the newly developed motile cilia of deciliated protists using complementary techniques in electron microscopy and image analysis. Our results demonstrated that the distal tip region of motile cilia exhibit progressive morphological changes as cilia develop. This developmental process is time-dependent and continues after growing cilia reach their full lengths. The structural analysis of growing ciliary tips revealed that B-tubules of axonemal microtubule doublets terminate far away from the tip end, which is led by the flagellar tip complex (FTC), demonstrating that the FTC might not directly mediate the fast turnover of intraflagellar transport (IFT).

Selective regulation of clathrin-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and endocytosis by phospholipase C and calcium

PubMed Central

Delos Santos, Ralph Christian; Bautista, Stephen; Lucarelli, Stefanie; Bone, Leslie N.; Dayam, Roya M.; Abousawan, John; Botelho, Roberto J.; Antonescu, Costin N.

2017-01-01

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a major regulator of cell-surface protein internalization. Clathrin and other proteins assemble into small invaginating structures at the plasma membrane termed clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) that mediate vesicle formation. In addition, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is regulated by its accumulation within CCPs. Given the diversity of proteins regulated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, how this process may distinctly regulate specific receptors is a key question. We examined the selective regulation of clathrin-dependent EGFR signaling and endocytosis. We find that perturbations of phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1), Ca2+, or protein kinase C (PKC) impair clathrin-mediated endocytosis of EGFR, the formation of CCPs harboring EGFR, and EGFR signaling. Each of these manipulations was without effect on the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of transferrin receptor (TfR). EGFR and TfR were recruited to largely distinct clathrin structures. In addition to control of initiation and assembly of CCPs, EGF stimulation also elicited a Ca2+- and PKC-dependent reduction in synaptojanin1 recruitment to clathrin structures, indicating broad control of CCP assembly by Ca2+ signals. Hence EGFR elicits PLCγ1-calcium signals to facilitate formation of a subset of CCPs, thus modulating its own signaling and endocytosis. This provides evidence for the versatility of CCPs to control diverse cellular processes. PMID:28814502

Nanoengineered membrane electrode assembly interface

DOEpatents

Song, Yujiang; Shelnutt, John A

2013-08-06

A membrane electrode structure suitable for use in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that comprises membrane-affixed metal nanoparticles whose formation is controlled by a photochemical process that controls deposition of the metal nanoparticles using a photocatalyst integrated with a polymer electrolyte membrane, such as an ionomer membrane. Impregnation of the polymer membrane with the photocatalyst prior to metal deposition greatly reduces the required amount of metal precursor in the deposition reaction solution by restricting metal reduction substantially to the formation of metal nanoparticles affixed on or near the surface of the polymer membrane with minimal formation of metallic particles not directly associated with the membrane.

Dynamical thresholding of pancake models: a promising variant of the HDM picture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchert, Thomas

Variants of pancake models are considered which allow for the construction of a phenomenological link to the galaxy formation process. A control parameter space is introduced which defines different scenarios of galaxy formation. The sensibility of statistical measures of the small-scale structure with respect to this parameter freedom is demonstrated. This property of the galaxy formation model, together with the consequences of enlarging the box size of the simulation to a `fair sample scale', form the basis of arguments to support the possible revival of the standard `Hot-Dark-Matter' model.

[Signaling Systems of Rhizobia (Rhizobiaceae) and Leguminous Plants (Fabaceae) upon the Formation of a Legume-Rhizobium Symbiosis (Review)].

PubMed

Glyan'ko, A K

2015-01-01

Data from the literature and our own data on the participation and interrelation of bacterial signaling Nod-factors and components of the calcium, NADPH-oxidase, and NO-synthase signaling systems of a plant at the preinfection and infectious stages of the formation of a legume-rhizobium symbiosis are summarized in this review. The physiological role of Nod-factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium (Ca2+), NADPH-oxidase, nitric oxide (NO), and their cross influence on the processes determining the formation of symbiotic structures on the roots of the host plant is discussed.

Instability of a Lamellar Phase under Shear Flow: Formation of Multilamellar Vesicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Courbin, L.; Delville, J. P.; Rouch, J.; Panizza, P.

2002-09-01

The formation of closed-compact multilamellar vesicles (referred to in the literature as the ``onion texture'') obtained upon shearing lamellar phases is studied using small-angle light scattering and cross-polarized microscopy. By varying the shear rate γ ˙, the gap cell D, and the smectic distance d, we show that: (i)the formation of this structure occurs homogeneously in the cell at a well-defined wave vector qi, via a strain-controlled process, and (ii)the value of qi varies as (dγ ˙/D)1/3. These results strongly suggest that formation of multilamellar vesicles may be monitored by an undulation (buckling) instability of the membranes, as expected from theory.

Synthesis of stable TiO2 nanotubes: effect of hydrothermal treatment, acid washing and annealing temperature.

PubMed

López Zavala, Miguel Ángel; Lozano Morales, Samuel Alejandro; Ávila-Santos, Manuel

2017-11-01

Effect of hydrothermal treatment, acid washing and annealing temperature on the structure and morphology of TiO 2 nanotubes during the formation process was assessed. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were conducted to describe the formation and characterization of the structure and morphology of nanotubes. Hydrothermal treatment of TiO 2 precursor nanoparticles and acid washing are fundamental to form and define the nanotubes structure. Hydrothermal treatment causes a change in the crystallinity of the precursor nanoparticles from anatase phase to a monoclinic phase, which characterizes the TiO 2 nanosheets structure. The acid washing promotes the formation of high purity nanotubes due to Na + is exchanged from the titanate structure to the hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. The annealing temperature affects the dimensions, structure and the morphology of the nanotubes. Annealing temperatures in the range of 400 °C and 600 °C are optimum to maintain a highly stable tubular morphology of nanotubes. Additionally, nanotubes conserve the physicochemical properties of the precursor Degussa P25 nanoparticles. Temperatures greater than 600 °C alter the morphology of nanotubes from tubular to an irregular structure of nanoparticles, which are bigger than those of the precursor material, i.e., the crystallinity turn from anatase phase to rutile phase inducing the collapse of the nanotubes.

Tube formation by complex cellular processes in Ciona intestinalis notochord.

PubMed

Dong, Bo; Horie, Takeo; Denker, Elsa; Kusakabe, Takehiro; Tsuda, Motoyuki; Smith, William C; Jiang, Di

2009-06-15

In the course of embryogenesis multicellular structures and organs are assembled from constituent cells. One structural component common to many organs is the tube, which consists most simply of a luminal space surrounded by a single layer of epithelial cells. The notochord of ascidian Ciona forms a tube consisting of only 40 cells, and serves as a hydrostatic "skeleton" essential for swimming. While the early processes of convergent extension in ascidian notochord development have been extensively studied, the later phases of development, which include lumen formation, have not been well characterized. Here we used molecular markers and confocal imaging to describe tubulogenesis in the developing Ciona notochord. We found that during tubulogenesis each notochord cell established de novo apical domains, and underwent a mesenchymal-epithelial transition to become an unusual epithelial cell with two opposing apical domains. Concomitantly, extracellular luminal matrix was produced and deposited between notochord cells. Subsequently, each notochord cell simultaneously executed two types of crawling movements bi-directionally along the anterior/posterior axis on the inner surface of notochordal sheath. Lamellipodia-like protrusions resulted in cell lengthening along the anterior/posterior axis, while the retraction of trailing edges of the same cell led to the merging of the two apical domains. As a result, the notochord cells acquired endothelial-like shape and formed the wall of the central lumen. Inhibition of actin polymerization prevented the cell movement and tube formation. Ciona notochord tube formation utilized an assortment of common and fundamental cellular processes including cell shape change, apical membrane biogenesis, cell/cell adhesion remodeling, dynamic cell crawling, and lumen matrix secretion.

An integrated structural and geochemical study of fracture aperture growth in the Campito Formation of eastern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doungkaew, N.; Eichhubl, P.

2015-12-01

Processes of fracture formation control flow of fluid in the subsurface and the mechanical properties of the brittle crust. Understanding of fundamental fracture growth mechanisms is essential for understanding fracture formation and cementation in chemically reactive systems with implications for seismic and aseismic fault and fracture processes, migration of hydrocarbons, long-term CO2 storage, and geothermal energy production. A recent study on crack-seal veins in deeply buried sandstone of east Texas provided evidence for non-linear fracture growth, which is indicated by non-elliptical kinematic fracture aperture profiles. We hypothesize that similar non-linear fracture growth also occurs in other geologic settings, including under higher temperature where solution-precipitation reactions are kinetically favored. To test this hypothesis, we investigate processes of fracture growth in quartzitic sandstone of the Campito Formation, eastern California, by combining field structural observations, thin section petrography, and fluid inclusion microthermometry. Fracture aperture profile measurements of cemented opening-mode fractures show both elliptical and non-elliptical kinematic aperture profiles. In general, fractures that contain fibrous crack-seal cement have elliptical aperture profiles. Fractures filled with blocky cement have linear aperture profiles. Elliptical fracture aperture profiles are consistent with linear-elastic or plastic fracture mechanics. Linear aperture profiles may reflect aperture growth controlled by solution-precipitation creep, with the aperture distribution controlled by solution-precipitation kinetics. We hypothesize that synkinematic crack-seal cement preserves the elliptical aperture profiles of elastic fracture opening increments. Blocky cement, on the other hand, may form postkinematically relative to fracture opening, with fracture opening accommodated by continuous solution-precipitation creep.

International Congress on Glass XII (in several languages)

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

Doremus, R H; LaCourse, W C; Mackenzie, J D

1980-01-01

A total of 158 papers are included under nine headings: structure and glass formation; optical properties; electrical and magnetic properties; mechanical properties and relaxation; mass transport; chemical durability and surfaces; nucleation; crystallization; and glass ceramics; processing; and automatic controls. Separate abstracts were prepared for eight papers; four of the remaining papers had been processed previously for the data base. (DLC)

An Inquiry-Based Biochemistry Laboratory Structure Emphasizing Competency in the Scientific Process: A Guided Approach with an Electronic Notebook Format

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Mona L.; Vardar-Ulu, Didem

2014-01-01

The laboratory setting is an exciting and gratifying place to teach because you can actively engage the students in the learning process through hands-on activities; it is a dynamic environment amenable to collaborative work, critical thinking, problem-solving and discovery. The guided inquiry-based approach described here guides the students…

The Surface Layer of a Crystal and Its Specific Role in the Process of Melt Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobolev, R. N.

2018-04-01

A crystal becomes melted in a few stages. The structure of the crystal surface differs from that of its interior. Therefore, as its interior is gradually involved in the melting process, the phase transition temperature becomes higher. The melting point becomes constant when all atoms have the same number of unsaturated bonds.

Controlling the intermediate structure of an ionic liquid for f-block element separations

DOE PAGES

Abney, Carter W.; Do, Changwoo; Luo, Huimin; ...

2017-04-19

Recent research has revealed molecular structure beyond the inner coordination sphere is essential in defining the performance of separations processes, but nevertheless remains largely unexplored. Here we apply small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to investigate the structure of an ionic liquid system studied for f-block element separations. SANS data reveal dramatic changes in the ionic liquid microstructure (~150 Å) which we demonstrate can be controlled by judicious selection of counter ion. Mesoscale structural features (> 500 Å) are also observed as a function of metal concentration. XAFS analysis supports formation of extended aggregatemore » structures, similar to those observed in traditional solvent extraction processes, and suggest additional parallels may be drawn from further study. As a result, achieving precise tunability over the intermediate features is an important development in controlling mesoscale structure and realizing advanced new forms of soft matter.« less

Investigation of the Dynamics of Magnetic Vortices and Antivortices Using Micromagnetic Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmat-Uceda, Martin Antonio

This thesis is focused on investigating the dynamic properties of spin textures in patterned magnetic structures by using micromagnetic simulations. These textures become particularly relevant at sub-micron length scales where the interplay between magnetostatic and exchange energy leads to unique properties that are of great interest both from a fundamental perspective and for the development of new technologies. Two different systems, a magnetic antivortex (AV) stabilized in the intersection of perpendicular microwires, and three interacting vortices in an equilateral arrangement, were considered for this study. For the first system, the AV, the formation process and the excitation spectra were investigated. Since the AV is a metastable state, the design of a host structure capable of stabilizing it requires careful consideration and it is desirable to have general guidelines that could help to optimize the AV formation rate. The role of the shape anisotropy and the field dependence of the AV formation process is discussed in detail. Micromagnetic simulations along with magneto-optical Kerr effect and magnetic force microscopy measurements demonstrated that the asymmetry in the structure can be used to promote the formation of such AV's and that regions with lower shape anisotropy lead the reversal process, while simulations of the dynamic response show that when the system is excited with in-plane and out-of-plane external magnetic fields, normal modes with azimuthal and radial characteristics are found, respectively, in addition to the low frequency gyrotropic mode. The modes are influenced by the spin texture in the intersection, which offers additional possibilities for manipulating spin waves (SW). For the second system, three interacting vortices are simulated and compared with a simple analytical model that considers only dipolar interactions. It was found that when a fitting parameter is introduced to the model, the main features of the simulations are captured better than more complex models, which suggest that this simple framework can be used to accurately model more complex vortex networks.